Catching Up

Yeah, yeah. I know it's been a week since I've posted anything. While I've still managed to read all of the blogs that I follow, I haven't felt like taking the time to post one of my own. Sometimes it's just a matter of not wanting to spend the time putting the thoughts in my head onto the computer and into cyberspace.

Last weekend was a great time at the Mineral Area Baptist Association Evangelism Conference. They are great hosts and we all had a wonderful time. On the Sunday that the evangelists were in the different churches many made life changing decisions. Twenty-two persons made first time professions of faith and trusted Jesus as their personal Savior. (Can I get a hallelujah?!) Fifty-seven made decisions of rededication. (Say "Praise the Lord!) And four answered the vocational call to ministry. (Shout out "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!")

It really was something. The evangelists that participated are some of the best preachers that I have ever heard. It is such a treat to get to hang out with them. I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with one of our new members to the Fellowship of Missouri Baptists Evangelists (FMBE). Cole Calloway-Hodson is a youth evangelist. I was fortunate to be on the schedule with him at one of the churches on Sunday night. He is a fine preacher and loves to teach the Truth of the Bible. In fact, Know the Truth is the name of his website. He's still working on it so be sure to check back and see how things are changing.

It is such a busy time of year. This morning I was in Children's Church at my home church. I'll be at different conferences for the next three weeks which also means that I'll be in six different churches over the next three Sundays.

I'll try to do better about the blogging. There is much that I'd like to write about. I found another air traffic controller/preacher/blogger and want to share his site with you...different denomination, different calling, same Lord, same Savior. Go on over and check him out.

I'll warn you, I've been feeling more led to posting about spiritual things. You have always known that is a risk you take when you stop by. Just know that it will probably be more often in the near future. I don't want to scare you or push you away, I just want you to know that God really does care about you.

I was just thinking this morning--what if when you die you get a choice: Stand for yourself before the Judge and trust that you have been "good enough" to get into heaven, or let Jesus stand in your place? If you already know that letting Jesus stand in your place is like getting a free pass, why would you choose to stand by yourself? If you understand the rules of The Court...that to violate any part of the Law is the same as violating the whole Law...then you have to figure that standing on your own isn't going to get you into heaven. On the other hand, Jesus really does stand in our place. On the Cross, He bore our sin. He died our death. He took our punishment. But Death could not hold Him. He was raised from the dead to the life that He deeds to anyone that will choose to let Him stand in their place on the Day of Judgment.

Now here's the catch--you don't get that choice when you die; you have to decide when you are still living. When I die, will I want to stand before God by myself and hope that I was a "good enough" person to get into heaven? Or do I want Jesus to stand in my place? Personally, I've decided to ask Jesus to stand for me. You can too. Call me, write me or leave a comment. (number and e-address to the right->) I welcome your questions. As always, if you don't want your questions or comments posted, just let me know.

Will you face the Judgment on you own? Make today the Day of Decision. Choose Jesus...today!

John <><