I have to be honest… as I sit here writing you today I’m dragging a little bit! Monday I left for Winnipeg to record programs for New Day Ministries. I got in my hotel room around 9:30 pm and got to bed around 11:30. On Tuesday morning we recorded programs until about 5 pm and then we ended the day with a brainstorming session that wrapped up around 9:30 pm. On Wednesday we recorded programs all day and by midnight Wednesday evening I was at home with my sweetheart. That’s what I call a whirlwind trip! Some of my friends wonder why I keep this kind of pace. To be honest, I could settle back into semi-retirement and live a pretty decent lifestyle – but that’s the problem. While I live a good lifestyle others will be hurting. While Brenda and I enjoy a great friendship and the golden years of being in love others will be losing their marriage! While I wake up every morning feeling the love and peace of God millions will awaken to torment and frustration. The need is too great and the time is too short for me to find comfort while others just need to find Jesus! I know people don’t want to hear it, but the truth is our country stands very little chance of ever recovering. We can, but I don’t see the kind of grassroots movement that needs to take place politically, economically, or spiritually.
Every day I see a growing number of “Christians” who have no commitment to the lordship of Jesus. They have no conviction about governing their lives by God’s Word. And they don’t see why the Word of God or their faith should be a factor in their political ideas. The Church as a whole is asleep at the wheel. The average pastor is overwhelmed as he or she attempts to create a sense of eternal purpose among a body of believers who seem to only desire to live for today! I can’t imagine the pain of having as much passion as some of these wonderful leaders feel, yet being surrounded by carnality and self-centeredness. But there is light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel of disappointment. First, there are some incredible leaders, wonderful pastors, and dedicated ministers who are effectively laying their lives down for the world. That’s why I so love and respect Bob and Audrey Meisner. I see the behind-the-scenes work and sacrifices they make to reach Canada and the world. They tirelessly crisscross North America pouring their hearts out in unheard of honesty and extreme vulnerability. They hold nothing back about their personal struggles to save marriages and recover families! Then there are guys like Ed Elliott who risks his life taking this Gospel to the underground church. The price Ed, Laurie, and their family have paid for the Gospel is rare in this day. Then there is Dave and Bonnie Duell. Dave is 75 years old and works rings around me. Bonnie does the work of a full office staff. But they never complain; they just keep taking the Word farther and farther. And of course there is my buddy, Jimmie Bratcher. He not only holds meetings where there is no offering, he holds meetings where it costs him tens of thousands of dollars to present the Gospel. His ministry is so cutting-edge the Church doesn’t really understand or appreciate it. Then my long-time friend, Allen Speegle, labors to develop leaders around the world so this message of grace, peace, and unconditional love will be multiplied to the ends of the earth. He could easily enjoy the fruit of building a thriving church. He could stay home with his family and these new grandchildren he shows on Facebook every day that he obviously loves so much. But when he could rest he keeps going. My list of ministers and pastors could go on and on. Trust me; I have left out many leaders who are equally laying their lives down at great sacrifice. Then there is you! Man! In the middle of a Church swept up in self-centeredness and carnality people like you stand up and say, “I want others to know what I know. I want others to hear what I have heard!” I am amazed every day at you! Every month (or weekly, or annually) you make a sacrifice to insure that we take this Gospel to the ends of the earth. That type of selflessness is so rare. You not only keep this ministry reaching out financially, you keep me going emotionally because we are in this together. As long as your passion moves you to send me to those who have not heard, you will move me to compassion to reach as far as I can! Every day people ask me what we should do to prepare for the days that lie ahead. There are all kinds of practical things we can do to sustain our natural life for a few months or even a few years. We can be like Martha. When Jesus came to her house she busied herself with the natural things to care for Jesus and his traveling companions. What she did was valuable but it wasn’t the most important thing. Then there was Mary. She chose to sit at Jesus’ feet. When Martha criticized Mary for not engaging in the practical side of the tasks we read: And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Whatever else we may do to prepare for the future we have chosen that good part which cannot be taken away. What we do, what we give, and those we serve will be our gift to Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ. No matter what we lose in this life no one can take away these things we are doing for mankind and for the body of Christ. When we do it for them in His name, we do it to Him. Thank you so much for choosing the good and eternal part. You inspire me through your generosity! Together we are changing the way the world sees God! Together we are inspiring one another to a life of service and sacrifice for our Lord! Blessings to you and your family.
