Unreached People

I am sitting in a guest room in Calcutta, India.  Our church has a team of people who have come to do missions work with Calcutta Mercy Ministries in India.  Once again, this trip like the others has opened my eyes to people who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Ashlyn praying for a lady in India 

 

When we first arrived in Calcutta, we set out to a city named Ranchi.  It was an 8 hour train ride.  We met one of the pastors and also with the Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in that region.  These men have a heart to reach "Unreached People Groups".  Unreached People Groups are groups of people that have never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Children Praying in India

Pastor John, who is the Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, shared with that many of these people still live in the jungles of India.  I know it is hard for some of us to believe that there are still people who have never heard the name of Jesus.  It is true and we must do something.  Pastor John shared there were 32,000 villages with only 250 churches.  They estitmate that each village has approximately 10,000 people.  Wow!  3.2 million people with only 250 churches.  This lets me know that we need to be very intentional about church planting and reaching these people with the good news that Jesus loves them.  There are people are being reached but there are so many who have not heard.  There are schools that the children attend and are taught how to pray and to live for Jesus.  There are still so many who have not heard.

The Unreached...Africa

There seems to be a theme of what God is telling me.  The first of this year, I was privileged to a place in Africa to visit an area where people have never heard the name of Jesus.  I will not mention the particular name of this place because of the sensitivity of the area.  Men and women are putting their lives on the line to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the people of that area.  Once again, the Lord is speaking to me about being more intentional about taking the gospel to the "Unreached People Groups". 

I believe that each one of us can be a part of reaching those who have never heard about Jesus.  Stop and ask yourself, "What can I do?"  First of all we need to pray.  We need to pray that God will protect our missionaries but also pray that God would send laborers into these places to tell people about Jesus.  We also need to pray and ask God what we can do financially.  It is true.  Money is needed to start churches and to equip people to do the work of the ministry. 

So, here I sit here in Calcutta once again being challenged by God's Holy Spirit.  I would also like to challenge each person who is reading this to pray and ask God to speak to your heart.  Ask Him what you can do? 

We must reach the unreached because...."EVERY SOUL MATTERS".

You've Got Mail!

You’ve Got Mail

“You’ve Got Mail” is a famous line from the old movie “Sleepless In Seattle”.  The line actually comes from the voice from AOL that alerts a person that they have a new email message. 

This phrase came out of my mouth a few weeks ago when I told Mitchell and Ashlyn they had received a letter in the mail in our mailbox which is also known as “snail-mail”.  The reason why the letters and mail you get in your mailbox is called “snail-mail” is because it’s not as quick as an email.  But I would like to add that it might not be as personable either. 

Now before I am labeled as one who is against progress and technology, you need to know that I text, email, instant message, Skype, and use other means to communicate.  I am not against things that help with productivity.  They just don’t seem as personal (except for Skype) as a hand written letter or postcard.

I remember the thought I had when I said, “You’ve got Mail” to Mitchell not too long ago.  He came running into the kitchen to see who had sent him a letter.  Ashlyn does the same thing when told she has gotten mail.  The thought was, “We all have mail”.  We all have a letter sent to us from God.  It is His Word.  It is written with careful love and instruction so we can have the best life.  Just as that thought came to my mind, I had another question.  “Why don’t we get as excited about God’s mail (the Bible) as our children do about getting a letter in the mailbox? 

God’s Word has been written to us as a “letter of love”.  It guides us and instructs us how to run our business, families, marriages and so much more.  It’s more than just a set of rules and regulations. 

The Psalmist said, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  In other words, God’s Word is there to help me make decisions on a daily basis.

I hope that we can become more excited about God’s mail to us.  Many people spend a lot of time today checking people’s status on Facebook & Twitter, but I sometimes wonder if we spend just as much time in the greatest book we have available.  Remember, I’m not against technology.  I have a Facebook account and also a Twitter account.  I just want to make sure that I spend more time reading God’s love letter to me.

“You’ve Got Mail”…take time to read it and you’ll be amazed at how it will help guide your life. 

New Year Thoughts....

A New Year Is Here....

I can't believe that I am writing the year "2012" on my checks and other documents.  Does anyone remember the "Y2K" scare?  It seems like it was just yesterday. 

This New Year brings several things to my mind:

1.  EXCITEMT - Excited for the new opportunities that are ahead.  I am continuing to take classes this spring at SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University).  In fact, this is something that I had started several years ago but paused the process.  I took a couple of classes at NWACC this past fall and enjoyed most of it.  I am also excited because Krystal is starting her Graduate work at Harding University as well.  I am very proud of her.

2.  ANXIOUS - I know the Bible tells us not to be "anxious" about anything, but this anxious feeling isn't worrying but probably more of an anticipation of the unknown.  At least that sounds better.  Because of the two parents going to school, Ashlyn's basketball schedule and Mitchell's schedule, our schedules will need to be somewhat guarded.  This is not an easy task when your "work" involves being around and loving people. 

3.  REFLECTION - I am reflecting on how life is precious and we are not promised tomorrow.  This is something that I never want to forget.  We are not promised tomorrow.  The Bible clearly reminds us that our life is a "vapor".  While it is here, we must make the most of every opportunity and tell those close to us that we love them each and every day.

4.  DESIRE - I have a desire to grow.  I desire to grow in my Christian walk with Jesus.  I also want to grow as a husband and father.  Leadership growth isn't an option either as I desire to lead and pastor the great people God has entrusted me with.  Growth doesn't automatically happen.  Three things I have learned about growth.  First, growth is a process and takes times.  Second, when you stop learning is when you stop growing.  Third, growing takes work.

I don't know if I would categorize these thoughts as resolutions, but just some things that come to mind as this New Year begins.  New opportunities that will bring excitement, reflection and accomplishments. 

Christmas Traditions

Webster defines TRADITION as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.

As Christmas approaches again, we find ourselves doing our "inherited, established, customary pattern of thought, action or behavior".  It's fun to hear the different traditions that families have for Christmas.  I remember one of our traditions growing up in the Wheat home in Lonoke, AR.  Every night on Christmas Eve mom and dad would always let us open one gift.  It was always a new pair of pajamas.  I thought it was funny that we always got the same type of gift every Christmas Eve, but as I got older it made sense.  Mom wanted us to look good and also to be dressed in something besides gym shorts for the photos that would be taken on Christmas morning.  

Now, our family has an established or customary pattern, action and behavior we do every year (no, it's not new pajamas).  Before we open the gifts, we read the Christmas Story.  After the story has been read, we pray as a family.  Another "customary pattern and action" is done while opening our gifts.  We go around and let each person open their gifts one at a time so we all can enjoy their response.  Actually, Krystal and me watch the kids take turns and then we open our gifts.  

 

There are some other "actions and behaviors" that we have also begun such as assembling a Gingerbread House, buying for another family who needs help during Christmas, sponsoring a Christmas Basket at our church, going to see Christmas lights and several more.  

Putting up Christmas lights on our house and in the yard is another "established, customary pattern, action and behavior".  It was several years ago that we started putting lights up.  It started by putting clear lights on the house.  Today we have colored lights on the house, inflatables that include Frosty the Snowman, a Christmas Bear and Snoopy.  The decorations also include lighted trees, a horse and pony drinking from water, twinkling snowflakes in the trees, animated deer and the sidewalk lined with candy-canes and lights.  It has grown each year.  It's become a time when we work together and enjoy the light show during the Christmas season.  

2011 Light Show

I hope that one day when Ashlyn and Mitchell are older and posting their blogs (if blogs are still around), they will be able to write and share about our traditions and also some of their own.  

Traditions ~ an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.  I guess another definition would be "great memories". 

How Is Your "EGO"?

I was given a book today and began reading it while I was waiting on my appointment.  I really enjoy books on leadership and I really enjoy books on "spiritual leadership".  The book I was given is The Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges.  I haven't read it all but what I have been able to ready is worth passing on.  


One chapter deals with the difference in being a "servant leader" and a "self-serving leader".  In this short chapter it begins to speak of EGO.  We all have an ego but as I read how this book defines "Ego", it made me stop and think.  I'd like to pass this on to you. 


There are two acrostics of the word "EGO" this book uses:
              1.  Exalting God Only
              2.  Edging God Out


In this book, The Servant Leader, Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges shares how we Edge God Out.  Read it and see if your EGO needs adjusting.

How Do We Edge God Out?

When We Put Something Else In His Place as the Object of Worship ~
When you're making a leadership decision, what do you put in God's place as the object of your worship?  Power, recognition, appreciation, money - whatever it is, it's not worth it.

Philippians 3:3 (NLT) For we who worship God in the Spirit...put no confidence in human effort.  Instead we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us.


When We Rely On Other Sources For Our Security and Sufficiency ~ 
When we put our trust in something else other than the unconditional love of God, other than in His care for us, when we put our security in other things - it can be our intellect, our position, our business contacts, anything - we're counting on the temporal instead of the eternal. 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

When We Put Others in His Place as Our Major Audience for Self-Worth ~ 
In Robert S. McGee's The Search for Significance, we learn that if the devil had a formula for self-worth that he would want you to buy into, it would be; Your self-worth is equal to your performance plus the opinion of others.  If you're constantly looking to make yourself feel good or worthwhile based on your performance or the opinions of others, you're constantly going to be chasing an elusive, frustrating fantasy. 

Psalm 118:8  It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.


When We Lose Intimacy with his Unconditional Love, We Fear Intimacy with Others ~ 
One of the greatest EGO factors that self-serving leaders driven by pride and fear have is the fear of intimacy with others.  Like the Wizard of Oz, they create scary false fronts and barriers between themselves and their people rather than admit that they don't know all the answers, that they may need help.  They fear if they are vulnerable with people, their leadership might be questioned.  The loneliness and isolation that result from fear of intimacy leaves the leader separated from the realities of what is going on and from the good ideas that others may have to offer.


So, how's your "EGO"?  I haven't finished the book but so far, it has been a reminder that as a "servant-leader", your EGO should be "Exalting God Only" and not "Edging God Out".


Thanks Bill for the great book!

Time To Act

It's been a while since my last blog.  In fact, I have been thinking, "What am I going to say?"  I thought about many things that I could blog about but today there was a brief thought that came to mind ~ "Actions Speak Louder Than Words".  We all have heard it and probably have even said it.  But do we really believe it? 

Here's my quick thought on the subject:

Our actions really do speak louder than we realize.  Jesus made it very clear, John 14:21 (TLB) The one who obeys me is the one who loves me..."  Stop and think about your actions.  Do they really speak of the love you have for Jesus?  Just a thought to ponder. 

May we, who say we love Jesus, obey His commands.  Jesus said there are really two commands that sum up the law ~ Love God and Love People.  Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Many people say "I love Jesus", but do their actions speak it?  So, are your actions really speaking louder than your words?

Publish Post

Healthy Heart ~ Healthy You

Last year Krystal shared with me that she had set a goal.  She was going to run a 5k.  I love my wife but this surprised me because she will tell you herself that shopping is something that she enjoys more than sweating.  As she began to train and run, I couldn't sit back and do nothing.  So, I decided I would get in shape to run a 5k as well.  After training, she did it.  On Labor Day of 2010, Krystal ran her first 5k in Rogers.  It was "Run For A Child".  I was out of town but we continued to run and train.  I ran my first 5k in Siloam Springs last October in the "Titus Task" 5k.  We both ran and finished the race.

Running is like other exercises in that you need the right equipment.  We bought running clothes, running shoes, and even water bottles that fit into your hand as you are running.  We downloaded apps to our phones and iPods to help us as well.  We had all the right equipment to help us exercise and do better at running.  We were set to keep the exercise going but after running in the Titus Task,  winter hit and the calendar became busier and we stopped.

One evening last week I went for a jog in our neighborhood.  As I was jogging, the thought kept coming to my head, "Why did you stop?  Exercise is good for you."  I began to come up with all the excuses and reasons.  Then my mind went to the following verse of scripture.


1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

I began to compare how I had all the tools and equipment to help me to be a better runner and to help me be more physically fit but I had stopped using them.  I allowed my calendar and the "rough weather" to keep me from doing what would help me keep in shape.  I started to apply this to our spiritual lives.  We have so many tools, resources, books, classes, retreats, conferences, and so much more to help us stay in "spiritual shape" and to continue to become healthier in our spiritual lives.  Unfortunately,  we allow our calendars and "rough weather" to keep us from continuing our "spiritual exercise" so we can become strong and healthy.
  
Now, I'm still not in the habit of running again, but I do need to get back into the habit of physical exercise that will help my body be in good health.  I have begun to watch what I eat and have actually dropped several pounds.  We need to also watch what we feed our spirit as well.

We all know that when we physically eat right and physically exercise we feel better and we live healthier lives.  I'm not suggesting such a strict diet that you can't enjoy life.  I believe that we all need some chocolate in our diet. ha!  What would happen if we also spiritually ate right and spiritually exercised?  I believe we would be healthier and grow stronger in our walk with the Lord.

What's keeping us from doing it?  Discipline is the answer.  It's not easy, but it is necessary.  Just like the physical exercise will help you have a physical healthy heart, spiritual exercise  will help you have a healthy spiritual heart.