Relaunch

In June, I took the time to reflect on how well I had been following the guiding principles I set for myself this year. I had made significant progress in three out of the four principles, which was quite promising. Out of all the concepts, the one that poses the biggest struggle for me is relaunch. It’s a challenge because I don’t or didn’t fully understand it until now.

June arrived, and with it came a sense of uncertainty as I struggled to see the potential for new challenges and opportunities or even approach existing ones with a fresh perspective. However, as the months went by, I realized a specific area that ignited my passion.

Since 2020, my passion for recovery has grown from a flicker to a roaring blaze. The time I’ve spent with people in recovery has been transformative for me. The majority of individuals in recovery have gone through the challenging process of working the 12-step program. The steps require immense effort, which is why most people choose not to undertake them. People often reach a roadblock at the fourth step because it requires them to confront their own character flaws and acknowledge their sinful nature. It’s not for the faint of heart. Those in recovery are not only my heroes, but they have also had a profound impact on my life.

After much effort and perseverance, I have finally reached the fourth step this year, a milestone I have been working towards. The difficulty of it all is outweighed by the feeling of liberation it brings. Actually, I’m still in the process of working through it. The impact it has had on me and my self-awareness is immense, fueling a profound dedication to recovery, both for addicts and for those seeking to follow Jesus’s path.

For every believer in Jesus Christ, recovery is a crucial part of their spiritual growth. We are sinners, constantly striving to free ourselves from the clutches of sin and the temptations of our fleshly desires. The recovery battle, mentioned in Galatians chapter five and Romans chapter eight, is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, reminding us it continues until we are united with Jesus.

Recently, important individuals in my life have expressed their belief that I am meant to work in recovery, but in a more prominent capacity. As I continue to witness these verbal signs, my vision of the church as a compassionate hospital, where people find solace and restoration, becomes more defined.

In front of me stands a church, its doors open wide, welcoming those seeking healing and salvation from the clutches of sin, as the gospel breathes new life into their souls. An image takes shape in my mind—a church standing resolutely on dry ground, its mission clear as it reaches out to rescue those submerged in darkness, leading them towards Jesus. In this church, the focus is on recovery, and those who have been saved from the sea of sinfulness are dedicated to pulling others out of the place they once were.

People from all walks of life are represented here. Within the church community, there are families who have devoted themselves to the ministry, yet their own unresolved wounds have unintentionally caused additional harm to their loved ones. For some, Jesus is their source of love and inspiration, while the church fails to resonate with them. They need to understand that the church serves as a hospital, providing a space for healing despite being the very site where wounds were inflicted.

In a culture filled with confusion, there are people who find themselves drowning, desperately seeking help from the church. Unfortunately, the church’s energy is directed towards culture wars rather than aiding those who are enslaved by societal pressures. The church is not successful in attracting sinners like Jesus because our perception of them as enemies prevents us from reaching out to them as captives of the enemy.

I can go on and on, but I’m starting to catch a glimpse of the vivid image of recovery that the Lord has planted deep within my heart. Interestingly, a prophetic word spoken to me back in February 2015 is slowly materializing, motivating me to embark on a comprehensive revival in my quest for recovery.  

 

To My Beloved Wife of Twenty-Nine Years: June 24, 1995

My Love,

I can recall that dream with such clarity, as if it unfolded just yesterday. A divine whisper from God filled me with certainty that we would marry, even though we had never been on a date. With full conviction of God’s leading, I informed my mother that you were the one. 

We have shared a journey filled with joy, laughter, and challenges. Out of love, we raised three beautiful daughters. Through it all, our love has remained unwavering, a testament to the bond we share. You have been my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. How you love, support, and believe in me has been a constant source of inspiration.

As we celebrate our 29th anniversary, I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude for every moment we have shared. The memories we have created together, the adventures we have embarked on, and the dreams we have pursued side by side have shaped our love story into something truly extraordinary.

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the years to come, knowing that our love will continue to grow and flourish. I am excited to witness the chapters we have yet to write, the milestones we have yet to celebrate, and the love that will continue to blossom between us. You are the love of my life, and I am forever grateful for the day we said “I do.” Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and cherished moments, my dear.

Your Husband

Coaching Leaders

I want to share a powerful formula that, when applied, can significantly enhance leaders' leadership skills. As a leader, it's crucial to understand yourself, embrace your unique qualities, and effectively communicate these principles to others.

Knowing yourself as a leader is essential because it allows you to understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. This self-awareness enables you to make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and effectively lead others.

Owning yourself means taking responsibility for your actions and decisions. It involves acknowledging and learning from your mistakes, being accountable for your responsibilities, and being confident in your abilities.

Authenticity is not just a buzzword in leadership- it's a game-changer. By staying true to your values and leading with integrity, you create a culture of trust and loyalty in your team. This environment of openness and collaboration encourages others to be their authentic selves, fostering a more productive and harmonious work environment.

Effective communication is vital in guiding others to know, own, and be themselves. By openly sharing your experiences, values, and beliefs, you create a safe space for others to do the same. You encourage open dialogue, active listening, and understanding, which fosters a sense of belonging and promotes personal growth among team members.

What are your thoughts? 

It's Time to Evaluate

At the beginning of the year, I adopted some guiding principles that would serve as a compass for changing my life.

As we enter June, it's important to reflect on the past five months and assess the effectiveness of these guiding principles in my life.

Presence

The first principle is being fully present in the moment. I have stayed focused on my daily tasks, fully immersing myself in every detail and striving to excel in what I am doing in this moment. In fact, I have noticed that I am no longer searching for the next task I believe God wants me to undertake, but rather content with the current responsibilities he has entrusted me with. I have undergone a complete transformation due to this newfound liberation, and looking back, I deeply regret not giving it more importance earlier in life, as it has brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

Another aspect I cherish about presence, and honestly, the most important one, is the constant pursuit of God's presence in my life. Above all else, I prioritize nurturing my connection with the Lord, striving to strengthen our bond through prayer and reflection. It's the one thing I desire, like a thirst that cannot be quenched. I have made it a daily practice for the past year and a half to seek the Lord at the start of each day, and the impact has been profound.

Declutter

I have been committed to simplifying my life, and as a result, I have persistently decluttered, removing unnecessary items. It has had a positive impact on my mental well-being, physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. For instance, my closet at home remains organized due to my commitment to promptly returning items to their designated spots.

My offices, both at home and at work, are astonishingly neat and well-kept, a true testament to my dedication to organization.

My work production is much better because of decluttering.  Balancing the demands of a full-time chaplain job and being a bivocational pastor to a wonderful congregation can be hectic, but I manage it by decluttering and organizing my life.

Self-awareness

I started off strong with cultivating self-awareness daily, but my commitment waned around mid April. This led to my involvement with residents at my workplace who were committed to their journey of overcoming addiction through the 12-step process. This past week, I rolled up my sleeves and tackled the fourth step, determined to make headway.

The fourth step urges us to courageously examine ourselves, delving deep into our moral inventory to unearth our personal shortcomings and foster self-awareness. We all have them, but only a few recognize their existence.

Relaunch

I have yet to fully grasp the depth and significance of this guiding principle. I am eager to find fresh challenges and chances to make a Jesus-like impact on people's lives, yet I lack a clear vision of what that entails. Lately, my heart has been filled with thoughts about recovery ministry, transitional homes, and how to effectively reach people in recovery. I have witnessed the Lord orchestrating a few relationships that serve as confirmation of what He is impressing on me. It's a time to wait on the Lord, eagerly anticipating what he will do next.

How are your 2024 goals going? 

See you in a few months. 

Divine Visitation

Have you ever experienced a divine visitation that left you awestruck? I’m not referring to experiences like encountering Jesus, as the apostle Paul did, or engaging in a wrestling match with God, like Jacob. It was an experience that undeniably felt like a divine intervention, leaving no doubt that God had visited at precisely the right moment. This is a question that many of us, as Christians, may have pondered at some point in our faith journey.

During a recent phone call, a rush of memories flooded my mind, bringing back vivid recollections of God’s comforting presence during a challenging period in 2016. While selling cars, I felt a constant weight of struggle in every aspect of my life. After resigning from my full-time pastorate, I worked tirelessly, devoting eighty hours a week to the dual demands of supporting my family and launching a new church. I was in deep contemplation, grappling with my faith and harboring anger towards God. Stepping out in faith, believing God was leading me, I never anticipated the deafening silence that filled the air. But then, through a series of events and encounters, I saw God's hand at work, guiding me and providing for my needs.

In 2016, on this specific day, I was at the back of the car dealership, venting my frustrations to God through tearful prayers. Just then, my phone rang, and I saw it was a call from my dear friend, Earl Hammons. To his surprise, his phone call was a divine visitation from God. His words of encouragement breathed new life into me, a moment I could never have predicted.

As soon as I ended the call with Earl, a sense of reassurance washed over me, affirming that God is always by my side, never abandoning me. The impact was immediate, and I felt a renewed sense of faith and strength.

This memory prompted me to contemplate the various instances when God has shown up in my life - whether to lend a hand during challenging times or steer me away from potential regrets. Reflecting on God’s works keeps us anchored in our faith journey, reminding us of his presence and involvement in our lives. It has taught me to trust in God's timing and to be open to the unexpected ways in which he may choose to reveal himself.

In a recent Bible study, the question of why God permitted the Holocaust was raised. It is a common question, particularly when individuals struggle with the concept of God and the existence of evil.

When we encounter extreme evil, we often tend to blame God or deny his existence. This train of thought emerges when we perceive the concept of evil in others or society but not within ourselves.

There is a roster of extreme acts of evil that can be applied. As an example, the attack on innocent Israelis that took place on October 7, 2023, or the resulting collateral damage occurring in Gaza. We must not overlook the distressing history of slavery in America, followed by the era of Jim Crow in the South. It is utterly perplexing that in various southern states of America, black people were subjected to lynching for insignificant or no cause whatsoever. What was the reason behind God’s allowance of all these events?

It is essential to consider how we let this happen and pose another question accordingly. In what manner did the world stand idly and observe Germany’s extermination of six million Jews? How was America’s response when people of color were subjected to inhumane treatment? Upon deep contemplation of these questions, it became clear to me that the entire world at the time observed the crucifixion of the flawless Son of God. How is it possible for someone completely devoid of sin to be put to death?

The answer can be easily deduced. The reason behind all previous instances of evil can be found here: each one of us possesses sin within ourselves.

The Holocaust was a result of sin. Sin was complicit in the passive allowance of the Holocaust. The same holds for both slavery and the inhumane treatment of individuals of color. Similarly, the assault on the Israelites and the resulting casualties in Gaza can be attributed to the manifestations of sin.

We must also remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The reason for his crucifixion was the existence of sin. The cause of his demise can be attributed to the collective sin of humanity. He was crucified due to sin, effectively resolving the issue of sin.

"Why did God allow his perfect Son to die?" is a question that some people ask. The answer lies in the fact that Jesus died so that we could be freed from the penalty, power, and, ultimately, the presence of sin forever. His death reconciles us with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and allows us to enjoy an eternal dance of love with Him in the godhead.

It is necessary to recognize that what was done to Christ on the cross was done by us in order to experience what he did for us. 

Anglicanism? Part 2

Over the past month, I have immersed myself in the study of Anglicanism, delving into its rich history and practices. It captivated me because of its unwavering focus on the importance of the Word, Spirit, and Sacraments. Recognizing the importance of the Word and the Spirit, I am convinced that regularly incorporating the sacraments into my spiritual practice is vital for fostering a well-rounded and inclusive approach. The subject has consumed hours, as podcasts and books have been consumed to gain a profound understanding.

The first book I read was "Simply Anglican" by Winfield Bevins. I found it relatable to my background, as I come from a similar Baptist and Pentecostal background. Though I still identify as Baptist, I've had a personal experience with the Holy Spirit that has led me to become more charismatic in my faith. I suppose you could call me a "Bapticostal."

The book I read next was "The Accidental Anglican" by Todd D. Hunter. Bishop Hunter shares his journey from the Vineyard denomination to Anglicanism. While I found his story fascinating, it provided little help with the theological questions I am grappling with regarding Anglicanism. I wanted to gain insight into how he came to accept the Anglican belief about baptism.

I just finished reading Thomas McKenzie's The Anglican Way: A Guidebook. It's a great resource for anyone new to the Anglican faith or who wants to learn more about it. The book answered many of my questions, including those about baptism.

However, as I continue to study, I need help accepting the Anglican belief about water baptism and its role in receiving the Holy Spirit, particularly in infant baptism. Despite this, I'm not giving up on my studies just yet.

I want to express my positive experience with the Anglican way so far. First, I appreciate their commitment to the Word, Spirit, and Sacraments. The charismatic nature of the Anglican community appeals to me. 

I am fond of the Book of Common Prayer, which I have used in my daily devotions. It has transformed my prayer life. I never thought I would enjoy reading prayers in the plural, but I do. It gives me a greater understanding of being a part of the family of God. Knowing that there are people worldwide praying many of the same prayers I'm praying that day is comforting. I am now reciting the Apostles' Creed daily and praying the Lord's Prayer daily.

The Anglican Church is united and refreshing despite some division. As a Southern Baptist minister, I'm tired of unnecessary conflict over secondary issues.

I have a few things on my mind at the moment. I still need to attend an Anglican worship service. I don't know my thoughts on liturgical worship since I have never experienced it. Also, I am not entirely committed to being Catholic. Another issue that I might have is the commitment to church tradition. If the tradition is biblical, it's good, but if it's not, it's expendable.

Overall, the Anglican way has improved my spiritual life. The structure of rhythm and routine within the liturgy and the Book of Common Prayer have played a big part in my growth. 

If you are Anglican, I would love some of your insight.