Hello my friends! I’m back again with more grace news to encourage and comfort your hearts as you continually face the onslaught of the spirit of this world that desires to inflict its doubts and fears upon you. I’m also including links to some of the more recent Shovel-Audio files that have been uploaded. I also have some news of an upcoming trip I’m planning to Africa.

I know that some of you wonder how I can keep on pushing the same basic message of Christ week after week, month after month, and year after year. And I’m sure that for some, that’s not necessarily a positive reflection, but rather a wish that I would move on toward something more practical. However, I can tell you that I have no such inclination. For to me, to keep reminding you of the only truth that makes any real difference in those who belong to God is the only thing I wish to write to you.

Do you realize that the only true practicality for us in the world is that which comes through our confidence in Christ? That’s right. For how we handle ourselves in this world has everything to do with who we perceive ourselves to be. It’s not that I’m against good advice, for I offer people all kinds of advice during a normal day. However, I believe that we have given in to the lie that Christianity is more or less God’s advice for us as Christians … something you might refer to as the will of God or God’s plan for your life.

Like I say, I’m not against some good advice now and again, for it might help you choose a more healthful diet, find a less-expensive product, or select a better cell phone. But there is no advice in this world - even if it comes from a Bible verse or a preacher’s sermon - that can produce God’s work within you. Oh, it might make you appear more spiritually productive, but the working of God doesn’t come from the practical side of the grave … but from the living side that has risen past it. When I tell you that Christ is your life, I’m telling you about the one and only present-tense reality that causes you to live as one who is truly alive in this world.

Recent Shovel-Audio Files

Adam and I have not been able to connect on a weekly basis for the past few months, and it’s mostly because of my changed work schedule. That’s right, no more weekends off … with a rare Sunday here and there. Here are the last 3 audio files:
Settled with the Life Within Us May 27, 2013
We are Forgiven … IF? May 1, 2013
The How-to of Righteousness and Prayer? April 9, 2013

We would love to hear from you!

Upcoming Trip to Uganda!

Okay then, I mentioned an upcoming trip to Africa … yes, Africa! I have been in communication with a dear brother for a few years now, and he recently asked me if I would be willing to come and minister to a group of believers in Uganda. Before he even finished making his request I already knew my answer was yes. Just this morning, we reconnected to discuss it a bit more. The dates are not set, but we’ve made tentative plans for some time this fall, preferably November. The cost just for the round-trip flight will be somewhere close to $2000.

For any of you who want to support us in this visit, I will gladly accept your help. Here’s a link to where you can make a donation. Please make a notation regarding the Ugandan Visit if you send anything toward that. Also note: I am not set up as a tax-deductible charity, so gifts cannot be claimed for tax-deductions.