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Radio has blasted into cyberspace with a wide-ranging number of options for the listening public. The antennae range is no longer the defining limits of broadcast choices. Instead of turning your radio dial, you can now turn on your computer.
Go ahead and turn on your favorite search engine. Now, type in your favorite radio station from decades in your memory filled past. It won’t take long. Your website promotes the web address of your long-ago listening enriched favorites.
I have run into people who have relocated miles from one city to the next. Some have retreated to the rural regions. Others have found their new home across the great plains of the USA. But, they still hang on to their favorite radio station via the internet.
For the month of May, every Wednesday at 10AM, on KHCB FM105.7, I will host Prayertime. If you’re in the listening area you can tune in the tried and true way. But, never fear, if your outside of the broadcast range, boot up your computer.
KHCB means “Keeping HIM Close By”. Cool, eh? The radio station is all about the Bible. Here the Bible is the center of all that happens in this broadcast hub. God’s Word is loved, taught, and treasured.
In the Prayertime broadcasts, the Bible is presented as the basis of the prayer to follow. I love teaching the Bible in preparation for communing with God. Please join me. We are going to have a great time in the Word and then praying.
Here is the address to listen into the program. It is only available LIVE. Join me at 10AM Central Time at
See you on the air!
photo by brucefong photography
When Christianity does something right, there is not a lot of coverage. Do something wrong and it is all over the place. There is no shortage of slams and “there they go again” opinions.
This picture is one of the right things done. These are seminary leaders who are higher education leaders in Houston. Several different seminaries are represented. Their doctrinal beliefs have distinctive differences.
Nevertheless, we meet annually to build our friendships and cheer each other on in the name of our common Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We don’t argue theology, we don’t water down our beliefs or convictions. Instead, we eat Texas BBQ and deepen our friendships. That’s allowed.
Advancing our conversation and camaraderie, precludes what is too easily done. We have dispensed with throwing critical stones. It is tough to slander a friend.
Perhaps our quiet and enjoyable fellowship will help our churches and future leaders to engage in the most important of Christian virtues: love. That option is certainly much more invigorating and edifying than other options. Antagonism is left behind. Judgmental attitudes do not get any fuel out of our time together.
Maybe this kind of seminary engagement will not only bring our participants personal satisfaction but also stir the pot of Christians showing the way to be civil, edifying, and compassionate toward one another.
Who knew that Texas BBQ could be the emissary of the Gospel of Jesus. This is good news. Again the Savior shows us how powerful his redeeming work is.
The darkness is on the way. You can feel it creeping in. There is no way that it can be thwarted.
These woods are familiar. A handful of times I have walked these grounds and emerged safely each time. But, there are beasts nearby.
Humans who make a mistake when four-footed creatures lurk nearby, will regret a bad choice, a fear induced flight, or an all-out terrified panic. An outdoor spirit and personal confidence are your best friends. Never let fear loom bigger than it really deserves.
Never turn your back on creature. They have instincts to attack when prey runs away. That’s the way God created them. Besides it is not possible to outrun an animal which has twice as many legs to help it race.
This is their habitat. Each animal can duck branches that will take down a clumsy human. They can deftly leap over fallen logs, dodge tree limbs, and scurry around impenetrable bushes.
When a human panics, the sounds of a charging nocturnal creature are hideous. Thunderous snarls, earth-shattering growls, or spine-tingling screams have an affect on people that melt the bravest into a puddle of helplessness. If a prowling beast puts a human on the ground, it is game over; the predator wins.
Confidence comes with keeping a clear head. I know where I am on the property. The direction for my safe exit is fixed in my mind. Carefully, I scan the woods for my escape route. Darkening woods change with the shifting shadows of the looming night.
My carefully selected gear solidify my surface bravery. I know my equipment. It makes me dangerous to the animals in the woods. They are on notice that this human is the ruler of these woods.
Courage comes from certainty. Bravery wins the night because of experience. Dependable equipment gives layers of protection not just for survival but for domination.
I emerge from the woods where the night has claimed those grounds. Yes, I am safe and sound. For me it is a matter of faith in the darkness. I am delighted that trust in what is dependable has pushed aside what fear tries to claim.
photo by brucefong photography
Curiosity drew me to see this film. The trailer caught my attention several times. It was odd that no one in my circles had been talking about it.
Nevertheless, my far-from-perfect instincts would prove worthwhile on this occasion. I saw the movie on an outbound business flight. It moved me.
During a typical working weekend, I found myself reminiscing over episodes from the story between Dr. Shirley and Tony. Some of those thoughts were reflective. Others were humorous. Yet, others found me marveling.
I deliberately chose to watch the movie a second time, just a day later, on my homeward bound flight. Certain that my initial reflections were reenforced, I recommended it to my wife. We watched it together. That was my third viewing in a week’s time.
When the key characters lived through many life moments, tension ratcheted up. Each individual, except Dolores, had glaring shortcomings. Bigotry was layered in both men. Insecurity leaked out in triggered scenarios. Scarred personal identities became more apparent over time.
Comic relief eased the natural uncomfortable crescendo in this racially charged story. Repeated moments similar to these took a quiet but powerful tone. Relief emerged as transformation. Personal prejudices genuinely eased as friendship emerged. Acceptance was easier than could be imagined. Courage was shared, winning respect. Long suffering grew stronger.
We could only wish for this story line to be repeated as a national or international phenomenon. At least it was true for these two men. It was after all a true story.
Maybe the truth in story on film will touch others to wonder about the possibilities. Perhaps more friendships will stir because of it. Friendship is a powerful human link. There are subtle movements of love, Christmas, letters, and romance that add dynamic texture to the narrative.
I for one could applaud this film and highly recommend it. The story is sure to touch the souls of many. Quite possibly could it shrink the ugly tide of racism to a noticeable degree?
Obviously a film cannot do much to transform the landscape of wicked human behavior. But, people might be attracted to the hope of such change and join in it themselves. Who knows what miraculous moments can happen when genuine friendship discovers true love and righteous people mix it up with a true story.
photo credit: Google image
It is the day before I step on to a stage in a church where I have never been. Most likely I will never return to this church in the years to come. Such is the pattern of this unique speaking circuit.
I am a preacher. There was a calling in my life when I was in college. God moved in my soul to step out in faith to be a teacher of his Word.
Yes, I have always had a day job. More accurately it was a regular job. Many times it was related to the church or supportive of the church.
Then, the invitations came. Churches needed a retreat speaker. Pastors needed a Sunday pulpit supply. Conferences needed a keynote speaker. Organizations need someone to speak at their annual convention. Every request was an honor.
By far the most were one-off invitations. The friendships that were begun ended with an email exchange, an occasional Christmas card, and once in a while a renewal gathering in some city far away from home.
This weekend is another one of those special honors. Hundreds of men are gathering at a church tomorrow. They are hungry for a word that will stir their souls. Many will come searching but will not have the words to express that longing. It will be up to me with the help of the Holy Spirit to put words to those feelings.
I am looking forward to that task. It is the greatest privilege to be a part of the eternal work of the Spirit of God and to realize that it is happening at the moment that it is. Nervous? Eager is more like it.
Google image
This movie, Unplanned, was one that I anticipated. Trailers popped up periodically for months. The story was very compelling.
I will admit that I have a strong attraction to movies based on a true story. Real lives, real drama, and real transformation win my attention. Weave in a message that is important to life and I am ready to buy my tickets.
A good person enters into the world of Planned Parenthood. Her personal saga is uncovered and adds to the intricacies of the story. Family and friends and faith all play a part in this narrative.
The movie portrayed the presence of extreme protesters and terse rants on the part of the right to life crowd. The obnoxious ones were a small minority but they were clearly identified in the story. At the same the majority of the life side were depicted as kind, gracious, and helpful.
Thankfully, the side of Choice were also depicted well. They were portrayed largely as good people albeit surrounded in a volatile atmosphere. Desperate young women with few apparent alternatives come to the clinic seeking a solution.
The chief adversary was left unexplained. Thoughts of greed, power, bitterness, and the like were introduced as possibilities. But, more questions than speculation were presented.
The one antagonist was cast well. She displayed and portrayed the intent of the Choice side. It was unlikable.
I liked the movie. Prayer works. Christians need to persevere. Unborn babies need to be protected.
When abortion happens, it is ugly. An innocent life that ends because of human intent, it is heartbreaking. The movie wrencheed my soul.
Reflecting over this film, I have good thoughts that sometimes justice prevails in the courtroom. Family is a genuine support group. Husbands can do well. Forgiveness from a merciful God is wonderful.
brucefong photography
We don’t have time to add concerts into our jam-packed calendar. But, we make time. It is worth it.
Getting up close and personal with gifted artists is the focus on experiences that enrich life. There’s no use staying busy if there is no room to enjoy the life that we are living. Just to exist has its merits. But, experiencing life beyond just existing is sensational.
Andrew Petersen came to town. He was our guest artist for our seminar students at DTS-Houston. This was a gift for our hardworking students as a respite in the final semester of the academic year.
It was a closed-audience concert. We were able to get very close to the performance. None of us left with any disappointment. Rather, we unanimously sensed the satisfaction of an intimate ministry served to our souls.
Peterson wove his personal story into his songs. He interacted with the audience, asking for favorites. His personal banter made this concert extra special.
Then, Steven Curtis Chapman also came to town. That was an open concert. He took the stage trotting on to an enthusistic ovation.
His story unfolds in his songs too. What God has taught, provided, and enriched his life were episodes pervasive in his music. All of us laughed, wept, and wondered as he spoke as much as he sang.
On the drive home, my wife and I conversed not just about SCC’s music but even more about his story. We felt the deep challenge. Live music is so effective. Listen and live is the beautiful impact from the stage.
photo by brucefong photography
The season has begun. It happens this same time every year. People look forward to it. Businesses gear up for it. Celebrations are planned around it.
You can even dress up for this kick off. It seems like every where you turn people are getting into the spirit of this annual spectacle. Of course the sight, smell, and taste buds join in the chorus.
No, it’s NOT baseball. Nor is it March Madness. Churches get involved but it is not a religious holiday.
It is crawfish season! Yes, MUDBUGS. You can do it yourself if you have a pot big enough for these morsels. Helpings are measured by the pound.
Make no mistake about it. This is not fine dining. You can’t worry about the splatter or the residual that is leftover. A serving of crawfish is as much about the experience of eating. It takes some effort to enjoy this meal.
Some of my West Coast friends shake their head as a refusal to choose this cuisine. Their
brief curt rejection is punctuated, “Too much work!” It takes some effort but if you are enjoying the company of good friends and the conversation is extraordinary, then this is the perfect meal to enhance the talking around the table.
Just do it outside. It is an expressive kind of dining. Spilling, splattering, popping pieces around the area is a part of it. Make that a part of the sharing. Lay out a drop cloth on a picnic table and dump the entire pot of mudbugs, corn on the cob, red potatoes, and garlic sauce on top of it.
Pull up a chair. Tuck in a napkin in your neck. Laugh, tease, tell stories, and love on your family and friends. This kind of crawfish feast will be the memories that makes life worth reliving.
God likes it when we seal the deal with each other by breaking bread. In this case it is cracking shells. But, the satisfaction on every level is at its very best. Try 2 pounds and soon you’ll be up to 3 and loving everyone and every bite.
photos by brucefong photography
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