There are days when we forget to talk to God. Sometimes those days might run into a month or more. We know He’s there, but when things are going well, we often forget to pray. When things are bad, we're found kneeling against our beds, rocking on our knees with our hands pressed firmly together, hoping He’ll listen to us, if just for a moment. After all, He is a busy, busy man tending his flocks.
Each day, God sends us a gentle reminder that He is still with us. He lets us know He still walks with us, an encourages us to minister to all of His precious flock. He is in the soft wind as it whispers around us, even though we may not talked to Him in many days. And, best of all, through His unlimited love, He shows us how He works in mysterious ways. God will always show up and send us gentle reminders that He is still with us, even though the chips are down and things seem like they are falling apart.
Yes, God is always there, even if we sometimes forget to pray. He will quietly send us a gentle message, as He did today or will tomorrow, to remind us that He is still there. He will give us a new start and a new purpose when it's seems we have lost our way even when we forget to pray.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Reaching a milestone
Well, yesterday my brother Dennis turned 55. That means that me at 60, Dennis at 55, and David at 50 have all reached places in our lives we didn't think that we would reach. When you are a kid 60 seems impossible. We were taught all our lives that the Lord would come before the world reached the shape that it is in today and would all three probably never see those ages. But folks He hasn't returned yet for His bride, so here we are.
We are all three as different as night and day, with different opinions, thoughts, and fancies, I have always loved my music and playing and singing, while Dennis and David have loved hunting and outdoor life. We all three love playing ball with Dad or each other. In fact Dennis could have turned pro if he had wanted that lifestyle. I had a chance to just pursue music rather than ministry, while David decided that a career in medicine was where he needed to be after struggling with that decision for a long time.
Dennis at 55 and David at 50 seem rather strange to me. I still remember when they were born and also remember having to babysit as the older brother for both of them. I still remember the fights we had, the laughs we laughed, and the sorrows we shared. I remember our agreements and disagreements, our times of sharing, and our times of parting over the years over things good and bad. I still remember the shock we were all in when God took Dad home and the aftermath of dealing with that loss.
All and all I can say life has been good to us three. We have a great Mom who still watches over us, our families who we care deeply about, and our loved ones that we can depend on. It makes this life's journey better the older that we get.
So to my little brother, Happy Birthday and may God's richest blessings be upon you.
We are all three as different as night and day, with different opinions, thoughts, and fancies, I have always loved my music and playing and singing, while Dennis and David have loved hunting and outdoor life. We all three love playing ball with Dad or each other. In fact Dennis could have turned pro if he had wanted that lifestyle. I had a chance to just pursue music rather than ministry, while David decided that a career in medicine was where he needed to be after struggling with that decision for a long time.
Dennis at 55 and David at 50 seem rather strange to me. I still remember when they were born and also remember having to babysit as the older brother for both of them. I still remember the fights we had, the laughs we laughed, and the sorrows we shared. I remember our agreements and disagreements, our times of sharing, and our times of parting over the years over things good and bad. I still remember the shock we were all in when God took Dad home and the aftermath of dealing with that loss.
All and all I can say life has been good to us three. We have a great Mom who still watches over us, our families who we care deeply about, and our loved ones that we can depend on. It makes this life's journey better the older that we get.
So to my little brother, Happy Birthday and may God's richest blessings be upon you.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Planting The Seed
God decides what will grow and what will not. He plants the seeds of faith, hope, love, joy, and happiness in our lives. Who are we to say that this seed will grow and that will not? He plants the seed in your mind that in the early stages appears as a foolish dream, a lofty hope of success and happiness. That seed is His plan for you.
Matthew 13:32 "Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
Only God decides which seeds will grow and which will wither or be eaten by the birds. Either way, each and every seed serves a purpose. You are a seed in God's plan for the world. You may appear to yourself and others as "pitted, dried up,and useless", but God is the great Sower of seeds.
He holds you in His hand today and sees all of your tomorrows. You may become the greatest or the smallest plant in His garden. However, it totally depends on how you water, fertilize and care for what He has created.
Right now God is holding you in His hand just like you held the seed. He closes his eyes and sees a vision of hope, success, happiness and as he fast forwards He can see the impact you will make on all the tomorrows you hold inside. The difference here is, God has given us the gift of choice. You are His seed and the gardener. How you grow depends on the choices you make, the care you give and your faith in His plan for you. You do your part and He will do His.
Matthew 13:32 "Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
Only God decides which seeds will grow and which will wither or be eaten by the birds. Either way, each and every seed serves a purpose. You are a seed in God's plan for the world. You may appear to yourself and others as "pitted, dried up,and useless", but God is the great Sower of seeds.
He holds you in His hand today and sees all of your tomorrows. You may become the greatest or the smallest plant in His garden. However, it totally depends on how you water, fertilize and care for what He has created.
Right now God is holding you in His hand just like you held the seed. He closes his eyes and sees a vision of hope, success, happiness and as he fast forwards He can see the impact you will make on all the tomorrows you hold inside. The difference here is, God has given us the gift of choice. You are His seed and the gardener. How you grow depends on the choices you make, the care you give and your faith in His plan for you. You do your part and He will do His.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Fall Of A Church
Have you ever wondered why people glory in the fall of a church? It beats me, but regardless of denomination if people get upset at the pastor, a church member, or a denomination they pack up their bags and leave the church. BUT, they really don't leave. Big church, little church, medium size church-it doesn't really matter-They just seem to glory in seeing the church they have left go through spiritual, financial, and emotional turmoil and then further it's demise by doing all they can outwardly to attack it just as they did inwardly while they were there.
I spoke with a pastor the other day who had gone to a new assignment. Because of the reputation of the church in the past I knew who the church bosses and been and how many family members they had involved in that church for years. They had left that church they had ruled under the administration of another pastor because he wouldn't let them, but had made it known that as soon as a new one came in they were returning to the church they had been members of for over 30 years. In fact, when the new pastor came in one of the first calls he received was from the patriarch of that family. He begin to voice his displeasure about the former pastor and was saying on the phone how he hoped this new one he was talking to was going to be a much better fit. The conversation was going well until my friend told him if you didn't like your former pastor you won't like me because I peach very similar to him. Well from that point on the conversation went downhill.
Long story short, they were still members of that church, but had been attending another one for over two years just waiting for the opportunity to see a change of pastor so they could go back and do what they had always done at the church they had never moved their membership from-complain, fuss, and complain some more. Yet while they were gone they never moved their membership, always knew church business sometimes even before the pastor, and always had something negative to say about the present pastor or someone in the congregation. I will tell you what I told someone the other day and I mean this sincerely, "If we can't get along with each other down here, one or neither of us will be together up there with the Lord."
Why would I say that? Because if we believe the Bible is true we have to love another to get there, and loving one another doesn't mean we gossip or LIE about our brethren down here. I have on membership our church over 600 people (Nope don't get paid on this amount) and most folks don't even know who half of them our. Some have left the church and are serving in leadership roles in other places and haven't been a part of my church for years, but never have transferred or removed their names from the membership roll. It's amazing to me how these folks always seem to know what is happening around my church and in my life before I do. They must have a direct connection with the other guy, and not God, because most of what I hear isn't even true. Yet, the damage control I've had to do in my ministry is absolutely crazy because of "Christians" who physically leave a church, but emotionally or spiritually still want to keep the pot stirring.
Can I just say this-When you leave a church leave it alone. You can pray for it, but don't try to destroy it. If you can't say something good about it, then say nothing at all. Oh yes, and make sure your facts are factual before you say anything. It would sure make my job and other pastors jobs a lot easier. One more thing, if you leave a place transfer your membership and stop trying to have your name on two rolls. It should would stop membership inflation and would certainly help every church to have an accurate read on their constituency. One way we could do that is to have every church send the tithe and offering a person gives to the church they are attending while they are members of another church. Man, I guarantee that would keep our treasurers busy for awhile.
Too many of our pastors, their families, and churches are suffering because people want their cake and desire to eat it too. You can't serve God and mammon at the same time. Be honest with yourself. Keep your heart right with God and leave the church you left alone. If your heart is condemned because you left it, then return to it and make things right. You just might find out the truth you were searching for was right there all along.
I spoke with a pastor the other day who had gone to a new assignment. Because of the reputation of the church in the past I knew who the church bosses and been and how many family members they had involved in that church for years. They had left that church they had ruled under the administration of another pastor because he wouldn't let them, but had made it known that as soon as a new one came in they were returning to the church they had been members of for over 30 years. In fact, when the new pastor came in one of the first calls he received was from the patriarch of that family. He begin to voice his displeasure about the former pastor and was saying on the phone how he hoped this new one he was talking to was going to be a much better fit. The conversation was going well until my friend told him if you didn't like your former pastor you won't like me because I peach very similar to him. Well from that point on the conversation went downhill.
Long story short, they were still members of that church, but had been attending another one for over two years just waiting for the opportunity to see a change of pastor so they could go back and do what they had always done at the church they had never moved their membership from-complain, fuss, and complain some more. Yet while they were gone they never moved their membership, always knew church business sometimes even before the pastor, and always had something negative to say about the present pastor or someone in the congregation. I will tell you what I told someone the other day and I mean this sincerely, "If we can't get along with each other down here, one or neither of us will be together up there with the Lord."
Why would I say that? Because if we believe the Bible is true we have to love another to get there, and loving one another doesn't mean we gossip or LIE about our brethren down here. I have on membership our church over 600 people (Nope don't get paid on this amount) and most folks don't even know who half of them our. Some have left the church and are serving in leadership roles in other places and haven't been a part of my church for years, but never have transferred or removed their names from the membership roll. It's amazing to me how these folks always seem to know what is happening around my church and in my life before I do. They must have a direct connection with the other guy, and not God, because most of what I hear isn't even true. Yet, the damage control I've had to do in my ministry is absolutely crazy because of "Christians" who physically leave a church, but emotionally or spiritually still want to keep the pot stirring.
Can I just say this-When you leave a church leave it alone. You can pray for it, but don't try to destroy it. If you can't say something good about it, then say nothing at all. Oh yes, and make sure your facts are factual before you say anything. It would sure make my job and other pastors jobs a lot easier. One more thing, if you leave a place transfer your membership and stop trying to have your name on two rolls. It should would stop membership inflation and would certainly help every church to have an accurate read on their constituency. One way we could do that is to have every church send the tithe and offering a person gives to the church they are attending while they are members of another church. Man, I guarantee that would keep our treasurers busy for awhile.
Too many of our pastors, their families, and churches are suffering because people want their cake and desire to eat it too. You can't serve God and mammon at the same time. Be honest with yourself. Keep your heart right with God and leave the church you left alone. If your heart is condemned because you left it, then return to it and make things right. You just might find out the truth you were searching for was right there all along.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Tune In
The sweet voice of God constantly speaks into the heart, soul, and mind of the believer. He is always ready to talk to us in these quiet moments of prayer. He is always ready to bless us with His peace. He is always ready to guide us with His wisdom. He is waiting patiently to fill us with His love, power, and precious anointing. He is waiting patiently to show us how we can love each other as well. He is waiting patiently to give us joy.
We must take the time each day to tune into God. Turn off the television, silence the cell phone, and shut down the computer. Sit down in the quiet, close our eyes and open our hearts. Breath slowly and deeply and gently pray to God for His love and His guidance. Then just listen. You will be amazed at the thoughts that come into your mind, the peace that comes into your heart, and the love that fills your soul. You will be amazed at how tuning into God can tune up your life on a daily basis.
We must take the time each day to tune into God. Turn off the television, silence the cell phone, and shut down the computer. Sit down in the quiet, close our eyes and open our hearts. Breath slowly and deeply and gently pray to God for His love and His guidance. Then just listen. You will be amazed at the thoughts that come into your mind, the peace that comes into your heart, and the love that fills your soul. You will be amazed at how tuning into God can tune up your life on a daily basis.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Get Mad At The Devil
You don't have to put up with one more second of the devil's harassment.
The Lord Jesus has already defeated him on Calvary's Cross. As long as you are positioned in Jesus today, you can tread and trample on Satan's head.
So it's time to rise up in holy indignation and take back all that the enemy has stolen from you, your family, and your church.
It's time like never before to rise up as members of the Militant Army of God and take a stand against the enemy and his attacks and wiles that he has set against us and our families. We, as the Body of Christ, do not have to be pushed around, oppressed, harassed, or intimidated by the devil any longer.
Because we trust in God, we triumph in Him. We are directed by His wisdom, strengthened by His power, and made safe and victorious through His promises. We act under His authority and by His help - "Through Thee will we push down our enemies: through Thy name..." (Psalm 44:5).
We are a people who have placed all of our hope and confidence in the Lord. Resultantly, we do victoriously -"Through God we shall do valiantly..."(Psalm 60:12; Psalm 108:13).
We have Jesus on our side. Therefore, we make, gain, or gather strength for the battle, are bold, courageous, and victorious, and do great and valiant acts and achieve victory.
Stop crying and feeling sorry for yourself! It's not a time to be a wimp! It's time for war! Get your armor on and go to battle this day!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Happy Birthday Shane
35 years ago today at precisely 8:26 a.m. the doctor came out and told me, "It's a boy!" Shane has been our pride and joy for 35 years. Our lives would not have been the same without him. In fact, he will probably forget all the joy he has brought us over the years more than we will. Our lives would not have been complete without our "miracle" boy.
Many of you know that Becky's on her 5th Pacemaker. Shane was born in between her first and second heart episode, the second being when her first pacer was installed. That's why Shane has no brothers or sisters. It was too risky for us to try to have another baby. So we are just thankful for the son that we do have.
We are proud of his accomplishments, his generosity, his work ethic, and his beautiful family. God gave him a wonderful wife in Candace and gave us four great grandkids through them.
We don't have much in this world, but we have a legacy that we can leave behind because the Lord gave us our miracle baby. We could never praise him enough for that.
Happy Birthday Son-We Love You more than you will ever know.
Mom and Dad
Many of you know that Becky's on her 5th Pacemaker. Shane was born in between her first and second heart episode, the second being when her first pacer was installed. That's why Shane has no brothers or sisters. It was too risky for us to try to have another baby. So we are just thankful for the son that we do have.
We are proud of his accomplishments, his generosity, his work ethic, and his beautiful family. God gave him a wonderful wife in Candace and gave us four great grandkids through them.
We don't have much in this world, but we have a legacy that we can leave behind because the Lord gave us our miracle baby. We could never praise him enough for that.
Happy Birthday Son-We Love You more than you will ever know.
Mom and Dad
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