Pastor Buddy’s Blog

Journal,

Nathan and Patrick are finishing? up the first? part of their? mission trip. Three new? Christians Sharing Christ ministry film teams will be in place in the Philippines. Next country is? Nepal by way of Hong Kong. From Nepal they will be in? India. They are looking to? have twelve teams in place before heading back? to the States.

You can? keep up with their travels and also see some magnificent pictures at? Nathan’s blog. Go to: http://nathanmartin.blogspot.com/

This Sunday morning I’ll fill in for Nathan. My subject of ministry is entitled ‘Received Up Into Glory.’

At the beginning of the ministry I’ll share a? curse that the rabbis placed on the reading of Daniel. Here is the curse itself:

“May the bones of the hands and the bones of the fingers decay and decompose, of him who turns the pages of the book of Daniel, to find out the time of Daniel 9:24-27, and may his memory rot from off the face of the earth forever.” — Talmudic Law. p.978, Section 2, Line 28.

Why under God’s blue heaven would the rabbis place a reading curse on any of the Hebrew Old Testament books?

The reason is because Daniel actually foretold the time of the coming of Messiah, and that the? Messiah would be cut off. Daniel was also shown that city of Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed after Messiah was cut off.? The rabbis knew that this prophecy of the Messiah being cut off? had to have happened before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 a.d. This left only one person who could have fulfilled the prophecy,? Jesus Christ himself.

The curse was to keep the true knowledge of? Jesus Christ away from the peoples.? (Of course we know who is behind that.) The fact is that the? writings of Daniel along with Isaiah 53 have been responsible for more? Jews, including many? rabbis, actually receiving Jesus as the true Messiah of Israel, than any other Old Testament Scriptures.?

Of course there is more to the story. Sunday morning I’ll be sharing how the glorification of Jesus Christ was made the very cornerstone of our Christian faith.

Daniel has more to say about this subject. Daniel even had a vision of the ascension of Jesus. Listen:

“I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.”? ? ? ? ? ? ? Daniel 7:13,14 nasb

I’ll cover Sunday morning’s ministry with three primary areas. A World Without Excuse. The Ascension and Coronation of Jesus.? The Glorified Church.

Then Sunday? at 6 p.m. we will have our second Sunday evening Bible study. In that study I’ll be talking about what Jesus actually meant, when He said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (Jn8:31,32) There is much more to this statement than many realize.

The Greek word for truth (alethia) literally speaks to an unveiled reality at the base of an appearance. Jesus was not simply speaking of the Jews coming to know who He really was and why He came. An extended meaning has to do with a walk of reality.

This is where I’ll share from Paul’s writings? found? in 1 Corinthians 2:9-16. The apostle spoke of a special spiritual protection given to all? true believers that will protect them from the works of darkness.? I’ll conclude the study by sharing four basic principles on how to arm yourself against religious deception.

The point is that both Jesus, the apostles, and even the prophets spoke of a worldwide deception that would take place in the final days of the church age. This deception would literally take place under the name of Jesus. Always remember that not everything that says, ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ is actually speaking for the Lord.

So how do we learn to deal with such a deception? We’ll talk about that Sunday evening.

Well, what else can I share?? Here’s a good one. Saw an interesting short article in my Biblical Archaeology Review, July/August edition.? The summary had to do with a survey taken with more that a thousand physicians. Over a third of the respondants said that religion and spirituality helped prevent specific medical events like heart attacks, infections and even death.

Nothing new there.? What? the doctors are telling us is what the Bible already states as fact.

David said, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” (Psalm 103:2-5)?

Much love coming your way,

Buddy

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Journal,

It is now 9 p.m. Its been? twelve hours since I heard from Nathan. He called this morning at 9 a.m. to let me know that he and Patrick were boarding the plane that will take them from? Dallas to? Toyko, Japan. Flight time will be? thirteen hours.? Right now they are somewhere over the Pacific Ocean.

From Japan they will then go to? the Philippine Islands. Afterwards they? fly to? Nepal via Hong Kong, and then to India.? Some of the places that Nathan and Patrick are going to are places of my own sojourning during my Navy days. I was stationed in the Philippines for a year and a half at Sangley Point Naval Air Station. (Across the bay from Manila.)

Also spent a year and a half aboard the USS Calvert. (Part of the 7th Fleet.) We made port calls in Hong Kong and in a number of other? far east places. Our overseas home port was in Japan. Our ship even had an orphanage in Tokyo that we sponsored. It was my ‘ordered’ pleasure to do some work at the orphanage.? :)? ? ? ? (Well those days were long ago. My Navy time was from 1959 to 1963. But isn’t it interesting that Christian Challenge is still in the orphanage business.)

Nathan and Patrick will be? setting up twelve film ministry teams to do Christian evangelism? in the Philippines, in Nepal, in India, and in Pakistan.? By the way anyone who is interested can? keep up with Nathan’s and Patrick’s mission trip by way of? Nathan’s blog. Go to:

http://nathanmartin.blogspot.com/? ?

Now let me? give an update on our? new Sunday evening Bible study. I was very pleased at the turn out last evening. There was a time during the ministry that I could not help but notice there were? few dry eyes in the congregation. After the study we had our traditional sharing time. It always blesses me to hear various members share from their hearts.

Actually I was a bit concerned about having the evening study? on the two Sundays that Nathan will be away. (Since I’ll be filling in for him on those Sunday mornings.)? But after the? interest shown last evening I felt it would be good to continue with the evening studies. I’ll simply need to prepare for two studies each of those Sundays. Shouldn’t be a problem for an old salt.

The only change will be? Sunday, July 22. That will be? our? general membership meeting. I’ll preclude that evening Bible study since the membership meeting will be at 3 p.m. Nathan will be sharing his report on the missions trip.? In addition we will be selecting four new members to the board of counselors. (Don’t want to fill the? day up with too many meetings.)

Speaking of my Navy days, here is something you may find quaintly interesting. The US Navy is very traditional. One of the Navy traditions has to do with a ship crossing the equator. Regardless of how long a person has been in the Navy, until they actually? cross the equator aboard ship, they are called a pollywog. After they cross the equator they are then called a shellback.

What happens is that as the ship is crossing the equator, it stops dead still in the water. All the pollywogs have to undergo an intiation with ‘king Neptune.’ It can be a bit of a nasty affair. Almost like College hazing. To make things short, I’m still a pollywog. The one time our ship was about to cross the equator we had a change in orders and had to turn back north. (It was during the Vietnam era.)? – Don’t even think about starting to call me a pollywog –? ?

Well, it is almost 10 p.m. Nathan and Patrick are much closer to Japan. Only a couple hours before they land. Of course I know they are being well covered by a great many prayers.

Guess I’ll close for now. This is going to be a busy week for me. Got a lot of catching up to do. (After all our traveling.)

May all of you have a wonderful Independance Day on the 4th.

The Lord richly bless you,

Buddy

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Hi Journal,

Hopefully our travelings can slow down? for awhile. First it was Alabama, then Houston, Texas, and finally Clinton, Oklahoma. I get sort of road weary after a bit.

We made it in from Oklahoma, Thursday afternoon. Had a great time. After? the Green family reunion we? went on to Betty’s mom’s? for a visit. (West of Oklahoma City.) Got to spend time with? Betty’s sister Lareta and with her brother Darrell, and their spouses. (Darrel lives in New Mexico. He made the drive over to be with us.)

Yesterday and today have been really nice. Got to be in the VBS wrap up last evening. All the teachers were a ‘happy’ tired. After the VBS program it was a ball watching the kids with their water works.

Then today we had a soft ball outing for the church. Great turn out. Betty and I? enjoyed getting to visit with everyone. It is so good to be in the mix at Christian Challenge again.

Well, what this about walking in somone’s footsteps? Thanks for asking.

Many years ago when I was an evangelist I would go to the church where we were holding a revival just to pray. It was my custom to walk around the sanctuary while talking to the Lord. What made my prayer time? even more pleasurable was when I realized that a very young lad was walking right behind me, doing everything that I did.

Yep, that young boy was my son Nathan. Nathan was around five years old. Andre was still a baby and Shana had not yet made her appearance. But Nathan was like my shadow. He wanted to do what daddy was doing.

I recall a revival? I held in Iraan, Texas, in 1969. Betty and Andre stayed with her parents in Kermit, Texas, while Nathan went with me. We had a great time. I would play the guitar and Nathan would play the maracas. He was not the least bashful about standing there with daddy. And a good revival it was.

Well, Nathan is a grown man now with many years of ministry to his credit. He has walked beyond where my footsteps have taken me. In fact tomorrow Nathan and Patrick Calhoun are departing for the Philippines, India, and Nepal. They will be setting up new workers for Christians Sharing Christ. (Nathan serves on the board.)

Christians Sharing Christ is an awesome film-mission ministry. They train Christian nationals in the use of films to bring people to Jesus. It is one of the best missions groups that I know of. CSC can equip? 20 or more nationals to serve their own countrymen for what? it would cost to send one American to do the same work. Is that a bargain or what?

Of course I am asking for prayer for Nathan and Patrick.

By the way, are you learning to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? Think about it.

Looks like I’m being rebaptized into the work of Christian Challenge. I’ll be filling in for Nathan for two Sundays while he is gone. In addition I am initiating a new Sunday evening Bible study group. Maybe I still remember how to preach-teach.?

Hmmmmm. Seems like I said that before.

Tomorrow evening (6 p.m.) I’ll be talking with my study group about ‘living in covenant life.’ The study is a take off from a question that I was recently asked concerning what Hebrews 4:1 meant, “Therefore, let us fear, if while a promise remains of entering His rest, anyone one of you may seem to have come short of it.”

I’ll be sharing with the group that the term ‘rest’ actually refers to covenant life. It reflects back on how the term ‘life’ was used for the Old Testament people of Israel. I’ll also be sharing on the distinctions of the covenant of Moses in comparison to the covenant of Christ and how that the covenant of Christ is actually a ‘covenant of the Spirit.’

Don’t want to overplay my hand. Perhaps it is enough to say that when a believer is in the Spirit, they are in the rest. When they are not in the Spirit, they are not in the rest.

Of course there is much more to the issue of covenant life. You’ll simply need to be in the study group to gather some more gleanings on the life that Jesus came to give us.

Ok, what else? Oh yes. CJ was very happy to see us make it in from Oklahoma. While he enjoys meeting doggie friends at his kenneling, there really is no place like home. (I can attest to that.)

Its nearly 10 p.m. Think I’ll close out for now. (I plan to began? more Bible studies for my journal and the two forum groups that I host. Feel like its time to pick my writings back up.)

Much love coming your way,

Buddy

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Hi Journal,

Sorry for my lack of posting of late. Doing a bit of traveling. Betty and I are leaving in the morning for Oklahoma. We’ll be back the latter part of next week.?

As for my health, I’m doing really great. In fact I feel better now that I have in a long time. Finished my chemo. All the tests so far show no sign of lymphoma. I’ll be under a maintenance program for a while.

Last weekend we were in Houston for the wedding of a nephew. Had a great time. My kids were able to attend. That made it doubly great. The wedding reception was multi-cultural with a combination of Persian music, Mexican music, and country music. Must have been about 200 guests in attendance. (Our nephew’s dad is of Persian descent. His bride is Hispanic.)

Well, I finally made it to Cane River. Andre and I went fishing yesterday afternoon. Another great time. Caught about 60 fish. Kept 24. We made it back to the dock at 9 p.m. Was it ever dark.

Looks like I’ll be back in the saddle again at Christian Challenge. Sunday evening, July 1st, I’ll begin a ‘Deeper Life’ Bible study group. Hope I remember how to teach.? ?

Well, that’s about it for now. Need to start packing for our Oklahoma trip.

Blessings,

Buddy

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Journal,

Betty and I? really enjoyed our outing to Orange Beach, Alabama, with Shana and the grandkids. Jeff and his son? went with us.? Watching the? kids frolic? in the surf was a treat in itself. This was our first outing since my lymphoma journey began.?

As I shared earlier, my doctor says? my latest tests show no traces of lymphoma. Of course it will be important to keep an eye on things.? I’ll have a maintenance program for awhile. But I? don’t mind.? My entire journey with lymphoma has been under the watchful? care? of the Lord. He made a way for me to have the best of treatment.

In an earlier entry I talked about the difference between faith and wisdom. Faith speaks to our belief system and our trust in the Lord Jesus. Wisdom speaks of our learning to live by the Word of God and by the instructions of the Lord. Faith and wisdom are the power twins of life. Faith and wisdom have been? my companions in the journey of lymphoma.

This brings me to something I wish to share about? wisdom? from God. My devotions of late have been in Proverbs. What an amazing book.? The more I meditate in? Proverbs the more I find myself underlining? Scriptures. (Of course I do this with all my Bible reading.)

Which in turn brings me to my journal title,? ‘The heart and soul of wise living.’ One Scripture I underlined said, “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things.” (Pr28:5 nasb)

This is when I thought, ‘Learning to seek the Lord in all things is the heart and soul of wise living.’? Jesus affirms this when He? said, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Mt7:8)?

What Jesus said accords with Proverbs 2:6-8:? “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones.” (Pr2:6-8)

Did you catch it? The Lord stores up sound wisdom for the upright! The Hebrew for ’sound wisdom’ is the one word tusiyyah. [too-shee-yaw'] The primary meaning of this word is ‘continuing success.’ It speaks of the wisdom that brings about advancement.

This? brings me to yesterday’s service at Christian Challenge. When I walked into the vestibule I saw the most beautiful sight that eyes could ever see. Mounted on the wall was a? marvelous encasement of? the glass pulpit that I had preached from for years. My son Andre built it as a gift to the ministry to? commemorate a great part of our history. I hope to have some? pictures of it for my next journal entry. (Andre wasn’t able to be in the services.? I called him yesterday afternoon to thank him for the wonderful gift.)

Since this was my returning service to Christian Challenge, Nathan asked me to share with the congregation whatever was on my heart. I began with a reading from Psalm 103:1-5:?

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”? ?

I shared with the congregation? my victory journey through lymphoma. But that was not what I really wanted them to hear from me. I? wanted them to? hear how the Lord had blessed me in? watching the progress of Christian Challenge from a distance. And what I saw was ’sound wisdom’? (tusiyyah) at work.

I also shared that one of the hardest jobs of a parent comes with allowing your children to grow up.? Observing Christian Challenge from a distance was one of the great blessings of being able to sit to the side for? awhile. I was able to watch Christian Challenge grow with a growth that can only come from the Lord. (Both in numbers and in? other ways.)

Wish I knew a better? word to replace the word ‘pride.’ Think I may have found one. It applies directly to the Christian Challenge leadership that has flowered under Nathan. Here is the Scripture I needed: “My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad.” (Pr23:15)

There it is. My heart has been gladdened. While Christian Challenge has continued under? wise leadership, the Lord has kept me occupied? with the gladness of my own heart.?

But it wasn’t only Nathan’s leadership that I noted. I? saw how? the members of Christian Challenge? continued to? move forward with a true heart of? discipleship. Of course that is what our ministry is about. One of our motto statements is ‘Preparing Servants for the Nations.’

Now to the one question? that seems to be on the minds of people. A number of folk are asking about my ministry future.? Perhaps it would be good? to quote from a letter I wrote to our members this past December, concerning the? passing of the mantle of Senior Pastor from myself to Nathan. It reads:

“As for me I am excited about this new chapter in my life. I believe the Lord is releasing me to begin writing — putting on paper some life principles he has shared with me through the years. I also look forward to traveling with my precious Betty as the Lord allows. I will still serve on the pastoral staff as ‘Founding Pastor’, but Nathan will serve as Senior Pastor. In addition I will continue to do personal mentoring as the need arises.”

Being Founding Pastor in a practical sense? simply means that I’ll? be available to? help Nathan in whatever needs he may have.? As one pastor said to me in a humorous way, ‘Nathan pastors Christian Challenge. You pastor Nathan.’? ?

The truth of the matter is that I’ve continued? to minister over the past months. My on-line counselling remains quite active. That may well increase in the days ahead. But I’ll also be involved with the School for Christian Workers. Since the School was a great part of my original vision for? Christian Challenge, it will be my privilege to devote more time to it.

Speaking of the School, it was a real treat for me to sit in on ‘the Disciple’s Heart Class’ last evening.? It blessed me to see how Lane conducted the class. He kept? the students attention well in place. That is one of the signature marks of a good teacher. (By the way we will be licensing Lane next Sunday to the gospel ministry.)

A bit later yesterday evening, Betty and I attended the Awana workers? and Sunday School workers banquet. That was the topping on the ice cream. The atmosphere was wonderful. And the meal that Fred and Brenda prepared? would make a cow kick her calf.? (Sorry. The country just jumps out of me at times.)? ?

Let’s see — Where do I go from here? Ok. General Claudius Josephus sends his regards. (I think. Right now he is snoozing in my office.)

Just to keep folk on? pace Betty and I will be missing a couple of Sundays in June. We’ll be in Houston on June 17th, and in Oklahoma on June 24th.

Think that’s about it.

Much love and hugs coming your way,

Buddy

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Journal,

This week is my final week where I am supposed to be extra cautious about? visitors and being in public. The plus side is that my physical strength is being renewed day by day.? I can feel myself becoming stronger all the time.?

As I shared earlier we are heading for Orange Beach, Alabama, early Sunday morning. Need a good time of refreshing. We’ll return? sometime Wednesday. Hope to be in services at Christian Challenge Wednesday evening.

Here’s a bit on the funny side. Ever since CJ snubbed his nose at the dog food we’d been giving him, each morning I’ll take some? dog food and put it in a pan for the squirrels and birds.? They love it.

Well, one? squirrel pretty much claimed ownership to the dog food. The other squirrels would keep their distance. Of course the birds would sneak in at the proper time. It was funny to watch the? ‘ownership’ squirrel turn into a roly poly.? Course I felt sorry for the other squirrels.

Then I decided to put out two pans of dog food. Spaced them far enough apart where ‘ownership’ squirrel couldn’t possess both pans. Great idea. Now I have squirrels, birds, and even a coon coming up to dine to their heart’s content. (Poor old CJ just has fits when he sees the coon.)? ?

This brings me to a bit of study devotion I’d like to share. I’ll entitle it…

Taking Ownership for Your Life.

In my 40+ years of ministry I have seen a great many healings. Many of them were a direct result of forgiveness. Over time I came to realize that the most important factor in a believer’s life is in learning to come to peace with the past, but also to take personal ownership for? sins and failures in life.

Let me simply say upfront that I do not believe that sickness or disease is necessarily the result of personal failure. We live in a disease driven world. Yet a truth remains that some of our anguishes in life are because we have not taken ownership for our own misdeeds.?

The sage said, “My son, give attention to my words; incline your heart to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs (outgoings) of life.” (Pro4:20-23)

The point is that what is going on in our own hearts will determine the boundaries or the outflowings of our own life. It can be said that we give shape to our? life by what is in our own heart.

The Hebrew word for ’springs’ is the word ‘tosaah.’ This is a geographical word. It speaks of a boundary or a source. Its reflective meaning addresses ‘goings forth’ or ‘outgoings’ or ‘forces.’ The answer? Learn to set a guard over your heart.

David draws attention to this with regard to the man who refused to bless others. Listen carefully:

“Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness, but persecuted the afflicted and needy man, and the despondent in heart, to put them to death. He also loved cursing, so it came to him; and he did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him. But he clothed himself with cursings as with his garment, and it entered into his body like water and like oil into his bones. It came to him as a garment which he covers himself…” (Psalm 109:16-19)

Next we need to talk about ‘roots of bitterness.’ Esau held a grudge against Isaac. He became a bitter man and his bitterness likely affected his whole household. Without retelling the story it is enough to say that this is? the way bitterness works. Bitterness defiles those around us. Thus bitterness can become a defiling thing in our own life.

Most bitterness is a result of not having forgiven someone. We carry the unforgiveness in our heart. It is not a matter of whether the person deserves forgiveness, or even if they have asked for forgiveness. It is a matter of what is going on ‘inside’ us. The real key to life is learning to? keep one’s own spiritual life pure.

We have a perfect example of this on the cross. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. For they don’t know what they are doing.” When Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,” was this not the message of the cross? Are we not forgiven on the basis of a life exchange with Jesus? Jesus gave His life up for us. Are we not to learn to live in this flow of forgiveness? Are we not to forgive?

We also hear this with the first Christian martyr. Stephen said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” In neither case were the peoples asking for forgiveness.

What many don’t realize is that unforgiveness is a sin. It is a sin because we are under commandment to forgive. We are also under commanded to walk in love the way Jesus walked. The Lord pointed out that a walk of true faith revolves around forgiveness. He said, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” (Mark 11:25)

The issue is that unless we learn to make peace in our hearts with the past, we will indeed suffer in the now.

But there is another issue that I need to mention. Did you know that the number one hospital patient bed in this country is contributed to some form of mental disorder? Of course mental disturbances are real. But is it not possible that many mental disorders are a result of our not taking ownership for one’s own conduct. We are so afraid to call sin, sin today. It is so much easier to blame our problems on something or someone else.

We use words like disfunctional, socially impaired, victims of bad upbringing. We’ve fallen into the Adam syndrome; “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree and I ate.” (Gen3:12)

The Biblical answer is to take ownership for our own choices in life. The apostle John lays this out very well:

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:5-9)

Did you catch the term, ‘our sins’? When we take ownership for our sins, we are then in a position for our forgiveness and our? cleansing from whatever? deed of unrighteousness had made a deposit in? our lives.?

Perhaps I should point out that this is where good pastoral counselling or other spiritual? counselling can help.? Once ownership is in place, then cleansing is soon to follow. It is not enough to simply ‘medicate’ a sin problem. Sin is a defiler and unless sin is dealt with as sin, there is no true cure.

The answer? Take ownership for your life.

Yes, sin is a power and temptations are very real. But so are choices. James tells us not to be deceived in this area. He wrote:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:13-16)?

As a way of encouragement it is important to understand that when I speak of ‘taking ownership’, I am not talking about salvation in itself. Jesus took ownership of our lives when we came to the cross. The Bible teaches that we are a God-possessed people and that nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus.

As a God-possessed people, we can be sure that the Lord is always at work in the background of our lives. He will cause everything in our lives to work together for good.

Remember that we are the children of the great King.? Our sins were forgiven at the cross. What we need to do now is? to learn to walk in the cleansing love of the cross.

So what does taking ownership mean? It? means to take? responsibility for a great many things that happen in our lives.? No more blaming others.

Think about it.

The Lord bless you,

Buddy

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Journal,

Guess it is time to play catch up.

Thursday, May 10th, was my final chemo. Next appointment with my doctor is? Thursday, May 31st. This is? to see about my? two-year maintenance program.? I’ll have either three month or six month checkups. (Also have special treatments to help keep my strength and immune system up.)

I’ve been doing really well. Naturally? the chemo keeps you weaker than normal but I feel good all the time. The doctor seems amazed that I haven’t had any of the side issues that normally go with chemo.? There is no question that the hand of the Lord has been upon me? during? this time.

CJ and I do our walking every morning and I try to do as much physical activites as possible. (Do push ups every morning and evening.) CJ and I and sometimes Betty will do more walking.

Sometimes CJ and I will go on the hill behind Christian Challenge just to relax and meditate. Don’t know how much meditating CJ does, but he really likes to roll in the grass. (Great Danes love sun bathing.)

Also found another hobby — Betty and I’ve been picking up golf balls that? Jon has hit around the property. Got ten of them so far.? Hmmmmm.? ? ?

I’ll miss one more Sunday service then it will be time to plug back into the congregation. Can’t wait. We have some new members that I want to put a ‘hug’ on. And how I miss all the children. They are such a delight.? ? ?

This next Sunday Betty and I, along with Shana and her kids are heading for Orange Beach, Alabama, for a time of relaxation and refreshing. I’m really looking forward to that outing.

Had some special visitors with us this week. Betty’s sister, Karen and her daughter Meliheh, spent a night with us. They were on their way from D.C. to Houston.? Nathan and his family joined us along with Shana and Jeff. We broke out the instruments. I played the banjo, Nathan on the guitar, and Shana on the piano. Jeff joined in the song part. He has a really great voice.? It was such a precious time. Meliheh is getting to discover the ‘country’ side of her family.?

Last week we had another great time with my Fletcher cousins, Jerry, Jerome, and Lane.? It is such a treat to have them visit with us.? We were all raised up pretty much like brothers.They brought the fish and we furnished the drinks. Had plenty of laughter with? memories from our childhood. Nathan was able to be with us also. I’ve always wanted my kids to know my family better. Of course Andre lives right in the midst of them now. (Sharp)

It’s? been made known that as soon as I say ‘go!’ my Fletcher cousins are taking me fishing up on Cane River. They’ve been catching fish by the … (well I’d better not number them.)

Course I’ll be doing plenty of fishing with Andre. Also have some others who want me to fish with them. Would you believe I have a boat that I’ve never even put in the water. Those days are about to be over.

Finally made it out of the book of Psalms for my morning devotion. I seem to get this ‘lonesome’ feeling when I’m coming to the close of a book. You almost feel like a journey has come to an end. Psalms is so rich with portraits of Jesus and the cross.

Guess what! When I opened the book of Proverbs the wonder world of Jesus opened up with another garden of delights. I have to call Proverbs ‘the wonder world of wisdom.’ At the very beginning the Lord starts ministering to my heart.

Let me share just a bit from my recent meditations. I’ve often mentioned to our congregation the? difference between faith and wisdom, and how that? they always work hand in hand. (Sort of like power twins.)

On a simple note, faith is simply believing in and trusting in Jesus Christ. Wisdom on the other hand is learning to live by His instructions for our lives.

It has been both my faith in Jesus and the wisdom? He has given me that has brought me through the journey of lymphoma. The journey has been so refreshing in that it has brought me that much closer to the Lord. All during this time He has been ministering to my heart. What a joy to know Jesus as your own personal Lord and Savior.

Actually I began the journey of lymphoma not knowing if perhaps it was my time to? go home. But after a bit the Lord opened up my heart to understand that He has? more for me to do on this side. He was giving me? ‘wisdom for life.’

Anyway, God’s people need to understand that a walk with the Lord is not about blindness.? It is about living from the wisdom that He gives for all our situations in life. This wisdom is what gives balance to our walk of faith.? Wisdom teaches? us? how to live and how to walk.

This is why Jesus said, “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” (Luke 7:35)

How will we know if we are a child of wisdom? Listen to? what Proverbs 3:13-18 has to say about God’s wisdom for life.

“How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding.
For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold.
She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast.”

Not a thing I can add to that.?

Ok, think I’ll? close out for now.?

Blessings,

Buddy

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Morning Journal,

Yesterday’s service at Christian Challenge was a blessing beyond words. Most all my Martin-Fletcher family were in attendance, along with friends and other members of Chase Murphy’s family.?

Lane did a memorial to Chase Murphy. He read from Chase’s Gems for Jesus. (This is a journal that each member of our Disciple’s Heart Class keeps.) Chase’s mom, Martha, shared personal thoughts with the congregation, and on the peace that the Lord had given? her. There was not a dry eye to be found.

Nathan ministered? on the series ‘Sunday School Lessons for Real Life’. His teaching? was on David and Goliath and how that we have to face? real giants in life. I know the entire congregation was blessed. His main points were three:

I - Giants are Real.
II - God is Realer (more real)
III - God has given us the victory keys.

While Nathan was speaking on David’s selection of five stones, I remembered that Goliath had four brothers. Why did David pick five stones when one was all he needed?? I thought to myself, ‘David was ready to take on Goliath and all four of his brothers.’ ?

In my way of thinking I could hear David saying to Goliath, ‘Bring your four brothers on. I’ll take care of all five of you.’ (Sorry.? My thoughts go a bit crazy at times.)? ?

The fact of the matter is that Goliath’s four brothers were dealt with later on. Nathan did an excellent job in bringing this out. His point is that we will have to face giants more than once in our life but we always deal with them the same way. Our faith is to be in the Lord. We are simply to use what He gives us to use.

So what’s this about looking towards the heavens and counting the stars?

I wanted to share a bit? on what true faith is really about.

In the study of hermeneutics there is a principle called ‘the law of first mention.’? (Hermeneutics is the branch of theology that deals with principles of? Bible interpretation.)

The principle of ‘first mention’? means that the first time you find a? term? used in the Bible, that very first time will carry the basic meaning of that term or expression throughout the? Bible. The very first time the word ‘believe’ is used in the Bible is as follows:

“And he [God] took him [Abraham] outside and said, ‘Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendents be.

“Then he [Abraham] believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.” (Gen 15:5,6)

The apostle Paul said that what happened with Abraham is exactly what happens to Christians when they first? believed in the Lord Jesus. Paul wrote —

“…with respect to the promise of God, [Abraham] did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness.

“Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” (cf. Rom4:20-24)

Sometimes we struggle over the issue of what believing means. The problem is that? our English word believe does not carry in itself the depth of meaning that goes with the? Hebrew and? Greek language for believing. We tend to believe with our head, that is, sort of a mental assent. But in the Bible, believing is something to be done with the heart. It requires an attachment that can only be made with the heart.

The primary meaning of the Hebrew word ‘aman’ (believe) is that of providing stability and confidence. It can be compared to what a baby finds in the arms of a parent. The sense? conveys the idea of trustworthiness that a person’s word? can fully depended on. (Where we get our English word ‘amen!’)

The Greek term is very much the same, that is, to be firmly persuaded as to something that a person has said.? Our salvation is based entirely on our believing the message of the cross.?

This is why the apostle said, “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (Rom10:9,10)

The term ‘heart’ as used in the Bible speaks of the deepest of our human make up. (Not the fleshly organ.) And the ability to believe with our heart comes from the Lord speaking into our lives, just as He did with Abraham. The Bible says, “So [saving] faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Christ speaking to our heart.)

There is another connecting issue in believing that we need to understand. Believing altogether has to do with where we are looking. When God told Abraham to look towards the heaven, He was telling Abraham to consider how the very heavens speak of God Himself.

It was when God said, “So shall your descendants be,” that the eyes of Abraham’s heart were opened to the promised Messiah and to God’s redemption program.? At this point it says that Abraham believed in the same Lord that we? believe in. ?

The short side of this is that true faith is God’s call to see past the? physical and to see as God’s sees. True faith requires no outward sign. It is? always a thing of the heart.

And a true walk of faith is learning to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is both the author of our faith and the finisher of our faith. Jesus supplies us with the faith to live by.

Just some things to think about.

Blessings,

Buddy

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