HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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!