You can learn a lot from a baseball game.

Almost five hours after the start of Game 5 of the National League Division Series, the Chicago Cubs made good on manager Joe Maddon’s summer declaration to “Bring on the Dodgers!” Aided by some eighth-inning help from the Washington Nationals, the Cubbies held on tight for a 9-8 victory. They now advance to their third straight NL Championship Series against the Dodgers which begins this Saturday night in Los Angeles.

This morning some are calling last night’s game a wacky one. Indeed. The excitement surfaced in the second when the usually dependable Kyle Hendricks allowed a game-tying home run to Cubs playoff villain Daniel Murphy, and it continued when Michael Taylor cranked a three-run homer on an 0-2 pitch. But the Cubs pressed on. They chipped away at inconsistent left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez, who escaped with allowing only one run during a 26-pitch first but allowed the Cubs to cut their deficit to one after three innings. That set the stage for last night’s remarkable breakthrough. By now you probably know the rest of the story.

Maybe you need a breakthrough today. Now that Josh has his heart and plans set on a military career (we had no idea when we named him after General Joshua), I’m thinking in those categories more than ever. Only when an army is able to weaken its enemy to the point of collapse is a breakthrough a reality. Then, and only then, can enemy territory be invaded and taken.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

This much I can assure you: wherever you are right now – and no matter how weakened you may feel – you’re in the most strategic location possible when it comes to a breakthrough. That’s because you’re exactly where the Lord has placed you for this moment in time! And if you’re there, sister or brother, there’s a strong army stationed all around you. There may be plenty of enemy forces to frighten you, but I can tell you that there are more formidable forces being dispatched to defend you. The army of an excellent general most ferociously protects that which the general most highly prizes. We have such a General. His name is Jesus.

Do you and I face intense opposition today? You bet we do. And increasingly intense fighting nearly always precedes strategic breakthroughs. The ground which we’re seeking to gain is not given up easily. But Christ has won! By faith we’re now watching His glory triumph “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Christ’s Church is on the march! This is not the time, either personally or collectively, for us to circle the wagons. We’ve been commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, not to hold up in a holy huddle here at home. Our enemy may be a roaring lion, but we’re in the King’s army! There’s no place I’d rather be. I’ll take even a wacky victory if God is in it. How about you?

Joe Maddon began his coaching career in Major League Baseball with the California Angels in 1993. He’ll be making at least one more visit to the Golden State in 2017. Even lovable losers can be winners.

Breakthrough, friends. What’s yours? Pray for it! Wait for it! Go for it!

Pastor Charles

It’s almost midnight.

Eileen and I are with Joshua for his first overnight college visit. We’re at the University of North Georgia: the Military College of Georgia. The campus is situated in the center of the picturesque mountain town of Dahlonega. Josh is in the barracks tonight. We are not.

Josh has been accepted into the university and the corps of cadets for the fall of 2018. Studying at one of the nation’s senior military colleges has been one of our son’s lifelong dreams, and here we are on the edge of the promised land. You would think that I would be excited, and I am, but I must tell you that I’m experiencing many other emotions at the same time.

Is Josh ready for college? Of course not. But neither was I when my senior year of high school raced by. It seems like only yesterday we were picking out our boy’s school clothes. Now we’re talking military apparel, foreign language study (Farsi and Russian, mind you), and specific degree requirements. How did we get here, and why did we have to get here so quickly?

As I write these words, I have no idea what Josh is doing tonight. Is he making new friends? Is he feeling comfortable? Anxious? Lonely? Energized? Is he having any second thoughts? I sure am.

It just hit me. I’m sad. Really sad. I’m not sad because I don’t want my son to have all of these new (and wonderful) experiences. I’m sad because of this: from this point on, many of the most significant moments in Josh’s life won’t include me. That’s as it should be, but I can still be sad about it.

I like the nightly tuck-you-into-bed. I like the daily review of “this was cool, Dad, and this was not.” I like the family giggles that no one else would even understand. I like to be needed, and I don’t even mind hero status, at least on occasion. Can I turn back the clock, please? Can I just turn back the clock?

I think I’ll cry tonight, at least for a few minutes.

12:06 a.m. I just got a text from Josh: “Love you, goodnight. See you tomorrow.” I can sleep better now. Not great, but better.

Pastor Charles

Among pro football stars a trend started with San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during our national anthem. President Trump eventually called on NFL owners to deal unequivocally with players who disrespect the American flag. Further political protests erupted, including the decision of the Pittsburgh Steelers to stay out of sight when The Star-Spangled Banner was played before their Chicago game. The Seahawks and Titans followed suit. Arms were locked. Heels were dug in on both sides.

Is this just about freedom of speech? Is this just about police brutality specifically, or racial injustice generally? I don’t think so. I think what we’re witnessing are symptoms of a nation in trouble.

What is wrong? For starters, we have lost our respect for authority. And I don’t mean this as an indictment against the kneeling players only. It is more widespread than that. And it goes both ways. We have forgotten that to respect authority is to revere God (Romans 13:1). We have also forgotten to speak of our political opponents as those who – despite perhaps deep disagreements with us – are created in God’s image (James 3:9).

We have abandoned the pursuit of godliness. We have tolerated racism in our own hearts. We have used our money and power for selfish advancement and fleeting comforts. We have failed to limit our own freedoms for the sake of harmony and peace (First Corinthians 8). Until we are willing to pray and work for the common good, how can we expect a song or a banner to unite us? We are divided.

Nobody asked my opinion but here goes. NFL players: please stand for the anthem. The rest of us: please stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. All of those. We must never forget that the way down ends up being the way up (James 4:10).

I was moved by the words of Alejandro Villanueva, the one dissenting Steeler: “If you’re right with God, everything else is fine; if you’re not right with God, everything else is out of place.” Jesus said something similar (Matthew 6:33): “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I’ve been reading through First and Second Samuel for my personal devotions. One text particularly strikes me, and it’s when David has to flee from King Saul (First Samuel 27). In fear for his life, David escapes to the land of the Philistines where Saul can no longer pursue him. There the king of Gath protects David, David’s family, and the 600 men who are traveling with David. But think back for a moment: way back when David killed the Philistine champion Goliath, on behalf of King Saul himself, who would have imagined that the Philistine king would one day have to protect David from Saul? Here’s my point: God uses all kinds of unusual people, and all kinds of really strange circumstances, in kingdom ways which you and I would never expect.

Maybe our Lord will use the mess that is the NFL to humble all of us. After all, our national entertainment only mirrors our national values. Maybe love will break out where there has been pride and foolishness. Maybe we’ll see people kneeling, but for different reasons. If that happens, we will know that God’s Spirit and gospel are on the march!

One day you and I will sing the songs of Zion. Every voice will be raised in unison as God’s redeemed people lift high the anthem of Christ. Race and ethnicity and social status, and even football, will matter no more. And we will be home.

Pastor Charles

“Of all nations” (Jesus, Matthew 28:19)!  Romania Mission 2017 was a wonderful week, and I’ll send just a few more pics while we’re stuck here in Chicago. By God’s grace we tackled a few complications on the way home, including a power outage at the Timisoara Airport which knocked out all of their computer systems. Severe and in fact deadly thunderstorms raced though on Sunday, making all international boarding complicated and delayed.

Tom did an excellent job distributing the remainder of the Serbian and Romanian Bibles. He is an evangelist at heart, and I’m grateful for his boldness for Christ.

Saturday morning Bri and I led a children’s event. Some local pastors took our team for a cruise on the Danube in the early afternoon. That night I preached high on a hillside in an incredibly quaint Czech village. You’ll see some of the parishioners walking to and gathering outside their beautiful building. The setting was so charming, and the people so warm and gracious, that the whole night seemed surreal.

Sunday morning was the 25th anniversary service. Both local mayors were present. You’ll see pastor Claudiu translating for one of them. I preached on the subject of “moving from being a mission to being on mission.” I preached again in the evening and talked about “pressing on” in the Lord, with the hope that Grace Baptist will appreciate their past without living in the past. I pray that God will bear good fruit through His Word that I was privileged to share.

Sleep well. I think I could sleep standing up at this point. Thanks for your faithful prayers, friends.

Pastor Charles

It’s soul-satisfying to come to the end of another day on the mission field in southwestern Romania. While Tom was out delivering Serbian Bibles this morning, Julian, Briana, and I prepared super-stuffed gift bags for the ladies’ conference that happened tonight. Briana did an absolutely excellent job teaching and encouraging the women. I was so proud of her.

“Loving God Even When Life Feels Broken” was the conference theme. Sessions included “Knowing Me,” “Keeping Me,” and “Embracing Me.” Using the imagery of sea glass that was once considered “trash” but which has now been made beautiful by pressure and time, Briana explained how God’s sanctifying grace is most powerfully at work in us when life feels overwhelmingly difficult.

She went on to use the account of Elijah to explain how quickly even strong believers can lose their identity in Christ, opting albeit unintentionally to believe the lies of others instead of the truths of God. As the ladies finished the third session, they were given a piece of sea glass to keep as a reminder of all that they learned. It was a rich and full day and night!

The sunset over the Danube was the Lord’s own icing on the cake. What a majestic Creator! Enjoy.

Another great day in Romania! More food distribution. Time with Pastor Claudiu, Corina, and the kids (including their new baby). The kickoff of the anniversary celebration marking the twenty-fifth year of our ministry partnership with Grace Church. You’ll be glad to know that Tom did a fantastic job remembering and reflecting on the goodness and faithfulness of God over the last quarter century!

Since I blogged about being “happy tired” last night, I thought I’d follow up with a couple of thoughts from my recent sermons on Psalm 23. One of the cool things about being in this part of the world is that you sometimes get to see a real shepherd. And real sheep. My heart is drawn to Verse 3, where I’m reminded that my Lord “restores my soul.” Don’t you just love that?

I’ve been telling God’s people here that we need our souls restored because, like those clueless sheep, we wander. We sin and stray. We lose our way. But we can always run back to the arms of a Father who loves us even when we’re far from home. Our God loves smelly sheep.

We also need a Shepherd because we forget the goodness of God. Settling far too often for lesser things, we often create chaos for ourselves through our own idolatry and rebellion. But, again, God is faithful to deliver us (from us). He is the Father of the prodigal … watching and waiting … running and embracing … kissing and celebrating!

And, my beloved fellow sheep, we need Christ to revive us because we grow weary and depleted. We get tired. We stumble and fall. I can picture a human shepherd tending patiently to the needs of his flock, even carrying a wounded animal that can’t go any further. How much more awesome is the thought of “the Word made flesh” hearing our cries for help, lifting our burdens, and replenishing our joy in Him.

If you want your soul restored, the Good Shepherd is all you need.

Pastor Charles

Have you ever been “happy tired”? What I mean by that is physically exhausted, but spiritually energized because you sense the Lord at work in spite of your human limitations? Happy tired! That’s me right now.

We arrived in Timisoara, Romania, safe and sound. A nice dinner in the historic city center was followed by finishing the trek all the way to Muldova Noua and Coronini late last night.

This morning we were up bright and early shopping for groceries and delivering much-needed food supplies in a few of the more remote areas. We also distributed Bibles in Romanian and Serbian which you helped provide. These encounters included meeting many people from an Orthodox religious heritage, but who are unaccustomed to reading Scripture themselves. Please pray that the Spirit will call these dear souls to Christ!

We also spent quite a bit of time in a new nursing home in Tom Unici’s hometown village. What God is doing there is quite remarkable, most notably building relational bridges with unbelievers in the community. It has been a full but very special day.

I preached tonight, from Psalm 23, in the villages of Radimna and Berzasca. The folks received God’s Word, and your eyeglasses and medicines, with great joy. Thank you for loving and giving.

Forgive me for not writing more, but I must turn in for the evening. I know you understand that.

The saints of the Danube River Valley send you their love. As do I.

Pastor Charles

Lord willing, this Sunday morning I’ll finish our summer preaching series “THE MISSION.” I have thoroughly enjoyed walking with you through a journey of self-understanding in light of our “in Christ” identity: Who am I? Why am I here? What has God called me to do? When I subtitled the series “a revolution of heart and mind,” I was hoping that all of us would be Spirit-awakened over the days of summer to a fresh delight in our life mission for Christ.

Let me say that another way: you matter! And that’s the grand theme that I’ll be taking up this Sunday. God cares about your future, and in fact has written every chapter of your story. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant it.

Isn’t that good to know with all the “unknowns” all around us? Isn’t that good to know in an age when many people have concluded that we can’t “know” anything with certainty? Isn’t that good to know with powerful Irma brewing just to our south?

To quote the great theologian TobyMac: “I always feel like I am in waters over my head. I always feel like I’m more aware of my need than I’ve ever been in my life. I grew up in athletics, and I feel like I was taught my whole life to say ‘give me the ball, I’m going to score the game winner. I’ve got this.’ The wiser you get and the more life you live, you realize, for lack of better grammar, ‘I don’t got this.’ I have a desperate need for God. It’s beyond me.”

Friends, if you’re like me at all, even though you realize that “you don’t got this,” you desperately want your life to count. You want your legacy to matter. You want your kingdom influence to far outlive your short lifespan. I’ve got some good news for you: God wants that too! He has made a way for “right now” to matter forever.

So that’s what we’ll take up Sunday morning. Come expectant. Come to give. Come to serve. Come to love and be loved.

I’ll see you Sunday. So don’t sleep in: there’s too much good stuff going on at First Baptist Paducah!

Pastor Charles

When you live along the Texas Gulf Coast, staring a hurricane right in the eye is not all that unusual. The annual hurricane season is rarely without at least a viable threat or two. But what we’ve observed this week has nearly defied description.

Hurricane Harvey not only slammed the Lone Star shoreline with horrendous and deadly winds, but it aligned with other meteorological phenomena to dump record-shattering rainfall amounts in the Houston metro area. I don’t have to tell you about the widespread flooding and the destruction of more than 100,000 homes, as you’ve seen the footage and photographs for yourselves.

I am so grateful that our church family will be loving our friends in Houston, including a repair and rebuilding ministry in partnership with one of First Baptist Paducah’s former senior pastors, Dr. Kevin McCallon. Please contact our church office if you would like more information regarding how you can help.

Though not the place of his birth, Houston was my father’s adopted hometown. He has spent the lion’s share of the last eighty years there, practicing surgery for nearly half a century. It is my birth city, and where I attended Kolter Elementary School in Meyerland. (I remember Miss Hummel, Miss Davis, Mrs. Kidd, and Mrs. Gerver like it was yesterday.) I’m including a photo of Meyerland, where parts of town were transformed from city sidewalks to rushing rivers. You can see the street signs from our old neighborhood.

I’m also including a photo of Lakeside Country Club in West Houston, where my grandparents were charter members, and a place which I’ve enjoyed many times over the years. As well I’ll include a shot of one of the subdivisions adjacent to my sister’s house. She and her husband never lost their electricity, and their home became a refuge for others who were rescued but displaced.

In just the last few days we have seen our magnificent Creator in action, both in the beauty of a spectacular eclipse in the heavens, and in the fury of a great hurricane at sea level. He is the God of the whirlwind (Nahum 1:3). He is the Lord who calms the raging waters (Matthew 8:27). No falling sparrow escapes His eye (Matthew 10:29). Christ is worthy of all our faith and praise.

Pastor Charles

I’m attending the national conference of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention. It’s a fantastic experience, but it’s jam-packed and I won’t have much time to write today.

I do, however, want to take advantage of this opportunity to ask you to begin praying with me about an upcoming sermon series at First Baptist Paducah: UBERFAITH! Beginning Sunday morning, September 17 we will mine the spiritual riches of James 1 and 2. Please pray with me that the Spirit of God will move dynamically among us as we learn what go-the-distance faith looks like in real life!

If you’ve been feeling a little dry lately, or maybe like your spiritual life is stale or “tired,” this is for you. If you’ve slipped into a slump, or found yourself stuck in a spiritual rut, hold on! Fall refreshment is on the horizon. Never forget that we drink from a well which will never run dry (John 7:37-39).

You are loved, by Christ and by me.

Pastor Charles