The Men of Issachar

David was a gifted man. A musician, poet, shepherd, and king. But above all he was a warrior. He knew what it meant to be in battle, to risk life, to fight for a cause. There were times when he fought alone. He protected sheep during the night, and walk into the valley to take on Goliath. But as this warrior’s reputation grew he began to find himself surrounded by other men who also had a warrior mentality.

These men were tough, courageous, loyal men who would do anything for their leader. They seemed to thrive on the excitement of living on the edge of life and death. They were absolutely fearless. Their story is found 1 Chronicles 12. It reads like a report from the department of defense. They were an impressive force. These were fighting men who had earned great reputations. They are listed by tribes and groups.

They are also identified in some creative ways. There were the switch-hitters, the iron men, and others from various tribes of Israel. Then the Bible mentions a small group of men from the tribe of Issachar. They numbered only 200. But what is said about them is very important. They were not an impressive force, but they had two characteristics that set them apart.

They were Men of Discernment
The Bible says they understood the times. They knew the condition of their country. They saw the spiritual apathy and degeneration around them. They saw what the other warriors could not see. Others could see the battle at hand, but the men of Issachar could see the entire war. They understood what was behind it all. They saw the spiritual dimension. They knew that their country had followed a path of spiritual degeneration and that they needed a change.

The were Men of Direction
The Bible says they had a knowledge of what Israel should do. They not only understood the times, but they knew how to respond to the times. They knew that they needed to act.

These are critical days for America. May we understand the times, and may we know what we should do

Shattered Dreams

If you ever decide to read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation you will read the biographies of hundreds of individuals whose lives touched the landscape of history. Some very good, some very bad, some apathetic. You will read of murderers, adulterers, redeemers and encouragers. You will read of betrayal, deception, forgiveness and courage. You will find characters who span the spectrum from moral purity to incredible wickedness.

Before you finish the first book of the Bible you will come across the life story of a dreamer named Joseph. His is one of the most amazing stories presented. From grandiose dreams as a young man he found himself in the depths of slavery and imprisonment, then ultimately to power and position.

His is a story of Shattered Dreams and how to respond to them. His is a fascinating story. And his story is repeated again and again in every culture in each generation. Even today there are those among us whose dreams have been shattered . . . not once, but again and again.

Join us at Highland Drive Baptist Church as we explore the life of Joseph and learn how to respond to Shattered Dreams. The sermon series begins September 19.

Moments in Time

The history of our lives tends to be marked by moments in time. We seldom dwell on long eras of time, but are acutely aware of particular events that puncture the mundane of our lives. Sometimes they simply register a significant event to be remembered. At other times they radically alter the course of our lives. When I think back over the course of my life I seldom think in terms of months or years, but of moments.

I remember climbing into a tractor-trailer to ride with my grandfather when we were moving to Tennessee when I was six years old. I remember gazing out the window while my imagination expanded as my fifth-grade teacher read The Black Stallion to her class. I remember the first play that I ran at football practice in Monroe, Louisiana in August 1973. I remember watching Jan start down the aisle on our wedding day. Life is like that. When we look back we see a series of snapshots . . . each one an important event that left an indelible impression.

Our national history is the same. We remember it through moments in time. The surrender of the British at Yorktown. The discovery of electricity. The assassination of President Lincoln. The attack on Pearl Harbor or the death of President Kennedy.

The current generation will never forget the attacks on September 11, 2001. I vividly remember where I was when I saw the first tower fall. I am sure it is the same for most of you. For weeks we were glued to our televisions soaking up news related to those moments in time on 9-11.

Moments in time. Some of the most significant things that happen to us do so in short, unexpected moments of surprise. We tend to look only to the past when we think this way. It might be helpful to also consider the future. There will be other moments in time that will further mark the passage of this nation and of our lives. Are we ready nationally? Are you ready personally?

International Rooster

We have an interesting resident in our neighborhood. I first noticed it a few weeks ago. I was working in the back yard when I thought I heard a rooster crow. My first thought was to dismiss it as my imagination, but then I heard it again. I was also hearing some kids playing in a swimming pool in a nearby back yard and decided it was some kind of toy. But the crowing continuing and I finally acknowledged to myself that this was a real, live rooster.

Just so you know, I live in town. I'm surrounded by houses, lawns, driveways, patios and decks. I am far from the outskirts of town. But someone who lives near me has a rooster. And this is not just any ordinary rooster. This is an international rooster. In fact, I'll take it a step further. I'll say he is brilliant. He is well aware of the fact that at any given moment throughout the day, somewhere in the world it is morning. Somewhere around the globe a new day is dawning. He just doesn't know that his voice is not strong enough to reach most of those other places. So . . . throughout the day he does what roosters are supposed to do. He announces the starting of a new day. . . over and over and over.

You know . . . rather than it being a nuisance to me, it is a great reminder that God is always in the process of allowing someone, somewhere an opportunity to start over, to do things differently, to get it right this time. His mercies are new every morning. God is indeed, a God of fresh starts and new beginnings. So, Mr. Rooster, keep crowing.

Touching the World

HDBC is touching the world. In some cases we are sending teams out to remote areas on other continents. Two HDBC couples have given months of their lives this summer to touch people in Europe. One HDBC member will be returning home this weekend after spending over two years of her life helping an unreached people group know the truth about God's love.

We began the year by sending a team to a remote people-group in West Africa in order to tell them about Jesus. While I am writing this blog we have a team heading for Malawi (southeast Africa) to share with people in remote villages. We've sent teams to New Orleans to work not only with local people but also to minister to seamen from around the world who spend time in the port of New Orleans.

Recently our church has begun a new ministry to reach out to international students on the campus of Arkansas State University. Not only are we going to the world, but God is also bringing the world to us. These are great times, filled with great opportunities. May God help us respond to the these opportunities with courage, love and commitment.

Go Fish

Thanks for all the positive comments about the current sermon series, Go Fish. I'm really excited about all who have completed the assignment challenge that I shared at the end of the first sermon. Your emails, text messages, and Facebook messages have encouraged me.

This past Sunday Amanda Greene shared with the church that she has trusted Christ as her Lord and Savior. It is always a thrill to see a child make a life commitment to Christ. Also, on Sunday, Becca Cato shared that God is calling her to a life of ministry/missions. God is working in a mighty way in our student ministry and continues to call many into a career of ministry, missions and preaching. Watching them grow is one of the great joys that I have as their pastor.

Had a wonderful weekend visit with my mom and dad this past weekend. I am so thankful that they are in good health. It was fun watching them enjoy their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Go Fish

Thanks for the buzz about the new sermon series started on Sunday. It's going to be a really good series that will lead us to refocus on a most important, but often neglected privilege that followers of Christ have. Join us each of the next three Sundays. And remember that you can listen to them at http://www.hdbc.org/ or through iTunes podcast (search "HDBC").

I am thrilled with the number of individuals who have recently become followers of Christ by placing their faith in Him. It is exciting to see children, youth and adults receive the great gift of salvation that God offers to all people. It breaks my heart to realize how many people have still not accepted His love and grace.

A big "shout out" to all who will be going back to work in our schools in a few days. Thanks for your tireless efforts to teach our children. We appreciate your efforts.