Reality Bytes

Fasting That Kills

2009-01-07T21:00:00.002-05:00

My wife and I recently started a 21 day fast, a global fast with Jentezen Franklins ministry. One thing about a fast is that it brings death. Not a physical literal death, but a death to what Christians call 'worldly things'. These 'worldly things' are distractions and petty things that do nothing but steal our attention and time from what God holds as important, to things much less important. I find it interesting that the very thing that led to Adam and Eve getting booted from the Garden of Eden can usher a person into God's secret garden of intimacy just by refusing to eat! Imagine if Adam would of stopped Eve from eating from that tree, personally I think God should of built a wall or a fence around that one tree, but alas He didn't, in His divine providence He knew it was necessary to His overall plan. And so when we push the plate away, or as my wife and I are doing, fasting certain foods, God honors our meager efforts and meets us on a level that we don't usually experience. 2009 will no doubt be a year like many others with it's challenges, pains, victory's and spiritual shifting. The nine in Hebrew represents 'completeness, fullness of harvest'. Thats what I'm believing God for as I prepare myself for this year, a year that He completes some things that He has begun in me, in my life and hopefully, in ministry. So as we push the plate away, partially anyway, I pray, "God, give me a renewed desire and longing for You. I'm redigging some old wells this week Lord"

Pray for our new President

2008-11-04T23:49:00.002-05:00

Though I did not vote for Barack Obama because of differences in beliefs, I'm a proud American tonight to know that 45 years after Rev. Martin Luther King Jr's great speech, "I have a dream", America has finally elected our first Black President. For that I'm happy for the progress we've made as a nation, though I personally think its been a long time coming, that moment has finally arrived. As a white person I can't fathom the feelings that many of my black American brothers and sisters are experiencing right now, to be honest I've taken for granted alot of things as a white person in this nation that many blacks haven't felt because of the past and even the present actions of too many. I have many black friends who have been gracious to help me understand the struggles of many blacks in this nation, a struggle that I've never felt nor seen while growing up in the far north. I'm thankful that I can finally now say that the desire of our fore-fathers that all men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, has come to be realized by all Americans now. I pray and hope that President Elect Barack Obama can now bring unity to a nation that has been divided on so many levels. So as I've been faithful to pray for President Bush, I plan on praying as much for President Elect Obama, he faces some incredible challenges as the leader of the greatest country in the world. Many believe he will fail, but as Christians we are called to lift our leaders up in prayer and to ask for God's guidance, protection, and wisdom on their lives. So with that I pray that over the next four years God grant President Elect Obama the needed wisdom and strength to uphold the office to which he has been voted into.

Britney

2008-10-31T23:03:00.005-04:00

There is a new song out by the Christian singer, Bebo Norman, titled 'Britney'. It's a song about Britney Spears and when I first heard the song it blew me away. The words are very moving and basically its an apology to her for how she has been treated by those around her. As I listened to the song I actually started feeling sorry for her, and in my spirit I was broken for her. You see, like many Christians I find it easy to quickly judge those in the limelight that are going through pain, thinking that they deserve what they get for the lifestyle they live. But after hearing that song I felt convicted, realizing that Jesus would be the first to wrap His arms around her in the midst of her pain and love on her. I think Christians, myself included, act too quickly to judge others without looking at them through the eyes of Christ. Whenever Christ did say a harsh word to someone it usually always was directed to the religious crowd who were quick to judge anyone that did not fit in their circle of fellow believers. You never find Jesus doing anything to the lost other than loving them and admonishing them to put their faith in Him. The other night I was watching a video of a street minister preaching on the streets of Ybor city outside of Tampa. That particular area is known as a party place, a large number of bars are there, including a gay bar, and some strip bars. There was also a well known minister captured on the video who was sitting on his Harley watching as this young street preacher was preaching against homosexuals and sinners. The minister on the bike was laughing as some of the passerbys would mock the young minister and some shouted things at him. As I thought on this I made the comment to my wife that Christ would never do that. He wouldn't stand on a street corner and yell at people passing by, He would go embrace them and love on them. It's possible to love the sinner and hate the sin. Thats what our great God does, He loves homosexuals, lesbians, drunks, druggies, you name it, loving the sinner yet hating the sin. There is a difference in preaching against sin, warning the sinner of coming judgement and about the just demands of a Holy God, and yelling at sinners and preaching to them as if you were happy they were going to hell. As my Pastor likes to say, "you can preach like you're trying to keep people out of hell or you can preach like your happy they are going to hell." I think that is what moved me so much about the Britney song, it speaks the truth very vididly concerning what this world does to others, the world influenced by Satan loves to destroy peoples lives, its time Christians stand up and offer them something better, something that won't leave them hurting and empty, its time we show the love of Christ. To see the video by Bebo Norman follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Q_wVfGAfA

Climate change is coming.

2008-10-29T12:05:00.001-04:00

Do you feel it? When the weather changes we can feel it in the air, when summer changes into fall we feel it and we see it in things around us, the trees change color, in some parts snow begins to fall. We walk outside in the morning and we can see our breath. When we change from winter into spring we feel the newness in the air and see the effects of life being renewed about us. There is something stirring in the spiritual realm, do you feel it? The climate is changing. We are moving from one season into another one. The number eight in the Hebrew means open gates, new beginnings, this is 2008 and God has been doing some new things in the church, leading His people through gates of opportunity and spiritual gains. The number nine in Hebrew means completeness and fullness, literally a 'harvest of fullness'. I believe what we are doing now for Him will translate into a harvest of fullness in the coming season. During this time of new beginnings He is changing your spiritual climate, things that mattered to you but weren't high on His priority list is being replaced with His heart. Do you feel it? The climate is changing and when you move from this season of your life into the next, into fullness, like winter changing into spring, a new passion, a new desire for the Spiritual, a desire for His heart will replace the things from the winter months. Don't dread the winter season, though its the time that things appear to die and have no value, its a necessary process in God's order of things, though it may appear dead, the trees actually have life flowing through them. Your life may reflect death on the outside, your dreams may appear over, but the climate is about to change, fullness of harvest is coming, spring will come and life will bubble over. Do you feel the climate changing? The greatest days of the church are just about upon us, we are living in exciting times, times that the Bible has spoken about. The climate is changing!

Jesus' State of the Union Address to the American Church

2007-05-10T20:56:00.000-04:00

I've been busy writing a childrens book as well as a Christian book on the American Church, I've now completed chapter five and have included an excerpt from that chapter entitled Jesus' State of the Union Address, it will give you a glimpse of what my book is about. I believe He would say something like this: “Good evening sons and daughters of the Most High, it is a pleasure to once again address you and to bring to your attention some things that I have observed this past year. Unfortunately we’ve had some more of my servants; some of my best known servants give in to temptation again this past year. Dear one’s when are you going to learn that when you harbor secret sin, if you refuse to repent of it, I have no choice but to expose it? I can’t allow homosexuality and sin to reign unchecked within My body. Like yeast, it will eventually poison the whole lump. Remember Achan and what I did to him and his family because he couldn't keep his hands off of that which was forbidden! So I tell you again, be sure and know that your sins will find you out. Come out from among the world, and don’t touch the unclean things! It breaks my heart to see such foolishness taking place, even more so when it’s my choice servants that are doing it. I didn’t allow Aarons sons to offer strange fire before me, neither will I allow my servants to practice hidden sin, and go unpunished. Though it may appear harsh, exposing your sin openly, and even using the media to do so, it really is for your benefit. I don’t want to see anyone perish and be separated from Me, and if I didn’t intervene and offer you forgiveness you would be separated from me. Despite teaching my people that they must be different from the world, it has come to my attention that the lines separating the church and world have become so blurred that its now impossible to tell the two apart. I speak this to your shame, is it true that some of my servants think that they can divorce their wives and remove them from the church, and then remarry their secret lover and keep their church? And to think that my people sitting in the pews say nothing of such blatant rebellion and open sin! I’m not pleased with what I see happening behind closed doors in the places that I have blessed and raised up to touch this world. Have you so quickly forgotten that you are my hands and feet while on the earth? Have you forgotten that you are supposed to be my mouth piece to a lost and dying generation? Yet your too busy competing with one another over who has the largest ministry and arguing over non essential doctrine rather than walking in love. I did not die in vain, nor will I have a weak and anemic church on the earth. Upon This Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell will not, hear Me my people, the gates of Hell will not prevail against it! I must also remind you that I have spoken in My Word that unless the Lord builds the house they labor in vain who build it. I’ve noticed that some of my servants and houses of worship have resorted to offering money and shopping sprees to those who come and visit, and have their name drawn. Have you forgotten that My house would be called a place of prayer, yet by your foolish actions, like those earlier when I walked the earth in my human body, you have turned My house into a house of robbery. When you do such things you not only look foolish in the eyes of the world, but you do me much disservice by such antics. I threatened to vomit out the church of Laodicea because they were not walking in my Revelation, they weren’t a church of refreshing and healing, and they were lukewarm and good for nothing. I’m afraid that should you continue on the current road that you have embarked upon, I will be forced to vomit you out also. The abuse of young children at the hands of priests and pastors will not be tolerated, know that I will expose such sin, so that my bride will be spotless and pure. Everything I do is for My sake, for My glory to be revealed. You can’t offer healing and purity to those who are lost and caught up in perversion if you yourselves are also walking in perversion. There has been an increase in technology, and as I spoke in My word that knowledge would increase, you are seeing those things take place before your very eyes. With knowledge and technology though, come greater responsibility, and a greater need for integrity and purity. It saddens me to watch as my people, and my ministers behind hidden doors view pornography and fill their minds with all sorts of perversion. How can you minister effectively when you have allowed the temple of the Holy Spirit to become corrupted and filled with sin? Do you honestly think that I can continue to anoint you to speak My Word when you do such things? I tell you no, most assuredly not! I will withdraw myself from those who practice such things, and know this, when you do such things and fill your minds and hearts with such blatant sin, you’re on your own when you stand to minister, My Spirit will not, cannot dwell in an unclean vessel. Repent of such things, before its’ too late and I come and remove you from your position. I judged Ananias and Sapphira for lying to Me, don’t think that I’ve overlooked or winked at your sin, or that judgment won’t come, I promise you that I will judge, I will punish, because you are My child, when correction is needed, I will correct you, this is for your benefit in the hopes that your eyes will be opened and you would repent of your sin, and come back to me. Many of my people are suffering needlessly, yet so many of my ministers refuse to follow my directive and exercise their authority that I have given them, to use My Name to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to bring deliverance! You see what I’m doing overseas in the nations of Africa, in China and among the Muslim nations; those who put a demand on My ability are being mightily used. You have allowed the enemy to lie to this nation, to convince the lost and yes, even my own people, that their cure lies in mans ability. Though I have blessed doctors with the ability to cure some diseases, I have empowered My people to do what doctors and physicians can’t do, I have anointed you to expose the enemy, to send him packing, yet still too many of my people look for help in psychologists and pills, and hope to cover over the problem with a band aid rather than deal with the root of the issue. I still heal, I still deliver, I still raise the dead, make a demand on My anointing, on My ability! It saddens me that so many sit in the pews and live a life of joylessness, I paid too great a price for my people to suffer with depression and unhappiness. How can you offer the world Me when they see My children with long faces and broken hearts? Have you forgotten that the Joy of the Lord is your strength? I came to set the captives free, to rescue those from despair, to deliver those in bondage, yet many of my ministers are too busy trying to build a lasting legacy to themselves here on earth, rather than storing for themselves riches in heaven. Doing this has kept them from giving themselves wholeheartedly to those I’ve placed under them to minister to. I will not stand for the fleecing of My flock from my servants, if My ministers continue to abuse their calling and gifts, I will come and bring judgment. My people have gone into debt to appease some of my servants, and I will not stand for the erroneous teaching of finance that is currently being spread through My body. I am weighing My American Bride in the balance, and should you be found wanting, I will not only bring judgment and correction, but will also bypass you all together and raise up servants who have my heart, and will do My biding. I long to visit you with a Holy visitation, I long to shake the cities and yes your own nation too with My glory. How I long to touch your leaders and bring a reformation to your government and to those in high leadership. I want to visit my people in their houses of worship, to visit you in the secret place, and send you forth to do great exploits in My name. There is such a season of overwhelming blessing and power that will come, if My people will humble themselves, repent and call upon Me. I have much in store for My children, there is still a work to be done that My American Bride must do, yet as long as you allow the spirit of Jezebel to operate, as long as you tolerate open sin in the pulpit, and refuse to confront the sin in the pew, I can’t do as I want to, I will not use a dirty, unclean vessel for my use. I require holiness, from my ministers in the pulpit, to my people in the pew, not a man made holiness, not a holiness determined by outward acts, but a deep inner holiness, birthed from within the secret place. A holiness that reflects Me, that refuses to touch that which is unclean. You have broken My heart by your actions, the pain of the crucifixion has been felt afresh within me by your actions. You stand naked before me, I see all things. I see your innermost thoughts I see what is done behind closed doors. Every act of adultery, every homosexual thought and act, every word of gossip, every raping of My people, every false doctrine for gain, every impure motive for personal gain and exultation, I see it all, and it grieves me that those I died for could act in such a way, those who go under My banner, acting like the ungodly. You must change your ways, and you must change them quickly. I give everyone a time and a season to repent, and then I’ll expose and bring every hidden thing to the light. I love you My children, I also remind you that there is also much good within My body, those of My servants who are making a difference in their cities and reaching out to the nations of the world. I have My remnant that loves spending time alone with me in the secret place, those who are experiencing a new depth of intimacy and relationship. Many who are not known on Christian television yet are known by Me. And you can be sure that they are known in hell also, for the enemy fears those who have not bowed to the worlds system, nor to the enemy’s deception. These servants of mine will one day come upon the scene, bold, radical and on fire for Me! Many will be surprised when they see these brands plucked from the fire of hell, transformed by My blood, and having a boldness to confront the evils of their generation, and the apathy of some in My body. What I find upsetting is that though there is much good among my people, it is over shadowed by those who prefer to chase after fleshly gain and popularity. I remind you of what I said when I walked the earth and told my first disciples, ‘unless your righteousness exceeds the righteous of the scribes and Pharisees you shall in no way enter the kingdom of Heaven’. Consider your ways, and repent my Bride, behold I’m coming quickly, and there is still much to do. How I long to use you, those who walk in obedience and surrender, I will not cast away, I will raise them up. I love you My children, and soon your trials and time here on earth will be over, I will come again as I promised, until then, busy yourself about Your Fathers business.”

The Tragedy That Is

2007-04-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

I've watched with sadness and listened with pain in my heart over the senseless and brutal actions of the young man who went on a killing rampage yesterday at Virginia Tech. Many people are trying to make sense of it all and will continue to debate how one could be so cold and heartless as to do such a thing. To be honest with you, these things will only increase in the days ahead. The Apostle Paul said to Timothy, 2 Tim 3:11 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." We can expect that evil will continue to increase, and when you add to it that in this country, we've pretty much written off God from being part of our society. When we teach our children that 'doing right' and 'morality' is whatever you make it, what more can we expect? When we so senselessly take the lives of over a million unborn babies a year, for the sake of convenience, the message we send is that human life isn't dear nor is it precious. When we've removed the ability to pray in school, let alone teach the Bible, which would teach men and women to respect human life, and to fear God, what should we expect the consequences to be? That's not to say that evil still wouldn't raise its ugly head from time to time, but common sense teaches us that when we promote mass killing in our video games, and show cold hearted, thoughtless murder on television and in the movies, impressionable minds will be effected, add into the mix that there is a very real enemy lurking around, Satan, who wants nothing more than to be mayhem, destruction and death, then we've created a stew of sorts, that can produce anything, including cold hearted killers bent on wreaking as much pain and death as possible. And this will not go away, not as long as Satan is allowed to move around unrestrained, and we give him ample room to operate and tools to use by our ungodly actions within the mainstream media, Hollywood, and our very lives. It's time we wake up to the fact that we've got a real dilemma and its this, America is not the Christian nation we claim to be, our pastors and teachers aren't preaching the full Gospel as they should, and people need to place God back at the forefront of their lives again! And that my friends is the reality of it!

There's Still The Issue Of The Cross

2007-03-22T19:40:00.000-04:00

The other day while driving through Brooksville, Florida for my company I came to an intersection and off to the side of the road was a large cross. Upon further inspection, I noticed a man kneeling down, with the cross resting sideways on his shoulder. I honked my horn in both support and appreciation of this stranger who was silently reminding us that there's still the issue of the cross. I thought on that for awhile as I continued down the road on my way to my next stop. There is still the issue of the cross, it stands in stark contrast to this worlds system. With everything that goes on in the world, there is still the issue of the cross. And whether we take note of it or not, we've got to answer for it. I've debated with Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Atheists, Muslims, Non-Believers and yes, even some Christians. And I've always pointed them back to the cross. You see no matter where you stand on politics, global warming, the rights of individuals, or a host of other issues that occupy our time, we'll only answer for one thing, and that is what did we do about the Cross? God isn't interested in anything else we've done, He's going to point at the Cross and ask us what we did with it. I can hardly stand to read the news anymore what with the influx of evil that seems to be getting worse with each passing day, yet I do read it, if for no other reason than to see where we're at on God's timetable. And when I look at Brittney Spears, and Marilyn Manson, and Rosie O'Donnell, to name just a few, I realize that the conscience of our nation has been seared. We need a move of God, we need an outpouring of the Spirit badly, and to those people I'd say, There's still the issue of the Cross! And that my friends is the reality of it!

One More Time Lord

2007-03-04T00:50:00.000-05:00

I've been asking the Lord for something for a few years now, and it has become more intense and purposeful the past few days. I've been asking for Him to pour out His Spirit in such an awesome display of power and fire that our churches look like war zones when He is through! I'm not talking about the cute little 'revival' services we have have that last a few days, or the 'one night stands' we get once in awhile when we've invited a special speaker to come. I'm talking about that which rivals the first outpouring in the book Acts. One that causes a city to stop in its tracks and for people to gaze at the spectacle for hours at a time. I'm talking about that which causes even the toughest of men to fall to their knees and cry like babies for God to heal their hard hearts. I'm talking about that which causes godless men and women to become Godly, rebellious youth to submit to His Lordship, complacent Christians to catch on fire, sinning saints to repent of their sins, and dry pastors to swim in the river of His presence! Yes I've been asking God to do what my generation hasn't seen happen, and that is to just 'show up' one service. I mean really show up, I've been in services where He passed by, been in services where He appeared to wave His hand over the building, you know those kind of services, demons get cast out, people get saved, some get delivered. But have you experienced a service where He walks in? I mean really passes through the congregation? If the pastor is left standing at the mike still talking, if the musicians are left with their instruments still playing, if the singers are still singing, if people are still standing at the altar or sitting in the pew watching, then no, we haven't experienced Him actually walking into the building and standing in our midst. We haven't yet experienced what happens when God in all His mighty, wonderful, awesome Glory steps into the room. It's easy to dance when the King is standing outside the door, but when He walks in, the music stops, the dancing stops, and all we can do is lay at His feet in complete awe and wonder at His presence. In the Old Testament it's Isaiah saying "And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." And in the New Testament we see it in John, "As soon then as He had said unto them, I Am, they went backward, and fell to the ground." Yes, I want to see Him show up like that, so my prayer is, one more time Lord, one more time. And that my friends is the reality of it!

So There!

2007-02-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Driving around making my deliveries the other day I seen a church sign that said, "God loves you, whether you like it or not!" It made me laugh because it was stated so matter of fact. It's true of course, He does love us whether we like it or not. I never really thought about it before, but it's impossible to keep God from loving us! There is nothing we can do or say that would make Him change His mind. That alone is powerful when you think about it. In fact, we read something very powerful in 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." God is patient in His dealings with us because He doesn't want any to perish. The root of that patience is His deep all consuming love for us. So whether you like it or not, God loves you, so there! And that my friends is the reality of it!

What A Waste!

2007-02-14T21:02:00.000-05:00

Work has kept me busy lately, and going to Bible class. But it's a joy to fellowship with God. Much has happened since my little sabbatical, American Idol is in full swing, Anna Nicole Smith died, and North Korea decided to stop its nuclear program. I was actually sad over Anna Nicole Smith. Sad because she was so young, and beautiful, and died unhappy despite her riches. Money doesn't make a person happy, joy can only be found in Christ, yet many will always dispute that, thinking if they can only just make more, get more, do more. I came across a scripture tonight, 2 Peter 3:7 "But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men". The word 'perdition' is better translated 'destruction', it is the Greek word 'apoleia' which means, "losing, loss, the state after death wherein exclusion from salvation is a realized fact." There comes a time when every lost person in eternity will realize the loss of their salvation opportunity. Another meaning of that Greek word is 'waste' Their lives will have been a total waste. The truth of the matter is, a life without Christ is a wasted life. Anna Nicole Smith wasted her life. When the lost stand before God at the great judgement, three things will be evident to them, They will realize He is Lord, they are Lost, and that its too Late! For those of us who are saved, we rejoice in that our names are written down in the Book of Life, yet for me its tempered by the fact that so many refuse that invitation. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Can You Hear Him Now?

2007-01-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

In class tonight we looked at Romans 8:16 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." The Greek word that is interpreted as 'beareth witness' is Summartureo, which is two words combined meaning 'together' and 'to witness'. Then the teacher gave an incredible illustration of how this works concerning the Holy Spirit within us. She sat at a piano and hit the strong 'C' key, and within the piano itself when that key is hit, the other octave C's will vibrate too, though not heard by the human ear. Also at the same time, the keys that are in harmony with that one key, in this case the 'c', will vibrate as well. She then put a mike in the piano, and had her praise and worship leader come up, and without music sing a song very slowly into the piano, and the keys that were in harmony with that song and the key she was singing in trembled. This phenomenon is called resonance, which means 'to oscillate with the same frequency as the source! As I was driving home, I told my wife when God speaks, that is the reason some people hear Him and some don't. Those in tune to Him, on the same frequency as Him will hear Him. Then it hit me, no wonder Jesus said in Rev 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." I stood outside tonight and looked up at the stars and wondered at the vastness of our universe. I felt especially small and insignificant, yet realizing I had God's attention. I seen the lights of a plane far up there in the night sky and told the Lord how I wanted to go places in the Spirit, to make an impact in my generation so that when I stand before Him I will hear Him say to me, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into your rest." You see its important more than ever that we hear Him, that we're in harmony with Him so that when He speaks we tremble. Over the next few months I need to hear from Him, I want to fulfill my destiny in God, do what I hear Him calling me to do, and step into it. So I ask you can you hear Him now? And that my friends is the reality of it!

His Treasure

2007-01-30T11:43:00.000-05:00

Just a little something I got today from the Father while studying... Hope your blessed as I was...

True hunger for the Father will always result in yieldedness to His Spirit. That is the foundation to maturity and growth, to becoming Spiritual. Reading the Word opens His heart and thoughts towards me, to me. The resultant pursuit of Him brings within my grasp- His heartbeat. Just as John felt it physically when He laid His head on His chest, I feel it spiritually when I surrender to Him. It beats passionately for me, and I am His treasured possession!

Think about it, YOU are His treasured possession according to Deut. 7:6, "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession" (NIV). And that my friends is the reality of it!

Challenged To Come Up Higher

2007-01-25T18:51:00.000-05:00

"It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom." (Galations 5:19-21, The Message) Some things don't need an explanation or any type of additional commentary. Like the above verse taken from the Message Bible, its straight forward and to the point. Be watching for a new breed of minister coming on the scene in these last days. Not the ear tickling, let me scratch your back, feed you a bunch of nonsense while I pick your wallet, kind of preacher. But ones that will hear from God and deliver a message from His throne that will make an impact. Their one purpose will be to challenge God's people to come up higher. I believe they exist now, laboring in obscurity while God prepares them. The past two weeks I've heard from two of these kind of ministers, unknown to the church in general, yet known in Heaven by the angels and in Hell by the demons! And when God releases them it will be said as it was of Jesus in Matt 7:28-29 "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." And that my friends is the reality of it!

Getting Away From Performance Oriented Service

2007-01-18T19:24:00.000-05:00

I'm tired of religion, actually I'm sick of religion. Not religion in the definition that James gave in James 1:27, but the religious rhetoric that fills our Church's, and sadly consumes our worship experience. I'm tired of going through the motions, of watching a good performance, but not feeling His touch behind all the high energy moves and lyrics. I'm tired of listening to the same 'Christianized pep rallies' that takes place in our churches. Basically I hate religion that robs God of His rightful place, because we're too good trying to sound like we're more spiritual than we are and hoping to get an 'amen' or a hand clap from the crowd. We're so caught up in trying to move the crowd so we can say we've had a great service, rather than just entertain Him and let Him do the moving and shaking, I think God is well capable of doing such a task without any help from us. We have too many pharisee minded ministers in the pulpit, you know them, the ones Jesus said in Matt 23:5-7 "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." Our church motto is 'Real, Relevant, and Refreshing'. We're not perfect by any means but I can see in leadership and within the congregation that we strive to live by that. And this year, the year of shifting, of digging the old wells as our Pastor has been teaching, I plan on getting away from performance oriented service, doing things to catch others attention, doing things because everyone else is doing it. I plan on dancing when no one else dances. I plan on raising my hands when nobody else does, I plan on swimming in the reservoir of His presence when everyone else would rather soak in the hot tub of spiritual laziness! I've got some old wells that I need to redig and when I do I'm going to soak up the refreshing water of His presence like a sun dried sponge on hot asphalt! Yes I'm getting away from performance oriented service and that my friends is the reality of it!

Prepared For The Times

2007-01-16T14:08:00.000-05:00

Everywhere I turn I find another prophet proclaiming that 2007 is going to be a year of change and shifting to the body of Christ and the world in general. This year in the Hebrew calendar which isn't the same as our '2007' means the 'year of the sword' which lines up with what many men and women in the body of Christ are feeling. Though I don't always follow one specific person, I do have some that I feel does hear from the Lord. One particular person though that I sometimes listen too and take to heart what He says caught my attention. He was more specific than the other known prophets and he said some things that I've mentioned in my blog a few months ago, and that was that another attack is coming to America. But he went further, he stated it was coming in 2007. He said and I quote, "Well, the other thing I felt was that evil men, evil people, are going to try to do evil things to us and to others during the last part of this year. I don’t know whether it’ll be in the fall or September or later on, but it’ll be the second half, somehow, of 2007. There will be some very serious terrorist attacks. The evil people will come after this country. And there’s a possibility that—not a possibly, a definite certainty that chaos is going to rule, and the Lord said that the politicians will not have any solutions for it. There’s just going to be chaos. It’s going to happen. And I’m not saying necessarily nuclear. The Lord didn’t say “nuclear,” but I do believe it’ll be something like that that’ll be a mass killing, possibly millions of people, major cities injured. I hope I’m wrong, and I hope people will pray and that won’t happen. But nevertheless, that seems to be what’s coming up. And then the Lord said He will restrain the evil people, but He will not restrain them necessarily initially". Whether he is wrong or right I'm looking forward to what the Lord is going to do this year. I will say in light of what men and women of God are saying about a coming judgement to this nation and to the body of Christ. The church always has and always will thrive during times of great turmoil and judgement. So should the Lord choose to wake us up from our lethargic state by bringing judgement or whatever, then so be it, I plan on drawing close to Him! And that my friends is the reality of it!

I'm Pointing Fingers.......At Myself!

2007-01-11T17:25:00.000-05:00

Its so easy today to blame others for the messes we get ourselves into. Just watch court television and every defendant has an excuse for their actions, "It was how my momma raised me", "My dad didn't love me", "I grew up alone", blah blah blah blah blah. Not that those issues might not have had a very positive effect on a person's life, but the issue still comes down to our own actions and our own choices. If we're not blaming someone else we're definitely making excuses for our actions, "the reason I pulled the trigger was because I grew up in a violent neighborhood". If we're not making excuses for our actions then the doctor's are coming up with a new pill to fix something else for us. We are becoming a society that blames everyone else for our actions and/or pops a pill to fix it. I read something last night though that made me think, Paul wrote in 1 Cor 11:31 "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged". The word used for 'judge' in that verse simple means 'to separate, to oppose, to contend with'. It gives the impression that if we would just stop and look at our actions, take the initiative and contend with ourselves, rather than blame somebody else, we would not be judged later. The message Bible brings out this point very clearly, stating, "If we get this straight now, we won't have to be straightened out later on" In other words, stop pointing fingers at everyone else, and point them at yourself first! When I'm honest with myself over my actions and choices, and with that honestly comes true confession and repentance, then by judging myself now, I won't suffer judgement later. So I'm going to start pointing fingers.... at myself! And that my friends is the reality of it!

The Necessity Of The Chiropractor

2007-01-07T18:49:00.000-05:00

I read something in the Bible last night that caught my attention and caused me to pause and think. It was what Paul wrote in 1 Cor 9:27 "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." He then went on to give an example from the Old Testament of the people of Israel saying they all experienced passing through the Red Sea, they all ate the same Spiritual meat, they all seen the Fire of God and stood under the Cloud of His presence, yet God was not pleased with all of them for many were overthrown in the wilderness. The Lord showed me that like Israel coming out of Egypt and heading to the promised land, we're all on a journey and its not the wilderness that overthrows us, but the choices we make while going through the wilderness that determine whether we are overthrown or victorious. It takes more than recognizing the devil and standing against him, but also choosing to keep our flesh under control. Paul meant just that when he wrote the above scripture, we must keep our body, our flesh under control, bringing it into subjection less we should become a castaway, meaning not standing the test, not approved. I really believe this will be a year that God repositions His body back into right alignment. Like a person who goes to the chiropractor to get an adjustment, God is sending His bride to the chiropractor to get adjusted! He may use the media, He may allow the enemy to chasten us, He may do it in His own gentle way, but one thing is certain, His bride will be realigned and shifted back into sync with His plans and purposes! And that my friends is the reality of it!

L.L.B.D.S.T It's My Battle Cry!

2007-01-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

No more Low Living, Bottom Dwelling, or Stinking Thinking, Its my Battle Cry! Yesterday as I was getting ready for church thinking about the past year and the year ahead, I told the Lord, I just plan on going swimming in 2007, going deep into the reservoir of His presence and staying there for longer periods of time. 2006 from a spiritual standpoint and a relationship standpoint was probably my worst year ever, having to deal with physical issues within the family and relationship troubles as a result, whats sad though is how I allowed those things to affect my relationship with the Lord. With a new year comes renewed opportunities to set the order for the rest of the year. My family has begun this year with prayer and fasting, following the mandate in Matt. 6:33 "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Yesterday while I pondered these things in church during communion service I realized the importance of forcefully standing for what is right in our walk with God. Jesus made it clear in Matt. 11:12 "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."

When you study this out it speaks of forcefully entering in, grasping with determined power and force the things of the Kingdom. We don't hear enough messages today of Satan's attempts to resist our every move and his determined purpose to derail us. We have an enemy who outside of God knows us better than we know ourselves. He has studied mankind since the garden, and Christ and the Apostles made it clear that our enemy isn't just determined, but very cunning as well, only a fool would take an enemy such as him lightly. That's why my Battle Cry this year is L.L.B.D.S.T, no more Low Living, Bottom Dwelling, or Stinking Thinking! Won't you join me this year in standing forcefully even violently? And that my friends is the reality of it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!!!!

2006-12-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Lord, You are the King of Kings, Lord of Lords! Isa 9:6-7 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." And that my friends is the reality of it! Merry Christmas!

Invaded By The Light

2006-12-24T18:48:00.000-05:00

Though Bible scholars differ on the exact time of or season of year that Christ was born into our world, we do know that 2000 years ago God invaded our world with the most important gift ever given, His very own son. I went to the movies today to watch the new movie, The Nativity, I recommend everyone watch that movie. The part that really stood out was the scene of His birth, when the Shepperd's came and knelt before Him. I teared up thinking how our God, the God who owns a cattle on a thousand hills, the Creator of the entire universe, who holds more money than all the gold in this world, would send His son to the lowest of the low for His introduction to our world. It amazes me that we clamor for prestige and popularity, yet the example set by the Creator of all sent His son to those at the very bottom of the economic ladder, Shepperd's. I was also moved when the three wise men, the kings from the east came and laid gifts before Him, they said as they presented them, Gold, for the King of Kings, Frankincense for the Priest of Priests, and Myrrh for the Sacrifice. I thought how amazing our God is, born in a manger, shown first to the Shepperd's, honored by the wise. We were invaded by the Light, and now that Light continues to shine through those who hold Him in their lives. And that my friends is the reality of it!

God's Waiting In The Woods

2006-12-20T18:59:00.000-05:00

When I was in Bible College in Louisiana I loved taking long quiet walks through the woods alone. We had a path that went through the woods and had bridges over streams and small ravines. It was the perfect place for a person setting himself apart unto God to go and spend some quiet time with Him. I remember often stopping at this one spot, a bridge and there I'd sit on the rail, and cry for more of Him in my life, I'd be telling Him how much I needed Him in my life and longed for Him. Often I'd begin to weep as I felt Him close to me. To be honest with you, I miss those moments, they were true God moments in my life, helping to define my hunger for Him. Growing up in Michigan we lived on ten acres of land that allowed for tree climbing, exploring the creek that ran behind our house, and when I could drive, lots of fun driving fast through our field. During that time though I never realized how much solitude could be found by entering the woods with one purpose, to be alone with God. There's something about walking through the woods that is incredible. Sometimes as adults we forget those times we spent as children and teenagers enjoying God's creation. Even today I enjoy a nice walk in the woods, though in Florida its hard to come by. When I worked for one of my companies my route took me through some wooded areas, I'd roll my window down, turn on the worship music and enjoy His presence. I understand now why I've enjoyed being in the woods so much, its because that's the place God longs to take us! We read in Hosea 2:14-15 "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt". You see God was dealing with Israel to come back to Him, and He said He would take her into the wilderness, which is sometimes interpreted as a wooded area a place uninhabited, other times it means a desert place, but God would take Israel and there He would speak to her, His beloved, He said He would restore her and give her vineyards, and woo her. The place of intimacy can be found in the wilderness. For some that wilderness might be a desert place, you feel alone and even lost, yet God is there in that place waiting for you! I know why I've always enjoyed speaking to Him in the woods, its because He's been waiting there all along, why keep Him waiting? Run to the woods, God's waiting for you in the wilderness. And that my friends is the reality of it!

When The Significant Becomes Insignificant

2006-12-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

As I was eating some cookies and milk today the thought came to me, 'When the Significant becomes Insignificant'. Most people when categorizing things will label them either significant or insignificant. This is proven by our actions and the decisions we make, basing them on whether or not it is either significant or insignificant. The definition for the word 'significant' is 'important'. Those things that are important to us get most of our devotion and attention, the meaning of 'insignificant' is the opposite, it means 'not important'. If we think our job is significant or important, then we'll do what is necessary to keep that job, likewise if we see our job as unimportant, we'll not devote as much time. What I see happening in the church today is many Christians confessing the significance of God in their lives, but by their actions and words they actually prove He is insignificant, thus by their actions the Significant becomes Insignificant! Realizing this makes we look at things differently, how significant is God to me? Do my actions speak otherwise? When we consider Him, we can't help but notice that everything God does and has done is significant, which means you are significant! And if your significant in your creation, then how much more should you strive to give significance to the One who only creates significant things! I refuse to allow the Significant to become Insignificant in my life, to allow the important to become unimportant, and that my friends is the reality of it!

The Unknown Gaze

2006-12-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

The other day I was delivering some food to a restaurant in the mall. We entered from behind the mall and went through some hallways within the mall itself that was unseen by the general public, eventually getting to the store I was headed to. While going down one particular hallway there were some double doors that I could see would of let me enter the mall, in between the doors, the small crack allowed me to see people walking by. They were completely oblivious to my existence. Those doors were locked and allowed no one from the mall access into any of those hidden hallways. I'm sure had a child or somebody stopped and looked in the crack between the doors they would of seen me, but caught up in the shopping frenzy that is Christmas, they didn't take notice. I thought on that for a moment thinking that is how it is with God. We go about our busy lives oblivious to the fact that He gazes upon us, each of us every day. And if we would take note, we'd be able to notice Him and gaze upon Him, but rarely do people actually do that. We are told by the writer of Proverbs in Prov 5:21 "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings". God sees all things, it amazes me when I think that one day we'll all stand before Him and one by one, He will go to each person and lay their life out before them. For the Christian we will be reminded of every idle word we've spoken and what we've done with our talents for Him. For the sinner, every opportunity for change will be listed. What a sobering thought to realize that His gaze is upon us, the writer in Proverbs said in another place, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." (Prov 15:3) And that my friends is the reality of it!

Giving Like Him

2006-12-06T19:24:00.000-05:00

God is too good to ever pass up the opportunity to tell Him so! During Thanksgiving and Christmas Christians and non-Christians alike tend to have a different attitude. For the most part people are happy and joyful about gift giving and sharing, and Christmas parties and all the other things that tend to go on about this time each year. Yet this is the best time of year to stop for a minute and to reflect on His goodness over this past year. Like many others I had my trials and temptations, my ups and downs, yet when I look back over the year I see the hand of a faithful God despite many times me being unfaithful to Him. I get angry when I see people treating God like, and I've told the church this many times, treating Him like some 'cheap weekend whore' to be taken and used at will, then tossed aside when we've had our 'spiritual fix'. Yet despite being treated so shamefully by His body, He continues to love and adore us beyond comprehension. Can you imagine what the world would be be like if you and I learned to love with such perfect love? Can you imagine the problems that would be solved, the poverty that would be eradicated, the hunger that would be eliminated if you and I learned to love as He loved us? And the glimpse we catch of that love, the backbone of that kind of love is that it is a giving love first, its a sacrificial love. Because we can never forget that when God sent His son on that first Christmas morning, over 2000 years ago, it cost Him something! So when your going about buying gifts for the needy children in your church this year, or buying a gift for that family member, remember for just a moment, that you are taking on His attributes, your giving something precious, not as precious as what He gave, but precious nevertheless. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Its About The Power!

2006-12-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

I heard something tonight that made me think. Our associate Pastor mentioned that while on a recent ministerial trip another Pastor asked him if he felt that it was getting harder to minister. I thought to myself, if its getting harder to minister its not do to the times we live in, I believe it has more to do with attempting to minister within the atmosphere of flesh that we've created by catering to people rather than being His voice to His bride. If the early church could risk death, not just being put in jail, but death at the hands of the Romans, that would make it hard to minister, but it wasn't. The reason it wasn't was because the ministers understood and practiced what Paul meant when he wrote in 1 Cor 4:19-20 "But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." When we place our ability to minister in our training, our experience, or in anything other than Him we've missed it. The problem has been that for too long the church in America has done just that, we've either copied others style or we've pumped and primed people into a frenzy with our catch phrases and cliches. For the most part we've learned to have church without the help and direction of the Holy Spirit. Thereby it is difficult when we try in our own power to minister His Word during a time of shifting. When in this season God is preparing His bride we can't expect to continue to minister in the same way as before. If the church is going to be relevant and touch the world, we must learn what the early church did, that the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. Its the anointing that breaks the yoke, so while some may find it difficult to minister in these last days, I'd boldly preach in Hell knowing that if God be for me, who can be against me? The times will get difficult, that we're promised, but lets not forget, God isn't weakened by evil, He empowers us to operate within it! And that my friends is the reality of it!

To Hell With The Holidays, Its Christmas!

2006-12-01T22:31:00.000-05:00

Well I might as well vent about all the 'holiday' verse 'Christmas' debates that take effect about this time. From national retailers refusing to let the Salvation Army bell ringers stand outside their stores, to other retailers refusing to post the name 'Christmas' in any of their advertisements. I applaud Wal-Mart for backing off such a move and again referencing the name Christmas. People tend to forget that this nation is called America, though we don't always act like it, we're still considered the world over as a Christian nation. And many of our national holidays are such because of what they represented when they were instituted and what they represent now to the 'majority' of Americans. I recently heard that a major bank within Florida will no longer allow Christmas decorations after this year because a few of their customers complained about being offended. Since when did it become popular for businesses to side with the minority? Whats next, outlawing Christmas decorations in our yards? If I had a national voice, I'd tell those who have a problem with any of the holidays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving that if they don't want to celebrate, please 'shut the mouth' and move on. I'm not surprised though of the utter stupidity and idiotic actions of people. There is a scripture that says in Isa 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" And that my friends is the reality of it!

Pull Up A Chair

2006-11-30T20:08:00.000-05:00

When I was young my step father would sometimes cook steak on the grill. It was probably the best steak I'd ever eaten, even to this day. I would cut off small pieces and just suck on them in my mouth before chewing and swallowing. Even the fat would get sucked on for a few minutes before throwing it away. Some foods do that for me, and what is interesting is that God would like for us to sample Him in that manner! David wrote in Ps 34:8 "O taste and see that the LORD is good" I think the church has lost it's ability to truly have an appetite for the things of God. I remember reading one time where Jesus told His disciples that in order to walk with Him they must eat His body and drink His blood (John 6). Of course He didn't mean literally to eat Him, but what happens when we figuratively do so? I asked Him one day what that scripture meant, and I remember Him saying to me quite clearly, "when you eat something it is absorbed into your blood, it becomes part of you, when you learn to eat my flesh and drink of my blood it becomes part of you, you become one with me. I am the Word of Life, and when you read and meditate on my word, you are partaking of me." The more I spend alone with Him in His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to breath through me, I'm partaking of Him. I'm wanting to get to that place, where every day I pull up a chair at His table and partake of Him. It can and must be developed with in us, it must be our desire to want this. John Piper wrote in the book, A Hunger For God, "If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. God did not create you for this. There is an appetite for God. And it can be awakened." And that my friends is the reality of it!

When Our Light Effects Others

2006-11-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

I noticed my new Christmas lights I had just hung around my house after Thanksgiving had a section of lights out. After checking every bulb I noticed the problem was a spliced wire, and set about repairing it. In checking the bulbs though I noticed something that made me think. When I removed a lit bulb from a different area of lights, I'd lose about eight strings of lights along the side of my house. That one light I would pull out would cause about 30 other lights to go out too. I thought this is what its like when a Christian fails or has problems. It doesn't cause everyone in the Body of Christ to be effected, but it does effect those immediately around that person. Jesus said in Matt 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." If they can't see our good works do to something in our life that effects the light, then that will effect others. I remember the large number of Christians that were hurt when Jimmy Swaggart failed, I was enrolled in his college at that time, and I remember walking out of the sanctuary, crying and upset that someone I had put so much trust in had failed. When his light went out, so did a lot of others unfortunately. I recovered though, but how sad that many others to this day refuse to go back to church. I realize we're not to allow the actions of others to effect us, but I believe it is part of being human. None of my friends or relatives died in the World Trade Center, but I remember it deeply impacted me. Had I been given the opportunity to fight those responsible I would have. When God asked Cain where his brother Abel was, Cain replied, "Am I my brothers keeper?" God didn't bother to answer Cain, but we know the answer can be found in the New Testament when Paul wrote in Heb 10:24 "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works." I believe we need to keep that in mind, our light does effect others. And that my friends is the reality of it!

The Best Time Of Year

2006-11-24T20:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Thanksgiving, and soon Christmas, oh I love the Holidays! This is definitely my favorite time of year. I love the look of Christmas, with all the decorations and smells and despite the bad attitude of many, there are many more who allow the spirit of Christmas to effect them in a positive way. The smiles on the faces of adults and kids alike, and the Christmas music being played, yes this is the best time of year! But the best part of all, isn't buying my kids or wife gifts, its not the food, its not even the decorations, of which I go all out at our house. And as much as I love to watch our children open their gifts and laugh with delight, what really gives me joy is what our church does during this time for the many children we pick up on our church buses. Many of them only receive presents because of the generous and loving people of our church. Nothing compares to watching the faces of those little children as we pull up in our buses and begin unloading presents. Many times parents, and even some of the children will break down in tears while we're there. It makes everything worth it. You see I believe we get a small taste of what the Father must of felt when He in His infinite wisdom planned the greatest gift of all when He decided to give us His son. The tears we shed when we accept Him, and when we worship Him makes it all worth it for Him! So during this Christmas season, in the midst of bad attitudes, and crazy shoppers, remember Christ, and His gift. And that my friends is the reality of it.

Expecting the Day of Noah

2006-11-15T16:27:00.000-05:00

I'm reminded by recent events in our nation what Jesus said in Luke 17:26-27 "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all." When people think of the times we live in they immediately think of this scripture which speaks of the end times and the return of Christ. And in doing so they think of the judgement side of this scripture. Yet when you read of this account in the Old Testament you get the whole picture and you realize that living in the final days will be a time of expectation for God's people. Let's not forget that Noah and his family was spared, the rain wasn't judgement against them, it was judgement against fallen humanity. That will be the way it is in our time too. There will be churches and individuals who experience the rain of His Spirit in a positive, maturing way, and there will be those that will see the judgement side of that rain. A better picture of this is seen in the Gospel of Matthew where Christ said in verses 7:24-27 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it". The foundation we stand upon will determine what becomes of us when the rain and the floods come. I remember a vivid dream I had some time back, I was standing with a large group of other people on what I thought was solid ground. Suddenly the ground began to wave and move, I was able to get over to what appeared to be a smooth area of rock and was able to see underneath where I had been standing. And what I saw scared me, there was nothing under the ground but a large cavern that was rapidly filling with water. I could see the ground moving violently and the people on top didn't seem to notice or care. I started yelling at them that the ground was unstable and they needed to move, but they didn't pay any attention to me. I believe that God is definitely preparing his people for great exploits. Every time He does we are assisted by the rain of His Spirit. Rather than focus on what's going on around me, I'm more determined to make sure the foundation I stand on will hold up during the coming flood. What will it be for you? Judgement or preparation for mighty things? And that my friends is the reality of it!

The Hard Road To Victory

2006-11-12T21:24:00.000-05:00

A.W. Tozer wrote "In order to get to Resurrection one must first go through the Cross". He talked about how so many Christians want the Resurrection life but don't want to pay the price to get it, which is going through the Cross. Probably more than any other author, A.W. Tozer makes me think. And I've thought a lot of his statements this week. How I long for victory and resurrection life, yet one must be willing to embrace all that the cross represents. The Lord showed me one time that the Cross for the Christian represents both death and life. Death in that we must die to everything selfish and carnal, yet life also because in the Cross we can know the same kind of victorious life that Christ lived. It empowers us to live holy, just and separated lives. Yet because many Christians would rather control their own lives and destiny, few ever truly embrace the Cross, knowing that to do so means we give up our claims to ourselves and let God take control. Tonight at our cell group we talked about the suffering that Christ permits in our lives. I explained to the group that the good news is that the suffering or hard times we go through don't last forever. We are told in the Bible that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Our light affliction is but for a moment we are told. God was letting us know, and confirms it today that difficult times don't last, that joy, happiness and resurrection life is always the end result of going through hard times when we let God have His way. I call this the hard road to victory, a place that few American Christians rarely travel, yet that road has been tread by every great man and woman of God both in the Old and New Testaments. Any Christian who has ever done, or is doing anything of worth for the Lord today has traveled that road, you can't have resurrection without first having the Cross, that's the hard road to victory. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Common Unity

2006-11-11T19:53:00.000-05:00

Today the men of our church went to a college football game between the University of South Florida and Syracuse. I noticed something during that game that caused me to think. Each time our team scored everybody would high five each other, including total strangers. I didn't know the person sitting in front of me, but during a game it doesn't matter, we had common unity! That is true for everything, in order for there to be unity among people there first must be a commonality between them. For many of us today, that commonality was the desire to see our team win, which they did. Within the Christian community Christ is the common factor in which believers gather together to worship, praise and fellowship. But take that commonality away, whether it be among Christians, or people in the world and we no longer have unity. Many years ago after the L.A. riots, Rodney King asked, "can't we all just get along?" And the answer is no, not without some common ground on which to stand. Amos wrote in the book that bears his name, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?". The answer of course is no, they can't. When a couple can't walk together in agreement, then unity can't flourish, and the result will be separation or divorce. When nations can't agree, it often results in war. God puts much emphasis on unity, speaking of the benefits of it in Ps 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" When you consider the alternative to not walking in unity, discord, anger and many times hardness, then who would want anything different? I caught a glimpse of the kind of unity that exists in the world today at a football game. If people in the world can come together and find common ground, how much more God's people? It is good and pleasant, and God's blessings await those who choose unity over discord. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Purging His Bride

2006-11-04T09:57:00.001-05:00

I read with heartache the news about Pastor Ted Haggard yesterday. It is always difficult when any man of God is found to be less than pure or upstanding in his life. I pray that the accusation against him will be nothing more than the rantings of a person with a vendetta against a man of God. But if they are found out to be true, we as the body of Christ need not judge, but show grace and a willingness to forgive and restore within a proper time frame. I know in my heart what God has done for me, and delivered me from. I also know that like any Christian, I still deal with things that I would never want broadcast to the world, let alone the church. Because of His grace towards me I can honestly say that if the men of God in my life, in my church ever stumbled, I'd be the first to offer a hand up, knowing that they aren't just my pastors, but they are my friends too, and we don't turn our backs on our friends, regardless of what they do or what others say about them. I heard the news about Ted Haggard yesterday afternoon, and a scripture I had read earlier came to mind, one that if we would follow it would help keep us out of trouble. The Apostle Paul wrote in Phil 3:17 "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example". When I read that it made me stop and ask myself, how does my life compare to Paul's? When we read the Bible we get a pretty good idea of what type of person he was. He had no other desire or motive other than to preach Christ. He had no other pursuit than to get closer to the One whom he served. He was single minded in that pursuit, not caught up in titles or prestige or making a quick buck. Paul was a humble man who was even willing to spend eternity in Hell if it meant the salvation of Israel. He gave up everything he had worked for in his life for the purposes of God. And in the end, he even gave his own life for the gospel he enjoyed preaching. I'm praying God deliver me from the American mindset that says by its works more than its words that we shouldn't suffer for Christ, we shouldn't lack money or material things, we should only expect and receive the best, and God forbid if we face persecution, (which is next to impossible with the watered down messages we preach behind our pulpits). If we're to compare our lives to Paul's, then I've got a long way to go, but I'm willing to take that journey, because God is doing what He said He would do in the final days, He is purging His bride! And that my friends is the reality of it!

UFOs all around us

2006-11-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

I was talking to my wife tonight and I made the comment that I often stand out among those that I"m going to school with. I've been working on getting my CDL Class A license the last two weeks and many of the students are hoping to soon be driving a big rig (semi-truck and trailer). I've got a job lined up with a Tampa food distributor so thankfully I'll be home every night! Unfortunately we live in a society that stereotypes everything and everyone. When I've told friends that I'm getting my license to drive semi's, some have found it amusing, saying that I don't look the trucker 'type'. I know most people's idea of a trucker is a large burly man, with lots of tattoos, and some teeth missing, but being in school, the majority of students don't look that way. I guess neither do I since I'm considered clean cut and of average height and build. Back in 1998 my company at that time sent me to Atlanta for some training. I was able to take my wife and we were in a section of town that was very affluent and wealthy, staying in a very nice hotel. During the day I was in training and had to wear a suit and tie, she got to relax and enjoy the benefits of a nice hotel. One night she met me in the lobby, dressed in jeans, and a cut off shirt. We got in the glass elevator with some wealthy ladies. What was amusing were the looks they kept giving my wife as she hung on my arm, her in her jeans and cut off shirt, me in my nice suit. At the time though she wasn't amused, because they thought she was a hooker! Isn't it amazing what people assume? It just goes to show that you can't always tell a book by its cover. And unfortunately we have a lot of that in the church and outside the church. People can't always tell what our beliefs are based solely on how we're dressed or our actions. Too many Christians are like UFOs, Unidentified Flying Objects! We should wear the badge of Christianity with honor, like many others before us have done. I'm determined that those I rub shoulders with on a consistent basis, will know what Christ means to me. And that my friends is the reality of it!

A different tongue

2006-10-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

I read today in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." I'm amazed at the things I hear come from the mouths of those who proclaim to be Christian. The word Paul used for 'corrupt' is taken from the Greek word 'Sapros' which means 'worthless, poor quality, bad, putrid, unfit for use'. Our speech and our conversations should not mimic or compare to those of unbelievers. Yet it's hard to tell a difference anymore when standing among a group of people. I don't advocate that as Christians we mention the Lord's name every other word, or say "Thank you Jesus" every few minutes. I'm talking about our conversation in general and the words and phrases we use. I'm guilty of being edgy when I talk, sometimes using course words to describe things or to get my point across. Though I'm convinced it is the result of not growing up in a Christian family, I'm now a believer and therefore my words should reflect the influence of the Holy Spirit within my life and my thoughts. I also realize that I must be careful that I don't become legalistic in this pursuit. But though Paul in one place said that to a Christian, all things are lawful, he also finished it by saying, but not all things are convenient, or good. The above scripture ends by saying rather than speaking corrupt, bad, worthless things, we should speak things that edify and ministers grace to those within hearing distance. Whether in private or in public, my words should edify and minister grace. I'm not concerned about people feeling good about themselves when they are done talking to me, but I should be concerned about the effect of what I've said has had on them. Isn't it amazing that as Christians we have selective obedience when it comes to God's word? Like a great buffet set before us, we pick and choose the things that are easy for us to handle, and push aside the things that call for sacrifice and commitment. If I understand Ephesians correctly, people should not only know we are Christians by our lifestyle, but also by our conversation. Unfortunately most people only know we're Christian because we tell them, not because they have seen evidence of it in our lives. I say this pointing a finger at myself, for I'm as guilty as anyone, if not more so. James said "Faith without works is dead" and what he meant was that our faith in Christ is lived out daily in our walk and lifestyle, that includes our tongues too! And that my friends is the reality of it!

Living In His Shadow

2006-10-28T23:41:00.000-04:00

When God directed Moses on how to divide the promised land among the tribes of Israel, one tribe was to get more than all the others. You would think that tribe would be the largest, but it wasn't the largest tribe. The tribe that received more than the others was the tribe of Levi. God told Moses that they were not to receive any land, He would be their portion. He wanted Levi to have Himself, and with that, they in essence received more than the other tribes combined. So many of us when we go to church go with the intention that we're going to get something from God. For some its a need of healing, or deliverance, or maybe a financial breakthrough. For some they hope to get some much needed encouragement or strength for something they are going through. Yet when we look at what happened during that time God instructed Moses on dividing up the land, we see what the church today so desperately needs. We have need of Him. Think for a moment Paul's request in the book of Philippians chapter three, verse ten, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." When you consider the fact that Paul knew Christ in a way that many have only imagined to know Him, and seen things that most of us won't see until we get to Heaven, his request is amazing. He so much wanted only God. When you study his life you see that Paul didn't desire a new home, more money, better health, a larger ministry, or a host of other things, he wanted only God for himself. He wanted to live in His shadow. I'm challenged more than ever to desire Him more than even my needs. When we allow our needs, no matter how important they may be, to dictate our walk with Him, then we have missed it altogether. It's not to say that healing, or encouragement, or a host of other needs aren't important, they just aren't the things we should desire first, Christ is who we should desire first. If my seeking of Him is only for what I can get or what I need, then I'm not really seeking Him. There is a minister in Russia who has a church of 25000 members. He drives a car that's ten years old, rents a three bedroom apartment, and lives on a very modest salary. He could have more, could have anything he wanted actually, but he desires something more than the comforts offered by this world, he desires rather to live in His shadow. There's nothing wrong with new homes, nice cars, money in the bank, or even plastic surgery, yet how many of us can say we're living in His shadow? Perhaps the reason our shadow doesn't heal anybody as Peters did 2000 years ago is because we enjoy living in the shadow of the world and all its comforts rather than His shadow and the sacrifice that comes for such privilege! And that my friends is the reality of it!

Who in Hell are you?

2006-10-09T19:58:00.000-04:00

Does that question sound familiar? It should of course as that is the same question that some demons asked a certain group of men trying to copy the Apostle Paul. The story is found in the book of Acts, chapter 19, of which a group of them, seven to be exact, decided they were going to cast some devils out of a person. It must of been a big devil because the man in whom it resided jumped on all seven of them and they ended up streaking back to town! This story tells me some things, first of all, it tells me that in order to apply what one hears from the pulpit requires more than getting the formula right, you've got to know the Author of the message. And secondly, you can't depend upon another person's position with the Author, you better be positioned rightly with Him yourself. And lastly, your position with Him is apparently well known in the Kingdom of darkness, as witnessed by the response of the demon who said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, But who are you?" What the brothers did in their attempt to cast out the evil spirit added up to them basically telling the devil to shoo. And the demon in response said, "We know who Jesus is and who Paul is, But who in hell are you?" You see in Washington, friends of the President are known by everybody, you know who gets face time with him. Its the same in God's Kingdom, friends with the King of Kings are well known not only in Heaven, but also in Hell! That is why when these men attempted to cast the demon out, the demon called their bluff. There is a separation coming to the church in the last days, between the haves and have nots. I'm not talking about those who preach prosperity as something obtained by the super faithful, leave that garbage to the prosperity windbags who choose to base their entire ministry on taking Scriptures out of context for selfish gain. I'm talking about those who will either have the goods, or not have the goods when it comes to Spiritual authority. Its exciting to see world events happening at an accelerated rate, showing that we are entering or have entered the last days. At the same time there is a shifting taking place in the body of Christ as a renewed hunger for Him takes hold of His church, and as foretold in the Scriptures, there will be a falling away, and a chasing after teachers who only teach a soothing, ear tickling message. So I have to ask you and it begs an answer... Who in Hell are you? And that my friends is the reality of it!

Where is God?

2006-10-04T22:49:00.000-04:00

I was listening to my favorite sports talk show yesterday and the topic turned from Football to the shooter at the Amish school. What caught my attention was when one of the hosts asked the other, "Does it seem like things are getting worse?" To which the reply was, "Yes, it seems the world is getting worse, more whacked out". I thought about that for a moment, realizing that those two men, non-Christians without any knowledge of Bible prophecy, was actually right on target! No doubt many are asking themselves today, "Where is God?" and to that I'd have to answer, the same place He has always been! I don't doubt He looks over the portal of Heaven with a heaviness within His heart at the condition of mankind. We have Senators who solicit young kids for sex, drugged crazed lunitics who kill and murder for a few more dollars, sick minded people who walk into our schools and shoot innocent children. We have religious fanatics who think its ok to burn churches and kill without thinking, but God forbid if you say one negative word about Islam. We have misinformed mothers who willingly abort their babies, ministers who sleep around, and priests who abuse children. Where is God? He is where He always has been, yet I know it breaks His heart. I wonder if He has walked among us observing all this. In the Old Testament He showed up at Abrahams door one day, ate lunch, and said He had come down to observe Sodom for Himself, just to see if what He had heard was true. Now dont' get all religous on me, I know God is everywhere, but His manifest presence isn't everywhere, just His omnipresence, which is why He chose for His manifest presence to show up and have lunch with Abraham. He had done that many years earlier too when He decided to check out the tower of Babel. What I understand is that those two times He showed up personally, well it didn't go well for those He was watching! So to answer your question, Where is God? You can be sure He is watching us, I just hope when He comes personally to check up on us, I'm sitting with Him! And that my friends is the reality of it!

No Fear

2006-09-20T08:54:00.000-04:00

We see it on T-Shirts and bumper stickers, even on the back windows of some trucks or across the top of windshields, No Fear! While reading news on the internet last night, that phrase came to me. Its a phrase that should apply to every Christian especially when one considers the times we live in. A few months ago Pastor John Hagee, a well known Bible teacher and end times speaker came out with a book entitled 'Jerusalem Countdown'. In the book he quotes military personnel and even a former CIA director who says that the U.S is sure that radical muslims have smuggled nukes into our country prior to 9/11. The former CIA director went so far as to say that they believe these small nukes, which are in suitcases and had been developed by the old Soviet Union, are in six or seven major cities. He also named the cities. When asked why the government didn't go after them, they said they only know they are hidden in Mosques and they can't raid every Mosque. Last night I was reading an interview conducted by a well known Middle Eastern reporter who has been the only one to interview Bin Ladin and others within the AL Queida organization. He was interviewing a high ranking official within the Al Queida organization and he had a message for American Muslims. He was telling them they need to get out of Washington and New York, and that soon the nukes that have been smuggled into America would be detonated. He also said that soon another tape from Osama Ben Ladin would be coming out with a final warning. As I thought on these things I kept thinking, No Fear. As Christians we are not to fear what might or might not happen. Personally after reading John Hagee's book and now the article on the internet, I believe that we will see some of the same carnage in America that other nations have experienced. Like the CIA director said, its not a matter of 'if', but of 'when'. Yet knowing that, I don't fear, God has always intended His people live like we're citizens of another country. Jesus even said, "Don't fear those who can kill the body, but fear Him who has the power to kill both body and soul". I write these things so people won't be caught off guard. For those who think that God would never allow such things to happen to America, then I remind you of what He has already allowed in our nation, some things very recent, others many years ago, such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and World Wars 1 and 2. God never kept His people 'from' bad times, He has always seen them 'through' bad times. When He judged Egypt, He kept Israel safe 'through' it, and He'll do the same for us who walk with Him daily! And that my friends is the reality of it!

Getting Our House In Order

2006-09-12T15:19:00.000-04:00

With this month being the fifth year anniversary of the bombing of the World Trade Center towers in New York, I've been spending some time thinking and pondering our changing world. I really believe that what happened five years ago was a warning to America. Along with Hurricane Katrina, I think God is attempting to get our attention focused back on what is important in life. I realize some may not want to agree that God would cause such destruction and pain, yet if He was not the cause, and I don't believe He was, He certaintly allowed for it to happen. I'm reminded that Jesus warned His followers that Jerusalem would one day suffer a horrible attack, which would leave mothers barren, and not one stone left upon another. If you study history, you'll know that in 70 A.D. just such a scenario took place, as the Romans, showing no mercy, wiped Jerusalem off the map, thousands upon thousands of people died, including Christians. God of course did not cause that destruction either, but He did allow it as a judgment on a nation that purposely and willingly rejected Him. It is no coincidence that the twin towers were known as the World Trade Center. I believe God was making a statement when He allowed them to be brought down, and that is, a nation such as ours that continually mocks righteousness and holiness, and by doing so spits in His face, will not be shielded from His judgment. I don't believe it was coincidence that a Hurricane wiped out one of the most vile and wicked places in our country. Yes, other areas were also hit, but the one place that was devastated more than any other was New Orleans. Throughout the Old and New Testaments we see that God does use the hand of the enemy to bring correction and judgment not only to His people, but to the lost as well. I've listened to Ministers say that God would not cause such devastation without reason, and that sometimes things such as storms and bombs just happen. When a nation has killed over 50 million babies, and for the most part, Christians have sat idlely by and said and done nothing, we're guilty. When as a nation we export more pornography and sex services than any other nation, and Christians say nothing, we are as a nation guilty. The good news is that God's grace guides us through. Like the many testimonies from the World Trade Center, many Christians have testified of God delivering them that morning by unforeseen circumstances keeping them from going to work. Yet others perished, of which we can't explain, nor does God need to, other than for us to say, He is faithful. Read the end of Hebrews chapter 11, and there you will find that there were those who despite standing in faith, still perished. I believe that what God is wanting His bride to do, is not be so caught up with this life, but in the life to come. Trust me on this, He is coming soon, but before He does, things will get worse. I've had dreams of tanks and soldiers in our streets, not an enemy, but our own, directing people to places of security and safety. Jesus when speaking of the end times said not to fear, but look up. God is trying to get our attention off of this life, and centered back on Him, where we no longer care or worry about our own personal well being, but on whether we are living for and looking for Him. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Moving forward

2006-09-05T22:19:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in awhile, very busy with work, and soon, going to school to try something new, getting my helicopter pilots license. Whats interesting is the school plans on opening a number of other schools along the eastern border of the U.S in hopes of landing a Homeland Security contract. The more I've watched the news lately the more I realize that we're living on borrowed time...I'm not sure when the Lord is coming back but I know I want to be prepared when He does! So as I attend school three nights a week, and work out and study the other nights, with flying on Saturdays, my days of blogging may be sporadic or due to a lack of sleep, may be out there, but then again, I'll only be sounding like most other internet junkies! And as I work to complete another book that I feel is relevant to our times and the church, I'll post my thoughts from that too. So as the world tumbles further into spiritual darkness and forward to a date with divine destiny...I walk forward into some new areas...excited with what God is up to! I believe the church I attend is the best church around...(I hope you feel that way about your church also). We are taught to always expect big things from a God who is much bigger than we can imagine, and has plans and purposes for us that stretches the imagination! And that my friends is the reality of it!

Peace That Defines Us

2006-08-25T23:13:00.000-04:00

I was reading an article recently about the leader of Iran. This individual has caused quite a stir in the capitals of many nations due to the things he says when a microphone is placed before him. He has called for the destruction of Israel and America, and believes that he has a divine mandate from Allah to usher in the last great prophet who will prepare the return of Allah. And to think that this person is rapidly working on arming his nation with nuclear weapons, one can quickly see the fear that world leaders have concerning this man. As a Christian I realize that the world we now live in and understand will one day come to an end. God has made it clear that one day, much sooner than later when you look at world events in light of Bible prophecy, He will return to establish His Kingdom once and for all. That is why, as a Christian, I don't fear death, I don't fear getting old, nor do I fear the possibility that a terrorist may one day bring the same carnage to our nation as they do now in other nations. But its not just the world events that I refuse to give in to fear of, but also on a personal level too. There are many things one can fear, sickness, disease, loss of family, friends, or a loss of a job. People fear the loss of loved ones, either a spouse walking out, or suddenly passing away. There are many phobias that people deal with, and many things that life can throw at us. But as a Christian, I choose to let peace be my guide. I believe what Paul meant when he wrote in the book of Phil 4:6-8 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.", was that peace should define us, it should define who we are, and that is we are Christians, followers of Christ. And as such, we don't live our lives or conduct our lives according to what we fear, but according to what we know. And we know that in the end, God will have the final say, and ultimately He will prevail! And that my friends is the reality of it!

The Times We Live In

2006-08-19T22:42:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged lately, due to my wife's repeated hospital stays, but thankfully this last time turned out to be successful and hopefully she shouldn't have to go in again anytime soon. So I'm back and ready to blog! Yesterday while driving down the road in our home town, an older gentleman pulled out in front of me. By the way he was driving I could tell he was in a hurry but nevertheless, what he did was rude so I decided when I got the opportunity I'd let him know it! I figured he knew what he did but needed to be reminded that such rudeness won't be tolerated! When the lanes shifted to two, he got over in the turning lane and I thought, what a perfect opportunity for me, I'll be able to pull right up beside him and let him know that he ticked me off. When I did get beside him, I laid on my car horn, which is pretty loud and was about to mouth, "you drive like an idiot, why did you pull out in front of me" words when at the sound of the horn, he looked over and reacted by waving, assuming it was a friend! He then realized I was upset and looked away, and I thought to myself, He don't get it! He really doesn't even get it! That got me to thinking, our society has really changed. People are more self centered than ever before, and not only self centered, but less concerned about others, which is related to self-centeredness. I was convicted by my own actions too, as a Christian, I should have not let it bother me so much, but my belief has been, people won't know what their actions do unless they are told, I should have been more kind in my telling though! I'm reminded what Jesus said in Matt 24:12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." He was talking about the last days, and how people would change, losing their love for their fellow man and I beleive for themselves also. Which is why you and I as the salt of the earth should continue to let our light shine in an increasingly darkened world. I'm determined that the actions of others will not illicit a reaction that cheapens Christ in me, but one that allows me to respond in a manner that strengthens Christ in me, and sends a message of hope. And that my friends is the reality of it!

A Challenge For Change

2006-08-09T23:14:00.000-04:00

One thing I love probably more than anything else is to be challenged as a Christian. Very few ministers do that for me. Very few can say things that really cause me to stop and ponder the deeper things of God. Don't get me wrong, I've heard many good ministers, and I've shouted with the best of them. But shouting doesn't cause you to stop and consider your ways, it doesn't cause you to look deep within your spirit and consider your relationship with God. Tonight at church I was challenged. Our Associate Pastor, Pastor Neil, of whom I've mentioned before spoke from John 14:12-14 where Jesus said that we as Christians would do the same works that He had done. Pastor Neil took those verses and specifically that verse and taught on being in a place with God that we fulfill that verse, we do what Jesus did. What challenged me was some of the things he brought out. He reminded us that as Christians we weren't saved just to attend church and go to heaven. We were saved to bring reconciliation to others, to point others to Jesus. Of the 6 plus billion people on this planet, just over 1 1/2 billion are Christian. Who's responsible for telling them? You are, I am. And to be honest, I've done a poor job of sharing my faith. It's more than just going door to door and inviting people to church though, I've done that, our church does that, there's a place and a time for that. But more importantly, its about living out our faith every day with those we come into contact with. It's being a Christian when we're at work, when we're out and about. He also made four very powerful points about Jesus, that I want to emulate in my own life, 1) Jesus met people. He was called a friend of sinners. He didn't let them rub off on Him, He rubbed off on them. 2) Jesus mended people. He just didn't meet people, He mended them, He fixed what was wrong. 3) Jesus ministered to people. He just didn't tell people what they were doing wrong, He showed them how to do it right. 4) Jesus mentored people. A big problem in the church is that we get them to come, and they come to the altar realizing they need Jesus. But we never teach them how to live as a Christian. That was the challenge in my spirit tonight, to do what Jesus did, to live as He lived. A couple years ago I wrote a book about drawing close to God. Having a closeness with Him that rivaled those special people in the Bible who knew Him so well. Sadly, I've not lived up to their standard. I've tried to lower that standard to my life, rather than raise my life to His standard. I was challenged tonight to come up higher. To become more like Christ than ever before. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Worship To Survive

2006-08-06T21:21:00.000-04:00

I must confess, the name of this blog came from a thought my wife had, she was thinking about worship and everything she's been through when the thought came to her, to make it she must worship to survive. That stuck with me and the more I thought on it, the more I liked it. Worship is such a powerful thing, along with praise it really does lift us up from the valley that we may find ourselves walking through. Even for those who aren't Christian, finding solace in music is uplifting during times of trial or tribulation. Music has that ability to put into words what we're feeling deep inside. What makes worship music different than any other kind of music is that there is a spiritual side to it. Worship, unlike other kinds of music, lifts us into the very presence of God, which in turn lifts us up from where we're at, whether it be a trial or just a time of adoring God. I'm reminded of a time that Jesus had a conversation with a woman who had come to a popular well to draw water, it was there that Jesus said, in John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." To worship Him in spirit is to worship Him from our inner most being, in truth is to worship from the fact that He is who He says He is, therefore true worship encompasses those two facets, it flows from our inner most being to the one we know exists. And the very next thing Jesus says is "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Because of who He is, He desires only a specific kind of worship, that which is in spirit and in truth. To truly understand worship one must experience it in the context of how God intended it be, not just unintelligently singing some songs, but from the deepest part of our hearts sharing our love for Him. It is within that context that worship, when genuine has the ability to lift us into His presence, making its abode within the very heart of God. For some, its their very survival. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Casual Repentance

2006-08-05T19:19:00.000-04:00

Last night while laying in bed thinking about the days events and talking to the Lord, I said something that I say every night before falling to sleep. I said to the Lord, "Father thank you for this day, I ask Your forgiveness for any sins that I've committed, good night." After I said that as I have for many years, I stopped to think about what I had just said. It was then I realized for the first time that what I was saying with out much thought or heart was nothing more than casual repentance. And as such it wasn't getting any further than my ceiling. Repentance by definition is more than just words that we say when we've been caught doing something wrong, or we're feeling guilty over something. According to Websters 1828 Dictionary, repentance is defined as the relinquishment of any practice, from conviction that it has offended God. Repentance includes not just voicing our grief over violating God's law, but turning from what we've done and willfully going in the opposite direction that we were previously walking that caused us to sin against Him. The Bible says in 2 Cor 7:9 "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner.." True repentance results in a change, a change of heart, direction and thought. And the fruit that is borne is that of a clear conscience and a pure heart towards God. I've done some soul searching today, with a desire that I won't offer casual repentance to God for my shortcomings and sins anymore. The greatest gift given to us from God besides His Son, is found in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" What a privilege we have in that we don't have to walk around with guilt when God is there to extend His mercy and forgiveness. But our repentance must not be casual, it must be genuine if its going to get His attention. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Going To Heaven With Hell On Your Back

2006-08-02T14:14:00.000-04:00

Life can be difficult for us, whether your a Christian or not life can throw you a curve ball and totally catch you off guard. For people who choose not to believe in God, or haven't heard of Him, getting through the many trials and temptations we face everyday can be very difficult. We sadly see the result played out each day in the news when somebody, tired of this life, decides to end theirs. As a Christian, we aren't immune to life's problems either. No where in the Bible are Christians assured of a free pass in this life from circumstances or situations that test our resolve or mental capacities. Yet, because we are Christian, we have the assurance that though all hell may seem to be breaking loose or coming against us, Christ has promised to be there through the trial, standing hand in hand with us. David wrote in Psalms 23, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." God never said we'd never walk through those dark valleys of life or the soul, but He's promised to be there, and offers comfort also. Oh how I love my savior Jesus, who is always there for us. It's what keeps me laughing, when inside I feel like crying. It's the reason that our journey to Heaven, though Hell may be hanging off our backs, still doesn't steal our joy. There awaits a far better life for us on the other side, and the best part of it all is that we're that much more closer to His return than we were yesterday. That my friends is the reality of it!

Not My Opinion

2006-07-26T21:47:00.000-04:00

Recently I had a discussion with a person who attends our church about visiting another church this weekend with a friend. Since his friend attends our church regularly he was invited to attend their old church. When I found out the name of the organization that the church is affiliated with I made the comment about that organization being known to ordain homosexuals into the ministry. I followed this with the statement that homosexuality is a sin. This comment was made of course in front of his friend, so he quickly added "well everyone is entitled to their opinion". I looked at them both and responded, "that's true, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the Bible isn't mans opinion, its God's word on everything. So whether you choose to accept it or not is a non factor, its true regardless, and therefore because He says homosexuality is an abomination, it is, whether you want to believe it or not." With that they didn't have much else to say, and quickly left. Thinking about this I thought to myself how man in all his wisdom still doesn't get it. We do our best and think we're enlightened because of our acceptance of all things, when in reality we're deceived. I can understand the humanist and the atheist denying the existence of God. For to acknowledge Him would mean that we become accountable for our beliefs about Him and our actions as individuals. I don't need to prove His existence to anyone to get them to believe in Him. He proves His own existence by His creation. The complexity of the human gene proves that there was a supernatural hand in its creation. The alignment of the planets, and of the earth itself proves His existence. The vastness of our solar system, and the billions more that are out there prove His existence. And once you realize He is there, you become accountable for what He has written about Himself, and His opinion, or better yet, His truth. Say what you want about the Bible, but when you study its origin, 40 different authors over 1500 years, on three continents, and when placed together, form a uniform and concise message, that is just about mathematically impossible! Yet, guided by His hand, we have what has been passed down through thousands of years, His message, and we would be wise to find out what He has to say. That my friends isn't my opinion, that's the reality of it!

Why Me?

2006-07-23T16:41:00.000-04:00

This morning in church one of our praise team members sang the song, Friend of God. It starts off by saying, "Who am I that you are mindful of me, That you hear me, when I call. Is it true that You are thinking of me, How You love me, Its Amazing, It's Amazing, It's Amazing. I am a friend of God, I am a friend of God, I am a friend of God, He calls me Friend" As that was being sung today, I kept thinking about those powerful words, and asking myself. Why me? Why would God, who created the heavens and the earth, who stood on nothing, reached out into nothing, grabbed nothing, and created something! Then if that wasn't enough, He took some dirt, fashioned it after His image, held it up, breathed into His very life, set it down, and called it man. And that's not all, He would later in the greatest act of love ever displayed, sent His own son to die in our place, my place, within the confines of the most cruel form of death ever imagined and instituted by man, crucifixion. All that for one purpose, one incredible, awesome purpose, that I might be brought into a relationship with this all mighty, all powerful, all knowing being, creator, God, and Heavenly Father! And when I do, He steps back and calls me His friend! I'm reminded when Jesus was eating with His disciples, He looked at them and said, I no longer call you servants, but friends. There is something within every person that longs to make a connection with people we perceive to be important, or influential. When we're in meetings we like to be acknowledged by them, or hope we can catch their attention, it makes us feel important. When I worked at Raymond James Financial, a billion dollar financial company, it made me feel good when the owner would remember my name. For the Christian, we have someone more popular than Hollywoods best, richer than Bill Gates, more powerful than the President of the United States, more influential than the pope, and He calls you His friend! That my friends, is the reality of it!

Getting Rid of The Weeds

2006-07-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

What a week! Between revival type services that were absolutely incredible, and working on my new work van for a new area I'll be going after, my week has been quite busy to say the least. This morning I got up at 8am to pull weeds, of which I was able to fill two extra large lawn bags full! I was thinking about those weeds, and reminding myself that I need to run to Walmart to get some weed killer. Its amazing how weeds can show up just about anywhere, even in the cracks of my cement driveway! They have poked up through the rock beds we have beside our home, and even in the minutest cracks where the sidewalk and the foundation meet. Yes, weeds are both amazing and annoying all at the same time! When you think about it, there are other kinds of 'weeds' as well. The kind that find their way into our lives and make things difficult for us. It could be a weed of worry that doesn't seem to ever completely leave us. That weed attacks a lot of Christians. And like a real weed, that you can pull up, and another will take its place a few days later, the weed of worry will go away, but sooner or later will come back if not dealt with properly. There's the weed of anger, fear, doubt, and a host of others that plague peoples lives. Thankfully though, there is a solution! For the weeds that continue to plague my shrubs and sea grass, I plan on digging up the ground, and laying down a weed guard. We also have a weed guard for those 'weeds' that seem to spring up at times in our lives. Its the Word of God, and within it's pages we find means to not only remove the weeds in our lives, but to keep them from coming back also. What's amazing is the time we take to eradicate the weeds in our lawns, yet accept the weeds in our lives when God has provided the ultimate weed guard which is His Word. So the next time your outside pulling weeds, ask Him to remind you of the weeds in your life that He wants you to deal with, and then open His Word, and see what He says you can do about that particular weed! And that my friends is the reality of it!

Change is coming

2006-07-16T20:35:00.000-04:00

Today kicked off our annual campmeeting, and what a powerful first two meetings we had with Evangelist David George! He has literally traveled around the world, preaching the Gospel, and challenging the church to arise to her full potential in Christ. My heart has always been to see God move in America as He has been doing in nations around the world. I didn't grow up in church, and as a lover of history, I've always been blessed by our rich spiritual heritage. I've also always believed that one day, I would see in my generation, the things the early Christians experienced. I take the Word literal and when Jesus said we could do the same things as Him, I believe that! I'm blessed to attend a church that is led by a pastor who believes that too, and who surrounds himself with men and women who believe that as well! I love to be challenged, and that's what I get from the messages from our church, a challenge to come up higher. Over the years I've been discouraged at the overall state of the church in America. Watching Christian television sometimes, most times, makes me sick. There is so much hype, and flakiness, and shallowness. And my belief is that with the God we serve, He doesn't need any false advertising, or for us to use our slick worldly inspired marketing schemes to promote Him. He is quite capable of promoting Himself, we just too often forget that. I don't mind bringing in new things, but lets forget thinking that He needs any help with our ideas to promote Him. Fire doesn't need any advertising, it advertises itself quite nicely! But one thing I took from the two messages today, is that God is on the move, not just around the world, but in our nation as well. I see the wind stirring His body. I'm thankful that He hasn't forgotten us, God isn't done with America. Like Pastor Neil said in his blog not long ago, there is a shifting taking place. And such a shifting, that it causes me to pause, and reevaluate my life, and my walk. Change is coming! And that my friends is the reality of it!

Where's the Battery?

2006-07-15T21:39:00.000-04:00

I just finished putting a new battery in my car tonight. On my Ford Focus, when the battery dies, everything but the engine shuts down. The clock, the horn, the radio, the gauges, everything stops, but because of the alternator the engine keeps running. I thought about that after replacing the battery. I could of not changed it, and just got a jump in the morning, and still drove it. I'd have the appearance that the car was fine, but inside, I'd know it wasn't for real. Too often, I see that in the American church, we have the appearance that all is well, but when you take a closer look, you see its not real. We've learned to have church without being hooked up to the power source, the battery, which is the Holy Spirit. We appear ok, we've got our colored lights, smoke machines, large screens, and sound systems that rival anything a well planned concert would have. There's nothing wrong with those things of course, I mean they do serve a purpose, they do enhance the whole experience, and in a nation that is increasingly visual, the church needs to stay relevant, but at what cost? I'm reminded of the time that Jesus walked into the temple, made a whip out of some rope, and began running people out of the temple, mainly those who were there selling their goods. It wasn't that what they were selling was a violation, but Jesus reminded them that Gods house is for those wanting to see Him, and the merchant's were stealing God's attention. I long to see God on display, and if within the framework of our lights, smoke, and any other visual aid we add, that can be accomplished, then more power to it. But for some reason, despite all our man made efforts, we still lack the one thing that was so evident 2000 years ago, His heavy manifest presence. I'm sure if it would of helped His message, Jesus could have had it thunder and lightning every time He spoke, but he didn't need any visual aids, His audience was awed not by what they seen, but by what He spoke. Even when miraculous healings took place, He always pointed the people to God who had done the healing, and demanded that they take their eyes off of man. You see, He had the real thing, He was connected to the battery. I thank God for those churches whose focus is set on displaying Christ to the world, and not just putting on a good display. This week at church, don't set your attention on all the visual effects, regardless of how great they are, but set your attention on Him, and you'll find He's there waiting for you. Get connected to the Battery! And that my friends is the reality of it!

God Picks Up Where Man Stops

2006-07-14T20:47:00.000-04:00

The other night in church, our associate Pastor, Pastor Neil, who also has his own blog, of which can be located under my links to the right (I recommend you read his blogs, they are very good), was teaching a message on being connected to the right people. The message, as usual was very good, but what caught my attention the most was a statement he made. He said, God picks up where man stops. That statement to me is most profound, because when I think about it, that's what God is waiting to happen. I know what Pastor Neil was talking about when he made that statement, man can only take us so far, and when he does, then God picks up and takes us the rest of the way. But for me, I also see something else. When I can't go anymore, when I'm at the end of my rope, when I've gone as far as Jesse Wilson can go, God picks up where most often, I'm forced to stop. Not stopping because I'm quitting, though I've been down that road before, but stopping because I just can't go any further in my own strength and limited knowledge. Its when we come to that point that God picks up and takes us where we can't go ourselves. I believe Job had to come to that place, he tried to figure out what was going on in his life, even making assumptions about God without really knowing what he was talking about. I love what God says in chapter 40 of Job, He asks, "Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it" Then for the rest of the chapter and all of chapter 41 God says in essence to Job, "If you can do the things I do Job, then I'll gladly step aside and declare your God" Then Job coming to the end of himself, stops and says in chapter 42, "I know that you can do everything, and that no thought can be withholden from you". When he stopped, God picked it up from there! If you wonder what's going on in your life, and where God has been, maybe, just maybe He's waiting for you to stop, so He can pick up where you left off. And that my friends, is the reality of it!

Manifest Destiny

2006-07-08T13:19:00.000-04:00

In 1839 a gentleman by the name of John O'Sullivan, an editor with the Democratic Review, coined the phrase, Manifest Destiny, to descibe the vision of the United States stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He felt it was our right and desire to expand, our destiny to become great, and claim what should be ours. While thinking about that today, I thought, how true that is for Christians. We have a divine destiny concerning the things of God. It is our manifest destiny to move forward in the things of God and take what belongs to us. Jesus said in Matt 11:12 "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." That is what John O'Sullivan had in mind with manifest destiny, it was our right to expand as a nation, our destiny to do so. God's purpose is the same, it is our destiny to spiritually expand, to move forward and take what is provided for us. Jesus didn't have in mind the thought of being militant when He said to take the kingdom by force. He simply meant that the saints must press into the things of God, because there are forces that are attempting to keep us from that objective, from achieving all He has for us. As we enter into the season of His return it will become increasingly more difficult to stay the course. Not impossible, just more difficult as the enemy pulls out all the stops to keep God's people from inheriting the promise, that is why we must walk in manifest destiny, knowing we are destined for greater things, and moving forward, pressing in, to receive it! That my friends is the reality of it.

The cost of Freedom

2006-07-04T13:19:00.000-04:00

It was on this day, over 200 years ago that a group of men banded together and declared their freedom from the oppressive rule of England. These men were willing to risk family, friends, and even their own lives for the chance to enjoy, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness! Those three things are the basis of being. I'm reminded that Jesus said in John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" The life Christ spoke about is what our founding fathers had in mind, its a life that includes freedom and the ability to not only pursue happiness, but to be happy. Those things are not found in communist nations, or within man made religions that attempt to bind the individual by an oppressive list of do's and don'ts that can't be followed or maintained. I'm thankful that I live in a nation that embodies what our Creator envisioned when He sent His very own son to die on a cruel cross for one purpose.... Freedom! Yes we have many issues in our nation, but compared to other nations, we enjoy a freedom that far surpasses what others enjoy. Soon, and I believe within my generation, the God who defined freedom by giving His own Son, will come back to offer the world a freedom even greater than what we enjoy in America. I long for that day more than any other, and so as we celebrate our nations freedom today, lets remember the price that was paid for this freedom, not just in 1776, but the inspiration for that freedom, over 2000 years ago, on a hill called Golgotha. And that my friends is the reality of it!

What size fan are you?

2006-07-02T18:05:00.000-04:00

Last night I had a dream that I worked for a radio station. In the dream I was asked to get a fan from an individual who supplies them to the employees. When I entered this persons office I didn't see any fans, but the longer I stood in there looking around I'd start noticing them. Soon, she found a fan and brought it to me. I was a little disappointed because the fan was small compared to the others. She had large fans, medium fans, small ones, and of all those choices, she gave me a small one. I took it back to the sound room and plugged it in. It actually turned out to be a good fan and did the job reasonably well. Then I woke up with this dream on my mind, thinking about all the different sizes of fans there had been. I kept thinking that the large fans provided for a lot of wind, compared to the little fans. Because of the size of the other fans, I kept thinking that I had been ripped off until I turned the little fan on and seen that despite its size, it provided an adequate amount of air. I drive a bus on Sunday mornings picking up children, there are two small fans that due to the Florida heat, I use frequently. I always want to rip them off and toss them out the window, mainly because they can't seem to keep me cool enough! I'd rather have a large fan blowing in my face on those hot, muggy mornings. So its not so much the amount of air we can put out, but that we are where we're supposed to be in God's grand scheme of things. When you observe the church world, you see some things that are similar to those in the world. We have many that come across as a large fan, but rather than making an impact, they do nothing but provide a lot of air! You see that with large ministries, you have the head man, then you have the wannabe's running around acting as if they are God's gift to the church. When really, all God is looking for is for all His many fans, large, medium and small to find their place in His office, and do what they are created to do. If in the kingdom I'm a small fan, the worst thing I can do is to attempt to do the job of a big fan, thus trying to be what I'm not created to be. My peace, my joy, my anointing is to do what God created me to do, and not try to be something that God didn't create me to be. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, we read the story of the sower who sowed his seed in different ground. Those who sowed in good ground reaped, some 30 fold, some 60 fold, and some 100 fold. Not everyone is going to do the same things or be the same size in the kingdom, which is why God said that once we get to heaven, its not about what we did, but its about being faithful to what we were supposed to do. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first. The least in the Kingdom will be greater than John the Baptist, yet on earth, no greater prophet existed compared to him! That my friends is the reality of it!

God's Goodness

2006-06-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

God is truly good to us! My wife came home from the hospital after a very successful kidney transplant, and she is feeling better than she has in many years. She has been staying busy doing minor things around the house, and the best part is that she hasn't had to take pain pills since the day after the surgery. I know its God's blessing on her. I'm amazed at just how good God is to us. We're never outside of His goodness, even for those who don't believe in Him can't escape His goodness. The Bible says that He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends the rain on the just and the unjust. Even those who have physical ailments that they must deal with, and I speak from personal experience, they can still give thanks for another day. I can't for the life of me understand how anyone could not take the time to enjoy something within their life during the day. I don't believe those who say that theres nothing to be happy about. What about the weather? Or being thankful that your alive? What about being thankful for the things that we can still do, like touch, smell, see or hear? That's what I love about children, no matter how bad things may be, you can still find them smiling and playing games, even during the worst of times. I visited a children's hospital one time in Michigan, and there sitting on the floor was four year old girl, with long brown hair. She was sitting there crying, and the saddest part was that she was both blind, and deaf. I went over to her and picked her up, and just held her close. It wasn't long before she stopped crying and seemed content to lay snuggled in my arms. She had soon forgotten whatever was bothering her as she lay there in my arms, but what really moved me, was the other children. Some that had noticeable problems were laughing and playing with each other or toys. I think at that moment I understood a little bit the time that Jesus said "unless you accept the kingdom of Heaven as a little child you can't enter into it" Maybe more people need to look at life through the eyes of a child, they would surely enjoy it more! And that my friends is the reality of it!

A tribute to Fathers

2006-06-18T13:35:00.000-04:00

Today is fathers day, where all across the country men and women will honor their dads. I wasn't fortunate to know my dad during the formative years of my life, it wasn't until I was about six or seven that I was finally able to start spending time with him. Though those years can't ever be done over, they can and have been made up for. My dad despite dropping out of school is very gifted in what he is able to do. I've watched him fix my car when it would break down, sometimes with just some tape and a piece of rope. He was always able to get more out his cars than what was normal, putting over two hundred thousand miles on them when they should of quit many miles before that. Besides being an accomplished mechanic, my dad is also very good at building things, I've seen him build chimneys out of rock, making beautiful structures for nice homes. One thing my dad taught me was to never run away from a fight, he was and still is a big man. What I'm most proud of though and my most cherished thought is the phone call I had received from him after my first book was published. He called to tell me he was proud of me, and enjoyed reading my book. He then said something that made me cry afterwards, he said he went out and got a bible to help him understand the scriptures that were in my book. My mom and dad were divorced by the time I was a year old or shortly thereafter, and now after almost 40 years later, they are dating again, and making plans to get married. He attends church, has been working on quitting smoking and drinking, and I look forward to one day, standing beside him in Heaven, next to my grandpa and grandma, who prayed often for their son, my dad. So on this very special day, where we honor our dads, I want my dad to know, as a son, I'm proud of you, and though I didn't say it enough when I was a child, I say it now, Dad, I love you! And that my friends is the reality of it.

Amazing Lives

2006-06-16T20:15:00.000-04:00

Today my wife received a kidney transplant. A young lady in our congregation came forward to donate, and after a series of tests she was a better donor than even my wife's sister. I also tested positive as a possible donor, but after discussing it over we had decided that God would provide someone so both of us wouldn't be down at the same time. This young lady reminds me of the ram caught in the bush at the very moment that Abraham needed God to come through otherwise he was going to offer his son up as a sacrifice. Of course we know that God knew all along that the ram would be there, but it was a test for Abraham to go through. Sometimes, if not always, God presents something to us, then steps back and watches what we will do. My wife and I knew years ago that this day would eventually come upon us. And during this time we kept believing that God, who is our healer, would provide a ram. Would we of preferred that a genuine miracle take place such as God healing her kidneys? Of course, but I believe this young lady stepping forward and offering herself as a sacrifice is a miracle in itself. From the very beginning, before she even tested to see if she was a suitable match, she said God had spoken to her and she felt she was supposed to donate, and that she would be a match. And you know what? She was, a nearly perfect match, so much so that you couldn't get any closer of a match! As I sit here on my living room couch pondering the days events, I'm thankful for amazing lives, those I've been priviledged to have in my life, and those who I've met over the course of my life. God truly has been good, nothing escapes His hand of providence. My wife came out of the surgery with flying colors, the new kidney began working immediately. It'll be awhile before she comes home, but thankfully we have a great church congregation to stand with us. Our pastors, Mike and Tena, Pastor Neil and Julie, our associate pastors, and the countless number of members and friends who strengthened our hearts and spirits through their many prayers and words of encouragement, Thank you! My heart is full tonight, so much to be thankful for, especially for the ram caught in the bush, but this ram, this young lady offered herself willingly, an amazing life indeed! That my friends is the reality of it!

True Friends

2006-06-07T21:27:00.000-04:00

There are days that something said or done by another will send me on a wild mental journey. I mean sometimes you hear something that just causes you to stop in your tracks, take a step back and enjoy the moment, while pondering what you just heard. In our busy lives and in an increasingly busy world, it seems it has become harder to pick up on such things. That's why I want to share some nuggets with you. I heard just such a thing tonight that I would like to share with you. My pastor spoke tonight about friendship. Not just any kind of friendship, but true friendship. Is there a difference? I believe so. In the Bible Jesus told His disciples, those closest to Him, that He would no longer call them servants, but friends. True friendships are those of whom you can trust with ANYTHING, without fear of retribution or betrayal. I have a number of friends, but very few, very very few of them that I can truly bare my soul too. So without further ado, I want to share with you ten things from my pastor, on a what a true friend is, enjoy. 1. A true friend is hard to find, 2. A true friend will know God first, 3. A true friend will make you better, 4. A true friend will love you no matter what, 5. A true friend will make your life better, 6. A true friend will have no agenda, 7. A true friend will not be jealous of other friends, 8. A true friend will look beyond your shortcomings, 9. A true friend makes true friends (they will treat you the way you treat them) 10. A true friend will remain true friends. This was tied into the fact that God called Abraham His friend in James 2:23. Even Solomon had something to say about the importance of friendship in Proverbs 18:24, ending it with making the statement that there is a friend that stays closer than a brother. We are quick to point to Jesus, and yes, He is there by our side closer than any family member, but also too, He stays beside us closer than any human being. That though is also a true statement of a true friend. There are some who will stand by you even when family deserts you. And that my friends is the reality of it!

The moving of the waters

2006-06-05T19:50:00.000-04:00

Last night in church, our Pastor spoke on John 5:1-15. He focused on the question that Jesus asked the lame man concerning healing. While sitting there though, verse three seemed to leap off the page at me, then I felt the familiar voice of the Spirit speak to me about that verse. Verse three says, "In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water." When I read that verse, I was reminded of a time when my wife and I went to a Benny Hinn crusade in Jacksonville Florida. The meeting was billed as one that would go down in history as one of the greatest meetings ever. I'm not sure on that part, but I do remember sitting in that meeting, on the first level, in the section where ministers sit, and looking at hundreds and hundreds of sick people who were sitting behind us in wheelchair's and on stretchers. I must confess, there was an excitement and an anticipation in the air as the music started. About an hour into the meeting, Benny Hinn took the mike and started to speak words of healing over the auditorium. He then invited people who they felt God had healed to come forward. Many stood up from their wheelchair's and walkers and came forward to testify that they felt a warmth go through their bodies and they now felt healed. I was happy for the testimonies, but my happiness and joy soon turned to broken heartedness as I turned to leave the meeting towards the end. We had to walk through hundreds of people laying on stretchers and some in wheelchair's with tubes attached to them. I passed a baby that didn't look more than a year old, perhaps younger, who had tubes in their nose, and mouth. I ached in side for these who had traveled so far, only to leave untouched despite the claims that God's anointing had penetrated and pierced our space. I had to look in the faces of these crippled loved ones who were heartbroken over not getting healed. Where was God among these? Why did those with walkers and in wheelchair's claim they felt His touch, yet these didn't? Last night in church, sitting there reading verse three, as pastor expounded on pushing our way into what God has, I felt the nudge of the Spirit say to me, "The Spirit is often represented by water in the Bible, Jesus said in John 7:38 "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water". He then reminded me of Rev 1:15, speaking of Jesus, "And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters." He continued, "when the waters are moving, healing is available for those who choose to step in. The reason the worst cases are not healed in your meetings and crusades is because you have not troubled the water. When you do trouble the water, move the water, everyone will be healed by Christ"! I then realized what He was telling me, when we step out of the way and let the Holy Spirit move, and flow, hence the moving of the waters, everyone will be healed. And that my friends is the reality of it!

No More Intimidation!

2006-05-31T23:04:00.000-04:00

I heard an interesting word Wednesday night in Church. I attend Oasis World Outreach in Zephyrhills, Florida, a church of some 300 members of different ages, backgrounds and personality types. A church where our motto is, A place that is Real, Relevant and Refreshing. Our Pastor, Michael Sloan taught on Boldness through the Blood. He especially focused on the truth that the Blood of Jesus removes all intimidation. A few key points made was that Hebrews 10:19-23 breaks all intimidation. Using the analogy of the Old Testament tabernacle, this scripture states that anyone now can approach God without the fear of death. Just a quick history note, in the Old Testament, the Jewish people had set up a place of habitation for God, called the tabernacle. It was comprised of three main areas, the outer court, inner court or holy place, and the most inner court, or Holy of Holies, of which only the high priest was allowed to enter once a year, with a blood sacrifice. He entered this most holy place with much fear and intimidation, knowing that if anything was not done exactly according to the rules, he would die immediately. That's intimidation! Yet as our Pastor pointed out, if we can now enter that same place without fear and intimidation, then we can accomplish anything for God! He also said that the Blood will overcome any spirit of intimidation. There seems to be something sweeping our nation. It seems that more and more people are intimidated by people or things about them. For the Christian, the intimidation freezes them in their tracks, keeping them from sharing their testimony. Whether this is due to the distractions of the world about them, or some self conscience issue of their imperfectness keeping them from sharing their faith, they give in to intimidation. It amazes me that no other religion in the world is made fun of and slandered more than Christianity. When a person gets mad, they don't say Oh Buddha, or Hari Krishna! They don't take Mohummad's name in vain, they use the name of Jesus Christ. I usually remind people that God don't have a last name, and if He did, it wouldn't be damn! Yet for most Christians, we'd rather hang our heads and not say anything, choosing rather to let those being offensive towards us or others, intimidate. I've often told people it's time to stand up for injustice. That doesn't mean we picket abortion clinics, or be rude towards those who are outside the church, rather we in genuine love, confront injustice, and refuse to be intimidated by those around us, in and out of the church! And that my friends, is the reality of it!

New Things

2006-05-26T11:03:00.000-04:00

Sitting here in my living room, watching the floor guys lay the new wood flooring, got me to thinking, there's something nice about new things. It changes the whole complexity of everything about it and around it. I'm reminded of a verse from the Bible, 2 Cor 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Like the wood floors in my house, a person who comes to the knowledge of Christ just looks different. They not only look different, but they act different, they think differently, everything is brand new for them. A saved person has a look of peace about them, that is until they get into church and start hanging around church folks! Though I say that in jest, unfortunately its undeniably true for too many. I heard a minister say one time, the yoke of America is that Christians walk around with scowls on their faces, lacking joy, and the sinner who looks happy in his sin! I work a secular job, and I can attest to that latter part of that statement, the people I work with, of which 99% are non Christian, are happy being that way. Most are successful and just enjoy life. And the sad thing is, they don't give a thought to eternity or to God at all. Now, I've met my share of Christians who aren't happy, a good number in fact, I understand there may be a number of factors that contribute to that. What does all this have to do with new things though? It has everything to do with it, when something is new, there is a freshness about it that effects its surroundings. Ever hear anyone in a discussion group come up with a fresh idea? It may be something that hasn't been done in a really long time, but its fresh, its new, and that newness, that freshness is incredibly overwhelming! So if things new are tied into things fresh, and those two components affect our joy and overall happiness, then its a necessity to keep things fresh in our lives. The psalmist wrote Ps 92:10 "But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil." Keeping things fresh will keep it relevant. That is what I love about my church, Oasis World Outreach, we have a gifted and anointed staff led by a pastor, who is truly an apostle, though he does not refer to himself as such. (Paul was the same way, not caring for titles). A number of Pastors have come under his leadership and mentoring. But what is really unique is the general spirit within our church, the happiness on the faces of the people, the closeness of our fellowship. Don't get me wrong, we're not without our issues, as every church deals with something, but there is a genuine love and appreciation for one another and especially towards our leaders. I believe this is due to our pastors desire to keep things fresh. A fresh word, recognizing and moving in God's season, which is always fresh, full of life. So to get back to my original thought, theres something about new things, its exciting, and it changes the surroundings of a place. I want to keep it real, keep it fresh, keep it new. And that my friends, is the reality of it!

The root of our happiness

2006-05-25T19:33:00.000-04:00

Know what I love about my job? My Thursdays are actually like my Friday, because I have every Friday off. I don't quite understand it, but most people dread going into work on Monday, usually dragging all day long, but then comes Friday and BAM!, energy and happiness that is over flowing. There's something about Friday and the expectations of the weekend that causes a natural happiness to rise within a persons heart. We've worked all week, but now the weekend is here and we can't wait for the day to end. But if we really think about it, how much of that excitement and happiness is the result of not being able to wait for church on Sunday? There was a time in our nation that the weekend was planned around Sunday meeting. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we need to focus all our happiness and excitement for the weekend just on the fact that church is coming. I just find it ironic that what used to excite us really doesn't anymore. There was a time, even for non Christians that family time was centered around Church. It was something you did on Sundays, it was set aside for that reason, and that reason alone. There are people now who think that giving an hour to God on Sundays fulfills some unwritten code of spiritual conduct, as if God is even moved by such flippant spiritual actions, if they are spiritual at all! If it weren't for the money we print, would other nations really think we were a Christian nation? Or just a nation with Christians, some who are dedicated, but the majority who have become lethargic in their devotions and accustomed to paying God lip service. Yet real happiness, real joy comes first from knowing that God exists and all is well with Him. I stand on the scripture, Psalms 46:10, Be still and know that I am God. That alone has removed depression and brought happiness back to my soul many times. How can a person not be happy when they realize that He is God? Even when it seems that all Hell has broken loose in a persons life, and everything is falling apart, God is still God, which means we always have a place of refuge, which then means, happiness is always attainable! That my friends is the reality of it.

Simply simple

2006-05-22T22:12:00.000-04:00

Today was my first day in training a new employee for a business that I've built from the ground up. I must confess, its not only exciting, knowing that I'll be free to build another route again, but also fearful. You see, unless you have an investment in something, there is no risk involved in turning it over to others. But because I have something invested, my time, my talents, my hard work, the relationships I've built over the past two years, I'll be honest, I don't want to see it ruined! I think now I'm starting to understand a little what the Father must of felt. After creating the most beautiful place on earth, He willingly turned it over to man for us to maintain it. And to think He did this with the knowledge that we would ruin it! I don't have that knowledge with my new employee. I can only hope that over the next four weeks he will see something of my love for my customers, not just the sale, and my way of solidifying the relationship through genuine concern and interaction. Really its a lot like the Father's way with us, we spend a lifetime observing His ways, searching for His heartbeat, trying to catch a glimpse of His way of doing things. And if we're a good student, diligent in taking notes, we'll come away with something of Him alive within us. Oh, and though we ruined it in the beginning, like a great company founder and leader, the Father had a backup plan in place, one that didn't require we be fired, but rather taken by the hand, and shown the correct way. I know I've been a little generic perhaps in my explanation of spiritual issues, but those who live lives outside the four walls of the church don't understand our many religious cliches' that we so easily throw about. So lets keep it simple and real, and that my friends is the reality of it!

Oh the beauty of it all!

2006-05-21T19:44:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day it was today, sunny, warm, and best of all? It was Sunday, which meant going to church with family and friends and getting a word from God. Our Pastor was out of town preaching elsewhere today, so our Associate Pastor, Pastor Neil brought the Word. Taken from Genesis 32, and the story of Jacob being touched with God, having a limp the rest of his life. But what Pastor Neil focused on was the key to crossing over into the things of God. Unfortunately I didn't get to hear the whole message because I stepped out for bus ministry, but what I did catch, and the end part that I heard when I came back was really a blessing. I'll have to get the tape for sure! Afterwards we went to our Pastors moms house for dinner, and talk about a feast! I must confess, I think I committed the sin of gluttony with all the food I ate, thankfully God still forgives us today! Then home to read, take a nap, go to the gym, and walmart, and now blogging! Oh the beauty of it all! Life is good! on Sundays, And what about Monday coming up? The day that millions dread? I don't really look at that way, its just another day, the first day of our work week, and an opportunity to get it right for the rest of the week. Mondays can be either dreaded, or looked upon as such, an opportunity to get it right this week, to not repeat the same mistakes that were made last week. You know that's what I love about our God, He always gives us the opportunity to get it right, past mistakes are forgiven and forgotten and we are free to continue to pursue Him with pure hearts. That don't mean we tolerate sin in our lives, or refuse His hand of correction. But it does ring with freedom when we know that He is for us, and not against us. As Paul so eloquently put it, If God be for us, who can be against us? And that my friends, is the reality of it!

The controversy with the code

2006-05-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

The Da Vinci Code opened this weekend to a slew of bad press and reviews. Most critics state that the overall story and acting is bad at least. The good news though about the movie is that it has spawned conversations about who Christ was and who He is. Since I work a lot out of my van, I listen to talk radio in the afternoons and sometimes in the mornings as a way to catch up on the current events facing our nation. Listening to one such talk show last week discussing the movie, something not only caught my attention but also got me upset. A lady called in saying she was a believer, and had a question for the radio host about the movie. Her issue was this, since Christians are so pro family, why would they be so upset over the possibility of Jesus being married, as the Da Vinci Code suggests? The radio host, who I suspect from listening to him has some religious belief, agreed with her! He replied to her that since Christ stood for everything pure, what a powerful statement it would of been had he been married, it would of shown the world the importance of a union between a man and a woman and confirmed His humanness. And what harm would it of been after all? There was only ten minutes left on his show and I didn't have his number otherwise I would of called in. There would of been much harm done! First of all, In the Bible, the book of First Peter, 1:19 says that we've been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. The word used for 'precious' means esteemed and held in honor. When you research it, you come to the conclusion that what makes His blood precious is that it was pure blood, holy blood. The sin nature of man from the beginning of time is passed through the blood. But not so with Christ, since He was created by the Holy Ghost in His mothers womb, no sin nature was passed to Him. Now back to my original question, what harm would there of been had Christ been married and fathered children? Since His blood was pure, without sin, then His children would also of been born with that same supernatural blood that Christ had, therefore they also would be born sinless, and thus also God. Yes Christ was both man and God, man in that He had a human body and dealt with the same issues that we as humans deal with, God in that He was pure, sinless, and the Son of God. The fact He walked this earth in a human body is all the humanness He needs, His purpose was to redeem us, so we could once again fulfill the divine purpose of God's reason for creating us, and that was and is for fellowship. I don't fear anything Hollywood puts out concerning Christianity and our Faith, it actually helps to garner interest among the lost, and opens a door of dialog that we must walk through. So I say to Hollywood, BRING IT ON! That my friends is the reality of things!

A tribute to mom

2006-05-14T13:04:00.000-04:00

Today is the one day set aside that we take time to honor, appreciate and show our gratitude towards a very special person in our lives, our mothers. I especially want to show my appreciation to my mother, Virginia Stephenson, of Oden, Michigan. Growing up in our home, which wasn't a Christian home, had its challenges. My parents played in a band, and due to my step-fathers drinking, things could be pretty crazy around our home. But despite those things, when my mother started going to church, she made sure that us kids were with her. When I became a teenager and would stay out late, sometimes till early in the morning, I'd come home only to find my mother, waiting up for me, or sleeping on the couch, having fallen asleep listening to the police scanner for signs of me coming home. (there were usually reports of my car speeding out of town). Like a lot of teenagers, I didn't always want to go to church after staying up late on Saturday nights, but my mother always made sure to get me out of bed, despite my anger and yelling. I've often been told that since my step father drank, and my real dad spent the first few years of my life in prison, I should have been messed up, or at the very least an alcoholic, but because of the prayers of my mom, I have a beautiful family, a thriving business, a nice home, and yes, we all go to church, love God and minister for Him. I owe so much of it to my mother. It is said that if you truly want to understand the love of God, just read I Corinthians 13, the love chapter. I believe it also best describes a mothers love to her children. A mother will always love her child, when others abandon you, mom is still there, when your world falls apart, mom is still there. Their love is unconditional. I remember the night I was arrested and put in jail. I called mom at 2am in the morning, and she didn't yell or get upset with me, though I knew inside she was upset, my mom stood with me, and comforted me. One thing I notice whenever I'm watching a trial on television, its the mother who will get up, and plead for her child's life, you see a mothers love is unconditional. The greatest gift that God ever gave mankind, outside of Jesus Christ, was the love of a mother. I know, because He gave me mine. Mom, if I could live life over again and be given the choice of any mom in the world, I'd choose you again, your the best, and I love you. Thank you for giving me life.

Your son, Jesse Wilson

The Other Side of Pornography

2006-05-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

Not long ago I was working out at the gym and a gentleman came over and asked me a surprising question. He asked if it was ok for him and his wife to watch pornography. Having spent many years involved in that lifestyle before finding freedom, you can guess my answer to him. NO, its not ok nor is it healthy. Since he was not a Christian, I had to taper my response to him since he most likely would not share my beliefs. I explained to this dear person that by viewing pornography he was setting himself and his wife up for some major disappointment and heartache. I explained to him that pornography does nothing but causes unreal expectations to be formed when it comes to intimacy between a husband and wife. I also quoted some statistics to him that show practicing such things will only lead to additional problems, mainly the disappointment that comes along when one or both spouses cannot perform up to the level of what is being viewed, or worse, that one of the spouses doesn't compare to the nice looking people being paid on the screen. My conversation with this young man wasn't what broke my heart though. It was what I found in my research of pornography and its effect on our nation and within our churches. 1 out of 3 men in our churches have viewed online pornography. 1 in 5 people in our churches have viewed online pornography. 40% of pastors in America have viewed online pornography. Rick Warren, author of the Purpose Driven Life, did a survey in 2002 of 1300 pastors, and found 54% had viewed internet pornography within the last year, and 30% had vistited witin the last 30 days. Playboy said one time that 15% of its readers where Christian, personally I believe it is much higher, those were the ones brave enough to confess to it. Whenever there is a Promise Keepers crusade, or other event within a city, pornography rentals in hotels spike during that week. This isn't just a little issue within the fringe of the church, its a major issue that Pastors need to deal with. In 2004 it was reported that over 40 million people in the United States was sexually involved with the internet. It is most definitely the devils newest and most potent toy. I challenge Pastors everywhere to quit ignoring the problem and start dealing with it from the pulpit. I can walk into any church in America, pull out three men randomly, and guarantee that one of them has viewed porn on the internet, and most likely continues to do so. Whether you believe in God or not, or whether you are a Christian or not, pornography has another side, one that seeks to destroy the very fabric of an individual, their moral compass, and the only direction that you will go, is down! Those in the pornography business, and I speak from experience, those in the business will tell you, that what stimulated you in the past, won't always stimulate you. Like a drug, pornogaphy continues to pull a person deeper into its diabolical web, requiring more and more to give you the same high that just a little viewing was able to do before. Its time to recognize that pornography is evil in all its perverseness and must be resisted and exposed!

The Bible's Relevancy

2006-05-05T13:57:00.000-04:00

I'm amazed by the relevancy of the Gospel! No matter what 'season' a person may find themselves in, or how drastic the change is in our ever changing world, the Gospel still speaks in a relevant manner to us today. That alone should speak to us of its divine nature. What other book written now or years ago can make that claim? No other book despite the credentials of its author, or the popularity of its message can compare to the Bible's ability to remain relevant in a world taken over by irrelevant thinking. Yet, despite that truth, many in our world today brush off the notion that a book written thousands of years ago, can speak so clearly to their situation and circumstances. Therein lies the task of those who proclaim the Bible's truths. Taking a message that is already relevant, and presenting it in a manner that speaks to the heart of a persons situation. A person that i'm priviledgd to know, Pastor Neil, associate Pastor at our church said it best recently in an email to me, he wrote that being relevant is "touching people where they are and taking them where they need to be". That is not only the purpose of the Bible, but the underlying theme of every message spoken by those who proclaim it's truths. I hope that you, like me, will find the time to open your Bible, (get one if you don't have one) and allow the relevancy of its message, speak to you!