A New Journey in Faith

Today I want to share something of the journey I, along with Deb and our family, have been on in recent months. In April, after a routine checkup and subsequent biopsy, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This was not what we expected to hear, but received it as a part of God’s plan for my life knowing full well we can trust Him in everything.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6

So, after consultation with my doctors, led by my personal physician Dr. Ken Cooper, I chose to have surgery on May 14. The surgery was successful and my team of doctors has assured my prognosis is outstanding. Of course, we are grateful for this good news.

After much prayer, it was my desire to keep the surgery private for a number of reasons. So, ten days after surgery, I returned to the pulpit and a somewhat scaled-back schedule. That was a push, but God has been faithful to strengthen me.

Now, in the providence of God, Prestonwood has given us a two-month sabbatical. It is perfect timing to begin that sabbatical now for the continued healing of my body, soul and spirit.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Thessalonians 5:23

During this time, we will travel, relax, and enjoy our family. I also feel it is important to cancel my speaking engagements away and focus on my personal walk with Christ, fortify my faith, and make sure in all this journey that Christ is magnified.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. —Psalm 23:2-3a

Thank you, church family and PowerPoint listeners, for praying for us always, and I know you will continue to intercede for us.

Men, right out of my personal experience, let me remind you to get regular checkups, and that includes your PSA. This kind of preventive medicine has given me the healing from God I have needed. So, guys, bless your family by making sure you maintain good health through regular checkups and taking good care of yourself.

A MAN OF GOD

Happy Father’s Day! Men, I hope you are enjoying this special day with your families. It truly is a blessing to be called “Dad,” isn’t it? And being a father is a gift from God that we should cherish and take seriously, not just for today but forever, as I note in my book, A Man of God. Consider this brief excerpt:

“We have the awesome privilege and responsibility of teaching the next generation to put their faith and trust in God—to remember the great works of God and obey Him by keeping His commandments.

The question is, how are we going to do this? I believe we do it by living a legacy as well as by leaving one. Most people think of a legacy as something we leave behind after we’re gone, which often causes us to look backward. But the Bible’s emphasis is to look forward and upward, because we have a living faith and we serve a risen, living Savior. If we live the legacy of our faith today, we will be able to pass it on to those who come behind us tomorrow.”

I address this more in a special 23-minute video. I hope you’ll take some time to click here to view it, and truly take to heart the importance of being A Man of God for your family.

"POWERING UP"

Are you running on empty? As Christians, we don’t ever have to feel like the “bars” on our internal battery indicator have dropped to zero, forcing an abrupt shutdown. You know why? Because we can rely on the Holy Spirit for life-altering power. In my new book, Powering Up, I’ll show you how to tap into this magnificent power for living. Here’s an excerpt:

“If you’re like most Christ-followers I know, you’ve walked through a season or two when you really could have used a restart button. Maybe you’re in such a season right now: your picture has been breaking up and sputtering and spitting, and you know that the life you’re living is not the life God wishes for you to live. You’re fading in and out of obedience to his commands, and therefore fading in and out of true freedom, causing the people around you to wonder whether or not you really do follow Christ. You’re weary of the superficial and in desperate need of a massive dose of something supernatural that will enable you to face life’s struggles head-on and flourish in God’s goodness for days and years to come, but you just don’t know where to turn for help.

If that is true for you, then you are not alone. I have served in a local church setting for nearly forty years, and if there is one thing I’ve heard Christians of all ages, races, backgrounds, and traditions say they desire more than anything else, it is the certainty that the power of God really can make a difference in their lives.

They look at their sorry circumstances and their below-potential behavior and want to know that Jesus really can change their hearts, their habits, their desires, their patterns, and their pain. They want to know that there is enough power for them to overcome the work of the enemy in their personal lives and the forces of evil flowing through the world at large, that there is enough power for them to prevail. To their concerns—and perhaps to yours as well—I say, there is! There is plenty of power awaiting you, life-changing, habit-altering, pain-alleviating power. It’s what powering up is all about, as even Jesus’ earliest followers could attest.”

Visit powerpoint.org to find out how you can request your copy of Powering Up.

CWS Addendum

Sweet night for baseball! Our PCA boys played great. Cameron Rupp hit two homers and drove in four for the University of Texas, including the go-ahead run, and was named the game’s outstanding player. And Jordan Swagerty came on in relief of Arizona State’s All-Everything pitcher (who had allowed six runs in the fourth) and shut down the Longhorns. The Horns won this game 10-6; but these two teams could meet again on Friday...

(To top it off, the Rangers found their power again... Couldn’t have asked for a better baseball night.)

Former PCA Baseballers in CWS

When the Texas Longhorns and Arizona State Sun Devils square up tonight in the College World Series, I’ll be a little torn as to which team to cheer for. Both are longtime powerhouse baseball programs with amazing talent. And tonight, that talent includes former Prestonwood Christian Academy standouts Jordan Swagerty and Cameron Rupp.

Isn’t that awesome? Two kids from our incredible PCA program led by Mike Maack are part of teams playing on the biggest stage in college baseball!

Cameron’s a catcher for the Longhorns and Jordan’s a pitcher for the Sun Devils ... But they’ll always be PCA Lions!

Making Memories

One of the things I love most is going to Rangers Ballpark with my family. Ian, our grandson, went with us on Friday night to see our beloved Rangers play the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team with the best record in the league and a Hall of Fame manager in Joe Torre.

It was a scorcher of a night and we hoped that heat would translate onto the field since our offense has been ice-cold recently. We actually did witness some offense and a 6-0 win— the second shutout in a row, in fact, for the Rangers.

And Ian had a great time. Now, he’s only 4, and this isn’t just his grandfather bragging on him, but he’s incredibly sharp. He knows the players on the field and understands what’s going on. Of course, we’ve been practicing with him for a few years now and in his just-completed inaugural T-ball season, he showed flashes of being a five-tool player already! (See photos of him in action in an April posting on this blog.)

Ian loves baseball and he loves his Texas Rangers ... and he loves his large popcorn! And I love watching Ian have a great time. These are great memories for me and for him. Do you have kids or grandkids? Take some time this summer and go make some memories.

All Digital…For Real This Time!

Today’s the big day. Are you ready? Or, rather, is your television ready? With the whole country going digital, I’m glad to say we’ve been on board at PowerPoint Ministries for a year. (And, actually, knowing that production of analog content would eventually come to an end, we started preparing about three years ago.)

We celebrated our first High Definition broadcast on Dec. 28, 2008. We’ve been amazed at how much clearer and more defined the picture looks. And, after all, at PowerPoint this is what we strive for—delivering the clear, defined message of the Gospel from households in the Metroplex to those in East Asia and all places in between.

Let me know what you think of this new digital look on your TV screen.

The Blessings of VBS

Every year I have the privilege of sharing the Gospel with children attending our Vacation Bible School. I never tire of presenting the simple yet powerful “ABC’s of Salvation” message. And I tell you, there’s not a more beautiful sight than that of children streaming down the aisles, anxiously coming forward to receive Christ.

We were blessed to witness about 150 third through sixth graders come forward during a service yesterday. Of those kids, 121 made first-time decisions!

I am so grateful for the blessings of VBS, not only at our church but at churches across the world. This week more than 4,600 children, many of whom are not members, are on our campus. It’s just an incredible outreach to the community, and one that wouldn’t be possible without the heart and soul of our Children’s Ministry leader Sondra Saunders and the rest of the staff. Nearly 900 faithful volunteers and staff members are sharing Christ’s love with the children. And from what I’ve seen ... and heard from my grandson, Ian, who is attending for the first time ... it’s been a blast!

Daily Light

One of my daily devotional practices is reading morning and evening from Daily Light. This wonderful compilation of Scriptures has been on my must-read list for the last 15 years or so.

It is important to consistently meditate on God’s Word and Daily Light gives the reader an opportunity to hear from God every day. Inevitably, as we are consistent in our reading and meditating, God will speak directly to our day and life situation.

Here’s today’s reading. I encourage you to pick up or order a copy of this magnificent way to walk in faith in the light of God’s Word.

Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
As long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statues which I command you today,…then you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.”
Is not the LORD your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side?

Gen. 39:3; Ps. 128:1-2, Ps. 37:3-4; Josh. 1:9; Matt. 6:33; 2 Chron. 26:5; Deut. 8:11, 17; 1 Chron. 22:18

Celebrating 20 Years at Prestonwood

This past weekend we celebrated my 20th anniversary at Prestonwood. And what really touched me about how the church recognized it was that the focus was on the right person—Jesus Christ. Everything that has transpired over the past 20 years at this great church isn’t about me or anyone else but Him. To God be the glory!

I’m so grateful for the Prestonwood family. No pastor has had greater support and prayer and faith from a congregation. My family loves this congregation, and that love has been returned in countless ways. We can’t imagine a greater life or more fulfilling ministry than what God has given us at Prestonwood these 20 years.

There is truly nothing I would rather be doing. I pray our church will continue steadfastly sharing the Gospel, not only in our community, but globally through PowerPoint Ministries, and sharing Christ’s love and glorifying God.

So, regarding the past 20 years, there’s only one thing left to say ... let’s do it again!

(You can watch the anniversary video by visiting prestonwood.org and clicking on the 20-Year Anniversary banner ad.)

A COURAGEOUS FAITH

When I think of the Cruse family, the word that comes to mind is “courageous.” This precious family has shown courageous faith over the past four years as 8-year-old Connor, my special friend, has battled two very aggressive types of cancer.

Connor was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in May of 2005 when he complained of a tummy ache for a couple of weeks. Since then, he’s endured more pain and chemotherapy and radiation and surgery than any person, let alone a child, should. But he’s rarely complained. He’s just wanted to get on with being a kid … playing with his two younger brothers and older sister, enjoying school and playing baseball.

He gets that positive spirit from his parents, Tait and Joy. Deb and I have gotten to know this young couple well in the past four years, not only because they are members at Prestonwood. They’re also our neighbors.

Tait and Joy have bravely shared their story at our church and other churches, and through their blog. And you know, just listening to them or reading the heartfelt words penned by Joy in the blog, you can sense their incredible faith in our all-powerful God. They have never lost sight of the fact that our lives are in His hands.

But they have also shown a great perseverance and determination to fight for their child … to pursue a means for a miracle from God. Just about six months ago, they found out that this monster living in Connor’s body had reared its ugly head again in the form of a different, even more hostile cancer. As they’ve noted recently, they’re “swinging for the fences,” seeking the best possible treatment for a child who just wrapped up the second grade.

I’ve shared special moments with this family, including baptizing Connor and spending long hours at the hospital. As their pastor, I’m privileged to walk alongside the Cruses during this trying time. And as their pastor, I couldn’t be more proud of how they’ve witnessed to thousands with their steadfast, courageous faith.

Click here to learn more about Connor.

GOD OF THIS CITY

As I mentioned earlier in my blog, new American Idol Kris Allen is from my hometown of Conway, Arkansas. Kris pretty much shocked the entertainment world with his win from an underdog status.

But I think there may be another reason for this young man’s success. He is, in fact, a profound believer and follower of Jesus and is involved in leading worship at New Life Church in Arkansas. He now has a unique platform from which to glorify Jesus and share his faith. I am praying God will use this young man in a great way.

Check out this YouTube video of Kris leading worship in his home church in Conway, and remember, our God is the God of this City!