Not only am I in the dark at home, but our son just headed off to south Texas on Sunday with their youth group to do some missions work in Mexico. Now, normally that would be a very wonderful thing and make parents proud, but a hurricane just happens to be in the vicinity and approaching landfall close to where they are. On top of that, we have no communication with him - we’ve got to trust God and believe that he is bigger than hurricanes. We also need to believe that our son listened to the many hours of parental instruction <G> and actually knows how to pray himself.

But there is one connection that never has to worry about being disconnected and that is the connection that God has with his children - namely, us. I don’t mean that we can’t willfully run from Him, but that when we decide to communicate with Him - the line is always open. There are no busy signals from the heavenly switchboard - lines are always available. Isn’t it nice to know, that even when we have no control over certain situations and loved ones are far from home and possibly in harm’s way, we can call out to God and receive the peace that passes all understanding? As Psalm 59:16 says: “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” I’m glad there is always a refuge in times of trouble with God - aren’t you?

Interesting (I know you’re wondering where this is going), we get used to tradition as well - in day to day affairs, in our relationships, and even in our religious experiences.  Church can be one big tradition that can oftentimes be more boring than beneficial.  But tradition can be a source of inspiration and reminder of God’s wonderful holiness and majesty.  And more importantly, our source of spiritual nourishment is what helps ensure our priorities stay in their proper order.  It is the sustenance of God’s Word that helps nourish a right relationship with God - not the vehicle by which it arrives.  Enjoying certain traditions, helps us feel comfortable and open to God’s spirit when he speaks to us.  So whatever traditions you are comfortable with, allow them to merely be the vehicle that helps usher in God’s spirit into your life - allowing a change that will last for eternity.

Coffee Cup Religion…

Before my dad graduated to a heavenly home, I traveled the 15 hour drive to see him and went out to breakfast with him one morning. As we sat around a table with some other retired gentlemen, in a small town café, the conversations went from work, to family, to military, and occupations. They got a laugh, when I told them that I was an evangelist and enjoyed traveling around the country finding new places to eat.

We talked about all the mischief we had all gotten into earlier in life, and I was able to share how much I appreciated the Lord not giving up on me, and the blessings that God had given me since getting that right relationship back with Him. Other light conversation about life and family continued until it was time to go. As I headed out the door, the Holy Spirit seemed to remind me how easy it is to share the gospel message – planting those little seeds for the Holy Spirit to water. I wasn’t responsible for anyone else’s response to the gospel, just the delivery as the Holy Spirit gave opportunity. I did not have to preach, only share the small seeds that the Holy Spirit prompted me to sow.

Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (NIV). When we have a vibrant relationship with God, we can’t help but bear fruit for God’s kingdom. But just remember, the fruit bearing part is God’s responsibility – not yours. It is nice to know that you don’t have to be a preacher to share the gospel, and you don’t even have to knock on doors or hand out tracks. You can just let the light of the gospel shine through your life and everyday conversation – even around a cup of coffee.

When I ventured outside, I found the “crew” coming down the road.  Their initial goal of helping our daughter learn how to ride a bike had apparently not worked out so well.  Brother walked by and said he had tried to help her but to no avail.  Mom’s patience had run out and so they were all heading back to the house.  I felt it was my fatherly “duty” to take a stab at it and try to help our youngest focus on pedaling instead of balance - or lack thereof.  Before long we were “hands free” and another bike rider was born.  What a thrill for our youngest - and me as well.

This past week I have also been taking on the responsibility of helping my son learn to drive.  It’s really not too bad and he is doing a great job.  I have also found that this scenario is a great opportunity for me to have some wonderful conversations - all while he is a captive audience:)!  Honestly, it has been a great time of making memories and talking about things that may have seemed too trivial before.

This all seemed to remind me how fast our children grow up.  I think it was just yesterday when I was changing diapers, wiping running noses, and kissing boo-boos.  And now before we know it we’ll have one less child in the house (o.k. - in 2 years).  So I’m glad the Lord helps remind us that there are things more important in life than work, projects, and personal ambitions.  It’s leaving a legacy of godly children who love the Lord AND their parents after it’s all said and done.  So take a break when you feel like you can least afford to do so, and spend it with your loved ones - making memories every chance you get.

I just finished reading an article at http://money.cnn.com/ and found it interesting at some of the results they found. I must admit I have been guilty of a couple of these, but even with the best fuel-efficient vehicle - a lot of miles equals a lot of fuel. This has made me pray harder, fast more often, and talk about the high price of fuel more - albeit I probably shouldn’t.

If you find yourself struggling with the ever-increasing fuel costs, prayerfully consider mentioning the mileage from your last place of ministry (or home) to the next church, how much you would appreciate them “agreeing with you in prayer that God would help meet your travel expenses above the normal love offering or honorarium planned.” You can mention this in your confirmation letter or any correspondence that you send prior to your service - at least one month out. This way you have made the need known in a humble, non-threatening, way. Then it’s up to God to move upon people’s hearts during your time of ministry there. Don’t try to manipulate folks - just leave it in God’s hands and know that He is able to move on people’s hearts better than you.

When I got to the airport I found out that my flight had been “moved up!”  Can you believe it?!  A flight moved UP?!  Instead of 11:45, my flight now left at 10:40 - or something like that.  I was standing in line at 10:15 but that did not matter.  I just knew I could make it if they would just let me on - but they didn’t.  I had “missed” my flight.  And because I had “missed” my flight I could not get a flight on another airline - that only happens when a flight is canceled.

As I received the bad news, I knew I could do one of two things.  I could get mad at the situation or the ladies who were doing their job and just happened to have the misfortune of being the ones to deliver the bad news, or I could let go of what was “now” out of my control and let God work some good through it all.  And God did work good through it all as I was able to make it safely home that night - even my lugguage showed up!

Have you ever been in a place where it would have been easier to react in a typical manner, but you felt the Holy Spirit quicken you and remind you that you were His representative.  When we rest in God and allow Him to help us - even when a problem is really our fault - that truly brings Glory to Him and allows us an opportunity to be a light in a world often full of night.  I pray the next time things go wrong that you will be able to “Let Go and Let God” have His way in your life.

A note of special thanks needs to be extended to our AG leadership here, as we would not even have an office or web site if not for their support, and also to all the great IT folks who helped make this happen - especially Jimmy and Rob. Thanks so much for putting up with my pestering and ignorance at what was needed. Who would have thought all the minutiae that is a part of web design and programming! You just can’t imagine all the pieces of the puzzle that are running in the background to make the web site run smoothly…and these guys make it look so easy.

If you have seen the old site you will notice that the functionality is basically the same (hopefully) but that the appearance has changed. We have tried to keep it simple, and focused more on the function side of the site than the glitz and glamor. There is some “flash” on the site but hopefully not so much that folks with a “dial up” connection can’t enjoy the benefits that we are trying to offer. Sometimes waiting for a flash player segment to load on a person’s website can be very aggravating:).

The new site does incorporate some new features. We have added this open blog, which will hopefully be a blessing and allow us to hear from “the field.” Don’t expect me to blog every day (you can see my history), but I will do my best to keep my nose to the proverbial blog grindstone. We have also added some options for polls online and the online store will be much easier for us to maintain and ship orders. Gospel Publishing House is helping us in that area. We have also added more articles, photos, events calendar, devotional, and a district search for evangelists. The Message of the Month is now available in podcast format so that you can “subscribe” to it, as well as the 24 bit rate download as before. The evangelists highlight should stay the same, with a slightly new look.

All in all I hope the transition is a nice one, but if you notice things that do not seem to “work” please let us know. The site works best with the FireFox web browser (all the IT folks rave about it) and you can search for it online - it’s free. Internet Explorer works o.k., and especially if you have the latest version, as well as AOL. Again, thanks for checking out the site, sharing it with your friends, signing up for our monthly newsletter if you haven’t already, and being a part of helping us be better at what God has called us to do - being witnesses for Him. May the Lord bless you all richly….Marshall.

My idea about shopping is likened unto a special operations unit that has a specific mission. They take months, if not years, to prepare for some of those incredibly treacherous missions. Then, when the time for action approaches, usually in the dark of night when no one else is around, they go in, complete the mission – and get out!

It also reminds me of a needle on a sewing machine. As it goes in and out of a new fabric, it changes that fabric from blasé to brilliant by the watchful eye of the master seamstress. I used to watch my mom make clothes for (mainly) my sisters growing up. There were eight children and mom would often get those patterns you could buy at the store in order to help keep us clothed. I was always amazed to watch a sewing machine in motion – the needle could move slowly – or so fast you could hardly keep up with it while joining two or more pieces of cloth together. So too, my affinity for shopping – go in and out so fast that it is as painless as possible – for me anyway.

But I’m thankful that my wife loves “the hunt,” and is willing to brave the elements (mainly people in this case) to help care for her family. The potential good outweighs the bad, and because of her, our household has been nicely clothed at a fraction of the cost. And I am so thankful that the God who made this universe can still see the good in so many people even though there is a lot of nastiness today; a God who cares so much about us that he has paid the price of helping us get “reconnected,” through the death of His only son – Jesus Christ.

May today be a day that you don’t say “oh no” like I did when “invited” to participate in a shopping endeavor. But a day when you say, “Lord I really would like for you to step into the driver’s seat of my life and help lead me along life’s path.” It’s the greatest bargain this side of heaven because it’s free – and you don’t even have to fight the crowds:).

While cleaning those stalls, the ammonia like smell and odor of animal waste was almost overwhelming, and it was a good thing the barn had two big doors on both ends of the building to allow for proper ventilation! It took quite some time, but we finally got the stalls fairly well cleaned out and new straw put in its place. Interestingly, when we went to clean the stalls every day it only took a little effort to pick up or clean out the areas that needed attention.

As I was reflecting back on that time when I was a “professional” stall cleaner, it reminded me of how merciful God is to us. He often takes us when we’ve been neglected for so long, and smelling rather offensive spiritually, and lovingly begins to clean us up as only he can do. Many of us can attest to the fact that God usually has to clean us up over a period of time – gently smoothing out the rough edges of our lives one day at a time. But then, as we come before the throne of grace on a daily basis, we find that the cleansing comes a little easier and we rest in him and the power of his might.

I pray that you will allow God the privilege of cleaning out the stalls of your life – no matter how bad you think you smell spiritually. Because God longs to help you and to let you know that he cares deeply about every challenge, trial, anxiety and struggle that you may be facing today.