He still walks near

At this moment everything seems to be fleeting,

All of time seems to flow out like a hand gripping sand,

My heart is yearning for a home marked by peace,

My soul is groaning to see the Ancient of days,

And the one who walks before me knows my soul,

He hears my groans and sees these rivers of tears,

And the one who walks before me hears my voice,

Though He knows my deepest thoughts He still walks near.

The howling of wolves and jackals draw near,

And the giants across the river gather for me,

Will my soul be crushed into the dust?

Will I be devoured by those who once were so near?

And the one who walks before me knows my soul,

He hears my groans and sees these rivers of tears,

And the one who walks before me hears my voice,

Though He knows my deepest thoughts He still walks near.

I can hear the voices of the walking dead,

They are crying for me to join them in the fray,

I have got to close my eyes and shut my ears,

Reach out my hand to Him and draw Him near.

And the one who walks before me knows my soul,

He hears my groans and sees these rivers of tears,

And the one who walks before me hears my voice,

Though He knows my deepest thoughts He still walks near.

(This and the Poem Tripping hopefully will be a trilogy of David like Psalms about the darkness and how the Lord walks with Him through it all.)

Tripping on the stairs

Tripping on the stairs

Looking for the light in the midst of the darkness,

So far God it feels like a deep dark cave,

Looking for encouragement from those around me,

Seems like it does not matter whatever they say,

Want to scream and pull over the covers,

Want to shout out do you really care?

The darkness has seemed to have overtaken, feel like I'm tripping on the stairs.

And I'm falling, falling into the arms of the Savior,

Falling, I can't even seem to catch my breath,

But I know for sure that this one thing is for certain,

That wherever  I fall, you will surely catch me there.

Though the shadows of this life seem to cover the light,

Though my heart maybe grieving over the losses of this world,

 Pain  seems to be ripping everything inside of me apart,

Uncertainty of the ground below me,

I enter into the whole mess trembling,

I enter into a vision of complete blindness,

The darkness has seemed to have overtaken, feels like I'm tripping on the stairs.

But I will be falling, falling into the arms of the Savior,

Falling, I can't even seem to catch my breath,

But I know for sure that this one is for certain,

That wherever I fall, you will surely catch me there.

Open my eyes in the midst of the darkness,

Guide me through the maze in the deep dark cave,

Help me to find my encouragement from your strong arms,

Lift me up so that I can say,

My Jesus Cares, I know my Jesus Cares.

As I'm falling, I'll be falling into the arms of my Savior,

As I'm falling, He will breathe into me His life,

Help me to see that this one thing is for certain,

That wherever I fall, You will surely catch me there.

Yes, my sweet Lord Jesus you will surely catch me there.

A Noble Work

1 Timothy 3:1-2 ( ESV )

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¹The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 

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²Therefore an overseer^£ must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,^£ sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 


     I think that I love preaching more than anything in this world. No greater thrill or delight fills my soul more, than to open up the living and breathing Word of God and share it with others. It has been, and always will be, one of my greatest passions.


     While talking with another pastor recently we talked about the art of preaching. The two things for me that are the most important is that of a passionate heart in preaching, and above all knowledge of the Word that I am sharing. We live in a day in which some men have neither of these qualities or just one of them. As Paul would remark what good is it to have zeal without knowledge. In the same breath though what good does it do to the listener's heart who senses a passionless heart while saying all the right things. I want to KNOW that the preacher has a vital relationship with the one of whom he speaks. I think that it was R.C.Sproul who put it best that we need messages with both SALT and LIGHT.


     Yet, as important as the above things are to me in preaching. I am struck with the simplicity of God's Word and what it sees as the most important value to an Elder's life. We can have the two things of passion and the knowledge of the Word of God but if we are not MORALLY qualified as preachers or elders, all of these things are worthless and of no value at all.


     Notice what Paul tells Timothy, about someone who wants to be an Elder. This person, "desires a noble task." Being a Pastor or an Elder of a church is something of value or is a virtuous work. Virtuous is one of those words we hear little of anymore.


     This is the reason why he now makes a list of what an overseer's (Elders) life should be marked by. We are to be men that are marked by a virtuous life. Put it simply, how can we lead others if we are not living the life that we tell others that they need to live.


     Note also in verse 2 that Paul states that we MUST be marked by this type of lifestyle. I disagree with those who say, well brother Mike these are to be goals in our lives. Trust me, there are times in which we all fail these moral qualifications, but as leaders of the church of God, we are to be men who are marked by these things.


     We are to be men who have a lifestyle that others cannot easily point out our evil. Men, who are marked by our home life with our wife and children as an example to others. Men, who are not known for their anger, but rather for their kindness. Men, who are willing to reach out to others,even to the most unlovely, even to the point of opening up our doors to them. Men, who are not known as drinkers or lovers of money. The almighty dollar will not control our choices. All of these things and more listed in verses 2-7 are to be marks of our lives. 


     By our own strength and power we will never do the above list, but by the Holy Spirit of God, we can be marked by being these type of men. We can talk about ineffective preachers because of their ability with the Word or their passionless preaching. Yet, what our Savior is most concerned about is that the Leaders of the Church of God will be MARKED MEN. Men who are empowered by the Spirit of God, living out a lifestyle that will call out to others to follow the LAMB OF GOD. May He, work within our hearts, as we seek to do this noble work.

Yes, she always does look this good. I am a HAPPY man.

Julie and Mike

Proverbs 8:10-11 ( ESV )

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¹⁰    Take my instruction instead of silver,    and knowledge rather than choice gold,

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¹¹    for wisdom is better than jewels,    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.


Imagine someone coming up to you who is willing to offer you as a gift with no strings attached, silver, gold and the finest of jewels. When you investigate the claim you find it to be totally true. This person has the ability and has at his disposal all of these things and he wants to give them to you for free. All you need to do is simply reach out and take it.


I know what you are thinking, this is just to good to be true. This can't be happening to someone like me. You would forever feel foolish if you did not take the person up on this offer.

Haddy/Mom @ Little Rock

Yet, here is where it gets even stranger. Our Father wants to give us something more precious than any of the above items. O.K, but other then my salvation what in this world could be more valuable than silver, the choicest of gold and jewels? Our answer is found right in the middle of these two verses. WISDOM.


This is not something that is hidden from God for only a select few as some people would have us to believe. No, according to the book of Proverbs our Father is shouting from the mountain tops for us to take of this gift and apply it to our lives.



Proverbs 8:1-5 ( ESV )

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¹    Does not wisdom call?    Does not understanding raise her voice?

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²    On the heights beside the way,    at the crossroads she takes her stand;

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³    beside the gates in front of the town,    at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

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⁴    “To you, O men, I call,    and my cry is to the children of man.

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⁵    O simple ones, learn prudence;    O fools, learn sense.


He even wants those of us who have been foolish and acted the part of the fool to learn and partake of wisdom. I love how he pictures wisdom as a woman who raises her voice (1) so as to be heard clearly. She stands on the heights, at the crossroads (2), beside the gates and at the entrance of the portals. (3) She calls out to us to partake of her.


The truly wise man will fear God and hate evil. (Prov. 8:13) This is one of the main marks of a wise man. A person whose heart is set aflame with a desire to please his God and who hates evil. With wisdom as part of our lives we can lead and rule justly in the matters of men. (Prov. 8:15-16) If you and I want to walk in the way of righteousness then our prayer should be, O God make me wise. ( Proverbs 8:20) Because it is a part of the very nature of our God and is one of the marks of who He is, (Proverbs 8:22-31) it should be one of the greatest treasures in the world to me.


I believe that our Father wants this to be a huge part of our life and He wants us to ask for it in our lives. We should be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves according to His Word in Matthew 10:16. Lord, I want to be wise not for my glory but for yours. Help me daily, to make what James says in your Word, a daily part of my life, for I know that you want to give me wisdom and not just give it to me but to overflowing.

Mountain Home Arkansas Area

James 1:5 ( ESV )

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⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 

Access

     I sat down in the crowded auditorium where the local Christian high school graduation was taking place. Doing my best to stay awake through it all, my attention like many in the room, was now being focused on the special speaker.What stood out to me that day was just how tall this man was from a small town called Hope. He had just won re-election as Governor after being beaten once before. Though I had not voted for him in the election, I was still impressed by his ability to communicate to the people in the room. He had a way to make you feel as though he were talking to you and to you alone. Looking around the room I saw a few state troopers who were there to watch over him. After the ceremony many would have the honor of visiting and shaking his hand. Like many, little did I realize, that Bill Clinton would one day be the President of the Untied States.

     Flash forward several years later. Julie and I were now living in Grand Junction Colorado. We had been invited to a special event down at the local courthouse. It was such a beautiful day in that part of the country. The sun was shining so brightly and there was such a clean smell in the air. President George Bush Sr. was now in town after we had just won the first Gulf War. What stood out to us that day, was the huge amount of security that had now come into our part of the world. We had to go through a screening process. On top of some of the local buildings by the courthouse, men stood with weapons and walkie- talkies. State troopers were all around the courthouse and among us. When President Bush came out upon the steps, the crowd went wild with applause. After he had spoken, he reached out to many, to visit and shake their hands. What an honor to have been in the presence of our President.

     I feel blessed as an American to have had the opportunity to  be in the presence of two Presidents. It is an honor no matter what our political persuasion is to be able to meet with our leaders. With all of that being said though, I am also reminded of the limited access that we have. These leaders do not know me personally and the possibility of them coming to have a cup of tea with me, is somewhere in the realm of ZILCH, NADA no NEVER. This is not said with disrespect, (although it would be cool if they came on by and said Hi) these men do not have any type of relationship with me. I might be able to shake their hand or visit with them for a moment, but the conversation will never be deep or long.

     When I reflect upon my lack of access to these men I am reminded of the following incredible truth. We can enter into the presence of the King of Kings. Think about this for a moment. The one who created the stars, the moon and even these men, gives me access into His presence. When Moses looked upon his backside, his face shone with the glory of God so much he had to wear a veil. When Isaiah saw Him he cried out, "Woe is me for I am undone." The apostle John had walked with Him for over three years, yet when he saw Him in heaven he fell at his feet as though he were dead. I am even more vile then they were and yet He tells me to draw nigh into His presence.

     In the Old Testament the temple represented to the people the very presence of God here on earth. They were to treat it with the greatest of all respect. A veil was placed between the Holy place and what was called the Holy of Hollies. No man could come into this room other then the High Priest. The access was limited because of His holiness. Through Christ death though, that veil has been torn, so that we may enter in. We who do not deserve to even be near Him, have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. I am now allowed to enter in and fellowship with the God of the universe.

     This is why prayer is so special to all of us. When you and I pray, we are entering past the veil. We are not talking to a mere human being but the God who loves us. Here is the best part of all, He knows me in a personal way. Warts and all He loves me and wants me to talk to Him. There are no guards around Him. I do not have to be, "In the loop." He wants me as lowly as I am, to come into His presence and reveal all of my secrets, my failures, my hopes, my request and my dreams and lay them at His feet.

     We have been invited not to see a President but to bow before the King of all Kings. I have a relationship with Him as a Son. I have access to His throne room and as a believer so do you.

Because of death upon a tree

     I woke up this morning overwhelmed by the love and mercy of God towards me. I thought of how often I fail when trials come and yet how He has never forsaken me once. I will never comprehend or fully understand His unfailing love. I wrote these words knowing that although I may not always be faithful to Him, He will always be faithful to me.

Will I walk with you through the darkest night?
 Will I speak you name when others take flight?
  What will I do when all the flames grow high?
    What shall I do if I were given a chance to hide?

How could I forget you and the scars on your back?
 Agony, you suffered as my sins are no longer tracked,
  Love, that was spilt while you bled and died for me,
   Grace, freely given because of death upon a tree.

Will I stand even when my family tells me no?
 Will I walk through the valley, fight against the foe?
   What will I do when they mock and spit in your face?
    What shall I do when I run towards you in this race?

How could I forget you and the scars on your back?
 Agony, you suffered as my sins are no longer tracked,
  Love, that was spilt while you bled and died for me,
   Grace, freely given because of death upon a tree.

You promised that you would always stand beside me,
 You promised me a Heaven that one day my eyes will see,
  You said that you would never deny me, as you plead for me,
    Your grace is freely given because of death upon a tree.

How could I forget you and the scars on your back?
 Agony, you suffered as my sins were no longer tracked,
  Love, that was spilt while you bled and died for me,
   Grace, freely given because of death upon a tree,
     Oh, your sweet grace, was freely given because of death upon a tree.

How I long for these days. :)

Two Girls

     Walking into the front room tonight I gazed at our Christmas tree for the last time. I noticed also my two girls, keeping up with one of their traditions that they have kept for years. You see, on the night before Christmas, as well as the night before we put up our Christmas stuff. they sleep on the sofas in the front room before the tree.

     They have done this for a long time. I remember a day when they were so little that they would both only take up one sofa. Tonight is not such a night, as each one pretty well takes up one sofa. They are growing up so quickly.

     I know that I don't have many more days like this. I watched over them for a few minutes. I was reminded of how time has flown by as we start this new year. I have seen their births, first steps, grade school, junior high, high school and even the oldest finishing her first semester of college. (OK don't worry I am not going to sing Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof. My sweet girls would kill me on the spot.)

     The point is, I have watched them. I have seen them fall. The girls have done wrong. The girls have even fought with each other for no reason at all. Hurtful words have gone forth and a thousand other things. Then, there are those moments you live for as a parent. I have seen them share and care for others. As a Dad, I have never been prouder of them then when they have taken stands for the Lord. I have also tried to be there for them when those stands have even cost them their friends. I want to hold them and care for them even more.

     Looking at them on the sofas, like a lot of Fathers, I dread seeing them get older. The Lord knows that I don't want to let them go away. Like you, I have seen the world and sometimes how cruel it can be. The other side of the story as strange as it sounds, I want them to go. They are no longer girls but young women of God. I get excited when I hear about their dreams. I want them to make an impact on the world for Jesus. I want them to mature, fall in love and be all that the Lord wants them to be.

     As a father, I have purposed in my heart to root for them. I will always love them no matter where they go, or even what they will do. They are Julie's and my life. They are our greatest joy. I am willing to talk to anyone about them at any time. No matter how old they get they will always be my two girls.

     By now, you have probably figured out where I am going with all of this. You see, we have a Father who has always been looking over us. We were not His children at first. We were born into an entirely different family. Our first father hated us, abused us, mocked us and made us into slaves. The incredible part though is we loved him and gave ourselves totally to him, We hated this other Father who looked upon us with love.

     Amazingly as it sounds the Father still cried out for us. He called us and when we received Him, we were adopted into His family. We are now no longer children of Hell but children of God. He is with us and has seen us grow up before Him. He has seen our first steps, seen our infancy, seen us through our rebellions and even when we fall. Yet, through all of this He still loves us.

     He is crazy about us as His children. What joy it brings to Him when He sees us take our stands. What a blast to hear Him say, "Well done." He rejoices over us with singing. He prepares our meals before us. He guides us and is rooting for us in Heaven to finish the race well.

     I know that I am not a perfect father. OK, there are times I am not even a good father. I mess up, become selfish, sin and blow it with my girls. Yet, the beauty of it all is that these two young women of God do have a perfect Father. He will always do what is right for them. He will always cherish them. They can always put their hands into His hand and know that He will take care of them.

Hadassah and Hannah