Notes from the Trail

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My blog is worth $24,839.76.
How much is your blog worth?

I don’t remember the term “spiritual warfare” being used much in the churches I grew up in, and I was a three-time-a-weeker. However, there have been times in my adult life and ministry that I’ve been very well aware - acutely aware - of the fact that a spritual battle is being waged for glory and souls.

Perhaps the best passage of scripture in the New Testament to remind of us ongoing struggle for spiritual loyalty is Ephesians 6.10-18:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand…

One of the helpful things about this passage is that it is a perspective adjustment for most of us. We’re so used to blaming people, circumstances, or events for the difficult moments in our life. Sometimes our blame may be well-placed (though it’s never healthy or beneficial to play the blame game); however, other times we may be forgetting the fact that an unseen, spiritual war is being waged. Paul’s teaching asserts that our struggle is not against people (”flesh and blood”) but against something more sinister - very real spiritual beings and forces that are bent on our destruction, division, discouragement and distraction (didn’t mean to “dis” you here… hahaha).

One of the amazing things about where our church is right now is that the Lord is doing so much through His people. Yet, there is a very real conflict going on that we cannot see. Any time territory is being taken from Satan, and the name of Christ is being lifted up, you can expect attack. However, the greater joy is that we are told to rejoice in all circumstances and to do our battles with spiritual weapons rather than earthly ones. (2 Corinthians 10.3-5)

Consider the impact that folks are making:

• Blogging with a purpose (BWAP)
• Buying groceries
• Mowing yards
• Building houses
• Renovating churches
• Counseling
• Encouraging
• Reading and studying scripture
• Helping people move in/out
• Learning
• Seeking to lead others to Christ through verbal and written witness
• Seizing everyday opportunities to proclaim our love for Jesus Christ
• Praying together
• Showing others “how to..” pray, give, go, serve, study the Bible, witness
• Establishing new things to reach and encourage more people
• Stepping out on limbs and walking on water in faith
• Building relationships with lost people
• Enjoying life
• Lending a hand to others for home repair
• Etc.

That’s just a smattering of things that I know are going on just in the last few days through the people of our church. It’s truly amazing.

When things don’t make sense in life or faith or church, I’d encourage you to step back and gain perspective. To consider whether you’re falling into the trap of the enemy that would seek to discourage, distract, divide, or destroy you. Do not believe his lies. Understand that there is a very real plan to keep you from intimacy in Christ.

…for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2.11; also see 1 Peter 5.8)

Suit up.

Michael alerted me to this via Twitter.

I thought this was rather funny… until I forwarded it to Carolyn, and she kept laughing, saying, “Jeff, that’s YOU!” I’m highly offended, but still laughing..

I’m of the opinion of Lou when she says that tagging folks for blog entries is kind of like a chain letter. However, like a moth to flame, I can’t seem to be able to resist the lure.

Jenny tagged me for the latest. It’s “Five People and Why I Love Them.” Barf. So for testosterone purposes, I am amending the tag to be “Five People that I Don’t Mind Spending Five Hours With” because that sounds a little better. And hey, if you can spend five hours with someone and enjoy it, then that’s something, isn’t it?

Here are the rules:

You can’t use your spouse, or siblings for any of them. You have to tag 5, and the person that tagged you can’t be one of your choices.

So here goes:

• Mitch Bettis - my college roomie and all-around great guy, best friend. Mitch has always “been there” for me and later for me and Caro. He knows more dirt on me than any human (besides Caro) and still likes me. (uh, I think…) He’s a man of immense integrity and earnestly tries to look at every situation from all angles.
• Ryan Morgan - in spite of the fact that he once thought that I was a dork (please forgive him for that; he was young…), Ryan is a deeply authentic person. What you see is what you get. He has an incredible heart for people and is always growing in his faith. He has uncommon wisdom and is a great friend to me.
• Jackie Flake - Jackie was the Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff when I first met him, and we’ve been soul buddies ever sense. His knowledge of the scriptures and his ability to apply and strategically minister is humbling. I can always count on him for perspective, insight and wisdom. He is never afraid to ask the hard questions.
• Neal Nelson - Neal is the BCM Director at Henderson State University though he was at Southern Arkansas Tech in Camden when we met. I could probably lump him and Ben Phillips into one person and get away with that, but the Lord brought the three of us into campus ministry at the same time and gave us a deep love and respect for one another. Neal has always helped me process my crazy church thoughts. He has a passion for seeing folks trust Christ that humbles me.
• Ronny Williams - OK, besides the fact that he plays the drums, guitar, kazoo and radio better than anyone I know… Besides that he can make me laugh or cheer me up at a moment’s notice. Ronny is someone that I love being around. He has endless stories that are perfect fodder for a sitcom. He has a love for people and can bring quick, black-and-white perspective to any situation.

OK, for everyone feeling slighted… get over it. There are bunch more of you out there that I could spend five hours with and like it. Some of you come in at four and a half hours, but I still like you too.

No taggees here.