No Body Writes Books About Wimps

Someone is letting me borrow a book. It was written by Joyce Rogers about her husband Adrian. There are a few people in the ministry that I admire more than others. One of those men was Adrian Rogers. I say "was" because he has recently gone to be with the Lord. What a legacy he has left behind, and what an attitude he had. Once when his infant son was found dead in the crib from SIDS he was confronted by an unbeliever about his tragedy. The man wanted to know how he could serve a God that would let innocent children die. Adrian rebuked the man saying that the event would cause him to preach even harder. His son had died because sin was prevalant in the world, and as long as there was sin that caused innocent babies to die he would fight and preach against it. As a boy young Rogers was always picking a fight or getting in trouble. This great man used all the vinegar God had put in him to fight just as hard against the enemy as a pastor. He was well loved by his friends but he sent a chill up the spine of his foes. Adrian Rogers never stepped down from a fight. When the SBC was headed so deep into the sea of liberal theology that it was in danger of never returning, Dr. Rogers gathered like-minded Baptists into a boat and brought the ship back to its conservative moorings. Some, including myself, considered it a rescue mission. Others called it piracy. He did not care. This was a job appointed by his Master and he would do it or die. Reading about this man I realize sometimes what a wimp I can be. No body writes books about wimps. So this morning my prayer is, "Oh Lord, may I be deeply loved by my friends and greatly feared by my enemies. Give me the backbone of those who stand tall against adversity like your servant Dr. Rogers."

I Need to Lighten Up

After all the heavy stuff I've been sharing with you bloggers and bloggettes I thought I would lighten up, literally. Recently a relative, not a church member, patted my rotund mid-section and declared, "You are getting more like me every time I see you." My immediate inclination was to respond, "You mean rude?" But I remembered I was a Christian and a pastor (not to mention my wife was in close proximity and I knew a pinch or backhand would be forthcoming). I knew what he meant of course. Although I would never be so bold as to evaluate a persons dimensions without being asked I knew he was talking about my weight. I had already determined I should lose a few pounds. I just wish it didn't take so much effort. After all, it is almost painless putting it on. I've been going down hill for a while. It started when lacing up shoes wore me out. Then I went to loafers. When I found myself searching the internet for shoes comfortable enough to sleep in I decided it was time for action. (Don't laugh. If they can do it with contact lenses then they can do it with shoes too.) So today I started my regiment of eating right. Skim milk and cardboard wafers disguised as cereal for breakfast, grilled rubber chicken sandwich with no fries and a diet coke for lunch, and a breath mint for a snack has been my daily bread. Oh yeah, and 13 cups of coffee with Splenda for support. I don't think it is effecting me very much. I don't think it is effecting me very much. I don't think it...Oh I already said that. So if you see me around the church and you notice I've lost a little weight don't be afraid to encourage your pastor. A simple pat on the tummy will do. On second thought, keep your hands to yourself and say something nice or don't say anything at all. Excuse me I've got to go. My coffee cup is empty and their baking cookies downstairs. There aren't any calories in the smell is there?
In His Shadow,
Pastor Ken

Raptured?

I know what your thinking. The pastor hasn't written in his blog for almost two weeks. He must have been raptured. I see those hands. If I have then two things are immediately apparent. Number one, there is internet access in heaven and number two, you are not. Don't worry, the rapture hasn't happened, at least I hope not for both of our sakes. I have been away on staff retreat with the rest of the ministerial staff and their wives and kids. It was great to get away. Now obligations are awaiting and they have grown just like the weeds in my yard while I was away. I have two radio spots to prepare for J103 on Tuesday, a Bible study to write for Wednesday, a new series begins on Sunday and the sermon has not been written nor has the set been built, a prayer breakfast early Tuesday morning downtown and several counseling appointments. To compound things I have one minister on vacation all week and one on a month long sabbatical. That rapture thing is sounding better all the time. Lord could you come before my first deadline on Monday? "Even so come quickly Lord Jesus!"
In His Shadow,
Pastor Ken

Ouch

I knew it was coming. Outright criticism of creative Bible teaching in Tennessee is a given. What I didn't expect was a personal attack from a brother in Christ. It came in the mail yesterday. This person visited Easter Sunday. You remember the "bucket" message don't you? I was accused of not preaching from the Word, turning a sacred worship experience into a trite performance (I think he called it a circus), and thinking more highly of myself than I should. Those are the nice things he said. After reading the 3 page letter I was knocked a little off balance. I have been attacked by a pagan before with such vigor but never by a fellow Christian. It seems we can say about anything we want as a Christian as long as we add the scriptural phrase "speaking the truth in love." Thankfully not everyone was so "appalled." (I think he used that word at least 4 times in the letter)I think I told you in a previous blog 4 people prayed to receive Christ as Savior and several others joined our fellowship on that morning. Still others thanked me for holding the attention of their lost friends and family members long enough so that they could hear the gospel that morning. In the letter I was accused of "never opening the Word." I know I don't have the power to save, so the people who accepted Christ and rededicated their lives to Him that morning heard something my letter writing friend did not hear. Now that some time has passed I feel more sadness than anger toward my brother in Christ. I'm sorry that I did not live up to his expectations this Easter, but I hope I never attack the person when I simply disagree with the method. When I got hurt as kid my Mom would always say, "rub it and it will feel better." Where do you rub when you've been blind-sighted by a fellow believer. Ouch!