T.E.A.M. Ministries

The Shield of Faith

2012-01-28T16:35:00.001-06:00

The Shield of Faith

As with each part of the armor, the shield had a very vital role in the armor of the soldier. I am including some information that I found concerning the construction and use of the shield the Roman soldier used in warfare.

“ The scutum was a curved oval shield made from two sheets of wood glued together and covered with canvas and leather, usually with a spindle-shaped boss along the vertical length of the shield. It can be considered a body shield, and was extremely heavy (~10kg or 22 lbs.). It is 1.28m (4.2ft) long and 63.5cm (25in) wide, and is constructed of laminated birch. Nine or ten strips of birch from 6-10cm (2.36-3.93in) wide were glued in-between two layers of thinner strips laid out perpendicular to the middle layer. The shield is thickest in the center (1.2cm) (1/2in), and is slightly less than a centimeter (.39") thick at the edges. The shield was covered with felt which was stitched through the wood. The grip was horizontal, and was meant to be held from the top. This type of shield probably also commonly featured an iron edging on the top and bottom rims. The shields of the legionary had to be of regulation size, and a soldier could be severely reprimanded if his shield was too large.”

When the soldiers marched into battle, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their shields in front of them, forming a wall. The men behind them stood in tight formation with their shields above their heads, forming a roof of protection. This formation was so tight and closed that the arrows of the enemy could not penetrate the protection. They said that the formation was so strong and dense that many times the troops would march into a river and stand there while the army, with wagons, passed over them using their shields as a bridge.

Through the years, while reading this passage, I have often pictured the soldier with a small round shield that he would maneuver around to stop the arrows coming at him. I would wonder what happened if he were to miss one or if two came simultaneously. This picture has changed, in my mind, to agree with the passage of scripture as it says, “ . . . taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.” The enemy cannot fire anything at us that our faith will not protect us from.

Faith is such a powerful word. Faith is more than just hoping or thinking positives. It is much more. Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction based on what we have heard. It is to place trust or have confidence in what we are believing. In other words, faith is more than just saying I believe something is true, it is living as if you have been convinced it is true.

Let me give you the best word picture I can think of to help you understand faith. Jesus approached His disciples while they were in a boat on the sea. The disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus because they thought He was a ghost. Jesus called to them not to be afraid and identified Himself. Peter challenged the identity by saying “Lord if it is really you, bid me to come to you.” Jesus simply answered, “Come.”

Now faith has to kick in! Peter has heard that it was Jesus. Peter has received the invitation to come to Jesus. However, action must now accompany that which he has heard. Now Peter is about to try to do something that is physically impossible to do. He is about to swing his leg, over the side of the boat, and walk toward Jesus on the water. In order for this to take place, Peter must have the firm persuasion or confidence that Jesus is out there in the dark. He must have the trust or confidence that if Jesus said to come he can walk on water. Peter is about to live what he believes to be true.

As we all remember the story, Peter did, in fact, walk on the water to Jesus. He did accomplish that which was physically impossible for him to do. It wasn’t until he became convinced that he could not walk on the water that he began to sink. In other words, then he became firmly persuaded that what he was doing could not be done.

In our relationship with God faith is the base on which everything else rests. The writer of Hebrews said, “We must first believe that He (God) is and that He (God) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” We must have that firm persuasion that God is really there. We can’t see Him, but we are persuaded and we trust that God is going to respond to our pursuit of Him.

Where does this faith come from? It is the result of what we have seen and heard. We have seen the evidence of God’s existence or His being. In fact Paul said it this way,

“From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.”
(Rom 1:20 NLT)

Just looking around us and seeing the amazing creation of God starts us on the road of faith. Added to that basic realization and knowledge is what we hear. Again Paul gives us insight into faith:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17
KJV)

To the basic knowledge there is a God, which we have because we have witnessed and enjoyed his handy work, we add what we have learned of God. Preaching and teaching is so important to our faith in that it is what spark our faith. Faith comes from what we hear and what we read in the Word of God. This is the reason we must have a personal Bible Study in our lives and we must be faithful to Church to hear the Word of God.

The question arises, how does this tie into spiritual warfare and the shield of faith? It goes back to that firm persuasion or conviction which is based on what we have heard. It involves placing trust or confidence in what we believe to be true. Let’s look at a good example of this happening in the Bible. The Spirit has led Jesus into the wilderness where He fasted forty days and nights. He is very hungry! Wild beasts surround him and Satan tempts him. (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)

You will notice that prior to going into the wilderness, John the Baptist baptized Jesus. After He was baptized, Jesus heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) So in the wilderness, when tempted, He stands on what He has heard. He has heard a voice from heaven and He has heard the Word of God, which was read aloud at the synagogue. He obviously read the scripture as well.

When the fiery darts of temptation were thrown at Jesus, we see Him using His shield of faith. He is firmly persuaded to live by the Word of God! He is placing His trust and confidence in the fact He is only to worship and serve God. There is no doubt in his mind that He doesn’t need to try or test God. He knows that God will stand by Him because of what the Word of God tells Him.

The young early Church has just received a warning they were not to preach in the name of Jesus. What were they to do? Peter told the court they were going to preach what they had seen and heard! They returned to the rest of the Church and explained the threats they had received. Together, all of the Church, began to pray and notice their prayer.

“And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:24-31 KJV)

So the shield of faith is again used for protection. A fiery dart of fear has been sent their way. As they began to pray they went back to that firm persuasion which was the result of what they had seen and heard. They returned to the bases of their faith which was, “God you created heaven and earth.” They continued with the greatness of God, His promises and deeds He had done. Then they presented their problem to the Lord. They were standing on their trust and confidence in God and His Word.

The enemy of our soul will attack us with fiery darts of fear and doubt. It is at this point that we must have confidence or trust in our salvation and our God of salvation. In your mind you can picture the Christian soldier behind the protection of a wall of faith. He stands firmly planted behind the persuasion or belief that he can place his trust in the Word of God.

Along with the basis of our faith we must build our faith or make it stronger. How is this accomplished? We build our faith by praying in the Spirit. We make ourselves, or our faith, stronger by praying in the Holy Ghost.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” (Jude 20 KJV).

“A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord,” (1 Cor 14:4 NLT).

We will spend some more time talking about prayer a little further on in this chapter. However, let me say here that prayer is so vital to strengthening our faith. As we pray in the Spirit, or in the Holy Ghost, we build up our faith. Pressing on in our prayer until we know we have touched God is like engaging in physical exercise. You press until you feel the “burn” and know you have had a good workout. You know that you are building your strength.

When in battle and under the attack of the enemy we have the blessed assurance that we can trust in the Word of God. No matter what is thrown our way, we can rely upon God’s Word to give us a shield against the enemy’s attack. Relying on that firm persuasion, our faith, will never let us down but will quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

2011-12-25T15:55:00.001-06:00

Our first inclination when we sense danger is to run and hide. We want to flee the threat of danger! Our pulse begins to race! Our adrenalin begins to pump! Fear grips our heart! The first thought we have is to make a retreat and save ourselves.

Fear is a controlling, amazing thing. The cause of fear doesn’t even have to be real, it can be something we have imagined or someone has told us. Experiences can cause fear in our lives that are either real or imagined. Fear will control you. Let me give you an example.

I was driving home from Church one Sunday with my mother. We exited the Interstate and came to a stop sign at an intersection. Across from where we sat, about a hundred feet away and to our right, we could see the shore of a lake. My mother looked at the lake and said, “That makes my stomach hurt!”

Not sure what she was referring to, I asked, “What are you talking about?” To this she replied, “That water! Looking at it makes my stomach hurt!”

Now I was very curious how the lake’s water could make her stomach hurt, so I asked her. To this she replied, “Well, when I was two years old I almost drowned. So when I look at water, it makes my stomach hurt.”

I was surprised and said, “Mom, you can’t even remember when you were two years old. How can that experience make you afraid of water to the point it makes your stomach hurt to look at it? You are just going on what someone told you.”

Mom replied, “I don’t care! It makes my stomach hurt to look at water.” I then began to recall how afraid she had been all of my life whenever water was involved. She had never, in my lifetime, gone swimming. In fact, I don’t ever remember her going wading or standing in the waves at the ocean. When we were kids, we would beg to go swimming at the river. When mom would finally give in and would take us we could only get in the water up to our knees. I was eighteen years old when I learned to swim. A fear that someone had told her about, had controlled her life for seventy-five years.

The same thing happens to us spiritually. We often deal with fears that things that we have experienced in our past have caused. Sometimes the enemy of our soul will whisper lies in our ears that will breed fears into our lives. Our imaginations begin to expand on the lies, making them larger and more real in our minds to the point fear controls us.

Paul tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7 KJV)

John also writes and tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 KJV)

Fear is the root of so much of our spiritual troubles. It is the cause of much of the conflict we have with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We can find ourselves going through life responding to the fears of what others think about us. We are afraid of what someone else will do or say if we dress a certain way or fail to respond in a certain way. Too often we find ourselves bound by things we are sure others are saying about us. Fear and condemnation can blind us until we become helpless.

When fear sets in it brings torment! Torment will result in the victim becoming self centered. Not because they are egotistical! This happens because they become consumed by the fear that has overtaken their lives. Everything becomes centered on this fear and how it affects them.

The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Power.” Power is the opposite of fear. Fear leaves you feeling weak. Fear causes you to feel vulnerable and helpless. However, power is strength, ability and authority. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” (Acts 1:8a KJV).

The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Love.” Love is the opposite of fear. Fear causes you to feel alone. It will make you feel that no one cares and no one is listening to your cries for help. Fear will make you feel that no one will be there to take care of you. Love, on the other hand, is the assurance that someone is there and they do care. It is the knowledge that there is someone you can call to and they will respond and wrap their arms around you in a loving embrace. Peter admonishes us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Peter 5:7 KJV)

The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of a Sound Mind.” Several translations use the word discipline here. A mind that is undisciplined will cause fear. They allow the imagination to be in control. However, when we control or discipline our mind, fear is no longer able to rule over us. Paul admonishes us, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”; (2 Cor. 10:5 KJV).

When I recognize that I have protection from fear I am free to walk in peace. I will enjoy peace that is beyond understanding in my life. I will know peace with my fellow man. It is then that I will be free to spread the “Gospel of Peace” in a world that is searching for peace. As Jesus said in His last words to His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8 KJV).

Paul encourages us in to, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7 NLT)

(An excerpt from the second chapter of the book I am presently writing.)

Is Your Nose Pressed Against The Window?

2011-12-10T14:57:00.003-06:00

It was so funny, one night at Church, you know that some of the funniest things happen at Church! I had to start laughing and shame on me. We were having an awesome move of God in service. I was standing up front playing the guitar and looked over to the side. My brother, Tim, was in the fellowship hall doing children’s ministry. He had come to the door and was peaking in to see what was happening. All I could see was one eye and his nose. I couldn’t help but laugh because it looked so funny.

I remembered an incident back many years ago. You can only remember many years ago when you get old. I was preaching a revival in a little town in Oregon. The revival was only for the weekend, so I had invited one of the young men from the church to accompany me so I wouldn’t have to travel alone. On Monday morning the pastor left early for work and we left, when he did, to head home. We stopped at a little restaurant in town to have breakfast. We were seated right at the window, which looked out over the street. The restaurant was right on a corner which also served as a school bus stop and there were several children standing waiting for the school bus. As we were setting at the table eating, I looked over toward the street and much to my surprise there were three little boys standing at the window with their noses pressed against the glass watching us eat.

You can imagine how funny that looked! We started laughing and they start laughing as well. I couldn’t help but think of those three little boys when I saw the big boy looking through the door. It was as if his nose was pressed against the glass and he was wishing he could have some too. If you know Tim, you know that is exactly what he was wishing!

The Psalmist tells us, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” (Ps. 34:8)

How many times have we stood back and watched others get blessed while we wonder how good it tastes?! How often have we looked in, with our noses pressed against the window, wishing we could have some of that?! All along each of us has the opportunity to “taste and see” for ourselves. We don’t have to be a spectator; we can be a participator in everything God offers to the believer.

I have observed as different ones plunge their dipper into the “well of living water” and take a taste. I have watched as the “well of living water” began to bubble up within them and the blessings began to purge away the pressure of the week. I have watched as some were healed, just as a result of worship. I have watched others as the weariness of life was washed from their faces. Some weep with relief. Others have responded with jubilation. They “tasted” and found for themselves the Lord is good. There is a special blessing when we realize we can place our trust in the Lord!

Each and every life is created with a hunger in it that can only be filled by God. Jesus stopped one day at a well and talked with a woman who had come to draw water to meet her natural, physical needs. Jesus offered her water that would meet the longing that was in her soul. In fact, Jesus told her, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14 KJV)

How many times have I wanted to buy a type of food that I was hungry for only to realize it was too expensive? At the price of beef today you need to mortgage your home to buy a steak! There have been times in my life, when we have lived on very simple, basic staples because of a lack of finances. I remember one time when I was young and times were hard, as Dad and Mom were pastoring a home mission Church, we lived on pancakes for several weeks. In the morning we had pancakes with homemade syrup. In the evening we had pancakes with jelly. That was all we could afford and were thankful for it.

However we have this invitation, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isa 55:1 KJV)

I don’t have to stand outside the window and press my nose against the glass. I have a standing invitation to come inside and eat and drink until I am full. What a blessing to be invited to come in and sit down to eat at the king’s table. What a great opportunity is available, to have the assurance that satisfaction is available to each and every one of us.

Let me encourage you to step back from the window and come on in! Pull up a seat and place your trust in God, you will find out He is GOOD!

It’s just a thought! God Bless

Words of Delight

2011-11-22T11:52:00.001-06:00

As the bus pulled away from the stop, this morning, a passage of scripture came to my mind. I was very upset! Actually, to be honest, I was very angry! I was angry enough, now I am just telling you how I felt, that I wanted to take someone out behind the woodshed and give them a beating. Whoa! Now I have some folk’s attention.

No, I wasn’t angry at any of the passengers on my bus, they have all been well behaved and quiet this week. No, I wasn’t angry at any of the children’s parents. We all get along very well. No, I wasn’t angry with any of the co-workers on my bus, there was only one on there at the time and he was upset also. No, I wasn’t angry at a thoughtless driver. The road was empty. However, I was very angry and it was because of the thoughtlessness of a parent.

As we were loading a child on the bus I had asked their parent if they were ready for Thanksgiving in a couple of days. The parent looked at me and said, “If it were just my child and I having it together I would be ready. But we will be going to my Dad’s and I would just as soon not go there.”

I was a bit taken back by their honesty and wasn’t sure how I wanted to respond. My co-worker said something to the effect they should be happy to be with their parent and enjoy the time together. To this statement the parent replied, “I would and understand what you are saying, however, I am not looking forward to being called stupid and many other names. That is how my dad is and I will deal with it but I would rather not.”

I looked into the eyes of this forty-year-old parent and could see the raw pain in their eyes and recognized they were speaking from their heart. In just that moment I was given a glimpse of years of pain caused by thoughtless words that hurt beyond belief, leaving wounds that are open and bleeding. I saw years of compounded damage and pain.

After a few more comments about Thanksgiving day, the parent turned and left. I shut the bus door and looked in the mirrors before pulling out into the empty street and said, “That makes me so angry! How can a parent be so cruel to their children as to call them stupid?”

As I seethed at the thoughtless deeds of the unknown parent a passage of scripture came to my mind, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” Psalms 19:14. As it ran through my mind I focused on this part, “Let the words of my mouth . . . be acceptable in your sight, O Lord!”

It is amazing how powerful words are! They can be destructive, tearing down and destroying a person. Words can also be constructive, building and strengthening someone. It is our choice in how we use them. Words can hurt and words can heal. Again, it is our choice how we use them.

The words that comes from my mouth need to be words that would be acceptable as far as God is concerned. The word “acceptable” comes from the Hebrew word “ratson” and means delight. So if my prayer is, “Lord let my words be acceptable to you,” I am actually praying, “Lord, let what I say bring you delight!”

I realize that there is nothing I can do about the thoughtless father who spoke words that have hurt and scarred his child. That is beyond my control. My anger was only for a few moments and quickly turned to tears as I felt the pain of that child. Still, there is little I can do to erase the damage that has been done. However, one thing that can happen, and I am praying it will, and that is I can be much more careful how I speak to others in the future.

God, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight. Let what I say bring delight to you. May the words that comes from my tongue be words that lift up and encourage. Help me to speak words of blessing and promise, words of life. Let my words be words of delight!

Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

The Belt of Truth

2011-10-06T12:46:00.001-05:00

The Apostle Paul in, Ephesians 6:13-14, tells us that when we have done all that we can to stand, we need to stand, “having your loins girt about with truth.” There are times when we have done everything we can possibly do to stand and it is at this time we have to put on the armour of God and stand. The first piece of equipment mentioned is the girdle or belt of truth. This wide belt is wrapped around the loins of the soldier. The loin, externally, is the hip area of the body. Internally, the loin is the procreative power. The girdle or belt was made of leather and studded with nails. It was used to protect the loins and it was also used for supporting the sword.

One of the ways that the enemy attacks us, is by speaking lies into our lives. These lies don’t have to make sense and many times they don’t. They are just things the enemy of our souls will speak to weaken and destroy us. In doing so he is able to cripple us and is often able to put a stop to our fruitfulness. As Jesus said he is a thief and has come to steal, kill and destroy!

It is from the belt that the weapon of the soldier is secured. Suspended from the belt, the sword is close to the hand of the soldier. It is always ready and available for him to use it. It is ready to swing into action! You will also notice that the sword is tied to the belt. When we discuss the sword, we will find it to represent the Word of God. Truth and the Word of God are tied to each other. To try and separate them is impossible.

Truth is so vital to our survival! Truth is what will keep us pure. Jesus, while praying for His disciples to be kept pure said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Truth is what will keep us from stumbling along the path of life. “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend (cause to stumble) them” (Psalms 119:165) (words in brackets added by author).

Jesus told his disciples, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth”: Truth is given to us for a guide or a teacher. When we are filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth becomes a part of us. As we wrap truth around us, we are allowing the Spirit of truth to teach us. As the enemy attacks us with his lies from hell, the Spirit of truth recognizes the lies and reveals them as such to us. It protects us from the lies of the enemy.

When we have wrapped ourselves in truth, we allow our lives to become fruitful. Paul tells us we are light in the Lord so we should walk as children of light. Why? “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” If we are wrapped in truth, we will produce truth in our lives! (Ephesians 5:9) Our lives will be a reflection of Jesus Christ and will cause others to want Him. If we fail to protect ourselves with truth then our lives will be destroyed as well as our testimony.

Many people look at truth as only knowledge. I have seen people shout when something is preached that they have a revelation of. I actually had an individual come to me one night after church and say, “I got so excited when you got to preaching truth! I had to dance me a little jig!” I asked him, “When wasn’t I preaching truth? What I preached came right out of the Bible!” He had knowledge and understanding of one part of the message and became excited when what was preached agreed with what he knew. Yet he failed to open his heart and mind up to more truth as it was being revealed to him. He should have been shouting because God found him worthy of more truth.

Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:32). However, He is speaking of more than knowledge. He is speaking of action as well. The verse above says, “If ye continue in (obey) my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”; In John 3:21 Jesus also said, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” Again, Jesus is speaking of action when He is talking about truth. It is more than just the knowledge of the scriptures and how to apply them. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”: (John 14:6) (Words bracketed were added by the author.)

When we wrap truth around us, girting up our loins with truth, we are doing more than just learning the scriptures. We are living truth or we are living the scriptures in our daily walk. When the enemy tries to attack us, we are protected because truth is what we do, rather than it being just what we know.

This is a portion of chapter two of the book I am currently writing.

Why the Rainbow?

2011-09-27T20:49:00.001-05:00

Do you have a family altar? I think every family should have one. Wait a second, let me restate that again, this time correctly. I think every family must have a family altar! Not only is it Biblical but it is also a very good idea.

Altars get God’s attention. He stops and listens to what is said at an altar. He remembers those things that are laid on an altar before Him. It is not something He just passes over. He doesn’t just casually say, “Oh my, they are at the altar again, hummm.” No, when God sees a person at an altar His attention and memory become focused on that person and what they are saying.

Suddenly, right before his eyes, stands a man! This isn’t just any man. His appearance is totally different and within moments of being surprised by his appearance, Cornelius recognizes that he is seeing an angel of God. What the angel has to say probably surprises’ him as much as his sudden appearance.

“Cornelius, your prayers and your giving have gotten the attention of God!” He then instructed Cornelius to send for Simon Peter to tell him what more he needed to do.

The thing that stands out about Cornelius is he was a man with a family altar. The Bible describes him this way. He was devout, deeply religious, earnest and sincere. He feared God with everyone in his house. He taught his family to hold God in high respect. He gave alms. He showed his commitment to God by giving. He prayed to God always, leading his family in prayer as well as having his own private devotions.

Jesus stated in Matthew 18:19-20, “That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them . . . For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” That is what a family altar is all about! Two praying together in agreement! Two or three people who are gathering in the name of Jesus, worshiping the Almighty God.

More than one time in the Book of Revelations we are told that the prayers of the saints come up before God as an incense in heaven. Prayers get the attention of God! Families that pray together get the attention of God! Momma, your prayers are being heard and God is remembering them. Daddy, God hasn’t forgotten those tears you have shed for your son or daughter, you have His attention!

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we have an altar. In the Old Testament the altar was a large box-shaped object that was in the Tabernacle. Many altars were built on sites as were needed. Abraham built an altar, on more than one occasion, to offer sacrifices to God. Isaac and Jacob followed in the patriarchs footsteps and built altars themselves. There are many other times that we find individuals building altars before God. However the writer reminds us, also, that our altar is different. It isn’t one that the animal sacrifice is to be made upon. This isn’t necessarily an altar built of stone so that it won’t burn when the sacrifice is offered. This isn’t an altar made of brass that is to be carried from place to place. This isn’t an altar made of gold and incense is to be burnt upon it. It is a place, whether a bench, or a chair, or a bowed head, it is a place where we can meet God and God will meet us.

If there is one thing that is missing in America it is the family altar! The place and time where the family gathers together to pray and touch God. If there is anything missing in the families of the Apostolic Church, it is the family altar! That place and time where the family unites together and touches God. Our hectic lifestyles have kept us from this a powerful spiritual communication with our God. We have allowed ourselves to become so busy with life that we have lost sight of the importance of praying together as a family and meeting with God.

The first place in the Bible that an altar is mentioned is in the Book of Genesis 18:18-20. Sacrifices had been made since Adam and Eve and they are mentioned as a sacrifice was made, however no mention of an altar was made until chapter eight. God has seen the sin of mankind and repented that He made man. He decides He will destroy mankind and start all over again. He finds Noah, a man who walked with God, and has him to build an ark or a large boat. When the ark is finished, Noah takes his family into the ark. Rain comes from heaven and the waters of the deep arise and the earth is completely cover by water. Every thing that breathed was destroyed, except those that were on the ark.

After many months the waters receded and Noah and his family walk off the ark with all of the animals that were on the ark. The very first thing that Noah did was to build an altar. This is the first mention of an altar in the Bible and it is built by a man whose righteousness had led to the saving of his family. With his family gathered together they come before God at a family altar and offer thanks to God for His salvation. What a way to start a new life! They built a family altar.

What I found to be so impacting about this story is what happened next. They offer their sacrifice on their family altar and the Bible says that God smelled a sweet smell and said, “I am going to change the way I deal with man in the future.” God makes a covenant or binding agreement with mankind. He promises never to destroy the earth by water again. As a sign of His covenant He placed a bow in the sky, a rainbow. Whenever you see a rainbow, it reminds us that God has made a covenant with us that He will never destroy the earth by water again. All because a family was thankful and built an altar.

Let me encourage you to build a family altar. Many of the friends and families have built and dedicated altar benches for their family altar. However an altar can be anywhere and anything. It isn’t really about the object. It is really about the time of agreeing together and praying together.

So the next time you see a rainbow in the sky, remember it is a sign of God’s covenant with man. The next time you see a rainbow in the sky, remember it is there because a family built an altar.

Hey, it’s just a thought!

You are Talking Like a Kid!

2011-09-20T13:17:00.002-05:00

Aren’t children amazing? They are so much smarter than we give them credit for. I have witnessed them doing amazing things. Today I listened to a two-year-old sing the “ABC’s” song. Well he sang most of it anyway. He is just now starting to talk but he can belt out “ABC . . . !”

A while back I told a four year old boy, who asked me if I was taking him home, that I was going to take him to the dump. He laughed at me and said, “No, this is a bus. It is not a dump truck! Take me home.”

Recently I heard a child tell another child something that was a complete fabrication of the truth. The second child reacted to the lie and began to whine. One of the adults that was there reassured the second child that what was said was not true and everything was going to be all right. The child continued to whimper for a while but then calmed down. The first child then said the same thing over again to the second child, calling them by name. The reaction of the second child was the same, and they began to whine. Again the adult reassured the child that this was not true and everything would be all right.

Just before we arrived at the home of the second child, the child began to sing out that they were going to see their daddy. The first child then called the second child by name and said, “No! That’s my daddy! No! That’s my daddy!” The second child responded by collapsing in hysteria! They began to cry out that it was their daddy and could not be consoled at all. Even when we arrived at the home and the father of the child came to take them off the bus they continued to cry. All the time the first child laughed and thought it was funny.

As we left the home and began to drive down the road I thought to myself, “How foolish to become so upset by such a complete and obvious fabrication of the truth.” The child knew whose daddy it was. They were reassured by those in authority that the other child was not telling the truth. Yet they chose to believe the lie to the glee of the one that is making it up.

I was then struck by the realization of how often we allow this to happen in our lives. The enemy of our soul loves to taunt and terrorize us with lies. In fact Jesus described him this way, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

He loves to tell us something that is obviously a lie and then sit back and watch us react to it in fear and frustration. He will call your name and taunt you! He will challenge your spirituality and authority. He doesn’t care that he is lying, he only wants to cause you trouble. He only wants to plant seeds of fear in your heart and mind. The whole time he sits back and laughs!

He will bring up every mistake you ever made and heap condemnation upon you. Then laugh while you beg God to have mercy on you and chuckle as you live in fear of the judgement of God. He will call your name and tell you that you don’t have faith and that is why you are going through the situations that you face. Then laugh when you hang your head and cry because you feel like a failure. He will tell you that you are losing your mind because of past mistakes. Then rolls on the floor in glee as you tremble with fear!

All the time this is happening, the authority in your life is telling you that these are just lies. What is being said is obviously not true! We do have power, faith and sound mind and it comes directly from God! (2 Timothy 1:7) We are children of the King and have spiritual authority as our heritage. We are God’s kids! (Romans 8:15-17)

We don’t have to worry about our past mistakes. We have the assurance that if we have confessed them to God, then God has forgiven us of them and cleansed us from all wrong doing. (1 John 1:9) We are also reassured that the only one who can condemn us is Jesus Christ and He isn’t condemning us because He is on our side! (Romans 8:31-34)

So the next time you hear that taunting voice. You know that voice that preaches to us about our failures. The next time you hear that voice, just stop for a moment and listen to the voice of authority, the Word of God! The holler back to the taunter, “You are just talking like a kid!”

Well, it’s just a thought!

Be Converted and Become as a Little Child

2011-09-07T20:06:00.002-05:00

Do you like to watch children playing? I love to just sit and watch and listen to kids as they play. I love to hear the laughter as they run and play their games. I really enjoy hearing the laughter of children, as it echos through the day bouncing off the buildings and filling the air.

This morning, as I was driving my bus route, I watched a young girl walk to the edge of her porch. It was a beautiful morning with just a touch of fall in the air. The little girl might have been about eight years old. She was wearing a backpack and was obviously waiting for the school bus to come by and pick her up. Instead of stepping down each step, she hopped down each one! It was just a small hop, not a jump, and it was done in a casual, carefree manner. Before she had reached the bottom step we had passed her house and she was out of sight.

I couldn’t help to note the difference in the manner in which she went down those stairs and the way I would have gone down them. Her descent was light, carefree and full of anticipation for the day. Mine would have been slower, burdened and wishing I was staying home.

Oh to be a kid again! They don’t walk down steps. They hop! They don’t walk down the street. They skip! Kids don’t walk to the bus. They run! They aren’t worried about what could happen. They aren’t concerned with the weather. They aren’t fretting about the economy. They couldn’t care less if it rains today or tomorrow. Their main focus is on right now and enjoying this moment of life.

On the other hand I dread going down the steps. The question runs through my mind, “Is this going to make my knee hurt?” I really don’t want to walk down the road, the question on my mind is, “How is this going to benefit me?” I drag to the bus because I would rather be going somewhere that is more fun and less demanding. I worry about tomorrow. I am fretting about the economy, especially mine. My focus tends to be on what might happen or on the complexities of the probabilities of the maybes.

A portion of scripture came to my mind. I remembered Jesus saying, “. . . become as little children.” Now my interest is tweaked! I knew God was trying to speak to me and now He had my attention. I have heard, and probably made, many references to becoming as a little child, full of innocence and faith. Was this what I was hearing from God?

I have found that it is always good for me to look up the passage and read it afresh. Being old and feeble minded I have a tendency to forget the whole passage and only remember a portion. Often I don’t even get that right. I have also learned that by finding and reading the passage again, it gives God the opportunity to bring something brand new to my attention from the passage. This is just what happened when I located and read Matthew 18:3, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus is giving His disciples a lesson in humility. He was asked who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of listing all of the great deeds and accomplishments that must be accomplished, Jesus turns and calls a little child. Rather than cataloging the need of a great family tree, money in the bank and extreme intelligence, Jesus takes a child onto His lap. He tells the crowd they need to be converted and become as a little child.

Why? Why would he use a little child as an example of humility? Why not use someone or something else? Why use a child?

Who understands the simplicity of trust? A little child does. They trust their parents for everything. A child doesn’t worry about food, clothes, housing or transportation because they trust. They don’t feel like they have to handle it themselves because they trust. They don’t worry or fret about tomorrow because they trust mom and dad to take care of tomorrow. All of the worry and fretting is something they learn later, but as a little child they just trust.

The Apostle Peter encourages us to cast ALL of our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us. (1Peter 5:7) Trusting Him with our concerns is a sign of humility. Giving them to Him to take care of is a sign of humbleness. Recognizing that His grace is more than enough is truly trusting. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Becoming dependent upon Him rather than self-sufficient speaks of submission. Taking the way of the child is a requirement.

I need a conversion in my life. There needs to be a transformation to take place in my mind and in my heart. My mind needs to be renewed and I need to stop thinking as an adult thinks. The world with all of its pressures and agendas has influenced my thinking and I need to be converted once again. I need to become as a little child.

While I was writing this thought, Melinda, my beautiful and wonderful wife, came into my study. In her hand she held a mixing bowl and a spatula. Without saying a word she walked up and handed both of them to me. Immediately I knew what I was suppose to do. I became as the little boy I once was, who loved to clean the bowl after mom had mixed a cake. Everything came to a halt as I laughed and went right to work, enjoying the taste of the cake batter and the opportunity to be a kid again.

How often does Jesus try to interrupt our busy lives to give us the opportunity to just enjoy being a kid again? It’s conversion time!

It’s just a thought!

A Summer Rain!

2011-06-28T12:51:00.001-05:00

Don’t you just love summer rain? A good old summer storm with the dry ground and pavement soaking up the moisture almost as soon as it hits until it really begins to rain. The smell of the hot dry ground as it is wet by the rain is so fragrant and refreshing. There is anticipation as you wait for the rain to come. You are wondering how long it will last and if there will be enough to meet the needs of nature.

Eight weeks ago our area of the country was hit by a series of severe storms. It rained several inches of rain, flooding roads, fields and ditches. Creeks, streams, rivers and even lakes quickly filled their boarders and overflowed their banks. There was so much water and it rained for so long the ground was saturated by it.

Prior to these rains we had been a little dry in our area. In fact people were concerned that we were headed for a drought because it had been so long since it had rained. Now we had rain in abundance, in fact, we had so much people were now complaining about too much rain.

When the rain stopped it, stopped! We have now been six or seven weeks with only a few drops, and that is almost literally. Now the ground is dry! Lawns are starting to turn brown and dry up. Trees are looking a little bit peaked and withered and some are already losing leaves. People are now saying they hope it rains. We really need some water.

Then today it rained! It started with just a few sprinkles and then it dampened the ground. The smell of the wet ground was strong and many expressed how good it smelled. Several people just went out and stood in the first light shower, enjoying the refreshment it brought to them as well as to nature. Pretty soon the light shower turned into a good rain storm and a renewed look began to appear all around.

This is so typical of us as Christians. We go through very dry periods in our lives until we become parched and withered. We wilt and we become peaked. Our spiritual lives droop and it is only with great effort that we remain alive.

Then the rain comes! That Holy Ghost rain! It quenches the dry thirstiness of our souls. It brings a refreshing and renewal to our lives. We can feel it seep through us invigorating us as it flows through our innermost being.

I am reminded of the words of Jesus as He said if we believe on Him as the scripture has said out of our innermost part will flow rivers of living water. He was talking about the Holy Ghost that would be given. He was speaking of the refreshing and renewing of His Spirit that will flood our souls.

The prophet Isaiah told us that if we were thirsty and hungry we could come to the waters and find satisfaction. It is free! We don’t have to have a great big checking account! We just have to have two things to qualify. We have to be hungry and we have to be thirsty. That is all!

No matter how hard I try to avoid them. Those times of dryness will come. I have learned that when I am enjoying the rains, of the Spirit, to fill my reservoirs. Yet there are times when the reservoirs begin to run low. I am so thankful that the rain will come. The time of blessings will return to my life. Strength will return and the reservoirs will once again be full and overflowing.

Well, remember . . . it’s just a thought! God bless!

Today is the Day of Good News!

2011-06-06T14:03:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been sorry that you received good news? I can’t think of one time that I have regretted receiving good news. I do not remember one morning when I have awakened and thought, “I hope that I get some bad news today!” I do know that most mornings I am hoping for some good news. In fact, to be honest, I look forward to hearing good news, even when it isn’t for me.

The four men looked at each other and one of them said, “This situation looks really hopeless!” Another continued the thought, “That’s right! If we continue to sit here, we are going to die. If we go to the city we are going to die and if we go to the camp of the Syrians, our enemies, we will die.” Another one said, “You are right about dying if we sit here or if we go to the city, however, there is a chance the Syrians might feel sorry for us if we go to their camp and they might feed us.” The last man said, “What is there to lose? Let’s go take our chances with the Syrian camp.”

The Syrian army had besieged Samaria causing a great famine. It was so bad and people were so desperate for food that a donkey’s head sold for twenty pieces of silver. In fact the famine had gotten so bad that people were killing their babies and eating them. There was not hope in the city! This situation compounded the hopelessness of having the dreaded disease of leprosy for which there was no cure.

The four men got up from where they were sitting and began the walk to the Syrian camp. The Bible tells us in Second Kings seven that as they walked, the Syrians heard the sound of many chariots and many horses and a mighty host approaching. They thought Israel had found some allies to join them in the war so the Syrians fled before their imagined foe.

When the four lepers came into the camp, they found it deserted! The Syrian army had fled and left everything behind them just “as it was” and fled for their lives. The four lepers had come upon a bonanza! They entered into a tent and ate and drank and then carried off the treasure they found to hide it. They returned and went to another tent and carried off the treasure and hid it as well. They were going to live! Not only were they going to live, they were going to live well!

As they were returning to get more treasure one of them said to the others, “Fellas, this isn’t right. Today is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. People are starving in the city and if someone comes upon us we are going to lose everything we have. Let’s share the good news with the King.”

The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the field and said to them, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy! A savior has been born today who is Christ the Lord!” Today is a day of good news. We have a Savior!

Many of us is as the lepers were. Our lot in life is hopeless and we don’t know which way to turn. If we stay where we are we will die! If we go to the left, we will die! If we go to the right, we will die! There is not hope! However, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!

It was His custom to go to the synagogue and so He went. As the service progressed, the minister handed Him the Book of Isaiah and Jesus turned to the sixty-first chapter and began to read; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty they that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. “ He handed the Book back to the minister and told the people, “Today is this scripture fulfilled.” (Luke 4:18)

The word gospel simply means good news. In fact if you read this passage in the Old Testament it actually says to preach good tidings or good news. The good news is that each of us can have hope. Life deals us blows! As life happens, it often breaks our hearts. Yet let me assure you, today is the day of good news! Jesus came to heal the broken heart. The circumstances of life can leave us bound, chained by fear and defeat. However, today is a day of good news! Jesus came to deliver the captive. The fears and failures caused by the events of life often leave us blinded, unable to see what God can do and what He wants to do in our lives. But today is the day of good news! Jesus came to restore sight to the blind. The emotional and spiritual blows of life leave us laying bruised and battered, unable to continue on! I assure you that today is the day of good news! The blood of Jesus Christ will liberate the bruised and bring spiritual and emotional healing to your life.

Life happens and it happens to us all. We will be broken, captive, blinded and bruised. We will be poor in spirit, at the point of hopelessness with no where to turn. Yet in the midst of a time of despair in your life, be assured, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!

It’s just a thought!

It is a BIG Deal!

2011-04-19T14:09:00.001-05:00

Have you ever heard the expression, “familiarity breeds contempt?” It was often used as a warning when I was growing up and I have found it to be true. The more familiar I become with things the less I hold them in awe. The more casual I feel and act around these things. I have seen this in many areas of life. In fact, this was forcibly brought to my attention this past weekend, here, let me share.

My alarm goes off at 4:20AM every weekday morning. After hitting the snooze button a couple of times, while trying to talk myself into getting out of bed, I get up and take a shower, get dressed and head for the kitchen. While Melinda is getting ready, I fix her breakfast. Now don’t get excited because I just put some cream cheese on a bagel and get a bit of yogurt out. I then fix my breakfast, eat, and quickly rinse off my dishes and place them in the dishwasher. We then head off to work.

Friday morning the routine was moving right along just fine. I wasn’t having to think and it was a good thing because my mind isn’t awake at that time of the morning. However, the routine came to an abrupt halt when I started to rinse off the dishes to put them in the dishwasher. Much to my chagrin there was water standing in both sides of the sink and it wasn’t there when I had gone to bed. Thus began two days of dealing with a plumbing situation that was the result of a full septic tank.

Saturday morning a tank truck pulled up to pump the septic tank. Out of the truck came two men who, without hesitation, began a process that I could tell they were very familiar with. The older man, who obviously was the boss, walked over to where the tank was located and sat down on a five-gallon bucket. The other man began to pull hoses off the truck and hooked them together. The boss then took one end and stuck it into the hole in the tank and the pumping began. After a little bit of time had passed the boss said something to the helper who then went over to where I had a shovel laying. He picked up the shovel, my shovel, and walked back to the tank and stuck the handle down into the septic tank moving it around. He then pulled it out and turned it over and stuck the blade down into the septic tank and moved it around.

I just want you to know that about the time the handle of that shovel disappeared into the septic tank there came over me a “spirit of generosity” because I decided right at that moment those two fellas had just gotten themselves a new shovel. I was never touching that shovel again! I didn’t and they did!

The difference between them and me was simply they were so accustom to working in that environment that they didn’t think twice about what they were doing I was standing thirty-feet away and I was worried I might get some on me. Familiarity breeds contempt! To them it was not big deal.

I have watched the waste disposal men reach into some strangers garbage can and pull out bags of garbage with their bare hands and think nothing of it. Then I have seen them climb in the truck and drive to the next place while eating or drinking. I have a hard time reaching into my own can and lifting out the bags. The difference between them and me is they do it every day and do it all day long. They have become familiar with it. Familiarity breeds contempt! To them it is no big deal.

Several days back I was reading a novel for some recreational reading. Melinda and I had been reading several books by a Christian author and had really enjoyed her light, humorous style of writing. I have not read a secular novel in over a year because I get tired of trying to find books that are not filled with curse words, sex and violence. As I was reading this particular book I came upon a “mild” curse word (I put mild in quotes because that is how it would be classified by most people) and I flinched. I read a bit further and came across another “mild” curse word. This time I looked to see if this was the author we had been reading and it was. I then looked at the copyright date and found it and realized that this book had been written before she had started writing as a Christian and although most would not consider it offensive, because I had not read those words in such a long time they were to me. Familiarity breeds contempt! It is a big deal!

Recently someone was telling me they had stopped watching television and movies. Their reason was they were trying to get closer to God and felt this was a hindrance in seeking that close relationship they desired. They said that after several months they were visiting another family and the television was turned on. The show that was being watched was a home and garden show. This person said that when the advertisements came on they were so offensive! They went on to explain they had never noticed this before but because they had been away from television for several weeks they noticed and were offended. Familiarity breeds contempt! It is a big deal!

I remember in times past doing something that I knew was wrong. Oh how it bothered me! I knew that God was going to come and I was going to be lost. I would get up in the middle of the night and repent because I was afraid God would come while I was asleep. Nevertheless I wouldn’t change and pretty soon I didn’t feel so bad about what I was doing. Now it wasn’t a big deal!

The American Indians had an explanation for the conscience. They said it was a circle inside of each man that had a triangle inside of it. When we do something wrong the triangle turns and its points hurt as the rub the wall of the circle. However, if we ignore the pain, long enough, the sharp points of the triangle will wear away and we will no longer hurt. What they were saying is, “Familiarity breeds contempt!” Or it is a big deal!

The wise man wrote, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Ecc. 8:11) What he is saying is because we do something wrong and God doesn’t “ZAP” us we continue and think it is all right. Why? Familiarity breeds contempt! We think it is no big deal!

I remember as a young teen hearing a Brother Charles Garner preach about Freddy the Frog. It seems some boys caught Freddy and wanted to cook him. They got them a pot of water and put it on to boil. When it came to a boil, they dropped ole Freddy right in the pot. Immediately ole Freddy jumped right back out of the boiling water. They put him back in and ole Freddy jumped out again. After several unsuccessful attempts to cook Freddy one of the boys got an idea. They poured the boiling water out of the pot and filled it with some nice cool tap water. They put Freddy in the cool water and he began to swim around. They put the pot back on the stove and Freddy continued to swim around. They watched as the pot of water began to warm up, anxiously watching to see if ole Freddy would try to jump out. Ole Freddy the Frog was doing the back stroke! He was swimming like a frogman! For a while that is until the water became nice and warm then he became sleepy and pretty soon ole Freddy the Frog was a cooked frog.

Brother Garner explained to us that is the way it is with sin. We watch for the “BIG” ones. We won’t rob a bank or murder someone with a gun. But the enemy of our soul knows that if he can slip in with something small pretty soon we won’t notice until it is too late. We become familiar and familiarity breeds contempt! It’s no big deal. We can handle it!

When was the last time we sincerely prayed asking God to “shine the spotlight” of His Word on our lives and show us what needs to be changed or removed? When was the last time we decided that no matter what everyone else was doing we were going to make some changes just because we wanted to draw closer to God?
I know that what I am writing isn’t usually found in a blog and will not be popular. I am sorry, I am not trying to be offensive but I truly believe that we have allowed ourselves to become familiar with the things in our lives that should not be there. It is time that we fall on our faces and seek heaven and turn from our sins. Familiarity does breed contempt! It is a big deal!

God Bless . . . it’s just a thought!

Let Me Hear Him Preach One More Time!

2011-04-16T10:17:00.004-05:00

David Leo Doran was said to be one of the greatest preachers to ever walk in shoe leather. I have said it myself and have heard many others say the same thing. He was an old time fiery preacher. He would quote more scripture in one sermon than most preachers use in a year’s worth of sermons. He could tell a story like you have never heard it told anywhere else. Most important of all, when he came to the pulpit, you knew that he had been in touch with God.

David did not have very much formal education. He had to leave school in the tenth grade to work and help support his family. Yet he always had a hunger to learn and continued to study and educate himself. He would talk to well-educated men that he admired and ask them what books they recommended. He would then buy the book and read it from cover to cover. He was much disciplined about this. I remember someone recommended Clyde Narrimore’s book, “The Encyclopedia of Psychological Problems.” They said it was a good book to have to help when you had to counsel with people. David bought the book and read it from cover to cover, word for word.

He was a preacher who studied. He would eat lunch on Sunday afternoon and then go to his study and prepare for the message that night. When he was finished, he started on his Bible lesson for Tuesday night. Tuesday nights, when he got off work, he would eat, bathe and change clothes, and then he would head for the church to finish up for Bible Study that night. He never walked to the pulpit without spending hours in study and prayer.

He took his responsibility so seriously that I recall a time or two when he would actually tell us that he didn’t have a message, although he had spent time in study and prayer, he didn’t have a message. He refused just to go through the motions or just be redundant in what he had to say. He was honest and up front and said he had nothing.

I saw him, at a Fellowship Meeting, it is a service with several churches, preach. He was preaching on Jehu telling different men to come see his zeal for the Lord. David got to preaching about being zealous for the Lord. He got to preaching about being like Jehu, who they said drove his chariot ferociously. David grabbed the hand of a young man sitting in the front of the church and he began to run around the building. The whole time he was pulling this young man behind him and preaching with all his might about having zeal for God.

Mind you, at this time David was about 47 or 48 years of age at this time. The young man had just returned from Marine boot camp. David ran him around that building until his tongue hung out, while David never missed a word or slowed down. The man could preach!

A Bible Study, which David taught, might last an hour or more. A sermon that he preached would be thirty minutes or so. That was his average. A Pastor once called him to preach for them for several nights and the night of the main event the Pastor requested David preach on a certain subject and asked that he preach for three hours. David did just that, he preached for three hours and although I was not able to be there, those that I spoke too later told me it seemed just like minutes.

When David was 59 years old, he found out that he had Parkinson’s disease. If you are not familiar with Parkinson’s disease let me briefly explain, its effect on a body. Parkinson’s disease is the result of a chemical deficiency between the brain and the nerve center that sends signals to the muscles. As a result of this, many of the things we do reflexively have to be thought out, step by step, in order for the person to be able to do them. For example swallowing is something done as a reflex, we don’t think about it at all. Yet with Parkinson’s you have to think through the whole swallowing process. Many people with Parkinson’s have problems swallowing food or even saliva.

Parkinson’s affects walking, talking, and standing. I won’t go into detail, but because of the lack of the signal from the brain to the nerve center it was soon evident that David’s time as a pastor had come to an end. It was also obvious that he would no longer be able to preach the way that he once had preached.

David was a champion; he squared his shoulders and faced the problems before him. I must say that the most difficult thing for him to face as a result of this disease, which so disabled him, was not being able to preach the way he loved to preach. At the time of his being diagnosed with Parkinson’s I was David’s associate pastor. When he could no longer carry on the work as pastor, in the church where he had pastored for twenty-five years, He and the church asked me to step in and carry on his work. Being his son and his student, I knew how he wanted to stay involved so I encouraged him to seek other ways to minister. One of those ways was discipling young Christians.

When I became Pastor, the people in the church began to call David “The Elder” as a way of honoring him for his life time of service to that church. When we started working together with David teaching young Christians, I called it, “Sitting at the feet of the Elder.”

David dealt with Parkinson’s and all the effects it had on his life and his body for ten years. In 1999 the doctors told him and the family that Parkinson’s had taken its toll and David didn’t have much longer to live.

I spent many nights, along with my brothers and oldest son, sitting in David’s living room, sometimes holding his hand. Most of those nights were spent sitting together, talking quietly and listening to him talk to us. I don’t remember a lot of the details of those conversations, I think it was more of his spirit strengthening ours than it was of words and dialog. I just remember being there with him. As the days went by, David became weaker. He became so weak that they brought a hospital bed in and set it up in his living room.

I remember on a Saturday afternoon I was sitting with him. Faye, his wife and my mother, had laid down to rest. David was a sleep and I was sitting on the couch in the living room thinking. It was very quiet and still. I watched David as he slept and seemed to labor a bit in breathing. In the still time my mind went back over the years and I began to remember the different times that I had heard my Dad preach. I began to relive those moments and those sermons which we called “Messages,” my how he could preach.

I walked through the years. I remembered the times and the places. There were one-room school houses. There were school gymnasiums. There were Camp Meeting Tabernacles and Brush Arbors. There were nice Church buildings and other buildings that had been converted from a former life into a church building. There were big crowds, medium size crowds and there were small crowds. David had preached in them all and to them all.

I remembered sermon titles like, “Are You Asking for Trouble?” “You Know Too Much!” “Check Points on the Road to Heaven.” “Five Things I Would Like on My Tombstone.” “A Three and Two Count!”

It was a very overwhelming experience. In my heart I knew that David didn’t have many days left to live. Along with that knowledge and the memories I felt just a little overwhelmed. Then I remember a thought that came to me. Maybe it was more of a wish or even a prayer than a thought, actually. Whatever it was, I said to myself, “I wish I could hear Dad preach one more ‘Message’. I wish I could just hear him do it one more time.”

My eyes had actually been closed and when I opened them Dad was looking at me. I asked him if he had gotten some rest and he answered back appropriately. Then we both sat there somewhat lost in our thoughts.

A few moments later, Faye came into the room to check on David. They spoke to each other in low tones and then Faye left the room. I didn’t think any more about what had been going through my mind because within just a few moments’ people started coming into the house to visit. There was Slim and Rose Daniel. Jean Daniel and the Petranoff family showed up. Marc and Valerie Anderson came walking in and the house was soon filled with family and friends from the church. One of the last people to come in that evening was Joe Silva. Joe and his wife Sheryl were new Christians that David and Faye had been teaching and Joe looked to David as a son does to a father.

After Joe came in, David began to talk. Suddenly he was once again the Pastor. He looked at my wife, Melinda, and asked her if she would get out the old accordion. He looked at me and asked me to get out my guitar. Then he looked at us all and said that he had asked Faye to call everyone in so that we could have a time of worship and fellowship. It was about this time that I realized the people he had Faye call in were those people that he had pastored for so many years. These were “his people or his saints.” He had loved them, led them to Christ, discipled them and pastored them for twenty-five years. They were those who were dearest to his heart and him to theirs.

He would tell us the song that he wanted us to sing and we all gathered in and sang our hearts out. He would call the name of an individual and ask them to sing a “special” song that they had sang in church, and they would sing their hearts out. What a time we had. You could feel the Spirit of God as it began to minister to each of us.

After everyone had sung and after we had pretty much exhausted the old song book. David spoke to Justin, his oldest grandson and my oldest son, and told Justin to go into his office and bring him some things. When Justin returned he had with him some sermon notes and a chart which he set up for his Grandpa.

David turned to Joe and said, “With all that has happened I haven’t been able to teach you this lesson that I really want you to hear. I have called you all in because I have something that you really need to hear.”

My prayer was answered. My desire came to past. There on his hospital bed “The Elder” preached one last “Message” to his people. I got to hear him preach one last time.

He preached from Hebrews 10:34-38 which reads:

Heb 10:34-38
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” KJV

The words of the “Old Preacher’s” last message that stuck in my mind was this. Don’t cast away your confidence in God. Trust Him that He always does the right thing. I don’t know why things in my life haven’t worked out the way that I planned them, but I have confidence in God that I will receive my reward and that He knows what is best.

Yes, just as I had remembered it, the Preacher had a Message and that Message was for me. I am thankful I got to hear him preach one more time.

Just a thought! God Bless!

40th Anniversary of Triumphanlt Life Center Rio Dell, California

Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand-Grenades!

2011-04-12T11:18:00.003-05:00

How often have you used the phrase, “I almost” attached to an action that almost happened? How many times have you looked back with a bit of regret and used the phrase indicating that you had almost made the right decision? If you are like me, it has happened more times than you want to count. Almost doing it shows good intentions but it doesn’t really count. In fact, when I was growing up there was an expression that was often used in our neighborhood, “Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades!”

I am not a great horseshoe player but I do enjoy a good game when the opportunity comes my way. Horseshoes, like a lot of games, can be very enjoyable but can also be very exasperating as well. In case you have never played, let me explain it in a brief and simple manner. You have two stakes set up several feet apart and you have four horseshoes to throw at the stake. Each player stands by a stake and throws their shoe at the stake several feet away. You want to ring the stake with your shoe to score points. However, if you get a shoe within the width of a horseshoe you also get a point. This is where the “almost” comes into the picture. You can almost get a ringer and still be a winner.

I think hand-grenades are very obvious. They are some shrapnel bombs of sorts. When they explode, they send shrapnel in every direction. Again, you don’t have to hit the target right on, just get close or just almost hit it.

Standing in the court room, he gave his best defense to those sitting in judgement. Well, I wouldn’t really call it a defense, it was more of a story of the change that had taken place in his life prior to this day. He explained to all that listened how he was raised and his early goals in life. He explained that he was so focused on doing what he thought was right that his whole life centered on accomplishing it, not realizing how wrong he was. He the told them of how God brought light into his life and changed it and how he could change their lives also if they would allow it to happen.

As he finished speaking one of the men sitting in judgement was visibly moved by what he had heard and said, “Paul, you have almost persuaded me to be a Christian.” However, as you and I both know, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades. You cannot be an “almost” Christian.

Just outside the city of Hebron, his attention is caught by the beckoning voice saying, “Come here! I have something important to tell you!” Foolishly he turns aside and walks over to talk to a man who he knew to be his enemy. A man he knew had sworn that he would kill him the next time he saw him. As he stood in front of the alleged messenger, he felt a stabbing sensation in his side. In horror he looked down to see his life’s blood flowing from his side. He was almost inside the city of refuge where his enemy, Joab, could not have touched him. In fact, David, the King, gave a eulogy at his funeral that said, “Abner died as a fool died. His hands were not bound and his feet weren’t in chains. He was almost safe and turned aside!” Of course, you and I know that almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades.

I wonder how many of us will stand before God, some day, and use that ill-fated word as our excuse, “Almost!” I almost read my Bible. I almost prayed. I almost went to Church. I almost talked to them about salvation. I almost made a commitment in my life. I almost . . . but of course you and I know that almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades.

My dad once told me, “The road to hell will be paved with good intentions!” I am sure this is so true. We all have those good intentions that we will someday do what we know we should. Let me encourage you to make up your mind to do so today. As you are reading this there are thoughts going through your mind of things, you know you need to do. You are thinking of changes you need to make in your life. There are choices you have been weighing for a while, knowing the way you need to go. Make the choice today! Do what you should do today! Make the change in your life you need to make today! Almost will never change anything because, as you and I both know, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades.

Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

If That Isn't Love...In Memory of Shirley Petranoff

2011-04-04T11:10:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning with a song running through my mind. It wasn’t just the words of the song I was hearing but I was hearing it sang by a certain voice. Here are the words to the song:

He left the splendor of heaven,
Knowing His destiny,
Was the lonely hill of Golgatha,
There to lay down His life for me.
1. Chorus
If that isn't love;
The ocean is dry,
There's no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love;
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this,
If that isn't love!
Even in death He remembered,
The thief hanging by His side;
There He spoke with love and compassion,
Then He took him to paradise.
Chorus
If that isn't love;
The ocean is dry,
There's no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love;
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this,
If that isn't love!

The song has been recorded by many artists over the years. Probably two of the most famous would be Elvis Presley and Dottie Rambo, the writer of the song. However, it wasn’t either of these voices I heard singing the song. Rather it was a voice that most would not recognize and which would never win any awards. Yet my soul was moved once again as, in my mind, I heard the love that the song was sang with. I could even hear the voice break with emotion, as it had so often in times past.

I walked from the bedroom into the dark kitchen to prepare breakfast and my mother was there. It was then she told me that Shirley Jean Horn Petranoff had received her promotion last night. My eyes immediately filled with tears and I thought, “Shirley, you can now tell Him personally how much you appreciated that love.”

I first met Shirley and her husband Ed in the fall of 1972. They had come to Rio Dell to visit Ed’s family and had decided to move “back home.” We were excited to have a new young couple in the Church. They had two small children at the time, Leann and Steve.

Shirley and Ed fit right in with the Church family. It wasn’t long until Shirley was asked if she would teach the Nursery Class. She was more than happy to help in any way possible and taught the Nursery Class for a number of years. She felt that was her calling. Shirley had a few notable students that came through her classroom doors such as Tim Doran (Pastor in Osceola, AR) Abby Doran Harrell (Music Minister in Harrison, AR) Justin Doran and many others including some of her own children.

I remember the love that Shirley had for her family. When her grandchildren came along, she was so faithful to bring them to Church at every opportunity. Even when they were tiny infants she made sure they were in Church. A Nursery teacher knows the importance of getting the Word of God into a baby’s heart.

I always thought of Shirley being a “fighter.” Not that she had a pugnacious nature, but she was tough. Shirley was born with a bone disease and it seemed like she had to fight for most things she did in life. She was a hard worker and a giving person.

In the fall of 1990 I became the pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in Rio Dell, CA. My father had been the pastor for the 17 years that Shirley had been a part of that Church. Shirley had worked under his leadership and felt a strong bond with my parents. Now they were stepping down and a new man was taking the leadership, one that she could remember “when!” I knew that it was going to be hard for some folks to see me in this new role, to make that change. I always felt that in her heart the Elder and Sister Doran would always be her “pastor” and that was all right because they will always be mine. However I can truly say that Shirley was always loyal and faithful.

I will always remember, as I did this morning, hearing Shirley playing her accordion and singing those words, “If that isn’t love . . .” She sang not with the most beautiful voice, but she sang it with a voice that had truly known that love.

It’s just a thought!

The Miry Clay, The Rock and The Potter

2011-03-26T16:50:00.002-05:00

Have you ever noticed that we often get a mind picture of something and that is the only way we see it? I find my self doing that way too often. I will sing a song and get a picture in my mind from that song. Even when I read the scripture passage from which the song is taken I will reflect upon the mind picture I have from the song. I am keeping it all in a neat little box! I have realized that when I get another picture there is great excitement, it is as if I have been released to see new horizons! That is just what happened to me this week. Here, let me share.

In my daily devotions I was reading a story that got me out of my little box and let me see something from a brand-new perspective. The story teller had gone to Pakistan on a missionary visit. While he was there, he and another missionary were visiting a small village and encountered a potter. As they visited with the potter, they learned that he had studied his vocation in China being taught by an old Master Craftsman who made china. This Master had taught him everything he knew about making pottery and along with many, many years of practicing the art himself had made him a Master Craftsman as well.

The story teller had asked the potter if he would show him how to make a master piece from start to finish? The potter was very excited at their interest and agreed to show them how it was accomplished. He took them to a shed behind his house-shop. It was an old tin building that looked about to fall down. When he opened the door of the shed, a horrible stench emanated from inside. The story teller said it was all they could do to follow him inside because of the horrible smell.

Inside there was a large pit full of muck and mire. The potter explained that this is where it all started for the master piece. He went on to explain that he added certain types of grass to the mud and as they decomposed they made added to the clay staying together, this gluing effect is called colloidal. He went on to explain that this mix was mixed together by him walking in the pit and mixing it with his feet. He then reached down into the mire and searched until he found a lump of clay that suited his purpose.

The clay was taken back to an area behind his house where there was a large round rock. Very carefully he placed the clay in the center of the rock. He was very careful to find the center of the rock before proceeding any further. He then sat on a stool and with a foot treadle began to turn the rock. He would dip his hands in water and as the rock and clay were spinning he began to shape a vessel.

The story teller shared a passage of scripture that came to his mind during this visit. Of course my mind had immediately gone to the encounter of the prophet Jeremiah with the potter and I had almost checked out of the story right then. I have witnessed many potters working with the wheel and felt I already knew what was going to happen and what would be shared. However, the passage the story teller referred to came as a result of the pit and was from Psalms 40:

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Ps 40:2 KJV

The picture I have always had in my mind went along with an old song we sang when I was growing up, the chorus went like this:

“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!” (By Rev H. J. Zelley and H. L. Gilmour)

The picture I have always had was one of salvation. Being mired in the muck of sin, sinking lower and being unable to escape when God in His mercy reached down and lifted me out of that trap. He then placed me on the Rock Christ Jesus giving me hope and the promise of eternal life with Him.

The new picture was different in that now I saw God reaching down into the pit and picking me out by choice. Saying to Himself, as the Master Craftsman, this is just what I need to make a vessel of honor, good for the Master’s use. He then placed me in the center of the Rock, Christ Jesus, to shape me into that perfect master piece.

Now there is nothing wrong with the first picture. It is still applicable to our lives. However, the second picture takes us a bit further in our relationship with God. Jeremiah, the prophet, relates to us that God desires to work with us as the potter works with the clay. He desires to mold us into a vessel of honor. This process starts at the pit of mire. He lifts us from a life of hopelessness because of his desire to make something beautiful of our lives. He places us on the solid rock and as long we stay centered in Christ Jesus, the Rock, we can be made into the master piece He has pictured us becoming.

The picture of the clay being taken from the miry pit and formed into a master piece, a beautiful vessel is one that speaks to us of complete submission to the will of the Master. It speaks of being chosen and pliable in the hands of the one who has our best interest at heart. Becoming a vessel of honor, Meet for the Master’s House!

So once again, I am blessed be the old song that says:

“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!”
Well, it is just a thought!

Thoughts for Young Preachers and Leaders

2011-03-19T15:08:00.000-05:00

Let me share with you a couple of thoughts that I believe will help you as a young (in length of time) minister:

1- Stay close to the spiritual authority in your life. We all need someone who is watching for our soul and is not afraid to talk “straight” to us.

2- Set up mentors in your life. Timothy had Paul. These are men who you can seek advice and direction of in spiritual matters.

3- Stay in the Word. If you feel you are called to preach, then preach the Word! I recently heard a man preach two sermons. Although he started with a scripture his message was not from the Word of God. He had something he wanted to say and tried to use the scripture to get across what he wanted to say. He should have said something to get across the scripture.... Stay in the Word!

4- Develop a relationship between you and God and always seek that first. You must first be a Christian, then a preacher, not the other way around.

5- Never put the ministry or the church before your family. It is always, God, family, Church/ministry.

6- Keep your spiritual man fed and grow. Read... listen to preaching/teaching... your ministry will never out grow you.

7- Remember, it is important that what you say sounds good, but if it doesn't minister then that is all it is, something that sounds good. Always ask God to help you minister to the needs of the people.

8. Always ask God to “manifest” (show) Himself during your message. He has exalted His Word above His name…ask Him to confirm His Word.

9. You will go through times of testing. Do not become angry or discouraged it is these times that will make you into the man of God that you need to be to carry out His work on earth. Be thankful He counts you worthy. The late Elder Clyde Haney once said, “Blessed is the man that can be disappointed and not become discouraged.”

10. Time spent in preparation is never wasted. Joseph was 15 years in preparing to lead Egypt through the famine. David was about 15 years preparing to be king of Israel. Elisha was 10 years preparing to be the prophet. Paul was about 10 years preparing to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Be ready when God is ready, until then be preparing.

1 Peter 4:10-13, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. KJV

The Hardest Part of Discipleship

2011-03-12T22:01:00.001-06:00

The Hardest Part of Being a Disciple

I have often thought of how great it must have been to be a disciple of Jesus. I could see him everyday. I would love to have the opportunity to visit with him. To sit in the same room, or area, and just listen to him talk and share his wisdom and understanding. That would have been incredible.

I have often thought if I could have been one of the disciples of Jesus, I wouldn’t have all the problems that I have now. All I would have to do is take each problem to him and he would solve it. Life would have been glorious.

Then I realize I am a disciple of Jesus. As a disciple I can enjoy those privileges. I can take my problems to him. I have the opportunity to fellowship with him. To listen to him talk and share his wisdom. I can take my all problems and my cares to Jesus. Bringing them all to him with the knowledge, he cares.

Yet, the role of discipleship is not without its difficulties. There are no drawbacks, but there are areas that require adjustment in our lives. Our priorities will change. Sometimes even our vocations might change. Like the vocations of some of the disciples of Jesus changed. Furthermore there is a position of discipleship that can be difficult for even the most ardent of disciples.

To be a disciple simply means to be a learner. It means to follow the teachings of the teacher. When a person becomes a disciple they begin to adhere or hold fast to the teachings of the teacher. A disciple is more than just a student. The disciple actually conforms to the teaching. He in reality becomes an imitator of the teacher. In this case we are talking about being an imitator of Jesus.

In the writings of Luke we find requirements, listed by Jesus, for a disciple. Jesus speaks of a disciple hating his mother, father, sister, brother and his own life. He talks of counting the cost before you start otherwise you might not be able to finish the task. Jesus also said in order to be his disciple we had to forsake all that we have.

In the Book of John, chapter one, we are introduced to a man that was one of the first disciples of Jesus. In studying this man we find a picture of true discipleship. John the Baptist stood with two of his disciples and saw Jesus walk by. He said, “Behold the lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak and they followed Jesus. One of the two disciples was Andrew who was identified as Simon Peter’’s brother.

In the life of Andrew we find a picture of the most difficult part of being a disciple of Jesus. Most of us know very little about Andrew. There are only four references of him personally to show us anything of his character. Yet in those few words he shows us how to be a true disciple.

Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He was among the first to follow Jesus. Tradition says that he was the first. That might be because John doesn’t name the other disciple of John the Baptist who was with Andrew. So when we look at the twelve who became Apostles, Andrew is the one with the most seniority.

Andrew does not have a real reputation of his own. Even the first time he is introduced to us, by John, he is introduced as the brother of Simon Peter. The ironic thing is we haven’t met Simon Peter yet.

He was part of the first men’s quartet, Peter, James, John and Andrew. They were all friends. They all grew up in the same town and worked in the same vocation as fishermen. However, we find that even the children’s Sunday school song fails to mention anything about Andrew. The song just speaks of “Peter, James and John…” being in the sailboat out on the deep blue sea.

Even with his seniority Andrew is not a part of the “inner circle” with Jesus. It was Peter, James and John who were with Jesus on the Mountain. The three of them were the ones who went with Jesus into the room of Jarius’s daughter. They were the trio that went a little further with Jesus in the Garden.

When the disciples were ordained and called Apostles, the writer Mark said that Jesus changed their names giving them a new identity. Simon became known as Peter that means rock. James and John were identified as the Son’s of Thunder. Yet Andrew’s name remains the same. He kept the same identity as before.

Andrew, however, from his first introduction to us shows us what is important. Even with as limited knowledge of Andrew as we have we are witnesses of what he considered to be of great magnitude. It is obvious from the start; there is a hunger in the heart of Andrew to know the Messiah. There is an intense desire to know Jesus.

He was a disciple of John and John’s whole ministry was pointing to Jesus. As soon as John said to him, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Andrew followed Jesus. However he did more than walk behind him. He had questions that would allow him to know Jesus. He asked questions like, “Where do you dwell?””

He was saying, “I want to know you. I want to know where you are living. I want to know where you are coming from. I want more than just a passing knowledge; I really want to know you.” He spent time with Jesus and came to recognize the Jesus was the answer to all he had been seeking.

We find that Andrew is the first soul winner. After he first met Jesus he went to his brother Simon Peter and John tells us that Andrew said to him, “We have found the Messias, the Christ.” We have come to know the one we have been looking for.

When Greeks, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, heard about Jesus they encountered Philip in their search. They asked him for help saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” What did Philip do? Philip went and found Andrew and informed him about the men. Then Philip and Andrew went and found Jesus and told him.

In John chapter 6 Jesus looked at the multitude that followed him and realized they were hungry. He turned to Philip and asked him where they could buy bread so the people could eat? Philip’s reply shows the bewilderment I would have felt in his place, “There is no way we can come up with enough money today to feed this many!”

At this moment Andrew, the disciple who was learning Jesus, steps forward to introduce an opportunity for a miracle. We might not have the money, but here is a young boy who is willing to share his lunch of five loaves and two fishes. It isn’t much among so many nevertheless here you are.

Andrew was willing to fit the part that Jesus had for him in the kingdom of God. He wasn’’t colorful or articulate as Peter was. He wasn’t as fervent or intense in his personality as James or John. He didn’t become part of the inner circle that was seemingly so close to the Master. He never was identified as ““the one Jesus loved.”

Yet when we look at Andrew we see that Andrew recognized Jesus as his Rabbi or his teacher. He called Jesus his Messiah or Savior. Andrew, without being angry or jealous, was faithful. He was the steady one. Andrew was the soul winner. Andrew wanted to know Jesus and to point others to him as well.

The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to know Jesus. Realizing that it is not the recognition that is received or the credit that is given that is important. What is important is recognizing who your Master or Savior is. The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to the knowledge that each disciple has a part in the kingdom of God and then striving to become that part to your fullest capability.

The hardest part of being a disciple is to become and imitator of Jesus Christ and in doing so, pointing others to him. Thank you, Andrew, for being a true disciple.

And I Am Gone!

2011-03-10T10:33:00.000-06:00

Do you struggle with keeping things in focus? I am not talking about being able to see well, I am talking about being able to concentrate on something until it is complete. I have often called the lack of focus “being distracted by shiny objects.”

Many times we start a project and before very long we have forgotten all about it. We walk away and become involved in something else that has caught our attention. I have had this happen to me often. I will start to do some research and come across something of interest that catches my attention and I am gone! I have started to do some cleaning or straightening and come across something that catches my attention and I am gone!

I have also found this to be true in my walk with God. I will be in the midst of a spiritual battle when things ease up and something else catches my attention and I am gone. I have purposed I will put forth extra effort to accomplish some spiritual objectives, I make some head way and then something else catches my attention and I am gone.

God knows human nature! When Israel was getting ready to go into, Canaan Moses was giving them directives from God about how to conquer the land and to live there. One of the things he was adamant about was the conquering of their enemies. In Deuteronomy twenty God instructs them to conquer the nations they would be living close too. When they conquered other nations, they were to kill the men and make servants of the women and children. However, when they conquered those nations that God had given them for an inheritance they were to completely destroy everything that had breath! The reason for this was so the enemy could no be an influence on them for evil.

Many times in our battles we get a small victory and walk away thinking it is all over. Later we find ourselves fighting this same battle again and again. Why? Because we fail to completely destroy the enemy that lives among us. God has given us the victory, He has delivered the enemy into our hands but we fail to completely destroy it. We give it opportunity to once again influence our lives toward sin.

Let me encourage you to be a victor! Let us completely destroy those things that we are battling against so that we don’t have to fight them again another day.

It’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

I Didn't Like What She Said!

2011-02-16T11:56:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been told something that you didn’t want to hear? Have you ever been told something that just irritated the “life” out of you? Maybe you have even been told something that just plain made you mad! It doesn’t matter if it is true or not, it makes you mad! It doesn’t matter if you need to hear it or not, it still has got you upset! It doesn’t even make a difference if it is going to improve your life, you just don’t want to hear it. Have you ever been there? I have! I’ve been there, done that and bought the tee-shirt.

I was called into my supervisors office, several months back, and handed a handful of papers. They were the paper work for a Department of Transportation physical examination that was being required of all of the drivers where I work. So, with a heart full of dread, I went to see the company’s doctor for the physical examination.

I have to be really honest, I don’t like doctors and make it a practice to stay as far away from them as I possibly can. I have only seen a doctor on two different occasions in my life because I was sick and those two occasions were 39 years apart. The only other times has been work related or because of an injury. I have been very blessed to have never spent the night in a hospital as a patient. I was not taking any medication and only took some allergy medicine when I absolutely had to. So even though I hadn’t been feeling really good, for a while, I did not want to see the doctor.

They poked me, then they prodded me and all of the other things that make you feel uncomfortable. After doing all of that the nurse left me sitting in a room for the longest time, all by myself! Finally the door opens and into the room walks a person, whom I assumed was the doctor, with a frown on her face. My first thought was, “Oh no! I am really about to hear it!”

For the next five minutes or more this doctors proceeded to tell me, in no uncertain terms, how bad my health was. She wasn’t nice! She wasn’t gentle! She didn’t seem to care if I liked what she had to say or not! She didn’t even seem to care if I liked her, she just laid it out for me to hear. She then sent me on my way with a warning I had better take care of some things if I wanted to live a while longer and to be honest I was wondering if I would live long enough to get to the car.

Now I don’t know if this has ever happened to you or not, but it did happen to me. My reaction to what she said and how she said it was simple, I got mad! I looked at the paper work I had been given to take back to my supervisor and she wasn’t nice in what she had written. Didn’t she know someone might read this? I did not like what she said about me at all. I became even more angry! My feelings were hurt! I was embarrassed! Actually I even felt humiliated! How dare she talk to me like that and to write those awful things about me?!

After a while I began to think of what she said and all of the things that she had warned me about. Realizing I hadn’t felt good for a while it started to sink in that she was right and I should pay attention. I brushed my feelings off my sleeve and pumped up my resolve! I went to work as instructed and three months later walked into her office for a second examination. This time when I walked to the door she put her hand on my shoulder and said I had done a good job getting everything in line and headed in the right direction. A funny thing is, when I walked out I was thinking to myself what a nice doctor she was. I appreciated the fact that she had gotten my attention a few weeks earlier.

The difference between the first time and the second time was simply, I was doing right. Many times I have felt the same way spiritually. I have heard the preacher preach a message and felt anger, resentment, embarrassment and humiliation over what has been said. I have thought they could have been a little nicer. They could have used a bit more tact! I am sure you get the picture.

Israel was in a serious situation. They had turned away from God and began to worship idol gods. Because of their sin God, allowed the Midianites to overwhelm them. They would come from the desert in swarms and take all of Israel’s crops, herds and animals and leave them with nothing. This had gone on for seven years. It was so bad for Israel the Bible tells us they were living in caves and hidden places to hide from their oppressors! Finally in desperation they began to cry out to God for deliverance. They needed a miracle in their lives.

God didn’t send them a miracle. God didn’t send them deliverance. God sent them a prophet with a word from God telling them what they needed to change in their lives. He wasn’t nice! He wasn’t politically correct! He didn’t worry about their hurt feelings or insecurities! He just told them the truth, what they needed to hear! In our time of oppression and desperation God doesn’t always send a miracle or deliverance. Sometimes God sends us a “Word” to tell us what we need to change in our lives.

We have become a generation that lives on the defensive. If I want to do it, what does it matter to you? Be careful how you speak to me about my wrongs, failures, weaknesses or sins because I might get hurt. Don’t judge me! Don’t be critical of what I am doing or my lifestyle. Please don’t make a suggestion that I need to change! The cry of this generation is tolerance! That is as long as it is applied to me and what I chose to do. However, don’t expect me to be tolerant of you or what you have chosen that is different from me.

This is a generation that needs a “Prophet Nathaniel” who will stand in the face of the “status quo” in your life and say, “You are the one who has sin in your life and need to repent!” This is a generation that needs a “Prophet Elijah” who will stand up to the “powers that be” in your life and declare, “Your sin is the reason for your problem!” We each need a “John the Baptist” who will declare “repentance” is our only hope for a relationship with God!

Instead of reacting in anger and offence, what would happen if we reacted with the “spirit of David?” Maybe there is something to what, is being said and God is trying to get my attention? Maybe God has tried other avenues of approach and they have failed to awaken me so now He is being more abrupt? What if I stepped back and said, “Ow, that hurt! But I need to think about what was said and pray about it. I need to allow God to have some time to speak to my spirit.”

Many years ago I prayed a prayer that I have repeated several times. I told God I wanted to go to heaven, and I wanted to be saved, no matter what the cost. I asked God to help me to accomplish this. Now, how can I be offended when He is doing His best to answer my prayer?

No, I don’t always like what I hear and sometimes have a hard time dealing with it Yes I do wish others were as tactful and kind as I am, and I say that laughingly. However, I do believe with Paul that God’s grace is sufficient for me and that Grace will help me to overcome those discomforts and apply to my life those things that will help my relationship with God. I do believe that all things work together for my good if I am loving God and allowing God to fulfill His purpose in my life. So I guess I need to once again ask Him to help me see what it is that I am needing in my life . . . even when I don’t like what I hear.

It’s just a thought!

Gotta Have a Good Connection!

2010-10-20T13:48:00.001-05:00

You gotta have a good connection! There is no other way if you are working with anything electrical and want it to work properly. If the connection isn’t good, you experience a lot of frustration until it is corrected. If the connection is good, you will find that you never think about it at all.

I have talked, in the past, about the adventure of fixing Jared’s car. We replaced the alternator and the car wouldn’t start. We replaced the battery, which had died when the alternator went out, and the car started but the battery light wouldn’t go off. We found there were fuses out and replaced those. Still the battery light stayed on and the battery would run down. We found there was a bad connection on the battery and fixed that. Still, we had the same problem. We had a diagnostic test done and found the new alternator was bad. We replaced that and drove it for a couple hours only to have the battery light come on again and the battery ran down.

Car problems are no fun! They are not even fun when your car is still under warranty and you have lots of time and money. When it is no longer under warranty and your time and money is limited car problems can be even more frustrating!

Sunday night we found the source of the problem was a small ground wire that connected to the alternator. It had become worn and frayed causing a short-circuit in the system. They just clipped the wire and crimped on a new connector. Three days later it is still working fine. All of these problems were because of a bad connection.

For some reason, at five A.M. this morning, I thought about that bad connection and couldn’t help but think about my connection to God. How much frustration have I experienced in my life because I haven’t made sure I have a "good connection" to God? How often have I struggled and became "spiritually rundown" because my "ground" wire has become frayed causing a spiritual short?

The Psalmist David wrote, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Ps 51:10 KJV) He spent some time talking about sin that had been in his life and asking God to cleanse him from those sins. He is exact in his request to God. He wanted a good connection, a clean heart! He wants to make sure there isn’t anything in his life that will cause a short in the circuit between himself and God.

How often have I let the things of life and sin bring a bad connection in my relationship with God? It isn’t always bad things that have caused me to have a short. It is sometimes something as simple as a distraction. So I began to ask myself what could cause a bad connection between me and my God?

One of the things that came to mind was distraction. Distractions are those things which divert your attention. Distraction comes so easy and appears in so many disguises. When Jared was young, I would tell him that he was easily distracted by shiny objects. It didn’t take much to make him forget what he was doing and he would be doing something else. I have found this to be so true in my spiritual life.

I go to pray and think of something I need to do first. The next thing I know I haven’t prayed and time is gone. I want to read my Bible but get caught up in answering an email that is important or even something else and time is gone. Pretty soon I realize it has been a while since I talked to God or allowed Him to talk to me and there is a bad connection.

I sometimes find myself struggling in my spiritual walk. I am not experiencing the joy that I know I should be feeling. My attitude isn’t really what I want it to be. Some of the "wonder" is missing in my relationship with God. When I begin to check the connections, I often find that I haven’t been as focused in giving praise to God. My worship hasn’t been as intense as it sometimes is. There is a bad connection between me and my God. It is time for me to stop coasting on what others are doing and make a good connection between me and God.

There are times I find myself stymied, at a stand still. In checking my connections I have found that I haven’t been applying the Word of God to my life. When I read His Word I need to ask Him to show me what I need to do with what I am reading. The Bible is more than a good book. It is the road map to life. If I don’t apply it and live by it the Bible just becomes another book. However, when I allow God to reveal His truth to me and begin to live truth the connection is made.

Now I don’t mind admitting that I am a "Jesus Fanatic." Just to make sure that I am, I looked up the word "fanatic" and this is the definition: Enthusiast; Marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea: "rabid isolationist."

I was so excited because that is how I feel about Jesus! I am His biggest fan. I am not afraid that someone will say I go overboard in my lifestyle for Jesus. I do not go through life asking why I can’t do certain things in order to live for Him. I try to make my question, "What more can I do to have a better connection with Jesus?"

Let me encourage you to spend some time checking your connections! Go to God in prayer and ask Him to help you see the areas in your life and walk with Him that are becoming frayed and corroded. Get a good connection and watch the power flow in your life!

Remember. It is just a thought!

It's Just A Little Thing!

2010-10-16T16:29:00.002-05:00

I love it when God takes something simple from everyday life and teaches me a spiritual truth with it. Usually it isn’t profound or deep. It is usually just something simple. That is what happened today, just a while ago. Here, let me share it with you.

Jared has been having trouble with his car for the past several weeks. The alternator went out so he saved a couple hundred dollars up and bought a new one, actually a remanufactored one. A coworker came over and they put the new one on. At this point we found out the battery had been killed when the alternator went out, so save some more money and buy a new battery. However the new alternator was bad and it took several different theories and a couple of diagnostic test (more money) to find this out. I am sure there are some spiritual truths to be learned in all of this but not the one I want to share.

Today Jared got the new part and I went out to lend a helping hand in installing it. Actually I mostly held the front-left side of the car down by leaning on it and watching him. After taking the older one out, with some difficulty, Jared was unable to get the new one back down into its place. There were several hoses and wiring in the way. He had loosened them and moved them out of the way and it still wasn’t working out. Finally he said, "I just can’t get it to go past this ‘do-ma-fligee’!" (Now a do-ma-fligee is Doranese for anything you don’t know the proper name of that is attached to the motor of a car)

I came around and looked at the obstacle only to notice there was another hose that could be moved. I pointed it out to him and when he moved it the part went right into place. It was at this moment a spiritual truth came to my attention. I told Jared, "That is the way it is in our lives so often!" I went on to explain:

There are times, in our lives, when something will try to intrude into our spiritual life. It will poke, prod and push but won’t be able to get in because there are things blocking it. We don’t pay much attention to the blocks, they are just there and have been there for a long time. We are paying attention to that which is trying to get in and we focus on keeping it out with obvious effort.

Then, one day when we are not paying a whole lot of attention, we remove the block. We have forgotten why it is there. It just seems to be a nuisance and who needs it anyway, move it out of the way. When we do that which has been trying to get in has an open door and it slides right in.

Paul tells us in Romans to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lust thereof. He is warning us to be careful not to allow the flesh any opportunity or it will take advantage. In other words he is telling us not to remove the "blocks" that have been set up to keep sin out of our lives.

Today it might not seem like a big deal but somewhere down the line it will be a big deal. My father was a carpenter and he believed in the old adage, "measure twice, cut once." I loved it when he would tell me, "Don, I cut this board two times and it is still too short!" There was some advice he would often repeat and give a spiritual application to. It you are measuring and you are a sixteenth of an inch off here it might not seem like a big deal, why it is only one little line on most tape measures. However, when you get sixteen inches further along you are now an inch off, which to some folks again might not seem like much. LOOK OUT! When you are sixteen feet further long you are now a foot off and the further you go the further off you are.

How often do we look at things in our lives as not being big deals? We say they don’t really matter or make that much of a difference and yet when they are ignored they end up compounding their effects in our lives to the point they are a big deal. They open areas and give opportunities for other problems and sin to enter our lives and take a hold.

Today it was simply taking a bolt out and moving a power steering hose that allowed an alternator to slide through. What might be keeping sin out of our lives? If we remove that one simple obstacle what sin might we be opening ourselves up to?

Today it is just a sixteenth of an inch and we consider it no big deal! But, a little further on, it is the reason that the door or window doesn’t close or the wall is out of square. Today it is just a little simple matter of saying yes instead of saying no. It is no big deal but somewhere in the future it has opened the door for other things.

I have to wonder where did it start for Judas? What got him off track? He didn’t join Jesus and the disciples to betray Jesus, no that happened because something else wasn’t taken care of earlier. Have you asked where did it start for Demas? Paul said that Demas had forsaken him because he had a love for this world. He didn’t say he had backslidden and walked away from God. However, something had been removed in his life that allowed the love of this present world to grow until it became more important than his ministry. I wonder what the end of that story was? We know it was just staying home from the battle when kings go to war that put David in the wrong place at the wrong time. The result was more than just adultery, which was bad enough, it was a loss of purity in his family. He wasn’t allowed to build the temple. Murder, incest, betrayal and adultery took a stronghold in his family. All of it was the result of protection being removed.

Well, remember it is just a thought! God bless . . .

How's Your Thinking Been?

2010-10-14T13:09:00.003-05:00

Have you ever read a passage of scripture, or maybe just a verse, many times and one day read it only to realize you haven’t read it that way before? This happens to me on a frequent basis. In fact it just happened the other night. Let me share what happened.

Jared and I had been having a discussion. We had been talking about some different things, some of which were happening in our lives and some that were not happening. After several minutes of talking I told Jared, "I really feel like I need to spend some time in prayer, will you join me?" Of course he joined me and we enjoyed a good time of discussion with God about our concerns.

Many months ago, while in a prayer meeting, a passage of scripture had come very forcefully to my mind. I had looked it up and the verses had become directive and favorites in my personal arsenal of scriptures. In fact I wrote an article about the incident titled, "My Friend Said Don’t Be Careful!" As I was praying this passage came to mind and I felt to share it with Jared.

As I began to read the verses I was inspired that God would again use these verses for a reminder of the peace He offers and assures us of. Only this time I did not stop where I usually stop but continued reading the next several verses. That is when I realized I had missed something on the earlier occasions of reading the verses. In fact I had been missing something here all my life.

In Philippians chapter four and verses six and seven the writer Paul tells us, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Another word for careful is worry which is the main thing I needed to hear on the previous occasion. God, or my friend, told me to stop worrying!

Worry is simply the wringing of your hands wondering what you are going to do or what is going to happen. I have been around some worriers in my life. A really good worrier can create monsters out of nothing. Their minds will make mountains out of ant hills! It is the result of an undisciplined mind and Paul said we are not to worry but to take our needs to God in prayer. We are to ask of God, with thankfulness, those things which we are concerned about. When we do this, God will allow a peace to come upon us that will protect our emotions and our thoughts. To me this is exciting!

Here is where my last reading became even more interesting. I have found it to be true that when we pray we often undo our prayers because of a lack of faith which is evident through our verbal conversation. We ask God to meet a financial need, then talk about how poor we are, what a struggle we are in and how much we lack. We ask God for healing and then talk about all of the pain and suffering we are experiencing. Our conversation destroys our faith and also negates the peace of God which God has given us. Lookout, here come the ulcers!

Paul continues with his instruction in Philippians chapter four and verse eight by saying, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." HOLD THE BUS! I had never read this passage with the passages mentioned earlier. What a new thought this produced!

Jared mentioned how powerful scriptural principles will be to us if we read them as they are written, in the proper context. I have often read and quoted verse eight and given instruction that we should use it as a guide for living or thinking. However, I have never thought of it as a guide for believing!

So basically Paul is telling us to stop worrying. He is telling us to pray in a certain way. He is telling us that God will send an unexplainable peace to protect our hearts and minds. Then he is telling us to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praise worthy. Wow! So instead of destroying my faith and tearing down what I am actually trying to accomplish, I will be strengthening them through this change of attitude. I will be continuing to reside in peace because I will be erecting a wall of protection around my heart and mind by my conduct.

Paul underlines this principle in verse nine when he said, "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." Do what we know is right. Follow Paul in as he follows Christ. Listen to the Word and apply it to your life. Doing these things will result in "the God of peace" being with us.

In a nutshell we need to stop worrying! Bring our needs to God in prayer, asking of Him with thanksgiving. We can enjoy the peace in the midst of turmoil knowing God will protect our emotions and thinking. We are thinking on the good things and pushing aside the bad worrisome things. We keep doing what we have heard to do from the Word of God. As a result God will be with us. God will, I know I already said it but I have to say it again, be with us!

Just remember, It’s just a thought!

Six Little Foxes...

2010-09-25T13:31:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed that it is the little thing in life that cause you the most problems? Oh I know, we watch out for the BIG things so we really don’t have problems with them. However, LOOK OUT for those little things!

I have never in my life been tempted to rob a bank or a gas station. That is ludicrous! If I were to be caught, and of course I would be, I would spend time in jail and just the thought of incarceration terrifies me. However the temptation has been there more than once to pocket the excess change. More than one time I have struggled with myself about being completely honest on my income tax filing. All of these would be considered stealing by God but I have the tendency to classify some not so bad as others. We must watch out for the little things.

This was brought to my attention today by a friend making a comment about the need to stop the problem we deal with while they are small. I was reminded of a sermon my father preached about thirty-four years ago. Let me share a bit of it with you: It was a Sunday morning much like many other Sunday mornings in the past. We had gathered in the little gray Church building for worship after coming back from our respective Sunday School classes. We had the reports from each Sunday School class. We sang a couple of songs from the songbook. It was just a typical Sunday until the Pastor got up to preach.

He asked us to open our Bibles to the Songs of Solomon and a titter ran through the youth group. This is what he read:

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes," (Song of Solomon 2:15) KJV.

From that point on you didn’t hear another covered laugh or snicker. The Pastor preached with great anointing about the little things in our lives that hinder or walks with God. He explained how the little foxes would play in the vineyard under the grape vines where they were shaded. They would run under them and knock off the tender grapes and ruin the crops. He started to list the "Six Little Foxes" but the Spirit of God began to move and long a long story made short is that he preached on the "Little Foxes" for six weeks, one each week. For the next twenty years those people who were in those services still referenced those messages about the "Little Foxes."

Little Fox Number One: "A Little Sleep" Proverbs 6:6-11 ". . . 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep . . ." KJV

How easy it is to become tired in the midst of the battle and want to stop to take a nap. How easy it is while building a house to stop and let it sit without finishing the project. How easy it is for a house to decay and fall apart because it isn’t taken care of, (Ecclesiastis 10:18). It is just a little slumber or just a little sleep.

Little Fox Number Two: "A Little Foolishness" Ecclesiastis 10:1, "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour." KJV

The spirit of our age is "Foolishness" or "silliness." It is so easy for the Christian to succumb to that spirit. Let me be entertained! Play for me, dance for me, so my mind can be at ease! For David it was a moment of "silliness" or "foolishness" that the "Little Fox" spoiled his vine. While other kings were at war, he walked on his house top with his mind opened to the temptations at hand.

How easy it is for us to make excuses for the need of foolishness in our lives. How easy it is to open our spirits to the "silliness" of this world. We allow our tender spirits to be spoiled and destroyed to the point we are no longer interested in "hungering and thirsting after righteousness . . ." or that which is pleasing to God. We are more interested in being entertained.

Little Fox Number Three: "A Little Leaven" or a little sin. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened . . ." KJV

We look at it and say it isn’t much, it is just a little thing. Moses, the great leader of Israel, missed out on the Promise Land because he smote the rock instead of speaking to it as God directed. Just a little sin! Israel lost the battle with Ai after defeating Jericho because of a little sin! Saul saved the best of the cattle for a sacrifice. Partial obedience is disobedience, just a little sin! Miriam spoke against the wife of Moses, her brother, who was also the man of God. Leprosy came upon her, just a little sin!

Leaven in the New Testament is likened unto sin. Paul said it just takes a little sin to make the whole lump full of sin. We need to consistently confess our sins to God. We need to join the Psalmist and ask God to, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," (Psalms 139:23-24) KJV.

Little Fox Number Four: "A Little Faith" Mark 4:40, "And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" KJV

Faith is acting upon what you believe. James speaks of faith without actions as nothing. The disciples had been told by Jesus they were going to the "other side" yet when the storm came there was no faith. Their confidence had left them. They refused to live through the storm as if they were going to the other side. They cried out to Jesus they were perishing.

We so often respond to the storms of life in terror! Our time is spent foolishly on things that have no eternal benefit and when the storms of life "assail us" we cannot believe that He will stand by us. Our faith is gone! Our motivation has left us! God steps in and calms the storm and we look at Him in wonder and say, "Where did He come from?" Yet just a while back He had worked miracles in our lives. Just a little faith!

Little Fox Number Five: "A Little Tongue" or a little member but big trouble! James 3:5, "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" KJV

Let me just list a few things about the tongue the Pastor said that day. (1) Galatians 5:13-15, Do not bite and devour each other. (2) 2 Peter 2:1 beware of false prophets and teachers who will bring teaching that denies God and will speak evil of truth. (3) Gossiping or being a busy body in other people’s business, Proverbs 26:20, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 1 Peter 4:15. (4) Lying, there is no such thing as a little lie! Read Proverbs 6: 16-19 and also Revelations 21:8. (5) Murmuring, grumbling or complaining and stop the disputing or fussing, 1 Corinthians 10:10-11 and Philippians 2:14.

Little Fox Number Six: "A Little Love" or Jonah a preacher without a burden! Just read the book of Jonah, he tells on himself. He was a burdenless preacher preaching damnation to a sinful nation with no care but for himself and his own comfort. They turn rather than burn, yet he sets and fails to respond to their need for God.

How easy to find ourselves caught in this trap. We become more interested in our comfort and enjoyment than in the need of our world to hear the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. How easy to become self-centered and fail to touch the life of our neighbor. Jesus said the proof of our discipleship wasn’t in how well versed we were in doctrine or how obedient we were to the rules and regulations. Jesus said the proof of our Discipleship was simply in the love we have for one another.

A few decades have passed since the Pastor stood and preached on these "Little Foxes." Fads have changed and the challenges that we face today might come in a different disguise than they wore thirty years ago. The old preacher has transferred his residence to the streets of gold yet the message is as relevant today as it was that day. I need to watch for the little things that will mess me up. I have to be vigilant for the "Little Foxes" that will destroy the tender grapes or fruit my life is producing.

Thanks to my friend for your comment and story that brought this back to my memory. I have enjoyed a walk down memory’s lane. More than that, I have enjoyed the reminder to be careful with my soul.

Remember, "It’s just a thought!"

Desperate Men are Radical!

2010-09-09T22:41:00.003-05:00

The sword made a screeching, scratchy sound as it was drawn across the floor. The one hundred and forty, battle weary, men looked on in silence, wondering what was the meaning of this exhibition? Why had they been called from their posts? There were no sentries on guard, and everyone had been called to this meeting. Why?

Finally, a line had been drawn across the length of the great room. Colonel William Travis stepped across the line that was made by his sword. He turned and looked at the 141 men that were before him and said, "Men, there is a chance that those desiring to do so, could slip through enemy lines tonight and escape to safety. There is also the chance that if some of us will stay here and fight, the rest of the Army fo Texas could regroup and go on to win the war. If you want to remain and give them this chance, just step across the line."

The rest is history. One hundred and thirty-nine men stepped across the line. The one hundred and fortieth man had his bed carried across the line. And yes each of them died in the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Why did they do it? They were desperate men, desperate to have freedom from tyranny! Their desperation made them radical in their actions. Their actions did keep General Santa Anna and his army of 6,000 to 7,000 men occupied for twelve days. They did kill or mortally wound 1,500 enemy soldiers. They did give the army of Texas time to regroup. Because of their extreme, on April 12, 1836, some thirty-seven days later, General Santa Anna and his army met defeat at the hands of the Army of Texas screaming "Remember the Alamo!"

Let’s take a moment to look at a couple of words. The first is Desperate, which has the following words as synonyms: Extreme, Bold, Excessive, Heroic, Drastic, Frantic, Reckless, Rash. The second word is Radical, which has the following words as synonyms: Revolutionary, Excessive, Extravagant, Extreme, Fanatical, Violent, Nonconformist, Fundamental, Essential.

A desperate person will go to any means necessary to accomplish what has to be done. Paul is on his way to Jerusalem and people are begging him not to go. One even prophesied that if he goes he will end up in prison. However, Paul is a desperate man thus making him radical in his actions. He asked them to stop breaking his heart. He feels he has to go to Jerusalem to preach of the grace of the Lord Jesus. He says to them he is not only willing to be bound but also willing to die for the Gospel. (Acts 20:22-24 & Acts 21:11-13)

There is no reasoning with a man who is desperate. Desperation is extreme, bold and excessive. It leads to drastic measures. It breeds recklessness and frantic actions. Oh yeah, the desperate man will be radical. He will become revolutionary in his thinking. There is no excess with an excessive man! He will not conform but will be extravagant in his course of action fueled by the desperation that resides inside of him.

We are living in a day when the Church world has become complacent in its relationship with Jesus Christ. I am reminded of two of the Churches of Asia found in the Book of Revelations. The Church of Ephesus had left their first love. They weren’t sinning like several of the other Churches that were written to. They had just lost that deep burning love for God they once had. Their relationship had lost it zip. They had become more interested in other things than they were in God. They had begun to take God for granted.

The second Church I am reminded of is the Church of Laodicea. They were a complacent Church. God called them "lukewarm" and said it made Him sick enough to puke. They weren’t hot! They weren’t cold! They thought they had arrived and didn’t need anything else. They were wrapped up in what they had and what they had accomplished and no longer were hungry for more of God.

Both of these Churches are warned by God they are on the verge of rejection from Him. Ephesus is about to have their candlestick removed and Laodicea is about to be spit out. Church of the 21st century it is time we woke up and realized we need to get desperate for more of God. We need to become extremist in our relationship with God. It doesn’t matter what I experienced yesterday, what does God have for me today.

The Psalmist was hungry for God. He asked God to show him His ways, to lead him in His paths. He had a relationship with God. God had moved mightily in his life. Yet there was a hunger in his soul to know more about God. His cry was, Show me your divine ways. Show me how you live! Show me what you consider to be right! Teach me the path that you follow. I have got to know how to please you.

Teach me your truth, lead me to live it. It will bring my salvation. When was the last time I prayed that kind of a prayer? But a man who is desperate and hungry for more of God will cry out, "Show me! Lead me! Teach me!"

Paul wrote to the Phillippian Church that he wanted to know God. I have often by struck by the fact that Paul, who had accomplished so much for God, felt lacking in this area. However it is then I realize that he was a desperate man, reckless and radical. He was a man willing to be extreme in order to have the relationship with God that God wanted him to have.

This evening I received a phone call from a pastor who shared with me that for the past several months, about nine months, the church he pastors have been seeking God and desiring the Spiritual things of God in their lives. During this time, as people have sought God they have been directed by God to make changes in their lives and families. Satellite tv’s have been disconnected. Percentage of giving has been increased in some families. More time has been focused on prayer and Bible reading. These are desperate people and so they are radical.

Last night a seven-year-old girl was in the altar seeking God to give her the Holy Ghost. She was touched in a mighty way by God during that time. This afternoon her father came home and she was engaged in a conversation with her mother. As the father joined in she began to ask him questions like, "Daddy why don’t we do different things?" (These things included dancing, wearing make-up, smoking and many other things.) His reply to each of the things she mentioned was, "We don’t feel that Jesus likes those things." To this she replied, "Why do we watch movies where they do all of these things that you say Jesus doesn’t like?"

The pastor told me that the father had called him and said he had just gotten rid of more than twelve hundred movies because when he asked himself what was being portrayed in each of them it was something that Jesus would not be happy with! He had already disconnected his satellite tv several months ago. I am talking about desperate men being radical! Going to the extreme! Becoming reckless in their desire to have a greater relationship with God.

What would happen if we fell on our faces before God and asked Him to show us what stood between Him and us? What would happen if we asked God to show us what had interfered with our first love? I am talking about being desperate! Desperate men are radical! What would happen if we asked God to show us how to become on fire for Him? What would God have us to do? Where would this take us in our relationship with Him?

Are we to the point of desperation? Are we willing to become radical for Jesus? Are we willing to change our lives to the point of making sacrifices that hurt and cost? Are we willing to become different?

Desperate men walk to the beat of a different drum. It was a man desperate for liberty from tyranny that stood in the meeting house one day and cried, "If this be tyranny make the best of it! Give me liberty or give me death!"

It was a man who walked to a different drum beat that stood and said if you want to serve the gods of your fathers in Egypt you go ahead, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord! Desperate men are radical . . . give me more of God!

Remember, it’s just a thought!

Have You Considered Your Miracle?

2010-07-07T11:04:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been going along enjoying life? I am talking about everything just going great. The kids are all doing well, no problems there. The boss seems to think you are the greatest, no problems there. The car is running perfect, in fact getting the best gas mileage it has ever gotten, no problems there. Your mother in law even acts like she likes you, no problems there.
Then suddenly, out of no where, troubles come pouring in! The kids are in trouble with the teacher, problems there! The teacher is in trouble with the principal, problems there! The boss isn’t happy with anything you try to do, problems there! Even if you stood on your head they wouldn’t be happy, problems there! The car no longer is your friend, problems there! Your mother in law has decided you are just as bad as she said you were before you married your spouse, problems there!
The sun has gone behind more than a cloud. It has totally disappeared and the bright sun shine is gone. In its place is a dark dismal gloomy day! Have you ever had this happen to you? Do you know what I am talking about?
Most folks started nodding their heads in agreement at the start of the second paragraph. That doesn’t mean that they are pessimist. It doesn’t mean that they are always looking at the doom and gloom. It does mean they are living life. This is the way that life is. One minute you are going along thinking life couldn’t get any better. The next you are going along and thinking life couldn’t get any worse. That is life!
A while back, I was involved in an “on-line” discussion. Now this was a Christian discussion so the blood was only flowing as high as the “horse’s stirrups,” it hadn’t gotten as high as the bridles yet. One participant said, with great emphasis, “I am screaming READ MARK 6, READ MARK 6!!”
Well instantly I am interested in what Mark chapter 6 has to say about our discussion. I reach over to my trusty mouse and take it in my delicate little hand. I click, and then I click again. I wiggle it and click again. Then I type a few strokes on the keyboard and wallah! I am reading from Mark 6 on my Bible. (I love computers!)
Now try as I might I never did figure out what Mark chapter 6 had to do with what we were talking about in the discussion. After reading it a couple of times I realized that the discusser must have made a typo. I also realized, at the same time, that God had probably allowed it to happen because He had something to say to me from Mark chapter 6.
The disciples have been ministering. Jesus had taken them with Him as He went from town to town. They had observed Him as He had ministered. Then Jesus had sent them into the surrounding area in groups of two.
Their efforts and works were blessed. Devils were cast out. They anointed the sick with oil and they recovered. They preached a message of repentance that resounded all of the way to the king’s house. Their missionary tour has been blessed.
Yet when they returned the disciples are very weary. Life hasn’t been treating them all that well. The pressure has been great. In fact, the emphasis of their report to Jesus is the death of John the Baptist.
Seemingly, just in the nick of time, Jesus steps on the scene and tells them it is time to take a vacation. In fact, let’s make it a little cruise. He tells them to get in the ship and they go to a desert place. It was just Jesus and His disciples.
Well, that was the way the travel agent told them it would be. You know, take this trip and get away from all of the pressure. Just enjoy life at a faraway place. So off they go and when they got there, they were met by the crowds. In fact, they were met by large crowds that wanted their attention.
Instead of resting and being able to refresh themselves, they must again work. Rather than a time of relaxation it became many hours of serving. Instead of having a time alone with the Master they had to share that time with a multitude of people.
Jesus begins to teach those who have come to learn from Him. The day passes and the crowd grows. The disciples realize the people need to eat. It is also at this time they realized the local McD’s isn’t going to work. In fact, there is not a place close enough for the people to find food.
It is interesting as you read this passage the disciples realize the lateness of the day and the fact they do not have any food with them is a big problem. They actually tell Jesus to send the people away so they can find food.
We need to realize that Jesus has set the scene for a miracle. He says to His disciples, “Why don’t you feed them?”
Not totally “with it” the disciples ask Jesus, “Do you want us to go get food for everyone?” They aren’t following His thought pattern at this time.
Jesus then asks “How much food do you have? Go ask the people.”
Too often we see our problem as a road block. We view it as the end of the line. We are ready to bail out, to jump off. We are seeing a train wreck about to happen. Yet at the same time God is seeing it as an opportunity for a miracle!
We see the multitude that needs to be fed. We recognize the need and are very concerned that it be met. Then we are ready to give up on the situation right then. In our opinion it can’t get any worse. Jesus sees the need and recognizes the multitude needs to be fed and in his opinion things are just perfect, it is a miracle setting.
They inquire of the people and come up with five loaves and two fish which they present to Jesus. He takes them, breaks them in pieces and feeds a multitude of people. What an incredible miracle. It is a miracle that many times we brush over because of the familiarity of the story. From nothing he feeds a multitude of people. Five thousand men and maybe two or three times that amount of women and children. Jesus feeds them, friend this is truly a miracle of colossal proportions.
It doesn’t matter the magnitude of our situation, He can meet the need. It doesn’t matter if there seems no way to take care of it. He can take care of it and bless others while He is doing so.
The next part of this story I want us to pay close attention to. I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to gloss over things in the Bible that I have read or heard told a lot. Let’s consider a few things here.
The Bible tells us that Jesus constrained His disciples to get in the ship and told them to go to the other side of the lake to Bethsaida. He was going to get rid of the crowd. After getting rid of the crowd, Jesus went to the mountain to pray.
The word constrained in the Bible means to compel. In our vernacular it means to require. In fact, every translation that I read this passage in says that Jesus “made” them get in the boat to go to Bethsaida. He put them in a place where they would encounter a situation that would be an opportunity for another miracle. He left them to deal with that opportunity on their own, enabling them to recognize their need for Him.
Jesus then goes to the mountain to pray. When the dark time came He saw them on the sea. This is the part that really caught my attention. The Bible says that Jesus saw them in the midst of the sea toiling in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them.
They were in a situation. It is about three o’clock in the morning. They are very tired. They have been through some great difficulties in the past weeks. They had a very strenuous day of ministering to a multitude of people. Now they have been on the water for some time working in a very adverse situation. Things were not going their way at all.
I find myself in these types of situations. I feel I have carried a heavy load for a long time. I have spent time giving of myself. Even still, I am struggling with all my might and seemingly I am going nowhere.
It is in this scene that Jesus shows up. He comes walking to them out of their storm. Walking on what they are struggling with. It was a miracle right before their eyes. He is in total control of the whole situation. A miracle in the midst of a storm, and they almost missed it!
Jesus would have walked on by if they hadn’t called Him. Someone told me one time, “God is a gentleman, and He doesn’t force Himself on anyone with out an invitation.”
How many times have I allowed Jesus to walk past in the midst of the storm? I get so busy! I get so involved! I fail to look around for Him to help me. I am toiling! I am giving it everything that I have got! I am putting my all into it! What I really need to do is look for my miracle. It is passing me by walking on my storm.
When Jesus enters the boat the disciples are amazed. They could not believe what had just happened. As we would say, “Their minds were completely blown!”
The Bible tells us the reason for their astonishment. I really think this is something that we need to pay close attention to. The reason for their astonishment was they did not consider the miracle of the loaves and fish. They had been blind to what had really happened. They failed to understand what Jesus was showing them. He was saying, “No matter where you are and no matter what the situation, I will meet the need.”
Have we considered our miracle? Do we understand that God can and will meet every need that we have in our lives? Do we forget the miracles of the past? Do we remember what God did yesterday or last month? He we considered our miracle?
We need to recognize that God allows us to be in a situation where He can show His power. Not too much further down the road he is going to allow us, or even put us, to be in a situation where we will need to remember our miracle in order to get out of the situation.
I pray that when I am in my next storm, which I know will come, to remember my miracle. I pray that I will remember that God has allowed me to be there because he has confidence in me, confidence that I will go to the other side. The last verses of the story tell us the disciples saw some of the greatest miracles of their lives when they reached the other shore.

Signs of the Believer in Osceola, Arkansas

2010-06-17T19:59:00.002-05:00

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;" Mark 16:17 KJV
On March 19, 2010, in a little northeast Arkansas town called Osceola, the signs of the believers were manifest. It was a Friday night that was filled with great anticipation. For the past forty days the United Pentecostal Church of Osceola had been praying and fasting. They had been reading the Book of Acts and asking God to do a supernatural and spiritual work in their lives. They were desiring to be released into the Spirit of Apostolic Revival. Their prayer was, "God we want the Spirit of the Early Church! We want what they had!" Now, for the next few hours they were determined to worship God with all they had and let God do His part.
The Osceola City Center had been rented to accommodate the expected crowd. Several slipped into a racquetball court that had been designated as a prayer room and began to seek God for the service that night. Little did those prayer warriors know God’s attention had already been captured by their desire.
The service started with a great Spirit of Praise and from the start people were caught up in the Spirit of Worship. A gentleman, seated toward the front, stepped out from his seat and began to walk back and forth praising God. It was just a few moments later that the Worship leader stopped everything!
Pastor Tim Doran, of Osceola, was leading the Praise and Worship. He came over to Anthony Brown, the worshiper, and said, "You have cancer, don’t you?" Anthony said, "Yes sir I do."
Pastor Tim said, "The Doctors said it is bad and don’t give you any hope, is that right?" Anthony said, "Yes sir, that is true!"
Pastor Tim said, "When we were in the prayer room, God saw how you worshiped Him in spite of your illness and pain. He told me to tell you that He is going to heal you of cancer!" As he said this Pastor Tim reached out to lay hands on the sick man and jerked his hand back and said, "I don’t even have to touch you! God has already healed you. In Jesus Name be made whole!"
During the twelve and some half weeks that have passed since that time, Anthony Brown has reported that he is getting stronger each and every day. On Sunday, June 6, 2010 he came to Pastor Tim Doran, who is now Anthony’s pastor, and told him that he needed prayer for his feet. One of the symptoms of the cancer was that his feet would itch so bad that he would actually scratch the skin off trying to get relief. Pastor Tim prayed for him and the itching is completely gone!
On Wednesday, June 16, 2010 Anthony Brown went to see his doctor for his scheduled cancer checkup. After the test and examinations were complete his doctor came in and sat down with Anthony and said, "I don’t understand how a man with pancreatic cancer taking four insulin shots per day has a blood sugar reading of 80? I just don’t understand. In fact I am going to go get another doctor to look at this."
He left and returned with another doctor who went over the reports and looked at Anthony and said, "I don’t understand how a man with pancreatic cancer who takes four insulin shots a day can have a blood sugar reading of 80? I just don’t understand!"
The first doctor pulled out his cell phone. He showed Anthony and the other doctor a picture that he had taken of Anthony earlier. There were sores from the cancer all over Anthony’s body. His figure looked sickly and gaunt. The doctor looked at the healthy looking energetic figure before him and said, "This is not the same man, I just don’t understand!"
Anthony told the amazed doctors, "I understand exactly what is going on. Jesus Christ has worked a miracle of healing in my body. He has healed me of cancer!"
Both doctors shook their heads in amazement and said, "It is a miracle, we can’t argue with that!"
These signs shall follow the believer. They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover! However, sometimes God gets so excited about healing a worshiping believer that He doesn’t even wait for the laying on of hands!

40 Days to Focused Life Summit Benton, AR Summary

2010-06-01T20:41:00.006-05:00

40 Days to Focused Life Summit
Benton, AR
April 18 - May 21-23, 2010

Seeking to be Released into the Spirit of Apostolic Revival!

On April 18th Apostolic Tabernacle and TEAM Ministry launched 40 Days to Focused Life Summit. Actually it was 33 days because the launch had to be put off a week because of death in the Church family.

God met in a special way that evening as the Church made commitments to pray a committed number of minutes a day. They focused on praying for a spirit of unity in the Church, for God to do a supernatural and spiritual work in their lives, to renew their first love for the Word of God and for lost souls. They committed to fast a committed number of days each week. This included fasting food and also the media (radio, video, internet, tv, etc.) They committed to reading the Book of Acts through during this time and asking God to us the vision of the Early Church. They committed to a financial commitment to help with extra expenses.

Pastor Jay Emerson and Youth Pastor Jared Doran began teaching prepared lessons to the Adults and Youth. These lessons covered Healing for the Church, Spiritual Warfare, Created for Wholeness and The Apostolic Church. These lessons were designed to help bring into Focus what God desires for our lives and what He has put at our disposal to accomplish it.

On May 2, Don Doran came and taught the lesson Created for Wholeness. God created us in His image, complete. Sin has broken and destroyed our lives. God wants to bring us back to that completeness He designed for us. The power of God fell and many lives were touched that night as God began to heal broken hearts.

On May 16, Don Doran again came and preached Forgiveness is Not an Option! It is impossible to have a relationship with Jesus Christ without forgiving others. It is impossible to feel good about ourselves and not carry condemnation and shame if we have an unforgiving spirit. Again, God began to deal with our hearts as we asked Him to reveal the unforgiveness in our lives.

On May 21, Tim Doran, pastor of Osceola UPC, preached a powerful message on being full of the Spirit. God began to fill lives and miracles and wonders began to take place. In that service one received the baptism of the Holy Ghost after seeking it for ten years. Another was healed of kidney failure. There is no way to tell how many hearts and lives were healed.

May 22, Jared Doran, Youth Pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle of Benton, preached on Jesus Christ being our refreshing. We will go through desert places but can be refreshed by Jesus Christ. Again, many were on their faces before God seeking that refreshment.

May 23 AM, Don Doran, evangelist from Conway, Arkansas preached on God is on a Leash! The only limit that God knows is the one we put on Him. He can do anything we want or ask, if we take the leash off and let God go! Don challenged the Church to get a "New Revelation of God’s Love for Them!" God, again, began to minister to hearts as people began to release God to do the work they needed done in their lives.

May 23 PM, God preached! Don Doran was scheduled to preach but, during a song about how much God loves me and you, God poured out His Spirit in a powerful way. People were slain in the Spirit! Others just began to weep in the sweet presence of the Holy Ghost. After a while a Brother came to the front and began to tell of a vision that God had just given him which reassured this Brother that God really did love him. He said he had been going through a desert and unable to cry for a couple of years. He had wondered at times where God was. God had just revealed He was there all the time, loving him and he wept! A Sister got up next and said God had revealed his love to her too. Taking her to times when He had been there caring and loving! Oh what a time we had that night.

I can talk about this but thought you might be better blessed with testimonies of some who were there and what they felt.

I feel like I have been in a cracked, dry desert place...flooded by cool refreshing rain! God is SO good! It blessed me immensely to be a part of these services. I regret having to work on Friday evening. Witnessing God touch my three guys was amazing. -VK

God healed me in many ways mainly my heart. Throughout the weeks prior I had been dealing with feelings of depression, inadequacy and some others mainly because of my lack of employment. I had applied for a job that I had thought was going to work out to be something really good for me. Upon finding out that they had filled the job I began to have some issues with self degradation.On the Thursday before summit Jared asked if I had finished reading acts and, of course, I had not. He then preceded with the words "read it and be encouraged. Your faith is low right now and u need strength" or at least it was something along those lines. For the next 18-24 hrs I began where I had stopped (Acts8) and read it through, almost unable to put it down. By Friday night I was focused again on God, however my faith was still very, very low. The pivotal moment didn't come in praise and worship nor did it even come in what we would consider the technical "alter call" it came when Bro. Tim went around praying healing into peoples hearts and lives. He came to me looked me square in the eye and said " do you have a job yet?" and I said no. At that moment he placed his hand on my head and prayed encouragement, healing, and faith into my life when he spoke the words "let it happen this week" I believed him, not because of the faith I had in the man but because I had never said a word to him about the issues with which I was dealing thus his knowledge of said issues had to have been divinely given him. I basically said all of that to say this. I had revelation this weekend of Gods love for me. What did it mean to me? Everything. Had I not gotten what I got, had I not felt what I did, I'm convinced my life would have spun out of control. I just had to learn to UNLEASH God in my life and let Him do what He does best...everything. - DK

This past week I applied for the Math and Science School in Hot Springs. I wasn't sure whether or not it was God's will for me to go. Friday I asked God to help me make the decision if I'm accepted and when Bro. Tim Doran prayed for me he told me "To go after my dreams, God will make a way" it was so amazing how God used him to speak to me.This is just one way. My heart was also healed and I let go of many things.Thank You! The Summit was incredible. - CS.

The Summit changed my life in a way that I have been hoping and praying for. Due to my busy schedule, I usually do not attend many extra services. On Wednesday night before that Friday Bro. Jared was sharing what Bro. Don and he had been discussing on the patio. He said that God was going to heal the broken hearted and heal the sick. I have had such a longing to see some old time miracles I told myself I am not going to miss this! I am so glad I pushed my old self aside and went to church! Not only did my husband receive the Holy Ghost after ten years of praying but, I have been praying for a change in our church for a long time. I have been praying that God restore that first love in me. I have also been praying that the church get a burden and love for lost souls. - KB.

I feel like God renewed . . . refreshed , , , restored . . . re-energized . . . re-vitalized . . . reestablished me. I appreciated all God did. - DE.

Wow, what can I say? It just shows what can happen when you FOCUS on a move of God! God healed broken hearts and did some physical healing at this Summit! My mom was healed of a kidney disease that has had her down physically and spiritually. She had immediate results! Bro Tim Doran said he noticed immediate color in her cheeks. She had so much energy right away, it was amazing! She said there was evidence by the next day that she felt her kidneys were healed! God is so Awesome, He knows exactly what we need when we need it!It really showed in the ministry of Bro Tim, Bro Jared, and Bro Don Doran that we had FOCUSED and they had FOCUSED on a move of God! I'm so excited to see what God is going to do for Apostolic Tabernacle of Benton, AR!-MD.

Bro. Doran on Friday night God really did some Amazing things in my life but the one thing that really blew my mind was I got an answer for something I have been praying about for many years. I had prayed and prayed and asked God to give me an answer and I started to think it would never come but God gave it to me on Friday night. I will never forget that service it really has change my life forever. I'm so excited about what God has done and is doing! God bless, AD.

God blesses when we Focus our lives on Him desiring a to be released into the Spirit of Apostolic Revival! Thank you for all your prayers and intercession. There were many from TEAM Ministry Group on Face Book who contacted us to say the were praying and fasting with us for these services. Many texts came in saying they were praying while we were ministering. You will never know the strength and boldness that allows to minister in the Holy Ghost. God Bless and TEAM!

In Memory of Rose Daniel

2010-05-27T23:18:00.002-05:00

I am reminded of a statement made by the Apostle Paul, "Seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us run with patience the race before us." That is not a direct quote but close enough. This past week another "Witness" has finished her race and is standing on the sidelines cheering us on.
I will never forget meeting Rose Daniel for the first time forty years ago this next December. I had heard so much about her and her family. They were taking a Home Bible Study and after each lesson Mike and Margie Power would come to our house and update us on what had taken place. Then one Sunday morning, in December 1970, Rose and her family came to Church. We were so excited to have a new family visiting the Church. Then I found out that I knew their son, David, having gone to school with him for three school years. David and I soon became close friends.
Just a few weeks later Rose and Slim, along with others from the Bible Study group, were water baptized in Jesus Name. A few months later, in March, she received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Rose began a different life than she had lived before.
Early in her relationship with Jesus Christ Rose developed a love for the Word of God. She loved good preaching. She loved good Bible teaching. As time passed, this love grew. I remember a Fellowship meeting not long after Rose had received the Holy Ghost. She had been studying her Bible trying to understand the Oneness of God. During this Fellowship meeting in Arcata, Brother John McDonald was preaching and began to talk of the Oneness of God. I was sitting behind Rose and suddenly, in a loud voice, she said, "I see it! I see it!" She had received a wonderful revelation of who Jesus Christ really is.
As a young person I spent a lot of time in Rose’s house. David and I were good friends so I was in and out frequently. I soon found out that Rose was a wonderful cook and so I tried to take advantage of that discovery. She was the only person who could bake a Blackberry Cobbler that I liked, and oh could she bake one!
I was a young man, just thirty-three when the United Pentecostal Church of Rio Dell asked me to be their pastor. I had grown up in this Church. Like I said, I hung out with David so his family knew me. I had some deep reservations about becoming Pastor to people who knew me "when" and could remember "what." However, I must say that not one time did I ever get the feeling that Rose Daniel did not look to me as her Pastor with honor and respect. I am sure there must have been occasions when she wondered if that "young fella" knows what he is doing, but she never voiced any doubts she might have had.
I was going through some pictures this week trying to find a good picture of Rose. I have stacks of them and it took several hours. Mainly because I was having to stop and wipe away tears and sometimes just cry. The memories were so precious. I was looking for some good candid shots of her. To my amazement I only found three. What I did find, however, spoke volumes of this precious woman. They were pictures of her worshiping her God. Her hands were raised! Tears were streaming down her face as she prayed as only Sister Rose could pray! Pictures of her with her hand on the shoulder of a fellow saint as she prayed with them. Encouraging them to keep praying until they received what they were needing from God.
Oh, I will never forget, in fact I can hear it right now in my mind, how she could pray and touch God. She had a voice that would ring with authority and familiarity as she would begin to pray in the Spirit, interceding for others before the throne of God. She wasn’t a stranger to God, you could tell they were on first name basis. In fact the song I remember her singing so often said it for her, "He’s my Lord and my God! He’s not just a stranger to me . . ."
There were several times when I would call the Daniel family, while I was their Pastor, to ask them to pray about a need. I recall one time feeling fearful and bewildered. I knew I had to have someone help me touch God. I called Sister Rose and just said that I needed her to pray about a situation with me, would she pray? There were no questions asked, just the assurance she was headed for her altar. What a peace that came over my soul knowing she was praying.
Melinda and I were talking one night and she reminded me that Sister Rose had been her Sunday School teacher for several years. I asked her, already knowing the answer, if she was a good teacher. Melinda, with teary eyes, told me of the love and dedication Sister Rose had for her class. She was teaching Junior Girls about the love of Jesus Christ and the importance of making Him first in their lives.
In many ways Rose was full of surprises. She was a private person. Yet she opened her home, for several years, to the Adult Sunday School Class to meet there each week. She took in a young man, Doug Giest, when he was in need of a place to live and she made him part of her family. She was giving to others, adopting some, mothering others. Rose was a precious lady. She was full of fun, a person who loved to laugh. She was a great friend with deep loyalty.
I, again, think of what must be going on in heaven. Another "Warrior" has gone home. There is a "song of sweetest praise drifting back from heavens shore" telling us that it is well worth the fight. The voice of Rose Daniel is assuring us that it is well worth every mile and every trial. Yes, there is a "Great Cloud of Witnesses" saying come on home! Sister Rose Daniel, we love you and will see you soon.

It's All In How We View The Storm

2010-05-21T13:12:00.002-05:00

We might all see the same thing but when we tell what we have seen there will be very few times that two stories are the same. We each view an incident from a different perspective. So is it with the storms of life! We each have a different perspective on each storm. It is all in how we view them.
I came across a story I read somewhere and thought I would share it. It is the story of a first grade girl who had been begging her mother to let her walk to school. Since the very first day she had pleaded with her mother to let her walk to school and home. Her mother was afraid she wasn’t old enough but finally she relented.
The little Lady was up early the next morning and was quick to get ready. The mother was having second thoughts about allowing her daughter to experience this new step of independence. Along with these doubts came the weather report that there was a good chance of rain that day. However, our little Lady begged and pleaded and Mother finally relented, on the condition the little Lady take the umbrella and use it in case of rain.
Just at the time that the little Lady was heading home, rain came and along with the rain came thunder and lightning. Rain was one thing, but the Mother had to go and pick up the little Lady because she was not only worried about the danger from the lightning, but was worried the noise of the thunder would frighten her daughter.
When she found our little Lady, walking down the street, she noticed that each time there was a flash of lightning the little Lady would move the umbrella aside and look up in the sky. Her mother asked her, as she got into the car, "Why were you moving the umbrella aside?" The little Lady looked at her mother with a big smile and said, "Mother, God is taking my picture! Every time there is a flash I move the umbrella aside and look up and smile at Him."
How do we view the storms of life? Do we cower in fear? Do we scream in frustration? Do we recognize God is watching us and has the best planned for us? Paul said in Romans 8:35-39 there would be a lot of "junk" come our way but none of it can separate us from the love of God. It is all in how we few the storm.
It’s just a thought! God bless . . .

The Struggle of the Cocoon

2010-05-19T20:24:00.001-05:00

I read a story a while back that really struck a chord in my spirit. I came across it again today and felt to share it with you. Hopefully it might put some things into proper perspective in your life.
A man came across a butterfly cocoon. Knowing what is inside his interest is captured and he sits watching it for a while. As luck would have it while he is watching the cocoon gets an opening and right in front of his eyes the butterfly begins the struggle of leaving the cocoon.
Watching for several hours, the man observes as the butterfly struggles to get out. Then it seems to have stopped making any progress at all. It seemed that the butterfly would be unable to go any further. The man takes scissors and snips off the remaining bit of cocoon. The butterfly is then able to emerge with ease. However, the butterfly is unable to fly. Its body is swollen and it has small shriveled wings.
The man continued to watch, expecting at any time the butterfly to stretch his wings and fly. Surely at any moment the wings would enlarge themselves and support the body which would contract with time. Neither happened, in fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings.
What the man did not know was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required of the butterfly to get through the opening were God’s way of forcing the fluid from the body into the wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we need to be. We would never fly.
Paul said three times he asked the Lord to take away his problem. Each time the reply from God was, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." Paul went on to say, "Now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me . . . for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2Corinthians 12:8-10)
Maybe this poem will help bring it into a better focus . . .
I asked for Strength, and God gave me
Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom, and God gave me
Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity, and God gave me
Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage, and God gave me
Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love, and God gave me
Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favors, and God gave me
Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted, but I
Received everything I needed!
Author Unknown
It is the problems, the difficulties that will better prepare us for the victories of life. When the problem and test come our way, accept it is a divine test which has been sent by God. Then rely on Him to provide the power for the struggle and watch as He takes you to new heights!
It’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

Five Things in Hell that Should be in the Church!

2010-05-15T15:51:00.001-05:00

For the past forty years I have tried to preach "Hell" out of the Church. Realizing that Hell is the payment for sin and that it is a place God prepared for Satan and his followers, we should be abhorred at the thought of something from Hell being in the Church. However, today is different! I want to talk to you about some things in Hell that NEED to be in the Church.
We read a story, in Luke sixteen, of a man who went to Hell. This is not my favorite story in the Bible. In fact, I must admit it is one I do not like nor do I read it very often. It makes me feel very uncomfortable. Usually if I preach from it I am preaching to sinners who are in danger of missing out with God. Yet there is a vital lesson for the Church to learn from in this story. There is a message of what the Church needs that is seen in Hell.
We find a rich man and a beggar. The beggar laid at the gate of the rich man. The rich man fared well. He had plenty to eat, drink, a nice house and fine clothes. The beggar would have liked to have just had some of the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Instead he only had dogs licking his sores.
Our next scene shows us the beggar being taken away to be with Abraham in the place for the righteous. The rich man is also taken away but finds himself in Hell suffering great torment.
It is at this point that we are taken to the threshold of Hell and allowed to witness one of the most horrific and yet one of the most enlightening conversation that could ever take place. The rich man sees Lazarus, the beggar, with Abraham and asks that he might come and bring him comfort. This small wish is denied. He then asks that Lazarus might return to life and testify to the brethren the rich man had left behind, to warn them away from this place of torment. Again, the request is denied.
In Hell there are five things that should be in the Church. Five things we can see here that we need to pray should become part of our lives. Five things we need to pray out of Hell and into the Church.
In this day, we, the Church, need to have a Vision of Heaven. If we could only get a vision of heaven of the hope that is really there, we would have to share it with others. It is not just about the streets of gold, but it is the place where Jesus is. It is a place where there’s eternal hope and peace. We need to have a Vision of Heaven.
We, the Church, need to have a "Burden for the Lost." If we really have His Spirit, we should embrace His purpose. He came to seek and to save the lost. The rich man had a tremendous burden for those he knew were lost.
We, the Church, need to have a "Great Love for Our Brother." Do we realize that the scripture tells us that when we comfort a Brother we are saving a soul from Hell? (Jude 22-23; 1John 4:20-21) We can’t even say we love God, who we cannot see, if we don’t love our Brother whom we can see.
The Church needs to embrace the realization that "No Cost Is Too Great!" There was nothing that seemed ridiculous to the rich man. He didn’t care whom he inconvenienced or bothered. There were people lost and no cost was too great to reach them with salvation!
The final thing the Church needs that are in Hell is a "Sense of Urgency!" We need to realize His coming is soon, feel the urgency of the hour! Each obituary we read is a testimony that one more person has lost the opportunity to experience salvation for themselves. The events of our world let us know that His coming is getting closer with each tick of the clock. We can no longer sit back and just be glad we are "saved!" We must realize that our being saved is tied to our love for others.
Yes, Hell does have five things that the Church really needs in the 21st Century. We need a "Vision of Heaven," "A Burden for the Lost," "A Love for our Brother," "A Willingness to Pay the Cost,’ and "A Sense of Urgency!" Give it a try . . .
It’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

Won't Need E-flat

2010-05-13T11:33:00.001-05:00

Auturo Tscanini, the great conductor, was sitting at his podium prior to a concert one evening. As the orchestra warmed up just minutes before the performance, a bassoon player approached him in a fearful panic. "Maestro, I am very sorry, but my instrument has suffered an accident, and the E-flat will not sound. I am afraid I will not be able to play tonight."
Upon hearing the news, Toscanini went silent and closed his eyes. The bassoon player cowered in fear of his fury. The great conductor put his hands to his head and continued in silence, adding to the poor bassoon players agony.
At last Toscanini looked up and said quietly, "Don’t worry, E-flat does not appear in your music tonight." Toscanini had played through the entire concert in his mind, reviewing every note the bassoon player would have to play. With his intimate knowledge of the music, the conductor was able to reassure the bassoon player that everything would be alright.
"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jer. 29:11
God already knows what notes you will need to hit in the concert of life. He is trying to equip you so that you can play and do well! Several translations us the word "Plans" for the word "thoughts." God has it planned, it is His desire that we experience peace. We just have to trust Him.
It’s just a thought! God Blesslll

Acceptable Worship

2010-05-04T13:48:00.000-05:00

There are two subjects in the Bible that I love to study. The first is the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. The second is worship. Both are very important and vital in our relationship with God.
As a teen, our Sunday School class spent a year studying the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. Our Sunday School teacher, Mike Power, who later had the privilege of being my father-in-law (maybe that should be the other way around) used a unique method in teaching us about the Tabernacle. We would come to class and for one hour we would study the Tabernacle. We dissected it and looked at each part and its significance. There was no item, piece of material or article of clothing for the priest that was not studied. The second hour of our class was spent building a model replica of the Tabernacle. Again, time was spent on each and every item making sure it was done as close as possible to the original. We even tried to make shew bread just to know what it tasted like.
Later, as a Pastor, I again became fascinated with the Tabernacle. I was given a set of lessons by one of my mentors, Elder Kenneth Baglin, and taught for eighteen weeks on the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. I was able to find some slides, for the overhead projector, that were of a model of the Tabernacle.
Now, understand that this doesn’t make me an expert on the Tabernacle by any stretch. It just means that I really enjoy studying about it. One of the reasons for this is that there are so many types and shadows and parallels found in the Tabernacle. It was laid in the shape of a cross. It speaks of our approach to God. It speaks of the plan of salvation. It speaks of worship and our relationship with God. In fact Paul, in Hebrews, goes back to the Tabernacle and uses the rituals to explain the role of Jesus Christ in our being able to obtain mercy.
Worship, of course is something that should be important to all of us. It is paramount in our relationship to Jesus Christ. In fact, I will go so far as to say, without worship there is no relationship.
There is a difference between praise and worship. Praise is simply telling how good and how great God is. It is bragging on God for what He has done. It is telling what God can do. It is thanking Him for His blessings. Praise is vital and important. We are instructed to approach God with praise and thanksgiving. We do this because He is deserving and we want to let Him know that we hold Him in the highest regards.
Worship is the result of praise. Worship happens as we enter into His presence and begin to realize we are in the presence of the Most High. Worship is recognizing who He is. He is God. He is the Almighty. He is the Creator of all. He is wonderful. It isn’t about what He has done, but who He is. As the song says, ". . . it is not about what He did, it is all about who He was. If He never worked a single miracle, Jesus would have still been God."
Our worship is so important to God. He wants us to worship Him and yet at the same time He is very particular how we worship Him. Because of who He is and because of His Holiness just any type or form of worship isn’t acceptable to Him. Let me show you what I mean.
When you approach the Tabernacle of Moses you see a tent with an outer court which has walls which were made from fabric stretched between post made of wood overlaid with gold. As you enter into the outer court, the first thing you will see is a large altar that was used to offer the sacrifices of the people. Just beyond the altar was a large basin which was called the "Brazen Laver." This was used by the priest to cleanse himself before they were allowed to enter into the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle of Moses was a large tent. It had walls that were again made of wood and overlaid with gold. These walls were not seen from the outside because of several layers of fabric that covered them. When you passed the curtain and entered into the Tabernacle you saw three articles of furniture. There was the Table of Shew Bread, the Seven Gold Candlesticks and the Altar of Incense. This is where the priest ministered on a daily basis. It was called the Holy Place.
Dividing the Tabernacle was a large curtain or veil. Behind this veil was another room where only the High Priest was allowed to enter and they could enter only one time each year. In this room, called the Holy of Holies, was the Ark of the Covenant and atop the Ark set the Mercy seat. It was here that the High Priest would apply the blood from the sacrifice once a year.
When the priest entered the Holy Place he had to be careful to first cleanse himself. A sacrifice had to be made. Cleansing had to take place at the Laver. It wasn’t good enough to have cleaned up at home. It had to take place at the Laver after the sacrifice was made. After washing the priest was allowed to enter into the Tabernacle.
The Altar of Sacrifice is a type or symbol of repentance. It speaks to us of repenting of or confessing our sins to God. 1John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Just as the priest offered the sacrifice and cleansed himself at the Laver, we are to die to sin and allow God to cleanse us.
The Laver is a type of water baptism. The second step in the salvation plan is to be water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission or removal of our sins. The priest had to cleanse himself at the Laver to remove all that was unclean and unworthy to be in the presence of God. As we confess our sins, God is always faithful to forgive and cleanse us.
The priest then entered into the Holy Place. He ministered to God there. This is a type of our praise. Our praise is not about getting a blessing! Our praise is about ministering to God. Here they ministered with the Shew Bread which is a type or symbol of the Word of God or Truth. They also were able to see to minister because of the Seven Golden Candlesticks which were always lit and was the only light in the Holy Place. They refilled the oil on a daily basis in the Candlesticks. This is a type of the Holy Ghost. Oil in the Bible always speaks of the Holy Ghost in our lives. It has to be refilled on a daily basis. It is the illumination to the Word or Truth. The Bible speaks of worshiping Him in Spirit and in Truth. The third article of furniture was the Altar of Incense which stood just in front of the veil. The aroma of the incense filled the Tabernacle. The Bible speaks of our prayer with uplifted hands coming up before God as incense or aroma and the evening sacrifice (Psalms 141:2). One of the Hebrew words for praise is Towdah. This word speaks of the extension of the hand in acknowledgment, acceptance or adoration. To honor God by taking Him at His word. The Altar of Incense is a type of our vocal praise to God as we enter into worship.
Now, I want you to notice something of great importance. In Leviticus 10:1 we are told of two men, Nadab and Abihu who were sons of Aaron. They came to the Altar of Incense with fire they had gotten from somewhere other than the Altar of Sacrifice. God sent fire from heaven that killed them. The Lord then spoke to Moses and had him give Aaron this message, "Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified . . ." (Lev 10:3) God demands those who approach Him in praise and worship must be cleansed.
Let me break this down a bit and try to explain what I am trying to say. When we come to God in praise and worship, there is a proper way to approach Him. Our hearts and minds need to be cleansed and pure before God in order for our praise and worship to be acceptable and blessed. Time should be taken to come before Him in repentance and humility. We should stop and realize that we all are sinners and need to confess and repent before God. John reminds us that we all have sin in our lives and if we say we are not sinners we are liars and the truth is far from us. However if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Then we are ready to enter into praise and worship. We have stopped at the Altar of Sacrifice and the Lave to cleanse ourselves. We are now ready to worship in Spirit and Truth.
When we begin to praise. Him. As we lift our voices to brag on who He is and what He has done. As we begin to talk of the blessings that He has bestowed upon us, we steadily approach the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The uplifted voice and extended hand! The offering of a sweet-smelling sacrifice from our lips takes us to a place where our whole attention becomes focused on God! Who God is! We enter into a spirit of worship.
It is in the Holy of Holies that the Ark of the Covenant or Testimony was placed. This was a symbol to Israel of the presence of God. It was upon the Ark that the Mercy Seat was placed. It sat between the Cherubims which sat facing each other atop the Ark. Listen to the promise that God gave Moses for Israel.
　
"And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two Cherubims which are upon the ark . . ." Ex 25:22
We no longer have to go through the physical rituals with a High Priest, animal sacrifices and the shedding of blood. We no longer have to depend upon a man to take our atonement before God and hope that all is acceptable. We are now able to enter into the very presence of God through our worship. Hebrew 4:16 speaks of us now, as New Testament believers being able to come boldly to God to obtain mercy. We enter into that Holy of Holies, approaching the place where God will meet with us and commune with us. We can obtain mercy! We can obtain help! We can further a relationship with God.
The Psalmist asks the question, who can stand in the Holy Place? Then he answers, he that has clean hands and a pure heart and he will be blessed of the Lord. Clean hands and a pure heart come from repentance.
Being careful to approach God in our praise and worship by first taking time to purify yourself before Him is so important. Praise comes more readily. Worship becomes the spontaneous product of our praise. God’s blessings are poured out in response to the pure praise and worship. There is now nothing standing between us and God. There is now nothing hindering our praise and worship. There is now nothing causing us to feel guilty or condemned.
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." ( Heb 10:19-22)
Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

I Have a New Name

2010-04-30T12:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a beautiful three years old came out to greet her brother as he got off the bus. She climbed up on the first step, by her mother, looked at me and smiled. Instantly I lost my heart! She asked if she could have a piece of candy too and of course I gave her and her baby sister each one.
As I watched, the children scamper across the yard toward the house I was amazed at what a beautiful family they were. How happy and content the children all seemed to be. I was then reminded of the rest of the story.
Several months ago we had stopped to pick up the older brother for school. As I was doing my paper work and the bus aides were buckling him in they were talking to the mother about his sister. This little boy has been adopted by his parents. Now they were in the process of adopting this little girl.
Someone asked what the baby’s name was and if they were adopting her. The mother went on to explain that after a period of time the parental rights of the birth parents would be severed. At that time she was giving this child a new name and a new life with a new family.
As she said this, I remembered a passage of scripture in the Book of Romans where Paul told the Church of Rome, ""For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:15-17). I must admit I became really excited.
In Rome many times a child was put up for adoption because of debts owed by the birth family. It was common in Bible times for family members to be cast into a debtor prison or sold into slavery to pay the debt. So instead of allowing that to happen to their children parents often put the child up for adoption. When this child was adopted, he took on the name of the adopted family. His old name was forgotten. Everything that connected him to his past was forgotten, as if it had never happened. All of the old debts or even any crimes of the past were all forgotten as if they had never happened.
The adopted child became a natural heir to his adopted father, with the same rights as a natural child. He was given a new identity. It was as if he had never lived a day before his adoption, as if he were born again. He no longer had to live in fear of slavery or bondage because of his past, he was given a new beginning. He received a brand-new life!
Paul likens our relationship to Jesus Christ to that of an adopted child. The fears that were associated with our past no longer have a claim on us. We no longer have to live in a spirit of fear. We have been adopted by God to be His children! The spiritual debts we owed no longer have a claim on us. We have been told " . . . the wages of sin is death . . . " (Romans 6:23a) however we are no longer being held accountable for that debt, it has been forgiven. We have now been given "...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." *Romans 6:23b)
In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Fear is not a gift from God. It is not part of the inheritance of a child of God. Rather, our inheritance includes power, speaking of a super natural or miraculous power. It is also referring to being able or something being possible. We have received the Spirit of Love from our Father. This is speaking of a Godly love that is a love-feast. There is an abundance of love from the Father. We also receive the Spirit of a sound-mind which is referring to a mind that is controlled or disciplined. What a heritage!
The enemy would have us to live in fear of our past, but God has not given us a spirit of fear of the past or the future. We have a new name or authority, power. We can expect the miraculous in our lives! We are given a spirit of love, acceptance or forgiveness. We can feel wanted of God! We are given the spirit of a sound, disciplined mind. Free to think upon the promises and accept the blessings of God. It is our heritage!
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18-19) When we come to Jesus, He will heal our hearts that were broken by life. He will bring us deliverance from our past that holds us in captivity. He will open our eyes to the hope and promise we can find in Him. He will allow His blood to flow through our lives setting us free from the blows life and sin has given us. He will give us a new life and new beginning.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) we have the promise of a new life in Christ Jesus! No matter who we are or what our history is, we start over again at adoption.
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17) Jesus is speaking to the Church and makes us this promise. Let me explain what this means to us.
A White stone was given by judges, during a trial to show the defendant was not guilty. A black stone was given to show the defendant was guilty. When Christ promised the over comer a white stone, He also promised a new name to be written in the stone. Not only did He say not guilty, but Christ is promising absolution from guilt. He is telling us, "I will not only say you are not guilty, I will give you a brand new name that will not connect you with you past, but will give you a new beginning."
Friend, when I was born again into the Kingdom of God I really got more than I bargained for. I thought I was just receiving forgiveness of my sins. However, I found out that I received a brand-new name and with it I also received a brand-new life. Oh what a Savior!
It’s just a thought! God Bless...
　
　

Moses, Take Off Your Feet!

2010-04-27T23:06:00.001-05:00

Lately I have been sharing some thoughts that were on the more serious side of life. About difficult times, you know those storms or hot spots. However, I needed a little humor myself and thought maybe some of my friends do too. My Dad was a great man and a great preacher. When he walked to the pulpit, he was serious about the Lord’s business. Yet at the same time, there were some great moments to remember that were anything but serious. I hope this blesses you as it blessed me remembering the occasion.

Dad was an "Old Time Preacher" even at a young age. When he preached he told a lot of Bible stories. He would then apply them to the lives of those he was preaching to. Dad was a very good story teller. He would tell the story his own way, putting life into the old stories that had been heard in Sunday school as a child.

If he was telling the story of Jonah and the Whale, He would have Jonah asleep in the bottom of the boat while the storm was blowing outside. Jonah wouldn't just be asleep, but Jonah would be snoring. Snoring loudly! Then Jonah would be in the belly of the whale and he would be trying to pray with sea weed wrapped around his head and neck.

He didn’t just tell the story, but he dramatized them as well. He would have Jonah gagging and choking, getting slapped in the face by the seaweed or a fish. Even now, after so many years, I can still see and hear him in my memory. Oh, what a preacher he was!

I have had people come up to me at meetings and tell me about sermons he had preached, sometimes forty years before. They still remembered those messages, sometimes in detail. They remembered the stories he told, but they also remembered how it helped them deal with things in their lives they were having hard times with. Oh, what a preacher he was!

I will never forget this one service and this one message he preached. It was at a "Watchnight Service" in Fresno, California. The Fresno Church, at that time was located on Harvey and Thesta.

A "Watchnight Service" was a special service on New Years Eve. People would come to church and worship the old year out and the New Year in, or watch it happen.

This service was on December 31, 1963. Dad had been asked to be the main speaker for the service. The choir had sung. The preliminaries had been taken care of. Time was getting toward the midnight hour and it was time for the main speaker to speak.

Dad began preaching, and my how he preached. He really had it that night. He ran! He jumped! The people responded with "Amen’s" "Preach it" and "Hallelujah's." There might have even been a “Come on little brotha! “ He was reaching out to people! He had the message and what a preacher he was that night.

He went back to the Book of Exodus and began telling that familiar story that we all know so well. The story about the baby that was found in the bull rushes by Pharaoh’s daughter. She took Moses, the baby, from the bull rushes to Pharaoh’s house where the Hebrew child was raised under the roof of the greatest enemy of the Hebrews, Pharaoh.

He had Moses sitting on Pharaoh’s knee, playing with his toys at his feet. He talked of Moses eating at Pharaoh’s table, sleeping in a bed he provided and going to the best schools in the nation. Then, he painted a “word” picture of Moses, while in Pharaoh’s house, being taught about Jehovah God by his birth mother. He explained how from that teaching a love for God and for God's people grew in the heart of Moses.

Dad told of how that love became so strong Moses was driven by a desire to free Israel from the rule of Pharaoh. He longed to see them regain their independence. This feeling was so great one day Moses happened upon an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and Moses killed the Egyptian, burying him in the sand.

Thinking that his deed was secret, Moses was surprised later when he found that others knew what he had done. So Moses fled to the wilderness. There he met a young lady, went to work for her father and lived for forty years.

Now, Dad has the congregation of people listening very intently. They are hanging onto every word. They follow along as he talks about Moses, forty years working as a shepherd. He paints as picture of him taking care of his sheep when he sees a bush burning in the field. He approaches the bush, because he notices that although the bush is burning, the fire is not consuming or burning up the bush.

Although more than ninety five percent of the people listening had heard the story so many times they could have told it themselves, they were listening with undivided attention as Dad led them with Moses right up to the bush. They were listening so close they could almost hear the voice call from the bush and say, "Moses, take off your feet you are on Holy ground!"

A hush fell over the building! Dad continued without missing a beat, "The voice from the bush, the voice of God, said, "Moses take off your feet, you are on Holy ground. And Moses reached down in obedience to God and took his feet off!"

As you can well imagine everybody began to laugh and they laughed for a long while as they pictured Moses sitting down on a rock and trying to take off his feet. Dad stopped, when he realized what he said, and laughed with everyone else. He then went on a finished his sermon. It was a night that I will never forget.

Sometimes we just need to laugh!

It's just a thought! God Bless...

Umbrella of Protection and Power Part 2

2010-03-01T14:00:00.002-06:00

Every one of us should have a desire to have more power with God and to come under His protection. Several years ago, God impressed upon my mind the importance of having this type of a relationship with Him. I want to have a relationship of protection and power with God. I called it “The Umbrella of Protection and Power.” This is the second blog in a series on this subject.

There is a relationship between pride and self-respect. Pride that leads to self-respect is controlled pride. We must have self-respect, which is a sense of self-value or self-esteem. This is seeing ourselves as God sees us. However, the pride that God hates is uncontrolled pride and it motivates the works of our flesh. This is the pride where the “I” is in control. “P-r-I-d-e” where the big “I” is in the center and dominates.

If I want protection from God, it will only come through my submission. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:5-7, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (KJV) It is better to humble ourselves than to have God humble us!

To humble myself requires self-discipline. It means that I must deny myself and bring myself under authority. However, by humbling myself to God I place myself under the “Umbrella of His Protection and Power.” Notice also that by humbling myself to God I am also now the recipient of a great benefit from God. The offer given to me is that I can cast my cares, my anxieties and worries upon Him. He cares about me. He will also take care of all my worries.

Submission does not know distinction. Peter tells us to submit ourselves to our Elders. We need to understand that Peter is writing to the Church and is not talking of age when he uses the terms younger and Elder. The word younger, as used here, speaks of one that is new or fresh. We would call them a Beginner, or Rookie. The word Elder speaks of those who would be the ministry and Spiritual Guides of the Church. He also directs us to submit to one another. We need to put humbleness on as a “cover-all!” By doing so we give ourselves protection from pride, arrogance and insolence. We must submit ourselves to God! This brings us under His protection. It makes us reliant on His power. It also allows God to exalt us.

I have noticed that when we read certain passages of the Bible, which have become familiar to us, we sometimes fail to read all the scriptures that pertain to the subject. For example, we often use 1 Peter 5:7 to say God wants us to give Him all of our cares. Yet we fail to include the condition to be able to cast our cares upon Him is our submission. We quote James 4:7 saying if we resist the devil he will flee from us. Yet we fail to include the first part of the verse that tells us to submit ourselves to God. By missing these key components, we set ourselves up for failure and frustration.

Paul gives us key instructions, in Ephesians 5:21-33, regarding our relationship as the Church with God. He likens the Church to the wife of Christ and likens Christ as the husband of the Church. In this instruction, he tells the wife to submit herself to her husband just as the Church submits to Christ. He instructs the husband to love his wife and give her the same sort of love that Christ gives the Church. We place emphasis upon the wife submitting herself to her husband. However, again, we often fail to read the first verse on this subject and here Paul tells us in verse 21, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” (KJV) Paul tells us we need to submit ourselves to each other. That would be wives submit yourself to your husband. In addition, husbands submit yourselves unto your wife!

Paul is instructing us to submit ourselves unto each other because of our commitment to Christ. By doing so, we again bring ourselves under the “Umbrella of Protection.” Here is how the Protection works: Christ protects all under His “Umbrella of Protection.” Through submission to Christ and to his wife, the husband comes under the “Umbrella” of Christ and protects those under his own “Umbrella” which would be his wife and his children. Through submission to her husband and to Christ, the wife is under the “Umbrella” of her husband and the “Umbrella” of Christ. This submission protects those under her “Umbrella” her husband and her children.

Nothing can get to the submitted wife without passing through the “Umbrella of Protection” that her submitted husband has placed over her. Nothing can get to the husband without passing through the “Umbrella of Protection” that a submitted wife has placed over him. Nothing can get to their family without passing through these “Umbrellas” and the “Umbrella of Protection” that Christ places over those living in submission. He gave Himself for His bride!

The enemy of our soul would have us to live in fear of submission! This is a lie of the enemy. He refused submission choosing rather to rebel. When we hear the word “submit” he paints a picture of a mouse, a door mat, weakness and being timid. However, we find that true power comes to us as we submit ourselves to God. In fact, in Matthew 5 as Jesus is teaching what we call the “Beatitudes” His first one tells us they way to receive the Kingdom of God is to realize that we are nothing without Him. The third one tells us if we are meek, submitted, we will inherit the earth. We will be victorious! These are just the opposite of what we would naturally assume to be true.

God somehow help us to realize the power and protection that will come to our lives when we submit ourselves to you and to others. There is power in submission.

This is the second in the series “The Umbrella of Power and Protection.”

It’s Just a Thought…God Bless!
　
　
　

Umbrella of Protection and Power Part 1

2010-02-27T16:18:00.003-06:00

Every one of us should have a desire have more power with God and to come under His protection. Several years ago, God impressed upon my mind the importance of having this type of a relationship with Him. I want to have a relationship of protection and power with God. I called it “The Umbrella of Protection and Power.”

There is a relationship between pride and self-respect. Pride that leads to self-respect is controlled pride. We must have self-respect, which is a sense of self-value or self-esteem. This is seeing ourselves as God sees us. However, the pride that God hates is uncontrolled pride and it motivates the works of our flesh. This is the pride where the “I” is in control. “P-r-I-d-e” where the big “I” is in the center and dominates.

James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (KJV) James tells us that God resists or opposes the proud. This is because pride represents a direction that is opposing to God. It is like swimming against a strong current. God’s divine nature is not compatible with sin or pride. There is not enough room in the universe for God and the pride of man. God will eventually bring everything into submission to Him. (Romans 14:11 and Philippians 2:10)

You might ask, “Why does God resist and hate pride and why does He humble the proud?” This is a good question. The reason is that pride restrains the wicked from acknowledging God. Pride erects a temple; it constructs a throne and then places a person’s selfish ego upon the throne. Pride deifies the ego, making it God, and the ego demands that worship is given. God has commanded that we have no other God’s before Him.

God loves the person who is humble in their spirit. Pride creates a barrier that holds God distant from the proud. As gravity draws everything to it like a magnet, humility attracts God’s gracious attention. Humility brings the human spirit to the place where God can take our flaws and make something beautiful out of us. Where pride says “I am already perfect and do not need God to improve or help me!”

God elevates the humble. Luke 14:11 tells us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. God always defeats the proud and He always promotes the humble.

Our attitude toward God should be to shun pride. 1 John 2:15-17 tells us, “15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (NIV) Pride is labeled as an objectionable attitude toward God and our fellowman. Shunning pride is to say no to its daily overtures.

I want a right relationship with God and with my fellow man. I want God’s blessings to be upon my life. I want His protection and power to be in my life. I can realize this if I am willing to humble myself before God.

First of the Series “The Umbrella of Protection and Power.”

It’s Just a Thought! God Bless…
　

Take Up Your Bed and Walk!

2010-02-19T13:09:00.005-06:00

We experience emotions of despair! Those feelings that the situation we face is hopeless and impossible. The realization dawns upon our consciousness bringing with it the certainty that all hope is gone and we have arrived at the “Irr Home.” Everything that lives here is “Irreparable,” “Irremediable,” “Irretrievable, ““Irreclaimable,” “Irrevocable.” With this realization comes a perception of impotence, bringing with it the awareness of powerlessness and weakness. Struggling with the conception of thoughts that leave one paralyzed with fear, feeling very ineffective to face yet another day of the same.

These are the feelings of the real world. Products of a world that is determined to take the best we have to offer and to stomp on it crushing it beyond repair. We have tried our best, and our best is not enough! We have offered all that is sacred and dear to us, only to have it rejected. We have gutted it out until we feel that our guts are literally ripped from our bodies. The world looks at us with a look of contempt and scorn and says, "You made your bed now sleep in it!"

However, I have good news for you! The wonderful, glorious, marvelous and miraculous news of the Gospel and that is, "When the world says you made your bed now sleep in it!” Jesus says, “Take up your bed and walk!"

It is just another day like any other day for the past thirty-eight years. Somehow, he drags himself one more time down by the sheep market to the Pool of Bethesda. He is not even sure why he goes to all of the trouble, knowing that there is no possible way for him to get his self into the pool if the angel were to come today. With this acknowledgment also comes a feeling of despair. There is the realization that his situation is hopeless. Not only is he physically impotent; he is powerless to change his life! Into the midst of this chaotic jumble of embroiled emotions came Jesus!

Jesus came to this place, the Pool of Bethesda, which conveyed ideas of magical cures. Bethesda was a place where sometime during the year an angel would come and trouble the water. Hoping to be healed the infirm tried to be the first into the water. It was a place that was close to the sheep market, and like is the case with the local dairies, I am sure the emanation of the sheep gathered into that one small place would begin to attack the olfactory sense of those who came to the pool. There were also bodies of men and women who were sick with all manner of diseases, impotent people. They were people who were blind, the halt, the crippled, and the withered. It was a painful picture of the chief kind of human suffering and bodily disease. It was a place of hopelessness! It was feeling that must have permeated the air. It must have been like a cauldron of fear percolating out feelings that each situation is irremediable and irrevocable! Coming to the realization there is no hope!

Helpless, powerless, that was the atmosphere of the pool of Bethesda. Individuals grasping at the illusive, fragile dream that they might be the first into the pool the next time the water are troubled. Each person is struggling to hold on to that dream of healing through years of failure. Listening to a constant bombardment of doubt and fear come from those around them that had been at the pool for so many years. Their spirits, once high with hope and promise, have now shrunken in distress as realization dawns on them, their situation is hopeless.

Jesus looks on this impotent man, knowing how hopeless his plight is. He does not even require faith from him. Jesus just asks him, "Wilt thou be made whole?"

This individual might have come to the place in his life where he was doubtful of the blessing of healing because of the resulting responsibilities. Now he is hearing a question he might have heard from others. We hear him as he whines out, with a professional drawl, his oft-told story. He shows his loveless ness, quarrelsome ness, and ugly temper. He gives the melancholy recital of his frequent disappointment with an air of insolvent resignation. You might even sense a gloomy satisfaction with his lot in life. However, Jesus does not rebuke him for his lack of faith. He does not require anything special of him. All he simply says is "Take up your bed and walk."

We are the ones who determine how we are going to relate to God. The Psalmist asked himself the question, “Why am I so discouraged and sad? I have decided to put my hope in God. I have decided to praise Him again! He is my Saviour and my God!” (Ps. 43:5) We do not have to go to a “church” service and wait for God to “zap” us with a lightening bolt from heaven. We should not wait for God to change and solve our problems before we worship Him. We need to put our hope in God and worship because He is God! Hope in His Word! (Ps 119:81) When you feel that you have come to the end, gone as far as you can, you have tried everything there is to try. Your only hope is in His Word.

Many times we say, “I can't see it being any different, I can't perceive it changing, it will always be this way!”

Paul said in Romans 8:24-25 “It is not hope if I can see it!” Hope is waiting with endurance for that which we cannot see!

Jesus stood before the tomb and shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" "I'll resurrect you but you have to come out of the grave." "I'll give you hope, but you have to come out the tomb!" "I'll make a change in your life, but you have to make a change in your residence!"

Blind Bart was in a hopeless place in life, blind, begging, and sitting alone on a dusty road, when Jesus came down that road. Bart calls out to Jesus but others tell him to shut up! His situation seems to be even more hopeless. He cries out even louder, in his despair. Again, they tell him to shut up! Nevertheless, hearing the despairing cry, Jesus stood still! He stopped His world! He called for Bart to come to Him.

That blind man jumped up! However, before running to Jesus, he stopped and took off his coat, which told the world he was a blind man. He left his old life behind. He then ran to Jesus and told Jesus that he wanted his sight

We allow ourselves fall into traps and snares of the enemy as he desires to create a feeling of hopelessness in our lives, it works like this: We plant God’s Word in our hearts the same as we plant seed in the field. However many times we allow the cares of this life to choke, strangle, clog, retard, stifle, throttle, smother, suffocate, asphyxiate and gag the Word of God. It dies like a plant choked by weeds.

The bombardment of our lives by financial problems, many of our own creation and others that are just the circumstances of life, cause us to feel it is hopeless. We need to leave behind the clothes of a beggar and go to the king. Stand on his Word. Stop telling God how big your problems are; start telling your problems how big your God is.

Life brings us problems and heartaches. It delivers broken hearts and bruised lives. It binds us in chains of despair and blinds our eyes to the promises of God. We say I will worship God when He blesses me. I will shout when I feel like it. I need to get up out of my seat, shout and praise God because I want to... I want to because He is God! I need to take up my bed and walk!

I do not have to resolve to live this way; I can take up my bed and walk. It is time I realize the situation is not hopeless, God has walked into the stinking situation that I am dealing with and told me to take up my bed and walk. It is time to change locations.

Therefore, when the world tells me I have made my bed now I have to sleep in it! There is no hope! There is the assurance that Jesus is telling me to take up my bed and walk!

It’s just a thought! God Bless…

Can You Believe Him for the Glory?

2010-01-26T12:52:00.000-06:00

I looked out the window of my office just in time to see the long Cadillac make a sweeping u-turn and pull to the curb in front of the Church. Ole’ Big John got out of the car and headed toward the door of the Church. It looked like he was in a hurry. Maybe just a bit excited.
Big John was a new convert to the Church. He and his wife had just been coming a few months and God had begun a great work in their lives. We were excited to witness the change that was taking place in their lives. With this in mind, I was expectant as I waited to find out what had caused Big John to stop by that day.
I greeted him at the door and Big John quickly came to the reason for his visit. He said, “Pastor, I was driving along and was listening to the radio. They announced the bumper sticker for the day and I just had to share it with you!”
Of course, I was interested and told him so. He said, “Well the bumper sticker of the day says, ‘don’t tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big your God is!’”
More than ten years later, I still remember that occasion as if it were yesterday. Can we really trust God to be bigger than our problems? We can believe God for the past. We can believe God for the present. We can believe God for the future. However, can we believe God for the Glory?
Mary, Martha and Lazarus were dear friends of Jesus. Jesus has left Jerusalem and has journeyed to a place called Bethabara; this is where John the Baptist had headquartered during his ministry. Not long after He arrives, word comes to Jesus that His dear friend, Lazarus, is very sick. Upon receiving the news of Lazarus’ sickness Jesus tells His disciples the reason for this sickness was not unto death and He continues doing what He was doing for two more days.
Now, after Lazarus has died, Jesus shows up on the scene. When they arrived in Bethany, the news is Lazarus has been in his tomb for four days. Somebody got the message to Martha that Jesus was coming to her house and she ran to meet him. Upon greeting him, Martha asks Jesus why He did not come sooner. Mary falls at His feet and states that if He had come sooner; her brother would not have died.
Martha and Mary were able to believe for the past, present and future: They made comments to Jesus that said, “If you had been here… I believe even now… I believe in the resurrection of the dead…” However, as much as they loved Jesus they were having a hard time believing that the death of their loved one was for the glory of God. Their thoughts, feelings and words told Him, “You could have healed him! You can still heal him! You can raise him in the resurrection! But how could you let this happen?”
So many times as we face the tests of this life, we find it hard to believe Him for the Glory. We believe for the past, the present and the future but have a hard time believing for the glory.
I grew up listening to stories of past miracles and wonders. These were not just Bible stories these were stories from my parents and others who had personally seen the wonders of God. My father often told us a story that took place when he was a child.
His Grandfather, Joseph Doran, had started a church in the Tulare, California area. They had taken two railroad boxcars, put them together, and made a church building. They had sawdust on the floors and an old oil drum made into a heater in the middle of it for heat. He told me of how they would shout and dance all around that stove with their eyes closed and never touch it.
One day his grandmother fell and in doing so crushed both of her kneecaps. The Doctors told her she would never walk without crutches. She came to church and the elders laid hands on her anointing her with oil and praying the prayer of faith. Dad said he watched as one crutch went one way, the other crutch went flying in a different and Grandma danced all over that little railroad car Church! Twenty or thirty years later, when she died she was still walking without the aid of a crutch!
With stories like this, it is not hard to believe God for the past! God could heal! I grew up with stories of God providing for His Children. Theses were not just Bible stories these were stories of God doing it for people I know personally. Yes, we can believe Him for the past.
It is not hard to believe God for the present when you are seeing God work all around you. I personally have prayed for the sick and seen them recover instantly. I personally have prayed for a need and watched God meet the need instantly. No, it is not hard to believe God for the present, for right now!
It is not hard to believe God for the future. I really do not have a hard time believing that God will take care of my family and me from now on. I do not have a hard time believing that if I love His Word and live His Word I will receive my reward. I do not have a hard time believing if I apply the Word of God to my life God will bless and keep me as He has promised. I do not have a hard time believing Him for the future.
I must confess, however, there are times I do have a hard time believing that the test I am in is for the Glory of God. I do have times when it is hard to stand before the grave of all that I have dreamed of and worked for and believe it has died to bring Glory to God.
I stood at the foot of the ICU bed of a dear saint. Only few days earlier I had talked with them on the phone. I was checking on them before we left on vacation. They had what seemed to be a minor backache but said they would go to the chiropractor and all would be fine. I was not prepared to receive the phone call that told me they had slipped into a coma and there was little hope of survival.
We rushed home and to the hospital. I laid hands on her and prayed the prayer of faith, but nothing happened. I joined family and church family members in the hospital waiting room and we all prayed together. Nothing happened. I returned several times to the ICU and prayed. Nothing happened.
Just moments before this dear saint passed away, I felt desperation and asked God, “Don’t I have enough faith to see this saint healed? I preach faith and healing! I preach trusting God with your wants and desires! I preach God will supply your every need! This person has loved ones standing here with broken hearts watching them die! Don’t I have the faith to see this faithful saint healed?”
It was as if God spoke to me in a clear, audible voice. “Yes you have the faith to see them healed. You have the faith to see them raised from the dead. The question is, “Do you have the faith to believe I am doing the right thing and that this will bring Glory to me?”
Several days later, as a direct result of the death of this precious saint, a loved one came to God. This saint had told me months before they were willing to pay any price to see this loved one come back to God. They paid the price that made the loved one God conscious and God received the Glory.
Jesus stood before the tomb of His dear friend. Around Him, he hears the weeping of those dear to Him. His heartbreaks and He too begins to weep. Those standing around watching cannot understand why He did not come and heal His own friend.
Then He regains His composure. He wipes tears from His damp cheeks and dries His eyes. With an authorities voice He tells those standing around to roll back the stone. Then with a loud voice, He calls Lazarus from his “sleep!” Can you believe Him for the Glory?
I have experienced times of testing. I have not been able to make sense of what is happening. I have struggled and fretted. I have asked God, “Why?” Then somewhere in the testing, I have recognized the answer is simply to step back and let God do it for His Glory!
Yes, I can believe Him for the past, I have seen and heard the stories. I can believe Him for the present, I know what He can do. I can believe Him for the future, I will stand on His Word. My prayer, however, is that I might believe Him for the Glory!
It’s Just a Thought! God Bless…

A Place Where Hope Has Never Dared To Go!

2009-12-04T13:44:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since I sat down to write. There are a lot of things bouncing around in my head so this might just be a bit of rambling but hopefully I can share some of the things that are on my heart.

I was reading in my Bible in the third chapter of Acts. It is one of my favorite stories. Peter and John are on their way to the Temple to pray. This is something they must have done on a regular basis from the way it reads. As they approach the door of the Temple, a man calls to them in an effort to get their attention.

This man had been lame all of his life. For years, people had carried him to the Temple and laid him beside the busiest entrance so he could beg money of those coming and going by him. This was all he had known and this was all he expected from life. When he saw the two men approach, he once again asked for money. To what must have been his surprise, instead of ignoring him or tossing a coin his way, one of them said. “Look at us!”

His heart must have began to beat a bit faster as he thought he was about to receive a memorable amount of money from them. Then as equally fast, it must have plunged to his crippled feet as the next words spoken were, “We don’t have any money!”

Here was a man whose only hope everyday was that people would have pity on him. His hope was that he would receive enough from others that he could slip through life. His greatest hope was that someone would be kind enough to give him just a little more and make his life a bit easier. That was his hope. However, his hopes are crushed! Then God moves on a couple of preachers to take him to “a place where hope had never dared to go!” Peter said, “I don’t have money but I will give you what I have!” Taking him by the right hand, he commanded the man who had been lame to arise and walk! As he lifted him, the lame man’s feet and ankles received strength. He not only arose, he not only walked, but he went leaping, running, and praising God through the temple. For the first time in his life, he entered the temple because those who were lame were not permitted to enter the temple. He was no longer lame! The ban had been lifted!
God’s greatest desire for us is to take us to “a place where hope has never dared to go!” If we are children of the King of Kings then we have the right to the benefits of the kingdom. We are too often afraid to dream or even to hope that life can be different. Too often, we are content to ask for the leftovers, the spare change. God’s desire is to give us more that we can dare to hope. The world tells us think positive thoughts, but in our despair, we cannot even hope!

Paul speaks to us from Ephesians chapter three about God’s feeling for us. I do not have the time or space to go into a deep study on this but let me briefly share what God spoke to me. God fills us with His Spirit to help us to understand the magnitude of His love for us. To allow us to share the power and fullness of life that comes from Him. His Spirit living in us is to allow Him to do so much more than we can ever hope for or dream. It is His desire to take us to a “place where hope has never dared to go!”

We are not destined to live with broken hearts. Yes they will come. Life will happen and our hearts will be broken. Bad choices that we make will lead us to broken hearts. Life happening will often results in broken hearts. Sins of loved ones and those dear to us will often lead to broken hearts. However, we must realize that we are not fated to live with them. They are just opportunities for God to take us to “a place where hope has never dared to go!” He came to heal the broken heart! He came to make it new again! The broken heart is an opportunity for God to show His power and His love in a life!

Failures and defeat are part of life. We make mistakes. We fail in judgment! Oh if we could only live the moment again we would do it so differently. We cannot call back or relive those moments. Chains hold us captive by the mistakes and failures of yesterdays gone by. Fear holds us captive! Bonds of fear chain us. We are listening to the haunting taunts of failure! We will be happy with a couple of additional links in the chains to let us to move. We would never dare to hope those chains would be removed and we would be free to live and hope again! Hey! I have great news for you! Jesus Christ came to set the captive free! He came to take you to a place where hope has never dared to go! You can be free from you yesterdays. You can know a brand new tomorrow walking with Jesus Christ and allowing Him to set you free!

I have known people who lived in fear. Fear blinds you. You cannot see because of fear. Hurts and wrongs in your life will cause you to live in fear. This fear will blind you to what God wants to do in your life. A person who is blinded will always remember the last thing they saw before the injury. Too many people have allowed life to blind them and they live with a picture of the hurts and injuries that have happened to them. It is all they see. God has touched their lives, but all they see is the hurt. God has filled them with His Spirit, but all they see is the hurt. God has promised them joy, peace and righteousness, but all they see is the hurt! Again, I want you to know He came to heal the blinded eyes. Not just those physical eyes that are unable to see, He came to heal the spiritual, emotional eyes that are unable to see past yesterday! He came to take you to a “place where hope has never dared to go!”

Life impacts us! Sometimes it impacts in a good way. Many times life impacts in ways of sorrow and pain. Impact, a crash, blow or shock to our body will leave a bruise. We all have had bruises. We know them to be both ugly and painful reminders of the impact. They tell me that the bruise is the result of stopping the blood from flowing through that area. Until the blow resumes to flow there will be a bruise and healing will not take place for healing is in the blood. When the blood is set free to flow again then healing begins to take place and soon the bruise is gone and the impact is behind us. He came to liberate the bruised! Life shocks us. Life hurts us. Life affects us leaving bruises in its place. Once again, God is the difference maker! The blood of Jesus Christ will heal. God will take us to “a place where hope never dared to go.”

I remember several years ago that God spoke to me, as if in an audible voice, about being a God of Comfort. (Read my blog on the Great God of Comfort). The passage was from Second Corinthians chapter one and Paul speaks to tell us that God allows us to go through suffering, pain and misfortune so that we can experience His Comfort. However, it does not stop there. We experience His Comfort so that we might share that Comfort with others when they also go through suffering, pain and misfortune.

I had this driven home fourteen months ago. I was standing in an ICU waiting room with my son Jared. In the ICU, room was his fiancé. They were to be married in about five weeks. All of his hopes and dreams lay at deaths door. I am his father. All of his life I have tried to protect him from pain, suffering and misfortune. I have tried to fix those things that were wrong and make them right. That day I stood helpless.

I was talking on the phone to Abby, my daughter and I began to weep. Just a few years earlier, I had stood with her and Kelsey when they had lost their baby. Again, I had been unable to protect them or to fix things so they would not hurt. As I began to weep, I told her how helpless I felt. I had not been able to protect her and I could not do anything for Jared. It hurt so badly and my heart broke. I will never forget what Abby told me that day. She said, “Dad it is alright. You and mom have taught us there are times we just have to rely on God. Because we have gone through these times, we can now put our arms around others and tell them from experience that God will be there and God will heal and deliver! This is the only way we can really know that.” Once again, God took me to “a place where hope never dared to go!”

The lame man only hoped for a couple of dimes. God took him to “place where hope never dared to go.” How about you, what is it that you are dealing with that has broken you heart. What is it that has you bound, blinded or bruised? Is it the past? Is it the failure of a marriage? Is it the repeated mistakes? Is it the death of a loved one? There are so many things? However, I promise you God wants to take you to “a place where hope has never dared to go!” Let Him…

It’s just a thought…God Bless!

Write a Message on Your Shoe!

2009-11-09T10:29:00.002-06:00

Several years ago, actually about 3 decades back, my wife and I were at a concert and a song was sang by the group that stuck in my mind. I was able to find the song online, Let me share the words with you;

You're about to hear a truth that will loose you from the noose
The devil's been using to defeat you
To you it may be shockin', to him you will be lockin'
The power you thought he had over you
I learned that God put all things under Jesus' feet
And since we are His body, I'm sure we are His feet
I think you've got the picture and now know what to do
Write a message to the devil (devil) on the bottom of your shoe (shoe, shoe, shoe)

Chorus:Write a message to the devil on the bottom of your shoe
Tell him you rebuke him and he's a liar too
You've finished list'nin' to him, God's word you will do
And be sure to write this message on the bottom of your shoe (shoe, shoe, shoe)

When Satan tries to blind you by depression or confusion
He's trying hard to defeat you
To you he is lyin', tell him you're denyin'
The power you let him have over you
Remember God put all things under Jesus' feet
And since we are His body I'm sure we are His feet
Now that you've got the picture, remember what to do

Write a message to the devil (devil) on the bottom of your shoe

Too often we listen to our enemy rather than the voice of our Savior! Let me share a couple of passages with you, I think the song says everything else that needs to be said:

"And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." Ephesians 1:22-23

"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." Rom 16:20"

And do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:27

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

It's just a thought! God Bless...

Don Doran
TEAM Ministry

Are You Still Waiting On God?

2009-10-11T21:31:00.006-05:00

I just want everyone to know that I am not, by nature, the patient type. I grew up in a preachers home, so at an early age I had heard that tribulation works patience. I have never prayed for patience, because I didn’t want the tribulation that would cause me to have patience. Good thing, I have had enough without praying for more.

I said all that in order to say, I hate to wait! I hate stop lights that are set on timers. They have you waiting for the light to change when there hasn’t been a car passing in the five minutes you have been sitting there. Slow drivers, those who refuse to go the speed limit, make me twitch.

When my wife and I were first married, I had to learn to wait. I am the type person who hates to get anywhere early, but I don’t want to be late either. I know how long it takes me to get dressed, eat and drive to work, to the minute. The same goes for church. So when we were suppose to be there at a certain time and weren’t ready to leave yet, I would sit in the car a honk the horn. If you think that helps, guess again.

Let me give a word of advice to other men. DON’T DO THAT! I finally learned to find something to do, such as read a book or mess with the computer while I am waiting. We are still married thirty years later.

If I start a new project, I want it done yesterday! Many times I have worked a lot of extra hours to finish because I had a hard time waiting. Thank God, with age, I have become a little better at the waiting game.

I have had problems with passages in the Bible. You know, scriptures like, “They that wait upon the Lord….” for one. Another is, “Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him…” Still another, “…Those that wait upon the Lord, shall inherit the earth.” How about, “…Wait on the Lord and keep His way…” I came across this one just the other day, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me and heard my cry.”

Wait! I know it is something that I need to do, but I really don’t have time! I am in a hurry to get where I want to be in God. I am in a hurry to see things done in my life. I can’t wait! It is kind of like the fellow who was praying and said, “God I want patience and I want it now!”

Actually, the word wait is a very interesting word and in the Bible context that we have read it in here, has little in common with our definition. Without going into a long discourse of Hebrew definition, let me share what I got from my study on the word. Simply this: “qavah - to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect:” (1)

To put it in our lingo, it is to twist together making one. Picture this: take a piece of thin string. It can be nylon, cotton or grass. Hold it in each hand and jerk on it. More that likely a good stiff jerk will cause it to break.

Next, take three or four of the same size in thickness. Put them together and twist them a few times. Now give the same stiff jerk. It might break, but it will be more difficult, this time. If you keep adding to the string, pretty soon you have a cord. Add more and pretty soon you have a rope.

You know if you get enough of those thin little pieces of string and you bind them together in a twisting motion. Then you take a couple of those and bind them together in a twisting motion. Then you take a few of those and bind them together in a twisting motion you will have a line that is strong enough it will hold the Queen Mary to the dock in a storm.

What the Psalmist is not saying is this. I am just going to sit around and wait until it is done. Hurry up God! What the writer is not saying is I am going to put on my apron and bring your super!

What the writer is saying is, if I can unite myself with God. Somehow I must bind myself to Him. If I can become one with God I will become stronger. My strength will be renewed. I will be able to learn His ways. I will be able to be an over comer. I can become refreshed!

What a life changing thought. I don’t have to do this on my own? I have always thought that it is all about how tough and resilient I am. Now I am finding out that it is all about waiting. I am finding that spiritual success is all about uniting myself with Jesus Christ.

Many years ago, Brother Paul Price of Napa, California taught a lesson on how to get more out of the Bible. He gave an illustration that I have never forgotten and we are talking about thirty-seven years later. He read from Matthew 11 where Jesus offers us to take His yoke and learn of Him.

Brother Price explained that he had done research on the yoke (thus getting more from your Bible study). In the Bible day when they wanted to teach a young ox how to work in the yoke they put him with a trained ox that was bigger than the young ox. They hitched them so that the entire burden was on the shoulders of the experienced ox. All that the young ox had to do was walk in the yoke. His sole purpose was to learn when to halt, turn and go. He only had to learn the commands. He had to “learn of” the experienced ox that carried the load.

Jesus offers to have us unite with Him. He bids us to walk with Him and learn of Him. He offers us the opportunity to allow Him to carry the load, His yoke is easy. His burden is light. Really what He is encouraging us to do is to wait on Him. We are invited to bind ourselves together with Him. He wants us to become one with Him. We are able to renew our strength through Him. To be refreshed and rested because of Him.

Oh, waiting is a hard thing to do. I hate to say I can’t do it on my own. It hurts to say I need help, I need somebody else. Yet when I submit myself to the yoke I become powerful. Not powerful in myself, but powerful in Him.

It is a trust issue. I have got to come to the place where I stop wringing my hands together. I have got to stop pacing the floor and moaning and groaning because I don’t know what to do. I just need to wait on God, to trust in Him. I need to become one with Him.
I think what I am going to do is wait patiently on God!

God Bless! It's just a thought...
　
(1) (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

There is Strength in the Word!

2009-10-08T19:10:00.002-05:00

This was posted recently by my daughter. I was so moved by it and the power that is behind it I felt everyone I know should read it. Please take a moment to do so, then read it again and let it sink in. We underestimate the POWER of the Word of God!
God Bless...

There is Strength In His Word
By Abby Doran Harrell

I am crushedI look around and see the pieces of my lifeLaying shattered on the groundPushed down to the ground by the weight of this battleI lay on my back with my shield in my handCrying out to God, I can’t go on, I am so brokenI am so wounded my the darts the enemy keeps throwing at meHelp me Lord, to rise above this trial I am in
He reminds meThere is strength in my wordThe is power in my wordJust speak the word And you will rise above the enemy
So from my back with my shield in my hand I cry outO sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.-Ps 98:1Strength starts to return so once again I cry outO come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.-Ps 95:6-9I am able to rise to my knees and strength returnsOnce again I cry out But thou, O LORD, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. Ps 102:12-13Strength returns and I am able to rise to my feetAnd once again I cry out Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Ps 103:1-4
I am made whole, I am made newI can fight this that is troubling meOnce again I am able to fight off the enemyFor there is Power is His word
I look around meI am strong from my battle, I have fought a good fightI have kept my faithBut all around me, I see saints who are crushed From the fiery darts from their battleSo I go and remind them
There is strength in His wordThere is power in His wordJust speak the wordAnd once again you will rise above the enemy

Let Me Hear HIm Preach One More Time

2009-09-28T18:57:00.003-05:00

David Leo Doran was said to be one of the greatest preachers to ever walk in shoe leather. I have said it myself and have heard many others say the same thing. He was an old time fiery preacher. He would quote more scripture in one sermon than most preachers use in a year’s worth of sermons. He could tell a story like you have never heard it told anywhere else. Most important of all, when he came to the pulpit, you knew that he had been in touch with God.
David did not have very much formal education. He had to leave school in the tenth grade to work and help support his family. Yet he always had a hunger to learn and continued to study and educate himself. He would talk to well educated men that he admired and ask them what books they recommended. He would then buy the book and read it from cover to cover. He was much disciplined about this. I remember someone recommended Clyde Narrimore’s book, “The Encyclopedia of Psychological Problems.” They said it was a good book to have to help when you had to counsel with people. David bought the book and read it from cover to cover, word for word.
He was a preacher who studied. He would eat lunch on Sunday afternoon and then go to his study and prepare for the message that night. When he was finished, he started on his Bible lesson for Tuesday night. Tuesday night, when he got off work, he would eat, bathe and change clothes, and then he would head for the church to finish up for Bible Study that night. He never walked to the pulpit without spending hours in study and prayer.
He took his responsibility so seriously that I recall a time or two when he would actually tell us that he didn’t have a message, although he had spent time in study and prayer, he didn’t have a message. He refused just to go through the motions or just be redundant in what he had to say. He was honest and up front and said he had nothing.
I saw him, one night at a Fellowship Meeting, it is a service with several churches, preach. He was preaching on Jehu telling different men to come see his zeal for the Lord. David got to preaching about being zealous for the Lord. He got to preaching about being like Jehu, who they said drove his chariot ferociously. David grabbed the hand of a young man sitting in the front of the church and he began to run around the building. All the while he is pulling this young man behind him and preaching with all his might about having zeal for God.
Mind you, at this time David was probably about 47 or 48 years old. The young man had just returned from Marine boot camp. David ran him around that building until his tongue hung out, while David never missed a word or slowed down. The man could preach!
A Bible Study, that David taught, might last an hour or more. A sermon that he preached would be thirty minutes or so. That was his average. A Pastor once called him to preach for them for several nights and the night of the main event the Pastor requested David preach on a certain subject and asked him to preach for three hours. David did just that, he preached for three hours and although I was not able to be there, those that I spoke to later told me it seemed just like minutes.
When David was 59 years old, he found out that he had Parkinson’s disease. If you are not familiar with Parkinson’s disease let me briefly explain its affects. Parkinson’s disease is the result of a chemical deficiency between the brain and the nerve center that sends signals to the muscles. As a result, many of the things we do reflexively have to be thought out in order to do them. For example swallowing is something done as a reflex, we don’t think about it at all. Yet with Parkinson’s you have to think through the whole swallowing process. Many people with Parkinson’s have problems swallowing food or even saliva.
Parkinson’s affects walking, talking, and standing. I won’t go into detail, but because of the lack of the signal from the brain to the nerve center it was soon evident that David’s time as a pastor had come to an end. It was also obvious that he would no longer be able to preach the way that he once had preached.
David was a champion; he squared his shoulders and faced the problems before him. I must say that the most difficult thing for him to face as a result of this disease that so handicapped him, was not being able to preach the way he loved to preach. At the time of his being diagnosed with Parkinson’s I was David’s associate pastor. When he could no longer carry on the work as pastor, in the church where he had pastored for twenty-five years, He and the church asked me to step in and carry on his work. Being his son and his student, I knew how he wanted to stay involved so I encouraged him to seek other ways to minister. One of those ways was discipling young Christians.
When I became Pastor, the people in the church began to call David “The Elder” as a way of honoring him for his life time of service to that church. When we started working together with David teaching young Christians I called it, “Sitting at the feet of the Elder.”
David dealt with Parkinson’s and all the affects it had on his life and his body for ten years. In 1999 the doctors told him and the family that Parkinson’s had taken its toll and David didn’t have much longer to live.
I spent many nights, along with my brothers and oldest son, sitting in David’s living room, sometimes holding his hand. Mostly just sitting talking quietly and listening to him talk to us. I don’t remember a lot of the details of those conversations, I think it was more of his spirit strengthening ours than it was of words and dialog. I just remember being there with him. As the days went by, David became weaker. He became so weak that they brought a hospital bed in and set it up in his living room.
I remember on a Saturday afternoon I was sitting with him. Faye, his wife and my mother, had laid down to rest. David was a sleep and I was sitting on the couch in the living room thinking. It was very quiet and still. I watched David as he slept and seemed to labor a bit in breathing. In the still time my mind went back over the years and I began to remember the different times that I had heard my Dad preach. I began to relive those moments and those sermons which we called “Messages,” my how he could preach.
I walked through the years. I remembered the times and the places. There were one room school houses. There were school gymnasiums. There were Camp Meeting Tabernacles and Brush Arbors. There were nice Church buildings and other buildings that had been converted from a former life into a church building. There were big crowds, medium size crowds and there were small crowds. David had preached in them all and to them all.
I remembered sermon titles like, “Are You Asking for Trouble?” “You Know Too Much!” “Check Points on the Road to Heaven.” “Five Things I Would Like On My Tombstone.” “A Three and Two Count!”
It was a pretty overwhelming experience. In my heart I knew that David didn’t have many days left to live. Along with that knowledge and the memories I felt just a little overwhelmed. Then I remember a thought that came to me. Maybe it was more of a wish or even a prayer than a thought, actually. Whatever it was, I said to myself, “I wish I could hear Dad preach one more ‘Message.’ I wish I could just hear him do it one more time.”
My eyes had actually been closed and when I opened them Dad was looking at me. I asked him if he had gotten some rest and he answered back appropriately. Then we both sat there somewhat lost in our thoughts.
A few moments later, Faye came into the room to check on David. They spoke to each other in low tones and then Faye left the room. I didn’t think any more about what had been going through my mind because within just a few moments’ people started coming in to the house to visit. There was Slim and Rose Daniel. Jean Daniel and the Petranoff family showed up. Marc and Valerie Anderson came walking in and the house was soon filled with family and friends from the church. One of the last people to come in that evening was Joe Silva. Joe and his wife Sheryl were new Christians that David and Faye had been teaching and Joe looked to David as a son does to a father.
After Joe came in, David began to talk. Suddenly he was once again the Pastor. He looked at my wife, Melinda, and asked her if she would get out the old accordion. He looked at me and asked me to get out my guitar. Then he looked at us all and said that he had asked Faye to call everyone in so that we could have a time of worship and fellowship. It was about this time that I realized the people he had had Faye call in were the people that he had pastored for so many years. These were “his people or his saints.” He had loved them, led them to Christ, discipled them and pastored them for twenty-five years. They were those who were dearest to his heart and he to theirs.
He would tell us the song that he wanted us to sing and we all gathered in and sang our hearts out. He would call the name of an individual and ask them to sing a “special” song that they had sang in church, and they would sing their hearts out. What a time we had. You could feel the Spirit of God as it began to minister to each of us.
After everyone had sang and after we had pretty much exhausted the old song book. David spoke to Justin, his oldest grandson and my oldest son, and told him to go into his office and bring him some things. When Justin returned he had with him some sermon notes and a chart which he set up for his Grandpa.
David turned to Joe and said, “With all that has happened I haven’t been able to teach you this lesson that I really want you to hear. I have called you all in because I have something that you really need to hear.”
My prayer was answered. My desire came to past. There on his hospital bed “The Elder” preached one last “Message” to his people. I got to hear him preach one last time.
He preached from Hebrews 10:34-38 which reads:
Heb 10:34-38
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” KJV
The words of the “Old Preacher’s” last message that stuck with me were this. Don’t cast away your confidence in God. Trust Him that He always does the right thing. I don’t know why things in my life haven’t worked out the way that I planned them, but I have confidence in God that I will receive my reward and that He knows what is best.
Yes, just as I had remembered it, the Preacher had a Message and that Message was for me. I am thankful I got to hear him preach one more time.
Just a thought! God Bless!

View of the Father's House, Second Look...

2009-09-22T13:22:00.001-05:00

Have you ever made the wrong decision? I know that is a silly question to ask. Yet often people act as if I am the only one who has ever made the wrong decision and they never have. Sometimes I find myself acting that way toward others. Shame on me!
There are many different factors involved in making a decision. Factors such as how we are feeling, things we have recently experienced, other experiences in life. Our goals and objectives in life or in the situation, which we are facing, play a big part in making a decision.
I remember one time when I was principal of a Christian school. We had a 15-year-old student who was failing because he had stopped doing schoolwork. The teacher had tried to work with him and encourage him to no avail. He was attending school on a scholarship, not an academic one obviously, so I called his mother and sat up a meeting with them.
As we sat down together, I asked the young man why he was not doing his schoolwork and at least trying. He rather got a bit of an attitude, which really surprised me (note the sarcasm) so his mom jumped in to explain. Now I must admit Mom was as much of his problem as he was. She said that he had decided he did not need school; he was going to get a job when he turned sixteen. He was a big boy and so he was making his own decisions.
The second thing I must admit is this, that made me angry or maybe frustrated is a better word! I took several deep breaths, and then turned to the student and asked if this was true. He got a bit of a smirk on his face and said that it was true. I then asked him why he did not think he needed to finish school to get a job and make a good living for his family. I went on to explain to him he had nothing on which to base that decision. He had never worked a job nor even applied for work. He had never paid a bill, raised a family, or done any of the things he would be doing for the next fifty years trying to make it through life. I told him there would come a day when he would look back and dislike that fifteen-year-old boy that made the wrong decision that affected the rest of his life. I am sorry to say that he had already made his decision and he did quit school. Within months it was obvious to everyone who knew him he had made the wrong decision.
There were a couple of decisions in the Father’s house, which come to mind. They were what I would have to say, “Poor Decisions!” In Luke 15:11 Jesus tells us of a father who had two sons. We are aware of one of the decisions and this is the focus of the story. Actually, there were two decisions made and both were not good. Let me share with you my thought on this.
When the youngest son became of age he went to his father and told his father he wanted his inheritance. This was a decision that he had the right to make. The law of that day and that place allowed an heir to receive their inheritance prior to the death of benefactor, in this case his father. According to my understanding, he could do whatever he wanted with his inheritance when he received it. There were no regulations or restrictions. It was his.
One hoped that upon receiving the inheritance the heir would show wisdom and maturity in how he used his inheritance. One hoped they would invest it in a wise manner so that it would be a blessing to them in the years to come.
However, we know this young man made the wrong decision concerning his inheritance. He chose to waste it on good times and high living. He lacked a real appreciation for his inheritance. He did not understand the sacrifices that made to bring about such a rich a precious gift, for that is just what it was. Because of the cavalier attitude, he took regarding his inheritance it was not long until it was gone and he had nothing. Worse yet, at the same time he found himself spent, famine came to the land in which he had chosen to live.
I find this to be so like many people in Churches today. They are tremendously blessed. They have received so much as an inheritance. They are born into the Church of the living God. In an instance, they become joint heirs with Christ. They have all of the blessings of God at their fingertips. They have the power and authority of God at their disposal. Truth has been sought and revealed and is given to them. Fields have been plowed, harvests reaped, and they are able to enjoy the benefits. Yet the day comes when they feel they should take their inheritance and leave the Father’s house. Then because they have never developed an appreciation for their inheritance, they have never developed a love for their heritage. They recognize a freedom or liberty. They become careless when they feel there is no restraint. They make the wrong decision and use their inheritance foolishly. They awake one day in a land they have traveled to, spent, bankrupt and finding no sustenance in the land of their choosing. They have made a bad decision in the Father’s house.
The elder brother made the second wrong decision. From reading the scripture, account that Jesus told we know the elder brother also received his inheritance at the same time as the younger brother. Verse 12 says that the father divided unto them his living. Later the father also said to him that all he had belonged to him. He had the same opportunity to enjoy his inheritance at that time.
As the story progresses we find the younger son returns home. He is ashamed of what he has done. He is repentant for the disgrace he has brought to his father. He has realized his mistake and desires to become part of his father’s household if only as a servant.
It is at this point that we become aware of the second bad decision made in the father’s house. Upon hearing of the festivities that are, taking place the elder brother inquires as to the cause. He finds his prodigal brother has returned and his father has thrown a celebration in his honor. The eldest becomes angry! In fact, he is angry to the point that he confronts his father and questions why he would honor the disgraceful and not honor the loyal.
The father explains to the son that his motivation is his love for his son that has returned. He is thankful and this is reason to rejoice! The elder sons upset with this answer and in a petulant manner exclaims that he never gets anything done for him! To this exclamation there is a rebuke given by the father and that is, and I quote: “…all that I have is thine.” Luke 15:31
The bad decision made by the elder brother was not to take advantage of his inheritance and use it. He had received his inheritance along with his brother. He had the opportunity to use it, to spend it or to invest it. He obviously was the more cautious, in his lifestyle, of the two of them yet he went so far in being cautious that he cheated himself out of so much. He had never even killed a fatted calf and thrown a party.
Again, I find this to be so like many people in Churches today. They are tremendously blessed. They have received such a great inheritance. They are born into the Church of the living God. In an instance, they become joint heirs with Christ. They have all of the blessings of God at their fingertips. They have the power and authority of God at their disposal. Truth has been sought and revealed and is given to them. Fields have been plowed, harvests reaped, and they are able to enjoy the benefits of their heritage. Yet when it comes time to claim their inheritance they fail to do so!
They are happy to continue in their traditions. They carry on with life as usual. They persist to live below the privilege that is theirs as a son of the father. Their goal in life is to maintain what has always been their lot in life. There is no vision! There is no dream! They become discontent with their “lot” but only when they see someone else receive a blessing. Then they want to take the blessing away from the blessed!
What would have happened if both brothers had had a bit of the other in their outlook on life? What would have happened if the younger brother had said, “I have been tremendously blessed? I will use this to bring honor to my Father and to impact my world!”
What would have happened if the elder brother had said, “I have been blessed and from the Father’s house I can make a difference? So much has been given to me and now I can give!”
What would have happened if both brothers had had an attitude that said, “I have received what my father has labored for? Now I will take it and add to it from my own labors and be a blessing to my world and to my heirs?” How would the story have been different?
Let us take it a step further and ask what would have happened if the brothers would have worked together with their inheritance? They both had strengths! They both had weaknesses! Consider how strong they would have been if there had been unity in the Father’s house.
What would happen if you and I, as Christians today, were to look at what we have received from the Father in a different light? We are so blessed! We have such a great heritage! We have been give power and authority from God. Others have dug out truths and shared them with us. Methods have been tried and tested with time and now we can use then and build upon them. What would happen if we took advantage of our inheritance to change our world?
Again, let us consider what would happen if we worked together. We all have our strengths! We all have our weaknesses! What could we do if there was unity in the Father’s house?
Are we wasting what we have received by not valuing it? Are we wasting what we have received by not using it? Are we making bad decisions in the Father’s house?
It’s just a thought! God Bless…

Prayer Needed for Little Jared

2009-09-18T14:30:00.001-05:00

Last fall I was a member of a online social group and came across a post by a mother asking people to pray for her little boy Jared. The name caught my attention because I have a son also named Jared and have a huge soft spot in my heart for kids.She shared that Jared, at age 9, had been found to have a brain tumor. I won't go into all of the details, but this fella was just the bravest little guy. I wrote Lora and got permission to contact Jared and for the next several months, as long as I was able to remain active on that site, I contacted him almost everyday. He couldn't hear to well but loved pictures so I and many others began sending him pictures of animals and all other types of things that would interest him. Many members of the site were good to visit him on a regular basis, trying to encourage him.Since leaving that site I have remained in contact with Ed and Lora by email. We have started a group on FB that just prays for Jared and his family. Today I received a email from Ed, which I will share. I cannot even begin to imagine what Ed and Lora are dealing with and feeling right now. The Drs have said there is nothing more than can do for Jared, it is in God''s hands. My heart breaks for them, but at the same time I know we serve a God who is just and caring and will do what is best for Jared and his family. I know God can heal him completely and I also know there are times when God says that isn't my plan. Please join me in praying for them. Ed, Jared's father, wrote:"donald we went to Cincinnati.childrens today and they found the tumor growing its in last stages we so need prayer for jared please pray they said hes in gods hands which we knew but ask god for jareds life with us,its so so hard please pray"God Bless

View of the Father's House, First Look...

2009-09-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

We have read and heard the story of the prodigal son told in so many ways and so many times that it can easily become “old hat.” There is a danger when that happens because then we tend to miss some of the less obvious truths that Jesus is trying to get across to us. I know I have a tendency to gloss over passages that are familiar to me. Just today I was reading a familiar story in the Gospels, it is told in three of the four, and found a small bit of information I had never noticed or heard anyone else mention. Not earth changing, it is just interesting…ok, I will share. Did you know there were two demoniacs in Gadera? That is right; you will find the account in Matthew 8:28. However, Mark and Luke only speak of one in the same account. Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Jesus shares with us a story of a father and two sons in Luke 15:11. Jesus is trying to convey to His listeners how exciting when you are able to restore that which was lost. He is trying to help them understand the blessing that comes in finding what was lost! He speaks of some natural things to which His listeners will relate. If they had ever lost a sheep they would understand how excited the shepherd is when he is able to return with the lost sheep! Anyone who has ever lost some money, especially a goodly sum, knows how excited he or she was when he or she found the lost money!

Jesus takes the lost and found stories just a bit further as He speaks of a father with two sons and one decides it is time to leave home and strike out on his own. I will never forget the day my oldest son left home.

I remember quite vividly the time just before Justin got his drivers license. I was so troubled and disturbed. It was not that I did not want him to drive or did not trust him that was not the problem at all. I recall sitting with Melinda in a restaurant that was close to the freeway near where we lived. The lights of emergency vehicles flying down the freeway caught our attention. It seemed they kept going by forever. Just a while later, as we were heading home, we passed the scene of a tragic accident and later found out that a person had gone down the wrong side of the freeway and ran head on into another car.

As we passed, I began to weep. Melinda looked at me as if I were crazy and asked what was wrong. It was at that point that I realized what had been bothering me about Justin getting his drivers license. Up to that point, I had been able to protect him. Now, along with the independence gained by him in having a license to drive there was the fact that I would not be able to protect him as I had in the past.

Just a few years later, just weeks before his twentieth birthday, I recall standing on the porch of our home and waving goodbye as he walked to his truck and headed for Arkansas, leaving us in California. Now the plan was that he would be traveling with his uncle and his family. He was going to live with some friends of ours. We were planning to move to Arkansas within a week ourselves. Yet I knew that it would never be the same and it has not.

I can feel for this father as his son came and asked for his portion of the inheritance. This was not a bad thing! It was legal and acceptable in the time in which they lived. At any time, an heir could ask for their portion of their inheritance and receive it. Yet I am sure the father was aware that things would never be the same as before and it was not.

The son, after a couple of days, left home and journeyed to a far away place. The independence that he had so recently obtained became an unrestrained lifestyle. The young man made foolish choices. The results were devastating and it was not long until he spent the whole inheritance, leaving nothing!

The Bible says the young man “came to himself” which leads me to believe that he had not been thinking right. He experienced a brief moment of “temporary insanity” that came from having more money than he was accustomed to. Adding to that unbridled freedom. From that lifetime “high”, he slams into an all time “low” as he struggles for survival without any money, any friends and a famine in the land where he is living. It would be enough to make you unaware of who you are or even where you are.

I can picture the father, in my mind, getting up every morning and looking outside to see if maybe his son had returned during the night. I can see him looking anxiously toward the door every time it opens unexpectedly. I can just imagine him walking to the front porch and looking down the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of his son returning. However days and weeks go by without a word. The rejection of the son to his father sets in to the point that the mourning and loss of the father are as if his son had actually died.

Yet in a distant land, the son comes to himself. He realizes he does not have to continue this lifestyle. He is not destined to a pig pin. Yes, he has made a mistake and yes, he has done wrong. Yet in his heart, he knows the heart of his father and knows that if he returns and asks forgiveness his father will at least find it in his heart to let him be a servant. Being a servant in the Father’s house is better than taking care of the hogs in a distant land. Being a servant in the Father’s house is better than anything he had experienced.

He returns to his Father’s house. The picture in his mind of what will take place is much different from the actual event. He expects chastisement but instead of a rebuke for his foolishness, he is welcomed with open arms. He has pictured a time of making amends and earning his father’s love or maybe just acceptance. However, after a few words of repentance and remorse his father expresses his love and acceptance.

What the son finds on his return to the Father’s house is compassion and restoration. He had made a mistake. He had rejected the Father and all that was his. He had lived a life that brought shame and disgrace to the Father. Yet on his return all, the Father needed to know was that his son was sorry and wanted to live in the Father’s house. Upon seeing him, the father had compassion! He ran to him, grabbed him in a bear hug, and kissed him. Upon hearing his words of repentance, he turns to the servants and declares that his son who was dead is alive and it is time to have a party in his honor.

This reminds me of a passage of scripture that is so dear to me. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
John warns us in this passage we will all make mistakes. How certain he and the other disciples had been in their ability not to ever fail, yet they had. He is alerting us to that fact; there will be times of failure. He is making us aware that anyone can and will fail. Yet, he is also letting us know that in those times of failure we can be certain to find compassion and restoration from our heavenly Father. If we repent, He will forgive and restore.

We as Christians can learn so much from the Father. Be quick to show compassion. Be quick to restore those who have fallen. Lift them up and let them know they are welcome in the Father’s house. Compare the spirit of the Father to that of the eldest son. The Father’s house is a house of compassion and restoration.

Just a Thought…God Bless!

Weekend of Minsitry and Blessings

2009-08-10T18:04:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful experience in the presence of the Lord this weekend! I love it when God shows off!

TEAM Ministry traveled to Osceola, Arkansas on Saturday August 8 to enjoy Praise Break ‘09 with the saints of the United Pentecostal Church Worship Center of Osceola. Pastor Tim and Cristie Doran are part of TEAM Ministry who were the host of this wonderful service.

There were about a 130 in attendance, which packed out the church with chairs down the hallway. Pastors from nearby churches brought their young people and singing groups to take part in this wonderful time of worship. Young and old alike sang with great anointing and inspiration. Several signing groups blessed us with audio and visual singing. Sister Dyson brought the house down as she sang, “He’s an On Time God!”

Churches represented, that I was able to catch the names of, were Leechville, Arkansas with Pastor Jerry Johnson, Wilson, Arkansas with Pastor Keith Stokes, and Kennett, Missouri with Pastor David Henderson. There were also several members of TEAM Ministry Group in attendance Royce Henderson, Todd Henderson, Shirley McCoy, Karynn Doran and Yvonne Hinshaw. We had the privilege of meeting TEAM Ministry Group members Jade Gonzales and Nancy Brooks for the first time.

Sunday afternoon we enjoy being God’s blessings once again with another divine visitation as we ministered in Osceola. Pastor Tim ministered to the children while the rest of us joined in on the fun and blessings. God spoke to us about His love for us. Our lives were touched. Several left changed!

After a quick meal and time of fellowship, we rushed to Calvary UPC in Jonesboro, Arkansas and enjoyed a great time of worship and the preaching of the Word of God. Evangelist Robert and Deborah Tisdale were ministering at Calvary. They are friends of ours of many years. We were neighboring pastors in Northern California in the 1990’s and shared pulpits on many occasions.

Evangelist Tisdale preached “Don’t Touch Me I Am Going Up!” I am not staying in this situation; God has called me to something greater. I will not allow circumstances to bind me God has called me UP! What a powerful message. Three people received the wonderful baptism of the Holy Ghost during this service. One of those was from the Church in Osceola. What a wonderful was to end a blessed weekend.

We enjoyed the hospitality of Pastors Tim and Cristie Doran of Osceola. We also enjoyed meeting and fellowshipping with Pastors John and Bonnie Chance of Jonesboro. These folks have enjoyed a wonderful move of the Holy Ghost and have seen 103 baptized with the Holy Ghost in ten weeks. Thank you Pastors Chance for allowing TEAM Ministry to be blessed.

Thank you for your prayers TEAM, they were felt and rewarded. Together Enjoying Apostolic Ministry!

The Blessings of a Wilderness Experience

2009-07-28T13:24:00.001-05:00

I was recently in a service and heard someone use the phrase, “I have been in a wilderness experience.” My mind instantly grabbed a hold of what they were saying and I related to the expression, having known the same feeling. A wilderness experience, a place, situation, or multitude of people or things that makes somebody feel confused, overwhelmed, or desolate, is how the dictionary defines it.

To most folks a wilderness would be something terrible, maybe even to be ashamed of being there. However, as I begin to consider wilderness experiences I quickly realized it was actually a prelude to greater things in a person’s life. Let me share a few thoughts that came to my mind.

Moses was in the wilderness when God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. In fact, Moses had spent forty years in the wilderness prior to his call. He had even become productive and blessed in the wilderness. The wilderness prepared him to lead Israel. It was in the wilderness that his attitude changed from that of a brash, impatient man who relied on his own power, ability and authority to a man who was gentle, patient and giving of himself.

It was a wilderness time, again of forty years, that prepared Israel to enter into Canaan. It was a time of learning to be obedient to God’s word. It was a time of learning to rely on God and His ability to meet their needs. It was a time of learning that God keeps His promises. When they came out of the wilderness, Israel was ready to rely on Him.

Joshua spent forty years in the wilderness and it prepared him to become the leader of Israel after Moses died. It prepared him face the impossible obstacles such as the Jordan, Jericho and nations that were much greater military powers than Israel and to know that God would fight their battles for them. The wilderness prepared him to stand before Israel and challenge them to serve the Lord God.

Caleb was spurred by forty years spent in the wilderness and declared that he was fully prepared to claim the promises of God. Caleb went on to demand he receive what was his and assured Joshua he was going to lead his people into battle and take their land.
The wilderness brought compassion and insight to a young man who was to be king of Israel. For a number of years David lived in caves in the wilderness while running for his life. This time prepared him for forty years of leading Israel. It was here he learned to treasure the blessings of God. It was here that he experienced rejection and became compassionate toward those who also experienced rejection, even to his own injury.

It was in the wilderness that Elijah had a close encounter with God. He had experienced the power of God in his life. He had witnessed many miracles, food from ravens, oil and meal supplied from God, consuming fire from heaven, a rainstorm in response to his prayer and fleet feet that could out run horses. However, it was in the wilderness that God spoke to him in the still small voice. God showed that he was not alone but others also trusted God. It was in the wilderness that God sent an angel to minister to Elijah and to encourage him, enabling him to return to his ministry. After the wilderness he was able to share the anointing that was upon his life with Elisha and then to pass on a double portion to his disciple. It was after the wilderness that God sent him a fiery taxicab to escort him to heaven.

In the wilderness, John the Baptist prepared himself for the ministry that God had called him. In the wilderness, John received the message, which he preached to Israel. It was from the wilderness that he obtained the intestinal fortitude to stand up to the highest authority in the land and declare a need for righteousness. Jesus pointed out there was none like John the Baptist.

It was in the wilderness that Jesus spent forty days spiritually preparing himself for his ministry. It was here that He withstood testing and temptations that were designed to sabotage His purpose, but they failed. It was in the wilderness that angels came to minister to Him. It was from the wilderness that He came preaching a message of the kingdom of God working miracles and healing all manner of diseases.

After his conversion, Paul took some time to go into the desert of Arabia. We are not sure how long he was there but some feel maybe close to three years. It was during this time that he obtained a personal knowledge of God. He had many years of teaching but it was in the wilderness that God was able “… He revealed his Son to me so that I could proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.” (Gal 1:16) He came from this wilderness experience with a message and mission to take the wonderful message of Jesus Christ to the whole world.

The wilderness can affect us two different ways. When Israel was in the wilderness, many people died because they refused to recognize it as a place of growth and maturity. They looked upon it as their destiny. They saw themselves as grasshoppers and unable to overcome. The other way it can affect us is as a place where God can become personal with us and take us to a new level in Him. He can minister to us and encourage us. He can give us a new message brought about by a divine revelation of whom He is.

Do not become frustrated and discouraged in your wilderness. Remember and stand on the promises of God for you life. Envision the great victories because of time spent in the wilderness. Use this time as a time to focus on your relationship with Jesus Christ learns of Him. Watch as God brings blessings of provision and sustenance to you, ministering to your needs. I know the wilderness isn’t a pleasant place to be but when you have entered the promises of God and look back on the wilderness you will be blessed at what you experienced during that time. Enjoy the blessings of the wilderness…

Just a thought! God Bless…

The Blind Pillow Fighter

2009-07-16T12:52:00.002-05:00

Have you ever felt battered by life (not as in cooking batter) from all sides and had no idea where the blows were coming from? Feeling harried unable to find a target to strike back?

I remember when we were teens my brother and I took a couple of weeks, one summer, and spent them with our uncle and his family. They lived on a farm in southern Oregon and we loved spending time with them. Uncle Bill and Aunt Marilyn were fun people and of course, our cousins were too. There was always some type of adventure when we got together. Trust me the truths and details of these shall always remain our secrets.

This particular time we all decided we needed to have a party and invite as many people as possible to it. We carefully planned what to eat, even to the ingredients of the concoctions that we had decided to serve. We planned each game (more like prank), carefully choosing each of the victims, I mean participants. One of the “games” that we picked was a pillow fight; well that is what we called it. We took the two victims and tied a blind fold on them. We then tied a rope around their waist explaining this was to keep them from wondering off and getting hurt. We tied one end of each rope to a pole and we brought the victims together so they knew they could reach each other. We then led them back to their corners, (i.e.) pole, to start the fight. While they were at the pole, we shortened their ropes so they were now unable to reach each other. When the bell rang they eagerly headed to the middle of the area and began swinging their pillows as hard as they could, of course they were unable to hit the other victim because they could not reach them. Now, what made this so interesting and added to the comedy of the situation was a third person also had a pillow but no rope and no blindfold. This person would go back and forth between the victims and willfully hit them with the pillow while the crowd cheered the victims on. The victims would swing wildly and as hard as they could to no avail. They wanderer all over the area their ropes would allow them to reach, again without success. Soon you would recognize puzzlement and then frustration of the victims, as they were unable to hit back while being hit.

It was so funny to those of us watching but was actually a bit mean to the victims. Soon they either became very angry (we did not expect this in all honesty) or they became so frustrated they would just stop and stand there. They gave up trying at all.

Just recently, I came across a passage of scripture that has just been eating away at my heart. In Matthew 9:35-36 Jesus is ministering to the people. He is teaching them and preaching to them. He is healing them of every sickness and every disease. Suddenly He looks at the multitude and it is as if He sees them for the very first time. The words, which are, actually used say, “But when He saw the multitudes…” something takes place in the heart of Jesus at that moment. It goes on to say, “…he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” It was as if the real problem of the multitudes was not the sicknesses or diseases He was healing, but really something else.

The word that I noticed, which did not really seem to fit with the rest of the description of what Jesus saw, was the word “fainted.” As I thought about this, in my minds eye I saw people just falling out on the ground everywhere, unconscious. I saw medical people and friends running to them trying to get them to respond! On street corners, they sold smelling salts at a premium price! This just did not seem to fit the scenario so I decided I had better look up the word. Much to my surprise, the word “fainted” used here means to “flay or to harass!” It also means to skin, to mangle or to vex, trouble or annoy.

Upon, please stay with me a moment and I will try my best not to bore you, further investigation I found the word was used by the Greeks to talk of being so troubled it was as if they were being flayed alive! They were troubled on every hand.

Therefore, when Jesus looked at the multitude He saw people who were so troubled with life they were harassed. Some even felted their troubles were so great they were being flayed alive. In my minds eye I now saw the blindfolded pillow fighter never knowing where or how to respond. He is feeling helpless and hopeless receiving blow after blow!

Have you had life come at you from all directions and realized you had no idea how to respond to it? You had no idea which way to turn or what to do. Coming to the place where you finally just stood there taking blow after blow with no response! I am not talking about good things happening to you in this manner, I am talking about the pains, fear, disappointments of life. I am talking about experiencing feelings of depression and despair!

Jesus went on to think of these people being like sheep without a shepherd. They were fearful and confused! Not knowing where safety lay! They did not know which way to turn or to whom they should turn. Troubled and ready to just stand there and take whatever came their way.
As this dismal picture unfolded before me, I was encouraged to realize that when Jesus saw these people in this condition He had compassion on them. Their needs touched Him. He yearned for them from the depth of His emotions. He felt sympathy and pity for them. To sympathize with a person is to share the feelings of someone else. To say I can understand how you are feeling I have felt the same thing.

When Jesus saw the multitude and saw that, they fainted and were as sheep without a shepherd He sympathized with them. He said I understand how that they feel I have been where they are. From His deepest emotions, He yearned for them. He wanted to help them so much and yet realized the difficulty that would be involved in meeting that need.

When life comes at us, as it does the Blind Pillow-fighter, and bombards us from all sides we need to know there is hope. When life seems hopeless, it only seems that way if we try to handle it ourselves there is hope. When our hearts have been broken, there is hope of healing. When the disappointments and frustrations of life hold us captive in chains of hopelessness, there is hope of deliverance. When we are blind by the failures of the past and the dismal picture of our future, there is hope we will see the beautiful promise that lies before us. When we have suffered at the brutal hand of life, bruised and broken, there is hope of liberty and healing! It is only in Jesus Christ who yearns with sympathy to make all the difference in our lives. In Him is our hope.
Luke 4:18 tells us that Jesus came to heal the broken hearted, to set the captive free, to open the blind eyes, to set at liberty them that are bruised. Luke also told us that Jesus came to seek and to save those that are lost. He came to save the sheep looking for a shepherd. He came to seek the lost sheep who are wandering without direction. He came to lead us to safety!

Do not lose heart! Do not give up! Jesus can and will make the difference in your life. You no longer have to face life as the Blind Pillow-fighter, not knowing which way to turn, feeling flayed alive by life. You can know that Jesus knows your pain and is willing to make the difference…He is moved with compassion for you!

It is Just a thought! God Bless…
　

Compassion Sometimes Has to be Learned!

2009-07-07T11:57:00.008-05:00

Several years ago Melinda and I were on a short vacation on the Oregon Coast. We were playing tourist, stopping at the gift shops and browsing when I came across a coffee cup that caught my attention. I collect coffee cups of special places we visit to remind me of our time there. This particular coffee cup had a picture of a group in a white water raft with the caption, “Don’t whine, just paddle!” I bought the cup because it stated my philosophy of life, “Just deal with it.”

Being a fairly young pastor, with some knowledge and less wisdom I used the coffee cup for an object lesson in a message and the saying for the title of the message. I must admit, it didn’t go over quiet as well as I had hoped. Another time I told the same group of people we were going to have revival and they could get in, get out or get run over! Some did… Probably won’t do either of those things again.

Just the other day I was impressed with the thought that compassion often has to be learned. There are some folks who are compassionate people just by nature. There are other folks, I guess I am one, whose first tendency is to say, “Just deal with it.” For those of us with that tendency compassion has to be learned and it usually is learned by being in a similar situation.
For the past four and a half weeks Melinda has been in Colorado with our daughter who just had a baby yesterday. This is the longest period of time we have been apart in the past thirty-three years, thirty-one of which we have been married. We call each other two or three times a day and text several times a day. I feel like only part of me is here and it isn’t the best part. I turn to tell her something and she isn’t there. I wonder what she is doing and if she is ok. I miss her terribly! I have come to understand, to a greater extent what it must be like to lose your spouse after years of marriage. The pain and emptiness that must be experienced. At least I can call my spouse on the phone and talk with her. I have learned a little more compassion.

My daughter called me several months ago to tell me the wonderful news that she was going to have another baby. She was so happy and excited. I wept because I was afraid of what she would have to go through to have another child. I remembered her other pregnancies and the pain and suffering she dealt with and did not want her to experience that again. I spent the past three days scared, frustrated and feeling helpless. She was in Colorado and I was in Arkansas. She was trying to have her baby and I wasn’t there, didn’t know what was happening and waiting on the word everything was alright. She had a great big baby boy and she and the baby are doing good. However, I came to feel for the moms and dads and loved ones of young men and women who are in danger, fighting for our country. Mom and dad don’t know what is happening at any given moment. They feel helpless and frustrated waiting on the word that all is well.

Compassion often has to be learned. Many years ago my wife and I went through a tough time. It lasted for about three years until finally one night I was able to spiritually break through and get the answer from God I needed for my life. As I got up from praying that night a dear Sister came to me and said that God had given her a word for me. God had allowed this to happen in my life so that I might become more compassionate toward people. I guess I am a slow learner, but I am trying.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every point that we are tempted in. He feels compassion toward us because He understands what we are dealing with. He has felt the same pressures.

The dictionary tells us that compassion is sympathy for the suffering of others, often including a desire to help. It also tells us that sympathy is to feel someone’s pain. It is to enter into and share their feelings. Empathy on the other hand is to simply understand it, yet you remain apart from the feeling.

Matthew 9 tells of Jesus preaching and teaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God. He is healing them of every sickness and disease. Then as he looks upon the multitudes He is moved with compassion as He notices they are troubled and had no where to turn for help and direction. That word compassion used there means that the center of His emotions yearned in pity for them. He hurt for them and their lost condition.

When was the last time that our soul yearned in pity for the lost of our world? When was the last time that we looked around us and realized many of the people we brush shoulders with on a daily basis are like sheep without a shepherd, not knowing where to go for help?

Sometimes God allows us to feel helpless and maybe even lost just to try to teach us compassion. Trying to remind us that there was a time when we too were like sheep without a shepherd not knowing which way to turn.

Yesterday I listened to a young man, twenty-three years old, talk about his condition. He was born feet first. He has never experienced a feeling from his waist to his feet. He told us of the multiple surgeries he has had as doctors tried to find a way to enable him to walk. He has spent his whole life in a wheelchair. He can’t drive a car. He depends on other people for everything, literally everything. As he is sharing this with us my heart began to hurt. Then he looked up with a far away look in his eyes and said that he would give anything in the world to be able to walk, to be able to drive a car, to go to the restroom by himself. He said he would dance a jig if he felt a tingling sensation in his feet and was able to get up out of that chair!

I began to weep! I have been picking him up on my bus for months and yet not one time I had felt compassion for him. Oh I empathized with him. I thought his life would be so much better if he could walk. Yet never one time have I yearned in pity for a man who couldn’t walk. My mind went to another man in the same condition. For years he had been brought daily to the gate of the temple to beg alms. Then one day a couple of preachers came by and they were moved with compassion for him. They didn’t try to meet his financial need, they went for the greater need and God healed his body.

Jesus was moved with compassion at the need of a powerless man laying by the pool. He felt the man’s hopeless feeling of always being too late to get in the pool in time to be healed when the angel troubled the water. Jesus decided to circumvent the pool and just heal the man.
Sometimes compassion has to be learned. As we deal with the problems of our everyday lives we need to ask God to help us to learn from that problem that we might be moved with compassion for others. We often quote the passage in Romans eight. I wonder if the good that Paul is talking about, is compassion? “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (VS 28) His purpose is that we would become like Him. He was moved with compassion.

I need to ask myself where I would be if someone had said they didn’t have time for idiots and left me struggling like a sheep without a shepherd. Thank God some have had compassion on me. Go ahead and whine a bit if you need to and I will try and paddle for you. Compassion can be learned.

Just a Thought! God Bless…

Value?

2009-07-03T09:16:00.001-05:00

Good morning! I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July holiday. Spend some time with your family and friends and also take a few moments to thank God for this wonderful country.

I was struck by a thought yesterday (I won't go to the funny side of that comment) and thought I would share it with you. I have written several articles and thoughts about forgiveness in the past several months and of over two hundred articles I have written these have generated the greatest response, someone always has something to say. I have written several thoughts about our value, to ourselves, others and especially to God and these have received little or most times no response.

This observation has made me to wonder...is it easy to see that we need forgiveness? That we need to forgive? Yet is it hard to see that we are loved and chosen by God? That He places great value in us? That we are special to Him?

John 3:16 tells us that God was motivated by love. You love someone because you value them. You love someone because you recognize the worth of the person loved. If you consider the to be so invaluable that they are not worth the gunpowder it would take to blow their nose, you don't love them! They are worthless...

We must understand how God sees us! We must begin to look upon ourselves the way God looks upon us, with love. In fact Jesus said the second greatest commandment is that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We have to love ourselves, to place value upon ourselves, in order to obey this commandment.

Remember, God loves you, not because He has to, but because you are special and you are special because God loves you.

Just a thought! God Bless...
Don Doran

Father's Hands

2009-06-20T11:37:00.003-05:00

Father’s hands, so rough and scarred,
Father’s hands, so strong and bold,
They fix, they work, they are there to hold.

Blunted fingers, callused palms,
Weathered, cracked, broken nails
Missing fingers, life’s story it tells.

Rough but gentle, hard yet soft,
Familiar with a hammer, accustomed to a saw,
Used in correction, extended in love.

Hands holding a Bible, God’s Holy Word,
Hands that were familiar with the pages,
A friend, a comfort, a confident through the ages.

Father’s hands, so strong and caring
Father’s hands, treating all alike,
Helping the old with a window, the young with a bike.

Father’s hands, so much like him,
They tell who he is and how he lived.
With them, to so many, he loved to give.

They are a picture of those hands,
Nail scarred, battered, splintered and bruised,
Hands of your heavenly Father, extended to you.
　
By Don Doran

In Memory of my father David L. Doran 1930-1999　

Evil is Present

2009-06-18T12:24:00.002-05:00

Have you ever tried to do the right thing and it seems every way that you turn there is something blocking you from getting it done? Maybe you are doing chores around the house and the phone rings. Of course with caller ID we know not to pick up the sales call or the bill collectors calls, but we will stop and talk with a friend because our curiosity won’t let us miss that call. Just when you start back to the chore that is demanding your attention one of the children comes crying and needs your love and attention. Finally you return to the demanding chore when the doorbell rings. Thank God for garages to hide the car in and peep-holes in the door so you can check and see who is there. No it isn’t Avon calling, but a neighbor with a three layer chocolate cake in her hand. Gotta be neighborly even if the chore is calling.

Paul made a statement in Romans that came to my mind today. He said, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good , evil is present with me.” Romans 7:21 I know that his reference here is to the war of the flesh against spiritual things. When we try to live for God and serve Him with all of our hearts, our flesh is going to fight against that happening. There is an ongoing struggle between the flesh or carnal man and the spiritual man.

However, let me take this just a bit further and maybe look at it from a different point of view. Have you noticed when you try to do something more for God, evil is present. I am not talking, now, about your flesh warring against the spirit. I am talking about outside forces that try to hinder, stop or discourage you from doing more for God.

Let me give you an example that comes to mind. I know of a case several years ago where some young people were desiring to have a deeper relationship with God. They wanted God to do something out of the ordinary in their lives. They began to pray, fast and read their Bibles. They began to become more focused in their worship. They would spend hours at the church praying and seeking God. They spent extra time in Bible Study. They were hungry for a move of God in their lives. Yet while this was going on there were others who were criticizing them. Trying to distract them from continuing. There was evil present when they were trying to do good.

Paul encountered this more than once in his ministry. I recall he is on his way to Jerusalem. He stops to visit a church and while there the people beg him not to go. Prophecies are made of beatings and imprisonment. I am not accusing these people of being evil, but I am saying there was evil present to stop him from obeying the call of God in his life. Paul asked them to stop breaking his heart! He had to obey that call.

Ordinary things happen to people who are content with the ordinary. Just give us the “common place events“. We are happy with the “run of the mill” accomplishments in our lives. We are content with the mundane, humdrum that has been going on in their lives. Don’t rock the boat is our motto and it is a motto we are too often happy to live by.

However, when we become disillusioned with the ordinary and long for the extraordinary, things will change! Once we get a taste for the astonishing power of God doing the unexpected and surprising us, there is no going back. Step into the realm of a supernatural experience with God and you can never be content with the ordinary again. Once you see God touch a life that you have influenced for Him, you will never be the same. Once you see a healing take place you will not be willing to have it any other way.

Just recently I was asked to come teach in a church on a Sunday morning and Sunday night. The subject was one where people will not be running the aisles or swinging from the rafters. In fact, you will be fortunate to get a few amen’s. I had been asked to teach on giving! All week I prayed and told God how I felt. I love teaching on Apostolic giving! I love teaching that God loves cheerful givers! I love teaching people that God has a financial plan for His church and when we test God, look out! However, I wanted God to show His pleasure in His Word and that is what I asked Him to do. As I was teaching I could feel resistance from some of those that were there, they didn‘t like the subject matter nor did they agree with my teaching. However, at the end of the one hour and thirty minutes of teaching on that Sunday night the majority of the people rose and with cheerful excitement came and gave to God, for a second time that night, a love offering. The power of God fell in a mighty way as people began to worship God. I looked over and witnessed a lady being healed right there in that offering time!

When I would do good… I can’t let anything or anybody stop me from doing the good God has impressed upon my heart. I can’t let anything stop me from the relationship with God that He is drawing me to. Years ago someone said, “They never built a statue to a critic.” There will be those who will stand around and criticize me for what I am doing and desiring from God, however, they will not be standing in my place before God and answering Him to why I didn’t heed His direction. I am the one who will have to answer that question.

Let me assure you there will be evil present to stop you from experiencing that extraordinary. Jesus experienced it from His closest friends and His reply was, “Get behind me Satan…” No He wasn’t saying Peter was Satan! He was, however, saying the spirit that was being shown there was evil. When I want to do good, evil is present…

Just a thought! God Bless…
　

Why Percentages of Fruit?

2009-06-06T15:42:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I was reading the story in Mark 4 as Jesus told of the four types of soils. There was the wayside, the stony, the thorny and the good ground. We have all read this parable many times, I am sure. What caught my attention, in fact I poised it as a question on Face Book and no one responded, "Why did the good soil produce different percentages of harvest.?"

Jesus said "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred." Mark 4:20

Why didn't all of the seeds sown in the good ground bring forth a hundred fold? Today I was again studying this passage and Jesus goes on to talk about the farmer sowing a kernel of corn and not knowing how it grows but is ready to harvest it when it produces fruit. As I began to study about corn I found that there are many different things that can effect the amount of fruit a stalk of corn produces.

Ears that are near the top of the stalk will produce more kernels. Ears near the bottom of the stalk will generally produce little or no kernels. If there is hail during the pollination time it will likely keep the ears from being pollinated and there will be no fruit. Too much water, weather that is too cold or too hot can all effect the yield of the fruit.

I came to realize there is more to the amount that is harvested than just what is planted, it also has to do with the response of the plant to the environment it is in, the stresses that come upon it and how it is able to weather the storms. The same is true in our lives. We hear the Word of God, we receive it and we will bring forth fruit from the Word...but the amount of fruit we bring forth will be dependent upon our ability to deal with our environment...the stresses of life...the problems that come our way...our faith and trust in God. Some will bring forth thirty percent, and others will bring sixty percent, I want to bring a hundred percent to present to God.

Just a thought! God Bless

Lot, Why Did You Chose Sodom?

2009-05-26T18:19:00.002-05:00

Have you ever wondered why a person made a certain decision? Maybe you are looking back in time, like in a history book, and wondering why they made a decision that had a devastating effect on their lives and from your vantage point you can see they should have done something different. I have often asked, “I wonder why they did what they did?” “What were they thinking? “ Those are questions that came to my mind recently concerning Lot.

Now, let me assure you, I do not have an inside track into the mind of Lot. I really have no way of knowing exactly what he was thinking or any way to find out exactly what he was thinking. However, I asked myself the question, as if I were speaking to Lot, “Lot, why did you move to Sodom? Why did you make that choice?”

When Abraham left Haran at the direction of God, he brought with him Lot, his brother’s son. God had spoken to Abraham and told him to go to a place that God would show him. Abraham and his family end up in the land of Canaan. Upon their arrival here, the Lord appears to Abraham and promises him this land and that the promise and the land would be passed on to Abraham’s children. Every thing seems to be going along great and then they hit a snag. A famine comes over the land. With the famine, Abraham decides to continue south to Egypt.
After being in Egypt a short time, Abraham and Lot leave Egypt and return to Bethel, where they had pitched their tents prior to their trip to Egypt. Things still are not normal. They were already rich and both Lot and Abraham have lots of herds and people working for them. Now, settled in one place there is conflict between the two camps. The bickering becomes so unsettling that Abraham finally approaches Lot and suggests they part ways. Abraham offers Lot first choice and promises to go in the opposite direction. The Bibles says Lot looked at the well watered plains of Jordon that were like the Garden of God and he wanted to live there. So Lot made the choice and lived in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom.

Why would he choose to live here? Did he not see the dangers of living in an area that was so perverse and ungodly? Was he not worried about his family and the exposure they would receive from these cities? Why would he choose Sodom, for the next time we read of Lot he is not living in the plains, he is not living in the cities in the plains, nor is he living with his tent door facing Sodom? He is living in Sodom and is a highly respected citizen sitting in the gate of the city. WHY!?

I think the clue is found in the scripture that describes the plains and cities let me quote:
“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.” Gen 13:10 (emphasis mine)

Lot chose Sodom because it reminded him of Egypt. In his journey to Egypt he had gotten a taste for it and when he saw Sodom he disregarded all of the danger to satisfy that hunger. Of course, all through the Old Testament Egypt is an example of sin and the world. It is a type of a place that is far from God and the things God stands for. It is often typical of slavery and bondage. Lot had a taste for Egypt.

We as Christians would do well to be careful to protect ourselves from Egypt. There are going to be times in our walk with God when we will be in the blessings of God, yet it will seem the blessing will not last. Heed the warning; do not go to Egypt to find another blessing! Stand on the promise of God. Abraham left Canaan and Bethel where God had promised blessings and went to Egypt because of a famine. Lot was introduced to Egypt while there.

Parents, how often do we introduce our children to the world and its ways just because we are unsure of the promises of God? Do we give them a taste for Egypt in our moment of weakness? How often do we introduce ourselves to the bounty of Egypt and then wonder why we are struggling with ungodly desires and hungers. Have we looked at the cities of the plains and pitched our tents toward their offerings because of a trip to Egypt?

Sometimes we make mistakes, we are only human. There are times when we will fail to trust God in a moment of weakness and take a trip to Egypt. However when we come to ourselves we must realize we do have a choice. We can return to the place of God’s promise and claim His blessings or we can turn toward the place that reminds us of Egypt. The choice is ours.
Lot, why did you choose Sodom? It reminded me of Egypt…

Just a thought! God Bless…

Momma's House, Daddy's at Home!

2009-05-05T13:16:00.002-05:00

I drive a bus for a day school here in the city we live in. I have passengers who are over the age of eighteen and under the age of four or five. All of these are developmentally disabled for various reasons. One of the four year olds on my bus has cerebral palsy. A couple of the children are autistic and others have behavioral problems. At first I was a bit apprehensive about working in this environment because they tell you a lot of the bad things that you will have to deal with, however, I have been touched in many ways be the sweetness of these people.

The other day, at about 6:55 AM we pulled up in front of a home to pick up a little two year child. The child was standing out front with their mother and when they saw the bus approach they got so excited the child was jumping up and down. I stopped and then tooted the horn to make the child laugh. This child struggled to climb up the steps with their little short legs and stopped beside me to show me their new shirt. One of the aides took the child back to their seat and got them strapped into their car seat. The mother stood on the steps and watched the process, talking to me for a moment. Then her child stretched out their arms toward her indicating they had to have a kiss good-bye. Momma went back and gave them a kiss then climbed off the bus and headed toward the door of the house. As we rolled down to the end of the road to turn around the little one began to cry and say “Home! Home! Home!”

I looked over at the house that the child lives in. It is an old mobile home with unpainted wood siding. It sets in the trees and never sees the sun at all. The side that is visible from the road is the north side and it is cover with green moss. The yard is neatly kept with a few interesting landscape additions. As I looked at the house and its kind of dismal appearance I thought to myself, “Why would anyone want to go to that home?” Then just as quickly I realized it wasn’t the house they were talking about. The child wanted to be where Momma was. That was home.

I have another three year old who is adopted from the foster care system. This child’s mother or father brings them out to the bus every morning and again there is a big production of goodbyes after they are in their car seat. I love to see the love and care they show this child. I also love to see the adoration this child has for the parents. This child thinks that the father “hung the moon.” When we return in the evening as we pull up to the house the child begins to watch to see if the father’s truck is in the drive way. If it is there the child begins to holler, “Daddy home! Daddy home! Daddy home!” This happens so often that now all of the children will holler with him, “Daddy home!”

It is amazing, some of these children can barely talk, even at four years old, but when it comes time for them to be the next stop they know they are getting close to home. One of the students cannot speak at all. I noticed that she shows her happiness and stress by voice inflections not words. One afternoon, right after she began to ride my bus, I had to run to route a little different and failed to turn on her street but drove past it. She immediately began to holler and carry on. I realized she knew where home was. I am now careful to take her home the same way everyday and she is happy.

The other day another child’s mother went on an out of town field trip with an older sibling. This child stayed with a grandparent who met us each morning at the home to put the child on the bus. The first morning the child was fine, Momma had just left and they had Grandma. However, the next morning it was a different story. The child was crying when they got out of the car. Grandma promised them the world if they would stop crying. She said, “I will take you anywhere you want to go tonight, just don’t cry!” It didn’t matter they kept on crying. As we were pulling away I was surprised to hear the child saying, “I want my Momma!” I had thought they were crying because they didn’t want to leave Grandma, but it was Momma who was being missed. There just isn’t a substitute for Momma, not even grandma.

Someone once said, “Home is where the heart is.” I would have to say this is very true. I would also have to say that with these children, home is where the loving parent is, and be it Momma or Daddy. They are what make it home. It isn’t the appearance of the house that makes it home. Neither is it the location of the house but it is the recognition of who and what is there, Momma and Daddy and lots of love.

I have found the same to be true in my relationship to God. Home is where Momma is. The Church is our spiritual mother. It births us. It nourishes us. It is where we are fed. It is where we go when we hurt. It is where we go when we need loving. It doesn’t matter so much what the house looks like. It can be a store front or it can be a beautiful edifice. I have seen it housed in garages, school houses and exquisite buildings, it really doesn’t matter as long as Momma is there. Momma is going to make it all right!

Of course Daddy provides the security and provides. He is there with His strength and power. That quite strength that reassures us the world can be shaking on the outside, but as long as Daddy, our Heavenly Father, is home, everything is going to be alright!

I love to drive up to the house and begin to feel the anticipation of knowing that Momma is there. All of the problems and pressures of the day and week will be shared with her. Those bumps, scrapes and boo-boos are going to be doctored. The emptiness inside me is going to be replaced with satisfaction. The loneliness I am feeling will leave with the sweet fellowship of Momma’s loving care.

I love to walk into the house and recognize that Daddy’s home. The fear and uncertainty is gone, Daddy’s home. There is safety and security now because Daddy’s home. Those around me can also feel the excitement from with in me and they too come to recognize that Daddy’s home.

There just isn’t a substitute for Momma! There is nothing in the world that can ever take her place. When you are away from Momma there is something inside your soul that cries out for her. There are a lot of things that try to take her place in our lives, but nothing and no one can take the place of Momma!

No, it doesn’t matter where it is nor does it matter what it looks like on the outside, just as long as it’s Momma’s house and Daddy’s home! That is where my soul longs to be…

Just a Thought! God Bless…

Another Day

2009-04-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

Each morning on my bus route I get to enjoy the sun rise, that is about the only thing to enjoy that early in the morning. The bus is quiet. My assistants are catching last minute naps before the have to start attending children. I am usually fighting to wake up, myself. Yet I have found that this quiet time is a good time to meditate on the Lord. I don't ask Him for anything but just take this time to think about Him and His goodness.

Recently, on one of those mornings I pulled up to a stop sign and right before me was one of the most beautiful sunrises I have witnessed in a long time. I thought someone should write a song about something so beautiful and spoke a word of praise for the beauty of God. These words began to come to me and I thought they might bless you as they have me every morning since then...

When the sun comes up in the east in the morning,
And spreads red and purple across the sky,
It brings to each of us this testimony,
It's another day our Lord to magnify.

As I walk thru this valley so lonely,
Fighting for my very life.
I know victory is coming in the morning,
And another day our Lord to magnify.

Another day to praise the name of Jesus.
One more day to tell of His love and grace.
I will love Him worship and adore Him,
Another day our Lord to magnify.

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." Ps 34:3

Just a thought! God Bless...

Oops! They Were At the Airport!

2009-04-11T08:58:00.004-05:00

There is an old expression I have heard many times, “I am waiting for my ship to come in, but when it does come in I will probably be at the airport.” It is a classic example of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another old expression I have heard is that you can’t get respect at home. You will always be remembered as you were not as you are.
Jesus had paid a visit to His home town of Nazareth. He shows up at the synagogue, as He usually did. He is given the book of Isaiah and begins to read a very powerful passage of scripture to them:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19
Jesus then hands the book back and makes this statement, “Today is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
What a wonderful opportunity was given to the people of Nazareth. Here was Jesus, the Messiah. Here was the one they had been looking for, waiting generations for His coming. He is standing in their midst telling them the prophecy was being fulfilled right then and there. Oops! They are at the airport!
Jesus is telling them they can have their hearts, which have been broken by life, healed and made whole again. He is telling them that the chains of life that has held them captive, those chains can be broken and they can be delivered. He is telling them that those who have been blinded by life, by the lies of the enemy, can receive their sight again. He is promising them that those who have received bruising blows from life and sin, blows that have left them hurting, can experience the liberating power of the blood flowing through their lives. He tells them it is happening right there, at that exact moment, this prophecy is being fulfilled. Oops! They are at the airport!
Instead of excitement! Rather that being exuberant! They look at each other and their response is, “He speaks well. Where did he get this information, this knowledge? Isn’t he the son of Joseph the carpenter?” Oops! They were at the airport!
Jesus then shares a thought with them which was not well received, yet you and I should really pay attention to what He said, “There were a lot of widows in Israel in the days of the draught during Elijah’s ministry, but God sent him to a widow in another country. There were a lot of lepers in Israel during the days of Elisha, but again Israel missed out on the blessing as a man from Syria received the miraculous healing.” He was telling them Israel was at the airport!
The opportunity for a miracle was right there. Many widows were in desperate need of a miracle of oil and meal, yet they were not open to a miracle. They were at the airport. Many lepers were in need of being healed and restored to their family yet the faith and trust in God was not there. They were at the airport.
How often do you and I miss out on blessings from God because we are “at the airport?” I am talking about things that we are in desperate need of. Our heart might have been broken. Some tragedy in our lives that has left us crushed feeling like we will never be whole again. Yet we don’t trust God to heal that broken heart. We don’t believe He will do it. We are “at the airport!”
Have you been held captive by the past? Mistakes you have made in times gone by can hold you in chains of fear and doubt. Are your eyes blinded by the lies of the enemy? Is he tearing down your faith and confidence in God to the point you cannot see the possibilities God has for you. Are you bruised by life? Has the failures of yesterday left bruises in your life? The scripture tells us that God is the remedy to our situation, yet too often we don’t think He will do it for us. We are “at the airport!”
We read and hear about miracles taking place in Africa, South America and other distant places. We hear of wonders and signs happening in great numbers and then wonder why it doesn’t happen to me? We are at the airport. We have the confidence God can do it for everyone else but not us. We are looking for our ship at the airport!
He said the anointing was there for the healing, for the deliverance, for the opening of the eyes, for the liberation of the bruised. We can have it! It is a promise to the child of God! We just need to believe it can happen to us and then accept our promise. This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears! Where are you at? Are you at the airport waiting for you ship to come in?
Just a thought! God Bless…

Have You Checked Your Levee Lately?

2009-04-08T10:40:00.002-05:00

This past week has been extremely different, weather wise, across our nation. I have read about volcanoes, tornados, blizzards, rains, winds, hail, sleet, sunshine and floods. It seems it has been a week filled with extremes and the unusual.
As I logged into Yahoo this morning and the headline for the top news stories caught my attention. Again, it had to do with the weather. This story was taken from Fargo, North Dakota and quoted the mayor of that city saying more levees will be breached by flood waters from the Red River. He went on to say that a briefly breeched dike was a “wake-up call for a city that needs to be vigilant for weakness in levees that could give way at any time.”
Instantly my mind went to a passage of scripture that gives us the same type of warning. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor 10:12
What a prudent warning for the last day church! In fact we find the scripture to be full of “take heeds,” “be careful,” “be vigilant” and other admonitions that remind us not to take our walk with God for granted. We are given warnings to be constantly on the alert of our time and situation.
The Church of Laodicea is warned, they think they are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and yet fail to realize they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They were not aware of their true state of being. How prudent it would have been for them to check their levees.
As a child of God it is important that I have levees in my life. The scripture warns us there will be times when life and the enemy of our soul will come in against us like a flood. There will come times when we feel overwhelmed by what comes against us. The waters will rise and we will feel helpless to be able to stand against it. Yet we are also promised, in the same passage, that our Savior will help us to stand against it and to overcome it. In the times prior to these floods it is imperative that we build levees of faith and security around our lives. We might even call them “strongholds of faith.” These are levees that are purposed to stand as walls of protection against the onslaught of the enemy.
We must constantly be concerned about our protection. We must be vigilant to check and recheck the levees in our lives. There will be wake-up calls to warn us of areas where the levee might be weak. These are reminders of the importance of keeping the levee strong and in good repair.
It isn’t enough just to go through the motions of living for God. Going to church, reading our Bible, saying a prayer or saying we are a Christian. There has to be a relationship between us and God that is built on everyday. It is crucial that we get to know Him, as Paul said he wanted to do. This is strengthening that levee.
When we get to know Him, Jesus Christ, we begin to build confidence in Him. Then later, when the storms do come we will know Him. When the water begins to rise we will trust Him. When the pressure comes against us we will lean on Him. We will not cast away our confidence, allowing the levee to be breeched. We will stand firm in our faith against the flood tide.
When was the last time you walked along your levee? Have you checked it for weak spots? Have you taken action to continue to build your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ? Don’t wait until you are in the midst of an icy storm to realize how weak your levee is weak!
Just a thought! God Bless…

Chaos of Life

2009-03-11T13:09:00.000-05:00

Wow, where does time go? Here we are, already into the third month of the year 2009 and it seems just like yesterday we were getting ready for Christmas. Zoom and time passes you by. If you are not careful today is here and gone without you realizing it.
I noticed that it had been a few weeks since I have been able to write a blog. So many things have happened and changed in that time since the last blog. Job changes have taken place for both Melinda and I. Both of our mothers have been ill, needing more of our attention. Some life changing decisions have been made by all of us. A good friend became ill and then passed from this life. Time changed, messing me up a lot. Some of these things happened one at a time and others piled on top of each other.
As I thought of these “events” I realized these are just part of life. Life sometimes comes at us so fast, but it is just life. Life has its good times and it also has its not so good times. There are those moments of tranquility and then those moments pandemonium. Times when we feel like we are in control and it is all going our way. Then there are those times when we would grab life by the tail if we could only find the tail. That is life!
I have come to notice, in fact a friend brought it to my attention, that when life becomes chaotic it is often the enemy trying to cause us to lose our focus. In the past weeks we have been so blessed to witness God moving in special ways in every service we have been in. Lives are being changed! Broken hearts are being healed! Bruised lives are being liberated! Eyes that have been blinded by the lies of the enemy are being opened to what God is doing! Lives that have been held captive by the past with its disappointments and failures are being set free! God is filling people with the Holy Ghost! He is refreshing and renewing! The enemy would like nothing better than to distract us and get us worried about the things of life rather than the things of God.
A passage has been running through my mind
“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Is 59:19
How many times have you felt like life was overwhelming you? I remember a few years back hearing a gurgle and realized the basement of the Church was flooding. It rained ten inches in less than twenty-four hours and we ended up with a flooded basement. We just happened to be living in the basement at the time. We struggled for seventeen hours before we became so exhausted we had to stop. The water just kept coming and coming and then it kept coming. Life sometimes comes at us that way.
This passage tells us that when we feel about to be overwhelmed, God will bring it to a stop. One writer said He will blow on it and make it disappear.
“But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” 1 Cor 10:13
I guess when life gets chaotic we need to remember to rely on Jesus! When life is changing on us at an accelerated pace we need to remember that Jesus Christ is always the same, He never changes. We can always depend upon His constancy.
Just a Thought! God Bless

In Memory of Sis, Jean Daniel.

2009-03-09T09:59:00.002-05:00

Three days ago my phone rang and when I seen the name on the caller ID my heart sank. I knew the message the call was bringing. I couldn't take the call at that moment and when I returned it neither of us could talk very well because of the emotions we were experiencing at the news that Sis. Jean Daniel had received her long awaited promotion. In the past days so many thoughts and memories have run through my mind, all revolving around Sis. Jean.

I first met Jean and Will Daniel in December of 1970. They had been studying Search for Truth with Mike and Margie Power for several months and that Sunday they came to Church for the first time. A few weeks later, in a Watchnight Service, they were baptized in Jesus Name and God miraculously filled them with the baptism of the Holy Ghost in March of 1971.

So many things changed in our lives and in the Church from that time on. There was a new energy that came to the Church. Never one to do anything half way Sis. Jean was involved in everything. She started off as a soul winner, recruiting others to join her and Will in their home Bible Study, Slim and Rose Daniel, Peggy King, David Daniel all joined in at different times and all were baptized and received the Holy Ghost during the same week as Sis Jean.

Tragedy struck her life, as well as the Church, with a tragic boating accident that took the lives of Will and Maureen Power in August, just five months after they had received the Holy Ghost. Our concern was would this new spiritual baby survive such a blow? Although it was hard and there were many questions and lonely hours, she immersed herself into the Word of God and prayer. She gave herself to the Work of God and fought her way through the battle.

We were just talking about what a giver she was. Some of you might remember the 1971 yellow and black Datsun that she drove the wheels off of for Jesus. Miles were put on it selling Peanut Brittle in Rio Dell, Fortuna, Ferndale, Crescent City, Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Garberville and points in between. Driving to fellowship meetings in Oroville, Chico, Redding, Yuba City. Driving to Dinsmore, Bridgeville and Carlotta to teach home Bible Studies. Loading it up with 7 and 8 kids to carry them to Sunday School week after week. When she finally retired it with over 300,000 miles on it she bought another car and ran the wheels off of it for Jesus.

I remember my dad asking her to teach the Jr. High class. She had only been in the Church a short time and felt inadequate but she never said no when asked to do something, so she taught the class. Her students were David Doran and Mike Power, Jr. They should have never been allowed to be in the same class anywhere and here was a new teacher with these two "star" students. Every Sunday after Sunday School the teacher and the students had a meeting with the Pastor, but she stuck it out. Both students are living for God today and active in ministry.

She worked as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Supt. Outreach Director, Home Bible Study Director, Choir Leader. She played the piano, taught several to play the guitar. She made candy, sold candy, made crafts and sold them. She baked and sat at bake sales. The list goes on.

However there are two things about Jean Daniel that stand out in my mind when I thought about her life. One was Jean Daniel was a pastor's best friend. Not only was she a hard worker in the Church, but she went out of her way to take care of her pastor in any way possible. Many years ago several came to my dad and asked if he would go full time for the church. They pledged to pay 20% tithes to help him do this, they felt it was that important. Many years later, after Dad had retired and I was pastor, Sis. Jean was still paying 20% tithes to help her pastor and the work of God. I don't know how many times I had called her and said I need you to pray about this or just with me. I would hang up the phone and know that she was already on her knees praying. Dinners, after church refreshments were all taken care of by Sis Jean. I was 13 years old when we met. She watched me grow up, learn to preach. She saw the mistakes and failures I made as a young man. When I was asked to become pastor my reservation was the people I would be pastoring were people who had known me "when." Yet, I can honestly say there was never one time when I felt Sis. Jean did not honor and respect us as her pastor, although I am sure it must have been difficult at times.

Sis. Jean was a nourisher, but naturally and spiritually. Although she never had any natural children of her own, she adopted every little stray that came by and made them her children, even to the discomfort of some. It was just natural for her. When she taught some one a home Bible Study, she adopted them spiritually. She prayed for them. She visited them. She called them on the phone. She drove miles to bring them to church. She talked to her pastor about them. Anything she could do to help them to live for God, she did it. They were her children.

Just before he died, Sis. Jean's father, Bro. Burl Horn asked her to promise him she would take a Bible Study. She promised and kept that promise. When the news came of her promotion I couldn't help but think of what must be taking place in heaven this weekend. There are some warriors of the Cross who are welcoming home another warrior, saying Well done. There is a heavenly jubilee taking place as Burl Horn, Will Daniel, Maureen Power, Mike Power, Ronnell Tyler, Dora Estes, David Doran and others welcome home another one.

We will all miss Sis. Jean... but will never forget her, she has left too many fingerprints on too many lives to be forgotten...

Just a Thought...