Tag: Love
Do You Truly Love Me?

Do You Truly Love Me?

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When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. – John 21:15-17

Peter was Restored and Called to be a Pastor

With those words spoken beside the charcoal fire over a breakfast of fresh fish, Jesus called Peter out of his brokenness. Jesus also called Peter away from his career as a fisherman to become the first pastor of the first church. From that moment, Peter’s commitment to his friend, teacher, and Lord took him away from his boats on the sea of Galilee to a “pulpit” in Jerusalem. 

Peter oversaw the first business of the committed disciples in Jerusalem before the church was launched by the Holy Spirit. Peter preached the first message of the church. He stood boldly before the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem who had imprisoned him and threatened his life. Peter dealt with the first acts of church discipline. Peter was the bold, evangelistic, determined pastor of the first church and the Lord poured out His Spirit on that ministry.

Love Changed Peter’s Life

Above all else ONE THING transformed Peter’s life. LOVE changed Peter. He had seen the love of Jesus displayed on the cross. He had also been reminded that he loved Jesus! Peter would feed and tend the sheep of God’s flock, because he loved the Great Shepherd. 

A Harsh Warning from Jesus

If our lives, and especially our ministry, isn’t based on LOVE OF Jesus and LOVE FOR Jesus then our ministry will become weak, failing, and will eventually be taken from us. That may sound harsh, but hear this warning from the ascended Lord to the once wonderful church at Ephesus. Don’t forget that Ephesus had served as the base for much of Paul’s ministry in Asia (Rev. 2:1-7). 

But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Ministry, Faithfulness, and Doctrinal Purity aren’t Enough

Jesus recognized the hard-working ministry of the church. I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people.

Jesus celebrated their faithfulness. I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary.

And Jesus affirmed their purity of doctrine. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.

But wonderful ministries, faithful commitment, and purity of doctrine is not enough. Jesus desires our hearts. He loves us and values our love more than any sacrifice or service.

We are all susceptible to allowing our love and passion for Jesus to ebb away. We are busy. Life is filled with daily routines and regular challenges. It happens in our marriages. The passion of that “first-love” can easily fade over time if we don’t tend the flames of our relationships, and our spouse is physically right in front of our eyes. 

Let’s All Check Our Hearts

How is your passion for the lover of your soul? Jesus who died for me and granted me enteral life deserves my very best. Of course, he deserves the work of my hands, my faithfulness, and my mind. But he wants and deserves my whole heart. 

Remember, Repent, and Return

He offered the church at Ephesus and he offers us a second chance. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Begin by looking back. REMEMBER when your heart and soul burned with your love for Christ? Take time to reflect on those days. Then REPENT! Confess to Him that you have fallen. He promises that He will forgive. Then RETURN. This may seem impossible on your own, so ask for His help! 

Jesus, my heart has grown cold. I’ve fallen into the routine of life, and I’ve lost my first love. Help me in my weakness. Restore my passion for you and your Word. Help me where I can’t help myself. Make my heart tender and pliable once again. Fill me heart with love for you as I reflect on your love for me. Thank you for still loving me, even when I fail you.
A Woman Worthy of Honor

A Woman Worthy of Honor

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“Would you be willing to live in a dung hut in Africa?”

Those words were a portion of my marriage proposal to Susan when we were a mere 18 years old. I didn’t know a lot back then, but I was convinced of two things. First, the Lord had called me to set aside my dreams of becoming a wealthy, successful engineer and serve Him in the ministry of the Gospel. Second, I was in love with Susan Marie Haight and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.

Committed to His Call

I’d already submitted my life to follow Christ into ministry. I just didn’t know what all that meant. At the time, I could only imagine the most profound of sacrifices. Maybe I was to put on a camel skin coat and go off into the desert. I was sincere, but also quite naïve. 

I also knew that I needed my marriage partner to have the same kind of commitment to Christ. Susan said, “Yes” to me and in doing so she said “yes” to wherever the Lord may lead us as a family. The Lord has never called us to move to Africa. He has however called us to sacrifice other dreams and some of this world’s extravagances that we might have otherwise experienced. 

“Who can find a wife of noble character?”

In particular, Susan has often sacrificed her time, dreams, and desires so she could support and encourage me in the ministries to which the Lord has led. She sacrificed many hours caring for our girls when I was busy doing two jobs: pastoring a church and managing a growing computer network in May, TX. She often was “stuck” wrangling all four girls while I filmed a football game from the top of the press box or ran the game clock in the gym.

Moving to the Big City

Susan also gave up much when the Lord called us away from our rural ministry to come to the “big city.” She left behind many wonderful friends and a job she had worked hard for at May ISD. She said goodbye to the few acres that allowed her to have some goats, chicken, and a donkey (if you know her, you certainly understand this as a great sacrifice). We left behind nearly 14 years of memories of our daughter Katie who laughed, loved, struggled, and was buried in May just down the hill from our home.

“The Heart of Her Husband Trusts in Her”

Susan loves and cares for every person who the Lord brings across her path. I count myself blessed to be the one with whom she chose to walk most intimately. I get to see her at her very best and worst (if you can accept it, Susan’s very worst likely rivals many of our best). There have been many days where she must “put up with” a husband who forgets what a blessing she is. Other days, she simply provides the shoulder upon which I can weep after a difficult chaplain call or a tough day at the funeral home. 

As I near the 20 year mark of pastoral ministry at First Baptist Watauga (more than 35 overall), I pause to consider my most precious gift from the Lord on this Lover’s holiday. It was nearly 39 years ago that Susan agreed to lay down her dreams to serve the Lord alongside me wherever the Lord may lead. She has always been faithful to His call, her family, and me. 

Today, I am grateful.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: “Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lordwill be praised.” – Prov. 31:28-30
Katie, Rosie, and God’s Love

Katie, Rosie, and God’s Love

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Katie had been back on dialysis for months and her prognosis was not great when I got the call from my mom. She wanted to purchase Katie a puppy to be a companion during the difficult days ahead. I wasn’t sure that was a good idea and told her I’d talk to Susan about it. The next week mom showed up at our house with Rosie.

A Special Companion

61700795_10219276001594528_7682383512451678208_oKatie quickly fell in love with Rosie and they became best friends. During long hours on home dialysis, Rosie was always a faithful companion. She tolerated Mickey Mouse ears and doll dresses. She was a mixture of high energy when chasing a ball and calm comfort to her master. Rosie would sit with Katie, play with Katie, and sleep with Katie. She’s the first dog I ever let live in the house.

When Katie passed away, it took a while before Rosie stopped going into Katie’s room looking for her. Of course, Rosie was a part of our family and was loved by Katie’s sisters. She has also been a part of Katie that remained with us for another decade and a half. She survived a copperhead attack that left a scar on her nose, a bite from a huge rattlesnake, and a near drowning.

Rosie’s Last Days

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In recent months, we’ve known that Rosie was nearing the end of her life. She had mostly good days. However, she was having more difficulty getting up and down. As she aged, she lost her hearing and was developing cataracts.

Just last week I talked to the vet about bringing Rosie in for a wellness check and possibility of putting her to rest. Susan and I are preparing to take a summer vacation and we didn’t want Kari and Libbie to have to deal with things if Rosie passed while we were gone. When I got home that evening, Rosie was running around the back yard like a young pup. We decided that it wasn’t time to make that trip to the vet.

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Our Heartfelt Prayer

62238268_10219276001874535_3790148707022798848_oSusan and I simply prayed the Lord would take care of us as He has so many other times in our lives. We prayed that when it was time, she would pass easily. We prayed that we wouldn’t have to make the decision to put her down. We also prayed that the girls wouldn’t be left to deal with Rosie’s passing when we were gone.

The Lord answered all of our prayers the beginning of the next week. On Monday, I left Rosie outside with Koda and Bo on a beautiful sunny day. She always seemed to do best on the warm sunny days outdoors. At lunch she was busy barking at the neighbor’s dogs! When I came home from the office in the evening, she had passed away and it was clear she had only been gone for a short time. Susan and I loaded her little body in the truck and headed to May to put her to rest.

Another Chapter Closes

61996593_10219273370568754_5467972694748168192_nWhen Katie passed almost 15 years ago, we had Katie’s two favorite images etched on her stone – a panda bear and Rosie. We arrived right at sunset. The Lord had softened the ground by weeks of spring rains. It only took a few minutes and Rosie was laid to rest under her image near Katie’s body. As the sun set on June 3rd, another chapter in our lives was closed.

God’s Grace is Abundant

61940602_10219273370488752_9045583549264035840_nThroughout this chapter, we found more gentle reminders that the Lord is with us. The book is not finished on Katie’s impact on this world. The Lord is still using her life and memory to teach us and touch others. I am grateful for the Lord’s gentle reminders in large and small ways that He is with us and He loves us. His grace is enough. His timing is perfect. When the sun sets on my life, I’m confident He will be there still guiding and providing.