Recently, (Halloween night actually) we attended a Christian concert in Westmoreland that was sponsored by Extreme Outreach Ministry and some of the local churches in Westmoreland that featured DecembeRadio. They have a song that is featured on their new cd called "love can" and it's a great song (my daughter loves it). I shared a passage of scripture in my opening remarks yesterday morning as I began to preach, found in Ephesians 3:17-19 "...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." In order for us to "love one another" we have to be rooted and grounded in the fullness of God because He is love! We can't just be happy with being saved and only saved, we need to reach, search, long, desire for more of God everyday and all of His fullness! There is more to being a Christian than just being assured a home in Heaven. We are to be disciples for Christ and in that we have to have the armor to witness and to fight against the enemy and that comes about by receiving the fullness of God. Verse 20 tells us "God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
Our minds can't comprehend the power that we have through Christ when we go farther with Him and receive all the fullness of what He is and what we can be through Him! Let it be our prayer today to receive all of what God has for us so that we can do the work that He intended for us to do!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Black Friday
This morning my eyes are telling me that they have not been shut long enough since the awakening early yesterday morning (black Friday) to join my wife, Bailey, and Blake in an adventure that was truly to bring joy and happiness to us as a family experiencing the excitement of the day! The clock was set to wake us up around 2am and after the alarm, I slowly and cautiously (still asleep) made my way to the kitchen where I made my morning coffee and wondered "what was wrong with me" being up that early in the morning just to catch some good deals on this day. I had to remind myself that my beautiful wife had explained to me that "it would be fun" and that "we can capitalize on some great prices". When the day was over and we began to wind down for the night (after also helping a family member move), my wife asked me how I liked black Friday? Being as tired as I was I can't even remember what my response was back to her, I just remember noticing how great it was to be going back to sleep.
"Black Friday" (named for the time retailers ink on the statements will be black instead of red) may be an exciting time for shoppers to purchase great deals for the Holiday, but I'm reminded this morning of the very first "black Friday" that a purchase was made that was the most important purchase made for us of all. "From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land" Matthew 27:45 (Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44). This passage of scripture, of course, is the account of Christ suffering and dying upon a cross to take away the sin debt of mankind. The Bible says that the curtain (veil) was torn in two from top to bottom only something that God himself could do and by this we have the means to approach the "throne of God" and be bought by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus made the most important purchase that will ever be made and the great thing is we are the one's that receive from that purchase. This is how much God loves you today, "He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) The awesome part about this first black Friday is that it didn't stop at the cross. Jesus rose again on "Sunday" and made us heirs as children of God and through this resurrection we have hope and assurance of life eternal!
Do you know Him who set the captives free and paid the sin debt for you? Jesus loves you today!
"Black Friday" (named for the time retailers ink on the statements will be black instead of red) may be an exciting time for shoppers to purchase great deals for the Holiday, but I'm reminded this morning of the very first "black Friday" that a purchase was made that was the most important purchase made for us of all. "From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land" Matthew 27:45 (Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44). This passage of scripture, of course, is the account of Christ suffering and dying upon a cross to take away the sin debt of mankind. The Bible says that the curtain (veil) was torn in two from top to bottom only something that God himself could do and by this we have the means to approach the "throne of God" and be bought by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus made the most important purchase that will ever be made and the great thing is we are the one's that receive from that purchase. This is how much God loves you today, "He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) The awesome part about this first black Friday is that it didn't stop at the cross. Jesus rose again on "Sunday" and made us heirs as children of God and through this resurrection we have hope and assurance of life eternal!
Do you know Him who set the captives free and paid the sin debt for you? Jesus loves you today!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
"Love one another fervently with a pure heart." 1 Peter 1:22
As I was in prayer this morning, I began to "thank" the Lord for many things. My mind was taken back to when I was saved in Children's Church that morning at the Westmoreland Church of God of Prophecy, now Lakeside Church, after listening to Sister Lois Dean Graves preach to us about Jesus. I remember walking up to that altar and asking Jesus into my life and Sister Graves praying with me and I truly believe that Jesus saved me that morning! I'm thankful this morning that she, Sister Lois Dean, followed her calling and didn't worry about what someone thought about "women preachers", because that woman preacher touched many lives along the way including many men, women, and children.
I'm thankful this morning for the "home" that I was brought up in. I was the third child of four that my mom and dad raised. My parents never "picked" which one of us was the favorite (although sometimes I wondered) they treated us all the same. We never wanted for anything. I can't remember a time that dad didn't work to provide for our family. I don't think that we can ever be thankful enough for his blood, sweat and tears to give us what we needed and most of the time what we wanted. Momma was always right there to give us the love and attention that kids need and she's still to this day taking care of all of us and making sure that we "raise" our kids right! I could spend all day thanking mom and dad for what they are in my life but I just want to tell them today that I'm very thankful for always showing us love. Love makes a home a home!
I'm thankful today for my wife! I have the best wife that anyone could have! She's HOT, smart, HOT, loving, HOT, a great mother, HOT, forgiving, HOT, caring, HOT, etc... did I mention that she is HOT!! I don't deserve the wife that I have and it's due to how that her parents raised her that she stuck with me through those "stupid" years that I went through in our marriage. She is a wonderful mother to our two kids and can fight off any lion, bear, monster, you name it, she's tuff! I love her and she loves me and the kids. Love makes a home a home!
I could spend all day long until my fingers couldn't move and bleed to tell you how thankful I am of my daughter, Bailey, and my son, Blake! I'm proud of my kid's this morning! I'm proud of their accomplishments already in school and sports, but the most important thing that ranks up there more than a three-pointer, quarterback sack, home run, game winning shot, etc... is that both of my kids have given their lives to the Lord! The happiest time's in my life was when Bailey and Blake got saved!!!!! I'm thankful for my kids today! I love my kids and they love me (they don't have to say it, they show it). Love makes a home a home!
I could go on all day about how thankful I am and who I am thankful for (the rest of my family, Kelly's family, my friends, our church family, etc...) but I would leave someone out mistakenly and I wouldn't hurt anyone's feelings for nothing. So I will leave you with this, I'm thankful for Jesus Christ my Savior that died on a cross for all of us! His love makes a home a home! Happy Thanksgiving!
As I was in prayer this morning, I began to "thank" the Lord for many things. My mind was taken back to when I was saved in Children's Church that morning at the Westmoreland Church of God of Prophecy, now Lakeside Church, after listening to Sister Lois Dean Graves preach to us about Jesus. I remember walking up to that altar and asking Jesus into my life and Sister Graves praying with me and I truly believe that Jesus saved me that morning! I'm thankful this morning that she, Sister Lois Dean, followed her calling and didn't worry about what someone thought about "women preachers", because that woman preacher touched many lives along the way including many men, women, and children.
I'm thankful this morning for the "home" that I was brought up in. I was the third child of four that my mom and dad raised. My parents never "picked" which one of us was the favorite (although sometimes I wondered) they treated us all the same. We never wanted for anything. I can't remember a time that dad didn't work to provide for our family. I don't think that we can ever be thankful enough for his blood, sweat and tears to give us what we needed and most of the time what we wanted. Momma was always right there to give us the love and attention that kids need and she's still to this day taking care of all of us and making sure that we "raise" our kids right! I could spend all day thanking mom and dad for what they are in my life but I just want to tell them today that I'm very thankful for always showing us love. Love makes a home a home!
I'm thankful today for my wife! I have the best wife that anyone could have! She's HOT, smart, HOT, loving, HOT, a great mother, HOT, forgiving, HOT, caring, HOT, etc... did I mention that she is HOT!! I don't deserve the wife that I have and it's due to how that her parents raised her that she stuck with me through those "stupid" years that I went through in our marriage. She is a wonderful mother to our two kids and can fight off any lion, bear, monster, you name it, she's tuff! I love her and she loves me and the kids. Love makes a home a home!
I could spend all day long until my fingers couldn't move and bleed to tell you how thankful I am of my daughter, Bailey, and my son, Blake! I'm proud of my kid's this morning! I'm proud of their accomplishments already in school and sports, but the most important thing that ranks up there more than a three-pointer, quarterback sack, home run, game winning shot, etc... is that both of my kids have given their lives to the Lord! The happiest time's in my life was when Bailey and Blake got saved!!!!! I'm thankful for my kids today! I love my kids and they love me (they don't have to say it, they show it). Love makes a home a home!
I could go on all day about how thankful I am and who I am thankful for (the rest of my family, Kelly's family, my friends, our church family, etc...) but I would leave someone out mistakenly and I wouldn't hurt anyone's feelings for nothing. So I will leave you with this, I'm thankful for Jesus Christ my Savior that died on a cross for all of us! His love makes a home a home! Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Be Joyful
It's been a few days since I've posted anything. I began to post something Monday morning after prayer but it seemed like I couldn't get anything to settle in my thoughts because of what the Lord was dealing with me on. Sometimes I think that things are just better left undone for a moment in time to see it grow, change, lessen, etc... whatever the case may be!
I have had a great week so far with today being midweek, tomorrow is "Turkey Day". Just a thought: how many people see it as "turkey day" and concentrate on the "food", "football games", and "leftovers" rather than the cause of getting together with family and friends to celebrate another year of "Thanksgiving" from our different walks of life? I hope that these "get-to-gethers" are not just to happen because we have a day off work and this is normally what we are supposed to do!? Let's be truly thankful for, first of all, God allowing us (individually) another day to serve Him, for allowing us to be healthy (in our own ways), and another time of celebration for bringing the families together and catching up on things happening in our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." As we gather around family and friends tomorrow (or the day that you get together for Thanksgiving), let's take this scripture and apply it to our lives and to those around us, let's be joyful; don't let "burnt macaroni", "soggy dressing", "too many kids in one place", etc... steal our joy! We should always be praying continually, this is our duty as Christians! Most of all, let's give thanks in all circumstances because our lives have a purpose and God's hand is leading each and everyone of us (if you let Him), and we need to give Him praise and thanks for what He has done in us!
If I don't get the chance to let everyone know tomorrow, I want to wish everyone that reads this "stuff", a very Happy Thanksgiving! May God richly bless you today is my prayer!
I have had a great week so far with today being midweek, tomorrow is "Turkey Day". Just a thought: how many people see it as "turkey day" and concentrate on the "food", "football games", and "leftovers" rather than the cause of getting together with family and friends to celebrate another year of "Thanksgiving" from our different walks of life? I hope that these "get-to-gethers" are not just to happen because we have a day off work and this is normally what we are supposed to do!? Let's be truly thankful for, first of all, God allowing us (individually) another day to serve Him, for allowing us to be healthy (in our own ways), and another time of celebration for bringing the families together and catching up on things happening in our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." As we gather around family and friends tomorrow (or the day that you get together for Thanksgiving), let's take this scripture and apply it to our lives and to those around us, let's be joyful; don't let "burnt macaroni", "soggy dressing", "too many kids in one place", etc... steal our joy! We should always be praying continually, this is our duty as Christians! Most of all, let's give thanks in all circumstances because our lives have a purpose and God's hand is leading each and everyone of us (if you let Him), and we need to give Him praise and thanks for what He has done in us!
If I don't get the chance to let everyone know tomorrow, I want to wish everyone that reads this "stuff", a very Happy Thanksgiving! May God richly bless you today is my prayer!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Heart of Worship
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17
This morning in my prayer time I was overwhelmed with the presence of God and was reminded by the Lord that we (Christians) have to have a broken spirit before Him in order to "truly" worship Him "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). A contrite heart is a heart that is filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; showing sincere remorse for our faults and personal failures before Him. Have we forgotten the "posture" of worship in our daily lives? I believe that God is calling His people to bow before Him and acknowledge that we are "as grass that only withereth away".
I like the way Eugene Peterson puts this passage of scripture, he says, "Going through the motions doesn't please you (God), a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice." If we are going to experience a "personal" revival in our lives we have to learn God-worship and let our "pride" be demolished before Him.
I feel this morning that the "church" needs to experience a "great awakening" again and in order to do so, we have to experience a heart-felt desire to want to "know" God and all His glory. We have to learn the right posture in order to be receptive to His will in our lives and I believe that when we turn back to Him, He will fill our lives, families, and churches with His presence and blessings and we will experience revival in the land!
I pray for brokenness across our spirits today and may the presence of God rule in our lives as men and women of God.
This morning in my prayer time I was overwhelmed with the presence of God and was reminded by the Lord that we (Christians) have to have a broken spirit before Him in order to "truly" worship Him "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). A contrite heart is a heart that is filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; showing sincere remorse for our faults and personal failures before Him. Have we forgotten the "posture" of worship in our daily lives? I believe that God is calling His people to bow before Him and acknowledge that we are "as grass that only withereth away".
I like the way Eugene Peterson puts this passage of scripture, he says, "Going through the motions doesn't please you (God), a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice." If we are going to experience a "personal" revival in our lives we have to learn God-worship and let our "pride" be demolished before Him.
I feel this morning that the "church" needs to experience a "great awakening" again and in order to do so, we have to experience a heart-felt desire to want to "know" God and all His glory. We have to learn the right posture in order to be receptive to His will in our lives and I believe that when we turn back to Him, He will fill our lives, families, and churches with His presence and blessings and we will experience revival in the land!
I pray for brokenness across our spirits today and may the presence of God rule in our lives as men and women of God.
Friday, November 20, 2009
What's God done for me?
"He forgave my sins - every one, He healed my diseases - every one, He redeemed me from the pit and crowned me with love and compassion, He satisfied my desires with good things, He renewed my youth (spirit) like the eagle (I can soar with Him), He gave to me His righteousness." Psalm 103: 1-6 (NIV)
Have you heard someone ask you the question, "What's God done for me?" You can give them this scripture and it will speak wonders and tell them of the GREATNESS of our God! Let's put this scripture in our spirits today and meditate on the One that gives to us freely if we just ask and believe!
May God Bless you today!
Have you heard someone ask you the question, "What's God done for me?" You can give them this scripture and it will speak wonders and tell them of the GREATNESS of our God! Let's put this scripture in our spirits today and meditate on the One that gives to us freely if we just ask and believe!
May God Bless you today!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Praise
"Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His love endures forever." Psalm 106:1 (NIV)
We live in a world teeming (swarming) with temptations and distractions - a world where good and evil struggle in a constant battle to win our minds, our hearts, and our souls. Author Warren Wiersbe once said, "When there is peace in the heart, there will be praise on the lips."
"Praise opens the window of our hearts, preparing us to walk more closely with God. Prayer raises the window of our spirit, enabling us to listen more clearly to the Father."
-Max Lucado
"Worship is an act which develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God which is expressed in an act of worship. When we obey the command to praise God in worship, our deep, essential need to be in relationship with God is nurtured."
-Eugene Peterson
"From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 2 Thessalonians 5:18
"Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name." Hebrews 13:15 (Holman CSB)
I like the way Eugene Peterson put it about worship, that we need to have feelings for God and not just a feeling of God as we worship. Do we have feelings for God today? Is He continually on our minds, hearts, and lips? God has given us everything that we have, why don't we praise and worship Him enough?
We live in a world teeming (swarming) with temptations and distractions - a world where good and evil struggle in a constant battle to win our minds, our hearts, and our souls. Author Warren Wiersbe once said, "When there is peace in the heart, there will be praise on the lips."
"Praise opens the window of our hearts, preparing us to walk more closely with God. Prayer raises the window of our spirit, enabling us to listen more clearly to the Father."
-Max Lucado
"Worship is an act which develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God which is expressed in an act of worship. When we obey the command to praise God in worship, our deep, essential need to be in relationship with God is nurtured."
-Eugene Peterson
"From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 2 Thessalonians 5:18
"Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name." Hebrews 13:15 (Holman CSB)
I like the way Eugene Peterson put it about worship, that we need to have feelings for God and not just a feeling of God as we worship. Do we have feelings for God today? Is He continually on our minds, hearts, and lips? God has given us everything that we have, why don't we praise and worship Him enough?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Appointed
"Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1: 4,5) We find in the scripture that Jeremiah was called to do a work from the highest authority, God Himself. Jeremiah had doubt at first, "I cannot speak for I am a youth" (vs6), and the Lord reassured him of the appointment by telling him "Do not say I am a youth, for you shall go to all to whom I send you and whatever I command you, you shall speak...For I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." (vss 7,8)
I like the way the NIV puts verses 17-19 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land ... They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you" The Message Bible translates it this way: "I'm making you as impregnable as a castle, immovable as a steel post, solid as a concrete block wall. You're a one-man defense system against this culture...they won't even scratch you. I'll back you up every inch of the way."
God has made all of us as "iron pillars", "immovable steel post", "solid concrete block walls" by His power, by His authority, and by His appointment. I believe that we don't realize sometimes just how much power and authority that we have and that we have all the tools to defeat the enemy when he comes against us. God wants us to be the people that He has raised us up to be and not fall by the way side. The Bible says that in that great day there will be some that fall away. What's going to cause them to fall away? Will it be because they forgot about being a "fortified city, an iron pillar?"
I want to take authority today on the appointment that comes from the Lord: to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. We have been empowered by the Holy Ghost to overcome the enemy when he tries to cause us to fail and we have power to overcome him in this spiritual warfare that is raging around us! "Get yourself ready" today to carry out the appointment that God has given you as an individual and seek revival for yourself and let it spark a revival in someone else!!
I like the way the NIV puts verses 17-19 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land ... They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you" The Message Bible translates it this way: "I'm making you as impregnable as a castle, immovable as a steel post, solid as a concrete block wall. You're a one-man defense system against this culture...they won't even scratch you. I'll back you up every inch of the way."
God has made all of us as "iron pillars", "immovable steel post", "solid concrete block walls" by His power, by His authority, and by His appointment. I believe that we don't realize sometimes just how much power and authority that we have and that we have all the tools to defeat the enemy when he comes against us. God wants us to be the people that He has raised us up to be and not fall by the way side. The Bible says that in that great day there will be some that fall away. What's going to cause them to fall away? Will it be because they forgot about being a "fortified city, an iron pillar?"
I want to take authority today on the appointment that comes from the Lord: to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. We have been empowered by the Holy Ghost to overcome the enemy when he tries to cause us to fail and we have power to overcome him in this spiritual warfare that is raging around us! "Get yourself ready" today to carry out the appointment that God has given you as an individual and seek revival for yourself and let it spark a revival in someone else!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Motives
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? ... You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do no ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.... God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:1-6 (NIV)
Are our desires not what God wants them to be? Have we gotten a mind frame of self-want, self-comfort in how we think things ought to be? I'm reminded what the Word says in 2 Chronicles 7 about being humble and praying! If I have a quarrel with someone or about something, I have a responsibility to seek God's direction and make sure that what my thinking or action's are is not conjured up through strife and pride in my life. The last thing that I want is to be opposed from God because I allowed some "stiffnecked thinking" get in the way of God.
I believe that it's time to let God be God in our lives and as (or) if we seek revival in our lives, be open and receptive to the answers that we are getting! Revival starts within us as an individual and after God cleans and polishes us as to how he wants us to be, then we as a congregation, church, community, nation will experience a real heartfelt, prayed for revival!
Let's allow God to "open the windows of heaven" and pour the "RAIN" down on us as we humble ourselves in the potters hand. Be blessed in the Lord today!
Are our desires not what God wants them to be? Have we gotten a mind frame of self-want, self-comfort in how we think things ought to be? I'm reminded what the Word says in 2 Chronicles 7 about being humble and praying! If I have a quarrel with someone or about something, I have a responsibility to seek God's direction and make sure that what my thinking or action's are is not conjured up through strife and pride in my life. The last thing that I want is to be opposed from God because I allowed some "stiffnecked thinking" get in the way of God.
I believe that it's time to let God be God in our lives and as (or) if we seek revival in our lives, be open and receptive to the answers that we are getting! Revival starts within us as an individual and after God cleans and polishes us as to how he wants us to be, then we as a congregation, church, community, nation will experience a real heartfelt, prayed for revival!
Let's allow God to "open the windows of heaven" and pour the "RAIN" down on us as we humble ourselves in the potters hand. Be blessed in the Lord today!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Continual Service
The presence of the Lord was felt this morning in the worship service at Kempville Chapel. We felt a move of the Spirit settle down on us during the song service and as we were coming to the close of the song service the Lord moved upon me to have a couple of people come to the front for special prayer. As those that came up for prayer and those that were "laying on of hands" were praying the Spirit of the Lord moved in a mighty way and I believe that there was healing happening in those individuals. There were more that came forward for prayer as the Spirit was stirring in the prayers of the saints.
I was lead to a very familiar passage of scripture found in the book of Daniel chapter 6. The Holy Ghost spoke to us through this "Sunday School Story" that so many learn as a child. I love it when we can take an old familiar story from the Bible and have the Holy Ghost direct our lives and allow us to learn something fresh and new. The Lord brought out something in that passage that I had not seen before in reading and studying of the Word. The scripture tells us in verse 16 that the king, Darius, commanded them to bring Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And here is what the Lord showed me this morning that I never saw before, he, Darius, spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. Darius new that Daniel was faithful to his God and that he served him, continually!
We have to serve God continually in our lives and not let up! The Lord had favor on Daniel to have the angels come and shut the mouths of the lions because of the dedication that Daniel had to Him. Daniel had a continual servanthood with the Lord. This meant that no matter the cost, no matter the circumstance, no matter the outcome of the "written law", no matter the trial and hurts of life, he continually served the Lord. We can have the same favor of the Lord today if we will set our sights on the Lord and continually serve Him no matter what the cost!!!!
I was lead to a very familiar passage of scripture found in the book of Daniel chapter 6. The Holy Ghost spoke to us through this "Sunday School Story" that so many learn as a child. I love it when we can take an old familiar story from the Bible and have the Holy Ghost direct our lives and allow us to learn something fresh and new. The Lord brought out something in that passage that I had not seen before in reading and studying of the Word. The scripture tells us in verse 16 that the king, Darius, commanded them to bring Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And here is what the Lord showed me this morning that I never saw before, he, Darius, spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. Darius new that Daniel was faithful to his God and that he served him, continually!
We have to serve God continually in our lives and not let up! The Lord had favor on Daniel to have the angels come and shut the mouths of the lions because of the dedication that Daniel had to Him. Daniel had a continual servanthood with the Lord. This meant that no matter the cost, no matter the circumstance, no matter the outcome of the "written law", no matter the trial and hurts of life, he continually served the Lord. We can have the same favor of the Lord today if we will set our sights on the Lord and continually serve Him no matter what the cost!!!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
A Firm Place
Ezra 9:8,9 says, "But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. Though we are slaves, our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia. He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem." (NIV) Notice what the verse says about a firm place in his sanctuary. The NKJV translates the firm place to be a "peg" which is in reference to "claiming a stake". You can do a study of the events that happen in the book of Ezra and also Chronicles about the temple of God and how God has commissioned Ezra to be His prophet to lead His people in this time, but God has shown me just a small part of the scripture that speaks volumes to me this morning.
As referred to earlier, a "peg", or a "firm place", God wants us to know that we have a "stake" in His Kingdom as followers of Jesus Christ. This means that "no weapon formed against us shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17), this means that we are "risen with Christ just as He is risen from the grave" (Colossians 3:1). We have a stake in something that is eternal. We have a hope in something this morning that no one, nobody, no circumstance, nothing - can take it away! You see, Ezra was a prophet of God that was humble before the Lord because of the sins of the people. In the same chapter in verse 5, it says that Ezra fell on his knees with his hands spread out to the Lord and prayed. This shows me of a posture that we as Christians need to be at all times, on our knees in prayer with a "humble heart and turning from our wicked ways and hearing from God" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
I believe this morning with all my heart that if we have a need, that if we have lost loved ones that need to be saved, that if we have a "thorn in the flesh" we can take a "stake" and humble ourselves before the Lord in prayer and fasting then we will see the hand of God move in a mighty way. Join with me today and be like the prophet Ezra and get in the right "posture" and be "humble" and claim the stake and blessings that God has for His children.
As referred to earlier, a "peg", or a "firm place", God wants us to know that we have a "stake" in His Kingdom as followers of Jesus Christ. This means that "no weapon formed against us shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17), this means that we are "risen with Christ just as He is risen from the grave" (Colossians 3:1). We have a stake in something that is eternal. We have a hope in something this morning that no one, nobody, no circumstance, nothing - can take it away! You see, Ezra was a prophet of God that was humble before the Lord because of the sins of the people. In the same chapter in verse 5, it says that Ezra fell on his knees with his hands spread out to the Lord and prayed. This shows me of a posture that we as Christians need to be at all times, on our knees in prayer with a "humble heart and turning from our wicked ways and hearing from God" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
I believe this morning with all my heart that if we have a need, that if we have lost loved ones that need to be saved, that if we have a "thorn in the flesh" we can take a "stake" and humble ourselves before the Lord in prayer and fasting then we will see the hand of God move in a mighty way. Join with me today and be like the prophet Ezra and get in the right "posture" and be "humble" and claim the stake and blessings that God has for His children.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
It's still one
Jack Hayford, a well-known pastor and leader, once told the story of how God deepened his love for people. Walking across a parking lot one day, he noticed a penny on the asphalt. He thought, It's more work to stoop over and pick up that thing than it's worth. About to enter his car, he suddenly felt a whisper from the heart of God: "It's still ONE."
Jack realized God was softening his heart, so he bent down and picked up the forgotten penny. In the following weeks the pennies seemed to appear everywhere - each time an unexpected reminder of the preciousness of each person. He scooped up every penny he found, even those in odd places.
One late night in an airport, Jack walked into a restroom. The place was smelly and unclean, but there in the mess, he found yet another penny. This particular penny was his greatest challenge yet - it stared at him from the bottom of a dirty urinal. Knowing God was teaching him something, Jack grabbed a handful of paper towels, picked up the penny, placed it in the sink, and scrubbed it with all the soap he could find. He carried that rescued penny home, keenly aware that God was stirring an intense passion in his heart for souls.1
I wonder if we have that kind of passion today for those that are lost and undone without God. I wonder if we have a passion for those that may not be as "dignified"? I believe that it took a lot of faith to reach his hand down in an old dirty, smelly, disease infested urinal to rescue a lonely penny. Jesus would do that, TODAY! If Jesus was walking this land today (just as He did some 2 thousand years ago) He would reach out for the homeless, unfortunate, rebellious, prostitute, drug addict, alcoholic, sex addict, rapist, homosexual, habitual lire, deceitful minded, conniver, etc... and love them.
I believe that there are Christian people that feel like the penny in the bottom of the urinal. Feelings of discouragement, disappointment, hurt, loneliness, guilt, etc... Jesus is reaching out to those people also, TODAY! My prayer is that I would not neglect, turn my head from or ignore a person just because they smell, they look rough, or they live a sinful life, because they need salvation too! Have we as a church gotten used to our "shirt and tie" and forgotten about the sinners that we are commissioned to go and spread the gospel too? We need to have the heart that Paul had when he said, "... I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen and according to the flesh" Romans 9: 2,3 (ESV).
1Jack Hayford, The Parable of the Pennies
(Jack Hayford Ministries, 2007).
Jack realized God was softening his heart, so he bent down and picked up the forgotten penny. In the following weeks the pennies seemed to appear everywhere - each time an unexpected reminder of the preciousness of each person. He scooped up every penny he found, even those in odd places.
One late night in an airport, Jack walked into a restroom. The place was smelly and unclean, but there in the mess, he found yet another penny. This particular penny was his greatest challenge yet - it stared at him from the bottom of a dirty urinal. Knowing God was teaching him something, Jack grabbed a handful of paper towels, picked up the penny, placed it in the sink, and scrubbed it with all the soap he could find. He carried that rescued penny home, keenly aware that God was stirring an intense passion in his heart for souls.1
I wonder if we have that kind of passion today for those that are lost and undone without God. I wonder if we have a passion for those that may not be as "dignified"? I believe that it took a lot of faith to reach his hand down in an old dirty, smelly, disease infested urinal to rescue a lonely penny. Jesus would do that, TODAY! If Jesus was walking this land today (just as He did some 2 thousand years ago) He would reach out for the homeless, unfortunate, rebellious, prostitute, drug addict, alcoholic, sex addict, rapist, homosexual, habitual lire, deceitful minded, conniver, etc... and love them.
I believe that there are Christian people that feel like the penny in the bottom of the urinal. Feelings of discouragement, disappointment, hurt, loneliness, guilt, etc... Jesus is reaching out to those people also, TODAY! My prayer is that I would not neglect, turn my head from or ignore a person just because they smell, they look rough, or they live a sinful life, because they need salvation too! Have we as a church gotten used to our "shirt and tie" and forgotten about the sinners that we are commissioned to go and spread the gospel too? We need to have the heart that Paul had when he said, "... I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen and according to the flesh" Romans 9: 2,3 (ESV).
1Jack Hayford, The Parable of the Pennies
(Jack Hayford Ministries, 2007).
Monday, November 9, 2009
Webb Craighead
I wanted to update you on Bro. Webb Craighead.
He came through the surgery fine and as of 10 pm last night was beginning to rest. The doctors said the surgery was successful. To God be the glory! Keep praying!
He came through the surgery fine and as of 10 pm last night was beginning to rest. The doctors said the surgery was successful. To God be the glory! Keep praying!
Weekend Review
It seems like this past weekend was a week long! I wanted to just do a little review this morning on this weekend:
Friday night lights - (high school football) I had an excellent crew working with me in the DCA vs FACS game with FACS winning 24 - 20; OWLS WIN (beat pearl-cohn 9 - 0)
Saturday morning bball - Lady Braves, a force to be reckoned with, big win 50 something - 10 something; Braves (boys team) fought hard, came up 4 points shy of winning (team getting better)
Sunday morning service - Great move of the Holy Spirit in the morning worship! Guest speaker Bro. Jack Taylor ministered in the Word
Friday night lights - (high school football) I had an excellent crew working with me in the DCA vs FACS game with FACS winning 24 - 20; OWLS WIN (beat pearl-cohn 9 - 0)
Saturday morning bball - Lady Braves, a force to be reckoned with, big win 50 something - 10 something; Braves (boys team) fought hard, came up 4 points shy of winning (team getting better)
Sunday morning service - Great move of the Holy Spirit in the morning worship! Guest speaker Bro. Jack Taylor ministered in the Word
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thoughts for today
First of all this morning, "KCY" did a great job last night in the revival service at GCN. I am very proud of our young people. They had to adjust to the size of the sanctuary (sometimes we don't like to adjust from the way we do things), the wrong song started playing at first (the devil likes to distract from doing God's work, but he is defeated), but they brought everything together and ministered in a tremendous way! I like it when you have confirmation's that what you (individually or as a group) are doing is the right thing! The enemy doesn't want the gospel spread to a world that is dying lost without God and he will try to defeat our efforts in any way that he can. I'm proud to have a group of young people that are not afraid to stand up and do something for God!!!!!
Secondly this morning, I want to encourage you to remember what the scripture says that we started out with yesterday morning, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful" Psalm 139: 13,14 (niv) We have a creator that has a plan for us and he planned it all out in the beginning before we were even born. I'm glad that my creator thought enough about me to form me into His image and give me a life that is abundant with His grace, mercy, and love!
But even though I am created and knit together just like God wants me to be, I have a choice to live for my creator or deny him. So many times we find people in life that have forgotten that all you have to do is make one simple choice and that choice will determine your eternity. I'm glad that I've made the choice NOT to deny my maker. I want to serve Him with everything that I have and put forth my best effort even when the distractions come, even when I get the "don't feel like its", even when it seems like I'm not making a difference I know that God is right there to lead and guide and that if I "keep the faith" my reward will be great.
Let me encourage you today to be all that you can be for the Lord, for He did create you in His image and He loves you and is caring for you and wants you to have an "expected end". God Bless You!
Secondly this morning, I want to encourage you to remember what the scripture says that we started out with yesterday morning, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful" Psalm 139: 13,14 (niv) We have a creator that has a plan for us and he planned it all out in the beginning before we were even born. I'm glad that my creator thought enough about me to form me into His image and give me a life that is abundant with His grace, mercy, and love!
But even though I am created and knit together just like God wants me to be, I have a choice to live for my creator or deny him. So many times we find people in life that have forgotten that all you have to do is make one simple choice and that choice will determine your eternity. I'm glad that I've made the choice NOT to deny my maker. I want to serve Him with everything that I have and put forth my best effort even when the distractions come, even when I get the "don't feel like its", even when it seems like I'm not making a difference I know that God is right there to lead and guide and that if I "keep the faith" my reward will be great.
Let me encourage you today to be all that you can be for the Lord, for He did create you in His image and He loves you and is caring for you and wants you to have an "expected end". God Bless You!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Youth Ministering Tonight
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Psalms 139:13-16
I would ask for you to be in prayer for the youth group tonight as they go minister in a revival at the Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene beginning at 7pm. I know that they are nervous but yet anxious. Nervous because they will be in front of different people than they are used too and anxious because they use their talents to Worship the Lord. When you're driving down the road today or sitting at your desk or whatever today's events behold, say a prayer for Bailey, Hali W (coach), Lindsy, Yaneli, Caitlin, Megan, Hailey G, Lora, Olivia, Addy, Justin, Blake, and Hunter.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made in the eyes of God the Father!
I would ask for you to be in prayer for the youth group tonight as they go minister in a revival at the Gordonsville Church of the Nazarene beginning at 7pm. I know that they are nervous but yet anxious. Nervous because they will be in front of different people than they are used too and anxious because they use their talents to Worship the Lord. When you're driving down the road today or sitting at your desk or whatever today's events behold, say a prayer for Bailey, Hali W (coach), Lindsy, Yaneli, Caitlin, Megan, Hailey G, Lora, Olivia, Addy, Justin, Blake, and Hunter.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made in the eyes of God the Father!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Examples in speech
The Apostle Paul must have known that Timothy would not be taken seriously. In his writings in the book of 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul encourages Timothy to "Don't' let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." We often use this scripture to encourage the youth to be all that they can be for the Lord and use their talents and gifts that the Lord has given them and to be a witness among their peers. I believe that all Christians ought to take a look at this scripture no matter their age (physically or spiritually) and take hold of what Paul was telling Timothy.
We are to be an example, not just to unbelievers, but also to believers. We are to set an example of prayer, dedication, commitment, responsibility, etc... to those that are among our congregations, families, and close friends. We are to live a life that is glorifying to God and causing someone to learn from us and want to be a part of the Kingdom of God. That's a tall order! We are to guard our mouths and not let any ill talk, dirty talk, slander, deceit, etc... come from our conversations and destroy our witness or the witness of another. We should always remember what we were taught in kindergarten, "if you can't say anything good about someone don't say anything at all." We are to uplift others and not tear them down.
Let me encourage you today to speak good about someone and lift them up in the Lord and be an example in your conversation and let it glorify God.
We are to be an example, not just to unbelievers, but also to believers. We are to set an example of prayer, dedication, commitment, responsibility, etc... to those that are among our congregations, families, and close friends. We are to live a life that is glorifying to God and causing someone to learn from us and want to be a part of the Kingdom of God. That's a tall order! We are to guard our mouths and not let any ill talk, dirty talk, slander, deceit, etc... come from our conversations and destroy our witness or the witness of another. We should always remember what we were taught in kindergarten, "if you can't say anything good about someone don't say anything at all." We are to uplift others and not tear them down.
Let me encourage you today to speak good about someone and lift them up in the Lord and be an example in your conversation and let it glorify God.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Crucified with Him
Paul said in Galatians 2:20 "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." Paul is striking a cord with us in the scripture because if we are truly born again children of God we are to live our lives crucified with Him. If an unbeliever was talking about how you lived in front of them, would they notice that you have been crucified with Christ by your words, actions, etc... or would they say that you are a hypocrite? We have people looking at our lives everyday, especially if we profess to be a Christian. We are to live a crucified life; crucified from the world and it's allurements.
I want to switch gears for a moment and Praise the Lord for the wonderful service that we had at Kempville Chapel yesterday morning. The presence of God was in the house for sure! I had a young lady tell me after service last night that we had "backwards day" at church. What she was referring too was after Sunday School we started singing and doing our "normal" routine for the morning worship service and when Bro. Danny turned the service over to me for the "welcome and announcements" the Holy Ghost got to stirring within me (and I believe others in the house) and "normal routine" went out the window. I knew that something good was going to happen in service because we didn't get through our Sunday School lesson. We were already stirred up a little bit from our class and it just filtered over to the morning worship service. I thank God for the anointing to preach and for the discernment to know the direction of God. We had preaching where the singing was supposed to be and we had singing where the preaching was supposed to be. We had a good day in the Lord and I hope that it started something in us that will take us to REVIVAL because the "church" needs revival, not just Kempville but the whole church of God. We need to realize that we are "crucified with Christ" and let him be rule of our lives.
Let me encourage you today to "be out of the norm". Let's be radical for Jesus!
I want to switch gears for a moment and Praise the Lord for the wonderful service that we had at Kempville Chapel yesterday morning. The presence of God was in the house for sure! I had a young lady tell me after service last night that we had "backwards day" at church. What she was referring too was after Sunday School we started singing and doing our "normal" routine for the morning worship service and when Bro. Danny turned the service over to me for the "welcome and announcements" the Holy Ghost got to stirring within me (and I believe others in the house) and "normal routine" went out the window. I knew that something good was going to happen in service because we didn't get through our Sunday School lesson. We were already stirred up a little bit from our class and it just filtered over to the morning worship service. I thank God for the anointing to preach and for the discernment to know the direction of God. We had preaching where the singing was supposed to be and we had singing where the preaching was supposed to be. We had a good day in the Lord and I hope that it started something in us that will take us to REVIVAL because the "church" needs revival, not just Kempville but the whole church of God. We need to realize that we are "crucified with Christ" and let him be rule of our lives.
Let me encourage you today to "be out of the norm". Let's be radical for Jesus!
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