Our Attitude Toward The End

Take a look at any newspaper, listen to any radio or television station, check your email or just talk with your friends and you will quickly find that people truly believe that we are living in the End Times. Certain current events seem to line up with prophetic scriptures that indicate that we are experiencing the birth pains that will bring about the end of the end times and return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Open your newspaper and you feel as if you are reading Matthew 24, earthquakes in strange places...Mt. Carmel, IL, who would have ever thought, cyclones in Myramar, drought and famine, wars and rumors of war...just this week one of the AM radio talk shows was predicting that our president will attack Iran before the end of his presidency, and the list goes on and on and on!

Believe me when I tell I'm not a doomsday prophet, I'm not about to scream "The Sky Is Falling!", I am telling you that the earth is waiting for the people of God to arise to the occasion and become the light and salt God has always intended for us to be! I submit that this is the time to define ourselves, to come out of our comfort zones, the safety of religion and to allow the life of God to manifest through us in the marketplace!

People in religious circles are consumed with the concept of a last day revival, waiting for spiritual explosion that will cover the earth with the glory of God... I believe that God is already here and that He is already moving, and that He is saving the best for last...but it won't be like we've experienced before and it won't be what we thought...it will be all God, and it will come through men and women who are willing witnesses of God's grace!

Think about this, God may have placed you in your job just to win one person, He may have created a table in a wilderness and is using you as the saltshaker that is going to effect an entire community of people. The last revival is not about the religious, it's about the lost, the broken, and the hurting...it's about being the church not just doing church...the more we pour out, the more He will pour in!

The Apostle Peter said that seeing that all these things must be dissolved what manner of persons we should be! Our attitude of these end times should be one of looking, listening, loving, and leaving: Looking for opportunities to minister while looking for the coming of Christ, listening to His instruction, loving God with everything that is within us and loving others as we love ourselves, and leaving our comfort zones and preparing to leave this world.

This is not a time for fear or panic, this is the perfect time for outpouring and the opportunity for ministry!

Just Thinking Out Loud!

Kisumu

At the first of the year our senior pastor spoke prophetically to me that he believed that 2008 was going to be a huge year in our ministry. At the time it wasn't clear as to what all that meant, but I believe part of that is coming to pass this fall. We have been planning a trip to Kenya in September, trying to get dates set, tickets priced and ready for purchase, deciding who is or isn't going, all the normal procedures for a trip of this size. Wednesday I opened on of my email accounts to find an email from my friend Peter Franz, Peter is a German born evangelist who resides in Kenya, God has used him all over Africa to spread the gospel, he travels extensively through Kenya and into the Sudan conducting crusades, showing the Jesus video and discipling pastors to minister to their communities. This week Peter invited me to come be the morning speaker in a large outdoor crusade in Kisumu, this is the third largest city in Kenya, the home town of Kenya's new Prime Minister...I am honored and elated! To be able to travel around the world and share the gospel, to have the opportunity to share with and pour into the lives of ministers that will in turn change a nation is a dream come true! My greatest passion is sharing the Word of God, it is being a pastor, and I am completely consumed with Kenya...it is my second home! Presently I am working on taking a friend with me and working out the logistics, you know, getting the dates together, figuring out how I'm going to pay for the trip, how long we're going to be gone and where else we'll travel while there. Pray for us, ask the Lord to give us direction and to provide the necessary funds...ask God to give me the right words, to give us souls, and that Kenya will be changed for the glory of God! September just can't come soon enough...I can't wait!

My Borders Are Enlarging!

In 2004 I received the invitation to travel Kenya with Pastors Mike and Tena Sloan, while there God birthed a love in my heart and spirit for that country, a country I now consider home. In 2004 I also resigned my church and traveled to Florida to become the associate pastor to Pastor Sloan, and have since traveled twice a year to Kenya, seven times I have gone to that most phenomenal part of the world, the Kenyans call me Waumbua, which means rain! Today I received an invitation from my evangelist friend Peter Franz, a German born evangelist who travels throughout Africa, lives in Kenya, ministers in the Sudan, and is well known throughout the country...He has invited me to be the morning speaker in a large outdoor crusade in Kisumu, the third largest city in Kenya, a population of over 335,000 people...can you believe it...they want me! Last March I was speaking in a conference in Eldoret, Kenya for Bishop George Gichana, the theme of the conference came from Isaiah 54:2,3: "Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited." Little did I know that God would fulfill this word in my life in this manner. As I write these words I am reminded of two things the Holy Spirit has spoken into my life through my pastor: 1) That 2008 will be a year when something large happens in my ministry; 2) That what God starts in me He will continue and finish through my daughter Kaitlin...I am humbled and honored. I am unsure why God would choose to use me in such a manner, I feel so unworthy and worthless, but am so thankful that He would send me to the nations of the earth to tell others of His love and power!

Sifting...Shifting...Shaking...Saving

I read the blog of a friend this week who truly believes the Lord has spoken to him through a recent earthquake in his area. Perhaps you remember a few weeks ago when a 6.5 earthquake took place in Southern Illinois, shaking the area to the point it was felt in Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. My pastor friend stated that he felt the Holy Spirit sharing with him that this earthquake was a prophetic indication of the movement of the Holy Spirit taking place in the earth, of a revival about to take place in certain regions of America.

As I read his words I was reminded of somethings I believe the Holy Spirit has been dropping into my spirit, renewal, revival, and restoration are a vital part of the journey, life is a journey and we must remain refreshed if we are going to be effective in the Kingdom. But revival as we have pictured it, or better yet, as we have known it, may not be the way it comes...God is looking for people that will build on the foundation of yesterday, a tried and true foundation, allow today to be the best days of our lives and ministries, and that will prepare for the future by sowing our very best into the upcoming generation.

From a prophetic eye I see the Lord doing four things: 1) Sifting-To sift is to separate, God separates us from those things that hinder our progress, we separate ourselves from those people and things that disqualify us. Jesus reminded Peter that the dark one would like to sift him like wheat, the enemy of our souls would like nothing more than to cause our loyalties to be divided. Jesus also sifts us, He allows us to go through the strains of life in order that we may be pure in heart, motive, and worship. 2) Shifting-To shift is to adjust, to move gradually, to bring about necessary change. The Body of Christ is in a season of shifting, a time when we must discern who we are, where we are, what we are, and where we're going. It requires our willingness to keep up with God, to move with Him, rather than Him moving with us...everything this is perfect in His time...We are in a prophetic cycle and season...things are shifting. 3) Shaking-The writer of Hebrews speaks of a time when things will be shaken, a time when things movable will be moved and things unmovable will remain. We must not be easily shaken, disillusionment cannot be allowed to enter our spirits...Our eyes must remain focused, fixed on the prize, and we must move forward with a relentless, risk taking faith! 4) Saving-The Bible says that during the time of the Flood, when God rained judgment on the earth, that He saved righteous Noah. Everything about God is redemptive and restorative...It was God who said, "I make all things new!" He said, "I will do a new thing, even causing water and plant life to rise in desert places!" There is a cautiousness is the hearts of people these days, they are wondering how it's all going to turn out...I have the answer, it will work out just like God planned it, His thoughts toward you are good, of hope and of a future! God doesn't want to destroy you, kill you, wipe you out...No, He wants to raise you up as an army, as kings and priests in the earth, people who have been tried by fire and come out like gold...He will save us in the hour of temptation!

Be encouraged and look for the Lord to arrive in your lives, to step into your situations, and to use you to impact the lives of those around you. As you pour yourselves out into the lives of others, God will pour Himself into you!

Just Thinking Out Loud!

Do You Ever Stop Dreaming?

Langston Hughes, the great poet, once said, "That a man without a dream is like a bird with a broken wing, he cannot fly!" Does there ever come a point in our lives when we cease to dream? Do we ever mature to the point that we no longer see the need to dream? Can we ever expand ourselves or our horizons to the point that we settle for what we have and accept our present reality? Are our dreams simply unrealistic figments of a dissatisfied imagination? I began ministry when I was 16 years old, I was going to win the world! Off to Bible College to learn Greek and Hebrew, memorize the Bible, and to pastor a huge denominational church and more! As a college student on summer break I work in the stockroom of Furnas Electric in West Chicago, IL., it was the most boring job in the world, for hours I would stand there working, daydreaming about preaching and ministering, seeing myself as a denominational leader, preaching meetings where multitudes were saved and delivered, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, falling under God's power at the wave of my hand...then as I aged I dreamed of pastoring multi-ethnic churches, places where walls and barriers were broken down, where the multitudes were won, and people came to the house of the Lord and were changed. Dynamic worship, relevant programs, and heart felt fellowship prevailed, I saw churches where the Word of God was enacted on a daily basis, and the church grew daily, just like in the Book of Acts! Twenty-nine years have now passed since those initial dreams: I'm not a denominational leader, in fact, I'm not a senior pastor, but I still dream! I see my children growing up in the fear of the Lord, my daughters dancing before God and touching the hearts of those around them. I listen to my sixteen year old daughter Kaitlin, who with passion declares that she will make a difference in the life of a people, I see eight year old Madison, who knows what life holds for her, but I know she loves Jesus and will express the Kingdom of God in a future generation. I listen to my wife worship, I watch her worship with abandon, no fear of what men say or think, and I know the hand of the Lord is upon her! Me, I understand that dreams are what keep us in the journey, that before you can kill the dream you have to kill the dreamer! I dream of Africa, of the glory of the Lord being released upon the earth, of the people of Kenya prospering and overcoming political upheaval and financial oppression. I see a nation in revival, souls being won to the Kingdom and life increasing for them...not an American increase, but the increase that God has desired to create in their land. And I still see the multitudes worshiping freely, the glory of God flowing, souls saved, bodies healed, hearts and lives changed, churches growing, flesh dying, and ministry happening...the difference is today I'm not the one being seen...I'm just a voice...and a dreamer!

Is Vision Enough?

We talk a lot about vision in Christian circles, often quoting the scripture in Proverbs that says without vision, or without revelation, people castoff restraint...they perish. Vision statements are created, mission statements are developed, so we can say what we see and do what we say. I love talking vision, seeing things, and I believe in the power of vision...In fact, I am convinced that you should have a vision for every area of your life!

Do you have a vision for your personal life and ministry? What about for your family or job? When you close your eyes what do you see? And can you see beyond where you are to where you can be?

The real question is not "do you have a vision?", rather it is is vision enough, will being filled with inner sight and the conviction that this is your God given dream cause your vision to become a reality?

Think about the great dreamers in history, they all saw something, and they all did something to make it happen! Read the words of Jesus in Matthew 9, He saw people as shepherdless sheep, and then He set out to change things. Moses led an entire nation into freedom because he saw into the invisible realm, in his spirit he saw God, and acted on what God told him. Abraham became the father of nations simply because he was willing to leave his comfort zone and walk toward the promised land. What about Joseph who had such a powerful dream that accusation and prison could not stop him. Then there's the Apostle Paul who did not allow the storm to get inside of him and believed that whatever God told him would be exactly how it would be...so he walked out the Word!

Vision enables us not only to see but to become, it provides insight and revelation, uncovering the hidden desire of God and ourselves, helping us to see beyond the present and to release our creative gifts. Mission speaks of how we accomplish our vision, what are we willing to do to make it happen, do we have what it takes to become the vision?

This evening while watching Extreme Home Makeover there was a family who had moved from a beautiful, safe neighborhood to a gang infested, neighborhood where drugs were sold, the children went to sleep to the sound of gunfire.Why? They had a vision of making a difference in the lives of others and they became the vision!

What's your vision? What steps are you taking to make it become a reality? It's going to be worth the struggle!

Just Thinking Out Loud!

Gout

Last Thursday I woke up with a sore toe, not a big deal, has happened before...but never like what it has become...Gout! By Saturday it was swollen and hard to walk on, immediately I went to my doctor...webmed.com...where I began to analyze the situation and discover that indeed I did have all the symptoms of gout, and according to the internet I could cure with natural remedies...yeah right! I began the long and arduous journey of eat cherries and strawberries, drinking apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice, pomgranite/cherry juice, bottle after bottle of water, and eating ibuprofin like pez tablets...By this past Wednesday I thought it was better, when I awakened Thursday I realized I was wrong...it was worse! Today I broke down and went to the doctor, a three hour journey, they couldn't verify my insurance because Aetna was closed, I offered to pay cash, they weren't sure they could do that, then they could...only 20 bucks! Then it was check the vitals and send me back out to wait, in the middle of all of this I sat next to an older lady who noticed my Big Dog shirt and wanted to know if I had a big dog, I explained it was a brand, she began to talk dogs with me, I informed her we have one that I hate, hoping this would end the discussion...it didn't. The doctor wasn't overly friendly, don't think he liked the fact that I self diagnosed and was correct...I love it when I'm right! There's a spiritual lesson or two here, I'm not sure what they are yet, though I must admit that I continue to believe that God heals, wish He would have done it without the doctor, but He uses them too. Besides, my visit to his office cost me 20.00 and my three meds only cost 20.00, so I have been blessed and am not going to have a crisis of faith over my toe! Storms are natural part of life, even small ones, the key is not allowing the storm to get inside of you!

Wrong One This Time

I have been a fairly avid American Idol fan for several years now, but that is beginning to wane as this program is becoming more of a popularity contest than singing contest. Now, I also realize that we're all entitled to our own opinion and can enjoy and vote for whoever we wish...But I'm telling you the wrong person went home last night! Carly Smithson probably wouldn't have won Idol, but Jason Castro and Brooke White most certainly are not better or even in the same class. Jason is kind of goofy, and Brooke just can't sing, so how are they remaining? This inquiring mind wants to know? Call me Simon if you will...I just don't get it!

Don't You Want To Be Brave?

My last few blogs have been about my daughter and some of them quite silly, and though it is my blog, I wanted to let people know I do have other things to say, but I love my family, my kids are the joy of my life...so I'm sure talking and writing about them is far from over! I want to be brave. I have lived for years with insecurities that at times stifle if not snuff out my creativity and ability to step outside the box. I've never been one to live within the confines of others boxes, always wanted to march to a different drummer, believe that while God despises rebellion, He loves radical, after all, Jesus wasn't a conformist, He was a trail blazer. I want to be brave! I admire those people who are willing to go where they've never gone before, do what they've never done before, and that throw caution to the wind. Lindsey Humphries is a ten year old that attends our church and school, she went snowboarding this year, I would have worried about breaking my leg. Or what about the people in Tibet, who are unwilling to allow a super power over take them, so they march, fight back, and stand...being brave isn't always about movement, sometimes it's about taking a stand for what you believe and doing what you feel is right! To be brave often requires going against the grain, living beyond the status quo, and saying things that aren't readily understood. Being brave requires vision and listening to the inner voice, having a conscience that isn't framed by what is popular at the moment, but one that may be popular after you have been brave enough to speak what is in your heart...And if it never becomes popular and politically correct it's ok, that wasn't your purpose in the first place! I want to be brave when it counts, when I know that it will make a difference in someone else's life, when it is an act of obedience to God, and when the only payment I receive is the knowledge that I did what I saw and heard in my spirit and when the day is done God says...You did good!

Me, Kaitlin, and Miami Ink

As long as Kaitlin is alive I will never die, she is the absolute image of me in the female species. Her facial expressions, attitude, sarcasm, everything...she is me! Although she does have her own thoughts, ambitions, and ways of doing things...Like her latest idea...are you ready for this? We've been discussing going to Ft. Lauderdale for vacation this year, so she has decided that the two of us need to venture on down to Miami and get tattoo's at the infamous Miami Ink. Now, I don't think there is anything wrong with having a tattoo, as long as it's something decent, in the right place and done with clean needles...but can you see me with a tattoo? Kaitlin says she's going to be an attorney, I told her she would have to have her tattoo where clients couldn't see it, she said it would be small and on her back along the waist line, I said when she gets old and it droops it will be below her butt where no one will want to see it! Monday we went to Cocoa Beach for a couple days and we both got these temporary tattoo's, the same one, a Chinese symbol for peace, mine is on my shoulder where no one can see it, hers is on her belly where no one better see it! I know this child of mine is going places and I truly believe the Lord is going to use her, but I'm beginning to believe she will be the pastor and attorney for a tattoo parlor...At least I can get one free...Not!

Kids, Kats, & The Kingdom

I have been in a mood for several days, I think I'm going through man-o-pause, or at least that's the excuse I'm giving today! During this past week I've been observing some things, especially in my own home: 1. My kids are great kids! They're not perfect, but they're great and they're hilarious. Our oldest daughter played a drunk in the church Christmas play, and in the Easter program she played a prostitute...her response: "Great, I've gone from a drunk to a whore!" Her eight year old sisters response: "What's a whore?" Both of our girls are excellent students, love God and love going to church, they have oodles of friends and I'm glad we've got them...Their innocence amazes me, being raised in a pastors home they have seen and heard many things, some I would have preferred they hadn't seen and heard, yet I don't hear them complaining about the church and ministry...they're wonderful! 2. Kats We have this six month old kitten I call satan! He's cute, makes you believe he understands what you're saying, and does exactly what he wants to do! He nearly jumps in the bathtub with you, licks the water in the shower floor when you get out, will bite you in a heart beat and chases the baby when she walks through the room. He attacks the dog and eats his food, paws and purrs on the blanket in my wife's chair and thinks the world belongs to him! 3. The Kingdom Jesus said that unless we become as children we cannot enter the Kingdom of God, the innocence of a child, the simple ability to believe and act upon what we've been told, that's what Jesus is looking for. He also looks for some of those traits my cat has, oblivious to what's going on around him, he has a focus I can't come close to having. I want to enter the Kingdom, to be a part of God's plan for humanity, but sometimes I get off focus, am easily distracted and sometimes detoured, unlike my cat who will will go right back where you found him and avoid you at any cost...I find that people often loose their way, thank God for a seeking Saviour! Kids, kats, and the Kingdom, I guess we can learn from them all!

Respect

When I was a kid there was a song that has now become famous called, "Respect" All I want the singer said is a little respect, she spelled it out and said find out what it means to me! We all want respect...don't we? The Bible says we should honor those that labor among us, give honor to them whom honor is due, submit to those in authority, and the list goes on and on..Respect is an important aspect of our lives. Let me share some thoughts of my own concerning respect: 1. Respect is not one sided If I want respect I must show respect. It is important that we respect one another, and some of this comes from developing the ability to understand, not analyze, but knowing where we are all coming from. 2. Respect is expected Your position does demand a certain amount of respect, we should honor one another and respect those over us if we desire those under us to respect us. 3. Respect is earned...not demanded We earn respect by relationship. While my position may expect respect, my relationship with others, the integrity we walk in, the manner in which we conduct ourselves, and the words that we speak develop a sense of honor and respect among those we have relationship with. 4. Respect can be created Respect has an atmosphere, it can be created when we determine to walk uprightly, treat each other fairly, learn to look for opportunities to connect with others, to listen and learn from people and situations.

How Can I Make A Difference?

Tuesday evening our oldest daughter came home a little late from dance practice at church, when asked why she said that she was discussing with her youth pastor her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. "I want to impact people, I want to do something that will help change their lives!" Her words have echoed in my mind ever since she spoke them, she spoke of wanting to fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer, of fulfilling the prophetic voices spoken over her that she will speak the Word of God, and in fact, that she will finish what I have started! She said, " I wanted to take what has been spoken over me and incorporate it with my career so that I can make a difference in others!" I'm proud of Kaitlin so I don't apologize for quoting so much of what she said, but her words also express the sentiment of my heart. How can I make a difference in others? What do I have to offer that others need and how can I impart for impact? I love to go online to freerice.com and give grains of rice to hungry people, I don't mind doing walks for some charity, but how can I change the climate of the world I'm presently living in? What is that I personally can do? I'm a preacher, a communicator of truth, but preaching alone isn't going to change the world, we need to impact people spirit, soul, and body...Touching every area of their lives in a real and relevant manner....Would somebody tell me...How Can I Make A Difference?

Starting Over

Last week was one of the most trying weeks of my life, it shouldn't have been, but it was. I was asked to assist with the video projection portion of our Easter Program, an easy feat, or so I thought. On Tuesday I went to the video room inserted the DVD only to find that the video was awesome but the audio reeked, it skipped like an old record. I called Media Shout, downloaded files, updated drivers, defragmented hard drives, nothing would work. For three days I did everything I knew to do,to say that I was stressed is an understatement, finally I took the Dell laptop to a Computer guy, of course it's out of warranty, so I used a local repair guy that ended up reformatting the hard drive...not in time for the program, of course! I connected my fairly new laptop, complete with Vista, did I mention how much I hate Vista? It skipped too, I finally ended up using someone else older Dell, complete with XP and I called the maker of the DVD and they sent me the files I needed, which were quickly downloaded and instantly worked and our program was a great success...Certainly not because of me, but including my part. Now that you've read all this seemingly useless information, here's what I wanted to get to. With the reformatting of the hard drive there now had to be a new installation of the programs, including Media Shout which we use for video display, today I began the arduous process of reentering all of our songs. It's not hard, just time consuming, and here's the interesting thing, I get to enter what I want, what we need, what we use...I had to start over! Life is this huge continuous process, a process that takes us many places, allows us to meet many people and to experience many things. Sometimes life gets messy, like when the sheep in our Easter program pooped all over the place, little poop pellets covered the front of the sanctuary, I have to admit sometimes my life leaves little poop pellets all over the place, or others make deposits in my life that I would rather not be subjected to, but I am. The awesome thing about walking with God is we get to start over some times, He allows us not to go back, but to begin again right where we, in doing so we omit things that we don't need, submit things that we do, and admit that we messed up...it's a powerful thing, it's also painful and takes time, but don't good things come to those wait?

Jelly Beans & Crayons

That's what church should look and taste like! Jelly Beans come in many colors and create a variety of tastes. Crayons, the big box, has so many colors you can color anything and everything, you can even make up colors...shouldn't the Body of Christ be colorful and full of flavor? One of the things I love about living in Florida is the multitude of races, in our church we have Black, Hispanic, Native Indian, Caribbean, people that are mixed with various blood lines, people who don't know what they are...they're just people, and they are loved by the Lord...I can't imagine going to a church or living in an area where there is only one race that is prominent, Christ has redeemed us from every tongue, tribe, and nation and made us one! I think it's a sad thing when we can go to school, work, and Wal-Mart with people from every race, but not to church. It has always been my dream to pastor a large congregation with multitudes of people from every walk of life...Jelly Beans & Crayons...that's what I think!

Worn Out

I'm not sure if it's old age, sleep apnea, a spiritual attack, or just a phase I'm going through, or maybe a combination of it all, but I am worn out! Last night I went to bed at 9:30, was asleep by 10:15, got up once in the middle of the night, and again at 6:45 am, which is fairly normal for me, but was exhausted after all that sleep. I'm reminded that the scripture says that the job of the enemy is to wear out the saints, I don't want to over spiritualize anything, I'm not that spiritual, neither do I want to give the enemy much credit, but I'm tired and can't seem to get rested up. My friend and pastor says he's feeling the same and mentioned getting B-12 shots, but they give you those in the butt and from what I hear they really hurt...I'm not going that route! Perhaps I need to double my daily vitamin and see what that will do...maybe it's time to admit it...I'm getting old!

The Dressing Room

Last night my wife and I went out on a date, enjoy some wonderful New York Strip Steaks at Sam Seltzer's in Brandon, FL and a trip through the mall. We were shopping in JC Penny and she wanted to try some stuff on, I saw one of the dressing rooms had a chair in it, so when she enter I went with her, talked to her while she was trying clothes on! All of a sudden I heard a woman saying, "Is that a man's voice?" Julie started trying to shush me up, but it didn't work, I wasn't that loud it was just that quiet...so I answered back, "Yeah, but I can't see you!" Not a another word was spoken, I got out of there without seeing anything I shouldn't see and my wife got a new blouse...good deal huh? Today I flew into Chicago, leaving 70 degree weather to enjoy 28 degree weather. I've already eaten Italian Beef at Portillo's, a Turtle Sundae from Culver's, and Chicago Pizza from Locano's in Kankakee...another step in eating my way through town!

The 2nd Wave Is Coming!

Our church has just concluded a phenomenal series of revival meetings! It would be quite difficult to put all that God began into words, it would most certainly involve many adjectives, and take several pages, and then it would only describe the perspective of what can be visibly seen, not those things taking place internally. Did I tell you this has been a phenomenal meeting? If I were to try to share my thoughts and the things that caught my attention and to place them in a nutshell I would have to say that I have captured three things: 1) The enemy would like to kill the dream, but to do so he would have to kill the dreamer...and he doesn't have that power or authority; 2) Life will seek to steal our praise, when we lose our praise we lose our passion, when we lose our passion we lose our power, when we lose our power we open the door for the enemies of our souls to take us out; 3) There is a 2nd wave of revival coming and it will be greater than the first! I am an avid movie fan, love new and exciting movies, but I've noticed that usually when a movie goes over well and the producers decided to create a sequel, that the sequel usually isn't as good as the first. For some reason something is usually lost, it's dull, lacks creativity, it fails to have a wow factor, and if the second works, the third in the series rarely has what it takes to draw my attention and cause me to want to take notice of it. When God does something, He does it big and He does it right. He has the uncanny ability to make all things new, even when it looks outwardly like it's all over. I get this picture in my mind of Genesis 1, when the scripture says the world was without form and void, in the original Hebrew text it says that the world was a chaotic mess, but God spoke into the mess and created a beautiful new world. Take a trip through the scripture and you consistently find God walking into the middle of messes and restoring them, releasing His glory into the lives of broken people, healing hurts, restoring loss, and mending things that have been ripped apart....And then He speaks with a commanding resolve: "The Glory of the Latter House shall be Greater than the Former House!" The 2nd wave is coming, another opportunity for God to work in your heart and life, don't allow what you see presently to deter you from what is to come! Jesus went to a wedding, they ran out of wine...and Jesus showed up and showed out, the governor of the feast said, "You have saved the best until the last!" Somehow I believe that's exactly what God is doing right now, it may not look like we thought it would, may not come the way that we planned, but God is on the move and the best is yet to come!

Get Ready!

Change You Can Believe In

The theme of Barrak Obama is that he is advocating change we can believe in, seeing that the majority of Americans agree that we need change, he theme is quite appealing...my question is what are the changes we need and what will he do to make it happen? I say this with a great of respect, with grave concern, and with a spiritual side of me raging to get out. We all want change of some type at some time in our lives. In fact, change is a necessity if we are to progress in life, whether it be physical, financial , or spiritual. We all change, I see more fat and more gray hair each day, I didn't ask for them, they just arrived and now I have to deal with it. I need believable change, something others can see and want to follow, freshness in my life, new ideas and to be more effective in every aspect of my existence...the question I face is how do I change in a positive manner? What is it we're looking for? Will a new president be able to accomplish this? In our homes, churches, and jobs, what changes need to be made, how will we make them, and how can we make them work? Understand this, I am by no means slamming Sen. Obama, I'm simply borrowing from his campaign slogan and asking the question, how can change that we believe in take place?

What If...

In many of the circles I am involved in people are always looking for the next big event! They're praying for revival, a spiritual outpouring of unlimited measure that is going to finally, once and for all change everything and make the world a better place. It's certainly a worthy cause, one I would definitely like to see take place...but what if... What if the outpouring is already here, lives are already being changed, needs are being met, and the revival we so desperately desire is already in the world, we just need to tap into it? The prophet Joel talked about renewal and restoration in the final days of man upon the earth, he emphasized the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that would revolutionize mankind. Turn a few hundred years and a couple of pages from the Old Testament to the New Testament book of Acts, the Day of Pentecost to be exact...The apostle Peter is standing before the crowds, filled to the overflowing with the Holy Spirit and saying, "This is that which the prophet Joel spoke of!" So if this was that, then has the outpouring ceased, has the Spirit stopped being poured out, or is He as the scripture seems to indicate being poured out without measure in the earth and in the lives people who are hungry and thirsty...Is it possible that issue at hand is not if the Spirit is coming, it's are we receiving, are we experiencing the fullness of the God life, are we walking in and walking out the revelation of the Holy Spirit, are we enjoying what God is offering to them that can receive Him? It's just a thought...I want to live and walk in this that is that!

What I'm Reading This Week

I Want To Live For God!

I know that sounds kind of strange coming from a pastor, but I really do want to love Him with my whole heart and to live for Him in a way that pleases Him and expresses to others how awesome He is. Recently I was reading a message board that is mainly comprised of denominational ministers and members, by the time I got done I was asking myself why I was in the ministry, and even further, I wondered if I had read this first would I want to be a believer? Don't take me wrong, I well realize that there are negatives in the world, have some in my own life, being a Christian doesn't exempt us from trouble, it means we don't go through it alone, it gives us insight, wisdom, power, and direction, it really is the abundant life...not just secure death. Abundance and prosperity in life to me are having what I need to do the will of God and to become the person God sees me as. So I will have more month than money at times, get frustrated, yell at my kids, not like my job, wish I could stay home on Sunday occasionally, go anyway and worship my way through it...and at the end, I'll be alright! When all is said and done, living with Christ is much better than living without Him, because no matter how much I screw up, and I do...too much and too often...He still loves me, lives in me, and listens...you can't go wrong with a God like that! I really do want to live to for Him!

My Foot

I was walked from my office to get my car next door this afternoon when I stepped on a broken bottle in the sand. It was one of those that was broken with a label on it, so it was flat. Looked at my shoe and there was nothing so I kept going, then I felt something, almost like stepping on a sticker, pulled off my shoe and there was a tiny shard of glass stuck in my foot...can you believe it? I've been punctured! It didn't go through my shoe and there wasn't any sand or anything in my shoe, just that piece of glass in my foot...it can only happen to me! It's Monday!

• My Life Today

My Mom made it in from Chicago Wednesday after 7-8 hours in the airport

My wife has the flu

My baby is spending the night at her friends house, I miss her and she's only been gone 2hrs

My oldest is in her room watching movies...She's driving now...a really great kid

I'm going to Virginia next Saturday!

What Happens In The End Is What Counts The Most!

Our pastor shared a powerful thought during his message yesterday, he was relating life to a football game when he made the statement that the best and most important part of a football game is what takes place at the end. As I was watching the Super Bowl last night I found his words to be true, after all that was said and done, the game was decided in the last thirty-five seconds of the game, at fifty seconds the Patriots were winning and looking as if they were taking the trophy home, fifteen seconds later everything changed. The Apostle Paul likened our walk with Christ as a race, reminding us that we all run, one wins, so we must run to win. He also reminds us not to grow weary in our well doing for we will reap if we do not lose heart. At a time when life seems to be becoming more difficult there is a tendency to relax rather than run, to grow weary in our walk rather than pushing and pressing into consistency and the greater things of life and of God. One of the problems I see among Christians is that too often we want everything the easy way, feel like some one owes us something, that we deserve for free what others have paid for, impart something into me, but don't ask me to pay for it...I want to be blessed, close to God, to obtain His benefits and blessings, but I don't have time to be committed...can't come to church for 2-3 hours a week, though I can watch a three hour football game. This morning on CNN.Com, I watched a priest who said that there is a progressive distancing from God, he also said that the working of our enemy satan is real and effective, not because satan has more power than God, but because he is being given more space...He's getting attention! Of late I have been dealing with the concept of relevance, of being real, of relating to people in a way that makes sense and that impacts their lives. What I realize in my heart is that I am where I want to be until I do what I need to do to get where I'm supposed to be. I know, I've said this before, but it is true, I won't get out of debt until I quit spending, won't lose weight until I change my eating habits and exercise and I won't be closer to God until I do what the Word says! Don't have to pray about it, need no further prophecies, no preacher to call me out...We have an entire book, a catalog if you will of God's words concerning our lives. We are at the end of the race and how we run right now determines if we win or not!

Our Baby Is 16 Today!

It's hard to believe, but our little girl will is 16 today! Born in Glasgow, KY, we have drug her from Kentucky to Illinois, back to Kentucky and now to Florida and she remains sane, a straight A student, on the church dance and praise team, speaks incredibly when called upon, and is a hoot to be with! Can you tell I am one proud Daddy!

Opportunity To Serve

I found this web site that gives a terrific opportunity to serve others. Go to www.freerice.com, you then click on the correct definition of a word, for every correct answer a grain of rice is given to someone in need. It's pretty cool, it's free, and it makes you think, three of my favorite things!

Florida Volunteers

I went to vote today, my voting precinct is in a senior adult mobile home park, on my way in a woman walking her dog, carry a baggy of poop waved at me to slow down. Once inside the average age was 70 plus, I was tempted to yell, "I Like Mike!" And then there's the volunteers at the hospital, all with dual hearing aids and still unable to hear. My wife reminds me we will be there quicker than we think, so I need to be nice because I will want others to be nice to me when I'm that age. Florida is a wonderful place, awesome weather and wonderful people, it is senior adult heaven, and the rest of us just have the honor of hanging out with them!

Progressing

I may be going through a mid-life crisis, manopause, or preparing for a nervous breakdown, or maybe I'm just being reflective...that's my vote...I just keep asking myself and others am I relevant? Am I stuck in the mud in my lifestyle, mentality, religious views and ministry style? Have I been able to maintain relevance and not look and act like an old man trying to look and act young? Have I been able to progress in a relevant manner without loosing my true identity? We've all seen the men and women who were aging that tried to look and act younger, I don't telling you that a 70 year old man or woman in short shorts just doesn't work. Nothing like an 80 man with an ear ring or a 85 year old woman with a tattoo....auuugh! Certainly it is possible to progress in life, keep up to date, be who we really are, and to become who we're supposed to be...isn't it?

Freezing, Family, and Fun

I'm in Champaign, IL this week, the coldest weekend of the year, Sunday morning it was 2 degrees when I woke up, last night and today we've gotten snow, though its now 20 degrees! But I am having a blast, I've spent time with family and friends, eaten at my favorite places and enjoyed the blessings of the Lord...What else can a man ask for!

Neilism's On The Run I begin revival services in about ten minutes in Alvin, IL, population 316. My grandmother pastored this church in the 1950's, I praying that my roots produce fruit. This weekend is supposed to be the coldest weekend this year, below zero wind chills. My Florida fanny is freezing. This week I will eat thin pizza from Monicals, Italian Beef from Niro's Gyro's, lunch at the Courier Cafe, spend time with my cousin Randy and visit friends. I will also preach for Pastor Cedric Nesbitt at the Glory Center in Champaign, IL. My daughter Kaitlin needs a healing, she's been having daily headaches. God is able, He is faithful, and He is loving. She believes, she loves Him, and she needs Him. I need Him!

Let The Games Begin!

American Idol 2008 begins this week! Now Tuesday nights will have me busy, my DVR will be in full swing with The Biggest Loser and American Idol on the same night and some of the same time!

Just Anxious To Matter

There's line in the movie Pearl Harbor that speaks to me, a young pilot has just arrived in London, lives are ending one after another and this young pilot who has just shown up asks the British officer to get him into a plane as quickly as possible. The officer asks him if all Yanks are as anxious to die as he is, the young pilots rely is powerful, "No Sir, Just Anxious To Matter!" Isn't that the quest of most? We want our lives to matter, to know that we have impacted someone's life in a positive way. I have to admit that I often wonder if I have ever made a difference in anyone or if anything I've ever done has been significant. This afternoon I was in an auto parts store where I ran into a single Dad and his son, this father reported to me of the progress his young daughter is making in school, a child that my wife taught a couple years ago, a child that goes to another school but still talks about Ms. Julie. God has not called us to seek significance, He has called us to make a difference, if we do that we will be significant. I don't know about you, but I am anxious to matter!

When You Think Of Me...Pray For Me!

Years ago I conducted a revival for a lady pastor by the name of Evelyn Zingmark, she pastored an awesome church in Waukegan, IL. When she went there it was about to close down, at the time I was there she was averaging around 250 on Sunday mornings, one of the Sundays I was there Roland Harper of the Chicago Bears was in attendance, his wife and children attended there often. One of my favorite memories of that meeting was at the closing of each service, when she dismissed the services she would ask the Lord to keep us in a place where He could speak to us and we could speak with Him. I will never forget those words and often think, "God, let there be people in my life that pray for me when I can't pray for myself, let there be people that You bring me to their minds, even without my knowing it, that call upon the God of heaven on my behalf, and God, let me be to others as I desire of God for myself! So today, tomorrow, or in the future, when you think of me, pray for me!

Grace

I was visiting Phil Hoover's blog this afternoon and he had the words of a song concerning Grace on it and I got inspired. Grace is God's unmerited or undeserved favor, I can't quite explain it, don't deserve, but am so thankful for it. I understand that if He gives me what I deserve I'm done for, I also understand that if I receive grace I must also give it! My wife and I teach a young adult class at our church on Wednesday nights, last night I shared four seeds for a new season of life: 1) I was to be a better communicator; 2) I want to complain less; 3) I want to compliment more; and 4) I want to consecrate all...I realize that without God's grace it is impossible for me to do these things, without the grace of family and friends it is impossible, because I will mess up, I will fail and drop the ball...but grace says that in the face of failure God gives us the power to get up, to receive strength and forgiveness, and to live the overcoming life! The words of a song come to mind:

"There's no other word for grace but amazing No other explanation will do Unmerited favor, a song that I sing There's no other word for grace but amazing!

I Hear The Lord

2008 is here, it hasn't been a huge event in my life so far, ate a couple cinnamon rolls, gave away some stuff to a church member and helped load it in the truck, sent out two text messages and plan on doing as little as possible today! My wife bought me a new computer desk for our home office that needs to be put together...I'm still looking at the box and thinking about it...needs to be done this week, my inlaws are coming next week...pray saints..pray! In the midst of all my foolishness I feel like I am hearing the Lord speaking into my spirit, started this past Sunday and continues today as I ponder what this new year holds. My plan is to lose weight this year, 30 pounds, 12 of them this month, to eat healthier and to be more diligent, I've lost before but I've also found it, this time I need to lose it for good! The spiritual side of me is crying, screaming out inside of my spirit man, there has got to be a change in you, there are things that must take place, be released, be renewed, and to be removed, a line has been drawn, the question is will I cross it? This morning a friend emailed me with a simple but profound word, "Expect the Unexpected!" Another friend shared on an online forum of his feeling this this is the time when he and his church will determine who and what they are really going to be and do...So what is it the Lord is saying to me? What can I share with my friends that read this blog that will give them prophetic insight? 1. The shifting continues! To shift something means to adjust or to move, usually it gives one the idea of gradual movement, ever so slight, but it is movement that creates change...There has been a shifting in the heavenlies and God is moving us, the Body of Christ into new arenas, the shifting is not over, in fact, it may have really just begun! 2. The shaking begins! The writer of Hebrews says that God will once again shake the heavens and the earth, removing the things that can be removed and establishing those things that cannot be shaken. I sense a shaking taking place, we will not be able to do business as usual, whether that be in our personal, relational, or spiritual lives, even in our financial situations, things are being shaken to reveal who and what we really are. This shaking will enforce the promise of God in our lives because it will remove the fluffiness and reveal the true content and character of our hearts! 3. The settling! Our world is at unrest, Kenya is near civil war, the death of a loved leader in Pakistan, troubles and trials in our homes and jobs, people are at unrest. In the midst of all of this God has promised to establish us and to settle us, He will cause peace in the midst of the storm, calm while the world around us is swirling. Notice something here, He will not always remove the problem, nor will He remove us from the problem, He will give us peace and a sense of being settled in the middle of the storm. 2008 has just started, it starts in a busy and frustrated world, but it holds phenomenal promises...get ready it's going to be a wild and wonderful ride!

Kenya

I went to Wal-Mart today and wanted to complain about the crowded conditions, the northerners, and the overcrowding...but as I consider what is taking place in my second homeland it all pales in comparison. Kenya, a country of nearly 34 million people, just had their elections, the sitting president has been re-elected, but not without controversy, the hanging chad's of Florida and all the upset of that election are nothing, the Kenyans have taken it to the street! Stores are being looted, buildings are being burned, and lives have been taken. One of my friend has opened his home as a refuge and says that Kenya is close to a civil war, other are sending email requesting our prayerful support. Pray for Kenya, these are wonderful people in desperate need of God's intervention! I love Kenya, have been many times and will continue to go the remainder of my life, how I long for their safety and peace, may God give them grace and may the church of Jesus Christ arise in powerful ministry during these difficult times!

Blessed 2 Bless 2B Blessed

The Lord of Heaven blessed me this year with a number of gift cards for Starbucks, people who know me know that it is definitely close to an addiction in my life. Today my wife, our oldest daughter and myself visited one of the Starbucks in the mall, I ordered a tall caramel frap, a tall and a grande strawberry and cream frap, much to my delight the total cost was just over eight dollars...it should have been closer to twelve! As the barrister went over my order we quickly discovered she had missed mine, the larger one, I told her I'd get my trusty gift card out again to which she replied, "Don't Worry About It!" I was taken aback and insisted, no she said, I've got it! Looking around I noticed the tip jar, assumed it would be split by the many, so I took out a five and said, "Well, you take this!", she tried to resist but I smiled, insisted, and walked off, she stood there grinning and my daughter seemed pleased.

This year I probably received 45.00 in Starbucks gift cards, the one I usually drink is 4.00, that's eleven cups of coffee, that's a caffeine heaven, it also became an opportunity to be be a blessing and to be blessed.

God blesses us in order to be a blessing, nothing is meant to be kept totally, we may not always give all of our stuff away, but once we've been blessed we need to look for the opportunity to bless others. I left feeling like I had given a hundred bucks away, when in truth, it was just a dollar over the price of the drink she blessed me with. There was something about giving that money to that young lady that made me feel like a minister!

I'm not meaning to brag, please don't misunderstand, I use this example because it's fresh to me, I want to be a blesser, to impact others without any reason or without seeking a return, if we do, there will be a return, in fact, it will be instant, you will obtain the joy of giving, of imparting something of value into the lives of others and that is powerful.

What would happen this year if we determined to be blessers? What if beyond our normal giving of tithe and offerings, missions and other types of giving, we looked for opportunities to bless people, whether it be a financial blessing, a card or email, a gift, a book, or just a phone call? Wonder how many people we could encourage in the next 365 days? What if once a month we did something out of the norm? Here's a thought, what if you blessed someone you have had a hard time with, knowing that they may not respond initially in a positive manner? Let's try it and see what the Lord will do in our lives!

Happy New Year!

Christmas and Children

This has been a busier than usual holiday season, had to do most of my shopping on the run. Finally got it done, or so I thought...Christmas Eve my wife and I went to Golden Corral for breakfast, walked in at 9:00 AM, they're doors are open but they don't open until 10:00 AM, so we go to K-Mart for the 2.79 special, the place was packed, so we ended up at IHOP in Dade City nine miles away. From there we went to Wal-Mart for our weekly grocery shopping, I nearly backslid, had a heart attack and went crazy all at the same time...but we were done...so I thought! We all start wrapping presents and the baby, our eight year old, starts counting presents...I'm back out to Wal-Mart...two of them to be exact, I got what I was looking for, but it took two stores and an hour to get there, and my baby got a brief, but kind reminder from her mother of the need to be appreciative! Today has been a good day, presents were accepted with great gratitude, dinner was wonderful, and I've been busy putting stuff together, batteries installed, and electronics hooked up...I got a clock that I can put my Ipod in and play it through...pretty cool and I've had several opportunities to use my new pocket knife...I am a real Floridian! 2007 has been a good year, I've been blessed with a wonderful family and the Lord has shown me great favor...thanks for being a part of my life this year...see you in the blogs!

Unbelievable!

I've been glued to the television for four nights watching The Clash of the Choirs. Two hours each night, I even slipped out of the Christmas cookie night at church to come home and set my DVR...Only for Nick Lachey to win...No Way! First of all, we could have got it all done in one hour, but his team while good, wasn't that good...Patti LaBelle and team LaBelle were off the charts...It's unbelievable, my day is ruined...well, that and the fact that I woke up before six this morning and couldn't go back to sleep and that my daughter lost her cell phone and we have to go shopping today...Go Patti!

Need I Say More? Caffe Mocha with a shot of Vanilla on my desk right now!

Eight Random Thoughts

I've been tagged by my friend Barbara on Tidbits and Treasures, check out her blog some time it's awesome. I'm supposed to share eight random things about myself:

1. I'm 45
2. I'm the oldest of two...My sister is 3 years younger than me
3. I'm addicted to Starbucks
4. I can't stand for the tags in clothing to show
5. I dipped my cats feet in the bathtub while I was in it last night
6. I hate Nextel cellular service but continue using it
7. I love Florida
8. I've been married 20 years to the most awesome friend in the world!

O My Goodness!

This past Sunday we had the most incredible experience! We ate at a Brazilian Grill called Texas DeBrazil. There are over 60 items on the salad bar, and then they start bringing the meat out on a spit, they carve you off a piece and then come around again and again and again. I think that there were at least ten different types of meat, we didn't eat all of them, but several...incredible is all that I can say. Then we went to the Bass Pro Shop, not necessarily my style of shopping, but it was I must say a good experience, they have absolutely the most fantastic selection of stuff for the outdoorsman! Christmas time in Florida, there's nothing like it! We're having a cool spell...down to 70 today!

Being Boring Is So Boring!

My children tell me from time to time that I'm old, I so appreciate their kind words...I usually follow up by telling them they're grounded...they appreciate me even more then! I may be old but I don't intend on being boring! It is my earnest intention to remain on the cutting edge, to keep myself up to date, out of the box, across the top, and to make sure I know where I am and where I'm going...I can't stand to be bored and don't want to be boring. Life is an exciting journey filled with surprises, corners to be turned, trials to be faced, decisions to be made, and life to be lived. Life is full of Starbuck's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Cold Stone, Baskin Robbins and my soon to be favorite Texas DeBrazil...all of these places go outside the norm and offer something beyond McDonald's, Burger King and Arby's, their menu, their atmosphere, and their purpose for existence is cross over into area no one else is going. Don't you ever get tired of being like everyone else? Cookie Cutter Christians, Parrot People, folks that just say, do, and look like everyone else, it just doesn't work for me, I want to identify with others and don't want to impose my will on anyone, but I don't want to just be the same, following in someone else's wake, I want to create a wake others can follow...Just don't want to be boring!

August Rush

My wife and I went to see the movie August Rush this evening, it is absolutely one of the most phenomenal movies I've ever seen. Simple story of a couple that met, got separated, she had a baby, it was given up for adoption unknown to her and a journey begins within all three to find one another. The child is a musical genius...one of those destiny type movies, makes you want to shout in the movie! I will buy this one the day it comes out!

I'm Going To Fire My Wife!

My wife works at our school as the Art, Music, and PE teacher, she is pretty and quite incredible! I'm thinking of firing her...think it may put me on the couch? She is working hard to get her Christmas musical ready for two night of performance next week, one week from today to be exact. Two or three weeks ago she requested that we purchase wireless mics for her, I responded no, we will rent some...I've told her this three times...today she asked me if I had gotten the mics yet...it wasn't good...I am the chancellor you know...I could fire her...I would be in deep doo doo! I just needed to say it out loud...I'm better now, she's still beautiful, employed and I love her...but if she asks the fourth time...it'll be the same!

I'm A True Floridian Now!

Being raised in the Chicago area I have prided myself on being quite Northern. Raised by southern parents I eat more southern than northern, except that I love Italian Beef, Gyro's, and Thin Pizza, all Chicago's finest...I have no southern accent, though I have lived and ministered much in the south over the past twenty years...I drink sweet tea with lemons like it's going out of style and have a deep love and appreciation for the south...tonight I became a true Floridian! After finishing a fine Cuban meal of black beans, yellow rice and roast pork, I opened my Christmas gift from our pastoral family at our annual staff Christmas party...A brand spanking new Winchester pocket knife! What every true southern gentleman needs...Even though Florida really isn't considered the deep south...we're deeper than anywhere else...I am now a Floridan!

A Florida Christmas

Today it is nearly 80 degrees, last night there was a Christmas parade in the town next to ours, there are Christmas decorations up all over our neighborhood...it's 80's! Christmas in Florida seems strange, I love it, but it is really different...I'm trying to get my wife to do away with the Christmas trees and decorate palms...it isn't working! The Yankees have returned, in full force and I believe they've brought more with them, our town of 30-40 thousand has now become a town of e nearly 90 thousand and more are on their way. Traffic is slow, restaurants are packed, and the stores are filled with wheel chairs and those little motorized carts...I keep getting stuck in lines at Walmart surrounded by seniors and behind people who have some type of issue that requires the calling of someone or the return of something...I'm trying to be patient and haven't blown a gasket ...yet! Last night I went to a Holy Spirit conference near Orlando, Pastor Ron Phillips was the guest speaker, it was timely and powerful, many were touched. The Holy Spirit asked me a simple question as we stood worshiping, "What are you leaving the next generation?" I'm still working on an answer!

Is Everyone Right?

In 1980 I had a spiritual encounter while at a college retreat in North Dakota, while kneeling in front of a window overlooking a lake, the Holy Spirit spoke a simple word into my spirit, "I have called you to be a pastor!" From that time I have desired to pastor a growing congregation, a group of people who love God with all of their hearts, who worship with passion, who minister to others with zeal and a harvest mindset, who give generously, who believe in global missions and most of all, believe that life is all about God! Simple as it sounds, that has been my dream and mission for nearly 29 years. The Body of Christ is in a season of transition, shifting, a time of decision, we are seeking to follow Christ and to be all that we can be, and it isn't always easy. There are many voices telling us which way to go, conservatives that tell us just hold the fort, don't make any waves, traditionalist that are convinced they are the only way to go, moderates that say we must blend yesterday and today in order to reach tomorrow, and then there are the emerging, those that say the past really doesn't matter we must become the church eventually...We debate over styles of dress and worship, wear jeans and t-shirts, suits and ties, sing old worn out hymns and new found worship songs, it seems that we are trying to determine what is right. Could it be it's all right? Could it be that we need to hold on to the foundation of our faith given by our forefathers, that some traditions have a place, and yes, we are constantly growing, or emerging into what God has always desired for us to be? Is it possible that in some places jeans and t-shirts are ok, while in others suits and ties are more appropriate, and that what is happening is we are trying to create a cookie cutter church where everyone is just the same? For me, I believe we're in a crisis of faith, we must know what we believe and who we are, how we express it and what each church does to make their ministries effective is going to be different. Our foundational truth can never change, who we are deep inside must always be secure, truth never changes and the Word always works! Solomon said that when it's said and done we need to love and fear God, keep His commandments, this is the whole duty of man while on earth!

Thanksgiving

The scripture keeps going through my mind that says that in everything we are to give thanks, to rejoice in the Lord always, and to be thankful and bless His holy name. I am thankful today for the Lord, His amazing grace and constant love...I'm such a loser, who knows why He cares for me, but I'm so thankful that He does. I am thankful for my family and friends, for my church and pastoral family...I'm thankful that it doesn't snow in Florida and that we aren't freezing to death...I'm thankful for the freedom to express myself and for the opportunities that have been afforded me...I'm thankful for the huge Thanksgiving dinner we enjoyed today, turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, no stuffing, and punch bowl angel food cake...Can you say stuffed? I'm thankful for my blogland friends and wish each of you a Happy Holiday Season!

football fans

We're sitting in Beef O Brady's this afternoon having lunch when our oldest daughter starts giggling. There are two little old ladies sitting at the bar wearing Indianapolis Colts Jersey's watching the football game, one of them has a sign "Go Colts!" that she holds in front of the television periodically....sports fans just aren't right! My wife is the sports fanatic in our home, I just go to my room and shut the door. When she gets a sign to post in front of the television I'm her a special room...one with rubber sound proof walls!

My new friend!

The Past, The Present, and The Future

I returned to my home state of Illinois last week to minister in Carmi, IL. Though I am from the Chicago area and Carmi is in the southern part of the state, it was quite the joy to be home for a few days and to enjoy fellow Illinoisan's! In fact, on my last full day there I traveled further south to Golconda, population 750 where I spent two and half years of my life as a child, and on down to Dixon Springs, a quick visit to the Chocolate Factory, owned and operated by Jim and Linda Meherg, friends and family that I've known and loved my entire life. While in Carmi I ministered to a congregation that has a tremendous past, established many years ago, pastored by some top notch pastors, this church has such a rich history, I drove past their first building, and their second building, and I preached in their new third building. The congregants of this church are middle age and up, many of them past 60, and maybe even 70. As you look down the walls you see the old stain glass windows of the old church embedded and lit up in the walls of the new church, and you hear the echoes of the past shouting into the present, prophesying to the future...Your time is now! I loved yesterday, it was a great day, it created opportunities for today, it blessed me with a fantastic foundation. In my yesterday someone paid a price that I could never have paid, they paved paths for me to follow, and they prayed that God would raise me up to take the reins when they could no longer lead, but that was yesterday...I live in today! Today is a great day, it was tomorrow yesterday, just as today will be yesterday tomorrow! Today I have the opportunity to pave the way for others, to impart into this present generation, into my family and friends, to impress upon my children the urgency of living in today, or as Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The fierce urgency of now!" Today is the day the Lord has made and now is the time to rejoice and be glad. Today is the day to touch others, to impact lives, to make a difference in the world I live in...To live in My Space to the fullest! Tomorrow will never come, it will become today, what I want to be in my tomorrow must be planted today! In his book "The Present", C. Spencer Johnson offers these three options for life: a.) Appreciate your past, b.) Live in your present, c.) Plan for your future! We cannot afford to forget yesterday, but we must live in today, we cannot afford not to plan for tomorrow, we must sow into tomorrow...Today! I am convinced that we can learn from where we've been, enjoy where we are, and become what we've always been destined to be!

Hanging Around The House!

Since August I've been gone as much if not more than I've been home, so when I flew in Thursday it was a thrill knowing that I am home for four weeks...That's right, four weeks! As I was flying into Tampa on Thursday my wife was flying to Dayton, OH to visit her family in Hamilton, her Dad turned 80 this week and her birthday was on Friday. So I'm here at home with my two daughters, one of which is rarely home and the other is either trying to be gone or to have some one come over, and then there's the pets, a dog, a cat that is crazy, and a new goldfish...if history proves to be true the fish will have a limited tenure here, we'll see! Last night my little one and I made the quick trip to Duncan Donuts, after 2:00 PM if you buy six you get six free...we bought six and got six, five are already gone, thank goodness only two of us are home, we'd be fighting for that last donut! Have you ever snuck into the kitchen to grab the last donut before your child got it? I have to admit, that's pretty bad but I've done it! There's no place like home, getting back into the swing of things, getting caught up and reconnected...There's probably a spiritual lesson to be learned here...for now I just want to quote the great prophet Ty Pennington, "Welcome Home Smith Family, Welcome Home!"

Intense Searching

Have you ever lost something that you just knew was still around, you just had to find it? You turn the car, house, office, briefcase, whatever you can find and wherever you have either been or think you've been or even thought about going in hopes that the item will show up. I have, it's one of the most frustrating feelings in the world, especially when you either don't find it or it was right out in the open and you looked over it forty times...Kind of like loosing your keys and they're in your hand! In Luke 15, Jesus told the parable of three lost things: a Lost Sheep, a Lost Coin, and a Lost Son, while He dealt primarily with the concept of being lost, He also revealed the necessity of intense searching. The fact that the lost item had such value that it could not remain lost, it had to be found regardless of the time and cost it took to find it. We generally use these scriptures to describe the lost sinner, the person who doesn't know the Lord and have a walking relationship with Him, but what if it goes beyond that? What if we can be saved, know and love the Lord, and still be lost? Is it possible that we become lost to ourselves, to others, and yes, lost to the relationship we have with Jesus, but not lost from Him? Is it possible that there are times when we lose our joy, our spunk, our desire, our intensity and must seek diligently until we find it? I think so, personally, there have been times when I just wasn't certain who I was anymore, I knew my geographical location, but wasn't sure of my place there, I had to search for myself, had to refind myself, and sometimes it required intense searching... I've also found that I and my stuff are usually where I left them, much like the student who came to the prophet sorrowful that he had lost a borrowed axhead. The prophet asked a simple question, "Where did it fall?", to which the student, in the water...he knew exactly where he lost his edge and I contend that most of the time we do too...We just have to look for it!