Refreshing rain...

Thankful!

2011-11-02T12:12:00.008-04:00

Just a 'Thank You' to the Lord, Family, Friends, Church & for all our blessings & for what God is doing in this 'New Season'. Blessed beyond measure! This is a song my mom used to love to sing & it still rings true today & sums up my feelings this Thanksgiving Season! God is great & Life is Good! Thank you Lord! "Thank You Lord, For Your Blessings On Me" - Gordon Mote & Jason Crabb http://youtu.be/v0svXA-oRTk Click, enjoy & Be Blessed!

Today's Judas!

2011-04-18T11:47:00.010-04:00

Judas in the church today can come in many ways & through many different people. The thought of Judas normally makes us think of the one who betrayed Christ. A close friend with intimate access to Christ. Part of the inner circle, yet despite his closeness to Christ, when given the opportunity he betrayed the Lord with a kiss that lead to His cruel & unfair death.

A few things to ponder, understand & comprehend about today's Judas-

First, we all must have a Judas because as with Christ, God uses our Judas to launch us into our destiny. Despite the fact that Judas betrayed the Lord, it was part of the plan that God used to fulfill His purpose on earth. Same is true with us, every Judas in our life God will use to launch us closer to our destiny. Through every betrayal, disappointment & let down by people in our life's we learn, grow & mature into the person God has called us to be. Though the process can be difficult, it must be to move us into our purpose & fulfill God's plan in our life's. So learn to not curse your Judas and just know God must have a greater plan & is using your Judas to get you there faster! No Judas, no fulfillment of your destiny! Everyone who has a great plan from God on their life will have a Judas in their life. And when they manifest know you're closer to your true purpose than ever... so rejoice!

Secondly, For every Judas who is in your life that let's you down, hurts or betrays you in some way, shape or form, know they are simply a pawn in the hands of God to catapult you to your next level! Judas is usually in your life just for a season, then as quickly as they come into your life they leave. Please know any one who can leave you is not connected to your destiny. So don't mourn when they go instead rejoice that God has used them to get you on your way to all He has in store for you. When you experience the spirit of Judas, don't curse it, nurse it or rehearse it & God will reverse it for your good & His glory! Truth to live by that will set you free into new realms of your divine assignment!

Thirdly and I pray this challenges you to your core to do something that will keep you from staying or becoming a Judas. Every believer today who 'professes' to be a Christan and yet is not serving God whole heartily as the scripture instructs us to obey is in reality a modern day Judas. Every born again child of God should be serving Him, His house & His word to the fullest degree. When we don't we are in a sense betraying the plan, purpose & mandate of God. To prove you are not being mesmerized by the spirit of Judas (modern day apostasy) today you should be actively attending, supporting & involved in a local church doing your part to help promote the Kingdom of God. Your time, talent & tithe must be working to advance Christ & His work! Anything less is to live operating under & promoting a Judas mind-set.

If Christans don't do their part as instructed in the word of God, there can be no church, which is God's ordained structure to complete His call in the world today.

Ask yourself are you just using God or the church when you need them in your life, when there's a crises, when you need help or prayer? Are you just talking 'christianise' with no fruit? Are you hungry & desperate for more of God in your life or lukewarm, complacent & indifferent like some believer's living under a disillusionment of what it is to be a Christan & what's required of you. If you can't answer no to the above questions you might be a modern day Judas doing more to hurt the Kingdom of God than advance it. As hard as that is to swallow, it's truth & I pray you will re-position yourself to be a blessing God can use instead of a tool in the hand of Satan. His ways are not always our ways & know He loves you, desires to bless & fulfill His plan in your life, choose Christ only & forsake any & every spirit of Judas in your life today!

To every Judas spirit out there, just know your days are numbered, you will be revealed & God's people & purpose will prevail!!! Do your part to fulfill His work & not hinder it by not being a modern day Judas in the life's of His people or in His house. God bless, keep & reward you as you pursue Him in all truth!

The TRUTH about LOVE!

2011-03-02T21:48:00.004-05:00

Love is an amazing call God has placed on all our lives. In it's real form it's a beautiful gift to each one who experiences it. Love comes in many different forms, ways & expressions. There's nothing greater than to have it in our lives either by giving or receiving it.

True love can be challenging & misunderstood because it puts a demand on you to tell the truth, confront, correct & discipline. We see this carried out in our love for our children. We exercise this because we truly love them & desire the best for them. Also found in God's love for His children. "Whom the Lord loves He disciplines"

Let's be careful as believers to not use the 'Love Card' to excuse our actions or justify deception we are under. Alot of Christians today when confronted, corrected, or disciplined respond negatively by screaming that's not love. When in reality someone loves them enough to tell them truth but because of their own pride, immaturity or selfishness they can't receive it. So they respond like an immature child & sulk or rebel to get their way or prove their point. True love is not spiritual jargon we use to appear spiritual, prove a point or get more people in our corner.

So many church people hide behind false humility, super spirituality & use the 'Love' card to judge or condemn any & everyone who has not agreed with them in some shape or form. Most are Self appointed spiritual giants in their own eyes & forget that to scream that someone is not loving is also to judge them which is just as great a sin but they don't recognize this because their appetite for approval, title or position is blinding them to the TRUTH about LOVE. Usually this is obvious because their other appetites are out of control as well.

True love will cause you to deal with the "log in your eye before trying to remove the spec in your brothers" Jesus love was tough, straight forward, convicting & confronting demanding change & order. Responses the church today have a tough time embracing choosing rather to hide behind a love they really don't even understand or have never experienced due to their refusal to fully embrace the truth!

Let's get past talking about love & start living in reality that real love demands action and that action may not be popular or understood but does not lessen the fact that it is real love. (a challenge a true leader faces everyday) Stop playing the false 'Love card' to justify your spiritual superiority & belittle others you don't agree with. Never forget those who helped you get where you are even if today you don't agree with them because they loved you enough to tell you the truth! True love does not promote itself at the expense of judging & condemning others! Pray you can walk in the depths of true love & come out of the shallow waters of self justification! (and please don't be hypocritical while on your love soapbox to leave an anonymous comment because you think this is about you...said in true love!)

The Year of the Anointing!

2010-12-14T14:12:00.006-05:00

We are declaring 2011 the year of the anointing! Is. 10:27 declares ''It shall come to pass in that day...the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil." We are believing "it shall come to pass in that day" is for now & so we decree TODAY that the anointing shall destroy all:

-Fear

-Our past

-Every Curse

-All our sins

-All lack

-Every sickness & disease

-And every bondage

In Jesus Name!!!

King David declared "I have been anointed with fresh oil" so we declare the same for our lives as we embark on a new year. Fresh oil from Heaven for our new assignment in the new year!

1 Samuel 16:13, David was anointed to be King & immediately begins to run from Saul. He has new anointing on his life for a new assignment & the grace on his life for his former assignment has ended. A lot of believers in the body of Christ are experiencing this same thing. New grace for a new season with a new anointing!

Let's boldly declare the work of the anointing in & on our lives & let God's power destroy all the old & baggage from last year as we embark in the new year & believe for fresh oil to fill us so we can be renewed & revived. This is my prayer & I pray you will make it yours so we can move together into our new season free, favored & fulfilled! God bless you as the anointing works in you!

Weird Warfare!

2010-11-03T11:17:00.005-04:00

The last year has brought on a Season of weird warfare for the believer. Just unusual & constant battle for the Child of God trying to overcome & walk in God's promises. That's why now more than ever we must be prepared daily for the battle that is at hand. Ephesians 6: 10-18 gives us specific instruction & our armour for this spiritual warfare we as Christians are thrust into on a daily basis. The following are our weapons & how to apply them:

The Helmet of Salvation-with our salvation we must take on a new mind, the renewed mind in Christ with evil thoughts taken captive & our imaginations brought under subjection to the Word of God. Thinking only on those things that are pure, honest, clean & praiseworthy!

Breastplate of Righteousness- this serves to protect our heart. We must keep our hearts pure, tender, sensitive & broken before God. Confessing any & all unforgiveness, bitterness & worldliness. Ask God daily for a clean heart, burdened for the things of God!

Shield of Faith- Believe God to give you a new measure of Faith, to stir the gift of Faith up within you & to help your unbelief. Confess & speak faith scriptures to & over your situations, believing it shall be done! Heb.11:1 & 6!

Sword of the Spirit- which is the Word of God that is "yea & amen, cannot return void, must accomplish that which it's set forth to do." Decree & Declare the scriptures against your enemy so that no weapon formed will prosper & all those that rise against you will fall!

Belt of Truth- to live in truth, tell the truth & know the truth so that any & all deception is exposed & dealt with in your life. "You shall know the truth & the truth shall set you free!"

Feet shod with the preparation of Peace- that your steps would be ordered, paths made straight with the gifts & the fruit of the Spirit operative & evident in your life. Being a peace maker everywhere you go!

If you're in weird warfare cover yourself daily with this Armour of God praying specifically these things & putting on these weapons "knowing the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through the pulling down of strongholds!"

Alignment!

2010-08-26T10:49:00.005-04:00

Alignment is so important for our lives to function properly. Alignment effects so many areas we have to deal with regularly: Our back has to be aligned for us to be able to walk correctly, our car tires have to be aligned for us to drive it properly and our lives need to be in alignment with God for us to prosper in life! There are three areas we need to pray for Divine alignment in our lives:

1. Divine Alignment in our Relationships- forming & having proper relationships in our lives is extremely important to function healthy & strong. Ask God to bring all your relationships into Divine alignment so that you can move in Kingdom relationships that promote you not hinder you!

2.Divine Alignment in our Resources- having the touch & blessing of the Lord on our resources will cause you to prosper & be blessed no matter what the economy or recession is doing. There is a mandated blessing on the believer whose finances are in line with the Word of God!

3. Divine Alignment in our Reasons- If you can understand why you're going through what you're having to go through & allow God to give you the grace, strength & wisdom you need to go through it you will live life a whole lot more enjoyable than if not. Understanding is key when going through the process!

Not only is it important that you ask God to bring you into a New Divine Alignment so your life can function healthier body, soul, mind & Spirit but also ask God to bring you into Kingdom Alliances & Assignments. For more info on this topic you can visit our newdestinychurch.com webpage & click on our podcast sermons to hear this message in it's entirety! God bless you as you begin your journey anew in Divine Alignment!!!

Brokenness!

2010-07-02T11:03:00.002-04:00

Taken from Watchman Nee's book "The Release of the Spirit"-"Why is it after so many years under the Lord's dealing, some remain the same? Some individuals have a forceful will, many have powerful emotions and others have a strong mind. Since the Lord is able to break these, why is it, after so many years, some are still unchanged? We believe there are two main reasons:

First, they live in darkness. Hence they do not see the hand of God. While God is working, while God is attempting to break their natural, soulish strengths, they do not recognize it as being from Him. They are devoid of light seeing only men opposing them. They imagine their environment is just to difficult, and their circumstances are to blame. So they linger in their darkness & despair. We must realize whose hand is dealing with us. It is not a human hand. Nor is it our family's hand. It's not the brothers & sisters' hand in the church. But it is Gods very own that is dealing with us, we must yield to this hand so we can learn & grow, mature & go deeper in Him. A process that comes from yielding not rebelling, remaining steady not running.

Second, another great hindrance in breaking the outer man is self-love. We must ask God to take away the heart of self love. As he deals w us we should respond from our heart not our head or emotions, our typical immediate way we respond to most things in life. Let us remember that the one reason for all misunderstandings, all fretfulness, all disappointments, is that we secretly love ourselves. Hence, we plan a way whereby we can rescue ourselves. Many times problems arise due to our seeking a way to escape--an escape from the working of the cross.

He who has ascended the cross & refuses to drink the vinegar mingled with gall is the one who knows the Lord. Many go up to the cross rather reluctantly, still thinking of drinking vinegar mingled with gall to alleviate their pain. They cannot drink of one cup, not two! Only such ones as these are the ones with out self love. Self love is a basic difficulty with most believers. May the Lord speak to us today that we might pray, Oh God, I have seen that all the things come from You. All my hardships these past five, ten or twenty years, are of You. You have worked to attain your purpose, which is none other than You living Your life through me. But I have been foolish. I failed to see this. I did many things to defend myself, thus delaying Your time. Today, I see your hand in all my situations. I am willing to offer myself to you. Once again, I place my life and self in Your hands!"

This book is insightful, educational, revelational & rewarding. A great read for every believer who desires to stay in the center of His will. Blessings on all who are pursuing the Master in Spirit & in Truth! Know God is using your brokenness to make you into His image, yield & be made whole now!

WHY TRANSITION?

2010-05-20T11:05:00.007-04:00

Statistics say every organization must re-invent itself every 5 years to stay modern & current, which produces continued growth, health & success of the organization. The same is true of us as individuals & even corporately as a church. It also can be called "Transition" or even "Paradigm Shift." Meaning you must experience a metamorphosis or continual change, be stretched & become fluid to stay alive & in this thing we are called to in life.

Here in lies the difficult part with shifting, changing & transitioning. One, because we like familiarity, comfortableness & things to stay the same, especially if it's all good. And secondly, we don't always understand the process of transition or paradigm shift. Because it means we may be subtracted from for a season before we are added back to with a greater more defined purpose.

Here is a truth if you are facing, going through or experiencing a paradigm shift or transition:

"In transition you experience a repetitive 'people drain' cycle. It's the shaking God uses to separate fakers from the shakers. Fakers are people whose agenda is contrary to God's plan for your life. Shakers are called, anointed & equipped to change atmospheres & shift outcomes. Fakers are change-resisters; shakers are world changers. Transition is God's way of shaking all the fakers out of your life." What profound truth that brings clarity to transitions in our life!!!

Here are a few other facts about Paradigm shift & transition that will help you get through to what God has in store for you:

1. Transition is about what's right with you not what's wrong with you!

2. The deeper your transition the greater will be your promotion!

3. In transition God will give you multiplication through subtraction!

4. Transition is simply nothing more than a destiny move!

5. In transition your leanness will turn into largeness because your only subject for a season!

Remember this, You have to go through it to get to it! And until your transition season is over, remain steady, do not make any major decisions, stop talking to people who have no ability to help you with what you're facing & cry out for wisdom, grace & strength. Transition is only for a season & you will come out bigger & better, tell yourself that every day... ready, set, now SHIFT!

Breakthrough!

2010-04-08T13:25:00.005-04:00

It is time for you to have a Breakthrough! Not just a break, a temporary fix to an old problem or temporary relief from something needing a permanent solution. But a God Breakthrough! An unexpected, accidental on purpose, Breakthrough!!! Sometimes you might feel like you're going to have a Breakdown if you don't get your Breakthrough, that's why I'm declaring a Breakthrough over, in, to, thru & for YOU!!!

In 2 Sam 5:17-20 King David was anointed King of Israel & the Philistines immediately came against him in the Valley of Rephaim (Giants). Before he even had time to celebrate, his enemies were already plotting his demise. That is how it is with you & I. When you ain't got nothing, don't want to do nothing, & ain't gonna be nothing. You are no threat to your enemy & he leaves you alone. But the moment you decide I'm gonna BE something, I'm gonna DO something & I'm gonna GET something, the enemy comes against you and tries to stop it!

David prayed first, as we should, because before you ever get a breakthrough your gonna have to PRAY THROUGH! He inquired of the Lord, "Should I go up against the enemy & will I prevail?" The Lord answered emphatically & said "Yes, I will give you the Victory!" David triumphed over his enemy & changed the name from Valley of Giants to "Baal Perazim" or "The place of Breakthrough!"

God is going to Divinely & Supernaturally release new doors to you that will bring you into the place of Breakthrough! Get ready your Season is Shifting & God is giving you the Breakthrough you have so long desired & waited for. Believe it & receive it... it's at the door, BREAKTHROUGH!

The Weary Warrior!

2010-02-17T11:03:00.003-05:00

Recently, while ministering to people for prayer in the altar, a precious older saint said these words to me before I prayed with her, "I'm a weary warrior" it struck me so strongly & deeply that I prayed for her with all I had and did not relinquish until she had received the touch of God. She was getting renewed if I had to stay there all night. Thankfully tears of joy & refreshing came & she received what she needed from God!

I often discern this is the condition of many of God's choice children on the battlefield of life. Serving, praying, coming, giving, while waiting, believing & trusting. It's in the process we all can grow weary. Growing weary IS NOT a sin, doesn't mean you're backsliden, evil or rebellious. It means you've grown tired in doing good. That's why Paul encourages us in Gal. 6:9 "Let us not grow weary while doing good for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

The prophet warned us in Dan. 7:25 in the last days Satan would try & "wear out" the saints. Meaning to mentally tire, physically exhaust & cause to faint. A spirit of heaviness that skews your perspective causing discouragement & confusion, the best friends of weariness. These can lead you to isolation, hurting your self-image & leaving you with a defeated mind set with everything blown out of proportion, blaming others & what seems like a hopeless future. True?

Moses grew weary holding his arms up in the Battle, David grew weary due to constant stress, Job grew weary in the midst of heart wrenching trials, Paul grew weary in serving God. We can relate to any of these men today. Same story, different day. The solution is still found in what God told Elijah while running scared, confused & weary in 1 Kings 19. These are simple yet profound:

1) Get some rest & eat right. 2) Get a new perspective on life. 3) Renew your relationship with God. 4) Be a blessing to someone else. 5) Have someone minister to you! Trust if you're a weary warrior you will take heart today, draw strength from this truth & allow the Lord to refresh & renew you that can only come from times in His presence. Take heart, your weary because you've been doing good & He has promised you shall reap if you do not give up!!!

Let the Current Carry You!

2010-01-05T11:46:00.003-05:00

The current of God's Holy Spirit is once again moving mightily & calling ALL to get in & go with the flow of what He's doing. As we begin a New Year God's urging is for us us to get in, recognize & stay with the flow of the Holy Spirit! Do not be guilty of "having a form of Godliness but denying the POWER!" There is a rhythm in God's Spirit that you & I must tap into & move in today!

Ps. 46:4 tells us "there is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God." The Word "river" there literally means "Prosperity," not just of money but "whole"- body, soul, mind & spirit! When you stay in the current where God is moving, the result is you stay full of His Spirit, thus producing healthy & mature fruit! God wants you in this place so you can truly walk in Him with His blessing!

Ezekiel 47:9 depicts the river flowing out of the new Jerusalem & EVERYWHERE the river goes & touches lives & is healed! Let the river of God flow to, thru & in you so you can live the life Christ's death provided for you & walk in Divine Health!

The writer then goes on to give us four levels of the believers response to the River of God-

1. Ankle deep (vs.3) This is the Observation level where it's safe, you are judgemental & still can go either way with the things of God.

2. Knee deep (vs. 4) This is the Speculation level where you begin to size up, pick & choose the things of God, but still remain comfortable, safe & you can get out when you want!

3. Waist Deep (vs. 4) This is Participation level, agreeable & enjoyable but still not all the way in & at the first sign of challenge you can get out & go back to the familiar!

4. Must Swim (vs. 5) This is Revelation level where you're sold out, no choice anointing, growing, fully dependent on the water to carry you, no going back even if you wanted but moving with the current to deeper waters!!!

I challenge you to go deep this year so you can go long in the things of God! Jesus said in John 7:38 "he who believes in me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." What's flowing out of you? Have you become stagnant spiritually or are you in God's current & He is flowing out of you? Hope to see you in the deep end... that's where I'll be!!!

Seasons of our Lives!

2009-10-29T11:59:00.004-04:00

Life is Seasonal! There are MANY different seasons that come & go at MANY different stages in our journey. Seasons of friendships, Seasons of adversity, Seasons of growth, Seasons of plenty & Seasons of little, etc. The question is how do we navigate through each unique Season to come out a better person & stay the course so we come through each Season as a survivor. Not regretting or resenting our last Season but learning & growing from it. This should be our objective until the next & new Season comes forth in our lives!

The following are ways to handle & survive the Seasons of life:

1. Realize each Season is just that, a "Season" that will go as quickly as it came!

2. Learn to breathe & take each moment in as it will never pass this way again!

3. Discover what it is your to learn from this Season & how it can make you a better person!

4. Understand & believe "This to shall pass" it's not always gonna stay this way!

5. Believe you will get through this & something better is around the corner!

6. Expect something good to come from each experience that can make you learn & grow!

7. Trust all things are working together for your good even when it's bad at the moment!

8. Act in such a manner that when things change you don't regret anything said or done!

9. Speak what it is you want to see or needs to happen not just what you're seeing at the moment!

10. Live with no regrets, you can never change the past only set up your future!

I hope this information will be useful in helping you get through your present Season until your new Season arrives. Keep your chin up, life is seasonal & things will change, I promise!

What Happens when we all stand together!

2009-09-10T13:59:00.005-04:00

1 John 3: 18 says, "Little children, let us not LOVE in WORD or in TONGUE but in DEED & in TRUTH." Meaning we must stand, unite & join together as unto the Lord & do His will. Not just sit on the sideline of life & talk spiritual jargon. Love not in "word" but in "deed." To answer the call to not only DO SOMETHING for Him, but doing it together under & through the structure He has established on earth-His Church!

God is calling His body to stand together! It's when we answer that call that He can fulfill His work & plan for not only our individual lives but His plan for us corporately. And as we join together we have a greater impact on our community. Unity always results in the fulfillment of dreams & blessings. As being in dis-unity always results in strife, misunderstanding & eventually hurt. Thus it will alienate us away from God's purpose & plans for us & His body.

When we all stand together the Kingdom of God advances & the Kingdom of darkness is defeated! I guess if we all truly understood & believed we are in & part of a God's Kingdom on earth then we would stand together. By standing I mean supporting, coming together & moving in unity with one another. To do that would mean we move forward as an unstoppable force, having an impact in & on our homes, our families, our cities & the world. There the blessing of God would be!

Instead we have personal agendas, ulterior motives, selfish lifestyles & earthly Kingdoms that we are building. Each coming apart doing their own thing, their own way, in their own timing. Thus God's Kingdom suffers, where it could be stronger, could be better, could be doing more but due to lack of God's people standing together it is weaker, poorer & doing less. The result of NOT standing together!!

We need to ask ourselves where are we in doing our part in promoting the Kingdom so His will can be done & His will be accomplished on earth. Are we sanding together in deed & in truth or just in word & in tongue? One more time I encourage you to take your place, find your spot, do your part & help advance the greatest cause on the earth today, God's Kingdom. We cannot do that when we don't stand together!

The New Wineskin!

2009-08-05T14:38:00.002-04:00

Jesus said "And no one puts new wine into an old wineskin....but new wine must be put into new wineskins & both will be useful. And no one having drunk old wine, immediately desires new, for he says, the old is better." Lk.5:37-39

"New Wine" here represents the Holy Spirit & "Wineskins" represent vessells. 2 Cor. 4:7 "We have this treasure in earthen vessells that the POWER of God may be of God and not us." We are vessells that are supposed to carry the wine, Holy Spirit, of God. The New wine is what was prophesied by Joel & preached by Peter (Joel 2 & Acts 2) for the church to operate in today.

Not only is it way passed time for believers to take the new wineskin but it is the mantle that we as the body must embrace, walk in & carry out. With this new wineskin will come new ways...change. The greater the new wineskin the greater the ripping of the old. If God is changing things, leading in a new direction or it even seems messing things up, He might just be trying to form a new wineskin in you.

At first no one likes the change, the difference, the new wineskin but wants to hold on to the old, the familiar, that which we are comfortable in & with. Let God have His way, accept the new wineskin, embrace His direction, receive fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Don't just be a part of the move of God, start the move of God.

To many believers today have a form of Godliness but deny its power- the Holy Spirit! Simply receive fresh oil & new wine today by asking, seeking, getting, setting under a spout where the Glory & new wine is being poured out. Drink freely & drink as much & as often as you can!!!

If your found empty, dry & barren it will be because you didn't allow God to give you a new wineskin. My prayer & hope is we all walk in the new & enjoy it together.

Sorry, I can't Hear you!

2009-07-01T11:53:00.008-04:00

I am amazed today at how many believers talk christain jargon without any committment to a lifestyle of obedience. The following is a reality check, so please read with precaution. So many today have fallen into the trap of believing if they know how to say the right thing that sounds spiritual then they are okay. Isn't that really a form of spiritual pride? Trying to appear to be something you're not or worse yet talking like something your not? Isn't that called deception. Talking one way & acting another?

Just because we can use christian terms or words & sound spiritual doesn't mean we are spiritual. And by spiritual I mean "right" with God. Lukewarm christains today have fallen prey to the lie that if they use certain words & terms (i.e. love, grace, forgiveness, compassion, etc.) then they are right with God. It all sounds so good but we must put action to our words. We are called to not just talk it but walk it!!! Faith without works is....

God requires obedience in our lives in every area. With our time, talent, tithe & our talk! Without obedience in these & other areas we are in disobedience! God cannot & has never blessed disobedience no matter how spiritual we talk & try to sound. It would be better to be mute & obedient than be able to have a discourse of conversation with flattering words & be in disobedience. Hello, Anybody out there?

Today make sure that your "christian terminology lines up with your christian theology." Do more than try & sound spiritual, check your spirit, make sure your walking out & in obedience by serving the Lord in line with His word to the fullest & not just trying to impress everyone to make them think you're okay with your spiritual rhetoric!

We must have christains who are walking the talk & living it out so the church can not only be the church but do what the church is called to do. Sorry I can't hear you, your actions are speaking louder than your words.

Friends & Frien-enemies!!!

2009-06-01T17:50:00.008-04:00

If you have ever had any type of relationship with anyone then you will recognize these truths. In each of our lives there comes many different kinds & levels of friends, friendships, & frien-enemies. I will explain. Acquaintances that come into our lives, bonds we make with people, some stronger than others but all having influence upon us. Some for the good, some for the bad and some for us to learn & grow from. Some we cherish & some we wish we had never made. But all fall into the following categories:

1. Casual friends- people we know & associate with through work, church, schools, our neighbors, etc. with no immediate bearing on our lives. Social acquaintances that we can live with or without.

2. Friends for a reason- people who come into our lives we need at certain times for different reasons. To learn from, be challenged by, grow from or to teach us things we would not have other wise learned. These are important though we don't value or nurture them enough.

3. Friends for a season-people who we meet, get to know, might like, even fall in love with & enjoy. Then just as quickly as they came into our lives they go out. Sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. They can be hurtful yet meaningful at the same time. But mostly, after their purpose, we need or are ready for them to go & they do! Don't curse these but learn from them & grow.

4. Frien-enemies- people who claim to be our friends but when times get tough or something is said or done they don't like, not only are they out of there but they go out doing, saying & causing great hurt. These people always try & bring you down to their level in many ways. Accusing you of the very things they are or do. They are not & have never been a friend. Typically with you for what they can get & how it benefits them & when that's over, their gone. Somehow leaving a dent in your life with you asking the question why? But you go on!

5. Covenant Friends- people that come into our lives who are true & dear to us. We learn from them, are challenged by them, love them & hold them dear to our hearts & lives. Family members, spouses, our children or dear people who you really love & they really love you! These people are sent from God & stick by you in thick & then. Rare but to be treasured!

The saying is true, if you are a true friend, you will have true friends. And to him who shows himself friendly, he himself will also have many friends. Pray & ask God to make you a true friend, to give you true friends & to forgive you if you have ever been a frien-enemy.

Nothing else can touch us so deeply, move us so compassionately, wound us so quickly or teach us so greatly. Be a friend today because I can assure you, someone needs it!

What to do when facing a Mountain?

2009-05-06T11:05:00.005-04:00

Wouldn't it be great if we never faced challenges or had problems. The Bible says it rains on the just & unjust. Meaning everyone will have tough times. Ever face a Mountain? Stood in front of what seemed to be an insurmountable situation? We all have times when we're standing at the bottom of the mountain & don't know how we are going to get over, around or through it. If this is you then I pray the following gives you renewed strength, desire & hope!!!

God told Abraham to go up the mountain while carrying his promise, his son Isaac, & sacrifice that which he had waited on, hoped for & so desired. (Gen. 22) That's what a mountain is, something that challenges our heart, stands in the way of what we want & cost us to not have what we desire. It demands we pay a price sometimes we're not willing to pay. But Abraham obeyed God & faced the mountain by proceeding up it with sacrifice in hand.

That is why God allows Mountains, to work out our obedience, trust & growth. What Abraham didn't realize, just like with us, is that while he was going up one side of the mountain God was coming up the other with the answer & solution to his situation. "And there God provided a ram in the thicket for Abraham to sacrifice" (Gen. 22:13) Interesting How God didn't provide until he had faced, climbed & fulfilled obedience to the command. The same God expects that from you & I today facing our mountains!

If your facing a mountain today take courage in these truths from God's word about YOU-

1. "He shall Perfect that which concerns YOU!" Ps. 138:8

2. "He will keep that which YOU have committed unto Him!" 2 Tim. 1:12

3. "He knows the plans He has for YOU, to bless & prosper you!" Jer. 29:11

4. "He has ordered YOUR steps!" Ps. 37:23

5. "He who began a good work in YOU will complete it!" Phil. 1:6

And know this, behind every mountain is a breakthrough!! Jesus said, "If you believe, you can say to this mountain be thou removed & cast into the sea & it will be done." Praying with & for you today that your mountain be removed!!!

The Love Of God!

2009-04-05T17:13:00.004-04:00

There is a verse in one of my favorite songs, entitled "The love of God" that goes like this- "If we with with ink the ocean fill & were the sky of paper made, and every blade of grass on earth a pen & every man a writer by trade. To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole though it was stretched from sky to sky"

I love watching His love for us in action. I see it in His Word, His people, His house, His ways. His love is understanding, compassionate, patient, gentle, forgiving, empowering & enabling. We all experience this love on a daily basis. I am thankful that when I could not get to God, He got to me. And when every one else saw a sinner, through His love He saw a saint. His love for us is overwhelming, I can scarcely take it in.

I saw His love manifest recently when He reached out and saved a man's soul. Tears of repentance flowed, years of hurt, pain, abuse, bondage washed away as God's love replaced it with healing, forgiveness, freedom & cleansing. His love is a powerful agent for our troubled souls.

If today you are troubled, heavy in spirit, lost or confused, call upon His love and receive it freely. He is waiting to pour His love out upon you, He is no respecter of persons, so whatever you have done, wherever you have been, no matter how distant you feel. Take His love for you, it has never changed, remains the same & is waiting for you.

This month as we celebrate His resurrection, take joy in knowing it was for you He arose & through this single act provided everything you need. Reach up to God & bask in His love because He is reaching down to you. You will experience a love that is real & everlasting. "For God so loved you He gave His only son" WOW, I'm walking in that love!!!

Witchcraft in the pew?

2009-03-05T12:48:00.008-05:00

In 23 years of ministry I would like to be able to say I have seen it all, but as you know, our journey with Christ has many layers always revealing & learning more. Not to go to deep but the following is of vital importance in the church world today, especially for every true believer.

The scripture teaches us in 2 Cor. 2:11 "that we are to not be ignorant of His devices, lest Satan should take advantage of us." If you're like me, when we think of "witchcraft" we think of a haggard old lady with big hat, broom & wart on her nose. But the Bible teaches about many forms of witchcraft all in relationship to the believer. Eph. 6:18 "For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this age, spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places."

For the child of God witchcraft usually starts in the form of some type of rebellion, our old nature rising up becoming defensive, dissatisfied, disgruntled or more. 1 Sam. 15:23 says "for rebellion is as the sin of witch craft..." that's why we must not be ignorant of His devices. The spirit of Witchcraft comes in many forms in the church today ending with many results. For example, a Jezebel Spirit that goes against Godly authority & trys to ruin it's reputation, causing unnessary questioning in other people's mind. An undealt with "spirit of anger" causing hurt & offense with whoever it comes in contact with. The list can be long; unforgiveness, pride, arrogance, religious in nature but far from God & His true power! Remember the story of the girl in Acts 16:16, whose MOTIVES were impure & the disciples (who had God's authority) rebuked her & cast it out, read it & know your heart!

The following characteristics are some of the results of this Spirit operating or attacking you:

1. Isolation- to get you off the beaten path, away from others who can see & speak truth in your life, to separate you from what is right, even when justifiable. That's why the scripture says,"Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together." We need each other for iron to sharpen iron!

2. Chaos- lack of peace, questions, doubts, fears, confusion & turmoil. The Bible says, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches." 1 Cor. 14:33

3. Flattery- one moment critical of someone, then the next, that fake flattery to get them in your grip. False praise with hypocrisy to get you on its side. " A flattering tongue works ruin." Prov. 26:28

4. Control- always having to be right, everyone on your side, building a case. This leads to manipulation of others to get your way! End results are envy, strife & disunity."Mark the man who causes division among you & have nothing to do with him." Rom. 16:17

5. False Humility- trying to get others to feel sorry for you, sulking, victim mentality & even turning on the tears to try & get pity. This is pride masked in spiritual immaturity! The end result, failure, shame & destruction! "Pride comes before a Fall." Prov. 11:2 & 16:18

6. Slander- talking about others, gossip, spreading lies, & speaking about other believers. Witchcraft always tears down, God always builds up! "Whoever spreads slander is a fool." Prov. 10:18b

Other results of this Spirit operative or evident in your life- continual sickness, emotionalism, super spiritual, personal agendas, fatigue, bondages, and the like. Check yourself & make sure you are not a part or a conduit for these things. "For in the last days even the elect will be deceived." The bottom line of all witchcraft- deception! What to do? Repent, renounce, bind, claim the blood of Jesus, walk in humility & get restored to Gods word, His house & His people, HIS WAY!!!

Gal. 5:1 (AMP) " In freedom Christ has made us free (& liberated us) stand fast then, not hampered and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery which you have once put off."

How BIG is your Heart?

2009-02-03T14:23:00.003-05:00

Recently I have seen advertised a new reality show where people are tested to see what they would do when given an opportunity to help someone in need. Would they follow their heart & do what's right or just ignore the situation & continue on with their business? Truth is, each one of us are faced with this on a daily basis as we encounter people throughout our day. And not just strangers but even people we know, love & live with. Do we offer a helping hand, encouraging word, loving touch or miss out on so many God given chances because were so focused on ourselves? True love is to look beyond your self!

February is a month of love, recognizing those in our lives we love the most. There is a day set aside this month just for that, a box of chocolates is nice but I need to follow my heart & show love more than just on a set day. Because of the Love I've been shown, given & experienced how can I not give more love than is expected of me? It's a mandate that I & we each must answer.

To all the men, especially this month, I want to exhort you to answer the call to "Love your wife as Christ loves the church" Eph. 5:25. What a challenge, what a concept, what a calling. Why is it we can follow our heart & help others we don't know yet not love those most dearest to us that God has entrusted to our care? I'm challenged by that scripture & need grace to answer that call!

However I'm determined to have a BIG heart, do unto others, and try my hardest to love those around me & specifically those God has entrusted to me. "You can have all the gifts, operate in great faith but if you don't have love you are nothing" 1 Cor. 1:13

Not just this month but every month this year have a BIG heart & choose love every chance you're given. After all it should be a natural overflow of the love you've been given. Go BIG so you can give LOVE. How BIG is your heart? Hopefully big enough to show real true love, try it today & make it a habit, your reward will be great both here & there!

3 Things we need this New Year!

2009-01-03T15:31:00.010-05:00

Reversal, Recovery & Restoration! Three things we need to happen in our lives this new year for us to walk in all God has promised! I'm putting a demand on all three so that I might possess & walk in what is really already mine.

Reversal-

When Esther appeared before the King she needed God to reverse the wicked plans of Haman so that she & the Jews might live. She put a demand on the King & it worked! This year I need some plans & schemes of the enemy to be reversed & the traps He has set for me to catch himself! I'm asking God to reverse any & all plans the enemy has set this year for my demise, against my family, finances & future! Somebody shout REVERSAL!!!!

Recovery-

When King David ask the Lord if he should pursue the enemy at Ziklag & would he recover all, God said, "Pursue, overtake & you will recover all" There must be something that rises up in us this year with a fighting spirit that will enable us to recover all the enemy has prematurely put His hands on & tried to take from us. Devil, I'm getting all my stuff back & even the spoil that wasn't mine. More & then some!! The word says, "He recovered it ALL!"

Restoration-

When the widow woman returned after the seven year famine as instructed by the prophet Elisha & appeared before the King, Gehazi was there to testify on her behalf & she was restored her home & land with interest! This year ask God to have a messenger at the king's table when you get there to speak on your behalf, the scripture tells us "Christ is seated at the right hand of God making intercession for us" Claim all that is yours with interest, the famine of 08 is over & it's time to be restored!!!

I pray these thoughts are encouraging & inspiring enough to make you declare this new year that you will see the plans of your enemy REVERSED, so that you can RECOVER all & be RESTORED what was promised you in God's word. Touch two people & say, "THIS IS MY YEAR!!!"

This Holiday- Extend a Helping Hand!

2008-12-02T15:17:00.009-05:00

Whether we like it or not, the Holidays are here, the Christmas season is upon us. So we ask ourselves how can this year be different, more enjoyable & meaningful? I challenge you to extend & offer a Helping hand to someone else & see for yourself the joy that comes when you do for others. So Extend a Helping Hand!
Need a couple of good reasons to do so-remember the scripture says "to whom much is given much is required" & "to him who shows mercy (act of undeserved kindness) mercy will be shown." As you look for opportunities to extend a helping hand not only can it make a difference in someones life but it can effect your destiny as well. I believe the old saying is true, "what goes around comes around!"

Top Ten ways you can extend a helping hand this Holiday Season:

1. Forgive a grievance & set yourself & the other person free!

2. Show mercy to someone who you think is not deserving & release a grudge!

3. Do a random act of kindness for a total stranger & show God's love!

4. Give someone an unexpected, thoughtful gift or gesture & expect nothing in return!

5. Pay for someones groceries in line in front of you & glean from their awe!

6. Offer to help out someone in need & expect nothing in return!

7. Find a homeless shelter or feeding line & get involved by volunteering or serving!

8. Give someone an anonymous gift card for dinner out!

9. Buy a bag of everyday needed items, toiletries, etc. & leave on a Single mom's doorstep!

10. Give a smile, kind word of encouragement to someone you usually don't speak to!

None of these things will bring you stardom here but the one who keeps the records will surely reward you both here & there. Go ahead, offer someone a helping hand today, they may need it more than you could ever imagine. And it will make your Holidays alot brighter & blessed!

WHAT? ME PASSIVE?

2008-11-04T15:24:00.006-05:00

Passive-Definition-"to be inactive, lethargic, of no opinion, resisting demands by delay or procrastinating." This spirit of passivity that has settled on the Body of Christ today is unbelievable. Succumbing to this condition makes you indifferent, apathetic to not only your responsibility in the Kingdom of God but what is happening with the KOG!

Passive Christians are uninterested, unmoved & mediocre to the things of God. Therefore missing out on what is one of the most strategic times in the church world today. A time of positioning, awakening, empowering & blessing. God is raising up His Remnant on the earth today to accomplish His will, work & word! He's preparing the church & world for the greatest outpouring & move we have ever seen or experienced. Which will be a set up for His return!

The enemy of our soul has been masterful at lulling Christ's body to sleep so he can execute his plans. Meanwhile the passive christian/church is asleep, distracted, bitter, or in bondage, exhausted building their own earthly kingdoms while Christendom takes a blow because God's people are PASSIVE!!!

In 22 years of ministry I can say this issue is greater than it's ever been. The cold get colder & the hot get hotter, both not being able to tolerate the other! Producing a dysfunctional, disunified body thus defeated body! It starts with becoming passive & then staying there. Rev. 3:16 "I would that you be rather hot or cold but because you are Lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth."

God doesn't want our passivity! It's decision time people. We must wake from our slumber, rise to our call, take our positions & prioritize the things of God! Our current events are demanding it. God is building His church, so make sure your not a representation of the picture above! Let me know your thoughts & if you choose not to be passive! Touch two people and say, "WAKE UP"

Mistakes Men Make!

2008-10-08T10:38:00.006-04:00

Recently I was asked to speak at our men's mentoring graduation service for all the men who have been in the program all year & completed it. I will share along these lines & pray it is encouraging, insightful & helpful to you as well-

TEN MISTAKES MEN MAKE:

1. They think it's all about them- men must realize the "other" person factor & look at the bigger picture!

2. They don't plan for the future- men must stop just thinking of today & plan for tomorrow!

3. They have a tendency to neglect their role- men must accept they are the leader & lead!

4. They want & expect others to serve them- men don't want to serve but love being served!

5. They shy away from their authority- men must move in the authority they have been given as husbands, fathers & covering!

6. They wait for permission before leading- men are natural leaders & must lead then others will follow!

7. They are visually driven- men cannot be driven only by sight but must learn to follow the heart!

8. They tend to only see the temporary- men must look to the future & not focus only on the immediate!

9. They live in & for the moment- men react without thinking of the actions their choice will have!

10. They are prideful & lean on their own strength- men think they don't need anyone & can do it all themselves!

Ask the Lord to give you insight & help in these pitfalls men seem to live in & overcome them so we might become the Super man that God created for us to live as. Leave me a comment & let me know if this hits home with any men today!

The Call to Consistency!

2008-09-16T10:51:00.005-04:00

There's alot to be said for the one who is consistent! They are dependable, trustworthy & seem to produce more than those who are not. Consistent means you can be counted on, to be there when needed, to not let down or disappoint. To remain focused, see the larger picture, be a team player that produces. Unlike those who are not consistent; disappointing, undependable, clueless, distracted & usually self-absorbed!

Today more than ever people need consistency. One definition is "faithfulness in actions" Our children need consistent parenting, our relationships need consistent commitment, our homes need consistent love, our friendships need consistent attention, the world needs consistent examples & the church needs consistent Christians!!! Those who will be faithful in there actions, unwavering, dependable, that can be counted on when needed.

The difference between someone who is consistent & someone who is not is like night & day. They are worlds apart in their thinking, doing & even receiving. The mental state is just at opposite ends of the spectrum. Simply one "gets it" & the other does not!

I know today, right now, more than ever, God is requiring us to be consistent like never before. God can never complete the task at hand unless His children are consistent! We are told in scripture to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord! " Ask yourself that question and determine if you are consistent? faithful? Simply, can you be counted on? Unless the church gets back the right ingredients of consistency we can never move into all God has for us today. Who will join me in making a new commitment & vow to being consistent? So God can depend on us to be His church & build His church. If not believers, then who? If not now, then when?

Challenge yourself to be CONSISTENT, someones depending on you!

Press on!

2008-09-05T10:41:00.006-04:00

Today I am pressing on! It's not always easy to keep pressing on. Sometimes when you take a step forward and God meets you there the enemy always seems to rear his ugly head to try & get you to quit! Sometimes pressing on means everybody is not going with you. Some people don't want to go forward but choose to remain in their neutral position. Sometimes not pressing on would be easier & seemingly better than to press on. I've learned pressing on isn't popular, glamorous or even enjoyable, so sometimes you may just need to sit but never can you quit! Keep pressing!

Why should we keep pressing on? Because it's the only way to get to higher ground, it's the only way to move forward, it's the only way to experience new heights, it's the only way to explore the unknown, & it's the only way to overcome!!! Also & most important I've discovered that somebody on the other side is waiting for you to get there. You & I must press on for those who are waiting for us to come, bring help, offer hope, give an encouraging word, touch & love them & show them by pressing on it can be done!!!

The world says give up, quit, don't do it. The apathetic say why, what's the point? And those who have quit beckon us to join their ranks, but I'm pressing on! I'm pressing on if I have to go alone, I'm pressing on if I have to go sick, I'm pressing on if I go against the flow, & I'm pressing on because there's nothing for me if I stay where the devil is trying to keep me from going!!

Life is hard with its ups & downs, so rest if you must but never quit! Paul who often had obstacles & reasons to quit, said in Phil. 3:14 " I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." If you feel like quitting then there definitely is a reason to press on, you have a prize waiting for you if you will just keep going! Everyone who is pressing on leave me a comment to let me know you're pressing on to receive the prize. Today I'm pressing on!

Somebody's watching you!

2008-08-12T14:11:00.006-04:00

I love to look at my kids while they are sleeping. Not stare at them for hours upon end but check in on them & see that they're fine. It gives me a great feeling to know they're resting, clean, full, content & safe. I love watching they're faces twitch, eyes move & hear their deep sleep sounds of resting comfortably. It sometimes is the best time with them when they don't even know I'm there checking on them & looking at them. What a wonder they are to me as God has given them life through my blood. Simply Amazing!

I am reminded that the scripture teaches us that this is how God is with us. Ps. 34:15 says "His eyes are on his children" John said in Rev 1:14 "and His eyes are like a flame of fire." Sometimes when we don't even realize it, feel it or see it, then this is when He is watching us the most. We are His children, precious to Him & He delights in meeting our needs. How comforting to know we have a God who watches over us His word to perform! He knows the plans & purposes He has for us. Jer. 29:11.

I love the passage in Luke 12: 22-28, how if God clothes the fields & feeds the sparrows then how much more value are we to Him & He will take care of our needs. The old church Hymn says, "If His eye is on the sparrow then I know He watches me." How awesome to know right now, right where you're at, God the giver of life is watching you, because He has given you life through His blood. Again, Simply Amazing!

So take heart & be encouraged! He has not forgotten you or left you. He is there, watching you, checking in on you even when you don't realize it. Somebody's watching you & that somebody is your Heavenly Father & He loves you! His eyes are always on His children.

It's Time for PROMOTION!

2008-08-04T16:19:00.003-04:00

The Scripture says in Psalm 75:6 "that promotion comes from no where else but the Lord & he is the one who sets you up for promotion." To receive & walk in your next level or promotion from God there are postures you must be willing to embrace to accept & move forward in all God has for your new & next season. These postures will assure your promotion from the Lord!

Must be willing to:

1. FOLLOW GOD INTO THE UNKNOWN- God told Abraham in Gen. 12:1 "Get out of this familiar place to a land I will show you" To move into promotion you must be willing to leave the old for the new & navigate into uncharted waters in the Lord. And there He will meet you!

2. SACRIFICE- God called Abraham to sacrifice his greatest treasure, Issac, only to provide him with the needed sacrifice. But we to must be willing to sacrifice our "greatest blessing" of our previous season to partake of our next!

3. ENDURE THE PROCESS OF PRUNING- Jesus said in John 15:2 "Every branch in me that bears fruit I prune that it may bear more fruit" Sometimes God will allow you to go back before you go ahead so you will bear more fruit in your new season!

4. REMAIN CHILDLIKE- Matt. 18:3-4 says "we must become like a little child to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven" Simple trust & obey like a child dependent on thier Father for everything!

5. PRAY & BELIEVE- in 1 Kings 18:41-45 Elijah prepared for what He could not see. We must move forward in faith as it is done!

6. MOVE IN GREATER WISDOM & DISCERNMENT!- James 1:5-6 says "Ask God for wisdom & he will give it" At your new level you must act with a greater sense of God's wisdom!

7. GIVE FEAR NO PLACE- Is. 41:10 tells us "to not fear because He will help, uphold & strengthen us." When moving forward fear cannot be in operation only confidence in the Lord!

These 7 postures if walked in will cause you to walk out your promotion. Be expecting & willing, God is getting ready to promote you! Leave me a comment & let me know what area I can agree with you to get you in your next level.

Go ahead, JUMP!!!

2008-07-16T10:34:00.004-04:00

Recently I had an experience of a life time, something I always wanted to do & at 40+ years finally got the opportunity to accomplish it, what a great feeling! And I not only experienced it but got to watch my son @ the wise old age of 8 enjoy it as well together. It was white water rafting down the Nantahala river gorge in the mountains of North Carolina, what a rush, literally!!! But the amazing part is after conquering that experience we found, as we would say in the south, a swimming hole. We spent four hours conquering rocks, slides & cliffs, where we discovered that a cape would have just got in the way (we felt like batman) (-:

It started out just climbing rocks, then getting wet, then sliding down rocks into the water, each accomplishment leading to the next daring event until finally Austin said I want to jump off the cliff into the water (this from a boy who last year wouldn't go down the slide at a Disney pool) his inspiration was watching others do it & survive. With the bold confidence any father would have, I shuddered... "Sure lets do it" knowing he would not take me up on the replied offer. Thus began our ascend up the cliff by a rope tied to a tree, hmmm... who tied that knot anyway?

There we stood at what seemed to be Mount Everest looking down into the waters of our destiny. I knew if we hesitated we wouldn't do it, so I grabbed his hand & we jumped, did you get that? We jumped off the side of a 40 ft. cliff down into the water, only to come up having overcome the fear of leaping into that unknown. It was a greater rush than the white water rafting. It felt so invigorating. I still can't believe we did it!

I believe that's how our walk with Christ is supposed to be lived, new levels, new experiences, new opportunities experienced in God, next levels of our faith being challenged & strengthened. In Matt. 14:29 Jesus said to Peter, Go ahead Jump! Get out of the boat, come, walk on water, defy the natural, step out, live life, and Peter did and walked on water! What is it God is asking you to do, what opportunity, experience? Life is an adventure, live it! There will always be an excuse, reason you can't, couldn't, shouldn't but go ahead, JUMP! Get out of your boat & defy the odds! This opportunity God is giving may never pass by you again! So whatever it is you're looking at today, GO AHEAD JUMP! Leave me a comment about your cliff experience or how God is asking you to jump. And in case your wondering, no that's not me jumping in the picture even though that looks like my body (-:

Squirrels are not to be trusted!

2008-06-27T10:56:00.004-04:00

Recently someone made this statement and surprisingly they were being serious. They really felt squirrels are not to be trusted, like they are out to get us or have a secret plan to overthrow the world and create a Squirrel Kingdom and all humans work and collect nuts for them.... weird! Maybe I don't relate to this because growing up my uncle had a pet squirrel that he had raised as a pet from a baby and it was the sweetest little thing that would play with all the cousins when we got together. I personally think squirrels are one of Gods cutest little creations. So more Power to the squirrels!!!

Today I see religious people being like this, just because they don't understand something, can't relate to something or have never seen something, they are fearful & intimated by it, therefore they write it off as evil or bad. Not to be trusted. That's exactly what happened in Jesus day among the religious leaders concerning Christ & this new move of God that was among them & because they did not understand or embrace it, they crucified Him! Thinking it would somehow bring it to an end because they disapproved of it. Unbelievable that mistrust, fear & lack of embracing the new caused them to, as Jesus said Himself, miss their moment!

Alot of that is still going on in the church world today. God is on the move, His Spirit being poured out, waves of His Glory coming forth with new signs & wonders following. But because it's not packaged the way we thought or it's different than what we expected or God didn't birth it through us or our church we judge it, are critical of it & MISS the blessing God is trying to send us!

The Move of God that is happening right now is so "out of the box" it doesn't even have a box! God is outpouring His presence in new dimensions and it is glorious! Listen up.. don't be so religious, spiritually blind & undiscerning that you miss your moment. Get it all while the getting is good, some for now & some for later. Let your hearts cry be more Lord, more of your Glory!

Don't miss this fresh new move of God being released to His true bride today simply because you don't understand it or it's out of the box. Embrace it, move in it & be transformed! I speak on behalf of all squirrels and every church having an outpouring today, they are to be trusted! Touch three people and say GO GOD!!!! Leave me a comment and let me now your thoughts on squirrels & this new outpouring from God. \o/

What can an Army Do?

2008-06-13T15:14:00.007-04:00

The scripture says, "If one can send a thousand to flight, then two ten thousand." There is such power in agreement! Again say the scriptures, "If two will touch and agree asking anything in my name that I will do." How much stronger are we when we come together for the same purpose. Today God is needing His Bride to come together for the hour that is at hand, lay aside their petty differences, let go of their past wounds, and get up and go on with the work at hand!
If you ever are at war you must have complete confidence & trust with the people you are fighting with. The assurance your back is covered and others are willing to lay down their lives for yours & vice verse. "No man hath greater love than this then to lay down His life for another." Now that's love! What you cannot have is someone stabbing you in the back that's supposed to be covering it. What a tragedy that this happens today in the Body of Christ more than not. We must stand together if we are going to fight & win this present battle against the darkness.
I saw this manifested recently while attending the Florida Outpouring in Lakeland. Eight thousand people pursuing the face of God in petition & worship, receiving & commanding the enemy to leave and calling forth the Blessings of God. Results- signs & wonders, real miracles proven before your eyes not just in theory or speech. There is power in an army of one mind & one purpose in unity before God.
Think of Gideon in Judges chapter 7, God had to subtract from him before He could multiply him. Get his army down to a group of hungry, desperate warriors willing to pay the price for victory! That is what God is doing today in the modern day church. Putting together His righteous remnant & arming them for war! The weak & faint hearted will not last, those critical & causing dis-unity will not make it! "For there the Lord commands the blessing, where brethren dwell together in unity." There is power in an army that stands together!
So ask yourself are you promoting the army of God or hindering it? If you're not pursuit of the Fathers face doing your part with all your might then you might want to get in on the winning team and find your place today! God is on the move, His army is advancing, He is taking ground & His Glory is being revealed. Are you part of THIS, HIS Army?

Someone is waiting for you!

2008-05-23T10:34:00.005-04:00

Often times in life we miss our opportunity to be a blessing to someone else because of the unexpected things life can throw our way, which can nurture our fears, insecurities & lead to obstacles in our path. When in reality if we will learn to use the things life throws at us to strengthen us it only becomes a stepping stone into our destiny. The very thing that tried to hinder you, when placed in God's hands, can then catapult you into ALL that God has for you. Understand there will always be naysayers, haters & jealousy of what & where God is taking you. People, who because they're not doing anything or going anywhere, don't want you to do anything or go anywhere. I've had my season with that group & I'm still shaking myself free from them today. You must do the same in Jesus name!

The reason we must navigate through these things is because there is someone on the other side of it who needs your help, that awaits your manifestation. That must have a deposit of what God has put inside of you. The saying goes "We must go through it to get to it because someone on the other side is waiting for you!" HOW TRUE THIS IS!

Press through the storms of life, the Sun does shine again. Plow over every hindrance, your test will become a testimony. Shake yourself free from negative people who curse you and get with positive people who bless you. We have to do this because someone somewhere needs not only you but the gifting & deposits God has given you so you can pour it out on them.

Forgetting those things which are behind (rather that be people, groups, memories, mistakes & the like) and reaching forward to those things( destinies,opportunities, people, new beginnings) which are ahead." Phil. 3:13

I promise you if you do this there is someone on the other side who needs you and is waiting for you. This picture was taken outside of a new church our ministry, NDIC, just built in Africa. I'm holding the worship leaders children before speaking a blessing over there lives. So many miracles from this trip. Had I quit, given up, lost heart or believed the negative voices Satan tried to use to discourage me & stop me, none of these dreams & desires God put in me would be a reality today! Don't believe the lie but believe the plan God promised you because someone is waiting for you!

IT'S TIME!

2008-05-09T13:01:00.004-04:00

It's time! It's God's time, It's my time, It's your time, It's our time! Touch three people and say, "It's time, it's time, it's time." There are many seasons, times & watches throughout the word of God. A specific time is known as a Kairos moment, certain strategic moment in God. In the scripture we find many instances, experiences & moments when it was someones appointed time to receive or move in God's reward or best for them. This being a strategic, specific Kairos divine assigned & appointed time. This is the time we as the true remnant, Body of Christ, are in. A Set time, an appointed time, a strategic time, a specific time, a divine assigned time, that brings about God's manifested presence, blessing & rewards on our lives. Today is that time!

Do you remember being little and it coming your time to play, go, bat, kick the ball, enjoy the moment of it being your turn. That's the time we are in right now. It's our turn! Time to shine, time to arise, time to receive, time to be promoted, time to have all God has promised. Today God wants you to step up to the plate, take your turn, enjoy the moment, receive His blessing, move in his rewards. It's a Kairos time for His people. A time of outpouring, celebration, harvest & answers!

There are appointed times and seasons for everything under the sun according to the book of Ecclesiastes 3. And just as important is to understand your times, as the sons of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32. So they would know what to do. I want you to really believe this, get it in your spirit. Act like it, talk like it & walk like it. What you expect is what you will get!

I was standing on the platform in Nigeria, Africa looking out on a sea of faces getting ready to minister to the people and their overwhelming needs when I felt the Spirit whisper as He breathed on my neck, "Its time!" Time to move in power & demonstration, time for the word to go forth in power, time for signs and wonders, time for healings, miracles & answers. And as I embraced that truth & moment, moved in that assurance I saw the results of it being someones time in the Lord. What an amazing & awesome God we serve. According to Romans 13:11, Be expecting because it's time!!!

He's Already Provided!

2008-04-20T18:58:00.007-04:00

Many years ago we were youth pastoring about to take our first Senior pastorate and in final details of moving from Orlando to Tampa. My last event with our youth group was a missions trip to Germany. I was there with the team & Carmen was home making preparations for our move. She had located a house she feel in love with & wanted but at that time we were not sure if we could afford it. Every morning the team in Germany had a time of glorious devotions & meeting with God as we prepared for the ministry of the day. In our prayer time we played a CD by Martha Munizzi, and the song "He's already provided." I cannot put into words how that song ministered to me, got me through the day and propelled us into our next level. Upon returning home we got the house Carmen wanted & lived in it for five years before building our own new home & moving into it. God provides!!!

This past month in preparation for returning to Africa for ministry we have been faced with the challenges of going into a Muslim country with the Gospel of Christ. Our visas were quickly granted for our time in Liberia but held up for our Nigerian visas. Understand ALOT of prayer & fasting has gone into this trip. After much travail & going through "the due process" of phone calls, being put on hold & leaving messages we were told it didn't look possible to get the visas before we needed them. Mmmm.... I thought, God will provide!!!

Friday of this last week I cleaned my office thoroughly, a complete trash barrel of "stuff" from my desk, shelves, files, & office. Needless to say the victory was wrought & I prevailed with a CLEAN desk & office. Who knew my desk was a beautiful mahogany wood grain (-: In this process I found an old CD and set it aside to play in my car on the way home. I put the CD in and the first song to come on was "He's already provided" by Martha Munizzi. I was flooded with emotion, faith & tears as I went back in my mind to the prayer room in Germany & took what was mine in the Lord. Faith arose in me as that song ministered to my spirit & then & there I took our visas being granted. We just found out that we will get them by this Thursday. God will provide!!!

It's true He may not come when you want him but He's always on time!!! If you have a need today just know its Okay because everything you need He's already provided!!! ( which by the way is a great song on one of Marths Munizzi's first Cd's) My prayer is you will embrace what He's already provided for you today!

SWIMMING IN THE DEEP!

2008-04-04T11:44:00.004-04:00

Recently, after the first three months of this year flying buy, and busying myself with church life, missions and preparations for Easter services & outreaches, I knew time away with my family was needed. Spending time away with the ones you love is always a good thing! We spent a week at the beach just enjoying each others company, building sand castles, throwing the Frisbee, catching ball, eating bad & the like... when it came to swimming, my son wanted to get in the pool everyday but being really warm enough only one day. When it came time to finally get in, he didn't want to, after begging all week, so naturally as a good father I pushed him in the deep end & dove in after him for a time of "pool fun" (Marco polo, etc.) after playing awhile he said these words, "Dad, I'm glad you pushed me in the deep end!" Ahhh, sweet victory!!!

Also recently I preached a message on "The River of God" challenging all to jump in, get in the flow of God, and swim in the deep end! To be a part of the pool where God is once again troubling the waters, allowing this River of Living Water to flow up & out of us. (Jn. 5:4-7 & 7:37-39)

In Ezekiel 47 verses 3-9 it talks about the three levels of the river that flows from the sanctuary in the new Jerusalem, a biblical picture of the types of believers in the church today:
1.) Ankle Deep- a place where everything is controllable & safe leaving one to only observe the move of God!
2.) Waist Deep- a place where you're comfortable with the move of God but yet still in control and able to get in or out whenever you're ready!
3.) Swimming in it- a place where you are fully engulfed, beyond your control, so deep you're lost in the water & having to swim to keep up!

THIS IS WHERE GOD WANTS HIS CHILDREN- FULL, OVERCOME, ABOUNDING IN HIS GRACE, GOODNESS & GLORY!!!! So today if your not in the deep end of the River of God, swimming in Him, ask your Father to push you in, after swimming with him awhile, you'll thank him for pushing you in! So see you in the deep end & bring your floaties, were gonna be there for awhile!!!!

Life Is Good!

2008-03-14T11:52:00.003-04:00

Be encouraged and know God is moving & blessing on your behalf. Each day is another opportunity to walk in His divine protection, provision & purpose. As we seek Him, He promises to give us the desires of our heart. I am overwhelmed at his goodness as He leads us into all good & perfect spiritual blessings.

I spent the day recently with my son, took in a Yankees game, tackled a cheeseburger the size of a plate, got his ball signed and just spent the day focusing on him, catching ball and enjoying each others presence. Not because I had to but because I wanted to. "If you being mere human know how to give good gifts to your children how much more does your Father desire to give you good gifts" Matthew 7:11. Know that your Fathers heart is to bless you, enlarge & increase you just because he loves you and spending time with you.

As the greatest season of the year is all around us, change is in the air and new beginnings are there for the taking, let God resurrect some of your old things that needs to brought to life again and start enjoying living life to the fullest!! God is blessing & moving, I pray you have ears to hear & eyes to see his goodness all around you. Life is good!

This Race called Life!

2008-02-22T13:14:00.005-05:00

Its not who starts the race but who FINISHES the race who gets the prize!
If anyone competes he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules!
I press toward the GOAL for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith!

Just a few challenging verses to keep us on course. Recently in my reading time I encountered this paragraph that sums up my feelings & thoughts:

If we are not careful, we can allow life to get us into the same old ruts & routines without even realizing it. Our relationship with the Lord can suffer the same fate. When we don't do what it takes to stay sharp & sensitive to the Holy Spirit, our praise, worship, offerings, & even preaching can become heartless routines to God. As a believer, you can pray, read your bible, and go to church week after week and still be losing sight of your first love. It is not that you don't love the Lord, but the business of life can bring you to the point of losing your freshness, your enthusiasm, and your sensitivity to His Spirit and what pleases Him.

"If there be any Virtue, any Praise..., think on these things!" My prayer is that you Finish this race called life Strong!

ACKIE BREAKIE HEART

2008-02-14T15:33:00.004-05:00

ON THIS DAY OF LOVE WITH EVERYONE PROMISING THIER HEART TO SOMEONE, I PRAY YOU GIVE YOUR HEART FULLY TO THE LORD & YOUR HEART IS BROKEN OVER THE THINGS OF GOD AND WHAT BREAKS HIS HEART. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE US TRUE FULFILLMENT AND WHOLENESS IN OUR HEARTS!!!

I RECENTLY HAD THE PRIVELEDGE OF FEEDING AND CLOTHING THE NEEDY IN THE POOREST NATION IN OUR WORLD AND MY HEART WAS BROKEN OVER THE OVERWHELMING NEED AND DESPERATION OF THESE PRECIOUS NEEDY PEOPLE.

HOW MUST GODS HEART FEEL WHEN HE SEES THE WESTERN CHURCH SO BLESSED YET DEMANDING MORE WHEN SO MANY HAVE SO MUCH LESS. I REALIZE I HAVE TO GET SOME THINGS, PRIOROTIES BALANCED AND IN ORDER SO I AM ABLE TO DO MORE TO HEAL THE HEARTS OF SO MANY WHOSE HEART HAS NEVER KNOWN THE TRUE LOVE OF GOD.

I DON'T WANT TO BE A DOWNER BUT I WANT MYSELF AND YOU TO HAVE A HEART THAT BREAKS AT WHAT BREAKS GODS HEART. ASK THE LORD TODAY TO GIVE YOU HIS HEART, THE HEART OF THE FATHER, THEN BE PREPARED TO HAVE YOUR HEART BROKEN OVER WHAT HE SEES EVERY DAY. THEN ASK HIM TO ENABLE YOU TO DO YOUR PART TO REACH A LOST AND DYING WORLD. THAT IS A TRUE, PURE HEART THAT WILL BLESS YOUR FATHERS HEART GREATER THAN MEETING ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR NEEDS, JUST LET YOUR HEART DWELL & THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS.....FOR ONLY HE CAN MAKE A PERFECT HEART!

BARGAINING!

2008-01-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

Should I? Could I? Will anyone know? My mother used to tell me you can never make a deal with the Devil. And that is precisely what the enemy of our soul will try and get us to do. Bargain with him, cut a deal, compromise. Make us think- this isn't so bad; if I do this, than I can allow that; or the all time lie, I deserve it! There is no room in the life of the believer for bargaining!!!

This is how the forces of darkness can enter in & lead us into compromising our walk with God. Satan told Eve, "go ahead eat the apple, its not so bad" He bargained with her & she literally ate them out of house & home. The tactics are still the same today, He tries to strike a bargain with us getting us to rationalize in our minds which for some reason we feel will lesson the consequences of our actions. You can NEVER carry on a conversation with the enemy, only rebuke him!

Recently I stood in the streets of Port Au Prince, Haiti with a friend at a Vendors stand in a street market. My friend was wanting to make a purchase but we were trying to bargain with the vendor getting him to come down on the price. Every time we started to walk away he would come down & say, "for you I make a special deal" Finally we got the price down and made out like a bandit with our goods. It was a thrilling victory! Unfortunately that is not how it works in the spirit-realm, there is no bargaining! And when we start to bargain mentally, make excuses, cut corners, give into allowances, we never walk away victorious, only defeated!

I want to simply challenge you this year to stop bargaining with your flesh man & temptations and give no place to your enemy. The reward will be greater to those who never gave way to bargaining. "The righteous man shall be blessed!" say the scriptures. So don't even think about it, nip it in the bud & be free from a bargaining spirit in every area of our life. There are no special deals when it comes to bargaining or compromising with the devil. "Therefore be sober, vigilant because your adversary roams about seeking whom he may devour" Something to chew on before he chews on you.

EXPECT TO BE SURPRISED!!!

2008-01-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

Thank God the New Year is here! The beginning of every new year is always exciting & special. Just feeling like everything is starting over. A fresh start with goals, life, friendships, etc. This year in particular will prove to be one of the best. Last year is gone, with all of its ups & downs, successes & failures, never to go back to it again- Hallelujah! Now pressing on to what lies ahead.

If the way you end the year is any reflection of how the new year will be than this will be a year of incredible blessings, breakthroughs & new beginnings. I am expecting to be surprised on many levels. I look forward to new friendships and strengthening old ones, new adventures & rejoicing in the last ones, new opportunities & gaining from the past ones.

There is definitely something in the atmosphere of this year that is causing me to expect to be surprised. It's a wonderful anticipation of what God is going to do next! Hard to put into words, just an expectancy of what the Lord has promised He will do- "for I know the plans I have for you, plans of a hope & future, to bless you & give you peace" Jer. 29:11

I want to encourage you with every fiber of my being to be expecting to be surprised. God has great things for you this year. And to those who will have faith, trust, believe & expect- you will see the hand of God in greater dimensions than you ever dreamed!!! So don't hurt your neck looking back, look forward & EXPECT TO BE SURPRISED!!!

MOVING ON!

2007-12-18T15:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas is one week from today. All the presents have been bought & are wrapped, the lights are all hung with final family preparations made. Trust it's a Holly Jolly Christmas & New Year! And soon it will all be over & then it's on to the new year. I'm always amazed at how quickly people's mind sets shift after Christmas. But they will and we all will be on with the future! Whats next? What does 08 offer & what will it bring?

Its like unpacking a box that we don't know what's in it. It can be exciting & intimidating at the same time. According to the Word and the prophetic voice on the scene for the church its pretty exciting. A year of new beginnings, suddenness, celebrations and a season of victory for God's people. I'm embracing all that and going into the new year with high expectations. Trust you are as well.

I do know that I have a renewed sense of HOPE. Unexplainable Joy & Peace. Based on Romans 15:13, we all should! After coming out of a phenomenal weekend with our outreaches, services & all the amazing things God is saying & doing. New people, new salvation's, new provisions, protection, guidance. I can confidently say, with my hope remaining in Him, I'm ready for the new year. Bring it own! I'm ready to unpack all that God has & go forward.

For all those of you who are making this incredible journey with us, I'm thankful to be sharing for such a time as this with you in our corner of the world. Happy New Year and I know its going to be our best because His face is towards us. So as you move into the next phase of this year & close it out & move into the new year, be encouraged & expecting. Its here so lets enjoy the goodness of our God!!!

Is God Like Santa Claus?

2007-12-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

Recently we asked our children to create a Christmas wish list so we would have an idea as to where to start & what to buy. After each named a few things they would like to get for Christmas we then knew it was on and we began to prepare for the BIG DAY of shopping for our kids. Each day my son came to me with new things he wanted to add to his list, some things he had never mentioned and some things I don't even have. I realized his perception of "getting Christmas gifts" was way out of balance. Almost expecting, demanding & asking over & over again was he going to "GET IT?" It kinda took some of the joy out of wanting to provide the things I knew he wanted. We had to talk it out & cover things like appreciation, selfishness, perspective & balance. Big words & thoughts for a little guy. Finally we came together on the same wave link and put his mind to rest. Narrowing down his wish list to reality.

I then had to spend time with my Heavenly Father & work out the right perspective on some things I had been asking for, almost demanding, asking over & over again. I had to repent, work on my attitude of gratitude and realize we cannot treat God like Santa Claus, come to him with our wish list and them expect it just because. We have to trust His Sovereignty, His will, His Heart & Hand. Grateful for what He's already provided & understanding anything we receive or don't receive is Father filtered. Knowing He desires to give us good gifts & has already blessed us in so many ways.

Today we went shopping for our kids, what a great time, knowing you're getting things they desire and will bring them happiness & joy! With each purchase it brought delight & satisfaction. Can't wait for Christmas morning to share in the happiness of them receiving the special desires of their heart. Again my mind goes to God, "If we being evil know how to give good gifts to our children how much more does God desire to give gifts to his children." So yes, God is like Santa Claus only better. Better because He has the ability to provide & bless us but the wisdom to give us not only what we ask for but what we need.

On Christmas morning I will relish in the moment & thank God I get to see the faces of those I love receiving what they ask for. Remembering that God knows my desires even before I ask them & has already provided everything I need. So this year I wish you a Merry Christmas & remember to not treat God like Santa Claus. God will be there to guide, provide & protect long after Santa & his eight little reindeer have gone. Each day, each gift is to be received with the right perspective, what it is, a GIFT, so enjoy it the fullest!

Holiday, Hassle or Humbug!

2007-11-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

Like most of you, I cannot believe it is November, much less Thanksgiving and 4 weeks until Christmas. If any of you find the year 07 please return it to me as I somehow lost it. With that being said, I refuse to be taken by surprise, caught off guard and go through what is supposed to be a wonderful time of the year feeling rushed, overwhelmed & stressed. I've come to realize that life is to short & precious so I will take time to partake in the joy of this season. I will relish in building memories with my family, enjoying the God given relationships in my life, eating great food & getting special things for those dear to me. And even though temptation try me, I will not print MY wish list on this page. You can just see me in person for that (-:

I have so many great memories of the holidays with my family coming up, it was always a truly special time. And now that my parents have both received their reward I understand it is now my time to make & build special memories with those God has entrusted to me. Despite all the responsibilities & expectations that come with this time of the year, from getting the lights out, to setting up the tree, purchasing that right gift for those I love & meeting all the extra demands that are put upon me. I will enjoy myself by committing to be the best Father, husband, Pastor, friend & christian I can be. I encourage you to do the same.

Even though we don't know how it got here, let's commit to not being part of the blurred rat race & try to really enjoy this special time of year. Stop, be still, breathe, enjoy, take it in, start a tradition, relish, be grateful. And come out of this year ready to embrace a new year having celebrated to the fullest this special time of the year remembering the Gift & the Giver!

I wish you Jesus, to know Him in the power of His death and resurrection. May all your dreams & desires be granted as we start with a fresh perspective and attitude towards this time of the year. I think that would be what God has for us as so many around the world still don't know the true joy & meaning of this season. Not to sound like a Hallmark card but be thankful & enjoy your holidays. This could be the last with someone you hold dear. So celebrate & go Big!!!!!

Out Of Joint

2007-11-02T14:06:00.000-04:00

Ever feel out of joint, out of place, something not right? Today I heard it was going to be cool outside so I wore a sweater. Talk about being out of joint, I was hot all day. 80 something degrees in November, it just doesn't feel right. Nor did my sweater, it was binding, cumbersome, uncomfortable. That's how we feel when we are not right with God. Ever felt that way? Feel that way today? Whenever our inner spirit man is out of line/connection with God we feel weird. Like somethings not right. That's a good thing and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives letting us know we need to spend some time with our Heavenly Father.

I don't know were your at or what your doing right now but if your feeling out of joint, something not right or even running on fumes, take time to make it right and spend some quality time with God, answer the call of the Holy Spirit in your life and pray, read the word, meditate on God while you listen to some good worship music. Do whatever necessary to get it right.... now, so if need be get off the computer & get on with God. Then you want feel weird or like somethings not right. Don't wear a sweater in hot weather no matter who says its cool outside, next time I will check for myself and dress comfortable for the day. And don't take someone Else's word on how to navigate your spiritual walk, next time work it out yourself before the Holy Spirit has to give you "that somethings not right feeling/out of joint thing"

Because if you don't, you will eventually get used to that feeling and begin to think its the norm. God wants you to remain steadfast, solid through it all, day in & day out. And you will only do that when you keep it real between you & God on a DAILY basis. Thank God I had a sweater to wear, I just wore it out of season, don't be out of season spiritually, its uncomfortable. So as I layer my clothes lighter so layer you inner man with Gods love so you won't have to shed the results of sin sown while your away from Him. Out of joint? change whatever you have to and get it together so you can go after God and reap the benefits today. I'm going to go change out of my sweater, you go spend some quality time with God. Much love & prayers- PD

MEDIOCRITY?

2007-10-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

There is a call for all of us to be great, do something great, or have something great. I think most of us struggle with the thought God wants us to be Great. It's addressed twice in scripture with Christ, once asked by the disciples about "reigning with Christ" and once about "whose the greatest in the Kingdom", neither of these examples leaves us with proof God doesn't want us to be great but principles that go with greatness. I believe desiring to be great is part of wanting to accomplish great things, they both go together, can't have one without the other, kind of like a good peanut butter & jelly sandwich with a tall class of cold milk. Yum!

If we look to the scriptures they support God being great in, to & through us. Christ was constantly improving the lives of people he touched and sending them forth GREATER than before their encounter with him. The words of Jeremiah, my favorite OT prophet, says in 29:11, "I know what I'm doing, I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, plans to give you the future you hope for". (message bible) Did you get that? Plans to give you the future you hope for, then I'm hoping for great things!!!!!!! It has been said the enemy of greatness is average and the brother to average is mediocrity. If that is the only thing standing in the way of greatness in your life then knock it out with a death punch that will rattle both mediocrity & average together for good!

The following are some things you can begin to put into practice that will help you arrive at GREATNESS sooner than later;

1. Think Great Thoughts- Phil. 4:8
2. Read Great Books- Rom. 12:2
3. Pursue Great People- Prov. 13:20
4. Dream Great Dreams- Eph. 3:20
5. Pray Great Prayers- John 16:23-24
6. Take Great Risks- Heb. 11:6
7. Make Great Sacrifices- John 15:13
8. Enjoy Great Moments- Ecc. 3:12-13
9. Empower Great people- 2 Tim. 2:2
10. Develop Great Habits- 1 Tim. 4:8

If you desire to be, do & see great things then join me this week in one of our great services as we go after God and find GREAT & mighty things we know not of... YET! C U THEN-PD

Staying HOT!

2007-10-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

In this journey called life its so easy to lose focus. I have and so many times got pulled off course and forget what's really important & priority. I just returned from the poorest nation on earth, Haiti, where our church is adopting an orphanage there called "Destiny Village." Thirty of the greatest children on the face of the earth. Being a part of something like this is a life long dream for me. And as always and in all things God used it to Keep me HOT for Him. And burn I shall as long as God will continue to fan the flame of his Glory in my life.

Jesus said in Revelation 3:16 "because you are lukewarm and neither Hot or cold I will vomit you out of my mouth." Wow, what a statement, what a call & what a responsibility. Usually it takes something major to wake us up or stir God's hot coals in our life to catch us on fire and get us where we should be. I don't want that. I want to stay HOT, be on fire for God and let the world watch me burn. Any other men out there desire this also? I pray you have such a God encounter it causes you to catch on fire, burn for God and remain HOT.

There are a lot of things, people, distractions that want to take your flame and turn it into an ember, which is something that use to burn, be on fire or HOT. God enable & empower us to not give in, quit, get sidetracked and become Lukewarm. My prayer is that God will raise us up a generation whose heart follows hard after God and we will see & do exploits for our King!

Are you HOT? Lukewarm or Cold? Search yourself, ask some brutal questions, look into the barrenness of your soul and for God's sake wake up from apathy, religion or mundane life and become passionate about God and leave your mark for Christ on this earth. Want to catch on fire? Come join me each week as we go after God with a vengeance and let's burn red HOT for Christ and make an impact on all those around us who need to be HOT! "God, I'll take a double portion and make mine on FIRE"

VICTORY!

2007-09-14T13:05:00.000-04:00

Life is good but whoever said "Life is easy" apparently didn't live in the real world or at least live trying to serve a holy God in an unholy world! Walking in VICTORY 24/7 has presented a whole new challenge for the man of God trying to overcome the "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life" as stated in 1 John 2:16. These three areas are the last to be conquered in most born again men's lives because the are our strongest weakness. Dealing daily with these "three biggies" is a challenge in itself much less overcoming them.

That's where the need for our higher power comes in. ONLY "walking with his strength made perfect in our weakness" as promised to us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 can we accomplish this call. Trying to do it in our strength is a set up for failure every time. Which really is what "the pride of life" is all about, trying to do it alone, our way, with out allowing or seeking God's help or strength. My friend from the heart of one whose been there and done that more than one should, trust me , it never works!!!

We only walk in VICTORY when we stay full of His Spirit, Word and Presence. That's what Jesus meant when he said "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light" Matthew 11:29-30. It's only here we can get the VICTORY. When we truly yield daily, yea verily-hourly, and take his yoke and allow His strength to carry us. To do this we have to feed our spirit man more than our flesh man which is at war daily. Remember the old saying "Never argue with a hungry man, feed him first" Same is true with our spirit man, before you engage in war with your flesh you better had feed your spirit. And feed him well, a spiritual buffet if need be, for the two are at constant war.

But Victory cometh! "Thanks be unto God who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ" 2 Corinthians 2:14. Jesus having already defeated our enemy and suffering all our shame & reproach at Calvary, now positions & allows us to walk in a VICTORY that has already been purchased for us. All we have to do is accept & embrace it into our lives. Wow, how cool is that. The God who calls us to Victory promises & provides the way & strength to walk in it. Today my prayer & God's hope for you is that you will say yes to Him and all that He has accomplished for you, embrace it and live a life of VICTORY leading to eternal life and forsake your old carnal nature leading to death.

VICTORY IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING, BE A WINNER AND CHOOSE TO LIVE ON THE VICTORY TEAM TODAY!!! Trust to see you this week in service as we get renewed and empowered for another week in the real world. Come expecting, VICTORY is waiting for you!

STABILITY!

2007-08-31T12:51:00.000-04:00

Today not just men but everyone is looking for some stability in their life, relationships & future. Not routine or some mundane "walk through it blind folded" experience. But something that's real, lasting, dependable! Something you can count on. We all need this solid foundation in our live's & must be surrounded with some form of stability to weather our next storm! Unexpected storms are funny that way, they try & steal our stability and cause fear, doubt and second guessing our self. That's also the work of our adversary, the devil. So when you are tempted to slide into those old feelings because of something life's thrown at you not only remember the source but remember to be STABLE! Here's why.........

Stability is defined as "consistency, to be immovable, mental firmness or ability to deal with changes" If ever a time we need something in our life's to help us cope, get needed answers or get through something, this is it! God doesn't want us wishy washy, whacked out or weird because of live's unexpected curve balls that try and get us off track. He wants us STABLE! The Scripture says in 1 Peter 4: 11-12, (Our guide book for life)
.

"Believer, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which
is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to
you, but rejoice because when His glory is revealed
you may be also filled with exceeding JOY!"

The very thing that the enemy is using to try and intimidate you, cause you to be inconsistent, remove your God given peace and joy, and steal your mental firmness, could also be the thing that's working His Glory out in you. So instead of cursing your present trial or difficulty why not try rejoicing over it, or better yet rejoice in it! Because your Father said it's working in you His glory and a new level of maturity, dependability and consistency. This act alone will be enough to confuse the devil and make him aware his old tactics no longer work on the "new stable you" Your new strength is in your new found "glory" in Him! Again the word says,

"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord. Knowing that you labor is not in vain in the Lord."
( 1 Corinthians 15: 58)

There is ALOT to be said for the man who is stable no matter what may come. And when all is said and done, he remains Stable, Consistent, Immovable & Dependable. The world is not only looking for these few good men but is in great need of true Men of God today to have stability in every area of their live's. Particularly in His Church. Can God count on you? Will you draw from him, His strength, Joy & Glory? Can you keep rejoicing despite of? If your answer is "yes" then I look forward to locking arms with you as we take back what the enemy has tried to steal. Two is better than one. I am standing with you for all your desires and believing with you for Stability in every area your Life. Hope to see you this week in service as we pursue Him in Stability together.

Embracing Change!

2007-08-09T11:45:00.000-04:00

Most men are creatures of habit & are repetitious in there daily routine. I know I am. We like to know what's coming so we can be prepared to handle it. We want to know what's next so we can be prepared for it. And then it happens, something unexpected, something we were not prepared for and it throws us into a loop of disorientation and confusion. We weren't prepared, ready, expecting anything out of the Ordinary. That's the real issue, God doesn't want us always walking in the ORDINARY. So he allows life's little upsets & surprises to jar us awake and keep us seeking his face. Don't let change intimidate you but learn to flow with it & embrace it. Squeeze everything you can out of it for your good & God's Glory!
The following is how men who desire to be leaders should respond to change:
1. Leaders EXPECT change- its going to come.
2. Leaders INITIATE change-make sure it happens.
3. Leaders PLAN for change- so they know where thier going.
4. Leaders GUIDE the change- out front leading the parade.
5. Leaders DESIGN change- initiate it so as to lead it.
6. Leaders PREPARE themselves for change- it's coming so expect it.
7. Leaders are INSPIRED by change- it is a motivating factor to accelerate.
8. Leaders GROW through change- it causes insight & maturity.
9. Leaders INTERPRET change- realize it comes with meaning.
10. Leaders BENEFIT from change- it produces life & needed energy.
11. Leaders EXIST for change- its a life line that keeps them going.
12. Leaders CREATE change- keeps it from being stagnate.

So use change for an opportunity for growth, after all your purpose in life deserves the new you. Take hope that the change you're facing today is working altogether for your good and getting YOU OUT OF YOUR ORDINARY. JESUS SAID, "CAST YOUR NET ONE MORE TIME ON THE OTHER SIDE AND THEY DREW IN THE BIGGEST CATCH OF ALL" Trying something new & doing it a new way (CHANGE) might just produce your biggest harvest. Be encouraged, your change is producing a better you!

MANIC MEN

2007-07-22T17:50:00.000-04:00

Manic men can describe the position we can get in when we let our thoughts & minds go unrestrained. Men have an innate desire and ability to want to fix it, so therefore we try to always work it out ourselves or "fix it" with out giving it to God first. Many times when my wife tells me something, I want to give her the solution or what to do and like a recorder I hear again & again, "I don't want you to fix it I just need you to listen" The opposite is true with God. He can't "fix it" until we tell him all about it and put it in his hands. Something a lot of men have a hard time doing because we want to fix it ourselves.

For most men communication is not our forte, we want the bottom line and don't need a lot words, that just sound like "blaa, blaa, blaa." We want to give a quick fix & get a quick solution to what is making us manic or sometimes panic. With God a quick fix is not always the way it works. Typically He is allowing what we're facing to get our attention, bring us back to the place we belong, or cause us to grow by trusting him more. None of which we like or prefer. It's in these times we need to remember "His ways are not our ways nor His thoughts our thoughts, for His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8)

So whatever is temporarily making you a Manic Man, remember to "Cast your cares upon Him" Meaning give it to him and leave it there. Then communicate to him ALL your hearts desires and let him handle it with out your hands on it. Be reminded that His hands never really get on it until our hands first get removed. So don't be a manic man living in panic about your situation, condition or what's temporarily on your plate. Unlike our wives, when we tell God our problems not only do we want him to fix it but His desire is to provide our every need. So be encouraged because God has already provided everything you need in Him and His desire is for you to partake of the wealth of His divine goodness & provision- John 10:10!

Men in Crises

2007-07-12T15:32:00.000-04:00

Men in Crises seems to be the overall status of most men today trying to provide, protect, guide & overcome life's daily battles. Some days are successes with steps taking forward and some days are disastrous with the battle lost and battle scars to prove it. For most men to be real and admit a struggle in any area is part of the process of overcoming. We all realize we are in a fight and trying to navigate our way through it with making the right choices, given all our options is the tough part! One of the many ways to handle the fight, battle, struggle, or whatever the enemy is using at this moment to try and get you to cave in to him & his tactics is to just take it one day at a time. One hour at a time if need be.

In this race called life I've learned that things are NEVER as bad as I think they are & that tomorrow is a new day with new choices & opportunities. Just because you loose a battle here & there doesn't mean you've lost the war!! So if today you find yourself a man in a crises, take hope, think clearly, make right choices and strive to make today better than yesterday. My prayer for you is that you will live, work, lead, serve & meet all the other demands on you today like a champion with the mindset that what your doing today is a gift from God and it might be the last opportunity you get. So do it well with all your heart & soon you will see the tide begin to turn in your favor so you can go from a man in crises to a man in control.

After all that's what you were originally designed to do- lead & dominate or control. Stop fighting against the process of life and learn to flow with it and your God given abilities will take over naturally and your aggravations will turn into opportunities to promote you to your next level. As a man if you don't take your God given Dominion, it will be taken from you. So use whats in your hands to better yourself & position yourself for a breakthrough when tomorrow comes. Finally you want be able to embrace your next Victory if you not positioned today to handle it. In this earthen war we must walk circumspectly, ready to take action and ready for action. Be encouraged today, God is working on your behalf in ways you don't see. And because of that, you can be expecting to just not be in the war but IN IT TO WIN IT!

2007-05-15T21:09:00.000-04:00

Blessed is the man You choose,

And cause to approach You,

That he may dwell in Your courts.

He shall be satisfied with the goodness of

Your house, Of Your holy temple.

Ps 65:4