Second Baptist Blogville

Washington's Credit Card Debt

2012-02-08T06:47:00.001-06:00

President George Washington may not have had a plastic card in his wallet, but he did maintain an open line of credit with merchants in London which kept him in financial straits for much of his adult life. He was not extravagant in his tastes, but he did live at the high level expected of Virginia gentry in the 1700s.

What struck me about his debt is that he blamed the merchants for the first few years. He complained about their being too strict in bill collection, their shipping inferior goods, their taking too much time to send items ordered, etc.

However, as maturity took over, he finally began to realize the debt was his own fault, driven by his and Martha's desires to live at a high level. In his later years he strongly counseled against the use of excessive debt. Moderation became his theme. Dave Ramsey would have been proud of our #1 citizen.

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Preaching About Money

2012-01-30T07:37:00.001-06:00

Thank you for your kind response to my two recent sermons on money. Few assignments strike more terror into a Pastor's heart. People sometimes think all we are interested in is their money. Thus we preachers often feel reticent to tackle the subject.

I have a few guidelines to help me when I preach on money. Be brief, there's no such thing as a bad short sermon, especially on this topic. Be bold, look straight into the camera and don't blink; it took me years to be able to do this. Be funny, I wouldn't even think about preaching a sermon on money without being humorous. It is the best way to release the tension that builds up in the room.

One last observation. Thanks for laughing at my jokes yesterday. You could have buried me, but your grace instead blessed me. By the way, did you hear the joke about the. . . .

Twitter & FB john316marshall

1961 Yankees

2012-01-24T09:27:00.001-06:00

Last night I finished reading a book about my dream team, the 1961 Yankees. As a wide-eyed, awestruck kid of nine years old, I watched with eager anticipation as two of my heroes chased the record of baseball's ultimate hero.

Every day I had to know whether or not Mantle or Maris had hit a home run in their effort to break Babe Ruth's home run record for a season. I didn't know about Maris' hair falling out due to stress. I didn't know about Mantle's struggle with alcohol. I didn't know about the "asterisk" that would be put by Maris' record due to the season being longer.

All I knew was, two giants were chasing another giant, and I was out of breath with excitement. My main hero, Mantle, did not break the record. I've always regretted that, but I'm glad Maris did.

Props Can Flop

2012-01-23T06:41:00.001-06:00

I still think it was a good idea for a sermon prop. How could I have known the paper would burn too long, thus sending up a huge, ongoing curl of smoke at 9:30? And how could I have known at 11:00 the lighter would not light. Click, click, click--is there a sadder sound on the planet?

This is the danger of using props. They are wonderful when they work, but a disaster when they fail. I still think it's worth the risk. I have been unable to get swords back in sheaths. I once broke a stand by hitting a board on it with a hammer. I once could not get a robe on because it got hung on the microphone cord I forgot I was wearing.

Despite the dangers, I plan to keep using props. Being a teacher, I am a radical believer in using whatever that's handy to help the learning process. This having been said, there will probably not be any fires lit during upcoming sermons for a while. Click, click, click.

Dr. John 3:16 Marshall

Pastor Customs

2012-01-13T06:24:00.001-06:00

At age 60, and after over 44 years in the ministry, you would think I could have figured out the role of a Pastor. It was heavy on my mind this morning.

What does a Pastor do? Bury the dead, marry the young, carry the sick, and preach the Bible.

What should a Pastor wear? I started out wearing a tie every day. I'm a bit more relaxed now, but still prefer to wear a tie daily, and to preach in a suit.

How should a Pastor's face look? Dad, who has had a perpetual smile on his face for 84 years, says God blessed me by giving me a natural scowl. Dad felt it made me look more serious as a preacher.

Wow! Dad likes my face, and I wish I had his. I think a smile is a gift to all who see it.

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Me and AL

2012-01-09T19:08:00.001-06:00

I am sitting in front of my TV, getting ready to watch the national championship game, pitting LSU against AL. I hope AL wins, but I'm not sure why. I never lived in AL, and don't even know what town the college is located in.

Why do I favor AL? I think it's because three AL couples came into my life at about the same time and brought their passion for AL with them. Ben and Shauna Pilgreen, Ryan and Anna Myer, and Shane and Jenelle Segars brought AL mania into my life. I know they and their families are glued to their TVs tonight. It should be a good game.

I'm glad the SEC, MO's new conference, will win the national championship tonight, no matter how the game ends. Roll Tide.

My $11,000 Home

2011-12-31T07:56:00.001-06:00

Last night, while checking my iPhone's trusty and fun history app, I was stunned to learn how the USA took possession of my hometown, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

In the 1825 Treaty of St Louis, the Shawnee Nation ceded Cape Girardeau to the USA for $11,000. The USA also gave the Shawnees five years of unlimited access to a blacksmith shop, promising to provide all tools and 300 pounds of iron annually.

The transaction achieved not only a real estate purpose. "Moreover, peace and friendship between the two nations were renewed and perpetuated," according to Wikipedia.

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The Perfect Gift

2011-12-29T12:05:00.001-06:00

I think Ruth has done it. She has purchased for me the perfect gift, the present of a lifetime. As you know I am cold all the time. I think it's blood thinner, but the medical people say no. My second explanation is the "Rabbit ears theory" (another blog for another day).

What has Ruth bought me? Brace yourself. An electric coat. Yep you plug it in and its battery will run for six hours. There's even a place where I can plug in my iPhone to recharge it. Is this not the greatest gift idea you ever heard?

I have only one reservation. I never thought of it till my grandson Caleb mentioned it. He asked, "Will it short-circuit in the rain?" Ooh. Ouch. Great question. I'll keep you posted.

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KJV

2011-12-16T07:12:00.001-06:00

I have only the book of Malachi to read to complete my annual Bible reading discipline. This is, I think, my second time to read the entire King James Version. All other years since 1976 I have read the New American Standard or Holman Bibles.

I grew up with the KJV. It will always be "my" Bible, but I can see where it could be difficult for many. I struggled in some places to understand meanings, especially in the Minor Prophets and in places describing the Temple and sacrificial offerings.

I think I will return to the NAS for 2012, but let it be known, I fully understand the significance of the KJV. It stands alone in English history. It is by far the most important book ever written in our language. I'm grateful for its 400 years of influence.

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Pujols Is Gone

2011-12-08T11:26:00.001-06:00

I'm sad. Pujols will be a Cardinal no longer. I'm not as devastated as you might think I would be. I did not crumple to the ground in a fetal position and start sucking my thumb.

For one thing, I think he did what any of us would have done. Could we turn down a quarter of a billion dollars to play baseball? I doubt it.

I'm also glad he is going to the American League. Being a designated hitter could extend his career by three or four years. The pesky injuries that bother him from time to time will probably be less of an irritant.

Finally, I don't think anyone can be upset at Cardinals management. A quarter of a billion dollars could have sunk our ship in the long run.

I feel it has worked out for the best all around. I will miss Albert, but wish him nothing but the very best.

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Turning 60

2011-12-07T08:16:00.001-06:00

Later this month I will turn 60. I'm ready. I feel this next decade could be my most effective ten years in ministry. Maybe I've made enough mistakes along the way to keep me out of some future ditches.

I'm generally a bit pessimistic about life in general. I find that pessimists discover life to be full of pleasant surprises. But for right now, I actually feel optimistic. Scary.

Lauri Newlin, our Ladies Minister at Second, gave me a great quote someone shared with her once. "Be careful not to spoil the number of days God has given you by regretting they are so many." Amen.

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Thanksgiving Joy #6

2011-11-25T13:26:00.001-06:00

It would be hard for me to express how much I enjoy being with my family for the holiday. I'm also grateful for my sixth Thanksgiving joy.

I'm glad that when all is said and done, and it's time to go home, Ruth is the one who gets in the car with me.

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Thanksgiving Joys #4 and #5

2011-11-24T20:07:00.001-06:00

My fourth enjoyment of Thanksgiving revolves around food. I always resolve to eat little, and then I break every resolution I make. Right now I feel bloated, yet content. Is there any pumpkin pie left?

My fifth fun thing is watching football. I watch very little football, but on Thanksgiving Day I want to veg in front of the TV. By the way, I keep the TV on mute so my visiting won't be interrupted.

My Thanksgiving Day interest in football can be traced to my mother-in-law. She was a radical Dallas Cowboys fan. Watching them on Thanksgiving Day was something we always did together. The Cowboys won today on the last play of the game. Mrs Huey would have been proud.

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Thanksgiving Joy #3

2011-11-24T16:51:00.001-06:00

A third way I know I'm having a great Thanksgiving is when my muscles ache. Yep. That's right. Pain, in this situation, is good.

My back starts hurting because I sit in the living room recliner, visiting with family, too long. When I finally let the pain drive me to the couch, I stay there till my legs start hurting.

I finally got up for a while this afternoon and walked around the living room a few times to loosen up my muscles. The exertion was helpful, but exhausting. I'm back on the couch again.

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Thanksgiving Joy #2

2011-11-24T10:28:00.001-06:00

My second Thanksgiving joy is losing my voice. Yep. That's right. I enjoy talking with family till I go hoarse.

Yesterday I literally wore my voice out, talking with family. By the time I went to bed, my vocal cords were totally exhausted.

But fear not. After a good night's sleep, my voice is healed and ready for another full day of action.

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Thanksgiving Joy #1

2011-11-24T08:15:00.001-06:00

There are many things about Thanksgiving I enjoy. One, I am grateful to be reminded how important it is for me to stop my daily actions and give thanks to the One who is the Source of all my blessings.

Herein lies the reason Thanksgiving is being less observed in the USA. In an ever increasingly secular society, fewer and fewer people think there is anyone to thank. If there's no reason to give thanks, there's no need to set aside a day to do it.

Father, forgive us for forgetting You, the fount of all our blessings.

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JFK 48

2011-11-22T21:14:00.001-06:00

Where were you 48 years ago today? We who are old enough to remember the day can tell you precisely where we were when we heard about President Kennedy's assassination.

Everything changed that day. It was the coming out party for TV. It was the dominant media outlet from then on. A huge bubble of idealism burst. We felt the communists were the bad guys, and nothing like this could happen to us. Wrong.

In retrospect, this date was only the beginning of chaos. Something was let loose in the American psyche. Soon "the sixties" arrived: The Beatles, Viet Nam protests, race riots, assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Dr King.

Everything seemed to grind on in discord until "the sixties" ended, I believe, with the tragedy at Kent State. It was a tough time. I'd rather not live it again.

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Thanksgiving Breakfast

2011-11-18T14:21:00.001-06:00

Tonight my immediate family will gather at the house to celebrate Thanksgiving. It has always been the tradition among us to observe the holidays early. This allows the children and their families to go to the in-laws and/or to observe other celebrations they want to be part of on the actual holiday itself.

The menu tonight is a bit odd. Breakfast food. Huh? Everyone said they felt they would have plenty of traditional Thanksgiving food before the holidays were over, so they want to do something different tonight.

I have decided this is an appropriate action on our part. The Pilgrims ate sausage; no wait, they ate turkey. Well at least they ate pancakes; oops, they ate hoecakes.

All kidding aside, one important thing we will share with the Pilgrims is hearts thankful for what God has provided us. We rightly say "God bless America." It would also be wise to say, "America bless God." Happy Thanksgiving. Remember Him for Whom the holiday was established.

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Puzzles

2011-11-16T07:12:00.001-06:00

I never remember seeing a puzzle in my house when I was growing up. Never. Not once. Thus the world of puzzles is new to me. I find life puzzling enough without them (pardon the pun).

Ruth buys puzzles for 4-yr-old Lilly Ruth. They started out simple: 48 pieces, lots of colors. As time has passed, Ruth has bought more difficult puzzles: 100 pieces, fewer colors.

I'm going to have a nervous breakdown over these puzzles. My eyes hurt, my head aches, my self esteem plummets as a 4-yr-old works the puzzle faster than I do,

But I do have to admit it is a previous bonding activity. What's my most important advice? Always let your grandchild put in the last piece.

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63 Years

2011-11-12T08:41:00.001-06:00

Mom and Dad celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary yesterday. I asked them what their key to success was. Their first answer was, "I don't know", but then they got on a roll.

Mom said, "Start early (she was 15) and live a long time. Hang in there. Don't give up." Dad said, "Believe in Jesus." Mom agreed.

I felt one more of their insights was noteworthy. They said neither of their families had a history of divorce. It simply wasn't in the family. Insightful.

I'm grateful for Mom and Dad. They have been awesome parents. I pray the Lord will give us many more years together.

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Burmese Heaven

2011-11-07T06:09:00.001-06:00

I think I can safely say everyone who attended our joint worship service with the Burmese Church last night received a foretaste of Heaven. When Pastor Ngun spoke of the freedom they did not have, but do have now, we should have stood to sing God Bless America.

We could understand not one word of their baptisms or songs, but their love for Jesus and each other was obvious. The shared Lord's Supper found me in an overwhelming flux of emotions.

Daniel Hood did a great job telling the story of Adoniram Judson, our first USA missionary, who 199 years ago first took the Gospel to Burma. We witnessed last night the ongoing fruits of his labor.

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Pilgrims Anew

2011-11-05T11:18:00.000-05:00

Four-year-old Lilly Ruth has been learning about the Pilgrims at preschool this week. On the first day, when her mom, Rebekah Ruth, asked what she had learned, Lilly Ruth replied, "About the programs that came over on the flower boat."

Later in the week I asked Lilly Ruth what she had learned. She said, "The Pilgrims came so long ago that they were called Native Americans." She then asked me if the Indians were good to the Native Americans. When I told her yes, she was pleased.

I told her she would be learning about the Pilgrims her whole life. It was good for me to see the story afresh through Lilly Ruth's eyes. Happy Thanksgiving.

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MO Baptist Convention

2011-10-30T17:05:00.001-05:00

Baptists are gathering for this year's MO Baptist Convention. I have enjoyed my year as President. If all goes according to plan, I will be nominated for a second term on Tuesday.

The big buzz here is the presence of our new Executive Director, Dr. John Yeats, and his wife Sharon. God has smiled on Missouri Baptists.

Over 100 choir and orchestra members from Second will be presenting music at tomorrow night's installation ceremony for Dr. and Mrs. Yeats. I can hardly wait for our music people to arrive. I do love our choir and orchestra, and their leader Kevin Hawkins.

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Angie's Retirement

2011-10-27T06:20:00.000-05:00

My assistant is retiring. For over 15 years, I have enjoyed every minute of working with Angie Roth. As best I can recall, she has never had a bad day. I never one time ever dreaded heading to work with her.

Angie's parents died when she was a girl. An older sister raised her. She married a Nazarene preacher. Ron and Angie hope to travel a lot together. He stays busy as an evangelist.

I will miss Angie. This may be the biggest understatement of the day. I pray God will let the rest of Ron and Angie's days be the best of their days. I also bid them Godspeed in their travels.

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A Grandson Driving

2011-10-15T14:22:00.001-05:00

My fifteen year old grandson, Caleb, is driving. Ruth and I were working here at church in my office this afternoon when our son called and asked us to come to the atrium door. When we stepped outside the door, John was in the passenger's seat of his car, Caleb was driving.

Isn't it amazing how one moment can seem to bring life into focus? It seems like yesterday when we were at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth for his birth. Time is passing me by at an alarming rate of speed. Let's remember to relish each day. Enjoy the journey.

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Cenotaphs and Rules

2011-10-14T14:16:00.001-05:00

I lie awake at night wondering about the weirdest things. Two of my midnight mysteries were solved today. I enjoy cemeteries. One of my favorite spots is the huge marker in the federal cemetery for General Lyons, who was killed at Wilson's Creek. The interesting thing is, his body is not there. It was taken back to New England. This raises the question, what do you call a tombstone that does not have a body present? Years ago I knew the answer, but couldn't remember it. Today I found out it's a cenotaph. I will sleep better now.

Mystery two. The other night Ryan Howard made the last out in a ballgame. He injured himself as he made the last swing and was unable to run at all. He grounded out, but what if he had hit a home run, and could not run the bases? I couldn't find the answer. Until today. I thought the batter would be out, but no. Instead, "a substitute runner shall be permitted to complete the play." I feel a good night's sleep in my future.

How did I find these answers? At a lunch meeting today, I raised both questions, hoping someone would know the answer. After the meeting, our graphic artist, Leah Kiser, through her expertise with Google, provided me the answers. I told her how impressed I was. She shrugged it off and said, "That's what you pay me for." Wow this younger generation is good. I'm impressed.

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A Memory Every Mile

2011-09-27T14:16:00.000-05:00

Ruth and I are headed back home from my preaching in Southeast MO, the hub of the universe. Everywhere we look we see remembrances.

We pulled off Hwy 60 and drove one mile to see First Baptist Church of Essex. I preached there several Sundays when Ruth and I were engaged to be married.

At a Sunday dinner on the ground there I once swallowed a sharp chicken bone. It lodged in my throat. Couldn't get it up. Couldn't get it down. The pain was excruciating.

A lady ran into the church and brought back a cup of vinegar for me to drink. It almost gagged me. I still remember what it smelled and tasted like. Awful!! But it worked. I still hold vinegar in high regard, even though I don't like it.

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Timing

2011-09-26T21:57:00.001-05:00

The timing of events can sometimes be utterly amazing. In my sermon yesterday I mentioned the death of a dear friend who died about 25 years ago, and a funeral I preached 41 years ago.

Today as I drove through Southeast Missouri I mentioned to Ruth, "There's the hotel I was in when I heard about the death of my friend 25 years ago."

Tonight I saw the 84-year-old preacher who did the funeral with me 41 years ago. Wow. An amazing day. My past came alive today.

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Eating Crow

2011-09-15T21:35:00.001-05:00

Bob Robert's dad often advised his family to always eat crow while it was young and fresh. That's what I'm doing right now. I'm revoking the bad things I said earlier about O'Hare Airport in Chicago.

My plane out of Roanoke was delayed two hours due to mechanical troubles. It landed at O'Hare after my departure time for Spfd. But lo and behold!! The flight out of O'Hare was delayed two hours.

I've never been this happy about a delayed flight. It's odd though. I'm the only happy person at this gate. I'm trying to wipe this silly grin off my face. I'm coming home, Ruth!!

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Baptist Purgatory

2011-09-15T08:09:00.001-05:00

Few things are more frightening to a traveler than having to go through Chicago's O'Hare Airport. There's nothing else quite like it.

It is infamous for its flight delays. It is overrun with people. There is no place to sit down alone, no privacy permitted, and no place to sit down and leisurely eat two pretzel dogs purchased at Auntie Anne's.

Any preacher who does not believe in Purgatory has obviously never been through O'Hare. And yet, even with all this said, the truth is, O'Hare is a vital link in our USA transportation grid. Without it, much of the business and tourist industry would have to shut down. I dread it, but am grateful for it.

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Preaching at 100°

2011-08-31T21:19:00.001-05:00

I preached an outdoor worship service tonight. When it started, the temp was 100°; it cooled down to 95° by the service's end. I kept wrapping ice cubes in my handkerchief to dab my brow, cheeks, neck, and arms.

I actually fared much better than I thought I would. I did sweat profusely but that's ok. My clothes are hung up right now to dry.

The most amazing thing was not the temperature, but the 360 people who attended. I couldn't believe it. Folks kept coming and coming and coming. I pray God blessed them tonight.

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3 Services to 4

2011-08-19T07:47:00.001-05:00

After months of praying, planning, and working, we are ready to make the move from three Sunday morning worship services to four. It's been a long time in coming, and much needed.

9:30 Sunday School has become so full that we have no more room for growth in it. 8:00 worship has been wonderful, but has not grown. People who wanted contemporary worship at 9:30 couldn't have it. The same was true of those who wanted blended worship at 11:00.

We are praying that three fully graded Sunday Schools, coupled with the four worship services, will open every hour for all classes to meet, knowing their class members can choose whichever worship style they prefer. Pray for Sunday. Invite someone to share the day with you.

The three Sunday Schools will meet at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00. Contemporary worship will be in the gym at 9:30 and 11:00. Blended worship will be in the auditorium at 9:30 and 11:00.

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Simpler Times

2011-08-18T05:52:00.001-05:00

The Wilson's Creek battle reenactment was more than fun and games for me. I did enjoy every nanosecond of it, but I was also analyzing the experience.

The wedding reenactment was plain. It reminded me again of how we have made many modern marriages into events so complex that everyone connected with them is miserable. For many, the best part of their wedding is when it's finally over. Sad.

The 1861 church service was also simple. Hay bales were the only pews. Two logs tied together to form a cross provided the only furnishing. Shade and a gentle breeze were the only air conditioning.

Do I want to return to those days? No. I like air conditioning and soft seats. However, I do think we need to always be examining the accoutrements we build around worship. We should ever be asking, is this addition meaningful or superfluous?

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$5000

2011-08-11T08:10:00.001-05:00

I was sitting at my desk when the call came. "A real estate developer found the original logs to Old Bethel in a barn he is tearing down to build a subdivision. He plans to sell the logs for use as mantles, but will wait a couple of days to see if we want to buy them for $5000."

This kind of phone call radically affects your day. I kicked into hyper-drive, calling church leaders as fast as I could. Before day's end I felt confident enough to say Second would pay for the logs. It's the boldest decision I made as Pastor at Second without going through all the proper channels. I'm grateful for a loving, supportive church.

Yesterday Ruth and I visited the newly constructed Old Bethel Church building near Jackson MO. The $5000 we invested in this historic site was well spent. Huzzah, Second Baptist. I love being your Pastor.

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Boyhood

2011-08-10T15:11:00.001-05:00

Ruth and I drove through Sikeston, where I was born in 1951. Dad drove Mom to the hospital in a Model A Ford. I still like old cars, especially Falcons.

I did my student teaching in Sikeston. I taught high school math under Mrs Margaret Coates. I was 19 years old. A few of my students were 18.

Drove to the farmlands outside Benton. Visited with two of my Dad's brothers. Uncle John was playing a Christian song on the piano as we arrived. When we went to Uncle Bill's, he was reading the Bible. The heritage of righteousness runs deep in my roots.

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Nostalgia in waves

2011-08-09T21:55:00.001-05:00

It's been years since I came to Southeast Missouri for a visit. I was not expecting the overwhelming surge of emotions this trip has caused.

In Poplar Bluff we stopped to buy gasoline. My Mom's parents lived here over 40 years. In my childhood and teen years, I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas here every year. Those seemed to be simpler times.

The next town on today's trip was Dexter. I preached there one Sunday night as a teenage preacher and then decided to drive home to Cape to go out for pizza with my home church youth group.

When I arrived I saw a new young lady. It was the first time I laid eyes on Ruth. I remember it vividly. It was precious to point out to Ruth today the precise ramp I drove out of Dexter on that night.

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Smallest Baptist College?

2011-08-02T20:34:00.001-05:00

I'm on the last leg home of my preaching trip to what may be the smallest college connected with our Southern Baptist state conventions. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College has about 150 students.

The school is nestled in Appalachia, in far eastern Kentucky. To get there I flew into Knoxville and then rode by car for about two hours.

The auto ride was amazing. The mountain scenery was breathtaking. The biggest thrill to me on the journey was seeing the Cumberland Gap, where Daniel Boone blazed a trail.

Cars used to have to go up and over the Gap, but now a one-mile long tunnel runs beneath it. I entered the tunnel in Tennessee, drove through Virginia, and exited the tunnel in Kentucky.

The faculty, alumni, and students at CCBBC treated me like a prince. I felt like I was being welcomed to Walton's Mountain. I am heading home a preacher blessed by the kind, gentle folks at a small Baptist college with a huge heart.

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July 20

2011-07-20T09:01:00.001-05:00

This is a huge red-letter date for me. In 1969 Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. It was the first time in my life that all the world was praising the USA. I cried with pride. One of the young ladies there watching it with me that night was Ruth Huey. We weren't dating yet then.

On this date in 1976 Viking I landed on Mars. That same day Ruth and I arrived in Gosnell AR to start a new pastorate. We would see revival there. God touched Earth in northeast Arkansas.

That same day I started keeping a diary. I am still writing a daily diary, 35 years later.

Ruth had her right knee replaced four weeks ago today. Recovery has been slow and painful, but the doctor says she is doing great.

Today is our monthiversary. Ruth and I have been married 484 months. Has to be one of the longest honeymoons ever.

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Pujols Nightmare

2011-07-05T08:14:00.001-05:00

Last night I had one of the scariest nightmares I've ever had. This is not a joke. It really happened. Randy Moore, my baseball buddy and our Minister of Media at Second, broke the news to me as gently as he could.

Randy nonchalantly mentioned how he thought the Cubs were unwise to not start Pujols in his first game with them. I thought he misspoke, but he quickly realized I had not heard the news.

Randy immediately switched into "minister mode" and began to speak words of comfort to me. I cried a while, but then regained my composure and told Randy, "I'm glad Albert will get to finish his career in Wrigley Field. I hope he hits 70 home runs a year there."

Then I woke up. That nightmare shook me. I am confident it was a fluke and not a foretaste of actual events yet to come.

SBC 2011

2011-06-19T16:53:00.001-05:00

The Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix is history. It was the smallest SBC since WW2, and one of the hottest (107° by day).

Fortunately, nothing controversial happened. Mundane is good. It keeps us out of the newspapers. Negative controversies are a downer.

I was able to enjoy a vast majority of the proceedings. I also attended five meetings.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinarily high quality of the schmoozing this year. There seemed to be people everywhere wanting to talk. Huzzah.

My gladness was tempered by the fact Ruth's knee troubles kept her from attending with me. It's the first time in years she has not gone with me.

There's always next year. New Orleans, home of my alma mater, will host the convention in 2012. I'm sure it will be fun.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Lemons and Me

2011-06-11T15:06:00.001-05:00

I love lemons. Always have. As a boy, I would walk a block to Henson's Grocery on South Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau to buy lemons for a nickel apiece. I still eat them, though they are a tad bit more expensive now.

I've learned a few interesting facts about lemons recently. General Stonewall Jackson was addicted to them. He was rarely seen in public without a lemon in hand to suck on. My great-uncle Vernon was a soil chemist on a lemon farm. One of my favorite songs of all time, "The Love of God," was written while the author was sitting on a lemon crate. I've also been recently told a lemon a day keeps kidney stones away.

All these new revelations about lemons are increasing my love for them. The only possible drawback is damage to teeth enamel, but many say even this is not a danger. For now, I intend to keep enjoying my low calorie, high taste, friend. When the Lord thought of a lemon, He had a wonderful idea.

Ruth to Joplin

2011-06-08T07:33:00.001-05:00

Ruth left at 6am to help with disaster recovery in Joplin. As she left, she said, "Pray I will be a blessing." Let's honor her request. Thank you for praying.

By the way, this would be a good prayer for us to pray about ourselves every day. The Bible commends the person who can go through a dry valley and turn it into an oasis.

Carry your own sunshine with you. Be a blessing to all who come into contact with you today and every day.

Twitter @john316marshall
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A Joplin Story

2011-05-30T21:06:00.001-05:00

I must share with you my favorite Second/Joplin story thus far. One of the young men from our church volunteered in Joplin last week.

He helped an older lady who was all alone, rummaging through the wreckage of her home, trying to find valuables. Our member ministered to her until she had to quit.

In their time together, they had each learned the other was a Christ-follower. As they parted, the lady hugged her helper and said, "I will meet you at the Pearly Gates, and will tell Jesus you were the one who gave me drink when I was thirsty, and food when I was hungry."

Enough said.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Joplin and Second

2011-05-29T21:22:00.001-05:00

One week ago tonight, the tornado hit Joplin. Few of us knew that evening how serious the devastation was.

On Monday morning, we had fuller information. Second immediately sent $5000 to Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin to help their affected families.

As the week progressed, people from Second kept making their way to Joplin to help. This morning the people of Second gave a special offering of over $34,700 to help Joplin.

We also had 192 people sign up to be volunteers to help in Joplin over the next few weeks. We at Second plan to stay on task for the long haul.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Golden Gate Jail

2011-05-28T14:31:00.001-05:00

On this date in 1937 President Franklin Roosevelt pushed a button signaling the beginning of traffic across the Golden Gate Bridge. My great-uncle Vernon Wilcox was in a San Francisco jail at that moment.

Vernon, my Grandma Hill's brother, served as an engineer on the project. On the morning of the dedication ceremony, he decided there would be no harm in his taking a stroll across the bridge before the official festivities began.

Everything went well until he reached the other end of the bridge, where he was arrested for trespassing. He spent a few hours in jail, but was always proud of the fact he was the first to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Uncle Vernon went on to other exciting exploits. He wrote a fascinating book about the engineering work he did on the Alaska Highway.

Weight. No Kidding.

2011-04-28T08:38:00.001-05:00

My weight is a topic I like to joke about. I enjoy the humor it can spark in a discussion. I fear my humor sometimes masks how serious the issue is to me, and to millions of others.

After my heart attacks 7.5 years ago, I lost 50 pounds (243 down to 193), and have kept 40-44 pounds off ever since. My weight seemed to settle in at about 200. I've done well through the years, but lately I feel my resolve weakening. These days I feel I could eat a doorknob. I desperately want to eat everything in sight. My weight is inching up, currently at 205.2, the highest it has been in recent memory. This is not a laughing matter. My future, literally, hinges on it.

I have long admitted I have a food addiction. I say it in funny ways, but it is a serious truth. I would appreciate your prayers. Only the Lord can solve this juggernaut in my life.

Twitter @john316marshall

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MBC Exec Board

2011-04-12T16:52:00.001-05:00

I spent yesterday and today in Jefferson City for our quarterly MO Baptist Convention Executive Board meeting. As convention President, I serve as chairman of the Board.

This is an important organization. Over $14,000,000 in Cooperative Program funds flow through the Baptist Building in Jefferson City each year. Our state convention is a powerful outpost for Christ's Kingdom.

The search for a new Executive Director began officially today. A search committee was appointed by the Executive Board. Pray they will find God's choice servant to lead Missouri Baptists.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Whales and Sugar

2011-04-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Over 1600 humpback whales live near Maui. Often you can see them from the beach, but getting a close look requires a boat ride. It's well worth the $45 price tag. I'll post a short video clip on Facebook.

We were on a good excursion. Whales were jumping all around us. We especially enjoyed hearing them via the boat's underwater sonar system.

Sugar cane is a beautiful plant. It sways in the wind with grace. A plant takes two years to reach harvest time. When it is time, the field is burned. The outer leafy part is burned off, but the moist sugary inner part is left behind to be harvested.

It looks like sugar cane is natural to the area, but not so. The plantation owners had to lay 74 miles of irrigation pipe. Where the irrigation does not reach, the ground is parched brown.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Luau

2011-04-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without the obligatory Luau. Is it worth $100 per person? Good grief no, but it adds to your cultural well roundedness.

I moved in close to see the pig as they pulled it up out of the ground. You can see the pictures on my Facebook wall. I have trouble eating anything that's looking back at me.

I enjoyed the dramatic portrayal of Hawaii's history. They were not derogatory about the coming of Christian missionaries. We ate with couples from Sacramento, Calgary, and Toronto.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Road to Hana

2011-04-06T06:39:00.001-05:00

Even if there were no tourist spots in Hawaii, it would still be worth your while to visit there. The natural beauty is stunning.

Hibiscus grows wild. Fruit trees abound. The sight of sugar cane blowing in the wind is graceful. The sand, the surf, etc. On and on it goes.

Our favorite nature experience was the infamous, frightening Road to Hana. About 50 miles long, over 600 turns (some U-turns), 52 one-lane bridges, about 3 hours to drive. I made it the whole way.

Making it to the North Pole, to the top of Everest, yea to the moon, has brought no more satisfaction than when this scaredy cat preacher saw the Hana city limits sign. I posted a picture on Facebook to prove I made it.

Twitter @john316marshall
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USS Arizona

2011-04-05T06:58:00.001-05:00

The highlight of our trip to Hawaii was seeing the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Few events in my life have been more memorable. I will post pictures of it on my Facebook wall.

The oil still leaks from the sunken ship, as if shedding tears for the dead. The USS Missouri is moored facing the USS Arizona, the symbolism being that the Missouri keeps watch over the Arizona.

This December 7 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. About 14 survivors of the Arizona are still alive. Due to their advanced years, this may be their last reunion.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Lindbergh's Grave

2011-04-04T06:47:00.001-05:00

How many people go to Hawaii to find a grave? Only yours truly. There are of course other reasons to go there, but from the first of our planning, I was focused on Charles Lindbergh's grave.

Lindbergh made his solo transatlantic flight in 1927. He also made a whirlwind tour through the USA to the adoring praise of millions. While he was running this national victory lap, my dad was born. Thus his name Charles.

To reach the grave became for me like a search for the holy Grail, or if you will, a pilgrimage to Mecca. Okay, yes I'm given to hyperbole, but you get the point. I wanted to see my dad's namesake's grave.

It was hard to reach and hard to find, but worth the effort. I'll post pictures of it on my Facebook wall.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Beecher

2011-03-29T12:43:00.001-05:00

Finished a 2007 Pulitzer Prize winning biography of the 19th century preacher/pastor Henry Ward Beecher. Lincoln called him the most important man in America during the Civil War.

Robert E. Lee said the South would have won the war had it not been for Beecher and his sister Harriet, who wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

When the US flag was re-raised at Fort Sumter, Lincoln sent Beecher to do it, saying, "We wouldn't have a flag to raise without him."

Why is Beecher, this larger than life man, not well remembered? Because of the sex scandals that besmirched the last decade of his ministry. Mark Twain said of his friend Beecher that adultery was the means whereby this Samson was shorn.

I have read few books in my life which more remind me, holiness matters most.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Youth Ministers

2011-03-28T17:41:00.001-05:00

Just said farewell to two friends from Spokane, Washington. Bob and Lori are youth ministers at their church. They have especially tender hearts for troubled students (drugs, broken homes, etc.).

Bob and Lori both hold down full time secular jobs, and then receive part time pay for full time work with the teens. Bob gets up at 3:30 every morning. When I gasped and asked why, he said it's the only time of the day he can control, and be sure to have his private time uninterrupted.

Bob and Lori are special friends to Ruth and me. They work tirelessly for the Lord. Please say a quick prayer for them.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Sendei Japan

2011-03-27T14:10:00.001-05:00

Ruth and I have met a dear couple who have served as Navigators missionaries in Sendei for 35 years. They are coming to the USA for three months.

The night of the earthquake, the husband was out of town. The wife says the house shook for six minutes. She crawled to the front door and held to the frame.

Twenty-five minutes later she saw the tsunami waves from the high cliff on which she lives. She said the water roared.

For four days her family did not know whether she was dead or alive. Finally, a son who lived in a different part of the region walked a long distance to find her.

Their stories are personalizing a story that has seemed so far away. Pray Ruth and I will be able to minister to them.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Our wedding

2011-03-20T10:35:00.001-05:00

When I saw Ruth for the first time at our wedding, 40 years ago today, she was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. Coal-black hair with a white veil. I still remember the moment.

My groomsmen were my cousins Rod and David, plus my uncles John and Don. At a family wedding about one year ago, all five of us were present. Fortunately I had enough presence of mind to have a picture taken of us together.

The preachers were my dad, and Ruth's former Pastor, Loren Robinson. Both preachers are still alive and well.
Dad led us in vowing Ruth 1:16-17 to each other. Ruth had the text engraved on the inside of my wedding ring. It's still there. Ask me, and I'll proudly let you see it.

God smiled on me forty years ago today. I married a lady who has the spiritual gift of giving. Ruth is the most giving person I've ever known, the perfect help-meet for a man with stingy tendencies.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Wedding Rehearsal

2011-03-19T11:50:00.001-05:00

Forty years ago today Ruth and I were making final plans for our wedding rehearsal. Nixon was President. KFC was the largest restaurant chain (McDonalds took the lead soon thereafter).

Ruth picked up our wedding flowers between Marquand and Cape Girardeau. The lady had used live greenery to supplement the artificial flowers we had ordered. At the wedding, the artificial flowers looked great, the greenery had wilted.

That night Mom brought a salad for the wedding rehearsal. Aunt Katrina brought a dish; Mrs Huey brought green beans. I remember it was a good potluck supper.

Twitter @john316marshall
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40 years?

2011-03-16T15:14:00.001-05:00

Ruth and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this Sunday March 20. Makes me nostalgic.

It is an utterly unspeakably remarkable miracle that I rightly made the three most important decisions of my life before my 20th birthday. At age 6, I was saved. At 15, I surrendered to full-time ministry. At 19, I married Ruth.

What are the chances that a young person could make wise decisions in all three of these areas. It's a miracle. I would be remiss to rob the Lord of His glory and honor. He was guiding the steps of a naive, green behind the ears, youth.

Thank You, Jesus, for my salvation 53 years ago, for my ministry of 44 years, for Ruth and our marriage of 40 years. Annuit Coeptis (He hath favored our undertakings).

Twitter @john316marshall
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Mid-March

2011-03-15T09:14:00.001-05:00

This middle week of March is always interesting to me. March 15 is the Ides of March, which was a tough day for Julius Caesar.

March 16 is 3-16, the address of my favorite Bible verse, John 3:16. March 17 is St Pat's Day. My Grandma Marshall's ancestors fled Ireland to keep from being drafted into the British army to fight against the USA in the War of 1812.

March 18 is the address of what Dr Harold Renfrow, missionary to Brazil, considered the Bible's most important verse, John 3:18. We had spirited discussions comparing my favorite verse with his. Poor verse 17 never was mentioned.

March 20 is my wedding anniversary. This will be number forty for us.

Twitter @john316marshall
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A perfect day off

2011-03-01T10:24:00.001-06:00

What makes for a great day off? Since I'm in the middle of one, I'll share my insights.

It all starts with a good breakfast at McD. Ruth loves their coffee. She and I are now running errands. I love the time alone in the car with Ruth.

Lunch will be shared with my daughter's family. This evening will be spent with my son's family. In between I may find time to take a nap.

I'm very tired, as is everyone involved in GIC, but today will help. The sunshine isn't hurting anything. See you tomorrow night for the GIC commitment service at 6pm.

Twitter @john316marshall
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I Miss Grandpa

2011-02-27T15:02:00.001-06:00

Odd, isn't it? You can be coasting along in life with not a care in the world, and then, all of a sudden, something strikes you that causes your emotions to come unglued. That happened to me this afternoon.

My dad's dad died 31 years ago today. What shook me was when I realized he had been gone more years than the number of years I knew. I don't know why that caused the tears to start, but the whole thought was overwhelming.

Grandpa and I were of the same temperament. We bonded on several levels. I wish my children and grandchildren could have known him. He spoke often of the Bible. He talked about farm life. His diary was daily listings of weather conditions. I never met anyone else like him. I wish I could have known him longer and better. Heaven will be sweet.

Twitter @john316marshall

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Capistrano and Second

2011-02-26T13:29:00.001-06:00

Every year the swallows return to Capistrano, the geese come back to Springfield, and just as regularly and importantly, though less known, the missionaries return to Second. We had 170 of us here for lunch today.

For many, it's old home week. Reunions are sweet. It's good to catch up on what's happening in each other's lives.

For others, it's get acquainted time. We have about 25 here from our church plant in Chicago to observe how we do GIC. Jesus bridges the gap between big cities and little cities. In fact, He breaks down all barriers.

For all, it's hallelujah weekend. The Lord always shows up at GIC. Miracles happen, lives are changed, Jesus is honored. This is what we are about at Second.

I'll see you in the morning for worship. Tomorrow night at 5 pm, and Wednesday night at 6 pm, we will feature missionary stories and testimonies. Pray for the Lord to protect our time together.

Twitter @john316marshall

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My Cliches

2011-02-22T07:03:00.001-06:00

I have several hackneyed phrases I have used to the point of monotony. Here are a few.

One, "Huzzah". It's a term from the Revolutionary War period that I like.

Two, every time I get a headache, I say, "I never get a headache". I guess headaches erase my memory.

Three, "May all your grandchildren be twins". I use it as a phrase of blessing. I like the way it makes people think.

Four, Ruth's least favorite of my redundancies, "I don't have anything smart to say about that." Actually, I truly don't have anything smart to say about that.

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3 Funerals

2011-02-18T06:48:00.001-06:00

Ruth and I had three funerals this week. They were in different towns and for different ages, but had one vital trait in common. The three who passed were believers.

I thank God for the promise of the resurrection. Heaven is sweeter today than it was a week ago. Three more ties riveting us to earth have been cut.

We believers grieve at the death of a beloved Christian, but we do not weep as if we have no hope. We have a risen Lord who will raise us up.

Ruth and I count it an honor to be ones who are called to minister to people in their bereavement. It is a privilege to be an under-shepherd of the Great Shepherd.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Talking Eating Mouth

2011-02-16T06:24:00.000-06:00

My weight was up this morning. No surprise. I ate like a horse last night at El Rodeo in Bolivar. I re-learned something about myself I need to remember. I love to talk while conversing.

No, I don't talk with my mouth full, but there's lots of time to talk between bites. Let's face it. My mouth likes to multitask. Talk, eat, talk, eat, etc.

Wonderful food and two excellent conversationalists didn't help my self-control. I had beautiful Ruth to my left and gifted Joshua Hedger across the table. The talk and cuisine were a perfect combo. I had a wonderful time. Until I stepped on the scales this morning.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Jury Duty

2011-02-12T08:54:00.001-06:00

Kerry Powell, one of our custodians, did jury duty this week. Like many Christians, he was a bit reticent about sitting in judgment of others, but chose to do his civic duty. I'm proud of him.

Dee Wampler, a defense attorney, thanked me years ago for showing up for jury duty. He told me the right to a trial by a jury was the best protection of our liberties. He said even cases which never get to a jury are affected by the safeguard that a jury might be called.

When you are asked to serve on a jury, do so. Our liberties depend on it. Way to go, Kerry.

Twitter @john316marshall

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San Francisco

2011-02-08T13:58:00.000-06:00

I spoke with Ben Pilgreen a few minutes ago. The clock is ticking down to the launch of Second's next church plant, Epic Church, in San Francisco.

Ben is asking people to pray. I'm doing so. I trust all of you are too. A thousand details have to be handled in the next five days. Pray for wisdom and stamina for our dear brothers and sisters in San Francisco.

It's been three years since Ben, Shauna, and the boys came into our lives. They blessed us, including me, richly. Now let's bless them through the ministry of intercessory prayer.

Twitter @john316marshall
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New Pastors

2011-02-05T17:13:00.001-06:00

I called John David Edie this morning to verify details about the launch of The Pursuit Church tomorrow. When he answered the phone, I called him "Pastor" for the first time.

John David is no longer our Minister of Missions. Brad Bennett is no longer our Minister of Outreach. They have stepped into the New Testament's designated title for the leaders of local churches.

The Pursuit will launch at 10:45 in the morning at New Covenant Academy. Coffee and refreshments will be served at 9:30. Congratulations, Pastors Edie and Bennett. We are proud of you.

Twitter @john316marshall
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2 churches in 8 days

2011-02-04T06:53:00.001-06:00

Second Baptist will launch two new churches, 1700 miles apart, on the next two Sundays. Do not for one second believe the Super Bowl is the most important event happening this Sunday February 6. The Pursuit, Second's new church plant here in Springfield MO, is the really big news. Pray for our former staff members, John David Edie and Brad Bennett, as they begin this new work.

On February 13, our former Teaching Pastor, Ben Pilgreen, will launch Epic Church in San Francisco. About 6 families uprooted themselves and moved to the West Coast to make this happen. Pray for God's favor to be on them.

Sent from my iPad

Ill-timed Weather Joke

2011-02-01T15:23:00.001-06:00

No one in Springfield is happier we received less than 12 inches of snow than I am. In what I thought would be a harmless bit of levity, Sunday morning I jokingly said we should pray for 12 inches of snow because our missionary family visiting with us from Nicaragua had never seen snow. We don't have to worry about that any more. They have been quickly initiated into the world of snowy wonder.

It seems Springfield will end up with maybe 8 inches of snow. Everyone else is sad, but I am relieved. No resignation letter from me will be needed. I am grateful for the 4 inches of snow that did not arrive here. In the future I promise I will be less likely to make jokes about the weather. My life is a hoot, an event always waiting to happen.

Angie's Journey

2011-01-28T09:42:00.001-06:00

My assistant Angie and I have worked together for 15 years. She's been a blessing to everyone here at Second. At age 11 Angie was orphaned, her parents dying within a year of each other. Angie was taken in by an older sister and brother-in-law who were expecting a baby in Key West FL.

This brother-in-law died on Tuesday and his military memorial service will be in Richmond VA one week from today. Angie and her husband Ron will drive to and from the service. Angie will not fly (odd because her son is a pilot). She won't fly because when she was about 8 a small planed crashed in her neighborhood. Angie and her dad were the first ones on the scene. Long story short, there were body parts everywhere. Angie never recovered.

Pray for Angie and Ron as they drive to and from Richmond. We rejoice in a brother-in-law who was willing to take in his wife's sister. Angie says she never felt like an orphan. Amen.

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Falcon Time

2011-01-25T09:43:00.000-06:00

The day of destiny has finally arrived. I am taking the 1962 Ford Falcon to have it inspected today. I can hardly wait to see the jealousy in other drivers' eyes. This is the beginning of a new era. I will do my best to overcome pride. Huzzah,,

Sent from my iPad

At Your Service

2011-01-22T12:34:00.001-06:00

Mr Huey, my father-in-law, for years took Mrs Huey shopping. He would drop her off at the door, park, keep an eye out (until later years when he often fell asleep), and then retrieve Mrs Huey at the door.

I always admired that about him, and often thought I would enjoy doing this for Ruth. Today my wish has come true.

As I am blogging this post, I am sitting in our van outside Best Buy, waiting for Ruth to reappear. Mr Huey would be proud.

Twitter @john316marshall
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Fried Chicken and me

2011-01-19T06:38:00.001-06:00

My weight is up, primarily due to fried chicken, which I love so much that I count it a dessert. No kidding.

Preachers used to be famous as fried chicken gluttons. A preacher's belt was called the fence around a chicken graveyard. It was said chickens ran to the back of the property when they heard the preacher was coming to lunch. Preachers loved the sounds of money in the offering plate, and clucking.

At my brother's ordination, the last question asked of him was, "Do you like fried chicken?" We all howled with laughter. Charles said yes. I've often wondered, had he said no, would they have ordained him anyway, or would it have put a cloud over the genuineness of his call to the ministry?

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Parental partiality

2011-01-18T06:42:00.001-06:00

Today's Reading GN 37-38 Joseph is my dad's favorite Old Testament character. Joseph was also his own dad's favorite, a fact that caused him much grief.

Parents, no partiality allowed. Period. Many families have been shipwrecked by parents who favored one child over another. Beware.

PS 16:6 could have been written about me. I am grateful. The Lord has drawn the lines of my life in pleasant places. I received a good heritage. These two evenings talking nonstop for hours at Mom and Dad's have reminded me of this.

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Get Back

2011-01-17T06:13:00.000-06:00

Today's Reading GN 35-36 God told Jacob to get back to Bethel. Is there a place you need to get back to? Can you remember a time when you were closer to God than you are right now?

Rachel died. She was the love of Jacob's life. He never fully recovered. When we are born again, God does not turn us into robots. We still feel. Pain still hurts.

PS 15 is worth memorizing. It has always been a favorite of mine, a reminder of what a Godly life looks like.

I'm attending a church planting meeting in St Louis today. Pray I learn things that will help us at Second.

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Go Ye

2011-01-15T07:55:00.000-06:00

Today's reading is MT 10-11. Jesus went to the cities to preach. He said the lost are scattered. Thus, by definition we have to scatter to find them. We are commanded to go.

When alone, John the Baptist doubted. We need each other. There are no extra brownie points for being a Lone Ranger.

Psalm 13 begins with despair, ends with confidence. It is the recurring rhythm of the Psalms, and matches the ebb and flow of our lives. Neither unending despair nor unending happiness mark our lives.

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Talk to your wife

2011-01-14T06:49:00.000-06:00

Today's reading GN 30-31 Jacob was wise. He did not act without consulting his wife. Husbands, go thou and do likewise. Being a husband does not make us omniscient.

PS 12:5 God loves the poor. As you read the entire Bible this year, you will be amazed at the large number of times the poor are mentioned. I hope you are already planning how to bless the poor hands-on in 2011.

I am off to Jefferson City today for a special called meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board. Important decisions have to be made. Pray for us.

Dr. John 3:16 Marshall, Pastor
Second Baptist Church
3111 E. Battlefield Road
Springfield MO 65804
417-887-3111 x110

Twitter @john316marshall
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Babel

2011-01-05T07:50:00.000-06:00

Today's reading. GN 11-12. Everyone spoke the same language. Sin at Babel ended this. Pentecost proved the Holy Spirit was at work reversing the destructions of sin. Only in Jesus can peoples of the world be unified.

Abram was 75 years old when he left home. He lived in a tent for 100 years. He was following God's lead, yet never reached an earthly city. No wonder he is called the father of the faithful.

In MT 5 the Beatitudes are attitudes that ought to be. They are worth memorizing.

In PS 5 David said his voice was heard by the Lord in the morning. Start each day with Heaven hearing the sounds of your prayers. End each day the same way.

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Jesus, Don't Forget Me

2011-01-04T06:32:00.001-06:00

Today's reading. GN 8 and MT 4. God remembered Noah. Be grateful for God's unforgetting love.

The waters dried up on Noah's 601st birthday. Happy birthday, Noah.

God set his archery weapon of war in the cloud. He promised He would never use His worldwide flood arrow again.

Noah became drunk. No one is perfect. Never let your guard down. Keep your armor on.

Canaan's curse was fulfilled when Joshua led the conquest of Canaan's land. Their land became Israel's land.

Capernaum was Jesus' adult home. It is one of the most fascinating places in the Holy Land to visit.

Dr. John 3:16 Marshall, Pastor
Second Baptist Church
3111 E. Battlefield Road
Springfield MO 65804
417-887-3111 x110

Twitter @john316marshall
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969 years

2011-01-03T06:40:00.000-06:00

Today's reading. In GN 5 Enoch and Methuselah make an interesting father/son combo. Methuselah is the oldest man who ever lived, 969 years, yet died before his father did. Huh?

"Noah found grace" is good news for us. Had Noah not found favor, none of us would be here today.

In MT 3 John the Baptist called his listeners "vipers". So much for political correctness.

PS 3:5 I laid down and slept. An insomniac's "dream" verse.

Dr. John 3:16 Marshall, Pastor
Second Baptist Church
3111 E. Battlefield Road
Springfield MO 65804
417-887-3111 x110

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Has God Said?

2011-01-02T14:53:00.000-06:00

Today's reading in GN 3. "Hath God said?" every temptation from the devil involves his seeking to make us doubt something God has said. Stay close to God's word to stay safe.

How wonderful it must have been to take a daily stroll with God. We can still do this if we have a good daily devotional life.

Adam passed the buck to Eve who passed it to Satan. Adam and Eve's descendants are still passing the buck. We hate taking responsibility for our own failures.

In MT 3 I like my namesake John the Baptist, but I don't like his clothing style or his diet. In PS 2 "Kiss the Son" is still wise counsel. Love Jesus.

Dr. John 3:16 Marshall, Pastor
Second Baptist Church
3111 E. Battlefield Road
Springfield MO 65804
417-887-3111 x110

Twitter @john316marshall
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Start with God

2011-01-01T11:41:00.001-06:00

If you want to join us at Second in reading the whole Bible together in 2011, we're using Tyndale's "The One Year Bible". It is available in at least three translations.

Thoughts about today's reading in GN 1. "In the beginning God." All good things begin with God. Precede all your plans and deeds with prayer.

God put Adam in a garden. Work was part of the blessing, not the curse. I pray you enjoy your job.

Marriage is God's blessed gift to us. Next to being saved, being happily married is the greatest thing in all the world. Thank you, Ruthie, for a wonderful marriage.

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Grandchild 5 arrived

2010-12-23T15:02:00.000-06:00

Charleigh Anne Marshall arrived at 8:22 this morning. 9 lbs 10 oz 21.5 inches long. She missed my birthday by 8 hours and 22 minutes.

She must have heard me say I wanted her named Johnatina Edwinaletta if she were born on my birthday. She said "No way to that" and held out just long enough to escape that name.

Mommy and Baby are fine. Amanda is extremely tired. She had a C-section. It will be a while before she is up to visitors.

Charleigh is named for Amanda's dad, my dad, and my brother. She is a beautiful baby in every way.

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Big Country Bells

2010-12-18T14:15:00.000-06:00

Thirteen years ago, Second formally adopted an unreached people group we cryptically call the Bells. They live in what we call the big country.

On Friday I received an update from a member of our church who attended on our behalf the international conference on the Bells. It met in a large Asian city,

When we began our work thirteen years ago, there were less than ten known Bell believers. Now there are several hundred. This is good news. I am grateful. And yet the task remains daunting.

They are hard to reach. Trips to them are long, expensive, and arduous. None of us speak the Bell language. None of them speak English.

We made a twenty year commitment to work with the Bells. Another church made a 25 to 50 year commitment. We have seven years to go. "Oh God, please send laborers into the harvest. There is yet much to do."

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Relieved

2010-12-14T19:46:00.000-06:00

I'm glad my first day as Moderator of the MO Bapt Conv Exec Board is finished. I'm relieved. It went well. I did not make any huge gaffs.

More important than any concerns about me is the fact peace and harmony prevailed. There is a sweet spirit among us.

Dr David Tolliver is doing a great job as our Executive Director. My appreciation for him is growing with every passing day. He has a wonderful staff backing him up. I am more excited and confident about the MBC than I have been in a long time.

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Parliamentarian

2010-12-14T06:25:00.001-06:00

There's a word that scares me to death. One of my assigned duties as President of the Missouri Baptist Convention is to serve as Moderator of the annual session and of the quarterly Executive Board meetings.

Today is my first plunge. It's unnerving. Second, being a staff-led church, has quarterly business meetings, in essence for accountability, not approval. Thus, "Robert's Rules of Order" is not used much.

As a result, I am rusty. Wes Hammond, my friend, First Vice President, and Pastor at FBC Paris MO, told me, "Don't be nervous. If you make a mistake you'll have 55 people in the room who will set you straight immediately." Somehow, that did not comfort me. All prayers appreciated.

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LTG

2010-12-12T15:50:00.001-06:00

For the first time in 52 years as a believer, I have started a Life Transformation Group. Two of us meet once a week to discuss Bible passages we have read every day the week before. At our first meeting we discussed Titus. This week it was Hebrews 1-4. Next week it will be Hebrews 5-8.

My partner already has an unchurched friend who wants to start meeting with us. We'll do that a while and then when we reach number four, we will split into two groups. Only two or three at a time are allowed in a Life Transformation Group. Who knows? I may end up winning more people to Jesus by accident through this than I ever have on purpose using any other method. I'll keep you posted.

Humor helps. Mars has 37% of the gravity of Earth. This means a 200-pound person (like me) on Earth would weigh only 74 pounds on Mars and could jump three times as high. I have no interest in the jumping, but love the weight idea. I am quite an anomaly. As you know I am a perpetual pessimist. I find this to be the best way to live, because life is full of pleasant surprises this way. My oddity is that my blood type is A positive. Pessimists usually have B negative.

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M.E.N.D.

2010-12-09T21:08:00.001-06:00

Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death. The Southwest Missouri MEND Chapter held its first annual Christmas Candle Lighting Ceremony tonight at the Elfindale Chapel.

It was a deeply emotional time. Families who have suffered the loss of a baby by miscarriage, stillbirth, or soon after birth were able to come together to be comforted at this Christmas season.

Our very own Heather Fann is the local director for MEND. Her tender touch tonight blessed a lot of people. Her husband Jonathan is writing a book dealing with how fathers can more effectively deal with their grief in these types of situations.

Jesus loves the little children. I think he smiled at what He saw tonight at the Elfindale. I was honored to be there.

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Cold December Morning

2010-12-04T08:35:00.001-06:00

I drove the Falcon to work this morning. Twas a cold December morning in 1970 when I totaled its ancestor. I was winging my way through a yellow light when my dear friend, my 1963 Ford Falcon, began to choke down on me. It stalled. A young guy who was reading the light came barreling through the intersection and plowed into me. He also totaled his car. He hadn't made the first payment yet.

A major sidelight to this story is, when I married Ruth 3 months later, my insurance company had cancelled me. I had no auto insurance the day I married. Fortunately, my in-laws trusted me enough to let us take their car on our honeymoon.

Ruth owned an AMX, a souped up sports car, when I married her. When I called an insurance agent to see if I could buy drivers insurance on it, he laughed out loud. No kidding. We sold her much loved AMX and bought a tiny Opal, which we never did like. But at least I was able to secure insurance. Wow. What a saga. All because of a cold December morning exactly 40 years ago.

Humor helps. A lady at a restaurant asked for minimal lettuce. The server replied, "I'm sorry, we have only iceberg lettuce." A pedestrian heard a buzzer on a pole at an intersection. She asked what the buzzing was for. A friend explained it signals blind people when it's safe for them to cross. The lady, appalled, gasped, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?"

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Lunch with Dr. Tolliver

2010-12-03T08:36:00.001-06:00

Today I will meet Dr David Tolliver for lunch in Lebanon MO. This will be our first meeting since my election as President of the MBC. Dr Tolliver is our Executive Director. He and I really do like each other. He laughs at my jokes. I always appreciate that in a person. By the way, I laugh at his jokes too.

I'm enjoying my role as MBC President. I thought it would be a ceremonial burden, but I was wrong. It is a position that matters, and one for which the obligations are not terribly stringent. I'm glad I have this chance to serve the Convention I've been a part of for most of my life.

Both of my grandpas, my dad, my brother, and three of my uncles, have served as MBC Pastors. It's safe to say our family loves the Missouri Baptist Convention.

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Money sermons. Ouch.

2010-12-02T08:28:00.001-06:00

I have decided to return to my custom of preaching money sermons to start the new year. Few subjects are more distasteful to a large percentage or our listeners. At the same time, few topics are more important for them. Many who dislike money sermons the most are the very ones whose lives are being torn apart by their own poor money management. For anyone with money troubles to be against sermons on the subject is like a person who is in danger of drowning refusing to put a life jacket on. It doesn't make sense.

In my younger years, I admit I preached on money to make sure we had a steady stream of money in the church offering plate. I still hope to see good income in our offerings, but as I've age, I've seen the devastation bad management brings into lives and families. It makes people miserable. Therefore I feel compelled to speak on the subject. To avoid it would be dereliction of duty. Pray for me as I prepare these lessons.

Humor helps. A lady, told her garage door opener needed a larger motor, said it was 1/2 horsepower. The repairman said she needed 1/4 horsepower. When she said 1/2 is bigger than 1/4, he replied, "No it's not. 4 is bigger than 2." A lady asked the city to remove the "Deer Crossing" sign from her street. She said too many deer were being hit by cars there, and she didn't think it was a good place for them to be crossing anymore.

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The Young Bucks and Me

2010-12-01T14:31:00.001-06:00

I've been preaching 43 years. That's quite a bit longer than the ages of the six guys I met with this morning to discuss the sermons I will preach in all three morning worship services January, 2, 9, and 16. I was 20 years old before any of them were born.

What is going on here? Well, I'm determined to stay in the learner mode. I want to communicate well with this younger generation when I preach. I felt I needed help on my 11:00 delivery and content, and decided these were the guys who could help me most.

I think I was a good listener this morning. I received several helpful insights. The guys and I will be getting together a few more times before I take to the pulpit in 2011. Pray for us. Pray we will be a blessing to each other. I'll keep you posted.

Humor helps. A 3-year-old prayed, "Our Father, who does art in heaven, Harold is His name." A 4-year-old prayed, "Forgive us our trash baskets as forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

Dr. John 3:16 Marshall, Pastor

Second Baptist Church

3111 E. Battlefield Road

Springfield MO 65804

417-887-3111 x110

Twitter @john316marshall

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$75

2010-11-27T15:20:00.001-06:00

Today I drove to work and back home in my brand new 48-year-old Falcon. I've named it the Millennium Falcon, after one of the spaceships in Star Wars. We nicknamed it Millie, in honor of grandson Caleb's dog that recently died.

My original Falcon cost $75. Nothing on it worked--no radio, no heat, no air, no nothing. In the winter I drove with a blanket over my lap. In the summer all windows were down.

My car was purple, except for a white left front fender. It had been in a wreck. I totaled it one cold December morning on the way to a college class.

My new Falcon looks better, runs better, has better working accessories, and Lord willing, will last a lot longer. Huzzah!!

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First Time in 40 Years

2010-11-24T16:32:00.000-06:00

As best Ruth and I can remember, tomorrow will be the first Thanksgiving Day we have not spent with our parents. Through all of our married life, we have always found a way to make it to the Hueys or my parents.

When in seminary at New Orleans, when a Pastor in Mississippi or Arkansas, we faithfully made our Thanksgiving pilgrimage. Ruth's parents are in Heaven now. Every day for them is Thanksgiving.

My parents live in St. Louis County. Ruth and I slipped away to spend two days with them last week. Ruth and I are now officially on grandbaby watch. We want to be here when our new granddaughter comes.

Tomorrow Ruth and I will eat at Rebekah's. John and his crew will be there, as well as Nathan's family. When the Marshalls and Williams get together, we all have a blast.

By the way, before tomorrow is done, I will call Mom and Dad to wish them a happy Thanksgiving. Oh yes, one final note. Go Cowboys!!

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47 years ago today

2010-11-22T10:53:00.001-06:00

We who are old enough to remember November 22, 1963, can tell you precisely where we were and what we were doing about 1:00 pm that day. President Kennedy was assassinated. I was in the sixth grade. Our school secretary came into our room and whispered the news to my teacher. She told us and then said maybe we would want to say a prayer for the President. It's the only time in all my education that prayer was ever mentioned. The whole country came to a halt for five days. It's still an unpleasant memory.

Less dramatic was the death on that same day of the Christian Apologist C. S. Lewis. His passing was completely lost in the Kennedy story, but as the years have passed, Lewis' star has continued to rise. Many consider him to be the most brilliant mind ever to espouse the Christian cause. His books are as popular as ever and continue to be effective defenses of our faith.

Albert MVP?

2010-11-19T18:17:00.000-06:00

I have to admit I am anxiously awaiting Major League Baseball's announcement on Monday regarding the National League Most Valuable Player award. I think it's safe to say it will be Pujols or Votto.

I remember a few years ago when Albert was upset because he lost the MVP award, though the Cardinals made the play-offs, and the player he lost to played on a team that did not make the post-season.

If Albert wins the award this year, will he regret it since the Cards did not make the play-offs, but the Reds did? Everyone knows I'm a radical Pujols fan, but I think this year's award should go to Votto. However, if Albert wins it, my grief will not last long.

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At Mom and Dad's

2010-11-16T04:23:00.000-06:00

Ruth and I are spending today at my mom and dad's house in Bridgeton MO, a northwest St Louis suburb. This is my home away from home. I'm relaxed, at peace, definitely in my element. I enjoy the familiar.

This is our Thanksgiving time with my parents and brother. Once we arrive back home we are officially on grandbaby alert, ready at a moment's notice to help when grandchild 5 arrives. These are exciting times. Bring on that baby!!

Grandparenting is all it's cracked up to be, and more. May all your grandchildren be twins.

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Me and 2200 women

2010-11-13T07:39:00.000-06:00

Last night Ruth and I attended Jennifer Rothschild's Fresh Grounded Faith conference at Second. It didn't take long to figure out why it is so popular.

Michael O'Brien started things off with congregational music. Ever heard 2200 women sing? Move over, Heaven.

Jennifer's message was superb. I'd be sweating bullets if Southern Baptists allowed women to be Senior Pastors.

Chick-fil-a sent over some dancing cows. Yep dancing cows. Baptist preachers are skiddish about dancing people, but dancing cows are okay.

Comedian Tim Hawkins did a one hour and fifteen minutes set. Maybe the funniest 75 minutes of my life. I couldn't believe how he was sustaining unbroken humor that long.

Way to go, Jennifer!!!

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Thank You

2010-11-07T16:14:00.001-06:00

Second will celebrate our 15th anniversary tonight after church. People have been extremely kind to Ruth and me, expressing their congratulations and gratitude for our years of service here.

Please let me return the favor. You have blessed Ruth and me far beyond our wildest expectations. It seems we weekly see things happen that many people never see at church in a lifetime.

Ruth and I plan to be around for many more years. Let's buckle our seatbelts, give ourselves to prayer, and zoom off into the future together. It truly is an honor to be your Pastor. Thanks for this weekend's celebration.