Pastoral Thoughts

Brother Bob Smith wrote a comprehensive guidebook for pulpit committees, aiding them in their pastoral search. Pastor Bruce Craig and I speak with Bob in this episode about how the book came about and his church's experience calling a pastor. If you would like a copy of this book for your church, please reach out to us at pastoralthoughtsmail@gmail.com

This episode is important for people of all ages. Dr. Tom Stiles discusses the privilege, problems, and purpose of growing old. We find from Scripture that older people have a very important role to play in serving the Lord and the life of the church.

In this episode, Pastor Nick Russo and I ask Brother King various and sundry ministry questions. You will enjoy his wit and wisdom.

Pastor Randy King has a fascinating life story. Saved at eighteen, the Lord used him in a great way to Pastor a thriving church in his hometown while working the family farm at the same time. Since 2013 he has had an itinerate preaching ministry that has brought him to 37 states and hundreds os churches. Enjoy the life lessons and anecdotes!

Brother Jim Katerle and I discuss some practical aspects and principles of raising children for the Lord. Enjoy!

Brother Brad Baker and I discuss books, their importance, utility, and practical ways to get more reading done. This episode should be a blessing to those who have a passion for reading and also for those who are trying to get into the habit. Enjoy!

Brother Tommy Compapiano was reached for Christ as a teenager through a Bible club ministry. Almost fifty years later God is still using Bible clubs in the public school. In this episode, we will testimonies of Bible club's impact, how to start one, and some insight on putting on Christian events in your local school. Enjoy!

This episode deals with the subject of grief.  Evangelist Bruce Craig explains what grief is and also describes for us the process of grieving.  I believe you will find this helpful for your own personal heartaches and losses.  Also, it will be a blessing as you help those you love through the grieving process.   

Dr. Jon Jenkins preached this sermon at our Spring Thaw Conference in 2019.   This message is about the importance of the Sabbath in our New Testament Christian experience. In our technological age, we are accessible 24/7,  It is a must that we rediscover the principle of the fourth commandment.  We as Christian laborers should embrace the gift of the Sabbath and rest for God, with God, and in God.  Enjoy!

Pastor Gabe Gonzalas and I just returned from Trinity, Alabama, where we attended this year's "Expound Conference" at the Parkway Baptist Church.  Here are our takeaways, things we learned, and how we were challenged.  I trust it will be a blessing.

Pastor Britt has decades of experience in the ministry.  He has served as a layman, deacon, assistant pastor, and now as senior pastor.  On today's episode we talk about church polity (government).  We had an essential and enjoyable conversation.  Enjoy!

Brother Cory Chartier is a retired Master Sargent with the United States Army.  He is using his retirement to serve the Lord in India.  His testimony will be a blessing!  Enjoy!

Dr. Chuck Harding travels the country helping connect God's people to the people of government.  Brother Harding has helped minister and influence many of our elected officials on Capitol Hill.  

How will the Respect of Marriage Act impact churches and Christian organizations?  What can believers do?  These questions and more are addressed on today's podcast.  Enjoy! 

David Cialini and Jonathan Mager join the podcast today to help us celebrate Thanksgiving.  What is thanksgiving? How do we celebrate it?  How does observing thanksgiving benefit us?  All of these questions are addressed in today's episode. 

Brother Bianchi is a veteran missionary to the very international city of Toronto. In this episode, he discusses how God called him and guided him to his field and the preparations for his calling along the way.  Enjoy! 

Dad and I discuss Faith Promise Giving on this episode.  We talk about the Biblical principles of giving and how faith promise missions giving can benefit believers, missionaries, and churches.

Brother Scott Sandy has an exciting ministry.  He works with local churches to assemble and distribute thousands of John and Romans for here at home and abroad on the mission field.  

Brother Whitesides has been in the ministry for sixty years and still going strong.  You will enjoy his testimony of years past and his vision for future ministry in Alaska.

All throughout Scripture, the Lord has used this medium of pottery to illustrate His work in the lives of believers.  Evangelist David Engersath is a potter by trade and makes pottery while he preaches demonstrating God's work.  

In this episode, Pastors Jose Rodrigez, Hector Sotomayor, and I had a chance to sit down with Brother Gipp and talk about the importance of our King James Bible.

Abiding in Christ is the key ingredient to the Christian life.  Lord willing, this episode will encourage, strengthen, and edify your abiding relationship with Christ.  Enjoy!

 In this episode, Missionary Paul Scott explains his transformation from a traditional mission mindset to a Biblical pattern mindset. 

We can find parallels between the state of America and the nation of Judah in Isaiah chapter one.  Pastor Gugino and I discuss the current cultural trends and the church's solutions.  

Meaningful daily Bible reading is essential in the life of any believer.  In this episode, David Cialini and I talk about the role Bible reading plays in our lives and some practical ways we can make this part of our life flourish. 

Pastor Andrew Merritt is launching a church this fall in Albany, NY.  Brother Andrew shares with us his plans for renting a building, outreach, and other practical insights.

Brother Jenkins is a well-known and well-traveled preacher.  God has used him to build the churches that he has pastored.  In this episode, Pastor Jenkins shares with us a little of his passion for reading civil war history and how reading history benefits your personal and spiritual growth.  He also shares some practical Christian growth and ministry principles.  Enjoy! 

Brother Bruce Frye is an amazing testimony of God's grace.  Bruce was saved while in the music industry as an aspiring country music singer.   He now uses his tallents and abilities for the Lord's work.  

Pastor Mike Watson and I discuss the road to the sermon.  Sunday School teachers, preachers, and lay workers should find this episode both practical and helpful.  Enjoy! 

Today's episode covers the importance of Scripture memorization and its benefits.  Also discussed are tips, help, and advice for starting your Scripture memorization journey.

God has used Evangelist Doug Whiteside to preach the gospel in all fifty states and in many countries foreign countries.  He has worked extensively with foreign pastors in Russia, Philipines, and other countries.  In this episode, Brother Whiteside shares his experiences and advice from over sixty years in the ministry.  Enjoy!  

Tim Young pastors the church he started in 1980, has worked extensively in foreign missions, and he is also my dad.   In this Father's Day episode, we discuss the importance of Fathers in the home, church, and society. 

Evangelist Bruce Craig has decades of experience as a pastor and now has the opportunity to help churches without pastors.  This episode is filled with Biblical, practical, and helpful advice for churches searching for a pastor.  

"Perilous Times, Deep Truths for Shallow Waters" is Dr. Grady's latest book.  On this episode Brother Grady gives insights into the times in which we live.

Iceland is a very secular and prosperous nation.  On this episode, we discuss principles of gospel ministry to put into practice in reaching this people group for Jesus Christ. 

On this episode Pastor Dean Francini gives his salvation testimony along with practical insights for ministering to the deaf, serving the Lord while in the service, and pastoring upon retirement.  

Evangelist Tom Stiles is with us today to answer questions about Roe v. Wade.  What does it mean for the country?  What should Christians be focusing on?

Pastor Gabe Gonzalas started the New Testament Baptist Church about a year and a half ago.  Today we discuss principles and priorities to consider while starting and pastoring a church plant.  Enjoy!

1.) Mastermind Journaling - writing down highlights, stories, and quotes.  2.) Mastermind journeling by voice to text, printing, and folder set up. 3.) Grouping your reading - read 10-15 books on a particular topic, highlight them, and mastermind them.  

Dr. John Asquith and I circle back and discuss the crucial topic of what pornography does to the users brain, the destruction it brings, and the way to escape its grasp.

Dave Cialini and I discuss Warren Wiersbe's book "Ten Power Principles of Ministry."  Enjoy!

Dr. Steve Schwanke pastors in Huntsville AL.  Pastor Schwanke and his church have a burden to plant churches in the Huntsville area.  On this podcast we talk church planting and a variety of other topics.  

Pastor Dolton Robertson and Pastor Steve Schwanke discuss the importance of Bible preaching.  This episode has helpful ideas and recommended books as well.

In today's interview, Dr. John Asquith addresses the effects that pornography has on the users' brains. "Your Brain on Porn" by Gary Wilson is a secular book about the severe problems pornography causes in our society. Dr. Asquith comments on this book and recommends some answers from a Biblical perspective.

Spring Thaw Q and A!  From the panel, Dr. John Asquith, Dr. Tim Young, Dr. Steven Swanke, Pastor Dolton Robinson, and Pastor David Dunbar answer questions about life and ministry. 

Brother Eric Odeychuck is a Ukrainian American pastor in Rochester, New York. Eric's family and the Ukrainian community, which he pastors, have extensive contacts inside Ukraine. On this podcast, Eric gives us up-to-date reports of experiences inside the country. Pastor Eric also tells us how we can help the people of Ukraine. 

Brother Matthew White pastors at Village Baptist Church in Mount Morris, NY.  Before his pastorate he travelled the country singing with Faith Music Missions.  Today on the podcast we talk on both church pastoring and church music.

Pastor Asquith has written a book entitled "Who Moved My Goalposts."  This podcast we discuss modern evangelistic methods and how to share the gospel in post Christian America.  

Pastor Bob Brado has worked as an assistant pastor for over seventeen years and is currently the pastor of Faith Bible Church which he started eight years ago.  On this episode you will find insights for working in the ministry, Bible education, church planting, and the importance of walking with the Lord while serving him.

Dave Cialini and I have some practical ideas and also some big picture philosophies to guide you in your New Years resolution.  Below are some of the show notes: 

SETTING NEW YEARS GOALS:

·  By setting goals you are setting the intention and direction of your life.  “You aim at nothing you will hit it every time!”  “If you fail to plan you plan to fail!” God is not the author of confusion we live in an orderly planned universe, but many people do not have an overarching purpose or plan for that purpose.

** God is Sovereign and is not bound to our plans, but we can with His guidance purposefully direct our lives.  Caleb, “I want that mountain!”

·  Measurable, specific, and achievable.  Measurable and absolutely clear.

·  What do you want to achieve and why do you want to achieve it?

o  THE BIG WHY? Define why it is important and valuable to you. Do this for yourself and be ready with a reason for those that are around you.

Marathon – for myself confidence discipline…., my wife and kids (to show my kids that hard things can be done), connection with my sister

·  Micro goals are going to spin off your macro goals so if you’re reading your,

o  How is this going to work in developing habits.

Bible through in a year you’re going to have a certain number of chapters to read every single day.  Marathon a certain program.  Maybe a 5k, a half, and then your full.  Preaching – sermon preparation.  Podcast – certain amount of content produced.  Writing – half hour a day or certain words per day.

** Habits become part of our inner brain, second nature:

I made the decision to start reading the Bible for spiritual reasons.  I continue because I am habitual. Julie and I were watching a real crime story about a man who was axed in the head in the night, woke up, showered, ate breakfast, brushed his teeth got the morning paper then died.  His habitual part of the brain was working.

o  Every goal should be: habitual, measurable, and obtainable.

SPIRIT:

Bible Reading

At church we will have a month through the N.T. “Pursuit of God” Book is the reward.

Prayer

Spiritual fellowship and devotion.  Church, Family devotions, spouse devotions.

SOUL:  “The seat of our emotions”

Self / Wife / Children / Church family.

With Intentionality and purpose.  If you are on a date with your wife be full present.  Same if you are with your with your kids or a friend.

Hunting is a medium to spend time with my Sons, Dad, Brother…

BODY: Eating, drinking, sleeping, and working out.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”  The best way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Remember: Specific, Measurable, Achievable

Tim Stalcup has travelled to a variety of different Muslim countries including Afghanistan.  He currently does mission work reaching Muslims living in New York City.   On today's episode he will share with us some ideas for reaching our Muslim neighbours with the gospel.  

Evangelist Chuck Harding has been involved in God and Country movements for almost twenty years now.  This episode we speak about history, reading, and how to be involved in your government. 

Pastor Ken Shaver and I talk church planting, pastoring, and discuss a variety of topics.  

Brother Dave and I have a philosophical discussion on the roll of youth group in the life of teenagers, the home, and the church.  Enjoy!

Below is a my check list for missions conference: 

Promote: Facebook, MailChimp, announce.

Announcements: 24-hour prayer chain sign up, international dinner sign up, faith promise missions cards. house missionaries, have missionaries over Monday night, Tuesday night.

Decorations: up for a month / get out old deco and order new as needed decorations.

Kids: Order a mission’s craft, have missionary speak to them.

Print: Faith Promise card weeks ahead, missionary pics with names, pics of missionaries and speakers coming.   3 sign up sheets: International dinner, prayer chain, international delegates (people talk about their country and say John 3:16 in native tongue)

Order of Service: Print cards, two speakers and one presentation Monday and Tuesday night.

Extra’s:  DO some Sunday School and Morning sermons on missions, Pick theme song, Do some blogs on missions: “How I learned to give,” Invite preachers from the area for Friday night, Have Families host missionaries – they get to know them they will be personally vested, Super-Saturday breakfast, subs for lunch and service to follow, ask missionaries if they can sing and schedule them if they can.  Have Dave C. show us how to print big pictures.

Pastor Asquith has an amazing ministry at the Black Creek Baptist Church.  I had the opportunity to be there last week for one of their two midweek services.  Most all the members at BCBC were reached and saved because of John Asquith's ministry.  The people there have amazing testimonies of how the gospel transformed them from terrible lifestyles to serving Christ.  Enjoy some of Brother Asquith's testimony and his pastoral wisdom!

Brother Matt has been working with at State Fair Soulwinning booths for decades.  He shares with us how easy it is to share your faith and demonstrates for us how to do so.

Brother Mike Cesar was converted while a practicing Physician.  On this podcast he gives a little of his testimony on his salvation and call to the ministry.  Pastor Cesar also comments on our current cultural climate and how it is ripe for the Lord's return.  

Missionary Spencer Smith works on extensively on the mission field.  Spencer also has a popular YouTube channel that educates people in doctrine and warns of new age trends among Christianity.  You can find him by searching Spencer Smith on YouTube.

This episode is some thoughts on Critical Race Theory and some Biblical solutions race relations.

Much attention has been given lately to UFO's by the news media, congress, and the military.  As a Christian we should have an answer for the hope that is within us.  Lord willing today's episode will give us some of those answers and point us in the right theological direction.

Brother Ouellette has had a very extensive pastoral and preaching ministry for close to fifty years.  His Biblical and practical approach to life and ministry will be a blessing to you.  Enjoy!

Encouragement for fathers and the fatherless on today's episode.  Enjoy!

Tom Styles with Arise Ministries talks with us today about ten different crises facing our nation.  In the midst of these crises we know that the Lord is our shelter and the gospel is the answer. 

The Pursuit of God has been a favourite souls stirring book for generations of Christians.  Today on the podcast Brother Cialini and I do an overview of this great book.  Enjoy!  

This is a very helpful episode for dealing with life's sorrows.  We all either have or will experience loss and grief.  We all also have a responsibility to those around us to help those who are going through a time of sorrow.   This podcast will be an encouragement to you personally and equip you to help those around you who are in the grieving process. 

Brother Dale Morey has a tremendous ministry Liberty Behind Bars.  You will be challenged with his amazing testimony and ministry to prison and jail inmates.  

Pastor Perticone Sr. has worked in the ministry for twenty years as first as assistant pastor and thirteen yeas ago he started Trinity Baptist church in Rochester.  Today on the podcast we speak about the important role of men in the church and how to develop men of God in the local church.  

Brother Love will be ninety years young this year and has an amazing testimony.  For the last thirty years he has been working in Jail ministry.  He discusses the blessings and benefits of ministering in the jail.

This episode was recorded at our "Spring Thaw" conference at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church.

Brother Matt Furan has served in ministry for over twenty years.  He has been both a pastor and missionary to the fields of Sri Lanka and the Philippines.  Today on the podcast we talk about some great people of prayer, great preachers, and practical ministry lessons learned along the way.  Enjoy!

Hear an amazing testimony how Brother Jose and His wife received the Lord.  Pastor Rodrigues shares some lessons on practical Christian living and his burden for the city of Rochester.

Evangelist Bruce Craig accepted his first pastorate in 1976.  He successful pastored several churches and is currently doing the work of evangelism.  

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (I Thessalonians 5:8)

1.) Schedule Super Saturdays 2.) Mailing EDDM. 3.) Facebook Adds  4.) Visitation Plans.  5.) New Move In Lists for mailing or visitation.  6.) Easter outreach - mail, Facebook adds. 7.) Ladies Celebration or conference. 8.) Sportsman Dinner.

Mass Mailing, Friend Day, Easter, Super Saturdays

Introduction

Question - What is an outreach calendar? Question- How do I begin?

- Prayer

- Meditation on Gods leading

- Layout repetitive events first ie Soul-winning and visitation

- plug in large outreach events (two categories, evangelistic or discipleship or mix of both)

- backward plan preparatory events (meetings, publications/ advertising etc)

- look at ways to tie events together

- analyze all ministry evangelistic efforts and needs (ie bus ministry, Sunday school ministry, school programs, Bible institute/college)

Question - What should be on an outreach calendar?

- events

- meetings

- preparation for events

- any connections?

Brother Silas talks about being a student in Israel.  We discuss getting ready for teaching and preaching God's Word.

 New Years Resolutions With Dave Cialini:
*** Big picture:  Obituary? * What do you want your life to be like in five years? 10 years?  What advice would you tell yourself 10 years ago?
* New Years goals about about GROWTH.  Success is measured in personal growth. * Pick a winning team and win - who are your top five mentors?

Preparing for another year and a fresh start…

Setting Goals…

·  Setting Goals is about God’s grace and mercy

La 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Look back and thank God for His grace in the victory and His mercy in defeat

·  Setting Goals is about yieldedness to God

Betty Stam—“Lord, I give up all my plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life.  I give myself, my life… utterly to Thee to be Thine forever.  Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit.  Use me as thou wilt.  Send me where thou wilt.  Work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost.”

Sometimes God “redirects” us

Circumstances cause us to refocus our energies into different areas

·  Setting Goals is about the Glory of God

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  (1 Cor. 10:31)

BE careful of personal ambition

·  Setting Goals is about pressing forward

Philippians 3

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

“I have not arrived…”

Mark – a visible line

The prize of THE HIGH CALLING—doing what God has called you to do

This is what our goal setting should be wrapped around

·  Setting Goals is about Stewardship

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Pr 27:23 ¶ Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

***What are my flocks?

What is it that God made me the steward?

EPHESIANS 5-6

·  Relationship with God (Bible reading/knowledge and prayer)

·  Self—if you are not right, you are limited in how you can help others

Body—health, strength, rest

Soul—mind, heart, will

Spirit—relationship with God  “Man shall not live by bread alone”

·  Marriage/Family

·  Parent/Child

·  Vocation

·  Ministry—your particular ministry (choir, SS, Youth, Music), witnessing/soulwinning

Ministry is not just about quantity, but quality (deeper/broader)

How can I be a better minister (being vs. doing)

Look at Each role (flock) in life like a checking account…

You get out of something what you put into it.

What’s the balance?

***Be HONEST with your self and determine what is your present reality.

Decide where you want to be.  Forecast what you want your life to look like in 6 months…

Decide how to make it happen.

Schedule

Accountability

Mentors:

My Pastor

My wife

Good friends in the ministry

Great men of the past—EM Bounds, Spurgeon, Moody, Andrew Murray, RA Torrey

Those who love the Lord, yet work under me

We discuss three different outreach ideas on the podcast today.  1.) Christmas Eve Candle Light Service.  2.) Christmas Tracts.  3.) Christmas Carolling activities. 

Brother Ryman has been working with youth since the age of 19.  He has been a youth pastor and is now a senior pastor at Central Bible Baptist Church in Messena, NY.

Some Helpful Tips:

1.) Read a summary. Watch the author on YouTube or on a podcast. I like to hear the authors voice. So I can hear it when I read. Read chapter titles intro and conclusion. Headings of chapters. Thumb through the book. Find the melody of the book.

2.) Guide Your Eyes With A Pen

3.) Don’t read near the margins.

4.) Don’t say words with your mouth. Chew Gum.

5.) Feel everything picture what is going on.

6.) Take breaks. Read for twenty minutes and water the plants.

7.) Always keep a book with you: physical or on your phone.

8.) The best reading is rereading. C.S. Lewis said he had a hard time reading new books he liked reading once again what he had done before. There are some great books that we should take time and master. Perhaps read once a year.

“Peruse a good book several times and make notes and analyses of it. A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed. Little learning and much pride comes from hasty reading. Some men are disabled from thinking by their putting meditation away for the sake of much reading. In reading let your motto be ‘much not many’” (Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students).

A helpful conversation on the gospel in the Old Testament and New Testament.

Pastor Parker shares testimonies, principles and insights on raising your children for the Lord.

Pastor Sotomayor is a recently retired police officer and full time pastor.  He discusses the challenges of being a police officer and ways that churches and individuals can be a support to law officials. 

Brother Mark Bosje is a veteran missionary.  He and his family were missionaries in New Zealand and Thailand.   Dr. Bosje teaches missions at Hyles Anderson College and now travels to at least eight foreign fields a year.  

On this podcast we discuss the benefits of in person assembly.  Helpful Biblical, personal, and antidotal reasons are given for why we have in person church services.     

David Cialini and I discuss the life of Dwight L. Moody.  Mr. Moody was one of the greatest evangelists of Church history.  God used simple uneducated shoe salesman to preach the gospel to over 100 million people in his lifetime.  The impact of D.L. Moody shaped Christianity in America and in England. 

Brother Patrick speaks talks about deputation, the importance of missionary prayer letters, the three church plants he was apart of, and what is going on in Peru during COVID-19.

Finding Clarity In Your Schedule, Priorities, and Goals

·  “To do’s” are not all equal.  Schedule / priorities / to do listsWe have more things to do than we can possibly get done.  We feel overwhelmed, unclear, unfocused, and we are not sure what is the most important.

·  All things that need to be done are not equally important.  Here are some questions that might help us cut through the clutter of our to do list:

1.)  80/20 Rule:  Farming, stock market, wealth, business’s products, even negative: car accidents… Tasks – what are the 20% of action/activity that produces 80% of the results?  Job/ Family / Relationships Who are the 20% of people that bring the most joy into your life?  Who are 20% of the people that produce 80% of the results?

What are the 20% of actions/people producing 80% of the negative results?

** If you work harder that does not necessarily mean you will be more productive.  You have to work smarter!  Ask the 80/20 question.

2.)  What Is The One Thing? If you could only do one thing this day/week/month what would it be?  What one thing would make the day/week/month easer? What is the “one thing?” What is the one thing in my marriage, with my kids, in my ministry, or in my walk with God?

3.) Two Hours Rule: ** What would you do if you only had two hours to work today?

4.) What Is The Big Why? Helps us to know why we do the hard things that we do.

Big rocks then the small rocks…

Marathon – 40, for my children, self confidence, sense of accomplishment, I can run with Julie, for my kids, for the church family.

5.)  Write Your Obituary:

REMEMBERED By…

REMEMBERED As…

It will be easy to say NO!  You say many more “no’s” in life so you can to the big “Yes’s”  You can so no when there is a bigger yes burning inside

On this special fathers day edition, Dad and I had a great time discussing fatherhood and the young family heritage.

Professor Greg Haun in 2005 challenged the class to journal I am so glad I took him up on it. ** Presidents, men and women throughout the ages have journaled.

1.) Collect Thoughts: things you are thankful for – count your blessings, write down what you experiencing, what you have been learning lately, how you like or dislike different things.

2.)  Work Out Problems.  Organise your thoughts by confronting your problems.  Is something bothering you and you know it shouldn’t be?  Well write down I will not worry about this because 1.) explanation... 2.) explanation... 3.) explanation...

3.) See the Future: What would you like to be like in 10 years.  How do you plan to get there?  What actions are you going to take today, this week, and this year to get there?

4.) Write your history:  Write out things that you have done, seen, felt.  Write out what is going on in the world around you.    The king reads Mordecai remembers that he owes Mordecai a blessing.  IN the future you will be able to see you from the past.  You can see strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots in your personality.  "An unexamined life is not worth living" - Socrates.  in the past.  

* As a rule: Do it once a week.  Sit down and write down whatever comes to your mind.  Then if you get brainstorms or need clarity throughout the week get it out and write down.

* It is for you not for anyone else.  I am not telling you to put private stuff in there but don’t worry about someone else reading it.  Honestly probably no one else even cares anyway.

Dr. Rick Flanders is coming to LBBC Sunday June 28th - July 1st for a Summer Revival.  Brother Flanders is not only a great preacher he is truly a revivalist.  God has used him throughout the country and Canada to bring a revival of prayer and holy Christian living.  This is a wonderful fifteen minute conversation.  Be ready to be challenged and blessed!

Steve Schwanke became a full time evangelist at the age of 22!  He speaks of how he was able to keep a full schedule at such a young age.  After ten years in evangelism he took the Huntsville Bible Baptist Church.  The church had at the time twelve members.  Today, after four years as the pastor the church runs 120 on a consistent basis.  The Lord has been leading Brother Steve to start churches around the Huntsville AL area.  In closing he gives a testimony about his upbringing.  He was raised in a family of twelve children.  Today most of the kids are in full time Christian service and all of them serve the Lord in different capacities.

This is a great podcast! Enjoy!

Here is the check list for Brother Tony's Holistic Approach to Depression:

A.  Concerning My Spirit:

·  I am intentionally abiding in the Lord, His word, prayer and His Spirit.    (Jn. 15:7; 1st Jn. 2:27)

·  I am intentionally trying to abide in a Christ – centered triangle relationship with my wife Evon. That’s therapeutic for both of us!      (1st Peter 3:7)

·  I am intentionally putting on the whole Armor of God by putting on the characteristics of Christ (Col. 3:10 – 14) the “living word of God” and by being obedient to the written word of God, the Bible.     (Ephesians 6:10 – 18)

·  I am intentionally dying daily so that I can experience the crucified, abundant or exchanged life.    ( Gal. 2:20; Jn. 10:10;  2nd Cor. 5:21)

·  I am intentionally seeking the Lord’s kingdom and righteousness first.(Matt. 6:33)

·  I have joined the healing journey ministry at church.

·  I have joined a Thursday Night Bible Study emphasizing the healing of the spirit, soul and body. Lessons taught by Dr. John Woodward (a dear friend and brother) via DVDs after having gone through training in Tennessee.

·  Like the Apostle Paul, I am learning how to glory in my infirmities, necessities, persecutions, reproaches, distresses etc. for the Lord’s sake; realizing that His grace is sufficient for me (2nd Cor. 12:7 – 12). I also realize that God is using this infirmity in the process of conforming me to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:28,29).  “All things are of God” (2nd Corinthians 5:18)

B.  Concerning My Soul:

-  Note: The soul is a trichotomy. It consists of the emotions, (“the feelers”) intellect, (“the thinkers”) and the will (“the choosers”).

·  I am intentionally applying Philippians 4: 5 – 20 to my life. This portion of scripture emphasizes how to experience the Lord’s presence, peace, perspectives, providence, power, provisions, and promises.

·  I am a student of this disorder; reading, studying, and learning methods on how to understand and manage this disorder.

·  I am intentionally trying to do the Lord’s will as it is written in His Word. I am trying to live a :

1.  Sanctified life     ( 1st Thess. 4:1 – 4)

2.  Sincerely thankful life           (1st Thess. 5:17)

3.  Sacrificial life       (Romans 12: 1,2)

4.  Soul – conscious  life           (1st Tim 2:3 – 4)

5.  Spirit – filled life         ( Eph. 5: 17 – 18)

·  I am attempting to help others experiencing anxiety and depression disorders.

·  I am teaching a bible study at the Maplewood YMCA. One of the lessons that I am teaching is on the healing of the spirit, soul and body. The same lessons taught by Dr. Woodward.

I had the opportunity to know Ken Shaver in our church in Oklahoma City where he served the Lord as a laymen.  Pastor Ken Shaver is a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot, air traffic controller, and international air traffic training manager.  He entered the ministry at age 41 when he started the Greater Cumberland Baptist Church now pastored by his son-in-law Paul Edes.  Pastor Shaver is currently serving as pastor at the Greater Vision Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY.  

 Ken and his wife Robin have a wonderful home life with four children who serve in churches and many grandchildren.  On the podcast, Brother Shaver teaches the blessing and benefits of family devotions.  Enjoy!

David Cialini and I discuss the importance of Bible reading, tips, tools, and ideas to keep you in God's Word. Here us a downloadable Bible reading schedule to tape into the fly leaf of your Bible http://www.pastorjack.org/?p=1842 

1.) Build a habit of reading. 2.) For reading comprehension - read a summary, wikipedia, watch a YouTube lecture or podcast by the author about the book. 3.) Scan and skim the book before you read. 4.) Highlight then take notes - don't just read to have read but read to learn. 5.)  Feel free to pause a book to pick up another or to quit a book.  6.) Rereading is the best reading!  read your favourite book again.

What does the Bible say about human government?  Should we obey the laws of the land when they conflict with God's law?