Who do you trust?

Do you trust the Lord? If some one asked you that question every one of us would immediately answer yes, of course. I heard this statement last week. Sometimes it is hard to trust the God when we know we might suffer. And it has made me think about that the question all week. Do I trust the Lord? I have trusted God with my life and eternal future, just like you probably have. (If you haven’t you need to now!) But can I trust Him when it might cost me, or I might suffer some. None of us want to suffer but sometimes trusting God will cause us to suffer.

In Luke 22, we see Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, and we know how He struggled with doing God’s will and fulfilling the Father’s purpose for why He came. We know the rest of the story, that Jesus suffered, died and raised again all for us. He suffered doing God’s will. But He trusted the Father.

In 2 Cor. 11:22-3, Paul talks about all the things he suffered for doing God’s will for his life. Paul trusted the Lord, even when he knew it was going to cost him something. Paul’s attitude about these things was this.

2 Cor.4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. So continue to trust the Lord and know that everything is going to work out for the good. God is in control

Psalm 84:12 O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

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Are you satisfied?

We all know about the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. But I want to look at a verse and go a little different direction.

Luke 15:16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. He would of filled his stomach with the pods, but it really wasn’t satisfying. I think many of us feel like we are in that condition. We may feel full but we are not satisfied. We can be full on a lot of different things. We can be full of television; it can be sitcoms, sports or the news. We can be full on entertainment and all kind of activities. We can even be full on church life and still not satisfied.

Amos 4:8 So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water, But they were not satisfied; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD. It is only the Lord who can fill us and satisfy us. Are you willing to do what it takes to change the situation if you are not satisfied? When Jesus gives you something it satisfies. His desire is to fill you with the Holy Spirit. We are told to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Eph.5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

Jesus said this about the Holy Spirit:
John 7:37-38 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

Paul and Barnabas got ran out of town in Acts 13. But they didn’t get full of anger and bitterness. They didn’t fill up on the things of the world. Instead it says in.

Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

We have to fill ourselves on the things that satisfy. The Word of God, the Holy Spirit and God’s presence. As David said in Psalm 103:5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. God brings satisfaction he fills us up and renews us for another day.

Lost Things

Ok, you ever had one of those days where it seems like everything goes wrong? Yesterday I was reminded of a sermon my brother preached years ago, called "Lost Things”. You see yesterday I lost my keys, and I had never done that before (honestly). And I was upset, mad you might say. And I looked everywhere tried to remember where I might of lost them at. I went out of my way, spent time and energy looking for my keys. I asked questions, asked for help and probably looked foolish. But I had to find my keys.

You see we seek for things according to their value. The more value, the harder we seek. What about spiritual things? If we have lost something do we seek for it, like it is something valuable?

Luke 19:10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Jesus is looking to do something. He is seeking.

Save: sozo = make whole (spiritually, physically and mentally) restore anything lacking.

Lost: apollumi = not just people, but it can mean things. Matt.10:42. Not just lost but destroyed, broken or not working.

Notice not “them” but “that”. So Jesus has come to make whole and restore anything that’s lacking, been lost, or not working properly. It’s God’s will that we find and receive back anything that we’ve lost. So if you have lost something, turn to Jesus. He wants to restore those things that are missing or lost.

Oh, and by the way. I found my keys!!! Thank you Jesus.

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Pray and Watch

In our bible study group we have been going through the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was such a great leader and a man of great vision. In chapter 4 we find that the wall is half way built, but the enemy is attacking. The enemy will always attack and ridicule the vision of God. And I love verse 9.

Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.

These are the two things we are to do, when it looks like the enemy has us surrounded and is attacking us. Pray and watch. Jesus told us to pray and watch in Mark 13:33 and 14:38. Paul talked about praying and watching in Eph. 6:18. We are told in 1Peter 5:8 To be alert because our enemy is looking for someone to devour. We all know that prayer is a powerful weapon for the believer. But what I like also is the watching part. In Nehemiah they were certainly watching the enemy to see what they were up to. Just as we are to watch the enemy as well.

But the other side of watching that I like is we can also watch and see what God is up to. No matter what kind of situation you find yourself facing. God is still in control. And we are to continue to do what we know to do. Nehemiah and the Israelites prayed and kept a watch. We are to pray keep watch and keep doing what we know to do. We can watch and see what God is going to do. In fact Psalm 46:10 says it the best.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." In our time of prayer and watching, we just need to be still and let God be God. Because He will be exalted in your life and circumstances.

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Are you that man?

It seems like every time I listen to the radio and hear some one teaching or preaching they have been using this scripture.

2Tim.4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

It seems that there are a lot people who are turning away from the truth of the scripture. And they seem to want to form their own doctrine, other than what God’s Word says. We need to be and have to be people of the Word. Sometimes the Word hurts. The bible says it is like a twoedged sword in Heb.4:12

In fact I heard one of my favorite preachers (Perry Noble) say this about grace. “When we use His grace as an excuse to continue a sinful lifestyle we are not worshipping HIM as God...we are worshipping ourselves...and... · ..asking Him to come along for the ride!”


I believe that God is looking for men and women who will stand up for the truth of God’s Word. People who will stand up for righteousness. I just finished listening to a message about people being tortured and put into prison for preaching the truth of God’s Word. I also heard about 4 men being beheaded for being a Christian. So the point is, it is not going to always be easy and it will cost you something to make a stand for God and His Word.

Ezek.22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Jer.5:1Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.

God is always looking for a man or woman or a church that will stand up for God and make up the difference. Are you that man? Are you that woman? Are you that church or ministry?

Neh. 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
The world may look at you the way they looked at Nehemiah. They were upset that somebody cared enough for the things of God. But God was pleased and gave Nehemiah and the people success. It pays off to be that man or woman or church who will make a stand for God and His cause.

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Acts 12

I was reading in Acts 12 last night and I had these thoughts about that chapter.

1. The church is under persecution and the world seems to be happy about it. The enemy is always happy when the church has problems and is under persecution.

2. Peter seems to have peace, when it looks like his life is about to be over. (We can have perfect peace no matter what we are facing.)

3. God brings deliverance just in time. And it is supernatural deliverance. We have to get that in our minds and our spirits that we serve a supernatural God. I heard this said by Kenneth Hagin “We miss the supernatural because we are always looking for the spectacular.”

4. The church was praying about Peter, but when Peter showed up at the door the people praying didn’t think it was really peter. Now that is a problem, it seems like the church really didn’t believe their prayers. Could this be what is going on in our own churches and our own personal prayer lives? Prayer works, lets believe God when we pray.

5. If you don’t give God the glory it will cost you. All glory belongs to God. He is the Almighty God.

6. God’s word grew, in fact it multiplied. It reminds me of Romans 5:20 But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: I pray that all your churches and ministries abound more and more into the grace of God and for your church and ministries to multiply.

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Cause to Happen

Col. 4:17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (NKJV)

I have started a study in Colossians and was just scanning the book before getting into it verse by verse and this verse stuck out to me. We all have a ministry we have received from the Lord. And we need to make it our priority to fulfill it. It doesn’t matter what the ministry is, whether you are called to a pulpit ministry or a ministry of teaching Sunday school, music or helps. We all have a call from God. And each one of our ministries are important.

It is not how many people are in your church, or how many people you are ministering to. It is are you doing what God called you to do. And are you doing it with all your heart. Are you fulfilling your ministry that you have received from the Lord?

The word fulfill is the Greek word plerro… And one of the definitions means to “cause to happen".

There are things we can do to make our ministry to “cause it to happen” We need to stay sensitive to the Lord and do the things we know to do and God will give us direction and He will cause our ministry to happen. God desires for us to fulfill the ministry He has called us to do.

I believe that God is causing your ministry to happen, as you seek His face.

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Are you profitable?

2 Tim.4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

After attending bible study the other night. I began to meditate on this verse. I was reflecting on everyone in attendance and I saw that everyone of these people have an anointing upon their lives and so much talent. But what I also saw is that everyone there loved Jesus and they wanted more of God than they already had. They also have a desire to minister to others.

I really think that is the key. We can have all the anointing we can have all the talent. But if we don’t really love Jesus and want more of God. I question is that person really profitable for the ministry.

I thank God that I know some people who have talent and anointing. But most importantly they love Jesus and want more of God. They are profitable for the ministry of the Kingdom of God.

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Influence

Influence
I am borrowing a lot of this from Pastor Perry Noble. I read this a few weeks ago and want share some of his blog and add some of my own thoughts as well.
Quote: “Who or what you listen to will ultimately determine what you do.”
That statement came from Pastor Andy Stanley. Everyone of us are influenced by someone or something.

2Chron 24:1-2 Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

Joash was influenced by Jehoiada the priest. Joash served the Lord with all his might but now look at what happened later in the same chapter.

2Chron. 24:17-22 Now after the death of Jehoiada the leaders of Judah came and bowed down to the king. And the king listened to them. 18 Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their trespass. 19 Yet He sent prophets to them, to bring them back to the LORD; and they testified against them, but they would not listen.
20 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He also has forsaken you.’” 21 So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son; and as he died, he said, “The LORD look on it, and repay!”

So who or what influences you?

God’s Word – You will not screw up your life by doing what the Bible says. But a lot of people are just hearers and not doers of the Word. Thus their lives are screwed up because they were influenced by someone or something other than the Word of God.

God’s People – You need godly input from others. To quote Andy Stanley again “That the wisest person who has ever lived (Solomon) had tons to say about listening to the advise/counsel of others. Just a few Pro.20:18, 24:6

And to quote Perry Noble “seek advise from people who love Jesus and will tell us what we need to hear rather that what we want to hear. We can always fin a group of idiots that will affirm our sin and dysfunction because doing so will allow them to justify their lifestyle.”

There are several other ways to be influenced. But these are just a couple of ways. To quote Perry Noble again “Life is to short for us to make bad decision after bad decision… we need one another! Don’t fall for the lie that this is my life and I will do as I want because in reality our decisions always impact other people.

So Who Is Influencing Your Life?

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How about you?

In my daily Bible reading, I have been reading in Deuteronomy. And in Deut. 8 The Lord is speaking to Israel. God is telling them to remember to keep His commandments. And He is also reminding them of how He has led them and taken care of them these last 40 years.

This is where He also reminds them that they do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

And after that God tells them about the land He is bringing them into. It was going to be a land where there was plenty of food, water and all kinds of minerals or materials.

This chapter spoke to me in this way.

God is asking us to keep His commandments. In other words we are to be doers of the Word of God and not just hearers.

God has taken care of us up to this point. He has never let us down.

We must always put the Word of God first in our lives. No matter what. We don’t live by the things of the world, but by every word of God.

God is taking us to a new place. A place where there is abundance. Just like the Israelites. God wants to take His people to a place of abundance and a place that overflows. God wants to take us to a place of life.

I know that God wants to take you to that place. If you will just keep His Word and follow Him. We have received a couple of different prophetic words that God is taking us to a place of abundance. We just simply say “Yes God”. How about you?

Ronnie and Wendy in Bratislava,Slovakia. Photo © Wendy Spoon, All rights reserved.

Let the Peace of God reign.

So many things have happened over the past few weeks. But the one thing that has been constant in my life has been the peace of the Lord. So today I thought I would just share some verses with you about the peace of God.

Isa.26:3 3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

When your mind is upon the Lord and what He desires and wants you to do. You can’t help but have peace. We may not always have the answers, but when we trust in Him. There is a peace you can walk in and know that God is in complete control.

Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy. I have found when you stand for righteousness, you can have total peace and joy. You can have that in your personal life, and in your home on the job or whatever you are involved in. Where righteousness is there is peace and joy.

Col.3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

We have to let the peace of God rule our hearts. The word “rule” in the greek it means to umpire. So we have to let the peace of God be the umpire of our hearts. In other words the peace of God wants to call the shots in your life. Follow the peace of God.

Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This is another verse that tells us to let the peace of God once again guide our lives. We may not understand some things, but we can trust in the peace of God and it will keep us.

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

And one day the God of peace will crush satan. I believe this is going to happen completely one day, but I also believe that the God of peace is crushing satan and his works right now.

We serve the Mighty Prince of Peace!

Isa. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

So lets learn to live in the peace of God.

Seeking Jesus

John 18 Is when Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane. Judas and all the Romans with him were looking for Jesus.

V4 Jesus asks, “whom do you seek?” The world is seeking something. We can see that all around us in the society that we live in. But what they really need to be seeking is Jesus. I know it is old fashioned, but it is really still the truth.

BTW… Christians need to be seeking Jesus as well. A lot of Christians seek all kind of different things and miss out on the most important element. Seeking JESUS!!!

After Jesus tells them that He is the guy they are looking for, the fall to the ground.

V6 So when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Now falling down before Jesus is not a bad thing. In fact it is a good place to be.

V7 He asks them the same question. Therefore He again asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus the Nazarene."

And then in verse 8, He gives us another key to seeking Jesus.

V8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,"

That is the key if you are seeking Jesus then you have to let “these” go their way.

Whatever “these” are to you. Are they people, situations, habits, attitudes, distractions?

They must be let go of so that you can seek JESUS.

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Go in and Get It!!! - 7/31/09

I was reading in Deuteronomy last night. In chapter 1 Moses is addressing the Israelites after they have been in the wilderness for the last 40 years. And in verse 6 He says this.

Deut.1:6 “The LORD our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.

So God is saying you have stayed here long enough. It is time to go forward. God wants to take them somewhere. You can’t go forward if you are standing still or staying in one spot all the time. So God says lets go forward.

Verse 7 says, Turn and take your journey, and go to the mountains of the Amorites, to all the neighboring places in the plain, in the mountains and in the lowland, in the South and on the seacoast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the River Euphrates.

Turn or change direction, sometimes in life we have to make a decision to turn from the way we were going in order to get to where are going. God has us all on a journey, and we have to let Him guide us. Here He is guiding by His word and He also guides us by His Spirit.

And in verse 8 God says, See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the LORD swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.’

God says, “see” What is it that you see? The whole land was before them. God says go in and possess the land.

3 things God is saying. Get up, turn around, and see what I have set before you. It is yours if you will go in and get it.

Joshua 7 - 7/27/09

Reading in Joshua 7. It tells us of the account of Israel trying to defeat Ai. Now Ai was a little town and the Israelites only decide to send about 3000 men. But something happened that had never happened they lost 36 men. 36 men lost their lives, but it was not their fault. The men come back defeated and they tell Joshua about the defeat. Joshua falls on his face before God and pleads his case. But God tells Joshua to get up, that there is sin in the camp and it must be dealt with.

In fact in verse 11, God tells Joshua that Israel has sinned. Now think about that. Joshua hadn't sinned that he knew of but God says Israel has sinned. And then God tells Joshua how to deal with the sin. If you have read the chapter then you know that Achan was the one who sinned by taking a little silver, gold and some clothes. Doesn't seem like a big deal. But it was a big deal to God. And it cost Achan his life, plus his wife, kids and all his livestock lost their lives as well. You see sin has to be dealt with, if you are going to pursue God and obtain victory in your life, ministry or church.

Review these facts from Joshua 7
36 men lost there life at no fault on there own, all because somebody sinned.
Israel was defeated and humiliated.
Israel was going to go nowhere until this sin was dealt with.
Achan lost his life.
Achan's wife lost her life. (She didn't take the stuff, but probably knew about the stuff)
All of their kids lost their lives because of what Achan did.
All there livestock was killed. (Could it be that sin has an effect on our prosperity?)

As my Pastor friend would say, "marinate on that"

Tupperware Plate - 7/24/09

Ok, I want to ask a question, that I have been asking myself after hearing it. “How Serious Do You Take Your Christianity?”

Are we really serious about serving God? Or are we just giving Him lip service? Do we really want Him in all parts of our life? Or is He restricted to some parts.

We all have our favorite preachers. My personal favorite is Pastor Perry Noble; he is pastor at NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. I usually listen to him at least once a week. He is an awesome communicator, and he is where I heard this question. I would like to encourage you to go to www.newspring.cc and listen to his current series. I know most of you will not. But I thought I would say it anyway. You can always fast forward through the worship and get to the message. Even though the worship is very good and anointed.

Back to the question. How serious are you about your Christianity? Perry Noble uses an illustration like this. Everyone knows about the Tupperware plate that has dividers. You know where you separate your food. Some Christians want to separate certain parts of their lives from Jesus. But you can’t do that with Jesus. Because Jesus is the plate. Your whole life belongs to Him. He is after the whole person.

Col.3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

How is your prayer life as well?

Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;

If you are still wondering or confused. Check out www.newspring.cc and watch the current series. Also you could read Joshua 7

Rise Up - 7/21/09

I was reading John’s gospel in chapter 11 about Lazarus. In John 11:25 Jesus tells Martha that He is the resurrection and the life. I started thinking about that and relating it to the new series we are on about vision.
Sometimes we have a tendency to allow things to die in our life. They were good things; in fact they were God things. Perhaps dreams, visions, things we really wanted to do for God. Maybe it was something for our family, our careers, or maybe we had a dream of being debt free. But over time all of these things just died.
It is time that we begin to speak resurrection and life into these dreams and vision.
And just as Lazarus rose up and came out of the grave. Our dreams and visions will rise up and come to life so we can fulfill the call of god on our lives.
God is for us and He is working on our behalf. Whether we realize it or not. Be Blessed.

What is your vision? - 7/20/09

We started a series on vision yesterday. I am excited about this because I believe that God is birthing vison into His people. I know He has touched our hearts with renewed vison for some different things.

Every vision starts out as a concern. And as I said yesterday a vision will do these four things in your life.

1. Passion: A vison will give you pasion.
2. Motivation: A vision will motivate you to do something.
3. Direction: A vision will give you direction for your life.
4. Purpose: A vision brings purpose into your life.

Remember Eph.2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

God had a vison for you and now He wants you to grab a hold of the vision He has for your life and run with it.

Lets believe God to begin to birth vision into our lives.

For now and the future - 7/9/09

I was reading in Numbers 27:12-17. This is where God tells Moses to go up into the mountain and view the land that He has given to Israel. And after Moses has seen the land he is going to die because he did not honor the Lord.

Now I can only imagine what was going through Moses mind when he heard this. Think about what would be going through your mind. But Moses main thought was who is going to lead these people. He wants Israel to have a good leader, someone who can lead the people, and who is concerned about the people. We know that God provided them with Joshua a great leader.

Moses was a great leader as well. Not only did he lead well, he also was concerned about who was going to lead after him. We have to remember we are leading and building for now and also for the future.

Just be yourself... - 7/7/09

I have been reading a lot lately and one of the things that have stuck out to me is this. That we are all individuals and that God deals with us as individuals. I know you were expecting something more awe inspiring and not the obvious. But here is what I mean: God wants us to be ourselves and not try to be someone else. God communicates with all of us, but He does it differently with each one of us because we are all different.

We all have different ways we pray or communicate with God. Why? Because we are all different. We can’t get locked into a pattern because this is how someone else does it. You must be comfortable with how you do it. We all prefer different Bible versions, because we have different preferences. We all study and read the Bible differently because we are individuals. The whole point. God wants us to be ourselves. It doesn’t bother him and it shouldn’t bother us. He just wants a real relationship with us.

Perfect Rest - 7/6/09

Having just finished up a three day weekend and enjoying some R&R, I was reminded of
Matthew 11:28-30
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

We all enjoy a break and some time for rest. Jesus promises us that if we live our life in Him. That we will experience rest. We don't have to allow the quick pace of life get us stressed and wore out. We can live our life in Christ and find His perfect rest. It is kind of like the old commercial. "Try it you'll like it" There is nothing like resting in Jesus.

What have you done? - 7/3/09

I just finished chapter 9 of the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I highly recommend this book, it will challenge your walk with Christ.

As I was reading this chapter, it reminded me how much the media has focused on the death of Michael Jackson. But he never did anything for the Kingdom of God.

And as you read about the people in chapter 9 of "Crazy Love" you may or may not of heard of any of the people there, but their impact on the Kingdom is undeniable. Yet the media nor has really anyone ever focused on what they have contributed not only to society but to the Kingdom of God. I realize that the people in that chapter didn't really want any attention either, but they should be celebrated for what they have accomplished. It probably will not happen on earth, but it will in heaven.

Are we making a difference for the Kingdom of God? Are we storing up treasure in heaven

What is God saying to you? - 6/26/09

I was reading Numbers 20, the account where the Israelites didn’t have any water and they were complaining to Moses and Aaron.



Moses and Aaron fall on their faces before God. And God begins to tell them what to do in Num.20:8. But in Num.20:10-11 Moses and Aaron are mad and Moses strikes the rock twice. And then God says in Num.20:12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."



And by the end of the chapter Aaron is dead, and we know that Moses dies at a later date and doesn’t bring the Israelites in to the land as well.



What struck me about this is. If we do not do exactly as God says. We will not enter into our promised land. No matter if it is God speaking to us from His Word (Bible) or Him speaking directly to our hearts with a Rhema word from God. We must do exactly as He says.



Mary had it right in John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.



What is God saying to you? Are you doing it?

Be Still - 6/24/09

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God

I was asking God what to write for the blog and I was getting nothing. So during my Bible reading time, I was reading this Psalm.
It occurred to me, we live in a very noisy society. We hear things all day long. And I was reminded that I just need to be still and be quite and know that he is God.
He is in control of everything in the universe, and that means he is in control of my life and all the details. And sometimes I just need to sit and be still and know that He is God.

How about you?

Come Unto Me - 6/19/06

Matt. 11:28-30 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."



I was talking to some people the other day. And after listening to them, it was so apparent that they were just wore out. Life had beaten them down to where there was hardly any hope left.



Our only hope in this life is in Jesus. That is why He must be a constant part of our daily life. If we go though life without ever considering Him and spending some quality time with Him. We will find ourselves ran down, just barely getting by. Life will beat you up, if you neglect time with Jesus.



We can give Him our burdens and find rest for all the stress and weariness of life. Lets learn to spend some quality time with Jesus. And leave the stress and weariness behind.

Afraid of Giants - 6/18/09

I was reading Numbers 13 & 14 the other day. When the Israelites went to explore the land and all but 2 of them brought back a bad report. God was willing to take them into the land, they had opportunity to go. But the majority of them were afraid because there were adversaries. And then they convinced the whole nation not to go. Only Joshua and Caleb had faith to go through the door.

Number 13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

Numbers 14:6-9 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

The bottom line is this. Every opportunity, every open door is going to have adversaries. But if God is with you, you will be able to overcome them. And fulfill your destiny. Many people fail to capitalize on God given opportunities, because they are afraid of the giants.

I want to take advantage of the opportunities that God opens. I am well able because He is with me and on my side!!!

What Matters - 6/17/09

Psalm 39:4-5 4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah

David says our lives are just a breath. Our years are fleeting. That being the case we need to make the most of every opportunity we have to live for God. It is the things we do for the Kingdom of God that have eternal effects and that make a difference.

After we are gone no one will remember what job we worked at, or what car we drove or what house we lived in. None of that makes a difference. But what we do for God is eternal and makes a difference here and for eternity.

Lord help me to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

Prayer - 6/15/09

Just as worship creates an atmosphere that God works in. So does corporate prayer.

In Acts 4:31-33 We see the church praying together. And some of the results were:
The place was shaken, they were filled again with the Holy Spirit, spoke the Word of God with boldness, there was unity, power was demonstrated, and grace was extended.

I really believe God is calling us to begin to seek Him like never before. I really believe He is as us to do that in our secret time with Him, and also as a church. As we begin to seek Him in times of prayer as a group. I believe we are charging the atmosphere. And it will create an environment that God will begin to change things in our lives.
We need to experience the shaking power of the Holy Spirit, the boldness of the Lord. We need His power like never before. Unity in every aspect of our lives and the grace of our God.

Best Laid Plans - 6/12/09

It has been said, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”

It seems to be true with me, when I am planning out what we should minister at church.

I have all these topics that I feel like we need to minister on. They are good and needed topics. But then God always changes the direction on where we need to go. There is one thing I have learned over the years. And that is to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

I might want to minister on certain things, but what does God want me to minister on. Where is He leading us as a church? That is what I have to find out and then minister what He wants.

We have to do that as individuals as well. Where is He leading us? We need to know and then follow Him.

It is not that we don’t make plans. But those plans may not be where God is leading us at that time. They may be for another time.

I just want to encourage you in your walk with God. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. That doesn’t mean we don’t have a plan. But we are flexible in our spirits, and we always want His will to be done in our lives.

The Price - 6/10/09

I have been thinking on some things about the sermon last week. I was thinking about that passage we read in Hosea.



Hosea 10:12 “Sow for yourselves righteousness, Reap in mercy, Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till he comes and rains righteousness on you.



I think it is more urgent than ever that we as a Church, we as Christians should seek the Lord. If we want to see things change and for God to move. Then we are going to have to seek the Lord.



And we just can’t do it in a casual way; it must be a serious issue with us. We have to be diligent about seeking the Lord. There is a term I have heard all my Christian life, and it is this “Are you willing to pray the price”?



We are always looking for a good deal, we don’t want to pay full price. We want it to be on sale. But the things of God are never on sale. Salvation is free, but it cost God His very best, His Son Jesus. And if we want the things of God. It is going to cost us something.



Are you willing to pray the price???

Let it rain! - 6/5/09

Zech 10:1 Ask the LORD for rain, In the time of the latter rain.



I have been thinking about this verse for some time now. It is telling me that even though it is the time to rain, we still need to ask for the rain.



We need to experience the rain of God in our lives. Some of us may have been going through a dry spell in certain areas of our lives. And it seems like we are just going through the motions. And really we are getting drier and drier. And we should be experiencing the refreshing rain of the Spirit in our lives. We keep waiting for the rain, because it is the raining season. But form this verse we need to ask for rain, in the time of rain. We need God to rain upon us, the rain of His spirit in our lives. And all we need to do is ask for rain.



1Kings 18:41 for there is the sound of abundance of rain.”

If we will ask God for rain, He will cause it to rain upon us. It is the time of rain, and I here the sound of abundance of rain coming for our lives and church.



Lets believe God for the rain to come upon our lives.

Open Door - 6/4/09

Rev. 3:7-8 These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.

Yesterday I talked about open doors and closed doors. It takes faith to still trust God when he closes a door. But it also takes faith to go through an open door. I said yesterday that God is opening doors for us. I believe that for the church and for us as individuals.

The text says, “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut” But we have to walk through that door. We will never know what God has for us if we do not walk through the open door He has before us. This is where we have to walk in faith and trust God that he is leading us by His spirit.

You have to walk through the door, if you are going to fulfill your destiny that God has for your life. To many people stop at the door and never go through it. Thus not fulfilling their destiny, that God has for them.

I not only want to walk through the door, I want to run through the door. I want to see God fulfill the destiny I have on my life and for the church. How about you?

Open and shut - 6/3/09

Rev. 3:7-8 These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.


I was meditating on some things that God had spoken to me personally. And it just so happens I had read these verses a few days ago in my daily bible reading.



I was reminded that God opens doors for us and shuts doors for us. I know in my own personal life and ministry that God has definitely opened doors and that He has also shut some doors. I look back on some of those shut doors. And remember that I got mad at God for that. I know you probably have never done that. But now looking back on those shut doors, I thank God that he did close those doors. He kept me from disaster.



But God also opens doors. And it is so awesome to watch God open doors and know that He is the one doing it. You know without a doubt that you are in the will of God.



I believe that God is opening up doors for you today. Begin to look for the open doors that God is opening up in your life.

What would you do? - 6/2/09

Yesterday, I asked what is God asking you to do?
So let me ask you this. What is the one thing you would do for God, if you knew you couldn't fail?

A lot of the times God asks us to do something that looks totaly impossible. But if is was possible in our own strength, then it was probably not God. See God asks us to do the impossible. The problem is, we are afraid to fail. But if God is behind us we can't fail.

You see God is really asking us if we will be obedient. And if we are obedient we can't fail. The only way we fail, is if we are not obedient to whatever it is that God has asked us to do.

Isaiah 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:"

So, what is it? What is the one thing you would do for God, if you knew you couldn't fail? Are you doing it? Are you willing and obedient?

Lets go all the way for God. He is worth it!!!

The Harvest - 6/1/09

We need to pray for the harvest and for workers to be sent out into the harvest field. I am believing for the harvest to come into the Kingdom of God.

God wants His church to grow. To grow numerically, spiritually, financially and in giving, that means sending people to missions, sending money to missions. Our job is to reach the world. That means right here and around the world. A growing church is a giving church.

I also want ot say thanks to God and for everyone who gave to missions. Lets continue to believe God for the harvest here and around the world.

1Sam. 30:24 The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.

We all win, we all get the same reward. Whether we are sent or we send. We need both, and we all get the same reward. What is God asking you to do??

God's Favor - 5/27/09

In my bible reading last night I was reading Psalm 30. Verse 5 stuck out to me. That God’s favor lasts a lifetime. I really like that.
Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;

I looked up the word favor in the dictionary. Here are just a couple of the definitions.

Something done or granted out of goodwill, rather than from justice or for remuneration; a kind act: to ask a favor.
Friendly or well-disposed regard; goodwill: to win the favor of the king.
The state of being approved or held in regard: to be in favor at court; styles that are now in favor.
Excessive kindness or unfair partiality; preferential treatment: to treat some people with favor and others with neglect.

I like all of those definitions and I need those from God. I was also reminded of another verse when I started meditating on Psalm 30. It is found in Micah.

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

If we will walk before God in righteousness, and learn to have a repentant heart. I believe that God will bestow His favor upon us. I really like the prayer that Brenda introduced to the church a couple of weeks ago.

I walk in favor with God today, The favor of god surrounds me. The favor of God goes before me; It opens doors no man can close. It changes rules, regulations, policies and procedures on my behalf. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.



I believe for God’s favor to be upon us all!!!

When God shows up - 5/26/09

I recently finished the book by R T Kendall, When God Shows Up



Sometimes we are rocking along minding are own business. And then all of a sudden God shows up. Or sometimes we want God to show up in a certain way, and when He doesn’t we become disappointed and discouraged with God.



Now I know that God is always there. But sometimes God shows up in a mighty way. And a lot of the times we are not ready for Him, or we don’t recognize Him. But really all along He was at work in our lives, our situations and ministry.



Now God can and will show up how He chooses. What we need to be ready for. Is when God shows up that will we recognize Him? I want to be ready in my personal life and also in our church. That when God shows up we are able to recognize Him and embrace Him. And that I would be willing to allow Him to do whatever he wants to do in my life or the church. Even if it is out of the norm or if it totally stretches us to the max

Doors - 5/22/09

I recently finished the book “In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson. It is a very good book; it talks about walking through the door when opportunity strikes.



To many times we back down to opportunities when they come our way, because they look like an impossible situation. But we serve a God of the impossible. Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes. But if we will seize the moment and know that God is setting opportunities before us. We can do great things for God. And see the destiny for our lives be fulfilled, if we don’t back down to opportunities that seem impossible.



A question from the book: Do you want to regret not making a decision about an opportunity and wonder 20 years from now what would have been? Or do you want to look back 20 years from now and say I am glad I took the opportunity to step out and trust God.



While in Slovakia, we were ministering to the people and praying. When all of a sudden we received a prophetic word from God. Than we were going to experience “change” in our lives and ministry.



Now we do not know what all that entails or could possibly mean. But it surely does witness with my spirit and Wendy’s spirit. We have talked about God opening up more opportunities for us. And I had just written in my prayer journal before the mission’s trip, that I was asking God for more doors to be opened and more opportunities.



I am “jacked up” about what God has in store for us. And I know he has great things in store for and whoever reads this. We serve a God of the impossible, the God of opportunities, and the God who opens doors that no man can close.



Lets go through those doors!!!! In the power of God and for the glory of God.

Cravings - 5/21/09

Well, if you have followed me on facebook or twitter. You know that I was craving Mexican food while we were in Slovakia. We finally had some Mexican food last night, oh so good!!!!



I was up early this morning and was spending some time with the Lord. I had just a few thoughts; maybe it was the Mexican food??



Matt. 4:4 Jesus said “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”



Just as I was craving Mexican food while in Slovakia and couldn’t get any. We need to crave the Word of God and the Word from God. And we can have it any time we want no matter where we are.



We need to spend time daily in the Word. And we need to be able to hear God for ourselves as well. We need to hear the voice of God; we need the very breath of God upon our lives.



We need Him to whisper in our ears, and we need Him to scream at the top of His lungs at us. But we need to hear the voice of God. He is speaking to us today.



Are you hearing His voice? Are you listening to Him? Will you do what He tells you to do?



My prayer is…. Here I am Lord; let me hear your voice. And here I am Lord send me in the strength of Your Word!!

Home - 5/20/09

Now that I am back home in the USA, I can get back to trying to keep up with daily blog (maybe)



What has God been saying? Certain ministers ask me that question, and I have been around these ministers when they ask different ones that same question. It use to make me uncomfortable and when I see others get asked the same question, it makes them uncomfortable.



I really didn’t know how to answer that question. And what the ministers who ask that question are wanting is to see if you are hearing God’s voice and what is He saying. And you usually don’t answer it correctly to those who ask it. Because they seem to know what God is saying to the whole Body of Christ. But I think God is saying different things to different leaders, who are responsible to their churches.



But if you must ask, go ahead. What is God saying to the Body of Christ today? I will give you my answer from now until eternity. It is introduce the world to GOD’S ONLY BEGOTTEN SON JESUS!!!!!! That is what God has said all along and He hasn’t stopped saying it yet.



Jesus is the only one who changes lives. Not anything else.



Jesus you ROCK and the devil is a loser!!!

Homeward Bound! - 05/17/09

By the time you are reading this, we have probably finished up our ministry time in Slovakia.

We have seen souls saved, people being taught the word of God, prophetic words given to individuals, and ministry to couples in a marriage seminar.

Wendy taught for the first time using an interpreter. She did a great job. She has also ministered in song.

We count it a priviledge to be able to minister here in Slovakia. The people here are absolutely wonderful and have treated us so wonderfully.

We are going to spend a day in Amsterdam and then back to the U.S.A.
Man, I cannot wait to go to Speedy's. I have been having mexican food withdraws here!

See you soon!

Who we are in Christ - 5/15/09

Everyone needs ministry. We have been so busy day and night ministering people. Whether it is counseling, leadership, or cell groups. It has become so apparentto all of us that we have to know who we are in Christ.

It seems like that is the main problem. I don't know if they don't know, or if they don't know or if they don't walk in the confidence of who they are in Christ.

But that makes all the difference in the world. It makes the difference if you are going to be successful in the kingdom of God or not.

We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. And greater is He who is in me, than He who is in the world.

Cells - 5/12/09

We met with the Evangelistic cell last night. A good turn out of excited evangelists. We were able to minister the word of God to them and pray. John and Wendy gave many a prophetic word concerning their ministry.

Earlier we met with the Leadership of the church. Mike and Ruth Matthews were able to join us through Skype. We had a good with what some said were "God" ideas to reach more people to keep the cells informed in Bratislava.

Today we get the day off to spend in Vienna. We have been very busy with ministry and are thankful for this time.

Last night our friend Mellie took us to dinner. The restaurant is high above the Danube River. It was a test of faith for Wendy as she is afraid of heights, but she did good

Great Presence of the Lord - 5/11/09

It seems like Praise and Worship is a universal language. We experienced Awesome Praise and Worship on Sunday at Prielom (Breakthrough). The presence of the Lord was mighty in that place. Wendy ministered in song. They enjoy the CD's that Wendy brought along and we will leave them here for them to enjoy. There were prophetic words that went along with the message I preached. We were able to pray with the church for boldness to introduce people to Jesus and for a breakthrough in finances.
John had a great service at the Gypsy church in Galanta.

Later we went to dinner at IKEA. After that we were invited to the home of a church family to play dominoes. We played until late in the night and enjoyed getting to know them.

ONE WAY! - 5/10/09

JESUS is the ONLY WAY! We went and ministered in Zvolen. The meeting was a result of the meeting we had in Trebula last year. This was the FIRST charismatic/pentecostal meeting that they know of in this city. There are churches there (mostly Catholic) , but none of them teach the salvation message. We saw people SAVED as we were able to introduce people to Jesus. People were prayed for that needed healing and guidance. Prophetic words were spoken. Jesus was lifted up and the people were blessed. We are so blessed and honored to be a part of what God is doing here.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Jesus Rocks!!!! (and the devil is a loser!)

Thirsty - 5/9/09

This is the english word we here most often from the people that we meet. They say that they are thirsty for more of the Lord. On Friday we met with the prophetic cell. John ministered in that area, but then they had a lot of questions for me, about media. They are very interested in how to get the word out to others and they want to use the internet as a tool to reach people.
Later John and Ronnie ministered to youth. They said it went very well. The youth here are very open to the things of God. I am not sure what all happened in that meeting because my new friend Silvia wanted to take me to an American Movie in a Slovak theater. It was fun. They have assigned seating in the theater. That was strange to me. Silvia told me that the man sitting right in front of me is a very famous Slovak rock and roll singer. The celebrities here are not chased by cameras, like in the US.

Today we have a long day of ministry. We are driving out to Trebula. It is a farming village, 2 hours away from the church. We are meeting with cell groups while we are there. They are a part of Prielom (Breakthrough) church. They are not able to make all of the Sunday services because of the distance, but are in constant contact with the leadership of Prielom.
When we meet with these groups, they hang on to our every word. They are truly thirsty for God. They all want prayer and guidance. They have many questions.
After meeting some of the couples here, I see the need for the marraige seminar that we are doing next week.

God still speaks today - 5/8/09

God is still speaking today.
Even as I sat in the cell group we were ministering last night.
The praise and worship was good, with just a simple guitar and voiced raised. After that a time of exhortation from the word and the gifts of the spirit began to operate.

God is still speaking to His people. We just have to continue to be in His presence and train ourselves to hear and listen to His voice.

God is setting up things right now for His people. new things are coming. New breakthroughs, New opportunities, New levels, New expectations. Let us be in tune to his voice. Jesus is still speaking today.

We made it!!!!!!!!! - 5/07/09

Okay, we made, swine flu and all. Our plane rides went well, only a little turbulance on the first flight out due to the storms. Thanks to my doctor, he helped me get here!!!on our last flight in we were detained. the medics met our plane as it touched down and as a surprise to even the pilot, we were detained until six passengers had been cleared to enter vienna . they were all cleared and seemed healthy thank God. we arrived in bratislava around 10pm on Wed. we went out for pizza late. you cannot get pizza like that in the US. We have a busy day ahead of us today! talk to you guys soon!

Leaving on a jet plane - 5/5/09

I don’t know at what time you are reading this. But we are headed to Slovakia to minister at Breakthrough Church and other places around Bratislava and also Trebula. You can check and see what time it is there on our homepage.

I am really looking forward to being able to minister, I feel like God has already given me some things for the various meetings and a message for Breakthrough church. We get to minister to the leaders in a home cell setting and other various groups within the church. Also Wendy and I will be doing a marriage seminar. Never done that before, but we are looking forward to it. I am excited about Wendy doing some teaching. I know she will do a great job!! God is really going to use her!!!


I also wanted to add, one of the blogs I read daily is www.PerryNoble.com I would recommend reading his blog this morning on Submission Equals Sacrifice. He says what I think and want to say so much better than I do. It is worth you time to read it and think about it.

Opportunities - 4/30/09

Well we got our schedule yesterday for Slovakia. Wow we are going to be real busy. I am excited to be able to go and minister over there once again. We had such a great time last year. I will know what to expect this time as we are going to be doing a lot of home meetings and meeting with different leaders along with preaching in the main church service. We certainly do appreciate your prayers that God will use us in a mighty way there. Thanks to all who have given financially for this to happen.

This leads me to what I was thinking about last night. Opportunities, God has given us all opportunities to be used by Him. And when God opens the doors we have to be obedient to step through that door. God guides us one step at a time, but we have to walk by faith and trust that He is leading us. I can remember when we first met Mike and Ruth, I had no idea that we would later develope a relationship that would open doors for us to go to Slovakia. I had always wanted to go and minister in Europe and God made a way for that to happen.

I have been really sensing in my spirit for some time that God is going to open more doors and opportunities for us and I believe God is opening doors and bring opportunities for all of us. It is sometimes scary when doors open up for us, but we have to know that God is guiding us and by faith trust and know that He has a plan for our lives.

God is bringing bigger and more opportunities for all of us. As T.D. Jakes says "Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready"

My God will light up my darkness - 4/29/09

Psalm 18:28 My God turns my darkness into light.
No matter how dark it may get, if we will turn to God and trust Him. He has a way of turning our darkness into light.
Eph.5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light. We are the children of light, so we should walk in the light.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
We are the children of light, we are to walk in the light. And God will turn our darkness into light.

Some of you might be going through some dark times right now. You may not be able to see your way out of where you are. But if you will continue to walk in the light and trust in God. God will turn your present darkness into light. God is on our side!! Expect Great Things From Him Today!!

On another note. I want to encourage you to pray for souls to be saved. We must continue to be diligent in praying for lost souls to meet Jesus. He is the only way to heaven. And we all are either going to heaven or hell, like it or not. and Jesus is the only way to get to heaven.

Ready : A word from Chuck Pierce - 4/27/09

Chuck Pierce on April 9, 2009
The Lord says, "Let the sound of reformation come into you. Feel the brooding of My Spirit over you. ... Fully submit your spirit to gain insight into My plan of reformation.
"Ministries are reforming. Lives are reforming. Cities are changing. Church gatherings are reforming. There is a cataclysmic ending and beginning going on in the earth that is creating My plan of fullness.
"... I am making you ready now. Watch Me get you ready. Be ready to move with Me quickly. Be ready to make a quick decision. Be ready to move and advance with Me. ... Be ready for the change. Be ready for your new assignment. Be ready to move with Me. ... Be ready to demonstrate My power in the path where I have placed you.
"Be ready for the change that is about to happen in your life. Be ready! Sanctify and ready yourself, for this is a day [in which] I will call you quickly and change your circumstance quickly and cause you to rise up.
"From the direction you were taking, you will shift immediately. Be ready, for changes are coming suddenly. I am singing, ‘Suddenly! Suddenly!' Sing with Me and ready yourself to move quickly.
"Be ready for the call. Keep your lamp ready. Keep the oil filled within you. ... Move forward with Me when I call, for the call is ‘on the way' to you. Many of you have grown weary in the delay, but be ready, for this day of change is upon you. Do not grow weary in doing what is right. Keep your lamps trimmed. My hour of visitation is near you. Be ready and don't go to sleep. Be ready to move.
"This is a day [in which] I am re-orchestrating your circumstance. The circumstance around you has attempted to invade your atmosphere of hope. Now I am re-orchestrating that circumstance.
"... Watch for the time of change and be ready. Know and rehearse My Word. ... Be ready with My Word. Be ready with My Word at a moment.
"... Do not be afraid of threats or be troubled. I am ready to remove anything that's troubling you. Deliverance is coming. I will remove the anxiousness in My people, for deliverance is coming.
"Sanctify your hearts and always be ready to give a ... reason for the hope that is in you. Let hope spring up. ... Do not allow the hope to flicker and go out. ... Renew your hope today. ... Do not back up, and do not come into agreement with the enemy, who has tried to squeeze hope out and cause your faith shield to fall. Defend your hope today.
"Ready yourself and allow My words to form within your mouth in a new way. My word is very near to your mouth. It will form in your mouth, and what you need to say today will rise up.
"Throughout My kingdom I decree that a new word is ready and on the lips of My people today. They will have the right word and will be favored. They will pick up the phone and call. They will pick up the phone when they are called. They will be ready to go to their next call and assignment.
"... Your deliverance is near. Ready yourself, for your deliverance is near. Ready yourself, for the enemy is targeting My people in a different, new way! Ready yourself with the word of defense. I am planning a surprise confrontation with the enemy that is coming against My people.
"The next five months will be intense! Ready yourself with the Word at all times. Defend the hope that is within you. I am rearranging and reforming circumstances around you today.
"Ready yourself to move quickly. ... Be ready, for certain things will end suddenly and new ways will open and begin suddenly. Do not fear your abandonment! Just be ready to move into the next place that I offer you.
"Some of you will move into a new realm of helping. This is a season [in which] the gift of helps will be exalted in a new way and made efficient. Some of you will move into a gift of healing, for My people must be readied and healed. Counseling will take a back seat to impartation during this time.
"Words of wisdom will come by My Spirit, words of knowledge will be released, and you will know immediately how to move. The time of counseling is not at hand but the time of advancement and ‘suddenly' is upon you! Therefore, ready yourself. My word will stir within you and you will hear a word behind you telling you which way to go."

www. - 4/23/09

Ok, I have had some of you guys ask me about certain websites I go to. So I thought I would list a few of them. I have found that all of these are good websites and real helpful for leadership and I enjoy listening to other ministers. So here goes, in no particular order.

www.newspring.cc This is Perry Noble, you can also read his blog at www.perrynoble.com He is probably my favorite at this time. He is an awesome preacher and really presses the envelope. which is what I think we as christians should do. We need to get real and quit being a bunch of fakes!!

www.thevillagechurch.net This is Matt Chandler, good teacher and doing an awesome work in the Denton, Texas area.

www.lifechurch.tv Craig Groeschel, another good preacher and leader. You can learn alot from him as well.

www.northcoastchurch.com Larry Osborne, same as above. God insight for leaders.

www.theaterchurch.com Mark Batterson, another one I look at. I really like there coffehouse ministry they do. I think that is awesome. And the story of how it came about is really cool. Jesus was definetly involved.

www.herbertcooper.com or www.peopleschurch.tv I like to read this guys bolg and also listen to his messages. There church started out small and now has exploded in the OKC area. Good stuff.

www.crosspointeada.com Shawn Wiebers, I like to read his blog.

All of these guys use media and most of them have several campus churches. I have really found that interesting and challenging. I can't wait until we get some of our video up and running.

Anyway if you get a chance, check some of these guys out. And enjoy.

Better Covenant - 4/22/09

In my bible reading time last night, I was reading in Hebrews. Hebrews 7:22 22Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

So I was thinking about this verse, and thanking God that because of Jesus we have a better covenant. We have better promises. In fact Jesus makes everything better. I know my life has been better since I met Him 20 plus years ago. And in every situation I have been in, because of Jesus, He has always made it so much better.

If you are going through some rough times, learn to incorporate Jesus into the situation. I can guarantee Jesus will make it become better than it is right now.

I was also reading in Paslm 14, where it says the fool says in his heart there is no God. Yeah, you are fool if you don't think there is a God. There is a God and His name is Jesus. And if you will take time to learn about Him and build a relationship with Him. You will find out he makes a things better. I can guarantee that. Because He said so!!!!

Another quick note: Looks like it might rain on Sunday. I really want to play golf, maybe it will hold off until the night!!!!

Addictions - 4/21/09

So I was driving yesterday to Collinsville and had this thought. Addiction, you can watch the news or read the newspapers and see and hear about drug busts and people addicted to drugs. And then you can see the people on the news and see into their lives what drug addiction has done to their lives and families. It is obvious that their addiction has caused destruction, hurt and pain in their lives.

But then you can see people who are addicted to Jesus. And you can look into there lives and see the effect it has had on them and their families. And even though we are not a perfect people, we are a work in progress. Addiction to Jesus will have a positive effect on your life and your family.

So here is the question for you? What are you addicted to? I am addicted to Jesus, and I can't get enough of Him. I need a fix every day!!!

Leadership - 4/16/09

Even though I don't pastor a large church. there are a few things I have learned about leadership. Here are two things I have learned.

First, you are not going to make everyone happy so quit worrying about it. It doesn't matter if you are leading a church, a business, a manager on your job or you are trying to run a household. You are going to have to make decisions and not everyone will understand or be happy about your decisions. But somebody has to make the decision. You have to keep in mind what the goal or vision is, that you are trying to accomplish and then go for it. Ultimately you are trying to please God in everything, and He is the only one that really matters.

The second is vitally important as well. Do not let little trivial things distract you or keep your attention. In every thing whether it is church, business, job or home. Little trivial things will try to take up your time and distract you from the overall goal. You have to learn to rise up above those things that do not deserve your attention and keep pursuing the goal. Remember Song of Solomon 2:15 it is the little foxes that ruin the vineyard. The enemy will try to distract you will all kind of trivial issues. We have to be like Nehemiah in Neh. 6:3 "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?"

Learn to maintain focus and realize you are going to have to make decisions, no matter what. Are job is to do what God said and make Him happy.

Book Recommendations - 04/15/09

Ok I told some of you I would recommend some books that I have read. Sometimes it is hard for me to find a book that really interests me. But here are some that I have read and do recommend.

I just finished this book. Confessions Of A Pastor by Craig Groeschel. You do not have to be a pastor to get something out of this book. Every christian can relate to the things that are in this book. It has been one of the better book I have read in a while.

The rest of the books I can recommend are written by R.T. Kendall. My brother told me about him and all that I have read from him are very good. here are a few of the titles I have personally read.

Sensitivity Of The Spirit. Very good on the Holy Spirit and how He works.

The Anoiting Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. Contrasts Saul and David and what they did with the anointing.

God Meant It For Good. This is the story of Joseph and how God works in our lives, even when we don't think He is.

Believing God. This book is all about Hebrews 11. I basically used this as a study guide to preach the series I did from Hebrews 11.

He has many other books, I have some that I haven't read yet. I will try to keep you informed on other books I read that are worth talking about.

What has God been saying to you? - 4/14/09

Well I was able to attend the IA meeting in Claremore last night. It seems like the Lord was speaking that we should speak to our storms and begin to declare what God says and what we believe. Also that we need to build ourselves up by praying in the Spirit.

So let me ask you church. What has God been saying to you? Are some of you going through storms in your life? Then begin to rise up and speak to that storm. Believe God that you are going to come out on the other side victoriously. I set myself in agreement right now with you that God is going to work on your behalf. God has a plan for your life, so lets let Him be God in our lives and our situations.

Do you know how you can get stuck on a song. Well I have been stuck on this song for the last week. It is from Chris Tomlin call God Of This City.

You’re the God of this city
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You are
You’re the light in this darkness
You’re the hope to the hopeless
You’re the peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things have still to be done in this city
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And great things are still to be done in this city

You can listen to it on youtube. It is what God is saying NOW!!!!!

I can't wait until our services are on youtube. There are greater things still to be done. I can't wait!!!!!

How I Spent My Lunch Hour - 4/6/09

I just spent my lunch hour watching Perry Noble preach a great message that ought to be required for every church member ever!!!! You can view it at http://www.newspring.cc/series/noperfectpeopleallowed-1 you can skip the worship if you like to shorten the time, but it is worth watching, if you dare to.