“So Monte, I am going to put in a shameless plug for your disciple book, Steadfast and Stable. I have had several opportunities to work through this study with ladies. Some have been Christians for a long time and others are quite new believers. Everyone has learned and grown through being brought to the truths of God’s Word. Thank you for writing it. Now you need to have it translated into Spanish and German! I need them both!” – Debbie

This is one of the comments I have received lately about the discipleship book I wrote. I am so glad that discipleship is happening. Churches are sometimes characterized by shallow believers. They do not have stability or security in their relationship with the Lord. I am concerned that we get past the first things and move on to maturity.

If you are looking for a study of the foundations of the Christian life, I would encourage you to check out “Steadfast and Stable.” It has been used by individuals, one on one, Bible study groups, Sunday school classes, whole church meetings, discipleship seminars, and several other ways too. It is written from the perspective of the love-based relationship with the Lord.

The publisher, JourneyForth has printed more copies recently. Discipleship is happening. Journeyforth is a division of BJU Press. I pray the Lord will continue to use the book to impact people’s lives. Of course, the only reason it does is because it a based upon the Word of God. By the time a person is through the book, they will have looked up many passages. It is a workbook, commentary, and encompasses the biblical foundations of our faith.

“Many Christians have been taught how to look and act like Christians but not how to have an intimate relationship with God. They may do the right things but are often shallow in their understanding of what it truly means to be a Christian and how to have an active and personal walk with God.” – “Steadfast and Stable,” page 16; by Monte Leavell; JourneyForth, a division of BJU Press 2014.

The book is available from the BJU Press, Amazon, and Christian Book Distributers.

If we look for God’s directive hand in our lives, we will see it. God does orchestrate. Sometimes His direction is easily seen. Yesterday was one of those days for Jeneen and me.

As we were leaving California, I called a friend to see if he was still in Arizona where he and his wife stay during the winter. Yes, they were still there. He was waiting for a part to come in for their motorhome. It had not come in yet. If they had received it the week before, they would have left yesterday and we would have missed them. So that was number one in the details. Because the part was delayed, they stayed for extra time. This enabled Jeneen and me to stop for a visit on our way to Phoenix.

While we were there, we talked about the travel of other friends we have in common. Sometimes they travel together but this winter everyone had different itineraries. Some had already headed back to Idaho. While getting ready to go eat, our friend received a phone call from one of the couples. We thought they were headed home. Sure enough, they were. But they had just pulled into town and were a couple of blocks from us. Their travels put them there at the same time as Jeneen and me. They met us at the restaurant for lunch. What was set up to be a visit with one couple, ended up to be so much more. God put it together. What a great time.

It was great to see our friends. It was too obvious how the Lord put it together that we could not miss it. Sometimes we need to be reminded. As we walk with God, He does direct our paths. Yesterday was a unique example. It is impossible to say, “It just happened.”

I needed the reminder. When we look closely, we will see the hand of God directing the affairs of our lives. Sometimes it is so obvious that we cannot help but see Him. Even when it is not evident, He is still in control. Walk with the Lord. Look for His orchestration of your day.

May we hold to sound doctrine. It is the basis of our sweetest fellowship.

“I am offended by what you said to me about our fellowship.” This statement was made by a friend I worked with at UPS. He was a Christian but we had doctrinal differences. He was from a charismatic church background. We had been discussing the differences in our view of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. As we talked, it became more obvious the depth of differences. I made the observation that our fellowship would never be as close as it would be if we agreed on these areas of doctrine. The differences would keep us from certain levels of fellowship. He came to me later and said that had offended him. Of course, I apologized but the truth is the truth.

The problem had nothing to do with friendship or love for one another. Those things were there in our relationship. He is a brother in Christ and I believe we will be together with the Lord forever. I enjoyed working with him. But I found when we talked of spiritual things, there was something preventing us from getting deep. It was different that the friendships I had at my home church. There we agreed on a deeper level of doctrine.

I have found my sweetest fellowship to be with those who hold the same doctrine. Yes, I have learned and changed in some small areas; such as my interpretation of Hebrews 6 and Romans 7. I still enjoy discussing those passages with close friends. But the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is a major teaching. Differences there definitely limit fellowship.

Which doctrines are important? When someone new comes into the church with a different view of the rapture or election and freewill, we watch them. It seems the first thing they want to do is find people who agree with their particular view. They will even try to convince others. They feel it is important. If they find someone in agreement, they become close friends. We have closer fellowship with those whom we agree.

Some say we should give grace. I agree and seek to do that. But I realize, when they have differing view of doctrine, my fellowship will not be as close. They realize that too and that is why they seek to get others to agree with them. Of course, they say they are just trying to teach others what they have learned. Sometimes these people have caused much difficulty in churches. It is especially troubling to the church when a pastor suddenly changes his doctrine to something outside the long standing position of the church.

I like having discussions about doctrine when people do not let the flesh take over the conversation. I have seen people get angry or so passionate that the veins bulge in their necks. When we are serious students of the Word, we should be able to have these conversations. We should be able to look at Scripture and ask, “What does God teach about that?” If we do not come to an agreement then, there will be an issue with our fellowship about that area. Can we acknowledge that? Our closest and sweetest fellowship will come with those we agree. Yes, let’s minister grace.

Wisdom comes when we understand the importance of a particular doctrine and the levels of fellowship that result from differences. That is why the “Fundamentals” we established. They were seeking the important doctrines and determining the levels of fellowship or separation that resulted.

We understand this issue because churches have articles of faith. Those doctrines are the basis of their fellowship. If you want to be a part, you must agree to the doctrine.

May we hold to sound doctrine. It is the basis of our sweetest fellowship.

I have written many notes in my Bible. Many people do too. It is good to do things that help us to remember. One set of notes is from 2 Timothy and Titus.

A Sound Mind – 2 Timothy 1:7, comes from:

• Sound Foundation – 1 Corinthians 3:11
• Sound Words – 2 Timothy 1:13
• Sound Doctrine – Titus 1:9, 13

This produces a sound mind which has understanding; not being confounded. We are able to compare spiritual things with spiritual. We are able to judge all things according to the truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit guides us. We come to the correct conclusions.

Another product of sound doctrine and faith is sound speech, Titus 2:8. Our faith is demonstrated in the way we talk. Sound teaching produces the right words.

Doctrine is important. Right doctrine leads to stability and consistency. Bad doctrine leads to instability and desperation.

Billy Graham went to be with Lord this week.  I know people who were saved during his crusades in the 1950’s.  They were godly Christians who walked with the Lord after receiving Christ as Savior.  Jeneen had the privilege of being at a crusade when she was only seven.  That would put it around 1962.  She wrote these words for a Facebook post today.  They are such good thoughts, I wanted to share them.

“Jeneen- a thought: I know some say Billy Graham was controversial in some areas as he grew older. But as a child, when I went to a Billy Graham crusade when I was 7 in Fresno CA, I remember clearly his words of salvation. That was who he use to be, a pure and simple speaker of the Word , that even a child could understand it. He spread the gospel to everyone so that they would understand their need of salvation and a relationship in Christ. God used him because he cared about souls and even if he felt inadequate, he asked the Lord to help him speak where ever, when ever and who ever God had for him. He was a simple man who loved God.
I will miss him. It feels like an era has left our country. But he is in a better country now. Oh, the glorious reunion he is experiencing, and to know what he preached was real and true. Because what he sees now is Christ face to face.
RIP Billy Graham. Have a wonderful eternity.”

 

 

How many great pictures are simply in our minds because we did not have a camera handy? Driving home from Alaska, a wolf walked onto the highway. It stopped in my lane. As I slowly approached, it moved off the road. I remember the massive creature standing broadside looking at me. My camera was not ready for a picture. I have to be satisfied with the picture in my mind.

I came home from Montana this week. The roads were snowy and ice covered for much of the drive in Montana. When I reached the Idaho border, the roads were better but strong winds slowed my progress. Then snow flurries started near Arco and Craters of the Moon. After a long day of winter driving, I was looking forward to getting home.

Looking ahead, I saw an orange glow through the snow. It was just above the ridgeline. I perceived it was the sun setting with color peeking under the clouds. That meant clear sky ahead. What an encouragement! The glow became more brilliant. When I topped a hill, I was treated to a gorgeous view; clouds, snow and the setting sun. I grabbed my camera.

I was thanking the Lord for giving me such an experience. It is just like Him. Yes, the day was long and tiring. But this scene made it all worthwhile. I loved the snow coming down with the orange glow reflecting off the ice crystals. The snow fall was fading. Clear sky was ahead. It was a time of encouragement. I thanked the Lord for the good He brought to my day.

Yes, I had my camera ready. As I drove toward home, I took the shot. A picture is not as good as being there but it is a reminder.

Flower sales jumped this week as many expressed their love for the special person in their life. Valentine’s Day reminds us of that special one. So, I helped increased sales by buying flowers for Jeneen. Salmon colored roses now brighten our home. But the brightest expression was on Jeneen’s face when I showed her the flowers. What would I do if she did not like them? What if I was rejected? I was willing to risk it. I knew Jeneen likes salmon colored roses. She also likes red, white, yellow, pink, and other colored roses.

I want to please Jeneen. I like it when she smiles with approval of what I have done. It is easy to tell when I impress her. But that brings up a question. How do we know when God approves of what we are doing? The Lord shows us in 1 Corinthians 4:1 saying that it is required that we be found faithful. That’s it; be faithful!

We “can” please the Lord. If we are faithful in our walk, He is pleased.

Two years ago today, our son Peter wrote a post on Facebook about relationships and his brother Chris.  Chris went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2015.  The Lord gives comfort and grace.  I have often said that that deeper the relationship, the deeper the pain of loss.  But the greater the relationship, the greater the experience of love and joy.

“What is it to be friends with a good man? Growing up, my brothers Chris, Joe, and I were called the ‘Leavell Boys’ wherever we went, and with our dad as a pastor and then evangelist, we went places and did tons. We were best friends, and now, as we go over pictures and words we said to each other, we’re just now understanding how rare and valuable our relationship was. We have private Facebook pages and secret blogs and sacred phone texts and angelic pictures now enshrined because Chris will no longer add to them. Was the relationship worth the heartbreak that hasn’t assuaged a mite for his wife, kids, parents, brothers, grandmothers, friends? Chris loved those around him with every bit of his being, many times risking the breaking of a relationship by telling folks what they needed most. His honest love and tenderheartedness for others made him incredibly lovable.”

“An elderly man came into my office the other day and said he would do anything for one last heartbreak, one last devastation, one last pain that brings him to his knees because he lived his life reserved, held back, so he wouldn’t be hurt. His loneliness and pointlessness consumed him and he had no one he could say loved him with all their heart.”

“Although my family still feels the loss of Chris, I would have to say, “Yeah, knowing that good man was worth the heartache.” I recommend being friends with a good man. Just talk with him, and most of all, listen to him. It’ll be worth the heartbreak.” – Peter R. Leavell

Thank you Peter for your words.  So many people settle for so little when God has so much.  This is especially true in families and relationships.  It starts with a deep, vital, on-going, love-based relationship with the Lord.  Then we reach out to those around us with the love He has given us.  So many people are missing so much.

People who had fire destroy their homes know the devastation of such a tragedy. Some of us have narrowly averted a fire because of a little devise with an ear piercing sound. The smoke detectors have detonated a couple of times in our home for a real reason. I am thankful when they help us avoid a terrible situation.

Sometimes the batteries in our smoke detectors weaken and the chirping begins. Why does it have to be the middle of the night? Chirp! And then two minutes later, chirp! Getting up from a warm bed, I get the step ladder and replace the battery. The sound is gone and now we can sleep.

I remember a couple of times when the smoke detectors started blaring and there was a legitimate reason. Quickly finding the cause, tragedy was averted. I am thankful for smoke detectors.

There are warnings given by God in His Word. They are to keep us from devastation. Why does God tell us not to lie to each other? Because He knows we will have stronger relationships if we do not.

An employer does not look for someone who steals to work for them. A husband or wife wants to trust his or her spouse. I do not enjoy friendships with people who are always angry. God warns us that these things are devastating. People get tired of hearing about the awfulness of sin and the pain it causes. It may sound like “chirping” to them. It may sound like a siren. But I am thankful for the warnings. God keeps me from pain and devastation when I heed the warnings.

Yes, I am thankful for smoke detectors but I am more thankful for God’s Word. Both things have kept me from some awful messes. Excuse me while I go turn off the stove…

I am trying to get into shape. But then, round is a shape.

January is a time when everyone wants to lose a few pounds. The stores have exercise equipment on sale. Gyms offer membership specials. We need to get into shape after the holidays. Have you made it yet? How do you know when you get there?

With the sports I played, conditioning was needed. The better my shape, the better I played. For backpacking, I tell the men to prepare for real physical exertion. The better prepared, the more they will enjoy the trips. How do they know when they are ready? They do the best they can. But no matter how prepared they are; they could have done more.

My dad used to laugh when I said I was getting into shape. I said it often. I never said I was “in shape”. I knew I could be better. It became a joke with Dad. He said I was always “getting” into shape. Well, after all these years, I am still “getting” into shape. I want to be ready for the backpacking this summer. I want to be ready for a pick-up basketball game or whatever I may do. I want to be physically able to do it.

The same is true spiritually. How do we know when we are mature? How do we know when we are ready for what is ahead? In one sense, God will always give grace. In another, we are to exercise faith. We are to grow spiritually. Paul used athletic metaphors to describe our walk with God. It is similar. We need to keep growing and stretching in our walk. It prepares us to do what He asks of us and go where He sends.

There are people who do not take care of their physical bodies.  There are also believers who are spiritually lazy. I find my body needs exercise. I need to be ready spiritually. I need to study to be a workman who is not ashamed. I need to keep my intimate relationship with the Lord. Sometimes I feel the work. Other times it is easy. I need to be in good spiritual shape and getting better.

Yes, I am getting in shape for backpacking this summer. In the same way, I am seeking better spiritual conditioning. “Yes Dad, I’m still trying to get into shape.”