This past Saturday afternoon our wonderful ladies of Life Church gave my wife and I a baby shower. I was surrounded by pink! Pink flowers! Pink decorations! Ladies in pink! Pink everywhere! I have to say I felt a little out of place at first but to see the big smile on Jodi's face made me glad I was there. The place looked great, the food was awesome, the flowers, the gifts, and the fellowship made it a wonderful event! Our baby is already truly blessed!
I would like to thank all of the ladies who worked so hard to put the baby shower on. Thank you for showing how much you care about us. We were truly humbled. You guys...er...I mean ladies are the best! Thank you very much! Life Church ladies rock!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
God in Prison
"Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' 45 Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' (Matthew 25:44-45)
I saw Jesus last night. I saw him as I drove up to the razor-bladed fence surronding the Union Parish Detention Center. I felt his presence as I walked up to the iron doors with my heart racing. I saw him as I saw several inmates on thier knees in a circle praying to God for the upcoming service. I saw Jesus as they approached me thanking us for coming, greeting us with big hugs and a "God bless you." I was continually having to fight away the tears as I prepared mentally and spiritually to give them the word of God. I knew in my mind that if it weren't for the grace of God I could and should be behind those bars with them.
It's been over a year since I've seen some of my brothers in Christ behind bars at UPDC. Some same faces, and some new. Prior coming to Life Church almost three years ago I worked with a good friend of mine by the name of Ricky Nolan who founded Hope Street Ministries. He's fed the poor (both spiritually and physically) in downtown Monroe for over 20 years now. I worked under Bro. Rick on the streets and in the prisons for over two years and this is where I recieved some valuable training and experience for the ministry.
I hooked back up with Bro.Rick last night for the first time in awhile and we "tag teamed" preached to the inmates in D.O.C. after we first sang praises to the Lord. It is amazing how strong God's presence was there. You see his presence is not confined to walls and although many have forgotten about these people, God has not. After the preaching of the word the inmates flooded to the front for prayer and encouragement. We prayed over them and spoke into their lives as God led us along.
Some of the most powerful services I've ever been apart of have been behind the walls of a prison. Why? I believe these people are desperate and hungry for God! "But once they get out won't they just end up back in?" We believe that the "truth shall set them free!" and they can live a victorious life in Christ!
Say a prayer today for those who are locked up. Many of them have come to know Christ behind bars and are now faithful servants of the Most High!
I saw Jesus last night. I saw him as I drove up to the razor-bladed fence surronding the Union Parish Detention Center. I felt his presence as I walked up to the iron doors with my heart racing. I saw him as I saw several inmates on thier knees in a circle praying to God for the upcoming service. I saw Jesus as they approached me thanking us for coming, greeting us with big hugs and a "God bless you." I was continually having to fight away the tears as I prepared mentally and spiritually to give them the word of God. I knew in my mind that if it weren't for the grace of God I could and should be behind those bars with them.
It's been over a year since I've seen some of my brothers in Christ behind bars at UPDC. Some same faces, and some new. Prior coming to Life Church almost three years ago I worked with a good friend of mine by the name of Ricky Nolan who founded Hope Street Ministries. He's fed the poor (both spiritually and physically) in downtown Monroe for over 20 years now. I worked under Bro. Rick on the streets and in the prisons for over two years and this is where I recieved some valuable training and experience for the ministry.
I hooked back up with Bro.Rick last night for the first time in awhile and we "tag teamed" preached to the inmates in D.O.C. after we first sang praises to the Lord. It is amazing how strong God's presence was there. You see his presence is not confined to walls and although many have forgotten about these people, God has not. After the preaching of the word the inmates flooded to the front for prayer and encouragement. We prayed over them and spoke into their lives as God led us along.
Some of the most powerful services I've ever been apart of have been behind the walls of a prison. Why? I believe these people are desperate and hungry for God! "But once they get out won't they just end up back in?" We believe that the "truth shall set them free!" and they can live a victorious life in Christ!
Say a prayer today for those who are locked up. Many of them have come to know Christ behind bars and are now faithful servants of the Most High!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
God's will for your life
One of the most commonly asked questions I've heard since I've been a Christian is, "What is God's will for my life?" We've probably ALL asked that question at some point in our journey as to the direction God wants us to take but have we ever thought of that question as it would relate to our lives everyday in a "practical" way?
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I. Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Paul tells us of three area's where we should know the will of God in our lives in a practical everyday situation.
1) Be joyful always!
We are to be the most joyful people on the planet as Christians. Paul tells us to be joyful when? Sometimes? No! Always! There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on circumstances while joy comes from within regardless of circumstances. So in the wealthiest country in the world why are so many depressed? The Bible tells us to "set our hearts on things ABOVE not on earthly things." When we lose sight of what really matters and we begin to place our hearts on things of the earth we become disillustioned. When we lose those earthly things or don't obtain those earlthy things we therefore become depressed. The Bible says the "joy of the Lord is our strength." Where does our joy come from? The Lord! Where does our strength come from? Joy! Satan knows if he can steal our joy then he can weaken our strength!
2) Pray continually
Paul lets us know we need to always be in a "spirit of prayer." So many things have taken priority over prayer these days. Instead of waking up on Sunday mornings on our face for the lost souls that will be in service so many times we spend hours in front of the mirror making sure WE will look okay for everyone that day. The time we spend in front of the T.V. (I'm talking to myself) could be well spent on our knees talking to God. Jesus told his disciples (when his time was drawing close) to "watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." They didn't "watch and pray" so therefore when the time of testing came "they all fell away." Next time you are tempted to complain in a situation, don't! Pray!
3) Give thanks in all circumstances
This may be one of the most difficult things to do. How can you give thanks in a circumstance that is so very difficult to go through? It's tough, but it is God's will for us to give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just some. We know that God will work "all things together for the good." Next time you find yourself in a difficult circumstance ready to question God lift your hands to heaven and say, "God I don't understand why this is happening but I THANK YOU that you are in control of my life and you are working out something in me through all this!"
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I. Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Paul tells us of three area's where we should know the will of God in our lives in a practical everyday situation.
1) Be joyful always!
We are to be the most joyful people on the planet as Christians. Paul tells us to be joyful when? Sometimes? No! Always! There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on circumstances while joy comes from within regardless of circumstances. So in the wealthiest country in the world why are so many depressed? The Bible tells us to "set our hearts on things ABOVE not on earthly things." When we lose sight of what really matters and we begin to place our hearts on things of the earth we become disillustioned. When we lose those earthly things or don't obtain those earlthy things we therefore become depressed. The Bible says the "joy of the Lord is our strength." Where does our joy come from? The Lord! Where does our strength come from? Joy! Satan knows if he can steal our joy then he can weaken our strength!
2) Pray continually
Paul lets us know we need to always be in a "spirit of prayer." So many things have taken priority over prayer these days. Instead of waking up on Sunday mornings on our face for the lost souls that will be in service so many times we spend hours in front of the mirror making sure WE will look okay for everyone that day. The time we spend in front of the T.V. (I'm talking to myself) could be well spent on our knees talking to God. Jesus told his disciples (when his time was drawing close) to "watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." They didn't "watch and pray" so therefore when the time of testing came "they all fell away." Next time you are tempted to complain in a situation, don't! Pray!
3) Give thanks in all circumstances
This may be one of the most difficult things to do. How can you give thanks in a circumstance that is so very difficult to go through? It's tough, but it is God's will for us to give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just some. We know that God will work "all things together for the good." Next time you find yourself in a difficult circumstance ready to question God lift your hands to heaven and say, "God I don't understand why this is happening but I THANK YOU that you are in control of my life and you are working out something in me through all this!"
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
God wants spiritual fruit not religious nuts
I heard that statement years ago and have been asking God to help me develop spiritual fruit in my life since then as stated in Galations 5:22.
For far too long my spiritual life may have seemed "lopsided" as I tended to focus more on the spiritual gifts God had given me instead of the spiritual fruit I needed to develop in my life. I use to pray and fast with passion asking God to give me ALL of the spiritual gifts Paul talked about in I. Corinthians 12. While there is nothing wrong with that (given the motives are to glorify God and build up the church) I tended to neglect some very important issues.
I'm all for spiritual gifts and flow in the spiritual gifts God has given me but not at the expense of some very important things.
Paul tells us to "Eagerly desire spiritual gifts." (I. Cor. 14:1) and that "all these things must be done to strengthen the church." (I. Cor.14:26)
One day in prayer, I heard the holy spirit speak to me and say, "When was the last time you fasted and prayed for the love of God?"Wham! Wow! How humbling!
You see although God does desire to give us spiritual gifts, he does not want the gifts to be given at the expense of the love of God or the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. You see the gifts of the Holy Spirit are irrevocable and can be given without repentance (Romans 11:29). If we are not operating the gifts carefully in the love of God we endanger others and can abuse the gifts God has given us to use for his kingdom.
I encourage you to use the gifts God has given you but more importantly ask God to help you develop the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Remember, gifts are given but fruit is developed!
For far too long my spiritual life may have seemed "lopsided" as I tended to focus more on the spiritual gifts God had given me instead of the spiritual fruit I needed to develop in my life. I use to pray and fast with passion asking God to give me ALL of the spiritual gifts Paul talked about in I. Corinthians 12. While there is nothing wrong with that (given the motives are to glorify God and build up the church) I tended to neglect some very important issues.
I'm all for spiritual gifts and flow in the spiritual gifts God has given me but not at the expense of some very important things.
Paul tells us to "Eagerly desire spiritual gifts." (I. Cor. 14:1) and that "all these things must be done to strengthen the church." (I. Cor.14:26)
One day in prayer, I heard the holy spirit speak to me and say, "When was the last time you fasted and prayed for the love of God?"Wham! Wow! How humbling!
You see although God does desire to give us spiritual gifts, he does not want the gifts to be given at the expense of the love of God or the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. You see the gifts of the Holy Spirit are irrevocable and can be given without repentance (Romans 11:29). If we are not operating the gifts carefully in the love of God we endanger others and can abuse the gifts God has given us to use for his kingdom.
I encourage you to use the gifts God has given you but more importantly ask God to help you develop the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Remember, gifts are given but fruit is developed!
Monday, April 10, 2006
X24 Aftermath
Well...We made it through the weekend and are STILL trying to recover!
Our first annual X24 Weekend was a great success thanks to everyone who came together in this team effort! All I can say is if you missed out on this weekend; well you just missed out!
Worship which was lead by "Altered" was so very powerfully annointed as I saw some teenagers worship God for the first time ever in song! The messages by Pastor Kevin Bates were life changing all weekend as he spoke on "Identity"(I still kick myself for not recording these).
Yes we had fun eating, fellowshiping, paintballing, staying up all night, egging, waterballooning, etc., etc., etc., but most importantly I believe we all connected with God in some way!
The only hope for this generation of teenagers (as with any) is Christ! I believe our teens are hungry for what is real and what is lasting! I believe they hunger for truth and authenticity! I believe they have the power through Christ to change! I believe they are leaders not followers!Our teenagers are not the church of tomorrow they are the church of today! Let's continue to stand beside them and walk with them into thier destiny to which God has called them!
Our first annual X24 Weekend was a great success thanks to everyone who came together in this team effort! All I can say is if you missed out on this weekend; well you just missed out!
Worship which was lead by "Altered" was so very powerfully annointed as I saw some teenagers worship God for the first time ever in song! The messages by Pastor Kevin Bates were life changing all weekend as he spoke on "Identity"(I still kick myself for not recording these).
Yes we had fun eating, fellowshiping, paintballing, staying up all night, egging, waterballooning, etc., etc., etc., but most importantly I believe we all connected with God in some way!
The only hope for this generation of teenagers (as with any) is Christ! I believe our teens are hungry for what is real and what is lasting! I believe they hunger for truth and authenticity! I believe they have the power through Christ to change! I believe they are leaders not followers!Our teenagers are not the church of tomorrow they are the church of today! Let's continue to stand beside them and walk with them into thier destiny to which God has called them!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Awaiting X24
We are all anxiously awaiting our first ever "X24 Weekend" (Life Church's D-Now) that will start this Friday night @ 5:30 P.M.
"X24" stands for the extreme 24 hours that will take place this weekend @ Life Church WM and also in several host homes in Ouachita Parish.
We are excited about having the worship band "Altered" that will lead us in worship during the course of the weekend. I had the great priviledge of speaking at a youth event last year where Altered lead worship. If you've never worshiped with Altered let me tell you...HANG ON! These guys (and girl) are passionate!!!
We are also excited about having Kevin Bates from Life Church Winnsboro come and be our speaker for the weekend. I met Kevin years ago when he was a youth pastor for a local church in our area and let me tell you, he's got a word from the Lord for this weekend!
It gets cranked up tomorrow night so be in prayer for all of our students and leadership over the next "X24".
Bless ya!
B.P.
"X24" stands for the extreme 24 hours that will take place this weekend @ Life Church WM and also in several host homes in Ouachita Parish.
We are excited about having the worship band "Altered" that will lead us in worship during the course of the weekend. I had the great priviledge of speaking at a youth event last year where Altered lead worship. If you've never worshiped with Altered let me tell you...HANG ON! These guys (and girl) are passionate!!!
We are also excited about having Kevin Bates from Life Church Winnsboro come and be our speaker for the weekend. I met Kevin years ago when he was a youth pastor for a local church in our area and let me tell you, he's got a word from the Lord for this weekend!
It gets cranked up tomorrow night so be in prayer for all of our students and leadership over the next "X24".
Bless ya!
B.P.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Tried by fire Part II
"Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hottern than ususal and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace." Daniel 3:19-20
So you see sometimes God DOES allow us to be tried and tested by fire. Sometimes...the heat is turned up in our lives! Although it is difficult to be tried and tested by fire, the Bible teaches us there is a purpose for our experience. There is two points I want to make on why God allows us to be tested by fire.
1. To test our faith.
2. To test our works.
1. To test our faith-God wants to not only test our faith but to strengthen it. The only way faith is strengthened is to be tested. You can't get stronger in the gym if you aren't "testing" or allowing your muscles to experience resistence. That's how they grow!
The Bible says in I Peter "though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved geniune and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
2. To test our works.-God will allow our "works" or ministry to be tested by fire to reveal whether it is of man or of God. It will reveal not only our character but the character of the ministry we have established.
"...his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work." (I Cor.3:13)
Bottom line- Although yes God will allow us to be tested by fire we must understand one thing...He is right there in the fire with us!
"Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"...He said, "Look!" I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." (Daniel 3:25)
That verse gives me chills everytime I read it! Although these three men were tried by fire (literally) they walked in it! But they didn't walk in it alone, Jesus was with them and Jesus will be with you! The fire should have burned them! The fire should have killed them! It should have destroyed them but it didn't because they were walking with Jesus!
I don't know what you are going through today and I don't know how your faith is being tested but one thing I do know and that is Jesus is walking with you through the fire! Just like Nebuchadnezzar could see that, can people see the Jesus in you as you face your trials? Do they see you endure or do they see you complain? Does it witness to them? Do they wonder how come you are able to endure trials like no one else?
Jesus eventually delivered them out of the fire!
"So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire..."
Once Jesus delivers you out of your trial was his purpose accomplished? Did your faith prove genuine? Are you stronger? Are you refined?
I encourage you to take the time to read Daniel 3 and allow God to personally minister to you. It really blessed me! Thank God for his word!
So you see sometimes God DOES allow us to be tried and tested by fire. Sometimes...the heat is turned up in our lives! Although it is difficult to be tried and tested by fire, the Bible teaches us there is a purpose for our experience. There is two points I want to make on why God allows us to be tested by fire.
1. To test our faith.
2. To test our works.
1. To test our faith-God wants to not only test our faith but to strengthen it. The only way faith is strengthened is to be tested. You can't get stronger in the gym if you aren't "testing" or allowing your muscles to experience resistence. That's how they grow!
The Bible says in I Peter "though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved geniune and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
2. To test our works.-God will allow our "works" or ministry to be tested by fire to reveal whether it is of man or of God. It will reveal not only our character but the character of the ministry we have established.
"...his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work." (I Cor.3:13)
Bottom line- Although yes God will allow us to be tested by fire we must understand one thing...He is right there in the fire with us!
"Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"...He said, "Look!" I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." (Daniel 3:25)
That verse gives me chills everytime I read it! Although these three men were tried by fire (literally) they walked in it! But they didn't walk in it alone, Jesus was with them and Jesus will be with you! The fire should have burned them! The fire should have killed them! It should have destroyed them but it didn't because they were walking with Jesus!
I don't know what you are going through today and I don't know how your faith is being tested but one thing I do know and that is Jesus is walking with you through the fire! Just like Nebuchadnezzar could see that, can people see the Jesus in you as you face your trials? Do they see you endure or do they see you complain? Does it witness to them? Do they wonder how come you are able to endure trials like no one else?
Jesus eventually delivered them out of the fire!
"So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire..."
Once Jesus delivers you out of your trial was his purpose accomplished? Did your faith prove genuine? Are you stronger? Are you refined?
I encourage you to take the time to read Daniel 3 and allow God to personally minister to you. It really blessed me! Thank God for his word!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Tried by Fire Part I
"...if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good.But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, the we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:15-18)
We find in the third chapter of Daniel three men of God who are being tempted by satan through a king to bow thier knee to him. At what cost will we sell out God? For riches? For promotion? To please people? To avoid persecution? The Bible tells us that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me (Jesus) will find it." (Matt.16:25)
The scripture that stands out to me in this passage is found in verse 18 that says, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not..."
We've heard teaching through the years where we are lead to believe that all God wants us is "blessed" meaning if we have "faith" we can avoid hardships. We frown when we have prayed and prayed and yet God doesn't seem to come and rescue us. Why is that?
I believe these three men had it down pat. They knew God could come at any moment and save them. They had faith that he could and would! But...they had enough faith to know that even if God decided NOT to come and rescue them, they wouldn't bow to another god! They wouldn't sell out there king! They wouldn't let it damage thier faith!
What about you and I? Do we ever find ourselves in a situation where we are offended at God because he hasn't seemed to come to the rescue yet? Are we tempted to bow our knee to the tempter?
Find out in Part II why it is God may seem to "hold off" in rescuing us from our trials right away.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, the we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:15-18)
We find in the third chapter of Daniel three men of God who are being tempted by satan through a king to bow thier knee to him. At what cost will we sell out God? For riches? For promotion? To please people? To avoid persecution? The Bible tells us that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me (Jesus) will find it." (Matt.16:25)
The scripture that stands out to me in this passage is found in verse 18 that says, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not..."
We've heard teaching through the years where we are lead to believe that all God wants us is "blessed" meaning if we have "faith" we can avoid hardships. We frown when we have prayed and prayed and yet God doesn't seem to come and rescue us. Why is that?
I believe these three men had it down pat. They knew God could come at any moment and save them. They had faith that he could and would! But...they had enough faith to know that even if God decided NOT to come and rescue them, they wouldn't bow to another god! They wouldn't sell out there king! They wouldn't let it damage thier faith!
What about you and I? Do we ever find ourselves in a situation where we are offended at God because he hasn't seemed to come to the rescue yet? Are we tempted to bow our knee to the tempter?
Find out in Part II why it is God may seem to "hold off" in rescuing us from our trials right away.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)