tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65252468957021492462012-01-26T10:14:35.276-08:00Psa. 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. (ESV)walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.comBlogger761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-10367983553835161412012-01-26T10:14:00.001-08:002012-01-26T10:14:35.285-08:00

Recently, I heard a powerful sermon on Joshua 3:5 by Dave Butts.: “Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.’” In this message Dave gave issued a call to Christians to consecrate themselves before the Lord.In trying to anticipate possible objections to this concept from some quarters I realized that some of my brothers might suggest

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-53009978734055867782011-12-25T07:06:00.000-08:002011-12-25T07:08:48.621-08:00

Just as each year brings round this timeOf Christmas cheer and grace, so I’mReminded how You brought to meYour gift of life eternallyBut grace was not exhausted thereAwakened then was I to whereI came to see in sweet detailsYour multi-faceted grace prevailsIn every heartbeat, every rayThat gleams the glories of Your Way.Oh, Thunderous Love and Awesome MightThou Flowing River of DelightsHow

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-84669852105112338732011-12-23T06:48:00.000-08:002011-12-23T07:27:21.248-08:00

A breath of fresh air has wafted over the college football landscape. Oh, it's not the first time, but it is extremely rare. Matt Barkley has announced that he will stay in school. He's not the first (others come to mind like Peyton, Matt, Tim, Jake, Andrew) and probably won't be the last. But, again, he demonstrates that rarest of qualities in sports of any kind. Some call it loyalty, and that

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-73613185089231401402011-11-15T14:02:00.001-08:002011-11-15T14:19:32.835-08:00

"Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died....And the Lord said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.'" (Numbers 21:6, 8)We are all familiar with the story of the Israelites in the wilderness with their impatience before God and their rebellion against God

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-71801804543283413232011-04-24T06:03:00.000-07:002011-04-24T06:04:30.051-07:00

SATURDAYThe cross is emptyThe tomb is fullThe dream was shatteredUpon the SkullDisciples huddledTheir hope is goneReturned to normalThe world moves onBut veiled in darknessUnseen to themThe Power is lurkingTo rescue HimSUNDAYOut of the stillnessAs morning comesThe power is loosenedAnd Death succumbsThe Grain was plantedAnd from the tombUndying FlowerBegins to bloomAnd now I’m singingWith Gospel

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-36464209916569349092010-12-18T16:00:00.000-08:002010-12-18T16:00:04.610-08:00

This is difficult. Primarily it’s difficult because I have the unenviable task of trying to say something meaningful to two people who are barely even aware that my lips are moving. Joey can’t think of anything but what a beautiful bride Hannah is and Hannah is just generally overwhelmed by Joey’s all-around hunkiness. But let’s give it a shot.I have been thinking and praying for some time about

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-16150611389628153582010-11-18T13:04:00.000-08:002010-11-18T13:06:01.629-08:00

In our church worship services we have for many, many years observed the practice of standing for the reading of the sermon text on Sunday mornings. The stated reason has normally been, “We want to honor the Lord for giving us His Word.”A while back we added another time of Scripture reading to most Sunday mornings and we have not asked the people either to stand or to turn to the passage, but

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-72307679940447685092010-08-07T10:35:00.000-07:002010-08-07T11:09:59.101-07:00

While listening to a download of a message by D.A. Carson I was struck by something that have never occurred to me before.Apologetics for the existence of God is a worthy pursuit. I am thankful for those who are much more learned than I who can engage the great minds of skeptism and atheism in the continuing debate about the existence of God. From the marvels of space to the irreducible

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-52675995486359538052010-07-05T20:30:00.000-07:002010-07-05T20:31:40.749-07:00

Yesterday, on July Fourth, this prayer was prayed for our nation by Van Syverson, an elder in our church: O Lord Almighty, God of heaven and earth, the great and awesome God, the One who keeps His covenant of love with those who love and trust Him, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear our prayers on behalf of our great nation. Father, we pray for our President knowing that his

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-55752318237494005502010-03-16T05:50:00.000-07:002010-03-16T05:53:04.507-07:00

Here is my response to the Progress Report of the GCR Task Force. I am grateful to my dear friend Rob Zinn for joining me in composing and signing it."What an amazing day it is to be Southern Baptists! The challenges before us are greater than ever; the Commission from our Lord is as strong as when He uttered the words to His disciples; and the power of the Holy Spirit is the same today,

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-41717147012463582552009-12-20T06:52:00.000-08:002009-12-20T06:54:46.353-08:00

Mr. President & administration, members of the Board of Trustees, Distinguished Faculty, honored guests and most of all December, 2009 Graduates, I am deeply humbled and honored for the privilege of addressing you today. But, alas, I am faced with the dilemma of thousands who have gone before me: how to say something meaningful and relevant to graduates who, in their well-deserved excitement, are

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-38041622750628181632009-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:002009-12-17T10:36:01.257-08:00

I promise (I think) this will be my last entry on the Christmas Wars. Check out Warren Cole Smith's excellent blog. Brothers & sisters, please take heed.

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-61455344076921988422009-12-12T07:09:00.000-08:002009-12-12T07:12:48.122-08:00

(I didn't write this. Don't know who did. Came to me in an email from a friend. Normally, I don't like things that presume to speak for God. But this could have been written in the 3rd person just as effectively.)It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks aretaking My name out of the season.. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-84042478327562620422009-12-03T16:53:00.000-08:002009-12-03T16:56:53.745-08:00

I’m about to step into dangerous waters here. But I must confess that I am having a bit of a reaction this Christmas season. It’s amazing what we Christians will declare war over. For a year, or two, or three there has been a growing movement to “strike back” at those who are trying to take Christ out of Christmas by referring to this season as the Holidays or in the schools taking “Winter Break”

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-9048950377496159752009-11-25T19:37:00.000-08:002009-11-25T19:51:18.698-08:00

(See Dr. MacArthur’s statement)Anyone who knows me knows of my deep love and respect for Dr. John MacArthur. Since being a young twenty-something in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970’s who visited Grace Church on occasion and listened to and read John at every chance, I have been mentored from a distance by this man in so many ways. So this in no way would indicate a lack of respect for his

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-70073409824177554312009-11-04T14:25:00.001-08:002009-11-04T14:25:43.921-08:00

The problem with suffering is the pain. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? But stop and think. Probably most believers would readily give verbal assent to the idea that suffering is used by God for good in our lives. We know enough verses to be cognizant of that fact. Often we find ourselves saying in the midst of deep trials that, though we don’t know why God is allowing this to happen, we do know that

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-3193162890806473662009-11-03T06:05:00.000-08:002009-11-03T06:10:05.810-08:00

Stephen Curtis Chapman's new album "Beauty Will Rise" will be released today. This album is composed of songs written in the aftermath of his precious daughter's death in the driveway of their home. Two months ago, Janet and I sat with our friends Marty and Jennifer Goetz and listened to amazing stories of the grace of God in the aftermath of that tragedy. Their daughter was a classmate of the

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-91670567857009200472009-10-27T05:41:00.000-07:002009-10-27T05:48:23.620-07:00

In taking a cue from John Piper, my main goal in the Twitter galaxy is to pass on a word of encouragement and exhortation to fellow believers and, hopefully, any unbelievers who happen by. With my recent lapse in blogging, I thought I'd share a compendium of my latest Tweets. Chronologically they run from newest to oldest for a couple of weeks or so.• Praying that every proclamation of the Word

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-28402256508726071892009-08-12T07:39:00.000-07:002009-08-12T16:47:00.172-07:00

Sadie Cinammon Price (official AKC name) was a beautiful copper-colored Golden Retriever. Notice the "was." Her life stopped today.Let me tell you about Sadie. She was very selfish. For some strange reason, she had the notion that all humans were created to pet her constantly. She HAD to be touched. Everyone was expected to pat, rub, scratch or whatever the need of the moment was. And once one

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-41417769003726906162009-07-20T10:37:00.001-07:002009-08-13T06:51:45.680-07:00

Children's workers, you are not serving kids only. You are ministering to their parents as well. Here's the testimony that was shared at the baptism of a young mom yesterday in our church:"I grew up in a non-Christian home and lived my life as a slave to sin. I never talked about or thought about God and the importance of accepting him into my life. I married a man who came from a Christian home

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-55069765166677125042009-07-15T12:18:00.000-07:002009-07-15T12:32:50.977-07:00

It seems that many offer their suggestions for summer reading so I thought I would join the fray. My list will be short since the summer is half over. Sensational Sins by John PiperAs always, Piper thinks long and hard about the text of Scripture and draws biblical conclusions. A great contribution to thinking "theodicy-cally."Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1859-2009 by Gregory WillsVery

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-39471851549909515082009-07-07T15:57:00.001-07:002009-07-09T07:24:15.136-07:00

I went to a Memorial Service today at 10:00 a.m. It lasted two and a half hours. The place was packed, as you would imagine. The street outside was blocked off by barricades. Parking was a zoo. We memorialized a man who could really sing. He also was a man with a global vision who brought his world together. He transcended the boundaries of his own race and reached out to others of every

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-80386395223709100282009-06-30T11:19:00.000-07:002009-06-30T19:28:39.431-07:00

Have you noticed the precipitous rise in sanctimonious hand-wringing by those of us who go by the name Christian. We’re so worried! Everyone is turning against us. No one likes us anymore. The President loves the Muslims and we are ignored. All our rights are being taken away. “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I'll go eat worms!” We sound like a collective chorus of Linda Rondstadt’s

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-89748506513383370352009-06-13T12:10:00.001-07:002009-06-13T12:25:57.036-07:00

My wife and I and two of our adult daughters thought about going to a movie. In this case it was a new action movie with established stars that looked very interesting from the TV ads. One of our daughters found a review at this site. We learned that there is an enormous amount of profanity of the worst kind and some other stuff that we would prefer not being exposed to as entertainment.It got me

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-73806173702443768972009-06-09T16:10:00.000-07:002009-06-09T16:32:15.351-07:00

One of the very first blogs I wrote in this space was in response to Wiley Drake and others at the SBC. Now here I go again. Wiley, we've got to stop meeting like this.I listened to Wiley's radio interview with Alan Colmes and was deeply saddened by what he said and by the fact that the media loves to give him a platform for saying these things.I do not agree with Wiley's contention that God

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-38131019779760382632009-06-03T21:24:00.000-07:002009-06-03T21:31:01.679-07:00

Today we had a thunderstorm. No big deal, you say. Well, it is if you live in Southern California where thunderstorms are normally limited to late summer in what we call the monsoon season when the stifling heat mixes with the seasonal humidity and thunder clouds build tens of thousands of feet into the sky before dumping their contents on the parched desert landscape.Today was different. This

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-60361380150121022102009-04-23T15:59:00.000-07:002009-04-23T16:01:58.323-07:00

For those who have read Jonathan Merritt's "spinning" essay in USA Today, one would do well to read Wes Kenney's artful response.

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-85803674914082321472009-04-04T09:05:00.000-07:002009-04-04T09:07:30.000-07:00

I received this email today. One of many such that bring a smile and chuckle. Of course, all the points were separated by long spaces that cause us to scroll down to see what’s next. You’ve seen them. We all get them. I’ve taken out the spaces to save time and space.“6 Truths of Life1. You cannot touch all your top teeth with your tongue.2. All idiots, after reading the first truth, will try it.3

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-3042670122008943012009-03-09T13:14:00.000-07:002009-03-09T13:48:40.080-07:00

Today, President Barack Obama signed an executive order reversing the federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, thus paving the way for the wholesale destruction of increasing numbers of human embryos.Oh, God, forgive us.Life is life, though it has different stages: embryo, fetus, newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult, elderly. With this action, we now have the full

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-47084309191284199462009-03-09T09:38:00.000-07:002009-03-09T09:41:06.027-07:00

My dear friend Byron Paulus, Executive Director of Life Action Ministries, shared some questions that have challenged his heart concerning the current climate of our nation and his personal response. I am borrowing some of his thoughts (with a few alterations), along with some of mine to offer a Heart Check for Christians across the political spectrum.1. Do my thoughts, prayers, words and actions

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-17559982831764693362009-02-12T16:04:00.000-08:002009-02-12T16:07:37.323-08:00

Today, February 12, 2009, marks the 2ooth anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. In celebration I thought I would re-post my blog from last Feb. 12. I hope I get more responses this year. Let's be creative."Do you know whose birthday today, February 12th, is? I had no idea until a phone call with a friend. If you say Abraham Lincoln you would be absolutely correct. But there was another

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-16021806487139401262009-02-02T15:39:00.000-08:002009-02-02T15:42:29.993-08:00

Too often the church is limited in the scope of what it considers ministry. We fall into the trap of thinking that the “ministries of the church” are what we do together at the place where the church meets or, at least, in the homes of the church members. Now, of course, those things are a part of the ministry of the church. But the ministries of the church should be so much more than that.Point

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-58311888263358839572009-02-02T08:26:00.000-08:002009-02-02T08:30:04.912-08:00

Psalm 8:3-4 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 9:20 Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men! (ESV)As I read these words this morning just after reading the morning

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-82376935286333742362009-01-20T08:13:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:20:17.744-08:00

In praying for our new President, following the model of my friend Al Mohler would be good: A Prayer for President Obama.Christians of the USA, if there is anything we ought to be able to unite about in relation to our nation, this is certainly one. Let's commit ourselves to praying for Barack Obama and his family. The Christians in early Rome prayed for the Caesars ("kings and all in authority")

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-76887074940151767842009-01-19T08:13:00.000-08:002009-01-20T14:56:28.268-08:00

Opening Inaugural ActivitiesWashington, D.C.January 18, 2009Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson prayed:"O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will… Bless us with tears – for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women from many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-60977600613158366702009-01-18T20:31:00.000-08:002009-01-18T20:58:54.636-08:00

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Hear these words from the heart and pen of a 10th grade student.The Call of an Aborted Child… by Kayla Sweeney Can you hear my voice!?In the wind a mere breath,Not a name but a choice,And I was chosen for death.Growing and changing,they said “its not yet alive,”Forming light,turned to nightIn the womb I was inside.No chance to see,No chance to breathe,No

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-10235301090038246882008-12-24T14:14:00.001-08:002009-01-02T08:36:45.889-08:00

(A 25th Christmas gift to the Fellowship in the Pass Church)Oh, Hark! The herald angels sing“Give Glory to the newborn King!The Father’s own begotten SonThe reconciling had begunFor by the work of this dear childWe sinners lost were reconciledThough helpless and ungodly beThe enemies of God were weAnd yet in grace and proving loveHe laid aside His rights aboveTo enter into time and spaceAnd

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-19755980915228439412008-12-23T15:07:00.000-08:002008-12-24T14:18:46.167-08:00

Sadly, I have become aware of a person in our church who is gossiping and slandering both the church and one member in particular. What a horrible, devastating testimony that is to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In thinking about this grievous situation, what prompted me to blog is the rather sobering thought that followed: What if I stood and announced this week that we had learned of this

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-62162347217632340932008-12-22T16:20:00.000-08:002008-12-23T15:43:35.777-08:00

Children are a blessing from the Lord. They are wonderful gifts from God for which we are deeply thankful. Okay, I got that out of the way. Sometimes they are N-A-G-S!!!!!My kids won’t leave me alone about blogging. “Dad, you need to blog.” “Dad, I’m tired of seeing the same blog.” And on and on and on.Then today one of them had the nerve to send me an article by Abraham Piper, entitled "6

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-60148019365035242122008-11-01T13:58:00.001-07:002008-11-02T06:37:53.525-08:00

No...not if that Christian believes in the biblical doctrine of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. And since one cannot ignore the incarnation of God in the person of the Man Jesus and be a Christian, it is therefore impossible for a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to be pro-abortion or even neutral on the subject of abortion.Let me explain. First, let’s clarify the terms. One who

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-34742379303687507832008-10-31T12:58:00.001-07:002008-10-31T13:04:49.770-07:00

On more than one occasion recently I have heard from sincere believers that they are struggling with forgiving themselves over some issue of sin in their lives. In seeking to express the angst they are feeling the wording comes out virtually the same in each instance, “I know God has forgiven me but I just can’t seem to forgive myself.” Is this a valid concern? Is it a real apprehension? Do we

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-34428501698284750192008-10-22T10:15:00.001-07:002008-10-22T10:16:41.604-07:00

For those who accuse evangelical Christians of being "one issue" voters, this is about as good a response as can be given by Justin Taylor. Read and watch with care, compassion and confession.

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-72295090247606632622008-10-14T18:39:00.000-07:002008-10-15T05:37:00.056-07:00

I lost a friend today...Joe Taylor. A tragic accident. Earthly life instantly snuffed out. Lost is a relative term. I know exactly where he is. He is in the presence of the Lord. But he is lost from earth. Thus through tears of grief and joy I write.To say that Joe is one of the best friends I have ever had is a gross understatement. By the grace of God, Joe entered my life (more accurately, I

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-85517756576442787032008-10-06T06:32:00.000-07:002008-10-06T06:35:49.706-07:00

Personal paraphrase of Habakkuk 3:17-19:17: Though my investments should not bear interest, And there be no funds in my IRA,Though the yield of the market should fail, And the mutuals produce no funds,Though my job should be laid off from work, And there be no gas in the car,18 Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.19 The Lord God is my strength, He is my

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-65079818535509588312008-09-29T14:34:00.000-07:002008-09-29T14:37:00.127-07:00

"The father heart of God passionately searches the earth for those who would be voluntary lovers of His Son. God's heart is ravished by my love. And life is all about Jesus prying open the locked heart of a wounded girl (his bride) so she might have intimacy with Him forever." (David Keesling)Someone shared this quote with me recently and, as so often happens, it spawned a reaction. I will be

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-40033383061461494012008-09-13T10:28:00.000-07:002008-09-13T10:31:33.782-07:00

In a recent response to one of my blogs, a commentor said, “But don’t you think God could manifest Himself as an African-American woman if He wanted to?” My response was, “But He wouldn’t want to, because He has already manifested Himself in visible form to us in the Person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, once and for all.”While pondering this idea further I wandered in my mind to Hebrews 6:

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-39347328009045744302008-09-03T09:35:00.000-07:002008-09-03T09:36:02.912-07:00

One of our faithful web ministry guys just informed me that I had an incorrect link to the FITP sermons. It's correct now. Sorry.

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-77702826758110452942008-08-02T20:18:00.000-07:002008-08-02T20:31:31.350-07:00

Last night, August 1st, I had the honor and privilege of uniting Shawn and Allyson Wilhite in marriage. Allyson is my daughter. She is the first of my children to be married. I'd like to share with you what I said to them in the wedding ceremony.THE TOP TEN REASONS TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TOGETHER TO GOD'S GLORY10. It will give you a greater appreciation for all God’s creation.Ps. 8:1 O Lord, our Lord

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-24674278925207667972008-07-23T06:33:00.000-07:002008-07-23T06:39:02.636-07:00

As suffering goes this doesn’t rank very high on the scale. But at the moment it occurred, it was a real crisis. This past Sunday was the Grand Opening of our new Worship Center at our church. What a glorious and exciting day we had. The joy of our people was evident in every way. We were packed in our morning worship services and the spirit of involvement that had marked the building of the

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-7947349994113483682008-06-07T20:22:00.000-07:002008-06-07T20:37:16.309-07:00

This post is intended primarily for the folks in my church as a part of my responsibility to them as their Pastor/Teacher and as an Elder to “guard the flock of God” (Acts 20:28). If others pop in, I hope that you will be warned also.From time to time a book comes into the public consciousness that is something of a literary sensation while at the same time presenting very dangerous ideas. Of

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-86383568012392624402008-05-03T07:37:00.000-07:002008-05-03T20:31:28.120-07:00

The Bible says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s called the Golden Rule and is a really good starting place for teaching ethics in any situation.By now most of the civilized world (emphasis on civilized) has at least heard the story of the softball game between Central Washington U. and Western Oregon U. this week. The incredible act of sportsmanship by two girls from

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-42696981027281007302008-04-27T06:16:00.000-07:002008-04-27T06:19:52.731-07:00

Still reflecting on the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. How often present day parents of prodigals read this passage and project their feelings and emotions onto the father. The tendency to relate to the father is overwhelming because of the pain of a wandering child. As a pastor I always want to comfort these parents and, where possible, offer as much hope as I can.However, we must be

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-70437946642962726982008-04-24T17:37:00.000-07:002008-04-24T17:40:44.789-07:00

Today in my Bible reading I was in the 15th chapter of Luke, the story of the Prodigal Son. On this occasion I noticed something I had never seen before.Luke 15:12 “The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them.”“So he divided his wealth between them.” That means the older brother got his inheritance at

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-73764356855657643952008-03-20T14:20:00.000-07:002008-04-11T06:48:50.711-07:00

Reflections at the funeral of Casey Wood.[Casey was a 20-yr-old college student who was killed in a car wreck last Sunday night. His brother David, 17, died unexpectedly 6 years ago.]There are many times when we come to this moment with a sense of relief and gratitude, even a profound joy. I have often stood on this platform in this auditorium where the church known as the Fellowship in the Pass

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-6998147911462054362008-02-12T14:25:00.000-08:002008-02-12T14:34:26.587-08:00

Take a Monkey to Lunch DayDo you know whose birthday today, February 12th, is? I had no idea until a phone call with a friend. If you say Abraham Lincoln you would be absolutely correct. But there was another historically significant individual who was born on the same day in the exact same year as ole Honest Abe. And who was that illustrious persona? (A little drum roll please) Ta da!!! —

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-88594287187067188492007-12-15T20:53:00.000-08:002007-12-15T20:55:51.972-08:00

(Hebrews 4:16)He is transcendent deityUnchangeable aloneResplendent in His majestyThe Self-existent OneEternal Father, Spirit, SonA trinity of loveWith nothing lacking in HimselfThis God Who reigns aboveBut who can grasp omnipotenceOmniscience bends the mindOr non-beginning, -ending OneOf everlasting kindCompletely separate from usHe chose to create manAnd condescend creativelyThe universe

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-43231408875501086272007-12-15T18:54:00.001-08:002007-12-15T18:56:01.254-08:00

(Philippians 2:5-8)I marvel at the message of magnificenceIn wonder I consider Christ the LordWho dwelt omniscientlyUnchanging deityBecame a man—in flesh was made the WordUnequaled God existing in eternityFrom age to age His gracious glory shoneEnthroned in heaven aboveIn triune perfect loveImmutable, perpetual as OneBreathtaking vision to Isaiah manifestThe lofty and exalted One revealedAs John

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-85077630756125142252007-12-11T22:51:00.000-08:002007-12-11T22:52:22.993-08:00

‘Twas the day after Christmas and all through the stableNot a creature was stirring so Mary was ableTo quietly wonder with infinite joyJust what was the meaning of her baby boyShe remembered the angel who had visited one dayWith amazement she listened to the words he did sayWith God you’ve found favor, a son you’ll conceiveBy the Spirit of God this gift you’ll receiveShe thought of the shepherds

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-45396744306501538302007-11-27T14:53:00.000-08:002007-11-28T19:20:34.658-08:00

Sunday morning, November 18, 2007, I received the call I had been expecting. Around 9:30 a.m. CST my 90-yr.-old mother slipped out of that frail body that was once so vibrant and woke up in the presence of the Lord. Through the grace of God, my beloved church and a wonderfully compassionate and helpful Sharon at American Airlines we were able to book our flights (6 of them; Ally stayed overseas)

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-58265001640597081102007-10-31T08:48:00.000-07:002007-12-16T06:51:49.159-08:00

As you know, we have been in the midst of perhaps the most devastating series of fires in Southern California history. As a resident of the Pass area for almost 24 years I have become accustomed to the annual battle of the blazes that take such a toll on our beautiful landscape, numerous homes and other structures, the lives of victims and, sadly all too often, those whose job it is to protect us

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-35836347873462634122007-10-12T15:37:00.000-07:002007-10-12T15:42:48.892-07:00

While reading Anthony Hoekema’s immensely helpful work on soteriology, Saved By Grace, his articulation of the paradoxical tension between “God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility; both God’s sovereign grace and our active participation in the process of salvation” reminded me of the importance of terminology. The tension is between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, not between God’s

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-8467101658015371672007-10-03T17:48:00.001-07:002007-10-03T17:49:19.035-07:00

Are we no better than demons?Recently, I was reading in the Gospel of Mark and something caught my attention. As I began to look at other Scriptures I was deeply challenged by what I saw concerning the actions of various demons in relation to Jesus.First of all, let’s remember who the demons are. They are fallen angels. Originally created by God to worship and serve Him in glorious proximity

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-45320037352745065592007-08-29T06:16:00.000-07:002007-10-12T15:47:23.461-07:00

Experiment — I sat and stared at a bowl of water. Nothing. Totally unmoved. In fact, it was an effort to keep staring, So, I put a rock in it, just so a bit of the rock broke the surface of the water in the bowl. Still, I was uninspired by the sight. Even the edges of the bowl did nothing for me.A few days ago, for over an hour, I stared at different water, hypnotized, almost unable to shift my

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-24454365597337786302007-08-18T19:42:00.000-07:002007-08-18T19:43:05.598-07:00

Psa. 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.Dr. Donohue: “Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency causes emphysema, but it is a rare cause of it. Emphysema is a disruption of the air sacs through which oxygen passes into the blood, and carbon dioxide — a waste product of body metabolism — passes out of it to be exhaled. Cigarette smoking is the No.

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-35736965649432413412007-08-09T07:45:00.000-07:002007-08-09T07:48:47.596-07:00

I am so blessed. As a pastor, it is very obvious that the job of doing everything that needs doing at a church is simply overwhelming. If one man, or even a few pastors on a staff, tried to do it all the work would never be accomplished.That’s why I’m so thankful for deacons……real deacons! Not the type who only want to come to meetings and exercise authority and try to run things; or the type who

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-80345272611483113812007-07-29T16:49:00.001-07:002007-08-01T23:04:50.384-07:00

Recently, while seeking to learn more about a particular movement that calls itself a part of the New Testament church, I went online to do research. In my search, I arrived at a podcast of a speaker speaking to a leadership group of one megachurch in a training session. I am omitting the name, though he is well known within his circles. What I want to address is not a personality issue. It is at

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-44145683575766546672007-07-29T07:49:00.000-07:002007-07-29T07:51:11.976-07:00

In response to popular demand…actually, as the old radio shows used to say, “Keep those cards and letters pouring in”— well, I had “one card” pour in this week. An old friend from high school days queried why I had not written a follow-up to the “Sentimental Journey.” For whatever reason I have been hesitant to blog because it did turn out to be truly a bittersweet experience.The time with my

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-21566310240102585252007-07-24T14:56:00.000-07:002007-07-29T07:29:21.792-07:00

Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." A Scripture I have used countless times, mostly at funerals. I usually list all the reasons why the deaths of believers are precious. Today, in my QT, I "got it" for the first time. Now all of you who are reading this with a big "duh" please have patience. I'm not the sharpest crayola in the box.As I read Psalm 116 this

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-88529999929772520602007-07-09T13:17:00.000-07:002007-07-09T13:57:44.128-07:00

How quickly we often say (I often say) when calamity comes, "Let's not blame God for this." Yet that is exactly what the Psalmist does. He blames God, or better perhaps, he recognizes that God is absolutely sovereign in all things and our times are in His hands and nothing can beset us that is not from His hand under His "omni-control."And yes, that includes Satan. Did Satan cause extreme

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-40928669309685366892007-07-08T17:44:00.000-07:002007-07-09T13:30:30.791-07:00

Back in the day..........waaaaaaaay back in the day there was a popular song called "Sentimental Journey." Those words and that tune popped into my head as I look forward to taking one of those sentimental journeys this week (D.V.). First, I'm headed to Jackson, MS, where my 90-year-old mother is in a nursing home and, most likely, is nearing the end of her life. My sister, who lives there, says

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-89345522882246053012007-06-30T19:19:00.000-07:002007-06-30T19:22:06.999-07:00

According to a recent press release from the Associated Baptist Press (strange that a group calling itself the California Conservative Coalition would choose the ABP as their news funnel) California pastors Ron Wilson and Wiley Drake are starting a new California Baptist convention “that will compete with the 67-year-old California Southern Baptist Convention for denominational loyalty.” Let me

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-71211894549873972452007-06-29T13:43:00.000-07:002007-06-29T17:49:34.266-07:00

INTRODUCTIONLast night my son Arthur, who is a theology student at California Baptist University, and I had the wonderful privilege of attending the Religious Leaders Reception and Exhibition Viewing of the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition that is opening today, June 29, at the San Diego Museum of Natural History. This exhibition is actually two exhibits, one now through September and the other from

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-85664758606939773202007-06-21T13:28:00.001-07:002007-06-21T14:17:21.135-07:00

For the 2nd time the messengers to the SBC voted down a resolution concerning integrity in church membership (see: http://www.founders.org/blog/2007/05/2007-resolution-on-integrity-in-church.html). One is hard-pressed to imagine why any church oriented person would be opposed to this idea. The most often stated opposition to the idea in the floor debate was that the resolution would be

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-44671011181732845062007-06-18T17:08:00.000-07:002007-07-06T10:57:10.224-07:00

I've been hearing a lot lately about the necessity of going through the exact same situation that another has gone through before one is capable of ministering in those circumstances. Here's a dissenting view in poetic form:let's stop telling each other that we can't relatelet's stop deciding that MY problem is so unique that no one else understandsI don't have to experience your pain

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-35819258711108115942007-06-16T20:14:00.000-07:002007-06-18T16:32:40.450-07:00

Of course, the Mexican food in San Antonio is great but County Line BarBQ is good also (try the cobbler ala mode).I was very blessed by the general tone of the Convention and it's focus on repentance and holiness. The reports of the various agencies were very enlightening and uplifting. I especially enjoyed the IMB report and their "Tell Me" emphasis.In response to the blogging and spinning that

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6525246895702149246.post-89829381872361831132007-06-16T19:36:00.001-07:002007-06-18T16:32:14.161-07:00

OK, so I am finally breaking down and getting my very own blog. I have resisted up till now for fear of being deceived by my own hubris that anyone would really care what I have to say.But, alas, as I have been reading others' blogs I thought I might join in the fun.Now, all I have to do is think of something to say.............

walterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07957013431931683879noreply@blogger.com0