Many people do not research Biblical truths when it comes to Salvation, being a (real) Christian, and how to deal with people who really are imposters. I am fortunate to work with the lost, those in need help, and those who are truly disabled. Unfortunately we see the brutal reality of many proclaiming Christ and that they are Christians, and those who are in true need and unable to work. Many claim to be Christians and use the excuse of "If I get a minimum wage job, I will have to pay more child support, lose my pension, lose my disability and so forth. They say that they cannot find a job because if they do they would have to find one that is $12.00 to $14.00 in order to make the same anount that they are receiving from disability, pensions, or other government hand outs. Our food and clothing pantry deals with in access of 1,300 people a month and we see it all and hear it all. Let me share some scripture ino order to bring this into perspective:
Epehsians 4:28 plainly states "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in neeed." Paul staes in 2 Thessalonians "Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you brothers, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed."
We all know people in our lives that do not adhere to these scriptures, or think very little of them. Would a man or a woman (No matter of what situation) who is able to do 'Something' productive and is a Christian really use the excuse of "I'm disabled", or "I can't work because I will lose my disability or pension?" We are all called to be useful. We have a dear sweet lady who has downs syndrome that volunteers at our Care Center. Even with all of her disabilities she desires to be useful. She openly say that if she could get a job (Because of her situation she can't) then she would gladly take it to be useful as the scritpure states. I have always stated that behind every excuse stands the devil. If the Word states that one should work or not eat, then that is what someone who truly has the Spirit of God in them, would do, no matter what. If it took two jobs to make what you would under disablity, pension, or other assistance, I believe one would rather work and be productive instead of hiding behind an excuse to take the low road instead of the high road.
We have created a world and church that enables people instead of challenges people to be the people Christ died for. Back in my day I would have certainly been classified 'Bi-Polar', 'ADHD', and many of the other lies that people claim today that keeps them from being productive and living a life as a sluggard. Can you be a real Christian and allow your manhood to be stripped from you along with your pride and integrity? Share truth with people. Tell them that the devil and themselves have stripped them of the cross and self worth. Ephesians 4 says "Live a life worthy of your calling."
One last word..... I am not stereotyping anyone and most definitely paintong all with the same paint brush. Just sepaking truth about those who can and won't~
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
A Pastor's Confession
You may have a desire to open this blog and read it because you though that you might read a blog with gorey details of sin in a Pastor's life. What I am about to share many have encountered and also been guilty of. I will give God the glory for what He did to prevent me from sinning.
In 1992 I committed my life to Jesus and gave it totally to Him. Every bit and not just part. It has been the greatest blessing in which I could ever receive, and at many times it has been the battleground of a war that tends to rage against me to may times. It has been the one sole thing that has held me together for over 21 years, and the one sole thing that keeps me going.
The past month placed a heavy load on my spirit and heart. My daughter Layne and her family was in from Africa and I wanted to spend time with her family, I was out of town, and on another weekend I was feeling under the weather. Time had slipped by and I had not made but one visit to teach at the detention center on a sturday morning. This morning I woke up and knew that I needed to go to the detention center, but everything in me was nto wanting to go. As I drove to church to get my guitar thoughts kept ringing through my ears that I can just call in and wait for next week when Judy could once again join me. The the worst though reared its filthy head and I started questiong if what I was doing ws even worth it. I waited in my office up to the time I left and all I could say was "Help me Jesus." I drove slowly towards the detention center and even thought about turning back. Before I pushed the ringer the door unlocked. As I walked through all three of the doors my spirit began to give me peace. I walked through the fourth and final door and immediately I was welcomed by the staff and the majority of the kids "Good morning Pastor Pete." This morning I found myself amongst one of the largest numbers of kids that the place can hold. Usually the kids are a little timid to sing, and I shared with them that they were not singing to their neighbors or themselves, but they were singing to Jesus. They sang louder than ever singing Sing to the King who is coming to reign. We walked through John 15 and Luke 15 together and they all participated. We finished the morning singing JJ Hellers song 'Love Me.' Tears flowed and hearts melted as they sang "Who will love me for me." When it came to an end there was a large number of kids wanting to talk with me and pray.
Being a Pastor is not easy. Being a Christian is even harder. I am confessing that "Yes' even I am tempted to live for me, and please myself when God knows what is best. Best not just for me, but for you also. If we live our lives, even when the pull of this world is grasping at us, living, loving and serving Jesus and others, our lives will be full to the brim. Compassion will overflow out of our souls, and our love for Him and others will keep us full. So next time you think "No", get up and "Go!"
In 1992 I committed my life to Jesus and gave it totally to Him. Every bit and not just part. It has been the greatest blessing in which I could ever receive, and at many times it has been the battleground of a war that tends to rage against me to may times. It has been the one sole thing that has held me together for over 21 years, and the one sole thing that keeps me going.
The past month placed a heavy load on my spirit and heart. My daughter Layne and her family was in from Africa and I wanted to spend time with her family, I was out of town, and on another weekend I was feeling under the weather. Time had slipped by and I had not made but one visit to teach at the detention center on a sturday morning. This morning I woke up and knew that I needed to go to the detention center, but everything in me was nto wanting to go. As I drove to church to get my guitar thoughts kept ringing through my ears that I can just call in and wait for next week when Judy could once again join me. The the worst though reared its filthy head and I started questiong if what I was doing ws even worth it. I waited in my office up to the time I left and all I could say was "Help me Jesus." I drove slowly towards the detention center and even thought about turning back. Before I pushed the ringer the door unlocked. As I walked through all three of the doors my spirit began to give me peace. I walked through the fourth and final door and immediately I was welcomed by the staff and the majority of the kids "Good morning Pastor Pete." This morning I found myself amongst one of the largest numbers of kids that the place can hold. Usually the kids are a little timid to sing, and I shared with them that they were not singing to their neighbors or themselves, but they were singing to Jesus. They sang louder than ever singing Sing to the King who is coming to reign. We walked through John 15 and Luke 15 together and they all participated. We finished the morning singing JJ Hellers song 'Love Me.' Tears flowed and hearts melted as they sang "Who will love me for me." When it came to an end there was a large number of kids wanting to talk with me and pray.
Being a Pastor is not easy. Being a Christian is even harder. I am confessing that "Yes' even I am tempted to live for me, and please myself when God knows what is best. Best not just for me, but for you also. If we live our lives, even when the pull of this world is grasping at us, living, loving and serving Jesus and others, our lives will be full to the brim. Compassion will overflow out of our souls, and our love for Him and others will keep us full. So next time you think "No", get up and "Go!"
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Pray Continually
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Paul writes "Rejoice always, praying continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I know that all of us have read this passage and probably even studied it. I know for myself I tend to think that I do pray alot all day (and I do) and that my prayer life is great. Amazingly enough, God still shows me that we can never pray enough. I text over 115 people daily with a scripture or an encouraging word that will help us all stay in Christ each day. In the past six (6) months it is has evolved also into a 'Prayer Chain.' Whenever people call me with a prayer concern, or text me with a prayer concern, I immediately text my daily group and they pray along with me and the persons sending the requests. We have seen miracles and answered prayer almost on a daily basis. God is faithful.
Sunday afternoon I was teaching and encouraging the cadets to pray without ceasing. I asked them all this question "Who would like to commit to praying for me and Mrs. P all week, every hour on the hour. Their hands immediately flew up, and in the back of the room a young lady said "We will, if you will also pray for us every hour on the hour this week." Of course I accepted the challenge and almost thought that I had bit off a little more than I can chew. I do not listen to the radio, but pray when I am in my car. This serves as a good reminder for me to pray right then for all the people that I know need prayer. As monday morning dawned I got this great idea, "If I set my alarm on my cell phone to go off every hour on the hour, this will help remind me to pray for the kids!" At first it seemed a little bothersome, but I was obedient to pray everytime that alarm went off. Half way through the day I realized "Hey, why not do this until the Lord comes back or takes me home?" By the time evening came I was praying not only for the cadets I promised to pray for, but all of my family, my friends, other churches, the sick and the hurting and on and on. That night I realized that my prayer life wasn't even close to what Paul's was, and was not even close to praying without ceasing. It has been a blessed week though. God has opened up divine appointments, the Word is coming alive, and their is nothing but joy in my life. Why shouldn't we all take this reminder and apply it to our lives? What would happen if we did? Maybe we would see revival first in us, and then around us. Maybe then oppression and strongholds will be broken, and people and familes will be reconciled. The blind will see and the lame will walk.
I pray that you will think about what you just read and consider doing the same with your committment to prayer. I cannot say that this was 'my' idea because only the Spirit of God could bring this sort of challenge to myself, the cadets and now you. What will you do from here? Are you comfortabel with your prayer life and does it line up with the scripture when we read Paul's words "Pray continually." Prayer can do more than we think. It can heal, mend, reconcile, intercede and change us, and the world in which we live. I pray you will take the challenge. Be blessed!
Sunday afternoon I was teaching and encouraging the cadets to pray without ceasing. I asked them all this question "Who would like to commit to praying for me and Mrs. P all week, every hour on the hour. Their hands immediately flew up, and in the back of the room a young lady said "We will, if you will also pray for us every hour on the hour this week." Of course I accepted the challenge and almost thought that I had bit off a little more than I can chew. I do not listen to the radio, but pray when I am in my car. This serves as a good reminder for me to pray right then for all the people that I know need prayer. As monday morning dawned I got this great idea, "If I set my alarm on my cell phone to go off every hour on the hour, this will help remind me to pray for the kids!" At first it seemed a little bothersome, but I was obedient to pray everytime that alarm went off. Half way through the day I realized "Hey, why not do this until the Lord comes back or takes me home?" By the time evening came I was praying not only for the cadets I promised to pray for, but all of my family, my friends, other churches, the sick and the hurting and on and on. That night I realized that my prayer life wasn't even close to what Paul's was, and was not even close to praying without ceasing. It has been a blessed week though. God has opened up divine appointments, the Word is coming alive, and their is nothing but joy in my life. Why shouldn't we all take this reminder and apply it to our lives? What would happen if we did? Maybe we would see revival first in us, and then around us. Maybe then oppression and strongholds will be broken, and people and familes will be reconciled. The blind will see and the lame will walk.
I pray that you will think about what you just read and consider doing the same with your committment to prayer. I cannot say that this was 'my' idea because only the Spirit of God could bring this sort of challenge to myself, the cadets and now you. What will you do from here? Are you comfortabel with your prayer life and does it line up with the scripture when we read Paul's words "Pray continually." Prayer can do more than we think. It can heal, mend, reconcile, intercede and change us, and the world in which we live. I pray you will take the challenge. Be blessed!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Jesus, Obedience, and the Homosexual Choice
God is so good. Yesterday on Facebook there were alot of comments on the Supreme Courts Ruling Tuesday. Ironically people who claim to know Christ were doing the usual thing posting that anyone opposed to homosexuality are haters and judgers. They claim to know God and claim to have faith, but yet they are willingly allowing people who are in the alternative world, drown in the sin they are in in the name of 'Love.' I believe that sin is sin and according to the scripture "God shows 'no' favoritism." The devil has made professing Christian to believe that sin is okay as long as they have said a prayer, belong to a certain denomination, tithe, or are baptized. What happened to God showing 'No' favoritism. I choose to believe the Word rather than man's hollow teaching.
Yesterday at the food pantry a grandmother and her four grandchildren came in and I had to interview them. As I looked at the oldest child (I found out she was 18 years old) I was grieved. This was a innocent young lady adorning a mohawk, bagging shorts, shirt wide open with a tee shirt under it, hi-top tennis shoes, and chains hanging from her pockets. All of the kids were pretty unruly as I took down the information I needed to provide this family food. Throughout this interview I kept getting that old familiar nudge to share the truth with the grandmother and the granddaughter. I quickly thought of the Bible Studies I teach and felt the compassion Christ had for all of us when we were perishing in our sin. I finally received all of the information needed and assured them that they were going to get their food. I then asked the grandmother and the young lady to step into the kitchen and shut the door. As we sat down I immediately felt the tension rising as they waited patiently to hear what I had to share with them. What they did not know is that I was praying for them while I was interviewing them and also right up to the moment I began to share the gospel with them.
I let them both know that I am a Pastor and volunteer because I love to serve the Lord. I then peered into the young girls eyes and asked her if she believed that the Bible is the truth and if she believed in Jesus. She said "Yes', and then proceeded to tell me where she had attended church. I asked he a huge question that I ask everyone before I begin to share with them "If Jesus was sitting right where I am, do you think He would love you enough to tell the truth?" Like all of the others, she said "Yes." I began by sharong a part of Psalm 139 with her. I spoke God's truth into her life by saying "God has fearfully and wonderfully created you. You are His masterpiece and you are His one of a kind. You, as we all are, were created to bring Him glory. Is your choice of lifestyle bringing Him glory?" She bowed her head and said "No." I reiterated that God has a huge plan for her life, but as long as she was making choices that opposed Him why would He reveal His plan for her life? She said he wouldn't. As I walked through the scriptures about sexual immorality and shared the truth that God's word said the person choosing this lifestyle would not inherit the kingdom of God, she began to tear up. I was brutally honest with her and said "Look, the Bible even says that 'All' liars will be thrown into the lake of sulpher (Rev. 21:8), so sin is sin, not just sexual immorality, and we all need to get any known sin out of our lives." She quickly asked me if I prayed with people, and I said "It would be my privilege." She asked me then if I would pray for her mother because she has ovarian cancer, and I again said "It would be a privilege." We bowed our heads and prayed. When we raised our heads tears were pouring from her eyes and she thanked me.
Here is the question for all of us who claim to know Jesus, believe His Word, and claim to have Him living within us "What would you have done?" Would you have been obedient to the Spirit within you, or justified why you would not take the time to share the truth with this young woman or anyone else. Not being obedient is disobedient and the same Bible in which we all believe in states that the disobedient aren't turly His. These are the tests we all will face from time to time and even on a daily basis. We live in a world where everything is acceptable, and that its okay to live as anyone desires, and still go to heaven. The world needs obedient Christians who turly have the compassion of Christ to share His truths with. He came to save the lost, but if we are not telling them the truth, then they are still lost. Handing out food, showing love, and meeting the needs of people in an effort for them to turn and change without the truth is merely a lie. Unfortunately many meet every weekend, or monthly and share what they think is the love of Christ. Christ never allowed the lost to go away with a feel good message, but He spoke truth and repentance to all. We need to quit telling people Jesus loves them without the truth of the consequence of sin. Love them as Jesus did, and tell them the truth that will set them free~
Yesterday at the food pantry a grandmother and her four grandchildren came in and I had to interview them. As I looked at the oldest child (I found out she was 18 years old) I was grieved. This was a innocent young lady adorning a mohawk, bagging shorts, shirt wide open with a tee shirt under it, hi-top tennis shoes, and chains hanging from her pockets. All of the kids were pretty unruly as I took down the information I needed to provide this family food. Throughout this interview I kept getting that old familiar nudge to share the truth with the grandmother and the granddaughter. I quickly thought of the Bible Studies I teach and felt the compassion Christ had for all of us when we were perishing in our sin. I finally received all of the information needed and assured them that they were going to get their food. I then asked the grandmother and the young lady to step into the kitchen and shut the door. As we sat down I immediately felt the tension rising as they waited patiently to hear what I had to share with them. What they did not know is that I was praying for them while I was interviewing them and also right up to the moment I began to share the gospel with them.
I let them both know that I am a Pastor and volunteer because I love to serve the Lord. I then peered into the young girls eyes and asked her if she believed that the Bible is the truth and if she believed in Jesus. She said "Yes', and then proceeded to tell me where she had attended church. I asked he a huge question that I ask everyone before I begin to share with them "If Jesus was sitting right where I am, do you think He would love you enough to tell the truth?" Like all of the others, she said "Yes." I began by sharong a part of Psalm 139 with her. I spoke God's truth into her life by saying "God has fearfully and wonderfully created you. You are His masterpiece and you are His one of a kind. You, as we all are, were created to bring Him glory. Is your choice of lifestyle bringing Him glory?" She bowed her head and said "No." I reiterated that God has a huge plan for her life, but as long as she was making choices that opposed Him why would He reveal His plan for her life? She said he wouldn't. As I walked through the scriptures about sexual immorality and shared the truth that God's word said the person choosing this lifestyle would not inherit the kingdom of God, she began to tear up. I was brutally honest with her and said "Look, the Bible even says that 'All' liars will be thrown into the lake of sulpher (Rev. 21:8), so sin is sin, not just sexual immorality, and we all need to get any known sin out of our lives." She quickly asked me if I prayed with people, and I said "It would be my privilege." She asked me then if I would pray for her mother because she has ovarian cancer, and I again said "It would be a privilege." We bowed our heads and prayed. When we raised our heads tears were pouring from her eyes and she thanked me.
Here is the question for all of us who claim to know Jesus, believe His Word, and claim to have Him living within us "What would you have done?" Would you have been obedient to the Spirit within you, or justified why you would not take the time to share the truth with this young woman or anyone else. Not being obedient is disobedient and the same Bible in which we all believe in states that the disobedient aren't turly His. These are the tests we all will face from time to time and even on a daily basis. We live in a world where everything is acceptable, and that its okay to live as anyone desires, and still go to heaven. The world needs obedient Christians who turly have the compassion of Christ to share His truths with. He came to save the lost, but if we are not telling them the truth, then they are still lost. Handing out food, showing love, and meeting the needs of people in an effort for them to turn and change without the truth is merely a lie. Unfortunately many meet every weekend, or monthly and share what they think is the love of Christ. Christ never allowed the lost to go away with a feel good message, but He spoke truth and repentance to all. We need to quit telling people Jesus loves them without the truth of the consequence of sin. Love them as Jesus did, and tell them the truth that will set them free~
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Pastor's or Pharisee's
This blog has been on my heart for months now. Today I feel the need to obedient to what the Spirit is saying to me instead of procrastinating and not being obedient. Today there are many out there claiming to be Pastor's, but are only preachers, teachers or evangelists. Hear me out please because Jesus addressed this very thing.
In Matthew 23, Jesus lays the hammer down on the Pharisees and religious leaders. In verses 2-4 the scripture says that Jesus said to the Pharisees, teachers, and religious leaders "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." He goes on in verse 15 and says "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a son of hell as you are."
These are some pretty strong words from a man full of love and compassion aren't they? Let us look at what Jesus is saying then and today to the leaders of His church today. Unfortunately, the 'Call' of God on ones life gets substituted for a profession or ones desire to live out their desire instead of God's desire for their lives. What is a Pastor? Its pretty simple "One who leads the flock." What is a teacher? "One who teaches the Word." What is an evangelist?" One who goes from one place to another preaching the Word to the mas multitudes." The dilemma is simple "People claim to be Pastors, but they are truly teachers, or evangelists. Teachers and Evangelists are not exempt from what they teach, but I want to focus on the 'Pastor.' If you are attending a church where the pastor is preaching outreach in the community, sharing the gospel with the lost, having prayer meetings, and doing prison ministry etc, and does not himself 'Do' what he preaches form the pulpit on a weekly basis, then he is, as Jesus said, "A hypocrite." You might find this offensive, but it is truth. I know pastors that encourage their flock to do certain things, but hey only do one or two things a month, or nothing at all. How is the flock to know how to follow Christ and do as He says if the pastor isn't leading by example? If he is not actively living out what he preaches then do what he says, but do not do what he does. A true pastor understands that he is to lay his life down for his sheep. Jesus made it pretty clear to Peter in John 21 that If we really love Him, that we would "Feed His Lambs, take care of His sheep, and feed His sheep." Is this the example your Pastor is showing you? If not then let him know that he is out of his calling and needs to be called, teacher, evangelist, or preacher. He has no business calling himself 'Pastor.'
I am truly convinced that the church is not vibrant today and lives in a comfortable, complacent, and apathetic state because they are not be lead by the example of their Pastor (Shepherd). We can speak pretty, come up with programs or deeds that make people feel good, and think we are Christians surrendered to Christ, but be no more than hypocrites. The USA is in a complete downslide because the church wants a pretty Pastor, saying pretty things and are content whether he is a Pastor or not. We are reaping what we have sown.
This world needs to see Jesus manifesting Himself through Christians doing His will and not hearing the gospel without action. Pastor, who are you really? A hypocrite that is to busy verbally telling others what to do, studying scripture to sound good and not being examples of Christ in action on a daily basis? Christian, are you satisfied hearing and not seeing Christ in action in your leadership? Jesus was against the religious leaders of yesterday and I believe He would be against the majority of Religious leaders today calling themselves Christians. Re-read the scriptures of what Jesus said to His men and others. He said it then, and He is saying it now, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." How can the people take up their crosses when the leaders aren't doing the same~
In Matthew 23, Jesus lays the hammer down on the Pharisees and religious leaders. In verses 2-4 the scripture says that Jesus said to the Pharisees, teachers, and religious leaders "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." He goes on in verse 15 and says "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a son of hell as you are."
These are some pretty strong words from a man full of love and compassion aren't they? Let us look at what Jesus is saying then and today to the leaders of His church today. Unfortunately, the 'Call' of God on ones life gets substituted for a profession or ones desire to live out their desire instead of God's desire for their lives. What is a Pastor? Its pretty simple "One who leads the flock." What is a teacher? "One who teaches the Word." What is an evangelist?" One who goes from one place to another preaching the Word to the mas multitudes." The dilemma is simple "People claim to be Pastors, but they are truly teachers, or evangelists. Teachers and Evangelists are not exempt from what they teach, but I want to focus on the 'Pastor.' If you are attending a church where the pastor is preaching outreach in the community, sharing the gospel with the lost, having prayer meetings, and doing prison ministry etc, and does not himself 'Do' what he preaches form the pulpit on a weekly basis, then he is, as Jesus said, "A hypocrite." You might find this offensive, but it is truth. I know pastors that encourage their flock to do certain things, but hey only do one or two things a month, or nothing at all. How is the flock to know how to follow Christ and do as He says if the pastor isn't leading by example? If he is not actively living out what he preaches then do what he says, but do not do what he does. A true pastor understands that he is to lay his life down for his sheep. Jesus made it pretty clear to Peter in John 21 that If we really love Him, that we would "Feed His Lambs, take care of His sheep, and feed His sheep." Is this the example your Pastor is showing you? If not then let him know that he is out of his calling and needs to be called, teacher, evangelist, or preacher. He has no business calling himself 'Pastor.'
I am truly convinced that the church is not vibrant today and lives in a comfortable, complacent, and apathetic state because they are not be lead by the example of their Pastor (Shepherd). We can speak pretty, come up with programs or deeds that make people feel good, and think we are Christians surrendered to Christ, but be no more than hypocrites. The USA is in a complete downslide because the church wants a pretty Pastor, saying pretty things and are content whether he is a Pastor or not. We are reaping what we have sown.
This world needs to see Jesus manifesting Himself through Christians doing His will and not hearing the gospel without action. Pastor, who are you really? A hypocrite that is to busy verbally telling others what to do, studying scripture to sound good and not being examples of Christ in action on a daily basis? Christian, are you satisfied hearing and not seeing Christ in action in your leadership? Jesus was against the religious leaders of yesterday and I believe He would be against the majority of Religious leaders today calling themselves Christians. Re-read the scriptures of what Jesus said to His men and others. He said it then, and He is saying it now, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." How can the people take up their crosses when the leaders aren't doing the same~
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Ecuador
How would one even begin to describe, or even have the time to write down, all that we saw, and all that we experienced on our mission trip to Ecuador. Ecuador is truly one of God's greatest creations. The country, it slandscapes, and its people are all beautiful. I would move there in a heart beat if the Lord would open that door.
We first served in the Jungle. We were allowed the privlege of starting a 3,000 sq. ft. slab for a new building at the orphanage/shool in the jungle. We litterly loaded and unloaded concrete one wheel barrow at a time from one spot to another. Roberto and Charmae are a wonderful blessing. Their love and enthusiasm is contagious and their hearts are huge. They started bringing kids into their home first and then started a school where the people would know it was a safe enviroment to send their kids. If I am not mistaken they have 52 kids right now and within a couple of years they should be teaching several hundred. The blessing is that they will not only be taught reading, writing and arithmetic, but that they will also come to know Christ through Roberto, Charmae and the staff.
If you have ever watched 'National Geographic' seeing 25' canoes that are only wide enough to seat two, sliding down rivers in the jungle and stopping on a bank amongst the vegitation, you have seen just what we did. We would go down the river and come to rest next to a path that led up to a village full of kids ready to meet us, and se what we had to offer. Other time we would be on the bus driving through the vast jungle and coming to rest at a location where village people would gather to meet us. We shared many crafts and games. We provided lentils and rice along with bread and drinks. When the fun was dying down Jake Bickham would share the message of Jesus and salvation to those who gathered around us.
Colorado in all of its splendor does not hold a candle to the mountains of Ecuador. As we drove through the mountains one could only marvel and the splendor of God's masterpiece. I found myself daily thanking God for the opportunity to witness such majesty.
We arrived in Manta to serve at a church. Sunday morning service was great and the people welcomed us with love and warmth. We built a wall for the church and we labored each day mixing our concrete with sand and rocks. We were privileged to have church members cook lunch for us daily. After two days of working the members of the church came and began helping us as we worked. Judy, Shereen and the girls painted rooms, painted murals, and met other needs that the church needed. Manta is ont he coast and once again we witnessed even more of God's majesty in His creation.
I was fortunate to preach on Sunday night in the jungle, and also in Manta. I was told that it was amazing that the Pastor in Manta asked me to preach the wednesday night service. The people in this church were sincere, and in the end I asked if they would like to see revival and they al raised their hands. The Solis family blessed us by letting us stay in their house for the week. They are truly a family seeking out God's will and living it out also. Leavinf was extremely difficult. It was bittersweet. One part was that we wanted to stay, and the other was that we were needed at home.
There were many God times, many miracles, and many blessings that we witnessed. I have shortened this all up and probably am not doing any justice to what we experienced and witnessed. We are already planning to go back next year, and we are looking forward to serving and loving the people of Ecuador the same as Christ. Our team was amazing and made everlasting friendships. God is good :)
If any of you ever have the opportunity to serve in Ecuador, please do not hesitate. It will be a God thing~
We first served in the Jungle. We were allowed the privlege of starting a 3,000 sq. ft. slab for a new building at the orphanage/shool in the jungle. We litterly loaded and unloaded concrete one wheel barrow at a time from one spot to another. Roberto and Charmae are a wonderful blessing. Their love and enthusiasm is contagious and their hearts are huge. They started bringing kids into their home first and then started a school where the people would know it was a safe enviroment to send their kids. If I am not mistaken they have 52 kids right now and within a couple of years they should be teaching several hundred. The blessing is that they will not only be taught reading, writing and arithmetic, but that they will also come to know Christ through Roberto, Charmae and the staff.
If you have ever watched 'National Geographic' seeing 25' canoes that are only wide enough to seat two, sliding down rivers in the jungle and stopping on a bank amongst the vegitation, you have seen just what we did. We would go down the river and come to rest next to a path that led up to a village full of kids ready to meet us, and se what we had to offer. Other time we would be on the bus driving through the vast jungle and coming to rest at a location where village people would gather to meet us. We shared many crafts and games. We provided lentils and rice along with bread and drinks. When the fun was dying down Jake Bickham would share the message of Jesus and salvation to those who gathered around us.
Colorado in all of its splendor does not hold a candle to the mountains of Ecuador. As we drove through the mountains one could only marvel and the splendor of God's masterpiece. I found myself daily thanking God for the opportunity to witness such majesty.
We arrived in Manta to serve at a church. Sunday morning service was great and the people welcomed us with love and warmth. We built a wall for the church and we labored each day mixing our concrete with sand and rocks. We were privileged to have church members cook lunch for us daily. After two days of working the members of the church came and began helping us as we worked. Judy, Shereen and the girls painted rooms, painted murals, and met other needs that the church needed. Manta is ont he coast and once again we witnessed even more of God's majesty in His creation.
I was fortunate to preach on Sunday night in the jungle, and also in Manta. I was told that it was amazing that the Pastor in Manta asked me to preach the wednesday night service. The people in this church were sincere, and in the end I asked if they would like to see revival and they al raised their hands. The Solis family blessed us by letting us stay in their house for the week. They are truly a family seeking out God's will and living it out also. Leavinf was extremely difficult. It was bittersweet. One part was that we wanted to stay, and the other was that we were needed at home.
There were many God times, many miracles, and many blessings that we witnessed. I have shortened this all up and probably am not doing any justice to what we experienced and witnessed. We are already planning to go back next year, and we are looking forward to serving and loving the people of Ecuador the same as Christ. Our team was amazing and made everlasting friendships. God is good :)
If any of you ever have the opportunity to serve in Ecuador, please do not hesitate. It will be a God thing~
Saturday, May 11, 2013
What Jesus Always Preached...
The Word of God is soooo good! It is always teaching and showing us 'Truth.' Over the years people have been confused with what to believe and what as Christians we are to teach and preach. I want to share and important truth today that the gospel is built on and what Jesus ministry was established from.
In Matthew 4:17 is says "From this time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." The apostle John gives a glimpse by writing these words "Jesus did many other things as well. If everyone of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Isn't it amazing that we read through scripture, listen to stories and read blogs without seeing the hidden truths about Jesus and His ministry. I do not by any means desire to attempt to take away from any scripture at all, but I do want us to focus on the heart of Jesus ministry, "Repentance."
Matthew wrote "From this time on", and we need to take a close look at this. What was Matthew saying that we need to focus on. Yes, we have all of the gospels which share their accounting of Jesus life when they were with Him. Now, wrap your arms around this truth that Jesus never 'Preached' or 'Shared' a message without 'Repentance.' Today this word 'Repentance' is not preached, or taught everytime we share the gospel, teach others, or preach sermons except in 'Occassional' Situations. Is this what Jesus would have done. Obviously not according to Matthew. Without the message of turning from self and sin, and then turning to God, the gospel is merely a story that carries no weight. If their is no repentance then there is no salvation. No one can have salvation without repentance.
If Jesus preached repent then why don't we. Many will say that Jesus did not preach the same thing over and over, but according to Matthew repentance was the main theme of every message and parable.
I might ask that this time "Do you always present the gospel and truth with those you come in contact with by sharing the truth that there is a need to repent before anyone can go any further?" If Jesus preached and taught the importance repentance then we need to also. When? All the time. This is how Jesus ministered and so should we. The glorious result of repentance is that one will be right with God, and can now move forward into a marvelous relationship with Him. As Jesus did, we must also......
In Matthew 4:17 is says "From this time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." The apostle John gives a glimpse by writing these words "Jesus did many other things as well. If everyone of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Isn't it amazing that we read through scripture, listen to stories and read blogs without seeing the hidden truths about Jesus and His ministry. I do not by any means desire to attempt to take away from any scripture at all, but I do want us to focus on the heart of Jesus ministry, "Repentance."
Matthew wrote "From this time on", and we need to take a close look at this. What was Matthew saying that we need to focus on. Yes, we have all of the gospels which share their accounting of Jesus life when they were with Him. Now, wrap your arms around this truth that Jesus never 'Preached' or 'Shared' a message without 'Repentance.' Today this word 'Repentance' is not preached, or taught everytime we share the gospel, teach others, or preach sermons except in 'Occassional' Situations. Is this what Jesus would have done. Obviously not according to Matthew. Without the message of turning from self and sin, and then turning to God, the gospel is merely a story that carries no weight. If their is no repentance then there is no salvation. No one can have salvation without repentance.
If Jesus preached repent then why don't we. Many will say that Jesus did not preach the same thing over and over, but according to Matthew repentance was the main theme of every message and parable.
I might ask that this time "Do you always present the gospel and truth with those you come in contact with by sharing the truth that there is a need to repent before anyone can go any further?" If Jesus preached and taught the importance repentance then we need to also. When? All the time. This is how Jesus ministered and so should we. The glorious result of repentance is that one will be right with God, and can now move forward into a marvelous relationship with Him. As Jesus did, we must also......
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Christian Outreach Foundation/Grateful
I am beyond blessed and privileged to sit on the board and particpate with this amazing non-profit that is making a huge difference in Austin Texas. My good friend John had for years desired to start a non-profit that would help people in return for all God has blessed him with. Once his daughter Kaylie graduated from college, the vision began to grow. Kaylie wanted to touch the lives of young kids, and felt called to get into public schools where under privileged kids attended. Her dream and vision soon came to pass approximayely three years ago. Against all odds she solicited and was permitted to go into 'Oak Springs Elementary' in Austin Texas. She quickly shared her vision with her good friend Liz and they proceeded with a game plan and put it into action.
Christian Outreach Foundation provides daily the following for kids Monday through Friday every week:
Bible Study, Tutoring, Crafts, Field Trips, Guest Speakers and a Hot Meal before they go home (so that they are assured a hot meal whether they get one at home or not). This is truly a God thing! Bible Studies in a public school! There is 'No-Charge' to the kids or families for this afternoon program. Kids grades have gone from failing to A's & B's! Attitudes have changed and true personalities are blossoming. Their attitudes are now willing and grateful and no longer rebellious. The principle and teachers are amazed at how much these kids have changed, and willing to help the COF volunteers and staff. There is truly a sense of victory and love roaming the halls.
This past Thursday, COF was recognized by our State on the House floor for all that they have done and will be doing in the future. In just short of five years the State of Texas has recognized this outstanding non-profit. This is a God thing! We are praying that funds will come in and that COF can multiply into schools throughout the State of Texas. This next year COF will be in another school in Austin. COF does have paid staff along with volunteers and everyone one of them have an unblievable charateristic "They're in it for the kids."
Judy and I had the privilege of going to the school and helping after school. As those precious kids ran up (the smell of poor hygene grappling you) to us, our hearts just melted. Everyone one of them were polite and grateful (product of COF work) and each one of them had needs. One little girl came up out of no where and just stared at me for a moment. She finally said "My brother went to jail last night." She fought the tears back and I immediately asked her if she would like me to pray with her, and she nodded yes. After we prayed I asked her if she owuld like to write her brother and she said "Yes." De assured me that she would get her the paper adn envelope and she left grateful. Ealrier in the day, Ralph, a young boy came up to me at the Capital and said he liked my tie and asked if he could have it. I immediately took it off and tied it around his neck. That afternoon he still had it on. It was stained with dirt, BBQ sauce, chocolate milk and who knows what else, but he too was grateful. last but not least was a young girl named Tiara. As I sat talking with some other kids she came up and leaned on me as if she just wanted to be loved. When we went in to do crafts she came up and asked me if she could read a book for me. As we turned the pages she would look up at me with huge eyes seekign help. I would say three or four words and she would repeat them while following along with a ruler under each word. She was happy.
We all can make a difference here, right now, where we live and where we play. I applaud Kaylie, Liz, De, Jessica, Loren, TJ, and for loving as Christ loved and serving as He served. I praise the Lord for my friend John who has funded the majority of this non-profit out of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done in his life. Please pray that doors at public schools will continue to open, volunteers will still be willing to give there time, and that kids lives, visions and dreams will become a reality~
Christian Outreach Foundation provides daily the following for kids Monday through Friday every week:
Bible Study, Tutoring, Crafts, Field Trips, Guest Speakers and a Hot Meal before they go home (so that they are assured a hot meal whether they get one at home or not). This is truly a God thing! Bible Studies in a public school! There is 'No-Charge' to the kids or families for this afternoon program. Kids grades have gone from failing to A's & B's! Attitudes have changed and true personalities are blossoming. Their attitudes are now willing and grateful and no longer rebellious. The principle and teachers are amazed at how much these kids have changed, and willing to help the COF volunteers and staff. There is truly a sense of victory and love roaming the halls.
This past Thursday, COF was recognized by our State on the House floor for all that they have done and will be doing in the future. In just short of five years the State of Texas has recognized this outstanding non-profit. This is a God thing! We are praying that funds will come in and that COF can multiply into schools throughout the State of Texas. This next year COF will be in another school in Austin. COF does have paid staff along with volunteers and everyone one of them have an unblievable charateristic "They're in it for the kids."
Judy and I had the privilege of going to the school and helping after school. As those precious kids ran up (the smell of poor hygene grappling you) to us, our hearts just melted. Everyone one of them were polite and grateful (product of COF work) and each one of them had needs. One little girl came up out of no where and just stared at me for a moment. She finally said "My brother went to jail last night." She fought the tears back and I immediately asked her if she would like me to pray with her, and she nodded yes. After we prayed I asked her if she owuld like to write her brother and she said "Yes." De assured me that she would get her the paper adn envelope and she left grateful. Ealrier in the day, Ralph, a young boy came up to me at the Capital and said he liked my tie and asked if he could have it. I immediately took it off and tied it around his neck. That afternoon he still had it on. It was stained with dirt, BBQ sauce, chocolate milk and who knows what else, but he too was grateful. last but not least was a young girl named Tiara. As I sat talking with some other kids she came up and leaned on me as if she just wanted to be loved. When we went in to do crafts she came up and asked me if she could read a book for me. As we turned the pages she would look up at me with huge eyes seekign help. I would say three or four words and she would repeat them while following along with a ruler under each word. She was happy.
We all can make a difference here, right now, where we live and where we play. I applaud Kaylie, Liz, De, Jessica, Loren, TJ, and for loving as Christ loved and serving as He served. I praise the Lord for my friend John who has funded the majority of this non-profit out of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done in his life. Please pray that doors at public schools will continue to open, volunteers will still be willing to give there time, and that kids lives, visions and dreams will become a reality~
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Christ at work
I don't know about you, but it is truly amazing to me to reflect on "Christ in me." My whole life was a life of rebellion, opinion, justification and selfishness. The older I get the easier it is has let Christ rule every facet of my life. This does not come with age, but with surrender. We were all created in God's image and we all have the opportunity to live each day with Christ in us, and to be led by the Holy Spirit. This does come with a cost however; "We have to be dead to self."
Last week I was confronted by an elderly lady who got in my face and went off on me because of my shouting Jesus. As I sat there with others witnessing this Un-Christ like behavior, I had nothing but compassion for her. As I sat there being attacked all I could do was pray. When she took breaths between her lashings, I would inject these words "_____, Forgive me if I have offended you. Please let me know if there ever is anything in my life that offends you and I will never do or say them again." After she received more air she would continue to go on as if I never said a word to her. You could have heard a pin drop when she was done. Everyone stood there perplexed to what just happened. I prayed a while and then left for my office. On my way to the office and when I got to my office I just kept praying for her and asking the Lord to show me anything in my life that could have prevented this conversation. Soon I found myself once again filled with compassion for her and jotted down a note to her that might prayerfully be received by her. I went back over and handed the letter to her and told her I loved her.
Two nights later I received a phone call from this dear lady. She said that she sinned against God and had sinned against me and wanted to come over and ask forgiveness face to face. What a blessing this was to be reconciled through Christ.
You see, the old Pete would have humiliated this precious woman in front of everyone after, and even when, she lashed out at me. I would have torn her apart with scripture and ruined any chance for reconcilliation. I had every right to stand my ground because the reason I shouted (and had shouted Jesus before) as if we were excited and as she said "a stadium Jesus", was because a dear volunteer at who volunteers her time has been depressed for years because she cannot get her daughter back. Both of them are victims of downs syndrome (I am supposing this because I do not want to ask for sure, and by her looks and demeanor I conclude this) and finally two weeks ago I told her (after praying and counseling her on how to overcome through Jesus fot the past several years) to just keep saying Jesus over and over again and that He will give her peace. She came in two days in a row shouting Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over and over again with a huge smile on her face saying "It works." You not what? It does. She had stepped away from bondage and we all should have been elated and glad for her victory. The dear elderly lady realized this severl days later and through Christ was able to also step away from bondage.
The verse that changed my entire life in 1992 is 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore whoever is in Christ is a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come." Jesus wants to make us new and that is exciting. Assurance of our salvation is evident by change in every facet of our lives. When we as believers realize that we are to follow Him, love as He loves, and serve as He served, then be prepared for change. Be prepared for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Last but not least, He is either Lord of all, or not at all~
Last week I was confronted by an elderly lady who got in my face and went off on me because of my shouting Jesus. As I sat there with others witnessing this Un-Christ like behavior, I had nothing but compassion for her. As I sat there being attacked all I could do was pray. When she took breaths between her lashings, I would inject these words "_____, Forgive me if I have offended you. Please let me know if there ever is anything in my life that offends you and I will never do or say them again." After she received more air she would continue to go on as if I never said a word to her. You could have heard a pin drop when she was done. Everyone stood there perplexed to what just happened. I prayed a while and then left for my office. On my way to the office and when I got to my office I just kept praying for her and asking the Lord to show me anything in my life that could have prevented this conversation. Soon I found myself once again filled with compassion for her and jotted down a note to her that might prayerfully be received by her. I went back over and handed the letter to her and told her I loved her.
Two nights later I received a phone call from this dear lady. She said that she sinned against God and had sinned against me and wanted to come over and ask forgiveness face to face. What a blessing this was to be reconciled through Christ.
You see, the old Pete would have humiliated this precious woman in front of everyone after, and even when, she lashed out at me. I would have torn her apart with scripture and ruined any chance for reconcilliation. I had every right to stand my ground because the reason I shouted (and had shouted Jesus before) as if we were excited and as she said "a stadium Jesus", was because a dear volunteer at who volunteers her time has been depressed for years because she cannot get her daughter back. Both of them are victims of downs syndrome (I am supposing this because I do not want to ask for sure, and by her looks and demeanor I conclude this) and finally two weeks ago I told her (after praying and counseling her on how to overcome through Jesus fot the past several years) to just keep saying Jesus over and over again and that He will give her peace. She came in two days in a row shouting Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over and over again with a huge smile on her face saying "It works." You not what? It does. She had stepped away from bondage and we all should have been elated and glad for her victory. The dear elderly lady realized this severl days later and through Christ was able to also step away from bondage.
The verse that changed my entire life in 1992 is 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore whoever is in Christ is a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come." Jesus wants to make us new and that is exciting. Assurance of our salvation is evident by change in every facet of our lives. When we as believers realize that we are to follow Him, love as He loves, and serve as He served, then be prepared for change. Be prepared for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Last but not least, He is either Lord of all, or not at all~
Monday, April 8, 2013
American Christianity and the Great Commission
Have you ever heard of the word 'Maligned?' Have you ever thought of the person who is being 'Misled' or 'Misguided?' Unfortunately here in America we have a huge problem within modern day American Christianity and how 'It' decifers the Word of God. The modern day church forgets that 'He' is the Potter and 'We' are supposed to be the clay. We are not the ones that are supposed to lay the foundation, but it is His Word that lies the foundation and it will always be firm and solid.
The Great Commission is found in Mathew 28:19-20 and it says "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." Don't we all love this passage? Right now you are reading this thinking "Yep, this is me!" Some of you might be looking to someone else right now saying "That's their calling, or thats only for Clergy." The truth is, it is for any and all professing Christians. Let us break this down for a second and see just where the buck stops and where things get maligned, or misguided:
Therefore Go..... Sounds simple enough, but I want all of us to know this truth "Jesus wasn't saying go to your church", He was saying "Go!" We may not 'Go' to another country, or even another city, but we all go somehwere each and everyday. Whether it is school, work, the grocery store, the hardware store, or anywhere else, we are going. His will isn't that we become part of the scenery wherever we go, but to impact that scenery wherever we are. Make Disciples...... To the believer Jesus is telling us that we are to invest time with those we share the gospel with, and to walk with them and teach them what a true Jesus follower is. He did not day "Go make converts" but instead said "Go make disciples." being a member of a church is not by any means making a disciple. He told them all to go, and not just a few. Baptizing them ..... For the true disciple of Christ making others disciples this is an important process of total devotion, dedication, belief, surrender and trust in Jesus for those in whim they are discipling. The new disciple will want to get Baptized not for church membership, or the following of a ritual, but because they have chosen to die to themselves completely and live for Christ. The cart get s put before the horse way to many times today. We Baptize them before we disciple them (Pay attention to the order Jesus gave this command.) Teaching them to 'Obey' everything I have commanded you ....... Obey is a huge word. The word 'Everything' actually magnifies the command. Today many churches say "You don't have to do anything but believe." They also teach people that they really don;t have to 'Obey' anything (Much less everything) thaty Jesus commanded and taught. I will be with you always, to the very end of the age ........ We have all heard people over the years say "Jesus is always with me." Lets really look at what Jesus is saying "If you go, if you make, if you obey, then I will always be with you even to the end of the age."
Do you see what this last cricial command Jesus is giving really means? It means that if we are truly His, and If the Holy Spirit is truly in us, then we will be going, discipling, baptizing, and teaching to obey Him, and not our own fleshly desires. Can you be a true believer and not follow the great commission? What did He say...............
The Great Commission is found in Mathew 28:19-20 and it says "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." Don't we all love this passage? Right now you are reading this thinking "Yep, this is me!" Some of you might be looking to someone else right now saying "That's their calling, or thats only for Clergy." The truth is, it is for any and all professing Christians. Let us break this down for a second and see just where the buck stops and where things get maligned, or misguided:
Therefore Go..... Sounds simple enough, but I want all of us to know this truth "Jesus wasn't saying go to your church", He was saying "Go!" We may not 'Go' to another country, or even another city, but we all go somehwere each and everyday. Whether it is school, work, the grocery store, the hardware store, or anywhere else, we are going. His will isn't that we become part of the scenery wherever we go, but to impact that scenery wherever we are. Make Disciples...... To the believer Jesus is telling us that we are to invest time with those we share the gospel with, and to walk with them and teach them what a true Jesus follower is. He did not day "Go make converts" but instead said "Go make disciples." being a member of a church is not by any means making a disciple. He told them all to go, and not just a few. Baptizing them ..... For the true disciple of Christ making others disciples this is an important process of total devotion, dedication, belief, surrender and trust in Jesus for those in whim they are discipling. The new disciple will want to get Baptized not for church membership, or the following of a ritual, but because they have chosen to die to themselves completely and live for Christ. The cart get s put before the horse way to many times today. We Baptize them before we disciple them (Pay attention to the order Jesus gave this command.) Teaching them to 'Obey' everything I have commanded you ....... Obey is a huge word. The word 'Everything' actually magnifies the command. Today many churches say "You don't have to do anything but believe." They also teach people that they really don;t have to 'Obey' anything (Much less everything) thaty Jesus commanded and taught. I will be with you always, to the very end of the age ........ We have all heard people over the years say "Jesus is always with me." Lets really look at what Jesus is saying "If you go, if you make, if you obey, then I will always be with you even to the end of the age."
Do you see what this last cricial command Jesus is giving really means? It means that if we are truly His, and If the Holy Spirit is truly in us, then we will be going, discipling, baptizing, and teaching to obey Him, and not our own fleshly desires. Can you be a true believer and not follow the great commission? What did He say...............
Psalm 121
There is probably no one alive that teaches or needs Psalm 121 more than I. Growing up I was told occassionaly that I lived in a fairy tale world and to be honest I think that alot of the times this is a good place. A place where all is wonderful and things go according to how we want them to. Unfortunately though, this place does not exist and probably never will until the Lord takes me home, or He comes back.
Being a husband, father, grandfather and Pastor seems like quite an accomplishment and that wearing all of those hats would allow us to reap the best of times because one has already made alot of mistakes to gain wisdom from to ease the pain of people and things that present themselves to us on a daily basis.
Psalm 121 is my refuge and my hope. If not for the Lord and being able to look upon and rest with, life would have me going many different directions, full of thousands of thoughts, questions, and doubt. Psalm 121 is a promise to me. It is also where I need to remain and always keep in remembrance. The first two verses say this "I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." You can continue to read the rest of this psalm and see the threads of hope that it pours out. No matter where one gets, or waht comes agaginst anyone in this world, it is the words of this psalm that will get us through even the darkest of times. I cannot rely on my wonderful wife to help me, or the rest of my family, and even friends. God is the only one that can make sense out of life itself. He is the only one that truly has our best interest at heart, and who will reamin faithful until the end.
I want to encourage you all to read and believe this Psalm for yourself. We will always be faced with a world that we wsih would reseble a fairy tale where everyone lived happily ever after. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and rmember that He is the maker of heaven and earth. He did not create us to worry, fret, hurt or live life on our own. He created us for Hi s glory and so that we may have joy IN Him mo matter what~
Being a husband, father, grandfather and Pastor seems like quite an accomplishment and that wearing all of those hats would allow us to reap the best of times because one has already made alot of mistakes to gain wisdom from to ease the pain of people and things that present themselves to us on a daily basis.
Psalm 121 is my refuge and my hope. If not for the Lord and being able to look upon and rest with, life would have me going many different directions, full of thousands of thoughts, questions, and doubt. Psalm 121 is a promise to me. It is also where I need to remain and always keep in remembrance. The first two verses say this "I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." You can continue to read the rest of this psalm and see the threads of hope that it pours out. No matter where one gets, or waht comes agaginst anyone in this world, it is the words of this psalm that will get us through even the darkest of times. I cannot rely on my wonderful wife to help me, or the rest of my family, and even friends. God is the only one that can make sense out of life itself. He is the only one that truly has our best interest at heart, and who will reamin faithful until the end.
I want to encourage you all to read and believe this Psalm for yourself. We will always be faced with a world that we wsih would reseble a fairy tale where everyone lived happily ever after. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and rmember that He is the maker of heaven and earth. He did not create us to worry, fret, hurt or live life on our own. He created us for Hi s glory and so that we may have joy IN Him mo matter what~
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Death, Ressurection... Now
What has Easter truly become. With the coming of each season I tend to believe that professing Christians view it more as traditions and mythology. Don't get upset by me saying this, but stop, think and look around at just what professing Christians that were so into the season are doing today. Is the season merely a passing by, or is it something that drives us today to be the people Christ died and rose for.
1 Peter 2:24 reads "He Himself bore our sins on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds we have been healed." Today many people quote Isaiah (this is who Peter is also quoting) and they tend to think that it has to do with 'physical' healing when in truth, Isaiah and Peter are saying that we are healed from our sins. Would it not be a shame if this 'Being Healed' was merely when we felt ill, or had a physical problem? No, the cross was where Jesus laid down to a hideous death so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
He rose from the dead over 2000 years ago and many will say that they believe as they pursue their lives, secularism, wealth, and immorality of all sorts. He did not die so that His Rising would be a once a year, joyful event, but hat it would be a daily remembrance of what He has done for us, and that we too can have a risen life 'In' Him. He died and rose that we can be overcomers and not failures. Today many pacify people with "Don't beat yourself up, or Try not do continue in that sin anymore." This is nowhere even close to what the death and resurrection can bring to us daily. Paul says in Philippians 3:10 "I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." amazing isn't it. This was not a lenten message, a crucifixion meassage or a Easter Risen message, it was Paul's heart while chained up in prison. Paul (and none of the others) ever preached "You can live as you do and still inherit the kingdom of God." None of them said "Accept Jesus in your heart and you will inherit the kingdom of God, or that you will Jesus wants you to prosper adn succeed in worldly things. If so, then the New Testament would not have had to be written, Bible Studies would not need exist, repentance and prayer would not be needed, only confessions of believing in Jesus. Is it not sad for us to think that Jesus would not have even needed to die that gruesome death on that cross if we were to continue to live for us and not Him and others? Common sense lets us know that there is alot more to the cross and resurrection than a yearly event and awakening.
What will we do now? Will we begin our day believing that the cross lies before us to pick up and carry (Jesus tolds us this, not me) and that the real pathway to happiness and joy in this life will be experienced through suffering and persecution on a daily basis? Yes, it is suffering to lay down any idol that we cling to while attempting to cling to Jesus. It is hard when your family, and others persecute you because of your life in Christ and take the stand you take for our risen King. Not yearly, not monthly, but daily. Today, think about the cross and the resurrection. Think about the times you said "Jesus I am yours at whatever the cost" and then chose the world over Him. Allow the cross and the resurrection to be your passion, desire and lifestyle. Jesus said "Anyone that does not take up this cross daily and follows me, is not worthy of me." Live the resurrection each and everyday so that people can turly see Christ in us~
1 Peter 2:24 reads "He Himself bore our sins on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds we have been healed." Today many people quote Isaiah (this is who Peter is also quoting) and they tend to think that it has to do with 'physical' healing when in truth, Isaiah and Peter are saying that we are healed from our sins. Would it not be a shame if this 'Being Healed' was merely when we felt ill, or had a physical problem? No, the cross was where Jesus laid down to a hideous death so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
He rose from the dead over 2000 years ago and many will say that they believe as they pursue their lives, secularism, wealth, and immorality of all sorts. He did not die so that His Rising would be a once a year, joyful event, but hat it would be a daily remembrance of what He has done for us, and that we too can have a risen life 'In' Him. He died and rose that we can be overcomers and not failures. Today many pacify people with "Don't beat yourself up, or Try not do continue in that sin anymore." This is nowhere even close to what the death and resurrection can bring to us daily. Paul says in Philippians 3:10 "I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." amazing isn't it. This was not a lenten message, a crucifixion meassage or a Easter Risen message, it was Paul's heart while chained up in prison. Paul (and none of the others) ever preached "You can live as you do and still inherit the kingdom of God." None of them said "Accept Jesus in your heart and you will inherit the kingdom of God, or that you will Jesus wants you to prosper adn succeed in worldly things. If so, then the New Testament would not have had to be written, Bible Studies would not need exist, repentance and prayer would not be needed, only confessions of believing in Jesus. Is it not sad for us to think that Jesus would not have even needed to die that gruesome death on that cross if we were to continue to live for us and not Him and others? Common sense lets us know that there is alot more to the cross and resurrection than a yearly event and awakening.
What will we do now? Will we begin our day believing that the cross lies before us to pick up and carry (Jesus tolds us this, not me) and that the real pathway to happiness and joy in this life will be experienced through suffering and persecution on a daily basis? Yes, it is suffering to lay down any idol that we cling to while attempting to cling to Jesus. It is hard when your family, and others persecute you because of your life in Christ and take the stand you take for our risen King. Not yearly, not monthly, but daily. Today, think about the cross and the resurrection. Think about the times you said "Jesus I am yours at whatever the cost" and then chose the world over Him. Allow the cross and the resurrection to be your passion, desire and lifestyle. Jesus said "Anyone that does not take up this cross daily and follows me, is not worthy of me." Live the resurrection each and everyday so that people can turly see Christ in us~
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Sin..No Journey/No Process
It has been 21 years now that I have read my Bible daily. It always encourages me, challenges me, and gives me peace. Like most, I leaned on what other peole told me as sound doctrine only to find out that this doctrine wasn't Biblically correct. I shiver today when people share with people others that Christianity and Christ is a journey, or process. They quickly tell them that they will always be sinners, and that they cannot ive up everything at once, just work on a few at a time. Really? This doctrine truly deletes the power of the cross and Christ. These folks who quote the following scriptures actually are leading others astray. They quote to these people before they ask them to say a prayer "Greater is He thats in you than he thats of the world. We can do all things through Him who gives us strength, and With God all things are possible." If they truly believe these scriptures yet tell others that it is a process or journey, then they will take their sweet time in dealing with sin in their lives, and if they die in their sin they die seperated from God throughout eternity.
The Journey and the Process has nothing to do with sin. Sin becomes the stumbling block 'If' one does not deal with any sin in their lives. Jesus and the apostles always preached and taught 'Repentance.' This is crucial to 'true' change and being born again of the Spirit. All sin must be dealt with at conversion. One becomes new because their is no old left in them. If people are told to give up only a few sins today and work on the others, then they are not and cannot be truly new. Sin is dealt with and now the Journey begins in our devotion, love and service to Christ. Every day and every year after conversion will be overcoming of sin and living for Christ. It will be a purging of self (not sin) so that we can be truly dedicated to the Lordship of Christ in everything. The journey for me in 1992 began and sin wasn't the issue. I dealt with the sin I knew of and if I became aware of any other sin in my life, I would immediately repent and take care of it. The Journey and process is being more and more Christ like daily, and receiving the joy in our lives because of the righteousness we are living through Him. We serve and love more because the journey has led us to joy that only a life in Him can bring.
Finally..... when we totaly surrender to Christ's Lordship then they will desire to be pure, holy and righteous. We will not want anything in our lives that would lead another astray. Do not buy into the same lie that the journey has nothing to do with sin. Believe in the power of the cross and Jesus because this alone will provide us all the life of victory and overcomers. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can be had by all. We just have to believe. Deal with sin because the scripture says it will seperate us from God. we have the power through Christ and the cross to do it. Then, the Journey and process will be the one we were meant to be on~
The Journey and the Process has nothing to do with sin. Sin becomes the stumbling block 'If' one does not deal with any sin in their lives. Jesus and the apostles always preached and taught 'Repentance.' This is crucial to 'true' change and being born again of the Spirit. All sin must be dealt with at conversion. One becomes new because their is no old left in them. If people are told to give up only a few sins today and work on the others, then they are not and cannot be truly new. Sin is dealt with and now the Journey begins in our devotion, love and service to Christ. Every day and every year after conversion will be overcoming of sin and living for Christ. It will be a purging of self (not sin) so that we can be truly dedicated to the Lordship of Christ in everything. The journey for me in 1992 began and sin wasn't the issue. I dealt with the sin I knew of and if I became aware of any other sin in my life, I would immediately repent and take care of it. The Journey and process is being more and more Christ like daily, and receiving the joy in our lives because of the righteousness we are living through Him. We serve and love more because the journey has led us to joy that only a life in Him can bring.
Finally..... when we totaly surrender to Christ's Lordship then they will desire to be pure, holy and righteous. We will not want anything in our lives that would lead another astray. Do not buy into the same lie that the journey has nothing to do with sin. Believe in the power of the cross and Jesus because this alone will provide us all the life of victory and overcomers. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can be had by all. We just have to believe. Deal with sin because the scripture says it will seperate us from God. we have the power through Christ and the cross to do it. Then, the Journey and process will be the one we were meant to be on~
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Welcomed Home~
This afternoon marked the first time in 4 weeks that Judy and I were able to return to our sunday afternoon service at the Juvenile Justice Center 'Boot Camp.' As we walked into the room we were greeted by kids who truly missed us. Earlier this week one of the people that covered for us while we were in Africa told us "The kids really missed ya'll."
We began by asking (something we always do at the beginning) if anyone would like to praise the Lord. It was amazing to hear them talk about how they did well while we were gone (giving the credit to the Lord) and how they missed us. We sang eight or nine songs and watched as the Lord was moving these kids into His presence. We had a guest from the court there with us to observe what we did, and after about five songs, tears trickled down her face while listening and watching these kids.
Yesterday we saw two young men who had graduated from the program while we were gone. They came running and calling out to us. As they reached us they hugged us and their smiles melted our hearts. Unfortunately they got in trouble for just running over to us without asking, but they did not care. As a pastor I must say that there are times in which one questions if what they are doing is worth it, and are we really making a difference. After this weekend I know that we are right where God wants us.
Tuesday and Thursday I was blessed to hear from less fortunate people at the food pantry these words "We missed you." The smiles and the stories of how God answered prayers after we prayed is truly overwhelming. The joy of counseling, praying and providing needs for these people is also overwhelming. Imagine if you will that you have been allowed to give hope to others just because your were willing to give your time.
Not everyone will have the same opportunity to be used by God at a Juvenile Center, or a Food Pantry, but there is a place out there for each and everyone of you. The question is "Are you raising your hand saying 'Here I am Lord!" God wants to use us all and the blessings are waiting for you all if you are willing to give your life, and serve others.
We began by asking (something we always do at the beginning) if anyone would like to praise the Lord. It was amazing to hear them talk about how they did well while we were gone (giving the credit to the Lord) and how they missed us. We sang eight or nine songs and watched as the Lord was moving these kids into His presence. We had a guest from the court there with us to observe what we did, and after about five songs, tears trickled down her face while listening and watching these kids.
Yesterday we saw two young men who had graduated from the program while we were gone. They came running and calling out to us. As they reached us they hugged us and their smiles melted our hearts. Unfortunately they got in trouble for just running over to us without asking, but they did not care. As a pastor I must say that there are times in which one questions if what they are doing is worth it, and are we really making a difference. After this weekend I know that we are right where God wants us.
Tuesday and Thursday I was blessed to hear from less fortunate people at the food pantry these words "We missed you." The smiles and the stories of how God answered prayers after we prayed is truly overwhelming. The joy of counseling, praying and providing needs for these people is also overwhelming. Imagine if you will that you have been allowed to give hope to others just because your were willing to give your time.
Not everyone will have the same opportunity to be used by God at a Juvenile Center, or a Food Pantry, but there is a place out there for each and everyone of you. The question is "Are you raising your hand saying 'Here I am Lord!" God wants to use us all and the blessings are waiting for you all if you are willing to give your life, and serve others.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Africa/People
Well I am finally home from an almost 3 week journey from Corpus to Maputo, Mozambique. I personally dread traveling any distance at all from home now, but it was well worth it. Today I am always looking forward to "What will God show me" when I get back from these trips. Here it goes...
We arrived just in time for our grandaughters second birthday. We were a little frazzled, but it was still a blesssing. We went to the Hospital the very next day. In case you do not know, our youngest daughter and her husband Jon are missionaries in Maputo. They had other ideas of what they would do in Africa when they moved over there, but God had other ideas for their lives. They go almost daily to the government hospital and love on the people in the 'Oncology' department. This hospital is not anything like one would imagine here in the states. There is no air conditioning, sheets do not get changed very often, the semll of death and sickness is almost overwhelming, and just walking through the door makes your mind question whether it is safe to be there or not. Amputee's, people with tumors, and eye's openly gone with nothing but a socket staring at you are common, and their pain engulfs you. As the men and women of the hospital saw Jon, Layne, Judy, Me and our two grandaughters approaching, smiles quickly said it all. They were glad that people who loved them were coming to spend time with them in the dreaded filth and disease that is prevalent around them. I need to let you all know one other important thing "90-95%" of all of these people will die. It is an amazing thing to witness the joy and smiles of all of these people when they see love coming. Yes, they are dying, and yes there is no reason for anyone to even feel joy in their enviroment. What my son-in-law and daughter do, they do well. Giving hope to those who have no hope with little time left here on earth.
As you drive through and around Maputo, you find yourself extremely grateful for everything you have here in america. Each and everyday that we drove out to our destinations had me comepletely mesermized by people always running aroud like ants. People here, people there, and people everywhere you looked. The streets are lined with vendors trying to eek out some kind of living, and I really don't recall any street that did not have someone selling, working, walking or driving. Traffic is unbelievable and usually the 'Bigger' car wins the battle for space and right of way.
My daughter and son-in-law saved up their money and took Judy and I to a nice secluded beach for a couple of days. It was truly a blessing and another way to see God through people and beauty. After the long trip, the party, and the hospital, it was a true blessing.
When we arrived home and went back to the hospital we found out that three people we had just met died over the weekend. Still, the remaining turned their frowns into smiles as we once again walked up to that dirty, dingy hospital full of death, sickness, loneliness and filth. The living still saw hope in their situation.
On our way and while I was there I read three books, 'If I Perish', 'Heavenly Man' and 'No Greater Love.' My faith was challenged by all three of these books, and the sheer enviroment in which I treaded daily was a test of my true love and devotion to Jesus Christ and serving others. When we arrived in Washington I began reading 'Enough.' As I read through the pages of this book I found myself once again challenged to the depths of my heart. What is 'Enough?' Why do we yearn for more when more still leaves an explainable emptiness.
In conclusion I want to leave you all with something to think about. Do you really love? Are you truly serving others as Christ served us? Toady was my first day back at the Food Pantry. The long trip and the weariness of it escaped as a mist. I called the first person in to talk with them before they received help and was able to offer them hope. Even in the good old USA people still need hope. The down, the trodden, and even those who have learned to 'Work the System' need to know that there is a more excellant way. There is something that comes without cost, and that something is Christ working in and through you. We are blessed tremendously, and we who call ourselves Christians need to know that the only thing that will ever bring us true joy is Christ manifesting Himself through us. Be of good cheer and thank God for another day......We are blessed~
We arrived just in time for our grandaughters second birthday. We were a little frazzled, but it was still a blesssing. We went to the Hospital the very next day. In case you do not know, our youngest daughter and her husband Jon are missionaries in Maputo. They had other ideas of what they would do in Africa when they moved over there, but God had other ideas for their lives. They go almost daily to the government hospital and love on the people in the 'Oncology' department. This hospital is not anything like one would imagine here in the states. There is no air conditioning, sheets do not get changed very often, the semll of death and sickness is almost overwhelming, and just walking through the door makes your mind question whether it is safe to be there or not. Amputee's, people with tumors, and eye's openly gone with nothing but a socket staring at you are common, and their pain engulfs you. As the men and women of the hospital saw Jon, Layne, Judy, Me and our two grandaughters approaching, smiles quickly said it all. They were glad that people who loved them were coming to spend time with them in the dreaded filth and disease that is prevalent around them. I need to let you all know one other important thing "90-95%" of all of these people will die. It is an amazing thing to witness the joy and smiles of all of these people when they see love coming. Yes, they are dying, and yes there is no reason for anyone to even feel joy in their enviroment. What my son-in-law and daughter do, they do well. Giving hope to those who have no hope with little time left here on earth.
As you drive through and around Maputo, you find yourself extremely grateful for everything you have here in america. Each and everyday that we drove out to our destinations had me comepletely mesermized by people always running aroud like ants. People here, people there, and people everywhere you looked. The streets are lined with vendors trying to eek out some kind of living, and I really don't recall any street that did not have someone selling, working, walking or driving. Traffic is unbelievable and usually the 'Bigger' car wins the battle for space and right of way.
My daughter and son-in-law saved up their money and took Judy and I to a nice secluded beach for a couple of days. It was truly a blessing and another way to see God through people and beauty. After the long trip, the party, and the hospital, it was a true blessing.
When we arrived home and went back to the hospital we found out that three people we had just met died over the weekend. Still, the remaining turned their frowns into smiles as we once again walked up to that dirty, dingy hospital full of death, sickness, loneliness and filth. The living still saw hope in their situation.
On our way and while I was there I read three books, 'If I Perish', 'Heavenly Man' and 'No Greater Love.' My faith was challenged by all three of these books, and the sheer enviroment in which I treaded daily was a test of my true love and devotion to Jesus Christ and serving others. When we arrived in Washington I began reading 'Enough.' As I read through the pages of this book I found myself once again challenged to the depths of my heart. What is 'Enough?' Why do we yearn for more when more still leaves an explainable emptiness.
In conclusion I want to leave you all with something to think about. Do you really love? Are you truly serving others as Christ served us? Toady was my first day back at the Food Pantry. The long trip and the weariness of it escaped as a mist. I called the first person in to talk with them before they received help and was able to offer them hope. Even in the good old USA people still need hope. The down, the trodden, and even those who have learned to 'Work the System' need to know that there is a more excellant way. There is something that comes without cost, and that something is Christ working in and through you. We are blessed tremendously, and we who call ourselves Christians need to know that the only thing that will ever bring us true joy is Christ manifesting Himself through us. Be of good cheer and thank God for another day......We are blessed~
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Port Aransas, Surfing, Serving, Jesus
It has been a while since I have sat down and blogged. Last night my lovely wife and I ran out to the beach for a stroll and time together. Memories flowed out as we walked along the shore. You see, we sold our house in Port Aransas a little over 6 years ago and at times questioned why the Lord would have had us sell it. I always justified having the house because the Lord blessed us an wanted me to have a place I could get away for some 'R&R.' It was easy to justify having two houses, a successful business, and a wonderful ministry (Bi-Vocational at that time). It seemed like we were in heaven here at home, and that God was blessing us. Every Thrusday night after Bible Studies, Judy and I would head to Port A, come back in Sunday morning for church, and then head back until monday. Then work all week and head back to our refuge.
Many people have asked me over the years "What makes you love surfing so much?" It is truly something that is hard to explain. God, the power of nature, the beauty of it all, and an exhilerating and fun sport. I loved the beach. I loved the surf and I still do. I love the sound of the Water, the waves, and the birds. It is peaceful and serene. The smell is amzing and the seabreeze is refreshing. At 55 years old I still surf (not as much as I used to) and enjoy the beach.
As my wife and I walked down the beach we started thinking once again. "Wouldn't it be nice to have another house in Port Aransas? We could a small house and have be able to walk down the beach in the morning and evenings again." My mind started thinking immediatley about how I could surf once again at least several times a week. It all sounded so good, but we both realized that sometimes what we want isn't really what we need.
God has shown Judy and I why He had us that dear old house in Port Aransas, and give up what seemed like the best of two worlds. It did not take long for us to realize that the dream won't ever happen again. That stealing away a evening occassionaly to walk down the each would be sufficient. That slipping out to catch a wave would be occassional also. Before we sold our house we did 4 Bible studies a week and once a month did community things. Today we still do Bible Studies, but we also do alot more. Everyday is filled with serving others. The joy we have found through Christ comes now throguh our service at the minstry (Quiet Time Ministries), Driscoll Hospital, Juvenile Justice Center, Youth, The Care Center (a food Pantry) and more. Our love for Christ and others now overshadows the dreams of things here on earth.
Yes, God has blessed Judy and I over the years with things, and it seems that we have finally found out that the simple pleasures of life can hinder the true meaning of life. Jerermiah 29:11 says that God has a plan for our life and I believe that with all of my heart. The plan is to live, love and be like Jesus to a lost and dying world. The reward is knowing that He dwells in us and that we find great contentment in giving and not receiving. Sometimes giving up those things that yo love will open the door to true love. Being His and resting in His joy. It is great to remember those old days and what has brought wonderful memories, but it is far better to be in the center of His will~
Many people have asked me over the years "What makes you love surfing so much?" It is truly something that is hard to explain. God, the power of nature, the beauty of it all, and an exhilerating and fun sport. I loved the beach. I loved the surf and I still do. I love the sound of the Water, the waves, and the birds. It is peaceful and serene. The smell is amzing and the seabreeze is refreshing. At 55 years old I still surf (not as much as I used to) and enjoy the beach.
As my wife and I walked down the beach we started thinking once again. "Wouldn't it be nice to have another house in Port Aransas? We could a small house and have be able to walk down the beach in the morning and evenings again." My mind started thinking immediatley about how I could surf once again at least several times a week. It all sounded so good, but we both realized that sometimes what we want isn't really what we need.
God has shown Judy and I why He had us that dear old house in Port Aransas, and give up what seemed like the best of two worlds. It did not take long for us to realize that the dream won't ever happen again. That stealing away a evening occassionaly to walk down the each would be sufficient. That slipping out to catch a wave would be occassional also. Before we sold our house we did 4 Bible studies a week and once a month did community things. Today we still do Bible Studies, but we also do alot more. Everyday is filled with serving others. The joy we have found through Christ comes now throguh our service at the minstry (Quiet Time Ministries), Driscoll Hospital, Juvenile Justice Center, Youth, The Care Center (a food Pantry) and more. Our love for Christ and others now overshadows the dreams of things here on earth.
Yes, God has blessed Judy and I over the years with things, and it seems that we have finally found out that the simple pleasures of life can hinder the true meaning of life. Jerermiah 29:11 says that God has a plan for our life and I believe that with all of my heart. The plan is to live, love and be like Jesus to a lost and dying world. The reward is knowing that He dwells in us and that we find great contentment in giving and not receiving. Sometimes giving up those things that yo love will open the door to true love. Being His and resting in His joy. It is great to remember those old days and what has brought wonderful memories, but it is far better to be in the center of His will~
The Gift
As long as I can remember I was always told that our slavation was a gift from God. I still do, but I also see alot more than I used to. I pray that as you read what God had laid on my heart that you will look into the mirror of truth and see that even though salvation is free, it demands our acceptance.
Paul writes in Romans 13:14 "Rather, clothe youselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." He also writes in Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ." Then in Ephesians 4:24 he says And to put in the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." These aresome pretty powerful and deep words! They give us an extrodinary glimpse of the free gift in which God desires to give each and every one of us.
Let me explain what a gift really is, and what it really is not. Over the years I have been given alot of gifts. You may relate to what I am about to write and then again you might not be bale to. If you were given a pictire for your home that was truly 'gawdy' and it wsa from a dear friend, would you hang it for everyone to see? How about those ties men get a Christmas and for birthdays that are so wild you would not dare wear them in public. Would you boldy tie is around your neck so that all can see it? You might have even been given something that is so precious that you decide not wear it in public because of the fear of having it stolen, or having it draw unwanted attention to yourself. The were all 'free' gifts were they not?
God has desired for us to receive a free gift too, and that is Christ. Paul writes in Col. 3:9-10 "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge on the image of Christ." In verse 12 he states "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." You see, we have to 'Put on' Christ each and everyday. We must 'Put on' the aromor (Eph. 6:10) so that we can live Holy and righteous lives daily, allowing people to see Christ is us. Putting on Christ does not mean we put on our Christian T-Shirts, but clothing ourselves with Christ. This is how we truly receive the gift from God, Christ in us.
Today more than ever before we see the multitudes of proclaiming Christians begin defeated daily by the world. We see them tangled up in worldy lusts amd passions instead of Christ. We see them clothed with sin, and secularism, instead of Christ. How can this be? Becausee they choose to recieve the gift that the world offers instead of the gift God desires for them receive daily, Christ in us.
What gift have we received? If we find oureselves looking into the mirror of truth this mornign and admit that we are clothing ourselves withthe world instead of Christ, then this is a blessed day. We can truly recieve the gift God desires for us to have by clothing ourselves with the gift of Christ. Repent, turn from that old self with its old clothing and put on Christ. Then the world will see holiness, righteousness, compassion, kindness, gentleness emitting from us. Put on Christ this day, and forevermore~
Paul writes in Romans 13:14 "Rather, clothe youselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." He also writes in Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ." Then in Ephesians 4:24 he says And to put in the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." These aresome pretty powerful and deep words! They give us an extrodinary glimpse of the free gift in which God desires to give each and every one of us.
Let me explain what a gift really is, and what it really is not. Over the years I have been given alot of gifts. You may relate to what I am about to write and then again you might not be bale to. If you were given a pictire for your home that was truly 'gawdy' and it wsa from a dear friend, would you hang it for everyone to see? How about those ties men get a Christmas and for birthdays that are so wild you would not dare wear them in public. Would you boldy tie is around your neck so that all can see it? You might have even been given something that is so precious that you decide not wear it in public because of the fear of having it stolen, or having it draw unwanted attention to yourself. The were all 'free' gifts were they not?
God has desired for us to receive a free gift too, and that is Christ. Paul writes in Col. 3:9-10 "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge on the image of Christ." In verse 12 he states "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." You see, we have to 'Put on' Christ each and everyday. We must 'Put on' the aromor (Eph. 6:10) so that we can live Holy and righteous lives daily, allowing people to see Christ is us. Putting on Christ does not mean we put on our Christian T-Shirts, but clothing ourselves with Christ. This is how we truly receive the gift from God, Christ in us.
Today more than ever before we see the multitudes of proclaiming Christians begin defeated daily by the world. We see them tangled up in worldy lusts amd passions instead of Christ. We see them clothed with sin, and secularism, instead of Christ. How can this be? Becausee they choose to recieve the gift that the world offers instead of the gift God desires for them receive daily, Christ in us.
What gift have we received? If we find oureselves looking into the mirror of truth this mornign and admit that we are clothing ourselves withthe world instead of Christ, then this is a blessed day. We can truly recieve the gift God desires for us to have by clothing ourselves with the gift of Christ. Repent, turn from that old self with its old clothing and put on Christ. Then the world will see holiness, righteousness, compassion, kindness, gentleness emitting from us. Put on Christ this day, and forevermore~
Can you live in sin and still inherit the kingdom of God?
We had a mini revival at the Detention Center this morning. It only took about five minutes after we sang for a young man to blurt out "You can't go to hell for being sexually immoral and having sex!" Praise be to God that immediately I had them pass out the Bibles for all of them to follow along as we read important scriptures that let us all know "Who will, who won't, according to God's Word, and not anyones opinon." Before we started though, we let them all know that it is God's love for them, and His grace that is giving each one of them the opportunity to turn from sin, and to Him.
I wish to share these scriptures also with you all:
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be decieved: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexaul offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Galatians 5:19-21 "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Ephesians 5:3-6 "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, follish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure:No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater- has an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Let no one decieve you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient."
Revelation 21:7-8 "He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be His God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
Okay.... we have read the truth from scripture. It is not an opinion, but God's Word. No one can enter the kingdom of heaven if any of these things remain in them when they die according to the Word. Unfortunately over the years Pastor's, Teacher's, Evangelist's and Church Leadership have gone the way of of what Paul was speaking in Ephesians 5 "Deceiving people with empty words." We did not rad anywhere in these scriptures where it said that if you said a prayer then you will inherit the kingdom of God regardless of these sins being in your life. We did not read that we should excuse anyone because they just started coming to church, or that they had a horrible life and it will take time. Paul and Jesus were saying "Examine yourself and be away from these things or you will not inherit the kingdom of God." Paul was speaking to those whostarted out strong and encouraging them to turn back because if anyone dies in thse sins then they will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Look into the mirror of truth and not opinion. The Word says what it says and this is not my opinion. Is the a hinf of sexual immorlaity in your life? Do you think it to be okay to even watch movies or tv shows with sex in them? Is there anything that is impure in your life? Do you still think even a little lie is okay? Do you think that the obscenity one reads, watches or speaks is okay? Do you think that coarse joking is okay? When I read the scripture it humbles me and makes me examine myself for any and everything that might not be honoring God. My eternal life with Him is more important than what I think or what my opinion is. Sin is sin and it will always seperate the sinner from God unless one repents, turns from sin, and seeks God. I know Pastors who think that if you they are talking with people who are rough professions then it makes it okay to cuss and get on their level. I know Pastors who claim to know Christ yet drink, cuss, lie, tell people its okay to divorce, live with each other and even be homosexual. Ephesians 5:7 says "Therefore do not be partners with them." Get away from anyone the promotes sin, condones sin, or justifies sin. You eternity rests on the scripture and what we read.
Revival happened this morning because of one thing "God's Word and Truth!" One after another young men and women came and asked for Judy or myself to pray with them. Jesus did say "The turth shall ste you free."
I wish to share these scriptures also with you all:
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be decieved: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexaul offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Galatians 5:19-21 "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Ephesians 5:3-6 "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, follish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure:No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater- has an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Let no one decieve you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient."
Revelation 21:7-8 "He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be His God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
Okay.... we have read the truth from scripture. It is not an opinion, but God's Word. No one can enter the kingdom of heaven if any of these things remain in them when they die according to the Word. Unfortunately over the years Pastor's, Teacher's, Evangelist's and Church Leadership have gone the way of of what Paul was speaking in Ephesians 5 "Deceiving people with empty words." We did not rad anywhere in these scriptures where it said that if you said a prayer then you will inherit the kingdom of God regardless of these sins being in your life. We did not read that we should excuse anyone because they just started coming to church, or that they had a horrible life and it will take time. Paul and Jesus were saying "Examine yourself and be away from these things or you will not inherit the kingdom of God." Paul was speaking to those whostarted out strong and encouraging them to turn back because if anyone dies in thse sins then they will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Look into the mirror of truth and not opinion. The Word says what it says and this is not my opinion. Is the a hinf of sexual immorlaity in your life? Do you think it to be okay to even watch movies or tv shows with sex in them? Is there anything that is impure in your life? Do you still think even a little lie is okay? Do you think that the obscenity one reads, watches or speaks is okay? Do you think that coarse joking is okay? When I read the scripture it humbles me and makes me examine myself for any and everything that might not be honoring God. My eternal life with Him is more important than what I think or what my opinion is. Sin is sin and it will always seperate the sinner from God unless one repents, turns from sin, and seeks God. I know Pastors who think that if you they are talking with people who are rough professions then it makes it okay to cuss and get on their level. I know Pastors who claim to know Christ yet drink, cuss, lie, tell people its okay to divorce, live with each other and even be homosexual. Ephesians 5:7 says "Therefore do not be partners with them." Get away from anyone the promotes sin, condones sin, or justifies sin. You eternity rests on the scripture and what we read.
Revival happened this morning because of one thing "God's Word and Truth!" One after another young men and women came and asked for Judy or myself to pray with them. Jesus did say "The turth shall ste you free."
Monday, January 28, 2013
You can't know Christ and support Obama!
After the election I posted a Blog stating that if you voted for Obams you cannot know Jesus. Today after watching the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast Speech by Jonathan Cahn, then seeing Mr. Obama's statement about Gay's and equal rights, and now seeing Newsweek portraying Obama as Jesus and the 'Second Coming' (not second term), I am more than sure that America has been duped into adultery in a manner that individuals fall to everyday.
America wants things, success, prosperity, immorality, impurity and every other kind of filth instead of God! Jesus brother James pens in his epistle (James 4:4): "You adulteress people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. " In verse 8-9 he says "Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom." America wanted change and not God. Just like in 1-2 Kings we see a great fall of Israel because instead of desiring God to be their King they wanted another king. They too got what they wanted and it wasn't pretty. Israel's falls were because God restored them and then they turned back to their own evil compromising and lust for the world instead of God.
Pastor's are leading people to hell with promises they cannot keep or even give out. "God wants His best for you! God wants you to prosper! God has something for you! God loves you right where your at!" NO HE DOES NOT! Romans 9:13-14 says "Just as it is written; 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.' What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For He says to Moses 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." HE DOES NOT HAVE TO LOVE ANYONE who 'sells' their birthright out just like Esau! God is a God of love, but ask yourself a huge question "If He destroyed His own chosen people, what makes one think that He won't destroy you for impurity, lust, covetenous and sin?
Let me put it plain and simple "God is God and we are not." If He is just (and the Word says that He is) what makes anyone think that they have a 'Free get of jail card free?' 1 John 4:6 says "We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from Gid does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." Put plainly it is saying "If you do not believe this truth then you do not have the Spirit of God in you. I know, I know, you've been going to church for 80 years, said a prayer and rededicated your life 12 times, so that makes you a Christian. NO IT DOES NOT! If you live like the devil then you are of the devil and possess his spirit and not Christ's. 1 John 3:7-10 says "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work, No one who is born of God continues to sin, because God's seed remians in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devilare: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." Is voting for someone who supports terrorism by providing jets and artillery right? Is voting for someone who is for abortion right? Is someone who in his inaugural speech condoing homosexuality and desiring for them to have equal rights, right? Whose his father according to scripture? Who is your father according to scripture for voting for him? Repent!! Turn back to the Lord for your sin in voting for him who is opposed to God's moral laws.
If you want to comment on this thread, then Email me at peteprescott@gmail.com. If you do then please have your scriptures correct because I am only willing to correspond with thise who use scripture not their opinions~
America wants things, success, prosperity, immorality, impurity and every other kind of filth instead of God! Jesus brother James pens in his epistle (James 4:4): "You adulteress people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. " In verse 8-9 he says "Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom." America wanted change and not God. Just like in 1-2 Kings we see a great fall of Israel because instead of desiring God to be their King they wanted another king. They too got what they wanted and it wasn't pretty. Israel's falls were because God restored them and then they turned back to their own evil compromising and lust for the world instead of God.
Pastor's are leading people to hell with promises they cannot keep or even give out. "God wants His best for you! God wants you to prosper! God has something for you! God loves you right where your at!" NO HE DOES NOT! Romans 9:13-14 says "Just as it is written; 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.' What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For He says to Moses 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." HE DOES NOT HAVE TO LOVE ANYONE who 'sells' their birthright out just like Esau! God is a God of love, but ask yourself a huge question "If He destroyed His own chosen people, what makes one think that He won't destroy you for impurity, lust, covetenous and sin?
Let me put it plain and simple "God is God and we are not." If He is just (and the Word says that He is) what makes anyone think that they have a 'Free get of jail card free?' 1 John 4:6 says "We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from Gid does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." Put plainly it is saying "If you do not believe this truth then you do not have the Spirit of God in you. I know, I know, you've been going to church for 80 years, said a prayer and rededicated your life 12 times, so that makes you a Christian. NO IT DOES NOT! If you live like the devil then you are of the devil and possess his spirit and not Christ's. 1 John 3:7-10 says "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work, No one who is born of God continues to sin, because God's seed remians in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devilare: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." Is voting for someone who supports terrorism by providing jets and artillery right? Is voting for someone who is for abortion right? Is someone who in his inaugural speech condoing homosexuality and desiring for them to have equal rights, right? Whose his father according to scripture? Who is your father according to scripture for voting for him? Repent!! Turn back to the Lord for your sin in voting for him who is opposed to God's moral laws.
If you want to comment on this thread, then Email me at peteprescott@gmail.com. If you do then please have your scriptures correct because I am only willing to correspond with thise who use scripture not their opinions~
Saturday, January 26, 2013
When & Does your name get written in the Book of Life?
Sometimes I merely sit back in awe of our Lord. To think that througout my life I had been lied to and that I had bought in to the teachings of men. I realize today that it is only by the grace of God that He placed a desire in my life to seek out the truth in the Word, instead of being led astray by my own opinion, and other men's teachings.
As far as I can remember I was always told that if I accepted Jesus in my life and said a prayer that my name would then be put in the Book of life. I have witnessed people mentoring others tell them to repeat after them a prayer and that today was there 'new' birthday because their name was now written in God's Book of Life.
In Psalm 139 we read and invision a beautiful picture of our creation in our mothers womb. How wonderfully we have been knitted into life and how God new everything about us. In verse 16 we see this passage "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." According to scriputure our name was written in God's book even before we were created. Amazing....... No prayer placed us in His Book. Nothing we have done, or could do, could place our name in His book. He alone writes our names in His book before we were ever created.
Now, in Revelation 3:5 we find another place where this Book of Life is mentioned "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and His angels." This passage lets us know that our names are in the Book, but also that if we do not overcome, He can blot out our names from the Book in which it was placed before we were ever born. Are we getting the picture? Is it just me, or do you alos feel duped by what you have been told throughout your life. God is so good though because He has graciously allowed us to read the scripture and press forward towards the mark instead of sitting down on our laurels.
It is so important folks to read the Word. Slow down and taste it, and do not snack on it. Many feel that they need to race through it to say "I have read the Bible in a year, or I have read the Bible through in one year for the last 10 years!" God is not like an auctioneer who speaks to us 90 miles an hour to see who is fast enough to win the prize. No, we are to be still and listen. If you take anything with us today take this with you "God has given us yet another day to marvel at His Word and see truth one more time." Now, what will you do with His truth~
As far as I can remember I was always told that if I accepted Jesus in my life and said a prayer that my name would then be put in the Book of life. I have witnessed people mentoring others tell them to repeat after them a prayer and that today was there 'new' birthday because their name was now written in God's Book of Life.
In Psalm 139 we read and invision a beautiful picture of our creation in our mothers womb. How wonderfully we have been knitted into life and how God new everything about us. In verse 16 we see this passage "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." According to scriputure our name was written in God's book even before we were created. Amazing....... No prayer placed us in His Book. Nothing we have done, or could do, could place our name in His book. He alone writes our names in His book before we were ever created.
Now, in Revelation 3:5 we find another place where this Book of Life is mentioned "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and His angels." This passage lets us know that our names are in the Book, but also that if we do not overcome, He can blot out our names from the Book in which it was placed before we were ever born. Are we getting the picture? Is it just me, or do you alos feel duped by what you have been told throughout your life. God is so good though because He has graciously allowed us to read the scripture and press forward towards the mark instead of sitting down on our laurels.
It is so important folks to read the Word. Slow down and taste it, and do not snack on it. Many feel that they need to race through it to say "I have read the Bible in a year, or I have read the Bible through in one year for the last 10 years!" God is not like an auctioneer who speaks to us 90 miles an hour to see who is fast enough to win the prize. No, we are to be still and listen. If you take anything with us today take this with you "God has given us yet another day to marvel at His Word and see truth one more time." Now, what will you do with His truth~
Monday, January 21, 2013
Why are we warned by Scripture?
Almost everyday I am challenged as to why I believe what I believe. The majority of those I talk with believe that you can live in sin, and still be a Christian. Immediately out of their mouths they claim that we will always be sinnners. Most will also state that sin seperates us from God, but declare being they are a Christian, God does not look at us as unbelievers. Wow! Wouldn't that be nice :) We could have our cake and eat it too.
I want to share a part of Romans 11 with you all. Keep in mind that I did not write the scripture, I only read it and share it for what it says. The begining in Romans 11 shares a marvelous truth that God has, and always will keep a 'Remnant' for Himself. I wish people would forget about the word saved (Which is taken out of context in most cases), and desire to be remnants.
Romans 11:17-21:
"If some of the branches (Israel, His chosen people) have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either."
Unfortunately men shy away from reading the Word for what it says. It is obvious to me that Paul is warning those who have confessed Jesus as Savior, but then live in unbelief, they will be cut-off just as God's chosen people. God has no obligation to us, we have an obligation to Him. When we at first believed we were willing to do eveything that would please God. Our faith and belief was strong, but so was His chosen people, the Israelites. So if He did not spare them, He will in no means spare us.
This is grace my firends. For all who choose to read it for what it says, we will be grateful that He has provided us this opportunity to get in right standing with Him, and believe His word. For others, they would rather feel secure in what they believe and disregard the truth. How important is our eternal? When its all been said and done and we stand before Him, it will then be to late. Live as we believe each and everyday of our lives~
I want to share a part of Romans 11 with you all. Keep in mind that I did not write the scripture, I only read it and share it for what it says. The begining in Romans 11 shares a marvelous truth that God has, and always will keep a 'Remnant' for Himself. I wish people would forget about the word saved (Which is taken out of context in most cases), and desire to be remnants.
Romans 11:17-21:
"If some of the branches (Israel, His chosen people) have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either."
Unfortunately men shy away from reading the Word for what it says. It is obvious to me that Paul is warning those who have confessed Jesus as Savior, but then live in unbelief, they will be cut-off just as God's chosen people. God has no obligation to us, we have an obligation to Him. When we at first believed we were willing to do eveything that would please God. Our faith and belief was strong, but so was His chosen people, the Israelites. So if He did not spare them, He will in no means spare us.
This is grace my firends. For all who choose to read it for what it says, we will be grateful that He has provided us this opportunity to get in right standing with Him, and believe His word. For others, they would rather feel secure in what they believe and disregard the truth. How important is our eternal? When its all been said and done and we stand before Him, it will then be to late. Live as we believe each and everyday of our lives~
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Am I a Servant?
I love the Word of God. Each time I open my Bible and begin reading it I see something new the Lord is wanting me to see. The journey is not about sin, or how righteous my life is today compared to yesterday, but about where the Lord is taking me. I have a tremendous desire to know Jesus more today than I have when I began this journey 21 years ago. I have a tremendous desire to have more faith today than I did yesterday. I have a tremendous desire to change everyday, and that only comes through be challenged by His Word.
This week in one of the Bible Studies I teach these word's lept off of the page "A Servant of Jesus Christ." I have read my Bible everyday for the past 21 years and I have read these words numerous times. That day, I was challenged to look into the eyes of truth and ask myself "Am I truly a Servant of Jesus Christ." This question leads me to the cross, and closer to Jesus. I see that Paul, Peter, James and Jude start their Epistles with these words. I also remember that they died martyr's deaths and gave their all. So, am I a servant? I have to take a deep look in the mirror and evaluate what I believe and who I say that I am. Throughout my life (prior 1992) I would have said "Yes" because thats what I thought I was. But this word servant has haunted me for years, and this is good. Going to Church, preaching, teaching, going to Bible Studies, and even conferences do not make us 'Servants.' Living our lives totaly surrendered to Christ, serving Him above ourselves, and serving others is what a true servant is. A servant realizes that they were 'Purchased' by another and no longer are their own. Who are we truly owned by? Who do we truly serve? A servant only serves his master.
If you saw all of what the Lord has me doing on a daily basis you might think I do alot. You might even say "Don't be so hard on yourself Pete." I am not being hard on myself because if I do not admit the truth to myself I would become apathetic and complacent. Do not get me wrong, I do not believe in works at all. I believe that Jesus purhased me when I did not deserve it and that I could never pay Him back. The least I could do is serve Him in all that I do. So today I challenge you as I challenged our Bibles Study group. Examine our lives and see who really serves who. Examine whether or not we truly serve Jesus each and everday of our lives. Hold on because if you strive to be that servant, He is about to take you to places you only dreamed about. A place where only He can take you. A place where true love exists, and His love abounds. Be a ture servant~
This week in one of the Bible Studies I teach these word's lept off of the page "A Servant of Jesus Christ." I have read my Bible everyday for the past 21 years and I have read these words numerous times. That day, I was challenged to look into the eyes of truth and ask myself "Am I truly a Servant of Jesus Christ." This question leads me to the cross, and closer to Jesus. I see that Paul, Peter, James and Jude start their Epistles with these words. I also remember that they died martyr's deaths and gave their all. So, am I a servant? I have to take a deep look in the mirror and evaluate what I believe and who I say that I am. Throughout my life (prior 1992) I would have said "Yes" because thats what I thought I was. But this word servant has haunted me for years, and this is good. Going to Church, preaching, teaching, going to Bible Studies, and even conferences do not make us 'Servants.' Living our lives totaly surrendered to Christ, serving Him above ourselves, and serving others is what a true servant is. A servant realizes that they were 'Purchased' by another and no longer are their own. Who are we truly owned by? Who do we truly serve? A servant only serves his master.
If you saw all of what the Lord has me doing on a daily basis you might think I do alot. You might even say "Don't be so hard on yourself Pete." I am not being hard on myself because if I do not admit the truth to myself I would become apathetic and complacent. Do not get me wrong, I do not believe in works at all. I believe that Jesus purhased me when I did not deserve it and that I could never pay Him back. The least I could do is serve Him in all that I do. So today I challenge you as I challenged our Bibles Study group. Examine our lives and see who really serves who. Examine whether or not we truly serve Jesus each and everday of our lives. Hold on because if you strive to be that servant, He is about to take you to places you only dreamed about. A place where only He can take you. A place where true love exists, and His love abounds. Be a ture servant~
Monday, January 14, 2013
Loving People to Hell / Louis Giglio Withdrawal
I must start this blog out by quoting Jesus in Matthew 11:12 "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Here is the question "When, and why have we quit being forceful in advancing the kingdom, and what has happened to the forceful men of God?"
My heart sank when I read Louis Giglio's withdrawal letter from giving the inaugral benediction. What happened to the 'Forceful' Jesus was talking about. My mind immediately looks to Peter, Paul, James, John, and the rest. Those who preached repentance, holiness and purity. Those who did not choose to be politically correct when offering the gospel, and who died Martyr's deaths forcefully taking hold of the kingdom of God. You see, Louis woudl rather love people to Jesus than make a stand for Jesus. He would rather not cause a 'Stink' and get people uspet over sin and God's moral laws. What a platform God opened up for him! What an opportunity to bring glory to Jesus by speaking truth and praying in front of millions for God to bring a revival to the United States. What a time to call our Nation to Repentance! Because of a sermon 15-20 years ago and for not wanting to offend the homosexual's, Louis withdrew. He would rather 'Love' people to Jesus instead of telling them the true gospel. All the Passion Concerts and Conferences will never get as much attention as Louis would have had to speak to the world.
My dear friends this is why prayer is no longer in our schools, and America kills 1.5 million babies a year through abortion. This is why homosexuality and same sex marriage is welcomed as okay instead of an abomination to the Lord. This is why professing Christians get as many divorces a year as unbelievers. This why sexual immorality is accepted in our present day. This is why before long we will not be able to say of our country "In God we trust." This is why Christmas will soon not be called Christmas, but a holiday. This is why other religions and beliefs are growing at a greater pace around the world, and in our country than Christianity.
I have Pastor friends on Facebook and sadly enough they always post scriptures that love people to hell rather than scriptures that lead people to the cross. They want to encourage out of love instead of preaching as John the Baptist, Jesus and the others preached. The Word of God was written to show us how far off the mark we are, so that we can realize the ture meaning of Grace. It wasn't written to make us feel good. It was written to slap pacifiers in our mouths, and have people pat us on the posterior. It was written to change us into the people Jesus died for, and not people who shrink back. It was written so that we trust in God and stand firm for what the Word says regardless of who gets offended. we need to love people to the cross as Jesus did. He said "I have come not to bring peace, but a sword." His Word is the sword that will divide unto the morrow, but as long as men who are being raised up to preach and teach truth don't seize the moment, then America will continue to be heading down hill like a snowball headed for hell.
So, the ball is in our court now. We know the truth of what this blog stated and now what will we do? Will we begin to forcefully take hold, or will continue to shrink back. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new day, and God is going to place people in our paths that need a Savior. Will you love them enough to tell them the truth, or love them to hell so that they will feel good~
My heart sank when I read Louis Giglio's withdrawal letter from giving the inaugral benediction. What happened to the 'Forceful' Jesus was talking about. My mind immediately looks to Peter, Paul, James, John, and the rest. Those who preached repentance, holiness and purity. Those who did not choose to be politically correct when offering the gospel, and who died Martyr's deaths forcefully taking hold of the kingdom of God. You see, Louis woudl rather love people to Jesus than make a stand for Jesus. He would rather not cause a 'Stink' and get people uspet over sin and God's moral laws. What a platform God opened up for him! What an opportunity to bring glory to Jesus by speaking truth and praying in front of millions for God to bring a revival to the United States. What a time to call our Nation to Repentance! Because of a sermon 15-20 years ago and for not wanting to offend the homosexual's, Louis withdrew. He would rather 'Love' people to Jesus instead of telling them the true gospel. All the Passion Concerts and Conferences will never get as much attention as Louis would have had to speak to the world.
My dear friends this is why prayer is no longer in our schools, and America kills 1.5 million babies a year through abortion. This is why homosexuality and same sex marriage is welcomed as okay instead of an abomination to the Lord. This is why professing Christians get as many divorces a year as unbelievers. This why sexual immorality is accepted in our present day. This is why before long we will not be able to say of our country "In God we trust." This is why Christmas will soon not be called Christmas, but a holiday. This is why other religions and beliefs are growing at a greater pace around the world, and in our country than Christianity.
I have Pastor friends on Facebook and sadly enough they always post scriptures that love people to hell rather than scriptures that lead people to the cross. They want to encourage out of love instead of preaching as John the Baptist, Jesus and the others preached. The Word of God was written to show us how far off the mark we are, so that we can realize the ture meaning of Grace. It wasn't written to make us feel good. It was written to slap pacifiers in our mouths, and have people pat us on the posterior. It was written to change us into the people Jesus died for, and not people who shrink back. It was written so that we trust in God and stand firm for what the Word says regardless of who gets offended. we need to love people to the cross as Jesus did. He said "I have come not to bring peace, but a sword." His Word is the sword that will divide unto the morrow, but as long as men who are being raised up to preach and teach truth don't seize the moment, then America will continue to be heading down hill like a snowball headed for hell.
So, the ball is in our court now. We know the truth of what this blog stated and now what will we do? Will we begin to forcefully take hold, or will continue to shrink back. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new day, and God is going to place people in our paths that need a Savior. Will you love them enough to tell them the truth, or love them to hell so that they will feel good~
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
What Would You Do?
Everyday we are faced with the opportunities to either 'Love as Christ loved' or allow a person to walk away that needed to hear the truth. Contrary to most opinions and assumptions "I almost always battle with 'Running' or 'Standing.'
At the food and clothing pantry that I volunteer at, these opportunities are always forth coming. You know that you will be looking into the eyes of people who have been decieved, and are comfortable in their sin (reminds me of me many years ago). Yesterday was no exception, and it was the first time this year in which we were open. We needed to start from scratch with everyone asking them all the necessary questions involving those in their household that they were picking food up for (This really gets out of hand with who they claim). A woman in which I had helped over the last motnhs of last year sat down in front of me. She is always presentable, and definitely looked like she would not have anything in her life that would be sending her away from the cross instead of to it. When it came time to question her about the other person she was claiming, the blurted out his name and it was not the same as hers. I asked her "Is this your husband?" She replied "No it is my boyfriend." I was a little taken back because this womans demeanor and personality would be of one with the utmost integrity. I asked her if she went to church and she responded "Yes" and told me where she attended. With that I laid down my pen and asked her if she knew what the Bible said. She looked at me and nodded her head 'yes.' Then I said "_____, do you not know that the Bible says that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God?" She sat there and frowned as I went through the scriptures with her stating the fact that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. I then asked her what she was teaching her daughters and her grandchildren and she replied "Not good." At the end of the conversation I asked her this "_____, If Jesus was sitting right here in my chair what do you think He would be telling you?" She said "The same thing." I asked her if she would like me to pray with her and she quickly said "yes."
Unfortuantely we have drifted so far outside the morality of God and His Word that we don't even think about making a stand anymore. It really isn't making a stand solely for Christ, but also for that other person. This lady was heading to hell, and no one had the courage to say anything to her. I do not want that blood on my hands for sharing the Biblical truth with anyone. I know that the Spirit of God dwells within me because I cannot help but tell people the truth about Jesus and eternity.
What have you done, and what will you do now? Do you know people who according to the scripture are heading to hell becaus of their choices and lifestyles? Will you love as Christ and tell them the truth, or will you 'Hope' someone else does before their time is up. I am not afraid of people not liking me, or the stand I take for the truth and the Word of God. I am afraid that if I do not tell them, that they will die and spend eternity in hell because I was afraid to tell them the truth. How could I stand before my Savior thinking He would say "Well done my faithful servant." What are you going to do?
At the food and clothing pantry that I volunteer at, these opportunities are always forth coming. You know that you will be looking into the eyes of people who have been decieved, and are comfortable in their sin (reminds me of me many years ago). Yesterday was no exception, and it was the first time this year in which we were open. We needed to start from scratch with everyone asking them all the necessary questions involving those in their household that they were picking food up for (This really gets out of hand with who they claim). A woman in which I had helped over the last motnhs of last year sat down in front of me. She is always presentable, and definitely looked like she would not have anything in her life that would be sending her away from the cross instead of to it. When it came time to question her about the other person she was claiming, the blurted out his name and it was not the same as hers. I asked her "Is this your husband?" She replied "No it is my boyfriend." I was a little taken back because this womans demeanor and personality would be of one with the utmost integrity. I asked her if she went to church and she responded "Yes" and told me where she attended. With that I laid down my pen and asked her if she knew what the Bible said. She looked at me and nodded her head 'yes.' Then I said "_____, do you not know that the Bible says that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God?" She sat there and frowned as I went through the scriptures with her stating the fact that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. I then asked her what she was teaching her daughters and her grandchildren and she replied "Not good." At the end of the conversation I asked her this "_____, If Jesus was sitting right here in my chair what do you think He would be telling you?" She said "The same thing." I asked her if she would like me to pray with her and she quickly said "yes."
Unfortuantely we have drifted so far outside the morality of God and His Word that we don't even think about making a stand anymore. It really isn't making a stand solely for Christ, but also for that other person. This lady was heading to hell, and no one had the courage to say anything to her. I do not want that blood on my hands for sharing the Biblical truth with anyone. I know that the Spirit of God dwells within me because I cannot help but tell people the truth about Jesus and eternity.
What have you done, and what will you do now? Do you know people who according to the scripture are heading to hell becaus of their choices and lifestyles? Will you love as Christ and tell them the truth, or will you 'Hope' someone else does before their time is up. I am not afraid of people not liking me, or the stand I take for the truth and the Word of God. I am afraid that if I do not tell them, that they will die and spend eternity in hell because I was afraid to tell them the truth. How could I stand before my Savior thinking He would say "Well done my faithful servant." What are you going to do?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Start 2013 Out Right by Telling the Truth
2013 can be a really great year for all who are with Christ instead of against Him. You might be wondering if you attend a church, or have gone to church over the years, attneded a Bible STudy, been Baptized, etc., how this might apply to you and others.
I am always looking back at my journey and seeing through it just what kept me away from the cross instead of heading towards it. I had been told all my life that I was a Christian because of going to church, being baptized, or being not that bad a person but believing in God. Why would I need to change if I was a Christian? After all don't everyone who calls themself a Christian go to heaven?
Jesus words were very clear back when He spoke them just as they are very clear today "You will know them by their fruits." Having t-shirts, Christain items, and Christian music does not by any means make anyone a Christian. Keith Green made it pretty clear years ago when he said "Going to church no more makes you a Christian, than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger." The same applies for anyone thinking they know Jesus, or God.
I wish today that when I was living like the world that people would have told me the truth "Pete, you aren't a Christian!" Why? Because then I might have changed and become one. We are by no means the Holy Spirit and only the holy Spirit can convict someone. However; the Holy Spirit will use us to tell others the truth instead of the lie that they have bought in to. According to scripture, Christians are to be Holy, pure, and righteous. This does not mean only in certain areas of their lives, but in all areas of their lives. I have witnessed clergy, leaders in churches and people calling themselves Christians justify cussing, drinking, lying, lusting, and so forth make excuse and justify why it's okay for them. Is this truth? Not accordign to scripture.
In Romans 2 Paul makes it pretty clear that before we can help anyone by thelling them what they are doing wrong, then we need to have our own lives right and above approach, David states in psalm 51 that He needs to have a right Spirit and a broken and contrite heart before he can teach the sinners the error of their ways (Paraphrased). So, look in the mirror. Is there anything that is not right in your life? Anything that is not Holy, pure or righteous. If there is then you are experiencing God's grace, and you can hit your knees and repent. He is giving you that opportunity to start clean and with a fresh slate. Now, (Don't go out looking for someone) If someone who professes to be a Christian is doing anything that is not right with God, then tell them out of love that they aren't a Christian because of what is in their life. If they do not recieve it and get upset, then they need the Holy Spirit in their lives and have assumed they have Him abiding in them. The Holy Spirit would never allow a Christian to continue in sin. We need to take up our cross (As Jesus told us to) and become who Christ died for. We need to love as Christ did and tell those who are religious the truth. Jesus told the Religious that they were sons of Abraham and not God. If Christ is in us then we will do as He did, and the truth will set them free~
I am always looking back at my journey and seeing through it just what kept me away from the cross instead of heading towards it. I had been told all my life that I was a Christian because of going to church, being baptized, or being not that bad a person but believing in God. Why would I need to change if I was a Christian? After all don't everyone who calls themself a Christian go to heaven?
Jesus words were very clear back when He spoke them just as they are very clear today "You will know them by their fruits." Having t-shirts, Christain items, and Christian music does not by any means make anyone a Christian. Keith Green made it pretty clear years ago when he said "Going to church no more makes you a Christian, than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger." The same applies for anyone thinking they know Jesus, or God.
I wish today that when I was living like the world that people would have told me the truth "Pete, you aren't a Christian!" Why? Because then I might have changed and become one. We are by no means the Holy Spirit and only the holy Spirit can convict someone. However; the Holy Spirit will use us to tell others the truth instead of the lie that they have bought in to. According to scripture, Christians are to be Holy, pure, and righteous. This does not mean only in certain areas of their lives, but in all areas of their lives. I have witnessed clergy, leaders in churches and people calling themselves Christians justify cussing, drinking, lying, lusting, and so forth make excuse and justify why it's okay for them. Is this truth? Not accordign to scripture.
In Romans 2 Paul makes it pretty clear that before we can help anyone by thelling them what they are doing wrong, then we need to have our own lives right and above approach, David states in psalm 51 that He needs to have a right Spirit and a broken and contrite heart before he can teach the sinners the error of their ways (Paraphrased). So, look in the mirror. Is there anything that is not right in your life? Anything that is not Holy, pure or righteous. If there is then you are experiencing God's grace, and you can hit your knees and repent. He is giving you that opportunity to start clean and with a fresh slate. Now, (Don't go out looking for someone) If someone who professes to be a Christian is doing anything that is not right with God, then tell them out of love that they aren't a Christian because of what is in their life. If they do not recieve it and get upset, then they need the Holy Spirit in their lives and have assumed they have Him abiding in them. The Holy Spirit would never allow a Christian to continue in sin. We need to take up our cross (As Jesus told us to) and become who Christ died for. We need to love as Christ did and tell those who are religious the truth. Jesus told the Religious that they were sons of Abraham and not God. If Christ is in us then we will do as He did, and the truth will set them free~
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