February 2011
1 post
Stand up; Stand out!
The book of Daniel is full of excellent reading material. It is rich with prophecy. It chronicles a period of Israel’s captivity into Babylon and of the Medes and Persians. The book of Daniel is full of such great truths such as the three Hebrew boys not bowing before the idol and being thrown into the fiery furnace, and Daniel continuing to pray to the One True God and being thrown into the...
January 2011
1 post
If You're in a Great Church...
Recently, Jack Cunningham tweeted, “If u r n a great church.. Appreciate it.. Pray for it.. Support it.. Attend it.. Love it.. Build it.. Enjoy it.” I liked it so much that I re-tweeted it. And then I got to thinking, that’s the making of a good blog…
Appreciate it
I love the Church of the living God. And I also love the local assembly I’m privileged to pastor - The...
December 2010
3 posts
Understanding Your Empowerment
God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life. 1 Cor. 4:20 (MsgB)
“To give official authority or legal power to: enable” is how Merriam Webster defines the word empower.
Understanding your empowerment means realizing that you’ve been granted authority over the enemy’s ability. In Luke 10:19, Jesus explains that He has given us power (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions,...
Old Landmarks
A few years ago, I was privileged to join my daughter, Brooklyn, and her class on a field trip to New Sweden, Maine. We toured the museum and grounds, celebrating the sacrifice the Swedish pioneers made over one hundred years ago to travel to the New World.
We walked through the various buildings admiring the artifacts and pictures of days gone by. I tried to imagine what it was like back then...
The Back Burner
When my dear mother was preparing a scrumptious meal for her family, sometimes she would (for a space of time) place things on … “the back-burner”. She understood the PURPOSE of the “back-burner”. The “back-burner” was a place where the heat was NOT nearly as intense. The “ingredients” in the vessel (on the “back-burner”) would...
November 2010
3 posts
Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem comes from the Latin and means, “Enjoy, make use of, seize; with emphasis on making the most of current opportunities because life is short and time is fleeting.” (from Wikipedia & Webster’s). Popularly, Carpe Diem is translated, “Seize the day!”
This morning while reading through Acts, something caught my attention. In Acts 3:12, Peter is defending the miracle he and John have just...
And the Lord Added to the Church Daily...
Church growth: it’s the desire of every pastor. It’s the goal of each evangelist. Apostles strive to facilitate it. Prophets declare it. Teachers equip saints to fulfill it. Every Christian I know wants the Acts 2:47…and the Lord added to the church daily… experience in their local assembly.
Some define church growth by numbers and while numerical growth is a piece of it, it is not the whole....
The Dangers of Cultural Pentecostalism
Judges 2:6-10 (KJV) And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land. [7] And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel. [8] And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred...
October 2010
5 posts
Talk is Cheap
Luke 6:46-49 (NKJV) “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? [47] Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: [48] He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it...
Satisfied With Just a Lamp
In Matthew 25, Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins: five wise, and five foolish. There are some important things from this segment of Scripture that is relevant to the last day’s church which demand further examination, explanation, and application. They are all virgins: This signifies the “right” church. The church is always referred to in the feminine: virgin, bride, whore, etc....
It's Time to Choose
Joshua 24:14-15 (KJV) Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. [15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods...
Reclaim Your Cutting Edge
Have you ever felt like your life was unfocused and you were spinning your wheels? You’re not alone. Many people claim to live unfulfilled lives. When purpose is spoken of, they have no idea, and sometimes no drive, to understand what their’s is in life. Recorded in 2 Kings 6:5-7 is a story about a man that lost his cutting edge…literally…let me enlighten you… The sons of the prophets needed to...
True Heroes of the Faith
Last evening my wife and I invited another couple and Bishop John Mean over (78 years old) to watch General Conference online. Aside from the year of the passing of his wife, Nilah, this is the first Conference he has missed in as far back as he can remember. Needless to say, when his doctor told him it was in his best interest to refrain from long trips, he was somewhat discouraged. However, upon...
September 2010
4 posts
Join the Story
Judges 2:10 is quite possibly one of the most regretful verses of the whole Bible. I’ve chosen the word regretful because it means, “Sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one’s control or power to repair.” There is no way we can go back and rewrite history. The verse is forever settled in the Word of God. As sad as it is, it happened. Why did it happen? It happened because they did not join...
The Marks of Discipleship
Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? What if there was a litmus test? There is. It’s called the Bible. …and the Word of God… …and the Bread of Life… …and James compares it to a mirror… And in it are the identifying marks of a disciple. John 8:31 (KJV) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; Those that...
The Last Days
Dr. John McArthur believes that God has abandoned the United States of America. based on extensive study of Israel’s abandonment and the first chapter of Romans. I can certainly see Dr. McArthur’s point, and at least believe that God has abandoned mainstream Christianity. In 1787, Edward Gibbon wrote a book titled, “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” For twenty years Gibbon studied the Roman...
The Fall of the U.S.A.
Dr. John McArthur believes that God has abandoned the United States of America. based on extensive study of Israel’s abandonment and the first chapter of Romans. I can certainly see Dr. McArthur’s point, and at least believe that God has abandoned mainstream Christianity. In 1787, Edward Gibbon wrote a book titled, “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” For twenty years Gibbon studied the Roman...
August 2010
5 posts
Is it Well With Your Soul?
The elder preacher was walking down the streets of London and thought he recognized a friend ahead of him. He rushed to catch up and shouted, “Friend, is it well with your soul?” The startled man turned around speechless at the question. The preacher realized it wasn’t his friend and quickly apologized for shocking this stranger and the two parted ways. A few years later, the...
Low Battery: Recharge Now!
Technology is great. We have many various ways to communicate and stay in touch with loved ones all over the world. From cell phones to PDA’s to laptops with wireless internet, we chat, text, and converse regularly with friends and family. However, I’ve noticed something about technology: the battery only lasts for a while. Just before typing this blog, I returned to my office and...
Praying the Will of God
1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. Confidence Boldness = “Come boldly before the throne!” Confidence in Him, not in ourselves! Speak the language of faith, not fear! Because God doesn’t...
God Has Limitations!
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (KJV) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; [28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: [29] That no flesh should glory in his presence. God is...
Moments, Monuments, & Movement
When is a moment strictly that – a moment? Are some moments intended to become monuments? When should a moment translate into a movement? How is it some miss the moment? Momentum is affected adversely when we do not discern appropriately. Memories of a moment fill our minds and we live in the past. Other times, mankind gets in the way of the moment, and momentum is lost. Some make ministries out...
July 2010
5 posts
Looking in the Mirror
Have you ever looked in the mirror and didn’t like what you see? Remember going to the “House of Mirrors?” Remember laughing hysterically?
The Bible has been called many things:
Guidebook
Road-map
Treasure-chest
The Bible include’s metaphors of itself too:
The Bread of Life
Two-Edged Sword
Mirror
That last one is not as popular or well known; however, it’s...
Filled With the Spirit
Spirit filled, born again believers want to keep themselves in a place where Jesus Christ is the central figure of their lives. As we walk with God, difficulties arise and many times find ourselves in a very dry place even feeling weak and alone. Looking deeper into the Bible’s teaching to the church, God has given understanding on how to stay continually filled with His Spirit.
Ephesians chapter...
Are You Drifting?
Two young men were fishing one day near their hometown. Being so focused on their goal of catching fish, they didn’t realize their boat had drifted so close to the dam’s rushing water until they were too close to turn back. Caught by the current, their boat was swept over the dam into the crashing water below where the forceful flow of water pulled the young men under. They never came...
Power to Become
Remember being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
I do.
I also remember fluctuating from wanting to be a cowboy, to an army ranger, to anything else that came to my mind. Then high school came. By this time, I knew what God had called me to do, but I still struggled with how to fulfill God’s calling on my life. My guidance counselor met with all of us and helped us prepare...
Being Effective
Everyone wants to be effective. Parents want to be effective in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Spouses want to be effective in their marriages. Families strive for effectiveness in their homes. Employees seek to be effective on their job. The list could go on and on. Following are three key ways that we can be effective for God.
1) Reach UP to God
Your...
June 2010
6 posts
Put the Mission in Motion
In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps stole the spotlight as he broke record after record. Yet buried beneath in the news cycle was the story of the USA Men’s and Women’s relay teams who lost because they dropped the baton during their respective races. In a relay race, every second counts and passing the baton is crucial.
We are also in a race and as we pass the baton from one...
Refer to the Instructions
On May 23, 2009, I finished my daughter’s clubhouse swing set. She was excited beyond words and began logging many hours of playtime in it. In fact, she would probably sleep in it if I would let her. Her laughter and appreciation of it is reward enough for me.
When I opened the first box, I did what many men do not do: I read through the instruction manual. I wanted to ensure that I had all...
Decreasing & Increasing
Are you an on-purpose person? Do you deal with things as they come up, or do you prepare for contingencies? Some people fail to prepare while others prepare for failure. People who live on-purpose would rather try at something that could fail than fail to try at something that could succeed. Are you willing to take a risk? In a nutshell, do you live proactively or reactively? I realize that there...
The Path of a Righteous Man
Job 28:7 There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen:
Job 28:8 The lion’s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
For centuries, men have anchored and measured their comings and goings by way of a fixed point. Just as the wise men followed a star to the stable of a Savior, Genesis 1:14 reveals to us that the lights in the firmament...
When Things go Wrong, Don't go Wrong With Them
Ever feel like things are coming in against you from every side?
And in the forecast for your life today: a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect. High winds of doubt and fear are expected to reach hurricane speeds. Hard pelting rains of sorrow and despair are expected to cause floods of depression. It is doubtful that the sun will be seen any time soon. Please stay captive to the fear that...
Do You See The Cross?
William Walsham, the 19th century songwriter penned these words in his famous composition, “It Is a Thing Most Wonderful,”
“I sometimes think about the cross
And shut my eyes and try to see
The cruel nails and crown of thorns
And Jesus crucified for me.
But even could I see him die,
I could see but a little part
Of that great love, which, like fire,
Is always burning in His...
May 2010
13 posts
Whose Side is God on?
You’ve probably heard the phrase “God is on my side” or something similar. But is that accurate? Is God on our side? The verse people draw that conclusion from is Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?[1]” But does this mean God is on my side? The whole context needs to be studied in order to determine what the verse is saying and what it’s not saying. Paul is not stating that God...
Day of Freedom
An American soldier held as a POW for many years during WWII wrote a memoir of his captivity and ensuing day of freedom that changed his life forever. His personal story is powerful and contains a message that is eye opening to say the least.
The soldier wrote in his memoir and recorded, “I remember the day that the allied forces finally came to our rescue and pulled us out of the that POW...
The Cure For Identity Crisis
Society is seemingly suffering from an identity crisis. There is a war of ideologies that is taking place on a cultural, national, global, and in many instances even a local plain. Within the realm of these crises are scores of people who are simply lost in the pursuit to fill the void resident within their soul.
Everyone, it seems, is searching for themselves. People from all walks of life...
A Place to Become
1 Corinthians 12:28 (New King James Version) And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Do you see it? Right in the middle of this verse is the word “helps.” One translation says, “those that can help others.” Another translation...
Growth Takes Time
The eleventh fruit is the fruit of endurance. It is one of the main characteristics of an active follower of Jesus Christ. Sports and health enthusiasts understand the importance of proper diet, exercise, sleep, and even clothing, to ensure better endurance. The true worshipper is no different – they understand that endurance is imperative to hearing the words “well done you good and faithful...
The Voice of a Stranger
John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
John 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Saul began as a mighty man, a man of great reputation among his people, one who walked in the anointing of God. Yet somewhere along the way he became aware...
Sound Words
“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (14) By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:13-14 ESV)
In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul encourages him to follow the pattern of sound words that he has spoken to him. In his first epistle to Timothy, Paul...
I am a Friend of God
The fruit of righteousness means, “the state of him who is such as he ought to be: integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness, correctness in thinking, feeling, and acting.”[1] We must be covered with God’s righteousness, as ours equals filthy rags.[2] Thus, like all other fruit, bearing this fruit is not for my sake, but for the sake of others.
Integrity:
This is what you are regardless of...
Revelation Leads to Relationship
The Old Testament revelation of God seems to center around His mighty works. When we look closely at these works we find that the revelation goes much deeper than showing God as a God with power to create and perform. A misunderstanding of the purpose of the revelation of God will lead us to a misunderstanding of God Himself. Such misunderstanding will lead to grievous errors in interpreting the...
Control Yourself
To control yourself means, “The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.”[1] However, don’t confuse the word sensual with implying only that of a sexual nature. The use the word sensual is referring to all five of the senses and encompasses a broad scope of things that you need to control in your life.
A lot is preached about addiction to drugs and...
United: an army of one!
Uniqueness. Differences. Varying gifts and abilities. We are not clones! God does not take His “cookie cutter” and mold us all the same. Besides our physical and racial differences, there are spiritual differences too. Yes, all of us have the same Holy Ghost. All of us receive the same justification. All of us are saved unto works (santification) and strive for holiness within and...
Rated 3-G
Numbers 13:26-33 (KJV)
And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. [27] And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and...
Being Meek Isn't Weak
The fruit of meekness is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, bearing the fruit of meekness is a sign of strength. Meekness means “humility,”[1] “mildness,”[2] and “a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked.”[3] Such heroes as Abraham, Moses, David and Paul were noted to bear the fruit of meekness. Meekness is ultimately exemplified in Jesus Christ.[4]
Humility:
Pride is against the very...
April 2010
4 posts
Be Good for Goodness Sake
Santa Claus isn’t coming town; Jesus Christ is, and yes, you still need to be good for goodness sake. From the Greek word AGATHOSUNE the following definition is derived, “uprightness of heart and life,”[1] and “the act of generous giving, with the implication of its relationship to goodness: to be generous: generosity: but the Spirit produces love, joy…and generosity (Galatians 5:22).”[2]
...
Moral Excellence
The word gentleness is taken from the Greek word CHRESTOTES, meaning, “usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor): kindness.”[1] This is where I draw my inspiration for the title of this chapter. Gentleness can be easily overlooked, but I think you do yourself a disservice if you do. Being gentle is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it portrays moral excellence.
Your...
Why Can't it be Short-Suffering?
No one that I know volunteers for suffering? And while many I know willingly obey the Lord and make the choice to serve Him daily, not one of them enjoy the trials they face. And even the strongest Christian will be consumed with thoughts of “what if?” Sure, once they come to terms with eternity, they are able make a strong stand that serves as a testimony to other Christians, the onlookers,...
Surpassing Peace
Peace is not the absence of chaos; it is the tranquility of your spirit in the midst of chaos. You can be surrounded by crime, pain, tragedy: in a word, chaos, and still have peace. How can you possess this type of peace? In bearing the fruit of the Spirit; that’s how. Jesus explained that in the world you would have tribulation, but in Him you would have peace![1]
The peace of God surpasses...