This is a great time of the year, a time of the year when the fun and intensity begins. What time is it?  It is the time for High School Playoffs for the game of football.  It is one great time of the year.  Our church is a regional church, so we have had many students involved on the teams, bands, and spirit teams of our area schools.

I think the main teams connected to our church that are still in the playoffs are Bentonville, Springdale Har-Ber, and our own, Shiloh Christian School. I saw Springdale and Har-Ber play last Friday night and it was a great game.  Bentonville and Shiloh were on a bye week.  All three of these head coaches are members of our church: Barry Lunney of Bentonville, Chris Wood of Har-Ber, and Josh Floyd of Shiloh. Some of their staff members also come to our church.  We congratulate these coaches, student athletes, and spirit teams for their achievements this year.

This week, the intensity goes up to a new level. If teams lose, it is over until next year. If you lose, it is time to get out the basketballs.  Those are dreaded words for the football faithful.  The future continues for these teams at least until Friday night.

While the intensity goes up in high school football, it is also going up in college. What great games await.

If you are not a football fan, sorry, but this is what I love. Blessings, and tomorrow I will try to spread out to some other issues.

Blessings.

One of the most humbling experiences of life occurred yesterday when I walked into the Vines Center at Liberty University to speak to thousands of students, however many it holds, and know God had entrusted me with this privilege and responsibility.  I was blessed and honored, but overwhelmed with a deep sense of responsibility.  Liberty has 11,300 on-campus students this year, and all are required to be at Convocation.  I believe the Vines Center holds 9,000 -10,000 people.  Therefore, this moment was like other moments I have had in that setting.  Humbling, but exhilarating.  Overwhelming, but encouraging.

How exciting it was to speak to that crowd of young adults who are charging forward to change the world.  They are passionate and visionary, a legacy left by the founder of that university, Dr. Jerry Falwell.

There is not a time I leave Liberty that I do not come away with that incredible word:  VISION. What a leader and what a visionary was Dr. Jerry Falwell.  Everywhere you go in that city and on that campus, his legacy lives.  Champions for Christ who will change the world.

Pray for me to be a Christ-honoring visionary leader. There is so much we could be doing for God.  There are so many more things to do.  May God give us the leadership and opportunity to do it.  Yes, Jerry Falwell’s vision still lives.

Thank God for visionary leaders.

Today I am Liberty University. I will be preaching at Convocation at 10:00 a.m. EST.  Last night, I preached at the Thomas Road Baptist Church here in Lynchburg.

Jeana and I always enjoy coming to Liberty University . . . it gives us great hope for the future. May God fulfill the dreams of thousands of these students who passionately want to change the world.  This year, Liberty has 11,300 students on campus.  The school has grown exponentially.  God’s power and presence has so endowed it with favor.

Upon Dr. Falwell’s death, Jonathan became the Senior Pastor of the church and Jerry Jr. became the Chancellor of the University. The future of both entities is fabulous.  The favor of God continues.

Jeana and I return this afternoon late following a quick trip, which followed a busy Sunday morning in Northwest Arkansas. The week is filled with challenges and with numerous opportunities.

By the way, three years ago today, my Dad went home to be with the Lord. It has been quite a journey for our family.  I am really proud of Mom. She has gone forward in her life even though “one-half of her is gone.”  Dad indented our lives greatly.  We love him and miss him on this day.  Yet, we are grateful for the Lord using him in our lives. We are blessed.

Pray for us this week.

I have been trying to make sense of all that is going on in the world. It seems we are in a time of unprecedented chaos in our generation. Perhaps my assessment is wrong, but it sure seems that way. I have been struggling to make sense of everything

It seems that what was once evaluated annually, quarterly or even monthly, is now being evaluated daily. I have talked with several business leaders in all kinds of occupations and the common denominator seems to be: “Everything seems to be changing daily.” This is really interesting when we know prophetically that in the last days, things will seem to take place in a sequence of “rapid succession.” It is obvious we are in the days of “rapid succession,” at least more than we have seen in our generation.

I am trying to make sense of how last night, I filled my wife’s car up for $25.00 plus some change, when just weeks ago, it took $50 plus dollars to do the same thing. This does not make sense. A stock market that goes up and then goes down like an out-of-control seesaw just does not make sense. The entire set of financial challenges just do not make sense, when just months ago all seemed so well. This drastic change has consumers living in fear and holding on to money, yet stadiums for games are filled with people paying money for their tickets, deer hunters still leasing land and hunting, and golf courses seem to be operating at their continual growth trends. Wow, none of this makes sense to me.

I could go on and on, but here is my question: How should we respond to all of this? My suggestions are simple and to a few of you may seem like “my same song, but here goes:

• Live in and by the Word of God.
• Make prayer a new priority.
• Wisdom is your greatest need; it is the new hot commodity.
• Relationships matter more than ever before.
• Worshiping weekly can be the wind that fans the fire within you.
• Be faithful to God continually.
• Run to God, honoring Him with at least one-tenth of all you have.

My friends, these are just a few things you can do NOW to help you be all God wants you to be and be covered by Him. One more time …

Run To God!

On this November 11, we pause to say thanks to all of the great veterans of our armed forces.  In thinking about this day, these things come to mind.

We look back into history, recounting the great veterans of our armed forces.  I think of men and women who have served our nation in past wars who are still alive, as well as the many who have gone on into eternity.  Some have died for our nation, and others have died after serving our nation.  I thank God for each man and woman who has served our nation in the past.

We look into these moments of living history, thanking all the men and women who are right now in the armed forces of the United States.  Many thousands are overseas in harm’s way, while thousands serve right here in America, still in harm’s way.  Put on a United States uniform, and all of a sudden you are serving in harm’s way.  Thank God for all of our people serving in our nation’s armed forces today.

While I am not a veteran of the armed forces, every time I see them recognized in any situation, it makes me wish that I would have served our nation.  These heroes have my complete affirmation and overflowing thanksgiving.

Today, as a part of this great nation, we say to each veteran . . .

1000 Thank Yous for Serving Our Nation.

Oh yes, it is Monday, but I want to talk about my Saturday.  Just two days ago, I had a very good day, my kind of Saturday.  What does that look like?

On Saturdays, I do not get up at my normal 3:30 a.m. time, but sleep in until 7:00-7:15 a.m. After getting up, I have my personal hour with God, then enter into an additional hour of study to master the sermon for Sunday.  Then, at 9:00 a.m. my favorite television show comes on called ESPN College Gameday.    It is the real deal, as that two-hour journey throughout the world of college football is experienced by yours truly.  Of course, while this is going on, I am reading newspapers and going over email.

The rest of the day was followed by watching college football. I watched the Arkansas-South Carolina game, followed by the Alabama-LSU game, then ended up the day watching the Texas Tech-Oklahoma State game.  What a day!  I realize this may sound like a boring day to you, but for me, it was a chill-out day.

Early evening, Josh, Kate, and the boys came over, which also made the day great. We watched the first quarter of the Texas Tech game together, then they left (after Peyton tackled me three times), and I retired to conclude my “game watching” while relaxing in bed.

Hey, I am so glad Alabama is winning, as well as Texas Tech.  They are a real thrill to watch.  I am not sure who will end up in the national championship game, but I will enjoy watching it.  You know, some guys hunt.  Others golf.  I love football.

My Saturday was enjoyed thoroughly, along with my wife’s homemade chicken noodle soup.  My life is blessed.

Yes, I am blessed even in the small things of life.  Thank you Lord.

This past Tuesday, the result of the American privilege of voting was an overwhelming victory for the election of Senator Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America. Our new President-Elect Obama deserves our highest prayer and support at this time. As born-again Christians, we are charged from the Scripture with some challenging words:

May the name of God be praised forever and ever,for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. (Daniel 2:20-21 HCSB)

This is a season to praise the Lord of Heaven. He has given America a new leader, President-Elect Barack Obama. It is the Lord who places kings in authority, awarding some with favor, and others he chooses to remove.

God is calling us to trust Him. Many of you may have all kinds of feelings concerning this election. Regardless of those feelings, it is time to trust the Lord. God is doing something. We must understand the Lord is working powerfully, and this is a moment for His people to trust Him and rely on His Word, while at the same time fulfilling the Scripture in 1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 HCSB)

Yes, God is also calling us to pray for our new President-Elect Obama. How should we pray? Let me suggest:

Pray for:

• President-Elect Obama and family as they grieve the loss of his grandmother, the most influential person in his life.
• President-Elect Obama and family as they prepare to embrace this new challenge of being the First Family, not only of America, but the world.
• President-Elect Obama as he begins decision-making concerning his Presidential Cabinet, as well as other major decisions.
• President-Elect Obama and President George W. Bush as they work together towards this enormous transition of power in this critical hour that will occur on January 20th.
• President-Elect Obama and his wife, Michelle, as well as Vice-President Elect Joseph Biden and his wife Jill, for their physical safety and health, as well as the wisdom needed to make decisions that will lead us to abide in a peaceful and quiet life.

These are just a few things we can pray for relating to President-Elect Barack Obama. Just as I prayed for President George W. Bush and his family daily, I will do so for our future President Obama. It is not only my responsibility, but my joy to pray for him.

History was made on Tuesday, November 4th. America now has its first African-American President. As a child, I can remember sitting in front of a black and white television set with my parents, listening to Martin Luther King Jr. give his famous speech in Washington D. C. The election of President-Elect Obama is an historical moment for every American and is a fulfillment not only of the dream of Martin Luther King, but many other great leaders of the past in American history.

Finally, it is time to come together as a nation, just as I have been challenging us weekly. We are in a global crisis, and this is no time to fight with fellow-Americans. It is time to join together and work together towards a common solution. Yes, disagreement can happen and will happen over various and significant issues that may be opposed to the Word of God, but let’s wait and see what happens, as well as how we are led by our future President and his team.

The great thing about America is, there is a way to disagree with leadership and direction; however, if we need to do so, it needs to be done in the highest and most godly manner. Christians need to be known as loving, conciliatory, prayerful, and godly people. We must speak the truth in love.

I close with the words of Job that he expressed to God after all of his tribulation and problems in his life, from the loss of his children, his wealth, his reputation, and status in life. Here are his words:

I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.
(Job 42:2 HCSB)

God has a plan. He is sitting on the Throne in Heaven. He is in complete control.

I choose to trust Him.

Pastor Floyd wanted to wait until all election returns are in to write about them, so please check his blog tomorrow morning.

Thank you.

Jeana and I voted last week since we had to be in Dallas today at a Board of Trustees meeting for GuideStone Financial Services. It was a pleasure to walk right in, vote my convictions, walk out in 10 minutes, and continue to pray for our nation. I have called out to God on this vote for over a year, praying that God would raise up whoever He wants to lead our nation as President. I trust Him.

If you have not voted, get out to vote today. What a privilege we have as Americans, so go and vote today. Nations in the world exist that would love to exercise this freedom.We have this freedom. Vote today.

For right at two years, event after event, day after day, we have witnessed everything rolling towards this day, November 4. People are engaging in the voting process, some say more than ever in our nation’s history. I guess by tonight, we will know that. As well, tonight we will know how they have voted on future leaders and issues.

Now, tonight, when we find out who wins the Presidency, to any other office, all the way to the city level, and when we discover which issue received approval or disapproval, my position is: "I TRUST GOD." What about you? Are you going to trust God? God is working, even though we may or may not like the result. Only time will tell where matters are in our country.

Regardless, I go forward with God. I will pray for our new President and Vice-President and their families. I will do so daily. I will pray for other elected leaders. I will surge forward, trying to be all God wants me to be in the day in which we live. Who occupies what office will not determine my level of commitment to God.

Let’s pray for today, trust God with the results, and pray for the future of our nation.