NFL - Not For Long
First, the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE has also been coined “Not For Long” among players and fans. While preaching one year ago today in Ohio; I had the privilege to tour the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I saw the museum the day before the SUPER BOWL but missed the entire game after preaching three times in two days on the flight home. I am certainly not complaining because I know that the BIGGEST GAME is in souls and it’s wise to chase the ETERNAL not temporal.
Secondly, my hat goes off to the New Orleans Saints. One, I almost always root for the underdog and I love the NFC. Peyton Manning is a gifted student of the game and has had an amazing career (even if he elects to call it quits) but I must say that the Colts impressed me but the Saints inspired me. Much has been said the past couple years of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What has been neglected is during that time their stadium housed the homeless while the Saints organization became homeless having to play every single game on the road. This is what we call “CHARACTER BUILDING.”
Talk about courage under fire, these brothers literally dug deep while going out and playing every single game two years ago in an opponents arena. Most would have buckled but some folks break under pressure while others Break Records. In life, some get bitter and others grow BETTER. I have always said: “Those that have come the furthest tend to go the farthest.” What do I mean by that? Consider a rubber band - the stronger the resistance the greater the distance. Perhaps, that is why God uses the BROKEN the most because they don’t rely on self but their Savior. I’m convinced that our adversity today prepares us for God’s Varsity tomorrow. Our mess now becomes one’s message later. The test in the present becomes our TESTimony in the future.
When crisis comes upon us we must get creative and cling to Christ. I shared before the game that Jesus en route to His death rode a Colt but in our lives via His Holy Spirit is present with the Saints. Some suggest that God is not in the affairs of men. I believe He is. It’s not that God isn’t interested in man but sadly, men are not always attuned to the affairs of God. Some suggest that the beer commercials are the best and the one where the people laid down their lives so the truck could deliver the “goods” was interesting. Talk about BEER OVER TROUBLED WATERS.
Its ironic, how Madison Avenue or Hollywood take a Biblical reference and twist it for their benefit. The chasm between man and God is not liquor but the Lord. Some got goods but do we got God? The other beer commercial with the plane wreck basically said “Life is a party” as long as you got beer. Just the Gospel Truth, Heaven NOT hell will be the biggest Party of all time. The Almighty not alcohol is the bridge that closes the gap and because of the cross we can have an eternal encounter with Christ. Nothing wrong with having fun but if we live and die without Faith in Christ as our Savior, Subsitute and Sacrifice we are deceived by the Devil.
Indeed, the football season is too short. Some wives may disagree but the season is over before you know it and many sports fans long to fill the void after the season. “March Madness” starts in less than two weeks and I often wondered if sports weren’t strategically placed to keep our mind off the Biggest Game which is salvation found only in Christ. God gave me a word recently. THE BIGGEST LOSER is not the one who lost the most weight but WAITED TOO LONG to find God. In this tough economy, loss of employment, feelings of fear, many Christians have taken some serious shots. Some are either on the ropes or sitting on the sidelines, wondering if it will pay off in the end? As the Saints had to play in a foreign stadium weekly, consider Christ who Divinity became Humanity. He left the worship of Heaven to come to the rejection of Earth. The Son became sin and tempted without ever sinning. Contradictory no but Champion yes!
Recently, I read where a man paid $14,000 for two tickets to the game and in my spirit I wondered if they would “neglect so great a Salvation” for FREE. 100 years from now even the Super Bowl will resemble the Toilet Bowl if we failed to grab the grace of God. This may sound harsh but Hell is hot, eternity is forever and no one wins if at the end we were not prepared to meet Him. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is in the soul, saving business! Nothing wrong with going to the big game - my parents went to the Super Bowl in 1992, when the Redskins beat the Bills in Minneapolis. But praise God - they got their reservation for Heaven long ago. If you are unsure if you died tonight if you would go to Heaven - CLICK THIS LINK from Billy Graham to show you how you can make Heaven your future home -
http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp
The Saints are living proof, it doesn’t matter where you have been but what matters most is WHERE you are going. Child of God, perhaps you have also taken some hits, dangled on the ropes of romance or just waiting for the Referee (Jesus) to either stop the fight or start fighting for you - rest assured, we win in the end. In closing, I also said that win or lose today I knew that in the end it will not only be worth it but when the Trumpet sounds, the whistle blows, the Game of Life is over and the Lord appears “The Saints Go Marching In.” Yes, this life is NFL (Not For Long) and get God before your Game is Over.
In an age of Big buildings, Big budgets and Big bucks we must remember that in God’s economy bigger is NOT always better. If crowds alone were a gauge for God to view success than He would have “by passed” the woman at the well, the lonely leper looking for love while longing to be touched by the Lord and Zacheaus who went “out on a limb” to see God. Zacheaus went out and Jesus invited him in for supper. God responds to faith not fans.
If crowds were everything than Jesus would have not only by-passed but BLASTED the woman trying to touch the hem of Him and just camped continously at four and five thousand seat venues. God did both but why not just one? For starters, Jesus is good but better yet - God! Two, His identity was not found in crowds but Christ knew it was the acceptance and approval alone of Almighty God that matter most. The beauty about God is yes, He could hold a crowd in the palm of His Hand; but He also knew that substance should never be sacrificed for sheer size.
Evangelist Charles Spurgeon said he would prefer to have ten men sold out to Jesus than a thousand there but not really there. My friend, Dr Ergun Caner said “just because 1,000 show up for a service doesn’t make it a church.” Crowds don’t equate a church. Christ PLUS blood bought believers equal Church. This is not to be miscontrued for blasting the mega church and certainly not saying its wrong to have a large platform as an evangelist but we in ministry must always evaluate our motives. Some churches have held a beer blast on “Bring a Friend Day” just to attract crowds. Be careful what you wish for because those churches got their crowd but not sure if Christ was well pleased.
JUST BEING REAL - too many preachers are feeling worthless. Some of the anxiety stems from the issue of crowds. They are some of the most decent, compassionate, Christ honoring folks I know but feel like failures. In the wise words of Dr Adrian Rogers: “God didn’t call us to fill the auditorium but He did call us to fill the pulpit.” When Christ called us to minister (for most) it was for Christ (not crowds). Our success is in His Salvation. Its His relationship not our resume. In my political career, too often I witnessed folks come to Congress hoping to change Washington. Sadly, more often than not; Washington changed them. In ministry, we got in it for Christ and may we retire or die chasing Christ.
After nearly 30 yrs of sharing the Gospel I have learned just one or two things. One, God alone is God and no other. Secondly, I believe it takes just as much (if not more) obedience to be faithful in smaller matters as it does with larger, more visible ministry. Yes, leadership is lonely and with more responsibility comes greater accountability. Satan is sneaky because he can subconciously tempt us to fail even while doing the Work of the Lord. Some folks stay in a ministry position or platform for all the wrong reasons. Some may hold on for ego more than commitment to Christ. In confidence, I heard a visible preacher once say that he lives right not because the Ten Commandments demand it but because he couldn’t fathom not seeing himself on television. Hello? If that don’t make your stomach turn, knees buckle and evaluate what matters most than you may very well be the next casualty in line.
Some of my faithful friends have had the privilege to preach to the masses. Most have not. Some appear on world-wide television, speak on radio with several states listening at once, preached to packed crowds and even rubbed shoulders with one or two notable figures. Regardless, for those that do or don’t is not the issue. This post is not geared for the sinner today as much as the servant of God. Not laity but leaders. Again, nothing is wrong with speaking to masses. What is dangerous is when we speak - is it for self or Savior? Our success is based on an EMPTY tomb. Nothing more - nothing less.
This post is not against big ministry but a SMALL mindset. The Bible is clear “to whom much is given much is required” but there is no room for arrogance in Kingdom work. Those that have been blessed to speak at more prominent places in ministry will also tell you they didn’t start out at the “Super Bowl” but in Parks & Rec, junior varsity, college and pre-season with blood, sweat and tears. To their credit, they also travelled eight hours by car to speak to 11 teens three states away known only by God and the youth pastor who extended the invite. They also know what it’s like to speak to one shackled in prison forgotten by society and to minister to ministers who had already wrote their resignation before the revival we preached and unless God moved in their midst they informed they were already packed moving too and quitting the ministry. We need to PRAY for each other. Regardless, if you are reaching the masses or feel reduced to ministering to mosquittos we need to push, pull and pray for all in ministry and as disciples of Christ.
God grants various talents to different people. God assigns what we do and where we work. We are in a race - NOT to compete but COMPLIMENT each other as the Body of Christ and complete the race He asked us to run. Don’t look to the right or left but run straight ahead, stay in your lane (because disqualification comes) when you desire to run another’s race or step into their lane. Keep in mind that bigger is not better and yes, many who are first now will be last later. Live to build His Kingdom not yours. Let God worry about your legacy because all that matters is what we did with what He loaned us. Did we promote Him or try in vain to elevate self? Big buildings amount to ETERNAL EYESORES if God is not genuinely God of that ministry. Ministry is just a mess if His message doesn’t resonate and redeem souls. In closing, don’t compare and don’t chase crowds but Christ. One thing I learned about “Crowds” is that they are not always faithful but most certainly fickle. Here today and gone tomorrow.
CONSIDER CHRIST how the crowd on Palm Sunday hailed Him as King one day and exactly a week later nailed Him to the cross. Crowds are like a dysfunctional relationship because if they are “up” you are up but if they are down than you are down. Why? Because your identity is tied to a fallen crowd and not the Faithful Christ. But if you are in it for Christ you win either way.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: If you are in ministry at a “large” community of believers DARE to be DIFFERENT and donate your time and minister to a smaller group on ocassion (out of the blue), speak to a church that couldn’t pay you a dime and build up that struggling minister down the street who never once addressed an audience larger than 44 in the history of his/her ministry. The key is to love on him/her and make them feel like Jesus would - as if he were the most important person in the world. If your youth group is running 300 and you never introduced yourself to the youth pastor with less than 25 at their church BE LIKE JESUS and invite them to lunch, buy their meal and befriend them. Actually, some of the tension between ministers and ministries may subside when we come together, break bread and learn about one another. In case you missed the memo: Ministry is lonely and that brother or sister may very well minister to you more than you can imagine today or a future tomorrow.
At the foot of the cross we are all the same but those whom look down on others as “small” because they preach their heart out to a miniscule crowd should never underestimate God or those they disregard and mock because in God’s economy those ministering in “small places” are not only bigger than some give them credit but quite possibly, just as anointed, passionate and gifted (regardless of the size of your sanctuary). As my friends down south would say: “Frank, that is GOOD PREACHING!” Plus, to belittle someone is to “be little” yourself.
My first pastor, Dr E.J. Jack after 50 years of ministry, probably never once spoke to an audience more than 150. Almost every time, I get up to speak (regardless, if its television, radio, conference, concert, crusade, church, or a dorm at a camp with 6 people) I remember him, my present Pastor Marvin Harris, Rev. Jim Wood my former youth minister and the countless folks who helped me in my walk with God. These men and many others would “run circles” around me as a Christian and clergy. They sowed, God watered and together we watch the Lord bring the harvest. Crowds are not bad but if your ministry is based more on performance than passion to God, more of a show than a service, work but not worship, if its a career more than a calling than we are on “thin ice.” I have found a solid foundation with Jesus - The Rock but if we desire to be a “rock star” we are on tour with the wrong band. Today, we really don’t need any more “stars” we just need the Son.
I love Michael English and he is back singing with the GAITHER VOCAL BAND. Tenor, Terry Franklin nails this classic song by the GVB and I dedicate this video to all ministers (regardless of their influence or income) but especially, to those faithful preachers, Sunday School teachers, youth ministers and volunteers who often wonder while their mind wanders if their labors make a difference? By God’s grace - YOU DO! The crown comes from Christ not crowds. Truly, “Little is Much when God is in it - Labor NOT for wealth or fame - there’s a crown and you can win it - If you go in Jesus’ Name.”
Leadership Cup
“WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY”
- Nate Dame - Chicago, IL
I believe it was John Maxwell who first coined the phrase “leadership cup.” (This is the same John Maxwell that was arrested for bringing a handgun through security at an airport. Don’t believe me? Google it. I dare you. Funny story. It’s true, and it was an accident.)
A person’s leadership cup is their capacity to lead others. Some people have a huge leadership cup. John Maxwell has sold over 13 million books and trained 2 million leaders worldwide. His leadership cup is massive (although we all make mistakes now and then). Other people have leadership cups of various sizes. How big is yours?
The great thing about your leadership cup is that you can grow and make it bigger. Some people are born with big leadership cups and a natural ability to lead others. But if that’s not you, most of the skills and traits of a good leader can still be learned, and that’s good news for all of us. That means we can always grow our potential.
Man do I love youth ministry. (Did I mention I’m bad at transitions?) I love fighting for students, blessing them, serving them, walking with them, and showing them what it means to know Christ’s love and walk with Him. I love getting together with youth pastors because we have so much in common, even if we’ve never met. Nothing needs to be said: We’d give it all for students.
And I love youth ministry because, unfortunately, we are sometimes the last line of defense for students. If there is nobody else praying for the students in our communities, we won’t give up. We’ll keep praying, keep loving, and keep serving, in Jesus’ name. What’s that got to do with your leadership cup? One of the hardest parts about being a youth pastor is balancing your passion for the “one” and for the “multitudes.” Jesus said He would leave the 99 for one lost sheep (Matt 18:12). Another time, when crowds of followers were begging him to say, He told them He must continue on to preach the good news to the other towns too (Luke 4:43).
As disciples of Christ and student leaders, we often have to make similar hard choices: How much time do I devote to individuals, and how much time do I devote to the “multitudes”? You can grow your leadership cup and reach more students. As a youth pastor, I understand that you are giving everything you have to reach and disciple the students you have today. But you also have a heart to impact the hundreds and even thousands of students in your town that still don’t know the Lord. God’s heart also yearns for both those in your group and those that don’t yet know Him. The good news is that you can grow your leadership cup to make an even greater impact in the future.
Be encouraged. Through prayer, learning, and practice, you can grow your leadership cup—and help grow the leadership cup of your leaders—to reach more students tomorrow. And as we grow closer to Him, we will better understand and fulfill God’s heart, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
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If you have ever been blessed by my blog we have a couple people to thank. God for grace, my parents for upbringing, my wife who loves me and our first guest blogger - NATE DAME. Thanks to him, he helped design my blog and periodically, I will have friends share what is on their heart and what God is doing through them. Nate is a youth ministry guru, loves God, and a consultant with National Network of Youth Ministries. He lives in IL and his website is www.EffectiveYM.com
Andrew Shelton w/ TONY NOLAN hair cut :)
For years, I loved the name Andrew and considered naming a boy if blessed to have one after that name. I also liked the sound of Andrew Graham. Every single time, Andrew is mentioned in Scripture he literally was bringing someone to Jesus. Quite a compliment! Plus, it is no secret that my hero on Earth (outside of my Dad) is Evangelist Billy Graham. It has been said you should give a child a name they can GROW into so I knew Hitler or Judas was out.
Ironically, I was born on President’s Day Weekend, February 20, 1972 and when God graced Ruth and I, with Andrew who was born on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009, we just knew we had to go to one of our family favorites and name him after Abraham Lincoln. As President Obama was being “sworn in” Baby Andrew was coming out. Talk about “getting out the vote.” 
Andrew has taught me so much the past year and his sister, Hannah Grace has been a big help with him. She will turn ten on April 30! Children have a way of reminding us what is most important and Jesus was right when He said: “Let the children come unto Me.” Here are just a few quick lessons my son has taught me that apply to Life, Leadership, Love and Living for the Lord.
1) SIGHT - For starters, Andrew SEES the smallest things. The most important things in life are NOT things! Regardless, if it is a torn piece of carpet, or a bug under the bed; he stops, stoops and stares at his new favorite friend. He reminds me of God because the things that matter least to us mean the most to Him.
2) SIMPLICITY - Everyone kept saying it would be so special for Andrew’s first Christmas but this year he didn’t even tear open the wrapping paper. He was content playing with his old toys (that won’t last long). Hannah typed out a 14 page list this year and even told me where the sales were online. Amazing! We bought him a couple nice toys and he was happy playing with the most unusual objects. Linus has a “security blanket” but Andrew loves the drain plug from the shower and he carries it wherever he goes.
3) STEADFAST - Andrew is learning to walk and I have come to the conclusion that babies begin to walk when they grow tired of falling down. Perseverance could be my middle name and what I admire about Andrew is that when he has his mind on something he is faithful and focused. He could fall down 203 times but make no mistake he is determined to get up en route to growing UP! He sees obstacles as opportunities! We could all learn from a child’s curiousity, creativity and CAN DO attitude.
4) SWEET - Babies are sure sweet and Andrew is no exception. When a child smiles it not only melts your heart but makes some of life’s problems seem small. When Andrew smiles I think of God’s grace and that miracles still happen. Andrew is unassuming and he waives to folks regardless of race, social status and gender. His JOY brings happiness and hope to those who may be hurting and I have witnessed that he has a special bond with not only other children but senior citizens. Older folks not only resemble babies in the “circle of life” but relate to them in a most special way.
5) STRESS? The reason, I put a queston mark next to the word is because in Andrew’s world he has no stress. If he could talk he would say WHAT STRESS? The only thing he has to worry about is that someone will either give him a bottle or wipe his bottom. He has it made in the shade drinking baby lemonade (look out Ed Young, Jr). Plus, he knows that he can trust his parents (don’t tell him but honestly sometimes I don’t trust me). He knows his Mom & Dad will provide and if he can trust us than I need to trust God more. Some worry about a “checkered” past while others fear about their future pondering their next move as if it were a game of chess but Andrew is like a sports star “in the zone.” He lives in the moment and may we all do the same.
6) SHORTCOMINGS - All of us as adults and adolescents have our shortcomings. God has convicted my heart by being a parent to our two children and I appreciate God’s unconditional love to us as “kids of the King.” Watching Andrew walk is something to behold and I do it with bated breath. One area that he struggles with is he loves to hold on to objects in his hands as he attempts to walk. This not only hinders his balance but blocks him from holding on to something for support. In love, I have tried to gently free his hands from the trinkets in his hands that he thinks he “needs” so he can move more freely. The moment he lets go of the “trinkets” in his grasp he can enjoy the treasure of walking without hinderance or hesitation. Even as adults we need to learn the art of “letting go” in order for God to have His Way in our lives. It has been said: “Relationships are like milk. They are great in season but after the expiration date can hurt you.”
Andrew (wearing daddy's baby shirt)
Ironically, the President will give his “State of the Union” tonight and may we (regardless of political party) pause and take an inventory of the state of the union in our life pertaining to God, others in self. Perhaps we need to SEE what matters most and not stare at trivial things that in eternity will have no value. May we SIMPLIFY and extract things that clutter our lives and cloud our walk with Christ. May we be STEADFAST and be both prayerful and productive in what God has called us to do. Promotion comes after perseverance even in the dictionary. We need to press in to Jesus and press on for God’s Glory. We strain when we are STRESSED. One great way to eliminate that is when we worry more is when many worship less. WRONG! We need to worship in the midst of our worries and our problems decrease when our praise increase. Lastly, may we be wise enough to see the shortcomings in our life and humble enough to ask for forgiveness from God and remain accountable to others. Then and only then, will we be running on all cylinders when we as adults remember the lessons of Heaven enveloped in babies on Earth. May our “state of the union” be strong not just in political rhetoric but a personal reality.
THANK GOD for babies and thank God for Ruth, Hannah and Baby Andrew. Like that Ronnie Milsap classic: “What A Difference You Made in my Life.”
Travelling is not only part of my job but one of my greatest JOYS! My life resembles PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES (literally). Travelling is not always glamorous but it is indeed God’s grace that I get to roll (much less FLY).
When I worked on Capitol Hill, one of the highlights for me was flying two days on one of the Presidential aircraft. On this particular trip, I was honored to fly on a Boeing 757 and it was typically designated as “AIR FORCE TWO.” More often than not, the Boeing 747’s are the primary planes designated for POTUS. The government purchased FOUR Boeing 757’s and frequently fly the Vice President, First Lady, Secretary of State and/or occasional Congressional leadership and Cabinet level staff. However, not all runways can accommodate the massive 747 jumbo jet so the President also flies on a smaller aircraft (757 and even Gulfstream jets periodically).
When I flew on one of the planes (757) in April 2000, we left Andrews Air Force Base in Clinton, MD and flew to Fort Bragg, NC and spent the night. I was blessed to sleep in rooms designated for colonels and above while armed military personnel and the United States Secret Service protected the plane the entire time we slept. The next morning, we left North Carolina first thing after smacking down on Carolina BBQ the night before and flew to Patrick Air Force Base in sunny Florida (Cape Canaveral). Ironically, that morning we landed on the same runway that the Space Shuttle returns home from orbit. WOW - tell me, I didn’t feel like Forrest Gump! Once again, a glorified goofball with the “Big Boys!”
The plane was big, bold and beautiful and painted white with the bright blue fuselage depicting “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” in black letters. Truly, it resembled as President Ronald Reagan described: “The flying White House.” It is also one of the planes that our Commander in Chief flies on occassion and the fact is, if he were flying in a hang glider it would be considered: “Air Force One.”
Since leaving the perks, pay and prestige of politics and no longer employed with the government my main mode of transportation as an evangelist these days is Southwest Airlines. I LOVE Southwest for a couple reasons. For starters, they are cheap, casual, comfortable, courteous and convenient to reach most cities. But the best part - you get to pick your own seat (that didn’t sound right)! Honestly, both “Air Force One” and Southwest are “first class” when you are in the will of God. On one I was employed by the government but today I am empowered by God.
I love their advertisement that boasts: “You’re now FREE to move about the country.” The Bible notes in Romans 8:1-4: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” In the Bible we find a BIG word called JUSTIFICATION. One preacher from days gone by correctly broke the word down as if to mean “JUST AS IF” I never sinned.
God replaces our guilt for His grace. Guilt makes one cower in the corner while grace grants courage to flat out FLY to new levels conquering old devils. Our sin cost God’s only Son but because He died we could live in this life and the one to come. When we find Jesus as our Savior, Sacrifice and Substitute - He enables through Salvation (like Southwest) to move about the Country and makes us a peculiar people with purpose, passion and purity.
Sin restricts but “who the Son sets free is FREE indeed!” The Bible notes: “While we were yet sinners - Christ died for us.” If that doesn’t give flight to your wings than you are carrying too much baggage (guilt). Sin is a rope tied way too tight. It is bondage that leaves one looking in the past and not with expectancy to the future. It is a weight that will hold you down emotionally, physically and spiritually. However, when we find forgiveness from God we are liberated to be, go and do what we were created. When forgiveness floods our soul we are free to fly to heights we only dreamed and true “success” begins and ends with faith in Jesus.
THE WORD OF THE DAY: “Why be grounded when you can encounter God’s great grace!” Today, trade your guilt for His grace, your shame for His Game plan and may you no longer be grounded on the runway of life but taxi, take off and tower with God’s power to SOAR like you never have before! The control tower has cleared you, the Captain has cleansed you and because of the rich, red blood of Christ (like Southwest) truly, you are now FREE to move about the Country.
frank & AIR FORCE TWO
frank & Dr Cliff Barrows - BGEA
Present at the luncheon were some of the most respected and recognized individuals around the Globe for evangelism. In attendance, were Evangelist Junior Hill, Dr Bailey Smith, Dr Rick Gage, Dr Frank Page, Dr Roy Fish and countless others who have not only run the race but en route to finishing strong. The highlight of the luncheon for me was when Evangelist Junior Hill introduced a man in Christian circles who needed no introduction. Our keynote speaker was Dr Cliff Barrows whom served as Minister of Music for 65 years with Evangelist Billy Graham. It was noted that Dr Billy Graham has spoken to more people in person than anyone in history. That being true, it would make sense that Dr Cliff Barrows has sung more in person than anyone in the history of humanity.
Cliff Barrows humbly reached the podium and shared a powerful message to a packed audience the importance of not only starting strong but Finish Strong. He reminded us to Preach the Word, Exude Humility and Integrity, Offer an Invitation following the sermon and worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. As a boy, I had the privilege to see him minister in person about ten times at various Billy Graham crusades and watch him now almost every Saturday night on TBN as they re-air Billy Graham Classics but to finally meet him was a true treat. What was most impressive was not the fact that he is in his mid 80’s or that he could still hold a note or even the humbling realization that he is now legally blind. His wife literally reads the Bible to him daily and he relies on memorization for study, devotion and preparation for future sermons.
What touched me most was not the fact that he Started strong, Stayed strong but his Swan Song was sacred and strong! My friend, Bob Smith is a well respected soloist in music circles and at the conclusion of the program he led the music and was singing Chris Tomlin’s “How Great is our God.” However, at the very end he placed the microphone in the fragile yet faithful hands of Cliff Barrows and one more time the giant of the Gospel conducted us in the powerful chorus of “HOW GREAT THOU ART.” To see this senior saint come alive like he did countless times at crusades on every continent with Evangelist Billy Graham was priceless. Cliff Barrows was in his element and not a dry eye was in the room. He may have not been able to see us with his deteriorated vision but God sure saw him and all of us did too.
Rarely, in life does one have the opportunity to see someone who was the best at what they did and yet, at the very end still giving their all and finishing their race with faith and fervor. What a testimony! All of us have dropped the proverbial ball or baton but today is a new day and may we experience God’s grace, fresh forgiveness and move forward by faith and run the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1-3). One of my friends, Michael English loves to take the old and new and combine them and as he likes to say: “Put a ‘lil ENGLISH to it.” The classic clip from one of my all-time favorite bands - NEWSBOYS is ironically, one of my favorite songs. May the life of my Lord and the Christ-like example of Cliff Barrows and song below remind us all to not only Start Strong but “STAY STRONG.”
Country Great - Ferlin Husky
Ferlin Husky may not be a household name to you but he has become a hero of sorts to me as of late. Just two weeks ago, I had the privilege to preach at RED SEA JAM VIIII at the historic Rodgers Theater in Poplar Bluff, MO. A special thanks to my friends Ray & Dawn VanDover for putting on the annual event. Ironically, Christian comedian TIM HAWKINS is playing this Friday at the very same theater.
It came to my attention that Ferlin is a native of Missouri and I learned that this brother from another mother is considered one of the most respected (yet un-recognized) singers in all of Country music.
Buck Owens from “He-Haw” fame apparently had a clause in his contract that he would never, ever follow Ferlin on stage. Why? Because Ferlin was not good but great. The legendary Marty Robbins admired Ferlin immensely and when the one and only Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame to his credit he said in his remarks: “Honestly, I don’t deserve this tonight. Ferlin Husky deserves to be here before me.”
Ironically, Ecclesiastes 9:11 notes: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” The Bible in the next chapter (Ecclesiastes 10:7) says: “I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes–and princes walking like servants!”
One dear friend and prominent preacher who made me vow not to say his name told me: “Frank, folks want you to do well but rarely better than them.” What a sad statement. Ferlin Husky went on to sell 20 Million albums and his classics “Wings on a Dove,” “Gone,” and “Dear John” have touched the hearts of multiplied millions of fans, earned the respect of his peers (even the most recognized names in the field). However, the fact is he despite being loved by so many is still not in the “Hall of Fame.”
Life is peculiar and not always fair. Regardless, of your vocation; if you are promoted or feel demoted remember it is not what man says about you but what God says that matter most.
In life, you may never get the recognition deserved but God settles all accounts. He knows your heart, talent and motives. Sometimes being “by passed” may be a blessing in disguise. Over the years, I have seen some folks get sidetracked with “success” and it derails them thinking it was more them than a great God that opened doors. I have always been an advocate in promoting God and promoting others. Zig Ziglar was right when he said: “What you do for others - God will do for you.” Today, if you are in a position to lend a helping hand, open a door, or mentor someone else like Nike: “JUST DO IT.”
Don’t let pride or ego hold you back from (as Spike Lee would say): “DO THE RIGHT THING.” May we promote others whom are more gifted than us (without feeling threatened) and we are all better for folks whom make us stronger in our giftings. I learned long ago that we don’t have to better than anyone but we should all be better because God allowed our paths to cross. We need to celebrate NOT tolerate them! What a sad indictment when some would not “follow them on stage” but should consider it an honor we got to share the stage with another who is just as passionate about life and their gift.
Ferlin may never make it in the Hall of Fame but if he is in God’s “Hall of Faith” is all that matters. Today, if you are en route to the top or feel kicked like a can we must stay humble because the favor of God is not fair and “time and chance happens to us all.” Someone always deserves the blessing (promotion) just as much as you (and me).
Yes, not all the best are promoted to the top but regardless if you are riding high profesionally or walking low personally (like the prince next to the horse) it is a Biblical fact “Many who are first will be last and MANY LAST WILL BE FIRST.”
Therefore, keep walking, keep working and keep worshipping and like the old hymn Ferlin sang: “He’ll Understand and Say Well Done.”
Ticket Booth @ Rodgers Theater - Poplar Bluff, MO
fs & Elvis Presley
A couple years ago he was named ENTERTAINER OF THE CENTURY and worth more dead than alive. I have been to his humble home twice in Tupelo, MS where it all started in that shotgun shack and three times to his home in Tennessee. If anyone lived the “American Dream” it would have been Elvis. From that humble home to magnificent mansion in Memphis sprawled on a Southern Colonial estate named GRACELAND; Elvis lived large. The fact that his twin brother, Jesse dying at birth subconciously made him live a life for two (much less a king).
Elvis had fame, fortune and faith. That is quite a combination and without a strong faith it would cripple most if not all who intertwine them. Regarding FAME, Elvis’ home is the most visited house in the world (second only to The White House) with some 600,000 folks annually paying BIG BUCKS to peek in Presley’s private paradise. Ironically, three decades after his death folks still know him by his first name, album sales are stronger than ever and he recently had a NUMBER ONE HIT overseas two years ago. Not bad, for a man that has been gone for over 30 years.
Regarding FORTUNE, he was the first artist to have a “crib.” His private jets started the trend for musicians to skip commercial flights and he even once attempted to paint one of his planes to resemble “AIR FORCE ONE.” The FAA told him that two birds could not fly in the sky looking alike; the patriotic Presley was dissapointed to say the least.
His FAITH has been talked about for years and ironically, the “King of Rock N Roll” won three Grammy’s but not for his rock, rhythm and blues but Gospel music. I have always said: “Promote the Lord and the Lord will promote you.” Elvis was an avid reader and exhausted books like a muffler to fumes. Sadly, his fame and fortune made it difficult to worship at a church worship service. Even Dr Billy Graham has had a hard time over the years worshipping at the local church. Not because he was “too good” but that his presence may distract others from God.
Elvis like us all had our FAILINGS. This post will not pinpoint or highlight some of his shortcomings because had I inherited a slither of his “success” I am sure I would have failed far worse. Truly, “the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
In closing, I had the opportunity to see Elvis Presley “In Concert” TWICE at age five, in 1977. My parents took me to see him at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD (now demolished) and the Baltimore Civic Center. Some of my earliest memories were impersonating Elvis at concerts in my house and at various shows following my parents bowling outings (age 4-8). I saw Elvis about ten concerts before his last performance and my parents dressed me up in an Elvis jumpsuit and I literally knew almost all the songs. During some of his later shows, he would allow on rare occassions for folks to bring their kids towards the stage. My Dad took me forward in my homemade jumpsuit and we got right in front of the stage. That night, we had dead center seats about ten rows back.
We got to the front and even at age five, I just knew that if Elvis picked me out of the crowd and put me on stage that the packed 17,000 audience at the legendary Capital Centre would go “NUTS.” Not arrogant but just accurate when a kid in a jumpsuit could actually sing “Hound Dog.” Elvis was reaching right towards me and at the absolute last second reached for the young boy slightly older than me to my right (without a jumpsuit). Elvis picked him up and for a brief second hoisted him on stage. Ironically, we learned later that the lad was the son of the late Abe Pollin (owner of the Washington Capitals, Bullets and arena). I guess when your Daddy owns the joint you grab the son
So close but so far away. One of the highlights this past year for me, was growing as friends with Elvis Presley’s step-brother, Evangelist Rick Stanley. Rick wrote a book entitled “THE TOUCH OF TWO KINGS.” Rick worked for several years “On Tour” with EP and accepted Christ weeks after his brother passed. Today, Ricky is a powerful preacher and has travelled the road sharing his experiences with “The King of Rock N Roll” and now serving his Savior - “The King of all kings.” Feel free to click sidebar on the left of my blog and hit “Frank & Friends” and scroll down and find my radio interview with Rick Stanley as he shares his testimony and love for his brother.
Hard to believe that Elvis would have been 75 today and when he passed it seemed time stood still. For some who remember JFK dying in Dallas; I remember learning the news that Elvis had died. Vernon Presley said Elvis looking back would have loved either being a Southern Gospel singer with a group or an evangelist. To Elvis’ credit, he would implement Gospel songs (”He Touched Me, Sweet, Sweet Spirit, How Great Thou Art, Without Him,” etc) occassionally, in his rock concerts. That certainly wasn’t the “politically correct” thing to do but he did it anyways and he exposed millions of fans to Christian Music. For those brief moments, he used his platform at sold out concerts and those stadiums became sanctuaries. In those few numbers, the adulation was no longer on him but he had the attention towards Gods when he sang those spiritual hymns. The late, great JD Sumner who is in the Music Hall of Fame and recorded in Guiness Book of World Records for hitting the lowest bass note said of Elvis: “I have sung Gospel Music for five decades and in my opinion, no one and I repeat NO ONE, sang Gospel like Elvis Presley.” Yes, Elvis LOVED Gospel Music and his step-brother Ricky now shares the Word with the world as an evangelist. Regarding Ricky’s passion for souls; I believe its safe to say that Elvis would have been proud and God is pleased. Rock on Rick!
POINT to PONDER: Should the Lord tarry, what is the one thing you would really like to do or feel called to do? Elvis had a motto: TCB (Taking Care of Business in a Flash). The Lord is coming SOONER rather than later and if we are not in the bottom of the ninth I believe we are in the top of the ninth in the Game of Life. We can no longer sleep or slumber and may we commit our lives to Christ to serve Him like never before. People are watching, souls need saving and God is coming so while we are here lets GIVE GOD ALL WE GOT! In the classic closing comments of almost all his sell out concerts; Elvis would say: “ Until we meet you again, may God bless you. Adios.”
Out on a Limb for the Lord
Initially, I considered naming this post GOING OUT ON A LIMB for the LORD or BRANCHING OUT in 2010. Either way, it reminds us all what happens when we reach out to Jesus. Desperate men must take drastic measures to get to God.
Yes, prayer is a whisper away but obedience outstretched to the Omnipotent is OUTSTANDING! Deity delights in deliberate and obnoxious faith. The Bible in Luke 19:1-10, talks about a man named Zacchaeus. Studying this passage I learned a couple points.
For starters, we “SEE the SINNER” - Zacchaeus was not only short in stature but sophisticated in sinning. This brother was considered the lowest of the low by oppressing folks who were already down. The only folks worse were warped grave robbers but at least their victims couldn’t feel anything. They were dead! He was short in stature. Not just socially or economically but physically. Worse, spiritually! He was a dead man walking. He had money in the bank but no Savior in his tank. David Koresh was known as the Wacko in Waco. Now, we meet Zaccheaus, the “Sicko in the Sycamore.”
The Bible notes he was not only a tax collector but a chief tax collector. When the Lord is not living in us we are tempted to hide behind “titles.” God is not impressed with titles. Why? For one, when you own the cattle on a thousand hills, tossed the stars in their existence and at your Name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that “JESUS CHRIST IS LORD” I am convinced God is not impressed with our “titles” but what catches His attention is our testimony.
We are a sin-sick society in desperate need not of health insurance but Heaven assurance! Ironically, the Sycamore Tree resembled Zaccheaus. How? Both were considered “un-clean.” The Sycamore is never noted as being elegant (not that trees are invited to galas or fashion runways). Despite his errors, to his credit it is evident that Zachaeus had some questions and heard that “The Answer” was coming to town. No, we are not talking about Allen Iverson
Secondly, we “SEE the WINNER”. Christ commanded a crowd wherever He went. This day was no exception, as the Almighty strolled through the street, He (like the Good Shepherd) willing to leave 99 to catch the one that was lost came to stop at this Sycamore tree. Picture this, The Treasure is now at the trunk of the tree and what does He see but a man desiring to encounter Eternity!
The beauty about this passage is that this man who was “short in stature” and soaked in sin scrambled up a Sycamore to see the Savior. Zacheaus did what no one else that day did or dared and ironically, the Lord did what no one thought imaginable. Zacchaeus in his search to see God and perhaps “find God” literally went “out on a limb” to look at the Lord, get a glimpse of God and see the Savior for himself. This is important because we cannot get to Heaven on anyone else’s coat-tails or shoulders but we must have a real relationship with the Redeemer. It has been said: “If you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.” Sometimes we have to BRANCH OUT and like Star Trek, “boldly go where no man has gone before.” Sure, everyone has sin but very few went to such lengths (limbs) to grab God.
The Bible says that Zacchaeus couldn’t see Him because of the “press.” I always thought it fitting the word the King James Version used because it was referring to the crowd but reporters in media (press) don’t want us to see God either these days. It was a disadvantage his whole adult life being short but the blessing about Zacchaeus being “small” is that it forced him to get out of his comfort zone, create a plan and climbed a tree. Call him crazy or creative but he had a crisis and for the first time in his life considered that perhaps Christ not the crowd could satisfy.
Zacchaeus, his entire life felt demoted but with his faith and God’s grace he was about to be PROMOTED. It is true: “The darkest hour of the night is always the hour before dawn.” Sometimes we got to get to the end of self before we can see God. Our “advantages” can make us immune to going to the next level in life and with the Lord. Sometimes, our past successes are more dangerous than future failures. We must come to a point where we are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Bless his heart, Zacchaeus, paraded by day as a winner but hit his pillow at night knowing he was a wannabee. He was a loser in need of a Leader and a lover for his soul. God’s favor is not fair but is forwarded to those with great faith.
Zacheaus, the sinner is now Face to face with “The Winner” and now invited to dinner! The Lord looked, laughed and listened. Thank God for a Savior Who listens. Then God did the un-thinkable. The man who went “out on a limb” was now going to have a meal with the Master. Dinner for two. A sinner seated for supper with the Savior. The crowd would remain outside and for the first time in his life he who only knew of being an outsider looking in would be “in” while everyone else out.
God going to his house showed He was humble. The crowd cried: “Look, He is a friend of sinners.” Jesus knew that sinners need a Savior. Plus, Jesus went to his house on Earth so Zacchaeus could one day go to His Heavenly Home. The crowd was shocked, Christ smiled and this crook is stuffed (not just satisfied in the stomach but the soul). The Master knew that most meals made by man are temporal but breaking bread with the Bread of Life are ETERNAL!
Now, we “SEE the DINNER”. I imagine Jesus delights in “left overs.” Not so much in food but folks who have been “by-passed” for far too long. Regardless, if it was a leper who needed a healing, a woman caught in adultery needing forgiving or a man in a tree that needed a taste of Glory; all of us need the Lord. Jesus loves second chances and He specializes in grace. Everyone knows Him as the Great Physician and Wonderful Counsellor but Christ is also the consummate Chef. The Prince of Peace prepared a meal that no man or woman could make. For starters, it not only satisfied his stomach but saved his sin sick soul. Jesus meets both our outer and inner most needs. He ministers physically, spirtually but also by building community. Lordship loves fellowship!
Just like that Sycamore who’s nature is “unclean” we resemble Zachaeus more than we would like to admit. Our works fall far short of the Kingdom of God. We were “second class” citizens since the fall of Adam and Eve. We sold out in sin before stretching out and standing UP to see God. Jonathan Edwards wrote: “We are sinners in the Hands of an angry God” but this day; once again, we were ALL sinners in the Hands of a Gracious God. Standing at the base of that tree, the Lord could have thrown the book at him, the woman living in sin or you and me but “The Book” gave great grace opposed to grumbling or grief. The answer that day and today, was not the tree but that Zacchaeus met the Trinity.
Christ was looking for Zacchaeus all along and perhaps the reason why He stopped so quickly is because He could relate. How? Perhaps Jesus saw Himself in that tree. Not long after this encounter, Jesus would exit and embrace an old rugged tree. Zacchaeus got down and I am certain Jesus in His mind got up. At this moment, Zacchaeus had supper but Jesus began to suffer.
Trees are important to God. For one, He made them. Two, He used them to redeem us. Adam and Eve failed by eating forbidden fruit on a tree and Jesus won our victory on a tree (cross) at Mount Calvary. The Bible notes: “He that knew no sin became sin.” The unblemished Lamb (Jesus) inherited our shame and sin and like that Sycamore Tree was deduced to become unclean. Today, as you drive home from work or walk to school tomorrow do this homework assignment. STOP and STARE at the trees. Look closely, and if you gaze long enough you will see a man perched in a tree. That is Zacchaeus. Now look closer, and you begin to see me sitting with him. Don’t blink now, I know your eyes may be straining as you squint or tears blurrying your vision but you are in that Sycamore tree too!
We are sinners and here comes The Winner daydreaming about dinner. Skipping down the street we see the Savior, right up the road is the Redeemer and coming over the Hill is Him! The One who would rather die than live without you and He invites you to Dinner (The Marriage Supper of the Lamb). Today, is the day of Salvation and when the Savior speaks we need to listen. Jesus not only cooks but cleans. One AMAZING attribute of God is that He makes the “un-clean” clean.
Millions have been touched by the Master and He could be a “professional Savior” but He elected to be a PERSONAL SAVIOR. Each person comes to Christ one at a time. Zacchaeus was won by One. Today, souls are still won - one at a time. Jesus sole mission was to redeem souls. The Bible is clear: “He that winneth souls is wise.” May we all be willing to “branch out” and dare to be different, risk reaching for the Redeemer, stretch out to the Savior and go out on a limb for the Lord because like that Elvis classic: “Reach Out to Jesus because Jesus is Reaching Out to You.”
My all-time favorite Christmas song is “O, Holy Night.” If I could sing that would be the song that I would close with at every concert. Truly, something was different and “holy” the night when the Babe born in Bethlehem’s barn became flesh and for thirty three years lived among us.
His birth was spectacular, His life sin-less, His death a sacrifice and his resurrection was nothing short of Sovereign. He was born in a virgin’s womb and laid to rest in a virgin tomb. Charlton Heston was right when he said: “The Gospel is the greatest story ever told.”
One of my favorite hymns of all time is “I Love to Tell the Story” and the words always thrill my soul:
“I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true,
It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do
I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams;
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me,
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.
I love to tell the story, ’tis pleasant to repeat,
What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story, ’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.”
My daily prayer is that I not only love the Story but live the story out all the days of my life. One of the reasons, I take planes, trains and automobiles to preach the Word is not only because God called but I truly love to tell His Story. History is really HIS STORY. Together, lets make HISTORY. Let us SHINE the rest of ‘09, WIN in 2010, because the fact is we could be going to Heaven by 2011.
May the Christmas Story never get old for you and may you never be too old to celebrate Christmas. Indeed, it was a holy night because that Babe born in Bethlehem became The Holy Light.