With the Folks

After spending time at Spring Training with the Texas Rangers I was ready for a long nap. The ball field in Surprise Arizona is as nice as they come and the food was a cut above most. Nancy wasn't feeling well so after the game we just camped out in the RV. We like to rough it.....air conditioning, ice maker, stereo, TV w/surround sound, feather bed (queen size) and every other comfort of home....you know......camping.
Sunday morning Nancy was still weak so she stayed in bed while I went to preach for Stephen Land at Emanuel Christian Center (4511 W Indian School Rd.)  John went with me and we were welcomed as if we were old friends. I spoke about our Christian Identity and how to help others "see" Jesus in our everyday lives. I think that our joy and happy lives give strong evidence as to our faith and trust in God. Happy people seem to be rare these days and Christians do have something to be happy about.
We finished our week in Phoenix with a final meal with many of our church friends, Applebees will never be the same; food, fun and fellowship with those we love.....Thank you Lord for filling our lives so full of wonderful people.
Monday we were up and loaded and off to Cottonwood AZ. I do like traveling this way, slow pace, start when you want, stop when you want, eat when you are hungry......a good life.
Mom and Dad were so happy to see us. We sat up and talked till ten.....a good life.

3-9-2017 last night

I am sure that you can see that I am posting a day behind. I am too tired to close the day at the computer. Sooooo.....We closed the revival services last night with a long alter service filled with many great victory reports. I spoke about the Power of God in our lives today and used the very words of Jesus on the subject. It was like He was doing the preaching and everyone responded with joy and worship. I never claimed to be an Evangelist because God called me as a Pastor but last night the title of Revivalist was excepted and applied....I kind of like that one. I was paid the greatest of compliments when I was told that this church wanted me to come back again....warms my heart.
This mini-revival (five nights) was short but full of victory, healing, filling, love, joy and worship. It is a blessing to be a part of what God is doing here in Arizona and seeing so many of my friends made this a special trip to remember.

Break Through

More family time this morning. I am blessed with a loving family. Longing for the day when we can all be together again....probably when we all get to Heaven....  Made that needed trip to buy some supplies and spend too much......complete success...broke the bank. Preaching on the Presence of God tonight and having some difficulty keeping the sermon from becoming L.....O....N.....G.
Resting and watching some old movies that my children gave me last Christmas....my kids sure spoil me, so does my wife for that matter, and my church, and my friends....WOW....I am spoiled but I am not a brat.
Found a new fan for the bedroom and got it mounted. This RV is so comfortable, might use a recliner....This is my idea of ruffing it!

Well the breakthrough happened tonight. Ministered to each person present, alters full, healing, happy faces, a mighty move of God.....REVIVAL.

3-6-2017 Arizona Trip

Blessed with time visiting my Brother and looking at several homes for our parents. They may be moving to Phoenix soon and we want to do some of the leg work for them. Moving is so much fun.....NOT. Slow and easy day today; making some ice, changing some of the storage bins in the RV and preparing for my sermon. Preaching about Heart Surgery, not the physical kind....Spiritual. Service doesn't start until seven p.m. so extra time to rest I guess that's alright because this is our vacation as well as an evangelistic journey.

Good attendance tonight and several came forward to be prayed for. Not the breakthrough I am wanting, but still progress. These folks don't mind staying late and then still like to go eat afterward....my kind of people.

3-5-2017 Arizona Birthday

Two meetings at different churches: Morning at Mountain of Life in Surprise Arizona, good attendance and a sweet spirit. Preached "Who are you" sermon about our identity in Jesus. Nancy and I both sang a special. Today is her birthday but I won't say which one. This is the second year that we have been on a trip on her birthday.......sort of messes me up trying to do something special for a celebration. Big group went to Golden Coral and did the lunch thing...as all proper Christians should.
Evening service was at Revival Worship Center in Youngstown Arizona and what a packed house we had. Grandpa Land came to visit and he looks great (much stronger than I expected). He called Stephen Land and set me up to preach over at his church next Sunday morning. It sure inspires me to be granted all these opportunities to minister. Preached about faith and really got turned loose. Nancy thought I was wrapping it up twice only to get another surge of inspiration and away I went. Did not get home until 11:30 but I was not even tired. It takes me several hours to "unwind" after such an energetic sermon. Having service here Monday through Thursday at seven pm each night. Come on out if you can.

Many people in these two churches are sick, fighting disease and broken down from hard work and life's burdens. I want to be used in these meetings to bring them some joy, relief and comfort. Pray for me to preach this type of message and share the love of God with each one.

Sabbatical: Day 3

This is the day I was most excited about; being Baptized in the Jordan River. The sun was bright and the air had a hint of fragrance from the bogonvia. I was so excited that I forgot my water shoes and walked down the rocky path in my bare feet, yes it was painful but I thought of all the pain my Saviour went through for me. My sweet wife and I were baptized by Pastors John and Matthew Hagee, one on each side, her first and then  me. So much joy as I came up speaking in my Heavenly Prayer Language and knowing that I was making a statement to all around; I have been buried and resurrected into new life by Christ Jesus in the same river he was baptized in. WOW!

On to Caesarea; here we learned of all the hardship the Jewish people encountered when returning to Israel and a reminder of what they went through in Germany. This was the Roman capitol of Judea. Conflict and death flowed out of this place to many Jewish people. The reconstruction is an on-going process but gives me clear understanding of how the people lived. Homes were quite small for the common citizen. Most rooms were about twelve by twelve feet with one family to a room. I live in a palace by these standards. 

Today is our first time into Jerusalem. We enter with a prayer of blessing upon the city and all that enter there. The feeling I experienced was as if the Lord had put his arm around my shoulder and was personally walking at my side. We walked several blocks through the Arab market full of busy people preparing for the Sabbath, merchants calling out to us of their special prices for Americans, many welcoming hand shakes and friendly "Shalom", then into the home of a Rabbi Daniel Sperber in the heart of the old city. His wife gave us fruit and juice to refresh us as we waited for time to light the Sabbath candles. We were invited to roam the house, terrace garden, library and even to go out on the roof for a view of the western wall. I felt as welcome in this home as if I were a member of the family. We gathered in the parlor as the candles were lit and prayed for peaceful Sabbath. As I lit my candle, my one small light, I understood..."let your light so shine".  I can make a difference in this dark world of hate and pain, war and separation.....just by shining my light, my one small light. 

I will finish day three tomorrow....I must go for now....about my Father's business.   

Family

My great niece was married yesterday, we will be dedicating my second great grandchild in the service today and tomorrow all my Oklahoma children will be here. My cup is full and overflowing. I have the most amazing family in the world. I am tempted to brag, and brag, and brag.
God has a "family", he calls it "the church", The little group of this family that attends Elm Grove is an amazing group as well. If I could fix any one problem in this old evil world it would be to fix families, fill them with love, fill them with joy and fill them with peace. My family fills my life with all these and more. Won't you come and join my Family. Glad to have you.

9-6-2015         Luke 11:1-4

S.       1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.3 Give us day by day our daily bread.4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

O.      The Lord teaches his disciples how to pray.

A.      All the elements of prayer are contained in these short few lines: respect God and his name, seek his kingdom, his will, ask for needs, forgive, overcome sin and depend on God for deliverance.

P.       Father; my eyes are open, my heart is open, my mind is open…..fill me with your Holy Spirit. Amen.

And He Healed All of Them.

Let the healing begin........God can, and will, heal his children. I am searching for that place in my faith that will see God using me to heal every sickness, every disease and every spirit of infirmity. This power is spoken of many times in the Bible and I know that God is no respecter of persons so anything Jesus did (as a man) I can do also (except the cross). Come pray with me and help me find this level of faith.

8-23-2015      Luke 9:43-45

S.       43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, 44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. 45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

O.      Jesus tells of his betrayal.

A.      I must never betray my Lord. I must be faithful in all things and speak of all that God has done in my life.

    P.       Father; shine the light of your love, mercy, grace and                    forgiveness through me. Amen. 

Fifth Sunday Singing

Fifth Sunday Singing was a real delight. Tolar is a community filled with talented singers and musicians and last night they sang and played down the glory of God. There was sweet fellowship, joyous laughter and holy uplifting. I am thankful that God has planted us here.

S.O.A.P.

3-30-2015      Romans 12:16-18

S.       16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

O.      Proper relationships.

A.      My faith in God must be evident in every relationship. I will seek peace in every relationship.

P.       Father; May I be an extension of your love in my earthly relationships. Amen.

Save Some For SUNDAY!

The week-end is here. Time to get the work done around the house, wash the car and visit friends and family. Busy, busy, busy ...... REMEMBER .... Save some for SUNDAY!

S.O.A.P.

3-28-2015      Romans 12:11

S.       11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

O.      Be honest and hardworking with spiritual sincerity.

A.      I will be spiritually minded as I do my work. My word will be as good as a written contract.

P.       Father; show me the pattern for holy living from your word. Speak to me by your Holy Spirit and reveal any weakness or sin within me. Amen.

Covenant People

Good Sunday morning. Ready for a glorious day of worship, fellowship and the miraculous hand of God at work in my life. The older I get the more I appreciate the time gathered together with the Saints at church services. This past week was full sickness, pain and confusion, but, as soon as I step through the door of the meeting hall I will forget the difficulties, join in the worship and allow God to renew my soul, mind and heart. I am excited about Sunday!

S.O.A.P.

3-15-2015      Romans 10: 20-21

S.       20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

O.      God claims other nations because of Israel’s disobedience.

A.      I must be obedient to God’s Word. Obedient, obedient, obedient!

P.       Father; Show me myself as you see me. Reveal anything that is displeasing to you. Amen.

Love is our best gift.

Thank you friends for the "little" things you do each day. The smiles, a wink, wave and especially the hugs. These actions make my life a joy. Love really is the best we have to give.

S.O.A.P.

2-10-2015      Romans 7:4

S.       Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

O.      Being dead to the law of sin and death we are free to be married to Christ and live productive, faithful (sinless) and holy as his bride.

A.      There are no chains that link me to sin. I am free of condemnation and at liberty to live in peace, joy and love. I choose Christ as my Saviour and Lord and I am free from the laws of the flesh.

P.       Father; grant me wisdom to live a sinless life. Remind me of my weaknesses that victory may be maintained. I ask for your mercy and grace to fill my mind. Amen.

My favorite day of the week!

Sunday morning is a happy time. Church, worship, fellowship and a slowed down day, what could be better? Hope to see you at Elm Grove today.

S.O.A.P.

1-18-2015      Romans 5:1-2

S.       1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

O.      A right stand with God is obtained through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. This brings joy and hope.

A.      Jesus gave his life for me on the cross. I ask for forgiveness of my sin based on that death. I live in hope and with great joy, knowing that I am his and he is mine.

P.       Father; I accept your gift of love even though I am unworthy. I give you my life, use me as you will. 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.

My Family

We were finally able to have our family Christmas gathering last night. Sickness, miles, and a death in the family almost kept it from happening this year. Of all the activities of Christmas our family time is the most important to me. Being surrounded by my children, my family and all their love is more meaningful to me each year. I can kiss, hug and harass to my heart's content. If the whole world was a bucket it would be too small to hold my Joy.......Thank You GOD!

S.O.A.P.

12-30-2014    Mark 15: 42-47

S.       42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

O.      The dead body of Jesus is removed from the cross, wrapped in linen, laid in another man’s tomb, sealed with a great stone as the two Mary’s watch.

A.      Each step in the process of burying Jesus has great meaning. Another man’s tomb; he would not need long term. Linen wrap: white for purity. The Great Stone is; proof of overcoming power. Watched by women; site of his coming back from the dead. I apply this to how God uses the steps of my life to represent Him, his plan, power, grace and glory as I walk in obedience and faith.

       P.      Father; your love is greater than my feeble mind is able to comprehend. I surrender to your plan for my life. I                       must decrease, that you might increase. Amen.  

Shopping with my Sweetheart!

I spent the day yesterday with my wife out Christmas shopping. For almost forty seven years we have never missed doing this together, and I still feel like I'm on a date with the most beautiful woman on earth. Oh what fun and joy being together. God is good to me!

S.O.A.P.

12-17-2014    Mark 14:10-11

S.       10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

O.      The worst betrayal of all time.

A.      I must never betray Jesus. I must fight sin (first my own) and never let satan deceive me with temporal merchandise. All sin is a betrayal of the Lord’s gift given on Calvary. I hate sin.

P.       Father; I invite your Holy Spirit, I welcome your Holy Spirit, to the end that He may reveal, expose and declare all my sin, sin of commission and sin of omission. I seek to be pure, holy and blameless before you. Come sweet Spirit. Amen. 

Death of a Saint

How happy I am to be in church today. Gathered together with some of the greatest people I know. One will be missing today, God called Brother Buddy last night. He was in pain and dealing with many "old age" problems until his Lord opened the doors of Heaven and brought him inside. I am glad that I know that Heaven is real. Welcome home Buddy. 

12-7-2014      Mark 12:35-40

S.       35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. 37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly. 38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

O.      Jesus uses King David as an example of the expectation of a coming Messiah. He also exposes hypocrisy in the Jewish leadership.

A.      To believe that Jesus is Saviour or not to believe that Jesus is Saviour is the only question here. I know him as Saviour and proclaim him as the Son of God. My leadership must be consistent, pure and powerful. I must never waiver from the revealed word of God, never.

P.       Father; thank you for sending Jesus to redeem me from my sin. Thank you for calling me out of the darkness and guiding me into the light. I claim Jesus ass my Saviour and guide. Lead me by your Spirit and keep me pure. Amen. 

Friends

Today is the last home game for the T.C.U. football team. I have been blessed to be invited to go with my friend, and fellow minister, Ron. He is a faithful fan and has often brought me along to a game for many years. Friends make life such a joy and the journey much easier to endure. Ron has been there for me for over 25 years, God bless Ron. 

12-6-2014      Mark 12:28-34

S.       28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

O.      Jesus declares the greatest commandment and the second greatest as well.

A.      Loving God is a life of willing obedience and service to our fellows. I must love God with, and in, my actions. Thinking I am righteous is not a complete faith, because “faith without works is dead”. Faith is made perfect by works performed in loving obedience. Loving and serving others completes our love of God.

P.       Father; help me to overcome any doubts or fears that hold me back from serving you in perfect faith. Amen.

Birthday Joy

This is the Birthday of my middle (of three) Granddaughter. She is shy and reserved.....until it comes to her Pa-Pa.....then she is joy and lightning in a bottle. I am made happy, filled with joy, just to be in her presence. My heart has been expanded these six times, (the number of grandchildren I am blessed with) no, it is seven, for I have one great grandchild. I could not imagine being this full, complete, overflowing, consumed with love. My life has always been full of love, but never to these heights. On this special day I thank God for Hannah.

12-5-2014      Mark 12:18-27

S.       18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, 19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. 22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. 23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? 25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. 26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

O.      In this controversial question, Jesus answers by referring the questioners to the written word of God, thus revealing their lack of depth in spiritual matters.

A.      Every answer in life can be found in scripture. I must study, learn and understand God’s word.

      P.       Father; open the eyes of my understanding and enlighten me to the true interpretation of your word. Come                           sweet Spirit and fill my mind, heart and soul. Amen. 

Funerals

Today I am officiating the funeral of a dear friend. She is 92 years young and she filled each year with love and joy. This world looses people like her everyday. The trouble is that; we do not see others to pick up the mantle and keep selfless love active. God told us that the gate into heaven was narrow and hard to find, I will be looking for the mantle at this funeral. I need it and so does our sin-sick world.

11-8-2014      Mark 8:38

S.       38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

O.      Jesus says that he will come surrounded by Angels and he will claim those that were not ashamed to declare him as Lord.

A.      I am not ashamed to declare that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. I am planning on living in eternity with him in paradise. Others may turn from him, curse his name and defile their souls but I say; Jesus is Lord!

P.       Father; help me to convince the lost that Jesus is the Lord. Help me teach them that they must abandon sin and confess to the world that Jesus is their Saviour. Help me Father to live my faith openly and in purity and to declare my love for you. Amen.