Daily Devotion Time: James 2:18

Back in college, my wife and I were part of a youth group that travelled to different churches and performed skits that illustrated certain Biblical concepts. In one of those skits, my wife portrayed a lady who was on trial for being a Christian. In the skit, her case was dismissed for lack of evidence.

James 2:18 says "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (Italics added for emphasis).

The Bible is very clear that salvation is by God's grace through our faith apart from any works. Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, and Romans 3 all speak to this, as well as many other verses of scripture. You are saved by grace through faith, without works.

However, when it comes to works, many people get uneasy. If you preach that saved people ought to have works to show for their salvation, some will turn away, quoting Ephesians 2:8-9, and saying that you ought not preach works.

Works do not save, but saved people have works. It is a Biblical concept. You don't work to get saved, you work because you are saved. Jesus said you would know men, and specifically false prophets, by their fruits. Their fruits are their works. (Matthew 7:16)

Hebrews 11 is full of people who were saved by grace through faith, but their faith motivated them to action. The entire book of James was written to demonstrate that if you really have faith, your actions will show it.

Even our favorite verses in Ephesians 2:8-9 have a followup. We all know that Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace through faith that ye are saved, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast." How many people know Ephesians 2:10, which says "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Your faith should be shown in your actions... but does that mean you have to work to show your faith? Not so much. If you have faith, you know Christ as your savior, and you live the spirit-led life, your works will be an expression of who you are... not efforts made to show how good you are.

Basically, what is in your heart will be shown in how you act. Trust the Lord, invite Him into your heart. Then let your life just be an expression of who you are. May God bless you.

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

I don't know if I'm getting old, or if my schedule is getting busier, but I sure am glad that it's Friday, and that I have no appointments or committments today or tomorrow.

I sold some advertising this week, so it looks like KSTA might be coming out of the advertising slump that we briefly endured in March.

Now time to start work on my sermon.

Leland's talk-radio playtime

Friday, I got the opportunity to fill in on the "Coming Home" program on News/Talk 96.9 KXYL in Brownwood. Among the highlights was the interview with former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski (pictured right).

Bill was quite prolific in the NFL, and was known for making big hits, both on his opponents and team mates. Some of the highlights from the interview were:

Leland: Would it be safe to assume you enjoyed playing linebacker?
Bill: Oh, heck yes!
Leland: What was your favorite part?
Bill: Knocking the (daylights) out of people.


Leland: Some of your critics would say that you took some cheap shots at people.
Bill: You know what? I did. I really did... people go to football games to see the big hits... where do you draw the line on what a cheap shot is?
Leland: To quote a famous philosopher, that's above my pay grade.

Leland: What's your opinion on the NFL's personal conduct policy?
Bill: Roger Goodell's doing a good job... you take the situation with Plaxico Burress. What does he have a gun in a nightclub for?
Leland: He'll tell you for protection and quote Shawn Taylor.
Bill: You know what? You hire a body guard.
Leland: Then you wind up throwing him through a hotel mirror.
Bill: I think Goodell is doing a good job.
Leland: At least these guys still have a future with the Dallas Cowboys.

I let my operations manager, and regular host of "Coming Home" ask Bill about his BALCO scandal and his Nutrition 53 company. Talk radio is a lot of fun.

An amazing end to an amazing week

This week has been totally awesome. Here are a few reasons why:

• I was approved for state missions support.
• We had 17 on Wednesday evening at Market Place.
• We had 20 in our Sunday services at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II.
• I have sold a personal record amount of advertising this week, despite being absent 2 1/2 days.
• I think we are about to have our first additions.

Concerning the group at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II, they are already getting excited about getting involved. One lady wants to bring cakes and coffee for Sunday mornings, while several others want to start a children's ministry. Some even asked about tithing.

Last night, I preached at Northcrest MBC in Andrews, TX. I'm really excited about the work God is doing there as well. They have offered support in getting our children's Bible clubs started.

Status Report

I seem to be falling off my blogging lately, hopefully you'll understand that I am working to honor my commitments to the Lord, my brethren, my employers and my family.

For those who are wondering how things are going, here are some highlights and lowlights:

• Home Bible Studies are going horribly. Attendance is non-existant. My neighbors have been experiencing health problems which has been preventing their attendance, and we have been unable to draw anyone else in. We have moved the studies to the evenings to allow for people to get up in the morning. We are also trying to bribe them with dinner, but to no avail.
• The results of home Bible studies have flustered my Sunday morning plans. The idea was to assemble a few (2 or 3, including my own) families, then launch. However, since this has not materialized, I am forced to adjust my plans. Today, I will be meeting with the manager of an apartment complex to see about having Sunday services in their community room.
• I am meeting with a prospective helper/partner next week about helping us reach the people of Brownwood.
• Market Place services seem to be rebounding, with 17 in attendance last Wednesday, with a visiting minister. Something about me leaving draws numbers.... (that's an inside joke, those who know my history with Denson Springs will get it.)
• Work is going well, but the recent downturn in the economy and the presidential race has stifled any revenue growth I thought I would bring to the table so far. If things don't get better soon, my 4th quarter revenues may actually come in behind last year's, which will be a huge embarrassment for me. Other than that, things are going well. I am planning on partnering with the Cub Scouts for a food drive utilizing the radio's airwaves to drum up support.
• I will be seeking half salary at the state meeting in Henderson in November. I look forward to seeing you and fellowshipping with you there. If anyone has any questions about my work, I am available to discuss them with you between now and then. Just call me at 325-200-8531, or email gracepointembc@aol.com. Or, you can ask me on the floor of the meeting. It's just that the latter option makes me nervous.

Mission: Brownwood has added some supporting churches over the past couple of months. I would like to welcome Bassett Road MBC of Palestine, Memory Lane MBC of Palestine and Salmon MBC of Elkhart. I enjoy a friendship with the church at Bassett Road which dates back to my days as youth director at Vanderbilt Baptist Church in Tyler, a mission co-sponsored by Bassett Road. I have enjoyed a friendship with Memory Lane since preaching there one Sunday during my second year of seminary.

Salmon MBC of Elkhart, TX will always be special to me, as that church partnered with us for Vacation Bible School and nursing home ministries when I pastored at Denson Springs MBC. I have never seen two churches that were such close friends.

Work is going well

Things are going well at KSTA. Today, my interview with Coleman County Judge Jimmie Hobbs aired during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show. Tomorrow, I interview the director of the Chamber of Commerce, and i interview the school superintendent Friday.

Ad sales are going well. It's way easier to sell out here than in East Texas.

It's in the Lord's hands

We have canvassed every door at the Sunset/Terrace complex of the Brownwood Housing Authority, put up a giant banner outside the community center, and had lots of one-on-one interaction with the local children.

We have been blessed with committments from volunteers, have plenty of material to get us through the first few weeks of VBS. Response in the community has been good, but that does not always result in good turnout. Never the less, we are doing VBS for God's glory, not our own. Whether we have 10 or 100 children, we will have VBS every Saturday, ministering to whatever children we have.

I'm hoping things go well. After talking with my pastor, Bro. Charles Swilling, we have decided to forego renting the building. Even though the rent is a good rate, we feel it would be best to take more time to build a core group before we make such a move. We have also decided to see how things go in the apartments this month to see if apartment ministries wouldn't be a better way to get started in Brownwood.

Speaking of apartments... my wife has landed a job as the recreation director of two apartment complexes in Brownwood. Look for more developments on this in the near future.

Things are going well at KSTA. I officially took over as station manager today and have already sold $2,250 worth of advertising.

I'm a little nervous right now. I have moved out here to Brownwood, accepted a ministry and a position and have not left myself a safety net. Basically, I have a slight fear of failure. This fear of failure motivates me to keep moving and trying.

Hey, if you myspace, check out my myspace page and send me a friends request. This is another tool I am using to network with people in the Brownwood area.

God bless,

Leland

It all goes down Monday!!!!

I will host Coleman County This Morning on Radio 1000 KSTA-AM in Coleman, TX. After next week, I'll continue to co-host the show with out-going Station Manager Daniel Stovall, before taking over as Station Manager on August 1.

Things are getting exciting

Spoke to the sales manager and my new supervisor at KPSM radio in Brownwood. The crew there seems to be really excited that I am joining the staff.

I am also waiting on the documentation of employment so we can close on the house. This deal still has not been finalized, but I feel that it will and I am really excited at the possibilities.

In September 2007, there was no movement toward a new church going into Brownwood, yet today, it seems as if it will be a real possibility very soon. God is opening so many doors, and while he has not paved my way with golden bricks, I know that the road follows his will over the hills on the horizon. It is just amazing to watch everything fall into place.

As soon as we get closed on the house, we'll begin moving in. Once those plans have been finalized, we will begin meeting with our prospect families and looking for meeting facilities.

Jessica and I have located a wonderful meeting facility, which I will share the details with you later. If this facility is to be used to launch the new church, we will need God's help through you to make it a reality. Jessica and I are going to pray about it more, then we'll try to involve you.

I can't wait. Let's get it started!

Job offered

KPSM offered me an advertising sales position. They offered an above average commission with no base salary. Basically, if I sell well, then I'll be better off. If I don't sell, I have no safety net.

Still, I think this will be a great position for me. Now it's all a matter of getting the housing deal done.

To work, or not to work

I interviewed with a Christian station in Brownwood, who said they could use me in advertising sales. We discussed what I could bring to the organization, and they even had me fill out a W4 and several other employment papers.

Still, I have not been able to solidify a position yet. I am praying that God resolves this with His best option by Monday.

Mission Brownwood March 08 Report

March 2008 Report

God is continuing to open doors in Brownwood, Texas

Progress continues to be made toward getting onto the field in Brownwood, Texas. As it stands now, Jessica and I placed a down payment on a four bedroom, two bath home just one block away from Brownwood High School, a Class 4A school located in Brownwood’s “Southside” neighborhood, the largest residential area in Brownwood. The fourth bedroom opens to the outside with double doors and is suitable for holding services for a small group.

Employment developments are also happening, as the editor of the local newspaper still expresses an interest in hiring me. I followed up with some of the local radio stations, one group said I could consider myself hired, the local Christian station will interview me next week. For those who are reading these reports for the first time, I have an extended resume in newspaper and radio communications, including news reporting, editing, on-air work and advertising sales.

Response continues to be enthusiastic from the local community about the prospect of a new church launching in the area.

Deputation report

Deputation continues through May, as I will relocate to the field as soon as school lets out. My goal is to get the work started June 1. I will not be available for deputation after June 1. In the early days of a new work, I believe consistency is key, which can not be attained if I am continually absent for deputation appointments. If you are interested in having me present Mission: Brownwood to your church, call me at (903) 625-1005.

During March, we visited with Texas Avenue MBC of Abilene, TX, and Memory Lane MBC of Palestine, TX. We enjoyed great fellowship with both churches. Visiting the churches of our association continues to be a source of encouragement for me.

Financials

Bassett Road Baptist Church (Palestine, TX) - $1,000 (for facility rental)
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo, TX) $69.72
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Texas Ave. MBC (Abilene, TX) $200
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $200

Expenditures:

Gasoline $170
Vehicle Maintenance $375
Postage $15.58
Housing $5,000

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Leland Acker
Missionary to Brownwood, TX
(903) 625-1005

Another holding pattern

As I typically do, I have completed the front page and jump page of the Cherokeean Herald hours ahead of deadline, except for one detail. I have to take a picture at noon of a blue-ribbon child abuse awareness rally, then place that picture on the jump page. When that is accomplished, we're ready for press.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some developments with you concerning Mission: Brownwood and my weekend activities. The house looks like it will be financed, the company we're working with continues to assure us of that. I would like you to be in prayer for our sales rep, though, as she lost her husband to cancer last week.

Wendlee Broadcasting has told me that I have a job there, but we haven't settled on salary or duties yet. I'll follow up with them later this week.

Sunday evening, I will preach at the Missions Revival at Bethel MBC in Tatum. I am working on a sermon based on the events of Judges 7 where Gideon had raised an army, but then God told him to send the troops home, so Israel would know God delivered them, and not their army. More on that later. I have to get back to work.

The further adventures of Leland Acker

Wednesday, my bosses told me to take back some of the extra time I've been putting into my work. So, I jumped in the car with a folder full of resumes and canvassed Brownwood in search of gainful employment. Here's how my day went.

The Goldthwaite Eagle
The Eagle is a weekly paper published in the small town of Goldthwaite, which is approximately 30 miles east of Brownwood. (Goldthwaite is one of the areas I plan to go into after the initial Brownwood mission gets organized.) It turns out, the owners of the Eagle are friends with my current bosses. They and our late owner used to interact through the Texas Press Association and have even swapped equipment on occasion. They said they might use me for free-lance work.

KPSM 99.3
KPSM "The Rock" 99.3 FM is a contemporary christian station in Brownwood. The program director and sales manager were glad to meet me, but the person in charge of hiring was out. After a few minutes of good fellowship, I left my resume and moved on.

Wendlee Broadcasting
"Let's just say you have a job here," the owner of Wendlee (KXYL-FM, KQBZ-FM, KXYL-AM and Kix 1000) said. Still undecided, an exact salary figure and job description. They requested I send them a tape of my work, which I will do today.

KYOX-FM
KYOX "94.3 The Ox" is a Texas Music station out of Comanche, TX (another small town 30 miles away that I hope to expand Mission: Brownwood into.) KYOX has a good signal over Brownwood. The staff and management was friendly, but I'm not sure they really have an opening.

The Brownwood Bulletin is still undecided.

What, I have some down time?!!!! Something must be wrong!

Wow! We have finished out 32-page tabloid magazine on the Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show for the Cherokeean Herald. I'm amazed we turned this entire project over in a day. I went to the show and took pictures, while writing one article. My managing editor did most of the pagination.

I still have a school board meeting to cover tonight, and a softball game (#2 Rusk vs. #3 Hudson) to broadcast tomorrow night, but I might get out of the Wednesday night game between Alto and Chireno. If that happens, I'll skip town for the day and head to Brownwood to continue my job hunt. My next target is the local Christian station. Maybe they'd be interested in a man who is passionate for God with the capabilities of working on-air, doing production and selling ads. (I can do promotions too! I don't do windows.)

Saturday was an interesting day. Jessica and I arrived at the soccer fields at 11 a.m. None of our parents were there, so Jessica teamed up with Rachel and I teamed up with Josh and we played 2-on-2 soccer. Josh and I were winning until I slipped on the wet ground and severely sprained my wrist. It's healing up nicely.

Our soccer day had more mixed results. My team (the Bumblebees) won 8-5 over the Jaguars. My wife didn't know her team's score (I had to work during that game), but she said, "I think we lost."

So, the Bumblebees are now 4-0 while the Purple Sky are 2-2 on the season.

The housing process is still going slowly. We've put down earnest money, but the mortgage companies are not responding with solid financial offers. I hope the deal goes through, but fear that it might fall through.

Comings and goings

I probably won't get to do much blogging until the end of next week. I have to spend this weekend covering the Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show. Today, I will spend much of the day at the show, then coach my soccer team's practice tonight. Tomorrow, I'll be at the show all day before broadcasting a baseball game tomorrow night. Saturday, I'll be at the show, coach a soccer game at 11:30, then go to the office to place all of my pictures and information on the pages in the newspaper. Monday, I'll have work and school board. Tuesday it's work and softball. Thursday it will be work and soccer practice. Friday, it's work and baseball. So, for the next week, it will be 12-18 hour days. Yes, I will be taking some time off after it is done.

See you in Brownwood.

Oh, by the way, we placed our earnest money down on the house in Brownwood, and we've submitted our financial documents to get final approval on the mortgage. It looks like this deal is going to happen!

Election night (Leland stays undefeated, for now)

We're done by 10:20???? WOW!!!!

I handled the newspaper advertising for two candidates.

My Commissioners Court candidate won his primary race with 55% of the vote. He defeated both of his opponents and avoided the run-off. He does not have an opponent in the general election, so the job is his.

My Constable candidate "won" his election by four votes, but the military ballots have not been counted, yet. However, if his victory stands, he will have an opponent in the general election. Furthermore, if his victory stands, I remain undefeated in the political campaigns for which I take a part in. The campaigns for which I designed the ads and ad schedules have never lost, ever! I began doing this in 2002.

Maybe one day I'll run my own campaign.

Slow day

Things are moving slowly at The Cherokeean Herald today. We all came in at lunch, and are passing the time waiting on tonight's election coverage. (Think of it as extended pregame ceremonies).

That being the case, I have lots of time to think about Mission: Brownwood, and the fact that, while I can see where things are going, I am having difficulty in nailing down secure plans.

I have an actively interested employer, but they have not committed to me yet.

I have two or three possible meeting venues, but we have not been able to secure reservations yet.

The housing question is still up in the air.

It would be nice if the way before me was as simple as following the yellow brick road. But I'm not out to meet a wizard, neither am I planning on hanging around with any scarecrows. God is using this time to teach me patience, experience and hope... and I hope to get this work started soon.

Even in the absence of a yellow brick road, I know that God is going before me, preparing the way for His work.

Stay tuned

Sorry for the week-long hiatus from blogging. I took a trip to Brownwood this weekend, which means that I had to double-up on the work-load this past week.

Coming up this week:

-The monthly Mission: Brownwood report.

-NEWS: A meeting location has been found. I'll brief you as soon as the final arrangements have been made.

-More info on the VBS/Launch project.

-More Mission: Brownwood planning.

-Devotional thoughts from God's Word.

In the news

You don't mind if I share some of my secular work with you, do you?

I am continuing my series on Running the Race from Hebrews 12:1-2 in my weekly column in the Cherokeean Herald. This week's column has to do with Christian heritage, as we study the link between Hebrews 12:1 and the Faith Hall of Fame (a.k.a. the Faith Ring of Honor) in Hebrews 11.

My coverage of the search for a new football coach in Rusk has been picked up by The Old Coach Network. My latest story is here. It also ran on the Cherokeean Herald's online edition here.

Of course, no reading of the paper would be complete without perusing the Sports page.