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Tag: Faith
In His Hands
In His Hands
Betty and I have had a very busy week. We are honored to serve our family and friends, along with our community. Always acknowledging this awesome group of people and your faithfulness to God.
I am not a good time manager. However my thoughts are almost always on God’s work. Listening, reading, praying for revelation and understanding.
I often think of the past while praying. Mostly my past and the awesome love and grace of God. At times it brings me great sorrow. The pain you feel when you realize you could have done better. Then that feeling turns into tears of joy when I begin to worship and praise the God who has forgotten my past, and moves me forward in His amazing purpose.
Micah 7:19 Message, “And compassion is on its way to us. You’ll stamp out our wrongdoing. You’ll sink our sins to the bottom of the ocean.”
In Prayer, when I began to write notes and research scriptures for this message a phrase came to mind. I stopped in my tracks, lifted my eyes towards the heavens and said, “Jesus, Were It Not For You”
“Can you think on that for a moment?”
Psalms 31:14-15
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
Verse 15 says my times. It literally means, my days, hours, weeks, years. MY TIMES
The Message says, “Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.”
“In His Hands”
Jesus said.
John 10:27-30
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
“Do we really understand what this says?”
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them”= speaks of mutual recognition.
“They follow me, and I give them eternal life” = speaks of reciprocal activity.
“They shall not perish forever, and no one shall pluck them out of my hand” = this is an authoritative assurance, and its promise and justification.
“This stuff is awesome. What promises God has provided for us.”
“He knows us, He has given eternal life to us, and nobody can take us away from Him.”
Job said this in describing his cataclysmic loss of family and wealth.
Job 12:9-10
9 “Who among all these does not know That the hand of the Lord has done this,
10 In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?
“Do we really understand the presence and power of God that keeps us, and empowers us.”
Isaiah 49:14-16
14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And the Lord has forgotten me.”
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.
16 “Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
David shared this from Psalms 139.
Psalms 139:9-10
9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
Psalms 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.
“The safety and power of the promises we have inherited as we live our lives, in His hands.”
He Leaned Toward Me
He Leaned Toward Me
As always I want to tell all of you how precious you are to Betty and I. Our prayers for you go up daily to the Lord. Speaking favor and blessings over your lives, and our community.
Please be in prayer for our country. The division and anger has been consistently troubling over the past months. Please pray that God will cover us with His presence and His peace.
It seems like my weeks go by so fast. Getting everything done that needs to be done is a challenge.
In just about 2 months we will be having our Christmas Banquet. The years go by faster and faster.
Moving forward is what we do. Looking back, except to learn, has never been an option with me. You can not measure our results by normal standards. “We ain’t normal.”
I come today in His name to share some thoughts titled, “He Leaned Toward Me”
Psalms 40 was attributed to David and it has an awesome story to tell.
The NASB Bible titles chapters and passages in the chapters, with a relevant synopsis of the chapter or the passages .
Psalms 40 Is titled, “God Sustains His Servant”
The word sustain has several meanings to day. Here is a couple of ones relevant to this Psalm. (to support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of. To keep (a person, the mind, the spirits, etc.) from giving way, as under trial or affliction.)
Here is what David said.
Psalms 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
The first verse tells of the three portions of answered prayer.
1st-Waited Patiently. 2Nd-God inclined to me, literally means, He bent towards me. 3Rd-He heard my cry, literally means, He answered it.
He begins the testimony of his deliverance, and His praise for God
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.
Psalms 40:4-5
4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.
Psalms 40:6-8
6 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired;
My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.
(Nothing David did brought about this deliverance. It was God. Same is true for us today. He does good things because He loves us. He answer prayers, not because we are worthy, but because we prayed.)
7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”
Psalms 40:9-12
9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; Behold, I will not restrain my lips,
O Lord, You know.
(David has declared the greatness of God in every public place he could. In the midst of all the people.)
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
11 You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me.
(Have you ever just felt like you just can’t stay out of trouble.) Some life event, jobs, family, kids, finances. Something swirling all the time. “God, I am surrounded.”
Here is the answer!!
Psalms 40:13-17
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; Make haste, O Lord, to help me.
14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to destroy it; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt.
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”
17 Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.
I love verse 17. He is praying for everybody, but don’t forget me. Don’t forget me!!
“Lean Toward Me”
(Somebody needs Him to lean toward you today. To hear and to answer.)
#inHisname #hopelives
Where’s God At?
Where’s God At?
Your love and support has changed the landscape in this community. It has taken a while, but as always God has been faithful to keep us in His perfect will.
I want to encourage everyone to continue in prayer for the devastation that has occurred in Texas and Louisiana. We support an organization that is responding in the area. The IOCC.
I come to you, in His name, to share some thoughts titled, “Where’s God At?”
I kind of want to set the tone for these thoughts with this very familiar passage.
Matthew 1:23
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
With a passage well known like this one I asked myself, why there are times that we wonder, where’s God at?
David shared an awesome declaration of God’s constant presence in his well known Psalm 23.
Psalms 23:4 AMP
Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
What remarkable trust and faith in God!! You are with me; David said
In Genesis 28 Jacob had this awesome dream. Here is a part of what God said.
Genesis 28:13-15
13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants.
14 Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
I love the prophet Jeremiah and his response when God called him, and appointed him a prophet to the nation of Israel.
You will find the whole story in his 1st chapter.
Jeremiah responded this way.
Jeremiah 1:5-6
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.”
What an awesome destiny, with a pitiful excuse.
“What excuse are you using today to keep from fulfilling your destiny?”
Here is how God replied.
Jeremiah 1:7-9
7 But the Lord said to me,“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.
8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
“Don’t tell God you can’t do something when He has called you, and then touched you!!!”
The great I Am is with you, He will deliver you, He will equip you. He will touch you and move you forward in your purpose.
Nothing can stop you, except your lack of faith in Him.
God told Moses-Joshua-He would never leave nor forsake them. Isaiah prophesied it, Solomon wrote about it. David shared the words many times, that God would always be with him.
Why do we sometimes find ourselves in a situation asking, “Where’s God At?”
The enemy of your peace-The enemy of your love-The enemy of your family-Friends-Your job. The enemy of your relationship with Christ, has set his purpose to discourage. Put doubt and fear in your heart.
To say I am too old, too young, not qualified. All the while God has said this through the Apostle Paul.
Philippians 4:13 AMP
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
God is with you always. Isaiah, the prophet often noted as the prophet of calvary spoke often of God’s presence.
Here is a couple of examples.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.”
Preach-God equips and finishes what He starts.
The writer of Hebrews is giving some instruction. In chapter 13 the writer said this.
Hebrews 13:5-6 NASB
5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”
6 so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”
God is here right now. Here always. In you, surrounding you. Embracing you.
Ready to meet your need,calm your storm, forgive your fall.
Remember always when you are tempted to ask, “Where’s God At?”
You need only to look in the mirror. He is with you always.
#inHisname
“Let us Pray”
Let us Pray
I wanted to take a few minutes and share some thoughts on the happenings in our country.
Let me say from the onset that I will not be diving into a political dialogue. My heart, and my concern, is always for the church, and our responsibility to the world we live in.
I can think of no greater responsibility that we have in this present time than prayer.
Racism and division is the driving force of so many different groups today. Racism is horrible. I don’t even understand why it exists today.
The division in politics, and yes even in the American church, is tearing apart our democracy, and our influence as Christians.
At this point I do not believe that speeches, nor even pleas from the pulpit can fix this.
We, as followers of Christ, must pray.
There is a scripture that has been placed on pillows, calendars, and cards for generations.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
13 If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,
14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Many people will say this is taken out of context. I am not going to debate the theological points of this passage.
I believe that if we turn from our division, and turn towards a unified message of the Gospel. Repent of our judgment and hate. Humble ourselves and cry to Him for forgiveness and healing, that God will hear.
I would remind us all of two awesome men of God from the OT.
Daniel, a prophet was in captivity when He began to pray for his people.
Daniel 9:4-6
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments,
5 we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.
6 Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.
He aligned himself with the sins of his people.
Nehemiah 1:6-7
6 let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned.
7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.
Once again an awesome man of God aligned himself with the sins of his people.
Both of these are examples of a unified message.
I may be ok.
You may be ok.
Our world is not. Our country is in trouble.
It is our responsibility, as Christians in America, to join in a unified prayer for our country and it’s leaders.
2 Timothy 2:1-3
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
Please join with me and the congregation of Amazing Life Church to pray for our country and the people within. God has used this country to change the world, and He is not through with us yet.
Pray in faith believing, and In the name of Jesus.
He is faithful to hear and to answer.
#inHisname
Every Single Day
Every Single Day
Prayer is not something that you always randomly do. Yes there are times when we are moved to pray. Still I believe you should make an appointment to pray. Set a time, and do everything possible to keep the appointment.
I would encourage everyone to do this. Even if it is just a few minutes. Be faithful and pray. I am in my third year of this, and it has changed my life. Embracing this Godly connection is awesome.
The last couple of weeks I have been overwhelmed with the goodness of God.
Sharing with other ministries, building relationships, and simply resting in His presence.
I come to you today in the name of Jesus, to share some thoughts titled, “Every Single Day”
Before I get to the message I want to share a couple of passages to set the tone.
Isaiah 41:8-10
8 “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend,
9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its remotest parts And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you.
10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 43:1-2
1 But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
What awesome promises from a Holy God.
Luke 9:23-25
23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
Luke 9:23 JB Phillips
Then he spoke to them all. “If anyone wants to follow in my footsteps, he must give up all right to himself, carry his cross every day and keep close behind me.
There is some awesome stuff in these passages. Verses 24-25 have a clear message. You can live a long life, become wealthy. Have many children, and accumulate much property. You may just live normal life. You are still going to die.
If you lose your life, “give up your life for His life in you.” You will have gained everything of eternal value.
Just a little time on verse 23.
Luke 9:23
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
Pick up the cross daily.
The cross is not a burden. It is an instrument of death. Jesus was going to die on the cross. He used the example to teach us that we must die to ourselves.
Die daily to our ways.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 5:24 NASB
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
So what happens through all this process. I give up myself. Turn from who I am, and become who He is in me. Die to my ways, my desires. YES YES
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
Accepting Christ means giving up your self and your will, in favor of His. We have to pick this firm commitment up, “Every Single Day.”
I must not fail to mention the benefits.
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
Our victory in Christ
Romans 8:37
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
“Every single day we pick up our cross, and every single day we walk and live in His victory.”
Who is tired of doing it your way? Getting No results!!
Maybe it is time to do it His way. The benefits are awesome, and they are eternal.
Blessings to you all. #inHisname
How long will you wait?
How long will you wait?
Today we move forward with the greatness of God. Opportunities to share Jesus, to reveal His purpose, and to support our community, must always be our mission.
There is nothing more important than being relevant. Not only within these walls, but to everyone who walks through the door. We must also be relevant in our community.
The doors are open, and I am asking you to pray that we carry His story with every opportunity that is presented.
Matthew 9:1-7
1 Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city.
2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3 And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.”
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?
5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?
6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He *said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.”
7 And he got up and went home.
There are a lot of things going on in these seven verses.
First, Jesus went home. Home was a place that He once said gave their prophets no honor. Home is sometimes a difficult place to minister.
The paralytic man was brought to Him. This account is referred to similarly in Mark and Luke. I believe that Jesus was teaching us that we have a responsibility to bring needs to Him.
Jesus saw their faith. “When we bring a need to Jesus the person may not have the faith to receive. We must have the faith for them!!!”
Jesus forgave the mans sins. I find that interesting, particularly because the man didn’t ask for forgiveness.
“Jesus dealt with the most important need first.” It was also an opportunity to teach the skeptics who He was.
“Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” And he got up and went home.”
Once again Jesus is using an opportunity to teach who He is.
Mark 3:1-5
1 He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered.
2 They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.
3 He *said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!”
4 And He *said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent.
5 After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He *said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
With each of these cases get up required obedience. “Get up, pick up your bed and go home. Get up and come forward.”
Luke 22:45-46
45 When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow,
46 and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Luke 22:46 NLT
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
Acts 9:10-12 NASB
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,
12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”
Acts 12:6-8
6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.
7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.
8 And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he *said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
You want freedom, you have to get up.
Acts 26:16
But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you.
Paul is blind from the bright light. His circumstances are not conducive to move forward.
In the midst of your circumstances God is saying you have to get up before you can get going.
“The Phrase Get Up-Is A Call To Action!!” Let me share just a few things that require action.
Jesus supply’s every need-Grace is sufficient.
Everlasting life-all things work together for good.
preparing a place in heaven-power to bind and release.
lives can bear fruit-free indeed-nothing impossible.
answer prayers-with us always-works greater than His.
abide in Him His words abide in you ask what you will
ask in His name and receive-With us always.
With all of these and more action is required. You must get up and believe. http://bit.ly/2fq0Ffw
#inHisname
Awesome Message by Bishop Richard Hilton
Take a look at this great word from the Lord, shared by Bishop Richard Hilton, and awesome worship by Theresa Hilton. http://bit.ly/2wjwGZP
I love the Journey
I Love the Journey
I have spent a lot of time addressing topics that I have issues with. I never shrink away from defending Biblical principles regarding the church. In many of my posts I share the Biblical version of the Gospel. The Gospel is not open for opinion. It is clearly defined as the story of Jesus.
I have wanted to tell a little bit about myself and the journey that God has blessed me to walk. By the way I am praying that there is a lot of journey left.
In prayer I say to the Father often, I have always been in your hands, and will always be in your hands.
With all the mistakes and bad decisions I have made over the course of my life. God has always been with me. Loving, correcting, teaching, and forgiving.
Every life has a purpose. Even when you go off course you still have a purpose. You complicate the process when you move beyond His plan but He will help you move back in line with His will.
I have found myself at an age that I thought would have taken a lot longer to reach. I know that sounds weird, but the years pass so fast. Even faster than I ever imagined.
With that said I feel a greater urgency than ever. I don’t have time to deal with issues and yes, even people that aren’t going where God is taking me. That simply means that their purpose is different than mine. If I can help I will, if they have a word for me I will listen.
I am just saying that I don’t have time to waste.
I love the church, and I love the Gospel. It has been my life since I was 16 years old. I pray for the church every day. The Gospel story is the greatest message that the church has. The story of Jesus will change lives, heal divides, and strengthen relationships.
We live in an awesome season of ministry. Opportunities to change communities, reveal Jesus to the burdened and the hopeless. We have an opportunity like never before.
An opportunity to tear down walls of unbelief. To bring faith and hope to folks who have none. To help these people find their purpose in the Kingdom of God.
There are all sorts of new things, and new ideas to reach into the hearts of those who have yet to follow Christ. I am for everyone that holds true to the Gospel message.
Music can change, I love it. The presentations become more technological. These computer generated ministry helps are awesome. Still, the Gospel message is the only message that can change lives.
I am dedicated to that message. The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Confirm it from the OT. Preach it with passion and Kingdom authority. Allowing everyone, no matter their lifestyle or their depth of sin and failure to hear that amazing story.
Jesus loves them and we must do the same.
My passion is preaching personal responsibility. Our responsibility to be the light and the salt in our world. Reaching beyond walls of division, and digging deep into the darkness that surrounds the lost.
I don’t preach inspirational stories, reminding people of the good old days. When times were different, and the world was so much better.
Make the world better now, if you don’t like it. Move beyond the past, and bring your knowledge and faith in Christ to the world you live in.
Inspiring people to grow and move forward. Forgiving those who have wronged you. Letting go of who you used to be, and become who He has created you to be.
I guess I just can’t help preaching a little bit.
I have a wonderful church family. Faithful and dedicated to the message we share at Amazing Life Church.
My wife Betty is an awesome gift of God. Our kids are such a blessing, and we have friends that we love with all our heart.
When you get a chance you can subscribe to my blog. That way you will be notified when I post something new.
Be prepared. I can get controversial, and I will definitely call out with intense passion, when I hear or read something that corrupts the Gospel.
Tell your story, along with the story of Jesus. It will change lives and change your world.
With a prayer for blessings and favor to all, I will close for now.
Oh, don’t forget, I love this journey. Praying that you love yours. In His Name.
#lovewins #hopelives
Itching Ears
Itching Ears
I have been so busy the last couple of weeks. Blogging has taken a back seat. “I’m back” lol.
I have had a note on my desk for several weeks that simply said. Itching ears. These words are in the KJV, and I use the NASB so it will sound a little different.
Here are the passages.
2 Timothy 4:1-4
1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
Now these scriptures for years have been used as something of a rebuke, for preachers who are accused of not preaching against all the sins of the world.
Let me remind you that what the Bibles says is sin, is sin.
These passages are not referring to people outside the church. They refer to those within. This is a rebuke to preachers who preach shallow, flesh driven messages that make their congregations feel good about themselves.
Preachers who beat up every sinner in the world, when for the most part, none of those folks are in hearing distance.
What has happened to challenging congregations with strong doctrine. Kingdom authority, passionate prayer, fully committing their lives to Christ and His purpose for their lives.
Teaching them to study and pray for revelation.
Too often what is heard are heart warming stories about the past, or dogs, or squirrels, or cracks in the sidewalk. Then you will hear about all the wicked sinners in the world, and how we need to thank God we are not that way anymore. I have heard it all.
Please don’t get me wrong. I love the church. If you read my blogs, facebook posts, or watch my sermons on youtube, you will find that to be true. I love the church.
We must remember who we were and the grace of God that changed our lives. We remember this for a specific purpose. It should cause us to have compassion for those who have not followed Christ.
Let me share verse 3 from 2 Timothy 4 from the Amplified Bible.
“For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,”
As a Pastor I fully understand that there are all levels of commitment in every congregation. Every one is necessary to move a congregation forward in their community, and their relationship with Christ.
Some pray and give. That is their purpose. They are the foundation that we can build upon. Others want more than just a good sermon, they want to be challenged. Then there are those who have an intense desire to walk in Kingdom authority.
It may sound difficult to create a message that will reach every level within a church. With God’s grace that is exactly what I attempt to do every week.
I am not perfect by any means, yet I refuse to tell flesh driven stories with no challenge to do better.
How can we spend an hour each week jumping and shouting about who we are, when our world needs us on our faces, praying for God to use us to change our world.
We are the light of the world. Of course light cancels darkness. It will reveal who a person is, but it has a broader and really more important characteristic. It will reveal Jesus.
The Gospel is not up for different interpretations. The definition of the Gospel is very clear.
The Greek word used means, good news. Good news is defined as the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
It is His story that must be told. When Peter left the upper room the only sin he mentioned was unbelief in the Messiah. Throughout Acts this was shared over and over. Telling the prophecies of Jesus from the OT, and their personal relationship with Him.
When the jailer asked, what must I do to be saved. The response was believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you, and your house will be saved.
Why have we complicated the message so much?
Blessings and favor to you all, In His Name.
#lovewins #hopelives
Stand and Watch
Stand and Watch
The Lord has blessed with an awesome week. His presence and grace has moved me. I am so humbled by His constant presence and love.
This season of victory and revelation has strengthened all who believe and trust in His purpose.
When we focus our minds, our hearts, and our efforts, on His purpose for our lives. Things will change.
There will be a progressive movement in your life to establish influence in your world, and to help you embrace the awesome plan of God for you.
I want to thank everyone for your love and support. It is humbling to move forward with you all, in the greatness of God.
I want to share some thoughts titled “Stand and Watch”
Psalms 46:1-11
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
This Psalm was written by the sons of Korah. It is a Psalm of Consolation. Written when Israel was facing a very destructive enemy. They were consoled by the thought of God’s might and protection. God has the ability to shatter all the weapons the enemy can form against them.
There is a general consensus that the enemy they were facing was, Sennacherib. He was a ruthless and cruel leader of the Assyrians.
This Psalm speaks of God being accessible. It speaks of His grace and love for His people. It has a prophetic word for the destruction of their enemies. With a constant assurance that God is with them.
With all of this I want to focus on verse 10.
Psalms 46:10
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Amplified
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
The phrase cease striving, or be still, simply means, “relax or let go”
God is saying I have to do this one Myself. What about Paul telling us we are fellow workers with God.
1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Hear this. Israel was in a no win without the Father. There are things throughout history, and even our lives that would be impossible for us.
“In these times man must stand detached, and all must be left to the hand of Almighty God.”
In 2 Chronicles Judah had been invaded by three different groups. The Prophet Jahaziel heard from the Lord, and said this.
2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”
Moses had a similar word for the people.
Exodus 14:13-14
13 But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.
14 The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”
In Jeremiah 15 God was very angry with His people. For 14 verses He revealed His anger, and His plans for their destruction.
“In verse 15, Jeremiah began to pray.”
He spoke of his faithfulness, and innocence. Even the prophet had issues that must be dealt with.
Jeremiah 15:19-21
19 Therefore, thus says the Lord, “If you return, then I will restore you—Before Me you will stand; And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them.
20 “Then I will make you to this people A fortified wall of bronze; And though they fight against you, They will not prevail over you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you,” declares the Lord.
21 “So I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked,
And I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent.”
This sentence interested me from v19. “And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman.”
Extract, “to go out, come out, exit. Precious, “valuable, prized, weighty, splendid, highly valued.” Worthless, “vile, insignificant.”
“God is speaking to Jeremiah’s thoughts and speech.”
Your speech and your character make you relevant. Jeremiah had lost His influence from complaining about God’s people. God said He would restore Jeremiah if he would look beyond the junk, and see the value.
Paul said this to three different churches.
Romans 14:19
So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Ephesians 4:29
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, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
To fully embrace the character traits expected of us we must have a review from time to time. Reviewing our thoughts and our words.
Do they honor God?
Do they speak of faith?
Do our words and our thoughts bring light and salt to our world?
Blessings to all, and I pray you have a great week.
#lovewins #hopelives