Fuel

Wednesday: The Memorial Service

2008-07-09T22:12:00.003-05:00

Each year at the International Conference of Police Chaplains Annual Training Seminar, a memorial service is conducted for all law enforcement officers who died in the last 12 months. The Memorial Service was held this afternoon. Below is a picture of part of the crowd.

The Mobile Police Department's Honor Guard after the service.

The local Sheriff's Honor Guard also participated.

The Bagpipes are part of the memorial tradition. Here, the piper is still playing after leaving the auditorium.

The Bugler, part of Mobile PD's Honor Guard, prepares to play Taps.

Wednesday: The Classes

2008-07-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

Today's classes covered improving your relations with the department you serve, and how to respond to terrorism and disasters. Lighting is poor in the classrooms, so I don't have many photos of the sessions.

Wednesday: The Press Conference

2008-07-09T17:23:00.000-05:00

Our hotel is next door to the Mobile Government Building. On my way back to the hotel for lunch, I noticed several television trucks surrounding the building, so I went inside to check things out. You can see three of the antennas in this photo.

Inside, I discovered that Mobile's mayor was scheduled to comment on the recent Department of Defense decision regarding the new KC 45 Tanker airplane project that was supposed to come to south Alabama. A small crowd was waiting in the inside courtyard for the major to appear.

While they were waiting for the mayor, the news teams interviewed the chairman of their county commission. He is talking with one of the reporters below.

The mayor appears. One of the reporters is helping him get 'wired' up.

The reporters waiting for the Mayor to finish so they can ask questions.

Mobile's Mayor making his remarks. Note the model airplane over his shoulder.

After it became obvious that no one was going to ask for my reaction, I decided to go to lunch. The Reuben sandwich was pretty good.

Flowers in Mobile

2008-07-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

More flowers for Anita.

Tuesday Classes

2008-07-08T20:43:00.003-05:00

Chaplain Terry Morgan from Placer County, California, led a session on how chaplains can work with special law enforcement groups such as SWAT teams, bike patrols, etc. He is a full-time chaplain and serves all the law enforcement agencies in his county.

Jennifer Thacker is the National President of C.O.P.S. (Concerns Of Police Survivors). Her husband was killed while on duty ten years ago. She taught how chaplains can assist families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. She is an excellent presenter.

Mindi Russell is a chaplain from Sacramento, California, who has worked with over 140 families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Her class discussed how to provide services, funerals, and aftercare for surviving family members.

Glenn Archer, Ed. D., lives in Mobile. He taught a class on how chaplains can help police officers prepare for retirement. Since recent studies show that many former officers die within five years after retiring, they need more than just good financial planning. He presented points on a ten-year plan that will help turn those statistics around.

ICPC President, Wesley McDuffie, behind his computer at the registration desk.

Mobile Training Continued: Monday Night...Still

2008-07-08T20:32:00.002-05:00

Along with the good food on Monday night, the Mobile folks lined the streets with antique cars and police equipment.

Mobile Training Continued: Monday Night

2008-07-08T20:14:00.002-05:00

Sean Libby, a chaplain with the Montgomery County Maryland Sheriff's Department, and I braved the huge line of chaplains gathering in the Government Building Courtyard for an evening meal that was billed as a shrimp boil. There was more chicken served than shrimp, but it was all very good - and was provided by the ICPC folks in Mobile. Thank you!

A jazz band let the group as they marched down the street from their hotel to the Government Courtyard. We only had to walk across the street, but we still enjoyed the music.

The starting line at the 'shrimp boil'.

Mobile Training Continued: Our Hotel

2008-07-08T20:00:00.002-05:00

The convention hotel was full by the time I registered, so a few dozen of us were sent a couple of blocks down the street to the Admiral Semmes Hotel.

The Admiral Semmes is right next to the Government Building in Mobile. Lots of old trees line the street.

Inside the lobby, a chandelier hangs inside a circle of mirrors.

And for Anita, this is the flower arrangement that sits directly under the chandelier in the center of the lobby.

Police Chaplains - Mobile, Alabama

2008-07-07T16:52:00.006-05:00

I am attending the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) 35th Annual Training Seminar in Mobile, Alabama, this week. This is truly an international event: I've met chaplains from Bulgaria, South Africa, and Saipan.

Only my children will understand - but this is a picture of the drapes in the hotel. (I have just justified the cost of this trip in my wife's eyes).

A 'real' Southern Belle in downtown Mobile.

Part of the police vehicles on display - this one courtesy of the Mobile Police.

I attended two classes today. My morning session was led by a chaplain from the Honolulu Police Department and discussed how chaplains should be involved in working with new police recruits.

In the afternoon, I attended a class dealing with school violence. The Pennsylvania State Police Chaplain who responded to the shooting at the Amish School shared his experiences. He is pictured below.

I'll add more photos later.

America, God, and Politics

2008-01-31T12:22:00.000-06:00

Those who whine that God has no place in American politics are publicizing their own ignorance of American history.

God was there in the beginning. Our founding fathers unashamedly proclaimed their dependance upon His Providence, and without hesitation sought His blessings upon every act and venture.

It is impossible to read of the lives or to peruse the writings of any of the patriots who established this nation without noticing their solemn and frequent references to God and the Bible.

Indeed, two scholars studied the writings of America’s forefathers. They reviewed over 17,200 books and articles written by colonial leaders between the years 1760 - 1805. These two men discovered that 34% of all supporting references listed in these documents came directly from the Bible.

Our fathers not only accepted God’s existence, but humbly sought His blessing.

Despite what your television or newspaper tells you, America was founded upon Christian principles.

In 1642, Harvard University told its students: “Let every Student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life.”

John Witherspoon was a preacher who signed the Declaration of Independence. As president of what is now Princeton University, He saw 114 of his graduates become ministers, 13 governors, 3 US Supreme Court judges, 20 United States Senators, 33 US Congressmen, and 1 President and Vice President. 9 of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention were graduates of his college. In his sermon on May 17, 1776, he said, “He is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind.”

God and character mattered back then.

George Mason was the richest man in Virginia in 1776. But more important than the 95,000 acres that he owned was the Virginia Bill of Rights which he authored. In one article of that Bill, George Mason said, “...the duty we owe our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and convictions...it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other.”

His fellow Virginian and The Father of Our Country, George Washington, in his 1789 Inaugural Address said, “The ...smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained.”

McGuffey’s Reader first appeared in 1836 and was the most widely used reading text in American public schools until 1920. The forward of that book declares, “The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our prevalent notions of the character of God, the great moral governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free institutions.”

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln overheard someone say that he hoped the Lord was on the Union’s side. President Lincoln replied, “I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side.”

It is fitting that the last act of Congress signed by Abraham Lincoln before he was killed was the one requiring that the motto “In God We Trust” be inscribed upon all our nation’s coins.

Less than 50 years ago, our United States Supreme Court decided that it is unamerican to allow public school teachers to lead their students in prayer. But the United States Supreme Court in 1892 stated that “Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian.”

William McKinley became president in 1897. Speaking of the Bible President McKinley said, “The more profoundly we study this wonderful Book, and the more closely we observe its divine precepts, the better citizens we will become and the higher will be our destiny as a nation.”

In his Inaugural Address on March 4, 1925, President Calvin Coolidge said, “America seeks no empires built on blood and forces...she cherishes no purpose save to merit the favor of Almighty God.”

In September 1946 the Dallas Public Schools allowed high school students to earn ½ credit toward graduation for attending Bible classes taught at their church or Sunday School.

Harry Truman became president in 1949 and stated in his first address to Congress, “At this moment I have in my heart a prayer. As I have assumed my heavy duties, I humbly pray to Almighty God in the words of King Solomon, ‘Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and bad’...I ask only to be a good and faithful servant of my Lord and my people.”

On December 5, 1974, President Gerald Ford remarked that, “Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first and most basic expression of Americanism. Thus the founding fathers of America saw it, and thus with God’s help, it will continue to be.”

In the 1980's President Ronald Reagan warned us that "if we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.”

But not too long ago, a motion in the US House of Representatives calling for a national day of prayer and fasting failed to garner enough votes to pass. I suppose that these days some are too sophisticated and too well learned to waste time in prayer. Fortunately for us all, the 55 men gathered at the Constitutional Convention did not think so highly of themselves and approved Ben Franklin’s motion to begin each day’s discussion with prayer.

The only hope for America today is the same hope that encouraged men to risk their lives and fortunes to break the chains of tyranny and forge a new government, of the people, by the people, and for the people. That hope was the assurance that they were following the beckoning light shining from the hand of God.

As they were committed to pursue liberty to the death if necessary, let us resolve to hold God and His word high until all, from sea to shining sea, recognize that the same God who inspired and protected our forefathers by His providence stands ready to provide that same service to us.

The only hope for America is for America to return to God who made her strong.

©2008 Doug Ellingsworth

Fine Dining In Sikeston

2007-12-14T23:09:00.000-06:00

Our friends from Sikeston, Missouri, the Whitmans, visited us in Dyersburg last week. Unfortunately, no one remembered to bring a camera. So I dug into the files and found a couple of photos from one of our visits to Sikeston a few months ago. We enjoyed a fine meal together, without bread flying through the air, then toured the church where they serve as pastors.

The Whitman Family

The Ellingsworth and Whitman fathers and sons.

The ladies. Observing their expressions, they must be discussing their husbands.

This is how they look when they know we are watching.

I look forward to more times shared with the Whitmans. The older I grow the more I share the sentiments of Abraham Lincoln. "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."

Approved Crisis Intervention Instructor

2007-12-14T22:44:00.000-06:00

I recently attended a training seminar in Myrtle Beach and qualified to be an Approved Instructor through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. I have put together a training series to help churches prepare for crisis, and this ICISF course adds another important component. Most churches are not prepared to deal with the serious events that will, at some point, strike their congregations. I am hoping to help many churches become better prepared.

Beautiful Myrtle Beach - the view from the hotel. Even though it was cool in November, it was a wonderful time to visit. No crowds!

A partial view of the class. Only 26 people were in the class, but at least five countries were represented.

A look at some of those from foreign countries. Japan...Hong Kong...Rhode Island. :)

D-Day World War II Museum

2007-11-19T23:25:00.000-06:00

My son, Jonathan, and I celebrated his 15th birthday by visiting the D-Day Museum in New Orleans a few weeks ago.

Jonathan standing beside a Higgins boat. These boats were built in New Orleans and were used throughout WWII - but most famously to transport hundreds of thousands of soldiers into Normandy on D-Day.

Two members of the 101st Airborne, their stories made famous by the HBO series developed from Stephen Ambrose's book Band of Brothers, were there that day. These men were signing copies of their newly released book.

Jonathan visiting with "Babe" Heffron and "Wild Bill" Guarnere.
Bill parachuted into France the night before D-Day. He was later injured at Bastogne.
Babe joined Easy Company as a replacement and was among the first US troops to enter Hilter's mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden.

Fellowship In Tulsa

2007-10-06T20:03:00.000-05:00

Tulsa - January 2007

Pointing to changes made at the just-concluded General Conference, some self-described 'conservative' apostolic ministers have secured a 2,000 seat convention center in Tulsa for a "where-do-we-go-from-here?" meeting in January 2008. Apparently somebody thinks that hundreds of ministers are ready to ditch the UPCI in favor of a new and improved network of fellowship.

I have no issue with men coming and going, moving from this organization to another. A commitment to God's Word is the essential pledge, not an affiliation with some organization. But this shuffling of membership cards provides one who is staying an opportunity to make a couple of observations as I watch from the sidelines.

I hope that those leaving realize that they will take a huge dose of human nature with them when they go. Complaints about weak leadership, disagreements on standards, musical preferences, and a thousand other issues will arise within hours of the new alliances being forged. Even among conservatives there are conservatives. Once the honeymoon is over the same thing they've complained about here will show up there. Weakness in the pulpit. Worldliness in the pew. Weird behavior at youth conventions. That's just the way it is. Those things show up wherever humans gather. Even Holy Ghost-filled humans.

What is the value of organization - or whatever you choose to label your ministerial alliances? For many, it seems that friendship and common ideals are the basis for fellowship agreements. Missing from most discussions I've heard recently is what I consider to be the most significant reason to seek or abandon an organization: obedience to the Great Commission. I am grateful that I've found friends within my fellowship, but God did not promise me that I'd be popular when He called me to preach. I am glad that I know some ministers who agree with my personal standards, but God did not ask my opinion regarding His Word. But He did, quite clearly and distinctly, demand that I do my part in reaching the lost world with His Gospel. I hear a lot of talk these days about aligning with those who embrace my standards, but I don't hear much being said about how can we do a better job of delivering the apostolic message to a vastly underevangelised world. And for me, that is the major reason for alliances.

Which leads to observation number three. Is it possible that I can make decisions based on my personal standards that set me at odds with the Word of God? For instance, if I know that withdrawing my support from a truth-proclaiming fellowship may force them to pull missionaries off the field or will severely cripple ministries recently put in place, am I violating a higher law if my exit is based solely on a decision made that I THINK may have harmful consequences? At just what point do my personal convictions take precedent over specific scriptural commands? When does the bad that I think might occur in the future become more important than the good that is happening now? At what point am I justified in taking action that I know will negatively affect another's ministry? After all, God's church is just that - HIS, not mine.

Some will read these few lines and say I'm being unkind to those whose convictions compel them to depart. Not so. Not any more than those who are leaving insinuate that those of us who stay are Hollywood-loving compromisers. I write with no malice, and hope that every person finds whatever it is he seeks. But whether you stay or go, there will be other battles. More lines drawn in the sand. And when that day dawns, I pray that maintaining my personal convictions has not become more important to me than obeying His Word.

©2007 Doug Ellingsworth

The Unfun Task of Being Salt

2007-08-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

Matthew 5:13

Salt seasons your food, freezes your ice cream, and keeps your car from sliding on an icy street. It soothes your sore throat, counteracts the bitterness of acidic foods, and makes water boil faster.

And it makes you really thirsty.

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Salt is pinched, tossed, passed, and shaken. It's kept in boxes, tins, shakers, and bags. It is thrown in water, sprinkled on raw meat, spun around and around inside ice cream freezers, and dumped on highways.

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Salt is versatile. Its use depends upon the need. And Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Salt is applied in various ways. Its application depends upon the need. And Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

It is interesting to note in the Sermon on the Mount just where Jesus slipped in the comment about His people being the salt of the earth. He had just finished reminding them that they will be persecuted for righteousness. And right after He tells them that they are the salt of the earth, He launches into a lengthy discussion about how important it is for them to obey the law - but not just the rules of the law, but the principles and spirit behind those rules.

Very little of the world's vast quanities of salt is resting quietly inside cut crystal shakers on marble-topped tables in five star restaurants. Most is being used to help something else become better and will be unnoticed in the process. No fun. No flamboyance.

The Christian life is a great one, but it was never designed to be a life of luxurious leisure. The call is not to line up for an earthly coronation, but to present yourself for the Master's service. Wherever and however He chooses. It's about righteousness and obedience.

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Live righteously. Obey God’s word.

Be what He needs. When He needs it. Where He needs it. To be applied as He prescribes.

You are the salt of the earth.

©2007 Doug Ellingsworth

A Pastor's Vision

2007-08-15T11:49:00.000-05:00

Apostolic revival and church growth will never be achieved by a cold-hearted application of business principles. Before any business method will spur a church forward, there must first be a spiritual hunger that drives a pastor to be possessed and led of the Spirit. A fire must burn in his soul. Passion must beat in his heart. He has got to know where he is going. He must know that he is following the direction of the Holy Ghost in pursuing the goals that he has set. That assurance will only come in concentrated and intense prayer that is part of a consistent walk with God.

Being committed to working for God is not enough. The Holy Ghost must be the pastor’s motivator. In his leadership lectures, Nathaniel J. Wilson, pastor of The Rock Church in Sacramento, California, points out that Saul of Tarsus was a man with a mission, but until he had a spiritual encounter and received a vision from the Lord, he was killing instead of building. A man’s burden and desire to please God must be strong enough to drive him to pray and fast until he can see the vision that God has for his ministry and the church that he leads.

The spirit does a work that cannot be accomplished by any other method. No book or lecture, no pilgrimage to any holy shrine, can have the profound impact upon a man that compares to a holy encounter with God. It not only empowers the person, but, if given free course, will change the way he thinks and will adjust his values and expectations.

There is no way that a preacher can be equipped to deal with the myriad of issues that this mach-paced, out-of-control society spawns unless he has a fervent and close relationship with the God who watches over it. This mind-affecting work of the spirit is essential. Gordon Sullivan, in his book Hope Is Not A Method, says that “without the tough up-front work of intellectual change, physical change will be unfocused, random, and unlikely to succeed.”

Our vision must flow from a mind that has been transformed by the Holy Ghost. That doesn't come by reading books. It only comes when we spend time in His presence.

©2007 Doug Ellingsworth (From a series on strategic planning)

Why Should I Be Thankful?

2007-08-13T12:11:00.000-05:00

Ask Matthew Henry who was robbed of all the money he had. In his diary that day, he wrote: “Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed”.

The Heart of Leadership

2007-08-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

The heart of leadership is integrity.

Let that simmer in your mind for a moment.

Dishonesty may hide behind talent and skill for a while, but the rotten fibers will eventually corrupt the whole cloth, and what lies beneath will be exposed. It is simply a matter of time.

God pointed this out when He mediated a dispute within the very first human family. Cain was mad at his brother. The Lord tried to reason with him, but Cain refused to listen. God’s short statement to him remains a warning to us. If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door (Genesis 4:7).

Purposely choose to do something other than right and sin will ultimately be your ruin. It is only a matter of time. Cain’s lack of integrity - his refusal to be honest with himself - drove a wedge between him and his brother, his parents, and his God.

No integrity? No leader.

An old banker told me that being honest is like being pregnant. You either are or you ain’t.

It is big news when a Christian leader is caught in sin. Bigger yet if his sin involves sex or money. Watch out if it includes both sex and money. The media will dance with glee for months. Another hypocrite exposed! One more shyster revealed!

If it were possible to rewind the years and review choices made by those who have fallen, we would find that most of them did not have a sex or money problem. Yes, those two were ultimately their downfall, but the real issue, the silent killer, was a lack of integrity. Adultery and greed get all the headlines, but the fellow who determines whether you succeed or fail is always integrity. Somewhere in the history of the fallen they willingly made a decision that compromised their integrity. It may have seemed to be a small matter at the time, but corruption is like a cat. It will slip through the smallest of openings. Give it no chance.

Work to improve your talents, strive to increase your knowledge, but let integrity always be your first, and highest, priority.

©2007 Doug Ellingsworth

The Wonder Of Being Called

2007-05-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Luke 1:49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

Mary was in awe of God's call. The cost of fulfilling that call was not an issue with her. It's as if none of that mattered. That God would even consider using her was amazing - and she rejoiced.

Are you still amazed that God would call you? Or have you become so busy and accomplished that walking with Him has become commonplace?

Are you so focused on your own things that you have never sensed the wonder of the call?

Have you gotten so busy seeking your own fortune that you have missed the wonder of His call?

Lord, may I never lose the excitement and wonder of being called.

The wonder is not that I am wise enough to recognize that serving God is the best way to live. The wonder is that He would welcome me in and open my understanding to His wisdom.

The wonder is not that I came fully equipped to lead, but that He took one the crowd would most likely ignore and changed him into a vessel that He wanted and desired.

The wonder is not I am good enough to meet God’s qualifications. The wonder is that He would choose me to equip.

The wonder is not that I was pure and clean and a perfect fit for His holiness. The wonder is that He took an unclean human and wrapped me in His own righteousness so that I might enter His presence.

Psalm 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

May I never become so successful...or in demand...or accomplished...or carnal...or mechanical...or busy...or satisfied - that I no longer stand in awe and sense the wonder of His call.

©2007 Doug Ellingsworth

Why I Stay

2007-01-10T21:33:00.000-06:00

As my 30th anniversary as a ‘card-carrying’ preacher looms just beyond the horizon, two haunting questions keep replaying in my mind. Where did the years go? is the first one. All the old timers told me that I’d ask myself this question someday. I guess someday finally got here, but it didn’t take nearly as long as I thought it would. No sense wasting time talking to you about this question. You are either asking yourself the same question, or are wondering why people keep telling you that you one day will. If you are there, you already understand. If you aren’t, nothing I say will make much sense. So I guess I’ll move on to question number two.

Why do some preachers take their organizational affiliation so lightly? No, I don’t think that only those who join up with me are the only ones going to heaven, so let’s set that aside right up front. But for the life of me, I can’t understand how some use their affiliation like it was a poker chip in some high stakes stand-off. I’ve heard statements like, “If that passes, I’ll toss my card on the floor and walk out!” Not long ago I heard someone say, “This card is just that: a card. I can preach with it and I can preach without it. Makes no difference to me.”

Maybe I was born in the wrong era, but I thought you signed up with a specific denomination for a reason. When God called me to preach, He seemed mighty serious about it. So when I felt it was time to launch out, I took a serious look at all my options. I could go it alone and build my own church and fellowship group. I liked the idea of having the whole world gathered around my pulpit without me having to jump through all the organizational hoops or upsetting another pastor who thought I was getting on his turf. But the longer I pondered things, the more I realized that there was a better way. So here is why, after almost 30 years, I am still carrying a card and I can’t use it as a bargaining chip.

1. I choose this denomination because it best represents what I believe the New Testament church should be. Namely,believers committed both to the message the Apostles preached and to making disciples on every square inch of the Earth. I didn’t join because it’s a family tradition or because all my friends gather here. I didn’t sign up to become an organizational lackey hoping someday to inherit a position. I got on board because I sincerely believe that this machine, though slow and awkward it may be, is the best option available to reach the world with this message.

2. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;" (1 Timothy 1:15). Jesus did not come so that I might have a group of buddies to preach for and pal around with. He came to save sinners. Jesus did not come so that a congregation would form and pool their tithes to support me. He came to save sinners. Jesus did not come so that I would have conferences to attend to keep me stirred and anointed. He came to save sinners. Jesus did not come so that I could find some measure of fame as a preacher or orator. He came to save sinners.

If He came to save sinners and I say I am called to continue His work, how can I treat my organizational affiliation with casual indifference? Either we are aggressively trying to save sinners or we aren't. If we are, then everything else is secondary and we can work our differences out. If we aren't, then nothing else matters and we need to get with a group who is.

My choice to stay or leave will effect how successful I am at accomplishing what He has called me to do. How can I shrug my shoulders and say it's no big deal?

***More To Come***

©2007 Doug Ellingsworth

On Preaching

2007-01-09T00:02:00.000-06:00

Stan Cook, of the McGruders and Tupelo Children's Mansion fame, spoke at a banquet I recently attended. As he described what people deserve from preachers, I combined a couple of his points about preaching and came up with the following statement on the process of preaching.

"People know if you are delivering the mail or just picking up a check."

Resolutions

2007-01-05T12:34:00.000-06:00

Some folks plan to remodel their lives every December 31st. All that's wrong will be made right, all that's bad will, in a few short days, become good.

I don't object to New Year's Resolutions, but most are not resolutions at all. They are wishes and cravings; things desired, but not required. If we can acquire them without too much personal effort, we will embrace them and rejoice. But if the pursuit turns into work, we'll let them go, content with what we have. Until next December 31 when we'll start the process all over.

This year I've resolved to read the Bible through again. I laid out my plan and I'm off and running. (Waddling is more like it.) And wouldn't you know it? Right at the start, the very first verse, I got a lesson on resolutions.

"In the beginning God" is how the Bible begins. May everything that we resolve to do originate with God. Earning more money, starting a new career, becoming a better father - all of these are are splendid decisions, but unless the motivation comes from God's Word and call, next December will find us, perhaps with a new job and more money, but, still dissatisfied.

At the beginning of creation, the earth was a lifeless and shapeless mass. But when God spoke, His Word brought light, form, and purpose. The potential had always existed, but it took the spirit and word of God to give it life.

Those resolutions that spring from the principles of God's word and are molded in a soul full of God's spirit have the potential to expand far beyond the resolver's initial intent. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," (Ephesians 3:20).

It important to have God at the beginning and in the middle of all that we do.

But what about the end?

I haven't finished reading the Bible through this year, but I cheated and skipped to the back. Remember what it says? "Surely I come quickly" (Revelation 22:20).

If we resolve to keep Him at the beginning of every decision and allow His spirit and word to shape and define our lives, we will not be caught by surprise at His quick return.

If we keep Him at the beginning and in the middle, He will take care of the ending.

He said He would keep that which was committed to Him (2 Timothy 1:12). And He keeps His resolutions.

©2007 Doug Ellingsworth

The Best Gifts

2006-12-24T16:29:00.000-06:00

God's best gifts are family and friends.

We decided to break-up our annual Christmas journey to Oklahoma by spending one night in Branson, Missouri. We checked into the motel and discovered that some old friends had chosen to stay at the same place - David and Royce Henderson and their sons, Shane and Todd. The Henderson family were members of the church my grandfather pastored in Sacramento, California, way back in the 1960's. Dave now pastors Calvary Apostolic Church in Kennett, Missouri.

Here are the kids. Shane and Todd Henderson on the left, next to Kayla, Jana, and Jonathan Ellingsworth.

Serious discussion while waiting on the main course.

We enjoyed the unexpected pleasure of their company.

Our church's Christmas banquet was held at the Dyer County Fairgrounds this year. We have outgrown our Fellowship Hall and are in the process of building a new Family Life Center. (More about that later.)

We had a great meal, catered by Randy Vinson from Tupelo, Mississippi, and first-class entertainment.

Tyler Wilbourn, in the photo above, liked the decorations, but was undecided about a kiss from his cousin, Jana.

I wish you all a merry and blessed Christmas, and hope you especially enjoy God's best gifts this holiday season!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-15T13:42:00.000-06:00

The Family

Thanks to all who have stopped by the past several days - and found only the same 'ol thing. I'll try to remedy that soon....

My wife had emergency surgery Thanksgiving weekend, so we have been experiencing a lifestyle change. Those used to being waited on are now trying to figure out how things work around the house. Thank the Lord for three children big enough to look after themselves - and who enjoy antagonizing their, at least for the moment, helpless mother. God help them when she gets well!

I'll have new things posted soon, but in the meantime, here are some other blogs to check out.

www.principledriven.org

www.barnabas14blog.blogspot.com

www.donryan.typepad.com

Lord, Bid Me Come!

2006-11-30T13:47:00.001-06:00

I'd like to know what Peter was thinking as he clung to the sides of the boat and stared at the dark form moving toward him on the waves. Was he remembering something Jesus had said or done earlier? Did he experience a sudden rush of faith? Was he scared out of his wits? Whatever it was moved him to call out, "Lord, bid me come!"

Bid me come.

"God, this storm is so strong that I can't keep my boat on course, but tell me to leave the only security I have and face it head-on."

"God, the waves are rising higher than my boat, but tell me to get out and walk on them."

"God, the night is so black and I am more than a little disoriented, but tell me to leave my friends and march into the darkness alone."

"God, the howling wind is mocking me, but tell me to get up and walk to meet it."

What in the world was he thinking?

While I don't know what ran through Peter's head on that dreadful evening, I have learned that relationships are strengthened during storms. Soldiers sharing a foxhole in battle. Neighbors huddled in a basement riding out a tornado. Teenagers crammed in a dormitory during their first semester in college. Tough times forge unbreakable bonds.

Bad times build good relationships - and strong people. Peter may not have known exactly why he said what he did that stormy night, but his cry to the Lord is a sermon for you and me.

Dark nights provide opportunities to draw closer to Jesus. Resisting contrary winds builds spiritual stamina. Facing storms develops courage. Walking on waves lifts faith. Hearing His voice above the wind says He is near.

So in the storm, ask Him to call you closer. In the process of enduring the hard times, you get all you need - and He gets a disciple He knows He can trust and depend on.

I love the way Edgar Lee Masters says it.
"I have studied many times the marble which was chiseled for me. A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor. In truth, it pictures not my destination, but my life. For love was offered me and I shrank from its disillusionment; sorrow knocked at my door, but I was afraid; ambition called to me, but I dreaded the chances. Yet all the while, I hungered for meaning in my life. And now I know that we must lift the sail and catch the winds of destiny wherever they drive the boat. To put meaning in one's life may end in madness, but life without meaning is the torture of restless and vague desire. It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid."

(This post is taken from a book I am writing called When The Last Leaf Falls. You may read other chapters at my website.

©2006 Doug Ellingsworth