It is Tuesday, July 27th. We left for vacation on Saturday and have been to the Mt. Rushmore and spent time in the Black Hills. Now we are in the Rocky Mountains  at Brekenridge, Colorado. We just got back from a 6 mile trail walk which the last half was in the rain as an unexpected rain fell. It was exiting. We got back to the mountain house and got in the hot tub and warmed up a little. We were supposed to have internet access here but when we got here the router was not working and they tell us it will be a few days to get it working. I am using something special right now and wanted to let everyone know we were doing well. It has been wonderful to again see God's great creation. What a wonderful country we live in. I have read a complete book on South Dakota and really enjoyed, it was relaxing. I have been studying the scriptures every morning. This morning was a very sweet time with the Lord. I am reading another book that I read years ago.,it is "Life On A Higher Plain."  This book is a classic on salvation and overcoming the old man in our life. I may develop a few messages on this when we return. Well, I need to go , hope tomorrow we will be able to spend a little more time updating you. Praying for each of you.  

 I am in the office this morning attempting to get things worked out so we can leave in the morning on vacation. I am looking forward to the time of being with Karen and some of our family who are also going with us. I am thankful for the opportunity to get some time to let my mind and body get a little rest. I am thankful for our pastoral staff and deacons who will be here taking care of things. They are very capable men and without them it would be very hard to leave but with them I am confident things are in good hands. I will try to blog a few days while we are gone so you may want to check in and see what is going on. 

This Sunday morning Pastor Ryan will be preaching and in the evening Pastor Bobby. Next Sunday, Pastor Chas will preach and Pastor Mike in the evening. These men will have a word from God and I encourage each to be in their place to hear from God. 

Last night was a good night at Liberty. Awanas, Teens, Yams all reported good services. I spoke in the auditorium to the adults from Hebrews 11 and Genesis 12. We taught on the "Faith of Abraham". I think I received the most of anyone from the truth we delivered. Faith certainly has a starting place and it begins with GOD reveling himself to mankind. It then proceeds from general revelation to specific revelation. God is so gracious to come to man and call man to himself then we have the choice to respond. Abraham heard God and then chose to obey beginning his pilgrimage of faith. I have done the same. Not only did Abraham begin to follow but he continued to follow. Fait has patience! He patiently sojourned in a land waiting for the promise. I sojourn today. Faith is a process. It is not perfect it has it ups and downs. Abraham faltered in his faith as he left for Egypt seeking food. Famine came in the land of faith and instead of trusting (faithing) he faltered and went down to Egypt. While there he practiced Partial Obedience, Partial Dependance, and Partial Honesty which is reality Disobedience, Independence, and Dishonesty. All which are a lack of faith. He for a while faltered in his faith as he lied and said Sarah was his sister and not his wife. He Took Lot with him and shouldn't had. He trusted Egypt ( the world ) not God who had called him from the world to a promised land. Yes, there was a famine in the land of faith but his faithful role was to stay and trust God during that time of testing.

I am glad this is in the Bible. Abraham had great faith but faith falters on occasion. I am like Abraham, he had left all to follow the Lords will and yet he found himself in doubt along the way. I do that so often, what about you? Praise the Lord, Abraham came out of Egypt. He found himself where he wasn't supposed to be. He came back to the land of faith and built an altar, making things right with the ONE who called him in the first place. I am glad that is in the Bible, because I have to do that so very often. Our faith struggles at times but it can grow through the struggles. Abraham's faith grew into GREAT FAITH. Faith enough to be  willing to sacrifice his only Son of Promise. Believing that if he did that God would raise him from the dead. I hope my faith grows to such a level. How about you?

I love Thursday night Bible study at church. It is good to look at His Word and let it practically apply to ones own life.

Hope your day is a blessed one as you travel through this LAND OF FAITH. 

 Jesus said that we must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:2-24 ). As long as God's Spirit and the truth of His Word, the Bible, guide us, God is pleased with our worship. We should worship Him Biblically & Enthusiastically.

As we read in  Nehemiah 8:6. Ezra blessed the Lord and all the people answered, "Amen! Amen!" while lifting up their hands. They bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 

WE CAN WORSHIP GOD VERBALLY. The people expressed their praise with words. As a Christian , my praise to God should be continually "in my mouth." According to Psalm 34:1. The redeemed of the Lord should "say so," according to Psalm 107:2. Our God desires to HEAR our worship. 

WE CAN WORSHIP GOD PHYSICALLY. While these people worshipped it is interesting that they lifted up their hands. And then they bowed low. We, too, have the freedom to worship the Lord with physical activity. We can "lift up holy hands" (1st Timothy 2:8 ), clap our hands ( Psalm 47:1 ), and bow and kneel before the Lord our Creator ( Psalm 95:6). This doesn't mean we have to but we can be very biblical in our worship if we choose to do so. 

WE SHOULD ALWAYS WORSHIP GOD REVERENTLY. The worshipers in Nehemiah 8 were very reverent in their demeanor. They stood respectfully when the Scriptures were read, and afterwards they bowed low in humility and honor and worshipped the Lord with their faces towards the ground. It is important to understand that enthusiastic worship does not have to become fanatical emotions. 

WE SHOULD WORSHIP GOD PRIVATELY AND PUBLICLY. Privately,( Matthew 6:6 ) and Publicly ( Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:24-25 ). 

Worshipping our Lord is the greatest privilege we have on this earth. May we learn more and more how to worship the ONE who is WORTHY. 

It is Tuesday morning July 20th. I am back in my office after being in bed since Sunday afternoon about 1p.m. Not sure what I had but it began to come upon me while I was preaching during our first service Sunday morning. By the time I was finished with the second service I knew I need to get to bed soon. I went home , went directly to bed and have been there until this morning. I am still very weak but better. Please pray for me today as I need physical strength in order to accomplish todays agenda.

Sunday's services were blessed with God's presence. In the morning the emphasis was on "What is the World Headed To?" In the evening the Lord had already led us to have Mike Green speak. Mike is a wonderful member of Liberty who knows what it means to walk with God. He is also a Gideon, and he led the people to see the mighty power of the printed scripture. Karen cam home to this ailing preacher and said the service was wonderful. That cheered my soul. We need to pray for the Gideon's across the world that the Lord will continue to use them in the dispersing of Bibles in schools, hospitals, motels and every other place they emphasize. 

Today I am praying specifically for the sick. Especially those who have long term illness. Those who are not getting better today. Whenever I am sick it helps me to feel compassion more and to practice understanding for those who are sick. I also am able to thank the Lord for His blessings of health. If you are well today why not thank the Lord for that healthiness? Speak with you tomorrow, Lord willing.

In my last blog I addressed a topic that has been on my heart for sometime, "Reasons To Stand With A Good Pastor." I would like to come back to that today because it is still on my heart and I sense of the Lord that I am to bring these thoughts out to spur on understanding. I want to preface once again that I am not mentioning these things because of my personal life but more importantly for the Lords kingdom. I want to mention these things for the good of all christians who need their pastors and who have a lack of understanding at times concerning their pastors. We also need to recognize that the enemy is continually attempting to divide and destroy, and often he will use lack of understanding to do so. It is with these motives that I write about these things. I have been in the ministry long enough that I feel that I can address such things with more understanding and also can do so with a motive for God's glory not just to motivate for the following of a man. God is almighty and will give followers if the pastor is following Jesus. The motivation is key, God's work is done by His power not mans manipulation. So with that understanding I can address such matters knowing my motive and my trust is for His glory not my own. 

With this in mind I want to mention a few more good, "Reasons To Stand With Your Good Pastor."

10. REMEMBER HE WOULD GIVE YOU GODLY COUNSEL DURING A DIFFICULT DECISION. He will help you see through the fog of your own surroundings, sort through the options, apply biblical principles for wise decisions. If he walks with God and knows the scripture seek his council.

11. REMEMBER HE WOULD STILL LOVE YOU AND SUPPORT YOU IF YOU COMPLETELY FAILED. If you came to him with the worst news, right now, he would still love you and help you do the right thing in response. He would forgive you and lead you into the forgiveness of God. He would graciously sit down with you, your family and those involved and help rebuild what is broken, restore what is damaged, and recover what is possible of that which was lost. 

12. REMEMBER HE IS GOD'S SHEPHERDING GIFT TO YOUR LIFE. God says it this way in Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some , apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists: and some pastors and teachers." 

13. REMEMBER THE LORD SAID TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND REMEMBER HIM. This is really God's idea. Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." Remember they have been given to you, assigned by God Himself. Yes God will on occasion bring new assigned pastors in our life but until the Holy Spirit makes that perfectly clear acknowledge them as assigned from the Lord. 

14. REMEMBER A CRITICAL SPIRIT MAKES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY VULNERABLE. When I resist God's structure of authority it is wrong for me to do so. Criticism of spiritual authorities opens up the door for spiritual attack upon me and all my loved ones. 

15. REMEMBER NO PASTOR ON EARTH IS PERFECT. This is a no brainer. As a pastor I used to think often about a new church, a new congregation. Finally the Lord showed me the next church will have just as much imperfection in my congregation as the one I am at now. You will find in time your next church will have just as imperfect a pastor as your present church. Even the Apostle Paul called himself the chief of sinners (1st Timothy 1:15 ). 

16. REMEMBER THE DANGER OF LONG TERM CRITICISM. Many pastors quit. Now they shouldn't because they are called of the Lord and they should remain faithful no matter how difficult the task. Pastors need to make sure they are constantly taking in the LORD and being filled with power and Jesus Himself, assuring they will not quit. They are to please the Lord not necessarily people. But the fact remains many pastors reach an end- tired weary and wounded. Many finally have enough. They get an attitude that they don't have to put up with all the public criticism. They begin to listen to the devil that they can return to private life and live according to their own concerns and after all the congregation would probably be better off because it sure seems they are not doing so well anyway. Now the pastor should not listen to the temptations and accusations of the enemy, that is for sure. Perhaps instead of pushing him that direction we need to pull him the other direction with our encouragement?

17. REMEMBER OUR CRITICISM IS MORE A REFLECTION OF OUR SPIRIT THAN HIS FAULTS.  Through the years I have learned that when I am critical it may be a product of an impure heart, not an imperfect person. If my heart were pure, my criticism would not be criticism. It would be concern and it would be shared one on one with the person of concern. It would be constructive and reconciliatory in action.  When I am being a critic I don't seek to resolve concerns and restore relationships, I seek to fester, stir up, and exaggerate issues. 

18. REMEMBER OUR CRITICISM ULTIMATELY HURTS US MOSTLY. Hebrews 12:15 says, "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the GRACE of God ; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." It robs joy, clouds vision, fogs perspective, and destroys our ability to live joyfully and abundantly. It damages us internally and outwardly in our testimony. 

Having a biblical love and respect for a godly, servant-hearted pastor is right. It is not man-worship. It is not blind. It is not mindless. It does not violate the priesthood of the believer, the authority of fathers or husbands. It is just wise.

 Something has been on my heart for some time and I think today is the day to share it. Before I begin to share it I want all to know I am not sharing this because of some situation in our personal ministry. I have served as a pastor for many years and feel as if I can speak for pastors. I also feel I can take on some things better today then I could years ago. I am addressing things I think will help the body of Christ as a whole. I am not attempting to rally folk to myself as much as I am attempting to speak to issues that will help the church. With that said, ever notice that some people seem to enjoy the criticism of pastors? It seems that it is all to natural to commit themselves to finding and exploiting every possible imperfection. It can be very addicting even though it's rotting something in them. If this is done long enough it will only be a matter of time till  this attitude will begin to eat away and they will begin to pull away.  Relationships and Influence will be lost and spiritual progress will be halted. The enemy (Satan )will enter and manifest the flaws of the pastor and complaints in the soul will eventually become criticisms of the tongue, which Exodus 16:8 explains that the Lord hates murmurings against His earthly authorities. This text teaches that those murmurings were really against the Lord himself who had given them their spiritual leader Moses. Moses was not perfect but he was a loving leader who only thought best for his followers. One who was in a tough position, appointed by God Himself.

May I give some thoughts to remember the next time you think it is a good time to focus on your pastors imperfections and pull away. BY THE WAY THIS IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN TO THEIR PARENTS AS WELL AS FRIENDS TO FRIENDS. 

1. REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE HE MAKES TO BE IN MINISTRY. Good pastors would be good at a lot of other things, and most of those other things would be easier. The hours would be less and the wages more. He stays in the ministry because he loves the Lord who called him and he loves his people. 2nd Corinthians 12: 15 says, "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you;though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."  I have to tell you I am not sure that verse can be understood as well with sheep like it can with shepherds. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you catch that truth. "The More He Loves The Less I Be Loved." Love will stick with folk but many times the sheep will not love like that in return, they will resist the one who leads, the one who uses force if need be, the one who tells it like it is. All this in love and the more they love the less they are loved. WOW, that is worth pondering.

2. REMEMBER THE BIBLICAL NURTURE HE PROVIDES FOR YOUR LIFE AND YOUR FAMILY. His study and prayer time have proven effective in the feeding and the nurturing of your spiritual life. He labors in the Word ( sacrificially giving up pleasure times) so that you may be stronger, so you can be ready to take on the enemy and the pressures of the world. Acts 20:20 says, "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you; but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house." Notice he has been prepared to teach and preach, he has been to your home with care and answers when you were in deep need of such.

3.REMEMBER THE QUALITIES THAT CAUSED YOU TO APPRECIATE HIS LEADERSHIP. At some point you voluntarily placed yourself under his leadership and influence. Take some time and think about the good qualities that originally led you to your decision. More often than not the pastor has not changed. He is still ministering and being the believer he was when you first met him. Many times he is closer to the Lord and in many ways doing ministry in an improved way. Yes, that is not always the case but evaluate realities. Choose to stare at the good qualities and glance at the weak ones. 1st Corinthians 13  teaches us ,"Love thinketh no evil and that love covers a multitude of sins."

4. REMEMBER THE VICTORIES HE HAS LED YOU TO IN LIFE. Because of his leadership you've probably had part in many personal and ministry victories. Many are more mature today in the Lord because of the pastor you have had. Delight in those memories and truths.

5. REMEMBER THE SPIRITUAL DECISIONS YOU HAVE MADE BECAUSE OF HIS GODLY INFLUENCE. Because the Lord has used his preaching and teaching. Because the Lord has used his example of life today you may be saved. Maybe you have a marriage still in tact. Perhaps your children are walking with the Lord. Perhaps you have avoided some traps, been spared some bad decisions, and seen some spiritual growth. Take a moment to reflect on those decisions.

6. REMEMBER THAT PLENTY OTHERS ARE CRITICIZING HIM. Any body can be a critic, because everybody is imperfect. Look long enough and you will find fault in everybody. Too many people join the "dark side ." There is nothing virtuous or valiant about finding fault and  pointing it out, any unspiritual nitwit can do that. Yes we are to go to those we love and help them overcome their faults but as we point out fault it is always with love and help and pledge that we are there with them to help. Our plan is never to  be just to point out wrong and threaten that if they don't fix themselves immediately that we are finished with them. It takes a lot more spiritual maturity and depth to be steadfastly committed to perfect cause with an imperfect church family. Take a look at Galatians 6:1-2.

7. REMEMBER HE'S PROBABLY BEARING BURDENS IN CARE OF THE CHURCH THAT HE CANNOT TELL YOU ABOUT. Out side of our little worlds and sometimes our petty worlds, the pastor is dealing with Big things. And often MANY BIG things all at one time. A man who is thinking about ending his life, a family that is falling apart, a marriage on the brink of destruction or perhaps 6 to 7 at one time. A dying loved one , many sick in the congregation. Labor shortages in the church. Preparation for messages, administration in the church. Personal spiritual attack. A church member facing trial, a child or teen that has been sexually abused. A wife whose husband just left. The list is endless. Add to that he has to fix his sink in the kitchen, he needs to mow his yard, his own children have needs. He can't tell you about it all, often thing's need to stay private and confidential. But it is still there and it is all very real. The enemy comes and says your pastor dosen't love you. He dosen't have time for you. Perhaps we should remember there are others who are in need and perhaps we should remember how often we have been on the receiving end of his help through the years.

8. REMEMBER HE WOULD BE AT YOUR SIDE IF YOU REALLY NEEDED HIM AND YOU LET HIM KNOW OF THE NEED. Yes even the critics are loved by the good pastor. He would and has dropped what he's doing, leave a dinner table, a good nights sleep or change a day off just to be there with you and to care and pray with you. We must remember he is not God, he is not all knowing. You will have to ask for help and you will need to communicate the need. So many get hurt because the good pastor was not there for them and yet they never let him know they needed him. 

9. REMEMBER HE WOULD BE STANDING BY YOU IF YOU HAD A HARD TRIAL. He desires to be sitting there with you, weeping with you, praying with you in your difficult time, even if he couldn't know all about the details. But you must let him know you desire his comfort , his company and his compassion. 

I have so much on my heart concerning this subject. Next time I blog I will add to the reasons why we should stand with our good pastors. 

 It is Monday and is nearly 8 p.m. What a weekend and what a Monday. Very full and very productive for the Lord. We spent much of the weekend beginning Friday in interviewing a Pastoral candidate. R.T. Stringer and his wife Karen along with their three girls were with us from Friday until after Sunday evening service. Their three girls are, Emma (5), Olivia (4), and Annabelle (2). It was great getting to know them better and letting them get to know myself, our staff, the deacons and then on Sunday the entire congregation. Please pray for the leadership as we attempt to find God's will in Pastor Ryan's replacement. We will attempt to keep you posted to all developments.  Our services were wonderful in the morning. We spoke on "Why Would Anyone Believe The Bible?" Then again last night in our service we returned to this message and preached part two. Last evening the auditorium was packed, with many visitors and the Lord spoke to all present. Decisions were made by many to stick with God's Word and begin to do all they can to tell others why they also can trust God's Book the Bible. Hopefully tomorrow we will have both morning and evening messages online so those who were unable to be with us can listen as well. Maybe you could invite someone to listen. Just encourage them to visit www.libertyfamily.org and go to resources and click sermons. It is really easy and what a wonderful way to help people as well as introduce them to our church.

For each of our Liberty family we want to encourage you to pray today for Everett Steely and Perry Frank. These men stand in need of us to pray specific for them today and tomorrow. Perry has to stay in the St. Vincent hospital until Saturday. Everett is home but in much need of the Lord's strength. Also continue to pray for Alice Payne as she recuperates from surgery. Many others in our church stand in the need of prayer as well. 

I will attempt to blog early tomorrow so hope you will check in and when you do make sure to make a comment. It is always interesting and helpful to read your comments even when you may disagree. Discussion and debate is healthy and truth can handle it. Amen! 

 Nothing can replace the leading of the Holy Spirit in soul-winning. He knows people's hearts, and He is at work to bring conviction. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" ( John 16:8 ). If we will daily yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, He will prompt us to witness when we might be tempted to pass by.

The Holy Spirit will lead you to stay longer at a door, to move along when it isn't the right time to speak, He will prompt you at just the right moment on who to speak with and what to say. I have had many occasions through the years when I was prompted to go to a certain home or speak to a certain person and as I obeyed I found out that person had been seeking answers. It was my privilege to show them the answer ( Jesus) to all their questions. 

Who is waiting for you? Will you listen when the Holy Spirit tells you to do something that may be uncomfortable or a little fearful? Some people are ready to be saved right now, while others will need a persistent witness willing to return each time the Spirit commands.

The Bible tells us, "Quench not the Spirit" ( 1st Thess 5:19 ). God will lead us if we listen. He knows who is ready, but we must be willing to listen and obey. 

 We live in an age that has led many towards tolerance. In this age of tolerance, the doctrine of hell has recently come under vicious attack, both by a lost world and some so called evangelicals. So why should we share such a confrontational and unpleasant truth when so many others mention little about it?

1. BIBLICAL REALITY. Many believe hell is metaphorical- it's the world they live in now. Yes this life contains pain and suffering but it is nothing to be compared to the description found in God's Word. Luke 16:23 says, "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments..." 

2. CHRIST'S TESTIMONY. Jesus spoke of Hell much more than He spoke of Heaven. If we are to be like Christ we will find ourselves entering into conversations with people about Hell. Certainly preachers will honestly address the subject. "...but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28).

3. A HEALTHY FEAR. As humans we fear many things without reason. The fear of judgment is well founded, and it may help save our souls. "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire..." ( Jude 23 ). 

4. PROVOKE A DECISION. Saved? Saved from what? A gospel that omits eternal judgment does not provoke a decision. There are two distinct outcomes based on making our decisions too accept Christ. "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (1st John 5:12 ). 

5.UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN. Ask someone if they have sinned, most will agree. Ask if they deserve Hell because of their, and suddenly their sins don't seem so bad. Hell helps us understand just how terrible our sins are in the sight of God. "For the wages of sin is death..." ( Romans 6:23 ). When we begin to explain eternal death our sins even those we may think are not so bad take on a new meaning when we see Gods Holy indignation for them. 

Hell is a subject we need to talk about, teach about and preach about. We must avoid presenting it in to forceful of a way because it is fearful enough in itself. But it must be lovingly shared and talked about with our children, our family, our friends and any others who the Lord gives opportunities with. The great Christians of the past understood this and many souls came to know the Lord. May we once again talk about Hell. 

Hope each of you had a great weekend of celebration of our nations 234th birthday. Our services at Liberty were rousing! Tim Barton our special speaker for the morning services did a tremendous job in presenting the truths of our past heritage. After his presentation I don't think anyone could doubt that the vast majority of the signers of our Declaration of Independence were born again christians. We became a nation under the sovereign hand of Jesus Christ. Now that is worth celebrating and it is worth preserving. I will do my best to preserve this nations freedoms, and I hope you will do the same.

In the evening service we gave 7 suggestions of what America needs to continue as the nation she has been. 

1st - RIGHTEOUS WORKERS- Americans need to out work the world like we once did.

2nd - RIGHTEOUS MILITARY- We need to have a strong military dedicated to protecting our families and our nation. We need a righteous military because we have enemies who hate us and the freedoms we stand for, and we have allies who need our defense. 

3rd - RIGHTEOUS GOVERNMENT- We need "Lawmakers not lawbreakers." We need " Representatives not Radicals," who use their office to inflict Liberal, left wing agendas on the majority of conservative Americans. We need "Statesmen not self-men." 

4th - RIGHTEOUS CHURCHES - We need churches that , Participate in Prayer, Diligent to Bible Study and Consistent in Sharing the Gospel.

5th - RIGHTEOUS PREACHERS- Who, Walk with God, Talk with God and Speak Up for God. We don't need men being cute in the pulpit. We don't need preachers who compromise scripture or just share their opinion. We need men not little boys behind the pulpits of America.

6th - RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE- We need Righteous marriages, righteous parents, righteous children, righteous singles, and righteous teens .

7th- RIGHTEOUS BLESSINGS- The number one thing we need is God's Blessings and without the first 6 things I have mentioned we will not receive what we so desperately need. God will bless us if we bring ourselves as a people to place of blessing. God never blesses sin our disobedience or unrighteousness. "Righteousness Exalts A Nation," Sin Brings Down A Nation." May I suggest what we need from God is four very important things? 

1st- AMERICA NEEDS GOD'S PARDON. 2nd Chronicles 7:13-14

2nd- AMERICA NEEDS GOD'S POWER- Psalm 127:1

3rd- AMERICA NEEDS GOD'S PROTECTION- Psalm 20:7

4th- AMERICA NEEDS GOD'S PRESENCE- Exodus 33:16

We need only what God can give. We only can have these things if we will be the kind of people God will exalt. RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE. 

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