A Flavor of Favor

I truly believe that God gives people and churches favor, that divine covering that causes others to be attracted to you and to bless you...sometimes it appears for no apparent reason. Several weeks ago our youth ministry went to a park in the area to sing, dance, and do drama. While there they participated with everything that was going on, played with the kids, rejoiced with the other participants, and acted like Christian youth. The photographer was so impressed, he took many pictures of our youth, put them on his web site, told our youth pastor how much he appreciated them and their behavior...and then a few days later called me.

We were hosting "Last Chance", the man asked if he could come and take pictures, we consented and the last night he came, took pictures and during the altar call put his camera down and responded to the invitatation. Afterwards he spoke with our youth pastor and myself, called and emailed, put the pictures on his web site and then put us in his newspaper...he called today and is bringing cd's of pictures that he would normally sell to give to us...simply because our ministries touched his life...call it what you will...I call it favor!

It's not something we deserve, it's something God gives to remind us that He loves us and that we must continue to reflect Him to others in a manner that creates an atmosphere of blessing. The Apostle Peter said we are called to inherit a blessing and to be a blessing..God help us to do both!

I'm Getting My Windshield Fixed

I haven't blogged in a few days and don't have huge insights to share, but I am getting my windshield fixed tomorrow. We have a 2003 PT Crusier, a great car, with a cracked windshield. Christmas day we were on our way to Ohio, just outside Ocala, Florida and a rock shot out from a vehicle in front of us and nicked our windshield. It started out as a small dot and before the trip was over it had grown and is now a 2" north, 7" to the east, and another 2-3" to the west crack...Thank God for car insurance that will take care of it. Crazy thing about it is that I've procrastinated since December until now to get it fixed...there's a present truth in that somewhere. There's also a powerful word about how something so small became so large, what was insignificant is now quite significant...In Florida you can be fined for a cracked windshield...amazing how this thing just keeps growing!

A Spiritual Movie

We returned home from our missionary trip to Orlando this afternoon. What a great three days, spent time with the family, got some sun, went to Mickey Land, and had some awesome food...What more could a guy ask for? Came home and went to the church to help get ready for tomorrow's service, the choir will sing, the little girls dance team will dance, and the youth will present a drama, and the pastor will preach the house down...life is good! My wife and I watched an awesome movie this evening entitled "The Gospel", the story of a young man on his way into the ministry who got sidetracked. Tragedy caused him to return home and also to the Lord...it was a moving movie, and the music is phenomenal...I would suggest watching it! I'm thankful that the crux of the Gospel is redemptive, that God is a God of many chances, not just a second chance. I am thankful that because He got up from His grave we can get up from ours...The Lord, He is Good!

We're Off To Orlando

After grossing everyone out on my last post, allowing God to use me to cause you to use caution when wearing contacts and using contact solution, I'm off to Orlando for a few days.

God is now calling my family to do street ministry in Mickey Land, we will be interceeding as we walk the streets of Walt Disney World. I know that some reading this will think me to be sacriligious, but I assure you I'm not. While I'm quite confident this won't be a ministry of witnessing and preaching, I assure you there will be much prayer. It will be a prayer of safety, that I won't wear out my kids or leave them there for Mickey and Minnie to raise. It will be prayer that I don't have a heart attack or die on the rides...blood pressure you know, to die in Space Mountain would be embarrassing! It will be prayer that after three days in a motel room we don't all strangle one another, and prayer that my daughters will realize they don't need a momento of every place we go!

Julie and I looking forward to spending time with our girls, the two of us are leaving for Kenya in a few weeks, so we wanted to get some extra family time in before we go!

Watch out for that finger in the eye stuff...I will be back!

Won't Be Sticking My Finger In My Eye

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bausch & Lomb voluntarily suspended shipment of a contact lens solution after federal health officials linked it Monday to a fungal eye infection that can cause temporary blindness. About the time I think I might get contacts I read something like this...think I'll keep my glasses!

It's Time To Press

This morning I received a prophetic word that spoke deeply into my spirit, I know that what was spoken was from the Lord...I know that I must wait patiently for that word to come to fruition...I know that whatever God says to us brings us to a place of responsibility...He will do what He says if I do what He says...Waiting on the Word means we enter into a season of preparation...for me, a season of pressing. Pressing doesn't necessarily mean shoving or forcing a matter into existence, it means that we simply continue and refuse to become slack. If we become slack we may accept and settle for Ishmael when we have been promised Isaac. It's like having a craving for Starbuck's and settling for a flavored coffee from 7-11, the two simply don't compare. I continue to be consumed with the word that Isaac is coming and the concept of crossing over...there is price for both...the question is will we pay it?

Well...It's Friday...I'm Done!

I love Friday...we leave the office at noon and I have the afternoon to kick back and relax...except for picking up my daughter...I just can't figure out why she won't walk home from school, it's only 10 miles or so!

I'm done blogging until Monday...have nothing else to say or to think...no one responded to my haircut...Wait until Monday...I'll be roaring about something.

This morning I heard three words in my spirit: 1) Building, 2) Believing, 3) Blessing...We are busy building a relationship with God and others, building the Kingdom; Believing God for great things; and because we have been a Blessing to others we will receive a Blessing...It is our inheritance you know!

See You Monday!

My Heart Is Broken...My Mind Messed Up...My Allergies Raging...I'm Upset

It is with great and mixed emotions that I announced the failure of the American people to recognize God given talent and the demise of Miss Mandisa's American Idol career. Last night I came in just as the announcement was being made, I would have laid on the floor and wept, or stood in the middle of the room ranting, that's probably what I would have done...but our air conditioning unit is on the blitz and I had someone from Church with me...can't afford to rant in front of an Elder! What is wrong with these people? I know they think they need for these stars to sing various types of music, to express diversity, but when a star arises they don't sing variety, they sing who they are...why can't the Idol people recognize this? I'm appalled!

It's hot in Florida and our air is out, wasn't too bad last night with ceiling fans, but in the day time our house is over 80 degrees...feel like I've missed the rapture, or as one of our church children said, the rupture!

I'm sneezy today and had a lady manifest in our parking lot when I asked why she was sitting there blocking the entrance..man it feels like a Monday on Thursday!

Lord, Bless Mandisa Today! And please Jesus, send Bucky home!

I'm Done...For Now!

We have just concluded our drama "Last Chance" with a total of 82 souls accepting the Lord as their personal Savior. It was a wonderful experience for us, the people from Reality Outreach Ministries are awesome to work with and a delightful group to fellowship with.

I'm worn out, tired, fried, my thoughts are staid, and my body is sluggish...ever been there? I badly need a haircut and have to make a hospital visit and get ready for service this evening...tomorrow I'll lay back, watch Survivor, CSI, and ER, I won't think about much for a day and then I'll be good for business again...Life really is good!

Ever Feel Like This?

In Just A Little While

This weekend we are hosting the drama "Last Chance" put on by Reality Ministries, the sequel to the world famous "Heaven's Gates & Hell's Flames", which we hosted last year. In just a little while 45 of our people will walk on the platform and throw out a life net to lost people...it's nerve racking and exciting all at the same time! Please keep our cast and ministry in your prayers. Last year we had over 300 decisions for Christ in the three nights, and even though we did not retain all those people, and some probably made an emotion decision, the gospel was preached, the opportunity was given, and some one was rescued from the bondage of sin and that is what it's all about.

The crux of the matter is that we have just a little while left on this earth, that in a little while the Lord will return. He may return this week, or a year from now, He may actually return in 1000 years...who knows...but to Him, it's just a little while, so we just have a little while to get ready and to help those around us ready.

I don't want to be scared out of hell, I want them to be made aware of the great love Christ has for them, which does require that they are made aware of the consequences of sin...but it also requires that people know that what God really wants is a relationship with Him...not just a confession...He already knows what we've done or not done...He just wants to walk in the garden with us in the cool of the day. In the book, The Chronicles of the Host, a fallen Adam says to Eve, "The thing that I miss the most is walking with the Most High in the evenings!" I think God must have missed that too...He sent Jesus so we can walk with Him again!

Sorry for being such a preacher lately...I post something stupid this week...I just wanted to remind us that in just a little while He's coming...He's coming into your situation, into your workplace...into your family...into your finances...into your church...and then He's coming for you!

It's just a thought...see you in a little while!

I Am Wired Tight...

I ate lunch at Smokey Bones today with a pastor friend, it's one of my favorite places to eat. They have a Peach Sweet Tea that is to die for, in fact, it may kill me tonight! I drank four, maybe five glasses while there and took one with me when I left. I don't do caffine after 6:00 PM, but feel like I've got enough in me to last until at least 9:00! We are begin production of a drama ministry tonight called "Last Chance" the story of a dying grandfather who from his deathbed tries to make his family is prepared to meet the Lord...it will be a huge production that begins Sunday evening and ends Tuesday...my weekend is full...so a body full of Sweet Tea may be necessary! Pray for me that I slow down inside by bedtime...I may be up until tomorrow or later!

Isaac Is Coming

This word has been in my spirit for over a week now and I cannot shake it. What I hear the Lord saying is that Ishmael is the product of Impatient flesh, it will produce an inadequate blessing, a partial and mediocre semblence of what desires for us to have...But Isaac is coming...Isaac is the promise of God, the one with whom God desires to make covenant with, the one who will inherit the full blessing...the promised one. I mentioned this tonight at church at the end of my sermon...our Bishop's wife told me after church that while she was praying today the Lord told her not to settle for Ishmael. Think we might be hearing something?

American Idol...I'm Switching!

Call me fickle if you want but I have switched my loyalty from Paris Bennett to Mandisa. Tonight none of the performances were all that...it's that playing it safe thing, not going over the edge and being who they can really be...I feel like Simon Cowell, but the truth is none of them have a blood thirst for the prize...not like Fantasia...now that's a singer! Paris dissappointed me this evening, her song was a little on the raw side, especially after her comments a few weeks concerning having favor...favor has an allegience that cannot afford to be broken or compromised. I've been vacillating in my mind between Mandisa and Paris...Tonight I voted for Mandisa...Be who you are!

Sometimes It Just Hits You

I really don't mean to sound super-spiritual, because I'm not...I've got issues like everyone else. Tonight I wanted to go walk and my wife was willing but not really wanting to, she's tired...I should be understanding, but wasn't as understanding as I should be...so I really am human not super christian. But...I have been hit by what the Spirit of God is doing in the lives of people everywhere I go, especially this week. Last week while in Illinois I was impacted by the presence of God that moved on a young man named Hunter, he's probably between the age of 7-9, rarely has a child gotten into my spirit like he did. During revival the Holy Spirit moved on him and he spoke in an unknown language, worshipped and loved on Jesus, I sense that God has something special planned for his life. On Sunday during the altar service at our church our Bishop had the youth lay hands on adults, it was powerful. During this time of ministry I observed one of the teens named Tori, as she laid her hands on one lady the lady fell into her arms weeping and that young 15 year old wept with her, comforted her, and ministered to her...it was powerful! I've observed this Tori ministering to this same lady and others in a powerful manner, and again, I see the hand of God upon her life. Then there's Tyler who simply goes after the Lord, I can't leave out Jessica and Bryanna who are 7 and 9, that dance before the Lord with all of their might, sometimes more seriously than others, but always unto the Lord. I am reminded that God said His Spirit would be poured out on our sons and daughters, that this blessing of the Holy Spirit is for our children and their children as well. I'm reminded of a prophetic word spoken in Champaign, Illinois several years ago when the Spirit said that revival would come, slowly, like hot lava, and that He would wait for the children...could it be that His waiting is over and the children are arising to their finest moment? I pray so!

Lay It All Down

I have this song buzzing in my head and can't get rid of it, not sure of the title, definitely don't remember who sings it or where I heard it...but there is this tune going on and the words, " Lay it all down, lay it all down, lay it all down!" Regardless of where I've heard it the message cannot be clearer, there are things we need to lay down. We need to lay them down because they weigh us down, we need to lay them down because they hinder our progression, we need to lay them down because the Lord wants to carry them for us, we need to lay them down because God's Word says to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us. This morning our Pastor preached about Jesus never leaving us, that we will have tribulation, but we will also overcome because Christ overcomes in and through us...it's about laying things down. Christians aren't immune from issues, problems and pain, our children give us fits, our money runs out, and we sometimes hate our jobs...our life...What we have going for us is a loving and living God that sees where we are, know what's going on, and One that refuses to leave us and will never leave us alone. Lay it all down...see what the Lord will do!

Starbucks is what makes our world just a little bit better! Just one taste of a Cafe Mocha with a shot of Vanilla, or a Carmel Macchiato, it soothes the savage beast and makes room for joy in my world. Some would say it isn't right to pay four dollars for a cup of coffee, I say it isn't right to pay 2.53 for gallon of gas, but somebody has to do it and it might as well be me!

Flight From The Bowels Of The Abyss I flew home from Ilinois today, left Moline and went to Atlanta, my flight was fifteen or twenty minutes late...no deal, I had an almost two hour layover and needed to eat. My flight to Tampa was supposed to leave at 4:54 PM, at 4:50 they started board business and corporate class, then all of a sudden decide tell those standing in line that they can be seated...we're waiting for one more flight attendant. Eventually they start boarding us, then we got to sit, and then we got to back up and sit, and then sit some more on the runway...long story short, my flight left at 6:00 PM, I was supposed to arrive in Tampa at 6:20 and arrived at 7:00...7:30's by the time I got my luggage...I wasn't a happy camper...I'm better now...but my question is why airlines think that when they give you a departure time they aren't supposed to start boarding us until five minutes before we are supposed to leave...Somebody help me with this!

Too Blessed

We closed our revival out this evening, I am trying to wind down, it has been a good meeting. The pastoral family here is wonderful, thanks Garretts for keeping me in your home, for the generous spirit and for allowing me to be a part of your lives.

The Harvest Church is a wonderful group of people, I was so blessed to be able to minister to your lives. I'm convinced that your future is bright and will be filled with wonderful things. It is my earnest prayer that this church explodes in growth and blessings!

Simple Stuff

I was reading my friend Sarah's blog as she wrote of the provision of the Lord, simple stuff like God providing her the ability to watch Monk...a favorite program...and I got to thinking about how much God does to remind us that He really does love and care about us.

When I was a teen-ager my father had two surgeries within a year which caused him to be off work for quite awhile. What I didn't know was anything about the financial aspect of our home, or that his workmans comp had an issue and things we tight...my parents never shared that type of information with my sister and I. One Sunday we went to church as usual and as we began to leave the back of my Dad's pick up was filled with groceries. To this day I don't know where they came from, whose idea it was and why they did...what I do know is that evidently we needed them and in one of the bags was a plastic baggy filled with tea bags...I thought it was just for me, I love Sweet Tea and Hot Tea...God cares about the simple stuff!

If it pertains to one of His children...it's important...not simple...He loves us and wants so much to let us know how much He cares...Thanks Sarah for sharing...I'm glad you get to see Monk...It's about me you know!

Friends

This week I have had the privilege of staying with Darrell and Libby Garrett, along with their two children Daniel and Ashley, and Cinamon the dog. It's been a real treat hanging out with them, staying in their home and being a part of their family. So far I haven't been grounded or yelled at, but I've still got tonight and tomorrow...so there's still a chance that I can get into some trouble. What I've appreciated is that though we no longer live in the same state, don't talk on the phone often and email here and there, we simply pick up where we leave off everytime. Last month I was in Maryland and stayed with my roommate from College...Roger Locklear, the same is true of him, we just pick and go on like we've been together for years. I am thankful for friends, people who love you regardless of the distance, of what's going on in your life, or what you're doing at the present time. Perhaps that's why Jesus said that He calls us His friends, that friends love at all times, and there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother...Thanks Friends!

I'm Struggling

Tuesday and Thursday nights are my favorite television nights. On Tuesdays I watch American Idol, I'm trusting God to let Paris win, though my wife and daughter are praying against me and believing for Kelly...pray for the conflict in my family, that the good Lord will cause my spouse and child to see the light of my way! Thursday is Survivor and CSI and ER...you see my struggle don't you? We have revival tonight and no one is offering to tape anything! Revival is awesome this week and truthfully, there's no struggle at all...other than that stuff between me and my wife and daughter...they won't come around I'm quite certain! It's been snowing but has about stopped, I'm hoping we'll be able to have church tonight, it's jeans night and we get wear casual clothes...it's the snow you know! I love the Lord...He's been so good and so faithful to me...I am blessed, highly favored, and walking in abundance...I have eternal life not just secure death...Thank You Lord!

A Snowy Revival...Something's Falling

I began revival in Galesburg, IL with Pastors Darrell and Libby Garrett, they and their children are long time friends and wonderful people. Yesterday we had two powerful services, this is a church that is hungry for more of the Lord, desirous to move to new levels in their walk and worship. It is exciting to be where people want to move beyond where they are. I hear some ministers and christian being critical of the new or next level concept, saying that it is faddish and that once we are in Christ we have all that we need...I disagree! In Christ we do have all that we need and we need all we have...but, even though Christ is all that we need and He has deposited all that we need within us...the scripture is quite clear that we move from glory to glory, that we add to and multiply those things God has deposited in our lives...God is progressive and so should we be, always moving towards Him, casting off and putting on, growing in the grace of God and developing those spiritual gifts that lay within us. This church is moving towards the Lord and it's exciting to be here! They are calling for snow on this first day of Spring. The weather forecast is for 3-5 inches tonight and another 1-2 inches tomorrow...pray for us...I hate snow and it can be a real revival killer...doesn't have to be though. When I was a teen I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in a January or February revival...we got snowed out one night, but the meeting continued powerfully...pray that our meeting will not be detoured or distracted!

I've Seen It All Now

I'm sitting in the Atlanta airport yesterday, it's eight in the morning and I'm worn out. Went to bed at 11:00 PM, fell asleep around 2:00 AM, had to be up at 3:45 and caught a flight at 6:00 AM. Now I'm eating breakfast near a family of five, Momma wrestling with a 15-24 month year old, swats him on the behind and gets him calmed down...and then the food comes. It's a ham/cheese/egg biscuit...Momma pulls off a piece of ham, puts it in her mouth and then into his...I suppose she was trying to cool it down, but I was waiting for her to pull a worm out of the ground and feed it to him...Guess I've seen it all now! By the way, I'm in Galesburg, IL with The Dawg and Libby, and while the sun is shining brightly....It's Still COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD!!!!!!!!!!!! Today I went to get my picture taken at Crappy's...What a name for a restaurant...I love it!

I'm Going Now....Soon At Least!

The word of the Lord in my spirit for several months has simply been, "If you're going to go somewhere...you have to go somewhere!" I'm quite confident that I've blogged this to death already...but I am going somewhere...to Galesburg, IL to preach for my close friend... Pastor Darrell Garrett. There is a deep sense of anticipation in my spirit concerning this meeting, a feeling that God is already on the move and my being there is divinely orchestrated by the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Garrett called today to inform me of the prediction of colder weather than I'm used to, and to that horrible thing called...Snow! I know he's trying to prepare me and to be a blessing, but I have to admit it was information I could do without...pray for a heat wave pastor!

Renewal or Revival services to many have become a thing of the past, some would have us to believe that they have no purpose...I disagree. I believe that there are certain times in our lives when we need to hear the word of the Lord through a different voice, it will usually confirm what we've already heard, but in a different way. Renewal services are times when God sudenly deposits freshness into our lives and encourages us to continue in the way we are going, to change our direction, or to prepare to move into a new season. Everytime we have a guest speaker in our church I become anxious, hungry to hear what the Lord is saying, to see what He will do, and to move up in my walk with the Lord...I love church...my pastor...and those prophets God sends our way.

Pray for me this week that I will be to this church what God desires and what they need me to be...an encourager, a blessing, a prophet...that I will make a spiritual deposit that will benefit this house...and most of all...That God Is Glorified!

Have you ever heard that kid song, the song that never ends, it goes on and on my friends? The problem with it is by the time they get done...never according to their own will, but because if they don't shut up someone is going to die...Literally! I don't feel like singing, but I do feel like writing...Not about anything in particular, just writing, it's what I would do if I could do what I want to do and get paid for it...just write and write, and write some more...I write much better than I talk...of course, that's my opinion and I'm write! I got told no yesterday by a 11 year old...I don't like being told no by anyone, but especially a kid. We had kids(big kids) crying in the school hallway, parents coming through and I'm ticked...just got told no...so now I'm on a roll. Traffic is crazy...our town is around 30,000-50,000 in the summer, and around 100,000 in the winter...nearly bumper to bumper. Sunday our youth pastor's son rode with my wife and I when we went to lunch, he said he and his mom saw some northerners going home and they were glad...now we're done to 99,998...and counting! My youngest daughter is having stomach aches, not certain why, but you should have seen her all dressed up last weekend for the wedding she was in...a living doll...I'll show you soon! My wife just came in the office and has twisted her ankle...I need to muster up compassion and sympathy by the time I get home...I've got 15 minutes to make that happen! Most of my posts have been quite serious lately, kind of preachy, and I've been reading others blogs today and notice everyone else is pretty light right now...so I thought I would write about whatever came out my fingers at the moment...hope all of you are having a great day!

Everything Will Be Allright

The Lord gave me a word for our church yesterday from Jeremiah 29:11, I especially like it in the Message Bible...."I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out---Plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

I know this is really something simple, but while life is often so complex...God has a simple word for us:

1. I know what I'm doing in your life

2. I have already planned your life out

3. I have plans for you that are absolutely incredible

I don't mean to be preachy, but I want to be encouraging to those that may be reading, that wherever you are in your life, whatever you may be facing in your walk, regardless of where you are in your journey...even if it is a dark and difficult place...God's got you covered!

We have all felt lost, like we've been abandoned, but God knows exactly where we are, what we need and where we're going. He isn't surprised by anything that happens in our lives and wants us to realize that He is either in control of everything or nothing at all...I think He's got it all covered and if I can live what I believe...Everything will be allright!

I'm not usually overly politically minded, am a huge supporter of our president...but! Today I was reading on CNN.COM where the president is concerned about the message we are sending by not allowing our ports to be sold to the folks from Dubai. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like this is a no brainer...we've been bombed, threatened, financially drained by issues from the area of the world...not necessarily from this particular country, but from a cousin...and one always wonders if blood is thicker than water. Forgive me if I'm sounding off in a negative manner, I do understand wanting to keep good relationships with everybody...but doesn't it seem reasonable to use caution? We have a good president and again, I really support him...but I think he needs to think about his thoughts on this one...Maybe I'm wrong...You tell me!

The PATHWAY TO PERPETUAL HARVEST You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you. For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you. You shall eat the old harvest and clear out the old because of the new. Leviticus 26:7-10 When God gives us a revelation of His plan for harvest in our lives He also gives us the ability and responsibility to do somethings for ourselves. These verses outline the power of perpetual harvest: 1. You will chase your enemies...they will fall by the sword 2. I will look upon you with favor, make you fruitful, multiply and confirm covenant 3. You present harvest is not your last harvest...make room for more! God enables to eradicate those things that stand in our way, smiles upon us, and then multiplies...He doesn't just add to us, He increases in great measure. But we are not to be satisfied with what we have presently we are to enjoy it, but also to prepare for the future...the New Harvest which is to come! It is the season for harvest!

It's Our Anniversary

Today Julie and I celebrate our 19th anniversary! It's so hard to imagine that anyone would put up with me that long. Julie is the most awesome woman, she has followed me around the world without complaint, given me two beautiful daughters, and walks in the most awesome anointing. I am so blessed to have her in my life!

My heart is heavy this evening, I am overwhelmed and just need to ramble. Bishop George Gichana, Pastor of Praise Celebration Deliverance Church in Eldoret Kenya is with us this weekend. He is a powerful preacher, the pastor of a church of over 3000 people, and our covenant brother. He arrived yesterday, we have shopped and eaten, conversed, and eaten some more. This morning he attended our monthly worker's appreciation breakfast and shared briefly with our workers, we then accompanied our bus pastor on his bus route visitation, where Bishop Gichana encouraged the continuation of the ministry, prayed with us, and spoke into our lives...it was powerful! We took him to Busch Gardens, his rode his first and probably last, roller coaster, he thought we were trying to kill him...he only rode one...but it was the biggest...The Shiekra! He also sat weeping while I was in line buying his ticket, as he watched the multitudes of people filling the amusement park, seeking happiness he said, while their lives inwardly remain empty. I think what has overwhelmed me is that we have spent in one day nearly what many people in Kenya live on for one year. The average Kenyan earns 200-400 per year, I'm quite confident we dropped close to 200 today. It wasn't done for show or meant to be greedy, America is a different place than Kenya, we did nothing wrong...but what I also caught from this man of God is the statement while on the bus route, "I know why American pastors have such a difficult time building a church, there are too many options, distractions, serving God is not the priority!" These are not judgmental words, just the observations of one man to a friend, but truer words have never been spoken. We speak of revival in America, but it must not be inconvenient, start on time and be out by nine, speak exciting words that impart into my life, but don't get to close to where I really live, I'm comfortable there. Lay hands on me and prophesy, but don't require allot, I'm filled with too many responsibilities as it is....How the words of Joel fit in here, "Rend your hearts and not your garments...repent and return to the Lord with all of your hearts...who knows if the Lord may repent and leave behind a blessing!" I'm not trying to sound mean and realize that I have been in the presence of a man from another place...but I also know my heart...I'm too busy...too caught up with the stuff...I need to take the trash out! Pray for me please, that I will not ask God to change me until I am willing to change some things for myself...that I will have a greater sense of discernment and the ability to communicate the heart of God in the places I am being sent. As I write these words I realize that some read my words at places I go...please don't be afraid that I've gone nuts and that I will come to your place and impose my overwhelmedness on you...don't cancel me out...but pray that God will use me to share a word in season for the your church from His heart...not just fluff. I don't know about you but I'm weary of fluff...I really do desire a move of God, a relationship with Him, and to be used by the Holy Spirit in a manner that touches lives and makes a deposit of the Spirit wherever I go...There really is a place that some must enter in!

I Went Golfing Today

I'm not a sports fan and don't golf very often, but today I went golfing with a guy visiting from Ontario, Canada. This guy is down visiting some snowbirds that attend our church during the winter months...they're wonderful people from Ontario as well. It's been a year since I've picked up my clubs to anything other than move from one house to the next, so for the first four holes I'm all over the place. To add to the hilarity of the situation, the starter at the golf course has paired us with a retired couple that live on the course that can actually golf...and well! My Canadian friend is a fair golfer, he's funny...every time he went to the tee he would lay his club down to get the right angle and then hit the ball. Me, I have absolutely no direction, it doesn't matter how I grip my club, bend my knees or point and angle my feet, I always hit to the right. When it was all said and done, I only lost one golf ball, lower my score 4-6 points from the first nine on the back nine, and was still saved at the end of the day! My wife doesn't help me with these things, I'm pretty much retired from golf, but Julie likes to tell people that I love to golf and that I would love to go golfing with them, their family or friends who will be coming from a visit from wherever...she's such a great help! I got some sun which is nice, except that I have these lines on the sides of my face where the ear pieces for my glasses were...but it's a beautiful day in the Sunshine State and I blessed by the adventure with my new northern friend...guess if we ever go to his house I'll have to learn how to curl or play hockey!

Sometimes You Have To Take What You Need...To Get What You Want!

In Genesis 29 there's a powerful story of how deceptive Jacob got deceived and ended up with Leah rather than Rachel. It has always boggled my mind how that he could end up with the wrong women and not figure it out until the next day...guess it's that marital bliss thing!

What stands out to me is that sometimes in order to get where we want to go and obtain what we want to obtain we often have to accept things that don't necessarily appeal to us. The Bible says of Leah that she was tender eyed, I think there's an impression that she wasn't all that attractive, but at the same time she was productive...there was life in her that created life outside of her...she gave children to Jacob that produced a powerful inheritance and heritage. Rachel was gorgeous, but barren...sometimes those things that attract the attention of others outwardly have no inner life, are incapable of producing life outside of itself!

Because Jacob was faithful with Leah, he got Rachel, and in time she produced children as well. God will never give us Rachel until we have been faithful with Leah!

I'm Pooped!

In the last week I've flown from Tampa to Nashville, preached five services in Glasgow, KY, flew to Baltimore, preached at one church on Thursday and twice at another on Saturday. Flew home Saturday and preach Sunday evening in Orlando...nine sermons in seven days...I'm old and tired! But is was all good, the Lord gave us favor and we saw good things happening in the meetings. How thankful I am for the goodness of God and the power of His Word, I never cease to be amazed at the Lord's ability to touch and change lives...the Word works!

So today, I'm getting back into the office swing, rubbing my eyes a little, and looking forward to 4:00 PM...but it's a good tired, in two weeks I'm back on a plane to Illinois...pray for warmth!

God's tired is a good tired!

Where Are We Going?

Every once in awhile I get a spiritual thought or two, and then there are those reoccuring thoughts that tend to consume me..this is one of those. In my spirit I keep hearing this thought of "Where are we going?" It reminds me of what I think must have been in Isaac's mind as his father Abraham took him to the top of a mountain to be sacrificed. It reminds me of Abraham who went not knowing where he was going...he was just going.

I know I mention this kind of stuff quite a bit, but doesn't it seem like God is pulling at us to move up? At our church we are hearing God say that it is our time for perpetual harvest, to return to basics, and to be real. He has also called us to step up to the plate and get involved...just do something!

Perhaps it's the restlessness of my own nature, but inside I'm constantly aware that I cannot allow myself to be stale or even worse...stagnant! I must grow in my walk and relationship with God and in the ministry He has called me to, I must not take it for granted...I must cultivate the fruit and gifts...in that order...that are within me!

Where I'm going may not be as important that I'm going...as long as I'm on the right road!

Can You Believe...It's Snowed?

I flew into Nashville Saturday and they had two inches of snow and slush on the ground and it was coooooold! We began revival Sunday in Glasgow, KY and it snowed last night and into this morning...haven't heard an official report, but the call was for 1-3 inches...and it's coooooold!

This Florida guy is absolutely freezing!

Revival is good and God is great!

Answer Me This...

During the school year I do the laundry at our house...faithfully every Thursday evening...it's my way of assisting my wife who works 8:00-3:30, and like most others has children, me, and is at the church three nights in a row...so I have volunteered to do the laundry.

Here's my question: Why is it that we can take clothes off the hangers and the hangers dissappear? Is there a rapture for hangers? It doesn't just happen occasionally, it happens every week...My wife seems to believe that it is ok to take clothes off the rack and leave the hanger on the rack...the Monk in me says that this simply is not right...of course, I am quite vocal about this...I believe the hangers should be removed from the closet and placed on an agreeable and findable place. What is so hard about placing hangers where they can be found, and, being able to find a hanger for everything you removed from a hanger?

I'll need Prozac before this over...probably already do!

I'm just asking!

I'm A Grandfather...Sort Of!

Last night around 11:15 I was awakened out of a deep...just gotten into sleep! My cell phone was going off in the kitchen and I scrabbled to catch it...but I'm old and missed it! To my delight it was a son in the ministry, known by the blogging world as PT, he was calling to tell me that about an hour earlier Esqsme had given birth to an 8 pound, 5 ounce, 20 1/2 baby boy! You could hear the excitement in his voice. She had been labor 11 hours and I know must have been exhuasted. When I checked my cell mail this morning here was his message: "I'm just calling to tell you that Elijah is here!" I thought there was something prophetic and spiritual about that!

This young couple were our youth pastors in Illinois, we took them under our wings and they allowed us into their hearts...and now he calls saying, "You're a Grandpa!"

I'm thankful for the opportunity to pour into young ministers lives, and I'm thankful for the friendship we have with this couple. Julie and I are so proud of them, they are doing a wonderful work for the Lord at the church they are pastoring. Good things are happening and their best days are ahead of them...God Bless PT and Esqsme, babies Kaylin and Elijah!

Just Call Me Popi

Traveling On This Week

I live in a tri-fold world, I am an associate pastor, and I travel as a evangelist and missionary...it's pretty cool! This Saturday I leave for Glasgow, Kentucky to preach revival, we pastored this church for over five years and our oldest daughter was born there. On Thursday of next week I fly to Baltimore where I will preach at the East Baltimore Church of God that evening, spend the night and the next day with Roger Locklear, my former roomate in college and best man in my wedding, he's one of my best friends in the entire world. On Friday I connect with Bishop Don Fulton of the Ark Church in Odenton, MD and will speak to his leadership on Saturday and fly home that night. Sunday evening I will speak in Orlando...what a week. It is some of the most exciting times of ministry in my 27 years of ministry, God is allowing me to share a message of perpetual harvest and the refreshing of the Spirit in these last days...I am so blessed! While in Odenton I am sharing a simple message of what leaders owe leaders, what is that my Bishop expects of me? What do I expect of those I lead? And can a leader expect me to offer him? Let me share four little points with you: 1. I must have my Leaders Heart. He has the vision and I must embrace him and what God is saying to and through him. 2. I must have my Leaders Head. I need to learn to think like he does. 3. I must become my Leaders Hands. I am his extension, he has brought me into this place because I can help make his vision a reality. 4. I make cover my Leaders Hiney! I've got to cover his back! No one, including me, is going to take my pastor out...you may take me out, but not my pastor, I'm there to shield and protect him and his family. After 27 years of ministry, seven as a full-time evangelist and almost sixteen as a senior pastor, and now almost two as an associate, I know what it's like to be under fire, to walk in his shoes...he isn't always perfect, but he's God's man, and if I will love him, pray for him, support him, and protect him, God will do a great work through him and I along with many others will be a part of the great harvest that is to come! Thanks for listening, I'm gearing up for the weekend and needed to let some stuff out...let me know what you think!

It's Cold....In Florida!

I read in a book the first year we moved to Florida that the average temperature in Florida is around 72 degrees year round...it gets hotter and it gets colder. We get no sympathy from our friends in the North when we mention we're having a cold spell of the 50's! However, the last two days we've been cold...at night we've had freeze warnings and early this morning our electricity went out and our house has gotten down into the mid 60's and it's cold! Pray saints!

We didn't move from the North to live in cold...pray folks!

BetteAnn

I went to make a hospital visit this afternoon and was blessed by the person I was visiting. You really have to know BetteAnn to appreciate my appreciation of her, she is in her early to mid-fifties, sings on our praise team, is a little lady in stature, but huge in her faith and ability to praise God...in spite of her health. BetteAnn has had over sixty surgeries, cannot bend her neck, and this week had her themis gland removed. She was placed on a ventilator following surgery on Tuesday and was supposed to be off of it...but today is still relying on the vent. Today when I went to see her she was in pain, struggling to breath, and yet believing God for healing. She laughed when something humerous was said, nodded when something spiritual was said and smiled when I reminded her that in spite of the dark ones attempts to take her out...she's still here...she's still standing! One day she told me that she had to get back to church to worship...worship is what keeps me alive she said! I've watched her sing, step down off the stage and dance before the Lord...when I knew she didn't feel like it. As I held two of her fingers and prayed, I felt myself breaking, tears wanted to form in my eyes...not because I feel sorry for her...No, she's going to be fine! But because in spite of all she's been through, she's determined to come through and share her testimony...she'll be standing when others have simply sat and quit! Something inside me once again gives thanks that God has allowed me to remain upright when I felt like laying down. My health has not been the best lately, I've felt lousy for some time...but I'm still standing! God has kept His word to me, I am healed, I'm being healed, and I will be healed...His Word promises that to me, and BetteAnn's healing prophesies it to me...The testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy! Whenever someone testifies of what God is doing or has done for them each of us have two choices: 1. We can say that should have been me! 2. We can say that is going to be me! Personally, I chose number 2! Thanks BetteAnn! I needed to see you today!

I'm Still Standing

It's Friday morning and our office closes at noon, I'm looking forward to going home and laying back...read, watch tv, and maybe even take a nap...I'm old you know! As I sit at my computer our office manager is in her office singing the chorus to a song we sing at church, it simply says:

"I'm Still Standing...But For The Grace Of God...I'm Still Standing!"

Without trying to preach and sound too spiritual...I am still standing!

There have been times when the dark one tried to take me out...I'm still standing

There were moments when I though I could make it...I'm still standing

There are days when I'm broke and think I'm sinking...I'm still standing

There are times when my body and mind can't stand anymore...I'm still standing

There may be times when I think God has forgotten me and what He said to me...I'm still standing!

The scripture says that when we've done all to stand...Stand!

Just wanted to tell you, myself, Our Lord, and even the dark one...I'm Still Standing!

Something Beyond Normal

Yesterday our pastor was preaching about living our lives in the grace and mercy of the Lord. He mentioned how that God doesn't want us to be in bondage and needing to get saved daily, but to accept the Lord and live in Him and for Him...it was a powerful message. Somewhere in the middle of it all he mentioned not being normal...defining normal as the standard set by what everyone else is doing. If the majority is doing a certain thing, then it becomes normal. I sat up for the one...so if one in two homes is divorcing...it's normal? If I go down my block and the majority of the people on it drink, smoke, cuss, commit adultery, read the newspaper in their drawers on the front porch, whatever...as long as the majority is doing it...it's normal?

The call of God to our generation must be to do something beyond normal! We have never be called to do what everyone else was doing. In fact, that's exactly what got people like Saul and Samson in trouble wasn't it? Israel got Saul because they wanted to be like every other nation, God wasn't enough, they wanted a King like everyone else. Samson said that if his hair was cut he would be like any other man...compromising his relationship with God simply to fit in and gain the affection and attention of one determined to sell him out!

Can I say that I am not for sale! May I say to you that while I would appreciate the fact that people like me and can identify with me, that there is a deep desire inside of me to rise beyond what others are doing and really go somewhere in God! Normal means that I pray, preach, publish, present myself, act like, walk like, talk like, do everything like someone else. I'm thinking of a spiritual movie, "What A Girl Wants", the story of a girl who meets her very proper Bristish father for the first time...she's from San Fransisco...quite different. Things aren't going so well for her in England, the press is on her case, so she decides to fit in...finally her boyfriend asks her the simple question: "Why are you trying to so hard to fit in when you were made to stand out!"

Even within the realms of christianity there are churches, ministers, people, who become the standard for what is deemed normal and effective. So if we fit the mold these have set we are considered normal and acceptable...but normal and acceptable to who? Could it be possible that God created us with individual and corporate identities? Is it possible that one Saddleback is enough, that the only true Willowcreek is in Barrington, IL? Could it be that God is looking for somebody that will allow Him to develop them to the place that they become the them God always desired for them to be?

I'm just thinking I want to be beyond normal...I must enter in...only there can I find out who I really am!

Perpetual Harvest

Last January the Holy Spirit spoke to our pastor that 2005 would be the year of harvest for our church. He said that He would give us a Harvest of Souls, a Harvest of Favor, and a Harvest of Finances. Throughout the past year our church has seen this become a reality as the Lord moves and ministers to us both corporately and individually, it has been an amazing journey. At the end of 2005 God said that 2006 would be the year of Perpetual Harvest, that He would continue what He began in 2005. When we first began talking about Harvest I received the word and the principle but had not experienced it in my own life and family like others had...then all of a sudden the revelation became a reality as doors of ministry opportunity opened, we saw favor and financial blessings enter our lives. Julie and I gave away two older cars we had, they needed some repairs and told that to the people we gave them to...One car needed a new gas tank, it was going to cost somewhere between 265.00-400.00, the people we gave it to got it fixed for 50.00! We bought a car for half what the man we bought it for paid for it, he had bought it the day before and sowed it into our lives! Already this year doors of ministry opportunity are opening for me, we continue to go to Kenya and pastors are inviting me to come minister in their churches...and the Lord is blessing. This evening my wife received a phone call from a friend in another state that is in need, she needs to come back to Florida and can't afford it. Julie and I discussed it and will be sending some money...not a huge deal...but! Our dryer is drawing near the end of it's life, we bought it used and it has worked well...but this evening a family in our church called and said they heard our dryer was on the blitz and they wanted to buy us a new one...Julie resisted, telling her we don't want you to do that, it's too much...the lady replied, "Don't take our blessing!" I'm not boasting on us and know that harvest is not all about material things, but I do know that God has a way of making Himself known to us...and that He is in the business of releasing a perpetual harvest in our lives. I look forward to what the remainder of the year holds, and pray that harvest comes to those reading this post...it is harvest time!

Today

Today is our oldest daughter's birthday...she turned 14! It's hard to believe that she is becoming this little woman, quite beautiful and with a smile that will hurt somebody. Last Monday she got her braces off which simply adds to her beauty...you would simply have to see her! I remember the day she was born, we were living in Glasgow, Ky and had gone through one of the most traumatic years of our ministry. God gave us Kaitlin at a time when we were hurting, it seemed like the nine months of Julie's pregnacy we lived in a see through tube...safe from all the stuff going on around us...and then she arrived and became a church baby. Over the years there have been powerful prophetic words spoken over her and I long to see what God has in store for her life. What is most important is that she loves God and lives to serve Him, and that she does all that is in her heart...I am now realizing that I will retire wherever my girls are and am truly hoping it is somewhere warm! What a blessed man I am, a beautiful wife and two gorgeous daughters...Feel like a king!

I'm Pumped!

Isn't it amazing how our moods change? The last time I blogged I was bored and now I'm wound tight! This weekend I preached in Longwood, Florida and we had a powerful service. The pastors there are awesome people with a real heart for God and for their people. How blessed I was to be able to minister there. Today it is raining in Florida, the temperature is dropping and the sky is gray...but it is absolutely the day the Lord has made. Last Friday I attended a seminar for school administrators that knocked my socks off. There was a lady named Sherry Hawley, a pastor's wife and educator, she spoke on conflict management...it was amazing. One of her closing thoughts was that when we have done all that we can do and know that we've done our best...we need to realize that we won't be able to solve all conflict...so do what you can, and sleep! You know, I am a fixer, try to fix everything and want everyone to be pleased...it never happens, but that's the way I like it...all of a sudden I am realizing that somedays I've nearly killed myself over things that I can't fix, so I need to leave it with the Lord and rest in His goodness...how freeing that is! Some Must Enter In...

I'm Bored

Thursday night has always been my favorite night for television, I love Survivor, CSI, and ER! My wife goes to choir practice, hopefully takes the kids with her, or at least one of them, I do the laundry and watch these shows. Survivor is off, and ER is reruns, which leaves CSI, and if you don't see the first part...you're so confused...at least I was tonight! Today has been an exciting day at our office though, we outlined our next four trips to Kenya. I leave May 22nd and return June 2nd, and I get to go again November 6-16...can't wait! It's just like going home to visit friends and family...some of my friends need to go with me!

Church

Every once in awhile...maybe more often than that...I get confused about doing church. I understand that we are the church...but this thing of doing church kind of gets to me. My spiritual upbringing has been in the Church of God, a charismatic/pentecostal denomination, I like it, believe in it, and will more than likely remain a part of it unless something drastic were to happen. If Joel Osteen left his church and they asked me to come I would probably consider it...I think I'm safe with the COG. Anyway, I am an avid reader of most everything and was reading Leadership magazine this evening...people from all sorts of church life write in it and it dawned on me that if I had been raised Lutheran, I would have believe that Lutherans do it right, or Methodists, or Baptists...somewhere along the way could it be that we need to find out what the Bible says? We're consumed with being right, but I need to be right, I want to be right, I have to be right...Right with God, myself, and with those around me. I cannot be right because of adherance to denominational guidelines...and we need them...I can only be right when I conform to the image of Jesus Christ and the Word of God. All of a sudden I'm thinking that people in all denominations are trying to get to God, to heaven, and most people want to be right...some aren't, there are false doctrines and we must know God and His Word so that the Holy Spirit can correct and direct us...Isn't this what being the church is all about? As we near the end times there is a tremendous rush to be right, to do church differently, and to reach people with the message...it's hard...and I'm trying and will continue to work at relating to those God allows me to minister to...but I think I'm going to be the church not just do church and most of all...I'm going to do my best to stay right!

Famine...Food...Favor

I am overwhelmed at what God is doing in our ministry to Kenya. Once every other month I have been conducting a revival, while there I share about our ministry in Kenya and receive an offering. There are over 30 million people in Kenya, many are starving as famine spreads throughout the nation, AIDS/HIV is prominate, people need the Lord. Over the past few months God has shown us favor, He has sent finances, one church in Kentucky has sent over 2,000.00 to buy sewing machines for our sewing schools, another church in Arkansas is having their children collect change to change Kenya...all of this to reach a people they have never seen and yet recognize that in sewing one seed they can change many lives!

What a blessing it is to be able to serve the Lord, to reach these people...I love Kenya and the wonderful people God has allowed me to befriend!

How To Make A Devil

I've been in Arkansas this week preaching revival, God touched us in a beautiful way for which I am extremely thankful. Last night I went to the room the pastors had so kindly provided for me in their home, my bags were packed, so I picked out a book from the bookshelf in my room entitled "Chronicles of the Host". It is a fictional story of the fall of Lucifer from heaven, I must admit it got my attention. In fact, it has just under three hundred pages and I read about one hundred sixty-eight pages last night and this morning...I had to leave the book so now I need to buy it so I can finish it. Though I realize it is fiction I truly believe there is some reality in it, actually, I got convicted as I thought about how an angel that was created by God, for God, to worship in the presence of God could somehow become so misguided, so full of himself, so rebellious, and so stupid, that he would lose his relationship with God and be cast out of heaven. As I was getting ready to leave I was praying in the shower and it dawned on me that sometimes I'm quite full of myself, enjoy my own authority and without even realizing it exalt myself above what I know is God's word for my life. I don't mean to do that, it's never my intention to be rebellious, or to question God, or to believe that I can do it on my own. It's not my intention to believe that God owes me anything, but sometimes I do. God didn't make a devil, Lucifer took care of that himself. God doesn't make us what we become when we step back from His plan and take our lives into our own control either...sometimes the devil doesn't do it either...we just get caught up with ourselves, like to listen to what we have to say, get too puffed up and a little devil starts to rise up within us....mean to or not it happens! I've found myself quite prayerful about this...God has made us in His image and likeness, given us a free will, the ability to choose...I want to choose life...the Christ-life...don't want no devil in me!

Say What...To Stretch I'm preaching revival this week in Paragould,AR, about to freeze my Florida hiney right off! I'm not used to daytime highs of 45 anymore...I'm cold! We are having a wonderful revival, God is touching and encouraging...I actually think it's a time of renewal. In fact, I am beginning to believe that most of what we call and consider revival in local churches is actually renewal. Revival is for dead people, for things that have absolutely no live, renewal and restoration are about causing the life that is already in us to be revived and refreshed...that's another thought I suppose. I am concerned about being the church, what we stand for and what we say we believe in and what we actually are. Could it be that in our need to progress we have limited God to what we think progression is? Have far are you willing to go to be in God's presence and have we gone so far in some things that we are missing what God has desired for all along the way? Deep inside my spirit there is a need to stretch, to go deeper, to get closer, to become more authenic...but to do that is painful, it hurts when I exercise because I like comfort and not pain. I hear God speaking but don't always like what He's saying and for me to speak what He is saying is painful because once I speak it I must become it...I must stretch.

Recognizing The Seasons Of Change

Recently I was sitting in church listening to the preacher and minding my own business when the Holy Spirit spoke a word into my spirit. He said, "Can you recognize the season of change?" Now, I am a person that doesn't mind change, in the last year I've gone from a goatee with a mustache to one without a mustache, and one day I actually shaved my goatee and mustache and had just a little patch of hair just under my lip...my wife wasn't all that thrilled about it and I grew a full mustache and goatee the next week. I'm back to being without a mustache again...you just never know. I like to change things up and think it's quite healthy from time to time to simply do different. The question is do we recognize it when God begins to move things around in our lives, sometimes it is an immediate, obvious, huge change...One that cannot be hidden or questioned, while at other times it's a bit more subtle, instead of moving your mountain all at once, He does it one stone at a time. You know, you've been praying for a better nights sleep and He gives you six hours instead of three, or you are able to sleep without warm milk and a sleeping pill. He answers your prayer by sending someone to remind you that He loves you, but doesn't tell you everything He is going to do in your life. The Bible speaks of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times and who knew what Israel ought to do. Jesus spoke of being able to tell what the weather was going to be like, but rebuked the people for not discerning the signs of the times, and to Jerusalem He told them that they had missed their time of visitation. How important it is to recognize the seasons we are in, seasons are not forever, they have a purpose and a set time...we must learn to move with God according to His season...not ours!

I'm Feeling Talky...Restless

Next Saturday I fly to Arkansas to begin a revival for a former youth pastor of mine. I am excited at the prospect of being with this young couple that God gave my wife and I the privilege of imparting into. I'm not sure that we did all that much for them, hopefully taught them some good things and how to avoid some bad, perhaps we gave them an example of what to do and what not to do, and mentored them in a positive manner. What burns in my spirit tonight is the that I have an opportunity once again to make a deposit in them, and into the church that they are pastoring. I've served as an evangelist and know what it is like to have certain good sermons that I could preach, messages that touch the basic needs of people. You know, salvation, Spirit baptism, healing and the return of the Lord. I can probably come up with some "How To" sermons and tell them "How To" do somethings...or I can wait on the Lord and walk in and impart a living word into them...a word for that church and pastor. Being a christian these days is tough, church life and being a minister is tough, we face things unlike anything we've ever faced. It's been said that with each new level there's a new devil, all I know is that we are destined to overcome and to win. Deep within my spirit is that phrase "Some Must Enter In", I am becoming consumed with a present reality, a truth, that God has already determined what our end will be, in the beginning He created our present reality and our future destination...it's up to us to recognize it and enter in. Entering in doesn't mean that we command God as to what He must do, it means that we recognize His sovereign plan and announce to Him, ourselves, and the world, that we have determined to walk in the path He has created for us, that if he knows the thoughts He thinks towards us, good thoughts, thoughts of hope and a future, then He will reveal His desire and purpose in us if we will simply rest and relax in Him. It is my greatest desire to see something powerful take place in this meeting, for lives to be changed, hearts encouraged, the pastoral family strengthened, and most of all, for God to be glorified!

Am I Spiritual Enough?

I was reading a friends blog today and he mentioned how cool his pastor was, one of the main reasons was that the pastor mentioned John Wayne toliet paper being rough and ready, not taking crap off of anyone. I absolutely think that is hilarious! Crap is one of my favorite words, I struggle some times not saying it out of the pulpit, it really isn't a pulpit word I suppose, but it could be. I'm hoping Eugene Patterson will update the Message Bible and include it in the new version...do you think I'm spiritually deficient?

Do you think that there are times when we fail to reach unbelievers because they think we're so spiritual that they'll never attain their percieved level of our percieved spirituality? I'm not advocating loose conversation and most assuredly believe there should be a difference in us, and that we have swung the pendelum too far in many aspects. But I also think that being spiritual is not being inhuman, it's more of humanity attaining a goal of godliness...one day at a time. Perhaps in the future I'll mature and think saying crap isn't all that funny, but then...maybe not!

And for those of you who invite me to preach for you...I promise to be good...and for those that might have been thinking about having me and are now saying to yourselves...I'm not sure about this guy...I'm Ok...I promise!

The Chronicles of Narnia

Wow! What a movie! I have never read the books but think I'll run out and get them! My oldest daughter is reading it now, other have indicated it was a school requirement for them...but I think I'll just read them for the fun of it. Kaitlin and I watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies, I enjoyed them but have to admit I didn't see all the spiritual stuff that allot of people said they saw. This movie knocks out all the props and reveals Christ in such a phenomenal way...I'll definately buy the movie. Perhaps what sticks out in my mind today is God's desire not only to save us, but to use us...He has made us kings and priests...I was reminded of the words of Jesus in the Revelation when He said to him who overcomes will I grant to sit down with Me in My throne even as I overcame and am sit down with My Father in His...He who has an ear let him hear! I'm entering in...

What Does A Real Revival Look Like?

I received the latest edition of Ministries Today and was captivated by an article concerning the church in Nigeria. RT Kendall talks about how he went and saw for himself hundreds of people praying, crying out for God and asking for revival. It is said that in Africa they see more miracles, the dead raised, blinded eyes opened, things we read about in the Bible, but have yet to see much of in the US in our time. The question was posed, could it be that revival is already there, they simply haven't recognized it?

Do you remember when Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection? He walked among them risen but unrecognized. Perhaps it's true of our time. We constantly seek revival, earnestly begging and seeking for a move of God unlike anything we've ever seen before...but what if it has already come? What if God is already moving, He is simply looking for some of us to move with Him?

When I was a child our church had one and two week revivals...all week. To me, the night revival broke out and God really moved was the night the preacher didn't preach, people shouted, fell in the floor, prophetic utterances occured, and the altars were full. I love revival, am a revivalist, but I also believe revival is more than I thought as a child.

Acts 8 tells of Phillip going to Samaria and preaching Jesus, as a result people were saved, healed, and delivered, and the entire city was filled with great joy.

Perhaps there is more to this revival thing than I thought...maybe we just need to walk what we already know out...Some must enter in!

We're Back! One week, over 1800 miles, several wonderful eateries under my belt, two ok motels, and a nice time in Ohio...Home at last, Home at last, Thank God Almighty we're home at last! I've forgotten what riding long distances with children in the back seat was like, my sister and I used to have lines in the back seat, actually, we're old and my Dad's car had a little seat inside the back seat that folded down...that was the line one must never cross! My two girls in the back seat of a PT Crusier with my laptop and a stack of DVD's...it was memorable. They were great, but traveling that far is tough on everyone. All of a sudden I feel like clicking my heels and calling for my dog Toto and saying, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home...Call you tell I'm glad to be back? I'm elated that no one broke into my home, I had this fear that someone would and that all that they would take was my new surround sound I got for Christmas...which I will be hooking up shortly! Tomorrow begins a New Year and we have new opportunities before us...Some must enter in and some will!

Merry Christmas!

Well, I did it! I finished shopping for my wife and wrapped...I mean, put her gifts in gift bags and got them under the tree. Don't know about the rest of you, but I actually only shop for Julie, and maybe a couple things for the girls, kind of a Daddy-Daughter tradition. So I don't fight malls or stores much, just get in and get out as quickly as possible.

Tomorrow we will head for Ohio following morning worship to see grandparents and aunts and uncles, cousins, and just maybe a few good friends. It's a 14 hour drive from Florida to Ohio, two days for three days...my girls miss snow! I'm thinking that they'll quickly get over it, especially if it's real cold. Keep in mind that we are Yankees, born and raised in the North, but have lived in the South and now, the deepest South...our blood has thinned...I'm afraid!

I wanted to wish those of you that read my thoughts a Merry Christmas, and pray that you have a wonderful weekend, one filled with love and blessings! I'm excited about the New Year, we believe the Lord is speaking to our church that 2006 is a year of Perpetual Harvest, that what He began in 2005 will continue and increase in this upcoming year...I can't wait to see what the Lord is up to.

Some must enter in...I think I will!

Blessings,

Neil

It's been said that I can't preach or teach without talking about my family, it's also been said that you should never speak in the first person or talk about yourself...but I've never been one to worry much about what's been said...So! This afternoon I was asking my six year old about a Christmas present, sharing with her that one of the items would probably need to wait until a future date at this point. She seemed alright with the waiting...But floored me when she announced "I don't have a future!" The truth in the matter is she doesn't know what a future is. She had no concept of what future is about, so I quickly schooled her on what having a future was all about...she still had no clue! I had one of those spiritual moments all of a sudden...remembered the words of God to Jeremiah when He said that He knows the thoughts that He thinks toward us, thoughts of good and not evil, thoughts of hope and to give to us a future! God does think about tomorrow. He tells us not to worry about tomorrow because He's already there...He's already worked it out and has planned it to be good. I've met many people that thought that their best days were behind them, but I'm convinced that our best days are before us...in our future!

A Spiritual House

I feel that the Lord has been revealing Himself to me concerning Hebrews 4:6, that there is a place of rest for the people of God and that some must enter in. There must be more and we can go there if we want to. Today I was sharing this with our office manager and we began to talk and the Lord brought to my mind something He gave years ago...but I wouldn't do anything with. The Apostle Peter says that we are God's building, a spiritual building that God Himself is building to offer spiritul sacrifices unto God. Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and most of all, upon Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul says that we are being built as a holy habitation...We are God's House. In a natural house there are several rooms: Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom. Each of these rooms serve a purpose, the living room is a place of fellowship, where others can come and discuss, laugh, relax, a place for family and friends. The kitchen is a place of creativity, combined with the dining room, that which is created provides nourishment. The bedroom is a place of rest and intimacy, everyone is not invited there, it is a place of seclusion...because we must be careful who we are intimate with, lest we create something that is displeasing to the Lord...and then, there's the Bathroom. I've never minded talking about the other rooms, but this bathroom thing, it's offensive. Our office manager shared a portion of scripture in Deuteronomy 23:12-14 that talks about removing our refuse from within the camp and burying it because God walks among the camp and doesn't want to be offended. Would you agree with me that there somethings that need to be gotten rid of? I'm just asking? I'm searching for the pathway into the presence of God, the place of His blessing and favor...don't want Him to get any of my stuff on His shoes, to be offended and leave. Rather, I want His oily footprints to take me where He is!

I'm Restless

I tend to be an aggresive person and don't like for grass to grow under me...much. Over the past few months I continue to find myself feeling more and more restless, like there's something on the horizon, I just don't know what it is. Do you ever feel that way? My life is a good life, have a wonderful wife and family, love my church and pastor, enjoy living in the warm South, and am extremely thankful to have missed being hit by a hurricane. Yet something inside of me is restless, perhaps dissatisfied. Could it be that God doesn't want us to be satisfied. Think of this, if you are a pastor and your goal is for your church to reach 500 in attendance...will you be satisfied in getting there, staying there, or going beyond that place? If you have purchased your dream home, will you stop short of decorating it, landscaping, and maintaining it? Could it be that our walk with God is much the same? That we are thrilled with who God is and what He is doing in our lives, but there will always be a desire to move nearer to Him and grow in His grace...Maybe I'm just going crazy...but I'm still restless!

Neil & Julie Smith 

Stretching

This evening I somehow inserted a photo onto my blog. I'm not quite sure I could do it again, it wasn't exactly where I wanted it, but it's there, I put it there, and to be truthful...I like it.

In June I went to Kenya, we had a fourteen hour layover in London and decided to take a double-decker tour bus throughout the city. We took a taxi to the place we were to catch the tour, only to realize we were walking distance from Buckingham Palace. So we walked down there, stared with amazement, tried to get the guards to flinch, I did him to smile, and then hopped on the bus, toured one of the most beautiful cities in the world, did a boat ride, toured Westminister Abbey, and enjoyed a nice time in London.

This thing of traveling overseas, blogging, and placing photos on my blog stretched me. I served seven years as a evangelist, preaching in 14 states during that time...but now God is allowing me to travel to places I never dreamed of, giving me favor when I get there, and is constantly reminding me that He has bigger things in store for me...but only if I'm willing to trust Him and to stretch.

Physically, muscles don't grow unless they're stretched...neither do our spiritual muscles, our marriages, our relationships. Sometimes what we do works, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes the picture ends us right where you want it, sometimes it doesn't...at least we stretched!

As I age I'm finding that it is better to stretch and reach, than to sit and wish. Someone is sure to say, "What if it doesn't work?" I say, "What if it does?"

Buckingham Palace 

Consistancy

I know that I keep going on and on about this blogging thing...but...I love to write and thought I would do this faithfully...daily...creatively...did I say faithfully?

Perhaps the reason blogging and consistancy relate to me is that it's much like my daily life, filled with good intentions, failures, a few victories, and the constant reminder that life happens, but good life must be worked at. The words of Paul speak volumes when I he says that there were things he wanted to do...but didn't...Then there were things he didn't want to do...and did!

In this journey of life I am becoming more and more thankful that God is more patient with us than we are with ourselves. I am thankful for process and the potential of what God can do in our lives if we stay in the game.

As I type I'm listening to my six year old daughter practice her song for the school Christmas program...she's so cute...but she hasn't got it all together yet...she's getting there...and if she sticks with it...if she's consistant...she'll do great!

Maybe there's something I can learn from Madison!

A Kenyan Is In The House!

We are blessed to have a visiting pastor from Kenya with us this weekend. Pastor Charles Kababu from Machakos, Kenya arrived in Zephyrhills this afternoon. He and I have spent the entire afternoon together, he went with me to get a haircut, we enjoyed lunch at a boofay (buffet), we watched a video of his crusade in Tanzania where 150,000 he said attend and over 1100 were saved. This evening we along with our senior pastor and his wife attended a Christmas Parade, Pastor Kababu video taped much of it and will take American Christmas back to Africa this week. Tomorrow I will take him to Busch Gardens, last week he saw snow in Indiana for the first time in his life, tomorrow he will ride Sheikra, life for him will never be the same. Amid all the fun, food, and fellowship, we talk about the good things of the Lord, of our relationship as covenant brothers, of our hopes and dreams for future times together both here and back home in Kenya. We plan for ministry times together and he shares of the miracles he has seen God perform...and I hunger to be used of the Lord, to see the miracles of the Bible, and of Kenya. Our senior adult pastor, Stanley Sloan went to Kenya in November of 2003, he has been in the ministry for over forty years, a very anointed and successful pastor, while there he saw blinded eyes opened and growths literally fell into his hands...he said he had never seen these type of things in all of his ministry...once again, I hunger. Not just to see and experience miracles to have a story to tell, but to see needs met and lives changed, and to know for myself what I aready know...Jesus loves us, He is real, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thanks Pastor Kababu...or should I say, Assante Sana!