Rahab (3)

'...You were redeemed from the empty way of life...with the precious blood of Christ...' 1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

Good Morning,
Sitting here in my office thinking and praying this morning about many things. If you have a moment please remember Danny N. in your prayers as he is having surgery. Also Deryl J. as he needs God help in a personal matter and Alden A. as he recovers from cancer. I don't often ask you to pray specificly but today I am because it is very important. What we trust in and whom we believe in sets our life in motion. It's like Rahab; what she trusted in, stood, when what everybody else trusted in, fell. What did Rahab trust in? Her morality? No, the Bible says she was a harlot. Her nationality? No, she was a Gentile, and therefore excluded from the blessings of Abraham. So what did she trust in? A scarlet cord! What a beautiful picture of the power and protection afforded us by Christ's shed blood. 'You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.' Notice what the blood of Jesus has rescued you from: 'The empty way of life.' Do you remember when you had no interest in church because your soul was at war with God; the God who brokered peace between you and Himself? 'And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.' (Colossians 1:21 NKJV) How did it happen? '...Having made peace through the blood of His cross.' (Colossians 1:20 NKJV) You say, 'But I still fall far short of God's standards.' We all do. And God has made provision for that: 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' (1 John 1:9 NKJV) When Joshua's troops saw the scarlet cord flying from the window of Rahab's home it meant she was accepted by God. And Christ's blood does that for you. We are redeemed and should live like we are. Saint stand up right now recieve what God has for you today. Be blessed...you are loved!

Rahab (2)

'I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good...' Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Good Morning,

What a wonderful day it's going to be. So many opportunities to be who God has created you to be. Have you ever been in this situation? Look at Rahab; (while everybody else was preparing to fight, she was preparing to surrender.) Somehow Rahab had heard about the things God had done for Israel; how He'd turned the Red Sea to a red carpet, converted rocks into drinking fountains, made breakfast for them every morning in the wilderness and dried up the waters of the Jordan River. Rahab may not have been wise when it came to her body but she was wiser than everybody else in town when it came to her soul. She wasn't about to fight God, for she knew it's a fight you can't win. For her the path to victory was surrender! And that is the right path for you too. If only you'll stop trying to 'run the show' and turn your life over to Christ, He will take you to places of blessing you've always dreamed of, longed for, but didn't know how to get to. God had a great future for Rahab. He planned to make her a progenitor to King David, and also our blessed Lord Jesus. How's that for recycling? And God, who loves both the rich and the down-'n'-out, will do the same for you regardless of the spiritual condition you may be in today. Read this: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me...I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.' (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT) It's incredible how much our God loves us and desires to take of us. You just have to trust...you are loved!

Rahab (1)

'By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish...' Hebrews 11:31 NKJV

Good Morning,
Is it me or should it be warmer than it is. I drove up to the church this morning and saw snow on the roof of the church. I had to stop and give thanks for all things in all circumstances to God. Even for snow. For the next few days let's look at the story of Rahab the harlot. She lived in a doomed civilization. God told Abraham, 'I give to you and your descendants...all the land of Canaan...' (Genesis 17:8 NKJV) Since Rahab lived on the 'wall' of Jericho, in a sense she lived on the 'brink of doom'. So do we. Today leaders scramble to stop the spread of nuclear weapons (Iran) because in the wrong hands they have the power to destroy the world. The Bible speaks of a rider on a red horse with a weapon of such destructive potential, it could remove peace from the earth (Revelation 6:4). Could that be a nuclear device? Peter writes: 'But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the Heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God...?' (2 Peter 3:10-12 NKJV) Should we be frightened? No, the death throes of this old order are just the birth pangs of a new one. 'Nevertheless, according to His promise, we look for new Heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found in Him in peace, without spot and blameless.' (2 Peter 3:13-14 NKJV) What God has in store for His redeemed people is awesome! You are redeemed by the blood of Jesus...love it, live it, pass it on...you are loved!

Suffering Because of...

''If anyone suffers...'' 1 Peter 4:16
Good Morning, Just a reminder that tomorrow @8am @CFW is our Men's Connection Breakfast. Men we will continue the DVD series on the Holy Spirit. Ladies pass the word on to your husbands, please. The Bible says, 'Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God...' (vv.15-17 NKJV). When satan attacks you for doing God's will, it's both a compliment and a sign of respect. Clearly, you're a high-value target and you represent a threat to his kingdom. But when you suffer as a result of your own foolishness, there's only one thing to do: acknowledge it and repent. Don't say you're being attacked for being a Christian when you're really being attacked for being a 'busybody.' Note the words 'murderer' and 'busybody,' and make the connection! When you speak evil of someone and are persecuted for it, you're not suffering for the Lord, you're suffering the consequences of your own behavior. So what should you do? Go back and deal with it; say, 'I was wrong.' Don't try to act 'spiritual' and say, 'Well, I just don't understand why they don't like me.' Yes, you do! You can't do what's wrong, try to vindicate yourself and then claim God's promises. It doesn't work that way. 'The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.' It begins with you. God says, 'If you fix this yourself, I won't have to fix you. I only fix people who refuse to fix themselves.' Don't wait for consequences to bring you to your knees. You are Loved...

Step Out in Faith and Do It!

'We walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

What a great week as God has encouraged us to step out in faith almost everyday. It's hard sometimes in our walk of faith and It's not that you don't know this, but if your like me you just keep forgetting it and need to be reminded of it: God can use you! Yes, the same God who worked through Moses and Esther, Deborah and Paul, works today through imperfect people like you and me. He can give you victory in the place of defeat and turn last year's humiliation into this year's celebration. All the great achievers in the Bible had one thing in common: they were just ordinary people who took risks in obedience to God, believed Him and ended up doing amazing things. Can you imagine trying to fill Moses' shoes? God had used him to dry up the Red Sea, wipe out the Egyptian army, receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and feed millions of Israelites every day in the wilderness. How would you like to follow someone like that? The thought of it must have shaken Joshua to his core. But God reassured him: 'No man shall be able to stand before you...as I was with Moses, so I will be with you...' (Joshua 1:5 NKJV) Once he heard those words he had the confidence needed to pick up where Moses left off. The Bible says, 'We walk by faith, not by sight.' The devil doesn't mind you speaking words of faith as long as you don't take steps of faith. So trust God. When He says something to you it's always for a good reason. When He tells you to do something, He will give you the strength and resources to do it. What's God asking you to do? Step out in faith and do it!

Your Habits Determine Your Future

'...Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed...' Daniel 6:10 NIV

Ever thought about your habits? I have. Last year Amy and I decided that we had to form the habit of exercise. That habit of going to the gym almost everyday of the week is paying off. But your habits can either work for you or against you. Take any habit you practice, multiply it by 365 days, then multiply it by seventy or eighty years and you can write your own obituary. Simply stated: great people have great habits. One billionaire says, 'I arrive at my office at seven a.m. It is a habit.' A best-selling author says, 'I get up at the same time every day. I start writing at eight a.m. and quit at four each afternoon. I do it every day. It is a habit.' Jesus had habits. 'And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His [habit] was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day...' (Luke 4:16 KJV) Daniel prayed three times a day. His prayer life was so predictable that his enemies used it to trap him. When measured by the same standard, how is your prayer life? It's said that if you can do something consistently for twenty-one days you have proven that you can do it for twenty-one years. Will you slip at times? Sure, you're only human. But once you have tasted success it's hard to be satisfied with less. Jesus said, 'If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.' (John 8:31 NAS) Note the word 'continue'-it's the secret of true greatness. Your success can be found in your daily routine. If you're serious about changing your life you must stop practicing bad habits and start instituting good ones. You are loved....

You've Got to Pay Full Price

'I insist on paying the full price...' 1 Chronicles 21:24 NIV

Sitting here in the office today staring at my cup of coffee listening to worship music and praying. It seems like satan is trying to unleash everything against me this week; and as I pray and renew my spirit a old story comes to mind. The story's told of a small-town barber who was doing well until a big hair salon moved in across the street. They blitzed the area with signs: 'EVERYTHING FOR A DOLLAR. Dollar haircuts! Dollar perms! Everything for a dollar!' In despair he hired an advertising expert, who called a billboard company and told them to put up a big sign on top of the barber's shop. 'And what do you want us to put on the sign?' they asked. The expert replied, 'In big, bold letters put the words: 'WE FIX DOLLAR HAIRCUTS!' David said in 1 Chronicles 21:24, 'I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord...a burnt offering that costs me nothing.' In order to fulfill your God-given destiny in life, you've got to pay full price. You must not stop in this walk of faith when things get tough. Instead stand up in faith and believe God and pay full price by being and doing everything your God is asking of you. If you do it will change you forever....you are loved!

Stop Doubting Yourself

'...Draw your strength from Him...' Ephesians 6:10 AMP
Snow, Really!!!

As I opened the blinds this morning what did I see? Snow...you all know how I feel about snow, it's of the devil. In life the devil is out to try and steal from you everything he can. Peter said "he prowls around like a roaring lion." When he comes at you to make you doubt yourself and he will, don't be surprised when God calls you to step out in faith and do something you don't feel qualified to do. That tends to be His standard operating procedure. He does it so that you will lean more on Him, and less on yourself. Does that mean you won't make mistakes? No, it means you probably will. But instead of being discouraged, you'll see them as part of the learning curve and go on to greater things. Often we look at a task and think, 'There's no way I can do that.' Hold on there; you're looking through the wrong end of the telescope! You're looking at yourself instead of God. When God called Joshua to take the place of Moses, He promised Him, '...As I was with Moses, so I will be with you...' (Joshua 1:5 NKJV) Now if God promises to be with you and He does, then that is all you need. His strength is actually showcased through your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whatever ingredients you lack in the natural realm, you can withdraw from your account in the spiritual realm: 'Be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].' What kind of might is available to you? Boundless might! And where do you draw it from? The ultimate source-God! You are empowered and equipped as you work with Him, so stop selling yourself short. Armed with His might you have more capabilities than you think, and you are able to do a lot more than you've done in the past. So put your confidence in God and stop doubting yourself.

Stop Judging Others

'Who are you to judge someone else's servant?...' Romans 14:4 NIV

Good Morning Everyone,
Just a quick Note that tonight is our Friday Connection Night @7pm @CFW. I hope you will join us for Authentic Worship and the message "A love Worth Giving." Tomorrow if you have a couple of hours; Bob & Kathy Hunter our moving and need some help. If you would like to help they are starting at 10:00, 532 Franklin St, Richland WA.

This morning let's look at judging others. It is always a lot easier to stand on the sidelines and take pot-shots than to get involved and try to help. The Bible repeatedly warns us not to criticize, compare, or condemn one another. When you judge what someone else is doing in sincere faith, you are on dangerous ground with God. 'What right do you have to [judge] someone else's servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right...' (Romans 14:4 CEV) Since you are not their 'lord', you need to exercise wisdom and restraint. Refuse to stand in judgment on those whose opinions differ from yours. Here Paul weighs in: 'Why, then...criticize your brother's actions, why...try to make him look small? We shall all be judged one day, not by each other's standards or even by our own, but by the judgment of God.' (Romans 14:10-11 PHPS) Whenever you take it upon yourself to analyze, scrutinize and categorize one of God's children, four things happen: (1) You upset their Father. (2) You display your ego and insecurity. (3) You set the standard by which you yourself will be judged. (4) You alienate people. When you get a reputation for being critical, people will avoid you like a plague. They know that if you criticize others you will criticize them too. The Bible says: '...let us try to do what makes peace and helps one another.' (Romans 14:19 NCV) Someone said, 'The largest room in the world is room for improvement.' If you doubt that, look at the disciples Christ picked and promoted-then look in the mirror. When we do it changes how we look at other's.

The Blessings of the Compassionate Heart (3)

'...They gave themselves...to the Lord and then to us...' 2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV

Morning Team,

What a beautiful day today! Many of you will encounter opportunities and situation's to use the tools we've been talking about the last few days. Letting God open up your heart of compassion when in a moment you've gone from normal routine, to God opportunity. Have you ever encountered a homeless person, given them some money, watched them shuffle away and wondered, 'Have I just paid for their next drink or rewarded laziness?' In some cases you may be right, in other cases wrong. So what should you do? In 2 Corinthians 8, God gives us a plan we can understand and follow. The Macedonian church did it this way: (1) Both the well-off and the needy participated. They all gave, even those in 'extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity...[and] gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.' (vv2-3 NIV) (2) They gave gladly, not under pressure. '...Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing...' (vv3-4 NIV) (3) Their giving flowed from their devotion to Christ. 'They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us.' (v5) They didn't give to impress others or for a tax deduction or to get the preacher off their backs or because they 'felt bad' for the needy. No, it was a natural response to being in love with Jesus. (4) Church leaders received, oversaw and distributed their collective giving. They didn't give, trusting the integrity of the unknown and unproven. Their leaders handled and distributed their gifts openly, consistently and with accountability. They knew the finances were handled honestly '...in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.' (v21) Bottom line: you can give without loving, but you can't love without giving to those God loves.You are loved!

The Blessings of the Compassionate Heart (2)

'He who gives to the poor will lack nothing...' Proverbs 28:27 NIV

Happy Valentine's Day everyone... If you want to know more about why Valentine's Day came about come check out my message this Friday @our Friday Connection Night @7pm. Just let me say, love is in the air. So you won't want to miss it.

This morning we continue with the theme of the Compassionate heart. When it comes to charitable giving some people say, 'That's Old Testament doctrine. What's the New Testament teaching?' Glad you asked! Jesus launched His ministry saying: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach Good News to the poor...' (Luke 4:18 NIV) And it didn't stop with Jesus. The New Testament church carried out Christ's mission of mercy on a daily basis. 'All the believers...shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.' As a result, they experienced 'great joy.' (Acts 2:44-46 NLT) You say, 'Won't that leave me financially strapped?' No. Because of their compassion and generosity: 'There was not a needy person among them...' (Acts 4:34 NAS) The giver and receiver were both blessed. The rules of God's Kingdom are: 'Give freely and become more blessed; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.' (Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT) It seems counter-intuitive, especially when you are struggling financially, but God promises that the generous will prosper. This isn't about buying God's favor. We don't give in the selfish motive of expecting a reward (that's not generosity, it's greed!) instead we give out of faith. The Bible says, 'The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.' (Proverbs 22:9 CEV) 'He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.' Next time God nudges you to show compassion and give, do it. Then when you have a need, pray, 'Lord, I have honored You, now I believe You will honor me.'

The Blessings of the Compassionate Heart (1)

'Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!...' Psalm 41:1 NLT

Good Morning,
Wonderful service yesterday! Thanks to all of you who came out for our Annual Business meeting. Last night I shared about our desire as a church to do outreach into our community. One of the ways is to reach out to those who need it the most. How do we come to a place of having a compassionate heart for ministry? Psalm 41:1 says, "'Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor" Even in a bad economy most of us are still better off than others, and better off than we have ever been. We may lack the latest, the biggest, the finest and the fastest, but we seldom lack the necessary, right? God doesn't 'guilt-trip' us, but He does want us to 'Consider [remember, be mindful of] the poor.' The Bible says, 'He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.' (Proverbs 21:13 NAS) Could this be a key to your prayers getting answered? To be comfortably provided for is a blessing, but you must not forget those in need. What is God's attitude toward the poor? And what does He expect of us? 'If there is a poor man among your brothers...do not be hardhearted or tight-fisted toward [him]...and give him nothing...you will be found guilty of sin.' (Deuteronomy 15:7-9 NIV) Helping others is an obligation, not an option. In Scripture the tithe took care of God's work and God's servants, but it was also to be shared with '...the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat...and be satisfied.' (Deuteronomy 26:12 NIV) God said: 'If one of your countrymen becomes poor...unable to support himself...help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you.' (Leviticus 25:35 NIV) The truth is, we've been called to feed, shelter and clothe the needy (Isaiah 58:5-12). God is compassionate and generous to the poor, and He asks us to follow His example.

Seeing the Hand of God in it

'...Lord, open his eyes so he may see...' 2 Kings 6:17 NIV

Good Morning,
As I was sitting with the men in prayer this morning listening to what was being said; God spoke to me and said make sure your people know that they can see my hand in their life. No matter what we go through God is always with you. The Bible records: 'When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. Oh, my lord, what shall we do? the servant asked. Don't be afraid, the prophet answered. Those who are with us are more than those are who are with them. And Elisha prayed, O Lord, open his eyes so he may see. Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.' (2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV) By God's power, the servant saw angels. And God can help you to see His hand at work in what you're going through today. He never promises to remove us from our struggles, but He promises to change the way we look at them. After listing many of his problems, Paul writes: 'In all these things we have complete victory through Him...' (Romans 8:37 GNT) We'd prefer another phrase. We'd opt for 'apart from all these things,' but Paul says, 'In all these things.' The solution is not to avoid trouble, but to change the way we see it. God asks, 'Who gives a person sight?' Then answers, 'It is I, the Lord.' (Exodus 4:11 GWT) God let Elisha's servant see an army of angels, Jacob see a ladder that went into Heaven, and Saul of Tarsus see Jesus on the road to Damascus. The blind man said to Jesus, '...I want to see,' (Mark 10:51 NIV) and he walked away with clear vision. Today ask God to let you see His hand in it.
You are loved,

Self-esteem-Built on God's Esteem!

'You are precious to Me. You are honored, and I love you.' Isaiah 43:4 NLT

Good Morning,

Are you able to look in the mirror today and say, 'Thank You Lord, You did a good job?' If you can't, you're in danger of settling for anyone who can give you what you're incapable of giving yourself-a sense of worth! You've got to find a healthy balance somewhere between martyrdom and narcissism. Until you do, everybody else's needs and opinions will be more important than yours. When that happens, you end up resentful and living without things you don't have enough self-esteem to ask for, because you don't think you deserve them. Early in life I struggled with self-esteem. I didn't believe that I was worth anything or did I believe that anyone thought I was worth while. Ever feel that way? I know you have but If you don't believe in yourself and respect your own opinions, you'll finish up living to please everyone else. One wrong look or one critical word from them and you'll say, 'I'll never do that, say that, or wear that again.' Talk about feeling worthless and insecure! Thank God you don't have to live that way. Peter writes, 'The God of all grace...[will make you]...perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.' (1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) God wants to give you a sense of self-esteem-built on His esteem. Will you let Him? When I came to that place and allowed God's esteem to fill me...it changed who I was. I began to sound differently, and once others have heard you sing confidently, they'll want to hum along. Just make sure they're in harmony when they do. You train others to treat you by how you treat yourself. The buyer will pay no more than the seller demands. So go to God today, ask Him to tell you who you are and what you're worth. He will say, 'You are precious to Me. You are honored, and I love you.' That's God's opinion-make it yours! You are loved,

Stop Waiting For Perfect Conditions (3)

'...He kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.' Hebrews 11:27 NLT

Good Morning,

Finishing up on the thoughts of following through in ministry. There is a strong relationship between our movement toward our dreams, and the resources we need becoming available to us. Too often we want to see the resources, or have them in hand before we start moving forward. When we do that, we have neither the resources nor the movement. We need to be like the snail that started climbing up the apple tree one cold day in August. As he inched his way upward, a worm stuck his head out from a crevice in the tree and said, 'You're wasting your energy. There isn't a single apple up there.' The snail kept on climbing, and replied, 'No, but there will be by the time I get up there!' Over and over in Scripture God sent people out with what seemed like inadequate resources. But when they got to where God wanted them to be, the resources needed to get the job done were in place waiting for them. Vision doesn't follow resources, it happens the other way around. First we have a dream, then we have to move forward. Then-and only then-do people and resources follow. Then the plan God has given to us begins to fall into place. A wise man once said, 'Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.' People who succeed 'see' what others don't. It's what keeps them moving forward. 'It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king's anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.' Keep your eyes on the supply and watch what God will do...

You are loved,

Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions (2)

'Faith is being sure of what we hope for.' Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Good Morning,
If you didn't know my youngest son is 22 today. Give him a call or text or email and wish him the best. Happy Birthday Zachary!

I never thought so long ago when I was young that today would be here, but it is. It was over 30 years ago that God gave me a vision for ministry. Amy and I didn't wait for the conditions to be right, we just trusted God and moved forward. We signed up for Bible college and went for it without a penny in our pockets. Successful people do not spend the majority of their time thinking about what must be done. Instead, they spend twice as much time reflecting on what they have already accomplished, and on how they are capable of accomplishing what they set out to do. Football coach John Wooden said, 'Things turn out best, for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.' Pursuing a God-given dream is a bumpy ride, as every leader in the Bible found out. And only those who think right succeed. The greatest gap between successful people and unsuccessful people is the thinking gap. This is especially so when it comes to failure. Successful people see failure as a regular part of success, and they get over it. Jonah Salk, the developer of the polio vaccine, said: 'As I look upon the experience of an experimentalist, everything that you do is, in a sense, succeeding. It's telling you what not to do, as well as what to do. Not infrequently, I go into the laboratory, and people would say something didn't work. And I say, Great, we've made a great discovery! If you thought it was going to work, and it didn't work, that tells you as much as if it did. So my attitude is not one of pitfalls; my attitude is one of challenges and what is nature telling me?' Such tenacity only comes from right thinking, and it is the hallmark of all successful people. They keep trying, keep learning and keep moving forward. They win the battle in their minds, and then it overflows into what they do. So lets go team Calvary...God has some great things instore for us!
You are loved...

Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions (1)

'He who observes the wind will not sow.' Ecclesiastes 11:4 NKJV

Good Morning,
Wonderful service yesterday as we continue the series "Renewing Your Vision". I hope you injoy these series as I believe they help us to grow spiritually. For the next couple of days we will be looking at moving forward in our lives; Trusting God when we aren't sure if we should move forward or not. Too many of us stand on the dock waiting. We want the ship in place, the gangplank perfectly positioned, the weather right and an engraved invitation before we're willing to launch out. It will never happen! Dreams don't move toward us, we have to move toward them. It's time to quit waiting for the ideal circumstances, perfect timing and hundred percent guarantees. John Maxwell suggests that instead of saying, 'We've never done it before,' say, 'We have the opportunity to be first.' Instead of saying, 'We don't have the resources,' say, 'Necessity fuels invention.' Instead of saying, 'There's not enough time,' say, 'We'll change how we work.' Instead of saying, 'We've already tried that,' say, 'We learned from experience.' Instead of saying, 'We don't have the expertise,' say, 'Let's network with those who do.' Instead of saying, 'Our vendors and customers won't go for it,' say, 'Let's show them the opportunities.' Instead of saying, 'We don't have enough money,' say, 'Maybe there's something we can cut.' Instead of saying, 'We're understaffed,' say, 'We're a lean, hungry team.' Instead of saying, 'It'll never get any better,' say, 'We'll try one more time.' Instead of saying, 'Let somebody else deal with it,' say, 'I'm ready to learn something new.' Instead of saying, 'It's not my job,' say, 'I'll be glad to take the responsibility.' Instead of saying, 'I can't,' say, 'By God's grace I can!' Are you ready to tell God you can?
You are Loved!

What Stinks?

'Lord, by this time he Stinketh.' John 11:39 KJV

Good Morning,

Sounds funny doesn't it, "What Stinks". I think that's the question God asks sometimes. I've done this myself and I know you have too; when we have a problem we do what Mary and Martha did with their deceased brother Lazarus. We bury it and roll a stone in front of it. Then Jesus comes along and tells us to roll the stone away so He can deal with it and make us whole again. It takes honesty, humility and courage to roll away the stone on a stubborn or shaming issue. But you will never become healthy and whole until you are willing to do that. Can you imagine the state Lazarus was in after four days in the grave? Martha said, 'He stinketh.' Yet Jesus said, '...If you [will] believe you [will] see the glory of God.' (John 11:40 NKJV) The great thing about this story is that no matter how far gone your situation may be or how unpleasant it is, Jesus can turn it around for you. But you must be willing to roll the stone away and allow Him to work. If you'll let Him, He can give you back what life has taken from you. People may give up on you but Jesus won't. Have you ever changed a baby's diaper? If anything else smelled that bad you would throw it in the trash, right? But not your child; you love them and you know that with a little help they are capable of outgrowing it and becoming something good. Like Mary and Martha, you may think it's too late for a miracle, but it's not. Your finances may stink, your relationship may stink, your prospects for the future may stink but, if you will believe, you will 'see the glory of God.' So let's believe together asking God for His very best in our lives...

You are loved!

Showing Honest Emotion

'Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, See how He loved him!' John 11:35-36 NIV

Good Morning,

It's hard to be open and honest ...Some of us are like a closed book; people never get to know what's on the inside of us. I know how that is because as a pastor I'm supposed to be under control and not let my emotions sway me one way or the other. We only have to look to Jesus who was not afraid to be vulnerable. He wept openly at the grave of His friend Lazarus. So, can you show honest emotion? We must to build connection with each other. Do you talk of the trophies you have won but not the tears you have shed? When you speak only of your success but fail to share what you went through to achieve it, you leave people feeling like they'll never be able to rise as high as you have. Is that what you want? Jesus was infuriated when the strong took advantage of the weak; it's why He threw the moneychangers out of the temple. Yet He wept over the people of Jerusalem because He knew what the consequences of their rejection of Him would be. Now we're not talking about displays of uncontrolled temper, or dissolving into tears each time trouble comes. But unless you have the ability to show an appropriate level of empathy and transparency, you will have no credibility. The Bible says: 'For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under Heaven...A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.' (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 NLT) If you are able to be tough but not tender, people may admire your achievements and comply with your instructions, but they will keep you at a distance. I've had to learn over the years that it's ok to be me and show other that I care. We celebrate when we need to and we cry when we must. Follow Christ's example, it will take you to great places...

You are loved!

Before You Can Move Ahead

'Arise...go...to the land which I am giving to [you].' Joshua 1:2 NKJV

Good Morning,
We are home! Amy and I made it back safely yesterday and as par for the course, things are stacked up for us to do. So what is the first thing to happen? My computer won't start up...I'm going ok Lord really, I just fixed this two weeks ago. So I prayed and it was a simple fix, a screw came out and the hard drive came out of its slot. Pushed it back in and put a screw to hold it in place; started it up and I sighed thanks Lord. Sometimes we have a hard time when things don't go our way. There are something's we must do in our spiritual lives before we can move ahead as well. Joshua had already tasted the joys of the Promised Land. But then he had to go back and wait until Moses died and every doubter in Israel was buried. Observe: (1) Some of our old ways must die. Moses represented the old system. It was good for then, but not now. When you align yourself with what was, instead of what is, you're not ready. There are still too many people you need to impress. You're so bound by certain philosophies that, when God says it's time to move, you have to consult somebody else. When God told Joshua, 'Moses My servant is dead...arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them,' there was only one correct response: 'Yes, Lord!' You must honor the past, but not get stuck in it. You must stand on the truth, but seek God for fresh instructions and insights if you're to reach your destiny. (2) Your doubts must be buried. Only two out of the twelve spies who went into the Promised Land believed God would give it to them. The other ten saw giants, caved in to doubt, died and were buried in the wilderness. And every doubt that's holding you back has got to die and be buried too, including the voice of your low self-esteem, your childhood fears, your anxieties and your critics. Gather them up, put them in a box, bury it, stand on top of it and say, 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' Before you can move ahead you must understand and live by these principles.
You are loved!