Interesting these times are....shadowy is the path of the dark side. Vague, sleep, eat, health, wealth, car, sickness, health, pain, joy, prosperity, notoriety, significant, insignificant, glee, mortality, death. Wow, just a plethora of words. Yes, I said Plethora! Yes, you have a plethora of presents. But, I'm more interested in what you don't have. Let me ask you one question. It's certainly a question I am plagued with recently. Do you have direction? You see I have so many things I enjoy doing. I love playing basketball, and golf, and surfing the internet. But, then if I narrow those down to the things I'm great at, then I'm basically an internet surfer with a blog writing meaningless drivel that no one will read anyway. But what is my direction? I enjoy writing, and feel I have somewhat of a gift for making readers think beyond just merely existing. I think I can prompt you to look inside and to become a better person. But, I also think I can beat you at Monopoly. But what is your direction, what is mine? I want to make a difference, I long to have someone say that the world was a better place because of me. I long to have more than family to show up at my funeral to talk about my sense of humor. I think direction is finding what you are great at, and then developing that to make a difference. If you are a great cook, then figure out ways for people to make great tasting low cost foods, and make a difference in your community. If you are great at shopping and picking out bargains, then make lists of the best paper towels and other assorted goods to purchase and pass those lists out. Maybe perhaps my direction then, is to teach people how to google?!?!?

Direction, purpose, sense, direction, help, find, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, self-control, humility, for, you, God, we, Trust!

Preston

Judgment Falls

Judges 10:6-10 says, "6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8 who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites. 9 The Ammonites also crossed the Jordan to fight against Judah, Benjamin and the house of Ephraim; and Israel was in great distress. 10 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, "We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals." 11 The LORD replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites [c] oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!"
Tonight we bowed our heads and worshipped one who stated, "America is no longer a Christian Nation." We lifted up an idol to one who stated, "...or should we just stick to the Sermon on the Mount...a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful our own defense department would survive its application." Tonight millions of self-professed Christians voted for a man that has voted repeatedly for unlimited and taxpayer funded abortions. Tonight, many who may read this voted for a man that made fun of Christians as, "Rednecks who cling to thier Guns and Religion."
So, before I see another remark from someone who says, "Yeah, I'm a Christian and I read the Bible, and I voted for Obama", you better ask yourself if you are truly proud to have voted for a man who proudly proclaimed "religion is a crutch", we are "no longer a Christian nation(Baal/Ashtoreth ring a bell)", and homosexuality is perfectly okay. Obama said on that same video after his Sermon on the Mount comment, that "Folks haven't been reading their Bible." For once i agree with him!! Because if you had, you would never agree with anything about this man. Don't give me the excuses, don't give me the I'm strong in my faith and serve my church community crap. There is this dynamic with sin. We have sins of commission, which you of course don't do. But, we also have sins of omission. Tonight these "posers" as my friend Butch aptly named them failed to drive something out our presence that is against the very nature of God. A man that lifts himself first.
And so with that, judgement falls on our nation much the same as in Judges 10. But, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. May God truly have mercy on our souls.
Welcome to your Welfare State.

The young man shown above is one young Jimmy Pepmiller of Oak Grove, LA. Jimmy is a Junior and star Quarterback of the football team. Jimmy is also a very good friend, and son of two very good friends Rev. Roy and Sheila Pepmiller. Tonight Jimmy played his heart out. He fought for some tough yards against a very game Jena team. He only ended up with about 60 yards of offense but he did manage two touchdowns and one long run of about 40 yards. What's great about the night is not what Jimmy did with his hands or with his feet, but with his heart.
Take a closer look at Jimmy. If you do, you might notice under his eyes R.I.P and the name "Derrick". Tragedy struck this week in the small southern town of Oak Grove, LA. It seems that there are families and various people in the community that are at war with each other and have been for some time. Unfortunately because of an act of cowardice three lives were lost in a horrible fire started by a person full of anger and rage. A young man named Derrick Davis, full of promise and enthusiasm lost his life. The story that I've heard is that he initially made it out of the house, but went back in after other family members that were still trapped in the house. Oddly enough, the door was not an option as the arsonist had parked a vehicle in front of the door to inhibit lives being saved. This is of course the story being circulated around town, so I've not verified it personally.
What makes Jimmy a bigger part of this story is his compassion. It seems Derrick Davis was not liked too much by some other members of the school that he was forced to ride the bus with. So Jimmy being the outstanding young Christian that he is, offered to pick Derrick up every morning and give him a ride to school. I'm not sure of the events one early morning this week, but I can only imagine that Jimmy went to bed with thoughts of getting ready for school and homecoming week, and picking up his friend on the way to school. I shudder to imagine what his thoughts turned to when he awoke to the news. I can hardly imagine the pain and anguish he must have experienced.
But on the other hand I can imagine, as I have walked in his very shoes. Many years ago in high school I had a great friend. One that I admired and found passion and potential in. He and I did not begin on great terms as a brawl in fourth grade left us mad at each other for a couple of days. However, we soon became very close all throughout school. He ended up being one of the star players on our football team. He was #66 with offers from many schools to play the sport he loved so dearly. Football was his life next to his Christian faith. He had an amazing gift of being the craziest guy you could imagine but being very sincere with encouragement just when you needed it most. He was the child of a local pastor and oozed with potential that we could only imagine. As with Jimmy's morning this past week, I too awoke to that very same morning. It seems that at some point during the night he and his girlfriend had continued a fight and had broken up. With tears in his eyes he sat on the edge of his bed and without a thought for anything or anyone else he took his life with a shotgun in hand.
Many years have passed now since 1991, but the memory of waking up to that horrible moment still haunt me from time to time. I lived in Oklahoma City during the Federal Murrah building tragedy, and experienced it first hand. I survived Hurricane Katrina in southern Mississippi with all the pain it brought, but nothing has formed who I have become more than that one single event in my life. I realized then and there that if sin was so prevalent in the world, and that if a young man with such promise and joy could take his life in an instant, I needed to dedicate my life to making a difference in the lives of others. I never wanted to see another tragedy like that again. I am the father, husband, Christian, and friend that I have become now in large part because of the day I lost my great friend. Oddly enough, a few days before he had given me his football practice belt with the number 66 written in ink, and wanted to make sure I had it.
So, you see why I now understand the courage Jimmy had tonight. He has fought through the fire, he has stood with courage, and now he has a lot of decisions to make. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this will change his life forever and help to create him into who he will become. I know that there is an awesome God willing to turn this into something good in the lives of others. I know that the God of Peace will be right beside Jimmy every night that he awakes in a cold sweat, or drives to school thinking of picking up his friend Derrick. So, on this night Jimmy Pepmiller played his heart out for #5 Derrick Davis, just as I for #66 Derrick Nelson. Rest in Peace Derrick Davis. Rest in Peace Derrick Nelson

Preston

I've weathered my fair share of storms. I've been through a few battles. I've looked death in the face as a loved one slipped away. I've preached the funerals of older ones, younger ones, and those yet to be born. However, the more battles I go through the more I realize just how completely and utterly dependent upon an All-Powerful God I am.
I've been through some rough patches with my work lately. Pardon me, I've been through these patches with my temporary money provider. Ultimately being a Contract Project Manager for Implementations and Conversions for a Banking Software Company is not what I want on the resume of my tombstone. However, I realize that everything that I go through is only another way for God to continue to mold my character, to shape my integrity and to prepare me for where He wants to lead me. Besides, I don't work for Open Solutions. I work for the Living God. So, everything I do, I do with Integrity. Everything I do, I run as to win the race.
Isn't it funny how we look at the Presidential Race now and instead of running the race to win, each Candidate in their own right is not running toward the goal, but just trying to be the last one pushed out of the Sand box. John McCain the maverick who doesn't buy into politics, but does what's best for the American people, is now known as "SAFE". Obama, the most liberal senator in the whole U.S. Senate is now separating himself from Ayers and Wright to become the "Center".
When I became a Christian I got a new CORE, I became a new creation. I no longer fight to please man, but to please God my Father. Let me say that I'm extremely happy that I have gone through some fires. Otherwise, I might begin to develop the mindset that I'm in control. That I can do what I want to do. That I can succeed by my 146 IQ. How crazy is that? I wish a Presidential Candidate would be honest for once and say, "I don't know it all." "I'm going to surround myself with the brightest minds, and most of all find my knees in prayer to the one that does know it all."

Preston

Death of a Pastor Part I

Ok, Kiddos. I've realized some things that are really amazing to me. First and foremost this idea of "Death of a Pastor" continues to bear itself out as I have been able to live this out in my life. I've also played the part of the proverbial fly on the wall over the past two years while in Alabama, and now in Oak Grove. I've seen this frustration of a person who longs to lead, but it embattled to Pastor. One of the things I've determined is essential to this book is to get a real heart for where Pastors opinions fall on this subject. I think if you are writing to a specific audience you should probably know their overall mindset. Where do they hurt? How does the line get blurred between passion and obligation?
Here's where I'm at:
1. I've began the introduction Chapter 1 of the book. It's really a William Faulkner type look at the Funeral of a local Pastor (Pastor Shepherd) **Thoughts about the name? It involves characters and also some overarching themes that I hope to tie into what Pastors experience on a daily basis. Then I'll obviously link this "story" in with some of mine and their story and transition that to what I believe to be: 1. What the Bible Says. 2. What experience Tells us 3. Practical practice 4. Empowerment

2. I'm working on a questionairre that will begin to open up some of these mindsets and may provide some real depth to the book. Below is a sample list of some questions (rough draft and no particular order) I've thought up initially. Please feel free to come up with some of your own in the comments section. **Hey you never know you might get a mention in the book!!!

1. Do you consider yourself as a Pastor or a Leader?
2. Is my primary role leading people in God's will, or encouraging and comforting those in their walk with Christ.
3. Is Pastoring (in the traditional sense of the word) a calling or a byproduct of a position?
4. Pastor or Leader. The church today needs more...
5. Do you believe Salvations in the church would increase if you could focus more on leadership versus Pastoring?
6. Can peers Pastor each other?
7. Is Pastoring a calling or a gift?
8. Is Leadership a calling or a gift?
9. Is Ministry a calling or a gift?
10. Does Pastoring lead to inaction by laymen?
11. Does Leadership lead to inaction by laymen?
12. Pastor or Leader. Moses was a...
13. Pastor or Leader. The apostles were...
14. Pastor or Leader. Jesus was a...
15. How important is time management to a Pastor/Leader?
16. Pastor or Leader. Who would empower others better to use their gifts for the kingdom?
17. One attempts to be a Pastor and Leader. Does that make one a Pleader? "Cheesy yes I know!"
18. Any more???

Blessings to all my friends and family,
Preston

Wow

I'm amazed at how quickly my blog has turned into a political juggernaut. I will get back to posting inspiring and challenging important things soon. However, I think of greatest importance right now is the battle we are having in this Country over the next President. I have included a transcript of a response I had to a friend's argument recently about the "One" Obama. I have changed the names to protect the innocent. The one question I have out of all of this is how can Christian men and women turn from their belief system to rationalize a candidate and why? Read on..I dare you!

I am pro-life, however I'm aware that we live in a world where not one politician,NOT ONE, will sign a bill making all abortion illegal. So, to demonize Obama for the sins of a multitude is irresponsible to say the least. Especially since you can say that you have not seen the other issues that were on the bill that he would not sign. It's very easy to point at a politician and say that they are sooooo wrong, when you are not in their shoes, and it seems much easier to do with Obama. Why? You tell me. Do I think he's going to be the100%? No, that's why we have God. He's the only one who is going to be that for us...do I think Obama is better than McCain? Based on this one argument...yep. So, where's McCain stand on this subject? On the subject of a dang near genocide? Iraq and elsewhere? Abortion is not a topic for politics because no politician will sign a bill totally negating the process. Do you think that Palin would sign that bill? Never...not in a million years. So, ask yourself an honest question...why Obama? Where was this info when Kerry ran? He too supported the failure of this bill....Hmmm...be honest and ask yourself why it's so easy throw Obama in there and make him less than Presidential based on this one argument...
I have 4 children and love children...however; I know that if Jesus couldn't make everyone see it His way or make everyone turn why would you expect a politician to have the ability. We're not asking Obama to put us in heaven, nor can he, but we're asking him to run the country to the best of his abilities, with the understanding that at the end of the day the PEOPLE are the true writers of the law. His name is OBAMA, not Roe or Wade orGod...he neither made the law, nor does he perform abortions. HOw many pregnant young mothers have you brought to Christ, or invited to your home, church? How many abstinence seminars have you facilitated or attended? How many have your church hosted? How many youth rallies? HOw many inner city functions have you brought the Word of God? How many young men have you opened your home, heart, and Bible with? How often have you said to a youth, outside of the comfort of your own home church, "Sex is not going to fill that void, only God can do that for you." Let him w/o sin cast the first stone...I hope you have put your stones down.
If you're upset w/ this, ask yourself why...? Conviction is how God tells us what we need to do...I convicted myself.


Friend, you wrote a very open honest and compelling argument. I do respectfully disagree, but I think you did a wonderful job of trying to defend your position, assuming you are pro-Obama that is.

I have studied argumentative writing and conversation, and I've been in my fair share of debate. So, obviously when you are framing an argument you want to initiate the topic, which you did well, and then make an over the top statement. In fact, you made several. 1. "Not one politician will sign a bill making all abortions illegal." That is an emotional argument and simply not true. I'm not saying I agree wholeheartedly with the Bush Administration but to examine the "facts" Bush signed many bils that came across his desk restricting abortion. In fact, he signed the unborn victims of violence act, the partial birth abortion ban, and many other far reaching Pro-Life bills. If a bill came across his desk that was passed by congress effectively overturning Roe-v-Wade, do you not think he would sign it? I think many Christian leaders would jump at the opportunity if for nothing else than opportunity to be the leader that eliminated the cruel act.
You also mentioned, "So, to demonize Obama for the sins of a multitude is irresponsible to say the least. Especially since you can say that you have not seen the other issues that were on the bill that he would not sign." Again a very good emotional argument, but again without merit because it contain no facts. Here is a fact. The U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed the exact same bill, and yes I've looked at them. Fact 2, the Illinois Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill. Fact 3, Obama was the ONLY person that voted no on the bill.

So, instead of looking at the actual vote, and examining the facts, you did use a very good liberal trick you attempted to distract us, by pointing to John Kerry. That was an interesting argument as he is a fellow Democrat of Obama's, so I'm wondering why you so quickly threw Kerry under the bus? Warning-Here's my emotional argument- I wonder how Christian men and women with morals and values, can somehow cast aside everything that they believe? How can they look past their Christian worldview to accept Obama? If we are open an honest with ourselves I believe we have created the next great race/culture/social war in America, based on the color of a person's skin. I believe good well-meaning Christians have overlooked their values to accept a person that is, well, different. Now, I absolutely agree that it is probably time to show the diversity of our country by electing a President from a different culture than our current Euro-merican (yes I made that up) background. However, I will NEVER vote for someone just because of their race if they go against every moral fiber of my being. If we so desperately want a President of a different ethnicity then give me a Colin Powell, or Condoleezza Rice. I would vote and even help push a candidate such as Bobby Jindal of Louisiana. He is a devout Christian, wonderful leader, and Indian by race.

A third argument you made is that, "Do I think he's going to be the100%? No, that's why we have God." I'm just amazed at how blinded people have become because he is the "ONE". You challenged us and now I'll challenge others as well. Why do we turn away and rationalize that one person can't make that much of a difference in politics with a Christian worldview? Isn't that the "sexiness" of Obama in that we "believe" he can make such a big difference? Do you not realize that the President of the United States of America does more than sign bills and pet puppies and shake hands? He appoints people to head things such as the SEC...Hello. He appoints people to the FCC that will either help or hurt in regulating the filth that comes over our television waves. Most compelling?

The next President will likely appoint new Supreme Court Justice which will frame the direction of our country for years either towards a strict Constitutionalist Biblical world view, or towards liberalist Judges that make up the law from the bench. The President affects much more than you realize, and when we are challenged why we "Demonize" Obama. I don't demonize Obama. I demonize his proven record that he is for killing unborn children. He is for the Gay-Lesbian lifestyle. He is on record of blaspheming religion by saying people, "cling to their guns and religion." That he is on record stating this is not a Christian nation. That he is on video stating that religion has no place in politics. That he is on video stating the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus and the Sermon on the Mount are wrong. If you don't believe the claims I made I challenge you to check out my blog! WWW.PrestonDuvall.blogspot.com. You will never hear me say that Obama is a demon, but in regards to his policies, if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck....

I do believe he is not a paid actor

I just firmly entrenched myself against Obama! I'm not sure how it happened. It seemed as if he was the fox that sauntered into the hen house for a moment, only the hens did not mind. It seems that he somehow convinced America that he is Pro-America. One of our great Presidents (I forget his name at the time and I'm too lazy to look) once wrote the greatest motive an immigrant to our country could have would be to become fully American and devoted to these United States. It seems Barack Hussein Obama has kept one foot in the sand of American soil while still remaining firmly entrenched in the thoughts and ideals of the Middle East.

You see when you can begin to rationalize everything away as a crutch or some form of placebo to the human psyche you take away just the very thing that makes each and every one of us so completely, utterly unique. Steven Curtis Chapman penned the words best when he wrote a song for his daughter that said simply, "I can see the fingerprints of God". The image and very Spirit of a living, star creating, Universe making God took the time to place his fingerprint upon you to make you one of a kind.

Yesterday I took the opportunity to go to a Wildlife refuge with my family. We had the opportunity to see so many different kinds of animals from Wildebeest, spotted deer, Kudus and so many more. However, we also saw a most amazing creature, real life up close and personal zebras were all around us. Their uniform stripes almost mesmerizing to look at. I then remembered that I had once read that every Zebra has it's own striped pattern. Each one different, each one hand-painted by a God that cares for the smallest of bird. I also remembered the movie Madagascar when the Zebra, Marty, pondered a deep thought. Am I white with black stripes, or black with white stripes? I admit it, I'm in awe of our country. I have a strong Native American history and could blame all of my faults and failures on the "occupation" by the "white man", but whenever I hear the National Anthem and look into the faces of the crowd and stare at the stripes on the flag of these United States of America, I am still mesmerized. I look at the uniformity of the stripes and realize they all our equal. However, I can't help but wonder as I consider a possible Presidency by Obama what he sees and experiences whenever he looks at that flag? My gut feeling is that he would want to change the colors and the pattern of the flag. To alter the very existence of our country, to make us a placebo for himself. When a man is bold enough to slander the very Word of God that this Country was founded upon and principles we all hold dear, I am deeply concerned with what's next. So what exactly did Marty the zebra and Obama have in common? Here I am wondering, What is the color of his core, and what stripes does he proudly display. My stripes? They are red for the Blood of Jesus Christ, and white for His cleansing Power, and last but not least...blue for the University of Kentucky Wildcats of course!!

The battle

Rev. Roy Pepmiller preached last week on the life of a man named Elijah. He spoke glowingly about Elijah's moment on a mountain when he was surrounded by the prophets of Baal, and yet the Lord showed up on his behalf, against all odds, and Elijah took the hearts of the people. Roy then went on to share how Elijah's one moment of great accomplishment soon turned into utter heartbreak and ultimately a wish for death.
How quickly can our mindsets change? As Christ followers we each seek for those moments in our lives to blend into moments of contentment and happiness. However, the reality is that we still live in a fallen world. There is a distinct difference in becoming new creations as II Corinthians speaks of and still living in a very real and changing world. Sunday night I was blessed to have the privilege to speak in the service, and I used the text of Romans chapter 7. In that chapter we get a deep look into Paul's soul and see the utter turmoil that he was under. Paul shares how he does not do what he wants to do, but continues to do the bad that he does not want to do, even though before he did the good but wanted to do the bad, but now he finds he actually wants to do the good, but he cannot do the good. Wow! The scary thing is I know exactly what he is saying. Paul is explaining that our very nature has changed, but we are still in a battle with our humanity.
The important lesson to learn is this, you are no longer who you once were, so why do you continue to live as if you were. When I was in third grade I began to play peewee football. Now, you know in football when two players collide it is usually the player that pulls back at the last moment that gets hurt, that takes the lick. When I went out for one of my first practices we did this drill called the gauntlet. No explanation is necessary other than to know that when my time came I faced the gauntlet staring at the largest player on the field. My dad had already given me the cue I needed to survive. He said, "Son, when you get ready to hit them, you accelerate through the play". So, the whistle blew and just a moment before impact in my own way I seemed to notice him raise up. So, I changed my approach and I threw all of my weight towards his upper body. I remember knocking him so far back, and I remember the coaches coming to congratulate me and giving me the Tomcat Paw to put on my helmet. The next day I wore an undershirt to show off my new prowess that quickly became my nickname. Today, I bet if I saw coach Mike he would still call me muscles.
When you experience problems in life, don't pull up, you accelerate and hit them head on knowing who you are in Christ Jesus. And you don't get a cool sticker for your helmet, you don't get a cool nickname for life. You just get a new you! Accelerate!

Quick hit

Saturday Quick Hit:

Revelation Song: Alan, Scott, Margie and I used to play this song at K-Springs Church and it is one of the most powerful worship songs I have had the privelege of playing on. In case you are wondering, I played drums. Alan is an incredible guitarist as is Scott and Margie's vocals were incredible on the song. I actually think there may be a recording of some of our performances out there somewhere....cough....cough....

Death of a Pastor

Yes, I'm already plugging my book. Yes, I'm energized and challenged by the thought of creating something for God's Kingdom. Yes, I'm using you for testing grounds. However, I hope that my thoughts, humbly penned, will guide you and direct you to a truer understanding of not just who you are, but who you can become.
Death of a Pastor is simple. I have been challenged by many colleagues and various Churches to elaborate on what I believe to be the single biggest challenge facing the church in this century. Often I find myself spouting off the talking points as if I was going on Bill O'Reilly. My thoughts would automatically lead me to mention topics such as the irrelevance of the traditional church to today's culture, or the moral and ethical decline in America. I must admit I caught myself in a political battle because I believed the next President would greatly shape the Church's future.
I could supply you with endless babble from the so-called "traditionalists". They continue to pour out the "Sunday School" answers left and right. "What we need more is for people to get back into "OUR" church." "We just don't pray enough." "You can't teach the youth of today anything."
God I believe has a different opinion. As I search the scripture I can't help but recognize our dependence upon true leaders. I'm not talking about Presidential leaders, but spiritual leaders that shape and guide our moral and ethical compass. Scripture drives this point home over and over from Moses to Elijah, from Joseph to Joshua, Peter to Paul.
There are far too many Pastors in America's churches. We marry, bury, and babysit. We appease and appeal, often finding no ground to stand on when those we "Pastor" abandon our challenges and Visions for the Church. The churches biggest challenge is figuring out how to kill the Pastor and resurrect a Leader. A leader after God's own heart, a leader that is emboldened enough to challenge the paradigms. To break away from the traditional Pastor/flock relationship and move a congregation of believers to pastor each other and avoid at all costs the lukewarm church of Revelations. I, as a sojourner, desire to kill the pastor, and resurrect a leader.