New Orleans Mission Trip

We (Family Church) will be taking the students in the youth ministry to New Orleans, Louisiana where we will be doing a week long mission trip. We will be staying at YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and will be doing practical ministry like rebuilding homes but also ministering spiritually to the needs of the people who were devestated by Hurricane Katrina.

Please be in prayer for all who will be involved in this week long mission. We will be leaving Monday June 25 and will be returning Friday June 29th.

Blessings

Update...

As many of you know my family and I have been diligently seeking God's direction for our lives this year. God has given us a very humbling opportunity to be apart of the staff at Family Church of West Monroe.

On July 1st I will become the new Junior High Pastor and also teach Bible/Chapels for Claiborne Christian School this upcoming school year. My wife Jodi will continue to stay home with our daughter but will also be apart of the Wednesday Night Children's Ministry.

We are very excited and would ask that you continue to pray for us.

You can reach me by email now at beck@familychurch.org

Thank you to those who faithfully stood with us in prayer these past few months as God was in the process of opening the right doors.

May God Bless you!

Taking a stand for righteousness

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

When you take a stand for righteousness sake many times you will experience some form of persecution. Maybe you’ve taken a stand for righteousness at work, in relationships, or even at church. Some folks may slander you, lie about you, and in many instances cut you off completely.

Take heart because Jesus said you will be blessed! Jesus said in the gospel of John that, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you…If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

We must remember not to take things personally. This is not personal things but spiritual things we are dealing with here. So don’t get offended at the person or persons doing the persecuting. Remember, love and pray for them so we may reflect the character of Jesus Christ!
There have been times in my own life where I’ve had to take a stand for righteousness and it didn't seem pleasant at the time but we always end up being blessed for it!

Have a great weekend!

Give a good gift today

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above." (James 1:17)

I have often thought to myself many times on how badly I wanted to do things for people but didn't have the finances or resources to do it. So what do you do when you have a heart to give and to bless people but don't have the means to do it?

You know some of the most precious gifts you can give someone doesn't cost anything. As a matter of fact money can't even buy it! You know it doesn't cost anything (but your pride) to say a kind word to someone today. It doesn't cost anything to shoot them a quick email to let them know you are thinking of them. It sure doesn't cost anything to give someone a nice, big hug either. So during your day you can bless people with your hugs or kind words to lift them up.

I encourage you to go and give freely today!

Memorial Day Weekend

I pray that everyone has a great Memorial Day with their family. I am truly thankful for family and I cherish the uninterrupted times I have with them.

I'm also thankful for the country in which we live in and the people that have fought to keep it free. Thank you Jesus!

We were blessed to have my family rent out a room at the newly built Hilton here in West Monroe. My wife and I were honored to have the opportunity to stay the night in the room. We will enjoy some good ole' BBQ with the rest of my family and enjoy the time we have together today.

Identity Crisis

I had the honor of ministering to the Junior High teens of E3 Student Ministries of Family Church last night. We spoke on "Identity Crisis" and learned a few points on identity from John the Baptist. I read a disturbing online article not long ago about a man who thought he was a woman trapped in his body. Now although you may not be having a "gender crisis" you may have an "identity crisis". Do you know who you are? Do you know who you are to become?

We can learn three things from the gospel of John 1:19-23.

1. John the Baptist knew who he was not.

• "I am not the Christ. They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah? He said, " I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No."

2. John the Baptist knew who he was.

• "Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, "Make straight the way for the Lord.'

3. John the Baptist knew who he was to become.

Firstly, He knew he was not the Messiah or Eliajah. You know you and I can't glorify God by acting like someone else...other than Christ. God made us special and unique (as he did John the Baptist). We reveal our insecurities when we begin to talk like other people, dress like other people, and behave like other people whom we normally wouldn't. When temptation comes your way you better know what you are not anymore! I'm not like that! I've been changed! I've been delivered! That is not me anymore!

Secondly, John knew who he was. What about you? Do you know who you trully are? I've been looking in the mirror alot lately and I will say, "My name is Beck Payne. I am a man of God. Today, I will talk like a man of God, look like a man of God, behave like a man of God, and live like a man of God!!! Why? Because that is who I am! I am a child of the most high God! I am an instrumen of his love! I am a voice of truth to preach the whole gospel of Christ! Some of us don't know who we are anymore? We've followed other "things" and "ideas" and we don't even know who we are, who God has called us to be!

Thirdly, John knew who he was to become! He was to prepare the way of the Messiah! So what are you becoming? What has God called you to do? Are you doing it? Are you becoming what he is calling you to?

Be blessed!

Beck

Guard your heart

“Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

What does it mean to “guard your heart?” When someone is boxing he or she is constantly on guard. Their intentions are to not allow the opponents gloves to come through and land a punch. Because if a punch is landed it causes damage and can eventually destruct the fighter.

So when the Bible tells us to “guard our hearts” we are to have our spiritual gloves up. Why? We don’t want the enemy getting through to our hearts! Why? It is the wellspring of life! If we allow sin in our hearts it embitters the water. What kind of sin embitters the water? Jesus tells us in the gospel of Matthew.

"Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man." (Matthew 15:17-20)

None of us are absent from things that can and will contaminant our hearts if we aren’t constantly on guard by the Holy Spirit. So keep your “gloves” up and be watchful!

To see Jesus-The story of Zacchaeus

“And he entered and was passing through Jericho. And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature. And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” (Luke 19:1-6)

Remember the song you sang in Sunday school about Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree? There is a lot to learn from that song.

Before I even crawled out of bed this morning for my time with the Lord He placed the above passage on my heart so I felt I must look deeper into it.

We read above about Jesus passing through the city of Jericho. There was a tax collector by the name of Zacchaeus who was “seeking” Jesus. Because the man was short and there was a large crowd in the way he climbed up into a sycamore tree. Now I need to stop right there.

Here was a man that had obviously heard of Jesus or he wouldn’t have taken the measures he did to see him. Maybe he heard about how he had forgiven prostitutes, sinners, and other tax collectors. Maybe he heard about the Lord Jesus performing miracles and healing the sick. Maybe he heard about Jesus commanding devils out of people and seeing them set free. Whatever the case, Zacchaeus had to see this Jesus and see him for himself! He couldn’t just go by what everybody else said. He had to make it personal! As Zacchaeus was trying to see the Lord there were obstacles in his way but he didn’t allow these obstacles from keeping him from seeing the savior. He did what he had to do and climbed up in a dirty sycamore tree. This rich tax collector humbled himself and climbed into a tree to see Jesus.

Now this man was a sinner and yet he went the desperate route. How much more should the righteous find him!? So what about you and me? What obstacles are in your way today that would try to keep you from Jesus? Is it time management or priorities? Is it excuses? Is it the hordes of hell? Is it criticism? Is it condemnation? Is it man-made traditions? Is it religion?

“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.”

We read that when Jesus was passing by he took notice of Zacchaeus. Certainly so. Everyone else was on the ground but only Zacchaeus took such desperate measures to see Jesus and he (Jesus) took notice! Let me encourage you, when you take desperate measures to seek Jesus he will take notice! He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Maybe you have felt like you have “climbed trees”. Maybe you have prayed and prayed and fasted and fasted and nothing seems to be working. Be encouraged, Jesus is walking down the road and will see your faith, persistence, and heart for Him! He will reward you! Don’t climb down yet, Jesus is coming by!

Does the devil know your name?

“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?
Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.” (Acts 19:13-18)

Not long ago I heard my pastor tell of a few stories about some attacks he had experienced during the past 30 years of his ministry. In one instance the devil called him by his name as he tried to intimidate the man of God. I know we do not talk much about spiritual darkness this day in time but we’d better wake up and smell the coffee because it is very much there. YOU DO HAVE AN ENEMY, HE IS REAL, AND HE PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR! He is the one that is fighting your very soul! He is the one who is trying to split your marriage! He is the one who is trying to bring division within the body of Christ! He is the one who is trying to distort the word of the living God! He is the one who is trying to lead your children astray! He is the one in the church who is masquerading as an angel (minister) of light (word of God)! Oh yes, it is out there! Well aren’t you giving the enemy glory talking about this? As I heard a wonderful man of God say once, “You first must know your enemy before you can defeat or fight him!”

If there were wanted posters in hell would your name and picture be found amongst them? There is no doubt my pastor has experienced these things because of the great threat he is to the kingdom of darkness but what about you and I? Does the enemy fear the man or woman that only whispers the name of Jesus over coffee each day? Does the enemy fear the person who spends a little time with Jesus here and there? Does he know and fear the one who is half- hearted and only obedient when it is convenient? Or does hell tremble when your eyes pop open in the morning because of the “hell” you will bring in the name of Jesus this day!

We read in the above passage about some men who were “toying around” with the name of Jesus provoking a demon-spirit. One day when the evil spirit had enough he answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” After beating them severely the men ran away like whipped puppy dogs. When darkness comes our way you and I better know Jesus Christ! He had better be Lord in our hearts!

The Bible says we are “hidden in Christ.” It isn’t us obviously the enemy is afraid of but the Christ that is living within us whom he (the enemy) greatly believes and trembles! He fears the one who knows how to understand and obey the word of God. He fears the one who realizes the power he has in the name of Jesus! He fears the one who will submit no matter what to Jesus Christ! He who is faithful! He who is obedient!

I encourage you to get to know Christ today! With everything that is within you get to know him! Live and obey the word of the living God no matter what! Yes you will experience attacks! Yes darkness will come at you! But be encouraged my brothers and sisters “greater is He that is in us that he that is in the world”. Take heart, you and I are “more than conquerors” in Christ Jesus! We will have the victory! His name be praised!

Spiritual Complacency

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev. 3:15-22)

We have all gone through times in our walk with Christ where we have become tired, weary, and yes; complacent. Sometimes it’s hard to move out of that place because it is so easy to stay there. It doesn’t require any effort. It doesn’t require any work. It doesn’t require any faith. The battle isn’t intense there because Satan is not concerned. He has us where he wants us; complacent. Spiritually lazy and spiritually content is where he would like us to stay. Sad to say, that is where a lot of us are; complacent. We are complacent in our prayer life, complacent in our worship, complacent in the church and just happy where we are and not concerned about going any deeper in our walk with Christ. We have been satisfied with internet preached sermons instead of “pulling something out of heaven” to equip the saints with.

One of the most dangerous places we can camp out at in our lives is in the area of complacency. God hasn’t called us to complacency but consistency. He hasn’t called us to fizzle out but to burn with passion. He hasn’t called us to allow our hearts to become cold but to burn with the love of Christ.

Saints, now is not the time to become complacent in your walk with Christ! Yes, the world runs 100 mph all around us and would try to choke out our vital time seeking the Lord but you must not allow it! Christ must remain King in your life! Christ must remain King of your time! Christ must remain King in your marriage! Christ must remain King of your thoughts!

There are things going on now that is of great concern to me. I see things going on within the body of Christ that are of great distractions. It causes one to turn their eyes off of Jesus to the things of the world. Before you know it, it doesn’t bother you anymore to only spend 5 minutes a day with Jesus. Oh, you used to spend hours seeking him but somehow, someway, you’ve justified your complacent state. The spirit of Delilah has “lulled you to sleep” slowly but surely. You are afraid to forsake all to follow Christ because of the great war you know you will enter into. You know you will face demon powers that will come against your life, your marriage, your finances, your relationships and it would cause you to “stay at a distance.”

I encourage you in Christ; take up the full armor of God and join in! Fight the enemy with the help of the Holy Ghost and the word of God! Seek the face of Jesus Christ like you’ve never done before! Refuse to remain in complacency! Even if others around you are complacent, refuse to remain there! Now is the time to move out of the land of complacency! The kingdom of God is on a forceful advance! Move forward and be the men and women of God he has called you to become!

Help or Hinder?

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it." (Proverbs 3:27)

This past Monday night as I watched seniors from a local high school participate in their graduation ceremony I noticed a young man with down syndrome. As this young man walked up to get his diploma the entire senior class rose to their feet in applause. This so touched my heart as I stood and watched these young seniors help make this special day even more special by helping someone who was “less fortunate” embrace his moment on the stage.

I couldn’t help but think to myself, “You know, why can’t we as human beings do more to help each other than to hinder one other?” We are all trying to make it victoriously through this journey we call life and it would be much easier for one another if we helped one another out. So many times we hinder each other rather than help. We become jealous of another persons good fortune instead of joyful. We talk bad about others instead of trying to find something good in them. We tear others down instead of building them up. We give up on others too easily instead of being optimistic. We doubt each other instead of giving one another a chance. We hold people back instead of helping them move forward!

So who is in your life right now that needs you? Who has God placed in your path that you could help take another step in life? Who at this time point needs a timely word of encouragement and you have that word? Who needs you to believe in them? Who needs you to give them a second chance? Who needs your prayers? Who needs your support?

Help…not hinder!

Be blessed in Jesus name!

Family First

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:40-42) Italics mine

John the Baptist had just spoken the words, “Behold, the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world” while Andrew was near by. Being given the revelation that Jesus was the Christ Andrew had followed him. Notice that one of the first things Andrew did was to go and find his brother to tell him, “We have found the Messiah.”

One of the greatest responsibilities we have is to bring those closest to us-our family-to Jesus. Many a families have been “lost” in the name of Jesus. What I mean by that is this, so many times we do so many things in the name of Christ and yet we end up losing our own home. We cram our schedules with “religious” activity while neglecting our marriages. We spend hours counseling others while neglecting our own kids. I’ve known great preachers who have literally traveled the world but none of their kids are following Christ! God has given us both the blessing and responsibility to reach our homes for Christ first! What good would it be for me to reach the world for Christ and yet lose my own marriage or kids in the process?

Today, God has surrounded you with family. Father, are you bringing your wife and kids closer to Christ? Mother, do you reflect Christ in your home? Man of God, is what you are preaching in the pulpit backed by your lifestyle at home?

We need to do like Andrew did for Simon Peter (who became one of the greatest men of God to ever walk the face of the earth) and bring our family to Jesus!

Is anyone in trouble?

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Notice in the above verse it says, “In this world you will have trouble.” It didn’t say you might have trouble. It didn’t say you won’t’ have trouble if you stay close to Jesus. In this world you will have trouble! There is a lot of popular teachings out there today that will lead you to believe that as long as you are “right” with God trouble will escape you. That couldn’t be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, being “right” with God will bring you trouble many times in the world! We don’t have to get into what all Paul went through by being “right” with God.

So what shall we say when trouble strikes? Let’s see what James tells us in James, chapter 5:13 “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.” Here is a great idea. When we are in trouble what shall we do? How about pray!? Not complain. Not blame it on God. Pray! Now let’s be honest, I know a lot of us think we are much more spiritual than we actually are but how many of us would really seek God like we are suppose to seek God if trouble never came our way? Doesn’t “trouble” so many times drive us to our knees in prayer? Thank God for it! If it causes us to fall to our knees and seek Him like never before than so be it!

So what kind of “trouble” do you find your self in today? Pray!

E3 Student Ministry

It was an honor to share my heart last night with E3 Student Ministry, the student ministry of Family Church. It was refreshing to see all of their student ministry leaders in prayer prior to service. We must realize prayer must not only go before us but with us. We can come up with all the man made agenda's but if it is not bathed or birthed in prayer and led by the Holy Spirit then it is empty and void.

Steve Hubbard is doing a wonderful job leading this ministry into full devotion starting by reaching those closest to us-the family.

I will be posting the next few days on "The Passion to Pray".

The Lord bless you today! Remember, He is Lord!

He came to set the captives free

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised..".(Luke 4:18)

Last night we had the honor to go once again into U.P.D.C. to preach Christ to the captives. We come in the name of Jesus to preach the truth in love because it is the truth, and I do mean the whole truth, that will set them free; not a half-truthed, half-efforted, ear-tinkling message that will minister to their flesh. When you are dealing with captives they need freedom not psychology. We minister to their spirit not their flesh. We would do them a grave injustice if we did that. We love them and want to see Christ reign in their lives.

Three of us ministered the word as the spirit of God lead us and then about half the room responded for prayer. The Holy Ghost activated the gift of prophecy upon one of our minister's who ministered to those whom the Lord pointed out.

We appreciate your prayers and ask that you remember the inmates on a consistent basis. Faithfulness in prayer!

Have a wonderful week and the Lord bless you!

To heal the brokenhearted

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19)

When Jesus left the desert in the demonstration of the power of the Holy Ghost he made his way into the synagogue as was the custom. When Jesus stood up to preach out of the book of Isaiah the prophet it came forth much differently than the norm of the day. Jesus preached as one who had authority not like the religious leaders of his day. You see a message can be “good” but not anointed. Did you catch that? The anointing is what teaches us and sets us free! Jesus was anointed by the spirit of God to do many things but one I’d like to point out is that he came to heal the brokenhearted.

There are people you and I come across every single day of our lives with broken hearts. Some have been broken by sin. Some have been broken by a failed marriage. Some have been broken by reckless words. Some have been broken by gossip. Some have been broken by people who have ignorantly said false things about them. Some have been broken by past hurts and pains. Some have been broken by disappointments and let downs. Some have been broken by misguided trust. Some have been broken by the loss of a loved one.

If you and I don’t allow the Holy Spirit to deal with our hurts and pains it affects our being and our life. It hinders our fellowship with others and with God. We allow our present hurts to dictate our future and Christ wants to set us free!

For instance, if your heart has been broken by relationships gone bad ignoring the hurt and acting like it isn’t there isn’t going to solve anything! You will only allow anger and offense to spring up in your heart like a poisonous weed! But if you bring your broken heart before Christ and honestly say, “Lord, my heart is broken and I need you to heal it”, I believe he will! He was and is anointed to do that! He alone can do that! No person can do that! Nobody can lay there hands on you and fix that! You can’t go through a 7 step program to recovery to fix that! Christ alone is the answer! He is sufficient! He is enough! There is healing in his word! There is healing in his presence! There is healing in his hands! Allow Christ to touch you because he came to heal your broken heart!

Resting in Christ

I pray that you will read and meditate upon these scriptures over the weekend. May they minister to your soul in Jesus name.

Blessings,

Beck

"Resting in Christ"

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Pslam 91:1)

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Pslam 91:1)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Read Hebrews 3 7-19; 4:1-11

Search my heart Oh God

Psalm 24:3-4 - Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. (RSV)

During my prayer time I was prompted to not only guard my heart but also to ask the Lord to search it. The worse kind of deception is self-deception; to think we are something when we are not or think we are not something when we are. I try to keep a pure heart before the Lord but especially before times of ministering the word of God I tend to really “dig deep.” After preaching to others I myself do not want to be disqualified.

The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Above all things the Bible says the heart can be the most deceitful! Who can know it? Who can truly see what is in your heart? Not others and certainly not ourselves at times but only God can! With that statement we must continually be asking God to search us and when things are revealed, ask him to cleanse us of all unrighteousness! We must continually offer ourselves as clean vessels unto God!

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me... and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23

Oak Grove

I had the wonderful opportunity to go with a missionary friend of mine this past weekend to Oak Grove. There is a revival taking place among the youth in that community that is very exciting! After visiting with a local Pastor we all traveled to the parking lot of Mac's Fresh Meat Market in Oak Grove where there was already a large group of teenagers worshiping the Lord. All the worship was "student" lead and it was encouraging to see students not spectate but participate in worship. There were teenagers who were on their face (literally) in the parking lot praying to God! They had several youth get up and share their heart with the crowd. One sister who is a senior in high school at Oak Grove stood before the crowd and to say she preached would be an understatement. Let's just say I wouldn't want to follow her up!

These young people have had alot of tragedy take place this year in there area (suicides) and yet they are turning to the Lord Jesus Christ! Please continue to lift up this community and young people.

His name be praised!

Taking him at his word

“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6. Saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.'' 7. And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him.'' 8. The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9. "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, `Go,' and he goes; and to another, `Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, `Do this,' and he does it.'' 10. When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11. "And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12. "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'' 13. Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.'' (Matthew 8:5-13)

Much could be said and taught from what we read above but I want to point out one verse; “But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” (v. 8b)

Not long ago in prayer the spirit of the Lord spoke something to me that pricked my heart; “stop doubting and believe.” I meditated on what the Lord had spoken to me. What would happen if I and we would truly take God at his word? His whole word? If we abandoned every bit of doubt and unbelief? The great Smith Wigglesworth said, “Only believe.” When will we start taking Jesus Christ at His word? When will we start living like we believe? Sure we may say we believe the word of God but do our actions show otherwise? When his word tells us not to worry and we worry are we truly taking him at his word? When his word tells us not to doubt and we doubt are we truly taking him at his word? When he tells us something through his word about our lives and yet we doubt that are we truly walking in faith? Why do we not take him at his word? Is it because others words are no good to us? Jesus is not a man that he should lie! We can take him at his word!

The centurion had such faith in Jesus that he didn’t even need him to come to his home to heal his servant but only “send his word.” His word was enough! His word was sufficient! We can build our lives on his word! We can truly take him at his word!

So many times we show up for meetings or for church for everything other than the word! His word is just as powerful today as it was when it was written by the Holy Ghost!

“In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1)

“The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

Simply put; Jesus Christ is the living, breathing, walking word of the living God! We see God when we see Jesus! We see the will of the Lord when we look to Jesus; his word!

What are of your life are you being challenged to take him at his word? In the area of healing? In the area of deliverance? In the area of provision?

Psalms 138:10, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name”

Believe God and take Him at His word!

The Gospel still saves!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

When you read the above verse, does the word “it” stand out to you? What is “it”? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel for “it” is the power of God for salvation…” So what is “it” in the above verse that is the power of God unto salvation? “It” is the gospel! The gospel is still enough and always will be sufficient!

Now I am so thankful for all modern technology and tools that we have to help reach people for the kingdom and even Paul tried to find “common ground” with folks but we still must realize the gospel is what saves!. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22: says, "I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. . . . To those not having the law I became like one not having the law . . . so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."

We still must be loyal to the gospel and we must never forget that the gospel (“it”) is still the power to save! Not our tools nor our methods! Not our human invented ways! The gospel is the power! The gospel convicts us of sin! The gospel is what sets us free!

I. Corinthians 1:23 says, “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness…”

Sounds too simple doesn’t it? Our own human efforts can save nobody!

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (I. Corinthians 1:17)

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-- this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:36-37)

When the gospel is preached “it” (the gospel) truly sets us free! The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

This is the day

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Today when you woke up I hope you appreciated the very breath that you are taking. I pray that you noticed the sun beaming through the blinds, the birds chirping, and the freshness of the air outside. I pray you looked up into the deep blue sky and said, “The heavens declare the glory of the Lord.” God has given us a gift and it is called-Today. Today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. You see today is a gift. It is another day on earth and it is one that God has made. It is a day that he has made for us to fellowship with Him. It is a day that he has given us to enjoy the blessings of family. It is a day to spend in hot pursuit of him. It is a day to expand his kingdom and let his name be known.

You see we have a choice when we wake up each day whether or not we realize this is the day the Lord has make. We have a choice of whether or not we are going to rejoice or allow the enemy to take the joy of the Lord’s day from us. Psalm 118 says, “let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It’s a choice. A choice that know matter what the day may bring it is a day that the Lord has made and I’m making a conscience choice to rejoice and be glad!

Have a great day!

May I see your license please?

“For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign Lord.” (Jude 1:4)

In John 1:29, John the Baptist said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Thank heaven that Jesus Christ came into the world to take away our sin so we could live free from its hold not for us to continue to live in it. I was raised in a particular denomination that helped program me to think that because I had whispered the name of Jesus as a young boy I could live as I wanted and have no eternal consequence of that. In essence; I was given a license to sin! Many people claim to know Jesus Christ but by their actions deny him! “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:16)

I John 3:5-6 says, “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”

After coming to know Jesus Christ on August 30th, 1997 I realized I wasn’t living by grace but abusing it! God didn’t give me a license to sin but through his son Jesus gave me a license to be forgiven, set free, and live free from it! I heard someone say once, “Sin doesn’t bother Jesus it bothers people.” After shuttering in my spirit I thought to myself, “It bothered him so much he got on a cross!” Thank goodness he did!

“But when he (John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:7-10)

We read above about a group of people who said one thing and yet lived another! We are told to produce fruit in keeping with repentance!

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” (I. John 2:1)

As we see above it is willed that we not sin but as you and I both know we are human. But because we are born-again we have the power to repent! We are not to willfully continue to live in it (sin). Jesus Christ is our perfect sacrifice that takes away not only our sin, but the sin of the world! Thank you Jesus for laying down your life for us! May we honor you not just with lip service, but with our lives! Your name be praised!

Family Church

I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be ministering the word of God on Wednesday May 2nd in the main auditorium at Family Church here in West Monroe and also on May 9th to E3 Student Ministries, the youth ministry of Family Church.

Go to http://www.familychurch.org/ and click on the media link to see some of the most phenomenal teachings from the word of God you will ever get to hear and also check out some recorded worship from some of the services.

The vision the Lord has given to Pastor Michael D. O'Neal is both biblical and crucial to this day in which we live. Biblically functioning homes and community! Let's start from the home and keep our homes functioning biblically!

I ask that you continue to pray for my family and I as we seek out the exciting will of God for our lives. His name be praised!

Fear Not!

“Fear not. I am with you so don’t be afraid.”

These were the words the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart this morning as I sat still waiting for Him (the Holy Spirit) to speak.

It is a comforting thought to know that the one who has my life in his hands tells me to not be afraid because he is with me. I don’t know who is all with me. I don’t know who is praying for me. Maybe you read this blog and don’t even like me but I do know this; God is with me so I shall not fear!

Let me ask you a question. What keeps you up at night? No, I don’t mean your screaming newborn baby! But what keeps you up at night? What weighs heavy on your mind? What “fear” tries to grab you by the throat and choke the life of God out of you? Fear of failure? Fear of man? Fear of losing the honor of man? Fear of losing everything? Fear of the enemy? Maybe you are afraid of the unknown? Maybe you are fearful that your kids could be gunned down as they sit in a classroom? Maybe you have stepped out in faith not knowing where the road may lead and you are afraid.

As my family and I have embarked on this journey we have an uncompromising mission; to be completely obedient, fully-devoted, and uncompromising in our walk with Jesus Christ; regardless of the cost! We have seen the Lord penetrate the darkness. We are seeing the Lord bring us out of this tunnel that seemed to be never ending. We are seeing something come about in the desert we couldn’t see a few months ago. We are seeing the hand of God move in our lives! We are seeing doors of opportunities that have been closed start to open. We are seeing doors that needed to be shut, close. We have abandoned all this world would have to offer to see Christ come alive in our lives and to “finish” the calling he has upon our lives. When you come to that conclusion fear will try to wrap his devilish hands around your throat and choke the life out of you. He will try to show you all that you have “missed out on.” It (fear) will try to bring his demon friends of doubt, unbelief, anxiety, and more of his fearful friends. As Jesus said in the gospel of Mark, “This kind (demon) only comes out by prayer and fasting.” As a Pastor of uncompromising values said this past Sunday, “Some demons won’t leave until you’ve been given to prayer and fasting.” Well then, they will leave because we will be given to that. They will leave because when they look at us I pray they see the Lion of the Tribe of Judah staring them back in the face with a mighty roar! He is with us! He is with you!

Don’t let fear dictate your life. Don’t allow fear to control your emotions. Don’t let fear be the deciding point of your decisions. Don’t let fear cause you to back down from the forces of evil. Stare it right in the face and say as David said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1)

No fear! I love you and I pray for many of you!

He will make everything right

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)

If it is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)

This Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to do something I very seldom get to do; spend the entire day alone. Of course I wasn’t alone but in prayer the entire day to my Lord. I have several speaking engagements coming up and I want to “pull something out of heaven” to those I will be ministering to. We can’t live on “yesterday’s bread” but we need a fresh word from the Lord for today!

The Holy Spirit directed me to Romans 12 where there is a whole bunch of “spiritual nuggets”!

In Romans 12:2 Paul tells us not to be conformed to the pattern of the world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind. You see the world has a patterned way of thinking (through the carnal mind) but Paul tells us not to conform to those ways! One pattern we must change is our way of thinking towards those who have wronged us, lied about us, or persecuted us. Now the carnal mind would tells us to seek revenge, gossip, slander, backbite, or payback wrong for wrong! An eye for an eye and tooth for tooth right? Wrong!

When we take upon ourselves the right to “seek revenge” we take God right out of the picture! When we “open our mouths” and want to “defend” ourselves we take God out of the picture and become judges. You see we only “know in part” but the Lord sees the whole picture and he alone is the righteous judge! The word tells us to “feed our enemies” and “give them something to drink.” I encourage you to bless your enemies today! Don’t allow the enemy the victory in your life! Don’t allow the enemy to flood your soul with anger or bitterness! Take on the character of Christ and shout out, “Father, forgive them because they know not what they do! Take on the character of Jesus Christ and walk in goodness! He will make it all right in his destined time!

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

When there is “evil” done to you and you allow it to embitter you or to retaliate you have been overcome by evil! The devil wins! But if you overcome evil with good you win and the Lord gets honored!

You see those who are overcome by evil live embittered, unforgiving, and unproductive lives and with the help of the Lord, I refuse to be overcome by it. It is a freeing experience when we “do good to those who do us evil” because we are acting in accordance to the character of Christ not the character of the devil!

I encourage you and yes, challenge you today to not be conformed by the patterns of the world, but by the word of God, allow your mind to be transformed! I encourage you to seek the heart of Christ and allow the goodness of God to flood your soul! Bless and not curse! Do good and not evil! Be an over comer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony!

Be blessed! I’m praying for you!

Were not our hearts burning?

I pray this will bless and challenge you as we enter into the weekend.

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

After Jesus’ resurrection and before his ascension, He spent time with some of his disciples “breaking bread.” Not long after this, their eyes were opened to the fact that this truly was Jesus raised from the dead. “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” (v. 31)

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v. 32)

I imagine after this statement the disciples were thinking to themselves, “Man, we should have known it was Him!” “Whom else do we surround ourselves with whom makes our hearts burn like fire!?” “Whom else are we around who when reading the word of God causes a white hot fire to burn within our souls?!” “This is Jesus!” “This is the son of the living God!” “This is the same Jesus who healed the sick, delivered people, and fed the multitudes!” “This is the same Jesus who promised He would rise from the dead!”

You see when we spend time with Jesus Christ our hearts will burn brightly with the Holy Spirit of God! People will wonder, “Why doesn’t he or she just calm down a bit?” “Why do they have to be so “radical?” When you have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ there will be a fire that burns to brightly in your heart that nothing can put it out! Although the devil and hell comes at you it can’t be quenched! Although people and certain religion come your way to tell you to “settle down” a bit it just can’t go down! Although you may experience trials of many kinds and the fire may “dwindle” down just a bit it won’t go out because He lives within you! His spirit burns within you and something happens when you crack open His word and they (His words) coming leaping off of the red letters!

How about it? Does your heart burn for Jesus? Does your heart burn when you spend time with Him? Does your heart burn when you open the word of God?

I pray that we too can say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Prison Report

We ministered to a dorm full of people last night on the subject of "unforgiveness". We spoke of how Satan has so many captive in the world and yes, in the church, through yielding to unforgiveness.

We also spoke of God's forgiveness offered to those who will receive it and allow it to flow in and through their lives.

We prayed and ministered to about 18 people who came forward for prayer. God wants people free from bondage!

Upon leaving the dorm we had an inmate follow us outside who had been touched through the word. He shared with us the complications he had been experiencing in his marriage. That day he had written an "ugly note" to his wife and regretted sending it; he had forgiven her. He had asked for us to contact her to disregard his letter.

It is an honor to minister the word of God!

Forgiveness

As I pray and meditate about what God would have me minister on tonight in the jails, I am leaning on the subject of “forgiveness.” I personally believe Satan has used “un forgiveness” to keep many, not only in the world, but in the body of Christ in bondage. Un forgiveness binds us when we don’t deal with an “offense” or a “hurt” in our life. Paul even stated that in the last days people would be unforgiving.

The Bible says “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many are defiled…” (Hebrews 12:15)

If we “miss the grace of God” and allow a root of bitterness to spring up, our lives will become defiled! I’ve seen the power of un forgiveness work in my own life and also in others. I’ve seen people go for years and not speak. I’ve seen ministers avoid each other in public places not speaking to one another because of an offense. I’ve seen grown adults walk in unforgiveness towards their parents over something that happened years and years ago. Many that sit in the church today harbor unforgiveness and it is wrecking their lives. I’ve seen unforgiveness eat people away from the inside out like a disease spreading like wildfire. We justify our unforgiveness because of the “wrongs” others have done to us and in our self-righteousness we are deceived!

So do we have a choice to forgive? What are the consequences if we don’t?

Let’s go to the word for answers.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

The key to overcoming the evil one and “resisting” him is by submitting to the word of God. Forgiveness! You can’t give something you haven’t first received yourself! “Freely you have received not freely give.”

I once was told a story by a Christian lady about how a person who had hurt her didn’t deserve her forgiveness and because of that, she will not forgive! After the Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us of our miles of sin what right do we have not to forgive others!? This infuriates Christ!

Matt 18:23-35 tells us the parable of the unforgiving servant.

“Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds."

The Bible is very clear on this matter. If we don’t forgive others, Christ will not forgive us! I don’t know about you but I need to be walking in forgiveness!

If we want the world to know that Christ is a forgiving God than we need to begin forgiving others!

We need to start realizing the schemes that the enemy is trying to bring using “un forgiveness” by defeating him by walking in forgiveness towards others!

Today, will you choose to forgive or will you continue to be held in bondage? Let's defeat the devil by allowing the forgiveness of God to flow in and through our lives! Hallelujah!

He got up

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, the did not find the body of the Lord Jesus…” (Matthew 24:1-3)

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Matthew 24:5-6)

Satan thought he had finally done it! I can imagine Hell rejoicing as Jesus lay “dead” in the tomb during those three days. Hope seemed to be gone and the King seemed to have been finally defeated. His disciples were tested in their faith, “Was He really Lord?” Doubt, unbelief, and confusion must have tried to flood their souls as the King lay dead in the tomb.

When Jesus Christ rose from the dead he defeated death, hell, and the grave giving us eternal hope! He overcame it all! Death couldn’t hold up! Hell couldn’t defeat Him! The grave couldn’t contain Him! He got up! It couldn’t hold Him nor keep Him down! He rose victoriously!

Maybe you are finding yourself in a “tomb” today. Maybe you feel like you are “done”. Maybe you’ve been knocked down by sickness, bankruptcy, divorce, addiction, marital problems, etc! Maybe Satan has been whispering in your ear, “You’re done, you’re through”. “Why don’t you throw in the towel?” “Now, I’ve got you right where I want you.”

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)

What we need to realize is that the SAME spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is now living in you and I! HELLO! Did you hear what I just said!? THE SAME SPIRIT THAT RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD NOW LIVES IN YOU AND I!

When Hell comes your way and knocks you down, get up! When sickness comes your way and tried to take you out, you can get up! When the locusts come and eat at your finances, you can get up! Don’t let it keep you down! Don’t let it hold you down! Don’t let it defeat you! Get up, get out of your tomb and walk in victory!

We serve a resurrected Lord!

"Whatever happened to the Mothers and Fathers of the Faith?"

"Where are the Mothers and Fathers of the Faith?”

As I was praying tonight the spirit of the Lord led me to I. Timothy, II. Timothy, and Titus to point out some things that I also would like to point out to you.

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith:” I. Timothy 1:1-2 (italics mine)

Notice when Paul is addressing young Timothy he addresses him as his, “son”.

Again in I. Timothy 1:18 Paul says, “Timothy, my son…” (Italics mine)

Over in II. Timothy 1:2 Paul says, “To Timothy, my dear son:” (Italics mine)

In Titus 1:4 Paul refers to young Titus in the same way; “To Titus, my true son in our common faith;” (Italics mine)

So what is Paul speaking of here and why is he addressing these young men of God as, “sons”?

We find in I. Corinthians 4:15-17 where Paul is addressing the Church of Corinth and he says, “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my dear son whom I love, who if faithful in the Lord.” (Italics mine)

Paul both knew and understood the need for spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith. He knew in order to have “sons” and “daughters” there first had to be “Fathers and Mothers” who would produce these “spiritual children.” Whether Timothy and Titus were saved under Paul’s ministry or not the point is we do know that they became his “sons” through the gospel! Now are we speaking of natural kids here? No. We are speaking of spiritual kids, sons of the faith whom Paul fathered to become mature “sons”. You see it is one thing to “teach or instruct” someone but it’s another thing to “father” them. I can instruct you from a distance but when I father you I am in direct relationship with you.

You see when you are just merely “instructing” someone it may or may not be relational. When I was a kid my earthly “father” took care of me and raised me the best he knew how. There came a day when it was time for him to “let me go” and “release” me. What kind of father would he have been if he would have kept me confined to his house and not blessed me to go out into this world? He “equipped me” and “fathered” me the best he knew how and then he “released” me.

So why is there such a lack of spiritual mothers and fathers in the church of Jesus Christ in the year 2007? Jesus said plainly to, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
He said disciple them, not control them! Serve them, not Lord over them!

See we aren’t just to have people give a show of hands who want to respond to the gospel and then send them on their merry way. No! We are then to disciple and father those whom God has given to us as sons and daughters!

I believe there are numerous sons and daughters in the faith who are looking for mothers and fathers to teach them! Who says older people don’t play an important role in the kingdom of God!?

Titus 2:3-5 says, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted too much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is right.” (Titus 2:6)

Sons and daughters of the faith can’t learn affectively unless they are in relationships with mothers and fathers of the faith!

I heard a great evangelist once say, “The greatest thing you can be entrusted with is the soul of another human being.” So who has God entrusted to your care? How many sons and daughters of the faith are you raising? Maybe you are reading this and you are unable to have natural children, but be encouraged, God can allow you to raise up spiritual children!

The sons and daughters can’t follow until the mothers and fathers step up! Help us Lord Jesus!

Word of Encouragement

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In prayer this morning the Lord put this verse upon my heart and now I want to dissect it with you.

Proverbs commands us to do three things before we see the result of implementing these three things. It speaks first of trusting God with everything, secondly, it tells us not to lean on our own understanding, and thirdly, it tells us to acknowledge Him in every area of our lives before we see him directing our paths.

The first part of this verse speaks of trust. Now it isn't speaking of just a little trust here and there but trusting with all of our heart; that is, all of our being! Now some of us may be hesitant in that because the word “trust” as we know it has been thrown around so much in today’s time. Have you ever had someone tell you “Trust me” only to find out you couldn’t?! Even Jesus wouldn’t entrust himself to man!

“But Jesus would not entrust himself to them for he knew all men.”(John 2:24)

Someone may have let you down in the past but you can be rest assured, Jesus will not! He is not a man that he should lie! You can put all your trust in Jesus Christ and He will not disappoint you!

Secondly, Proverbs tells us to not lean on our own understanding. Sometimes we will go through things in life that we just don’t understand. “God, why is this happening?” “God, why did that have to happen?” “God, why am I going through this!?” We need to come to a place where we don’t try to figure everything out and simply trust God! “Lord, I don’t understand this but I’m not leaning on my understanding I’m leaning on you!”

Thirdly, we are to “acknowledge him all all our ways.” Simply put, we are to put Christ first in every area of our lives! Acknowledge him in your life, your marriage, your finances, and let every decision you make be based upon and around Him!

Lastly, when we follow these three commands, he will be directing our paths! You may be in a place of frustration right now where you find it hard to trust and don’t understand what you are going through but if you’ll say, “Lord I’m trusting you with everything that is within me and although I don’t understand, I’m acknowledging you, now direct our paths Lord Jesus!” Be encouraged! Keep the faith!

What He Wants

“What He Wants”

Recently in prayer I asked the Lord, “What is it you want from me?” I am confident in my heart I heard, “Your obedience.” Simply put, God wants our obedience not just in one area or some areas of our lives; He wants obedience in EVERY area of our lives! Total obedience in our relationship to Him! Total obedience in our marriage! Total obedience at the workplace! Total obedience in our finances! Total obedience in our relationships! Total obedience to the ministry He has called us to! Total obedience period!

If we truly are in love with Jesus Christ our Lord we will live a life of obedience to Him!

"If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:1)

So many times we try to “earn” God’s approval through a performance based faith and all He is wanting is for us to simply be obedient!

To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Submitting to God is yielding ourselves to Him or better yet; being obedient to Him!

James 4:17 says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

What good in your life should you be doing but aren’t doing? In other words, what area in your life are you not being obedient to either God’s voice or God’s word?

Jesus had a mission…to be obedient to the Father! Our life mission should be the same!

John 6:38 "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."

We don’t hear nor do we like to talk much about suffering in the year 2007 but even Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered. So must you and I!

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

Where does your obedience run out? Will you be obedient to Christ regardless of the cost?! Regardless of status? Regardless of paycheck? Regardless of position? Regardless of losing the honor of man? Regardless of being made fun of?

“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

Remember, He is either Lord over all or not Lord at all! Obedience is the key!

When Hell Comes Your Way

“When Hell Comes Your Way”

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” (Luke 14:28).

This is a warning to all who would seek God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength! To the ones who are willing to forsake the ways of the world to follow the true ways of the Lord! To the ones who will set their hearts to prayer and fasting. To the ones who will stand on the whole counsel of the word of God and expose the lies of the enemy through the word of the living God. To the ones who are willing to be obedient even to the point of losing everything. Plainly put, when you seek the Lord with everything that is within you, you are going to face evil attacks like you’ve never faced in your entire life! Not only that, the enemy will come against everything that is dear to you; your family, loved ones, health, etc.

The warning is not to scare you but to prepare you and to prompt you to action! No matter how intense the battle against your faith, stand strong on the promises of God!

What about you? Is your "Wanted Sign" posted in Hell? Are you a threat to the devil and his kingdom? Does he worry about you? Or does he show no concern for you?

If you never experience any attacks on your faith I would be very concerned. Now, there are times and seasons of rest we will all go through and praise God for them and I’m not talking about those times. I’m talking about if you are lukewarm, startling the fence, or just not any threat to the kingdom of darkness! Easy? Yes! Good? No!

I want to encourage you today, wherever you are, there are numerous saints of God that are going through demonic attacks all across the world! Yes, you are not the only one! There are many believers who are facing the trials of their lives right this very moment!
No matter how tough it gets, don’t back down from the evil one! You may say, “I’m not going to seek God like this anymore, I can’t take these attacks!” That is just what the devil wants you to do, back off! He hates you, is jealous of you, and you are embarking on some of his territory! Don’t let him invade your life with fear and anxiety!

Men of God, stand in the gap for your family! Fight the enemy off of your spouse and children! May they see your courage and determination and follow you into the battle!

So what area or area’s of your life are being attacked at this VERY moment! Your faith? Your mind? Your health? Your finances? Your marriage? Your children?

Go find promises in the word of God, believe them, and then stand upon them!

Here are some scriptures I pray encourage you:

1) "Once I was young, and now I'm old, and I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed to beg bread." David
2) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
3) The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
4) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8
5) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

God-fearing Families

“At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” (Acts 10:1-2)

I want to point out in the above verse the part that says, “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing.” Wouldn’t it be nice for your family to be known as “devout and God-fearing?” You see it all starts in the home! Devout families build devout churches and God-fearing families build God-fearing churches! Godly families will produce Godly churches which in return will produce Godly communities and so on!

We invest so much of our time and energy into so many other things it leaves little or no time with the family? If we aren’t spending time with our kids where will they learn godly core values? T.V.? The Brady Bunch? Rosanne? If we aren’t investing time in our spouse will somebody else?

I’m talking about God fearing families who get on their knees together! Pray together! Worship together! Get in the word together! Families who aren’t ashamed of Jesus Christ! Aren’t afraid to live totally by his word! Families who aren’t ashamed to forsake all to follow Christ! Families who are bonded together, who make memories together, and who will fight the enemy off of each other! Families on fire for God! Husbands who will love their wives! Wives who will respect and submit to their husbands! Children who will obey their parents! Can you picture it?

In a world where there has been literally a "melt-down" in the home, we all should be striving to have a love filled, spirit-filled, family bonded, God-fearing home. May it be so in Jesus name.

Dirt Pulpits

"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.

"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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!!!

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!

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!

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!