Hurry Up!

"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

I am an impatient person. I cannot deny that truth, nor would I. On most days I have somewhere to go and I don't want to delay getting there. My wife is often frustrated when I pronounce a desire to go somewhere previously unenvisioned and I expect her to be ready immediately, if not sooner. This compulsion to hurry up and get done what needs doing means I hate doctor's offices, checkout lines, indecision and traffic jams. So you can imagine my frustration last Friday as I drove to New Hampshire to pick up my son at the conclusion of his week of Sports and Music Camp and found myself at a virtual standstill on northbound I-495. I would move forward just one or two car lengths at a time and then sit motionless until able to pull ahead a few more feet. At one point it took me 30 minutes to move about 2 miles. Those joining me in this three lane parking lot were on their way to jobs, heading home from work, off to vacations or perhaps also making their way to pick up children at camp. It was in the midst of this frustrating mess that the Scripture words printed above came to mind.

I wonder how many times the Lord has to place me in a traffic jam for me to have a chance to wait on Him. Because of my compulsion to hurry, I seldom leave time to wait...at least not willingly. Yet it seems that God sees this thing about waiting on Him as so important that He will initiate the waiting if we will not plan for it. As I sat in traffic I thanked God for my son's opportunity to attend a Christian Camp. I thanked God for his provision of the funds to send Shawn to Camp even with rising gasoline prices. I thanked God for the chance to worship Him as the CD my wife had left in the car offered up its praise. I actually took the time to wait on the Lord because I couldn't do anything else. And it wasn't half bad. I actually felt better, sort of renewed....imagine that!

One New Man

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace..." Ephesians 2:14&15 (ESV)

What a joyous occasion as worshippers from several different congregations gathered at Living Waters Fellowship in Windsor Locks and celebrated the freedom and unity that are ours in Jesus Christ. Under the leadership of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, the assembled group was privileged to share in a heavenly worship experience.

Those gathered were called to worship by Minister Betty Arnold who led the service with grace and joy. Pastor Kevin Flannery of the Windsor Locks Congregational Church led in our prayer of Invocation and the scripture was read by Pastor Dwight Dean from Faith Community Church.

Pastor Kevin Flannery is shown above and Pastor Dwight Dean is shown below.

The music of the afternoon was powerful and effective in leading us into the presence of the Lord. I have posted video of some of the music and preaching on my Facebook page. The preacher for the afternoon was Pastor Jeff Powell of the Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church and he was introduced by Pastor John Bradley of the New Life Assembly of God.

Pastor John Bradley above and Pastor Jeff Powell below.

Following the message in which Pastor Powell challenged us to unhitch our wagons of prejudice and strife that hold us back and settle into the camp of unity and peace that can be found only in the love of God in Christ. As the service concluded we were led in a time of prayer for racial reconciliation by Pastor and Mrs. Earl Imswiller. (I regret I have no pictures of this very special time but my camera's memory card was filled with the video of the songs and preaching.) The group adjourned to a time of food and fellowship that was provided for us by the folks at Windsor Locks Congregational Church.

I wonder what difference this service will make among those of different races in our communities. I pray it will make our Lord very happy. It is my desire that the same unity that exists between the pastors who gather for prayer on Friday mornings will characterize the congregations we lead, and eventually change the communities where we live.

An Evening of Joy!

"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul." Psalm 25:1 (ESV)

When we gathered in worship last evening, we did so knowing this would be our last worship service of this Triennial Convention. There was a spirit of expectation, but it was mixed with sadness, as we wanted God to visit us but knew we would soon asunder part. As has been the case for the entire convention, the music was inspiring and focused us on the Lord Jesus. As had been requested by many, we heard an impromptu (well 10 minutes of rehearsing did take place) Gospel Quartet of Daris Shamblin, Glen Neal, Thomas Parker and Greg Tart (below) that was foot tapping good. The worship team again ministered as they provided Spirit led praise and worship.
One of the special artists was a fellow Canadian born Berkshire Christian College alum, Ruth Perkins Lucas, now from Walterboro, SC. She concluded with a song most appropriatedly titled, "The Best Is Yet To Come".

Some wonderful Advent Christian servants were recognized for their service to God and the Advent Christian Church. Mr. Jim Humbles, my former boss, and his wife were recognized as Jim will be retiring after 30+ years of ministry at the Advent Christian Village. Below they are shown with their pastor, Rev. Steve Lawson, as he offered a prayer of thanksgiving.

Part of the service included recognition of those with at least 4 years of service to the Lord and the Advent Christian Church in missions. Shown below, Russell Carle - New Zealand; Rhonda and Jeff Walsh - Philippines; Martha and Earl Wright - India;

Also recognized were Ernie Schache - India; Margaret Helms - Philippines; Musa and Floyd Powers - Japan; and David E. Dean - Philippines. (below)Finally, Executive Director Ron Thomas recognized John Gilbert - Mexico and Francis Ssebikindu - Memphis, TN. (below)
The message of the evening was brought by Dr. Sid Bradley, Dean of the Charlotte Campus of Gordon-Conwwell Theological Seminary, who asked us to ponder why we find ourselves in the place where we are, as a church that seems to have lost its way. He offered three observations for us to consider and act upon. First, he observed we seem to have lost our love for the lost and replaced it with a love for ourselves. Of special interest was the finding of researcher Winn Arn who found that 89% of respondents, when asked why the church exists, said it existed to meet the needs of them and their families while only 11% said it existed to win the lost. As Christians our right, responsibility and the root to joy is to become like Christ and seek the lost. Secondly, the church is finding the lost are more lost than we thought. Secularlism is more pervasive than ever and even a passing knowledge of Christian principles is missing in most we meet. Finally, Dr. Bradley noted that we have shut ourselves off from those we are trying to reach. We have done this relationally and culturally. We don't just need to wear bracelets that ask what Jesus would Jesus do, we need to find out the answer, and then do it!

When the service was over, it was my privilege to receive from representatives of the Advent Christian Church in India, copies of a book written by my father, Dr. David A. Dean, entitled "Resurrection Hope" that had been translated into Tamil, a language of India. Below I am shown with Ernie Schache and M.M. Immanuel and Rani Immanuel representing the India mission field.

Now that our worship gatherings are over, it is time to let the service to our Lord begin! To God be the Glory! Amen.

I Am Blessed

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
James 1:22 (ESV)

I wrote previously about the message we heard from Steve Haas last night. Today I witnessed and took part in a wonderful thing, a large group of Advent Christians who were obedient to God's Word as it is recorded above. They not only heard about blessing others as they had been blessed, they did it!

In a matter of just a couple of hours approximately 1,000 care kits were assembled, packaged and prepared on pallets for shipping to Africa, where local caregivers will use them to minister to those suffering and dying from HIV/Aids. To God be the glory for the great things He is doing through His people when they are obedient, seeking to bless others as they have been blessed.

Gathering in a conference room, several hundred Advent Christian from all over the world, assembled these care kits while enjoying fellowship and on several occasions spontaneously bursting into songs of praise to the Lord.

Once assembled, the care kits were placed into boxes and these boxes,when sealed, were then taken to the parking lot where they were placed on pallets that were prepared for shipment to a World Vision collection point where they will be prepared for shipment to Africa.

Once all the care kits were packed, the workers assembles around the kits for a time of prayer for those whose lives would be impacted as the kits are delivered to Africa. What an awesome adventure God allowed me to be a part of. I am truly blessed and I wonder what God is going to do next.

Being a Worshipper

"Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voices of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshipped."
Revelation 5:11-14 (ESV)

As I read this Scripture this morning I realized that as amazing as the worship times have been at General Conference, they are of no significance when compared to the glimpse of the Kingdom worship John had in Revelation. My prayer today is that God would grant me a heart to share in the true worship of the Lamb.

An Evening of Challenge

Last night was another wonderful time of worship, challenge and inspiration for those who gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Select here in Naperville, IL. While our theme is "The Best Is Yet to Come", we were treated to a look back when we recognized seven men who received the "Divine Servant" award in recognition of at least 50 years of faithful service to the Lord and the Avent Christian Church.Those present to receive the award from Interim President Brent Ross were above (r to l) Dr. Louia Gransee, Dr. Oral Collins, Rev. Robert Fabian, Dr. J. Pomeroy Carter and below (r to l) Rev. Robert Fabian, Dr. J. Pomeroy Carter, Rev. Glennon Balser, Rev. Floyd Powers and Rev. Clio Thomas.

The music was powerful as we worshipped together, with the worship team leading us in an especially powerful rendition of "I Am a Friend of God." Our evening speaker was Steve Haas of World Vision. Steve powerfully reminded us of God's Command that we have been sent to bless others as we have been blessed by God, both with the Gospel and with our means. Steve then asked of us the Question, "What happened?" How could a world with so many professing believers be so unblessed, both by the Gospel and by the resources God has given us. As we reflected on that Question, we were confronted with the Reality - Jesus is LORD of All! Every blesssing we have received - the blessing of life in Christ and the blessing of material prosperity must be surrended to Christ and shared with those in the world. And finally, Steve gave us this Challenge, will we go in obedience to His command and share the blessings we have been given with a hurting world. His closing challenge, when our worship is over, let our service begin!

The evening concluded with a sneak preview of of the new film, "Faith Happens", a film about the true stories of people in one church who travel different roads in coming to faith. When you hear of this film showing near you, I encourage you to see it yourself and take along a friend or two.

With only two days left of this year's Convention, I wonder how many more blessings God will pour out on His people gathered here.

Songs of Praise

"For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations,and sing praises to your name." 2 Samuel 22:50 (ESV)

What a blessing to be able to travel to Aurora University on Sunday afternoon and be able to take part in an Advent Christian hymn sing and artist concert. Gathering in the beautiful Crimi Auditorium, our attention was directed to the blessed hope of the return of Jesus Christ

Beginning with a hymn sing under the direction of Rosemary Humbles, and with an ensemble of delegates to lead us, our voices were raised in praise to our Savior and soon coming King!

After 40 minutes of joyous song, and a following a very special presentation to Mr. John Fenlason, we were ministered to by musicians from across the denomination as they used their gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. The musicians sang together (below) and individually as our hearts were stirred within us. I want to recognize each of these artists and thank them for sharing with us.

Magnolia Perdue - Clifton Forge, VAAubrey Huelsman - Aurora, IL and San Diego, CA

Christina Severs - Charlotte, NC

Daris Shamblin - Blue Creek, West Virgina
Angie Jones - Garner, NC

Glen Neal - Lenoir, NC

Ruth Lucas - Walterboro, SC

Greg Tart - Benson, NC
Robin Powell - Clifton Forge, VA

Not only did these individuals minister to us, but a group from Loganville, GA shared with us in a heartfelt worship. Brian David and Plain Spoken Folk are shown below. With all this commited and gifted talent within the Advent Christian denomination. I can only wonder what it will be like when we gather before the throne with all those who worship the Lamb!

Words of Exhortation

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are persihing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)

One of the blessings of being at General Conference has been the excellent words of exhortation that have been brought to those in attendance. I have sensed God speaking through each of the speakers we have had so far. On Friday night we were challenged by Pastor Ray Marco as he shared his testimony of God's guidance through "open doors". Of particular note was his comment that the problem many of us face was not that we didn't believe in God, it was that we didn't believe God! My prayer is that I might believe God when he speaks...believe and obey.

On Saturday night we heard Dr. Scott McKnight challenge us to take the Jesus creed. Based upon Jesus words in Matthew 22:37-40, the Jesus creed instructs us to love God and love our neighbors in fulfillment of all the law and the prophets.

On Sunday morning, Pastor Brent Ross, (above) interim President of the ACGC, was used of God to stir within us a love for the gospel and those who need to hear and experience it. How awesome to to hear the voice of God through His servants, I can't wait to hear what God has for me today. It was also my privilege during the Sunday morning worship servcie to take part, along with brothers Paul and David, (below) in a tribute to our dad, Dr. David A. Dean who was recognized for his contributions to the Advent Christian denomination. I wonder what else God has in store for us this week.

Naperville, IL

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!"
Psalm 103:1 (ESV)

I am currently attending the 10th Triennial Session and 55th Session of the Advent Christian General Conference in Naperville, IL. Delegates and guests have come from around the world to take part in this convention which began last night with a powerful worship service and the ministry of Rev. Ray Marco from Miami, FL. Ray challenged us by sharing his story of living out his commitment to walk through any door that God would open. I was deeply moved by his story of humble obedience and confident faith that God has used to impact thousands upon thousands of people around the world. And, as we learned last night, the "Best is Yet to Come!"

We are staying in the Holiday Inn Select in Naperville and it has proved already to be an adequate facility for our gathering. After an opening session of reporting and presentations by various members of the denominational staff, those present broke for lunch and will take part in training sessions this afternoon. Tonight we will again gather together to worship and then sit under the teaching of Dr. Scott McKnight, author of "The Jesus Creed".

If you happen to be reading this while the convention is underway (June 20-25), I would ask you to remember this gathering in your prayers. Pray that God would visit us in a powerful way and that His people will respond. We earnestly desire to discover that "The Best is Yet to Come!"

I Am Listening, LORD

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." G.K. Chesterton

As I read those words in my devotional this morning, I found myself nodding in agreement. In most instances when I have been faced by situations that seemed overwhelming, the problem was not that I had found God unable to meet my needs, I had simply tried to rely on sources other than God to get me through. How often I have struggled in vain. I wonder how long God will have to teach me before I learn this lesson.

A Perishable Wreath

"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:25

I love the Boston Celtics and last night, just before midnight in Boston, they won their 17th NBA championship. They did it in convincing fashion with a 39 point "Boston massacre" at the T.D. Bank North's Boston Garden. It had been a long time since their last championship, but they now join the Patriots and Red Sox as teams bringing home championships to New England since the turn of the century. Gotta love being a New England sports fan!

But as exciting as it is to win championships, the Apostle Paul reminds us above that we should be most concerned about another crown, an imperishable one. Paul is not talking about earning our salvation, we cannot do that. We are saved by grace through faith. But he is speaking about the importance of living out our faith in a disciplined manner. I want to be as commtited to Christ as any athlete is to winning a championship. I want to do those things that will honor and glorify Him. I want to examine myself and make sure I am in the faith. Then I can look forward to receiving the crown of life when Jesus returns!

I am thrilled about the Celtics winning their 17th championship. I am even more excited about knowing my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory forever, Amen.

Father's Day Reflections

"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:1&2 (ESV)

This past Sunday was Father's Day and it was an opportunity for me to speak with my father and to hear from my sons. I am so grateful that God gave me a father I love and respect and four sons I love and am proud of. I was able to call my dad early on Father's Day and speak with him prior to his departure to come north for the summer. He and mom were scheduled to leave their home in Dowling Park, FL at 9:00 AM Sunday to begin the trip to their cottage in Maine and by the grace of God they will spend a night with us later this week.

As I was talking with my dad I was reminded of how much I appreciate the instruction and example he has given to me. He loves the Lord and he loves my mom. He has spent much of his life studying the Word of God and has given me an example of one who rightly handles the Word of truth. He has lived his life with integrity and has modeled service; service to God, the church, his wife and the world. Following his retirement from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, he and mom went to India for six months as self-supporting missionaries, an experience he chronicled in the book shown below.

I was also blessed as I heard from all four of my sons. I am so thankful that I have a good relationship with each of the boys and we are able to share openly about what God is teaching us. Barb and I are looking forward to us all being together next month at the Shaw family reunion in British Columbia. Robbie, our oldest, was just up for a brief visit with his wife Kelly. David and Marianne, home from China for 10 weeks, called from Colorado just before heading to Texas. Josh, still living in Alabama with Jennifer and Erin, is doing well and stays in touch with us on a regular basis. Shawn, our youngest, has just 2 days left in his sophmore year, then he will be off to a week of camp in Alton Bay, NH.

I wonder where everyone will be next Father's Day, if the Lord should tarry.

Something to think about!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Have you ever wondered about what Paul meant? I have. I sure know I spend way to much time thinking about things that are not true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, excellent or worthy of praise. But I recently came across the story of Brian Clark and found it to be just such a story, one worth thinking about. I wonder what you will think?

Brian Clark is an executive vice president of Euro Brokers and he was one of only four survivors working above the point of impact in the South Tower of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attack. As the plane sliced through the building on an angle, causing enormous devastation from the 78th to the 84th floors, two of three available stairwells were completely destroyed.

Brian, serving as a volunteer fire marshal on the 84th floor, led a group of seven to the one remaining portal of escape (“Stairway A”). Brian relates what happened next: “So we started down that stairway and we only went three floors and… we met two people that had come up from the 80th floor – a heavy-set woman and a rather frail male. She said, ‘Stop, stop. You’ve got to go up… You can’t go down. There’s too much smoke and flame below.’ "Brian was skeptical of placing their hope in a roof-top rescue. A heated argument ensued, but he could not convince the group. They proceeded back up the stairs. Brian meanwhile heard cries for help coming from a nearby office and left the group to rescue Stanley Praimnath, a banker trapped on the 81st floor. Together they made their way down the stairs to safety, escaping the building just minutes before it collapsed. All those that chose to ascend the stairwell perished. In spite of passionately held beliefs to the contrary, the one and only route to safety was down Stairway A.

In Brian's story I see the picture of many who believe that they can find another way to eternal life. But Jesus made the situation crystal clear when he said in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." No matter how certain people may be that they have found another way, Jesus tells us he is the ONLY way.

Now that's something to think about.

The Family of God

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV)

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he concluded his second letter with the prayer that the Christians there would experience all that God had for them, His grace, love and fellowship. This week our Wednesday Bible study group had the chance to share a small taste of that. Barb and I hosted the group for what has become our annual omlet breakfast and Bible study. What a beautiful day it was, as we enjoyed the grace, love and fellowship that God alone gives.

Early in the morning I was able to get the ingridients together in our kitchen as we awaited the arrival of our Bible study group. Then the table was sent in anticipation of the omlets that were to be prepared and consumed. Finally, the meal was served and fellowship enjoyed around the table.
















How exciting it was to finish our brunch and adjourn to the gazebo for our feast on God's Word as we continued our recently begun Bible study on Romans. The sunny morning was perfect as we learned more about the love and grace of God while experiencing the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. I often wonder why God allows me to experience such abundant life in Him.