Painted on the side of the Oklahoma unit back in 2004 were the many dates and places the Oklahoma Baptists had served. Now it is time to aid Oklahoma.

People ask at a time like this, “What can I do?” Supporting those who are equipped to go is a great step. You can give through Olive to our North American Mission Board Disaster relief effort. We have units ready to roll when the hour is right. It is good to be a part of a denomination active in ministry.

Pray for the workers and for God to move in the lives of people. We don’t have the answers to “why” but tragedies often lead people to seek God. Ask for Holy Spirit comfort and hope to be shared.

You might consider being trained to be a part of future relief efforts. Then you will be prepared to go and serve when the next natural disaster strikes. More information can be found on our website.

In the past few months we have been gripped by the tragedy of kids being gunned down, murdered and kidnapped. The shooter in Newtown, CT took the lives of 20 children at Sandy Hook. Dr. Kermit Gosnell has been convicted of first degree murder for killing babies born alive in an abortion clinic. In Cleveland, Ohio, young girls were kidnapped and now rescued after years of abuse by a mad man. Something is seriously wrong in a society where the least defensive are at such danger. We need a spiritual revolution. We need an awakening. Repentance is demanded if we are to become better.

There are also some small and powerful actions to take. Bring a child to Sunday School. Teach children in Awana. Get involved in Vacation Bible School. Kids are impacted when Jesus-loving adults stoop down and teach on a child’s level.

Love the children!!

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day. Jean Traylor has been a positive major influence in my life. No one like MOM. Just a few things I remember.
Always say “Yes sir,” to elders.
Work hard. Do your part.
Study hard. We have enough boring preachers.
Shine your shoes and look sharp.
Have a balanced budget. If your outgo exceeds your income, Your upkeep will be your downfall.
Exercise!
Yes, I am an only child. Many would say spoiled and I accept that. I am thankful for the lady God placed me in the arms of almost 60 years ago. However, she has another she would rather hold today.

During his first visit to America in 1969 he wrote of his observations. He sensed five great needs among God’s people in the USA:

1. The need for genuine hunger for the Word of God, as many are after stories and entertainment.

2. The need to have a real burden for prayer, and the need for learning to pray and know the mind of God as His co-workers.

3. The need to know His perfect will in every matter, and to be prepared to pay any price to do it; there are very few who really seek to know the mind of the lord.

4. The need to understand God’s perfect order for His church.

5. The need for learning how to claim the power of resurrection for every burden, and every temptation.

These are prophetic words for the American church. Oh, that God would raise a remnant to know HIM!

Before his death in September, 2000, he was a pastor, preacher, prophet and church planter. He was saved DEC 16, 1929. His was a life of faith and power. One saying he had was, “God is not only a prayer-hearing God, but also a prayer-answering God.” He lived his life by prayer. It was often all he had, and that was enough.

1. As I have read I have had renewed prayer convictions.
2. A daily quiet time is not legalism it is an appointment with a friend.
3. Praying with others is important and life changing. It is great discipleship.
4. The all-night prayer meeting needs to find its way back to the church.
5. I am asking you to pray for me today.
6. If the church and a nation is going to turn to God, it begins with prayer.

“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thess 5:17

At Olive we pray each first Wednesday of the month for revival in our nation. The next prayer time is tomorrow at noon in the Olive Baptist chapel. Join me on campus or wherever you may be at that time. Get on your knees and cry out to the Lord.

I heard Dr. Walter Brueggemann this week in Pensacola. He is an Old Testament professor who lectures across America. He describes himself as a progressive, or a liberal, theologian. We do not agree on many things. But he stretches me to think. One thing he said in his presentation is that America has become so hostile that we cannot listen to people with whom we disagree. I agree with him on that point. People shout at each other but not much civil dialogue takes place.

Yes indeed, we need revival. Pray for it on Wednesday and Thursday of this week!

Yesterday I took several Olive staff members to see 42. This is the story of Jackie Robinson. He was the man who broke the color barrier in baseball in 1947. One word seemed to prevail in the movie for me. I found COURAGE on several levels.

Jackie displayed courage. He stood against prejudice, discrimination, verbal abuse and hatred.

His wife Rachel displayed courage as an encourager with word and action.

Branch Rickey displayed courage as the owner who gave Robinson a chance. He stood for his principles in spite of his peers.

Teammates like Pee Wee Reese displayed courage to stand by his friend when family and others were on the other side.

We have stands to take. Encouragement to give. Chances to give. And friends to defend.  May we find ourselves seeking godly courage to do the right things.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

What happened? What do we do next?

The injured had to be cared for. Then a crime scene had to be researched. Next local police took action. After that the city of Boston was involved. Then we had the state officials of Massachusetts. Next came the FBI. Homeland Security had to be informed. There were some big egos involved in the process. Yet they came together for the man hunt. And the two brothers that had bombed Boston were found. One was killed and the other later captured.

What can we learn from how different organizations worked together for common good?

Preparation is essential.

People of different teams can work together if the desire and need is great enough.

The church must be one.

Leaders must communicate with one another.

Goals are important.

BIG GOALS drive the team to action.

Mundane preparatory actions make the difference in the crisis.

Think about this. The population of America is 313 million, and 80% of the popular now live in metro areas. And lostness is vast in our country. Without doubt more of our churches need to be planting churches in large cities. It takes resources. It takes vision. It takes courage. It takes prayer. It takes all of us!

Olive is planting in New York City . Our next target is Montreal, the most lost city in North America. Acts 1:8 is the model.

Let’s go, give and grow.