I Know You

Being a parent can be challenging at times, but most the experience is very rewarding.  Our little children rely on us for safety and security.  As long as young children know their parent is watching, they feel confidant and bold in their actions.  They will explore the backyard or playground with smiles on their faces if they know they are safe. 

At times, we forget that we have a heavenly Father who is always watching over His children here on earth.  We forget that Jesus is in the boat and freak out over the littlest things and wonder way we don’t feel safe and content.  I have learned that if I don’t trust my heavenly Father in the little things, I won’t trust Him when the storms of life come crashing in. 

Today, my beautiful wife was on Skype with her father (who is in the Philippians).  Jeanette could hear him and see herself on the screen, but couldn’t see the video feed of her dad.  Because she couldn’t see her dad, she began to make funny faces at herself.  After awhile Timmy sat next to Jeanette and her dad said hi to him.  Jeanette then asked her dad, “can you see me?”  Her dad said, “yes” and Jeanette knew that he had seen her making all kinds of funny faces at the screen not knowing that her father had seen everything.     

As we journey through life, we at times forget that our heavenly Father can see EVERYTHING!  Heaven can see us in the work-place, home, car, store, and church.   If we are keeping our eyes locked on Jesus and discipline ourselves to walk as He walked, we don’t have to worry about what our Father observes from His throne.  If have the love of God in our hearts and strive to be like Jesus in all that we think, say, and do, we can be like little children who feel safe and secure in the presence of their Father.

Let’s run to our heavenly Father everyday (Bible study and prayer) and stay safe in His arms of love. 

“He knows the secrets of the heart” — Psalms 44:21.

Healthcare Crisis

Won’t it be nice when we are in heaven with Jesus and don’t have to worry about healthcare, health insurance, and healthcare bills?

When it comes to healthcare I have been on both sides of the fence. There were times when I didn’t have health insurance and was worried about getting sick. A few years back, my appendix decided to rebel against my body. It felt like someone stabbed me in the gut with a long kitchen knife and I fell on the floor in excruciating pain. I tried to reason away the pain, thinking it may be food poisoning. After putting off the hospital visit as long as I could, I eventually gave in and went to the ER. The doctors thought I had waited to long and that my appendix had already burst and rushed me into the operating room. Thank God it had not burst yet.

The main reason I chose not to go right to the hospital was because I didn’t have health insurance. The hospital stay and surgery cost a slamming $7,000. My wife and I didn’t have the money to pay the bills, but soon discovered that churches throughout the conference had joined together to paid the whole thing.

Today, President Obama is trying to come up with a solution to the healthcare problem that millions of Americans are facing. In favor of President Obama or not, we must realize that millions of men, women, and children cannot afford health insurance and are scared to death about getting sick.

Is President Obama’s plan perfect? I don’t know. But I do know that he wants to see the uninsured to be taken care of. Is that a sin? NO!

If FedEx (private company) and UPS (government company) can work side by side to take care of our shipping needs, I believe that private and government insurance companies can work side by side to take care of our healthcare needs.

Everyone needs quality and affordable healthcare (period)!!! Please pray that God’s will be done. I believe that God doesn’t want His children to stay quiet when millions of His other children are suffering. Let’s STAND UP FOR JESUS!!!

GET INVOLVED TODAY!!!

LIFE 101

It’s hard to understand all the works of the Lord. He is God and I am not. He is all wise and I have wisdom He has given me. He knows what is best for my family and me… I just need to trust that He is leading in all that goes on in our lives.

I thank God for teaching me that it’s not my place to worry about LIFE. As a minister, I have to deal with rebellious Christians, church politics, and complaining saints. But through it all, I have learned that God is in control. If I stay true to God’s truth and be the best I can be, He will do the rest. Why should I worry about those who complain and create drama when all I’m called to do is walk in Jesus’ footsteps while here on earth. I’m not called to fight with other human beings… I’m called to fight a spiritual battle. Through the power of God, I can have victory over sin in my life and help others break the chains of spiritual bondage (seeking and saving the lost).

I hope and pray you will discover Jesus for yourself… If you do, you will experience inner-joy and peace of mind. When we have Jesus, we will not get all bent out of shape over the failures of other human beings. Because the love of God is in our hearts, we will love and accept people right where they are in their spiritual journey. We will not spiritually attack and abuse others with condemning words, looks, and gossip.

Life is difficult enough……………… Let’s pray that God will give us victory over SELF. As we experience victory in Jesus, we will begin to shine brighter and brighter in a dark and dying world.

Let’s try to uplift and encourage those around us everyday (starting with our family). May the good Lord bless and keep you safe in His arms of love!!!

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world’s rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. 6:12

God Is Love!

I got to walk/run this morning by a little lake here in Maryland.  EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL!  I used the time to pray and sing (glad no one was around to hear) praises to my Father in heaven.  I am soooooooo thankful for His love, nature, truth, etc……… I hope you are plugging into God’s wonderful POWER everyday.  As you do so, I know that you will experience His lifesaving love like never before.  Let me know if you need to talk and/or pray together.  Take care and God bless!

Rebellion and Broken Relationships – Leadership Part 2

Our God is God who loves relationships. The Creator of the universe loves healthy relationships and because His is God, He knows what best in each of our lives. That’s why He has given us Biblical teachings, guidance, and truth. This heavenly guidance is designed to keep us safe in His arms of love and help create a healthy relationship between fallen humanity and Himself.

But, we like the taste of sin. We like to feel good in the present and rarely look to the eternal future (Jesus). If we allow cycles of sin to define our everyday lifestyles, we are lost from God (disobedient). Our God of love will only tolerate disobedience for so long, then He allows trying times to come into our lives to help awake us from our lukewarm sleep.

In Jeremiah 11, God works through His servant Jeremiah to communicate messages of truth and warning.
Go and tell the people of Judah and those who live in Jerusalem… The man who refuses to live by the terms of my covenant is destined to die — Jer. 11:2, 3.
The Lord spoke to me again, “Go and proclaim my message in the cities of Judah and on the streets of Jerusalem. Urge the people to listen to the words of my covenant and obey them” — Jer. 11:6.
But they didn’t listen or pay attention to what I said… — Jer. 11:8.

In Jeremiah 11, God warns His people two times before He decides to allow “trying times” to enter their rebellious lives. “Therefore, I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape from and one which they will not forget — Jer. 11:11. The heavenly Father tries to reach the hearts of His children through “teaching,” but they chose to follow after their own lust time and time again.

Today, many professed Christians are rebelling against their heavenly Father. We worship the way we want to worship… we treat our bodies the way we want to treat our bodies (food and drink)… we entertain ourselves the way we want to entertain ourselves… and so on, and continue to ignore the voice of God spoken through His Word and spiritual leaders.

Spiritual leaders who love God and are uncompromising in the faith are despised by those who call themselves Christians, but don’t really know Jesus. Just like in Old Testament times, professed Christians today are saying, “if you prophecy (teach truth) one more time in the name of the Lord, we will kill you (Jer. 11:21). A Jesus-loving, uncompromising church leader may not be physically killed in U.S.A. churches, but those who are in direct opposition to God’s truth will try their best to kill his or her character and ministry.

Jesus-loving and uncompromising church leaders and members have nothing to fear (No Fear!). God promises to protect His obedient and bold servants… “So I wan you to get ready to stand up against the people and tell them everything I command you. Don’t be afraid to speak up… I will be with you and you will be like a fortified city, an iron pillar, a bronze wall… They will resist you and fight against you, but they will not overcome you because I am with you and will protect you” — Jer. 1:17-19.

When God asks you to stand up for Him (He calls EVERY true Christian), don’t be afraid… I know you can be a modern-day disciple for Jesus and effectively minister in your circle of influence. May the good Lord bless you with wisdom and understanding as you go to work for Him.

Love

Jesus amazes me… He takes just about everything that comes natural to the human flesh and requires the exact opposite.

“You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven.” — Matthew 5:43-45

I don’t know about you, but I would prefer to hate my enemies, curse those who curse me, and have nothing to do with those who despitefully use and persecute me. BUT, my wonderful God of love says, “love!”

Even though my inner-self wants to be selfish and unforgiving, my all knowing God knows that the outcome will always painful. That’s why He says, “love!” If we truly surrender all at the foot of the cross and are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will become the love the world around us needs. Everything we say, do, and think will be generated by the love of God.

Whenever we are tempted to hate, we must look to our God of love and ask for wisdom and strength. We must allow Jesus’ saving blood to wash over and through us, taking away the fear and anger. When this type of surrender is activated in our lives, we will love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who despitefully use and curse us… This type of love will transform us into sons and daughters of the Father in heaven.

Jesus Will Catch You

LAWRENCE, Mass. (March 30) — Two Massachusetts men are being hailed as heroes by police for catching a toddler who fell 40 feet from a home’s third-story window.

Robert Lemire told the reporter he was talking on his cell phone Sunday evening outside a pizza shop in Lawrence, about 25 miles north of Boston, when he saw the toddler hanging from a window across the street.

The 45-year-old father of two bolted across a busy street, where he met 23-year-old Alex Day, who had been inside the building at a Bible study meeting. Lemire pointed out the dangling child, and the two men ran to stand underneath her. Suddenly, she dropped
“As soon as I told him what was happening, we both looked up and there she came,” Lemire said.

Together, Lemire and Day caught 18-month-old Caliah Clark before she hit the ground.
Lawrence Police Chief John Romero credited the men’s fast action with saving the child’s life. http://news.aol.com/article/men-catch-falling-toddler/404029

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God — John 1:1. God lovingly created this world perfect. Eve and then Adam decided to climb out the window to see what it was like on the other side of God’s love and protection. God saw His children hanging on the edge and instantly prepared for their fall. He didn’t let the human race go splat in the sidewalk. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son… Through His Son Jesus, God caught us as we were falling and provided salvation from eternal death.

Today, you can decide if you want to remain safe in the heavenly Father’s arms of love. The choice is yours! If you decide to jump out of your Father’s arms, into eternal separation and death, the choice is yours. Please accept God’s free gift of love and salvation. In doing so, you will experience inner-happiness and joy… you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and the power only He can offer. Through Jesus… victory is yours!

Church Leadership – Part 1

Being a PASTOR can be one of the most difficult jobs in the world (that’s my personal opinion). We must spend a lot of time studying, writing, preaching, traveling, counseling, leading, putting out fires, organizing, casting visions, and so much more. Even though we are loved or liked at times, we must endure spiritual and mental abuse on a regular basis. We must be careful of how we talk, act, and think. Not only that, we must be careful of how we use our body language and facial expressions. This type of work can be spiritually, mentally, and physically exhausting.

Then there is the pastoral family. Even though a good pastor will try his best to shield his family from the spiritual and mental abuse put forth by some church members, we can never block the pain 100% of the time. The pastoral family must deal with gossip, complaining, judgment, isolation, anger, and abuse. When a family observes their father and husband being spiritually and mentally attacked, the experiences will impact everyone. At times, the pastoral family is praying, “Lord, save us from Your people!”

Is the pastoral experience all doom and gloom? No! Working with people can be very rewarding. Seeing people’s lives impacted and changed for God is very exciting.

After being a pastor for about five years now, I can feel for the prophet Jeremiah a little. Here was a young man who was called by God to communicate difficult messages truth to a rebellious people. Jeremiah did not feel confident in his divine calling… “Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child” (Jer. 1:6). But the good Lord reasoned with His servant… But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD (Jer. 1:7, 8). With this promise tucked into his heart, Jeremiah began to learn that when you are on God’s side of the spiritual battle, no one (human or demonic) can stand against you.

If a pastor is called by God to lead within His end time Church, he does not need to worry about church members who act-out in rebellious ways. Until Jesus comes, there will always be church members who spiritually and mentally abuse their pastors. But if the pastor is allowed to really lead a church family, these attacks can be minimized.

Pastors who love the Lord and study His Word and other good sources of wisdom, should be allowed to recreate our churches into safe havens of rest and spiritual growth. God wants all His churches to be visitor-friendly, family-focused, spiritually-balanced, and mission-driven. If wolves in sheep clothing sneak into the churches, the pastors (and church boards) should be allowed to protect the flock from the attacks of the devil. Any theology and teachings that undermine the spiritual foundation and structure of the Church are demonic in nature and must be dealt with swiftly and lovingly. If the churches and local conferences support this type of leadership, our churches will become healthier and stronger.

Pastoral ministry can be very rewarding, but… “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD (Jer. 1:17-19).

WORD! Study the Word!

Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth — 2 Timothy 2:15.

I wish more people would REALLY study the WORD. When I say study, I mean picking a text, passage, or chapter and really taking the time to understand what God is trying to say. Even though the Apostle Paul was writing the above words to Timothy, I know that God was speaking through Paul to me here in the 21st century. Just about everything in the Bible is for me… just as they are for you. There are some cultural themes that cannot be applied to us, but for the most part, God used His prophets to speak to people in every age.

If we desire to present ourselves approved to God in the end of time, we must truly study the Word of God. With the assistants of the Holy Spirit, we can rightly divide the Word of Truth and be workmen and workwomen who are not ashamed to stand in the presence of God.

If more and more professed Christians prayerfully studied the Bible, our churches would be filled with “modern-day disciples” who are ready to finish the gospel work. If you don’t “feel” like studying the Bible, discipline yourself in this lifestyle habit. Even if you study the Bible for five minutes, this will give you spiritual fuel (power) to help you have victory over the devil. As you spend more days in study, you will begin to crave this special time with Jesus.

Remember… You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

Last, but not least… SHARE what you learn in the Bible with others on a regular basis. This type of spiritual discipline will open a channel of heavenly blessings. As God pours His blessings into your life, you will automatically become a source of hope and understanding to those you come into contact with. You can shine bright for Jesus in this dark and dying world!!!

Smile – Jesus Loves You!!!

Old Testament Hope

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, so that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope — Romans 15:4.

In this postmodern world, the average Christian looks for “hope” in the New Testament. We look to the gospels for the words of Jesus and Paul and other New Testament writers for words of grace and comfort. To often, we overlook a very important source of hope and understanding which is found in the Old Testament. The “God” of the Old Testament is considered to be different from the “God” of the New Testament. Anger vs. Love.

This unfortunate belief system is far from the truth. As I read through the Old Testament, I see a God of love, mercy, and hope. I also see a God who is organized, structured, and uncompromising. God tried His best to communicate His love to the people living in Old Testament times, but a large percentage chose to spit in His face and follow after the temptations of the devil (idol worship, pride, murder, adultery, human sacrifices, etc.). And just like any good father, God loving taught His children difficult lessons to draw them closer to Him. All the way through the Old Testament, we can see a “remnant” group of people who chose to love and obey their heavenly Father. I love to read the stories where God’s rebellious children listened to the voice of their prophet and return to God.

If you need hope, try to read the Old Testament with a new understanding. The scriptures in the New Testament times were the Old Testament. These were the scriptures that Jesus studied as He grew up in Nazareth. W.W.J.D.

Reread the above text and have a GREAT day in Jesus!