The words used in various television broadcasts following yesterday’s defeat of the National Financial Package were:  “A BAD DAY.”  Well, that bad day of non-cooperation in Washington D.C. resulted in a bad day for many people from Wall Street to Main Street. The Dow Jones tumbled 777 points on Monday.  For those who live their lives in that financial world 24-7, it was a bad day, and for those who check in on that financial world periodically, it was a bad day.

This bad day should move all of us to pray.  We need to pray for so many things. This country is in trouble, but we just do not know how much trouble.  We do not have news any longer, but commentary on various issues, with one side yelling at the other side. It is difficult to weigh any issues from financial to political due to this extreme polarization, which is nothing short of ungodly.  You would think we are the divided states of America, rather than the United States of America.

This bad day can turn into a blessing for America and for each of us.  How?  If it moves us to pray, it is a blessing.  If it moves us to evaluate our priorities, it is a blessing.  If it moves us to come together as a nation, being sickened by the reality of our division yesterday, then it is a blessing.

Question:  Will we trust God or not?  This is the question of the day.  We certainly are struggling to trust in various so-called leaders who are charged to provide leadership to our nation.  Well, we should not trust in any man anyway.  Perhaps God is calling us to trust Him alone.

Put your feet in concrete today:  Whatever happens in this world, I will trust the Lord through it all.  I am going down with God, up with God, or just forward with God.

I am going to trust the Lord.

FRIEND DAY is coming on October 12 in our church. The purpose of this day is to stretch each one of us and every segment of our ministry by inviting someone and bringing them to church on that day. Yes, every Sunday really is Friend Day, but this special emphasis works by calling us all into action. So many people need to be in church, and so many others need the Lord. Let’s connect the dots on this day – invite and bring one for Him. Let’s make it the day God wants it to be!

Next Sunday, we will begin our new Ministry Budget for the year. To kick off the budget year in a positive way, we are encouraging everyone to join us in honoring God with their tithes and offerings on that day. God says He will prove Himself strong in our lives when we do. I ask you, beginning in October, give biblically, consistently, sacrificially, and faithfully. Pray about what God wants you to give, and pray for the needs of our church to be met. We need to engage God’s economy more than ever before. Everything else is vulnerable and weak, but not the Lord’s economy! We can count on Him. He will fulfill His Word.

Yesterday, we celebrated Ben Mayes’ 10th Anniversary on our team. Ben is our Executive Leader of Finance and Shiloh. He is responsible for all finances of our entire ministry; plus, he is the leader of Shiloh Christian School. He came to us 10 years ago from a major, executive position with the City of Fayetteville. We are so grateful God brought Ben and Sue to us.  They have three children, and we have been blessed to see them grow in their walks with Christ. Their daughter, Staci, will graduate in December with a dual major in Spanish and Latin American studies from the U of A; their oldest son, Brad, will graduate in May from Liberty University with a degree in Inter-Cultural Studies; and their youngest son, Sam, is an eighth grader at Shiloh Christian School.  We love each of them and are grateful to God for them.

As you go through your day, pray for our church. Pray that many people will come and lives will be saved on Friend Day.  Pray for God to be honored this Sunday on “Prove the Tithe” day. And thank God for the faithfulness and service of Ben Mayes today.

Have a great Monday!

I am so grateful for great men like Ben Mayes, who has served our ministry for the past 10 years. We will honor him only at our Springdale Campus this Sunday, even though his impact behinds the scenes at Pinnacle Hills has been huge. I am so grateful for Ben and Sue Mayes. They are quiet, but such a great, influential, blessed couple in our church. Without players like this, this team would not be as strong. I hope this week you will say, “Great job Ben!” when you see him in the hallway. He is a blessing to this ministry. I love you Ben. Sunday will be special!

It was great to see Jeff and Carol Young this past weekend, as they experienced a couple of days here. I saw them on Friday night at the Shiloh-Greenwood game. What a wonderful couple. We miss them, and love them.

My friend, Dr. Ted Traylor, a major Alabama fan, was with us Friday and Saturday. He flew up for the game, sat in the Alabama section (thank God!) and joined us for the Shiloh-Greenwood game on Friday night. We had a great time seeing and visiting him. He has become such a blessing to my life. Dr. Traylor is the Senior Pastor of the Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, a major,influential mega-church on the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama. He has major influence in our denomination, is a great Pastor, and is one great preacher of God’s truth. It was a joy to have Ted and one of his men in our home this past Friday night.

Do not forget our 40/40 Prayer Plan that began yesterday. Review my blog from yesterday and you can learn about it, plus you can see we are really encouraging people to engage in prayer for our nation at this time.

Sunday is a big day, as is every Sunday, but do NOT forget the importance of OCTOBER 12TH, our major FRIEND DAY EMPHASIS! This day is so very important to our entire fall. In fact, it is a major emphasis for all of our ministries. Please engage in it immediately, and let’s all work together to make it a very special day. Let’s STRETCH for the glory of God!

Please pray for America; the next few days are critical.

We are participating in the Nationwide 40/40 Prayer Vigil that begins today. Let me explain it. There is a simple prayer guide (one item a day with two or three supporting scriptures) that is a countdown to the election. The first 40 in the 40/40 is 40 days of prayer. This begins today and ends on October 30. The second 40 in the 40/40 is the 40-hour prayer vigil that takes place just before the election.

The major topics covered during these weeks are the following:

• Personal revival
• Church revival
• Revival among church leadership
• National revival
• National renewal
• Wisdom for public officials
• Wisdom to elect the best officials

Under each of these weekly emphases, are specific days and their requests.

For example, today, the emphasis for prayer is THIRST FOR GOD. Therefore, on this day, I need to pray to experience a major thirst for God that would result in personal revival. I have done that this morning and will continue to think, pray, and meditate on that today. The supporting Scriptures with this topic are: Psalm 63:1-3, John 4:13-14, and Matthew 5:6.

Please participate with believers nationwide in this prayer emphasis. We must have revival. Click here if you want to go to the daily guide. In fact, it is my goal for you to be able to click from this blog every day to join in this emphasis.

Please join and ask your church to join in this prayer journey.

Our oldest grandchild, Peyton, turned three years old on Monday. His birthday party will be on Wednesday, but Monday he had some great times with some friends and his family. I spent a little time with them last night. Happy Birthday Peyton!

Jeana is in Atlanta today speaking to the North American Mission Board. They are having a special emphasis regarding cancer and she is the keynote speaker. Jeana will speak three times today. Please pray for her.

Josh and his team had a huge win on Friday night, upsetting the powerful three-time consecutive 5-A State Champions. It was a major win as the Saints rose up and dominated the entire second half, stunning the whole stadium with their play. The defense was incredible, the offensive line was alive and in control, and the skilled players were performing exceptionally well. This was a major win for our program, one of the greatest in our history. Without a doubt, Greenwood has had one of the most dominant programs in Arkansas football these past three years. We defeated them once in that span, but Friday night the Saints did it again, but in a fashion unlike any team they have faced in these recent years. Conference play begins on Friday night, so time will tell how our team will do this year. Friday night was an encouragement to coaches, players, and fans.

In October, Nick and Meredith’s church will move into their new campus in Prosper, which is called Prestonwood North. This entire time, their congregation has been meeting in a school, doing weekly set-up and tear-down, but building a strong people of God. When they move into this campus, the church will begin a major period of growth. It will be exciting for all of them. Nick is in charge of the Adults at this campus. This campus has been touching 800 to 1,000 people a week while they have been meeting in the Prosper High School Gymnasium. It is exciting to see how God is working in so many places.

Pray for our country today.

Change is the buzzword on all political fronts this year. With the Presidency at stake, change is the word both major candidates are using continually. Matters like “real change” are being debated as well as who will provide “the needed changes.” With the challenges that have faced our nation the past few years, as well as recently, change seems to be catching the attention of the American people.

Please understand, I would like to see many things change, and have for years. I have often wondered what it must be like for a sitting President to listen to those on the campaign trail as they seek after his job. I would imagine he hears them say things he said, and thinks to himself, “Once you get this job, change just does not come easy.”

The kind of change we need in this nation today is the kind that only God can bring. In this polarized political environment, only God can bring two opposing sides together. Only God is the one who can provide real change. Does He want America to change? I am pretty convinced He does. Yet that change is there awaiting us.

Therefore, we must pray for change. We cannot determine who the next world leader will be, but we can determine to pray. We need to pray for our nation. We need to pray for this election. Yes, involvement is good because influence is possible, but prayer is even better. Another way to say it, when you are involved in the processes, also pray.

May God continue to change us, then true change becomes more than a buzzword. It becomes a reality.

So many people are stirring with major concern and fear concerning the events of the nation’s economy this week. We are on some new ground as a nation, and so many are unsure where it is all going.  Yesterday, while conversing with Andy Wilson, our Executive Leader of the Ministry and Operations, he stated, “What the Lord has put on my heart today is:  Run to God.”  I want to pick up on that because I believe that is the correct response now.  Let me talk about it with you today.  I want to challenge you as a Christ-follower, if you are one, to take these steps of action.  If you are not a Christ-follower, these are the only answers:

Action #1:  Run to God now. Our response as Christ-followers should be “run to God.”  This is not a time to run the opposite way, to panic, to quit, to give up, or to walk in doubt and uncertainty.   This is a moment to run to God. We have prayed for spiritual revival in our nation for years.  Brokenness before God and moving towards God are always two components that occur in spiritual revival.  We are helpless…run to God.  What else is there to do that you can depend on?  Now I am not telling you to be trite about the events or uncaring, but be wise fiscally.  However, real fiscal wisdom always runs to God.

Action #2:  Run to God’s Word. Only in the Lord’s Word will you find direction on all matters for life, comfort during troubled and uncertain life moments, and peace from God that He is still “sitting on the Throne.”  Let’s remember friends, He has not left the Throne.  All is well.  He is Sovereign.  He is working.  Become a chronic reader of Scripture.  There is so much there.  If you do not know where to start, begin with reading 3 chapters from Proverbs each day right now.  They are powerful, insightful, and comforting.  Run to Romans 8; all is well.  Run to the last couple of chapters of the Revelation; all is well, and we will win with the Lamb of God.  Run to God’s Word.  This is exactly why you need to be in worship each Sunday right now and connected to one of our groups as well.  Saturate your mind and heart with God’s Word.

Action #3:  Run to God’s economy. Yes, segments of the American economy are failing.  This is not the first time, and it will not be the last time.  God’s economy never fails.  Do things by God’s Word are smart financial actions and honor Him with the first-tenth of all you receive in salary and all else you have in life, and He will take care of you.  This is not a time to hoard what you have, but to give away what God has entrusted to you, beginning with at least that FIRST-TENTH of all He has given to you in your life.  If you do not do this, here is the bottom line and my intent is not to offend, but to help:  You are running to man’s ways and the economy of man.  There is no hope there.  When are you going to figure that out?  What does it take?

I leave you with this for the weekend.  This is the crux of where we need to be:
*God has given you ALL you have.  You need to let that get ahold of you in your life.

*You are accountable to God for how you manage what He has given to you. No one else is  accountable for what He has entrusted you with in life, no one.  Not your CPA, your financial planner, your parents, your children, but YOU ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD. Again if you miss this as a Christ-follower, the judgment seat of Christ will not be a pleasant experience for you.

*Your 1st step in economic planning weekly should be:  Honor God with the FIRST-TENTH of all He has given to you in life . . . ALL . . . through your local church. If you miss this or think you are an exception due to your economic level, whether limited or great, then you are just asking for it in life. You are saying:  “I will do this my way, not God’s way . . . I know better than Him.” Well, in all due respect, you do not.  You are buying into biblical ignorance, biblical infidelity, and personal idolatry of “your stuff” and “your opinion.”  Well, it is NOT YOUR STUFF, BUT GOD’S. Speaking of your personal thoughts or opinion, get a clue – surely you do not think you know more than God! Oh by the way, you had better do it God’s way and not negotiate or compromise that either:  Honor Him with that first-tenth plus, to and through your local church.

*You are charged to manage the rest of those resources in a wise manner, not neglecting biblical practices and insights.  In other words, it does not end with the first-tenth and then all will be rosey. Your practices personally and in business must be wise practices.

Run to God now.

Last night, Jeana and I were asked to attend a gathering for Ouachita Baptist University. The room was mostly filled with alumni, although Jeana and I are not from this institution. I was probably invited due to Josh and Kate being Ouachita Baptist folks. Additionally, I have a relationship with Dr. Rex Horne, President of Ouachita.

Many of our people were present as well, and it was good to see them. Ouachita has a history of many families having generation after generation attending that university. It is one well-connected group of folks who hold their institution with great respect and honor.

Dr. Rex Horne was the former Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock for 16 years. He recently joined the OBU leadership team as President of OBU. I really get excited when I see a former pastor lead a Christian institution. They have a unique ability to blend, with balance, academics with the biblical-spiritual matters that a Christian institution should be championing to its students. Additionally, that former pastor can keep the school tied to biblical truth, inject the institution with a commitment to the local church, and also ooze with a fiery commitment to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world.

We need to pray for our Christian institutions in this country to be positive influencers for the Lord.I am very thankful that Ouachita Baptist University made a great choice as President, Dr. Rex Horne. Pray for him and the ministry he has been entrusted with to guide the next generation.

What is going on in our nation’s economy? These are challenging times. On Monday, the Dow Jones closed down 504 points. Major upheaval is occurring. Many questions are arising about the true status of our nation’s economy. How should we respond?

Reality is, the Lord Jesus may be getting close to closing this chapter of God’s eternal timetable. We may be at the edge of the rapture of the church occurring. What may have seemed to many as just as being hundreds or thousands of years away may be soon. No, I don’t know the day nor the hour. What I do know is we are seeing the Word of God coming to life more by the day.

While the above may be the actual reality, this may also be the hour where God is calling His people to return to Him. Think about it this way: for so long God’s people have robbed Him financially. In the American church today, less than 20% of the people even give the minimum of 10% to God and His Work through the local church, yes, 10% of all God has entrusted us with in life. How in the world do we expect God’s blessings when so many of God’s people are stealing from Him? God’s Word is extremely clear: Obedience to giving God’s way results in blessings from heaven until there is no more need. Disobedience to giving God’s church at least 10% of all we have been entrusted with in life: Ruin. Negotiating or compromising in any way will not be to your advantage or our nation. So many are making their own rules even when they do try to give, rather than doing it God’s way. We need to return to God and His Word.

There are two things God’s people can do to improve our national economy: GIVE AT LEAST 10% OF YOUR ANNUAL INCOME TO THE LORD’S CHURCH AND PRAY. We need to appeal to the mercies of God to come upon us. We need to get before God in these days. Without the Lord’s people walking in obedience, coupled with praying fervently, we may be on our way to ruin, sooner rather than later.

What can you do? Get your giving right and get before God in prayer.

I have made a very important decision that will bring clarity to our ministry. This decision pertains to the way we will function as an entire staff team. I have prayed and fasted over this decision, and sought the counsel of others.

The Office of the Pastor has the responsibility of providing overall leadership to the entire church, school and staff team. While I serve as the Pastor-Teacher of the church, there is so much more expected of my role here. In order for me to see this office operate in the highest fashion, biblically and practically, I have placed within this God-given Office of the Pastor two very gifted men.

Serving in the Office of the Pastor beside me will be Andy Wilson and Ben Mayes. I want to explain to you their roles within this spiritual office of leadership. As they work with me in these roles, we move forward leading this church together. Their roles will be as follows:

Andy Wilson

• Executive Leader of the Ministry and Operations – He has the role of serving as the executive leader of all staff, ministries and operations.

Ben Mayes

• Executive Leader of Finance and Shiloh – He has direct responsibility for all finances (church and school) and for the leadership of our school, which has an annual budget of $4.4 million, with over 70 employees.

Andy and Ben will lead this ministry in all day-to-day matters. Obviously, I provide visions and strategic leadership to the overall ministry. These two men will insure the stability of the structure of our ministry. Their global oversight of both campuses and all ministries will insure that our missional vision and core values are implemented at ever level of the entire ministry, plus provide synergistic leadership to the overall ministry. Please understand these two men need to be prayed for daily.

These men will work with what we are now calling out Leadership Team, formerly called Senior Team. We are calling it our Leadership Team for many reasons. The people who are serving on this team are:

• Doug Sarver
• Kim Noblitt
• Clint Smith
• Andy Wilson
• Mike Daniels
• Josh Stanbery
• Ben Mayes

Please pray for these men as they serve beside me. I am grateful for each one of them.

Back to Andy Wilson and Ben Mayes–these men, who are now doing ministry, came to us from incredible backgrounds. Briefly:

• Andy Wilson, former Vice-President of the People Division of the entire Walmart organization. The positon placed him over all of Human Resources in Walmart. Most recently, he served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics.
• Ben Mayes, former Administrative Services Director for the city of Fayetteville, as well as a CPA. Ben has been with us ten years. We will celebrate his anniversary at the end of this month.

God has blessed us with these leaders to walk alongside me. We are here to serve the Lord and you. Please pray for all of us.