Pastor Buddy’s Blog

God has a library….

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Journal,

I’ve had the most wonderful day. Shana came over this morning and she, and Betty, and I watched the Christian Challenge services from my parsonage office. It was as though we were sitting in the congregation. The worship was beautiful as usual. Jeff is such a gifted worship leader. And when? Gary? panned the congregation during greeting time, it thrilled our hearts to see so many people that we dearly love. The people of Christian Challenge are some of the dearest people on earth. They belong to the elect of God.

Nathan had me set up to speak to the congregation via a web cam. What a treat. Course my head was a slick as an onion. (Almost. Just close-cropped.) I asked Shana to bring her clippers over this morning and finish cropping my head as close as possible. When I stepped outside for a moment, it became obvious that my head was naked.? ? :)?

I spoke to the congregation about my present status, about Nathan’s role as Senior Pastor, and about the future of Christian Challenge. In regard to my present status what I shared would be difficult to some to grasp. I see this time of my confinement as a special gift from God. I need to have the umbilical cord of leadership of Christian Challenge fully set aside. I need this time for personal sanctification, and to prepare me for future ministries.

In the future I will probably serve as an arm of Christian Challenge, that is, as a harvester of souls. I also want to train a select group of (especially) young men and women for the exacting work of evangelism. (However, anyone that I train in this area must have completed our ‘Disciple’s Heart’ program.)

These things are working wonderful. I am fully aware of the Lord’s presence every moment of every day. It is as though the Lord is saying, ‘We are walking through this together. I have much to teach you.’

I reminded the congregation that Nathan is a ‘Master Teacher.’ His giftings and anointing from the Lord will carry Christian Challenge into the future.? Also reminded the congregation of a vision I had many years ago. This ministry is going to overflow with disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our time is coming. We will continue to do our part to carry the gospel to the nations. People need to hear the clear clarion call of the gospel, and not some message that lifts up a religious group. The world is sick of religion, and sick of these false gospels that are fermenting the airwaves,? which do nothing but glorify the flesh.

Then it happened. Nathan’s message was entitled, ‘Turning the Page.’ He talked about God’s library of books. I have never heard such a remarkable message in all my life. Don’t think for a moment that I am? simply bragging on Nathan. I know a Master Teacher when I hear one. Very few ministers can keep me enthralled with a message the way Nathan did.

I want to encourage every one of my readers to go to the Christian Challenge web site this week, and take time to listen to Nathan’s Sunday message. I can promise you that you will never be the same. He talked about the book of life. He talked about God’s journal. He talked about how the Lord has recorded our life before we were ever born. In fact Nathan took the Bible and wrapped up our lives in the goodness of the Lord. It was not a message of fear, of condemnation, of vagueness. It was a message of victory for every child of God.

Shana and I and Betty simply wept as the Lord spoke to our hearts through Nathan’s message. What a healing message. The voice of Jesus was speaking to us. The love of Jesus filled our hearts. Now I understand even more fully what Paul meant in quoting Isaiah, “How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things.’” (Rom10:15)

There is so much more I’d like to share, but it would be best if I get out of the preacher’s mode.

Let’s see. What else. The phones have been somewhat quiet. Lane did call to share his excitement about the service. Nathan called and I got to share with him my feelings for what took place at Christian Challenge this morning. Tim called. He is in the backyard taking down a tent that we’ve given him for his boat. Tim is such a gracious man. He is very tenderhearted and very caring.

Think that’s it. Don’t send any cracklins my way. :)? ? But I do look forward to some pickled pig’s feet. Hmmmmmmm.

Love all of you.

Blessings,

Buddy

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