Thank You

#Pause&Ponder&PressWithPastorG

Someone asked me a question about how to handle the mean, miserable, small-minded people, who try to stop, block, and even derail you.  Those who try to hinder, hurt & even handicap you. My encouragment to all who have experienced and encountered these small-minded people is to send them a huge S/O....and let it go a little something like this!!! TO ALL the haters that have tried to hurt me & THANK you for helping me! TO ALL the Lairs that have tried to scare me, THANK you for strengthen me! TO ALL the attempted dream-killers that have tried to destroy me, THANK you for delivering me! Finally TO ALL the Fake & Phony friends who thought they were going to break me I sending you a thank you note that says "THANKs them for blessing me!"

I've learn that the Master is always adding, subtracting, multiplying & dividing people in your life based on where you are going NOT where you are or where you've been. Some people can't handle where God is taking you, so don't be mad at them...thank them.... and get glad. Thank them for how they have contributed (positively or negatively, cause its all good) to your life; give them two fingers and keep it moving. Losses may deepen me, but they don't define me. They're part of maturity, but not my identity. Peace!

Dominion

This song blessed me and I wanted to share it with you today with this short post: Jason Nelson "Dominion." 

Jesus Christ died for our sins…He hung, bleed & died for the sins of the world. If you have accepted Him as Savior and invited Him into your heart YOU are saved!  That’s was His great plan of salvation and because of that we are:

• redeemed for our sins, 
• set free from our bondage, 
• cleansed of our corruption, 
• delivered for our enemies 
• and released from our fears, failures and fumbles. 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (ESV)

Take authority and dominion over what God has given you.

I pray you have a fantastic weekend and #OnSundayGo2Church

I pray you have a fantastic weekend and #OnSundayGo2Church

Put Doubt Out!

Let's Put Doubt Out! Mishandled doubt is dangerous. It spreads like wildfire. Recently, I had a bout with doubt & I discovered that you shouldn't date doubt, dabble with doubt, debate with doubt, deliberate with doubt, dual with doubt BUT you should simply put doubt out. Doubt takes the devil at his word, instead of taking God at His Word. 

Doubt says you can't, when God says you can. Doubt says you aren't, when God says you are. Doubt says you haven't, when God says you have. 

To Put Doubt Out...you must study God's Word, believe & rely upon His promises & pray, & pray, & pray. Immediately the father of the child cried out [to Jesus] and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

Happy Birthday Dad!

Ever year since I could remember we’ve celebrated our Birthdays together and it was always special. You would always take vacation and as I kid I remember you taking us on a trip. This Sunday you would call everybody to come to dinner and you would have a cake with our names on it. Even as an adult it still made me smile. I really don’t remember what our special bond was it just simple always exists.  These are two of my favorite picture os you...You remember the top one it's the last road trip we took when I preached in Ada and of course the bottom one is the one you said was your favorite...lol. Since you’ve been gone there’s hardly ever a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. So today I say Happy Birthday Dad!!!

REALLY, Gabby's Hair?!?!

Really ..!?!?! Have we’ve been so brain washed that we have to hate on her hair? I’ve been trying to avoid this post but I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE! The “Rant” with Kevin Ogle is about Gabby’s hair (I want to speak in another tongue so bad), but before anyone think this is white issue, let me quickly say IT IS NOT. I’m working on a blog on “social media manners” and before anyone reads it and said I’ve broken a rule, let me admit I may do it on this one. Images are powerful and a few days ago when Gabby Douglas made Olympic history…I focused on her amazing achievement NOT her Hair. I focused on the fact that she was 1 of 4 Americans to ever win the all-around gold; the fact that this 16-year-old won two gold medals in three days; the fact that she was the only African-American to make the team. I focused on the fact that she is the first US gymnast to win gold in both team and all-around competition; the fact that she was raised by a proud black single mother, was welcomed into a white families  home in Des Moines, Iowa who raised her as if she was their own. I focused on all  of the million little girls who will now believe anything is possible and that they too can accomplish their dreams.

I grieve for such misguided and small-minded people, who would disgrace this fantastic American moment with such trivial rhetoric and mess. The cloud of witnesses who have given their lives for such a moment would hang their heads in shame after reading such self-hate posts, tweets and blog about a young gifted, talented 16-year-old girl. Gabby’s performance was prolific, powerful and productive as well as a picture of perfection. I hope that this ignorance doesn’t linger long.

When asked about the comments made in reference to her hair,she had this to say, "I'm like, `I just made history and people are focused on my hair?' Not all the people Gabby, just the small minded people.

http://todayinlondonblog.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/08/07/13161200-gabby-douglas-mom-weighs-in-on-hair-controversy?lite  

Never Settle For Can't

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, the first athlete to compete in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games, qualified for the 400m semifinals in London today, crossing the line in 45:44. His motto is "Being disabled doesn't have to be a disadvantage!"

When I witnessed race of  Pistorius I was reminded of one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13(ESV). Unbelief says I cannot; previous failures say, I cannot; past experience says, I cannot; the example of fellow-Christians say, I cannot; haters say, I cannot; Satan tells me, I cannot. But faith says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."

Don't Allow Evil to Silence Believers

Evil exist. Evil exist because Satan is real but Satan doesn't work independent of God. Look at Job's experience. In the 1st chapter ofJob Satan gives accountability to God when asked what he had been up to. Satan then asked in the following chapters for permission to touch Job's possessions & his person. Peter is informed by Jesus that satan asked to sniff him. I share this to simply say, don't allow satan to convince you that he is someone to fear or that he is omnipotent. John 8:44 says he's a liar and the father of lies. Revelation 12:9 says he's the deceiver of the whole world. So what shall we do in light of what happened in Aurora, Colorado? Should we shrink in fear? Should we lock ourselves in our home & be afraid? God forbid! David writes,I will fear no evil: for GOD is with me! Let's not allow evil to have the last word. I want to encourage the family of God to do three things as this tragedy is discussed around us.

1. Proclaim the Lord
2. Praise the Lord
3. Pray to the Lord

It's NEVER Okay

A few days ago, I was asked to officiate the funeral of a 15 year old young lady who was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend. Such a tragic end to a beautiful life. My heart was touched deeply by the mother's grief.  Please lift her up in prayer. As I prepared for the service, I anticipated a great number of young people but was nowhere close.  As her friends and family gathered I knew (1) I needed to share Jesus who is our source of strength and salvation and (2) address  the pink elephant in the room, "domestic violence". Physical abuse is NEVER okay.    

The following are a few things I set-out to share:   

Domestic violence or abuse is the willful intimidation...

• physical assault  
• physical abuse 
• sexual abuse 
• ​verbal abuse 
• threats and intimidation 
• ​isolation or restriction from friends, family and other support systems 
• ​destruction of property 
• ​financial exploitation 
• ​jealousy and possessiveness 
• ​stalking or monitoring of behavior 
• ​and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another.   

1 in every 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.   

Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.   

Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.   

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.   

Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.   

An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each yr.    

If your mate puts their hands on you 1 time could cost you your life!   

This isn't a new epidemic but one that has reemerged even uglier, more vicious and violent than ever.       

There is even a National Awareness month recognized in October for domestic violence.   

So, if you or someone you know are in danger, please call 911, your local hotline, or (in the U.S.) the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233  Together we can eradicate violence against ALL. 

BUT I made it!

A lot has been going on in my life over the last few weeks. As you can see I’m still struggling to get around to blogging on a regular basis. It is not that I’m not writing but the trouble is I’m not finishing anything. Have you ever run into a season of your life where you can’t seem to finish anything? Today I was determined to write a blog and at least post it.

This coming Sunday I will have accomplished 20 years of Pastoral ministry and let me tell you the last 4 and one half years have felt like all 20 years rolled into one, but I survived. That may not sound so convincing “But I made it!” (Hopefully, that sounds much better.)

My struggle in all of this is which direction I’m looking in…James says it like this “a double minded man is unstable in his ways.” Looking back there’s been some sleepless nights, salty tears, frustrating moments, and some agonizing days. I’ve had friends and family who have gone on to be with Jesus and I’m still trying to pick up the pieces of the emotional trauma and shock. I’ve seen sides of people that I hope never to see or experience again.  In the past few years Satan has attacked my ministry with lies, trickery, deceit and disloyalty more than any other time my of 20 year tenure.  I’ve witnessed people walk away from ministry for all the wrong reasons.   The enemy has attacked me both personally and publicly ---but (shout) “I’ve Made It! 

I’m grateful that God has given me another way to look and that’s forward.   For when the look back is too painful I simply look forward. Forward, I see how God has worked what many have intended to harm me, hurt me and hinder me for my good! Forward-- I see God’s incredible love for me that while I’ve done some incredibly stupid things in my nearly 30 years of ministry; God has always been there and has never given up on me. Forward-- He has deepened my preaching, praise, passion and purpose. Forward-- my faith has been fortified, my priorities have been made plain, my calling clearer, and my vision much closer. Forward-- I’ve learned to stop and smell the flowers, appreciate and love deeper, listen more intently and embrace more emotionally. I enjoy the silent moments and I’m “learning” to embrace those loud moments with my grandchildren…lol.  Forward--I’m more thankful for my wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. I don’t say it enough but I love you guys so much.

There is still that tendency to look back. God is giving me the courage to put on spiritual blinders to and look forward, think forward, act forward, move forward, and speak forward!

Anybody who knows me knows that I’m a recovering impatience person (BIG smile). Have you ever have been on a plane moving from point “A” to point “B?” And the control tower has you in a dreaded holding pattern? You’ve arrived to your destination but for some reason it’s never stated, they just have you circling. What do you do when God has you in a spiritual holding pattern?  Listen, to my friend Isaiah chapter 40 verses 28-31 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)    

See n Say

Today you cannot turn on your television set without some cop show being shown. One of the more popular shows is “Law and Order”. I am not sure how many of you have seen this show, however, if you have not, I am sure that you have seen some police show where someone was arrested. When that person on TV was arrested, they always read them their “rights”.

The Miranda Rights is a warning given by police in the United States to criminal suspects in police custody before they are interrogated to preserve the admissibility of their statements against them in criminal proceedings. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”

While the Miranda rights if not given violates ones rights, I likewise believe that a saint, believer, or christian who is quite violates a even bigger spiritual law. Psalm 107:1-2 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! ²  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

If you are nearing the big "50" like me you will remember the toy every child loved while growing up and probably purchased a few for those little ones around you. It’s the famous and fabulous Fisher-Price “See n Say” that was introduced in the 1960’s. The one I remember the most growing up was the farmer’s "See n Say" which taught you the sounds you would hear around the farm or in the country. Very user-friendly just point the arrow and put the string and the "See n Say" would make the sound of the animal in the picture. The cow would moo. The pig would grunt. Chickens, birds, horses, roosters and so on, each making their unique, distinct and diverse God-given sound.   Well I believe that exactly what the Psalmist had in mind in Psalm 107: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! ²  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

1. Which one should say so! “Let the redeemed”

2. What one should say!  “redeemed of the Lord”

3. Why one should say so! “redeemed from trouble”

DON’T LET THE DEVIL STEAL YOUR PRAISE! If God has been good to you others ought see something and hear something.

The Power Of Positioning Yourself

I attended the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education hosted in the city of St. Louis. I walked through the American Convention Center, a massive place, in search of a restroom.  (this  was not a great experience after waiting a bit too long and cutting it a bit too close--BUT I made it.)  I walked into something that looked futuristic, an automatic public restroom..  Every  fixture had sensors  and it was totally hands-free. I am Not really a germ freak but I still appreciate a clean, modern bathroom especially with no-touch sensors on the urinals, soap dispensers, faucets and paper towel dispenser and/or hand dryer. After I paid "my water bill" (lol) i walked away from the urinals and it flushed automatically. I then headed to wash my hands and stood and watched an older gentleman struggling to get the water to flow. I told him that he would have to position his hands just below the faucet to start the flow and again the same with soap dispenser.  He struggled but finally got it. Then for the finale, he just could not close the deal with the paper towel dispenser. So patiently shared with him that he would need to make sure his hands were In the right position in order to get out the machine what had been placed in it to achieve the desired outcome.  With a little coaching he was very appreciative  and thanked me, but as he walked away I realized how powerful that experienced was, THE POWER OF POSITIONING!    Positioning yourself is the key to being blessed & favored. If you want to succeed in your career, marriage, finances, business, family, or future then you must position yourself. If you are interested in positioning yourself to prosper in the plan for your life you will not want to miss reading the next paragraph!! God said to Joshua, Moses successor, who was to lead His people into the Promised Land, "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:7-9 ESV)   

If you want to position yourself to prosper in his plan: 

1. Be fearless verse 7a 

2. Be faithful verse 7b  

3. Be fruitful verse 8a  

4. Be focused verse 8b 

5. Be fixed verse 9   

What that restroom experience taught that older gentleman was everything he needed was provided he simply needed to position himself to enjoy the process and reap the benefits.

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG Your words matter. Your life will follow what come from your lips. Your word are powerful BUT God's Word is more powerful. So began today to declare & decree life NOT death over your family, finances & future... Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21 ESV)

Thank You For Your Service

Honoring our heroes 2day- "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." -Billy Graham

God Is Working

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG I declare & decree that God is WORKING on your behalf! In Jesus' Name! Just because you don't see things happening, doesn't mean things aren't happening...Things are always happening. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:1-3 ESV)

God Want To Talk To You

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG Today, I declare and decree that God will and wants to talk with you! That may not be a surprise to you but how many times have you desired, long and begged to hear from God? What then is the problem? Has God gotten too busy or have we gotten to busy? Has God failed to show up for the prayer time or have we failed to show up? Has God become so preoccupied with problems or have we been preoccupied with our problem? Has God loss power or have we loss faith in His power? If you want to hear from God find a place and tell Him what you need, thank Him for what He’s done and worship Him for who He is. 1 Samuel 3:9-10 ESV Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

God is in Control

#Pause&PonderWithPastorG Today, I declare & decree that God is in control! God’s sovereignty! And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV) What an amazing promise not only because it demonstrates that an all-powerful God cares about you and me, but because it cannot be fulfilled unless the One Who gives it is all-knowing, all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving. The promise itself is a testimony to God’s sovereignty. Think about the implications of that promise. Because God is sovereign and He loves you, nothing will ever come into your life that He does not either decree or allow. Consequently, no matter what you face in life, you can take comfort in the fact that God is sovereign. 

Inspiring story

Every morning I get up and I wonder what I might learn that day. You just never know. George Dawson 1898-2001 (A man who was the grandson of a slave, who learned to read at age 98 & then became a best-selling author of Life is so good!) Before his death in 2001, he received two honorary doctoral degrees & there is an middle school named in his honor. It's Never Too Late To Learn! Inspiring story.    In 1996 a literacy volunteer knocked on 98-year-old Texan George Dawson's door and told him adult education courses were being taught a few blocks away. Mr. Dawson responded eagerly, "Wait, I'll get my coat." A poor son of the Jim Crow era, born on a rocky farm, Dawson was sent away at age 12 because his family needed his wages and wanted one less mouth at the table. His younger siblings went to school, but for George it wasn't an option. His life-long yearning to read fueled his determination; he eventually learned to read at a 3rd grade level and continued going to school nearly till his death at 103

It's NOT Just For Thanksgiving Day Anymore

Good Morning! I'm so very thankful... It has been insightful and informative to think through the many reasons I have to be thankful each day. The Lord impressed on my heart to challenge the church to daily journal three (3) things that they are thankful for & weekly express to three (3) people how thankful they are for God placing them in their life. Here's the theme for this months sermon series called March THANKFULNESS "When you "think" more, you will "thank" more!" the following is my accumulated list for the week.
 I am thankful for:
Salvation I'm saved
Grace I'm favored
Mercy I'm secured
Sanctification I'm becoming
Transformation I'm changed
My wife Janice
My Mother 
My Father
My 4 brothers
My 4 sisters 
My 5 children 
My 8 grandchildren
God's greatness
God's knowledge 
God's power
God's patience 
God's kindness
God's love
God's tenderness
God's touch
God's presences 
Try it! It's amazing what starting the day out with thanksgiving will do. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

What God's Word says about Friendship

I posted a blog a few weeks ago about friendship and on this past Wednesday I was asked to share with the Tabitha Church [www.tbcokc.net] and my long time friend Pastor J. L. Mitchell [who was celebrating his 20th anniversary}. I was asked to attend a service dedicated to praying for the different areas of the pastor-teacher’s life. I was particularly as to pray from a friend for a friend and the friendship surrounding the man of God. I found it fascinating and even captivating how much the Bible has the say about friendship. So I wanted to share with you a few things that God’s Word says about friendship.

1. What the Bible says about becoming a true friend.
Proverbs 18:24 24 A man of many companions •may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

2. What the Bible says about becoming a wise friend.
Proverbs 13:20 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

3. What the Bible says about becoming a friend like Jesus.
John 15:13 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

4. What the Bible says about becoming a strong friend.
Proverbs 27:17 17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

5. What the Bible says about becoming a loyal friend.
Proverbs 17:17 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

6. What the Bible says about becoming a friend or choosing a friend.
Proverbs 22:24-25 24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

7. What the Bible says about becoming a powerful friend.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than •one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is •alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

8. What the Bible says about becoming a friend of the greatest friend.
James 4:8 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9. What the Bible says about becoming cautious in friendship.
Proverbs 12:26 26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

10. What the Bible says about becoming confidant in friendship.
Proverbs 15:22 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Here’s my point friends need to be chosen carefully and cautiously. When you find a friend be a very good one.

A Most Dangerous And Difficult Calling

This is from Equipping Leaders for Innovative Ministry website & thought it would be encouraging & informational to you. It allows you a private look into the pastor's office & life. It will help you appreciate your pastor much more.

Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (and not necessarily in order, he added) are:
The President of the United States
A university president
A CEO of a hospital and
A pastor
Do you believe that?

Some of you may think that it's a dream job. You can read the Bible all day, pray, play a little golf and preach.

Here is the secret. Being a pastor is hard work. It’s not for the faint of heart.

The reality is - the job of a pastor can be 24/7 and carry unique challenges.
Some pastors wear themselves out trying to help people. Some wound their family because they are so involved in ministry. Others flourish in their ministry and personal life.  Here are a couple of statistics about pastors.
90% of pastors said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be like before they entered the ministry. 
70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.
40% report a conflict with a church member at least once a month. 
85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors. 
The #1 reason pastors leave the ministry is that church people are not willing to go the same direction and goal of the pastor. Pastors believe God wants them to go in one direction but the people are not willing to follow or change. 
40% of pastors say they have considered leaving their pastorates in the last three months.
70% of pastors do not have someone they consider a close friend.
50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years. 
70% felt God called them to pastoral ministry before their ministry began, but after three years of ministry, only 50% still felt called. 
4,000 new churches begin each year and 7,000 churches close. 
Over 1,700 pastors left the ministry every month last year. 
Over 3,500 people a day left the church last year. 
50% of pastors feel so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living. 
45.5 % of pastors say that they've experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from ministry. 
According to the Barna report - the profession of “Pastor” is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions, just above “car salesman”.

This is a most dangerous and difficult calling - not to be entered into lightly - and it is a calling that is in dire need of the prayers and support of those in the church, family and of close, personal confidants.  That begs the question, are you praying for your pastor?  Pastor, do you have someone in your life who is safe? Someone you would consider a friend?

We can't just set aside one month as Pastor Appreciation Month, all the while relegating the other remaining 11 months as critique, criticize and combat the Pastor Months.  Pastors need our support and prayers.

The Fuller Institute, George Barna, and Pastoral Care Inc. provide the statistics I have used in this blog.

Thank You

This is one of my favorite poems. It has come in handy lately to help explain the departure of some people in my life. You can never take personal the absence of certain people in your life. Because People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
 
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
 
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
 
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
 
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
 
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Let Go & LIVE, LOVE & LAUGH!

Let Go & LIVE! Get over what others have done to you. Look past what others have said about you. Let go of what others have taken from you. Quit allowing your past to alter your present & worship God. Take you're eyes off that happened to you & worship God. Why? Because 2 Chronicles 20:15 tells Us this battle is not yours it's the LORD's!

The following is three reason you ought shout when life hurts...

The first God knows about your hurt.

The second God cares about your hurt.

The third God can help your hurt.

Yes, they meant it for evil against you, BUT God meant it for good, Genesis 50:20

Ten Things My GrandChildren Will Never Know

Hello family,

It's been a while since my last post. School has begun again and the requirements of a new semester are great. I will soon balance my new schedule and return to my weekly blogging. I was surfing the net and ran across a article on 10 things our kids won't know. I thought it was a informative like had thing on he lst like mailing a letter, writting monthly bills out with checks, long distant bills, not have the internet at their finger tips, buying a set of encyclopedias or a typing class. So I thought it would be fun to put my own twist on it and creat my own list.

Ten things my grandchildren will never experience or know...

1. A piece a candy for a penny
2. A drive-in movie & hook that speaker on the window
3. A rotary house phone connected to the wall by a cord
4. A record or a 8 track tape player
5. A book of food stamps
6. A outhouse
7. A black & white television with just 4, 5, 9, & 13 channels only
8. A can of potted meat, peanut butter or powered milk
9. Bunk-beds with a third bed
10. Five hamburgers for a $1

Day 21 of 21 Days

What awesome day we had today in worship...Janice started the day out ministering at the Prospect Baptist Church For their women. Dr. Lee E. Cooper Jr. Is doing some amazing things both with that church as well as his involvement in the Oklahoma City community. Janice did us proud as she stood tall sharing the Father's Love To His Daughters, plus it was very encouraging to fellowship with other believers. The ladies from MyGreaterBethel show up heavy. Then it was back to Bethel for the close of our time of corporate praying and fasting, as we wrapped up both our current sermon series and our 21 day fast. It was like revival today. The Spirit of God was especially visible in the praise and worship...as well as receptive hearts to God's Word today.

Today us day 21 so i just want to just share a few simple points from John chapter 21: Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." (John 21:3-10 ESV)

This passage come on the hills of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection...the disciples have seeming lost their joy. Peter is broken in spirit and decides to go back fishing. Now I cannot take credit for this thought but it was share in one my favorite sermons by my late mentor and friend Dr. A Glenn Woodberry, he said that when you find yourself up against yourself we often times revert back to the people, places and things we use to do. So, in Peter's case Peter went back fishing. When we met Peter he was fishing so after he had suffered from "foot & mouth condition" for 3years with Jesus & denied Jesus, watched Him die. Peter say to "H.E.(double hockey sticks)" I'm going back fishing. Anybody know anything about going backwards? When going forward seems to be filled with challenges it much more comfortable to go backwards than forwards.

But how many of you know that Jesus loves you too much to let us go back. So after Peter goes back to his fishing business. Jesus show up on the shore to let Peter know that there was no way he was going allow Peter to give up so easily. After toiling all night trying to get his fishing groove back morning has come and the had caught nothing. It very tempting to share that the Bible said Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore... After your darkest most unproductive nights Jesus will be right there. When you feel like you have lost it, failed, fumbled & stumbled know that Jesus will be right there.

Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Peter knows it Jesus and he swims to the shore to find what? You guessed it the very thing that had been toiling for all night.

Here's the shout and I will leave you... When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. They had been fishing all night for fish. Jesus directs to fish by telling to cast their nets to the other side, only for them to get to the shore to find Jesus having fish and bread already. What's a problem for us isn't a problem for Jesus.

Thank you so much for listening to my random thought today...I'm working from my iPad this evening, so please forgive me for my typing any any typos. We have another exciting series coming up in february that will simply ignite the revival that has begun as a result of our fasting and praying. Begin praying NOW for the next move of God. See you soon

Day 19 of 21 Days

We’re hours away from reaching the finish line. This corporate time of fasting and prayer will then unleash a spiritual revival among God’s people. This will not be the end but only the beginning of something supernatural for your faith, your finances, your family, and your future. I know that physically you’re looking forward to the end of the fast but I beg of our be just as enthusiastic about what God is going to began to do in your life. I can’t say it enough but thank you fasting family and friends. Yesterday we ended chapter 18:38-40 as Pilate goes back outside to the Jews and told them, I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? They cried out again, Not this man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.

Jesus at the age of 33, as He hung on a cross, having paid the price for the world’s sins, He declared in verse 20 It is finished! Note, however, that He did not say, "I am finished!" This was not a cry of defeat, but a shout of victory. This is not a cry of pain, but a cry of power. In the original Greek text, this phrase is one word of ten letters – “Tetelestai” - which literally means: “It is finished, it stands finished, and it always will be finished.”

The word, “Tetelestai,” was a word with which the people of Jesus’ day were very familiar. Today, I want us to think of some common ways in which the word was used as we consider the significance of this cry from the cross.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Artists.

When a painter had completed his work, he would step back and say, “Tetelestai”- it is finished!" Jesus came to give us a full portrayal of what God is like. He was God in the flesh, come to make Himself known to us (John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.)

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Servants.

A master would tell his servant to go and do something, and when the servant had completed the task, he would come back and say, “Tetelestai”- I have finished the work that you gave me to do."

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Priests.

The Jewish people had to bring their sacrifices to the priest to be examined before it was offered on the altar, because it was against the law to offer an imperfect sacrifice. After the priest had examined the sacrifice, he would used the Hebrew or Aramaic equivalent of the word Jesus spoke from the cross, “Tetelestai”- It is perfect." Jesus Christ, dying on the cross, was God’s perfect, faultless sacrifice: the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Merchants.

To merchants, “Tetelestai,” referred to the paying of a debt. If you purchased something, the merchant would take your money and then would give you a receipt of payment. The receipt would say, “Tetelestai”- paid in full."

As sinners we were in debt to God for an amount we could never pay, we were in need of someone to pay the debt for us. In Christ, God took it upon Himself to pay for us what we owed to Him, making it possible for us, through acceptance of the payment He has made on our behalf to receive a full pardon! No wonder the Bible refers to eternal life as a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)! Because it is a gift, it is free. But also because it is a gift, it must be received.

This would be a fantastic to pray the prayer of salvation, whether for the first time or the 1,000^th time. Just simple repeat these word in your heart, “Dear God, I admit that you’ve not been first place in my life and I’ve made a mess of my life. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and we buried and rose from the grave Sunday more for my sins. I invite Jesus into my life to be personal Lord and Savior. And I pledge the rest of my life to learning with it means to be your child. In Jesus’ Name Amen!

If you prayed that prayer congratulations your are NOW apart of God family. Now you should find a bible teaching church. We would be glad to help you… just visit our website at www.MyGreaterBethel.tv and email us or simply join us this Sunday.

Here’s an outline that will give you a deeper view of the 19^th Chapter of John’s Gospel.

• The Trial Before Pilate: 18:28-19:15 (Mat. 27:11-25; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25)
• The Crucifixion: 19:16-37 (Mat. 27:26-56; Mk. 15:16-41; Lk. 23:26-49)
• The Burial: 19:38-42 (Mat. 27:57-66; Mk. 15:42-47; Lk. 23:50-56)