Well, the first eight week term at Liberty University has been completed. With over 3000 pages of text read, read every book of the Old Testament, about 10% of the New Testament, 70 hours of lecture on DVD, 8 papers written, 20 critiques written, two midterm exams, 8 quizzes, and two final exams God got me through with scores of 97.3% in Old Testament Survey and 98.6% in Theology. I can honestly say that it was 98% God and I contributed maybe 2%. Yes, God did it but He worked me hard to do it. As one of my dearest friends with a Phd. in Psychology once eloquently stated, “Lonnie you are a stuff knowing dude.” But that is not accidental either. My dad had a sister in law who was a teacher, a very dedicated teacher. She taught my dad in the second grade and held off on retirement until she taught me in the second grade. My folks were thirty seven years old when I was born so that should give you some idea of the time this lady spent teaching. She was an “old school” teacher and not learning in her class was not an option. She had my folks start reading to me when I was an infant Mom began by reading me nursery rhymes and dad read farm journals to me at night. By the time I was five I was reading newspapers. By the time I was eight I was reading on high school levels. Growing up in a very rural area where resources where slim to none and being an only child, books became the primary source of entertainment. I read everything about anything and I learned a great deal in the effect that I can talk to just about anyone about anything. Now that may sound like I am bragging but I assure you that I am not. Those who know me will tell you that I have learned to be humble with humility to a great extent. Those same people will tell you that I am not afraid to take a stand and fight for that which is right should the time and need arise. I have made mention of all this for one simple reason. To give God the Glory. He made me what I am. He gave me the intellect, skills, talent, and gifts that I possess. These gifts were developed, not necessarily at the time for His glory but ultimately that He may be glorified.

My reasoning behind all this is really simple although I may have made it appear complex without meaning to. Simply, I put myself into the Bible with prayer and a dedicated discipline to not simply know about God, but to know God. I have never read or studied so intensely or with such focus on anything in my life as I have in the past eight weeks. I have come to some primary conclusions. (1) I am confirmed that this course of study is what God wants me to do although I am as yet uncertain what His overall plan is for having me go through it at this time. Yet, I will be obedient in faith. (2) I believe that if you can get people into the Bible, the Bible will get into people. Once this is done the family will be stabilized and God can do His best work. (3) Pay attention pastors, I believe that if you apply the second conclusion and practice what you preach, then you will have prepared an army to go into battle of spiritual warfare winning souls to Christ whereby hell will be plundered to populate heaven.  (4) That II Timothy 2:2 “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” should have a very special meaning for all of us.

Get into the Bible. Allow the Bible to get into you. Therein lies the truth, wisdom, and strength that will be necessary to grow in spirit that will allow you to reach out and meet the needs of the special needs and their families. More than likely, you will find that many of your own needs have been or will be met in the process.

God Bless,

Lonnie Richardson