Encouraging Words

I'm Hungry

2017-09-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ's sake.Not only those things; I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ and be completely united with him. I no longer have a righteousness of my own, the kind that is gained by obeying the Law. I now have the righteousness that is given through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God and is based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death, in the hope that I myself will be raised from death to life.
- Philippians 3:7-11 GNT

I wonder what happened to the hunger in God's people. I wonder when it changed. What happened that made us desire the things of the world more than Jesus? Christianity for many has become a way to get more stuff. Just apply faith to whatever you desire and you'll get it. If you want more, you can get more. Don't get me wrong, I know God blesses His people, but when did Jesus become the pathway to possessions instead of the prize we would trade everything for? When did Jesus stop being our goal? When did knowing Him, sitting at His feet, hearing His voice or seeing His face become less important than having an easy and trouble-free life?

I believe that a fresh move of the Spirit is about to break free among God's people, and it's being birthed in those who are tired of seeing Christianity as an avenue to Earthly prosperity. Yes, they are weary of a God who exists only to provide them with more wealth and a stress-free life. They've had what the world has to offer and they've found it empty and meaningless. People everywhere are hungry for something real. People are hungry for Jesus. Our hunger drives us to break out of old habits and religious rules. It drives us to trade our time and money, our desires and dreams for a moment at His feet.

Hold on! It's going to be a wild ride. The religious institutions are being shaken and much of the dead weight has got to go. Pastors like me better be ready. Don't try to control it lest we find ourselves attempting to put the move of God in a familiar religious box. We cannot put new wine into an old wine skin. It will be different, messy, sloppy, beyond our control, powerful, real, beautiful, difficult at times, it will cost us our lives, but it will be worth it all just to know Him. Our goal is Jesus. We hunger for Him. He is our obsession. He is all we want. We want Jesus.

Leaving the COMFORT ZONE - by Joseph Avery

2017-01-12T17:01:00.001-06:00

The comfort zone is a place where we get stuck; where our roots are ground deep; where we do and say just enough to stay where we are, who we are, and what we are.

Our futures crumble beneath the rot. We say things like, "Not today". That turns into "Next year" and it eventually becomes the thing that never happened. We live in our comforts, some of us will even die there.

Our marriages are in trouble because the comfort zone says we’ve loved each other enough and marriage is too much work. Our finances barely get us through because we found a job that’s easy and paying bills isn’t fun.

The church is in “jeopardy” because the pews got comfy and we started sleeping on God. The faith of the public is a fading ember because we decided to give up on the work of Christ. The comfort zone traps us and keeps us hidden from God's glory. The comfort zone tells you pity is easier than prayer.

Today ask yourself, what if Jesus stayed in his comfort zone? What if he was never born in a manger and instead stayed seated the right hand of God? What if he never carried the cross because the comfort zone said he didn’t have to? What if he never rose on the third day because it was easier that way? What if Jesus left the weight of my sin on me? I am so glad Jesus left the biggest of comfort zones in heaven. He did what he knew he must do not what was easy, and he bought eternity for us all.

Don’t get stuck. Don’t let the devil imprison you in the comfort zone. God has more for you but you can’t receive what's next if you’re not willing to let go of what you’ve got. Maybe you’ve got to lose the job you have now to get the finances you’ve been praying for. Maybe you had to go through rough patch in your marriage to build trust. Maybe God's waiting on you to say that confident prayer to heal you.

Who knows what God has in store for you but I can tell you none of it is in the comfort zone.

-Joseph Avery

Phenomenal Philemon - by Brian McMurrey

2016-09-13T19:13:00.002-05:00

What is your favorite Bible verse? Scripture? Book? Did anyone say Philemon? No? When is the last time you read Philemon? Have you ever read Philemon? Philemon is sandwiched between Titus and Hebrews, and it just contains 1 chapter with 25 versus. It’s a book in the Bible that you may or may not ever turn to unless you are reading the Bible all the way through and just happen to run across it. That’s how me and my family ran across it recently. We do nightly Bible studies, reading through the Bible book by book in order. We just finished Titus and ran across Philemon. Every night, we read a chapter then spend 30 plus minutes talking about what we just read. I must confess, after we read Philemon, there was a moment of silence, trying to understand what we just read. My 1^st question for us to think about was, “What do we need to learn here?” followed by, “Why do you think Philemon is even in the Bible?” We had to think about it. Our daughter broke the ice with her own question wondering how to pronounce “Onesimus.” So we did some digging into who he is, what’s his relationship to Paul and Philemon. By the way, who is Philemon? This lead us to going to a couple of different commentaries, going back and forth from the commentaries to the Bible. Things started to make sense. We identified the people, how they were connected and what Paul was writing about. Once we were putting more and more pieces of the puzzle together, the lessons began to take shape and make sense. Actually, there are some wonderful lessons and themes that we picked up on that night, such as:

· How Christians should conduct themselves when relationships are strained

· Unity

· Interceding for another

· How at this point Paul is “aged” and in prison yet still communicating and ministering to churches and individuals, sharing God’s grace through Jesus Christ

· How we should be forgiving as Christ forgives us

· The model for Christian friendship

And trust me, there is more to this wonderful book. You may have noticed I have not explained the book of Philemon nor answered my own questions. That is very much on purpose. I want YOU to read it like we did and learn from it based on what the Holy Spirit would reveal to you. Is it still relevant to us today? You betcha! I love discovering new themes and lessons in the Bible that I may not have discovered on previous read-throughs. Philemon is Phenomenal!

by Brian McMurrey

Fight The Resistance - by Joseph Avery

2016-07-06T13:04:00.000-05:00

Resistance - It’s something we all face at some point in our life. We try to do our best but inevitably the world tries to hold you down. Maybe you didn’t get the promotion you worked for or maybe things didn’t pan out for you in the way you’d hoped. These moments can make us feel like we aren’t good enough; like we should just give up. These feelings are natural and aren’t something you should be ashamed of but they are avoidable. The bible says in 2nd chronicles 15:7 “be strong and do not lose courage, for there is a reward for your work.” This scripture is telling you that if you just push through and keep fighting the lord will provide. Our God is watching you, cheering you on and telling you to keep up the hard work. Don’t let the negativity of the world make you forgot that God has plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says “for I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope.” God is trying to tell you to fight back, keep up the hard work because he has good plans for you. The struggle you face now is not His plan for you. He says not for trouble but for a good future and hope. So see past the struggle in your life because God is waiting on the other side of resistance ready to bless you.

Unleash the Beast - giving young people a significant stake in the church

2015-10-23T15:32:00.004-05:00

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests." Proverbs 14:4

Within our communities, our homes and churches lies a powerful beast. This beast has the ability to make a mess, break things, and leave you with numerous problems. However, this beast also has the ability to catapult your church to another level. This beast has passion, energy, ideas, and creativity. The beast I speak of is youth. You know... those kids, teenagers and young adults that are everywhere. You know... those people that we've been talking about for decades. We've been talking about how we need more of them and we need them to be more involved. We keep saying, "Where are they?", "Why isn't it like it used to be?".

Maybe it's because we've chained up that beast called youth. We've kept them in limited roles with no real ability to shape the culture of our churches. We've been afraid of letting go so that they can take hold. We're afraid they will make a mess and we'll get stuck cleaning up behind them. Or maybe we're afraid that they might take our place and we won't be needed anymore.

They will definitely cause problems but if you want a growing and healthy church then active, growing, engaged, and involved young people are essential. So it's time to unleash the beast in your church. Here are some ways to unleash the power of youth in your church:

1) Stop protecting the church from your youth.
Yes, they are novices. Yes, they will mess up. They will be silly when they should be serious. They won't always get the doctrine exactly right. They will say things they shouldn't and you will have to go behind them and clean up the mess. That doesn't mean that your job is to protect the church from the young. It's natural that they make mistakes. It's part of how we as humans learn.

2) Give them real responsibility.
They can tell when you've given them real responsibility instead of a token place to serve. They can tell when you're giving them something to do just so they'll feel like they're a part. Let them shape the culture of the church. Let them pick music. Let them pick the paint colors. Let them make a service order. Let them weigh in on the budget. You're the final decider but give them a real stake in how your church functions and they will take ownership of it.

3) Let them be themselves.
I know Christian rap music might not be your thing and the idea of a dimly lit sanctuary reminds you of the bar across the street. I know that everyone used to wear a suit or dress and ear rings were for girls only, but times have changed. The word is the same but the world has changed. Don't insist that your youth worship exactly like you did when you were young. Let them be themselves. That's the only way anyone can truly live for and worship God.

4) Give them room to make mistakes.
I am so thankful for the opportunities given to me by my Pastor when I was young. He allowed me to try. He gave me chances even when others were telling him to stop wasting service time on those kids. He knew that I would make mistakes. He knew that I wasn't the best or most experienced person for the job, but he gave young people a chance to spread their wings and try. He wasn't afraid of our mistakes. He was afraid of our gifts and talent rotting in the pews.

5) Don't micromanage everything.
I know it's our job as leaders to oversee and guide our young people, but if you're not careful you will find yourself imposing your own personal ideas on them robbing them of their own God-given creativity and passion. No one gets excited about doing your thing, your way, with their name on it.

6) Get ready! They may be better than you.
You've worked hard and honed your abilities. You've reached a level of professionalism and respect. Now here comes someone younger who is making a splash and you don't want to be replaced. Trust me, no one is trying to replace you. There is endless room at the table in the Kingdom of God. One person's success means success for us all. We should be happy when we see young people discovering their calling We should be happy when they start to excel. It means we have done one of our most important jobs. It means we have played a part in their growth and success. Refuse to be jealous. Don't limit them because they are getting too much attention. Unleash them and prepare yourself. They might be better at certain aspects of ministry than you. That's not a knock on you. We all have talents and gifts, and they come from the will of God. Celebrate with them.

7) Be their number one fan
Correct them, guide them but most importantly, cheer for them. Let them know when they do something great. Defend them. Let them see how great they can be by the way you treat them and how you believe in them. Look beyond where they are today and see who they will become. Brag about them publicly. If you get behind them they will get behind you. You won't lose your influence or position to them. In fact, they will elevate you. Their talents and hard work will lift your ministry to new levels.

Maybe, you've been looking for a man or woman of God; someone to help your church move forward; someone experienced and talented; someone polished; a safe bet. We often want a man or woman but God has sent us kids, teenagers and young adults. It's our job to give them the experience they need. It's our job to help them hone their talents and discover their calling. Within our homes, our communities and our churches are powerful creatures who can help lift our churches to the next level. Don't be afraid to unleash the beast.

Just Like A Red Solo Cup

2014-10-06T15:34:00.001-05:00

I know many people who have the misguided notion that Christians, especially Christian leaders, live above the rest of us. I can assure you that Ministers, Pastors and Christian leaders are all just people. In fact, we all make mistakes and are prone to sin, fail and otherwise blow it. Plain and simple.

God doesn't use people because they have reached some invisible level of goodness. He doesn't call people to ministry or service because they have earned His favor or respect. God is not keeping track of your mistakes, He will use you in spite of your mistakes.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Here's how it works - God is the excellent treasure and you and I are the Earthen vessels. We are like Red Solo Cups full of the life giving power of almighty God. A Red Solo Cup is not fancy, not strong, not expensive but it gets the job done. After all, it's really not about the cup it's about what's in the cup.

You and I may not seem like much on the outside. We have weaknesses and we will make mistakes but God uses imperfect people to do His perfect work. Even with all of our faults and failures we carry the power of God's Holy Spirit inside of us, to be poured out over the world as He sees fit.

So don't be critical of Christian leaders who make mistakes, and don't count out someone who has failed (including yourself), God doesn't.

Is the church on the verge of failure?

2014-02-17T15:32:00.000-06:00

There is much talk about the decline of the church today. You hear it everywhere especially among
Christians leaders. It sounds something like this - "The church is out of touch and losing it's influence. We better straighten up and do a better job or we will fail". I must disagree!

Jesus said, "...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it." Matthew 16:18

First, Jesus said He would build the church. I know we play a role. I understand that we must follow and obey, but to think that we are going to mess up the plan of God is to say that the work is really up to us. It's not. It is the work of Jesus. He is the Perfect One working through the imperfect church.

Second, Jesus said it was His church. Here's a revelation - It's not your church. Jesus is responsible for the church. You didn't create it, you don't sustain it and you won't be the one that completes its work. The church belongs to Jesus Christ.

Third, Jesus said even the gates of hell would not overcome the church. There's your prophetic results from the ultimate prophet. The church cannot fail because Jesus said it would succeed. Individuals may fail. Local congregations may fail but the church of Jesus Christ will prevail. The results are not up to you and I, they are up to Jesus.

The church may look out of sorts from time to time, we may get complacent or lazy, but The Holy Spirit that resides within the church will take this imperfect, fallible group of people and change the world. How do I know? Because Jesus said so.

God Uses Broken Tools

2013-12-10T21:06:00.000-06:00

As winter approaches, I've been feverishly working in the yard before it gets cold. The other day I went into storage looking for our weed-eater. It's the same machine we've had for years and it's taken a beating. The joints are coming loose and some parts are broken, but when I plugged it in, the motor spun, so I filled it with string and started working. Five minutes in, I realized the string feeder didn't work, so every time I needed to extend the string I had to take it apart and do it manually. Eventually, I finished the yard and even though the broken weed-eater made it more difficult, in the end, I got the job done. My tool shed may be full of broken tools but I can still get the job done.

God's tool shed is full of broken tools, as well. 2 Corinthians 4:7 say, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

We as Christians are the tools that God uses here on Earth. His Spirit lives and moves within us to accomplish His purpose in the world. Therein lies the problem. We are broken. We're all just jars of clay, cracked and chipped from sin and struggles. All of us have a past and all of us have present struggles and sins (if you say you don't you're just fooling yourself). It is us, this broken messed up bunch of humans, that God has chosen to work through. Sometimes we think that our faults and failures limit God (as if God could be limited by us), but our failures don't limit God, in fact, they bring Him Glory. The treasure of His love in jars of clay shows that the power is not us but God.

Yes, you have faults. Yes, you have a past. And yes, God wants to use you. Even though your not perfect and sometimes get off track, God is not afraid of you. God can handle you. He can take who you are, the good and the bad, and do amazing things with you. The fact that you're not perfect doesn't limit God. So bring your life to Jesus and lay it all before Him. Let Him inspire you, motivate you and empower you for His service. Don't be afraid that you'll mess it all up. God is in charge not you. You may be broken but God can still use you to get the job done.

That Stone is a Boomerang

2013-08-09T13:18:00.000-05:00

Recently, I read a story about a young middle-eastern man who, having no job and poor prospects in life, passed his time in an unusual way. He said, "I throw stones". Anything or anyone he didn't like or agree with would become the target of the nearest rock he could get his hands on. The saying is true, "Hurting people Hurt other people". You and I may not hurl real rocks at others but we can sure hurl hurtful comments at others. It's easy to find the faults in others and make them pay for their mistakes.

There is a story in John 8 about a woman caught in sin. Religious leaders lined up to execute judgment by throwing stones at her until she was dead. Sounds horrible, but they were correct...sort of. According to Leviticus 20:10 she should be put to death for her sin. The problem for her accusers is that they deserved to die for their sins as well. You can't throw a stone at someone else if you deserve to die as well.

Matthew 7:1, 2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

When Jesus made her accusers aware of their own sin, one by one, they dropped their rocks and walked away. They knew that if they executed harsh judgment on her for her sin, then Jesus would execute hash judgment on them for theirs. Those stones of judgment would eventually come back upon them. Jesus was the only one who had the right kill her but He came to bring mercy not punishment. He came to forgive not to get even.

So drop the rock! If you throw it, it will come back and smack you. Forgive easily. Let the word of God do the judging and let God Himself execute that judgment. It doesn't mean anything goes. It means that we allow people to be human and make mistakes. It means we help them up instead of beating them up when they fall.

So what about Leviticus 20:10? Did Jesus just ignore God's law? No! Someone had to die for this woman's sin and Jesus knew that someone would. Jesus knew that it was just a matter of time before He would be killed on a cross, bearing the punishment that this woman deserved. He forgave her not because He ignored the law but because He would fulfill it. Jesus would rather die than throw a stone.

Thank God for His mercy and grace. We all need it.

Are you a Racecar or an Airplane?

2013-07-11T12:06:00.000-05:00

Strange question, I know. Let me explain. Race Cars and Airplanes have something in common. They are both designed to be in motion and so they both experience resistance - wind resistance. Resistance is like life fighting you, trying to keep you from moving forward. The only way to avoid wind resistance is to sit motionless, going nowhere.

I've learned that when I'm moving forward and making progress that's when I experience the most resistance in life. I've learned to welcome challenges and problems knowing that they're a good sign that I'm moving forward. Still resistance is no fun. It can zap your energy and blow you off course. Many people quit because of resistance while others seem to get better through the battle.

Which brings me to my question, are you a Race Car or Airplane? While both harness wind resistance they have the opposite effect. A Race Car's design uses wind resistance to hold it down onto the track, keeping it glued to the ground for better traction and handling. An Airplane uses wind resistance to lift it off the ground. Without the resistance of the wind an airplane couldn't fly.

How are you designed? When the resistance of life comes blowing your way do you let it push you down? Do you react with hopelessness or complaining? Are you prone to quit when things get difficult? Like a Race Car, does the wind keep you from getting off the ground? Or are you like an Airplane? Do you become more determined and tenacious as things come against you? Do you use the very problems you face as a way to learn lessons and build strength? Do the challenges you face serve to lift you to another level?

God is speaking. Are you listening?

2013-04-08T17:51:00.002-05:00

God is speaking. Are you listening? You should be. God's words are positive and powerful, exactly what we need. God wants to speak to us, and He has much to say. He speaks words of encouragement and love to us. He speaks words of direction and wisdom to us. He speaks words of correction and instruction to us. He speaks healing and deliverance to us. God is speaking but much of the time we can't hear Him because we're too hurried or too worried.

In this fast paced life we live, it seems there is never a moment to stop and just listen. Life keeps us busy from dawn to dusk, consumed with the to-do list. While we feel like we're making progress we often exchange the power of God speaking into our lives for the pleasure of a completed list. We exchange a changed life for a busy life. God is speaking to us but we don't hear very well when we fly through the day at break neck speed. Being too busy to stop and just listen is like stuffing cotton in one of your ears - you're just not going to hear clearly.

Being consumed with worry is like stuffing cotton in the other ear. We're all familiar with the physical and emotional hazards of stress and yet the most dangerous thing worry does is keep you from connecting with God. God lives in the land of faith where worry is not welcome. He speaks words of faith; words that worry cannot receive. God is speaking but if your mind is stressed you won't hear what He has to say.

What a shame! The creator of Heaven and Earth wants to speak the miraculous into our lives but our ears are full of cotton. His words of healing muffled out by the next item on the list. His words of direction drowned out by the noise of our worries. Stop what you're doing and take the time to listen. Don't talk, just listen. Put your cares in His hands and listen for His voice. He created the Heavens and the Earth with His words, I wonder what He wants to speak into your life.

You Can't Deliver If You Ain't Got The Goods

2013-01-18T16:17:00.001-06:00

There's too much talk in the Christian community. Don't get me wrong, words do matter. The truth must be spoken, but if we really believe what we say we believe, then we will live and act accordingly. The way you live is more important than what you say.

As Christians we make declarations about our faith daily. Do our declarations match our lives? Do we say Jesus brings peace and yet live a life of turmoil? Do we speak of joy and yet act grumpy and miserable? Do we say Jesus sets people free and yet live addicted. When our lives don't match our words then our words have no power.

God has called us to deliver His message of hope to the world, but we can't deliver if we ain't got the goods. People do not want to hear our message if that same message isn't at work in us. I believe the lack of interest in church today is caused by Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips but deny Him with their lifestyle.

Workin' on me

2013-01-06T13:06:00.001-06:00

This is the time of year for life evaluations which lead to the infamous New Years Resolutions. I am certainly a proponent of self evaluation, but I am hesitant to make resolutions. Mostly, because New Years Resolutions start with selfish goals which we attempt to accomplish by human means. In other words, we pick what we want to happen in life then we try to make those things happen, which is why most resolutions don't work. We get wrapped up in changing the things around us when God is focused on changing us. So here is my simple advice - Instead of making resolutions make goals, but not goals that change your bathroom scale or bank account, goals that change you.

While you get wrapped up in the things around you God is focused on you. He wants to help you grow. He wants to make you stronger. He wants to increase your faith. God wants to make a better you, but He requires your help. You must allow Him to make changes in you, you must desire to grow and you must work with the Holy Spirit and I mean work. Instead of wasting time trying to change things out of your control you must work on you. One of the most powerful attributes of human life is that (with God's help) we can change.

No doubt some will say, "I don't need to change. My husband needs to change or my job needs to change or the economy needs to change" This may be true but in all situations God send agents of change; people who bring about a new attitude or a new way of doing things that usher in change. That agent of change in your world is you. Your situation can't change until you do.

So as you evaluate your life make goals that focus on you. Allow God to help you grow and watch as you and the world around gets better.

Planting The Seed of Faith

2012-08-20T19:11:00.003-05:00

Look out over the fields of your life. Are they barren? Are your fields of finance barren? Are your fields of health barren? Are the fields of your relationships barren? You might think you need an avalanche of blessings but all you need is a seed. Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20.

Is it possible that the power we need is right in our hands? Could it be as simple as a seed? In a word, yes. If you don't like your current situation you can plant a new one. A seed of faith is a vision of the outcome you desire. Too often we pay attention to our problems, focusing on them until we can see no good outcome. Our faith is pointed in a disastrous direction and we get what we expect, but if we plant a new vision of a good outcome we have a new and good place to point our faith.

I'm not talking about an easy or quick fix. Planting a seed of faith can be hard. It takes work to deny all of the negative signs and discouraging words from others and grab onto faith in a good outcome, but without faith we cannot change our situation or move the hand of God. God sees us in our need and cares deeply about us, but God does not act on our behalf without faith. In other words, God won't change things just because He feels sorry for you. If you want to move the hand of God you must have faith. But how much faith?

I once thought that the mustard seed parable taught that if we would just believe a tiny bit we could move mountains, but deeper search of the scriptures led me to another mustard seed reference. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." Matthew 13:31. Having a tiny bit if faith is not the point. It's not what the seed is, it's what it has the potential to become. When planted, protected, watered and fed, the seed of faith becomes so great that mountains can be moved. It doesn't stay a seed it grows and grows until it destroys all doubt, and the seed you planted becomes your harvest.

So, if all you can see is devastation and disaster ahead plant a new seed. Get a new vision. If your sick get a vision of you healthy and whole. If your unemployed get a vision of you in the career you've always wanted. If your marriage is on the rocks get a vision of a healthy, vibrant marriage. See the vision clearly, so clearly that you can describe it in great detail. Now point your thoughts, words and prayers toward that vision. No matter what the circumstances hold onto that vision of faith. It may be just a seed today but it will grow and grow until it becomes great enough to move your mountain and change your situation.
Happy Planting!

The Greatest Christmas Tree

2011-01-01T15:27:00.001-06:00

I've heard that Christmas has its roots in pagan rituals; that trees and gift giving were once a part of some ungodly celebration. I don't know and don't care, quite frankly. After all, God made the trees and He is the creator of giving gifts. In fact, the greatest Christmas tree ever is at the center of His plan.
The greatest Christmas tree had no branches and no lights yet it was adorned with the most beautiful and horrifying image the world has ever witnessed. This tree became the symbol of death and life. This tree is on your necklace and your neighbors bumper sticker. Of course, I am speaking of the cross. I know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but Jesus said that His purpose in coming to Earth was the work He would complete at the cross. His birth was the first step on His road to the cross. At the cross, Jesus would pay the penalty for our sins and redeemed us back to God. At the cross, death would face its conqueror. At the cross, I would be made whole.
Look at the cross. See the broken body of our Lord. See the blood soaked wood and the pools of red stained Earth at its base. What good could come from such a tree? What good, indeed. Like all Christmas trees, this one has presents under it. For at the foot of the cross I have found the gifts of salvation, deliverance, freedom, healing and purpose. At the foot of this tree I have found life.
I go back to the cross daily to look upon it in wonder and amazement, and after all these years I still find something special with my name on it; something God has wrapped up just for me. It may be peace for troubled times or hope in a difficult situation or courage to face the day. My Father always thinks of me and gets me exactly what I need.
So as the decorations and the trees come down for the year, remember that the greatest Christmas tree will remain - a beacon of hope. Go to it and dig around. There is something there with your name on it.

Loudership - Leadership doesn't have to be loud

2010-07-21T16:30:00.009-05:00

I have been a minister for 25 years now. I have been to numerous events where preachers and church leaders gather, and over the years I have noticed a comical trend. We think leaders must be loud. If I can speak the loudest, tell the funniest joke or be the most charismatic I must be a great leader. I've even seen the "who can pray the loudest contest". I guess we're programmed to think of leadership in these terms, but leadership doesn't have to be loud.

Some of the greatest leaders I have known have been quiet in nature. They were more likely to show you the right path than yell directions at you. Leadership is not about personality or charisma but direction. To lead someone is to be going somewhere in the first place. I would rather follow a quiet leader who knew where she was going than a loud one who was going in circles.

How about you, leader? Are you going somewhere? Has God given you direction? Is someone following you? How about you, follower? Are you spellbound by someone's charisma or volume? Are you following someone who is going somewhere?

If there's no direction, then we're just making noise.

(For direction, seek God)

Psalm 23

2010-05-21T17:30:00.004-05:00

Do you know Psalms 23? Can you quote it to me? The 23rd Psalm is one of the most familiar Biblical passages. It's been written on bookmarks and on pictures. It's been quoted in Sunday School and in films. Psalm 23 is world-renown and for good reason - it's a comforting look at life lived daily with the Good Shepherd.

Many people know the 23rd Psalm but the greater question is - Do you know the Shepherd?

Jesus wants to walk with you daily. He longs to lead you into green pastures, to protect you from harm and feed you abundantly. Memorizing the chapter is great but if you aren't walking daily with Jesus you're missing out on what the chapter is trying to teach you.

Real power for Christian living doesn't come from catch phrases or memorized text. To know the word of God is good, but not good enough. To memorize and quote the word of God is good, but not good enough. Real power for your everyday life comes from living out the word of God.

So follow the Shepherd. Seek Him out. Take time daily to recognize and acknowledge His presence in your life. Goodness and Mercy are following you, slow down and let them catch you. Taking time out of your day to connect with Jesus will help you to live a life of purpose and power.

Faith

2010-05-06T11:34:00.003-05:00

Faith - It is the basis for all that we are and do as Christians. Without it, it's impossible to have a relationship with God. For we must believe that God exists and that He wants to have a relationship with us; a good relationship that is beneficial for both parties. Do you believe in God? Do you truly believe in God? If you do, do you believe that He is a good God? Do you believe that God wants to help you and bless you? God's power and provision are limitless. He has everything that you and I need, but we will never see it with our physical eyes until we can see it with our spiritual eyes. Faith is seeing in the spirit.

There have been many miracles take place in and around us, of late. God is moving where there is faith. So, whatever the need in your life have faith. Get a spiritual vision of your miracle. Pray with the answer in mind and watch as God honors His promises to you.

Superman of God?

2009-08-19T09:45:00.005-05:00

Do you live everyday as a normal person or are you superhuman? If you are a child of God you have daily access to the power of God. When Jesus left the earth He said He would not leave us alone, but that the Holy Spirit would come and live in us. He would guide us, teach us and empower us. If you were filled with the Spirit 20 years ago you have a good memory, but are you daily filled? We can go to work as an ordinary human or as an empowered human. We can enjoy our time off as an ordinary human or as an empowered human.

If you want to live the empowered life, do this;

1. Pray before you Do. Prayers weren't meant to replace your actions they were meant to empower them.

2. Stay full of the Word. The Bible is alive. It's precepts in your heart have a way of coming out in your speech and actions.

3. Meditate. Take time to sit still and listen to God's voice, allowing the Holy Spirit give you direction and encouragement.

These are not all of the disciplines of an empowered life, but they are the things that help me feel His power working in me daily. They are simple but they do take time. So, give some time to the Lord before you engage the world. You'll find that even the little things you do will be done with insight and power.

It's raining it's pouring

2009-07-01T13:12:00.002-05:00

How in the world can the old man be snoring? How can anyone feel at ease when life is pouring down on you? Wait a minute, I seem to remember a story from the Bible where the disciples were out at sea and the storms came and they all began to panic in fear of their lives. meanwhile Jesus was asleep in the bottom of the boat. They thought his lack of panic meant a lack of concern. Not so! Jesus could sleep through the storm because He is greater than the storm. But what about you?

Can you stay at rest even when life is raining down on you. It all depends on whether the Master is in your boat. Is He? Or did you launch out on your own?

Take Him with you!

Take the time

2009-06-18T13:54:00.002-05:00

Hey out there,

Today let me encourage you (and myself) to take the time to enjoy life. God has given us so many wonderful blessing to enjoy; sunshine, family, friends. I know life is also filled with responsibilities and burdens but we can't let those consume us. How would you feel if you gave your child something he could have fun with but he never played with it. It just sat in the closet, wasted. That must be how God feels when we overlook the little joys that He has given to us that we often take for granted. So, do this - Kiss your husband or wife real hard, tickle your kids or grandkids, take a walk or sit on the porch and thank God for the little things that put everything else in persepctive.

After all, the little things aren't really that little.

Love ya, Mylon

That's Hot!

2009-05-28T09:57:00.002-05:00

No, not Paris Hilton. The seat belt buckle in my car. It's one of those things in life that is a huge annoyance and sometimes even burns you, but in the end it, will save your life. Think about it.

Love ya, Mylon

Are you too busy?

2009-05-08T10:58:00.003-05:00

I know I am.

Hey out there. I hope you are doing well. I know it's been a long time since my last post, and I have really great excuses; or maybe not. I haven't posted recently because I haven't had time to give you something deep or powerful. So I've just put it off. I believe most of us think this way; "If I can't give a lot of money I won't give any." "If I can't volunteer for a whole day, there's no sense in giving an hour. " See what I mean! The truth is, if we give what we can, God will take what we give, no matter how little, and do something great with it.

So here's my little bit today. Enjoy!

Mylon

It will never heal if you don't stop picking at it

2009-02-06T13:28:00.003-06:00

Hey out there,

Did you know that everyone has a sore spot - some place that has a been wounded and never has healed. To some it is their weight or their looks; to others it is a failed marriage or a lost job. We all have sore places in our lives and when someone touches that spot we feel the pain.

What is your sore spot? Let me help you out. There are many things about you that you can laugh at. Others can make fun of you and you laugh right along with them. But then, there is that subject- that thing that isn't funny. That is your sore spot.

Not only do you have a sore spot, others do also. Your husband, wife, friend or co-worker; they all have a sore spot. Do you know what it is? Do you take great care to leave that spot alone so it can heal, or do you bring it up time and time again?

We all have places in our lives that haven't had the chance to heal. So be careful what you say and how you act toward others. You don't want to pour salt in a fresh wound.

Setting goals for 2009

2009-01-06T09:27:00.002-06:00

Hey there, I know that this is the usual time for making resolutions. Here's how it works; we make a resolution, fight to keep it for a while then we give up and live the way we've always lived.

Consider this; maybe you don't need a change in your actions but a change in your nature. This year don't set goals that are only based on actions or accomplishments, set goals that are designed to change who you are on the inside.

For instance, if you have traditionally been bad with money and haven't saved a penny, don't make a resolution that you are going to save x amount of dollars. Make a goal to become the kind of person who saves money. If you try to save money as the person you always were it will be a struggle from the word go. But if you save money as a new person; a person changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, saving money will come naturally to you.

It's the fruit vs. root thing. Changing your behavior is 'working on the fruit', but changing your nature is 'working on the root', and working on the root is the only way to have a permanent change.

You'll need God's help. You can't change your nature on your own, but if you take steps, pray that God would help you and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life, you can become a new person. After all, isn't that what we really want.

So set your goals and watch as you and God make 2009 the year that you experienced some great changes in YOU!