How fast are you going?

Where are you traveling this year? Maybe you have trip or two planned, or perhaps you are committed to just staying home. No matter your plans, you are going to do some traveling, a lot of traveling. In fact, you are on the move as you read this. Not so sure? Consider this: right now the earth is spinning on its axis, with you on it, at a speed of about 800 miles per hour. It doesn't feel like you are moving because everything around you, above you and under you is moving at the same speed and direction as you. If that is not enough movement, consider this: the earth travels around the sun at a speed of about 67,000 miles per hour! You are going somewhere; you have no choice.

Spiritually it is the same, you are always moving. You are either making progress in your walk with God or you are digressing. Even Jesus is described as making progress; “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men"(Luke 2:52). If He needed to make progress, we certainly do.

Today we are going to discover some ways that you can insure your spiritual progress in 2009 as we go One on One with Jesus. As you travel through this New Year, will you join me in being committed to going in the right direction?

Jesse Waggoner

The Unopened Present

A few years back at a family Christmas get-together, the house was filled with presents and persons. I am sure you know something of this kind of gathering. It consisted of two grandparents, a couple of great grandparents, several children, a few in-laws, a bunch of grandkids, a trio of pets and some assorted family friends. With this many persons and presents, the stack around the Christmas tree looked like it was about to be completely swallowed. When the time came for opening the presents, we adults stood back as the kids dove headfirst into the pile, amid squeals of delight. After the first wave had ended, the adults were able to wade, waist deep, through the shredded boxes and paper to at last retrieve the remaining presents. After all had been passed out, there remained one nicely wrapped box. It had no tag or name listed. It remained unopened until we could figure out what to do with it.

Salvation is also a gift, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). It cannot be purchased or earned through our good deeds. It only can be accepted on the basis of faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ is the only way to open the gift of God.

Oh, are you still wondering what we did with the unopened gift? Finally, someone was selected to open it while all eyes strained to see what the box contained, thus telling, perhaps, who it was for. When it was opened, my mother-in-law identified that it was for one of my brothers-in-law, and the gift was received and enjoyed. Perhaps this Christmas season there is still one gift you have not opened. God is waiting to give you the gift of salvation.


Jesse Waggoner

Make Him widely known!

After the shepherds visited Jesus on the night of His birth, we are told..."Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child." (Luke 1:17) This Christmas season we are encouraging all of us at Bible Center to make Him widely known. The video below will show you how. If you need some invitations they are available at either church campus.

If you receive these posts by e-mail use this link to watch the video.
Bible Center Blog

Birth Announcements

I have been thinking of all the ways people have announced a new arrival to me. I have received phone calls, cards, letters, e-mails, notes, text messages, personal messages, been given pictures, cigars (which I didn't smoke), lollipops (which I did enjoy), and candy bars. We once had neighbors who let us know of their new baby via a large stork sign in their yard. I do appreciate and feel a bit special that someone would include sharing such good news with me.

Have you ever stopped to consider how God announced the birth of His Son, and to whom He chose to deliver the announcement? He didn't write it in in the sky, He didn't send out a press release, He didn't send a dispatch to the king or congress. He instead dispatched a band of angels to a nameless group of shepherds. Why shepherds? I have been asking myself the same question as I prepare for Sunday's message. I am sure by then I will have a few more possibilities but I will try this one on you. Perhaps he choose the most ordinary of people, so that He could show us that His message can be passed on through ordinary people. Luke 1:17 tells us... "Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child." We really don't need to be that special to make Him widely known; we just need to do it.

This time of year gives us great opportunities to announce Jesus birth to others, so they may have a "One on One" relationship with Him. Let's do it together!

Jesse Waggoner

One on One with Jesus

Have you ever asked someone for an autograph? I must admit I can never recall asking for one. Even though I have met a few celebrities over the years, I am really not that taken by “celebrity-ism.” I guess one of the realities is that even if you meet one of the famous few and you get a quick handshake, some small talk, or an 8X10 glossy, have your really “met” them?

One of the grand things about our relationship with Christ is that it is just that – a relationship. We can truly know Him and interact with and love Him. To help us understand and enjoy that reality more, we begin a new study this Sunday on the life of Christ as viewed from the point of view of those who met Him face to face in a genuine, person to person encounter. These are those who have gone One on One with Jesus.

It is my prayer that in these next few weeks you will encounter our Savior in a fresh and personal way. If you do, you will never be the same. So come eager and prepared to go One on One with Jesus.

Jesse Waggoner

Those Giant Balloons!

Will you see them floating by on Thursday? For the last 81 years, Thanksgiving has been marked by a parade in New York City sponsored by Macy's Department Store. Its origin was a marketing strategy to kick off the Christmas shopping season and draw attention to the "world's largest department store." For me, the biggest attraction is the giant balloons. But did you notice every balloon is restrained by handlers tightly holding on to a line to keep the thing from floating away? The simple physics is that helium is lighter than air and if left to themselves all giant balloons will float away.

The simple truth about humans is that left to themselves they will drift away into all manner of harmful things. Isaiah expressed it this way, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way;" (Isa 53:6). What we need is a number of lines to hold us firmly within the realm of safety, both spiritually and physically. This is exactly what we find in a local church: a family of believers encouraging each other, caring for each other and praying for each other. All serving to keep us anchored to our Lord.

Thank you for your part in helping the family remain strong, and let me encourage you to involve yourself fully in ministry here, in so doing you will find yourself held securely in a place of safety and blessing.

Jesse Waggoner

The Giant Penny

What if you could take a penny and grow it to giant size, how about a penny that is 8 feet tall? In case you are wondering where I am going with this, it all started earlier in the week when I was taking the picture (shown above, click on it for an even better view) that you will see as the background slide on the big screens to accompany my message Sunday morning. Using a macro lens, I was able to obtain a close up of a shiny new penny and thus make it look huge, first on my computer screen and today on the big screens which are 8 feet tall.

But what if we could really enlarge a coin? I mean more than just taking a tiny copper image of Lincoln and expanding it; I mean making it of more value than it is. This is not some get-rich-quick scheme; there is a way to inflate its value. How, you ask --by making it an offering to God. By so doing, we take that which has an earthly value and grant it eternal value. I think one of the reasons that God is so pleased when we give to Him is that He knows that we value our possessions, and when we take that which is of value to us and worshipfully ascribe value to Him, He is pleased, honored and glorified.

In this time when we are seeing many investment shrink, it would be good to remember the next time you are putting your offering in the basket, that you are making your money grow!

Jesse Waggoner

No Pain, No Gain

Some time ago I was in a doctor’s office for a "simple and minor procedure." The words "simple and minor" were the doctor's words, not mine. If it's my body, it is always major. I must give the doctor credit- he didn't lie to me with the "it won't hurt a bit" line. In fact, he informed me it would hurt. To quote him..."I know pain, I inflict it every day." Rather sadistic sounding words from a physician, but he was right! I am sorry to whine about my pain, for I know many of you are dealing with a lot worse pain than I am. Pain, however, is a necessary ingredient in life.

It is necessary for us. It warns us when something is wrong and needs attention. The memory of a burn makes us more careful around fire, etc. Pain can also be used of God in the process of maturing us (Rom. 5:3). This Sunday we will examine the major theme of the book of First Peter- the place of suffering in a believer’s life. For a head-start you may want to read 1 Peter 3:12-4:22. Together we will discover that even the bad experience of life can be that which God can use for His own perfect purposes. For a follower of Christ, pain can always result in gain. If you want to learn how, just dig in with me in today’s study. Your pain may not magically go away, but you will leave assured that God’s intentions are for our and His best.

Jesse Waggoner

How to help your marriage

The following statistics show that the best thing you can do to insure the success of your marriage is to concentrate on your shared spiritual life:

Divorce Rates:

for couples who live together before marriage 76%
for all couples 50%
for couples who attend church regularly 34%
for couples who read the Bible together daily - about 1%
for couples who pray together daily - less than 1%


Also in today's message I mentioned a couple of books that I and others I have counseled have found helpful for their marriage as they seek to carry out the mandate of 1 Peter 2:1-7. In case you can't remember the title here they are with links to Amazon.com in case you want to order a copy.

How long will you live?

Try this exercise: subtract your current age from 90, and then multiply by 12. If you were to live to age 90, that is how many months you would have left (I know some of you may be past 90 and some of us may live way past 90, but this is an illustration, so work with me, will you?). Take a look at that number; does it seem smaller that you would have thought? A speaker at a conference I attended had the audience do this exercise and I was struck with the fact that all in all we are here, but for a relatively short time. This week I officiated at the funeral of one of our members who went home to be with the Lord just shy of his 90th birthday. I reminded the folks at the service and I remind you, that in light of time, let alone eternity, life is very short.

So how do we respond to this reality? I would suggest that we make every day and every moment count. As the Apostle tells us… “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:15-16) We need to bring purpose to our days and live our lives for His glory; this is the purpose for which we were made.

It is my prayer that I may use my remaining 504 months (?) for Him; won’t you join me?

Jesse Waggoner

On the Radio

Recently I was interviewed by Jennifer James for a story about our new building. It aired some time back on nearly 500 radio stations across the country on the Klove and Air1 radio networks. If you would like to hear the whole interview just click the link below (feel free to leave your comments below if you like). It has been fun to hear from many here in this area who heard it and folks who have a connection to us in other states, even as far away as Texas. But the most startling moment for me occurred when I was cruising down I64 and not really paying attention to the radio and suddenly I hear my own voice coming out of the speakers!

More than just the novelty of it, it also reminded me of God’s grace. As I revealed to you in a sermon a couple of weeks back, I at one time considered a career in radio. The Lord obviously had other plans but what plans they have been. I am amazed that currently a small-town West Virginia boy has the wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to all of you at Bible Center but also via our weekly radio broadcast and our internet delivery methods. If God can use me in any way, He, through His grace, can use anybody. Let’s thank Him together that He can use ordinary folks you like you and me.

Radio Interview

It has been a season of weddings for me. In the last month I have officiated at three weddings, and got to be the "Father of the Bride" at a fourth! These are always special occasions not only for the bride and groom but also for the extended family and network of friends. These moments are joyous and festive, and cherished for a lifetime. One of my favorite moments of a wedding is the exchange of rings. (Julie was kind enough to remove her wedding ring, which she has worn for nearly 28 years, just long enough to get the picture of our rings above) I usually assign the best man and the maid or matron of honor to have them close at hand as it really not safe to have the ring bearer actually carry the real hardware. I then take the rings in my hands and describe the symbolism. Part of what I say at this moment includes these words: "These rings being unbroken circles are perfect symbols of unending and unbroken love between these as they publicly take each other in the bonds of matrimony.”

Unending and unbroken are not common words in our world and unfortunately they don’t apply to every marriage. But the perfect picture of marriage is the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). I am so glad that when it comes to the relationship with our God established by faith in our Savior we say with certainty that it is unending and unbroken.

Bible Center exists to enhance all relationships, between us and God, between husbands and wives, parents and children and every other relationship. As you walk with God and grow in him “unending” and “unbroken” can become more common place in all of our conversations.

Jesse Waggoner

It's Written on the Wall

On Sunday we will resume our study through the book of First Peter. Someone recently asked me how many more sermons I had in the files (meaning they suspected that I was reusing old material for this series). Some pastors do move on to a new place and reuse years worth of sermons, but that is not me. First of all, I have never been effective in re-using old stuff; and secondly, you deserve a message that is a fresh study on my part and one in which I have invested time and energy to the point that God is speaking to my heart as I trust He is yours. So Sunday, as well as this blog post, comes fresh from my heart.

1 Peter 2:2 talks about how we should desire the milk of the Word; we should as newborn babies desire milk. In fact, it dawned on me this morning that this verse is painted on a wall of level one of our Southridge Campus (see the picture above). How does a baby desire milk?

+ A baby has a single focus on milk
+ A baby is not satisfied without milk
+ A baby is completely satisfied with milk
+ A baby will grow if given milk
+ A baby is comforted by milk
+ A baby will let his or her desire be known in order to have milk

To get the point of this teaching simply substitute your name for "A baby" above and substitute "God's Word" for "milk" and you will have it. Allow some time to diagnose your desire for God's Word and take steps to work on your appetite for His truth. One more thing, when I see you Sunday...come hungry!

Jesse Waggoner

A Dog and Cat

In case you missed this last Sunday - here is an instant replay of the "Dog and Cat" Video, enjoy.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Were you ever asked this question when you were a child: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I recently asked this question to our pastoral staff and found out that they wanted to be…. a radio disk jockey, an architect, a veterinarian, a fireman, the President, a detective, and an auto mechanic. Quite a list isn’t it? If you think the list is a strange one, then ask yourself what you wanted to be. If you want to find out which desired profession goes with which pastor – you will just have to ask them.

Even though it is rare that a childhood dream becomes a reality, we often devote significant resources to prepare for an earthly occupation. The current average cost of a four-year college degree is nearly $25,000 for a public university, and more than $80,000 for a private college. The fact that we are willing to pay such prices indicates the value we place on ourselves and our families.

Regardless of our career path, God’s dream for you can become reality. He has already revealed what He wants you to be when you grow up. It is not a profession or vocation, but it is a character that matches His. The question for today is: How much are you investing in becoming what God wants you to be? Are you investing in Bible study, prayer, service, giving and living a life of obedience to God? If yes, keep it up. If no, reorder your life today. Your spiritual growth and maturity are worth the investment.

Jesse Waggoner

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

In 1707 Issac Watts wrote and published "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Of this beloved Hymn Charles Wes­ley re­port­ed­ly said he would give up all his other hymns to have writ­ten this one. The tune we use with this song today was written by Lowell Mason in 1824. Somewhere in my childhood the congregation of the Elizabeth Methodist Church introduced me to this song that has become on of my favorites. It expresses so eloquently the reality that compared to the cross of Christ all else matters little.

When I get a little bent of of shape - I need to refocus my gaze and allow my heart to meditate once more Christ's sacrifice, in so doing I am snapped back to seeing only Him and having my self-focus dissolve at the foot of the cross.

Truly..."Love so Amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life my all."

Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman have given this song a modern flavor - I hope you enjoy this "music video" version of this classic song

What if the Cross Never Happend?

During my years of ministry I have preached many times on the death of Christ. Having covered the same territory so many times, I am always on the lookout for a fresh way of looking at the same events. Recently, I ran across a book edited by J.C. Squire and published in 1931 titled "If It Had Happened Otherwise." This genera of writing is known as counterfactual history, and this work is a series of essays by various authors (including Winston Churchill) imaging what the world would be like if a particular event had not occurred. Such questions are considered as: What if Booth had missed Lincoln? Or what if the Confederacy won the Civil War? Interesting mental exercises to be sure, but none of the authors of this book dared to ask "What if Christ's crucifixion had never happened?"

The list of potential disasters would grow long without the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord. The church would not exist, much of western civilization would be drastically altered, and we would remain in our sins forever. Not pretty options, but stark reminders of the manifold blessings of Jesus Christ’s work on our behalf.

However we approach it, we must remain enthralled with the centrality and eternal necessity of the cross. Don't allow your gaze to veer too far from Calvary's hill.


Jesse Waggoner

Failure(?)

I love the title of this book by Erwin Lutzer… “Failure: the Backdoor to Success.” Isn’t that a great title, and isn’t that a great reality? Think about those familiar names from the Bible, you know, the spiritual giants of the faith. Think about Abraham who was a liar, Moses who was a murderer, Jonah who was a coward, Peter who was a traitor and Paul who persecuted the church. Failures, yes, but God can use failures. Each of these was used by God in spectacular ways, even after others had given up on them and they had perhaps even given up on themselves. That gives me hope when I recall my own failures and I hope it does the same for you.

Today I want you to not dwell on your own faults, failings and mistakes, but instead focus on God’s forgiveness as provided in Christ; focus on the restoring work of the Holy Spirit and the affirming work of God the Father. If you ever feel like a failure, remember God is a specialist at using them for His glory.He has a way of turning “zeros” into “heroes.”

Jesse Waggoner

The Blessing in the Thorn

Here are the lyrics to the song that ended the service on 9-21-08, May you find the blessing in your "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor. 12:7-9)

The Blessing in the Thorn
by DAVE CLARK, RON KOCH and RANDY PHILLIPS


I read about a man of God
Who gloried in his weakness
And I wish that I could be
More like Him and less like me
Am I to blame for what I'm not
Or is pain the way God teaches me to grow
I need to know

When does the thorn become a blessing
When does the pain become a friend
When does the weakness make me stronger
When does my faith make me whole again
I want to feel His arms around me
In the middle of my raging storm
So that I can see the blessing in the thorn

I've heard it said the strength of Christ
Is perfect in my weakness
And the more that I go through
The more I prove the promise true
His love will go to any length
And reaches even now to where I am
But tell me once again

Lord, I have to ask You
On the cross You suffered through
Was there a time You ever doubted
What You already knew

When God says "No"

“Pastor, I have been praying for this for 45 years.” These were the words of an elderly Christian lady as she talked to me about her desire to see her husband come to Christ. Now he lay in a hospital bed after radical surgery for cancer and he was left unable to speak. During this conversation I was struck by two things. The first was the love and persistence of this long-suffering wife. The second was how after years of praying and years of no response she did not give up her trust in the Lord.

There are times when it seems like God is saying “no” to our requests, or at least a positive answer has not yet come. Do we view this as a rejection or do we look for what God is really saying? Often times, when it looks like God is saying “no”, He is really saying something else - things like…”trust my timing,” or “I can accomplish more by not intervening than coming to a dramatic rescue.” As Paul learned in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, sometimes a “no” is really a “yes” to what He wants to do in and through us, in spite of difficulties. Perhaps we should never take “no” as the final answer.

And what of the wife who didn’t give up? Shortly before her husband’s body could no longer fight off the cancer, through nods and hand signals we both were convinced that he had put his faith in Jesus. To God be the glory!

Jesse Waggoner

Trust His Heart

I was asked for the lyrics to the song I shared in last Sunday's message so here they are...









Trust His Heart
Written by: Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell

All things work for our good
though sometimes we cant see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two
sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father knows whats best for us;
His ways are not our own.
So, when your pathway grows dim,
and you just cant see Him,
Remember Hes still on the throne.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you dont understand,
when you dont see His plan,
When you cant trace His hand, trust His heart.

He sees the Master plan.
He holds the future in His hands.
So dont live as those who have no hope.
All our hope is found in Him.
We walk in present knowledge,
but He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry, Hes weaving you and me
to someday be just like Him.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you dont understand,
when you dont see His plan,
When you cant trace His hand, trust His heart.

Go Directly to Jail

If you have ever played the game Monopoly, you will remember that there was a space called “Chance” and if the roll of the dice left you parked there you would have to pick up a card and do whatever it said. Sometimes the news was good. One card I particularly remember said, “Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200.” This was usually not a good moment in the game. To this point in life, I have avoided jail except to be there for ministry, and I consider that a good thing. But God has allowed and used his people in some special ways behind bars.

Joseph received vision while in prison in Egypt (Gen. 39-40), and Daniel shared a “cell-space” with lions (Dan. 6). In the New Testament Barabbas (Luke 23:18-24) was set free from prison as Jesus was condemned. Peter was sprung from prison by an angel (Acts 12:5-11) Paul’s jail break was accomplished by an earthquake, (Acts 16:24-34) John was in on the prison-island of Patmos when he received the revelation (Rev. 1:9-11).
Each of these jail-time experience was used of God in a special way. This reminds me that whatever we may view as a limitation, God views as an opportunity -an occasion to show that He is God and in control. What is limiting you? Turn to God in trust. That is even better than a “Get out of Jail Free Card.”

Jesse Waggoner

Point of Grace

Point of Grace in concert at Bible Center Church 9-5-08

Tom Terrific

If you look up the name Tom Seaver in Wikipedia it will tell you that Tom was a professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets and later the Cincinnati Reds. It will tell you he is a member of the baseball hall of fame, and that he was known as “Tom Terrific” and “The franchise” Tom however did not submit to the definition of a “pitcher.” He once stated to an interviewer that he considered pitching to be a performing art! He so studied, practiced and refined his craft to the point that he saw it as elevated above a mere athletic endeavor.

What would an encyclopedia consider your occupation? I would submit that we should consider whatever we do a performing art. You may be a painter or philosopher, a factory worker or shop worker, a teacher or preacher. But as a follower of Christ your life is really a command performance for an audience of One. We are “to do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

So, when you next walk into the office, the garage, the sales floor, the baseball diamond or the loading dock let me remind you, that you and I should seek to so study, practice and refine our craft so as to offer God our best. As we do we will bring glory to our God and bring some light to those who dwell in darkness.

Jesse Waggoner

A Father's Love Letter

You can find out more about this amazing video by visiting www.fathersloveletter.com

Come to the Table

Some count carbs, some count calories, and others follow strict diet plans, all in an effort to insure that they have proper nutrition. The old saying, "you are what you eat”, rings true for our physical health. Proper nutrition is also of paramount importance for our spiritual health. The Word of God is compared to both "milk" (1 Peter 2:2) and "solid food" (1 Corinthians 3:2). Pastors are commanded to "feed the flock" (John 21:25). Without a doubt, the Word of God is the source of our spiritual nourishment.

It has been, and remains, the commitment of Bible Center Church that we provide a balanced diet of God's truth in every ministry. Whether it is a preschooler learning a simple verse in Cubbies, or if it is Scripture shared at the bedside of an ailing senior citizen, we desire to deliver a well prepared and well served “helping” of God's Word. For more than 65 years we have been blessed with great Bible teaching from our pulpit; and please pray for those of us who are called upon to deliver the message for today.

So won't you come to the table eager to enjoy hearing from God? Don't settle for a handful of vitamins or a fast-food meal; let’s together dig deep into God's Word and feast upon His truth.

Jesse Waggoner

The Crown

“They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’” (Matt. 27:29)

What kind of perverse mind would have thought of it; yes the would-be ruler needed to be taught a lesson, but how to do it….let’s see…a king wears a crown….then a quick glance at nearby thorn-bush and the plan was hatched. The king would wear a crown of thorns, what a clever, ironic, cruel and spectacular stunt. Quickly murderous hands wove the branches in the wicked circle and it was rammed into Jesus scalp.

The mind behind the hands never realized that thorns were not always part of creation, they were a direct result of sin…(“Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;” Gen. 3:18) and that portion of sin’s curse was wounding the single sinless one as he was dying for the sinners that was everyone else. It was not a warped sense of humor that conceived the crown of thorns it was a message delivered, that declared it was grace, love and mercy which drove our Savior to accept the curse of sin so that I could ever go free. What wonder, what a matchless gift.

Question: What fitting tribute can I offer today to express my awareness of the gift of Jesus?

Jesse Waggoner

The View from the Other Side

There is a side of ourselves that we present to the public. It is a carefully crafted image, one that is constantly refined, reviewed, tweaked and tended. We want to appear better than we really are. A recent experience reminded my of how true this is.

Last year my son Brian and I attended the WV State High School Basketball Tournament at the Charleston Civic Center. The game was carried statewide on television. While I was snapping a few pictures before the game, I got one of Tony Caridi (The Voice of the Mountaineers) and Fred Persinger getting ready to do the play-by-play. (The top picture is from the TV broadcast). I couldn’t help but notice that a wire was held to the back of Tony’s suit coat by a large and rather ugly strip of duct tape. I really don’t think Mr. Caridi normally uses duct tape as a fashion accessory. I am sure it was intended to keep the wire under control, after all what TV personality wants an out of control wire to contend with while talking to the sports-craving masses? I also noted that the duct tape was wisely placed out of the view of the TV cameras.

Don’t we also hide the ugly strips of stuff hanging on us? We are trying to protect our image for the masses who, for the most part, really don’t care. It might be better strategy to work on who we really are. The part that God sees clearly. The part that no makeup, clever phrase or insincere smile can cover. I want to seek God’s help in striving to be authentic with others and particularly with Him. By the way, could see if there is any duct tape on my back?

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Heb 4:13)

Jesse Waggoner

Keep the Engines Running

This little picture was snapped out the window of Independence Air Fight 1577 between Charleston WV and Dulles International Airport. I don’t fully understand all the principles of physics that make an aircraft fly but I do know this, it has to have forward momentum. When a plane is going down the runway and reaches the proper speed it goes up. There is also that moment in airflight when the engines are throttled back and if feels as if your stomach is sinking faster than the rest of your body. In essence to go down you have decrease your forward speed. There is no staying put or even a moment of non-motion. (It is true that helicopters can hover –but there must be a constant and massive movement of air downward to stay in flight – or as my son Brandon –the fixed wing pilot—would say "helicopters don’t fly, they are so ugly the ground repels them.")

This is true of ones spiritual life. There is no standstill. It is either forward and upward or backward or downward. It is true there is a thing called coasting or gliding – but this is quite misleading. While one can have a controlled decent with the engines off it is inalterable a decent. It may be best described as a line from Woody of Toy Story fame – "That’s not flying – Its falling, with style." I am afraid that I spent time coasting and for those on the outside looking in – it may look good but I am still descending. The only thing that can keep me going up or staying up is to keep going forward. This leads to a sometimes-uncomfortable question. Am I leaning forward in my life with God? Are the engines of my passion for Christ at full throttle?

There is in every flight the moment of truth. The thing that flies through the air must come down. Again quoting from a clipping from Brandon, "Every takeoff is optional, every landing is mandatory." To make it to the destination the engines have to keep running, and a successful landing will verify a successful flight. I have been tying to make progress in my spiritual life for 34 years, sometime flying, sometimes coasting. I don’t know how many more miles until I land this thing called life but I do pray that I will accomplish all that God has for me.


Jesse Waggoner

Burkes Garden is Not for Sale

Just across the border from West Virginia and over East River Mountain one can take Virginia Route 623 up the side of Rich Mountain, traverse the short distance through Little Creek Valley and go through "the gap" into Burkes Garden. In July of 2005, I passed through the gap to enjoy some time in a little bit of paradise. Burkes Garden is a valley ten miles long by five miles wide that sits like an island on the top of a mountain plateau. The entire valley is ringed by mountain ridges and peaks that go up over 4000 feet. Along the southern ridge of Garden Mountain snakes the Appalachian Trail. The valley floor is home to 280 people and beautiful rolling farm land.


"First explored before 1748 by eastern Virginians while the entire region was being surveyed for James Patton, who claimed ownership, Burke’s Garden actually earned its name, and in an unusual way. James Burke, one of the survey team, left the peelings of potatoes he was cooking laying on the ground. A year later, he and other explorers returned and found a bountiful crop of fresh potatoes awaiting them." (1) As a joke the area was given the name "Burkes Garden."

Burkes Garden - Photo by AuthorOne item of history tells the beauty and value of this place. In the 1880s George Washington Vanderbilt II was looking for a place to build his lavish estate to be known as Biltmore. He was smitten with the beauty and uniqueness of Burkes Garden and with his vast financial resources thought he would have no problem acquiring the garden for himself. He found out that the land owners in Burkes Garden would not sell at any price. Jim Hoge the unofficial mayor of Burkes Garden recounts, "He tried hard to buy it. In those days to acquire land in Burke's Garden one either had to heir it or marry it and Vanderbilt had done neither. So Vanderbilt put the 255-room Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., his second choice."(2) The farmers of the Garden valued the ability to pass on the fertile soil and quiet solitude of the valley to their children as priceless. They as a group announced to Vanderbilt that Burkes Garden was not for sale!

Burkes Gardne Post Office - photo by authorIn this day when money talks, it is refreshing that in some things it doesn't even whisper. It stuck me as I drove across the valley floor how different if this place had been sold 120 years ago. I wouldn't be enjoying the sense of remoteness, the separation from the commercial. In the heart of the valley is the Burkes Garden post office. A sign over the door reads "Burkes Garden VA. God's Land." While I don't presume to know the full intent of the sign's creator - I can imagine, even after my short visit, that those who call this place home know that the land they walk is a gift from the Almighty.

I also wonder if I fully appreciate the gifts that the Lord has given me and if I ever "sell out" for cheap substitutes rather than reveling in who my God is and what my God has done and is doing. There is always the possibility of exchanging God's standards of morality for the quick payoff of self-gratifying pursuits. There is the temptation of valuing my ease and comfort rather than treasuring the blessing and contentment of doing God's work.

This struggle is one of the reasons that led me to this brief excursion into Burkes Garden. I schedule a day or two into my year to leave the office, phone and computer behind, to get out of town and reflect on my life and ministry and to spend some quality time with God. I always return refreshed and refocused and once again able to see what is of true value in light of life and eternity. The serene landscape of Burkes Garden provided the setting for my most recent escape. Perhaps it is time for you to get away and re-evaluate what is not for sale in your life.



Ariel photo of Burkes Garden by Melvin Grub
used by permission www.grubbphoto.com


Jesse Waggoner

Twenty-Six Cents

For this little visit we need a visual aid. Could I borrow twenty six cents please? Make sure it is a quarter and a penny. Once you have your visual aids take a look at the portraits on the front. Now you may be wondering why I have called your attention to Presidents Washington and Lincoln. It is true that we celebrate their birthdays this month. Washington has his 268th on the 22nd and Lincoln has his 191st on February 12. We will celebrate both on President's Day the 21th. But it is more than just their historical significance that brings them to mind, it is because both were men of deep faith. The following quotes should prove this point.

"No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency...We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven cannot be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven itself has ordained." George Washington.

"It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord." Abraham Lincoln.

Some would accuse Lincoln and Washington as well as most of the people of their time of being too religious. Perhaps in our day there are fewer people of faith. Are you a person of faith? Now, to be a real person of faith you must place your faith in the right person. Take a look at the words over Lincoln's head as well as under Washington's chin. It is only trust in the one true God that counts. For through faith in Him we can receive eternal life. The Apostle Paul said it this way. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26).

Now look at the single word over Washington's head (under his chin if you have one of the new "state" quarters) and just behind Lincoln's right shoulder. The designers of our money no doubt had in mind our political freedom but what of your personal freedom from the most pressing bonds ever to fetter mankind, the bondage of sin. Friend, give careful consideration to your liberty through trust in God. If you need help with that step of faith feel free to contact us.

But what of us who know liberty in the truest sense of the word? Not only is trust in God to save us it is how we are to live. To quote once again from Paul; "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). We are not to fall into empty ritual but live with a trust in God everyday of our life. Flip that quarter over and take a look at the eagle on the back. Isaiah said this about trusting in the Lord: "But they that wait upon (trust in) the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). Soar with the eagles through faith in God. Lastly, flip the penny over. Look carefully at the words just below the picture of the Lincoln Memorial (can you also see a tiny Abe sitting between the two middle pillars?). A slight change can take these words from "one cent" to "one sent." We who are trusting in the Lord are the ones sent with the message that Jesus saves.

Well our little visit is over, but as you drop your change back into your pocket remember the lessons of your twenty six cents.

Jesse Waggoner

One Solitary Life

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.

I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.

This essay was adapted from a sermon by Dr James Allan Francis in “The Real Jesus and Other Sermons” © 1926 by the Judson Press of Philadelphia (pp 123-124 titled “Arise Sir Knight!”).

Sparrows

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

I had a few minutes recently to try out some of features of my digital camera. Just outside of our dining room is a thistle seed feeder, suet feeder and a humming bird feeder. I enjoy watching the comings and goings at the bird feeders while I am at mine. This seemed a likely spot to do some photography. One picture (above) was just a quick shot without much thought. As was reviewing my pictures later my mind wandered to the verses above. Even though Brian informs me that this is female purple finch and not a sparrow it still reminded me of the verse above. For those of us who tend toward worry or feelings of being devalued, then this is a comforting reality. God knows about and cares for this little feathery one, and also us who not only carry the creative design of God (how much engineering would it take to design and build something that can flies that only weighs 6 ounces?) but also carry the image of God, and hence the greater value placed on us. These verses also indicate that the omniscience of God (the numbering of the hairs on our heads) is proof positive of His ability to carry out His favorable care for us. He knows and He cares. We should know this as well. To the lovely lady perched in my picture – thanks for the reminder.

Jesse Waggoner

Moonwalk

I grew up in the space age. Men going into space and going to the moon was big stuff back in the day. Above is one of my favorite pictures, it shows Jim Irwin standing on the moon in August of 1971. Even though He was a long way from home he was in some ways more connected to the his fellow earthmen than most of us will ever be. I tell this to illustrate a particular truth…

A couple of the first verses I learned as a junior higher was Proverbs 3:5-6, the reason I learned them was Mr. Lester Arnold my Sunday School teacher would often (like every Sunday) do Sword Drills and these two verse were always going to show up. Looking back he was teaching us more than we and perhaps even he thought. These verses warn against self-reliance (“lean not to your own understanding”). If I would have followed that part faithful since the age of 13 I would be better off. It seems as if the default setting on most of is trust in our own ingenuity, our plans, or own schemes. This has led to many a disaster! The verses also recommend trust in the Lord with ones whole heart. This is always good advice. Verse six promises that if we are obedience if we live up to our responsibilities God will direct our paths – I like that – no more head scratching, hand wringing, squirming about what to next in life. There is one last element in this text that for the last 30 something years that has remained elusive. What exactly does it mean when it says “In all your ways acknowledge Him.” Whatever it means it is the key ingredient to gaining God’s direction in our lives. Here are few stray thoughts I have had on the subject of acknowledging God in life.

1. First of all the basic meaning of acknowledge is to recognize, to give recognition of something or someone. If see someone I know, I acknowledge them with eye contact, a nod, a wave, a word or a touch. I am letting them know that I know that they are there. I need to need to maintain the discipline of recognizing God’s presence with me and within me.
2. Second acknowledge is a two way street. It speaks of relationship. There needs to be an ongoing dialog between us.
3. I need to do this “in all my ways.” This means God is not to be a super 911 service to call when I am in trouble. His is not to be only on my mind when I am in a setting that reminds me of Him, I am to include Him in my thinking and life at all times.

… back to Jim Irwin on the Moon. While he was walking around on the moon he could speak via radio with mission control in Houston, Texas. His every move was followed on TV by rooms full of experts, and multitudes. If he made a comment about a particular kind of rock a whole team of geologist were listening to offer advice and guidance. If some piece of equipment broke the engineers that designed it were available, and the technicians that built is were on hand. He could easily acknowledge the "presence" of other to help in any situation. I think acknowledging God in everything is similar, I need to remain aware of the presence of God in everything I do, I need to keep the communication lines open and the conversation in motion, I need to evaluate my actions against the grid of my Bible knowledge. I trust I can make progress in my earthwalk.

Jesse Waggoner

The Center of the Bible

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits " (Psalm 103:1-2).

These two verses are the middle two verses of the English Bible (some lists erroneously cite portions of Psalm 118). Since there are an equal number of verses (31,102) there can be no single “middle verse.” It may be of interest that the chapter and verse divisions that we are all familiar with were not in the original manuscripts but their addition greatly aids our navigation through the Bible, and today leads us to this focus on these two verses that point us to our God and enable us to express our heart to Him.

I note a couple of observations about these “middle verses” first they are words of worship directed to God. They are not primarily about the human condition, man’s destiny or the quality of our lives. The center of the message of the Bible is and our lives should be centered on Him. Truly it is all about Him. Lesson: Worship is that which brings us back to having our God truly at the center of our thoughts, intents and heart. Secondly not how these verses end. We are not to forget the benefits that God heaps upon us. All “benefits” start and end with Him, and He has a great benefit package.

Maybe this would be a good time to ask how you are doing in the worship department. If it has been awhile since you really met with God in worship make time to do so.

Jesse Waggoner

All Out Blitz

Ephesians 1:3-14

One of the most exciting and risky plays in football is the all-out blitz. This is when the defense rushes everyone toward the quarterback and pass-receivers are left undefended. Everyone on the defense is moving toward one goal, to tackle the passer, before he can throw the ball. In today’s reading, note that God the Father (vs. 3-5) God the Son (vs. 6-12) and God the Holy Spirit are moving in harmony with one goal: the salvation of His own. All that God is, is involved in bringing us to Himself.

As you meditate on this truth, rejoice in the fact that God has thrown Himself into saving you. He has held back nothing of Himself. As an act of reciprocal love, we should throw ourselves full-force into worshipping Him and serving Him.

Jesse Waggoner

Five Words from Psalm 23

Five Words from Psalm 23

Contentment

It is common that buildings, monuments and landmarks be named for notable people. Most of us do not have our name in high-profile places. Note the fourth word of verse one. Substitute your name for the pronoun. “The Lord is (insert name) Shepherd.” God wants us to make such a personal connection to His Word. We need to see ourselves on the pages of scripture. Such a view will help us gain the perspective that God is totally involved in our lives.

One result of seeing God as our ever-present Shepherd is that we can find true contentment. Freedom from want is not having as much stuff as we may like it comes from having all of God that we need.

Restoration


Focus on verses two and three. As we follow our great Shepherd, notice the three places He will lead His sheep. Green pastures, a place of nourishment and rest; still waters, a place of quiet and refreshment; and the path of righteousness, a place of growth and purity. We often seek out places to go for restoration: a favorite vacation spot, or recreational activity. The context of God’s restoration is not a place but a Person. It is the good Shepherd who leads and provides. He wants us to regularly spend time fellowshipping with Him.

Are you in need of some restoration work on your soul? If so set aside some extra time to spend in God’s Word, prayer and meditation. You will find the experience transforming.

Fearlessness

What scares you? The list can be seemingly endless: spiders, water, flying, heights, speaking in front of others, etc. Somewhere on everyone’s list of fears is the fear of facing death. It is the last battle, the great unknown. It inevitable and irreversible. In verse four we find David expressing that he will not fear even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The reason is simple; he doesn’t have to face the valley alone. He has the presence and power of God at his disposal. The great news is so do you!

Even if the fear you face is not death, you can still rely on God being with you. Recall His love, ability and care. You, too, can “fear no evil.”

Blessings

Most floods are not positive experiences whether the flood was a river or a basement. There is one overflow that is a welcome experience. When the blessing of God surpasses our ability to account for them then our cup of blessing truly runs over. Verse five lists a trio of blessings the Good Shepherd allows to flow into our lives. These are His provision in spite of opposition (table), healing for the wounds of life (oil) and an overflow of joy.

What does one need do in order to get in line for such blessings, simply this: follow the Shepherd. The hearts attitude of a follower include: humility, obedience and devotion and these will keep us in the place of blessing.

Eternity

Someone has said there only are two things you really need to worry about: This life and the afterlife. The final verse of Psalm 23 gives us rock-solid promises that cover both. David was sure that as he followed the Lord, his Shepherd, his life would be marked by both the goodness and mercy of God. He does not expect a life of ease or one free from hardship but through whatever life would bring, he would find the benevolent character of God. In the life to come, he would live in God’s house. What blessing, what comfort.

Take a moment and release your anxieties for the present and the future as you fall back on the promises of God for both.

Jesse Waggoner

Life Below the Surface

I have been a keeper of fish for more than 30 years. Currently there is 55 gallons of water in my office housing a few swimming friends. At home are three more. One is Brandon’s tank, which those of us at home have adopted since he is away at college. This is the one that housed Curly – a “prize at the fair” goldfish that he had for nearly 10 years. Brian has one that brightens up the hallway in our basement. Aquariums are good for you, psychological studies a have shown that observing a peaceful aquarium can lower your blood pressure. In my mind they are living, moving work of art, a cross-section into the world below the surface.

I have learned this over the years. That fish outside there natural habitat require significant, maintenance, supervision and care. Some of the required items include:

* Water constantly filtered
* Water oxygenated via an air pump
* Water warmed to a proper temperature by means of an electric heater
* Lighted by a florescent light fixture
* water maintained a proper PH by chemicals
* Water chemically declorinated

A few years ago in South America I remember looking into a drainage ditch and was surprised to see fish that I could swear I had seen in a pet shop back in the states. In their natural habitat a ditch will do, out of there natural habitat it takes hundreds of dollars of equipment and a not so small investment in time to keep the scaly ones healthy and happy.

Christians are also not in their native environment. Spiritually we are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). Positionally we are in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6). Practically we are camped out on planet earth. It takes a great deal of care on God’s part to keep us healthy and flourishing in this non-natural world. He must limit the amount of temptation we receive (1 Cor. 10:13 ). He must provide us with proper nutrition (1 Pet. 2:2 ). And He must constantly monitor our condition (Matt. 28:20).

As God pears into my little cross-section of a world I hope he finds a grateful, growing part of His creation.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20)

Jesse Waggoner