3-3-2017 Arizona

Sleeping better and longer these days. Must be this mountain air. The wind is blowing and rocking the trailer. Took off at 10:30 (again) and could only drive 50 to 55 mph because of the wind. Being pushed sideways by strong gusts make me nervous. One gust hit so hard that the steps on the trailer popped out so I pulled over to put them back......found a short piece of rope laying on the side of the road so I tied them up. How strange, a piece of rope laying on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, just the right length, right where I stopped......thank you Lord. Pulled into Phoenix traffic and remembered why I love the country so much. Our navigator warned us of an accident ahead and gave us a route around it; right into a closed road. Sixteen miles too far west, fourteen miles back east, six miles back north and pow; on the original route in the middle of the accident slowdown. I can now put this rig in some tight places. We arrived at Mountain of Life church at 5:30 and set up before dark. John and Cathy came and picked us up and out to supper.....Texas Road House.....yum!

All that traffic made me think of how we get in a hurry, push, shove and compete with each other to be in the front of the line. I would like to see the same effort and enthusiasm going into our spiritual lives. Can you just see it in your mind? People driving around and around the church parking lot hunting a spot, lines of cars at the stop light setting through five or six cycles just turn towards the church. Rushing to God's house to worship. Yes....I am a dreamer.

Sabbatical: Day 6

We entered the old city through the Jaffa Gate on foot heading to the Western Wall Tunnels. These old gates are still used for all traffic into and out of the old city. We yielded the right of way to several cars as they squeezed through the narrow way. Nearly every auto was scratched and dented from these gates. The tunnels are an active archaeological work site. The excavation covers the entire length of the western wall. At the bedrock level I placed my hands on the very first stone placed in the building of the wall. This stone weights 550 tons and was cut out of the mountain at the north end of Jerusalem and rolled on small round balls to it's current location.
These tunnels have massive rooms in the beginning and narrow to a six foot wide walk way along the base of the wall. About midway is a women's prayer area. This is just under the Holy of Hollies some 100 feet above. Prayer is made in this location at all times. There is a report that the prayer wall here is covering a large room which contains the Ark of the Covenant. This area will need several more years of excavation.

Our next stop was at the Western Wall prayer area. This is the same area we visited on the Sabbath. I made my way to the wall, praying as I went. In my hand were several dozen prayers and blessings written on small slips of paper and placed into an offering envelope from Elm Grove. (the envelope was covered with these also). I even had our prayer list from Sundays bulletin in there. Each step forward gave me a physical touch in my body. I was tired and sore from all the walking but step by step I was feeling stronger and stronger. I pushed the envelope into a large crack between two really large stones (I even took a selfie of this) and placed my hands over the place and began to pray. The Holy Spirit flowed in an almost melodic fashion and fire fell. My Lord was there with me, his hands were on me as I called out the names of every person I could think of. Joy flooded my soul and I knew that I had ascended above that Wall and into the throne room of  Almighty God in heaven. My body may have been at the Western Wall but my Spirit was with God. As I moved away from the wall, walking backward as not to turn my back to this holy place, I knew that each prayer and blessing was received by God. I know that in time will I will hear the reports of all that was sealed on this day.

I am amazed at the sight of Masada. Riding the cable car to the top was like flying on the wings of a bird. Below was the Dead Sea and all the wonderful agricultural achievements of the Jewish farmers and above was the Herodian Fortress. This is a large area of several acres with a summer palace on one end and a winter palace on the other, many storage rooms, quarters for soldiers, farmers and servants, swimming pool, armory and recreational area. On the south end of the plateau there is agricultural land and evidence that it was well used. I have never seen the movie "Masada" but most people have so I will not go into the history of the last stand of Jewish rebels against Rome. My spiritual interests were not focused too much on this location. One special note: There is a Scribe working in a small room making hand written copies of the Torah. I said "God Bless Your Work" and he stopped and ask my name and my wife's name. He then took a scrap of parchment and printed our names with a heart between them in Hebrew and slipped it through a slot in the glass. 

After Masada we took a break at a beach on the Dead Sea. Just a lot of black mud to me but the local people were rubbing this mud all over and they said it kept them young and beautiful. I just watched. 

Upon arriving back in Jerusalem we went straight to the southern wall steps where Pastor Hagee was to speak. There were several hundred people gathered and a television crew set up for a live feed back to America. We had church! Singing, worship, praying and preaching. The only thing missing.....no offering. Pastor spoke of the suffering of Jesus and how he has paid the price, the full price, for our salvation and our healing. I made a commitment to; share more, tell more and believe for more.  

BUSY FOR GOD

Another busy week comes to a close, traveled over one thousand miles to visit the sick and afflicted, directed five disciplining 101 classes,  preached two sermons, facilitated adult bible study, fourteen phone visits and over five hundred e-mails. What a joy to be used in the work of the Lord!
Elm Grove has launched a new web site: ELMGROVE.CHURCH
Please visit and let us know what you think.

9-19-2015      Luke 12:1-3

S.       1 In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

O.      All things will be revealed.

A.      I have set myself to be consistent in all areas of speech and conduct. I will be true to God, even when no one is listening or watching.

P.       Father; help me reflect Jesus in all I do and say. Amen.

Power

Christians are the head, not the tail. Use your God given authority (faith) and tell satan to get out and take his sickness, lies, fear, defeat and "stupid" with him. Jesus has already destroyed evil and we should live like free people.

8-17-2015      Luke 9:18-21

S.       18And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?19They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.20He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.21And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

O.      Who is Jesus?

A.      This is the question that we all must answer. I say that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Who is he to you?

P.       Father; help me to show Jesus in my life and share him today with another person. Amen.

Worry, Worry, Worry.

Worry is the "on ramp" to the freeway to failure. I can't change the weather, the national debt, radical Islam or your mind for you. What I can change is how much time I waste worrying over the impossible. I choose NOT to worry. I choose to trust God......Amen.

S.O.A.P.

1-17-2015      Romans 4:14-25

S.       14 for if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

O.      Like Abraham, all must come to God by faith and not by legalism.

A.      Faith must be used to increase and become strong. Faith will keep us from worry and fear and will aid us in our search for peace.

     P.       Father; my faith is in you, keep me from straying. Open my eyes and let me see. Amen.

Representing Jesus

I represent Christ in all I do. This should be our goal and desire each day as we go through life. I am no longer my own, I have been bought with a very high price; the Blood of Jesus. The very best that God had to offer, his son, took my place on the cross and paid the ultimate price to redeem me. I will live in gratitude and appreciation and represent myself in a Christ-like manner.

S.O.A.P.

1-15-2015      Romans 4:1-3

S.       1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

O.      Believing brought Abraham into a righteous place before God, not his works.

A.      Works are a natural by-product of real faith. Righteousness comes from believing; in God, Jesus as the son of God and in the plan of redemption by grace. If I truly believe these things then my life will be filled with the “works” or righteousness.

P.       Father; I believe you are who the Bible says you are; you are my God, my Saviour, my King, my Lord, creator and Redeemer. Thank you God for loving me! Amen. 

46TH Wedding Anniversary

Forty six years ago, on a Wednesday night before evening service, Nancy and I stood before the pastor and became husband and wife. I was eighteen and she was sixteen and most people thought we were too young to get married, that it would not last, well they were wrong! I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world, She is beautiful, talented, strong, hard working, intelligent and best of all she is a woman of God. Nancy is also a fun person to be around and we laugh and smile and our days are filled with joy. I thank God that he gave me a perfect wife. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart, I love you more with each passing year.

S.O.A.P.

1-8-2015         Romans 2: 12-20

S.       12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

O.      The Jews were to follow all the law, exclude nothing, and those acts would be counted as righteousness and they could teach or lead other peoples. If they avoid any part they would be guilty of sin before God.

A.      God’s covenant with me is sealed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross when I follow all of his commands. Like the Jewish law, if I turn my back on any one of his commands I will be guilty. This is an “all or nothing” covenant; God commands, I obey.

P.       Father; give me insight into your word as I hide it in my heart. Reveal my every sin and weakness by your Holy Spirit. I cannot overcome sin alone; I come to you in the name of your son, Jesus, for direction, cleansing, and overcoming power to fully walk in your perfect will. Amen.

Get Ready,,,,Get Set....

Life goes by so fast. One day your a kid, the next a great grandfather. At the end of this year I am looking back at it's events, some with pleasant memories, some not so pleasant, all in all a great year. The question comes up; what would I have done differently? My answer; I would have prayed more, hugged more, laughed more, and spent more time with the ones I love. All these are simple things and don't cost much to make happen.....so.....I will start over and do a better job, glad that I serve a God of new beginnings.

S.O.A.P.

12-28-2014         Mark 15:16-26

S.       16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.21And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

O.      Jesus is crucified.

A.      The darkest day in the history of man. A perfect, pure, holy and loving man is killed. Jesus healed, fed, taught and helped others every day of his adult life and yet because he dared to expose the false, the fake and the hypocrisy of religion he was murdered. I will be a man of truth.

P.       Father; fill me full that there is no room for hypocrisy, no room for hate, no room for self and no room for sin. Amen.

Recovery

Recovery is a slow and painful process. In our bodies we have scares and deformities from the tragedy's so common to living. We adapt, replace, repair, implant and then go on. Often the pace is slowed, steps are short and less is accomplished each day.......but we keep going. I often wonder why we don't apply the same determination to our spiritual lives. Something goes wrong at church and we quit. Someone we look up to fails, we quit. Spiritual recovery is a slow process just like physical recovery is slow. We should apply some of the same tactics to our spiritual renewal.......and KEEP GOING ON FOR GOD.

11-14-2014    Mark 9:33-37

S.       33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

O.      Jesus explains to his disciples how greatness is defined within his kingdom.

A.      Serving is a privilege that all followers of Jesus should seek to accomplish. In this world of competition, self-glory, dog eat dog, ladder climbing and greed the concept of serving is lost or at best belittled. Christians can bear great witness of faith by serving others out of a grateful heart.

P.       Father; I do not seek to be great, or famous. I seek to have the heart of a servant lead by the mind of Christ. Please remake my heart to be more like Jesus. Amen.

SONDAY

Happy SON-day yáll. See you in church. I know that I spelled it different......it is his day.....you know....Jesus, the SON of God. :)

10-26-2014    Mark 6:53-56

S.       53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

O.      Great numbers of people are healed by touching the garments of Jesus. Faith was growing in the hearts of people and actions were showing results.

A.      Spreading the truth about Jesus, his love, compassion, healing, hope and salvation will still show results. I will spread the truth.

P.       Father; fill me with courage as I spread your word. Touch my mind and heart and give me strength to endure. Amen.

Rest a while

10-23-2014    Mark 6:30-32

S.       30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

O.      After the twelve return and report their ministry to Jesus he leads them away for a time of rest.

A.      Ministry is very demanding both physically and mentally. It is important that time is set aside for rest and rejuvenation. The key to successful rest is to include Jesus. Jesus was with the twelve during their time of rest.

P.       Father; help me to understand the need for rest and guide me to the type and place of rest that will be beneficial and spiritually renewing. Amen. 

Just Believe

10-18-2014    Mark 5:35-43

S.       35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

O.      Word comes to the ruler that his daughter is dead and Jesus tells him to believe and not to fear. Jesus raises the dead girl to life, but he wants this kept secret and fails to explain why.

A.      I must believe and not fear. If I believe, anything is possible……even life over death. I must believe, I will believe.

P.       Father; help me to overcome all unbelief, to keep my eyes on you and your promises and not on the circumstances around me. Help me to remember your word. Graft your word into my heart that it become a natural source of my faith. Amen.

Storms

Share your faith at work today! Let Jesus calm your spirit like he calmed the storm! You may help a lost soul to find real peace.

10-10-2014    Mark 4:35-39

S.       35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

O.      Jesus calms the storm.

A.      Jesus brings calm to my mind and soul every time I call out his name. The storm is never bigger than my God’s ability, love or grace.

P.       Father; thank you for peace in the storm, for faith and deliverance. I speak the name of Jesus to my storm. Amen.

Outside-inside or Inside-outside?

Working out is so hard for me. I want my efforts to produce instant results. Long term, slow progress is not my thing. This is what I see in many Christians when it comes to spiritual efforts. Christians today want instant gratification. You do not get into an obese condition instantly nor do you become anemic over night. This is also true of our spirit. Keep praying, studying and attending Gods house.....in the long run you will be healthier. 

10-3-2014      Mark 4:10-

S.       10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them

O.      Jesus sets a clear distinction between those on the inside and those on the outside of faith. Conversion is the key to understanding.

A.      I must move closer to God, learn his ways and serve his will. I must be changed! I surrender my pride, arrogance, anger, greed and selfishness.

P.       Father; re-make me like unto your son, Jesus. Create in me a pure heart, mind and soul as I willingly surrender my whole being to you. Amen.  

Death vs. Life

Today I remember the pain of 9-11. Evil men are the tool of satan and will stop at nothing to execute wickedness. This attack on American soil brought many to their knees for the first time in years. Why does it take a tragedy to awaken people to their need for God. Call on God today and he will answer. Seek him as Saviour of your soul not some heavenly "bell-hop" fulfilling your petty requests. God will, God does and God can save you from your sin and set you on the proper path.

9-11-2014      Mark 1:21-28

S.       21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

O.      Jesus teaches in Capernaum and cast out an unclean spirit.

A.      In every face to face conflict between Jesus and satan, satan always loses! The power of God never fails! I will put my trust in the Lord and stop being afraid of the devil. Through God I will overcome…….every time.

P.       Father; thank you for my victory today over satan and all his lies. Thank you for the cross and the empty tomb. Thank you for calling me out of darkness and into your wonderful light. Amen.