April 27th, 2010 by drpuritan
This past Sunday was such a blessing to my soul. Godly worship, godly fellowship, great food, several dear guests . . . then worship with other Baptists in Sanford. I was reminded of the great faithfulness of God in my life. He is so kind, so gracious, so merciful. Then, yesterday, Sarah Rhodes came to visit us from the mountains of northern Georgia. The Bailey family has been enriched for years through the friendship of the Ray Rhodes, Jr. family – and we thank God for their faithful ministry in the kingdom of God. If you get a chance, check out Ray’s church and itinerant work Nourished in the Word at www.nourishedintheword.org (you will be glad you did).
April 19th, 2010 by drpuritan
Stu Tully. Phil Wilson. Gerry Leonard. Don Wilton. Stanley Jones. Harold Dillon. Elaine Sharpe. Mike Thompson. Don Irving. These are some of the men and women I have known who epitomize the excellent, concise, biblical, practical and POWERFUL blog post I just read from Dr. Thom Ranier (http://www.thomrainer.com/2010/03/seven-characteristics-of-highly-evangelistic-christians.php). If I accomplish nothing more today than reflecting on his words; putting them into action in my own life and church; thanking God for the people in my life who prayed for me, witnessed to me and modeled for me the evangelistic privilege; and making a few of you aware of this great article, I will be content. WOW! Praise the Lord for faithful soul winners! May I join more passionately and obediently their blessed ranks!
April 16th, 2010 by drpuritan
What a great morning! I had a particularly honest prayer time with God this morning and I am thankful for His amazing grace in my life and ministry. The love and forgiveness and Lordship of Jesus sustain me. Chapel was a blessing; Rob Terry shared from the Word and from his heart—a truly great guy. Ethan went with me to school, and after a cheap but filling breakfast at BK, we were at the bball court. He continues to improve in both knowledge and application. I love spending time with my son; God is so very kind to me.
April 12th, 2010 by drpuritan
At the Gator Orange and Blue game Saturday, I saw a man with a University of Florida cap. Well, there were LOTS of those at the Swamp, but this particular hat indicated that either he, or possibly his son or daughter, was a medical student from UF. I have always loved the medical profession; before God called me to preach, that was my intended profession. My reading, studying and dreams were about the operating room and hospital ward. Saturday, I thought for a few hours – what if? What if I did the prerequisites that I missed as an ENGLIGH major? What if I scored sufficiently on the MCAT to actually get into a med school at my age? Could I do it? Would my brain POP? It was a nice little reverie while it lasted.
Then, I thought—what if? What if I devoted the 5 or 6 years required to get past medical school to improving in the areas of lack that I know I have in pastoral ministry? By the time I am 50, I might be a lot more competent than I am now! Pretty cool thought.
April 10th, 2010 by drpuritan
Ethan, Catherine and I went to the Orange and Blue Debut in Gainesville today. What an adventure! We left around 6 a.m. to head north, filled up the van with gasoline and arrived for our traditional Chick-Fil-A breakfast at the Archer Road exit. Then to a sweet parking spot right across from the Swamp, then off for a chilly 1.8 mile trek to get free t-shirts and the book Saturdays at the Swamp from the fine folks at FightinGators.com, then drop off the goods and get more stuff at the Fan Fest. Fun game, good weather (it warmed up beautifully) and we had 9000 more fans than the georgia bulldogs, a team that probably should stick to badminton this year. God graciously gave me a wonderful memory with two of my wonderful children. And the Lord’s Day tomorrow! I am blessed.
April 9th, 2010 by drpuritan
I read my Bible today; did my reading in Calvin’s Institutes today; read some great Christian blogging today; prayed today; had some great discussion time with Dawn today – but I feel kind of sluggish spiritually. I think I need to get back to the routine of teaching at the school, pastoral ministry and even more reading and praying. Other than Ethan’s birthday and the prospect of the Orange and Blue game tomorrow, this spring break has been more drudgery than delight. My fault. I should have improved the time better.
April 5th, 2010 by drpuritan
I woke up at 4:19 a.m. this morning, wide awake. Thank You, Lord! Before the birthday breakfast at Denny’s and last minute errands and hot dogs and cake and putt-putt and friends and presents and family, I get to think and pray uninterrupted about my only son, Ethan. He has brought such joy to my life. The picture in the red playpen is representative; even as a baby, Ethan used to chuckle. He has always loved life. There is in every moment an undercurrent of joy. When he gets mad, he doesn’t stay mad. Don’t ever lose that, Ethan! In the words of Nehemiah 8:10, “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Strive to be a godly man. Excel in all you do. Love the Lord Jesus; make serving Him your highest aim. Cherish the Bible. Stay close to your family. Be a man of integrity. I look forward to growing together as father and son and also as Christians through our discipleship time in the coming year. I am so proud of you, Ethan! Eleven years—where did they go? Fishing, football, New Orleans, shooting hoops, swimming, “lets play Med,” hanging out, “Sands of Iwo Jima” nights when the girls are away, eBay book boxing – thank you, Ethan, for making me so rich. I love you, son. Thank You, God! In Ethan You have taught me so much about my dad and the blessing that he is to me; the love and stability and camaraderie that Owen Bailey gave to me, I want to pass on to Ethan. To be a son and to have a son are among the greatest blessings I know. Have a great birthday, Ethan!
April 3rd, 2010 by drpuritan
There are lots of reasons to rejoice these days (maybe you did not expect that). The Bible is still true! My family still loves me! My computer did not crash today! And Jesus is ALIVE! Celebrate tomorrow the fact that makes every blessing possible. We would love for you to join us at RBC for good food, good singing, fair preaching and the best group of people anywhere with whom to rejoice in our Savior’s RESURRECTION! Hope to see you there!
