"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2)
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” (Acts 10:4)
Following service yesterday, my family and I, along with another couple, spent the afternoon making memories at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Spending time with your family, next to God, is of utmost importance! We can’t go out to win the world for Christ until we first start with our own family! I can win thousands of souls for Christ but if I lose mine…I fail.
As we arrived in downtown Monroe yesterday, I was informed that I, with another minister, would be doing the preaching on the streets that day. Boy, you talk about short notice! The word says “preach the word: in season out of season.” (II. Timothy 4:2) I had to pull something out of heaven fast! Thank you Jesus for the quickening of the Word and your Holy Spirit in our lives! Sometimes we minister best when there is a demand on the anointing.
After the first minister preached on “perversion”, I wrapped up the “street service” with a message on “hope.” I spoke out of Proverbs13:12 which says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” With everything that is going on in the world today it leaves a lot of people feeling, “hopeless.” Many of those of whom we minister to on the streets are in hopeless situations. Many of their “hopes and dreams” have been deferred, put-off, and crushed! Many may have put their hope built upon sand, in money, in “dreams”, in people, in organizations, in a drug, in a bottle and are left with the soul feeling sick. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” You see when we have hope in Jesus Christ it doesn’t matter what we are faced with…we press on! When you have hope in Christ you know that no matter how bad it gets you can keep your eyes on what lies ahead! You can fully put your hope and trust in Jesus Christ! He is what makes you get out of bed every morning! He is what gives you the strength to keep going when you don’t’ feel like going any more! In Christ alone will we place our hope! After praying and ministering to several people, we then fed a large line filled with hungry people. There were also some cloth distributions to both males and females. It is amazing to see how many people, both young and old, are in poverty situations right here in Monroe, Louisiana.
Thank you Ricky Nolan for being faithful to those whom God has called you to. I can only imagine the great rewards that await you in heaven for remembering the poor. Only heaven knows the great treasures that await you.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
"Until you've been there"
*Just some thoughts I had yesterday.
As I am writing this article, I am literally seeing distance from where the gospel is preached every Sunday afternoon and has been for the past 21 years. As I stare out my office window I am watching a man standing by a grocery cart that is being used to transport his belongings as he waits for the train to pass by. As I sit and watch, I can’t help but wonder…what happened? How did he end up in this condition? Life has “kicked his tail” and I don’t say that in judgment but in compassion because I don’t know where he has been or what he has been through. If I would have gone through some similar things, I myself may be in the same boat! I understand that if not for the grace of God I would be where he stands or worse! Does that make me any better? Absolutely not! It makes me thankful of the endless mercies of God!
My heart has always been for the outcast, the hurting, and the lost but the past few weeks God is enlarging my heart to have even more compassion on these people.
As it is far too easy for people to point a finger or watch in judgment as someone sits on a sidewalk strung out on drugs, we should maybe take another approach; until you’ve been there, maybe you don’t know what they’ve been through so don’t pass judgment on them!
As I am writing this article, I am literally seeing distance from where the gospel is preached every Sunday afternoon and has been for the past 21 years. As I stare out my office window I am watching a man standing by a grocery cart that is being used to transport his belongings as he waits for the train to pass by. As I sit and watch, I can’t help but wonder…what happened? How did he end up in this condition? Life has “kicked his tail” and I don’t say that in judgment but in compassion because I don’t know where he has been or what he has been through. If I would have gone through some similar things, I myself may be in the same boat! I understand that if not for the grace of God I would be where he stands or worse! Does that make me any better? Absolutely not! It makes me thankful of the endless mercies of God!
My heart has always been for the outcast, the hurting, and the lost but the past few weeks God is enlarging my heart to have even more compassion on these people.
As it is far too easy for people to point a finger or watch in judgment as someone sits on a sidewalk strung out on drugs, we should maybe take another approach; until you’ve been there, maybe you don’t know what they’ve been through so don’t pass judgment on them!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Sufferings of Christ
"Endure hardships like a good soldier." Paul
The Sufferings of Christ
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. (II. Corinthians 1:3-8)
There are three “s” words I believe we either disregard or avoid altogether and they are: sin, sacrifice, and suffering. Although contrary to popular belief I believe the days that lie ahead of us as Christians are difficult ones. I didn’t say we wouldn’t have the victory but it may not come without first enduring some very difficult times.
In the above passage in verse three is says, “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives…” So what are the sufferings of Christ and why in the world are they overflowing in our lives?
Paul was stating above that they had suffered so much for the gospel’s sake that it was beyond their natural ability to endure. We find a few chapters over in II. Corinthians 11:16-27 which is far too lengthy for me to type out, his tremendous, and I do mean tremendous sufferings he endured in the name of Christ. One chapter over in II. Corinthians 12 we learn of Paul being caught up in the third heaven and having visions and revelations from the Lord. So that he would not become puffed up and proud there was given him a “thorn in his flesh which was a messenger of Satan to torment him.” Now what was that thorn in his flesh? It is found in the prior chapter we discussed in II. Corinthians 11:16-27. His thorn was simply this; his sufferings! He pleaded three times for the Lord to take it away but the Lord replied to him in verse 9 of chapter 12, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Verse 10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Now remember in II. Corinthians 1:3, we learned that God was the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. It also goes on to say, “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Maybe you aren’t necessarily going through what Paul experienced but nevertheless you are enduring some hard, difficult, and trying times! They come so we cannot boast upon our own strength or godliness but that in our weakness God’s strength may manifest in our lives! May He alone receive glory and praise!
Remember this, you may be going through now, what others will soon be going through and at that time, may you comfort them with the same comfort you received from God when you yourself endured trials!
May His name be praised in our weakness and hardships!
The Sufferings of Christ
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. (II. Corinthians 1:3-8)
There are three “s” words I believe we either disregard or avoid altogether and they are: sin, sacrifice, and suffering. Although contrary to popular belief I believe the days that lie ahead of us as Christians are difficult ones. I didn’t say we wouldn’t have the victory but it may not come without first enduring some very difficult times.
In the above passage in verse three is says, “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives…” So what are the sufferings of Christ and why in the world are they overflowing in our lives?
Paul was stating above that they had suffered so much for the gospel’s sake that it was beyond their natural ability to endure. We find a few chapters over in II. Corinthians 11:16-27 which is far too lengthy for me to type out, his tremendous, and I do mean tremendous sufferings he endured in the name of Christ. One chapter over in II. Corinthians 12 we learn of Paul being caught up in the third heaven and having visions and revelations from the Lord. So that he would not become puffed up and proud there was given him a “thorn in his flesh which was a messenger of Satan to torment him.” Now what was that thorn in his flesh? It is found in the prior chapter we discussed in II. Corinthians 11:16-27. His thorn was simply this; his sufferings! He pleaded three times for the Lord to take it away but the Lord replied to him in verse 9 of chapter 12, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Verse 10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Now remember in II. Corinthians 1:3, we learned that God was the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. It also goes on to say, “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Maybe you aren’t necessarily going through what Paul experienced but nevertheless you are enduring some hard, difficult, and trying times! They come so we cannot boast upon our own strength or godliness but that in our weakness God’s strength may manifest in our lives! May He alone receive glory and praise!
Remember this, you may be going through now, what others will soon be going through and at that time, may you comfort them with the same comfort you received from God when you yourself endured trials!
May His name be praised in our weakness and hardships!
Walking Blind
“Walking Blind”
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” (II. Cor. 5: 7)
The above verse says we are to “walk by faith.” Where does faith come from?
In Romans 10:17 it says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through hearing the word of God.”
Faith isn’t something we “muster up” within ourselves if we close our eyes and think real hard. Faith comes when we hear the word of God! We believe that we can “take God at His word!”
So if we walk by faith we aren’t looking through our natural eyes but through our spiritual eyes. Our natural eyes can’t see (blind) what faith can see! Natural eyes can only see the problem and not the outcome or solution! Natural eyes only see the circumstances and what appears to be a “victory” by the enemy, the devil. Faith sees what the natural cannot!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
What are you hoping for and certain of that you yet cannot see? Your healing? Your deliverance? Your victory? A promise? The salvation of your loved ones?
You see faith is not just believing but acting upon what you believe! Salvation, Healing, and Deliverance comes from acting on your faith! Taking God at His word!
In Matthew 9 two blind men begged Jesus for their sight and when Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I’m able to do this?” The blind men answered, “Yes Lord.” Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.
So what happens when you have faith for someone to be saved, healed, or delivered and they don’t? Does that mean you didn’t have enough faith? No, it should simply mean no matter what happens, you don’t lose faith!
The Bible says in Romans 1:17 “The righteous will live by faith.” The word also tells us in Psalm 119:105 that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Sometimes we cannot see the “big picture.” The Psalmist says your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.” Sometimes we tend to think it is a spotlight for our path and a total laid out map for our future. Sometimes God only gives us a “step at a time.” But as we walk in faith trusting in His word that guides us “one step at a time” (lamp unto our feet and a light for our path) He will lead the way.
May our Lord increase our faith as we trust blindly in Him! For He and His word alone are the only source that we can fully trust to follow “blindly” after!
The word of our Lord!
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” (II. Cor. 5: 7)
The above verse says we are to “walk by faith.” Where does faith come from?
In Romans 10:17 it says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through hearing the word of God.”
Faith isn’t something we “muster up” within ourselves if we close our eyes and think real hard. Faith comes when we hear the word of God! We believe that we can “take God at His word!”
So if we walk by faith we aren’t looking through our natural eyes but through our spiritual eyes. Our natural eyes can’t see (blind) what faith can see! Natural eyes can only see the problem and not the outcome or solution! Natural eyes only see the circumstances and what appears to be a “victory” by the enemy, the devil. Faith sees what the natural cannot!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
What are you hoping for and certain of that you yet cannot see? Your healing? Your deliverance? Your victory? A promise? The salvation of your loved ones?
You see faith is not just believing but acting upon what you believe! Salvation, Healing, and Deliverance comes from acting on your faith! Taking God at His word!
In Matthew 9 two blind men begged Jesus for their sight and when Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I’m able to do this?” The blind men answered, “Yes Lord.” Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.
So what happens when you have faith for someone to be saved, healed, or delivered and they don’t? Does that mean you didn’t have enough faith? No, it should simply mean no matter what happens, you don’t lose faith!
The Bible says in Romans 1:17 “The righteous will live by faith.” The word also tells us in Psalm 119:105 that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Sometimes we cannot see the “big picture.” The Psalmist says your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.” Sometimes we tend to think it is a spotlight for our path and a total laid out map for our future. Sometimes God only gives us a “step at a time.” But as we walk in faith trusting in His word that guides us “one step at a time” (lamp unto our feet and a light for our path) He will lead the way.
May our Lord increase our faith as we trust blindly in Him! For He and His word alone are the only source that we can fully trust to follow “blindly” after!
The word of our Lord!
Monday, March 19, 2007
The worries of the world
“…but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19)
Do we care too much about this life? What I mean by that is this; do we put too much emphasis on that which is temporary and non-eternal?
Colossians 3 tells us, “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
When we get so wrapped up with the worries of this life and allow them to distract us from what matters eternally the Bible says in Mark 4 that it “chokes out the word, making it unfruitful.”
So what have you allowed in your life that is choking the word out of your life making you unfruitful for the kingdom? What is it that is choking out your time in prayer to God and the reading of His word? Too busy with the day to day things in life? Too busy worrying about things that are out of your control? Too busy worried about making a living and not living a life God has called you to? Too concerned about “keeping up with the Jones’? Too busy trying to attain the “honor of man?”
The Bible says in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life; what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
You see God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. He’s more concerned about holiness than happiness.
May we strip ourselves of all worry, anxiety, fear, or anything else that we would allow to distract us from the calling Christ has placed on our lives; to know Him!
Have a great week!
Do we care too much about this life? What I mean by that is this; do we put too much emphasis on that which is temporary and non-eternal?
Colossians 3 tells us, “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
When we get so wrapped up with the worries of this life and allow them to distract us from what matters eternally the Bible says in Mark 4 that it “chokes out the word, making it unfruitful.”
So what have you allowed in your life that is choking the word out of your life making you unfruitful for the kingdom? What is it that is choking out your time in prayer to God and the reading of His word? Too busy with the day to day things in life? Too busy worrying about things that are out of your control? Too busy worried about making a living and not living a life God has called you to? Too concerned about “keeping up with the Jones’? Too busy trying to attain the “honor of man?”
The Bible says in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life; what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
You see God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. He’s more concerned about holiness than happiness.
May we strip ourselves of all worry, anxiety, fear, or anything else that we would allow to distract us from the calling Christ has placed on our lives; to know Him!
Have a great week!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Good News to the poor...
We are about an hour or so away from bringing the gospel to downtown Monroe under the covering of Ricky Nolan of Hope Street Ministries.
As I pray and meditate on God's word I am so glad about something; I'm so glad that Jesus didn't mind "getting His hands dirty." You say, "Beck, What do you mean by that?" Jesus spent most of His ministry reaching out to "dirty" people; Prostitutes, Thieves, Liars, and folks that lived at the "bottom of the barrel." I myself am personally thankful that he reached down in the "dirt" and picked me up, cleaned me with His blood, and made me new!
You see we will take care of some of the poor's practical needs today by feeding them a warm meal but that in itself isn't the answer. Remember, Jesus said be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves (we do need to get them there some how). More than that we pray they will drink from His spirit and feed on his word!
In Acts 3 Peter and John were going to pray when they came across a crippled beggar wanting money.
"When he saw Peter and John about to enter he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
You see the man thought money would be his answer as do many people in the world do today. Some people may think another "hit" is the answer. Some think a man or a woman would do the trick. Maybe they think a good paying job, with benefits, and a great retirement is the answer to their life but there is only one answer and His name is Jesus!
You see we need to give people what they need not what they want!
May the Lord bring those we come across into the kingdom today!
As I pray and meditate on God's word I am so glad about something; I'm so glad that Jesus didn't mind "getting His hands dirty." You say, "Beck, What do you mean by that?" Jesus spent most of His ministry reaching out to "dirty" people; Prostitutes, Thieves, Liars, and folks that lived at the "bottom of the barrel." I myself am personally thankful that he reached down in the "dirt" and picked me up, cleaned me with His blood, and made me new!
You see we will take care of some of the poor's practical needs today by feeding them a warm meal but that in itself isn't the answer. Remember, Jesus said be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves (we do need to get them there some how). More than that we pray they will drink from His spirit and feed on his word!
In Acts 3 Peter and John were going to pray when they came across a crippled beggar wanting money.
"When he saw Peter and John about to enter he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
You see the man thought money would be his answer as do many people in the world do today. Some people may think another "hit" is the answer. Some think a man or a woman would do the trick. Maybe they think a good paying job, with benefits, and a great retirement is the answer to their life but there is only one answer and His name is Jesus!
You see we need to give people what they need not what they want!
May the Lord bring those we come across into the kingdom today!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Why must hard times come?
“This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away– and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (I. Peter 1:6-7)
During my time with Jesus today there are a few points the Holy Ghost impressed upon my heart and I would like to share them with you.
Why must we experience hard times?
1) Hard times must come that we may be driven to our knees to draw near to Him. (Remember, that is our purpose in being here; to know him!)
-The Book of Colossians says, “For we were created by him and for him.”
2) To test our faith.
-It's easy to say we have faith on the mountain, it's another thing to say we have faith in the valley.
-Such trials show the proven character of your faith..." (I. Peter 1:6)
2) To humble ourselves keeping a spirit of humility before him.
-"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)
3) That we may bear fruit.
-"It is said that in some countries trees will grow, but will bear no fruit because there is no winter there."John Bunyan (1628-1688)
-Following winter seasons here in the south, you always know “spring” is coming!
4) Hard times reveal our true character.
-“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
-What is truly in us WILL be revealed upon hard times.
5) God will give us a message in the midst of our adversity.
-Jesus and John the Baptist both were led by the Spirit of God to spend time in the desert. If you read there stories both came out of the desert in the power of the Spirit preaching a message that God had given them.
-What has God given you to speak?
May you be victorious in all your trials and in the testing of your faith be proven faithful!!!
During my time with Jesus today there are a few points the Holy Ghost impressed upon my heart and I would like to share them with you.
Why must we experience hard times?
1) Hard times must come that we may be driven to our knees to draw near to Him. (Remember, that is our purpose in being here; to know him!)
-The Book of Colossians says, “For we were created by him and for him.”
2) To test our faith.
-It's easy to say we have faith on the mountain, it's another thing to say we have faith in the valley.
-Such trials show the proven character of your faith..." (I. Peter 1:6)
2) To humble ourselves keeping a spirit of humility before him.
-"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)
3) That we may bear fruit.
-"It is said that in some countries trees will grow, but will bear no fruit because there is no winter there."John Bunyan (1628-1688)
-Following winter seasons here in the south, you always know “spring” is coming!
4) Hard times reveal our true character.
-“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
-What is truly in us WILL be revealed upon hard times.
5) God will give us a message in the midst of our adversity.
-Jesus and John the Baptist both were led by the Spirit of God to spend time in the desert. If you read there stories both came out of the desert in the power of the Spirit preaching a message that God had given them.
-What has God given you to speak?
May you be victorious in all your trials and in the testing of your faith be proven faithful!!!
The Priority of Prayer
“The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” (Mark 1:35)
We live in a society that is so busy, so fast-paced and hard to keep up with that sometimes we neglect the things that are truly important. We cram our schedules with events, programs, eating schedules, and everything else that can distract us from what truly matters if we are not careful. There may have not been a more busy man that walked the face of the earth than Jesus Christ himself. The last time I checked neither I nor you had people chasing you around to get saved, healed, delivered, and set free but Jesus Christ and his disciples at times, didn’t have the time to even eat!
One thing he never got “out of whack” is His prayer life. You see He realized his first “ministry” was unto God not unto man! He realized that the greatest commandment was vertical and not horizontal! He realized that He was to first, “Love the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind, and secondly to love his neighbor as himself" but he realized his first ministry was unto God before He could minister unto man!
Is prayer a priority in your life? It was such a priority in Jesus’ life that he had to get up before daylight at times! He had to get “lonely in prayer.”
"Afterward he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. (Matthew 14:23) There were times when He literally had to withdraw himself from others and go “hide” somewhere in prayer. “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (Luke 5:16)
The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33 to “Seek first the kingdom of God…” It is basically saying that we need to make God’s kingdom first priority in our lives over everything! God first, everything else second!
I believe one of the “lost arts” in the church of America today is prayer! We revolve our programs and services around everything else but prayer which was the very thing the early church was built around! It's not wonder something always seems to be "missing." It's prayer!
Prayer is what brings power! Prayer is what brings healing! Prayer is what brings deliverance! Prayer is what penetrates the forces of darkness! Prayer is what covers your children as they go out into an evil world! Prayer is what brings in the provision for your life! As David Yongi Cho (Pastor’s largest church in the world) would say, “No prayer, no power!”
I encourage you over the weekend to “withdraw” yourself in prayer! My you find your answers in prayer! May you find “breakthrough” in prayer! May you fellowship with the Almighty one through prayer! Don’t give up, pray! Don’t complain, pray! Don’t waver, pray! God will hear you and God will move!
We live in a society that is so busy, so fast-paced and hard to keep up with that sometimes we neglect the things that are truly important. We cram our schedules with events, programs, eating schedules, and everything else that can distract us from what truly matters if we are not careful. There may have not been a more busy man that walked the face of the earth than Jesus Christ himself. The last time I checked neither I nor you had people chasing you around to get saved, healed, delivered, and set free but Jesus Christ and his disciples at times, didn’t have the time to even eat!
One thing he never got “out of whack” is His prayer life. You see He realized his first “ministry” was unto God not unto man! He realized that the greatest commandment was vertical and not horizontal! He realized that He was to first, “Love the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind, and secondly to love his neighbor as himself" but he realized his first ministry was unto God before He could minister unto man!
Is prayer a priority in your life? It was such a priority in Jesus’ life that he had to get up before daylight at times! He had to get “lonely in prayer.”
"Afterward he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. (Matthew 14:23) There were times when He literally had to withdraw himself from others and go “hide” somewhere in prayer. “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (Luke 5:16)
The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33 to “Seek first the kingdom of God…” It is basically saying that we need to make God’s kingdom first priority in our lives over everything! God first, everything else second!
I believe one of the “lost arts” in the church of America today is prayer! We revolve our programs and services around everything else but prayer which was the very thing the early church was built around! It's not wonder something always seems to be "missing." It's prayer!
Prayer is what brings power! Prayer is what brings healing! Prayer is what brings deliverance! Prayer is what penetrates the forces of darkness! Prayer is what covers your children as they go out into an evil world! Prayer is what brings in the provision for your life! As David Yongi Cho (Pastor’s largest church in the world) would say, “No prayer, no power!”
I encourage you over the weekend to “withdraw” yourself in prayer! My you find your answers in prayer! May you find “breakthrough” in prayer! May you fellowship with the Almighty one through prayer! Don’t give up, pray! Don’t complain, pray! Don’t waver, pray! God will hear you and God will move!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
So long self
So long self…
We’ve all heard the popular song by Mercy Me entitled, “So long self” and fighting against our sin nature is something we will wrestle with the remainder of our lives, BUT, we must conquer it!
The Bible says in II. Timothy 3:1, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves…” What Paul was telling Timothy was basically this, “You can book it! In the last days, people are going to be selfish! They are only going to be worried about “me and mine”. Well, it doesn’t take a genius to understand that we live in a very self-centered selfish society. There are even popular messages today that are so revolved around “self”; self-esteem, self-worth, self-promotion” and it ministers to our flesh and not our spirit man who craves the things of God. We are to be led by not what is popular, not what is “hip”, not what is “in”, not what “feels right” necessarily, but to be lead by the truths found in the word. We are to submit to and obey that which revolves around that! Now I’m not saying this is easy because as long as we are in this body we will wrestle with “self.”
If we are born-again we are called to “die to self.” John the Baptist said “I must become less and he must become greater.” Either we are becoming more “selfish” or we are becoming more like Christ. Genesis 4:7 says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” We are to master sin! We are to take control and live above our sinful nature! Sin can’t get in the door unless we open it.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
When we are “dying daily” we no longer live for ourselves but begin living for the one who is worthy to be praised; Jesus Christ!
The Bible says in Luke 9:23-26, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
One of the most difficult things to do is to “give up our lives”. Why? Because we want to hang on to it. OUR dreams. OUR plans. OUR desires! It revolves around what WE want instead of what God wants. It involves building HIS kingdom instead of building OUR kingdom. Satan himself was a self-driven, selfish being.
Notice in Isaiah 14:12-15 it says (speaking of Lucifer), “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in YOUR heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.”
Was it just me or did you notice how many “I’s” were in the above passage? You see Satan or Lucifer went all wrong when he took the focus off of God and directed it towards himself! Jesus himself alone is to be praised!
It is only when we come to the end of ourselves that we will truly live the life God intended for us to live! So long self!
We’ve all heard the popular song by Mercy Me entitled, “So long self” and fighting against our sin nature is something we will wrestle with the remainder of our lives, BUT, we must conquer it!
The Bible says in II. Timothy 3:1, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves…” What Paul was telling Timothy was basically this, “You can book it! In the last days, people are going to be selfish! They are only going to be worried about “me and mine”. Well, it doesn’t take a genius to understand that we live in a very self-centered selfish society. There are even popular messages today that are so revolved around “self”; self-esteem, self-worth, self-promotion” and it ministers to our flesh and not our spirit man who craves the things of God. We are to be led by not what is popular, not what is “hip”, not what is “in”, not what “feels right” necessarily, but to be lead by the truths found in the word. We are to submit to and obey that which revolves around that! Now I’m not saying this is easy because as long as we are in this body we will wrestle with “self.”
If we are born-again we are called to “die to self.” John the Baptist said “I must become less and he must become greater.” Either we are becoming more “selfish” or we are becoming more like Christ. Genesis 4:7 says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” We are to master sin! We are to take control and live above our sinful nature! Sin can’t get in the door unless we open it.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
When we are “dying daily” we no longer live for ourselves but begin living for the one who is worthy to be praised; Jesus Christ!
The Bible says in Luke 9:23-26, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
One of the most difficult things to do is to “give up our lives”. Why? Because we want to hang on to it. OUR dreams. OUR plans. OUR desires! It revolves around what WE want instead of what God wants. It involves building HIS kingdom instead of building OUR kingdom. Satan himself was a self-driven, selfish being.
Notice in Isaiah 14:12-15 it says (speaking of Lucifer), “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in YOUR heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.”
Was it just me or did you notice how many “I’s” were in the above passage? You see Satan or Lucifer went all wrong when he took the focus off of God and directed it towards himself! Jesus himself alone is to be praised!
It is only when we come to the end of ourselves that we will truly live the life God intended for us to live! So long self!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Prison Ministry Update
I had the honor to accompany Hope Street Ministires last night to minister in Union Parish Detention Center which we've done now for the past several years.
I opened up out of Romans 4:18-25 for about 15 minutes followed by two other ministers of the gospel. We had the opportunity to minister (pray) for several inmates in response to the word of God.
The Bible says in Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
We talk and minister to literally hundreds of inmates who have lost all hope in life. They live or should I say die daily in hopelessness. What a sad place to be, hopeless. Some have seen their lives literally lay in ruins as Satan has taken them captive to do his will. Let me say this, apart from Jesus Christ none of us has a hope in the world! We are hopeless without a relationship with Jesus! Thank the good Lord he came to "set the captives free!" As we minister through the word of God it is not chained and the truth that comes from the word under the anointing will "set them free."
Remember, you come across people "behind bars" daily who do not know Jesus Christ. They are at your work, they are in your home, they are walking the streets and yes; they are in churches! We are all "in prison" without the freedom that comes through knowing Christ!
I opened up out of Romans 4:18-25 for about 15 minutes followed by two other ministers of the gospel. We had the opportunity to minister (pray) for several inmates in response to the word of God.
The Bible says in Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
We talk and minister to literally hundreds of inmates who have lost all hope in life. They live or should I say die daily in hopelessness. What a sad place to be, hopeless. Some have seen their lives literally lay in ruins as Satan has taken them captive to do his will. Let me say this, apart from Jesus Christ none of us has a hope in the world! We are hopeless without a relationship with Jesus! Thank the good Lord he came to "set the captives free!" As we minister through the word of God it is not chained and the truth that comes from the word under the anointing will "set them free."
Remember, you come across people "behind bars" daily who do not know Jesus Christ. They are at your work, they are in your home, they are walking the streets and yes; they are in churches! We are all "in prison" without the freedom that comes through knowing Christ!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Against all hope
*Read the following verses very slowly
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21)
We find the call of Abram in Genesis 12:1-3 where it says, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Abram was a man that walked by/in faith. God had told him to leave everything! To go where? Who knows! Only to the place where God was going to show him. Why? Because God was working in Abraham and was building his faith to receive a greater promise!
“But Abram said, “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” (Gen. 15:2-3)
Then the word of the Lord came to him; “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir…Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:6)
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21)
God had promised Abraham something that was nothing short of a miracle. God promised Abraham a son through whom the promise of God would come through. Now, to some of us having a son might not be such a big deal but Abraham was a 100 years old! (They didn’t have Viagra back then) On top of that his wife was old and barren as well. Way pass her years of childbearing! Logically, this could not happen but we don’t serve a God of logic do we? We serve a God of miracles, who is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think.”
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…Without weakening in his faith…Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God…” (Romans 4)
What about you? Are you facing gigantic odds in your life right now? Has everything, every power, and every devil in the spirit realms seem to be coming at you? Does hope seem like it has faded? Does your situation seem "dead" as Abraham and Sarah's bodies seemed? Has the devil tempted you to renounce Christ and wade in the waters of doubt and unbelief? I encourage you, grab a hold of God’s word, his promises to you and don’t waver! Against all hope in your situation have hope! Believe God! Believe God that “he is not a man that he should lie.” Believe God that “all his promises are yea and amen through Christ!” Believe God that “heaven and earth will pass away but his word will stand forever!” Against all hope in hope believe God for your family! Against all hope in hope believe God about your situation! Against all hope in hope believe God for the salvation of your children! Against all hope in hope believe God for that financial miracle to come at just the right moment! Against all hope in hope believe God that He said, “He would never leave you nor forsake you!” Against all hope in hope believe God that you are "more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ!" Against all hope in hope believe God that he "shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory through Christ Jesus" Dare to have faith! Dare to believe God!
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21)
We find the call of Abram in Genesis 12:1-3 where it says, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Abram was a man that walked by/in faith. God had told him to leave everything! To go where? Who knows! Only to the place where God was going to show him. Why? Because God was working in Abraham and was building his faith to receive a greater promise!
“But Abram said, “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” (Gen. 15:2-3)
Then the word of the Lord came to him; “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir…Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:6)
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21)
God had promised Abraham something that was nothing short of a miracle. God promised Abraham a son through whom the promise of God would come through. Now, to some of us having a son might not be such a big deal but Abraham was a 100 years old! (They didn’t have Viagra back then) On top of that his wife was old and barren as well. Way pass her years of childbearing! Logically, this could not happen but we don’t serve a God of logic do we? We serve a God of miracles, who is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think.”
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…Without weakening in his faith…Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God…” (Romans 4)
What about you? Are you facing gigantic odds in your life right now? Has everything, every power, and every devil in the spirit realms seem to be coming at you? Does hope seem like it has faded? Does your situation seem "dead" as Abraham and Sarah's bodies seemed? Has the devil tempted you to renounce Christ and wade in the waters of doubt and unbelief? I encourage you, grab a hold of God’s word, his promises to you and don’t waver! Against all hope in your situation have hope! Believe God! Believe God that “he is not a man that he should lie.” Believe God that “all his promises are yea and amen through Christ!” Believe God that “heaven and earth will pass away but his word will stand forever!” Against all hope in hope believe God for your family! Against all hope in hope believe God about your situation! Against all hope in hope believe God for the salvation of your children! Against all hope in hope believe God for that financial miracle to come at just the right moment! Against all hope in hope believe God that He said, “He would never leave you nor forsake you!” Against all hope in hope believe God that you are "more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ!" Against all hope in hope believe God that he "shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory through Christ Jesus" Dare to have faith! Dare to believe God!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Are you listening?
We would be truly amazed of how God could and wants to use us if only we would listen to him! He still speaks! ARE YOU LISTENING TO HIS VOICE!?
A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?" After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God...If you still speak to people speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey." As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. "Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street , he again felt the urge, "Turn Down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street at the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will". He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in semi commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. "Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go give the milk. Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here." He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?" The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk." His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?"The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.
God still speaks! Are you listening?
A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?" After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God...If you still speak to people speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey." As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. "Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street , he again felt the urge, "Turn Down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street at the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will". He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in semi commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. "Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go give the milk. Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here." He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?" The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk." His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?"The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.
God still speaks! Are you listening?
Thursday, March 08, 2007
What grieves the Holy Spirit?
What grieves the Holy Spirit?
You have heard the famous saying in churches, “They “quenched” the Spirit when they didn’t let this happen or that happen. Maybe they stopped worship too soon or didn’t let brother so and so give that prophecy or they stopped sister so and so from running around the church. But what really “quenches” the Holy Spirit? What would cause him not to move in our midst? What would displease him that He would leave our midst? The answer is found in Ephesians 4:29-32.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Italics mine)
The first verse in the above passage says “let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” When we speak critically, dishonestly, or deceitfully about anyone, especially in the church, we grieve the Holy Spirit. It breeds distrust and deceit within the body of Christ.
We are told only to speak words of edification according to our brothers and sisters needs at that moment. Ephesians also says for us to “rid ourselves of all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander and also all malice.”
The Devil was said in Revelation to be the “accuser of the brethren”. Sometimes we feel as though we are speaking words from God when ironically we are being used by Satan himself. His mouthpiece to carry out his devilish will. There have been a many of “church splits” and offended people that were all rooted back to “unwholesome words.”
If we are to strive to have unity within the body of Christ and to see the Holy Spirit move in our midst, we must lay aside all talk that would “grieve” the Holy Spirit of God.
You have heard the famous saying in churches, “They “quenched” the Spirit when they didn’t let this happen or that happen. Maybe they stopped worship too soon or didn’t let brother so and so give that prophecy or they stopped sister so and so from running around the church. But what really “quenches” the Holy Spirit? What would cause him not to move in our midst? What would displease him that He would leave our midst? The answer is found in Ephesians 4:29-32.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Italics mine)
The first verse in the above passage says “let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” When we speak critically, dishonestly, or deceitfully about anyone, especially in the church, we grieve the Holy Spirit. It breeds distrust and deceit within the body of Christ.
We are told only to speak words of edification according to our brothers and sisters needs at that moment. Ephesians also says for us to “rid ourselves of all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander and also all malice.”
The Devil was said in Revelation to be the “accuser of the brethren”. Sometimes we feel as though we are speaking words from God when ironically we are being used by Satan himself. His mouthpiece to carry out his devilish will. There have been a many of “church splits” and offended people that were all rooted back to “unwholesome words.”
If we are to strive to have unity within the body of Christ and to see the Holy Spirit move in our midst, we must lay aside all talk that would “grieve” the Holy Spirit of God.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Spiritual Adultery
*The following is a tough word. Viewer discretion is advised.
*I received this word during a recent time of prayer and fasting.
“Spiritual Adultery”
Ezekiel 16:8-14;
“For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:7-8)
The word of God many times uses marriage to illustrate the covenant we (the church) have with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as a bride (the church) would prepare herself (purify) for her husband (the groom-Jesus) and her wedding day (his coming) so you are calling your church to purify itself as a spotless and radiant bride (the church)!
When my wife and I united in “Holy Matrimony” we entered into a (blood) covenant. As a husband I am to be “dead” to every woman in this world but my wife. If I was to ever “look upon a woman in lust” I have committed adultery with her in my heart and am sinning against our covenant. If I was to ever “leave my bride” and become one with another I will have committed adultery. I do not want to do anything that would hinder, hurt, or betray my beloved bride nor would she do anything to betray the bridegroom!
The Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I. John 2:15-17)
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take Christ's members and make them the members of a prostitute? Of course not! (Or) do you not know that anyone who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For "the two," it says, "will become one flesh."
“But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” (I. Cor. 6:15-17)
A very truthful but terrifying fact is the church has been flirting with another,(the world). In some instances you can’t tell the difference between the church and the world! I believe it was John Wesley who said, “We need to drive the world out of the church and drive the church into the world.” We’ve allowed the world’s thinking, concepts, and values to enter into the church instead of the church influencing the world! Have we committed adultery with the world? Have we “forsaken our first love?” Are we treading on dangerous ground?
As I have been reading an updated version on John Foxe's "Book of Martyrs", I can't help but have this revelation; These men of faith were martyred because of the word of God they preached and the faith that they had in the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible says he is coming back for a spot-less, radiant bride! Not a cool bride! Not a hip bride! A spotless and radiant church! Lord, help prepare us! Lord, let us be one with you and dare not flirt with the spirit of the world! Forgive us where we have failed! Let us be reminded, this is your church not ours!
*I received this word during a recent time of prayer and fasting.
“Spiritual Adultery”
Ezekiel 16:8-14;
“For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:7-8)
The word of God many times uses marriage to illustrate the covenant we (the church) have with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as a bride (the church) would prepare herself (purify) for her husband (the groom-Jesus) and her wedding day (his coming) so you are calling your church to purify itself as a spotless and radiant bride (the church)!
When my wife and I united in “Holy Matrimony” we entered into a (blood) covenant. As a husband I am to be “dead” to every woman in this world but my wife. If I was to ever “look upon a woman in lust” I have committed adultery with her in my heart and am sinning against our covenant. If I was to ever “leave my bride” and become one with another I will have committed adultery. I do not want to do anything that would hinder, hurt, or betray my beloved bride nor would she do anything to betray the bridegroom!
The Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I. John 2:15-17)
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take Christ's members and make them the members of a prostitute? Of course not! (Or) do you not know that anyone who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For "the two," it says, "will become one flesh."
“But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” (I. Cor. 6:15-17)
A very truthful but terrifying fact is the church has been flirting with another,(the world). In some instances you can’t tell the difference between the church and the world! I believe it was John Wesley who said, “We need to drive the world out of the church and drive the church into the world.” We’ve allowed the world’s thinking, concepts, and values to enter into the church instead of the church influencing the world! Have we committed adultery with the world? Have we “forsaken our first love?” Are we treading on dangerous ground?
As I have been reading an updated version on John Foxe's "Book of Martyrs", I can't help but have this revelation; These men of faith were martyred because of the word of God they preached and the faith that they had in the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible says he is coming back for a spot-less, radiant bride! Not a cool bride! Not a hip bride! A spotless and radiant church! Lord, help prepare us! Lord, let us be one with you and dare not flirt with the spirit of the world! Forgive us where we have failed! Let us be reminded, this is your church not ours!
Wrapped up weekend
(Pictured above with my lovely wife Jodi, preaching Sat. P.M. service, and teenagers worshipping Christ at the altar)
After preaching both morning services this past Sunday, we wrapped up a very busy weekend in Hodge, Louisiana.
We challenged the teengers to now put into practice what they've been taught over the course of the weekend.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22)
If you only know the word and not live it, you deceive yourself. If you only hear the word and not live it, you only decieve yourself. We are to hear and obey the commandments of Jesus Christ reflecting His character in our lives!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Hodge 007
(Pictured above eating some crawfish with my "bud" B.J. Whitton and also with Hodge Church Student Pastor Keith Landrum)
*So far we've seen six teengers Friday night recommit their lives to Christ and two more as of this mornings service give their hearts to Jesus.His name be praised!
We kicked off the weekend in Hodge, LA with some dynamic worship from a band out of Texas and then I brought a word entitled, "Crisis in the Home." You know the Bible says in Matthew 12:25 that, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." The family was designed and ordained of God (even before ministry to the church). The family unit is very close to the heart of God and I see a tremendous meltdown occuring in the home. Divorce is the "norm" now and we are seeing "family" being tainted like never before. I believe Hell has launced an all out assault against the home. Why? Because strong families build strong churches which in turn will touch communities, states, and nations for Christ!! It is amazing to see what our teenagers are growing up in these days. I spoke Friday night out of Genesis 37 and spoke about how Joseph's family life affected him. Of course he didn't allow it to embitter him! The Lord used it for the good of His glory!
This morning we switched gears and I challenged the teenagers to do something a bit different. Look in the mirror! We are our biggest obstacle! We need to quit blaming our parents, grandparents and the rest of the family tree for our problems! Yes, we may of had it tough but are we doing our part at home? Billy Graham said, "The true test of a Christian is the way he lives at home."After Jesus delivered a demon-possessed man he told him, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (Matthew 5:18-19) In John 21:20 after Jesus had revealed to Peter the kind of death he would experienced Peter said speaking of John, "Lord what about him?" Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." In other words, don't worry about what everybody else is suppose to be doing, you do your part! So are we doing our part at home? For the kingdom?
Tonight, is "The Gathering" which is a church-wide function across the area. Churches from all over and from different denominations will be coming tonight to worship the Lord and hear from His word. We are ministering to them out of the love of Christ but with the only thing that can save, heal, deliver, and set them free; the unchained, uncompromised, word of the living God!
Tonight I will be ministering out of Matthew 12:46-50 when Jesus was told his "family" was outside he replied by saying, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Some of these teenagers dont' have flesh and blood family but they are indeed apart of a family; the family of God! Father God is their Father! We will also be ministering out of Luke 15:11-32 which tells the story of the Prodigal's Son. We are calling those who have "left home" to come back to the Father!
After we minister to both morning services tomorrow we will be heading back to West Monroe. Please pray for these services and for our safety driving home.
God Bless,
Beck
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Family Bond Weekend
"While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven in my brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:46-50)
We will be leaving tomorrow afternoon to preach four different services in Hodge, Louisiana. The entire weekend will be revolving around the family relationships.
But what about those who will be there who have no family life? Maybe they were adopted and felt "abondoned" by their "blood" parents. Maybe some there have lost both of their parents to some tradgedy. Maybe some teenagers are being raised by an uncle or a grandparent. The "family" is much, much more than just "blood" kin. It is much larger than you think!
Some teenagers today don't have the ideal family life. They weren't raised in the Cleavers household, the Brady's household, or a fairy tale household. Maybe some were physically, mentally, verbally, or even sexually abused. Maybe the word family to them doesn't seem so sweet. Maybe the family isn't a refuge or safe haven to them as it maybe with other people. Jesus said in the above passage that whoever does the will of the Father in heaven is the family! You are apart of a much larger, much broader family than you think-the church of the Lord Jesus Christ! If you've been blood bought and Jesus is Lord of your life you are in the family of God! You have "mothers" who love you! You have "sisters" who love you! You have "brothers" who love you! Most of all, you have a "Father" who loves you!
We will be leaving tomorrow afternoon to preach four different services in Hodge, Louisiana. The entire weekend will be revolving around the family relationships.
But what about those who will be there who have no family life? Maybe they were adopted and felt "abondoned" by their "blood" parents. Maybe some there have lost both of their parents to some tradgedy. Maybe some teenagers are being raised by an uncle or a grandparent. The "family" is much, much more than just "blood" kin. It is much larger than you think!
Some teenagers today don't have the ideal family life. They weren't raised in the Cleavers household, the Brady's household, or a fairy tale household. Maybe some were physically, mentally, verbally, or even sexually abused. Maybe the word family to them doesn't seem so sweet. Maybe the family isn't a refuge or safe haven to them as it maybe with other people. Jesus said in the above passage that whoever does the will of the Father in heaven is the family! You are apart of a much larger, much broader family than you think-the church of the Lord Jesus Christ! If you've been blood bought and Jesus is Lord of your life you are in the family of God! You have "mothers" who love you! You have "sisters" who love you! You have "brothers" who love you! Most of all, you have a "Father" who loves you!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Family Relationships-Part I
The family was designed and ordained by God (even before His church). With that being said, I believe the family is very, very close to the heart of God. The Bible says, "If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?" (I. Timothy 3:5) This verse is addressed to fathers who are to be leaders of the church and it also demonstrates how very important the family is to God! Giving vital attention to the family even comes before "ministry" in God's church! If we fail to have effective relationships in the family we can hurt our ability to be effective when we reach out to others.
We live in a society where the family picture has been tainted! Divorce is rampant in America, even amongst the church. We are now seeing "Holy Matrimony" being legalized for homosexual partners. We are seeing these unordained events take place while innocent children are being adopted into these situations. How will this effect these children, our society, our future?
The word of God says, "A house divided will not stand." I believe there has been an all out assualt from Hell on the family. Why? Because Satan knows strong families build strong churches and he doesn't want that to happen! He has been attacking the family since Genesis, "the beginning!
I encourage you to take your "small group" or "family" very seriously. Pray over them, spend time with them, love them. God has ordained the family!
Be blessed,
Beck
We live in a society where the family picture has been tainted! Divorce is rampant in America, even amongst the church. We are now seeing "Holy Matrimony" being legalized for homosexual partners. We are seeing these unordained events take place while innocent children are being adopted into these situations. How will this effect these children, our society, our future?
The word of God says, "A house divided will not stand." I believe there has been an all out assualt from Hell on the family. Why? Because Satan knows strong families build strong churches and he doesn't want that to happen! He has been attacking the family since Genesis, "the beginning!
I encourage you to take your "small group" or "family" very seriously. Pray over them, spend time with them, love them. God has ordained the family!
Be blessed,
Beck
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Family Bonds
We will be ministering to high school, junior high, and college age students on March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in Hodge, Louisiana.
The entire weekend will be focused on and around family relationships. The next few days we will be taking a peak into some of the topics we will be covering during the event.
Some of the topics will include:
1) The most important "small group" you will ever be apart of-God ordained the family.
2) Strained Family Relationships-The Story of Joseph
3) You are apart of a family-The Church
Have a great weekend!
Beck
The entire weekend will be focused on and around family relationships. The next few days we will be taking a peak into some of the topics we will be covering during the event.
Some of the topics will include:
1) The most important "small group" you will ever be apart of-God ordained the family.
2) Strained Family Relationships-The Story of Joseph
3) You are apart of a family-The Church
Have a great weekend!
Beck
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Dear Friends of Life Church West Monroe
Dear Friends,
As I’m sure you are now aware, Jodi and I have resigned from the Student Ministry at Life Church West Monroe, which became effective February 16, 2007.
Jodi and I have put in countless hours and even years of prayer into the direction of our lives, ministry, etc. One of the main prayer focuses during “Life Church’s 21 Day Fast” was for the direction of our lives and ministry. We believe God has made His answer very clear to us during the last week of the fast. We now know and believe the Lord is leading us into a different direction for our lives and ministry.
We can’t even begin to explain to you how thankful we are to have formed so many wonderful relationships during our time at Life Church West Monroe. We have laughed with you, cried with you, prayed with you, and had wonderful fellowship with each of you. Because we love you this decision was very difficult, but we still must be obedient to the Lord’s leading.
We are very thankful to Pastor Joel and Angel for the opportunity to serve alongside them and also for giving us the opportunity to found the student ministry. We are grateful for the hours they’ve invested into our lives upon our arrival in 2003. For almost four years Pastor Joel has been a mentor to me personally and has become a wonderful friend in my life.
We are very thankful to the eldership and leadership that Life Church West Monroe has provided for us and the opportunity to be ordained in December of last year.
We believe the Student Ministry is healthy and we pray the ministry will be able to continue to grow spiritually under new leadership.
On a personal note, Jodi and I are stronger in the Lord now than we’ve ever been. Our marriage is also stronger and more unified than ever.
With that being said, we do ask that you please continue to pray for the direction and guidance of the Lord as he leads us in our lives. We are very excited for the opportunities that await us.
We love each of you very, very much.
His Bondservants,
Beck and Jodi Payne
As I’m sure you are now aware, Jodi and I have resigned from the Student Ministry at Life Church West Monroe, which became effective February 16, 2007.
Jodi and I have put in countless hours and even years of prayer into the direction of our lives, ministry, etc. One of the main prayer focuses during “Life Church’s 21 Day Fast” was for the direction of our lives and ministry. We believe God has made His answer very clear to us during the last week of the fast. We now know and believe the Lord is leading us into a different direction for our lives and ministry.
We can’t even begin to explain to you how thankful we are to have formed so many wonderful relationships during our time at Life Church West Monroe. We have laughed with you, cried with you, prayed with you, and had wonderful fellowship with each of you. Because we love you this decision was very difficult, but we still must be obedient to the Lord’s leading.
We are very thankful to Pastor Joel and Angel for the opportunity to serve alongside them and also for giving us the opportunity to found the student ministry. We are grateful for the hours they’ve invested into our lives upon our arrival in 2003. For almost four years Pastor Joel has been a mentor to me personally and has become a wonderful friend in my life.
We are very thankful to the eldership and leadership that Life Church West Monroe has provided for us and the opportunity to be ordained in December of last year.
We believe the Student Ministry is healthy and we pray the ministry will be able to continue to grow spiritually under new leadership.
On a personal note, Jodi and I are stronger in the Lord now than we’ve ever been. Our marriage is also stronger and more unified than ever.
With that being said, we do ask that you please continue to pray for the direction and guidance of the Lord as he leads us in our lives. We are very excited for the opportunities that await us.
We love each of you very, very much.
His Bondservants,
Beck and Jodi Payne
Monday, February 19, 2007
Street Ministry
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me..." (Matthew 25:35-36)
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18)
It was an honor to be back with Hope Steet Ministries this past Sunday afternoon. This ministry has faithfully preached the gospel and fed the homeless for 20 straight years now on the corner of Desiard and 6th Street in downtown Monroe, Louisiana. As I awaited the arrival of the man that heads this ministry up, you could see the people start coming out like deer do right before dark. (They have a tremendous amount of respect for this man. I can see why, he hasn't abandoned them in over 20 years.) They came out of abandoned houses, down the railroad tracks, on foot, on bikes, and from all across the downtown area. They come for a hot, fresh meal but they get much more than that; a hot, fresh word! It's challenging trying to preach over a train whistle and cop sirens!
What touches my heart more than anything is to see all the little children that come down to the streets. Instead of getting involved with the preaching or the handouts yesterday, I decided to visit with the little children. We prayed over a grandmother in a wheelchair that had about 3 of her grandchildren down there. As we prayed tears rolled down her cheeks. You could see the weariness in her face. Shes trying to raise these kids right, but it's tough in the year 2007.
After the preaching we prayed for several people, blessed the food, and fed them. This work is costly but the rewards are eternal! It's not popular, it's not flashy, but if Jesus were here in the flesh, I believe you would see him there.
Think we have it tough? All you have to do is go to downtown Monroe on a Sunday afternoon and think again! Have a great day!
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18)
It was an honor to be back with Hope Steet Ministries this past Sunday afternoon. This ministry has faithfully preached the gospel and fed the homeless for 20 straight years now on the corner of Desiard and 6th Street in downtown Monroe, Louisiana. As I awaited the arrival of the man that heads this ministry up, you could see the people start coming out like deer do right before dark. (They have a tremendous amount of respect for this man. I can see why, he hasn't abandoned them in over 20 years.) They came out of abandoned houses, down the railroad tracks, on foot, on bikes, and from all across the downtown area. They come for a hot, fresh meal but they get much more than that; a hot, fresh word! It's challenging trying to preach over a train whistle and cop sirens!
What touches my heart more than anything is to see all the little children that come down to the streets. Instead of getting involved with the preaching or the handouts yesterday, I decided to visit with the little children. We prayed over a grandmother in a wheelchair that had about 3 of her grandchildren down there. As we prayed tears rolled down her cheeks. You could see the weariness in her face. Shes trying to raise these kids right, but it's tough in the year 2007.
After the preaching we prayed for several people, blessed the food, and fed them. This work is costly but the rewards are eternal! It's not popular, it's not flashy, but if Jesus were here in the flesh, I believe you would see him there.
Think we have it tough? All you have to do is go to downtown Monroe on a Sunday afternoon and think again! Have a great day!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Student Ministry Pics
As I promised I got some pics up...well, one pic. This is a pic of some of the 'gals' who are apart of X.L. (Xtreme Life not Extra Large).
We had some food and fun following this past Wednesday night's service
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Student Ministry Meeting
After waking up at 3:30 A.M. and spending all day in Lafayette on business, I'm pooped!
Last night we had a big crowd of teenagers and a room filled with Valentine galore thanks to Hannah and Bekah Dyke who did the decorating.
We continued on our current series, "Love" with a message entitled, "Three Area's of Love." They were: Love for God, Love for people, and Love for truth. We had three teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!!! This is the third Wednesday in a row where we had teenagers saved by the love of Jesus!
We did take a couple of pictures of last nights event and I hoped to get them posted tomorrow.
Until then, have a great weekend!
Last night we had a big crowd of teenagers and a room filled with Valentine galore thanks to Hannah and Bekah Dyke who did the decorating.
We continued on our current series, "Love" with a message entitled, "Three Area's of Love." They were: Love for God, Love for people, and Love for truth. We had three teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!!! This is the third Wednesday in a row where we had teenagers saved by the love of Jesus!
We did take a couple of pictures of last nights event and I hoped to get them posted tomorrow.
Until then, have a great weekend!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
"I was in prison and you came to visit me."
These were the words of our Savior from the 25th chapter of the gospel according to Matthew. Some people have a hard time getting to Jesus so we have to bring Jesus to those people! They are: the lost, the hurting, the poor, the captives and those imprisoned.
I have had the wonderful opportunity the past several years to minister with Ricky Nolan who is the founder of Hope Street Ministries. Last night we ministered to a room full of people most of which were hanging on to our every word.
I opened up out of Ephesians 6 and spoke to them about the full armor of God. You know although we all are different in many ways, including some of our backgrounds, race, denominations, or various other things, we all have one thing in common;we are all in a spiritual battle! After I spent 15-20 minutes ministering Bro.Rick came in behind and wrapped up. It was a great meeting!
We had anywhere between 20-30 inmates respond to the word of the Lord. I had one young man come forward weeping over his life and how it has been shattered. His words were, "My heart is hurting." My prayer was that Jesus would begin to heal him, pick up the pieces, and give him a new heart!
One of the most common prayer requests we hear involves many of the inmates families. My heart goes out to them as I can't imagine starring at a bland ceiling every night wondering how my family is doing while I was locked up.
It is so important that we listen very closely to what the Lord is saying. Sometimes, our lives could depend on it! My heart rejoices for those that listen and respond but breaks for those we saw that sat back and spent their time doing other things. Nevertheless, we have to keep going and reaching out because one day, they just might respond!
For example, several years ago Bro.Rick was ministering and every time he would go he would see a young man starring at him through the thick glass window in a cell waving for him to come over. The young man was going to serve life in prison but had given his heart to Christ while incarcerated. One night Bro.Rick gave an altar call and this young man came forward for prayer. Rick said in all his years ministering at this facility he's never given a word quite like this nor has he since. He prayed for this young man and said, "Thus says the Lord God, "Son, they've laid a trap for you and if you accept any of the deals you will spend life in prison." Walking away almost puzzled the young man didn't quite understand but knew somehow it was true. As time passed, it was time for the young man to go before the judge. They offered him...5 deals and he declined them all. People told him that he was a fool for not accepting any of these deals! After 24 months of time served the judge spoke, "I believe your life is changed...you are free to go on time served." His father who was convicted of the very same thing...received a life sentence. He had accepted one of the deals.
Point being, what if he had not responded that night? What if he would have thrown the word of the Lord to the side? What if Rick would have not been obedient to bring forth the word God had given him? I believe it changed this young mans destiny! He is now serving God full-time in the ministry at a local church!
I encourage you to remember those who are incarcerated. Jesus loves them and died for them as he did for any of us. He still has a plan for their lives! To Him be the glory!
I have had the wonderful opportunity the past several years to minister with Ricky Nolan who is the founder of Hope Street Ministries. Last night we ministered to a room full of people most of which were hanging on to our every word.
I opened up out of Ephesians 6 and spoke to them about the full armor of God. You know although we all are different in many ways, including some of our backgrounds, race, denominations, or various other things, we all have one thing in common;we are all in a spiritual battle! After I spent 15-20 minutes ministering Bro.Rick came in behind and wrapped up. It was a great meeting!
We had anywhere between 20-30 inmates respond to the word of the Lord. I had one young man come forward weeping over his life and how it has been shattered. His words were, "My heart is hurting." My prayer was that Jesus would begin to heal him, pick up the pieces, and give him a new heart!
One of the most common prayer requests we hear involves many of the inmates families. My heart goes out to them as I can't imagine starring at a bland ceiling every night wondering how my family is doing while I was locked up.
It is so important that we listen very closely to what the Lord is saying. Sometimes, our lives could depend on it! My heart rejoices for those that listen and respond but breaks for those we saw that sat back and spent their time doing other things. Nevertheless, we have to keep going and reaching out because one day, they just might respond!
For example, several years ago Bro.Rick was ministering and every time he would go he would see a young man starring at him through the thick glass window in a cell waving for him to come over. The young man was going to serve life in prison but had given his heart to Christ while incarcerated. One night Bro.Rick gave an altar call and this young man came forward for prayer. Rick said in all his years ministering at this facility he's never given a word quite like this nor has he since. He prayed for this young man and said, "Thus says the Lord God, "Son, they've laid a trap for you and if you accept any of the deals you will spend life in prison." Walking away almost puzzled the young man didn't quite understand but knew somehow it was true. As time passed, it was time for the young man to go before the judge. They offered him...5 deals and he declined them all. People told him that he was a fool for not accepting any of these deals! After 24 months of time served the judge spoke, "I believe your life is changed...you are free to go on time served." His father who was convicted of the very same thing...received a life sentence. He had accepted one of the deals.
Point being, what if he had not responded that night? What if he would have thrown the word of the Lord to the side? What if Rick would have not been obedient to bring forth the word God had given him? I believe it changed this young mans destiny! He is now serving God full-time in the ministry at a local church!
I encourage you to remember those who are incarcerated. Jesus loves them and died for them as he did for any of us. He still has a plan for their lives! To Him be the glory!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Fast Completed...
Well last night we broke our "21 Day Fast" over a meal together at Genusa's Restaurant in Monroe. Laney White and Stacie Watts did a great job orchastrating the event although we had to jet out a few minutes early to pick up our 7th month old at her Granny's.
Pastor Joel did a great job in our new series for the month of February on relationships. He communicated the message in a funny yet powerful way. He and his wife Angel have done so much for Jodi and I in our marriage relationship.
These past 21 days have been some of the best days spiritually that I've personally experienced in about the past five or six years of my life. I plan with the help of the Holy Spirit to make this much more...no let me rephrase that...I plan to MAKE this a lifestyle from here on out. With that being said, the past 21 days I've experienced trials and attacks that I have not gone through in a very, very long time. Satan tempts you to want to "back off" or to "let up just a hair" so his forces will let up but you must not. The past 21 days, I've learned many, many things. The fast was also more than just seeking God about answering your prayers, it was about what He wanted to do in your life, how He wanted to purify your heart so that you can grow closer to Him and be used for His kingdom. The last day of the fast I've learned one thing...You must obey the word of God and the Holy Spirit regardless of the price or the cost. He will always and I do mean always reward those who are obedient.
My prayer is for all of those who stayed commited to this church-wide fast and to encourage those who did not participate to join in during the next fast and experienced the blessing of denying self and following Christ.
Have a great week!
Pastor Joel did a great job in our new series for the month of February on relationships. He communicated the message in a funny yet powerful way. He and his wife Angel have done so much for Jodi and I in our marriage relationship.
These past 21 days have been some of the best days spiritually that I've personally experienced in about the past five or six years of my life. I plan with the help of the Holy Spirit to make this much more...no let me rephrase that...I plan to MAKE this a lifestyle from here on out. With that being said, the past 21 days I've experienced trials and attacks that I have not gone through in a very, very long time. Satan tempts you to want to "back off" or to "let up just a hair" so his forces will let up but you must not. The past 21 days, I've learned many, many things. The fast was also more than just seeking God about answering your prayers, it was about what He wanted to do in your life, how He wanted to purify your heart so that you can grow closer to Him and be used for His kingdom. The last day of the fast I've learned one thing...You must obey the word of God and the Holy Spirit regardless of the price or the cost. He will always and I do mean always reward those who are obedient.
My prayer is for all of those who stayed commited to this church-wide fast and to encourage those who did not participate to join in during the next fast and experienced the blessing of denying self and following Christ.
Have a great week!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Looking for love in all the wrong places
"Looking for love in all the wrong places." Wasn't that a country song? Well, that was too many beers and moons ago. Thank goodness for Jesus.
We are already almost half way into the month of February and what does that mean? Valentine's Day! This whole month is known for that day...the day of love. Love is a word that has been misused, abused, and thrown around so we wanted to go to the true source of love...God. He is love.
Last night in our student ministry we started a series on love with the first message entitled, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." We had 4 teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."(Mark 5:24-25)
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years..."
In Mark 5 we read about a lady who was bleeding and had been for 12 long, hard years. Now I'm not sure what caused the bleeding but 12 years prior in her life something happened and she was now suffering from that. There is alot of people in life that are "bleeding." It may not show from the outside but they are bleeding from the inside. They are bleeding in their heart or maybe emotionally or mentally but they are bleeding. Maybe they are bleeding from an abusive relationship from a prior marriage. Maybe they are bleeding from the neglect of a mother or father. Maybe they are bleeding from abusive words spoken by someone. Maybe they are bleeding from sexual abuse they've been hiding for years. Maybe it's been a day, maybe it's been a week, or maybe it's been along time...12 years even.
"She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse."
Its says in the verse above that "she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors...but instead of getting better she got worse." So many times people who are hurting or "bleeding" look for healing or love in all the wrong places. They think a new relationship will heal the pain. They think making money or earning prestige will give them a sense of completion. They think a drug, a pill, or a bottle will take away the pain but instead of getting better they get worse!
" When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."
It's says in the verse above, "when she heard about Jesus." Hallelujah! Do you remember when you first heard of Jesus? Here was a lady that had looked for love and healing in all the wrong places and I believe she had finally gotten sick of it. Doesn't say how but it says, "she heard about Jesus." Maybe someone who had been hurting themselves confronted her and told her, "I know where you can go for love and for healing and He want let you down, His name is Jesus!
It says when she "touched" him "she was freed from her suffering." Let me tell you if you have been "bleeding", hurting, or in bondage you don't have to go looking in all the wrong places! You don't have to go looking in the bar! You don't have to go looking in the club! You don't have to go looking for the pill! You don't have to go looking for a one night stand! You don't have to go looking for some late night web-site for temporary fulfillment! All you have to do is going looking for the King! The Great Physician! The Healer! The lover of your soul!
We are already almost half way into the month of February and what does that mean? Valentine's Day! This whole month is known for that day...the day of love. Love is a word that has been misused, abused, and thrown around so we wanted to go to the true source of love...God. He is love.
Last night in our student ministry we started a series on love with the first message entitled, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." We had 4 teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."(Mark 5:24-25)
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years..."
In Mark 5 we read about a lady who was bleeding and had been for 12 long, hard years. Now I'm not sure what caused the bleeding but 12 years prior in her life something happened and she was now suffering from that. There is alot of people in life that are "bleeding." It may not show from the outside but they are bleeding from the inside. They are bleeding in their heart or maybe emotionally or mentally but they are bleeding. Maybe they are bleeding from an abusive relationship from a prior marriage. Maybe they are bleeding from the neglect of a mother or father. Maybe they are bleeding from abusive words spoken by someone. Maybe they are bleeding from sexual abuse they've been hiding for years. Maybe it's been a day, maybe it's been a week, or maybe it's been along time...12 years even.
"She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse."
Its says in the verse above that "she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors...but instead of getting better she got worse." So many times people who are hurting or "bleeding" look for healing or love in all the wrong places. They think a new relationship will heal the pain. They think making money or earning prestige will give them a sense of completion. They think a drug, a pill, or a bottle will take away the pain but instead of getting better they get worse!
" When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."
It's says in the verse above, "when she heard about Jesus." Hallelujah! Do you remember when you first heard of Jesus? Here was a lady that had looked for love and healing in all the wrong places and I believe she had finally gotten sick of it. Doesn't say how but it says, "she heard about Jesus." Maybe someone who had been hurting themselves confronted her and told her, "I know where you can go for love and for healing and He want let you down, His name is Jesus!
It says when she "touched" him "she was freed from her suffering." Let me tell you if you have been "bleeding", hurting, or in bondage you don't have to go looking in all the wrong places! You don't have to go looking in the bar! You don't have to go looking in the club! You don't have to go looking for the pill! You don't have to go looking for a one night stand! You don't have to go looking for some late night web-site for temporary fulfillment! All you have to do is going looking for the King! The Great Physician! The Healer! The lover of your soul!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Delight yourself in God
Day 18
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)
I encourage you this last week of our "21 Day Fast" to do this...Delight yourself in the Lord. Delight yourself in God. We have bombarded heaven with requests, prayers, petetions, and concerns. We have fought the evil forces of Satan and his demons that would come against our lives, families, and other things.
Now is the time to not give up, give in, or quit, but to simply delight yourself in God. Spend time with Him for who His is...not just for what He can do. Spend time in His presence thanking Him for his goodness and mercy. We spend so much time delighting ourselves in other things, so why not delight ourselves in God?
I pray that as we delight ourselves in Him, He will give you the desires (that He placed there) of your heart.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)
I encourage you this last week of our "21 Day Fast" to do this...Delight yourself in the Lord. Delight yourself in God. We have bombarded heaven with requests, prayers, petetions, and concerns. We have fought the evil forces of Satan and his demons that would come against our lives, families, and other things.
Now is the time to not give up, give in, or quit, but to simply delight yourself in God. Spend time with Him for who His is...not just for what He can do. Spend time in His presence thanking Him for his goodness and mercy. We spend so much time delighting ourselves in other things, so why not delight ourselves in God?
I pray that as we delight ourselves in Him, He will give you the desires (that He placed there) of your heart.
Days 16, 17, and 18
Day 18
As we are finishing up our "21 Day Fast", I encourage you not to let up, give up, or give in.
God has great plans in store but we always have to remember, "each new level brings a new devil." As you sacrifice, be obedient, are challenged in your faith, you may find the battle intensify. But with that comes growth,maturity, and ultimately, victory.
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (I. John 3:8b)
The Bible says Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) It also tells us He has plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) What we also have to rememeber is that, for every move of the spirit there is also always a counter attack from the enemy. Although Jesus has plans for us we have to remember we have an enemy who has plans for us as well...destruction.
I John 3:8b tells us that was the reason Jesus Christ came was to destroy the works of the devil. So I pray this week, the Lord Jesus would destroy the works of the enemy in your life, your ministry, your family, and your finances. May you have the complete victory in Christ alone!
Let me encourage you keep going, press in because He really is a "rewarder of those who diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
As we are finishing up our "21 Day Fast", I encourage you not to let up, give up, or give in.
God has great plans in store but we always have to remember, "each new level brings a new devil." As you sacrifice, be obedient, are challenged in your faith, you may find the battle intensify. But with that comes growth,maturity, and ultimately, victory.
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (I. John 3:8b)
The Bible says Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) It also tells us He has plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) What we also have to rememeber is that, for every move of the spirit there is also always a counter attack from the enemy. Although Jesus has plans for us we have to remember we have an enemy who has plans for us as well...destruction.
I John 3:8b tells us that was the reason Jesus Christ came was to destroy the works of the devil. So I pray this week, the Lord Jesus would destroy the works of the enemy in your life, your ministry, your family, and your finances. May you have the complete victory in Christ alone!
Let me encourage you keep going, press in because He really is a "rewarder of those who diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Monday, February 05, 2007
Day 15...six days left.
Day 15
We are coming into the "home stretch" of the "21 Day Fast" God has called us to. I encourage you to throw yourself at the feet of Jesus these last six days. This is a spiritual battle we are in. You have to fight spiritual warfare with spiritual tools..Prayer and Fasting.
I pray the "walls of Jericho" in your life will come crashing down! Saddle up and fight! Praise him til the walls fall down!
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men…On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (Joshua 6:2; 4-5)
“When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed…” (Joshua 6:20)
We are coming into the "home stretch" of the "21 Day Fast" God has called us to. I encourage you to throw yourself at the feet of Jesus these last six days. This is a spiritual battle we are in. You have to fight spiritual warfare with spiritual tools..Prayer and Fasting.
I pray the "walls of Jericho" in your life will come crashing down! Saddle up and fight! Praise him til the walls fall down!
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men…On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (Joshua 6:2; 4-5)
“When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed…” (Joshua 6:20)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Day 15
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made - I'm a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by His patience, I'm uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companion are few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be brought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I wont give up, shut up, and let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach all I know, and work till he stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, my banner will be clear."
(This is a copy of a note found written in the office of a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, following his martyrdom for his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ)
May his heart continue through our lives and ministries.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by His patience, I'm uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companion are few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be brought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I wont give up, shut up, and let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach all I know, and work till he stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, my banner will be clear."
(This is a copy of a note found written in the office of a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, following his martyrdom for his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ)
May his heart continue through our lives and ministries.
Love
Day 14
Love Day 14 (Something God’s been dealing with me about)
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I. Cor. 13:13)
Love…Do I truly love people? How can I say I love Jesus and not love people? You can’t love God without loving people and you can’t truly love people without loving God.
Love. What the gospel was birthed out of. (John 3:16) I believe it is the most neglected message preached and least lived virtue out there. Why is that? It is a lot easier to judge, miss mercy, or be “hard” isn’t it? But love? That can be tough. Loving people. Loving enemies. We would much rather attack people with truth. You see although the “truth will set you free,” (John 8:32) truth alone, without being rooted in love, can hurt people. The Law kills but the Spirit gives life. (II. Cor.3:6) There has to be a balance. If you have truth alone but no love you become legalistic. If you have love but no truth, then it really isn’t love.” Speaking the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15) I believe one of the greatest things that grieves the heart of God is to see the church attack each other and rip each other apart and Christians to attack and rip each other apart. Ignorantly, we don’t even realize Satan himself is using believers to kill each other with their mouths. Galations 5 says, If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
As believers/ministers we like to be told we are anointed, and we did great, and we sang great but one of the best compliments we could ever receive is “you are the most loving person I know.” The Bible says the greatest sign that you can tell that someone is a believer is not that you can speak in tongues, or prophesy, or speak an anointed message but it is that you can walk in the love of Christ. "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35). I don’t believe it is by accident that the “Love Chapter” I. Cor. 13 is placed right in between two chapters (I. Cor. 12 speaks of spiritual gifts and chapter 13 speaks of tongues and prophecy) that speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is important because if we don’t operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in love we can misuse them.They are to be used very carefully.
Years ago, the Lord began to deal with me about love. I had fasted and prayed about the Lord increasing the anointing in my life and the Lord giving me gifts, until one day he asked me, “When was the last time you fasted and prayed for the love of Christ?” You see I could preach an anointed message, flow in some of the gifts of the Spirit, say I was full of the Holy Ghost, but where was the love of Christ in all that? Was I ministering out of envy, jealousy, anger, flesh? If I wasn’t operating out of love I was operating out of the flesh.
My prayer is that my life, my ministry, and my family will be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. That everything we do will flow from that. My hope is that one day the church will lay aside all the pride, egos, and reputations and truly be “unified in the faith.” When that day comes, the church will be a force to recon with and the world will see the manifested love of Christ.
Love Day 14 (Something God’s been dealing with me about)
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I. Cor. 13:13)
Love…Do I truly love people? How can I say I love Jesus and not love people? You can’t love God without loving people and you can’t truly love people without loving God.
Love. What the gospel was birthed out of. (John 3:16) I believe it is the most neglected message preached and least lived virtue out there. Why is that? It is a lot easier to judge, miss mercy, or be “hard” isn’t it? But love? That can be tough. Loving people. Loving enemies. We would much rather attack people with truth. You see although the “truth will set you free,” (John 8:32) truth alone, without being rooted in love, can hurt people. The Law kills but the Spirit gives life. (II. Cor.3:6) There has to be a balance. If you have truth alone but no love you become legalistic. If you have love but no truth, then it really isn’t love.” Speaking the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15) I believe one of the greatest things that grieves the heart of God is to see the church attack each other and rip each other apart and Christians to attack and rip each other apart. Ignorantly, we don’t even realize Satan himself is using believers to kill each other with their mouths. Galations 5 says, If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
As believers/ministers we like to be told we are anointed, and we did great, and we sang great but one of the best compliments we could ever receive is “you are the most loving person I know.” The Bible says the greatest sign that you can tell that someone is a believer is not that you can speak in tongues, or prophesy, or speak an anointed message but it is that you can walk in the love of Christ. "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35). I don’t believe it is by accident that the “Love Chapter” I. Cor. 13 is placed right in between two chapters (I. Cor. 12 speaks of spiritual gifts and chapter 13 speaks of tongues and prophecy) that speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is important because if we don’t operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in love we can misuse them.They are to be used very carefully.
Years ago, the Lord began to deal with me about love. I had fasted and prayed about the Lord increasing the anointing in my life and the Lord giving me gifts, until one day he asked me, “When was the last time you fasted and prayed for the love of Christ?” You see I could preach an anointed message, flow in some of the gifts of the Spirit, say I was full of the Holy Ghost, but where was the love of Christ in all that? Was I ministering out of envy, jealousy, anger, flesh? If I wasn’t operating out of love I was operating out of the flesh.
My prayer is that my life, my ministry, and my family will be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. That everything we do will flow from that. My hope is that one day the church will lay aside all the pride, egos, and reputations and truly be “unified in the faith.” When that day comes, the church will be a force to recon with and the world will see the manifested love of Christ.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Persistence in Prayer
Day 13
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying,
"There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’" (Luke 18:1-8)
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Hebrews 4:16 tells us to "come boldly with confidence in approaching the throne of grace." Not proudly. Not self-righteously. Boldly and with confidence.
The widow lady we read about in Luke 18:1-8 continued with persistency to come before an unjust judge to have her request granted. After she "wore him out" with her unwavered persistence he finally granted her justice.
The parable was to teach us that we as believers are to always pray and to never give up! Always pray! Never give up! If an unjust judge granted the widow her request with her persistence then how much more will our righteous judge grant His people justice with their persistence?
So what is it you have been bombarding heaven about? Strongholds? Situations? Family? Finances? Opportunities? Healing? Let us boldly with persistence continue to pray and not even think about giving up!
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying,
"There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’" (Luke 18:1-8)
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Hebrews 4:16 tells us to "come boldly with confidence in approaching the throne of grace." Not proudly. Not self-righteously. Boldly and with confidence.
The widow lady we read about in Luke 18:1-8 continued with persistency to come before an unjust judge to have her request granted. After she "wore him out" with her unwavered persistence he finally granted her justice.
The parable was to teach us that we as believers are to always pray and to never give up! Always pray! Never give up! If an unjust judge granted the widow her request with her persistence then how much more will our righteous judge grant His people justice with their persistence?
So what is it you have been bombarding heaven about? Strongholds? Situations? Family? Finances? Opportunities? Healing? Let us boldly with persistence continue to pray and not even think about giving up!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Desperation
Day 12
What people will do when they are desperate. Steal? Kill? Lie? How about...seek the Lord like a wild man or woman? Desperate times call for desperate measures! So what measures will you take in seeking God?
A story in Mark 5:25-34 tells us a wonderful story of desperation.
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
This woman had a tremendous need in her life. She had gone to many people and to many places to fill that need but she always came up, "empty handed". She finally realized where her source was and she would stop at nothing to get to it. Remember? She was desperate! She fought through the enourmous, pushy crowd, because she had to...touch Jesus. As you notice in the verse above Jesus said, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered," and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" Many people were crowded around Jesus touching him but only one trully, "touched" him. Touched his heart! You see many people go through the motions religiously. They go to church. They sing songs. They read the Bible. But just going through the motions. This womans heart was after God's! She wanted not just to be around him, she wanted to "touch him." She HAD to get the Savior's attention! So are you desperate? Are you desperate to see God move? What are you willing to do? Go after him? Even if people laugh? Even if people make fun? Even if people say you are wasting your time? Are you willing to pray like you've never prayed? Worship like you've never worshiped? Fast until you turn into a bone? Are you desperate for him to move in your life? Finances? Family? Ministry? Rise up! Get through the crowds! Desperate times call for desperate measures! "Touch" the Savior!
What people will do when they are desperate. Steal? Kill? Lie? How about...seek the Lord like a wild man or woman? Desperate times call for desperate measures! So what measures will you take in seeking God?
A story in Mark 5:25-34 tells us a wonderful story of desperation.
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
This woman had a tremendous need in her life. She had gone to many people and to many places to fill that need but she always came up, "empty handed". She finally realized where her source was and she would stop at nothing to get to it. Remember? She was desperate! She fought through the enourmous, pushy crowd, because she had to...touch Jesus. As you notice in the verse above Jesus said, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered," and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" Many people were crowded around Jesus touching him but only one trully, "touched" him. Touched his heart! You see many people go through the motions religiously. They go to church. They sing songs. They read the Bible. But just going through the motions. This womans heart was after God's! She wanted not just to be around him, she wanted to "touch him." She HAD to get the Savior's attention! So are you desperate? Are you desperate to see God move? What are you willing to do? Go after him? Even if people laugh? Even if people make fun? Even if people say you are wasting your time? Are you willing to pray like you've never prayed? Worship like you've never worshiped? Fast until you turn into a bone? Are you desperate for him to move in your life? Finances? Family? Ministry? Rise up! Get through the crowds! Desperate times call for desperate measures! "Touch" the Savior!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Pure Heart
Day 11
Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not the man. (Matthew 15:19-20)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. (Psalm 24:4)
I was thinking today of the word, "Holy Spirit". Notice the word before Spirit...What is it? The first part of the word is, "Holy". Of course we cannot attain that from our own righteous acts as ours as humans is "as filthy rags." Through Jesus Christ however we can live a "Holy" life. Someone who is "filled with the Holy Spirit" should live a "Holy" life. It should be evident. God throughout his word has used people mightily who had pure hearts. My prayer through this fast is that God would create in me a pure heart. Free from lies, bitterness, anger, slander, etc., etc., etc.! We are halfway through our "21 Day Fast". May I encourage you to keep on keeping on! Now is the time to allow God to break strongholds in our life! Now is the time to seek him with all that is in us! Now is the time to become brutally honest with ourselves to see what may be in our hearts that would not be acceptable in his sight! Don't give up, keep pressing in!
Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not the man. (Matthew 15:19-20)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. (Psalm 24:4)
I was thinking today of the word, "Holy Spirit". Notice the word before Spirit...What is it? The first part of the word is, "Holy". Of course we cannot attain that from our own righteous acts as ours as humans is "as filthy rags." Through Jesus Christ however we can live a "Holy" life. Someone who is "filled with the Holy Spirit" should live a "Holy" life. It should be evident. God throughout his word has used people mightily who had pure hearts. My prayer through this fast is that God would create in me a pure heart. Free from lies, bitterness, anger, slander, etc., etc., etc.! We are halfway through our "21 Day Fast". May I encourage you to keep on keeping on! Now is the time to allow God to break strongholds in our life! Now is the time to seek him with all that is in us! Now is the time to become brutally honest with ourselves to see what may be in our hearts that would not be acceptable in his sight! Don't give up, keep pressing in!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Who is in control?
Day 10
"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:37-38)
Here we find the disciples with Jesus going somewhere when a serious storm came up. They wondered to themselves, "Why doesn't He do anything?" "He could stop this storm if He wanted?". "Why is He not doing anything?" "Does He care about us?" "Is He mad at us?" "Why?" "Why?" "Why?". Have you ever allowed those thoughts to cross your mind? Have you ever battled the thought of, "Is Jesus really in control of my life?" "Of my situations?" "Of my circumstances?". Yes He is! If we take our "control" off of it and realize He is the one who is truly in control. I am constantly reminded that He is in control of my life. Even at times when I can't see it.
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39-40)
You see although Jesus was "sleeping" through this storm He always was in complete control. Jesus can speak one word into your storm and situation and calm it if he so desires. But do we have the faith to believe that? Do we have the faith to KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL?!
"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:37-38)
Here we find the disciples with Jesus going somewhere when a serious storm came up. They wondered to themselves, "Why doesn't He do anything?" "He could stop this storm if He wanted?". "Why is He not doing anything?" "Does He care about us?" "Is He mad at us?" "Why?" "Why?" "Why?". Have you ever allowed those thoughts to cross your mind? Have you ever battled the thought of, "Is Jesus really in control of my life?" "Of my situations?" "Of my circumstances?". Yes He is! If we take our "control" off of it and realize He is the one who is truly in control. I am constantly reminded that He is in control of my life. Even at times when I can't see it.
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39-40)
You see although Jesus was "sleeping" through this storm He always was in complete control. Jesus can speak one word into your storm and situation and calm it if he so desires. But do we have the faith to believe that? Do we have the faith to KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL?!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Days 8 and 9
Since I don't have high speed internet at home (we live too far out to have it) I will post yesterday and todays posts.
Day 8
The will of God versus the will of man
“…yet not as I will , but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
God has a will and we have a will. The key is getting lined up with what God wants instead of what we want.
Peter thought Jesus was “missing the mark” when Christ told of his death on the Cross. Peter said, “Never, Lord!” he said, “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23)
Do we have in mind the things of God or the things of men? Is it OUR will we desire or is it truly HIS will we want to see happen? I pray as we continue this journey we line up our will with his! Your will be done Lord!
Day 9
What I need to master: Love God and Love people!
You can't love God without loving people and you can't trully love people without loving God! The two go hand in hand! We look at "love" as being weak. We want to be "rough and tough". We fast and pray for all the "noticable" gifts but how many times have we fasted and prayed for the love of God? We all could use more of it! We can go over board and misuse many things but not the love of Christ!
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandmen in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandmen. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40)
Day 8
The will of God versus the will of man
“…yet not as I will , but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
God has a will and we have a will. The key is getting lined up with what God wants instead of what we want.
Peter thought Jesus was “missing the mark” when Christ told of his death on the Cross. Peter said, “Never, Lord!” he said, “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23)
Do we have in mind the things of God or the things of men? Is it OUR will we desire or is it truly HIS will we want to see happen? I pray as we continue this journey we line up our will with his! Your will be done Lord!
Day 9
What I need to master: Love God and Love people!
You can't love God without loving people and you can't trully love people without loving God! The two go hand in hand! We look at "love" as being weak. We want to be "rough and tough". We fast and pray for all the "noticable" gifts but how many times have we fasted and prayed for the love of God? We all could use more of it! We can go over board and misuse many things but not the love of Christ!
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandmen in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandmen. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40)
Saturday, January 27, 2007
DAY 7
Day 7 Obedience
“To obey is better than sacrifice…” (I. Samuel 15:22)
It’s not how well you can speak. It’s not how good you can look. It’s not even about how “anointed” one is, the question is, “How obedient can you be to Christ?” This 21 Day Fast is about being obedient to the Lord. Yes, it is about sacrifice but more than that it is learning how to be obedient. He has called us to become fully devoted disciples of His Son, Jesus.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry last night at the home of Joe and Cheryl Lopez. Yes, Jodi and I were about 30 years younger than anyone there but hey, we can learn something from our elders. Actually, we can learn a lot. Not only did we like the spirituality of our “elders” but also their attitude. Not once, did we hear a negative comment come forth from their mouth about any body or group of people. Can you say, “Wow”!
After a wonderful time of fellowship, Sister Cheryl brought a timely and I believe prophetic message to us from the word of God. After that we (the people) ministered to several people there; several prophecy’s and words of knowledge came forth to edify and build up the saints. This reminded me of how the saints met in homes in the early church in the Acts of the Apostles. It was a great meeting. Thank you Joe and Cheryl for always opening your home!
Keep going guys!
“To obey is better than sacrifice…” (I. Samuel 15:22)
It’s not how well you can speak. It’s not how good you can look. It’s not even about how “anointed” one is, the question is, “How obedient can you be to Christ?” This 21 Day Fast is about being obedient to the Lord. Yes, it is about sacrifice but more than that it is learning how to be obedient. He has called us to become fully devoted disciples of His Son, Jesus.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry last night at the home of Joe and Cheryl Lopez. Yes, Jodi and I were about 30 years younger than anyone there but hey, we can learn something from our elders. Actually, we can learn a lot. Not only did we like the spirituality of our “elders” but also their attitude. Not once, did we hear a negative comment come forth from their mouth about any body or group of people. Can you say, “Wow”!
After a wonderful time of fellowship, Sister Cheryl brought a timely and I believe prophetic message to us from the word of God. After that we (the people) ministered to several people there; several prophecy’s and words of knowledge came forth to edify and build up the saints. This reminded me of how the saints met in homes in the early church in the Acts of the Apostles. It was a great meeting. Thank you Joe and Cheryl for always opening your home!
Keep going guys!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Days 5 and 6...
I pray everyone is coming along well in this exciting jourey we are all partaking of. Here are a few scriptures God impressed on my heart the last few days. I have been meditating on them.
Day 5
God spoke to my heart on day 5 and said, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
Simply put guys, we belong to the Lord Jesus! It is not about us, it is about him! His kingdom not ours!
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price…” (I. Corinthians 6:19b)
Day 6
We need to have the attitude of, "I GET to deny myself and have the honor of following Jesus Christ with all of my heart!"
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
"This is the love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome..." (I. John 5:3)
Day 5
God spoke to my heart on day 5 and said, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
Simply put guys, we belong to the Lord Jesus! It is not about us, it is about him! His kingdom not ours!
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price…” (I. Corinthians 6:19b)
Day 6
We need to have the attitude of, "I GET to deny myself and have the honor of following Jesus Christ with all of my heart!"
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
"This is the love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome..." (I. John 5:3)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Stay Focused (Day 4)
"...let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)
Sometimes staying focused is easier said than done; especially in a world filled with distractions. It is however, imperative that we take all measures to remain focused on God and the prize that comes with our calling.
History has seen men be great and do great things because of an intense focus. When we keep our focus on Christ, the things of this world will grown strangely dim (sound familiar?). When we are focused on Christ we realize that He is our source of everything. Our source of life! Our source of healing! Our source of provision! Our source of joy!
When Peter "stepped out of the boat" and onto the water he was able to stay afloat because he kept his eyes on the one who had given him the power in the first place, Christ. When he (Peter) allowed himself to lose focus and he began to place his attention on his surroundings (the wind, the waves, and the water) he began to sink. So it is the same with our lives.
In Matthew 13 we read of the parable of the sower. In verse 22 it says, "The one who recieved the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."
I don't know about you but I do not want to allow the things of this world to distract me, choke the word out of me, and have my life become unfruitful. So how do we avoid that? By staying focused! On God! On his word! On his will!
Stay focused!
Sometimes staying focused is easier said than done; especially in a world filled with distractions. It is however, imperative that we take all measures to remain focused on God and the prize that comes with our calling.
History has seen men be great and do great things because of an intense focus. When we keep our focus on Christ, the things of this world will grown strangely dim (sound familiar?). When we are focused on Christ we realize that He is our source of everything. Our source of life! Our source of healing! Our source of provision! Our source of joy!
When Peter "stepped out of the boat" and onto the water he was able to stay afloat because he kept his eyes on the one who had given him the power in the first place, Christ. When he (Peter) allowed himself to lose focus and he began to place his attention on his surroundings (the wind, the waves, and the water) he began to sink. So it is the same with our lives.
In Matthew 13 we read of the parable of the sower. In verse 22 it says, "The one who recieved the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."
I don't know about you but I do not want to allow the things of this world to distract me, choke the word out of me, and have my life become unfruitful. So how do we avoid that? By staying focused! On God! On his word! On his will!
Stay focused!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Embarking on a journey
We are in the 2nd day of our "21 Day Fast" as a church.
I pray these next several weeks is a spiritual journey like no other.
Fasting is a time where we "deny ourselves" the fleshly pleasures of food or foods to seek God's face. Jesus himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) It always amazes me when I fast, how I realize the "things" I cling to when I don't fast. When we strip ourselves of the pleasures of food it compels us to humble ourselves before God because there is nothing else to hold on to. Funny how when we are stressed, anxious, worried, fearful, we tend to run to the refrigerator or food cabinet. Fasting causes us to deny those things which we feel brings "temporary relief" and run to God! Fasting is the spiritual "steroid" we need to break chains of bondage, to bring true humility in our lives, and for God's word to become rhema!
I pray you, along with your family, unify and seek the Lord together. I will be keeping up with a journal that I will most likely keep private. May God speak to you these next several weeks and may we draw ever so closely to him!
Now is the time to pursue God!
I pray these next several weeks is a spiritual journey like no other.
Fasting is a time where we "deny ourselves" the fleshly pleasures of food or foods to seek God's face. Jesus himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) It always amazes me when I fast, how I realize the "things" I cling to when I don't fast. When we strip ourselves of the pleasures of food it compels us to humble ourselves before God because there is nothing else to hold on to. Funny how when we are stressed, anxious, worried, fearful, we tend to run to the refrigerator or food cabinet. Fasting causes us to deny those things which we feel brings "temporary relief" and run to God! Fasting is the spiritual "steroid" we need to break chains of bondage, to bring true humility in our lives, and for God's word to become rhema!
I pray you, along with your family, unify and seek the Lord together. I will be keeping up with a journal that I will most likely keep private. May God speak to you these next several weeks and may we draw ever so closely to him!
Now is the time to pursue God!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Has your walk with Jesus grown cold?
Avoiding the freeze...
"And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)
We ministered to our students last night on the topic of "Avoiding the Freeze." Has your walk with Jesus grown cold? Sadly to say, some has.
Has your heart grown cold towards the things of God? How about people? How about church? How about worship?
We discussed things that we tend to allow to happen or not happen that would cause our hearts to grow cold. So what steps will you take to make sure that in the year 2007 your walk with Christ will not grown cold? Start a fire in us Lord and help keep it burning!
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (I. Thes. 5:19)
"And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)
We ministered to our students last night on the topic of "Avoiding the Freeze." Has your walk with Jesus grown cold? Sadly to say, some has.
Has your heart grown cold towards the things of God? How about people? How about church? How about worship?
We discussed things that we tend to allow to happen or not happen that would cause our hearts to grow cold. So what steps will you take to make sure that in the year 2007 your walk with Christ will not grown cold? Start a fire in us Lord and help keep it burning!
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (I. Thes. 5:19)
Monday, January 15, 2007
Prepared and Ready
Too often those words elude us in our lives but are essential for us to master. God is calling his people to be both prepared and ready.
God is always preparing us for such a time as this. The question is...are we ready?
As we await the final week of the NFL playoff games, four teams will spend all week preparing. Come Sunday, will they be ready? Did they prepare adequately? Did they do everything they could do to prepare themselves for gameday?
So what about us? Are we both prepared and ready for what God wants to do in us and through us?
Something to ponder on as the days go on this week.
God is always preparing us for such a time as this. The question is...are we ready?
As we await the final week of the NFL playoff games, four teams will spend all week preparing. Come Sunday, will they be ready? Did they prepare adequately? Did they do everything they could do to prepare themselves for gameday?
So what about us? Are we both prepared and ready for what God wants to do in us and through us?
Something to ponder on as the days go on this week.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Fusion aftermath...
We had our first quarterly "Fusion" service for the year last night in the Life Church West Monroe sanctuary and it was kickin!
Our theme was "Revolution 07", "Challenged to Change." I want to thank the worship team for leading us in the presence of the Lord and to all who came out to support our Student Ministry!
Let the Revolution begin!
Our theme was "Revolution 07", "Challenged to Change." I want to thank the worship team for leading us in the presence of the Lord and to all who came out to support our Student Ministry!
Let the Revolution begin!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
FUSION III
This Wednesday January 10th at 6:30 P.M. we will have our first "Fusion" Service for the 2007 year.
"Fusion" is led by our student ministry but is joined by our adults in the main sanctuary at Life Chuch. We "merge" together to form one perfect union!
The message is prepared, the worship team is ready to explode, our T-Shirts are in, and we are geared up for this Wednesday!
I encourage you to show up early to make sure you are able to get a "Fusion" T-Shirt!
Invite a friend and c-u there!
"Fusion" is led by our student ministry but is joined by our adults in the main sanctuary at Life Chuch. We "merge" together to form one perfect union!
The message is prepared, the worship team is ready to explode, our T-Shirts are in, and we are geared up for this Wednesday!
I encourage you to show up early to make sure you are able to get a "Fusion" T-Shirt!
Invite a friend and c-u there!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Pursuit (Part II)
With Pastor Joel being out this Sunday while he is catching some sun on the white sandy beaches of Mexico, we will conclude our two week series entitled, "Pursuit".
Part II will consisit of:
1) Pursuing God
2) Pursuing Family
3) Pursuing your Calling
4) God is pursuing you
Invite a friend and we will see you Sunday!
*Reminder: Fusion service is coming next Wednesday January 10th in the main sanctuary!
Part II will consisit of:
1) Pursuing God
2) Pursuing Family
3) Pursuing your Calling
4) God is pursuing you
Invite a friend and we will see you Sunday!
*Reminder: Fusion service is coming next Wednesday January 10th in the main sanctuary!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Mission Possible
"With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God." (Matthew 19:26)
You know what God views as possible,sometimes humans view as impossible.
This Wednesday night in Xtreme Life, we will begin a series entitled, "Mission Possible 007" for the new 2007 year. We will discuss what tools you will need to make the mission for 2007 possible! There will be a pizza party following the service. See ya there and invite a friend!
You know what God views as possible,sometimes humans view as impossible.
This Wednesday night in Xtreme Life, we will begin a series entitled, "Mission Possible 007" for the new 2007 year. We will discuss what tools you will need to make the mission for 2007 possible! There will be a pizza party following the service. See ya there and invite a friend!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Year Coming to an End
Well, as 2006 is coming to an end and we get ready to embark on a new year I can't help but look back and reflect on the past twelve months.
The year 2006 has had its ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valleys but above all, I would like to think I have grown from all these experiences.
I'd like to touch on some of the "highlights" from 2006.
Personally, Jodi and I received one of the greatest gifts we could ever ask for, a beautiful healthy baby daughter.
Spiritually, one of the greatest days of my journey was to have two pastors whom I respect greatly lay their hands on me to confirm the call of God upon my life.
Student Ministry wise, the most exciting point to me is to have several teen leaders step up and lead other teenagers. We started our first student led worship team in 2006 which is a huge step for us. We continue to grow spiritually and numerically, steadily.
It was exciting to see Life Church continue to move forward in the direction the Lord is leading us. As we continue to grow it is exciting to see the body of Christ continue to reach out and serve more and more! It is such an honor to serve with such great leaders as we have at Life Church!
Before I leave 2006 in 2006, I am taking time to hear the voice of God and prepare my heart for what 2007 has in store.
Happy New Year!
The year 2006 has had its ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valleys but above all, I would like to think I have grown from all these experiences.
I'd like to touch on some of the "highlights" from 2006.
Personally, Jodi and I received one of the greatest gifts we could ever ask for, a beautiful healthy baby daughter.
Spiritually, one of the greatest days of my journey was to have two pastors whom I respect greatly lay their hands on me to confirm the call of God upon my life.
Student Ministry wise, the most exciting point to me is to have several teen leaders step up and lead other teenagers. We started our first student led worship team in 2006 which is a huge step for us. We continue to grow spiritually and numerically, steadily.
It was exciting to see Life Church continue to move forward in the direction the Lord is leading us. As we continue to grow it is exciting to see the body of Christ continue to reach out and serve more and more! It is such an honor to serve with such great leaders as we have at Life Church!
Before I leave 2006 in 2006, I am taking time to hear the voice of God and prepare my heart for what 2007 has in store.
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Live the Gospel
"Preach the gospel at all times and when necesarry...use words." -unknown
Living in the "Bible Belt" here in the south, people are all too familiar with churches. They've heard the name of Jesus, they've heard verses from the Bible being quoted, and many can quote the verses quite well themselves.
Yesterday, I was so very fortunate to be apart of an outreach that actually "lived the gospel." Jesus said he didn't come to be served but to serve. People want to see the gospel LIVED! People want to hear the preaching of the gospel WALKED OUT! I'm so very thankful Life Church is a church with "legs". The vision to serve must be walked and carried out!
Living in the "Bible Belt" here in the south, people are all too familiar with churches. They've heard the name of Jesus, they've heard verses from the Bible being quoted, and many can quote the verses quite well themselves.
Yesterday, I was so very fortunate to be apart of an outreach that actually "lived the gospel." Jesus said he didn't come to be served but to serve. People want to see the gospel LIVED! People want to hear the preaching of the gospel WALKED OUT! I'm so very thankful Life Church is a church with "legs". The vision to serve must be walked and carried out!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Jail Ministry
"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Last night we ministered as we usually do every month, in the Union Parish Detention Center. From the start, there were more distractions and demonic activity going on than what I am used to. It is so assuring that when you boldly proclaim God's word it radiates light even in a very dark place.
We spoke on hearing God's voice through the written word and also his "rhema" word. I don't know about you, but I desperately need to be continually hearing Gods voice! And these guys, most whom have NEVER heard God's voice, do as well!
When all was said and done, we lead four inmates to the Lord Jesus Christ! What a way for these guys to wrap up 2006 and prepare for a new life in 2007!
in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Last night we ministered as we usually do every month, in the Union Parish Detention Center. From the start, there were more distractions and demonic activity going on than what I am used to. It is so assuring that when you boldly proclaim God's word it radiates light even in a very dark place.
We spoke on hearing God's voice through the written word and also his "rhema" word. I don't know about you, but I desperately need to be continually hearing Gods voice! And these guys, most whom have NEVER heard God's voice, do as well!
When all was said and done, we lead four inmates to the Lord Jesus Christ! What a way for these guys to wrap up 2006 and prepare for a new life in 2007!
Monday, December 11, 2006
A Great Weekend
This past weekend was a very memorable weekend for my family and I.To start it off, we had the great honor to host my Pastor, Joel Dyke, and Pastor Billy Hornsby from South Carolina on an exciting good ole fashioned Red Cut Hunting Club adventure! Like always, Bro.Billy left with a deer in the bag! (I'm always amazed!)
Sunday, was a day I will never forget as my Pastor and Bro. Billy prayed over my wife and I as they ordained me.
.jpg)
It was a day, not to honor me, but to honor what God has done and will do. I consider myself to be blessed. Blessed because I have a family, friends, and a great home church in Life Church that means everything to me!I want to thank all who were able to attend. It was a very special day.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Never too late!
"Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?" Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid: just believe." (Mark 5:35-36)
"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)
We see from two different instances in the word where people felt they were in a hopeless situation. They felt as though the "deal was sealed", "the nails were in the coffin", "the fat lady had sung". "Your daughter is dead, Lazarus is dead!" There is no overturning what has taken place, what's done is done!
Maybe you find yourself in a situation like that now, a dead situation. A hopeless situation. A situation that looks like it could never be fixed or made right.
Let me tell you these situations couldn't have seemed more hopeless, I mean these people were DEAD! You can't get anymore hopeless than that! But when Jesus comes on the scene...c'mon now as Bro.Joel would say...there is never a situation he can't reverse! Circumstances he can't reverse! Situations he can't raise from the dead! Lost people he can't raise from the dead! Finances he can't raise from the dead! A sick body he can't heal!
All we are to do is simply...believe.
"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)
We see from two different instances in the word where people felt they were in a hopeless situation. They felt as though the "deal was sealed", "the nails were in the coffin", "the fat lady had sung". "Your daughter is dead, Lazarus is dead!" There is no overturning what has taken place, what's done is done!
Maybe you find yourself in a situation like that now, a dead situation. A hopeless situation. A situation that looks like it could never be fixed or made right.
Let me tell you these situations couldn't have seemed more hopeless, I mean these people were DEAD! You can't get anymore hopeless than that! But when Jesus comes on the scene...c'mon now as Bro.Joel would say...there is never a situation he can't reverse! Circumstances he can't reverse! Situations he can't raise from the dead! Lost people he can't raise from the dead! Finances he can't raise from the dead! A sick body he can't heal!
All we are to do is simply...believe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)