Jeff Daniels as Chamberlain in GETTYSBURG

Been rewatching Gettysburg directed by Ron Maxwell -- one of my favorite movies of all time. The actors were all superb, but none more so than Jeff Daniels as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the hero of Little Round Top. Gettysburg would not be the epic movie that it is without Daniels. His soliloquies are the heart and soul of the film. 

It's always been amazing to me that Daniels was in both Gettysburg and Dumb and Dumber within a year or two of each other. Talk about versatility in acting. In Gettysburg Daniels absolutely killed it when he went from the soft spoken college professor to a soldier shouting "Fix bayonets!" in just a few frames. 

Now that is acting. No one could have matched Jeff Daniels in that role. He should have won an Oscar for Chamberlain. He was more than merely "inspired." Who could have imagined a Bowdoin College professor becoming a Civil War hero and a Medal of Honor recipient? Daniels made that movie! Sam Elliott also gave an Oscar-worthy performance as Buford in a small, supporting role. 

Love this film!

The "Skinny Fat" Excuse

People often blame their physique on "bad" genetics. But should they? 

I've always been skinny. 

As I've aged, I've begun to become more "skinny fat" -- still skinny but with a pouch. I think what we need to do is acknowledge that it isn't just because of bad genetics that we're fat or skinny fat. It's because of our lifestyle choices and habits. In my 30s and 40s I would often come home from work and eat a whole bag of Doritos and a bunch of other junk food, so it was no wonder that I had a pouch. The good news is that through little lifestyle choices and habits we can overcome an unhealthy diet. You can begin to burn calories through things like walking and your general movement throughout the day. It's pretty obvious that you also need to build muscle by lifting about 3 times a week. You need to be contentiously doing this to make sure your body is continually adapting so as to get stronger and stronger. If you can, be sure to find a gym where the trainers are eager to help you track your progress with a camera. 

Walking definitely is a game-changer if you're getting up to 20k steps a day while keeping your calories low and your protein high. Together with strength training, this formula for weight loss is virtually impossible to fail. I'm now 72 and in the best shape of my life so far. People want the next gimmick or trick diet but the truth is that many of us are moving too little. Physical labor jobs are a no-brainer if you can go that route. If not, you have to get out of that chair and move.

Just some thoughts. Have a wonderful day! 

Snack Time

Hawaii Beckons

Lord willing, in 13 weeks from today I will hop on a plane for Hawaii, where I plan to spend 9 days surfing. This will be my 10th trip to Oahu in as many years. I spent the morning prepping for all the paddling I'll be doing by lifting and then getting in my 20,000 steps. 

For surfing you need a really strong core, arm strength for the pop up, and a strong back and rear delts for all the paddling you have to do, especially at Diamond Head. 

Really, surfing is a full body activity. You're mostly paddling and waiting, but once you're up and riding you're recruiting the muscles in your legs and core. To increase your time out in the water you'll also need to focus on cardiovascular fitness. Even in Hawaii, we have small and flat days when you might catch only one or two waves while you're out for 3 hours. But I'm never happier than when I am in "my" element, the ocean, where I was born and bred. 

Of course, the best exercise for surfing is surfing. Keeping my eye on the Virginia Beach surf report! 

How We Are to Rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 3:1)

I loved going through Phil. 3:1-11 yesterday in class. Thank you, Jesus, for making it so plain how we are to rejoice in you! I want to do every one of these things in the days I have left on this earth!

1. Boasting in Christ -- not in ourselves or our accomplishments, but in what God has done for us in Christ Jesus!

2. Gaining Christ -- because Christ himself is the true profit in life. We can't afford to lose him!

3. Being found in Christ -- that is, when we stand before his bema seat not on our own merits but the all-overcoming merits of Christ!

4. Knowing Christ -- which is much more than the acquisition of facts or a mere intellectual apprehension of truth but rather a personal and intimate relationship with him. It involves the mind, yes, but primarily the heart. To know Christ is more important than anything else in the world!

5. Becoming like Christ in his death -- that is, by renouncing our own selfish desires and saying "yes" to the Christ who calls us to take up our cross daily!

So there you have it:

• Boast in Christ!
• Gain Christ!
• Be found in Christ!
• Know Christ!
• Become like Christ! 

The prize of the Christian life is Christ himself and living our lives close to him and his cross! Friend, if you want a humdrum existence, a boring life with no adventure, no challenge, no excitement, no deep satisfaction, then you'd better not read Philippians any more because you can have that kind of life all by yourself without any outside help! 

Was Matthew Our First Gospel? Interview with Tim Miller of the Shepherd's Seminary

Now this was lots of fun!

Free Book in Greek Class

Any student who gets a perfect score on today's Philippians exam will get a free copy of one of my books. Hope to give away many today! 

Guaranteed!

Yes, there will be chori pollo in heaven.

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Tomorrow our Greek class will be exegeting Phil. 3:1-11. Please pray for me -- for clarity, strength, and God's blessing as we study this vital passage of Scripture. We need this message because the church is always in danger of drifting away from the sole sufficiency of Jesus in every generation. Here Paul combats the whole idea behind "religion." Religion is all about what we do for God. The gospel is all about what God has done for us. In other words, the gospel is all about grace. The gospel says, "I'm accepted by God because of what Christ has done." Religion says exactly the opposite. The 3 words of religion are, "Get to work." The 3 words of grace are, "It is finished." No one can ever be good enough for God. We can only rely on a righteousness which is through faith in Christ that comes from God as a free gift on the basis of faith alone. The gospel says, "I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, and I am so loved that he was glad to die for me." Here's how I want my class to remember this truth:

• Not FAITH + WORKS ("through faith alone")
• Not GRACE + MERIT ("by grace alone")
• Not SCRIPTURE + TRADITION ("according to Scripture alone")
• Not GOD'S GLORY + MINE ("to the glory of God alone")

In short:

JESUS + NOTHING = EVERYTHING! 

A Visit to the Five Forks Battlefield

160 years ago today, both the Confederates and the Federals near Petersburg knew that the decisive campaign of the war was about to begin. It the midst of a pouring rain, Union troops fought a battle with Lee's forces at a non-descript country lane called the White Oak Road, which was an important supply line for the besieged Southern army. By the end of the day, the road was in Union hands, so the Confederates shuffled off to the west to set up a defensive line around an intersection called Five Forks.

It had been several years since I last visited the Five Forks battlefield, so I decided to retrace my steps there this afternoon. The visitor's center, a small, nondescript building, was manned by a single ranger. 

He was the only other person I saw in the visitor's center or on the battlefield today. 

I imagine he was eager to see me (or anyone for that matter), and we began discussing what happened here on April 1, 1865. Union cavalry general Philip Sheridan wanted to attack the Confederate lines at Five Forks around noon, but the Federal infantry wasn't ready until 4:00 pm. By the time the sun had set, the Federals were in control of the crossroads. The next day, Grant followed up the success at Five Forks with a major attack all along the Confederate lines. They broke through the entrenchments, and the race for Appomattox Court House was on. 

It was pretty quiet today at the Five Forks battlefield. 

But the place was anything but quiet 160 years ago on April 1. After the battle, Grant divided his army into two separate wings, with one pushing Lee, the other hoping to confront him head on. What developed was a classic envelopment situation: Lee was attacked at his rear, accompanied by an attack on his front. Thus Lee was virtually surrounded at Appomattox. 

There was nothing left to do but surrender. 

There's Something Magical about the Gym

There's something magical about the gym. When you arrive you simply can't bottle up all that energy.

There are few other experiences I've ever had where just the intensity and the joy and the anticipation of what's going to happen that day is magical. 

A successful climb in August would be reaching the summit of the Riffelhorn still smiling, still happy, and giving the glory to God. I'm competing against myself, so having this enormous goal is hopefully going to bring out a better Dave when I return home. 

I admire anybody who does the same thing. Whether you're first or last, you're a winner. 

Ideas to Get Your Daily Steps In

What's up guys. As you know, I've gone from 10,000 daily steps to 20,000, most of which I get by walking on the treadmill at the gym (18,000). The rest I get from my normal daily activities. When you extrapolate these steps over an entire day, they really do add up a lot. Just as one basic example, when I go to the store I park as far away as I can. 

I know this may sound a bit goofy, but when you add up all the steps you have to take to walk to and from the store, plus the steps you will inevitably take while shopping, you will probably get anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 steps in easily. 

Other ways to get in more steps are to walk while chatting on the phone or to take the stairs instead of the elevator. I've also started skipping the drive-thru at the bank or pharmacy and walking inside instead. 

You don't have to do these things. Just options to explore! 

Our Farming Philosophy

No child sheep left behind. 😉

Don't Worry about Anything. Instead, Pray about Everything (Phil. 4:6-7)

Three nights ago I asked God for a very specific healing for a rather desperate situation. He graciously answered "yes." Which led me to write this free translation of Phil. 4:6-7. Hope it can encourage you!

Don't let your heart be weighed down with the anxieties of life. It is not God's will that you worry about anything. He stands ready and eager to help you no matter what you're facing. Just take your concern to him and leave it there. Simply let your request be made known to God. Tell him exactly what you need. God loves the sound of your voice. He will hear and answer your prayer. Do not think for a moment that the effectiveness of prayer resides in your ability to use the "right" words. Help me! is quite enough. The Lord is never apathetic toward our plight. In fact, he says "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it" (Psalm 81:10). He once spoke to the storm. He can speak to yours. Why? Because he's God. 

By the way, don't forget that sprinkled among your phrases should be two simple words: "Thank you." Say them often, not only when his answer is an immediate "yes," but when it's "not yet." If you will do this, his peace will be yours -- the peace that transcends man's understanding and keeps constant guard over your heart and mind when Christ replaces worry at the center of your life.

Shine We Must (Phil. 2:15)

Last Monday in Greek class we discussed Paul's reference to "stars" in Phil. 2:15. The real "stars" aren't those famous persons in sports or entertainment.

From God's point of view, they are those believers who "shine like bright stars in a dark world as they hold forth the word of life." We are put here to shine the light and so guide others safely home.

Not all at once.

Not all by ourselves.

Not without the movement of the Spirit of God.

But shine we must. 

Daily Steps (Quick Update)

Here's today's treadmill report (18,000 steps):

Total steps today:

Current weight is 215 pounds. (Goal: 210 or even 205.) 

There's only 5 months to August! 😅

Two Grandbaby Quotes

"Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation."

"Grandchildren fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty."

Cherish them while you still can. 

Untying 5 Nots

So I finally tried my hand at transating Heb. 13:5b today. Here's the Dave Standard Version:

For God has said, "I will never under any circumstance desert you, nor will I ever in any degree leave you helpless or relax my hand on you!"

I know this sounds wordy. But hey -- the Greek does has five negatives!! 

Look at What's New in Southside Virginia!

Another state park visitor's center has opened. This one is very dear to my heart. I stumbled upon it during my run the other day. Care to take a brief peek?

The High Bridge State Park Visitor's Center at Camp Paradise near the town of Farmville, VA, is on the exact spot where one of the last battles of the Civil War took place. On April 3, 1865, Union general George Meade wrote to his wife, "The telegraph will have conveyed to you, long before this reaches you, the joyful intelligence that Petersburg and Richmond have fallen, and that Lee, broken and dispirited, has retreated toward Lynchburg and Danville." He added, "We are now moving after Lee, and if we are successful in striking him another blow before he can rally his troops, I think the Confederacy will be at an end."

Thus Meade began the great pursuit west. He would catch up to Lee alongside a little waterway called Sailor's Creek. The battle was a disaster for Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. It lost 8,000 men, including 8 generals. Moving further westward, the Union troops arrived at the town of Farmville, but only after the Confederates had attempted to burn the High Bridge over the Appomattox River to stymie their pursuers. They failed, and the rest is literally history. 

The situation of Lee's army was hopeless. Writing from a hotel in Farmville on April 7, Grant wrote to Lee, asking him to surrender. Two days later, Lee's army was finished.

The Virginia state park service deserves my thanks -- and the thanks of people everywhere -- for the work they do to preserve and share the many state battlefields I have visited. I always leave impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable people I encounter on such visits. The Civil War remains a fascinating and compelling period of American history for many people. Why is that? My guess is that, as William Faulkner once observed, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." The past is always present. It permeates everything. It's the ether in which we live. 

Which is one reason I love to run here so often. 

Meade's Faith

George Meade has often been called the Rodney Dangerfield of the Union Army. 

Few probably even know that he was the winner of the Battle of Gettysburg. Think about it. The principal army of the United States had been consistently beaten and even humiliated over the course of the 21 months of its existence. George Meade delivered not only that army's first victory of the war but also a victory in what was the largest land battle ever fought on the North American continent. 

Lee had met his match in Meade, who was no fool. A veteran army officer described Meade as "a most accomplished officer." "Meade," he wrote, "had been thoroughly educated in his profession, and had a complete knowledge of both the science and art of war in all its branches. He was well read, possessed of a vast amount of interesting information, had cultivated his mind as a linguist, and spoke French with fluency." His letters to his family reflect effusive tenderness and a devout Christian faith. He often reminded his wife and children that events are ultimately dictated by "the will of our Heavenly Father."

Moving mountains (or even climbing them), my friend, is not something to tackle on your own. You have about a zero chance of budging them an inch if you think you can do the job alone. But you have every chance in the world if you trust God to do it. 

Lesson from Today's Workout

You don't have to be perfect to see results.

You just need to be consistent in your workouts. 

Have a wonderful day! 

He Is My Dwelling Place

This morning I am like a deer in a desert. I pant for the streams of water that satisfy. My soul longs for what brings deep peace and lasting joy. There's no one else who can do that for me. Only my God. He alone is my dwelling place. In him alone is true, lasting satisfaction.

Who have we, Lord, but Thee,

Soul thirst to satisfy?

Exhaustless springs, the water free,

All other streams are dry.

So I came today with parched soul and dry heart to be nourished with truth, and to hear what he has to say to me.

He is my dwelling place. 

Return to Chancellorsville

In a couple of weeks I'll be preaching revival services at a church in Northern Virginia near the historic Chancellorsville Battlefield. This campaign took place during April and May of 1863. The most famous action of the battle was Stonewall Jackson's flank attack that took place on May 2 after a 12-mile circuitous march around the Union forces. 

This will initiate a Confederate offensive that will carry them from Chancellorsville north across the Potomac River (for the second time) and to Gettysburg, where they will finally give up that initiative on July 3rd after Pickett's Charge. Here the Union Army will finally get the victory that it had sought here at Chancellorsville. It came close to actually winning the Battle of Chancellorsville several times, but it will take another several months -- two months to be exact --  before they have their victory on Northern soil at Gettysburg.

Incidentally, Chancellorsville was not really a town at all at the time. If it had a train (which it did not) it would have been called a whistle stop since it was only one large mansion and a few scattered houses and outbuildings. Here's what it looked like then ...

... and now.

I can't wait to visit this historic battlefield again. 

Today in Greek Class We're Sight Reading!

Beginning with p46 (Philippians):

Then the first chapter of Ruth in the LXX:

How I wish you could join us! 

The Gathering Exists for the Going

The church is not only to be evangelical; it is to be evangelistic. We are not only to hold firmly to the Light; we are to spread it.

The gathering exists for the going. 

Our Daily "Gospel Workout"

As you know, I've set myself some pretty tough challenges in 2025. Not only surfing in Hawaii and bagging another peak in the Swiss Alps. But also training my body to the point where I think I can, just maybe, accomplish these rather daunting tasks. This means, among other things, getting to the gym 3 times a week and getting in 18,000 steps every day.

In Phil. 2:12-13, Paul has just set before the Philippians a very daunting challenge. They are to imitate Christ. They are to be just as gospel-minded as he was and is. They are to give their lives in the service of others. And they are to do this with the same self-sacrificing attitude that Christ had.

In short, the Philippians -- and we -- must follow the example of Christ in everything we do. This is what makes the challenge so intimidating. None of us can perfectly imitate Jesus Christ and his evangelistic service. I know I can't. Hence Paul's words here in Phil. 2:12-13.

As we face the daily challenge of following the evangelistic model of Jesus Christ, Paul wants us to understand that we can work out the gospel of Jesus Christ in our daily lives because God is at work in us to make that possible. Paul encourages the Philippians in the imitation of Christ by reminding them of their responsibility to "work out" what God is "working in" them. This is the in-and-out principle of the Christian life. Just as weight loss involves "calories in/calories out," so we can show forth the gospel outwardly because the gospel is at work within us. And since the gospel is at work in us, we must express it outwardly in words and actions. We are to work out, speak out, act out, show out, shout out, and live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I like to call this the "daily workout of the gospel." God intends for each one of us to show out the gospel in our daily lives, be it at the gym or on the beach or with a group of likeminded mountaineers. And we do this because God the Holy Spirit is at work in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we go.

But someone might say, "I have no desire for this gospel workout. I know I should, but I don't. And even if I did, I'm not sure I could do it." It's like someone saying, "Why should I bother to train and lose weight or get into better shape? I've always failed in the past. Why should I try now?" The fact is, once we begin to tell others about Jesus Christ, it actually becomes easier. It's both exciting and fulfilling. It's what Christian living is all about. Christian witness may be the hardest thing in the Christian life but it's the best thing in the Christian life.

The Christian who doesn't understand this is the Christian who isn't having his daily gospel workout. The Christian who puts his energy into only his own agenda will never truly enjoy the Christian life. A non-witnessing Christian is full of complaining and arguing (v. 14), thinking that life is all about him and getting his way. A Christian with a selfish, self-centered spirit is a Christian who isn't a gospel partner. He isn't involved in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. By contrast, a Christian who is showing out the gospel of Jesus Christ will shine like a star in the darkness of space (v. 15). He will be a point of light shining out the life-giving message of the gospel in the cold, dark, lifeless expanse of the universe. 

We are all to be like that, says Paul. Throughout this week, we are to shine the light of Jesus Christ in the darkness as we "hold forth the word of life."

Are you actively involved in the daily gospel workout? I hope so. Don't miss the joy of the Christian life! 

When It Comes to Weight Loss, Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Weight loss can be a tricky business. We all know that the vast majority of people who are on a diet fail in the end to lose fat. The fact is, weight loss isn't linear. There are times when your weight doesn't budge, when you "plateau." Indeed, every day you'll see some variation. Weight goes down and then goes up again, then down again. The key is the overall direction. 

Here is my weight over the past 5 Sundays:

You'll recall that I began my fat loss journey a couple of months ago when I weighed in at 240 pounds. That's not obese, but it's still significantly overweight. My goal was to lose this weight gradually at a pace of about 2 pounds per week. Thus far, the Lord has blessed me with success. Now, how much of this weight loss is actually fat loss? Not all of it for sure. Some is water loss. Some is glycogen loss. Some (preferably not too much) is muscle loss. But if you focus on slow, gradual weight loss while also lifting weights and performing low stress cardio like walking, hopefully you'll lose mostly fat while preserving or even building muscle.

Remember, the weight scale doesn't reveal all. You need to look at other measures of progress as well. One thing I do is to take weekly pictures to keep track of my progress. 

Another thing I do is the "clothes test." It's gotten to the point where my jeans simply fall off my hips when I try to wear them. That said, my lower waist measurements haven't budged very much in all these weeks. But there's an explanation for that. In our fat cells there are 2 kinds of receptors called the alpha and beta receptors. The alpha receptors tell your body to store fat rather than burn it. The beta receptors encourage your body to burn off those nasty fat cells. Males have the highest number of alpha cells within our bellies and love handles. That's why the last place we often lose fat is in those places. The key is staying consistent and believing in the process. Plateaus are completely normal and are to be expected.

Remember: it takes years to get out of shape. Don't expect to undo it in weeks or even months. It's a marathon, people. Slow and steady wins the race. If you're in a caloric deficit, do regular weight training, get enough sleep at night, watch your nutrition, and get in your daily steps (try for at least 6,000-8,000), you will reach your goals if you just stay with it. 

Below: At the gym this afternoon getting in my steps. 

Coming tomorrow: How's Your "Daily Gospel Workout"? 

"I Don't Have the Time"

If you don't have time for Bible reading, you haven't made the time. 

If you don't have time for prayer, you haven't made the time. 

If you don't have time for exercise, you haven't made the time. 

If you don't have time for getting an A in your classes, you haven't made the time. 

If you don't have time for answering your emails promptly, you haven't made the time. 

If you don't have time for getting outdoors and enjoying God's magnificent creation, you haven't made the time. 

It's as simple as that. 

Lasting Lessons from Philippians 2

Good Sunday morning everyone. This week in our Greek class we'll be finishing up chapter 2 of that magnificent letter. I am impressed with the many lingering lessons found in this chapter. Hence I put together this essay. I hope you find it a blessing.

Have a great Lord's Day!

I LOVE What I Do!

Right now I am seriously high on life. (I have just taken a shower after going to the gym, being out on a run, and working in the yard.) It felt SO GOOD to get back to the High Bridge Trail. 

I can truthfully say that running is the best thing I know of. It makes me joyful and has raised my confidence level through the roof. Now when I see myself in front of a mirror I have to smile when looking at myself. I am fit!

Why do I love running?

• It makes me tired and drained but in the best way (I did 6 miles today).
• It helps challenge me.
• It helps digestion.
• It gives me a tan.
• It puts me to bed at night with a good tired.
• It gives me time to listen to audiobooks or Youtube talks.
• It allows me to think my thoughts.
• Seeing the sky.
• Stress relief.
• Feeling like I have done something good for my body.
• Improved fitness level.
• Endorphins.
• It gives me a complete disconnect from the (always) connected world.
• I LOVE how I feel after -- sweaty! 
• I breath better.
• I sleep better.
• I feel more grateful for the body God has given me.
• The mental health benefits.
• Moving my legs.
• I feel a sense of accomplishment after almost every run.
• The community. Runners are such nice people! 

I also love going to the gym. Sure, I lift because I want to become stronger in view of this summer's climb. But the act of lifting itself is SO enjoyable! It makes me happy because I am getting stronger. My body feels younger than it should. I feel super blessed that I get to do this.

I write all this simply for what it's worth. Everyone is different, and the key to exercise is finding what works for you. But in order to do that you have to try new things. Also, it take time to fall into a groove. One thing I have definitely realized is that fitness takes patience. It takes patience to build up your muscles and endurance. It takes time to recover from your activities. It takes time to train for hard things. But one thing is guaranteed. If you put in the time and listen to and respect your God-given body, great things can happen. 

Have a wonderful evening!