Joey, A Great Model

Joey Smith, a deacon, a spiritual warrior, and a good friend, died yesterday. Much could be said about Joey’s life and his model for others. The greatest thing about Joey was his balance. Joey was disciplined in his family life, his finances, his church commitment, his work, his friendships, his recreation, and his spiritual life. In fact, I could not name an area in Joey’s life that was not disciplined.

Joey’s death was unexpected and a tragedy for his family and for everyone who held him dear — which was a multitude. I pray that in the day’s ahead those of us who knew Joey might be more like him for others. I pray that our discussion of his life might inspire young men to step up to the plate in honoring God and blessing others.

Marsha, Josh, and Macy — we love you and are praying for you. Thanks Joey for a life well lived!

Joey in his portrayal of Jesus used in this poster for a sermon series at 2BC:

Revival at Second Baptist Church

Weekend Revival 

Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:00 pm

Sunday, Oct. 28 at 8:31 am, 11:00 am, and 6:00 pm 

Second Baptist Church

217 West Depot Street, Greenville, Kentucky 

Walt Barnes. Evangelist

Walt served as camp pastor for a MissionFuge site this summer and does revivals across the USA. 

Everyone Invited!

Stumbling on the Journey

I don’t know about you, but I grew up feeling awkward.  I had a quick growth spurt in middle school and was about 6 feet tall in the eighth grade.  I was skinny as a rail.  When playing basketball I could trip over the painted lines on the court, and sometimes did.  I was socially awkward which I often overcompensated for by talking too much.  All of these are things I felt growing up – but that doesn’t mean that they were true.  Awkwardness is more of a self-perception.

Stumbling is something very real.  As a teen and a young adult I loved to walk in the woods or take mountain trails.  In spite of my teenage self-analysis, I was very surefooted, almost never stumbling.  I tried some very risky things, climbing with ropes on a bluff and even jumping from tree to tree.  I never fell!

As I get older and my eyesight has failed, I have found walking in the woods and on  mountain trails more difficult.  There are unseen roots and rocks that jump out and cause me to stumble.  I tire much more quickly and am amazed that I once played for hours in these places and now am tired in a matter of minutes.  Part of it is conditioning, more of it is age.

There are things that cause others, even Christians, to stumble in their journey.  The apostle Paul was always conscious of his influence, seeking to avoid putting stumbling blocks in other people’s paths (1 Cor. 8:9; 2 Cor. 6:3).  Are we stumbling in our Christian lives?  Are we causing others to stumble?

Perhaps we need a John the Baptist call on our lives today.  Remember how he described his role in preparing the way for Christ to come to people, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” (John 1:23)  The way of the Lord needs to be made straight so that others can get to him!

The best time to serve the Lord is when we are young and sure footed.  These are the days that we can accomplish much for the glory of God.

Are you a young adult desiring to be a MAN OF GOD?  I am putting together a group of mentors made up of men who have served God for several years.  Would you be interested in letting one of these men help you grow in your faith?  Would you be willing to help someone younger grow in his faith?  If so, email me at rayengland@bellsouth.net.  It is time to let iron sharpen iron.

Needing a Guide

A friend and one of our former church members guides people who want to hunt and fish.  He has stories galore that range from some first-time hunters who are totally inept to the experienced hunters who are quite savvy.

There are times we need guides.  One of my dreams is to visit the Grand Canyon.  I have always wanted to do the guided donkey ride into the canyon.  One set of literature I read had some disturbing news — I am too big!  I would love to say that it is my chest size, but I am afraid it is all over.

When we have a guide, it sometimes requires preparation and changes on our part in order to have the best experience.  In John 10:11 Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  Jesus is saying that he is the good guide.  He not only gives directions, but he also provides for our needs because he loves us.  He loves us so much that he was willing to die for our needs. 

Jesus has done his part to save us and to direct our lives.  Now what are we willing to do for him?

The preparation for the greatest journey of all requires discipline.  We have the Good Guide — Jesus!  He has prepared the way for us.  He asks us to walk in his paths.  This is where the Christian life becomes unpopular for so many.

As long as we talk about grace and free salvation, everything is great.  Too many men stop when we discuss faithfulness to worship, faithfulness in Bible study and prayer, faithfulness in stewardship and tithing, faithfulness in ministry, and faithfulness in evangelism.  All of these things are things that a MAN OF GOD should be developing  in his life as he follows our Guide on this great Christian journey.

What then shall we do?  Will we be like so many men who bail out because the Christian journey requires something?  Or will we be warriors worthy of the journey, willing to pay the cost whatever it may be?  The choice is ours.

Where Satan Attacks

Where does Satan attack you?  Sometimes he attacks us in places we have left unguarded.  At other times the Enemy attacks us where we are weakest to temptation.  I have found that Satan attacks me most at the place he knows that he can get to me.  It may not always be temptation to sin, but he attacks with trials (see Job).  For me the place he can hurt the most is with my family.

Satan does not cause every sickness or illness!  But he uses our response as a way to test us.

When our children were young, I would be tested in my response to their illnesses.  As they grew older I was tested in my response as they played sports and did dance team.  As they started dating I was tested in my response to where they went and whom they saw.  As they have grown older I have been tested in my ability to let go and let them be adults.

Which is hardest for you to face?  The temptation or the testing?