Some Things To Ponder

Overcoming Contention

2011-04-12T16:47:00.004-04:00

Human beings come prepackaged with the tenacity to defend their point of view as early as two years of age and it follows each of us everyday of our lives. The only problem with this trait is we don't always have an accurate point of view and the sooner we as adults realize this and get a better understanding of our own inaccuracies the better off we'll be when it comes to working with others.

Once the Ole mule is out of the barn there is no need to burn the barn down over it. We need to learn to "Get Over It". It seems like to me, when two people are dealing with conflicting points of view they end up creating a bigger problem than the problem they were attempting to solve in the first place. Usually this comes from an inability to see the big picture due to being so focused on our own point of view. It's a me, myself and I attitude residing underneath the surface of an individual or individuals that forgets about the team, the cause and the main purpose to start with.

The Bible teaches, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." Amo 3:3, Ecc 4:9 Everyone needs to get a good healthy understanding of just how important others are in their lives and how to problem solve when conflicts arise without tearing the whole playhouse down in spite of everything.

When a conflict sticks it's ugly head up the last thing you or I can afford to do is to allow the mole hill to turn into a mountain. To ruin a relationship over a disagreement is quite petty to say the least. We all must learn to give and take equally without upsetting the whole apple cart. Here are a few things I have learned the hard way over the years with my type A personality.

We can disagree without being disagreeable. Usually the way we disagree is what turns the apple cart over and makes a nice mess for everyone to get a good gander at. The attitude behind the discussion to begin with will determine the success or failure in the end. It's all about attitude in the first place...

We must always respect Authority or an Elder. As I was taught growing up in school, the teacher is always right....period! Right, wrong or indifferent we must respect the decisions of those we answer to and get over it. One day the buck will stop with you when God desires for you to be the leader but until then go with the flow rather than skin your ignorance back for all to get a good look. As they say, "A closed mouth gathers no foot."

We must learn that we don't always have the correct point of view. When we become a big picture thinker our point of view takes on a whole new perspective. It's no longer about me but all of us and what is best for the team. Sometimes we must swallow our pride and make concession in order to bring peace and agree even when we don't completely agree. Move on, get over it and protect everyone's reputation.

The problem will be solved when I realize the Big Problem is, "I am the Problem and I don't know I'm the Problem". Fix my thinking and the problem is solved.....

The Problem with our Lineage "Part four"

2011-04-06T12:25:00.000-04:00

As Easter quickly approaches, many fail to truly understand the magnitude of what Easter is really all about. Most know it's about a man who hung on a cross and died for our sins but never truly realize just who this man really was. When the question was presented to the disciples of just who Jesus was in Matthew 16, Peter proclaimed Jesus was the Christ, son of the living God. Jesus told Peter he would be given a set of keys to the kingdom. Without reading into this we can concur that the door to heaven was locked due to Adam and Eve's sin but Peter would possess a key that would open that door to all of mankind who would believe and obey his words.

The setting is on the day of Pentecost Acts 2. The disciples and about one hundred and nine more were in a upper room waiting for this promise Jesus had spoken of before He ascended, when suddenly all that were in the room were filled with God's Spirit. The people outside heard the noise and thought they were drunk. In Acts 2:14 the very first New Testament sermon to sinners was about to begin. At the conclusion of the message, the host that heard Peter's sermon said this, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Acts 2:37
Peter took the keys out and told them how to open the locked door in the very next verse. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Act 2:38   It's clear, even to a novice that "remission of sins" is what we are all looking for. It's the sin problem we have that has been plaguing mankind since Adam and now we all have a remedy to the sin problem. Peter went on to add at the conclusion of the sermon,   "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call." Act 2:39

As I wind down today, let me point out a few things here. First of all, Peter told them to Repent. This means to ask for forgiveness and change permanently or to crucify the old sinful nature we all possess. Secondly, he told them to be baptized in One Name (JESUS) not three titles for the REMISSION OF SINS. The baptism is also a symbolic burial of the old sinful nature. He further guaranteed them they would receive the Holy Ghost or Spirit. This is symbolic of being born again a new creature, from a new lineage and bloodline. In a nut shell, John 3:5 has been satisfied, Mark 16:16 has been satisfied, Matt 28:19 has been fulfilled and there is too many more to mention.

We can clearly see from scripture how Peter used the keys to the kingdom for the very first time to open the door and over 3000 souls were added to the church that day. They remitted their sins through baptism in the name of the one who died for their sins.... Jesus.    "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Act 22:16

If you look closely in your own Bible, you WILL NOT find one place where people were ever baptized in three titles. They were always baptized in One name...Jesus.   "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Act 4:12
Matthew 28:19 clearly commands to baptize in the NAME of the father and of the son and of the Holy Ghost. He did not say to repeat his words.
In Part Four we will examine closer just who the man Jesus really was and how He redeemed us from a certain Lake of Fire.

The Problem with our Lineage "Part Three"

2011-04-02T12:38:00.000-04:00

When Jesus came to planet Earth He hand picked twelve men to begin His church and execute the redemption plan for all of mankind. He taught them simple principles of life and the need for Him to die in order for the redemptive plan to be in effect. After years of discipleship the Lord of Lords allowed mankind to crucify His body for the sins of the world. A life for a life in order to satisfy His own law from the Old Testament. The devil never saw it coming.   "Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1Cor 2:8

Jesus posed a question one day to His disciples,"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" Matt 16:13 They replied with different answers but Peter's response stood out from the rest. Peter proclaimed He was the Christ, son of the living God. Jesus made a statement that would set the stage for mankind's redemption.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.   And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Mat 16:18-19

Peter was just told he would possess the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus further admonished that whatever he bound on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever he loosed would also be loosed in heaven. Now, how was Peter going to use a set of keys to open the door to heaven? We know a man had to be reborn according to John 3:5. The reason for the rebirth was to change the linage from one bloodline to another (Adopt & New Name). Jesus Christ was from the lineage of David according to the flesh but His father was Almighty God. The bloodline is always passed down from the father. Now we have a son given that was from a brand new bloodline and anyone from this same bloodline could be redeemed according to the old law. This severed the tie once and for all concerning Adam and the law that condemned all of mankind when Adam sinned. The devil's hands were tied if a individual were to be "Born Again". Belief and acceptance is only one step of many in the redemption plan but in order for a person to proceed they must believe.

When Jesus rose from the grave He commissioned the disciples but told them to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise. Acts chapter one begins with the ascension of Christ and the disciples are in the upper room praying for this promise. Acts chapter two begins with the out pouring of God's Spirit just as Joel predicted. (Joel 2:28-29) After quite a commotion, Peter stands with the eleven disciples and preaches the first New Testament sermon to sinners. Here we will witness first hand Peter using those keys to open a locked door leading to heaven. About 3000 souls will be added to the church when he finishes that day. He lays the foundation of the redemptive plan of salvation for all of mankind. Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone

In Part Four we will look at just what Peter told sinners they needed to do to be saved.

The Problem with our Linage "Part Two"

2011-04-02T07:13:00.000-04:00

There is a popular misunderstanding among most Christians that merely believing or accepting Jesus Christ is within itself enough to classify a person as being "Saved". I tell you this in a very humble way. In order to be saved, a person must get saved. To believe I am a car because I now stand in my garage is absurd and a fallacy. To say belief alone does the job is also a fallacy. Our escape from the lineage of Adam goes far beyond our belief into obedience.

Now that we have accepted or believe there is a savior just how can we partake of the salvation Jesus Christ has come to offer? How do we escape the ties of our lineage to Adam? "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 Again, I have to point out the fact: If we truly believe and we have accepted that He is the way, we now have to go that way by faith. Are we saved by works? God forbid! We are saved through obedience. Our obedience justifies our faith.

When Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and rose again, He was the first born from the dead. Never before had a human being went to the grave and come back to life in this manner. "And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Col 1:18 Jesus now possess the Keys to death and hell. The old law has been satisfied but now we must be transformed into the likeness of His death. This is why Nicodemus was told a man must be born again. "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5

Now things begin to come together at this point. The solution to my lineage problem has just been presented or pointed out. We must be "Born Again" in order to escape the sins of Adam. I must first believe it and then obey it. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17 My works is no more than my obedience to His instructions.

I believe it is true and accurate to say that believing is at the root of salvation but is not the conclusion of the process. It truly is the grace of God we have a redeemer. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Eph 2:8 By grace are we saved through FAITH. My faith is what I believe and what I believe I will obey. Let me make myself real clear here. You nor I can do anything to warrant salvation but we must obey the scriptures by doing the things contained in His Word. How can I be born again if I do not follow the instructions contained in the Bible?

In the next part we will follow the scriptures into how we are crucified, buried and risen again in the likeness of His death.

The Problem with our Lineage "Part One"

2011-03-31T08:12:00.001-04:00

When it comes to salvation, our biggest dilemma is the fact, we all descended from Adam. When Adam and Eve fell in the garden, their sins were passed on from generation to generation.
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Rom 5:12

The law condemned all of us to certain death due to the fact Adam was our great, great grandfather but the law also made provision for redemption. The law stated that only a nearest kinsman could redeem us. "After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him." Lev 25:48

The big problem for mankind was he did not have a nearest kinsman that was not also related to Adam. The only logical way a person could charge their lineage would to be born all over again and you and I know this would be impossible or is it? Little did the devil realize it, but God had a plan up His sleeve to redeem His creation. All He needed was a body. Born of a woman and made under the law. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law...Gal 4:4 This would satisfy the law of the nearest kinsman and this son would be from a brand new blood line due to the fact the Almighty God fathered him in the surrogate mother Mary. This would qualify Jesus to redeem us according to the law and the devil had to give up the keys to death and hell.

The price for redemption was steep. It would require a life for a life. The son that was given, sacrificed his life for all humanity. He nailed to the cross all of our sins and our lineage to Adam. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." Col 2:14

Now that we have a redeemer and the price has been paid for our freedom we must partake of this redemption. It all begins with the simple acceptance, belief and faith that Jesus Christ died for our sins and begin to follow Him and His Word to eternal life. Remember, to believe something does not mean you possess it but due to your belief you reach for it to posses it. In Part Two we will discuss just how I can possess or put on Christ.

Is it Judgment or Correction?

2011-03-31T07:07:00.005-04:00

When it comes to where we spend eternity this is serious business. The Bible warns of a straight and narrow way that few will find. "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt 7:14 "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 1Peter 4:18

I do not claim to be the sharpest knife in the drawer by no means but I can surmise a few things from these two scriptures. The way to heaven leaves no room for error and to deviate from the path could prove costly.

As a pastor, I take my calling very serious. I was determined years ago to find the correct path to follow that would lead God's people to heaven. We have so many things in this world that are deceiving and the last thing I want to do is to deceive or be deceived. More than anything, I want to give safe passage to those who are on my watch.

Religion can and is a touchy subject. When I encounter new people in my daily life I want to share the Good News with them but there is a serious problem I keep running into. There seems to be this general consensus that all religious roads lead to Rome and any attempt to enlighten them is misconstrued with judgment. Jesus said the path to Heaven was straight and narrow and few would find it. My calling is to guide people to the correct path with the light God has given me. This precious light will illuminate the scriptures with understanding like never before to not only find the straight and narrow but lead others also to the path.

I'm reminded of a true proverb: "Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die." Pro 15:10 Correction can never be misconstrued with Judgment. If a pastor truly loves people he will study to show himself approved of God, a workman rightly dividing the Word of God. He will not be afraid to apply correction when it is needed. Only a hireling will withhold correction out of the concern of keeping their billfold fat.

There are Biblical facts that cannot be debated. Jesus admonished Nicodemus: "...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God...John 3:5 The only thing we have to authenticate just what this verse means is the example the disciples used throughout the Book of Acts. My thoughts, opinion or ideals do not matter. The disciples always used water to remit the sins of sinners in baptism as they called the name of the Lord over them and as a result they were filled with God's Spirit. It is accurate to say the water was baptism and being filled with God's Spirit. This New Birth created a new linage for us. We are no longer related to Adam but have been reborn and adopted in the family of God. The Lord even gave us His name.
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Act 4:12

The sad fact is that many will and have called Him Lord when in reality He will deny ever knowing them. (Matt 7:23) My job is to introduce them to the real Jesus and to point people into the right direction using God's Word is NOT and NEVER will be judgment but a a genuine love and concern for people to make heaven their home. If you truly love people you will not be afraid to correct them even when it hurts.
I am thankful for the brave individuals who loved me enough to show me the scriptures even when the scripture judged me. Thank God I had the mind to receive the correction without thnking they were passing judgment upon me. These good people simply loved me.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Jude 1:21-23

A Common Misconception of a Young Minister

2011-03-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

As each generation reaches the end of their journey, there has always been a constant struggle between the wisdom of the departing generation and the zeal of the incoming. After years of carrying the torch of Truth, ensuring and protecting the integrity of the light, there is a reluctance to hand it over to a generation that could carelessly allow it to go out while pursuing new visions. It has been said, “What an elder sees sitting; the young can't see standing.”

Many lives have been sacrificed in order to protect the integrity of this great truth we all have come to know and understand.   All too often the younger generation over runs the elders due to a zeal to move forward at light speed. It's easy to second guess and even criticize an elder for failing to strike the iron when we feel the iron is hot but after many years of experience, our elders have found, there is a time and place for everything in God's kingdom and to minutely get out of sync with God is a costly mistake to say the least. A beast will be created that cannot be contained.

For some unknown reason, the next generation has the impression they must complete the mission on their watch faster and greater than the last, when in fact, God has been building His church long before we were ever thought of. The temptation is ever present with us to compromise and do things our way.  It is very clear, the closer we get to the coming of the Lord, each generation gravitates toward putting more emphasis on quantity rather than quality. The skill and patiences it takes to build a sure foundation was not acquired by our elders yesterday. It took many years of assimilating knowledge from past mistakes, the mistakes of others and the instruction of the elders in their lives to accurately proclaim this Gospel with profitable results for God.

It would behoove each of us to slow down and not make the same mistakes of those who have fallen from the error of their way. The way of holiness is still a straight and narrow way. It still takes time to disciple souls, cultivating God's word into their lives. His seed is a valuable commodity these days and to broadcast it haphazardly without considering the seasons or the advice of the elders will be our undoing. Today's seeds we sow will determine the harvest of tomorrow. The harvest of tomorrow will determine the quantity and quality of the seeds for the next harvest. We are so blessed to possess the seeds from yesterday's harvest the elders planted years ago. Let us painstakingly sow with love, while another waters and God will give us the increase.

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
1Peter 5:5

No doubt many will feel the call to do a work for God in the near future but it is so critical to get in sync with God long before we embark upon this new journey. The elders will always confirm the mind and will of God in our lives. To circumvent the advice of the elders or your pastor will cost you and many more their souls in the end. We are all laborers together and His body is designed to work in harmony, building HIS kingdom and not ours. It must be done according to His will, timing and purpose, not ours. We can find and confirm His will for our lives through our elders, pastors and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When any of these three are not in harmony with the direction you're feeling, it would be very wise to reconsider, reevaluate and re-sync with God.

"The innocence that feels no risk and is taught no caution, is more vulnerable than guilt, and oftener assailed."  ~ Nathaniel Parker Willis

Just what is Truth? "Logical Interpretation of Scripture"

2011-03-21T17:26:00.004-04:00

As a pastor, I have found people are all too often deceived by their own failure to use commonlogic to interpret the Bible. The Bible does tell us this: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1Cor 14:33 I think it would be reasonable to say the Bible is relatively easy to understand if approached in the correct manner.

Before you can begin to understand lets say, the letters to the Corinthians, you must know a few things like; Who is writing and who are they writing to. Of course we know God was and is the author but men wrote as they were moved upon by the Lord. To answer the questions: The Apostle Paul was writing to the Saints in Corinth. "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints..." 1Cor 1:2 Logic can be applied instantly here also. He was writing to people already in church "Saints" or already saved so therefore common logic would surmise that these letters would be an unlikely place to find the plan of salvation.

Common logic tells us this: The car that is traveling down the road will always travel front-end first in most all cases. Two plus three is always five and three plus two is always five. If I were an individual looking for the correct path toward heaven I would use common logic first. I would search for a historical account within the scriptures where sinners were "Saved".

After a little study on Bible history you will find, the name of the books are usually indicative of what the books contain. A good example would be the Book of Acts. This book was written by Luke and it contains a historical account or the actions of the disciples preaching the Gospel to sinners and them being converted. Again, common logic will tell us this would be a good place to start looking for the plan of salvation. There are common rules of thumb or logic that can be used when reading scripture. The scripture will never contradict itself. The scripture will always flow in harmony.

Just what is Truth?

2011-03-17T07:38:00.000-04:00

When you stop and consider all the different religious beliefs just within the ranks of Christianity, it's mind boggling at the most. You have to ponder the question: How can so many different opinions be formed out of one book? We have churches on every corner in the United States and each one proclaims to know the way to heaven.

Just what is the Truth? How can so many roads lead to heaven? Is there a broad way that everyone can follow or is there only one way? The best one qualified to answer that question would be Jesus Himself.   "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it". Matt 7:14 It would appear this scripture is inaccurate due to the fact, many claim to know the way and have found it or could it be that most beliefs are inaccurate and in error? Jesus did say, "...Few there be that find it." Common sense tells us there can only be one way before we ever pick the Bible up to consider it.

I have sat and pondered the idea for years of what exactly is the Truth of the matter when it comes to finding the straight and narrow way that leads to heaven. The writer John made mention of a spirit of truth and error.   "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." 1John 4:6

So, just how do we differentiate between Truth and Error when faced with so many beliefs? From a neutral stand point, here is a good way to begin. When reading any book, whether it be a car manual or the Bible, we must apply this principle. If you find what appears to be a contradiction then one can assume it has been interpreted in error therefore one must go back and reconsider the meaning. When all flows in harmony then we can be assured we are getting real close to the Truth of the matter.

Here is a good example to consider the principle of comparison for finding Truth:   "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom 10:13 Many advocate that simply calling on the name of the Lord will get you a free ride to heaven. Is this accurate and true? Partly! Here is where we will apply the principle of comparison.   "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Act 22:16    Now you and I can see from just two scriptures the picture of calling on the name of the Lord getting much clearer. Now we must consider the two scriptures in tandem. It would be accurate to say that calling on the name of the Lord also involves baptism and baptism washes away our sins. Now we are well on our way to finding Truth and not error.

From just the example above we can concur: Romans 10:13 is TRUE but not ALL of the Truth. The church in Rome had already called on the name of the Lord in baptism. Paul reminded them in Chapter 6. Therefore in his letter to the church in Rome, they knew quite well what the meaning of Romans 10:13 was. Merely calling on the name of the Lord alone is inaccurate and in error and the writer never intended for it to be interpreted that way. The same writer "Paul" declared in Acts 22:16 just how to call on the name of the Lord. Now we can begin to read the scripture within the context it was written. Better know as the Truth!

The Problem is When I have a Problem with the Problem

2011-03-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

Life can be difficult at times when it comes to relationships in the work place, home or even church. There is a multitude of issues that we all must contend with each time we interact with others. We all seem to come prepackaged with our own set of values and notions and when mixed with others which may be oppostive of our own, we often end up with more problems than we bargained for. I personally learned a valuable lesson a few years ago while attending a church service one evening.

The evening began with much anticipation of what the Lord was going to do in the service. I had just finished up a stressful week in the District Office and desperately needed the Lord to minister to me that evening. During a break in the worship, I decided I would go to the bathroom before the main speaker came to the floor. As I made my way through the doors into the foyer another minister approached me with an obvious issue he was concerned about. As the conversation progressed, the stress level began to rise and I thought to myself, "Here we go again...Everywhere I go I run into this problem." At this point my type A personality began to get the best of me and I ended the conversation. I was not a happy camper and neither was he.

As I made my way back to my seat I seethed with disgust at the thought of someone wanting to gripe and complain right in the middle of an amazing church service. It seems like the devil is around every corner these days, and even in the church there is no relief in sight. At that point my evening was ruined and I was boiling on the inside. A big part of me wanted to get my things and just leave. Little did I realize, I had just been on the receiving end of a lesson from the Lord. Oh, did the light begin to come on for me! As I sat there fuming, the Lord began to speak to me. Here is what He impressed me with: "The problems you keep facing in others is a result of your bringing the Big Problem with you wherever you go." "What? You mean I am the problem Lord?......No way!" The problem was simply this: The problem is - when we have a problem with the problem!

Let's go back for a moment in the foyer. The dear brother had a legitimate concern and may have made a poor choice in discussing it then, BUT due to me bringing the problem with me, his problem became a bigger problem for both of us! Now the real problem was, "I had a problem with his problem."

Now we can understand the principle behind turning the other cheek or going the extra mile with someone. We all must get control of ourselves when it comes to being offended. I have often said, "When you are offended it's because your spirit was not right, otherwise you would not have allowed it to offend you in the first place. We cannot afford to let the problems of others create a problem for us. The Psalmist wrote: "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." - Psa 119:165 The whole apple cart gets upset when we allow that. We must keep our spirit right as much as possible. If you bathe your spirit in God's Spirit on a regular basis you will find just how flexible you can be when times of controversy arise in life.

In conclusion, after I finished fuming in my seat, the Lord really opened my understanding that evening. I was able to enjoy the service and totally surrender My Problem to the Good Lord. At the end of the service the dear brother returned to apologize for his actions and made this statement, "I don't know what came over me." I just smiled and thought to myself, "Oh but I know what came over you." Amazing what the Lord must do to get us to see the error of our way.

Five Things I Would Do To Conserve My Finances

2011-02-24T11:20:00.002-05:00

The question is constantly being asked, "When is the economy going to get better?" It does not look like it will change very quickly. The housing market was a house of cards stacked to its maximum in 2007. The selling prices of houses comparable to yours is what governs the value of your home and if three houses in your neighborhood foreclosed or sold for bottom dollar your value just plummeted. There seems to be some relief in sight but every time the wind changes direction a barrel of oil rises dramatically. This effects retailers across the board and ends up getting into our pocketbook before it's all over.

The Average family around this part of the country live from check to check. Their debt ratio requires that both the husband and the wife must hold down a regular job. With gas on the rise, most families are going to face having to let some things go. This generation has never lived to see true hard times. They say history repeats itself and this generation is not above going hungry like many have faced throughout history. Just one hundred years ago most houses did not have indoor plumbing, or electricity and a vehicle to ride in was a dream of the future. A cell phone was science fiction and the biggest concerns of the day was simply surviving another day. How far we have come.... Here are a few pointers that may help reduce your overall spending.

1. The first thing that would be wise to go is the SUV sitting in the driveway. Gas is not going to get any cheaper. As gas prices rise, the SUV values will fall. It will not kill you to ride in a smaller fuel efficient vehicle. If you have a full size, 4x4 in the driveway getting 20MPG or less get rid of it. Times are changing and people better get ready to absorb the rising cost of living. Don't wait until the well has run dry. Start now!

2. Make a budget and stick to it. This budget needs to contain a plan to get out of debt. Make it a goal to pay off high interest payments first. When the budget has been exceeded, all spending must come to a halt. This will take discipline across the board in a family. On a home mortgage, the interest is paid up front with very little going toward the principal in the beginning. By just adding the principal amount to the payment will reduce the loan by one payment each time you do so. Vehicle loans are totaled up and the interest added in full to the amount owed then divided up by the length of the loan. This principle does not necessarily apply here.

3. If you have credit cards CUT THEM UP! Revolving Credit will be the demise of America if we don't get a handle on our spending. We have must learn to live conservatively if we are to change things. The temptation to spend must be removed completely. Our kids must understand that we do not have an endless supply of resources to draw from. I'm afraid the next generation may have a bleak future to face if we do not make some necessary changes right now.

4. Stop being so wasteful. Most households throw away about forty percent of the food they buy. Most people are overweight and could skip a meal anyway. Cook just what you need within reason. Get back to the basics of eating healthy and moderately. It is not necessary to stuff ourselves until we cannot move. If you do occasionally frequent a restaurant, split a meal with your spouse rather than eating enough for Pharaoh's army. Do everything in moderation and slowly you can change your wasteful tendencies.

5. Practice Conservation.

Turn the lights off when not in use
Make every trip count when going to the store.
Carpool to work.
Adjust the temperature of your water heater.
Hang the clothes out on the clothes line.
Unplug anything that is not in use including cell phone or ipod chargers.
Adjust the thermostat in the house. Good rule of thumb is sixty eight degrees in the winter and seventy-five degrees in the summer.
Close the doors to conserve heat or air conditioning.
Don't hold the refrigerator door open too long.

There are a million things you can do to lower the amount of money that goes out the window each day. Simply changing the way we live will help prepare us for the lean times we all may face in the not too distant future.

If It Walks Like a Duck Does Not Always Mean It's a Duck

2011-02-24T00:05:00.000-05:00

I have run into more problems that can be linked back to one common denominator. "Communication" or should I say, lack thereof! When you think about it, just what is so hard about making a simple statement and the next person getting it right? First of all, we have to take body language into consideration. Studies have shown seventy percent of our communication is our facial expressions or body language and the way we carry ourselves. It is very easy to make inaccurate assumptions based upon misinterpretation of body language. There is something about certain people that will just rub you wrong and yet with others you will feel perfectly comfortable. We unconsciously assimilate information about a person by sight when they enter the room. We judge how smart they are, their character and their financial status simply by the condition of their clothes.

Growing up, and especially in high school, I was a very shy individual who would rather take a beating than attempt to strike up a conversation with another person. It was much easier to go down the hall and simply not speak to anyone. Later on I encountered old classmates and usually the first words out of their mouths would be, "Boy, were you stuck up in school! You have really changed." Here we have a classic example. I was shy and easily intimidated so I avoided conversation. This was interpreted as being conceited, haughty and stuck up. Many friendships were aborted by false assumptions.

The number one problem within social circles is getting it right the first time. Communication is a two-way street: the message being displayed and how it is received. How we initially assimilate our interpretation of an individual will determine how we treat that individual early on. Example: If you were a store owner and someone enters your store with their shirt hanging out, hair in disarray and wreaking of the smell of gasoline you will automatically treat them differently from the individual with a suit and tie. They guy with the suit may be a royal pain with a personality disorder who beats his wife but the individual that wreaks of gasoline is a wonderful businessman who's car just broke down two blocks away and needs help.

The old habit of judging a book by its cover will deceive us every time. Things are not as they may first appear. If we all could slow down and get to know the people we encounter before we stereotype them, we just may communicate a lot clearer in the end. The preconceived notions we use to filter our perception will lead us astray most of the time. Next time you have a conflict with an individual you may want to take into consideration that you may be the source of contention due to miscommunication.

Five reasons people backslide

2011-02-22T22:46:00.001-05:00

Backsliding is a terrible thing to watch happen to an individual. It's like a train wreck about to happen and there is nothing you can do but put your hands over your eyes and pray. I have pastored for 20yrs now and I have watched people come and go over the years. As a rule of thumb there will always be an underlying cause that most cannot see or understand. "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."
Pro 14:14
1. Unrepented sins is the number one cause of backsliding. You can prune the old tree but sooner or later it will return to life. Painting the pump handle does not make impure water pure. From the beginning you must deny your will, make the necessary changes and allow Jesus to become Lord over your life. The ax must be put to the root of the tree insuring our old nature never lives again.

2. Failure to count the cost of the journey. Eternal life will cost you this life. There will be many pitfalls along the road of life. People will wrong you, use you up and dispose of you when they are finished but that has nothing to do with your Love for God. The journey into eternity is a long and arduous one at the most. The devil has one goal in mind and that is to bring you along with him for the ride to the lake of fire. Jesus stated that only the ones who endure till the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13

3. Failure to take ownership and responsibility of God's business. Many look to the pastor or minister to tend to the bulk of God's work. This is not accurate at all. The pastor or minister fills only the role as mediator. Everyone has a responsibility to the vineyard. The unprofitable servant will be thrown into the Lake of Fire right along with other sinners. If you buy into your church and invest your time, money and energy into His work you will have the Pride of Ownership. There will be no quitters in heaven. Burn every bridge that leads back to the old life.

4. A lack of knowledge of all of God's Word. Most people know just enough of the Bible to be dangerous. We must hide God's Word away in our hearts that the enemy cannot come and steal it away. His Word contains all the laws of survival. His Word is a road map that will help us navigate every obstacle in life. Adam and Eve were deceived by the devil because they did not know His Word accurately.

5. Failure to put on the whole Armor of God. Paul warned the church in Ephesus about the powers that be. Without completely protecting our mind, soul and heart the fiery darts of the devil will mortally wound us. We must learn to take one day at a time. Learn to put our failures and the failures of others behind us, giving ourselves wholly and solely to God and His work. We must pray without ceasing with the whole armor of God upon our lives if we have a chance of survival.

Dangers of Living on the Periphery of the Church

2011-02-22T06:29:00.000-05:00

Statistics tell us, the longer an individual attends a church the greater the likelihood of falling away. For some grave reason, time has a way of eroding away the conscience that once was dominate in leading a person in the right way. Familiarity with the house of God, the minister or fellow parishioners undermines the very foundation of an unsuspecting individual to a point where they can be tipped over and fall back into sin.

From a pastor's perspective, it is very predictable. Usually an individual or family will cut back on their financial support or completely stop giving all together. All of this will coincide with a shift toward the back of the church and become very critical of the leadership and or pastor. This is a terrible road to travel. Usually it is all but impossible to reason with someone who has allowed themselves to reach this point.
The root cause can be found in their positioning or direct relationship with God. Prayerlessness, entertaining sinful programming on the television or keeping company with less desirable individuals who refuse to change and have also become bitter and indifferent. When we come to God we must truly Repent of all of our ways, desires, thinking, and sins. Jesus demanded that in order to be His disciple you had to totally deny yourself. I don't believe that meant to live in a tent in a field, owning nothing. He clearly meant to deny YOU or your will. He must be Lord of all or He is not Lord at all.  He must be in the drivers seat of our lives at all times or we will never reach the destiny He has in store for us.

Here are a few things I have found that will play a vital role in increasing your chances of enduring till the end. First of all be very careful of Who you keep company with. You want to spend time with those who add value to your life. Those who are positive, desiring to move forward and reach new heights in Jesus Christ.   "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." Rom 16:17

Secondly, Prayerlessness is a sin that will lead you down roads of misery. Every day we must start afresh. We must concede that He is Lord and follow His pattern of forgiveness and longsuffering toward others. Each day we slowly get off course and we must readjust our lives, mindset and ways to His in order to keep the whole armor of God effective in our lives. His Word is the standard used for correction in our lives.

Thirdly, Understanding the silence of God. There will be times in our lives when the answer to our problems will not come when we expect it to arrive. This is part of conditioning ourselves to His way of doing things.   "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Heb 10:36 We are much like the kid in the back seat that constantly ask, "Are we there yet?" He will never forsake us or fail us. We must learn to wait on the Lord and in due season we will reap. Many have gone astray when they grew impatient and took things into their own hands. We must simply trust Him during these times.

Fourthly, Keep your eyes off everyone else and fix them upon Jesus. People do have faults, including the pastor. Stop keeping score and comparing yourself to others. The devil is a fault finder and we sure don't need anyone helping the devil point out the faults of others. Find you a seat in the church as close to the front as possible. Lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting and worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth. Surround yourself with people who want to make heaven their home. Get a regular prayer life going. Allow the potter to mold you into a vessel of honor.  You will be glad you did.

Dangers of Social Proof

2011-02-15T16:30:00.000-05:00

The principle of Social Proof states, “We look to what others do to guide our behavior, beliefs and fashion”. If we believe that countless other people are believing a certain Biblical doctrine, we immediately assume it to be correct and we will accept invalid Biblical arguments that otherwise we would reject if we had simply looked for ourselves.

We see this principle demonstrated as early as kindergarten class. When the class as a whole is not sure what to do they begin to look to their peers as to what direction to follow even if it means going in the wrong direction. This principle governs all aspects of our society. It has often been referred to "Going With the Flow".

One particular study demonstrates well, the power of Social Proof. This study involved the use of signs used in hotel guest rooms.

The signs in question are those which urge guests to reuse their bath towels. The usual approach of these signs is to carry a message which encourages the guest to reuse their towels in a bid to “Help the environment”. As a result of installing these signs in guest rooms, a percentage of guests do actually respond. During the study, the wording of the signs was changed to instead inform the guests that "Most people who stay in the hotels rooms reuse their towels at least once during their stay". This message employed the use of basic social proof, and informed the guest of the behavior of others just like them. When the data was analyzed, it was found that the guests who learned that most previous guests had reused their towels, they were 45 percent more likely to reuse their towels, than those who saw the basic message.

This principle can also become our demise at the judgment . When it comes to the Bible, it is very clear that their is only one way, one message, and one faith. Eph 4:4-6 Yet we find a church on every corner doing their own thing. The general consensus of Christianity has embraced the idea "All roads lead to heaven". All one must do is simply accept Jesus Christ and you have a free ticket. You can live as you please. The average newcomer usually has no problem with this concept due to "Social Proof" principle. If John and his wife believe this and Bill and his wife believe this then it must be true. They never take the time to really become acquainted with their own Bible. It would behoove all of us to dig like never before into God's word and ask Him to direct us to the straight and narrow way, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

I close with this point. I have studied with many different pastor's from various denominations, trying to at least see and consider their point of view. When confronted with a clear Biblical truth contrary to their doctrine, most would concede that if they attempted to preach all of the Bible they would become unemployed real quick. As one Baptist minister put it, "They desire a Baptist service with Baptist doctrine and that is exactly what I will give them even if it's wrong because that's what they pay me to do." Now this just blows my mind!

I have to ask the question, "Where is the Truth in all of this?" There is none. The minister teaches, Bill and his wife believe it because everyone else believes it to be true. Does that make it true? NO! Only the Bible can substantiate our beliefs. It will flow in harmony. As the old adage said, "Two plus two is always four."

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Baptism "Part Five"

2011-02-03T21:38:00.002-05:00

The first hint the Bible gives us of a redeemer returning to redeem mankind is found in Gen 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." God spoke of a day when the seed of the woman would bruise the devil's head but the heel of her seed would be bruised. The next mention of a redeemer coming is found in Isa 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." and again in Isa 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Why would the seed of the woman need to redeem mankind? God always did things according to His own Law. When Adam and Eve fell into sin in the garden, His law said they would be forever condemned. Including all their descendants. Rom 5:14 "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come."

There was hope for mankind. The Law stated in Lev 25:48 "After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.." If a man was sold into bondage a nearest kinsman could redeem him by paying a certain price and the man and his family would be set free. Mankind needed a kinsman to come and redeem him from the bondage of Adam. The only problem was this: there was no man living that was not related to Adam and not cursed with the same bondage. The Lord had a plan. Gal 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

For the sake of time here let me get straight to the point. God fathered a brand new bloodline of man when He overshadowed Mary and she conceived. The lineage is always passed through the father. This son would have the Name of His father. The Bible spoke of a day when a new name would be given to the Lord. Isa 62:2 "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name." Here is the Name... Mat 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Jesus also said in John 5:43 "I am come in my Father's name..." This name is the New Name of the family that would adopt mankind if mankind was willing to take the Name. This son that was given was our nearest kinsman that had returned to redeem us from our sins we had inherited from Adam. Mankind just had one more small problem. No man was related to this new bloodline because He was the son of God and everyone was born from the lineage of Adam. Just think....If we could just be "Born Again"....We would have a new father (God) and mother (Church). Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." We must first be "Born Again" before Jesus is qualified to redeem us. There is a process that we must go through before God can even call us His own. We must take on the adoptive name. Act 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Some have stated that this is salvation by works. Hogwash! Even believing is a work on our part. Only God can save us but we must cleanse ourselves of our sins first. We must be washed in the Blood of the Lamb. When we are baptized, we wash away our sins calling on that New Name and apply the blood of Jesus to our lives because we have been buried in the likeness of His death. God then is able to look the devil in the eye and rightfully redeem us because the Law has now been satisfied. The price has been paid in full. A life for a life. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Baptism "Part Four"

2011-02-01T21:03:00.006-05:00

To get a clearer understanding of baptism we must return to the beginning of the Bible. Everything God did throughout the Old Testament was a type or shadow of things to come. After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and were cast out, man continually spun out of control until one day the Lord said, "And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth..."Gen 6:7 The Lord found Noah and instructed him to build an Ark. The Lord flooded the earth and used water to separate Noah and his entire family from a lost world. Peter 3:20-21 "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..." It was the water that saved Noah and his family and was a type of baptism. Just as the water destroyed the sinful world in Noah's life it also destroys the sin in our life. The water had a two-fold purpose. I can imagine during those days there was a Ark builder on every corner proclaiming, "We know the way!" Everyone but eight (8) souls died when the floods came.

When the children of Israel were in Egyptian bondage, Moses came along and lead them to a new life much like we do today when we start toward the Lord. The very first thing they encountered was the Red Sea.
1Co 10:1-2 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea..." The waters of the Red Sea forever separated them from their lives of bondage just as baptism today separates us from our sins.

After the Children of Israel came to Mt. Sinai, the Lord gave Moses the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle or Church of that day. This is how the people would conduct their religious ceremony. This was all a type and shadow of how we approach God today. Within the Tabernacle was the Brazen Altar. The priest would offer up a sacrifice for the sins of the people. It represented death. The priest was instructed to build a Brazen Laver of water. The priest was commanded to wash before he entered the Holy Place or he would die. Exo 30:21 "So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations."

When Jesus died upon the cross the veil in the Temple that separated the Holy Place from the Holiest of Holies was forever removed. Mat 27:51 "And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent..." Man would never again approach God by another man because Jesus had offered Himself one final time upon the cross for all our sins. Here's the catch...just believing in the blood does not apply the blood. All that really changed from the Old Testament to the New was how we approach the Almighty. Now we die out or Repent of our sinful ways. Rom 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him..."
Rom 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." I need not say any more.

Baptism not only washes away my sins (Acts 22:16) but it also is symbolic of the burial of our old sinful nature just as Christ was buried. Clearly we can see with nothing but plain scripture that baptism was chosen by God as a way and means to deal with our sins just as He used water in the Old Testament to separate His people from their old way of life. I can hear that old song right now, "Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?"

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Baptism "Part Three"

2011-01-29T17:42:00.006-05:00

We already established with scripture the need for Baptism by doing a simple search with a Bible Program and the reason behind it was to remit or wash away sins. The question that keeps coming to my mind is why the disciples did not use the baptismal formula of Matthew 28:19. One good thing about having four Gospels is we have usually four different views of the same setting. Now this is not true for every setting but for the most part, all four disciples penned down what they saw and heard. Fortunately for us today, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all wrote about the day the Great Commission was given by Jesus.
We will begin with Matthew 28:19-20 and then we will compare all four versions.
Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained

OK...Matthew wrote that Jesus said to teach and baptize in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost. Mark wrote that Jesus said that everyone that believed and was baptized would be saved and signs would follow them. Luke wrote that Jesus said that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name beginning at Jerusalem. John wrote that Jesus said that whosoever sins you remit are remitted unto them and whosoever sins you retain are retained. Now that I have said all that we can simplify this a little. He told the disciples to teach about repentance and remission of sins in His Name, baptize them that believed in the Name of the father, son, and holy ghost and they had the power to remit sins or not and to begin at Jerusalem.

The first New Testament sermon was preached by Peter beginning in Acts 2:14-39. Luke recored all that he preached to a sinner congregation that had contributed to the death of Jesus. Look what he tells them to do at the conclusion of the sermon.
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Here's just something extra I found. Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Peter used those keys in Acts chapter two with the very first sermon to open the door to heaven for them.

Now we can start to see that Peter did obey the Great Commission that day. He taught them to Repent, be Baptized in the Name of the three not three titles, for the remission of their sins. The people gladly received his word, were baptized for the remission of their sins and over 3000 souls were added to the church that morning. Here is a sample of why Peter only used one name to baptize. Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

In Part Four we will look at why baptism in the first place. Look at what the one name is all about.

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Baptism "Part Two"

2011-01-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

Before we begin today let me start by saying this. The purpose of this study is to simply find the Truth and not error. The scripture is what we will be judged from so therefore it would behoove each and everyone of us to study throughly what the Bible is trying to tell us.

We're on the subject of Baptism again today. This can be a touchy one to say the least. I want to digress a little here and clear up just what "Faith" is. Most Christians have embraced the idea that acceptance of Grace through Faith will get the job done when it comes to salvation. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Where the problem comes in with this is, "Just what is faith?" Is this simply believing and trusting in your heart and nothing more or does it go a step further toward obedience? Take a look at James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Now we can see that "Faith" is authenticated by our obedience to God's Word. If I truly believe in Jesus Christ and that He died for my sins as my savior then I will have no problem with the scripture Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Or Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. I believe, accept, embrace and have total and complete "faith" that His Name will wash away all my prior sins. I can be a new creature in Christ. To go to an altar and merely accept Him but never venture beyond that does not change a thing. It could be compared to visiting the doctor for a illness. The doctor writes a prescription for Amoxicillin and lays it on the counter. We then proceed to walk out the door with it still laying on the counter. The Baptism is the way or means (Medicine) that He has given us to deal with our sins we have created. He stated in His Word (Acts 2:38) that if I will Repent (Stop Sinning) and be baptized for the remission of sins (Wash Away or Forgive my Sins) in the Name of Jesus Christ you shall be filled with His Spirit. I must take the medicine that He has so graciously given me or I still have a sin problem. Have you ever sung the song, "Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"

When attempting to "Rightly Divide" God's Word we must always remember the rule of thumb. One scripture cannot contradict another or my interpretation is in error. All scripture will flow together like a puzzle and form one picture. Lets examine Romans 10:13 When we read the whole chapter we find the context to be the subject of Israel and that they might also be saved. Paul expresses that God is savior to all that call upon Him, including a Jew or a Greek. When we take just the one scripture Rom 10:13 and exclaim this is the Roman road of salvation, we have just excluded John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. and Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. We now have a serious error in our doctrine. If we look closer at Romans 10 we will find in the verses following verse 13 this. Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. I believe we can concur, that in order to call upon the Lord a preacher must tell us how to do it by faith.

I will conclude with this thought. Just how did Paul teach them to call upon the Lord? Lets take a look at one scriptural example of when Paul went to Ephesus and you read for yourself.

Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Act 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.

Again, this setting is in total harmony with Mark 16:16, John 3:5, and Rom 10:13. In the next lesson we will be looking at the Great Commission from all four views of the four gospels and will combine them to form a clear picture of just what Jesus was telling them to do.

What Does The Bible Have to Say About Baptism "Part One"

2011-01-28T10:54:00.000-05:00

For the past few months I have been polling different individuals with various questions concerning the scriptures. I would randomly select questions just to see what kind of answers I would receive. It has been quite interesting. Some Christians responded very positive and came back with some remarkable answers while others responded as if someone was attacking their integrity.   It's mind boggling when you consider all the different doctrines out there.
Lets consider the subject of Christian Baptism. Just what does the Bible actually say concerning Baptism. With just an average computer program, I typed in the words "Baptized and Baptizing" just to see what scriptures would come up. One of the first scriptures that jumped out at me was Mark 16:16.  "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." This is one of those cut and dried scriptures. Anyone can interpret this one. We can quickly see here that Baptism is a necessity to say the least. Another one that caught my eye was Matt 28:19.  "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost..." This verse can be a little tricky. Did he say to baptize in three titles or did He say to baptize in the Name of three? The only way to confirm this answer is to search the scriptures for examples of how the disciples actually baptized. For the sake of time and space I will give you the scripture references I found. Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 18:8, Acts 19:5, Acts 22:16. In every recorded baptism, the people were all baptized in the Name of Jesus or the Name of the Lord. Can you believe there was not one account of anyone ever being baptized in three titles yet the practice of baptizing in three titles is the norm in most churches. I wonder where they are getting it from because it does not have scriptual basis? It's not in the scripture at all.

At this point a few more questions began to arise. It clearly stated that baptism is necessary for salvation but why would the Bible seem to have contradictions.  This scripture caught my eye. Acts 2:21 "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."  I also remembered this scripture: Rom 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Now this is a classic Bible moment here. I have three Scriptures Mark 16:16, Acts 2:21 and Rom 10:13 that seem to be saying two different things. Then to complicate things I Peter 3:21 came up in a search.  "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..." Now I have two that state Baptism is necessary and two scriptures that state calling on His Name is enough. I searched for an instance where someone called on the Lord and salvation came. The only scriptures I could find was when baptism was administered.  Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Now the picture became very clear for me. John quoted Jesus at the Great Commission stating this: John 20:23 "Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." The million dollar question here is this. How did the disciples remit the sins of people? I don't know of any church group that actually practices the remittance of sins. I did find in the scriptures that  when the disciples baptized, it was for the "remission of sins or washing away sins" Acts 2:32, Acts 22:16. They also called on the Name of Jesus as they submerged them in the water. Did I say submerged? I sure did. Taking a closer look, I could not find one instance of where the mode of sprinkling was used. When it did mention baptism, they were immersed into the water or dipped totally under the water. Rom 6: 4 States they were buried in baptism. I also searched for infant baptism. I came up totally empty handed.

At this point I can conclude from scripture and not opinion. Baptism is not an option when it comes to my salvation according to Jesus. The Disciples used baptism to remit the sins of repented sinners. They called on the name of the Lord while administering the baptism. I cannot substantiate that three titles were ever used. It would appear that many simply repeat the words of Matthew 28:19 rather than obeying it. In Part II, we will explore why they used one name and also where John 3:5 fits into all this.

Some Things Every Pastor Ought to Know

2011-01-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

After 20yrs of pastoring, I have learned some things the hard way that every pastor should be aware of when it comes to being profitable for the Lord. The enemy’s powers are very limited when we are full of the Spirit and fasting like we should, but every now and then he manages to slip through the cracks in our churches. When he does, the outcome is usually not pretty. More often than not we leave the door open for him to walk right in without even realizing it until the mess has hit the fan.

One way of shutting down the ability of God to work and move within a church is to bring division. This type of division is usually not within the local church itself but external. There are two ways this curse can descend upon you and your church. Beware!

The first one comes in the form of a disgruntled individual or family from a neighboring church. Rule of thumb: If the people are not loyal to the church they were attending, what makes you think they will be loyal to yours, and if you are gullible enough to buy this blind horse you deserve what you get. As tempting as it may be, run from it! Send them right back where they came from, contact that pastor ASAP and wash your hands of this pre-cancerous cell.

I can tell you from firsthand experience, these type of people will infect your congregation with insubordination and poison. They will always show up when the tithes are low, good help is hard to come by, and the baptistery has been high and dry for a few weeks or even months. To some pastors, it’s like dangling meat in front of a starving dog. They just cannot resist the thought of giving them a whirl. You can advocate all day long why you should give them a chance. Listen to wisdom! Parking a broken down car in a different garage does not fix the problem. The best way that you can help these people is to sit down with them in cordial manner. Explain to them the need for them to go back and work things out with their pastor. If they are of the right spirit you will know right then and there. Their willingness to go back will determine their spirit of origin.

If you embrace these individuals, two things are going to happen and you can just write this on the wall and wait. First, they will sit quietly for a season but then one day when they have won the trust of the people and when you are at a crucial point, BOOM! There will be collateral damage. You will be left to gather the pieces of what once was. Secondly, you and the neighboring pastor are going to become divided. This is the second way this curse will descend upon you.

The poor guy that pastors just miles away has just suffered a meltdown in his church. These people made a scene and slammed the door hard enough for everyone to hear it and you have been so kind to embrace these rebels. Talk about division, hurt feeling and distrust! Now this pastor feels betrayed by you and the bond of fellowship has been broken.

The devil has just taken down one of your main defenses—and with your permission. Your agreement with that neighboring pastor is one of your main defenses against the enemy. The devil now gets two birds for the price of one. As they say, “The devil is like the old mule that plowed faithfully for ten years, waiting patiently for just one opportunity to kick you good.” Now you have a ticking time bomb on your pew and your main shields are down because there is division between you and the neighboring pastor. When that bomb goes off it will be nasty.

In conclusion. Even if the neighboring pastor is in agreement for the individuals to start attending your church I would still consider sending them back. Over the years I have spent in Manning, not a one of these situations have panned out. If they were not loyal to their church and pastor, they will never be loyal to you either. You might as well go ahead and swallow that pill, come to terms with this fact and move on.

Let’s say you do attempt to work with these people. Let me say that you are braver than I am. Here is some good sound advice I will give you from learning the hard way. Those wise old pastors knew what they were talking about when they would make these people sit for a while. Six months minimum. DO NOT get them involved too quickly. Especially to a point where they have the power of influence over the people. It will be the best decision you’ve ever made. I don’t care how much talent they may have or how well they can play an instrument. Don’t fall into this trap of moving too quickly. If they are sincere, they will wait patiently on the pew. It’s the price that must be paid in order to protect the body as a whole.

In time you will know them by the fruits they bear. If you have not endorsed them, then the damage will be minimum. Allow them into a position of influence too quickly and you will be sorry. You can’t ever say I never told you so.

Let me end by saying this. I don’t claim to know everything but I have watched quietly and have taken some good notes along the way. There is no greater security or protection than to have the fellowship of each other. It takes two to agree and assemble. Allow that to become damaged and it will cost you dearly in time. It may just cost you your soul in the end.

Teaching Without Infringement

2011-01-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

We live in a society now that everyone feels they have entitlement to their rights. Whether it be freedom of speech or the right to remain silent. It has reached a place that people want to exercise their right to believe whatever they choose even when it's wrong. In all honesty, every individual has the right to assimilate and believe as they choose. We are all given the right to be wrong and we have the right to call our wrong right if that is what we believe. As a matter of fact, the writer in the Book of Proverbs makes this statement,  "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes...." Pro 21:2

When it comes to religion there must be thousands of beliefs and to attempt to correct someone even with plain scripture is a huge bone of contention. On every corner you will find a group of people assembling to worship according to what they believe. The bright side of this coin is everyone in the United States of America has the right to assemble and the freedom to worship however they please. The dark side is this. Just because we believe and practice our religion a certain way does not make it right or correct. Scripture clearly defines what we are to believe. The Bible is the standard or bench mark that all things must be in harmony with. I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus.  "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Eph 4:5-6   Could you just imagine a society that some believe two plus two is three, some believe it to be four while others believe it is five?

As a Pastor, I have found that people want to be taught without infringement upon their own beliefs and concepts. The alcoholic does not want to hear the part about all drunkards will end up in the lake of fire nor does the couple that is living together want to hear about fornication. The unmarried young lady with a child does not want to hear about getting a child after you are married and not before. Most have assumed they are already saved and to tell them otherwise would be judgmental and a direct infringement upon their right to believe they are saved even when there is a question. Some believe and practice baptism while others do not. Some believe baptism is necessary part of salvation while others say it is optional. Some dip in the water and others sprinkle. In fact, most denominations can be readily identified by their methods of worship and religious practices. Could you imagine stepping into a time machine. It's 2450. When you arrive finding a restroom is top priority. Suddenly, You find a society with no restrooms.  They are all wearing diapers and defecating on themselves simply because their descendants believed that correction was a infringement upon the rights of others so therefore they stopped potty training their children? Wow!

Here is the million dollar question, "Which way is right?" It would seem that that correct answer is no longer an issue.  Most are not concerned with the error of their way nor their correctness but with their ability to exercise their right to believe as they choose. The Lord and His Word is left standing on the sidelines as humanity passes Him by, assuming they can define their own destiny.   His Word will stand in the end as the Truth.    Well, I guess everyone has the right to be wrong and call it RIGHT, while others who have found truth will be labeled as wrong when they attempt to share it.

Power of Your Witness

2011-01-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1 Your reputation should be one of your most closely guarded assets that you possess. Otherwise known as your witness, it takes years to build a good reputation or witness and only five minutes to destroy it. When we become a Christian, it is paramount that we carry this distinction with pride and honor. In the Book of II Samuel 6:1 we find that God's people attempted to carry the Ark of God the same way the world did by placing it upon a new cart. As the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached to stabilize the Ark upon the new cart and died as a result of touching it. There is a price to be paid when we handle things the wrong way or inappropriately. Sometimes our "new ideas" get us into trouble when we should just stick to His way.

When we are baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, (the only way they baptized in the scriptures) we take on the Name of our husband, savior, and God. To be careless with that name would be unimaginable. Yet many today carry the name of God recklessly. Over time, their witness is slowly diminished and they are despised by a lost world. A reputation is developed and we are known by our ways. Paul expressed this concern to the church in Rome. "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you...." Rom 2:24 In other words, not only does the individual look bad, but they give the Lord and all He died for a bad reputation.

Our witness in the community where we live has the power to build up or tear down God's kingdom. Instability, inconsistency and sin will forever tarnish a person's ability to be a witness. God is very concerned by how we carry His name, reputation and witness. We cannot carry it as the majority of the so called Christian world does. We must carry it with discipline, honor and Godly pride. We must represent Him well if we are to ever hear the words "Well Done!" Once a reproach has been brought upon our witness and His name, it is not easily removed. As the Psalmist wrote, "We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us." Psalm 79:4

We must understand this one thing. Everyone makes mistakes and God is faithful and just to forgive us but it is not without a cost. Evertitime we sin, fail or fall our witness and His kingdom suffers reproach. We need to be that "nail" in a sure place. All the issues hang upon our nail (His reputation and all that Calvary stood for), for it to pull out due to our carelessness will cause permanant damage to the things that hang upon our nail. Our witness can be a great asset or even greater liability to His kingdom. What will it be for you?

Common assumptions that are usually dead wrong when leading people

2011-01-19T13:18:00.001-05:00

1. Assuming they totally understand what you are communicating to them

Good communication is the foundation of successful relationships, both personally and professionally. However, we communicate with much more than words. In fact, research shows that the majority of our communication is nonverbal. Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes our facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and even the tone of our voice.   The way you listen, look, move, and react tell the other person whether or not you care and how well you are listening. The nonverbal signals you send either produce a sense of interest, trust, and desire for connection—or they generate disinterest, distrust, and confusion.

I believe every pastor or church leader needs to have a good understanding of just how easy it is to be misinterpreted or misunderstood. Most leaders do struggle in this area and it would be wise to sharpen our communication skills.

2. Assuming Everyone Assimilates Information the Same

Psychologists refer to a term called the Belief Bias Effect.   The Belief-bias effect is a situation that occurs when a person's prior knowledge, attitudes, or values distort the reasoning process by influencing the person to accept invalid arguments. In other words, if someone has always been taught one plus one equals three they will assume they are correct and accept an incorrect answer as truth.  Everyone filters their thoughts through their mind that is filled with preconceived notions, stereotypes, and beliefs from their past experiences. This leads to a huge margin of error on the part of the individual trying to assimilate Scripture. Before you can plant seeds of truth into someones life you must first prepare the ground. Otherwise your margin of failure will be huge when trying to teach someone the Truth.

3. Assuming others know what you want them to do

One of the most frustrating things to encounter as a leader is to delegate a task to someone without clearly communicating what page you are on. This breeds frustration on the leaders part and the one who really does not know what you want them to do. Many relationships have been ruined due to assumption.  Begin with the end result in mind. Define a clear timetable with those involved. Make sure you set clear authority limits. Inform others that you have delegated the task. Write it down with a punch list for them to follow. Provide active support and encouragement while keeping in mind that mistakes will be made. We must remember that if those people were born leaders they would not need us to help keep them on task. In the end, developing better communication skills will be your best asset in church building and leading others.

4. Assuming people lack a burden when they become careless in the position they hold

One must never throw caution to the wind when making a split second decision to deal with an individual that is not reaching your expectations. Again, the root of this problem most of the time is the failure to clearly communicate with clarity. As a pastor or leader the first option that comes to mind when confronted with what we perceive as a lack of burden is to simply remove them and put someone else in their place. This should be a last resort. People are all human and have their ups and downs. Upsetting the whole apple cart will cause you even more frustration. Start by reevaluating yourself first. When a person is struggling with their position it's usually a clear sign that they just don't know what to do or how to go about it. It could also be the fact that they have been in the position a while and have hit a wall of where to go from here. Be patient with them. Go back and communicate again what you are expecting from them. This will usually clear up the situation substantially. Word to the wise here: Don't back yourself into a corner with unrealistic rules that people MUST follow. Leave room for flexibility, grace and long suffering. You will be glad you did when faced with your own failures because with the same measure you judge others by, it will be judged back to you.

5 Common Mistakes Made In Church Building

2011-01-15T23:34:00.001-05:00

1. Getting out of Step with God

There is a time and place for everything. A time to sow, time to nurture and a time to reap. There must be a clear discernment of the seasons of a church. To get out of sync with God proves unfruitful. Valuable time and resources will be wasted planting the harvest in the wrong season. There must be a continual synchronizing with God, discerning the times and seasons of a congregation or city.

2. A lack of Patience or Indecision

There is a constant pressure to move forward with a church congregation. To move too quickly, incurring substantial debt will push a once vibrant preacher to his breaking point and destroy what was once a viable work for God. I have already been a witness to this malady. Pride is usually the root cause of over indebtedness. As a pastor, there must be preparation for the lean times. Save some money for those times of famine, pace yourself with God and the doors will open with God's timing. Rome was not built in a day. The Lord has been building His church for many years before we came on the scene, and will be long after we're gone, if He should tarry. We must take the time we do have and manage His business well or we will not hear the words, "Well Done" in the end. On the other hand, a pastor must be able to discern the times and make sound decisions, moving the church forward at the precise moment. To hesitate or second guess will only bring frustration.

3. Preaching convictions that are scriptural

There must always be sound preaching and teaching that can be validated by Scripture. The Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth must be conveyed. To venture beyond the Scriptures and preach personal convictions becomes cultish and does not have sound biblical backing. God was very particular about adding to His Word or even taking away from it. Stand on good, sound doctrine and God will back you 100%. We never want our good to be evil spoken of. The truth will always stand alone and does not need anyone to prop it up.

4. Forgetting that it is His Church and His city

Many pastors have made the statement, "My city" or "my church." Well, it all belongs to Jesus Christ and don't ever forget that. The neighboring pastor is also taking care of the property that belongs solely to Jesus Christ and he is a partner - not the competition. A pastor is the General Manager of the Lord's business and to be unprofitable is just as sinful as any other sin. His people are His sheep and to drive them hard, causing them to stumble will cost you your soul. A pastor is to nurture, protect and gently move the sheep of God's pasture. The Pastor must demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit at all times when admonishing God's people.

5. Failing to modernize and utilizing all the resources available to build God's Church

Reverend Jessie Williams preached once about buggy whips. They were a necessary item to have if you rode a horse and buggy to church in 1901. Buggy whips are a thing of the past and are no longer useful. Failure to keep up with the times and use what is available to reach people for Jesus Christ will again prove to be unprofitable in the end. The Social Networking sites like Facebook are tools which will put you in contact with thousands of people with just a click of a mouse. If you have 500 friends and they each have 500, you have the potential to reach 250,000 people with TRUTH. Anything can be used for evil. A car, bed, drinking glass or even a knife, but when used correctly can prove to be very useful without compromising anything. We must be innovative and unafraid to ask other pastors what they are doing to reach the lost.

Living with Less in Order to Have More

2011-01-13T08:41:00.003-05:00

It has been said, "If you do the same thing today that you did yesterday, you will get the exact same results again tomorrow." How true this is. If you are looking for change in your life, the first thing you must do is make some changes. So many people today are just running in place, getting no where mentally, financially or spiritually. They live from check to check, overweight and most will admit they are not happy with their jobs, marriages or life in general.

The world dictates to us what is considered a "Normal" life and most embrace it without giving it a second thought. I'm here to tell you, spending twelve hours of your day at work, seven hours sleeping and what time is left you spend washing clothes, paying bills and eating is not normal. We have got to learn to live with less in order for us to have "More".   In today's world "Enough" is never enough. People are up before daylight scratching to make another dollar in order to be "Normal". The job demands more and more of us. What was enough last week is not enough this week. Our lives have become far too complicated. We are no different than the mule and the carrot dangling in front of him. We will never reach a permanent place of contentment until we understand that life is not about possessions but what possess us.

Consider this.....We work our everyday jobs in order to buy the things that supposedly makes us happy but then we turn around and eat too much due to the fact we're not happy. We then buy into the idea that if we can just make a little more money we'll be happy. That extra money will send us on vacation! We can relax and be happy. Lay up and sip a few "cold ones"!  Reality is that on Monday morning when the week of vacation is over, all you will have to show for it is a pocket full of receipts, five Walt Disney cups, three stuffed animals that you paid way too much for, a bad headache and a credit card bill looming in the not too distant future.  Hello! What's wrong with this picture? It like buying a blind horse. It can't take you anywhere but it's called normal.

So many people have climbed aboard this treadmill, calling it being normal yet the divorce rate is higher than ever before. The overall indebtedness of society is staggering. Most people have some sort of habit they use to get them through the day. Cigarettes, booze, prescription pills, adultery, you name it. Our society calls itself happy yet is most miserable and cannot figure out why. People by the dozens sit with there doctor asking for a pill that will help them cope with a "Normal" life. I don't believe we need more money, a shot of brown liquor or a pill. We all just need to stop and reassess our lives.  We all must find our Creator and fill that void in our lives that we have neglected for years. We need to get off the proverbial treadmill we call "A Normal Life" and learn that the way to "More" in life is learning to live with less. We need to get out of debt, prioritize our lives that are so quickly winding down, and remember that it's not about what we possess but what possess us.

Run over by the Welcome Wagon!

2011-01-10T15:30:00.002-05:00

In today's world a relationship has become just another throw away item of little value. Friendships, marriages, and relationships come and go in the lives of people. I have always wondered how you turn a friendship, marriage, or relationship on and then right back off at will. For the life of me, once I become bonded with anyone, I become permanently attached in some form or another. Over the years of pastoring, I have encountered many people who blow into your life with needs to only slam the door on your fingers on their way back out when they are through with you. If you stop and think about it for a minute, the only thing of real value we possess, next to the good Lord is each other and why would we want to throw that away? I can now understand why the Lord commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Without each other there is not much reason for living.

Each of us are uniquely made in the image of our creator. He has hand picked each of us to experience a sample of life as we know it. It's a miracle within itself that out of all the possibilities, we were conceived and now live. Have you ever considered how lonely and useless it would be to live alone? Even the Lord said when He created Adam that it was not good for him to be alone. It was almost like the Lord knew first hand what loneliness was all about. When you consider how dreadful it would be to never be able to feel the embrace of another or to not be able to look into the eyes of another with compassion and assure them all is well. What a miserable place this world would be without others. Love would be non-existent. Forgiveness could never be extended. A gift would have no value. Oh, how wonderful it is to share this life we've been so graciously given with others. All things would simply be impossible if it were not for others who co-exist with us.

We need to slow down in life, considering the feelings of others who surround us. Whether it be the lady at Wal-Mart, the mailman or the individual on the other side of the drive-thru window who made a mistake. What good is it to have anything unless you can share it with others? Stop and consider this....When the only tool you own is a hammer then everyone starts to look like a nail and you pound them. You never totally understand the value of others until they are gone. Every individual is a living, breathing soul who needs you just as much as you need them. Lets put our best foot forward and learn to appreciate those who we have been so blessed to know and live with. We all need to stop running over everyone with our welcome wagon and show a little compassion toward one another. Let's relearn forgiveness and extend it to all who ask while there is still time. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Matthew 7:2

I fight poverty...I work!

2011-01-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

The other day I heard a young person make this statement while playing a video game, "I'm going to start my own business so I can work when I want to." The only problem I see with this statement is you have got to have the "want to" or you will never make it beyond the couch in your parents living room. How many people do you know that have ran out to the local Office Depot, spent a couple of thousand dollars on a computer and office supplies with aspirations of starting a stay at home business? I am amazed at the people who live their mundane daily lives, never reaching for their dreams. I guess you could name a thousand excuses for why people never turn their dreams into reality but if you narrow it down there is one statement that would surmise this malady. "I don't like getting my hands dirty." My rebuttal for that statement is, "Why Not?" The one thing I see this generation lacks is the resolve to bring their dreams into reality. They are waiting on mother to do it for them. I hear people talking about what they are going to do but never bringing it to fruition. It's almost like they really believe Ed McMahon is about to pull in the driveway with a check.

When the last generation came from a life of outhouses, living off the land and a constant struggle, they decided they would take the struggle away from their kids. There is nothing wrong with thinking this way except it's the struggle that builds our character. Now we have a heavy laden society who's biggest challenge for the day is the Xbox 360. Kids will sit for hours mesmerized by a game that breeds laziness and stupidity while the rest of the world passes them by. People live in a dream world of what they want to accomplish in life but never consider what it will take to get there. Dreams go unfulfilled, unhappiness and discontent runs deep and wide in our society. Many capable individuals turn to alcohol and prescription medicine to cope with unfulfilled aspirations and disappointment. They have been robbed by parents with good intentions of the ability to cope with the struggle of accomplishment. It's the reward of accomplishment that pushes us on. Take that away and we become a miserable society that implodes upon itself. Now you have adult children sitting on their parents couches, divorced, homeless and jobless because they never learned how to get out of bed, get along with others and their biggest concern for the day is "How can I get my Xbox out of the pawn shop." The question is asked by so many, "I just don't understand what happened....I thought I raised them right?"

It's time we break the cycle and reach for our dreams. It will require work but in doing so we will not only achieve our goals but those that we influence will also follow in our footsteps. My dad for years had a tag on the front of his 1954 Chevy pickup that read, "I fight poverty...I work!" He worked only one job for 40yrs. Everyday like clockwork he would head off to work pursuing his dreams. After 40yrs he was able to open his own machine shop and work at home when he wanted to. What the people of today miss is the 40yrs it took to get there.

We need to turn the Xbox off, the television off and spend some quality time with our kids. The next generation must understand that freedom is not free, there is no free lunch and you reap in direct proportion to what you put into it. Nobody can do it for you. You must step up and reach for your own dreams but to reach requires hard work and dedication. Someone once said, "Necessity is the mother of invention and opportunity always comes dressed in overalls." It will be the work ethic of this generation that will make or break it. It's time to get back to work! I fight Poverty - I work!

The definition of a gift

2011-01-01T21:40:00.004-05:00

Another Christmas has come and gone and I must say what a wonderful Christmas it has been this year. I have the good Lord, my family, and friends to be thankful for. I watched a group of children open gifts at a family gathering this Christmas. They greedily ripped open the gifts and some even complained about what they received. I could tell that they had it all wrong. The whole concept of Christmas is giving not receiving yet their undivided attention was the anticipation of the gifts. Our generation uses the word give where it should be using the word receive.

Have you ever stopped and thought about the gift that was given when a babe was born in a manger and the words rang out, "Thou shall call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins." What a gift indeed!
At a glance, the definition of a gift is something that is given that permanently cost the giver something. In other words, something was lost in order for someone else to gain. To exchange a gift with another cannot ever be compared with giving. It is no more than an exchange. I am so thankful that God so loved the world that He gave, aren't you? I guess our world has programmed all of us to anticipate the gift rather than the giving. Prosperity has molded and shaped us into a generation that does not comprehend the word sacrifice anymore. We have been taught the concept that you are supposed to buy low and sell high. You always want a return on your investment but in the kingdom of God things are in reverse. It's with the measure that you give you will receive again. To live is to die. The way up is to go down. To receive forgiveness one must first offer forgiveness. To give is to gain.

A man came to Jesus once and asked, "What is it I must do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, "Sell all you have and give it to the poor." The man had never learned what true sacrifice was. The thing that stood between him and heaven was his inability or unwillingness to sacrifice for it. He wanted heaven but it was not worth giving up anything is this life.

I guess we all need to examine our motives and get back to the biblical concept of "It's more blessed to give than to receive." When we can relearn to love our neighbor as ourselves, have compassion upon one another and give good gifts without expecting anything in return our would will be a much better place. My goal for 2011 is to deny myself and attempt to meet the needs of those around me who are less fortunate.

Accepting the Challenge - The Next Move is Yours

2010-12-21T02:11:00.000-05:00

I think we all can agree, this world has its share of problems. As a Christian, one may be in this world but no longer belong to this world if he or she has been born again. The words of our Lord echo in my mind, "I am come that they might have Life and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
I'm reminded of the time when Jesus had just finished feeding the five thousand. He asked His disciples to get into a ship and sail for the other side while He sent the multitude away. Little did these guys know, the lesson they were in store for that night. What seemed to be just another ordinary night became a fight for their lives. A storm of the century brewed that night and they were sailing right into the middle of it. As the night wore on, the seemingly confident disciples were wracked with fear beyond comprehension. They had been in this same situation before but Jesus had come along with them. This time it was the fourth watch of the night - the darkest hour. These guys were alone, confused and cold. Jesus was nowhere to be found. The ship was taking on water, and confidence had turned to panic. Just as things could not get any worse, suddenly they spotted something upon the water in the distance. Once again fear gripped them all at the thought of who or what the apparition may have been. Then a voice spoke from the distance, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Matt 14:27 Jesus came walking upon the water in the midst of a storm beyond their wildest dreams. He knew all along the disciples had to face their storm head-on and alone in order to overcome their fears. One can never fully understand the concept of faith until it has been put to use.

The fact is, storms will come into our lives from time to time. It's all part of this life. The advantage true Christians have is, we do have a Comforter that sticks closer than any brother. The only obstacle that stands between an individual and the wonderful blessings of God is hesitation. Our faith is more than just a thought or concept. True faith is "Faith in Action." Your actions will authenticate your faith. In the Book of James, this statement was made. "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?" James 2:24

We must step up to the challenges that life throws at us. "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:3 The Lord has many blessings in store for those who will take the challenge and work with it. We can no longer be bound by our fears or pride. Step out by faith and start walking toward your dreams and He will give you the desires of your heart. The Next Move is Yours! "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

Thank You Jesus!

2010-12-19T12:13:00.001-05:00

Another year is quickly coming to a close and it will be forever etched into the history books in just a few weeks. It's a time otherwise known as the Holiday Season. We tell ourselves to be happy and attempt to get into the Christmas spirit yet it can be one of the most stressful times of the year. The failure or success of Christmas seems to be based upon the amount of money we have to invest into gifts but what families really need more than ever is not another present but the presence of God, each other and a good understanding of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

I just had the privilege of once again attending another family "Get Together" for Christmas. You know the scenario....When relatives who have not seen one another for a whole year, who could otherwise care less about each other, come together for fun, food and gifts. This year I sat back and observed as each family member made their way into a downstairs fellowship hall of a local church in town. Children in tow, arms full of dishes of food, and the occasional flash of a camera. Many of the kids have now grown up and now have their own families. The dishes of food fit for a king were all placed neatly in a row. Each person sizes up the dishes in an attempt to decide which dish to avoid due to the unsanitary conditions at the home of the family who prepared it. Occasionally, a small skirmish breaks out between two kids who have never been taught that it's not all about them and to love your neighbor as yourself.

A precise yet to the point blessing is said and it's every man, woman and child for themselves. As the smoke begins to clear you observe children throwing more food into the trash than they ate because they simply didn't like. Adults bloated from over indulging in the over abundance of food.
As quickly as they gathered they all disperse, waddling out to their cars with "Carry Out" plates full of food as if there were a famine in the land. Screaming kids in tow because their cousin received the gift they wanted. As the last car departed from the parking lot, I pondered our generation...
We live in a day better than mankind has ever lived before. We live a life that people once dreamed of living. Hunger is a thing that this generation has never experienced. We ride in air conditioned chariots with plush interiors at light speed when compared to a horse and buggy of times past. Prosperity comes at a high price. It breeds unthankfulness and discontentment in which I just observed during a time when we should be thankful more than ever for who and what we do have. Prosperity will be the undoing of this generation. Our generation is slowly slipping into a drunken stupor, consumed with the cares of a world they will never be able to stay in or take with them when they leave this life. People blindly pursue their own selfish desires. Sacrifice, commitment and integrity are words that are no longer taught. Preferring another before yourself is a concept all but forgotten. Oh God....Wisdom is a desired thing to have yet when attained the reality of this world can be a dreadful understanding.
We all must strive to to get back to the Reason for the Season. Sometimes we fail to realize the importance of the people in our lives until they are gone. This Christmas, let us spend time gathering "Together", giving thanks to the Lord for the sacrifice that was given so that we may have life and life more abundantly. We need to celebrate the gift of Life. We can change the thinking of this world if we are willing to lead the way by our example.

Which Way From Here

2010-12-15T00:33:00.002-05:00

The challenges of today's church are many and it is difficult to define which are the most obvious. But from my 20 plus years of working in the church, I would say that the church's greatest hurdle usually boils down to two pitfalls, with which pastors continually strive to overcome.
The primary pitfall is the church's inability to influence the world more than the world influences the church. Unfortunately, the modern day church seems to have been more influenced by society, rather than society being affected by the church. When asked, the average person will profess to be Christian, yet the general spiritual condition of our society has never been worse. Most churches of today have concentrated on techniques of getting people in the doors, but they have very little to offer when it comes to improving their spiritual condition. The Apostle Paul said, "....Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2Cor 7:1

There is a widespread deficiency in the basic elements of Christian character, ethics and morality. In contrast to past generations, the modern day church looks no different than anywhere else in the world. When the rapture comes, most will never notice simply because so few will leave the scene. The average churchgoer will advocate their lifestyle and not even consider what the Bible may have to say about it. People blindly go about their daily lives assuming God will make an exception for them.
Today's pulpits are virtually silent on the issue of "sin." The church has become more and more like the world. It has sought to be popular and acceptable to society, and in doing so, it has compromised its standards of morality and holiness. Things that were once abhorred and shunned are readily embraced in the modern day church. The reason there is a church on every corner is because each church has embraced something different, yet there is only one book, one way and Jesus Christ stated that He was the Way. Your average Christian cannot even tell you what they really believe, how your sins are remitted or if baptism is a part of salvation. Most of the Christian beliefs of today are just conjecture and cannot be substantiated by the Bible at all. To accept Jesus Christ as Saviour yet never embrace Him, know Him or experience Him is one of the worst falsehoods ever perpetrated upon mankind.

The second hurdle is the church member's apathy toward its purpose and mission in the world. By and large, the modern church world has become mostly occupied with what God can do for them, rather than remembering their mission to reach the lost for Jesus Christ with the Truth. We live in a very self-centered society, and rarely do we see churchgoers laying aside their selfish interests to serve the Lord's interests. Most Christians slam the church door and head back to their empty, relentless lives of chasing another dollar and cannot figure out why they are miserable. "But know this, that in the last days perilous times shall come: For men will be lovers of themselves... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" 2 Tim. 3:1,4

The scriptures make it very clear that the unprofitable servant will not come out well at the judgment. (Matt 25:30) It is the duty of every Christian to take on the task of helping to bring people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). But unfortunately, the statistics show that only a tiny percentage of Christians ever attempt to share the truth with others. This apathy is inexcusable and has contributed to the woes of our society, which can only be remedied by a new birth in the minds and hearts of sinful imposters who sit on God's pews. "...if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost" (2 Cor. 4:3).

The Apostle Paul admonished Timothy.... "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2Tim 2:15

The Apostle Peter concluded in his last letter with this valid point: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2Pe 3:9 In the context it is written, he is saying in a nutshell, "Ready or Not....The Lord is coming back one day because He Promised it."

The Gift of Forgiveness

2010-12-11T11:34:00.001-05:00

Some misinterpret the whole concept of Forgiveness. Forgiveness is an act by an individual when asked by another to forgive them of something they may have done. The only way the act of forgiveness can be initiated is when asked for by the person who committed the wrong.

As children of God, we are told in the scriptures that in order for God to forgive us of our sins we must come to Him and confess our sins, asking for forgiveness. The Lord plainly told us that in order for Him to forgive us we must be willing to do the same for others.

Many individuals have been wronged and the question is always presented, "Are you willing to forgive them?" Some may quickly forgive, while others may hesitate or simply say emphatically, "No!"

This concept places the person who was done wrong in a classic dilemma. The question is not, "Did they wrong me?" but "Am I willing to forgive them?" Unfortunately, forgiveness cannot be initiated by the one who was wronged. It can only be given when the person who committed the trespass asks for the gift of forgiveness with a true spirit of contrition. Peter presented the question to Jesus concerning forgiveness. He asked just how many times are we obligated to forgive someone. His answer was a unlimited amount of times within a day. In other words we are met with a mandate from God that if someone asked you to forgive them you must forgive them unconditionally, and as often as needed in order for God to forgive you also.

Here is the rub of misunderstanding. God can in no shape, form or fashion, forgive us until we initate it with Him. Does this mean that God is harboring unforgiveness toward us until we ask? It sure does because He cannot give us forgiveness until we ask Him for it. Does this mean God hates us until then? God forbid that we would even consider such a thing! Nor does it mean we can harbor ill feelings toward our neighbor who has wronged us. It simply means that in order for forgiveness to be given, it must be asked for, otherwise it cannot be given.

What if someone wrongs me and they never bother to ask forgiveness? The person who was initially wronged may forgive within their heart but that act of forgiveness cannot be given or activated, if you will, until the person who committed the wrong comes and asks for it.

Simply stated, we are human beings who will always need to forgive and be forgiven.

The Pursuit of Happiness

2010-11-17T15:58:00.000-05:00

As the Christmas Season nears, we begin to anticipate the excitement. It builds momentum and reaches its pinnacle on Decmber 25. After weeks of preparing for the big day, it arrives and to our amazement, it's no different from any other day. The mood quickly shifts to, "How quickly can I get the tree put away and get my house back in order?" The excitement leaves like air out of a punctured balloon at a birthday party.

America is constantly looking for its next happiness fix. We are a society that is never content with the present state we are in. We are always looking in the wrong places for our Joy and Happiness when the answer lies within us. Joy and Happiness are really a mindset. It's the thought (Mindset) of Christmas that makes us happy not the actual day. When we look back at pictures of the past, we reflect on how happy we were back then even though it was just another Christmas. When we step back and think about it in broader terms, we choose to be happy because everyone is supposed to be happy at Christmastime; therefore, I can choose to be content and happy because we do have so much to be thankful for.

We all have developed the perception that "More" is the answer to our happiness rather than contentment, and as a result, we have fallen victim to attempting to find joy and happiness in material things and events in our lives. We must realize that our joy and happiness is based on the simple thought of the event rather than the event itself. So spending more, going on vacation more, or going out to eat more will not make you any happier. Much like purchasing a new vehicle. You search for just the right one. The excitement is in the air..."I'm getting a new car!" Then the day arrives. You're driving the new car home from the dealership with a payment that is $100 more a month than you had planned and you are justifying why you did it anyway. Then after a short time, "Buyer's Remorse" sets in. Suddenly you realize the car did not make you as happy as you thought so now you need to trade the car for another one and the cycle repeats itself again and again.

This happens to marriages everyday. The marriage has grown stale and the fire has long went out. The wife resembles the Goodyear Blimp due to the thinking that going out to eat was the answer to happiness and that self-restraint is a bad word. The husband is having back trouble due to the gut that hangs over his pants that are two sizes too small because he does not want to admit he is overweight and has a bad habit of overeating in pursuit of happiness. All this sound familiar to you? Are you in debt up to your eyeballs from eating out, overspending and pursuing what the world calls the American Dream?

Simply put....It's the thought of going out to the steak house, the thought of a new car, the thought of Christmas that makes us happy not the actual purchase or day in time. It's like the carrot and the stick. You can never quite reach what the world calls joy and happiness. You cannot make enough money to find it because it is not out there but inside everyone of us. It's all in how we think and appreciate what we do have.

Belief Bias Effect

2010-11-04T22:56:00.002-04:00

Have you ever stopped to consider why there is a church on every corner? Religion can be one hot topic when you get a group of individuals together trying to figure out the Bible. It seems that no two individuals can agree on just what the scriptures truly are saying. Mankind is facing a tremendous dilemma when it comes to "Where should I go to church?" Just where is a man supposed to take his family to church on Sunday morning and get right with his Creator?

There are as many beliefs out there as the hair upon your head. Logic will tell you there is one Book, one Author and one meaning. Your average family of today has given up in frustration and does not even want to discuss the subject of religion nor get involved in a local assembly due to all the confusion.

When we enter the first grade, we begin to learn algorithms called adding and subtracting. Two plus two will always be four and so on. When we reach college age and we are solving a quadratic equation, we still remember that nine times eight is seventy-two therefore we always arrive at the correct answer when presented with a mathematical argument. These principles or formulas are etched into our memory to ensure we can come to a proper or correct conclusion. To deviate from these by just a decimal point will insure error.

Unfortunately, when we attempt to interpret the Bible we do not always come up with the correct answer due to the "Belief-Bias effect". The Belief-bias effect is a situation that occurs when a person's prior knowledge, attitudes, or values distort the reasoning process by influencing the person to accept invalid arguments. In other words, they have always assumed two plus two was five because that was what they were taught and they never took the time to make sure that was indeed correct. This prior knowledge forces an individual's cognitive thinking to betray them, arriving at an incorrect conclusion when presented with an argument. Most people will argue till the cows come home rather than simply making sure they are right because their past has convinced them they are correct. Does this make them right? No! We must have some sort of standard in life to ensure we stay on the right track. We must always be humble enough to accept the facts when presented with the truth.

When we open our Bibles and attempt to get serious for the first time we must remember- It is what it is. It says what it says. There is no need to read into it or skip over it. All facts must be considered. We must lay aside all prior concepts and start reading it for just what it says. At any point when we find a valid fact dealing with salvation, it MUST be put into the equation of reasoning. We cannot delete a particular scripture because it goes against what We've been taught, our lifestyle or beliefs. We cannot afford to assume God will make an exception for our beliefs and to do so would be a foolish idea.

Here is a classic argument that I will present. Some teach that baptism is a vital part of salvation. Others say that it is irrelevant and all that is required is acceptance of the Lord as Savior. Some say it is a part of joining the church but has nothing to do with salvation (Outward sign of an inward cleansing). The only way we can solve this mystery is to consider every scripture dealing with baptism and salvation, look at the facts and then decide what the truth is based upon the facts before us rather than what we already perceive to be true.

Here is a popular scripture of today. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9

Here is a direct contradiction or is it? "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16

Which one is correct? Both of them are! We cannot take one and leave the other out or we will arrive at an incorrect answer or doctrine. The End result would mean we are Lost. Remember - It's not about what denomination we are. It's about finding the facts, assimilating them and finding the truth. It's a matter of Life or Death!

We can conclude that there is Biblical evidence that we must believe and be baptized. What does the Bible say the reason is for baptism? The first sermon of the New Testament concluded with this. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

Paul made this statement. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

Did the Light just come on?

Success takes a Lifetime

2010-02-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

In just a few days the 2010 Winter Olympics will be underway. A group of top notch athletes will converge upon Toronto for a chance of a lifetime; to win the Gold. During those few weeks of competition, we will all become enthralled with the lives of those who compete for those metals. Very quickly the picture becomes crystal clear of just how long the journey has been for all of them. It has taken years, months and days of training and sacrifice over and over for a two minute run down a snow covered hill on a crisp winter day.
Finally, the coveted prize....the Gold or at least that is what they are all grasping for.

Our lives cannot be a success overnight. It takes years of putting your best foot forward. When life knocks you down, you get up! Clean yourself off and keep on keeping on. No one can get up for you. It's entirely up to you. In the end, you will be glad you never gave up on the journey.

Most never think of it this way but true success is getting out of this world in one spiritual piece. With God's wonderful grace, we can look to Him each and every day for strength and guidance. He is that navigational beacon that we should look to each step of the the way. Ultimately, we will walk on streets of Gold in the beginning headed toward His throne......It's not the end by the way. Now that's the Gold I've been talking about!

The Difference a Line Makes

2010-01-28T16:42:00.000-05:00

Most people never stop to think about the the difference little things make in our lives. We are always in a hurry to get somewhere. We get into our cars every day and travel down the road never giving a thought to the reality that just a few feet away in the opposing lane is eminent danger. That small line in the middle of the road is all that separates us from the quite certain possibility of leaving planet earth in an unplanned instant. It would be fair to say that rule number one would be to keep on your side of the road or face the consequences.

There are many physical limitations that we face on a daily basis. I don't believe any of you have leaped off a building lately in an attempt to fly, no more than you have attempted to roast marshmallows on a campfire on the living room floor. All this may seem absurd to even consider...Right?
Just as there are physical limitations we all face, we must follow the rules and laws that govern our society. There are also spiritual rules, laws or limitations that most fail to consider. Once you have jumped off the rooftop there is no turning back. The next event will be the sudden stop. I guess the old adage of what's out of sight is out of mind would apply here.

The United States has become a melting pot of what we will call religion. Religion is man defining his own spiritual rules, laws or limitations by forming a group, denomination or organization. This is why we have a church on every corner doing basically their own thing. You know.....Birds of the feather flock together. Some people prefer to stand like mannequins in church while others may lift their hands toward heaven and shout with the voice of triumph. Most never stop and consider just what the Lord might like. It's really about what man is comfortable with. This is not negotable....There is a right way and a wrong way to go down this road. There are Spiritual lines that keep us going in the right direction.

Having said all that still does not change the spiritual limitations that we all will ultimately face sooner or later if violated. One of the limitations we will never overcome is death. Everyone leaves. We can agree on that much, but where most part company is in determining just where are we going after we leave? I only know of one man that left and came back to tell about it.....I believe His name was and is Jesus.

We must look to our moral compasses within and seek out our Maker daily. I found Him 20yrs ago and would suggest you do the same. If your religion or lifestyle crosses the line and goes beyond the limitations of survivability in the world to come, you may want to consider making a change. There are limitations and when those lines are crossed, there will be consequences in the future. They tell me that it's not the fall that kills you but the sudden stop at the end. It would behoove all of us to seek Him out. We will all meet Him one day that is guaranteed. Keep it between the lines in life. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Seek Him while He may be found.....

The Up Side of the Down Side

2010-01-14T22:46:00.001-05:00

I guess everyone has felt the financial pinch in some way or another now days. As a pastor, I have literally watched the joy of families go down the drain right along with their money. I began to really become concerned last year with how our money and our joy are congruently connected. We have all somehow forgot how to live everyday life, thanking the GOOD Lord for what we do have. Unfortunately for most Americans and the World alike, the love of money has a stranglehold upon us and many have compromised the financial security of the family due to this vise. Marriages and lives have been ruined due to a unrestrained pursuit of MORE and more. I was just wondering but,.... just when do you arrive at enough?

I heard one gentleman put it this way concerning money. "Money will not buy you happiness and joy but it will buy you a boat that will bring you right along side of it." I guess.... in a lot of ways you have to be honest. Having plenty of cash does allow us to have things that we otherwise would have never enjoyed. There is a self-gratification about the empowerment that money gives us on planet earth. It's likened to a Black Widow....Money brings you joy for a season but it can and will devour you in the end if allowed to LORD over your life. I read somewhere once....The LOVE of Money is the Root of all evil. Oh yea! I remember. Timothy 6:10....

Here is the upside of life. You have your health, your family and not to mention but you are AlIVE. We live in the greatest country of the world. Most people live better than mankind has ever lived before. We all need to step back from the rat race, shake the shackles off and do a little searching for the things that really matter. When is the last time your family sat down, cracked open the family Bible and had a devotion? You know....It takes real men and women to bow their heads in prayer, thanking the Lord for what they do have. Our society would be a much nicer place to live if families would spend more time together teaching the RIGHT things of life. We ALL have so much to be thankful for.....

The Magnitude of Your Influence

2010-01-12T13:24:00.001-05:00

Everyone has a circle of people who surround their everyday lives whether it be school, on the job, the community, or church. We all tend to underestimate just how much influence we have on those around us. We are constantly probing and searching for signs of acceptance and approval from our peers but we fail to recognize they are doing the same with us.

Facebook has reintroduced me to a lot of school friends that I have not seen in years. One of them the other day made a comment that just blew me away. They mentioned the fact that I was somewhat snobbish and stuck up in high school. I thought for a minute...How can this be? From my point of view, I lacked confidence, was somewhat bashful, and just plain shy. I would have never dreamed I would have been perceived as such.

It is amazing how we are perceived by those around us. It doesn't really matter what age you are. Someone is always watching you and mirroring their life according to yours. They can mimic little things such as reusing a favorite catchy buzzword they pick up from you, or a simple body stance. We should always want to play a positive role in the lives of everyone we encounter. Let it never be said that our GOOD was evil spoken of. In one instant, a lifetime of positive influence and relationships can go down the drain by a lack of control and self-discipline.

We should ask the Lord everyday to help us be a good role model for our peers, our family, neighbors and co-workers. We must live congruent lives with what believe and know to be Right, making the necessary changes in our lives to cast a consistent appearance to those around us. You never know who is watching you...

The Driver's Seat of Leadership

2010-01-12T10:37:00.004-05:00

How many of you have ever been talked into going somewhere with someone and they did the driving? Two miles into the trip you are white knuckled, hanging on for dear life and a wave of nausea has just swept over your body. By now your heart is racing, fear and anxiety has overwhelmed your mind. Everything within you is screaming, “Get out of this vehicle before they kill you!” You would prefer to take your chances jumping out of the car rather than going around the next curve of uncertainty. Finally, the car comes to a screeching halt. You collect yourself, snatch the door open while mumbling a silent prayer of thanks that you arrived in one piece and exit the vehicle in a run trying to fake a smile of appreciation to the driver. Needless to say, you will never get into the car with this individual behind the wheel.

This is an all too common scenario for some leaders who cannot understand why people are hesitant to follow them. People are looking for leaders who are predictable, stable and otherwise confident in where they are going in life. Some leaders make the mistake of leading haphazardly. Plagued with indecision when a problem arises, they flip flop with what to do, and when they do finally make a decision the outcome is usually mediocre. I heard an old timer once say, "You have to put the fire out long before it gets out of control." If you ever expect others to follow, you must be able to make split second decisions with confidence in order to keep things moving along smoothly.

While training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for the Anderson County Sheriff's Department, we were required to spend a week taking a defensive driving class. One of the things we had to master was recovering the vehicle after it had left the highway. We would purposely drive the patrol car off the pavement and back onto the road without losing control. We had a limited amount of space to execute this maneuver or we would fail the test. It took split second timing or you WOULD lose control when you jerked the car back on to the pavement.

Life can send you some situations as a leader that will take quick, precise judgment on your part to ensure the integrity and sometimes the safety of the group. All it takes is a little hesitation and the whole group can be placed in jeopardy. If you plan to be a successful leader you must be quick on your feet. Hesitation, uncertainty and indecisiveness will quickly undermine the confidence others have in your ability to lead. People need to know that if something unexpected is just around the corner, you can and will act accordingly. Their lives depend upon your ability to keep control of the vehicle.

Learning to Get by with Less and Enjoying more of What We Do Have

2010-01-06T11:26:00.016-05:00

Well, the Christmas season has come and gone for another year. All the frantic buying has come to an abrupt halt and most are trying to figure out how they are going to pay for it all. They will not be too jolly when the credit card bill comes in the mail. I can tell you firsthand because I've already been there and bought the t-shirt. As a matter of fact, I think I bought two -but that's another story.

This is an all too common scenario that is played out every year. It's like the plague. Everyone gets caught up in wanting to make the next even surpass the last one, no matter what the cost. As a pastor, I watch the broken lives of people who work seven days a week just to have more. Their marriages suffer, their ability to assemble and worship is compromised, the kids get tossed to the side in the name of being able to provide more for them when what they really need and desire is just some time as a real family. A typical family now will have both parents working. Most days begin before the sun is up and wind down long after darkness has fallen. It's a relentless grind everyday and when the day ends we have traded what really matters most to gain what we believe to be more. Somebody has sold us a blind horse and we bought it! I just wonder how many families slowed down long enough at Christmas to set down with a Bible and explain to the children just why we are celebrating? Most households don't even own a Bible and if they do, it's put away somewhere or very dusty.

Society is like a runaway train. It grabs us and we embrace a lifestyle that society dictates and we call it normal simply because everyone else is doing it that way. As a result, lives crash and burn trying to have more. The average household may spend three good hours together as a family each day if they are lucky. Why? We are never satisfied with what we have so we trade what really matters for what we can never keep anyway. It's a deceitful trade that robs us of our very lives.

Here is a fact. Everyone that comes to planet earth leaves just as they came, with nothing. My home, my cars, my bank account, you name it....it all stays here. What really matters is QUALITY TIME. We only have so much of it and then we leave. How many of you have made the statement, "I know I need to slow down and spend more time with the kids, the wife or the husband." Yet we willingly go back to the grind on Monday to pay for all the "things" we have and want to acquire. Even worse, we'll never be able to keep them anyway. Someone else will be living in your house one hundred years from now if it's still standing.

One of my goals for 2010 is to get by with less and learn to enjoy more of what I do have. We need to shut the cell phones off, hit the off button on the remote and have a positive conversation with our spouse and kids. When each day has come to a end there is no going back to redeem it. As we get older we suddenly realize how much time we wasted trying to keep up with the Joneses. When someone has a dying loved one in a hospital bed, what is it that really matters? TIME! Everything comes to a screeching halt....It's the time spent with my dying loved one that is most important. Don't wait until it's too late. Life is too short. Cut up the credit cards, keep driving the same car, and get out of debt before all the quality time is gone. Life is not about attaining more, it's about learning to get by with less and enjoying more of what I do have.

Understanding Commitment

2010-01-05T15:30:00.006-05:00

Many people never finish what they start in life due to one simple concept: a lack of commitment. Marriages fail, college diplomas are never attained, projects go unfinished, diets just, well- DIE, financial plans break down and businesses go bankrupt. Ever found yourself in one of these dilemmas? Boy, that’s an understatement, huh?! The Bill Gates of our world got where they are by discovering what commitment is all about. Unfortunately, our society is already teaching its children short cuts. One guy put it this way while playing golf one day: “If you knock the golf ball into the woods, just drop another one and keep going. You’re the only one that will know.” Herein lies the problem! I knew I didn’t reach my goal and I fudged, cheating only myself. This is the type of thinking that curses all our endeavors to abject failure.

With a true commitment there can be no cheating, manipulating, falsifying or turning back. Either you lose the 20 pounds or you don’t, period! How many of you feel that you have been cheating your way through life all along? You get close but never the prize so you fudge or stretch things a little bit to make yourself feel better, but do you really feel better? Have you ever set out to lose....let’s say 10 pounds? You drop about 8lbs and quit, yet you convince yourself that you met your goal. Maybe you started painting a room in the house and you get it all finished except for one piece of molding. Every time you enter the room....there it is staring you in the face, draining you of positive energy every time you see it. Maybe you have started saving for that long awaited vacation but find yourself dipping back into the cookie jar for a few bucks from time to time. Ultimately, you attain the vacation, but you have to settle for a cheap hotel where you come back home with a weird itch.

All this boils down to a lack of commitment to reach the desired goal. The great inventor Thomas Edison failed over and over trying to get the light bulb invented but he never quit. It has been said that the bulb eluded him hundreds of times before it actually worked. He pressed on till he achieved the desired goal.

A few years ago my wife had gained a substantial amount of weight and was miserable with how she looked; not to mention her health was beginning to suffer. She decided one day that she was going to lose 100lbs. She set small short term goals each week that were attainable. Each morning I would wake up to the hum of the old "dreadmill" in our exercise room at 5:00am. She made up her mind that she was going to lose 100lbs - not 99 or 99 1/2. Eight months later she achieved and exceeded her goal.

You need to stop settling for less and just getting by. By the grace of God and a determined spirit, you can do anything you set your mind to do. Do not allow yourself any excuses! The scriptures tell us in Philippians 4:13 that “We can do all things through Christ.” Stop allowing life to slip by settling for cheese and crackers. Oh my! That reminds me of a story that I have to share with you. A few years ago a young couple saved their money for a cruise to the Caribbean for five days. They scrimped, tucked away and saved until the big day finally arrived. They did not feel that they could afford to purchase food on their cruise, so their plan was to carry food along to save money. They packed as much Spam, cheese, crackers and peanut butter as they possibly could. Four and a half days passed eating crackers and drinking tap water. They reached the last day of the cruise and thought....We’ll splurge tonight and go to the main dining room for a wonderful meal. After they were seated, they took a look at the menu. To their horror there were no prices....Unsure of how much the meal may cost, they stopped a waiter and enquired about the prices. In humored disbelief, he chuckled and replied, “All the meals were included with your tickets!” All the while they had settled for cheese and crackers in the cabin, never realizing the meals came with the ticket. Life has more to offer but due to our lack of commitment we never enjoy success in most areas of our lives. Financial freedom is never attained. Those extra pounds never come off. That planned business never gets off the ground. Relationships with the Creator fall through because someone crossed us. The list can go on and on.

The Vise of Indecision

2010-01-05T10:55:00.001-05:00

Your ability to lead properly can be crippled by indecision. Not only will it affect the success you have as a leader, but it will negatively affect almost every area of your life. As a leader you have to be able to analyze a situation, think quickly, and make a decision. If you are indecisive you will soon lose the respect of everyone around you.

There is an African proverb that explains how people perceive indecision. It goes like this, ‘Indecision is like a stepchild: if he does not wash his hands, he is called dirty, if he does, he is wasting water.’ You see, if you are indecisive then people will begin to look at the things you do and not be able to see any good in them.

Another way to look at it is like this. Have you ever had a bad injury to your foot or knee? If you have, you know how much that can cripple your ability to do just about anything. It can even affect the simplest thing like walking. Every step is painful and awkward. It takes you much longer to get to where you are going. Plus people know that you are hurt so they don’t ask you to help them with anything, which means some very good opportunities may pass you by.

If you are indecisive, have you ever asked yourself why you are that way? If you haven’t, think about that for a few seconds. Most of the time people are indecisive because they fear that they may be making the wrong decision. If that is one of the reasons why you find it hard to make decisions, you have to begin to realize that every decision you make in life has some sort of risk involved. You will never be 100% sure that you have made the right decision. The best thing to do is to start trusting yourself. You will be surprised how many times you will be right if you just follow your conscience.