The National Day of Prayer

Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. When I think of prayer two things come to mind. First, the Bible says that "the prayer of the upright is His delight." Pretty awesome to think that God delights in the prayer of His children. Then in a society which has turned its back on God, the Lord encourages us that "the effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much." We are engaged in an intense battle for truth in our country today. I am constantly amazed at the onslaught of the rulers of this world's darkness and the effect it is having in our land. No longer do we value life as a gift from God. No longer do we love truth - rather we call that which is good, evil, and that which is evil, good. No longer do we stand for what is right in the sight of God. No longer do we seek to share God's truth with those around us. We as God's people in many instances have settled for mediocrity and the path of least resistance. We have become enamoured with our prosperity and feel as though we have need of nothing. But the Lord says that if His people, which are called by His name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, then, we will hear from heaven, receive God's forgiveness and healing for our land. America is the greatest expression of Christian liberty still upon the earth today. Will you join me in praying that the Lord would arouse us from our apathy and burn within our hearts the flames of His presence and power once again? In order for our nation to be restored, we, as God's people, must become and be what the Lord desires us to be in our lives, in our homes, in our jobs, in our churches and in our nation today! Let us not take for granted this wonderful land of liberty!

The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart

The joy and rejoicing of my heart - that's how Jeremiah described partaking of God's Word. We, too, as we daily partake of God's Word find out the joy that His Word brings to us. What comfort! What security! What peace! What wisdom and guidance! God's Word truly is our daily bread that feeds us and sustains us.

I had the privilege yesterday of doing a Walk Thru the New Testament with the dear saints of Southgate Baptist Church in Moore, OK. It was a great time in God's Word. One of my favorite mentors from my youth, Mrs. Jerri Holmes, goes to that church. There she was, sitting at the back, participating as well as any 80 year old woman could, just soaking it all in with a smile on her face. And there was Larry Romines, the husband of my late 2nd cousin, Evelyn "Doll" Romines. Larry has had problems with cancer lately, but he was right there, greeting people and making sure everyone had what they needed. When he saw me, he just hugged me and told me how proud he was of me. Larry is in his 70's. And then my wonderful pastor friend, Doug Brewer. What a blessing it has been over these past 10 years to have this man as one of my closest friends and confidants. His church has a wonderful testimony and spirit of ministering to the people of Moore, Norman, and South OKC. His people were hungry for the Word of God and it was an honor to be with them for the day.

But it all goes back to the Word of God. We have been born again because "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." We are sustained and encouraged by the Word. What a blessing it is to find other believers who love God's Word. Even when I came home after the seminar, I had a wonderful time talking to Britt and Lauren about what God's Word says. That's a real blessing to me to talk to my son and his girl about the Lord. And also to be able to do that with all my family. God has blessed me beyond measure and I praise Him.

Growth

Growth is an interesting concept. Kids grow up, adults grow out (unfortunately), people grow old, relationships grow strong or weak. Sometimes growth in our lives seems to take place fast, and other times growth is almost unnoticeable. But growth is constantly happening. People grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually at different rates. That is a hard lesson to learn. Tolerance is learning to understand that people are at different levels of maturity in life and learning to guide truth into their lives in such a way as to help them in their growth process. Growth is a wonderful thing. That was why, when I was driving down the street and almost at our house, that my heart rejoiced to see Bryce riding his bicycle without training wheels for the first time. Bryce will be 10 years old on May 8, and the process of learning and growth has not always been easy for him. I worked with him last night on riding his bike without help but he just didn't seem to grasp it. But Mala said when he got home from school today, he wanted to try and go ride his bike again. This time, with only the help from the Lord, my determined young son got it. We had a hard time getting him off his bike to go to church. You should have seen the joy on his face and the sparkle in his eye. He has had his best year at school this year and we are seeing him grow physically, academically, and spiritually. God has blessed him with a tender heart for people. May we all continue to grow in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man as we gett to know the Lord Jesus Christ in a more intimate way.



Please pray for my mom and dad. Dad was diagnosed with early stages of dementia a couple of weeks ago, and adjustments do not always come easy. Mom had bronchitis last week and apparently had an allergic reaction to the medicine. They took her off the medicine today, put her on steriods to clear up the allergic reaction and will be doing a complete blood work up on her tomorrow. Pray that the doctors will find out what they need to know with mom. It is not easy for my parents to think of giving up some of their independence to let me and my sisters care for them. We need wisdom in how to deal with them. They are such a precious couple who will celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary this Sunday

God is Good

Well, here I am doing what some of my kids have wanted me to do for a long time apparently. I don't know really where to start but I do know that the Lord has been so very good to me. I have been married to my wife, Mala, for almost 35 years. She is my joy and inspiration. I don't know how I could live this life without her. The Bible says that whoever finds a wife finds a good thing. I have 5 great kids. Becky is the oldest, married to John Henderson, and they are following the Lord in Pennsylvania where John is studying to be a world class chef. He is working hard and we are so proud of him. Becky works in a bank in Indiana, PA, which is the home of Jimmy Stewart.They have seen the Lord work in their lives on the journey they are taking many times, and have a trust in the Lord that makes them strong. Beth, daughter number two, lives in Alaska with her husband, AWACS Major Nathan Hendricks, and our two wonderful grandkids, Breanna (almost 3) and Nathan (1). I don't to see them much but I sure love my grandchildren and Beth and Nathan. God is using them in Alaska as they are teaching a marriage enrichment course at their church called - Radically Married. Our oldest son, Britt, is a junior at the University of Oklahoma and his heart is for the mission field. He is also a bold witness and has a heart for the things of God. The Lord has brought a young lady into his life named Lauren Werner. She works for a ministry called, Reaching Souls International, and also has a real heart for missions. How the Lord brought her into our family is truly a evidence of God's goodness as she is the daughter of one of my first students at CHA where I have taught for the past 29 years, Greg Werner. Brooke, who helped me set up the blog, actually she did it all, is a Senior at Christian Heritage Academy where I teach. God has gifted her with the ability to play the piano. She tried out for the OU School of Music in Piano Performance last Friday and we are prayerfully waiting to see if the Lord would have her go there at this time. She has also been a cheerleader for the past 6 years and we have seen the Lord provide for her and use her in many ways. Our youngest son, Bryce, is truly a joyful energetic young man. He is in the 3rd grade and may have the tenderest heart of the whole family. God's plans for him are good and we are waiting to see the young man he will grow up to be in the Lord. You see I told you God is good. Who could ask for more than a great family with a wonderful wife and children who love the Lord and are serving Him, stepping out in faith wherever He leads. Sometimes my heart is very sad because we are apart, but then I think, God is just answering the prayers that we have had for our children - not for wealth, or fame, or temporal things that don't last, but for a godly generation to bear His name. I could go on and on and tell you about my parents and extended family. But enough for now - Remeber - God is good!

New Blogger!!!

This is Brooke. I'm making a blog for dad b/c he wants one. Who knows what he'll put on here!??