Read the Word Daily

Those of you at our last men's meeting were treated to Randy Allen sharing the amazing story of the recent shooting at the Crawford County Courthouse first hand, a story that gave testimony to the Hand of God being in and around the events of the day. Hopefully we'll soon have his account up on the web for those who missed it, or buy him lunch and get him to recount the highlights for you. Thank you so much Randy for taking the time to share the intimate details from a law enforcement point of view, and a brother point of view, as a primary participant.

One important thing I challenged the men with is reading through the Word of God regularly and habitually. I mentioned I had started a plan in October, that my wife is wrapping up four years in a row of reading the Bible through, and Bobby mentioned his experience and the importance of it! Please do it! Pick a plan and get started today! It's healthy for all your relationships, and imperative for the days ahead. Godspeed as you read....

"If you continue in my word . . . you will know
the truth, and the truth will make you free."
-- Jesus (John 8:31-32 RSV)

Here are some links I've found on Goggle for Bible reading plans... There are many! Find one and read. If you'd like help or suggestions ask me.

Link 1 Link 2 Link3 Link4 Link5 Link6 Link7 Link8

Reporting from Ukraine

It's 7:11, Sunday morning. I'm up reading, texting my son in NYC, and just hearing of a son, husband, and father in Ukraine, where it is snowing, sitting in his hotel room, waiting to adopt a little girl, and bring her back to her home in Fayetteville AR to meet her three year old, and one year old sister and brother. Life is strange. Life is small. Life is more and more bizarre it seems, as the world grows smaller and seemingly colder.

Yet, "life is in the blood." That's what Leviticus tells us. The passion, the ability, the divine spark--it's in our blood, mysterious as it seems, and is.

How are you doing with your life? Given by someone else, and purchased anew by Someone else. I'm hoping these thoughts from Ukraine make your world seem again bigger than it does right now, or smaller than it does right now--that you might ponder your way, and your life--be purposeful with your paths and your prayers.

Shalom, Dwayne

Seek Him... Seek His Face

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.” (Matthew 27:50–53)

“Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”” (Matthew 27:54)

IS that what it's going to take for you? Will it be too late then? Important questions!

“He shall receive a blessing from the Lord And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face—even Jacob.Selah.” (Psalm 24:5–6)

“Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:7–8)

Christmas 2011 "Wise Men Still Seek Him...." [Great Family Christmas Gift!]

He Is Willing to Lead

Who directs your way?

We give mental ascent to Psalm 23, “The LORD is my Shepherd, He leads...” and Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...He will direct your paths”, but practically? Everyday? What’s our training and paradigm v.s. the Word of the Lord and reality of God? Who directs your paths? You or the LORD?

The bridge between these two ways of thinking and acting -- your control or His control of your path -- is TRUST.

It goes like this: [1] Hearing [2] Trust [3] Action. But central to 1 and 3 is 2 ... Trust is the catalyst to life in God. You must trust Him, listen and follow. More to come...

“For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.” (Exodus 40:38)

Kingdom Opportunity

““But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the sons of Israel went astray from Me, shall come near to Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me ...,” declares the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 44:15)

““Moreover, they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” (Ezekiel 44:23)

There is kingdom opportunity to stay the course when your culture is going astray... teaching God's people the difference between the holy and profane... -=db=-

The Sheep and the Goats

Sheep & Goats? Scary story to those of us familiar with the Bible, isn't it? Seems like at the final judgment, He Who is Able to judge the thoughts and intent of the heart is able to divide his true followers and sons and daughters from those who thought they were, looked like it in many familiar ways, but were not. "I don't know you," are the last words to and for these deceived ones.

We hear it again, do we not, in the Matthew 24 story of the "Ten Virgins?" This story is told by Jesus in connection with their question about signs for the end times, by the way. Five, it seems, were surprised, made a half hearted attempt to do the right thing and be with Jesus in the end, but came up short. The trumpet sounded and their lack of preparation exposed, they went quickly to correct their shortcomings, but were late, not allowed into the presence of the King, with Him declaring, "I don't know you."

Dr. Stan in his excellent message at Brother Bill's home going service, made the plain but oft ignored distinction, "How many of your know He wasn't talking about sheep and goats?"

May your name be found in the Book; and you in eternity with Mr. Bill, the sheep, and the KING.

Sowing into Sons

I had a chance to meet Zachary Spilman and to be his student at an English camp back home for couple of summers. So when I decided to go to the States for a year as an exchange student, Zach and his family generously opened their home and offered me to live with them during that year. It was the 1st time I've been to a foreign country, as well as the 1st time for the Spilmans to have an Asian exchange student, so of course none of us really know what to expect. But I'm sure after many more of us, Mr.Bill is probably an expert in dealing with Asian teenagers by now. And who knows, maybe Jesus needs a hand with them Asians in heaven thats why he called Mr.Bill up. But I know for a fact, because of God's work through Mr.Bill, an Asian boy got a chance to hear the Gospel, to get to know Jesus and to experience the love of Christ and one day may get to go to heaven.

I want to share with you a verse that is so dear to my heart. It's 1 Thessalonians 2:8, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." And that is Mr.Bill's approach of sharing the Gospel. One way or another, all of you in here has had your lives touched by Mr.Bill. I always considered myself one of the luckiest, cause I got the chance to live with Mr.Bill for a year and do life with him. If I have to compare, the relationship between Paul and Timonthy got to be a very close example to demonstrate ours. Paul wasn't his birth father but the love and influence he showed is only of the greatest fathers' quality. And it is by no mean an exaggeration to say about what Mr.Bill meants to me. He has always been the greastest mentor, a wonderful friend and a loving father.

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This is part of a beautiful eulogy for Mr.Bill by Trung Ngo, an Asian son and exchange student from Vietnam at Mr. Bill's home going celebration. For a video of the service click here.

to SERVE

“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43–45, NASB95)

“Servant” -- I don’t think we see the importance in our day and time. We need to. We must, if we’re to be like our Master. If we’re to please Him Who Is Holy, and created us for His good pleasure.

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.” (1 Corinthians 4:16, NASB95)

Mr Bill could have said this to us in reference to being a servant. As one person after another gave tribute to Bill and honored him at his home going celebration last week, much was said about his love for God and people, and his legendary exercise of his gift of service.

Thank you Mr. Bill for loving and serving among us. And for showing us the way with your life.

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[The photo is of Bill & Valerie, just returned from honoring a son in Conway, the University of Central Arkansas, driving straight back to serve in the Matthew Eighteen summer camp for foster kids, and just before changing into camp clothing. :)]

The Spirit of Prophecy

That's the title of Charles Simpson's pastoral letter this month. And also something that's been on my heart and mind, especially in this season. I meet with a few brothers at 7am Mondays who want more of God and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Call us seekers, and lovers of God, I guess. It seems that more and more what we talk about and experience is (1) Spending time in spiritual pursuits or habits with God (2) Hearing the Spirit and (3) doing what we Hear, obeying.

This hearing, saying what you hear, and doing what you're told sounds more and more like a definition of prophecy from the Bible.

I wonder what place that might have in your personal life? In our corporate or church life? In our times and what we should be doing for the King and the kingdom? Stay tuned....

Salty to the End

Jesus, talking to his disciples and the crowd in the Sermon on the Mount said...

““You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13–16, NASB95)

Yes, Jesus said if the salt has lost it’s savour it’s not good for anything. Mr. Bill never did lose his! “Light” and “Salt”--good words for Mr. Bill. “Good works” describe him too! “Glorifying the Father.”

That’s what we heard from every quarter yesterday, around services, fellowship, and food--a day of honoring Bill and thanking God for a “life well lived.” Struggles to be sure. But an overcomer to be sure!

Bill and Valerie were among the founders of City Christian Fellowship, more than twenty years ago. The verse above was our mission statement and mantra. No one lived it better than Mr. Bill. His love and example exhort us to this high calling once more. Don’t curse the darkness, light a candle, and keep shinning--serving, loving. Your opportunities will be over sooner than you think.

Indeed a mighty one has fallen. But in a winning cause. His race is run. His victory won. He stands in the Presence of the King, the LORD of all.

William Charles Spilman

It was last Sunday November 6th, before 7 a.m. that Craig called me with the news of Bill’s home going. It was surreal. It was unbelievable, but believable. My mind didn’t race. It went “quiet,” “deep,” “silent.” Somewhat shocked and numbed, to be sure. But I had the immediate realization that it was Bill’s time. And it was God’s decision in the matter. Life and death are firmly in God’s hands. Certainly a life like Mr. Bill’s. And I, like Bill, because we discussed it many times, believed that “God’s plans for us are better than our plans for us.” “God’s judgments are true and altogether righteous, as the Scriptures say.

I’m not going to lie. I did feel a sense of remorse--more like pre-morse, if that’s a word? I would have liked more friendship and kingdom time with Mr. Bill. But his race is run--his victory won.

After a considerable time of driving with the family, I broke the silence... “He was such a servant!” “A suffering servant ... much like our Lord.

When I think of Bill I think of things like SERVANT, KINGDOM MAN, REAL, HUMBLE, & GENEROUS.

His primary spiritual gift had to be “service.” And his use of that gift is legendary! :) To his family, friends, church community, boy scouts, the poor and disadvantaged. How many here have enjoyed food prepared by Mr. Bill? Or been served by him?

Real. Bill was so “REAL.” I never saw him or heard his unique voice that I didn’t smile--my lips and my heart. You didn’t know what was coming--but you knew it was going to be funny, insightful, and REAL. Real honest.

I’ll throw REAL and HUMBLE together, and tell you two quick stories. When I first met Bill in the early 80’s, we drove to Siloam Springs together for a Baptist Men’s Retreat in his old, beat-up pick up truck. I was new to the church and he was giving me advice coming back down the hill after our brother/bonding time. He was encouraging me to serve and get involved, but added, “Now I’m gonna warn ya--they’ll work a good horse to death!” I knew immediately he cared about the kingdom, the sheep, but also about me.

In our recent season of life, Bill and I walked at Marvin Altman, the ABF trails, and Creekmore Park. We prayed, laughed, counseled each other, and shared our lives. For one long stretch we were accountability parters, trying to improve our diet and eating habits. Many funny stories there. :)

He was a SERVANT. He was REAL. He was HUMBLE. He was GENEROUS. And he was a KINGDOM MAN.

A couple stories to illustrate his generosity and kingdom mindedness, and I’m finished. I just heard this story a couple days ago and it happened just weeks ago. Bill came to the home of a young man who was going on a mission. Bill in his scrubs, after work, encouraged him with prayers and wisdom and gave him $500. Bill was generous with his time, life, and money--whatever he had. Bill left everything on the playing field--the playing field of life. More than perhaps anyone I’ve known.

Kingdom minded? Well everything about this celebration speaks to Bill’s love for the King and the Kingdom.

His love for children and the disadvantaged is demonstrated by his long and strong support for Matthew 18 summer camps and foster kids. His love for missions, and especially Vietnam, is illustrated a number of ways. You’ve heard “my Asian son” as Bill liked to call Trung, speak. He had Korean and Armenian sons as well.

If Bill’s sudden departure says anything to me, it’s “don’t delay in starting to do the important things.” Living your life with the LORD, and for others. Storing up for yourself treasure in heaven, like Bill did!

I can hear Jesus words to Peter, and Christians through the centuries, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” Mr. Bill did. Both!

I can hear Jesus future words to Bill, perhaps already voiced... “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

I love you Bill and so look forward to eternity with you; laughing, amazed, enjoying our God, our families, and our community of friends... forever.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift, Jesus Christ. And thanks be to God also for the gift to us all that was Mr. Bill, Brother Bill, William Charles Spilman.

We love you Bill and will see you soon! :)

[Dwayne's Remarks at Mr. Bill's home going celebration!]

We're Off! On our series "Friends of the King"

Our study entitled "Friends of the King" "Lessons from King David and His Mighty Men" is off and running in the men's group. We had about sixty men for the first two meetings, and more books are being printed. Thanks for coming and praying and looking for action. I don't think you're going to be disappointed! The next session will be on "Leadership-Initatiative." You have the material to preview. See you there!

Aaron has put the recorded message on the CCF website under men's ministry and media. There you can listen and also download the material and notes from each session. Thanks Aaron!! That link follows along with links to three very good and timely books I've recently read, and seem very pertinent to what we're doing and discussing. If you're led, take a look! God bless you all! -=db=-

Our Church Blog, Men's Page In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day Wild Goose Chase Radical

Life Stabilizers

Are you winning or losing most of your spiritual battles? Are you down more than up? Do you feel frustrated, going in circles, your experience full of stops and starts, a constant guilt-failure cycle? That's not God's plan for you. You can live a stable, consistent life! But it will require life stabilizers like: (1) Decisiveness. Israel wanted to have it both ways: God's blessings, yet the right to disregard His Word. Freedom to live like heathen nations, yet be His special people. But Joshua declared it unacceptable. "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Jos 24:15 NIV). The church a Laodicea also wanted it both ways, but God pressed them: "You are...neither cold or hot... make up your minds" (Rev 3:16, 19 CEV). God require a direction chosen, a goal set, and mind made up. Wavering classifies you as double-minded and guarantees you will "[not] receive anything from the Lord" (Jas 1:6,8 NIV). (2) Faith. You are called a "believer" because faith must characterize not just some, but every area of your life. "Without faith it is impossible (not unlikely, improbable, difficult) to please God" (Heb 11:6 NIV). Faith is not what you study on Sunday morning, it's what you do 24/7! The Bible says: "My righteous [ones] will live by faith." You say, "Where do I get faith?" By meditating on, and living in God's Word (See Ro 10:17). Who possesses faith? The spiritually exceptional? No, "God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Ro 12:3 NKJV). That includes you! Faith, not feelings or circumstances, is what makes your life stable!

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This is copied from the July 20th entry of the "Daily Devotional" available at the CCF office. I encourage you to get one and read it. The entries are timely and pointed for us and our times. Blessings, -=db=-

Adventure and Friendship

Greetings Brothers & Friends,

Last week I did something a bit out of the ordinary. I climbed Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest (12,395') and most famous mountain, with a friend. That adventure had been in the back of my mind for some years, but this year as July and the climbing season approached, I strangely felt the Spirit encouraging me to "do it!" I mentioned it to an airline friend, who said, "Let's do it!" And so it was.

You may wonder, what does that have to do with the blog and our spiritual journey? As we continue our men's meetings centered around David and his Mighty Men, who were his best friends, I think you'll see it. (1) Men need and crave adventure. Even if they're not by nature daring, and often shrink back from adventure, they like it when it happens. (2) Men need real relationships and friendships. Our culture with business, texting and email is leaving us feeling more and more isolated. We know we're missing something and heading in the wrong direction, but we're not able to put our finger on what's missing or know how to get out of our ruts.

So, I'm inviting you in this season of change, to consider change! Real change! Not only me, but I feel the Lord is opening His hand to us to experience something new and fulfilling and exciting. Not only for the possible necessity of adventure and friendship, but for the joy of it!

Stay engaged with the men's group as we make this journey and consider these things--our times and what we should be doing.

More to come! The Lord's blessings to you and those you love. -=Dwayne=-

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Photos from Mt. Fuji Expedition Video of Fuji Climb

Mighty Men. Friends Introduction

Introduction to "Friends of the King"

From a Tokyo hotel room in the middle of the night, I ponder how to introduce this humble writ. I’m a former fighter pilot and an airline pilot, not a writer. I know it’s to be short, hard hitting, and to the point or most men won't read it. I also know that’s not like me. The Holy Spirit will have to help me ... help I feel He’s promised. Although I don’t know where or how to start, I do feel like David when he penned, “My heart is stirred by a noble theme, as I recite my verses for the King.”

That theme would be men, friendship, leadership, and how that applies to living life in our day and culture. And of course, this is largely defined by your relationships and your relationship with God - your own “Fear of the LORD.” Just as it was among David and his Mighty Men.

Do you know about David’s Mighty Men? I predict a few of you do, but most of you don’t. I’ll sum it up for you here, then add some fascinating and pertinent details in the following pages. They were, I believe, the most courageous and effective special forces warriors in all of history. They started out as “misfits and rebels,” fleeing from Saul, King of Israel around 1000 B.C., as was their leader and anointed successor to the same throne, David. The sum of their exploits and names are found primarily in two Bible passages, II Samuel 23 and I Chronicles 11. The genesis and journey of their lives together are found with their names and deeds interlaced with David’s story as it unfolds on the pages of history and the Bible, in the mountains of Israel.

Kings and conduct relating to the same are more important to you than you may know. This is still true for our times, as I intend to show. David and his Mighty Men wrote the book on this subject, 1000 years before the King of Kings, the Son of David, appeared in the Roman Empire as prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures, born in David’s town, Bethlehem.

A little history study will show you that David’s day was very much like our own. So we can learn much about our times and how to conduct ourselves from this study of the past. I remember a quote from my college Western Civilization book, “History teaches us that man learns nothing from history.” While there is a lot of sad irony and truth to this, it doesn’t have to be this way. Churchill said, “The farther backward you look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”

It’s my hope and prayer that this short look at David and his Mighty Men will inspire you, inform you, and embolden you to be a man in your realm today. A man of relationship, friendship, leadership, humility and courage -- like the sons of Issachar coming to make David King in Hebron, “men who understood the times, and what Israel should do.” There is something here that deeply touches a man’s soul. I think it’s what we all aspire to; something about our destiny; what we’re born to do.

There’s something else we’re born for: relationship. It’s an inward need and a most fulfilling result. While the Bible is a great work on history, science, religion, philosophy, psychology, etc.. it’s primarily a book about relationship. From Genesis to Revelation, it’s a story about a King and His bride, Christ and the Church, God and Israel. It’s a story and textbook about one of life’s mysteries and treasures: friendship. Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants ... Instead I have called you friends.”John 15:15

I’m very grateful for my parents who taught and modeled much about friendship to me and my siblings. I’m grateful to have been raised and formed in Christian community for the same reasons; having an ever increasing desire for fulfillment in friendship.

Certainly also, David the shepherd king of Israel, along with his Mighty Men, teaches us much about friendship: how to be a friend, how to value a friend. The lows of poor friendships, the highs of great friendships, the courage and necessity to risk friendship. Indeed, I once noticed this insightful passage, from which springs the title of this little book. After a long list of David’s officers, confidants, stewards, advisors, generals, and rulers ... there is named ... “Hushai the Archite ... the king's friend.” I Chronicles 27:33

“The king’s friend.” May this writ give you a vision for becoming a better “friend of the KING.” And for becoming a better friend to all those in your realm. It will be an important part in the accomplishment of your mission and the enjoyment of your life’s journey.

Besides understanding our times and how we should live; besides understanding how to relate to authority and the King; besides understanding the power and importance of friendship; I want to say something about just being a man. Being a man under God.

One of my spiritual mentors, Charles Simpson, said in a sermon about Moses, “God’s plan isn’t a plan; it’s a man.” He gave several other examples from Scripture and history, then went on to say, “the purposes of God are carried on the shoulders of sanctified men, not on an oxcart or any creation of man. This is a reference to the “ark of the covenant.” Indeed, again, David taught us that, did he not? It was a lesson bitterly learned from the death of a friend.

You can’t separate David from his actions, or his friends from their actions. Nor can you separate yourself from your actions. In the end, you are what you do. What you believe is what you do. Jesus said, “by their fruits you shall know them.” It’s not by what they say, but by what they do.

James the brother of our Lord, and head of the early church in Jerusalem, said it this way. “... someone may well say, you have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” And even more bluntly like this, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead....”

I like to say it like this, “Faith works!” It’s easy to remember and true.

What you say and do describes your character, but as stated above, more so what you do. I suggest that’s important to God. He cares. He watches. He’s looking for a few good men. And He’s looking for a few good friends, suitable friends for His Son, the King: “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His..”II Chronicles 16:9 NASB

To understand a little better the value of friends and men to God, note a couple things the Holy Spirit says in the Scripture about David. One, David “was a man after God’s own heart.” Two, “After he accomplished the purposes of God in his generation, he slept.” Those are two amazing commendations! “A Heart like His,” as Beth Moore has titled a book. And “accomplished God’s purposes in his generation ....” Fulfilled his destiny! Pleased God!

God takes pleasure in a man who’ll be a man. God wants to take pleasure in you. As David told his son Solomon, successor to the throne, “... now show yourself a man.”

“But that was David,” you say! “I’m just me, and I’m coming from way back in the pack toward anything like that!” I’ll just remind you that James, the brother of Jesus, said by the Spirit, “Elijah was a man just like you....”

Also, a man who committed adultery with the wife of a trusted friend, then had his friend killed to avoid exposure of his sin, had much to learn. That would be David. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

As we take this short journey with David and his Mighty Men, remember with me the joys of manhood, friendship, and a life lived with God. It’s a high calling. It’s the high road. Let’s take it!

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Forgive the long blog post, but Colby encouraged me to do this for those who didn't get a copy or might have lost it. Craig, Joel, and others did an excellent job introducing this series last Thursday night at the steak dinner. Our CCF men and friends will be discussing FRIENDSHIP, LEADERSHIP, & UNDERSTANDING OUR TIMES AND WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING monthly for the next few months. I'll be doing a 20-25 minute teaching each time tying the topics listed to David and his Mighty Men (IISam23, I Chron11), an unusual "Band of Brothers" with lessons for our day and our lives. We intend to have this information to you each month for the teaching the following month. The next meeting is the first Tuesday in August (2nd) where we'll discuss this blog article and more. Look forward to seeing you there! Dwayne

Matthew Eighteen 2011

Matthew 18, a summer camp for foster kids, under the vision and leadership of Curtis & Paula Michlitsch just finished it's sixth edition with the 2011 camp. It was an awesome experience with those serving being blessed along side those being served. The Spirit of the Lord was there in worship, teaching, play and sharing lives. No life was unchanged.

The staff this year was mainly volunteers from City Christian Fellowship and Eastside Baptist in Fort Smith, along with a few traveling kingdom servants. Several CCF men led and participated. Thank you all for your service to the King!

You might take a moment to thoughtfully read Matthew 18, the whole thing. I just did. There's enough truth here to chew on today and forever, for your good and those around you. Shalom. -=dwayne bell=-

Click here if you'd like to view some photos of this year's camp!

Remember.Be Thankful

A retired AA Captain, and good friend recently sent me this link. I think you'll like it. It's a good time to celebrate, pause and reflect that "freedom isn't free." Also to remember the love, honor and sacrifice of those we know who serve or have served our country. They did so largely for family, faith and freedom. And for a country of prosperity and personal liberty uncommon in the family of nations and on the pages of human history.

Though we've gotten far afield from our foundations - Faith in the Heavenly Father by our Founding Fathers. There is no better time than the present to repent (change direction), pray, and work - moving back in that original direction. There is hope, because God says so, and because many of us still serve that Powerful and Loving God, "Who is rich in mercy", and "not willing that any should perish."

But that's not the focus of this writing. It's to REMEMBER and HONOR those who have served or fought or died for the freedoms we enjoy. Let's all pause to do that. Tell them if they are living! Pray for their families and friends if they've gone to their permanent reward.

After this season of HONOR and REMEMBRANCE, then let's get back to work in our realm remembering, praying, and working to return America to it's roots. A deep faith in and fear of the Almighty, the Lord of Heaven's Armies.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced... these dead shall not have died in vain. . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom." -=db=-

Leaders are Readers

Or so a well known quote goes. In the last two weeks, I've been intoduced to three books and read them all. They are all quite different. One was given me by my good friend Brian, "Paths to Power" by A.W. Tozer. Two were loaned to me by my beautiful wife, "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo and "The Blessed Life" by Robert Morris. I highly recommend them all! When things come to me thru close relationships, I can almost count on it that the Spirit wants to speak to me from them, and He did. I'll probably be writing short reviews on one or more of them later, but if the Spirit leads you to one or more of them, don't delay. Paths are important. So is God's blessing. And heaven is for real.

His love to you all,

Dwayne

Pray for Japan...Your Kingdom Come

Greetings from Japan... as the days since the 9.0 earthquake and resultant tsunami many have asked me to report what I've seeing and sensing about Japan as my job continues to take me there. My thoughts this morning passed along to a good friend are these...As far as Japan goes, I landed in Narita, Tokyo's Intl airport yesterday, and it was like a ghost town compared to normal. Life in the streets around here seems pretty normal, trying to be normal and get back to normal. They've taken a big hit with the quake and tsunami, but that would have been 100s of times worse had it hit other countries - as bad as it is.

The real threat is the need is to get control of the nuclear reactor situation. Pray for supernatural help and for the people of Japan. Maybe this will open their collective hearts to the Kingdom of God, and away from humanism, idol worship and self-pride? It's still a very serious situation here. I feel we need to do all we can to honor our commitment to them and help get them back to normal, commensurate with the real risk and safety concerns. They seem to so appreciate we're here and doing our part to keep transportation alive and functioning.

Blessings and talk to you soon,

Dwayne

God Is Speaking

God is speaking to us all of the time. The words of God, the speaking words and the written words of God, are always there. They hold the universe together. (Col 1:17, Heb 1:3). Proverbs depicts the words of God as wisdom and that they "Shout in streets and call out from the public places". (Prov 1:20) They are always speaking, always shouting. They beckon us to come and sit with Him. "Come and listen to My words. I'll share My heart with you and make you wise". (Prov 1:23, caps put in by me). Proverbs 2 says "receive My words", "treasure my commandments", "make your ear attentive", "incline your heart", "if you cry for discernment", "if you seek for her as silver and search for her as hidden treasure" THEN "You will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God". God is always speaking through His Spirit and through His written Word. We have to make time to receive, be attentive, incline our hearts, cry for, lift our voice and search. Please don't say God is not speaking to you.

++ Submitted by Bill Stuckey

Brother's Day!

Vision without action is a daydream. Action with without vision is a nightmare. ~Japanese Proverb

Brothers

Be the kind of man that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh Crap, He's up!" Brother, life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forgive the ones who don't just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Take a few minutes to think before you act when you're mad. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy, He just promised it would be worth it. Today is Brother's day, send this to all your brothers, fathers, sons. If you get back 7, you are loved. Happy Brothers Day! I LOVE YA BROTHER!!! To the cool men that have touched my life. Here's to you!! A real Brother walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you. I encourage everyone to send this to the brothers in your life.

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I just received this from an American Airline pilot friend, and a good Brother in the Lord Jesus Christ. I haven't even checked it out to see if there is such a thing as "Brother's Day?" But whether there is or not, it speaks loudly to men and brothers everywhere. I hope you're strengthened and affirmed by it. Feel free to copy and paste it into a note to your realm of "Brothers."

In 2011 may you be blessed by God Most High, Creator of Heaven and Earth. You and those you love. Shalom. שלום