What grieves the Holy Spirit?

What grieves the Holy Spirit?

You have heard the famous saying in churches, “They “quenched” the Spirit when they didn’t let this happen or that happen. Maybe they stopped worship too soon or didn’t let brother so and so give that prophecy or they stopped sister so and so from running around the church. But what really “quenches” the Holy Spirit? What would cause him not to move in our midst? What would displease him that He would leave our midst? The answer is found in Ephesians 4:29-32.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Italics mine)

The first verse in the above passage says “let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” When we speak critically, dishonestly, or deceitfully about anyone, especially in the church, we grieve the Holy Spirit. It breeds distrust and deceit within the body of Christ.

We are told only to speak words of edification according to our brothers and sisters needs at that moment. Ephesians also says for us to “rid ourselves of all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander and also all malice.”

The Devil was said in Revelation to be the “accuser of the brethren”. Sometimes we feel as though we are speaking words from God when ironically we are being used by Satan himself. His mouthpiece to carry out his devilish will. There have been a many of “church splits” and offended people that were all rooted back to “unwholesome words.”

If we are to strive to have unity within the body of Christ and to see the Holy Spirit move in our midst, we must lay aside all talk that would “grieve” the Holy Spirit of God.

Spiritual Adultery

*The following is a tough word. Viewer discretion is advised.

*I received this word during a recent time of prayer and fasting.

“Spiritual Adultery”

Ezekiel 16:8-14;

“For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:7-8)

The word of God many times uses marriage to illustrate the covenant we (the church) have with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Just as a bride (the church) would prepare herself (purify) for her husband (the groom-Jesus) and her wedding day (his coming) so you are calling your church to purify itself as a spotless and radiant bride (the church)!

When my wife and I united in “Holy Matrimony” we entered into a (blood) covenant. As a husband I am to be “dead” to every woman in this world but my wife. If I was to ever “look upon a woman in lust” I have committed adultery with her in my heart and am sinning against our covenant. If I was to ever “leave my bride” and become one with another I will have committed adultery. I do not want to do anything that would hinder, hurt, or betray my beloved bride nor would she do anything to betray the bridegroom!

The Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I. John 2:15-17)

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take Christ's members and make them the members of a prostitute? Of course not! (Or) do you not know that anyone who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For "the two," it says, "will become one flesh."
“But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” (I. Cor. 6:15-17)


A very truthful but terrifying fact is the church has been flirting with another,(the world). In some instances you can’t tell the difference between the church and the world! I believe it was John Wesley who said, “We need to drive the world out of the church and drive the church into the world.” We’ve allowed the world’s thinking, concepts, and values to enter into the church instead of the church influencing the world! Have we committed adultery with the world? Have we “forsaken our first love?” Are we treading on dangerous ground?

As I have been reading an updated version on John Foxe's "Book of Martyrs", I can't help but have this revelation; These men of faith were martyred because of the word of God they preached and the faith that they had in the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible says he is coming back for a spot-less, radiant bride! Not a cool bride! Not a hip bride! A spotless and radiant church! Lord, help prepare us! Lord, let us be one with you and dare not flirt with the spirit of the world! Forgive us where we have failed! Let us be reminded, this is your church not ours!

Wrapped up weekend

(Pictured above with my lovely wife Jodi, preaching Sat. P.M. service, and teenagers worshipping Christ at the altar)

After preaching both morning services this past Sunday, we wrapped up a very busy weekend in Hodge, Louisiana.

We challenged the teengers to now put into practice what they've been taught over the course of the weekend.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22)

If you only know the word and not live it, you deceive yourself. If you only hear the word and not live it, you only decieve yourself. We are to hear and obey the commandments of Jesus Christ reflecting His character in our lives!

Hodge 007

(Pictured above eating some crawfish with my "bud" B.J. Whitton and also with Hodge Church Student Pastor Keith Landrum)

*So far we've seen six teengers Friday night recommit their lives to Christ and two more as of this mornings service give their hearts to Jesus.His name be praised!

We kicked off the weekend in Hodge, LA with some dynamic worship from a band out of Texas and then I brought a word entitled, "Crisis in the Home." You know the Bible says in Matthew 12:25 that, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." The family was designed and ordained of God (even before ministry to the church). The family unit is very close to the heart of God and I see a tremendous meltdown occuring in the home. Divorce is the "norm" now and we are seeing "family" being tainted like never before. I believe Hell has launced an all out assault against the home. Why? Because strong families build strong churches which in turn will touch communities, states, and nations for Christ!! It is amazing to see what our teenagers are growing up in these days. I spoke Friday night out of Genesis 37 and spoke about how Joseph's family life affected him. Of course he didn't allow it to embitter him! The Lord used it for the good of His glory!

This morning we switched gears and I challenged the teenagers to do something a bit different. Look in the mirror! We are our biggest obstacle! We need to quit blaming our parents, grandparents and the rest of the family tree for our problems! Yes, we may of had it tough but are we doing our part at home? Billy Graham said, "The true test of a Christian is the way he lives at home."After Jesus delivered a demon-possessed man he told him, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (Matthew 5:18-19) In John 21:20 after Jesus had revealed to Peter the kind of death he would experienced Peter said speaking of John, "Lord what about him?" Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." In other words, don't worry about what everybody else is suppose to be doing, you do your part! So are we doing our part at home? For the kingdom?

Tonight, is "The Gathering" which is a church-wide function across the area. Churches from all over and from different denominations will be coming tonight to worship the Lord and hear from His word. We are ministering to them out of the love of Christ but with the only thing that can save, heal, deliver, and set them free; the unchained, uncompromised, word of the living God!

Tonight I will be ministering out of Matthew 12:46-50 when Jesus was told his "family" was outside he replied by saying, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Some of these teenagers dont' have flesh and blood family but they are indeed apart of a family; the family of God! Father God is their Father! We will also be ministering out of Luke 15:11-32 which tells the story of the Prodigal's Son. We are calling those who have "left home" to come back to the Father!

After we minister to both morning services tomorrow we will be heading back to West Monroe. Please pray for these services and for our safety driving home.

God Bless,

Beck

Family Bond Weekend

"While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven in my brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:46-50)

We will be leaving tomorrow afternoon to preach four different services in Hodge, Louisiana. The entire weekend will be revolving around the family relationships.

But what about those who will be there who have no family life? Maybe they were adopted and felt "abondoned" by their "blood" parents. Maybe some there have lost both of their parents to some tradgedy. Maybe some teenagers are being raised by an uncle or a grandparent. The "family" is much, much more than just "blood" kin. It is much larger than you think!

Some teenagers today don't have the ideal family life. They weren't raised in the Cleavers household, the Brady's household, or a fairy tale household. Maybe some were physically, mentally, verbally, or even sexually abused. Maybe the word family to them doesn't seem so sweet. Maybe the family isn't a refuge or safe haven to them as it maybe with other people. Jesus said in the above passage that whoever does the will of the Father in heaven is the family! You are apart of a much larger, much broader family than you think-the church of the Lord Jesus Christ! If you've been blood bought and Jesus is Lord of your life you are in the family of God! You have "mothers" who love you! You have "sisters" who love you! You have "brothers" who love you! Most of all, you have a "Father" who loves you!

Family Relationships-Part I

The family was designed and ordained by God (even before His church). With that being said, I believe the family is very, very close to the heart of God. The Bible says, "If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?" (I. Timothy 3:5) This verse is addressed to fathers who are to be leaders of the church and it also demonstrates how very important the family is to God! Giving vital attention to the family even comes before "ministry" in God's church! If we fail to have effective relationships in the family we can hurt our ability to be effective when we reach out to others.

We live in a society where the family picture has been tainted! Divorce is rampant in America, even amongst the church. We are now seeing "Holy Matrimony" being legalized for homosexual partners. We are seeing these unordained events take place while innocent children are being adopted into these situations. How will this effect these children, our society, our future?

The word of God says, "A house divided will not stand." I believe there has been an all out assualt from Hell on the family. Why? Because Satan knows strong families build strong churches and he doesn't want that to happen! He has been attacking the family since Genesis, "the beginning!

I encourage you to take your "small group" or "family" very seriously. Pray over them, spend time with them, love them. God has ordained the family!

Be blessed,

Beck

Family Bonds

We will be ministering to high school, junior high, and college age students on March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in Hodge, Louisiana.

The entire weekend will be focused on and around family relationships. The next few days we will be taking a peak into some of the topics we will be covering during the event.

Some of the topics will include:

1) The most important "small group" you will ever be apart of-God ordained the family.
2) Strained Family Relationships-The Story of Joseph
3) You are apart of a family-The Church

Have a great weekend!

Beck

Dear Friends of Life Church West Monroe

Dear Friends,

As I’m sure you are now aware, Jodi and I have resigned from the Student Ministry at Life Church West Monroe, which became effective February 16, 2007.

Jodi and I have put in countless hours and even years of prayer into the direction of our lives, ministry, etc. One of the main prayer focuses during “Life Church’s 21 Day Fast” was for the direction of our lives and ministry. We believe God has made His answer very clear to us during the last week of the fast. We now know and believe the Lord is leading us into a different direction for our lives and ministry.

We can’t even begin to explain to you how thankful we are to have formed so many wonderful relationships during our time at Life Church West Monroe. We have laughed with you, cried with you, prayed with you, and had wonderful fellowship with each of you. Because we love you this decision was very difficult, but we still must be obedient to the Lord’s leading.

We are very thankful to Pastor Joel and Angel for the opportunity to serve alongside them and also for giving us the opportunity to found the student ministry. We are grateful for the hours they’ve invested into our lives upon our arrival in 2003. For almost four years Pastor Joel has been a mentor to me personally and has become a wonderful friend in my life.

We are very thankful to the eldership and leadership that Life Church West Monroe has provided for us and the opportunity to be ordained in December of last year.

We believe the Student Ministry is healthy and we pray the ministry will be able to continue to grow spiritually under new leadership.

On a personal note, Jodi and I are stronger in the Lord now than we’ve ever been. Our marriage is also stronger and more unified than ever.

With that being said, we do ask that you please continue to pray for the direction and guidance of the Lord as he leads us in our lives. We are very excited for the opportunities that await us.

We love each of you very, very much.

His Bondservants,



Beck and Jodi Payne

Street Ministry

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me..." (Matthew 25:35-36)

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18)

It was an honor to be back with Hope Steet Ministries this past Sunday afternoon. This ministry has faithfully preached the gospel and fed the homeless for 20 straight years now on the corner of Desiard and 6th Street in downtown Monroe, Louisiana. As I awaited the arrival of the man that heads this ministry up, you could see the people start coming out like deer do right before dark. (They have a tremendous amount of respect for this man. I can see why, he hasn't abandoned them in over 20 years.) They came out of abandoned houses, down the railroad tracks, on foot, on bikes, and from all across the downtown area. They come for a hot, fresh meal but they get much more than that; a hot, fresh word! It's challenging trying to preach over a train whistle and cop sirens!

What touches my heart more than anything is to see all the little children that come down to the streets. Instead of getting involved with the preaching or the handouts yesterday, I decided to visit with the little children. We prayed over a grandmother in a wheelchair that had about 3 of her grandchildren down there. As we prayed tears rolled down her cheeks. You could see the weariness in her face. Shes trying to raise these kids right, but it's tough in the year 2007.
After the preaching we prayed for several people, blessed the food, and fed them. This work is costly but the rewards are eternal! It's not popular, it's not flashy, but if Jesus were here in the flesh, I believe you would see him there.

Think we have it tough? All you have to do is go to downtown Monroe on a Sunday afternoon and think again! Have a great day!

Student Ministry Pics

As I promised I got some pics up...well, one pic. This is a pic of some of the 'gals' who are apart of X.L. (Xtreme Life not Extra Large).

We had some food and fun following this past Wednesday night's service

Student Ministry Meeting

After waking up at 3:30 A.M. and spending all day in Lafayette on business, I'm pooped!

Last night we had a big crowd of teenagers and a room filled with Valentine galore thanks to Hannah and Bekah Dyke who did the decorating.

We continued on our current series, "Love" with a message entitled, "Three Area's of Love." They were: Love for God, Love for people, and Love for truth. We had three teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!!! This is the third Wednesday in a row where we had teenagers saved by the love of Jesus!

We did take a couple of pictures of last nights event and I hoped to get them posted tomorrow.

Until then, have a great weekend!

"I was in prison and you came to visit me."

These were the words of our Savior from the 25th chapter of the gospel according to Matthew. Some people have a hard time getting to Jesus so we have to bring Jesus to those people! They are: the lost, the hurting, the poor, the captives and those imprisoned.

I have had the wonderful opportunity the past several years to minister with Ricky Nolan who is the founder of Hope Street Ministries. Last night we ministered to a room full of people most of which were hanging on to our every word.

I opened up out of Ephesians 6 and spoke to them about the full armor of God. You know although we all are different in many ways, including some of our backgrounds, race, denominations, or various other things, we all have one thing in common;we are all in a spiritual battle! After I spent 15-20 minutes ministering Bro.Rick came in behind and wrapped up. It was a great meeting!

We had anywhere between 20-30 inmates respond to the word of the Lord. I had one young man come forward weeping over his life and how it has been shattered. His words were, "My heart is hurting." My prayer was that Jesus would begin to heal him, pick up the pieces, and give him a new heart!
One of the most common prayer requests we hear involves many of the inmates families. My heart goes out to them as I can't imagine starring at a bland ceiling every night wondering how my family is doing while I was locked up.

It is so important that we listen very closely to what the Lord is saying. Sometimes, our lives could depend on it! My heart rejoices for those that listen and respond but breaks for those we saw that sat back and spent their time doing other things. Nevertheless, we have to keep going and reaching out because one day, they just might respond!

For example, several years ago Bro.Rick was ministering and every time he would go he would see a young man starring at him through the thick glass window in a cell waving for him to come over. The young man was going to serve life in prison but had given his heart to Christ while incarcerated. One night Bro.Rick gave an altar call and this young man came forward for prayer. Rick said in all his years ministering at this facility he's never given a word quite like this nor has he since. He prayed for this young man and said, "Thus says the Lord God, "Son, they've laid a trap for you and if you accept any of the deals you will spend life in prison." Walking away almost puzzled the young man didn't quite understand but knew somehow it was true. As time passed, it was time for the young man to go before the judge. They offered him...5 deals and he declined them all. People told him that he was a fool for not accepting any of these deals! After 24 months of time served the judge spoke, "I believe your life is changed...you are free to go on time served." His father who was convicted of the very same thing...received a life sentence. He had accepted one of the deals.

Point being, what if he had not responded that night? What if he would have thrown the word of the Lord to the side? What if Rick would have not been obedient to bring forth the word God had given him? I believe it changed this young mans destiny! He is now serving God full-time in the ministry at a local church!

I encourage you to remember those who are incarcerated. Jesus loves them and died for them as he did for any of us. He still has a plan for their lives! To Him be the glory!

Fast Completed...

Well last night we broke our "21 Day Fast" over a meal together at Genusa's Restaurant in Monroe. Laney White and Stacie Watts did a great job orchastrating the event although we had to jet out a few minutes early to pick up our 7th month old at her Granny's.

Pastor Joel did a great job in our new series for the month of February on relationships. He communicated the message in a funny yet powerful way. He and his wife Angel have done so much for Jodi and I in our marriage relationship.

These past 21 days have been some of the best days spiritually that I've personally experienced in about the past five or six years of my life. I plan with the help of the Holy Spirit to make this much more...no let me rephrase that...I plan to MAKE this a lifestyle from here on out. With that being said, the past 21 days I've experienced trials and attacks that I have not gone through in a very, very long time. Satan tempts you to want to "back off" or to "let up just a hair" so his forces will let up but you must not. The past 21 days, I've learned many, many things. The fast was also more than just seeking God about answering your prayers, it was about what He wanted to do in your life, how He wanted to purify your heart so that you can grow closer to Him and be used for His kingdom. The last day of the fast I've learned one thing...You must obey the word of God and the Holy Spirit regardless of the price or the cost. He will always and I do mean always reward those who are obedient.

My prayer is for all of those who stayed commited to this church-wide fast and to encourage those who did not participate to join in during the next fast and experienced the blessing of denying self and following Christ.

Have a great week!

Looking for love in all the wrong places

"Looking for love in all the wrong places." Wasn't that a country song? Well, that was too many beers and moons ago. Thank goodness for Jesus.

We are already almost half way into the month of February and what does that mean? Valentine's Day! This whole month is known for that day...the day of love. Love is a word that has been misused, abused, and thrown around so we wanted to go to the true source of love...God. He is love.

Last night in our student ministry we started a series on love with the first message entitled, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." We had 4 teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!

"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."(Mark 5:24-25)

"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years..."

In Mark 5 we read about a lady who was bleeding and had been for 12 long, hard years. Now I'm not sure what caused the bleeding but 12 years prior in her life something happened and she was now suffering from that. There is alot of people in life that are "bleeding." It may not show from the outside but they are bleeding from the inside. They are bleeding in their heart or maybe emotionally or mentally but they are bleeding. Maybe they are bleeding from an abusive relationship from a prior marriage. Maybe they are bleeding from the neglect of a mother or father. Maybe they are bleeding from abusive words spoken by someone. Maybe they are bleeding from sexual abuse they've been hiding for years. Maybe it's been a day, maybe it's been a week, or maybe it's been along time...12 years even.

"She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse."

Its says in the verse above that "she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors...but instead of getting better she got worse." So many times people who are hurting or "bleeding" look for healing or love in all the wrong places. They think a new relationship will heal the pain. They think making money or earning prestige will give them a sense of completion. They think a drug, a pill, or a bottle will take away the pain but instead of getting better they get worse!

" When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."

It's says in the verse above, "when she heard about Jesus." Hallelujah! Do you remember when you first heard of Jesus? Here was a lady that had looked for love and healing in all the wrong places and I believe she had finally gotten sick of it. Doesn't say how but it says, "she heard about Jesus." Maybe someone who had been hurting themselves confronted her and told her, "I know where you can go for love and for healing and He want let you down, His name is Jesus!

It says when she "touched" him "she was freed from her suffering." Let me tell you if you have been "bleeding", hurting, or in bondage you don't have to go looking in all the wrong places! You don't have to go looking in the bar! You don't have to go looking in the club! You don't have to go looking for the pill! You don't have to go looking for a one night stand! You don't have to go looking for some late night web-site for temporary fulfillment! All you have to do is going looking for the King! The Great Physician! The Healer! The lover of your soul!

Delight yourself in God

Day 18

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)

I encourage you this last week of our "21 Day Fast" to do this...Delight yourself in the Lord. Delight yourself in God. We have bombarded heaven with requests, prayers, petetions, and concerns. We have fought the evil forces of Satan and his demons that would come against our lives, families, and other things.

Now is the time to not give up, give in, or quit, but to simply delight yourself in God. Spend time with Him for who His is...not just for what He can do. Spend time in His presence thanking Him for his goodness and mercy. We spend so much time delighting ourselves in other things, so why not delight ourselves in God?

I pray that as we delight ourselves in Him, He will give you the desires (that He placed there) of your heart.

Days 16, 17, and 18

Day 18

As we are finishing up our "21 Day Fast", I encourage you not to let up, give up, or give in.
God has great plans in store but we always have to remember, "each new level brings a new devil." As you sacrifice, be obedient, are challenged in your faith, you may find the battle intensify. But with that comes growth,maturity, and ultimately, victory.

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (I. John 3:8b)

The Bible says Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) It also tells us He has plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) What we also have to rememeber is that, for every move of the spirit there is also always a counter attack from the enemy. Although Jesus has plans for us we have to remember we have an enemy who has plans for us as well...destruction.

I John 3:8b tells us that was the reason Jesus Christ came was to destroy the works of the devil. So I pray this week, the Lord Jesus would destroy the works of the enemy in your life, your ministry, your family, and your finances. May you have the complete victory in Christ alone!

Let me encourage you keep going, press in because He really is a "rewarder of those who diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Day 15...six days left.

Day 15

We are coming into the "home stretch" of the "21 Day Fast" God has called us to. I encourage you to throw yourself at the feet of Jesus these last six days. This is a spiritual battle we are in. You have to fight spiritual warfare with spiritual tools..Prayer and Fasting.

I pray the "walls of Jericho" in your life will come crashing down! Saddle up and fight! Praise him til the walls fall down!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men…On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (Joshua 6:2; 4-5)

“When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed…” (Joshua 6:20)

Day 15

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made - I'm a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by His patience, I'm uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companion are few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be brought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I wont give up, shut up, and let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach all I know, and work till he stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, my banner will be clear."

(This is a copy of a note found written in the office of a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, following his martyrdom for his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ)

May his heart continue through our lives and ministries.

Love

Day 14

Love Day 14 (Something God’s been dealing with me about)

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I. Cor. 13:13)

Love…Do I truly love people? How can I say I love Jesus and not love people? You can’t love God without loving people and you can’t truly love people without loving God.

Love. What the gospel was birthed out of. (John 3:16) I believe it is the most neglected message preached and least lived virtue out there. Why is that? It is a lot easier to judge, miss mercy, or be “hard” isn’t it? But love? That can be tough. Loving people. Loving enemies. We would much rather attack people with truth. You see although the “truth will set you free,” (John 8:32) truth alone, without being rooted in love, can hurt people. The Law kills but the Spirit gives life. (II. Cor.3:6) There has to be a balance. If you have truth alone but no love you become legalistic. If you have love but no truth, then it really isn’t love.” Speaking the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15) I believe one of the greatest things that grieves the heart of God is to see the church attack each other and rip each other apart and Christians to attack and rip each other apart. Ignorantly, we don’t even realize Satan himself is using believers to kill each other with their mouths. Galations 5 says, If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

As believers/ministers we like to be told we are anointed, and we did great, and we sang great but one of the best compliments we could ever receive is “you are the most loving person I know.” The Bible says the greatest sign that you can tell that someone is a believer is not that you can speak in tongues, or prophesy, or speak an anointed message but it is that you can walk in the love of Christ. "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35). I don’t believe it is by accident that the “Love Chapter” I. Cor. 13 is placed right in between two chapters (I. Cor. 12 speaks of spiritual gifts and chapter 13 speaks of tongues and prophecy) that speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is important because if we don’t operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in love we can misuse them.They are to be used very carefully.

Years ago, the Lord began to deal with me about love. I had fasted and prayed about the Lord increasing the anointing in my life and the Lord giving me gifts, until one day he asked me, “When was the last time you fasted and prayed for the love of Christ?” You see I could preach an anointed message, flow in some of the gifts of the Spirit, say I was full of the Holy Ghost, but where was the love of Christ in all that? Was I ministering out of envy, jealousy, anger, flesh? If I wasn’t operating out of love I was operating out of the flesh.

My prayer is that my life, my ministry, and my family will be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. That everything we do will flow from that. My hope is that one day the church will lay aside all the pride, egos, and reputations and truly be “unified in the faith.” When that day comes, the church will be a force to recon with and the world will see the manifested love of Christ.

Persistence in Prayer

Day 13

He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying,
"There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’" (Luke 18:1-8)

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to "come boldly with confidence in approaching the throne of grace." Not proudly. Not self-righteously. Boldly and with confidence.

The widow lady we read about in Luke 18:1-8 continued with persistency to come before an unjust judge to have her request granted. After she "wore him out" with her unwavered persistence he finally granted her justice.

The parable was to teach us that we as believers are to always pray and to never give up! Always pray! Never give up! If an unjust judge granted the widow her request with her persistence then how much more will our righteous judge grant His people justice with their persistence?

So what is it you have been bombarding heaven about? Strongholds? Situations? Family? Finances? Opportunities? Healing? Let us boldly with persistence continue to pray and not even think about giving up!

Desperation

Day 12

What people will do when they are desperate. Steal? Kill? Lie? How about...seek the Lord like a wild man or woman? Desperate times call for desperate measures! So what measures will you take in seeking God?

A story in Mark 5:25-34 tells us a wonderful story of desperation.

"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

This woman had a tremendous need in her life. She had gone to many people and to many places to fill that need but she always came up, "empty handed". She finally realized where her source was and she would stop at nothing to get to it. Remember? She was desperate! She fought through the enourmous, pushy crowd, because she had to...touch Jesus. As you notice in the verse above Jesus said, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered," and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" Many people were crowded around Jesus touching him but only one trully, "touched" him. Touched his heart! You see many people go through the motions religiously. They go to church. They sing songs. They read the Bible. But just going through the motions. This womans heart was after God's! She wanted not just to be around him, she wanted to "touch him." She HAD to get the Savior's attention! So are you desperate? Are you desperate to see God move? What are you willing to do? Go after him? Even if people laugh? Even if people make fun? Even if people say you are wasting your time? Are you willing to pray like you've never prayed? Worship like you've never worshiped? Fast until you turn into a bone? Are you desperate for him to move in your life? Finances? Family? Ministry? Rise up! Get through the crowds! Desperate times call for desperate measures! "Touch" the Savior!

Pure Heart

Day 11

Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not the man. (Matthew 15:19-20)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. (Psalm 24:4)

I was thinking today of the word, "Holy Spirit". Notice the word before Spirit...What is it? The first part of the word is, "Holy". Of course we cannot attain that from our own righteous acts as ours as humans is "as filthy rags." Through Jesus Christ however we can live a "Holy" life. Someone who is "filled with the Holy Spirit" should live a "Holy" life. It should be evident. God throughout his word has used people mightily who had pure hearts. My prayer through this fast is that God would create in me a pure heart. Free from lies, bitterness, anger, slander, etc., etc., etc.! We are halfway through our "21 Day Fast". May I encourage you to keep on keeping on! Now is the time to allow God to break strongholds in our life! Now is the time to seek him with all that is in us! Now is the time to become brutally honest with ourselves to see what may be in our hearts that would not be acceptable in his sight! Don't give up, keep pressing in!

Who is in control?

Day 10

"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:37-38)

Here we find the disciples with Jesus going somewhere when a serious storm came up. They wondered to themselves, "Why doesn't He do anything?" "He could stop this storm if He wanted?". "Why is He not doing anything?" "Does He care about us?" "Is He mad at us?" "Why?" "Why?" "Why?". Have you ever allowed those thoughts to cross your mind? Have you ever battled the thought of, "Is Jesus really in control of my life?" "Of my situations?" "Of my circumstances?". Yes He is! If we take our "control" off of it and realize He is the one who is truly in control. I am constantly reminded that He is in control of my life. Even at times when I can't see it.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39-40)

You see although Jesus was "sleeping" through this storm He always was in complete control. Jesus can speak one word into your storm and situation and calm it if he so desires. But do we have the faith to believe that? Do we have the faith to KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL?!

Days 8 and 9

Since I don't have high speed internet at home (we live too far out to have it) I will post yesterday and todays posts.

Day 8

The will of God versus the will of man

“…yet not as I will , but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

God has a will and we have a will. The key is getting lined up with what God wants instead of what we want.

Peter thought Jesus was “missing the mark” when Christ told of his death on the Cross. Peter said, “Never, Lord!” he said, “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23)

Do we have in mind the things of God or the things of men? Is it OUR will we desire or is it truly HIS will we want to see happen? I pray as we continue this journey we line up our will with his! Your will be done Lord!

Day 9

What I need to master: Love God and Love people!
You can't love God without loving people and you can't trully love people without loving God! The two go hand in hand! We look at "love" as being weak. We want to be "rough and tough". We fast and pray for all the "noticable" gifts but how many times have we fasted and prayed for the love of God? We all could use more of it! We can go over board and misuse many things but not the love of Christ!

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandmen in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandmen. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40)

DAY 7

Day 7 Obedience

“To obey is better than sacrifice…” (I. Samuel 15:22)

It’s not how well you can speak. It’s not how good you can look. It’s not even about how “anointed” one is, the question is, “How obedient can you be to Christ?” This 21 Day Fast is about being obedient to the Lord. Yes, it is about sacrifice but more than that it is learning how to be obedient. He has called us to become fully devoted disciples of His Son, Jesus.

We had a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry last night at the home of Joe and Cheryl Lopez. Yes, Jodi and I were about 30 years younger than anyone there but hey, we can learn something from our elders. Actually, we can learn a lot. Not only did we like the spirituality of our “elders” but also their attitude. Not once, did we hear a negative comment come forth from their mouth about any body or group of people. Can you say, “Wow”!
After a wonderful time of fellowship, Sister Cheryl brought a timely and I believe prophetic message to us from the word of God. After that we (the people) ministered to several people there; several prophecy’s and words of knowledge came forth to edify and build up the saints. This reminded me of how the saints met in homes in the early church in the Acts of the Apostles. It was a great meeting. Thank you Joe and Cheryl for always opening your home!

Keep going guys!

Days 5 and 6...

I pray everyone is coming along well in this exciting jourey we are all partaking of. Here are a few scriptures God impressed on my heart the last few days. I have been meditating on them.

Day 5

God spoke to my heart on day 5 and said, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
Simply put guys, we belong to the Lord Jesus! It is not about us, it is about him! His kingdom not ours!

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price…” (I. Corinthians 6:19b)

Day 6

We need to have the attitude of, "I GET to deny myself and have the honor of following Jesus Christ with all of my heart!"

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

"This is the love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome..." (I. John 5:3)

Stay Focused (Day 4)

"...let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)

Sometimes staying focused is easier said than done; especially in a world filled with distractions. It is however, imperative that we take all measures to remain focused on God and the prize that comes with our calling.

History has seen men be great and do great things because of an intense focus. When we keep our focus on Christ, the things of this world will grown strangely dim (sound familiar?). When we are focused on Christ we realize that He is our source of everything. Our source of life! Our source of healing! Our source of provision! Our source of joy!

When Peter "stepped out of the boat" and onto the water he was able to stay afloat because he kept his eyes on the one who had given him the power in the first place, Christ. When he (Peter) allowed himself to lose focus and he began to place his attention on his surroundings (the wind, the waves, and the water) he began to sink. So it is the same with our lives.

In Matthew 13 we read of the parable of the sower. In verse 22 it says, "The one who recieved the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."

I don't know about you but I do not want to allow the things of this world to distract me, choke the word out of me, and have my life become unfruitful. So how do we avoid that? By staying focused! On God! On his word! On his will!

Stay focused!

Embarking on a journey

We are in the 2nd day of our "21 Day Fast" as a church.
I pray these next several weeks is a spiritual journey like no other.
Fasting is a time where we "deny ourselves" the fleshly pleasures of food or foods to seek God's face. Jesus himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) It always amazes me when I fast, how I realize the "things" I cling to when I don't fast. When we strip ourselves of the pleasures of food it compels us to humble ourselves before God because there is nothing else to hold on to. Funny how when we are stressed, anxious, worried, fearful, we tend to run to the refrigerator or food cabinet. Fasting causes us to deny those things which we feel brings "temporary relief" and run to God! Fasting is the spiritual "steroid" we need to break chains of bondage, to bring true humility in our lives, and for God's word to become rhema!
I pray you, along with your family, unify and seek the Lord together. I will be keeping up with a journal that I will most likely keep private. May God speak to you these next several weeks and may we draw ever so closely to him!

Now is the time to pursue God!

Has your walk with Jesus grown cold?

Avoiding the freeze...

"And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)

We ministered to our students last night on the topic of "Avoiding the Freeze." Has your walk with Jesus grown cold? Sadly to say, some has.

Has your heart grown cold towards the things of God? How about people? How about church? How about worship?

We discussed things that we tend to allow to happen or not happen that would cause our hearts to grow cold. So what steps will you take to make sure that in the year 2007 your walk with Christ will not grown cold? Start a fire in us Lord and help keep it burning!

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (I. Thes. 5:19)

Prepared and Ready

Too often those words elude us in our lives but are essential for us to master. God is calling his people to be both prepared and ready.

God is always preparing us for such a time as this. The question is...are we ready?

As we await the final week of the NFL playoff games, four teams will spend all week preparing. Come Sunday, will they be ready? Did they prepare adequately? Did they do everything they could do to prepare themselves for gameday?

So what about us? Are we both prepared and ready for what God wants to do in us and through us?

Something to ponder on as the days go on this week.

Fusion aftermath...

We had our first quarterly "Fusion" service for the year last night in the Life Church West Monroe sanctuary and it was kickin!

Our theme was "Revolution 07", "Challenged to Change." I want to thank the worship team for leading us in the presence of the Lord and to all who came out to support our Student Ministry!

Let the Revolution begin!

FUSION III

This Wednesday January 10th at 6:30 P.M. we will have our first "Fusion" Service for the 2007 year.

"Fusion" is led by our student ministry but is joined by our adults in the main sanctuary at Life Chuch. We "merge" together to form one perfect union!

The message is prepared, the worship team is ready to explode, our T-Shirts are in, and we are geared up for this Wednesday!

I encourage you to show up early to make sure you are able to get a "Fusion" T-Shirt!

Invite a friend and c-u there!

Pursuit (Part II)

With Pastor Joel being out this Sunday while he is catching some sun on the white sandy beaches of Mexico, we will conclude our two week series entitled, "Pursuit".

Part II will consisit of:

1) Pursuing God
2) Pursuing Family
3) Pursuing your Calling
4) God is pursuing you

Invite a friend and we will see you Sunday!

*Reminder: Fusion service is coming next Wednesday January 10th in the main sanctuary!

Mission Possible

"With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God." (Matthew 19:26)

You know what God views as possible,sometimes humans view as impossible.
This Wednesday night in Xtreme Life, we will begin a series entitled, "Mission Possible 007" for the new 2007 year. We will discuss what tools you will need to make the mission for 2007 possible! There will be a pizza party following the service. See ya there and invite a friend!

Year Coming to an End

Well, as 2006 is coming to an end and we get ready to embark on a new year I can't help but look back and reflect on the past twelve months.

The year 2006 has had its ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valleys but above all, I would like to think I have grown from all these experiences.

I'd like to touch on some of the "highlights" from 2006.

Personally, Jodi and I received one of the greatest gifts we could ever ask for, a beautiful healthy baby daughter.

Spiritually, one of the greatest days of my journey was to have two pastors whom I respect greatly lay their hands on me to confirm the call of God upon my life.

Student Ministry wise, the most exciting point to me is to have several teen leaders step up and lead other teenagers. We started our first student led worship team in 2006 which is a huge step for us. We continue to grow spiritually and numerically, steadily.

It was exciting to see Life Church continue to move forward in the direction the Lord is leading us. As we continue to grow it is exciting to see the body of Christ continue to reach out and serve more and more! It is such an honor to serve with such great leaders as we have at Life Church!

Before I leave 2006 in 2006, I am taking time to hear the voice of God and prepare my heart for what 2007 has in store.

Happy New Year!

Live the Gospel

"Preach the gospel at all times and when necesarry...use words." -unknown

Living in the "Bible Belt" here in the south, people are all too familiar with churches. They've heard the name of Jesus, they've heard verses from the Bible being quoted, and many can quote the verses quite well themselves.

Yesterday, I was so very fortunate to be apart of an outreach that actually "lived the gospel." Jesus said he didn't come to be served but to serve. People want to see the gospel LIVED! People want to hear the preaching of the gospel WALKED OUT! I'm so very thankful Life Church is a church with "legs". The vision to serve must be walked and carried out!

Jail Ministry

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Last night we ministered as we usually do every month, in the Union Parish Detention Center. From the start, there were more distractions and demonic activity going on than what I am used to. It is so assuring that when you boldly proclaim God's word it radiates light even in a very dark place.

We spoke on hearing God's voice through the written word and also his "rhema" word. I don't know about you, but I desperately need to be continually hearing Gods voice! And these guys, most whom have NEVER heard God's voice, do as well!

When all was said and done, we lead four inmates to the Lord Jesus Christ! What a way for these guys to wrap up 2006 and prepare for a new life in 2007!

A Great Weekend

This past weekend was a very memorable weekend for my family and I.
To start it off, we had the great honor to host my Pastor, Joel Dyke, and Pastor Billy Hornsby from South Carolina on an exciting good ole fashioned Red Cut Hunting Club adventure! Like always, Bro.Billy left with a deer in the bag! (I'm always amazed!)

Sunday, was a day I will never forget as my Pastor and Bro. Billy prayed over my wife and I as they ordained me.
It was a day, not to honor me, but to honor what God has done and will do. I consider myself to be blessed. Blessed because I have a family, friends, and a great home church in Life Church that means everything to me!

I want to thank all who were able to attend. It was a very special day.

Never too late!

"Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?" Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid: just believe." (Mark 5:35-36)

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)

We see from two different instances in the word where people felt they were in a hopeless situation. They felt as though the "deal was sealed", "the nails were in the coffin", "the fat lady had sung". "Your daughter is dead, Lazarus is dead!" There is no overturning what has taken place, what's done is done!

Maybe you find yourself in a situation like that now, a dead situation. A hopeless situation. A situation that looks like it could never be fixed or made right.

Let me tell you these situations couldn't have seemed more hopeless, I mean these people were DEAD! You can't get anymore hopeless than that! But when Jesus comes on the scene...c'mon now as Bro.Joel would say...there is never a situation he can't reverse! Circumstances he can't reverse! Situations he can't raise from the dead! Lost people he can't raise from the dead! Finances he can't raise from the dead! A sick body he can't heal!

All we are to do is simply...believe.

Remember

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3)

Last night in our Student Ministry we wrapped up the month of November with a message entitled, "Remember." It was a informational and educational teaching on what the Bible says about the poor and the persecuted. An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. Now I'm not talking about 2,000 years ago, I'm talking about in todays time! Can you say, "wow"! What will we do about this information? Ignore it? Act like it doesn't exist? Act like it's not happening? Or pray! Or get involved! We choose to educate our teenagers about other teenagers worldwide who are suffering. Several of our teens did a illustrative skit of what it would be like to have radical muslims storm in a service and oppose the gospel! (Great job guys!)

For the month of December, we will have the opportunity to remember the poor through the Networkers ministry of Life Church. Join us as we go to the poorest of the poor in our area and hand out free groceries. We will also have the opportunity to visit local nursing homes and love on the elderly.

A Time to Reflect

I know we need to be doing this (being thankful) on a daily basis but with Thanksgiving upon us it is an even better time to reflect.

I know everybody has their on definition of "being rich" and according to my definition, I am.(not financially speaking.)

Top 10 Reasons Why I am Rich:

1) My salvation.
2) My wife.
3) My daughter.
4) My family.
5) My health to enjoy them with.
6)Opportunity to make a living.
7) My Pastor/Mentor/Friend
8) A few people I can trully call friends in my life.
9) God's planted me in the country (where i can hunt!)
10) I know who I am

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jail Ministry

I had the privilege of accompanying Ricky Nolan of Hope Street Ministries to preach in the Union Parish Detention Center in Farmerville, Louisiana last night. Bro.Rick and I have worked off and on for the past 5-6 years in jail/street ministry. Rick has served faithfully in these areas now for over 18 years.

It is such a "rush" to bring the gospel in such a dark place as we were. The gospel brings light and freedom no matter how dark a place is;no matter how oppressed a place is;no matter how bound the captives are,the gospel sets those free to whom receive it! It is encouraging to see the attentiveness and responsiveness of the inmates. Rick and I "tag teamed" preached and then had the honor to pray for over a dozen inmates, two of which recieved salvation for the first time.

I always have such a great time but am always grateful they let me out!

Just a little while longer

Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. —2 Corinthians 4:17

During my devotion time this morning this verse really ministered to me. May it minister to those of you who are experiencing some type of trial or affliction. May you be encouraged to keep on keeping on and that it is just "alittle while longer." It's only temporary! Stay focused! Eyes on the goal! Stay the course!

Chew on the verse.

Last mile of current series...

LAST NIGHTS SERVICE

We had a powerful service in our Student Ministry last night as we completed the second part of our current series, "Speak the Language".

You know as I looked around last night I was encouraged to see a room full of teenagers. We haven't seen "explosive" growth over night but it has been consistent and it has been steady. I've seen teenagers develop into Godly leaders who are now and will lead one day. We have a great "team" of leaders that helps "get it done" every week. As I see more and more teenagers begin to respond to God's word and God's call to "come follow him" I am encouraged.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We will be playing an extreme game of paintball this Saturday at 1:00 P.M. at the Northgate Paintball off of I-165. We will all meet at the facility at 1:00 P.M. and will play until about 3:00 P.M. The church will cover the cost to get in ($8). Come sling some paint!

We wrap up our series next week on a message entitled, "The Rut"- Lust, Love, and Sex. We aren't holding anything back next week! Also, don't forget about the cool hunting giveaways we've been giving out each week! And yes, girls we have some for you as well!

I see dead deer...

"Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature (deer) that moves on the ground." (Genesis 1:28) paraphrase mine

The next several months are the most favorite of the year for me. You possibly will see my entrie wardrobe change to camouflage for a while. This past week was a full-filling one for me while I spent a few mornings and afternoons in the woods taking advantage of the cooler weather. Myself and my brother in law went hunting after the white-tailed deer this past week and three deer later...well, let's not get into a long story here. Let's just say we got our meat in the freezer so now it's time to hunt the big boys!

We continue with our current series for the month tomorrow night (Wednesday) with a message entitled, "Speak the Language". It is based out of I. Corinthians 10:22-23. "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

Now if I'm trying to call in a white-tailed deer would I use a turkey call? If I was trying to call in (reach) a turkey would I use a grunt call? Of course not! So why is it as Christians we do that when trying to reach the lost? Speak the language!

Come on out this Wednesday night where we will experience an encounter with the Holy Spirit through worship, a life changing message that only the Word of God could bring, awesome friendships, and cool giveaways!

See ya there!

New Series for the month of November!

We will begin an exciting new series this November in the Student Ministry entitled, "Speak The Language."
Next Wednesday November 1, I will be teaching on a message entitled, "Camouflage."

So many times we hide behind so many things in our lives...we "camouflage" ourselves!

It's going to be an exciting service and series! Since it's "Camo Night" be sure and come dressed in your favorite camouflage! There will be free giveaways and funny videos to help relay the gospel!

See you there!

The Will of Suffering

"He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering...Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities: the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed...Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer..." (Isaiah 53:2-5;10)

Why so much talk lately on trials, trouble, and suffering?! Sometimes we minister best when it is ourselves that are experiencing these things. Doesn't the Bible say in II. Corinthians 1:4 that "God is the Father of compassion and who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have recieved from God."?

The Bible said that Jesus was a man "familiar with sufferings". Do you feel sometimes "familiar with sufferings?" The Bible is full of stories of great men and women of the word who were "familiar with sufferings." Think of Moses, Joseph, Daniel, Elijah, John the Baptist, John the Revelator, and of course...Jesus!

So many times we go through trails or sufferings in our lives and we quickly begin to rebuke the devil. Did it ever occur to us our trials may not be stimming from the devil but...Jesus? In Isaiah it says, it was the Lords will to "crush him and cause him to suffer." But why would God allow that? Remember in Matthew it says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness...for great is your reward in heaven." I believe if we follow Jesus (regardless of popular teachings) we will suffer and go through trials. Wait, then why should I follow Jesus, that doesn't sound too fun! Remember, we came to Jesus in pursuit of forgiveness, not happiness!

I believe when we are "crushed and experience suffering" God himself is trying to strain the "us out of us". We trully can't be used to the capacity the Father wants to use us in unless..."we die" as Paul would put it. I believe out of intense suffering the man or woman of God is trully manifested.

Back in the day, the way to get the oil out of the grapes was to "crush them". I believe its the same today, the way to get the oil (annointing) out of us is that we be "crushed". Get the us out of us, the me out of me, the flesh to submit, and allow the will of the Father to come forth!

If you are going through it I encourage you to be faithful! The most important thing is our obedience to the Father, even through trials and suffering!

The Blessing of Trouble

"In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord." (Psalm 77:2)

Do the words "blessing" and "trouble" go together??? Many times we think of the phrase "being blessed" means that no hard times come our way. That couldn't be further from the truth. What bigger blessing could there be than to have trouble come our way and it push us to seek after a closer relationship with God! Fun to go through? No! Good for us? Yes! If we allow it!
The cold hard truth is, if it weren't for difficult times or "trouble" some of us wouldn't seek after the Lord. Sometimes, God has to allow hardships to come our way to humble us and cause us to turn our hearts in burning passion to him!

A few days ago we had a powerful storm come through our area. Many people got up to 10 inches of rain that day. It was dark, stormy, and gloomy that day! Trees were down, roofs were leaking, and streets were filled with water. The next day I woke up and couldn't help but realize how beautiful the morning looked. Birds singing, blue skies, and a bright yellow sunshine! The day before was quite different but today was a new day! The moral of the story? The good thing about storms are they pass!

Maybe you are going through troublesome times right now. At work. In your marriage. Financially. May your heart be turned in seeking the Lord and this storm too shall pass!

My Pastor

My Pastor

My Pastor loves the Lord with all his heart.
My Pastor loves and cares for people.
My Pastor is a great friend to me.
My Pastor is my personal mentor.
My Pastor is someone I can talk to.
My Pastor is someone who will listen.
My Pastor is an instrument God is using in my life.
My Pastor has been there for me.
My Pastor is someone whom I respect.
My Pastor is a spiritual person yet is down to earth.
My Pastor keeps going when his faith is attacked.
My Pastor keeps loving when its difficult to.
My Pastor looks out for my best interest.
My Pastor has served faithfully in the ministry.
My Pastor has vision.
My Pastor has given his life to missions.
My Pastor helps those who can't help themselves.
My Pastor has given unselfishly.
My Pastor has invested time.
My Pastor has worked hard.
My Pastor has trusted God.
My Pastor has seen God work miracles.
My Pastor is some folks hero.
My Pastor is authentic and real.
My Pastor is someone I can lean on.
My Pastor prays for me.
My Pastor counsels me.
My Pastor fights the devil.
My Pastor is a giver.
My Pastor is deserving to be thanked for who he is and what he has done.

Thank you Pastor Joel for being a great Pastor! Happy Pastor Appreciation Week!

Your friend,

Beck

Movie night set for this Wednesday...

We started a new series last week entitled, "Facing the Giants." We read about the story of David and Goliath and then talked about Facing the Giant of temptation in our lives.

This Wednesday, the student ministry will meet at Tinseltown at 4:15 to watch the newly released movie entitled, "Facing the Giants" which will begin at 4:45. To learn more about this picture visit www.facingthegiants.com

See ya Wednesday!

Beck

California Adventure Park Finale

New York Life rented out the entire park for a "private party" for all the NYL agents and thier families. It was a lot of fun! We will be returning to West Monroe tomorrow. Enjoy the pics!

Laguna Beach and my new car!!!

Guess what!? Jodi got me a red 2006 Ford Mustang convertible for our "4th" Anniversary! (Well, I have it until 9 A.M. tomorrow morning but we won't tell anybody)
Jodi got a great deal on a rental car (only $50 for the day) and we spent the day at Laguna Beach. The day started out with lots of "haze" but cleared out by the afternoon. We threw the top back and cruised on the Pacific Coast. It was cool. Enjoy the pics!

More pics from Cali...

More pics from Cali...

So I learned how to post pics on (recieving the Life Foundation Award)
my blog...I'm like a kid in a candy
store now...

(alongside my precious wife Jodi)
(my good friend Daren Moody)
(standing outside the hotel getting ready to go to the evening banquet with Jodi)

More pics from Cali...

(me alongside my precious wife Jodi) Okay, so I learned how
to post pics on my blog...I'm
like a kid in a candy store now...Beck

(with my precious wife Jodi in front of our hotel)
(recieving the Life Foundation Award at the dinner banquet)
(with my good friend Daren Moody both recieving the Life Foundation Award)

California

A couple of pictures from our Executive Council Meeting in Anaheim, California.
Be sure and read the blog below entitled, "Get some rest."

Get some rest

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said, to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31-31)

The apostles had just returned to report to Jesus everything they had done in their ministry! Lives saved! Miracles! Healings! Their time was consumed by the many people that needed their help that they didn't even have time to eat! Talk about busy! What Jesus was saying here was, "Guys, that is great!" "But don't forget, activity doesn't always mean productivity". You need not get the two greatest commandments confused, "First, love the Lord, then love your neighbor as yourself." Don't get too busy ministering to people you forget to minister to God! Don't lose your relationship with God by being so "busy."

Jodi and I are currently enjoying a very much needed vacation/business /anniversary trip in Anahiem, California awarded to us by the NYL, the company I represent. I can't remember the last time I slept so good during the night. I popped up early around 5:45-6:00 and "went away with the Lord by myself to get some rest." We are "resting in the Lord this week". Sometimes we need to refresh ourselves not only spiritually, but emotionally, physically, and mentally as well.

We kicked it by the pool today and tomorrow we go to Disney Land followed by Laguna Beach Thursday. I've been to some very great business meetings with thousands of other NYL agents literally all over the U.S. The company has really gone above and beyond to show thier appreciation to all the agents. It was for sure worth all the hard work. Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner banquet and have the opportunity to meet and have our picture taken with CEO Sy Sternberg.

Jodi and I will celebrate our "4th Year" Wedding Anniversary on the 28th this week. Man, took me four years to get this girl right...(Just messing). Jodi, thank you for four wonderful years! Each year has gotten better! Pastor and Angel, thank you for working with us through all of the "bumps" along the way! God used you mightily in our lives and still does til this day! We love you very much!

Been too busy this week? Even busy doing "spiritual" things? Go in your room, close the door and be with God! He is calling you! Can you hear him? Over the hectic schedule, can you hear him calling? Over the cares and worrys of the world, can you feel him drawing? Go rest in him! Get some rest spirit man!

Beck

P.S. Go Saints!

Who is the greatest?

Ali said he was but my chips are still on "Iron" Mike Tyson...
So how do you determine who is "great" in this world? Do you measure greatest by money, prestige, big homes, fast cars, big bank accounts, social status? "Beck, that's the worlds way!" Okay, let's spiritualize this abit. How do you measure greatness spiritually? The most annointed? The best put together sermon? The biggest buildings?

In Mark 9 Jesus questioned his disciples about a discussion they had while walking down the road. The disciples had kept quite because thier discussion had been about "who was the greatest among them". Can you think about how that discussion may have sounded? They were probably comparing each others "greatness" by who had prayed more, who knew the scriptures best, who had healed more diseases, cast out more devils, you get the picture!

But Jesus basically said, "Guys, you got it all wrong." "You got it backwards, you see yes all those things are great and important but if you really want to be great listen to this." "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." POW! That had to hit them square in the face!

We live in a society that says, "Me first!" We want to be first in line, first at bat, first in competitions, first, first, first! We think greatness is measured by having people under us, telling others what to do, but if that is our mentallity we have it backwards!

Can you think of the "great" Mother Teresa (yes, she was Catholic) who decided to be "last", gave up her life, and lived to serve others! Not much to show for on this earth huh? But I can imagine when she stepped into heaven the angels might have said, "Step aside boys, this lady is coming to the front of the line!" She was great on earth! She served!

Take some time today and read more on servanthood in John 13. Find somebody today and serve! We reach those we serve!

Beck

A night out on the town...

We've almost made it through the week and boy am I enjoying this nice cooler weather! (My neck is starting to swell as hunting season approaches us.)

Well, the wife and I (and baby girl) are getting ready for a night out with Pastor Joel and his family. We are thinking about grubbing at the Waterfront Grill in Monroe. Sounds like a good choice to me. I always enjoy the fellowship of my Pastor and his family. Isn't it cool to be able to have a Pastor down-to-earth enough to kick back and hangout with?

Til the next post...God Bless!

Your Level of Commitment

"...he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:8)

"Beck, one thing that concerns me about you is your stability." Those words of a particular pastor cut deep in my heart over six years ago but changed my life forever. His words were true, I was becoming unstable. But was it my fault? Events in my past had molded me to be this way. Jumping from one place to another, from one church to another, from one school to another, from one "belief" to another....unstable....double-minded in ALL I did. I decided whether my fault or not that I was going to do something about that! I wanted to be a stable person!

Show me a person who "church hops" or who "flakes" and I will show you a person whose WHOLE life is unstable,whose marriage is unstable,whose jobs are unstable,whose relationships have been and will be unstable.

But you show me a person who is totally committed to God and where God has planted him and I will show you a stable person, a stable marriage, stable relationships, etc.

Seem a bit harsh? Maybe not harsh enough! What does the word commitment mean to us? Does it mean staying in a marriage or in a job or in a church commited enough until someone or something makes us mad? Until the pastor does something we don't agree with? Until we don't get our way? Until the boss man "does us wrong"?
Let me say this, if one does not love people, have deep character, and a true level of commitment the ministry is not for him or her! Yes, regardless of the gifts or annointing one may possess!

Over three years ago when I first arrived at Life Church West Monroe I felt the Lord impress in my spirit, "I am going to teach you how to be faithful and committed." By remaining faithful to where God has planted me (Life Church) and by knowing my place (completely submitted to my Pastor) my life has become stable. Funny how when you get these traits in order the rest of your life gets in order. I refuse to live my life unstable any longer! I refuse not to get in me an unshakable level of commitment! You see that is what it takes! Commitment! Commited people! Commited churches!

FUSION II

FUSION-THE MERGING TOGETHER OF TWO DIFFERENT ELEMENTS TO FORM ONE UNION...

This past Wednesday night we "merged" together with the adults at Life Church West Monroe for our second "Fusion Service." We didn't allow the differences in our age and culture to divide us but united for the sole purpose of worshipping Jesus Christ! And worship him we did! The worship team did the BEST I've ever seen them do in leading us into the presence of God. (Guys, I'm proud of you!) The worship team overcame alot of obstacles satan threw thier way this week but as the word says, "we are more than conquerors." Anytime the enemy comes at you so hard look out, you just may have a move of God on the horizon!

We had a message from the word of God concerning Guarding our testimony on how we as Christians are "Not for Sale." We had a wonderful time of ministry at the end of service praying to God for people who came forward in faith for prayer!

Thank you Jesus for showing up and thank you everybody for all your hard work in putting this together! Thanks Pastor Joel for allowing us to come over and share the service with us!

God Bless...Beck

Happy B-Day Xtreme Life!

Well...I'm about eight days behind on this but on August 20th three years ago, Life Church (then River of Life) founded its 1st student ministry with two hopeful teens.

Three years later we are seeing God continue to grow the student ministry including growing the teen leadership. It has been a very exciting three years and I look forward to many more to come.

Thank you to ALL of our teen leaders who "make it happen" every Wednesday night and thank you Pastor Joel for humoring us three years ago and giving us a shot!

Happy "3".

My First Time

Pastor Joel and myself had the opportunity to watch the Monday Night Football game in Shreveport, Louisiana between the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints in which was my "1st" NFL experience.

We dodged traffic, long lines, and heavy rain to watch the two NFL teams battle it out.
We had the opportunity to watch many great athletes play some of which weren't too far from home (Bradie James of West Monroe/LSU, Marcus Spears of LSU, and many others)

Sadly, the Saints didn't play very well as they lost to the Cowboys 30-7. But hey, we had a great time visiting! Thanks Bro.Joel for allowing me to "tag along."

To see game pics go to www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click "pastors blog".

Voices in the Head, Issues in the Heart

We had a great service yesterday at Life Church West Monroe. After a wonderful time of worship, we got into the word ministering on "Voices in the Head, Issues in the Heart." (Mark Murphy and Rob Tucker did a fantastic job with the bumper video.) I would like to thank Pastor for giving me the opportunity to minister God's word while he was out on a much deserved vacation in Gulf Shores. Thank you Pastor Joel!

The Bible says in I. Peter 1:13 to "Therefore, prepare your minds for action." The mind is indeed a great battlefield and many of times the battles are lost and won here. There are many people that are held captive in the mind by Satan who has a "mental stronghold" on them. Satan has no right unless we agree with him to have any territory in our minds.

Without getting further into all of this you can hear the message online by clicking on the following link: http://www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com/voices2.html

If the link doesn't work you can go to lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click on "online sermons".

Have a blessed week!

Exciting weekend at Life Church

Talk about some exciting times going on at Life Church West Monroe!

This past Saturday we took our core leadership from our Student Ministry to "The Gathering" at Hodge, Louisiana this weekend. It is a youth event that brings unity to the different churches and teens in the area to worship God. We preached "The end of myself" to the teenagers who responded to God's drawing after the message. We have a great group of teenagers here at Life Church and I am so thankful to have them as leaders!

Bro.Joel wrapped up a two week series on marriage this Sunday to a packed house! We had to pull out some "emergency chairs" due to the overflow of people. You know Satan would love nothing more than to destroy and divide the home! It was good to get a two week message on how to strengthen your marriage! Thanks Bro.Joel!

I want to encourage you to get connected and stay connected at Life Church!

Beck

"Set my heart on fire Lord"

Here lately everyone has been talking about how hot and humid it is (as we do every year in Louisiana.) Well last night during our youth meeting we posed the question, "How "hot" is your relationship with God?

The Bible says in Revelation 3:15-16, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Nice verse huh?

John the Baptist was a man that was consumed with the fire of God and the passion of Jesus. Jesus even said, "there is none greater than John the Baptist." His relationship to God was everything; his life, his desire, his world! He was completely surrendered to the will of God and totally dead to the world.

Sadly, many have grown "cold" in their walk with God and the things of God. When at one time, the thought of worship and prayer use to ignite something in thier hearts. The thought of coming together as a church to honor the Lord use to burn like a fire within thier heart but now...the heart has become cold, numb to the things of God.

I. Thes. 5:19 says, "Do not put out the spirit's fire." When ministering to the youth last night they were challenged that whatever they do, don't allow the fire to go out in thier hearts! Keep the "fire killers" out of your life!

Fire puts out light right? I believe that people who spend time with Jesus should have such a passion about thier relationship that others around them would take notice. "Let your light shine before men..." John Wesley said, "Get on fire and people will come just to watch you burn."

In Luke 24:32 after the disciples had spent time with Jesus they said, "were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?"

Want something to get fired up about? Why not our relationship with God?

Let's develop a passionate walk with God by allowing God to set our hearts on fire for him!