To The Man Who Would Not Quit

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All hail to the boy who raised his eyes,
And saw the greatness of the skies,
Who grabbed a fist of polluted air,
And began his walk up the stairs,
Even with braces that did not fit,
He was the boy that would not quit!

Like a shot of a gun, others passed by on a dead run,
They would say to the boy, as they passed him by,
You’ll never make it to the skies,
But in his slow pace, he just walked on,
He never stopped to rest or sit,
But with a smile on his face – in his heart a great song,
He was the boy who would not quit,

Graduation day came as he stood in the crowd,
Many were not there who had spoken so loud,
Yet the tassel and gown were a perfect fit,
For that crippled boy, who never did quit.
(Jack Exum)

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Walk A Little Plainer Daddy

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   Walk a little plainer daddy,
Said the little boy so frail.
   I’m walking in your footsteps,
And I never want to fail.
   Sometimes your steps are very plain,
Sometimes they’re hard to see
   Just walk a little plainer daddy
For you are leading me.

I know that once you walked this way,
   Many years ago.
And what you did along the way
  I’d really like to know.
For sometimes when I’m tempted 
   I don’t know what to do.
Just walk a little plainer daddy
   For I must follow you.

Someday when I’m all grown up,
   You’re like I want to be.
Then I will have a little boy-
   Who’ll want to follow me.
And I sure want to lead him right,
   And help him to be true.
So walk a little plainer daddy,
   For I must follow you”

by: Melva O’Neal

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Tiny Figure

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   Beside the highway leading out of town, he stands beneath the green trees. I don’t know who he is, nor does he know who I am. I do not think he cares to know my identity.
   He waves to me – To everyone. His face is happy. His smile is bright. I feel better after I pass by, because he has shared his joy, his love for life and people with me.
   He does not come to the roadside in a moment of idleness, nor without careful preparation. As I wear a robe, adorned with a cross to raise the sacrament to my people… he brings his chair, a thermos, an eye shade and his shaggy dog.
   I think about him – Tiny figure, beside the road, offering his sacrament of a ‘Good Day’ to everyone who passes. I wonder how his days are spent. Are they long, as mine? Does anyone raise a hand to him? When the cars are gone and the night closes in, what does he do? I do not know but I think he is happy in the remembrance of his ministry of love. I think he falls asleep smiling.
   Tiny figure beside the road — you know so well what one taught so long ago… “For whatsoever ye would that men should do to you… do ye also unto them…” and “… by your standard of measure… it shall be measured to you again.”
   I lift my hand to you — tiny figure — I must learn to sing your song.
   Let me live in my house by the side of the road. It’s here that the wall of men go by. They are good. They are bad. They are weak. They are strong, wise (and) foolish. So am I!!
   Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat, or hurl the cynic’s ban? Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend of man.

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The Christian Life

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   It is no small thing to be a Christian. “Marvelous” and “challenging” are perhaps our best efforts at describing this life but these fall far short of the real joy which comes when one is a genuine disciple of Jesus. The blessings are many, and the challenges are many as well… but the rewards far out-weigh all that we go through in this life.
   Alton Howard. a well known song writer/publisher and elder in the body of Christ published 10 things elders need to keep in mind while shepherding the flock of God, and which help in living the Christian life. Dad cut out and pasted this in his New Testament…
1. Focus on Christ
2. A strong effort to spread the message of Jesus Christ
3. The church family must be biblically educated.
4. We must be concerned about rescuing the perishing rather than damning the saved..
5. We must be willing to accept change in methods.
6. We must permit diversity.
7. The church must be a place (group)(jhejr) where saint and sinner can find love, joy and encouragement.
8. We must make commitments to life change – not just form.
9. Must emphasize basic Gospel facts — Jesus in the flesh — crucified — resurrected
— ascended — coming again!
10. Each Christian must live a life that reflects the life (heart)(jhejr) of Jesus!
Another friend and brother (Charles Hodge Jr.) encourages all to “Grow up!” in Christ.

The most precious relationship is that which we have with Jesus… Let’s commit to renewing this with the goal of having the heart of Jesus.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Exum Books, MP3 Audio, e-Books – Special Sale

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                                     SPECIAL – SPECIAL – SPECIAL
Here is a list of my stock of books which dad had in his barn when he passed away. The number attached to each represents the number of copies presently available. THE PRICES LISTED ARE FROM DAD’S PRICE LIST… AND ARE DIFFERENT FROM THE PRICES (IN SOME CASES) LISTED ON THIS WEB SITE UNDER “EXUM BOOKS”. THE SPECIAL OFFER… FIRST COME FIRST SERVE…. THE LATER YOU WAIT, THE GREATER THE POSSIBILITY OF NOT GETTING ALL THE BOOKS LISTED HERE SINCE OTHERS MAY GET THEM. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY WITH THEIR ORDER…

1. (3) THE ABC’S OF GRACE – $6.00
2. (100) THE ART OF ILLUSTRATING – $8.00
3. (23) CHURCH ISSUES – $2.00
4. (4) DIVISION AND DIVORCE – $5.00
5. (4) FABLES FOR TODAY – $4.00
6. (100) FENCES, FREEDOM AND FOLLOWING CHRIST – $2.00
7. (2) FOR ALL THINGS ARE YOURS – $3.00
8. (13) GIVE AND YOU SHALL GET – $3.00
9. (1) GOOSEBUMPS AND BUTTERFLIES – $4.00
10. (1) GREAT COMMISSION – CONTINUING CHALLENGE – $6.00
11. (3) HOLY SPIRIT – HOW HE WORKS IN CHRISTIAN LIFE – $6.00
12. (5) HOW TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE ACCEPTED – $5.00
13. (100) HOW TO HANDLE YOUR PARENTS – $3.00
14. (35) HOW TO ORGANIZE FOR SOUL WINNING – $2.00
15. (45) HOW TO RAISE KIDS RIGHT – $3.00
16. (6) HOW TO RAISE KIDS, WIN SOULS, END UP SWEET OLD MAN – $2.00
17. (4) LAUGHTER, TEARS, FEELINGS AND MEMORIES – $3.00
18. (8) CHURCH LEADERSHIP – $4.00
19. (3) LEAVING SELF BEHIND – $6.00
20. (1) LETS HAVE A PRISCILLA CLASS – $5.00
21. (1) LETS HAVE A TIMOTHY CLASS – $5.00
22. (17) PERSONAL NOTES ON FAMILY SEMINAR – $2.00
23. (20) QUESTIONS TEENS HAVE ASKED ABOUT SEX – $2.00
24. (5) QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT SOUL WINNING – $4.00
25. (100) REDEEMED (ENGLISH) – $3.00
26. (8) REDEEMED (SPANISH) – $3.00
27. (40) SHARING – A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN POETRY – $3.00
28. (5) SOUL WINNING – NOT WHAT YOU DO, ITS WHAT YOU ARE – $6.00
29. (1) WINNING OVER STRESS – $5.00
30. (3) WINNING OVER WORRY – $5.00
31. (3) TWO TREES (A CHILDRENS BED TIME STORY) – $3.00

THIS IS A $123.00 VALUE…. FOR $50.00 PLUS THE COST OF SHIPPING AND HANDLING ($10.00)!!!  We will be glad to ship to other countries but the shipping will cost more. I WILL FILL ALL ORDERS AS BEST I CAN… AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.

NOTE: WE NOW HAVE E-BOOKS… IF YOU (FOR EXAMPLE) MAKE AN ORDER FOR THIS SPECIAL AND ONE OF THE BOOKS IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, THEN IF I HAVE IT AS AN E-BOOK, YOU WILL GET IT AT NO COST TO YOU. IF THE BOOK IS NOT IN E-BOOK FORM… ALL I CAN DO IS TRY TO GET IT IN E-BOOK FORM ASAP AND SEND IT TO YOU, BUT THIS WILL TAKE TIME SO BE PATIENT… 

I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO GET DAD’S BOOKS INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO NEED THEM. YOU WILL FIND SOME ON THE INTERNET FOR DIFFERENT PRICES…. BUT NOT THIS PRICE! NOTE: ALL ORDERS MUST BE PRE-PAID DUE TO UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCES WITH SOME WHO HAVE NOT PAID FOR THEIR ORDERS.  (Note the “Donate” button on the “Welcome” page.)

 ANOTHER SPECIAL: WE HAVE 21 OF DAD’S AUDIO LESSONS AVAILABLE FOR $2.00 EACH. (ALL THE LESSONS ARE NOT READY YET…)
IF YOU ORDER ALL OF THEM AND INCLUDE THE PAYMENT OF $20.00 THEN YOU WILL HAVE ALL 21 mp3 downloads to enjoy.  

I ALSO WANT TO INVITE ONE AND ALL TO ‘SUBSCRIBE’ TO THIS WEB SITE SINCE YOU CAN RECEIVE FREE MATERIAL THIS WAY.
Love’s prayers,
Heaven bound ‘learner’
Jack Exum Jr.

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Key Words In Romans

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   Studying God’s grace is like studying God’s creation.. The documentary “God of Wonders” deals with the wonders and beauty of God’s creation. As one studies scriptures and in particular, God’s grace… one is captivated again  and again by the God of wonders and His marvelous plan to save mankind.
   In particular, Paul’s writing to the Christians at Rome goes deeply into the Grace of God, exposing the fallacy of one who tries to be saved by law. Thus it is critical to understand the key words used in Romans. Below, is a list of words and definitions dad had on a card which he kept in his folder for his lesson on grace. I hope this helps you in your studies….

WORDS – ROMANS
1. IMPUTE – to give or account – to credit
2. ADOPTION – not naturally born into
3. JUSTIFICATION – above charge no indictment (This is a one time action)
4. SANCTIFICATION – Holy set apart (This is an on-going and growing action of the Spirit of God working in the life of the Christian.)
5. PROPITIATION – to satisfy
6. RIGHTEOUSNESS – character of being right
                                        Right religiously with God
7. EXPIATION – making amends
8. PARDON – forgiveness – setting free from punishment
9. GOSPEL – good news – “All the Jesus did”
10. ELECT – chosen
11. WORKS – (alternative) fruits
12. FLESH – body
13. WRATH – God’s anger – displayed in action
14. GRACE – gift – mercy
15. FAITH – believe – not seeing
16. LAW – rule of action
17. LIFE – now – to come
18. SIN – miss the mark
19. DEATH – separation
All of these are GREAT, SWEEPING, PANORAMIC – CONCEPTS – WORDS which add to the understanding of Paul’s work to the Roman brethren.

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Don’t Forget!!

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   How well we remember the unbelievable, when terrorists hijacked four commercial
jets, using them to attack America. We watched helplessly, as the Two Towers
fell, the Pentagon was struck, and a lonely field in Pennsylvania received it’s
awful impact as heroes acted to save yet another target of a few terrorists. 
   Recently my wife and I travelled to New York City with some friends, and one of the places we were determined to visit was the “Freedom Tower”.  Actually I am not sure if it is called by this name or “World Trade Tower #1”. One lady who was on the subway train with us, got a bit upset when she heard one of our group refer to the tower as “World Trade Tower”. Anyway, I like “Freedom Tower” and it is truly an amazing work of engineering construction. The memorial of the two towers which crumbled to the ground killing so many innocent Americans, is also beautiful. In a setting of a quiet park with walk ways and trees, one finally comes to where they once stood. The plaza which has perfectly formed waterfalls into where the foundations once were for these huge buildings, continually falls. The names of not only those who died here but also those who perished in the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania, as well as those who died in the
1993 attack are inscribed here… all 2983.
   The problem with people is that we tend to forget. We get distracted by other things. It was the same in the Bible…  Deuteronomy 4:9  “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 6:12  “Be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought
you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Well, as history shows, Israel
forgot. In Matthew 26:6-13 we find a woman comes in and anoints Jesus’ feet… others complained and griped, but Jesus said that her kindness would be remembered (or will we forget?) This was close to the time when Jesus was to be crucified. It was after this, we find the record of Jesus instituting the Supper (Matthew 26:17-29)… The bread represents the body of Jesus, and the “cup” (grape juice or wine) represents the blood of Jesus. It is a memorial… never to be forgotten, because it was His sacrifice that was
given for the sin of the world. It is His sacrifice, that sealed a New and better Covenant. It was through his sacrifice, that we can come and gain access into His grace and receive a marvelous forgiveness of every sin. (Will we forget?) Truthfully, we probably won’t forget this memorial, but it seems to be given less and less time in services…. with less thought being given in preparation made.
   Memorials like the one in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, where so many perished at the hands of a few terrorist… should never be forgotten… Simple acts of kindness should not be forgotten. The Memorial which Jesus established (which surpasses all the others)…. Should never be forgotten (or treated lightly). 
   Lord help us not to forget. 

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Slavery Or Freedom

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This article is part 3 of 4 in the series Grace

SLAVERY VERSES FREEDOM
   After 430 years of slavery, the Israelites were finally free from Egypt and the horrible treatment of slave masters. God chose Moses (Exodus 2-3) to be His messenger to Pharoah. It took Pharoah ten lessons (Exodus 7-11) before he finally let God’s people go. They packed up everything they could carry, and even looted the people of Egypt, and set out for the Promised Land of Canaan. Following the Red Sea event, where Pharoah met his final defeat (Exodus 13-14), they are now free, but there is more to freedom…  
   After the song, dance and celebration came the hardship and responsibility, something they were not prepared for.  The wilderness was not easy and Israel continually griped and complained to Moses and Aaron about conditions… (Exodus 15:22-23; 16:3). They even wanted to go back to slavery in Egypt! 
   Slavery at least (the Government) provided them with food and water, and they didn’t have to even think for themselves… they were told what to do. Sure they were beaten if they failed at their jobs… but now the hardship of freedom and responsibilities of freedom, made them long for slavery once again.
   There are two ways to look at this thing called FREEDOM. Freedom is good and bad because it means you have to think and make decisions based on the knowledge of right and wrong. It depends on how bad you want to be free.  
   Some Christians still want a lot of rules and regulations… they have hard a time with the grey areas where decisions and choices must be made. Paul’s greatest battle was with Jewish teachers and Christians who were trying to either enforce or go back to the slavery of the Law (Galatians 4:8-11). The problem was that they were trying to be saved by PERFORMANCE OF LAW KEEPING not by FAITH IN CHRIST.
   The result of going back to law keeping… it takes the joy of the Christian away (Galatians 4:15) and you “fall from grace” (Galatians 5:4), since LAW/WORKS and GRACE/FAITH are incompatible. It really is a case where FREEDOM IN CHRIST is at stake.  
   Paul says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Religion which enslaves, and demands performance is a religion of frustration and guilt. You can motivate by both LAW and GRACE, but only one of these brings JOY.
   Yes, freedom in Christ means responsibility to study and think for yourself, and yes there is the possibility of making mistakes… but that is what grace is for. Grace means “unmerited favor”, it means having some “elbow room.” “Elbow room” to grow, make mistakes and get up and try again… not try to BE SAVED, but BECAUSE YOU ARE SAVED. Christians cannot grow under law… but they can grow under grace.
   There is a big difference between ‘going to church’, giving, praying, singing, studying because you HAVE TO and because you WANT TO. Slavery verses freedom…. I’ll take freedom in Christ every time.
  

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