Jessica and I will be traveling toward Abilene tomorrow. We plan to stop through Brownwood tomorrow and possibly stay at Lake Brownwood for the evening. Tonight, we enjoyed some time with the kids before we send them to their grandparents.
My daughter Rachel and I went to Chili's, while Jessica and the boys went to DQ (It was her idea.) Rachel and I talked like we have not talked for a long time. She's really growing up fast (and she's only 7). Later, Jessica and I switched, and I took the boys home while the women shopped at Wal Mart. I'm really blessed to have her in my life and be a part of her life.
It was awesome to get to spend time with my kids... and it will be awesome to spend time with my wife tomorrow. One of the hardest things about ministry is balancing the Lord's work with your family. It is easy to get so distracted with ministry, sermon preparation, deputation travel, blogs, etc that we neglect our families. God has blessed me with a wonderful family and I hope to take good care of them.
Have a great night. God bless you all.
Friday, November 30, 2007
A month for worship
I have been getting good responses from my latest column in the Cherokeean Herald, so I thought I'd share it with you.
FROM THE TOP
By LELAND ACKER
Well, the turkey is in the fridge, other turkeys remain on Capitol hill and the football games have been played. Thanksgiving was well celebrated in my household and I pray the same was true for you.
The passing of Thanksgiving used to mark the beginning of the Christmas season. Radio stations dropped their regular playlists to include Christmas music. Lighting ceremonies were prominent in local cities and communities. Christmas parades filled our main streets and people got into the spirit of the season.
The day after Thanksgiving goes mostly unnoticed these days due to the fact that Christmas decor and merchandise finds the store shelf before Halloween. The only indication of a Christmas season kickoff the day after Thanksgiving now is the mad rush at the malls at 6 a.m.
Such a shift in our culture does not bother me so much, as long as the reason for the season continues to be observed. If retailers and commercial entities want to extend the Christmas season to three months (October, November and December), I have no objection. My only concern is that we remember why we celebrate Christmas.
Therefore, by the power that has not really been vested in me, I declare Nov. 23-Dec. 31 a national month of worship. We should worship God for the great things He has done. He founded this nation. Think about it. The pilgrims on the Mayflower should not have survived that voyage (statistically speaking). The Continental Army should not have been able to defeat the all-powerful British army to win America's independence, then do it again in the War of 1812.
The odds of these events taking place are very remote, yet our forefathers emerged victorious, and knew they had divine intervention to make it possible. (If you disagree, read President George Washington's Proclamation of Thanksgiving.) God raises up nations to accomplish His will and He puts nations down. We have been blessed to be a nation that He raised up... and it wasn't because we were so worthy either. It was by His grace and for His purpose.
In addition to prospering our nation, He kept His promises of salvation by sending His only begotten Son into the world so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
The theme of this column for the coming weeks will center around why we should designate this month for worship.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Mary and Joseph
Have you ever stopped and thought about the amount of faith Mary and Joseph had?
Matthew 1:19 says, "Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily."
Joseph was a just man. Romans 1:17 says the just shall live by faith.
Luke 1:30 "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."
In order to find favor with God, in order to please Him, you must have faith. Faith is a pre-requisie for pleasing God. (Hebrews 11:6)
So, the Bible alludes to the fact that Mary and Joseph were people of faith... not just religious people, but people whose faith was strong and deeply rooted in the Lord. (Faith, remember, is a deep-rooted trust and conviction of the truth of anything. Faith toward God means knowing that He is, that He is Who He says He is, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)).
Mary and Joseph's faith would be put to the test during the nine months of pregnancy and birth of Jesus Christ. (In all honesty, it would be tested throughout His childhood too - not that Jesus was a hard Child to rear, but can you imagine the responsibility of rearing the only begotten Son of God?)
For Mary, her faith meant making a trip to see Elisabeth after God told her through the angel that she was expecting. (It's hard traveling with an expectant mother in today's world, can you imagine how it was back then?) Her faith meant being an expecting mother before marriage. (What will the others think?) Her faith meant traveling to Bethlehem and giving birth in a stable. (Is this sanitary?) It meant getting up and moving to Egypt on a moment's notice. (I need more time to pack.) Her faith meant freaking out when she lost track of Him in Jerusalem when He was 12. It meant following His ministry, and watching Him be crucified on the Cross. It meant trusting God through all of that!
For Joseph, His faith meant marrying a woman who was already having a Baby. It meant not divorcing her or stoning her. It meant being responsible for providing for the mother of Christ and the Son of God. It meant having to take special steps to protect them. It meant teaching that Son how to be a carpenter.
Notice, both Mary and Joseph had faith before God called them to rear His Son. Now, I've heard it said when someone is going through a tough time... "God is building my faith." Nope. He's building your patience and hope (Romans 5). No, faith building is your job.
Do you want to be part of something special in God's kingdom? You have to have faith. How do you get faith? Through reading and studying the Word of God. (Romans 10:17- faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.)
Get in the Word, as much as possible. In doing so, your faith will be increased and God will use you for something awesome.
Matthew 1:19 says, "Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily."
Joseph was a just man. Romans 1:17 says the just shall live by faith.
Luke 1:30 "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."
In order to find favor with God, in order to please Him, you must have faith. Faith is a pre-requisie for pleasing God. (Hebrews 11:6)
So, the Bible alludes to the fact that Mary and Joseph were people of faith... not just religious people, but people whose faith was strong and deeply rooted in the Lord. (Faith, remember, is a deep-rooted trust and conviction of the truth of anything. Faith toward God means knowing that He is, that He is Who He says He is, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)).
Mary and Joseph's faith would be put to the test during the nine months of pregnancy and birth of Jesus Christ. (In all honesty, it would be tested throughout His childhood too - not that Jesus was a hard Child to rear, but can you imagine the responsibility of rearing the only begotten Son of God?)
For Mary, her faith meant making a trip to see Elisabeth after God told her through the angel that she was expecting. (It's hard traveling with an expectant mother in today's world, can you imagine how it was back then?) Her faith meant being an expecting mother before marriage. (What will the others think?) Her faith meant traveling to Bethlehem and giving birth in a stable. (Is this sanitary?) It meant getting up and moving to Egypt on a moment's notice. (I need more time to pack.) Her faith meant freaking out when she lost track of Him in Jerusalem when He was 12. It meant following His ministry, and watching Him be crucified on the Cross. It meant trusting God through all of that!
For Joseph, His faith meant marrying a woman who was already having a Baby. It meant not divorcing her or stoning her. It meant being responsible for providing for the mother of Christ and the Son of God. It meant having to take special steps to protect them. It meant teaching that Son how to be a carpenter.
Notice, both Mary and Joseph had faith before God called them to rear His Son. Now, I've heard it said when someone is going through a tough time... "God is building my faith." Nope. He's building your patience and hope (Romans 5). No, faith building is your job.
Do you want to be part of something special in God's kingdom? You have to have faith. How do you get faith? Through reading and studying the Word of God. (Romans 10:17- faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.)
Get in the Word, as much as possible. In doing so, your faith will be increased and God will use you for something awesome.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
In defense of the virgin birth of Christ
With Christmas fast approaching, I fully expect the Discovery, Learning and History channels to be littered with special presentations on Jesus of Nazareth. From my experience in watching said programs, most will analyze archaelogical evidence seeking to disprove what the Bible teaches and we believe about the birth of Christ.
One belief that is sure to come under fire is the fact that Jesus Christ was born to Mary, who was a virgin... meaning she had not had relations with any man.
I, for one, still believe in the virgin birth. Here's why.
As mentioned earlier in my blog, Isaiah 7:14 says the LORD Himself shall give us a sign, that a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and call His name Immanuel (Which is interpreted as God with us.) In addition to being explicitly described as a virgin giving birth, this verse also teaches that the birth of Christ would be a one-of-a-kind event.
Now, the scientific mind will have trouble comprehending the conception of a child without the "knowing of a man" on Mary's part. Mary, in Luke 1, had the same objection. Here's how the angel responded:
Luke 1:35-37 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
The angel first explained to Mary how she would conceive. The Holy Ghost would form the child in her womb. Then, in verse 36, I think the angel was basically saying, "And if you can't believe that, check this out! You barren cousin Elisabeth is also having a baby."
The most profound statement then comes in verse 37, "For with God, nothing is impossible."
I wrote a series of columns in The Cherokeean Herald newspaper of Rusk, TX (of which I am a full time writer and columnist) which defended creationism... you know, God created the earth in six literal days and rested on the seventh. The million year old ice age fossils are really from a world wide flood 4,400 years ago... you get the idea.
A man then sent a letter to the editor saying such a position was one of a thick-headed person. He contended that it was easy to just have faith and say "God did it." It took science and reason to figure out how. But that's the point... we can't figure out how God does things. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than ours. All we need to know is that with God, nothing is impossible. This great big world was created in six days, because God spoke it into existence... it is not impossible. A virgin gave birth to Christ... it is not impossible. With God, nothing is impossible.
Now, having made a feeble attempt to defend the virgin birth of Christ, let's look at its importance. First of all, if Christ was conceived the way we were, by a man and a woman, then Luke 1 is inaccurate and can no longer be viewed as scripture, which makes the entire book of Luke suspect, as well as the book of Acts.
If the book of Luke is inaccurate in that Christ was born of a virgin, then we must also discard John 3:16, which says God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son.... A begotten son is one that is a blood relative. Joshua and J.J. are my begotten sons. If I adopt, that adopted child is not begotten. So, if Christ were the son of a man, then He is not begotten by God, which means that God did not give His only begotten Son, which would make John 3:16 false. Thus, the entire book of John would then have to be rejected as scripture. Eventually through this process, the entire Bible would be rejected as scripture. Therefore, if we accept the Bible as scripture, the inspired Word of God, then we have to accept the virgin birth of Christ. Otherwise, we deny His very nature and existence.
What about scientific evidence? What did Jesus say to Thomas? Blessed are those who believe without seeing. Sometimes, you just have to have faith and believe God.
Luke 1 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14, and that is the beauty of studying both the Old and New Testaments. You can see the promise, then see the promise fulfilled.
God bless you. Have a merry CHRISTmas.
One belief that is sure to come under fire is the fact that Jesus Christ was born to Mary, who was a virgin... meaning she had not had relations with any man.
I, for one, still believe in the virgin birth. Here's why.
As mentioned earlier in my blog, Isaiah 7:14 says the LORD Himself shall give us a sign, that a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and call His name Immanuel (Which is interpreted as God with us.) In addition to being explicitly described as a virgin giving birth, this verse also teaches that the birth of Christ would be a one-of-a-kind event.
Now, the scientific mind will have trouble comprehending the conception of a child without the "knowing of a man" on Mary's part. Mary, in Luke 1, had the same objection. Here's how the angel responded:
Luke 1:35-37 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
The angel first explained to Mary how she would conceive. The Holy Ghost would form the child in her womb. Then, in verse 36, I think the angel was basically saying, "And if you can't believe that, check this out! You barren cousin Elisabeth is also having a baby."
The most profound statement then comes in verse 37, "For with God, nothing is impossible."
I wrote a series of columns in The Cherokeean Herald newspaper of Rusk, TX (of which I am a full time writer and columnist) which defended creationism... you know, God created the earth in six literal days and rested on the seventh. The million year old ice age fossils are really from a world wide flood 4,400 years ago... you get the idea.
A man then sent a letter to the editor saying such a position was one of a thick-headed person. He contended that it was easy to just have faith and say "God did it." It took science and reason to figure out how. But that's the point... we can't figure out how God does things. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than ours. All we need to know is that with God, nothing is impossible. This great big world was created in six days, because God spoke it into existence... it is not impossible. A virgin gave birth to Christ... it is not impossible. With God, nothing is impossible.
Now, having made a feeble attempt to defend the virgin birth of Christ, let's look at its importance. First of all, if Christ was conceived the way we were, by a man and a woman, then Luke 1 is inaccurate and can no longer be viewed as scripture, which makes the entire book of Luke suspect, as well as the book of Acts.
If the book of Luke is inaccurate in that Christ was born of a virgin, then we must also discard John 3:16, which says God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son.... A begotten son is one that is a blood relative. Joshua and J.J. are my begotten sons. If I adopt, that adopted child is not begotten. So, if Christ were the son of a man, then He is not begotten by God, which means that God did not give His only begotten Son, which would make John 3:16 false. Thus, the entire book of John would then have to be rejected as scripture. Eventually through this process, the entire Bible would be rejected as scripture. Therefore, if we accept the Bible as scripture, the inspired Word of God, then we have to accept the virgin birth of Christ. Otherwise, we deny His very nature and existence.
What about scientific evidence? What did Jesus say to Thomas? Blessed are those who believe without seeing. Sometimes, you just have to have faith and believe God.
Luke 1 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14, and that is the beauty of studying both the Old and New Testaments. You can see the promise, then see the promise fulfilled.
God bless you. Have a merry CHRISTmas.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
God's zeal for us
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
There is a lot in this passage... but what I want to focus in is the last sentence in verse 7.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The word zeal, when compared back to the Hebrew word it was translated from, means "jealous, jealousy." What was God jealous for, and who was He jealous of? The Bible teaches that God is jealous for His people (Deuteronomy 6:15). He wants us... He wants to be the "center of our universe." He wants us to adore Him, think about Him, love Him, get to know Him, learn of Him and do things according to His will.
What is God jealous of? All those things that prevent us from placing Him first and foremost in our lives. There are the usual suspects, television, the pursuit of wealth and self-actualization, etc. For me, it is the career ambitions (newspaper & radio), recreation time, sports and TV. All are fine and good, until they come between me and my devotion time with God.
How jealous is God? Enough to give His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). How jealous was Christ? Enough to submit Himself to being born in a stable to an impoverished couple, living as a homeless man while teaching the people, then dying one of the most horrible deaths for our sins (Romans 5:8).
God is jealous for us. The question then becomes, how jealous are we for God. I fear that God is so faithful, many times we take Him for granted. To do so is a sin, and we must repent of that sin and get back to centering our lives around God. That is what He wants, and that is what He has wanted from the beginning.
The Christmas story only exists because God wanted us so much, that He came to earth in the form of a man so that He could lead the perfect example and die for our sins. God wants us... what are we willing to do to live for Him?
There is a lot in this passage... but what I want to focus in is the last sentence in verse 7.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The word zeal, when compared back to the Hebrew word it was translated from, means "jealous, jealousy." What was God jealous for, and who was He jealous of? The Bible teaches that God is jealous for His people (Deuteronomy 6:15). He wants us... He wants to be the "center of our universe." He wants us to adore Him, think about Him, love Him, get to know Him, learn of Him and do things according to His will.
What is God jealous of? All those things that prevent us from placing Him first and foremost in our lives. There are the usual suspects, television, the pursuit of wealth and self-actualization, etc. For me, it is the career ambitions (newspaper & radio), recreation time, sports and TV. All are fine and good, until they come between me and my devotion time with God.
How jealous is God? Enough to give His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). How jealous was Christ? Enough to submit Himself to being born in a stable to an impoverished couple, living as a homeless man while teaching the people, then dying one of the most horrible deaths for our sins (Romans 5:8).
God is jealous for us. The question then becomes, how jealous are we for God. I fear that God is so faithful, many times we take Him for granted. To do so is a sin, and we must repent of that sin and get back to centering our lives around God. That is what He wants, and that is what He has wanted from the beginning.
The Christmas story only exists because God wanted us so much, that He came to earth in the form of a man so that He could lead the perfect example and die for our sins. God wants us... what are we willing to do to live for Him?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Mission Brownwood Nov. 2007 report
Since I don't anticipate having a deputation appointment Wednesday, I fugured I'd go ahead and file this report early. November has been a month of blessings and anxieties for Jessica and me. We are really eager to get to Brownwood and begin the work there.
Rocky Springs Sponsorship update
The Sunday evening prior to the state meeting, Bro. Charles Swilling, pastor of Rocky Springs MBC, my home church, announced to the church that he would like to have Bro. Marion Reed come to Rocky and explain the responsibilities of being a sponsoring church. He expressed that he would like to see Rocky be my sponsoring church, but he wanted to proceed slowly and know what was expected going into the mission project. This will be Bro. Swilling's first time pastoring a sponsoring church and my first time being a missionary. So, we'll have two "rookies" at mission work working together (Actually, I'll need to find a better way to say that. Bro. Swilling is not a rookie at anything).
Bro. Reed agreed to come to Rocky on Dec. 16. The church will then vote on the issue of sponsorship after the first of the year.
Bro. Swilling also asked me to think about what I'd expect from a sponsoring church. This has bothered me because I have not really thought about what to ask for other than their endorsement, prayer, some financial help and encouragement. I'm really praying about this. I welcome any advice or suggestions on this issue.
Bro. Swilling also said he would also like to see me well supported, and that he would welcome any church with "more reserves" to consider sponsoring me. So, therefore, I am still including a sponsoring church on my list of needs.
Brownwood Employment
I corresponded with my potential employers today to learn that my application is still being funnelled through the proper channels. They are still interested, I am still interested. Please pray for this. Full time employment gets me to the field faster, while being completely supported by my sister churches gives me more ministry time. As Paul would say, "I am in a strait betwixt the two." At the present time, though, I think employment is the better option. More people to meet, more financial stability, quicker arrival time on the field.
On the Road
Jessica and I have been blessed to visit with the 58th Ave. MBC of Amarillo, Walnut St. Baptist Church of Hillsboro and the North Loop MBC of Crockett.
58th Ave. went above and beyond in providing for our travel needs, blessed us with a fine meal, and just blessed us in ways I can not even describe to you. They also gave us a generous offering. 58th Ave. has a dedicated pastor in Bro. Nathan Simmons. They have embarked on a mission project of their own, sponsoring Bro. Daniel Davis as the MBSF director at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX. The WTAMU MBSF is an upstart fellowship, and Bro. Davis really needs your prayers and support. He will do a good job ministering to those students. I strongly recommend supporting his ministry.
I was honored to be invited to share the work in Brownwood with Walnut St. Baptist Church. Bro. Clark invited me during the state meeting and I got to visit with them the Sunday Evening following the state meeting. It was my first experience with powerpoint, and they were very patient with me.
North Loop MBC is a church that has a special place in my heart. My visit to North Loop this past week was the third visit in two years, and it is almost like I am family there. They gave my wife and I a generous love offering and Bro. Dennis Lowery (pastor) invited us to his house for some homemade chili.
Upcoming Deputation Appointments
Dec. 2 - A.M. Service (open)
P.M. Service - Wyndrock MBC, Abilene, TX
Dec. 9 - open
Dec. 16 - open
Dec. 23 - unavailable
Dec. 30 - A.M. Service - Landmark MBC, Floresville, TX
Jan. 6 - A.M. Service - open
P.M. Service - Ebenezer MBC, Henderson, TX
Jan. 13 - A.M. Service - Texas Ave. MBC, Abilene, TX
P.M. Service - open
Jan. 20 - A.M. Service - Memorial MBC, Elkhart, TX
P.M. Service - open
Special Request
Jessica and I have located a home on the edge of Coggin Park in Brownwood, TX. Coggin Park is one of the busiest parks in Brownwood, with families and small children playing and the park also hosts youth soccer practices and possibly games.
The home is almost 2,000 square feet, three bedroom, two bath. The living room looks like it was designed to be a sanctuary. I could see us having worship services there. I will include pictures on the ABANews/snail mail version of this report (I haven't learned to blog pictures yet).
The catch? The asking price is $90,000. I don't have $90,000, so if God wants me to use this home to begin the Brownwood work, He'll have to raise up some supporters to help us purchase this home. The home will be in the church's name, not ours. It will eventually become the parsonage, should the Lord bless us with it. If not, we'll live and work out of an apartment or rent house. Please be in prayer about this.
I know property and building requests are common, I just want to emphasize that our work in Brownwood is not contingent on whether or not we get this house. We just really believe the house would be a great tool. Basically, we'll need an $8,000 down payment and $800/month to finance, if we can't get enough money to pay for it up front.
Needs
#1. Continued prayer.
#2. Financial support to supplement my salary as I try to support a family of five.
#3. Supporting churches. I understand that I don't have a sponsoring church, but I am confident that the Lord will provide one after the first of the year. I will not ask anyone to send one penny to this work until I have a sponsoring church. I am looking for churches to commit to be regular supporters.
#4. Sponsoring church. Rocky Springs is considering sponsorship, but I am interested in talking with any church with a burden for the hill country or West Texas.
Financial report
All in all, $519 was given to us this month from the churches we visited to assist with travel expenses and related cost. Most of which went into our gas tank, or went toward feeding the kids. We thank all the churches for all they have done for us. They are most generous.
Rocky Springs Sponsorship update
The Sunday evening prior to the state meeting, Bro. Charles Swilling, pastor of Rocky Springs MBC, my home church, announced to the church that he would like to have Bro. Marion Reed come to Rocky and explain the responsibilities of being a sponsoring church. He expressed that he would like to see Rocky be my sponsoring church, but he wanted to proceed slowly and know what was expected going into the mission project. This will be Bro. Swilling's first time pastoring a sponsoring church and my first time being a missionary. So, we'll have two "rookies" at mission work working together (Actually, I'll need to find a better way to say that. Bro. Swilling is not a rookie at anything).
Bro. Reed agreed to come to Rocky on Dec. 16. The church will then vote on the issue of sponsorship after the first of the year.
Bro. Swilling also asked me to think about what I'd expect from a sponsoring church. This has bothered me because I have not really thought about what to ask for other than their endorsement, prayer, some financial help and encouragement. I'm really praying about this. I welcome any advice or suggestions on this issue.
Bro. Swilling also said he would also like to see me well supported, and that he would welcome any church with "more reserves" to consider sponsoring me. So, therefore, I am still including a sponsoring church on my list of needs.
Brownwood Employment
I corresponded with my potential employers today to learn that my application is still being funnelled through the proper channels. They are still interested, I am still interested. Please pray for this. Full time employment gets me to the field faster, while being completely supported by my sister churches gives me more ministry time. As Paul would say, "I am in a strait betwixt the two." At the present time, though, I think employment is the better option. More people to meet, more financial stability, quicker arrival time on the field.
On the Road
Jessica and I have been blessed to visit with the 58th Ave. MBC of Amarillo, Walnut St. Baptist Church of Hillsboro and the North Loop MBC of Crockett.
58th Ave. went above and beyond in providing for our travel needs, blessed us with a fine meal, and just blessed us in ways I can not even describe to you. They also gave us a generous offering. 58th Ave. has a dedicated pastor in Bro. Nathan Simmons. They have embarked on a mission project of their own, sponsoring Bro. Daniel Davis as the MBSF director at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX. The WTAMU MBSF is an upstart fellowship, and Bro. Davis really needs your prayers and support. He will do a good job ministering to those students. I strongly recommend supporting his ministry.
I was honored to be invited to share the work in Brownwood with Walnut St. Baptist Church. Bro. Clark invited me during the state meeting and I got to visit with them the Sunday Evening following the state meeting. It was my first experience with powerpoint, and they were very patient with me.
North Loop MBC is a church that has a special place in my heart. My visit to North Loop this past week was the third visit in two years, and it is almost like I am family there. They gave my wife and I a generous love offering and Bro. Dennis Lowery (pastor) invited us to his house for some homemade chili.
Upcoming Deputation Appointments
Dec. 2 - A.M. Service (open)
P.M. Service - Wyndrock MBC, Abilene, TX
Dec. 9 - open
Dec. 16 - open
Dec. 23 - unavailable
Dec. 30 - A.M. Service - Landmark MBC, Floresville, TX
Jan. 6 - A.M. Service - open
P.M. Service - Ebenezer MBC, Henderson, TX
Jan. 13 - A.M. Service - Texas Ave. MBC, Abilene, TX
P.M. Service - open
Jan. 20 - A.M. Service - Memorial MBC, Elkhart, TX
P.M. Service - open
Special Request
Jessica and I have located a home on the edge of Coggin Park in Brownwood, TX. Coggin Park is one of the busiest parks in Brownwood, with families and small children playing and the park also hosts youth soccer practices and possibly games.
The home is almost 2,000 square feet, three bedroom, two bath. The living room looks like it was designed to be a sanctuary. I could see us having worship services there. I will include pictures on the ABANews/snail mail version of this report (I haven't learned to blog pictures yet).
The catch? The asking price is $90,000. I don't have $90,000, so if God wants me to use this home to begin the Brownwood work, He'll have to raise up some supporters to help us purchase this home. The home will be in the church's name, not ours. It will eventually become the parsonage, should the Lord bless us with it. If not, we'll live and work out of an apartment or rent house. Please be in prayer about this.
I know property and building requests are common, I just want to emphasize that our work in Brownwood is not contingent on whether or not we get this house. We just really believe the house would be a great tool. Basically, we'll need an $8,000 down payment and $800/month to finance, if we can't get enough money to pay for it up front.
Needs
#1. Continued prayer.
#2. Financial support to supplement my salary as I try to support a family of five.
#3. Supporting churches. I understand that I don't have a sponsoring church, but I am confident that the Lord will provide one after the first of the year. I will not ask anyone to send one penny to this work until I have a sponsoring church. I am looking for churches to commit to be regular supporters.
#4. Sponsoring church. Rocky Springs is considering sponsorship, but I am interested in talking with any church with a burden for the hill country or West Texas.
Financial report
All in all, $519 was given to us this month from the churches we visited to assist with travel expenses and related cost. Most of which went into our gas tank, or went toward feeding the kids. We thank all the churches for all they have done for us. They are most generous.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Marshall
I took Jessica and the kids to Marshall to look at the Wonderland of Lights last night. We had a great time.
The lights don't seem to shine as bright as they did when Jessica and I had our first date there in 1998, but then again, maybe everything shone brighter that night. Never a year goes by that we don't return to Marshall and relive that night. The walks through downtown, the carriage ride and the tour of the neighborhoods. The only thing we can't recreate is the way the youth group we were with basically set us up.
Hopefully, we can make another trip to Marshall, after they get more lights up and open the visitor center.
The lights don't seem to shine as bright as they did when Jessica and I had our first date there in 1998, but then again, maybe everything shone brighter that night. Never a year goes by that we don't return to Marshall and relive that night. The walks through downtown, the carriage ride and the tour of the neighborhoods. The only thing we can't recreate is the way the youth group we were with basically set us up.
Hopefully, we can make another trip to Marshall, after they get more lights up and open the visitor center.
Guide us to Thy perfect Light
Isaiah 9:2 - The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:4-5 - In Him was life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:9 - That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 1:12 - As many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Matthew 6:22-23 - The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darknes, how great is that darkness.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
Jesus Christ is the Light that shineth in darkness. He is the light that shined on those walking in darkness who dwell in the land of the shadow of death. If we accept Him, he gives us the power to become the sons of God. If we reject Him, we are condemned. Our attitude toward Christ will guide our entire life. Therefore, let's accept Christ, let our light shine, and glorify our Father in Heaven.
To God be the Glory. Amen.
John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:4-5 - In Him was life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:9 - That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 1:12 - As many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Matthew 6:22-23 - The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darknes, how great is that darkness.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
Jesus Christ is the Light that shineth in darkness. He is the light that shined on those walking in darkness who dwell in the land of the shadow of death. If we accept Him, he gives us the power to become the sons of God. If we reject Him, we are condemned. Our attitude toward Christ will guide our entire life. Therefore, let's accept Christ, let our light shine, and glorify our Father in Heaven.
To God be the Glory. Amen.
Johnny Horton, Dub Murray and Memories
During my radio show this morning, a caller reminded me of when I used to broadcast alongside East Texas Radio Legend Dub Murray. Dub had been in East Texas radio since the 1950s. He got his start in radio under Tom Perryman, who had gotten his start from Jim Reeves at KGRI in Henderson, TX. Dub went on to do radio in Little Rock, Washington D.C. and Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, Dub became a songwriter for Acuff-Rose music and hung out with several country stars (He even dated a few).
For whatever reason, Dub returned to East Texas, working for KEES radio, then owning KLUE before working for KBNB (CNN 1060) and then KWRD-AM 1470 in Henderson, TX. It was at KWRD where I worked with Dub, who hosted the "Supertradio" program, which not only welcomed callers to sell their surplus items, but also featured a classic country artist every day.
One artist we featured included Johnny Horton, who, through some of my callers today, I was informed is from Rusk, TX, where my radio station is located. The day became a day of callers telling their stories of going to school with Johnny Horton at Gallatin High School, living next to his parents on Henderson Street, and how much they enjoyed his songs.
Horton is best known for his song "The Battle of New Orleans." Other hits include "Sink the Bismarc" and "North to Alaska."
All were fixtures in my playlist when I worked at KWRD.
Horton died in a car accident in Milano, Texas in 1960. Dub Murray died of natural causes in late 2002. Todays show kind of made me miss those days at KWRD, the old style hometown radio format, and the people I was blessed to work with.
For whatever reason, Dub returned to East Texas, working for KEES radio, then owning KLUE before working for KBNB (CNN 1060) and then KWRD-AM 1470 in Henderson, TX. It was at KWRD where I worked with Dub, who hosted the "Supertradio" program, which not only welcomed callers to sell their surplus items, but also featured a classic country artist every day.
One artist we featured included Johnny Horton, who, through some of my callers today, I was informed is from Rusk, TX, where my radio station is located. The day became a day of callers telling their stories of going to school with Johnny Horton at Gallatin High School, living next to his parents on Henderson Street, and how much they enjoyed his songs.
Horton is best known for his song "The Battle of New Orleans." Other hits include "Sink the Bismarc" and "North to Alaska."
All were fixtures in my playlist when I worked at KWRD.
Horton died in a car accident in Milano, Texas in 1960. Dub Murray died of natural causes in late 2002. Todays show kind of made me miss those days at KWRD, the old style hometown radio format, and the people I was blessed to work with.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Quick Mission Brownwood update
Bro. Marion Reed will be visiting Rocky Springs MBC in Jacksonville on Dec. 16 to discuss the responsibilities of sponsoring a missionary. The church will then decide on whether or not to sponsor me on Jan. 6, after all the holiday festivities have subsided and people return to the normal routine.
God is blessing the deputation efforts. I know my December calendar looks empty, but deputation has gone well considering that the appointments I have had been made on the fly. I had a full October, only one Sunday off in November, and am confident the Lord will send me to some more churches in December.
The Brownwood Bulletin still has not called. God will open the doors in His time, so I am not worried.
Thanks for your interest.
God is blessing the deputation efforts. I know my December calendar looks empty, but deputation has gone well considering that the appointments I have had been made on the fly. I had a full October, only one Sunday off in November, and am confident the Lord will send me to some more churches in December.
The Brownwood Bulletin still has not called. God will open the doors in His time, so I am not worried.
Thanks for your interest.
Upcoming appointments.
Upcoming preaching appointments where I will share the Mission: Brownwood vision.
Sunday (Nov 25) - A.M. Service: North Loop MBC, Crockett, TX
(P.M. Service is still available.)
Sunday (Dec. 2) - A.M. Service: Texas Ave. MBC, Abilene, TX.
P.M. Service: Wyndrock MBC, Abilene, TX
Sunday (Jan. 6) - A.M. Service: open
P.M. Service: Ebenezer MBC, Henderson, TX.
I need appointments. Please contact me! I'd love to visit with your church.
Leland Acker
(903) 625-1005
Sunday (Nov 25) - A.M. Service: North Loop MBC, Crockett, TX
(P.M. Service is still available.)
Sunday (Dec. 2) - A.M. Service: Texas Ave. MBC, Abilene, TX.
P.M. Service: Wyndrock MBC, Abilene, TX
Sunday (Jan. 6) - A.M. Service: open
P.M. Service: Ebenezer MBC, Henderson, TX.
I need appointments. Please contact me! I'd love to visit with your church.
Leland Acker
(903) 625-1005
Great Thanksgiving
Yesterday, my family celebrated Thanksgiving with Meat Loaf, Fried Chicken, Ham, Fried Turkey, Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed potatoes, green beans, buttered rolls and banana pudding. (And that's just the food I could find... there was more.) We fellowshipped better than we have in as long as I can remember. We even got to see the Cowboys whip the Jets 34-3.
Rachel stayed with her "Maw-Maw", so Josh, J.J., Jessica and I returned home, played "kick-dodge ball" with a beach ball in the living room, watched Ratatouille, and drank coffee, hot cocoa and ate chicken soup.
What's "kick-dodge ball"? This is a game invented by J.J. You basically kick the ball toward the other players (usually your siblings) hoping to hit them off guard. They, in turn, try to do the same thing to you. Catching the ball is allowed, but you must kick it to hit someone else. (Hey, when the kids are 2 and 4, it makes sense.) The nature of the game demands that a beach ball be used. We managed to play for an hour without damaging any major electronic appliances, or spilling hot cocoa. Wow!
Rachel stayed with her "Maw-Maw", so Josh, J.J., Jessica and I returned home, played "kick-dodge ball" with a beach ball in the living room, watched Ratatouille, and drank coffee, hot cocoa and ate chicken soup.
What's "kick-dodge ball"? This is a game invented by J.J. You basically kick the ball toward the other players (usually your siblings) hoping to hit them off guard. They, in turn, try to do the same thing to you. Catching the ball is allowed, but you must kick it to hit someone else. (Hey, when the kids are 2 and 4, it makes sense.) The nature of the game demands that a beach ball be used. We managed to play for an hour without damaging any major electronic appliances, or spilling hot cocoa. Wow!
The Christmas Miracle
Isaiah 7:14- Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall calll His name Immanuel.
The conception and birth of Christ was a sign from God, according to this verse. "Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign." Many have tried to re-interpret the word "virgin" to mean a young maiden, not necessarily one who had never known a man. The problem with this thought process is that while it may have been rare, it was not unheard of to have maidens be found "with child." The Bible here, calling it a sign from God, teaches that the conception and birth of Christ would be a unique event.
There is no birth more unique than the birth of Christ. No other man was born to a virgin, a woman who had not known a man. This is truly a miracle.
Furthermore, the birth of Christ caused quite a stir. The shepherds were called in from the fields to worship Him. Wise men came from the East to worship Him. The Bible says when King Herod heard of the birth of Christ, he was greatly troubled and all Jerusalem with him. So basically, when Christ was born, the agricultural industry came to a stand-still, classes were dismissed at major Eastern universities, the Jerusalem political machine was turned on its head and Wall Street trading became irregular. That was a sign... marking the coming of Christ, the BRANCH, the Righteous Servant that would justify many, Jesus.
Christmas is about God delivering on His promises. It is about His bringing of salvation. That brings good tidings of great joy.
Merry Christmas!
The conception and birth of Christ was a sign from God, according to this verse. "Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign." Many have tried to re-interpret the word "virgin" to mean a young maiden, not necessarily one who had never known a man. The problem with this thought process is that while it may have been rare, it was not unheard of to have maidens be found "with child." The Bible here, calling it a sign from God, teaches that the conception and birth of Christ would be a unique event.
There is no birth more unique than the birth of Christ. No other man was born to a virgin, a woman who had not known a man. This is truly a miracle.
Furthermore, the birth of Christ caused quite a stir. The shepherds were called in from the fields to worship Him. Wise men came from the East to worship Him. The Bible says when King Herod heard of the birth of Christ, he was greatly troubled and all Jerusalem with him. So basically, when Christ was born, the agricultural industry came to a stand-still, classes were dismissed at major Eastern universities, the Jerusalem political machine was turned on its head and Wall Street trading became irregular. That was a sign... marking the coming of Christ, the BRANCH, the Righteous Servant that would justify many, Jesus.
Christmas is about God delivering on His promises. It is about His bringing of salvation. That brings good tidings of great joy.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving
Psalm 136:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: For His mercy endureth forever.
I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
#1. I live in the USA, where I am free from persecution and my kids can grow up in an environment where they can learn, grow, play and enjoy life.
#2. My family and I can openly worship God.
#3. This blog has given me the opportunity to share the Word of God and express my views. This has been very therapeutic since I have not been pastoring.
#4. God has given me an awesome call... to take the Gospel to Brownwood, Texas and start a church there.
#5. My wife is behind me 100%.
#6. My kids keep growing, learning and developing. Rachel has been saved and Baptized... Joshua is getting closer. J.J. Is learning to talk, communicate and even pray.
#7. The most tramadic even of my children's upbringing so far has been the simple fracture on Rachel's arm... which will heal perfectly.
#8. God has blessed my ministry. Denson Springs MBC is stronger now than when I arrived there, they are getting stronger in my absence and souls were saved during my ministry there. (My daughter, two Navajo boys, one Navajo woman, one man made a profession as a result of the ministering of a church member and there have been baptisms.)
#9. Denson Springs doesn't hate me for resigning to go to Brownwood.
#10. My good car may have a dead battery, but my clunker runs like a top.
#11. I get to sit under the ministry of Bro. Charles Swilling and get to minister along side Jim Slocumb.
#12. I got to go to TBI for my seminary education.
#13. The Dallas Cowboys are winning.
#14. I get paid to watch high school football.
#15. I get to share God's Word in my weekly newspaper column.
#16. Fried Chicken.
#17. Youth Soccer.
#18. Marvin Gardner.
#19. David Robertson.
#20. My grandparents who raised me when my parents could not.
#21. Deputation appointments.
I could go on... but I won't.
I am also thankful for those of you who read this blog.
I thank God for all the blessings in my life.
I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
#1. I live in the USA, where I am free from persecution and my kids can grow up in an environment where they can learn, grow, play and enjoy life.
#2. My family and I can openly worship God.
#3. This blog has given me the opportunity to share the Word of God and express my views. This has been very therapeutic since I have not been pastoring.
#4. God has given me an awesome call... to take the Gospel to Brownwood, Texas and start a church there.
#5. My wife is behind me 100%.
#6. My kids keep growing, learning and developing. Rachel has been saved and Baptized... Joshua is getting closer. J.J. Is learning to talk, communicate and even pray.
#7. The most tramadic even of my children's upbringing so far has been the simple fracture on Rachel's arm... which will heal perfectly.
#8. God has blessed my ministry. Denson Springs MBC is stronger now than when I arrived there, they are getting stronger in my absence and souls were saved during my ministry there. (My daughter, two Navajo boys, one Navajo woman, one man made a profession as a result of the ministering of a church member and there have been baptisms.)
#9. Denson Springs doesn't hate me for resigning to go to Brownwood.
#10. My good car may have a dead battery, but my clunker runs like a top.
#11. I get to sit under the ministry of Bro. Charles Swilling and get to minister along side Jim Slocumb.
#12. I got to go to TBI for my seminary education.
#13. The Dallas Cowboys are winning.
#14. I get paid to watch high school football.
#15. I get to share God's Word in my weekly newspaper column.
#16. Fried Chicken.
#17. Youth Soccer.
#18. Marvin Gardner.
#19. David Robertson.
#20. My grandparents who raised me when my parents could not.
#21. Deputation appointments.
I could go on... but I won't.
I am also thankful for those of you who read this blog.
I thank God for all the blessings in my life.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
My latest newspaper column
I thought I'd share my latest newspaper column with you. Let me know what you think.
http://www.thecherokeean.com/news/2007/1121/columns/017.html
http://www.thecherokeean.com/news/2007/1121/columns/017.html
Blessings from Denson Springs
As I have reported, I resigned Denson Springs MBC in Grapeland at the end of September to pursue the mission work in Brownwood. Since I have left, they have had four additions by letter and two by baptism.
Last Sunday, they had 35 people in morning worship, up from the average of 13 when I was pastor there.
I praise God for continuing to work with Denson Springs, strengthening them and encouraging them, and for adding to their congregation. I love them all and hope for God's best toward them.
Last Sunday, they had 35 people in morning worship, up from the average of 13 when I was pastor there.
I praise God for continuing to work with Denson Springs, strengthening them and encouraging them, and for adding to their congregation. I love them all and hope for God's best toward them.
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