I'm Back!!!

I've been moving too much since Easter. Attending and participating in the 64th Simultaneous Revival. Most of all just trying to catch up, seems like once you get behind its impossible to get caught up.

There is much I could say about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marking the 40th remembrance of his assassination. His words where and still are some of the most powerful uttered.

The following are simply Random thoughts...

When someone says that my friend...do they mean friend or Friend

When you walk in purpose you collided with destiny.

Love is not what you receive but what you give.

You can be dumb by yourself there is no need to join stupid

I am because we are

Its not what you say but how you say it and how you express yourself

Laugh more

Health and wellness is not about size

I'm Back!!! I've been moving too much since Easter. Attending and participating in the 64th Simultaneous Revival. Most of all just trying

Please Be In Prayer

Today first order of business is my mother is having surgery. Please be in prayer for her. I'm writing this sitting in that dreaded waiting room. Often times in life God has to place us all in our own waiting room. We are commanded to always pray and then wait. As I walked out of the holding area I was assured that God could go where I couldn't. It is during some of the toughest time that my heart thanks God. 1st because I know Him. I often wonder how those who don't make it through life when they're facing challenging days. 2nd because He is fully with her in the surgery room and fully with me in the waiting room ministering to both of us at the same time.

Later today we will kick off our third revival meeting part of a city-wide movement called the simultaneous revival. Which has national acclaim as being one of a kind. What makes this so special is the partnership and the cooperation of the church city-wide (each church has their own service @7 then there are joint services @ noon & 10pm) and the national preacher who minister. I've been blessed to have grown up in this revival meeting and have been blessed by many preaching legends and some of the great preaching mind in the business.

I'm proud to have my friend Rev. Bryan L. Carter Senior Pastor of the Concord Church of Dallas Texas coming to minister to us. Pastor Carter succeeded one of those legendary preachers Dr. E. K. Bailey. Who introduced me to expository preaching and who was Dr. Major L. Jimerson's pastor of St. John Church. Pastor Carter is a major preacher and teacher. He has blessed our church for the past two years and God has promised to do it again this year.

Please Be In Prayer Today first order of business is my mother is having surgery. Please be in prayer for her. I'm writing this sitting in

Revival Time

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

This was the scripture that the Lord placed in my heart Easter Sunday morning as we reached the end of our 28 day voluntary fast. I shared this with those who had joined the First Lady and I in the fast about what God was going to do in the life of our church and their lives as well as a result of their obedience. This evening as I was visiting a church service the Lord kept repeating this to me. As I made the drive home I asked the Lord what, was He trying to get me to see. And just as clear as He has ever impressed anything in my heart this is what He said tell the people that this week I’m going to do something special.

So I’m asking each of you to come and watch God do something special. I have no idea what God is going to do but I’m coming expecting Him to come through on His Word. In preparation I’m asking you to pray at 4pm for 4 minutes and for 4 things (@4 for 4 for 4).

1. Pray for God’s Power (Holy Spirit)
2. Pray for God’s Preacher (Pastor Bryan L. Carter)
3. Pray for God’s People (Everyone attending)
4. Pray for God’s Promise (The special thing He’s going to do in us, for us and through us)

We will be very intentional these three evenings so come prepared. 1st we will start on time 7pm. 2nd we will spend time entering God’s presence in worship. 3rd we will give the preaching and teaching its rightful place as the highlight of the evening. 4th we will give with expectation of a harvest.

Never Would Have Made It.

This Easter Morning I want to share Marvin Sapp’s sentiments “I am stronger, I am wiser, I am better, much better. When I look back over what he brought me thru. I realize that I made it because I had you to hold on to, now I am stronger, now I am wiser, I am better, so much better. I made it. Is there anybody in this house other than me that can declare that you made it. Tell your neighbor, never would have made it. Never would have made it. Never could have made it. Never could have made it without you. Never would have made it. Never would have made it. Never could have made it. Never could have made it without you.”

We’ve made it 28 days of fasting and praying. Father, we thank you for your patience, love and kindness that you’ve shown to us throughout these 28 days. We could not have made it without You. We are better, so much better, stronger and wiser. Receive our sacrifice as an act of worship to You. Our goal was to humble ourselves in Your presences as our God, Creator and the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Father, hear our prayer. We can’t accomplish anything without You and nothing worth accomplishing is worthy of accomplishing without You. Thank You for giving us the vision to build a place for Your Spirit to dwell. Now we ask that You will provide the professionals, the provision and the people. We call it done! In the name of our Risen Lord Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen!!

I want each of you to know this morning that you’re a Great People and I’m honored to have been chosen of God to serve you. It has been your kind words, your act of obedience and faith in God and your testimonies that has made this journey a little easier for Janice and me.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

Day 26 of 28

What a familiar place today has been for me. As we made our way home from church, we commended on the fact that it has become easy dealing with the fast. Every year during our Easter Celebration we participate in a corporate fast (normally a total fast with intake of water only from Mon-Thr). Of course this year we were lead to 28 Days. What remarkable strength I feel. You would think that the opposite would be true.

What an awesome lesson the more you sacrifice for God the stronger he makes you. I hope you've experience some life changing lessons that will stay with you forever. God is doing and going to do some amazing things because of this focused time. The word says that something only come through fasting and prayer.

Tonight was a special night as we celebrate holy communion. It was one of the most spiritual services we've had this year. Every year we seek to make this an extra special evening. This year focus was on simply praise and worship. We sung some hymns and new songs that centered on the cross.

Looking forward to the other scheduled activity. Sunday ought to be a great celebration. The staff has been working tirelessly.

Congratulations

Congratulations to my pastor and first lady Drs. John & Patricia Reed as they celebrate their 45th year at the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church. God's Word says "'I know the plan I have for you..." I'm a recepent of that scripture. I was blessed to grow up as a member of this church watching one of the most caring and loving couples serve faithfully. How that translate into my life is I had a living example of how God want us to do this. I thank God for this couple.

WE'VE MADED TO THE FOURTH QUARTER. If this was a football game, we would hold up four fingers to represent that we must presever one last quarter. What an empowering thought, we've made it 21 days (awesome.) Hang in there!

More times than not on sunday morning I struggle from an uneasiness about the message that I've crafted. Not expositonaly but whether it is relevant. I fought the feeling all weekend and made my way to the pulpit not knowing what God was going to do. As always God does what He does. What an amazing atmosphere and the souls that were saved. Simply doesn't get any better.

Last thought: Senator Obama's Pastor Dr. Jeremiah Wright is under undue pressure for supporting his member and sharing is world views. Senator Clinton's fund raising committee member Aferraro says Obama is 'lucky' because he is a black man. I can hear defeat in that comment the 'ONLY' reason he's winning is because he is 'black'. We must always fight hard, run faster & win by more. There will always be those who will never except us as equals.

Day 20 of 28

God has been so gracious and great to each of us. What a privilege to have the opportunity to actually live out Romans 12:1ff. Our desire to seek the presence of God is what make Him smile.



Tomorrow will be the end of the third quarter (day 21...7 day from celebration). This would be a great place to make you aware of your victory over the flesh. Next Sunday will mark 28 days that will stand as a tremendous testimony of what you can do when you surrender to God.



Over the last three weeks your flesh has screamed out to be satisfied but you subjected it to a greater desire to please God your Father. When your flesh wanted food after 7pm, sweets or quit before the 28 minutes were up...you said no. (Hallelujah) The word "Can't" will have no more power over your life and it will take you to higher heights and deeper depths.



Your participation in this fast has been such a great encouragement to Janice and me. Thank you for allowing us to be your leaders. The support has made an extremely difficult and demanding ministry a little easier.



I'm looking forward to our Morning experience to see what God will do through His Word. See you in the morning.

Great to be home

Growing up I dreamed of traveling and after about 22 years of both ministerial and professional traveling, I've concluded that it good to leave but great coming home.

My flight maded it in just in time to run by the church freshing up and grab my Bible. I arrived a few minutes after 7 feeling rushed and suffering from alittle jet lagged, not knowing if I was up to preaching. After whispering a prayer in the office we headed into the church. As I walked into the sanctuary I was greeted by a great numbers of our membership.

Their prayers and encouragement strengthed the tasked at hand. Dr John People and the Faith Memorial Baptist Church is a church in transition and pastor has been trying to get us to visit. I was glad that we were able to schedule the fellowship.I was to get home and glad to see everybody.

One more lecture to the board of directors of One Church One Child and then time to turn attention to weekend message.

We are halfway through the third quarter of our fast.. We are days away from another successful end of the fast.

Please take a moment and join me in prayer.

In Richmond VA

After a very long day Sunday (still trying to overcome the hour we lost). I had a 6:20am flight. Now you know somebody was straight trippin. You probably guessed it I was late getting to the airport. I arrived about 5:45am and the line were hanging out the door. I asked the skycap if the check me in curbside for my flight and the answer was no.

I go to the end of the check-in line saying to myself I'm no making this flight (I've never missed a flight for being late). If by chance I mad the check-in, I wasn't making security check point. But watch Divine Favor one of the skycaps came to the back of the line and said let have your itinerary and let me get you through this line.

He took everything and went to the front of the line for me and checked my bag and now I had a chance. He then lead me to another security check point that I made through in record time. I finally made it to my gate, everybody has already boarded. I was the last one to board but I maded it.

Here the message even when things look impossible to you God can and will make a way. While God gave me Favor I still had to participate. He'll get you through the lines but you have to get to the gate.

This fast is about God getting us through the lines (red tape, contracts, hiring professionals) but we have to participate in give, sacrifice and prayer.

Don't miss this I finally make it to the hotel and (some of you know where I'm going if you've ever stayed at the Doubletree). They offered me that hot double chocolate chip cookie. The greater the favor the greater the temptation. Be strong! The cookie is still in the bag.

End of the 2nd Quarter

Today is day 14 of 28. It has been a very long time since I’ve invited someone in to minister to our church. I invited Pastor A. R. Crawford to minister during our morning worship experience and Dr. A. Glenn Woodberry delivered the afternoon message. Pastor Crawford has become a fast friend we’ve worked closely in the Baptist Minister’s Association as well as in the Concern Clergy community work. He preached from Psalms 1 “A Blessed Man.” Dr. Woodberry is a mentor and a model of mine. Very early in my ministry he sort of adopted me and has spoken over the years some of the most profound, prolific and spirit-filled philosophies on preaching and pasturing. It was our Men’s Day and as usual Dr. blessed our hearts through the Word of God.

During every fast that I’ve ever participated in one thing has been consistent the enemy always tries to distract and discourage. John 10:10 is clear of his intent “A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (Msg) As you continue to join us on this journey remember that there will be Satanic resistance Matthew 4:1-3ff says “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him…” (NIV)

Here’s my point please don’t be surprised or caught off guard when confusion, chaos and/or complications come up against you. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)

Be Strong We’re Entering The Third Quarter!

A Lesson From Some Cotton Candy

Giving in to the temptation! Today is day 13 of 28. Janice and I took the sugababies to see Elmo Grows Up. After making our way through the turnstiles they went crazy the atmosphere just pulls them in to that give-me, buy-me, can I have frenzy. Every time Elmo comes to town it takes Big Poppa a few weeks to recover financially. We made it to our seats without spending a dime I sitting pretty wallet in intact but then it started give-me, buy-me, can I have. There I was like a deer caught in headlights and you know the rest…I melted and started that journey all the way back to vendor’s row. Where the nice people smile at you but under their breath I know their saying “Sucker.” A “Sucker” is person who will spend hard earned money for over-price junk that he won’t ever see again after the night is over. After several painful moments I begin the journey back to the seat with an arm full of lights, funnel cakes and cotton candy.

Elmo is on stage, the lights are bright, the music is loud and Sugababies are in happy, happy land. Playing with the light toys, eating funnel cakes and cotton candy, then it hits Janice and me simultaneously. The temptation to surrender! At that moment the Holy Spirit delivered a spiritual note we are all faced with the desire for cotton candy, that sweet, soft and enticing candy. The cotton candy represents that which we want but that which is not good for us. 2 Timothy 4: 3-4:

(New International Version) “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

(The Message Translation) “You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.”

No matter how much you may desire the “cotton candy” just say NO! “Cotton candy” is just puff, No filler, will destroy your teeth and brings nothing to the table. Hebrews 5:14 (NIV) “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

With the temptation of “Easy Worship” and “Comfortable Church” beware and don’t get caught up in a ministry that only offers “cotton candy”! 15 minutes sermons with no real relevance, church without commitment and salvation with sacrifice. We’re living in some dangerous times when we choose a place of worship for every other reason other than the word. We ought to choose a church on the basis of the Word of God that is being spoken. If the music isn’t the best – make sure that the uncompromised Word of God is being explained and exalted. If the people aren’t the most polite people – make sure that Word is being used for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that you may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (NIV)

Don’t Give In To The Temptation!

Day 12 of 28 Days

Good morning! I want to first say thanks for joining us in this journey. It is very encouraging knowing that there are others who care about the ministry and the work that God is calling us to – that are willing to get in the spiritual trenches with us. You will never know what it has meant to Janice and I.

Let me give you a quick update from the frontlines. (Now remember this is ONLY for those of us who are fasting as we continue to be faithful to that which God has called us to pray for during our time of fasting.) Here’s the update: If you will remember during our 50 days of pray last fall, I shared this word with you “If you start praying about something, do not be surprised if it gets worse before it gets better.” That’s the update! Read John 11: 1-43

Now I want to talk with you about a much deeper word than commitment. I want to talk to you about the word SACRIFICE. We know very little about personal sacrifice today. Personal sacrifice is when you have to give up something or someone that you love very much, and it may even hurt, in order to walk with God.

That’s what the discipline of fasting says to God. There is nothing that You’ve blessed me with that I’m not willing to give up in order to walk with You. The key is SURRENDER!!! The surrendering of your entire life to God indicates personal sacrifice. Your level of surrender and personal sacrifice will determine the depth of your walking with God.

I promised that throughout this fast that I would help you understand this particular fast in hopes of deepening your time with God. So why has God called us to fast. We have been summons by God to fast because it is the only way to be successful in the work He has assigned us to accomplish.

In Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah was given the impossible task of rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, so he prayed and fasted.

In Acts 13:2-3 - The church was given the impossible task of winning the world to Christ, so they prayed and fasted.

Application: God has given our church the daring task of building and winning the lost to Christ that many would considered an impossible task...we must pray and fast!

For 28 days and nights we are asking God for supernatural favor to do His will through prayer and fasting. I cannot wait to see what happens.

The issue is personal sacrifice. The issue is surrender. Christ is our supreme example of both. He did it for us!

A Commitment Church

I want to just share a word about “Commitment!” Consistency is the one thing that every believer can recommit to everyday. Consistency is also the one thing that is at the center of so many churches never making the impact on the world around it. Sunday as I made my way to the pulpit there it was again that nagging push to confront the commitment level of our church. It was one of those moments that few people enjoy but if we would be honest one that’s needs to ring throughout the pulpits of America.

I made some commitments to God early in my spiritual journey to the pastorate and one of them was that I wouldn’t ever be afraid to speak truth. If I was going to accept the responsibility of becoming the spiritual leader/father of a congregation, I was going to love them enough to tell them the truth. Often times I feel like John on the island of Patmos but for the most part I believe that at the end of the day most people appreciate the truth. My hope is that by speaking the truth that there will be those who hear the message, compute the consequences and make a life affecting commitment to Jesus Christ that moves them to another spiritual level (whether believer or non-believer).

One person wrote me shortly after coming to Greater Bethel from another church and said, “The difference in the two churches is that the other was a committed church and this is a committed church.” Recently I read in a leading Christian publication that today’s younger generation is looking for this characteristic in a potential church home. God has given me the courage to present a preaching/pasturing ministry that is real, relevant and often time raw. On the other hand, over the years the church has lose some members who either through adoption or birth who come in and/or find that the commitment level encouraged is more than they wanted to make. Let me quickly say no one in departing is ever honest enough to give it as the reason for their exit. So instead, they look around for something or someone to blame and/or criticize as they exit rather than being honest. Most would never admit that they hadn’t really put a decent amount of effort into attending on a regular basic, getting to know and be known by church family and/or developing an intimate relationship with Jesus.

My hope is that every member of the Greater Bethel Church would raise the level of their commitment whether through this 28 day fast, attendance, giving, serving, belonging or whatever area that the Holy Spirit places on your heart. I promise you that if you do…it will be the most important thing you’ve ever done in your life. God want to do something special in your life…

To final words for this e-mail…On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) how would you score yourself in two strategic areas of importance?

First from 1 to 10 rate your commitment to Christ as your Lord.

Next, on a scale of 1 to 10 rate your commitment to His local church.

Now prayerfully consider up-scaling your commitment. Commitment and consistency are two wings on the same bird.

28 Days

In a few minutes it will be day 7 of a 28 day fast that I’ve ask the Greater Bethel Church to join me in. God has given us a great opportunity to do something for His Kingdom that many, many church family wished they were called to do. I feel a sense of urgency and often time chased and dogged by fear about our future. While I know that our future will be fruitful the enemy has tried everything to throw us off track. God has called this fast to center us as we reflect and refocus our confidence in Him. I believe that God is going to take our church to the next level as He builds the church before the church is built. The following our fasting covenant…

Greater Bethel Church
Fasting Covenant 2008

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:3 (KJV)

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” Ezra 8:23 (NIV)

Time Span: Monday, February 25th ~ Sunday, March 23rd (Easter) = 28 Days

Daily Commitment To:

Spend 28 minutes of daily quiet time with God

Within my 28 minutes of daily quiet time w/God…spend time praying for our Church in the following areas:
Vision (Make me passionate about Building Your Church and Your CommUnity)
Building Program (Give Us Divine Favor in the area of Contracts, Bids, Permits, Finances & Professionals)
Finances (Create a spirit of generosity within the family beginning with me).

28 minutes of daily Exercise or Activity

Absolutely No Eating after 7 pm

Absolutely No SWEETS…not sugar….Sweets defined as cookies, candy, cake etc.

Day Trip To End A Long Week

I guess I must admit that my wife's right. I'm guilty of being too busy. It has been about a month since last posting, even with the new feature of post with your mobile. I'm guilty as charged but I'm not going to give up without a fight.

Since my last post after being heavily influence by my study of church ministry and being lead by the Holy Spirit too lead the church in 50 day of corporate prayer and fasting. God has impressed on me that it was time for a transition, starting with leadership. Process still in transition...keep you posted.

The fall season has been rough for me physically, especially during my heavily preaching schedule. God grace was surely sufficient with a few days rest I made it through.

Just wrapped up a special meeting where I was invited to my home church to serve as the noon day speaker. What a great privilege as well as challenge . First its always tough to go home. Second being the noon day in your own city. Third with a major time retrains that I've not faced in 24 years. Fourth is sharing the pulpit with a national evangelist named Reverend Clarence R. Morton. National Baptist Congress instructor, writer and speaker. It was great getting to hang out with my pastor as well as Dr. Morton.

Today I got up pretty early to wrap up things for this weekend service. Finished about 11am and loaded up the family and headed toward Kansas where my youngest son Zack is attending college too surprise him. I'm so proud of what God is doing in his life and for the young man he has grown to be.

Pray for our save travel back home and my strength as I stand tomorrow to declare God's Word at both 9am & 10:45am.

New Orleans

Today I'm away attending the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Leadership Conference in New Orleans, LA. It's strange just saying that after how devastating hurricane Katrina hit here I've not been since. I'm staying at the Hilton Riverside relaxing a few minutes before getting back to work in the executive lounge on the 29th floor over looking the river the water. The waters here has an amazing story, it hard to imagine just months ago the same water took lives and now as if nothing had every happen thing seem so normal.

That leads me to a thought after most national disasters there is much talk about recognizing the mass lost of life. Just looking from the outside in there seems to be a push to rebulid the city and move on. Humanly speaking it human nature but one would think that those how had love ones pass away without a trace would demand something.

I will try my best to atleast take a tour of the area that hasn't been rebuilt and would be great to see leaves. Better get back to work another short week.

away

Attending the 110th session of the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is always a trip filled with mix emotions because I know I need to be here but I don't want to be. Just like the song says 'I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock and road' that's how I feel I'm a little bit old school and a little bit new school.

That's my struggle with these meetings we seem to warp back into time. When I look around this convention my heart is grieved for the lack of young people. We must develop programs that will attract them and continue to build a bridge to our heritage. I noticed this year more than ever that this means something to the older generation that will be lost if it is not properly passed on to the next generation.

Now I think I've wrote myself into a corner and that there is something God has for us to do. I hear Jesus saying 'the harvest is pantiful but the labors are few.' there are times when I feel overwhelmed with a heart to do the things of God.

Let me wrap this up by sharing how good God is. I've been walking around the convention and there are people from the district calling me president. Who would have ever thought that God would use somebody like me in his service. Praise be to God!

Jena 6 September 20th

Today all across this nation, there will be rallies and protest for racial justice responding to events in Jena, Louisiana that has gripped the nations attention. I excited about the movement because I believe that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. I just concerned with the time that it has taken with all the technology that is out there it took so long for us to respond. Second how could we still have a 'whites only' anything and that people of any color would think that's proper. Future more the construction of nooses to be called a prank.



While American is the greatest Nation in the world there is still much we must work toward. Sadly, shamefully and sorrowfully we are still these yet to be United States. Pray much for the movement today that everything will be done for the glory and honor of God.

You Are My Ministry

I’m hanging out for the day in Dallas, TX serving and ministering to the love of my life Janice. It is an honor to just get away and just minister to her. As pastor sometimes [more than I am willing to admit right now] my priorities get crossed and I’m not the best husband in the world. Now I’ve come a long way with that because as a young inexperience preacher I thought that my calling was my top priority but I know now that no matter what call God has place on my life, no matter where He leads me, my first call is to be a husband and father. I guess with all that is going on in the religious world today with the well publicized ministry leader’s martial issues, it has further deepened my resolved to take time and devote time to my first ministry.

I was reading one of my good friends blog and I want to echo his sentiments about his church because he express the thoughts I have about Bethel it’s strange but yet it’s not because I think that it speaks of most churches in American that has made a commitment to become a healthy church. Here what HB Charles pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church says “I believe we are going in the right direction. But I know that we have a long way to go. And sometimes it seems like the progress of the church is two steps forward, three steps back. But be clear, none of these things change my mind and heart against the church. I believe in Jesus. Therefore, I believe in the church. I agree with the late Vance Havner, who used to say that you can't drown with your head above the water. And maybe that's the key. Maybe we need to be more inentional, strategic, diligent, passionate and focused on the supremacy of Jesus Christ. We should win people to Christ, not the church. And if I read my Bible right, a true devotion to Christ will result in participating membership in the church.”

I really don’t know what God has in store for Bethel but I sense it something huge. There is something on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what God is up to.

On My Home To See My Baby

It is always exciting to be looking to travel to a conference or convention but as Dorothy said in the Wiz 'there is no place like home!' Growing up we always went on one vacation (the GMWA) and I have always loved traveling. I pledged at age 10 that when I grew up I was going to get a job and travel. Stay in fancy hotel and enjoy a life of lesser. Well none of the thing have yet come true but I do travel. That was one of the things that I really enjoyed while working in corporate American. Now at 43 with so much travel behind me after about two day away I ready to get back home. Janice and I thought that after she closed the business down that she would be able to travel together but that hasn't happen just yet. I normally travel with her on her conferences (Ain't that something).

One other thing...does this make any sense? I was scheduled to leave Philly Thursday but due to a new assignment and the president's address I rescheduled my flight to Friday. That's pretty clear isn't it? I don't sleep due to a number of reason bad arrive at the airport early (for me). Here's the twist the only have me book half way home, after paying a travel change charge. Then tell me it will cost me 600.00 to get home. Crazy huh. Now let me rush to say I did not have to act unlike the Pastor because the young lady that was serving me was not having it. She was more upset than I was and after watching her I quickly relaxed. Favor just ain't fair!! After talking crazy to two different supervisors I had my boarding passes for my entire trip.

Well I on the plane waiting for take-off. My goal is to sleep between Philly and DFW. I really tried running on about 6 hours of sleep in 3 days. May have to get something to help me sleep.

Father, thank you for a wonderful day. Amen!

Just A Thought About A Fallen Brother

Today, I'm sitting in the Philadelphia convention center waiting to hear the annual address of Dr. William J. Shaw. President of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. Here's my thought why does God choose to take some through death early and leave others. Now don't get me wrong I know God is sovereign but it is just a verbal question that I had just minutes ago.

Last evening as we all ran into each other (meaning the original 'Sons of Thunder') in the lobby of the hotel it was like time rowed back and in the mist of the fun, fellowship and even the foolishness my mind turn to the late Rev. Ron C. Carter. Ron was the always in the middle of all the fun but more than that Ron was like everybody's big brother.

Salute Rev. Ron C. Carter.

Away But Still Running

As I stated in my last blog I'm in Philadelphia PA, I had thought that I would get some much needed rest but that hasn't happen just yet. With everything going on I have been greatly encourage by the meetings, the messages and the fellowship.

An added treat has been that my evening hours between services and meetings have been spent watching The Word Network (if you don't know what that is its preaching 24/7). And any who knows me knows that turns me on. I guest I just let the cat out of the bag...I'm staying up all night watching and dreaming. While there are many ministry that are questionable in doctrine and theology it is still exciting to see what ministries are doing. Many I'm familiar with through convention work or conferences. I feel a sense of being on the edge of doing some awesome thing in the Kingdom of God. Can't wait to see what God is going to do with the ministry that I'm blessed to be a servant to.

Some very interesting fact about Philly: sadly, sinfully and shamefully the state leads the nation in homicides 297 with a great number of them accruing among African American community. At the same time proudly and positively the Philly police academy graduated 127 caudate. Highlighted by a young brother who graduated and was interviewed and asked why he wanted to become a policeman. He said his father was killed and while going up he was shot nine times and if he could stop that from happening to one other kid it would be worth it.

Miss my wife (not away from her much, so I can't get home too soon). Plus it doesn't hurt that the sugarbabies are with her. Seriously walking around the convention center and seeing guys with their wives I makes me long for the day when it will be Janice and me.

Peace out!

Headed to Philly

Headed to Philly today for the National Baptist Convention. This should prove to be a interesting meeting because we are approaching an election year. So there will be a lot of movements by prospective candidates. There is an under current of younger more cutting edges pastors who could make positive impact on the out come of this election. It is amazing how God has preachers and leaders from across this country needing, desiring and longer for the same thing. What, you ask? A move of God! Something new, fresh and innovative.



I'm not alone! I'm not crazy! God does speak outside and in my case beyond the box! I believe that God is calling us to 'just do it'! We need his power and his guidance but he want us to do it. Without a move of God we will lose a generation possibly two that we can't afford especially in the Africa American community.



Now I know that this was real random but I started out writing one thing and ended up somewhere else. I'm hoping this plane is going to take soon.



Talk to you from Philly. I'm going to have to remember to taste a Philly cheese sandwich. I'll tell you about.

Salute!!!

Just a simple salute to three people who have gone on to be with the Lord, Mrs. Gloria E. Kelley, Rev. Frank O. Kelley (Her husband) & Gerald Fisher. Three of my closest friends have graduated from the temporary to the eternal. God is so gracious and loving even when you don’t understand everything He is doing. My life has been made richer because he has allowed my life to cross with three of his special children.

My prayers go out to their families, Frank and Gloria’s daughters and Gerald’s wife and sons. See ya in the morning.

Rollocoastor Oh, Yeah

Rollocoastor Oh, Yeah! That's how the last few month have been for me personally. The highs and the low keep coming but its the rush between the two that causes me the most devastation.

With the passing of some close friends Gloria & Frank Kelley and Gerald Fisher two in the last week. My mother is working on her third week in the hospital. The pressures of just trying to be a godly husband, father pastor and leader. And a whole lot of other things that I will not take up space to even mention.

This has not only been a season of lows but because God is good all the time and all the time God is good we've experience some of the highest of high. We celebrated a milestone with our 21st wedding anniversary. Our youngest son received a scholarship and is on his way to Kansas. We took the sugarbabies to Sea World. BethelKIDZ was very successful. We unveiled the exterior and interior of our new church. The church is growing, I sense something in the resistance of certain people who I know aren't with us and it pushes me to believe that God is about to so something special. I believe in God no matter what.

My prayer is that I may continue to mature in my relationship with God through Jesus to go through the miserable middles of life as handled the rollocoastors of life.

Let me explain my post about my first time. I t was my first time to post a blog via my pocket PC. Cool huh

On My Way Home

It is 5:45am and I've had only about an hour and a half sleep because of a very early flight. As I put my suit on this morning it was a little different because the last two days I just hung out with the children. It has been a blessing because it allowed me a few days to simply relax my mind. Mentally it has been a rough time. While I have a number of physical challenges, at this season in life it’s very difficult for me to just find time to just not relax. This was just what I needed.

As the old saying goes 'all good thing must come to an end.' As I put my suit on I knew I was headed back to every responsibility that comes along with being the pastor of a church. One of the most unpleasant duties of pastorate is leading families through the funeral process. It is even heavier when you find yourself to everything. I headed back to face just that be comfort while grieving yourself.

Today is 'bitter sweet' with everything going on Janice and I will celebrate our 21 anniversary. Guess we're legal. As I kissed her this morning at 4AM headed to the airport in San Antonio TX. She promises that she'll be home before it's over (likely story.)

Well its boarding time. Peace.

This is my first time!

It is officially summertime!

It is officially summertime! Summer, Summer, Summertime, time to sit back and unwind – sorry lyrics from one of my favorite D.J. Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) song. Sunday afternoons are great when we’re not scheduled to be in service. After working so hard to make sure everything is done with a spirit of excellence and after a week long of studying and cramming for the message. Praying that you’re able to deliver the in the fashion that it was received from the original author. Just wanting to do a good job in your exposition of the text and allow the Holy Spirit to do what He wants to do with the message. I try not to but it’s hard not to rehearse everything but most Sunday evening until movie time…I’m asking myself what could I’ve done better in my presentation of God’s Word. There are so many challenges that most member who sit in the pews will never know. First, the pastor is always the pastor but he has to separate himself enough to worship God in church [I’m praying that I can get better at that. Not allowing everything to hinder my worship.] Second, no matter how long you’ve been preaching there is always a sense of nerves. Early in ministry you’re nerves because of crowds and always the Word because of a lack of confidence. After you’ve been in the ministry a while the nerves don’t leave they just moves from worry about the crowd to worry about am in line with God’s Word and am I pleasing Him.

We’ll the “Sugababies” are here but I want to share one more thing. Last night I attended my 25th High School Class Reunion and I actually enjoyed myself. Janice and I attended it started out really uncomfortable because there is one thing I’m really not good at and that remembering people. If I’m forced to I will get it repetition but it had been 25 year and people were expecting me to know them and it just wasn’t happening. Now everyone that was apart of the Waltz Way family [all the kids that grew up and played together], it was easy to spot them. What I was really impressed with was that being a 98% white all through school I probably didn’t give them a chance to get to know me because of my preconceived ideas or my predisposition to think all white people was prejudiced. I’m not really sure what happened maybe we’ve all grew especially me. I had friends who would date some of the white girls but I never did. I was simple the athlete and I had few white male friends but I normally just stuck to my own. I was talking to a classmate of my name “Nancy” who said she never cherished any of the thinks from high school because the time was so bad for her. I really felt what she was sharing because has it not been for Janice I’m not really sure how things would have ended up. She has always been there for me and I owe here so, so much.

I know it’s a lot of rambling and when I do that I simple don’t post it. I spend more time fixing it but I’m too tired this evening. I’ve been working ever since I got hope and I’m about to spend sometime relaxing and loving on my some “Sugababbies!”

I'M STILL STANDING

Today, we celebrated another year on leading the Greater Bethel Church. My prayer for today was simply that with all of the excitement surrounding the celebration that we would not lose sight of God. Well as always God answered came through. We were blessed by Grammy nominated psalmist Pastor Beverly Crawford (Simply Bad). One of my favorite singers of all time. Second, my childhood pastor Dr. J A Reed Jr came through and wrecked the house (that's preacher talk for doing a great job). I thank God for him and all that he has meant to my life, family and ministry. Accompanied by his wife Dr. Patricia Reed, who has been a great supporter of everything we've ever attempted as well as a consistent intercessor for Janice and I.

There is much work to be done. God has so much that He wants to do for us, in us and through us. I know that God will see us through and I can't wait to see the beginning of the vision. I say the beginning because I know that this is God's plan and purpose this bigger than just me. Right now God is preparing his next leader who will continue his work. I'm privilege to lead His people and in spite of the most difficult times and days of pastoring. God could have chosen any one but I thank God He has smiled on me.

What a grand opportunity to declare God's Word! To speak in to the lives of people week after week. To declare God's power, purpose and pleasure.

God is surrounding us with some spiritual people who understand leadership. This makes pastoring a pleasure and a challenge. Eyes have not seen nor ears heard the great things God have prepared for us.

Away For A Few Days

Some days I wake-up with what feels like the weight of the world on my chest. Not knowing why I feel what I feel, just nervous and uneasy I have to fight my way through what I know is an attack of the enemy. I have to constantly remind myself that nothing will happen today that God cannot handle. I often wonder how people who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ make it through life without the bless assurance that those of us who are save have. My heart goes out to those individuals and fuels my passion to see people come into the saving knowledge of how Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day morning. This along with the fact that the Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for me gives me the strength and the determination to keep moving on

Today, I have a break in schedule during the EK Bailey Expository Preaching Conference hosted by EK Bailey Ministries here in Dallas, TX. This is my 12th year attending and let me quickly say “God is awesome!” He has used this conference to solidify the importance of prayer [not that I didn’t know that prayer was important] but God has been revealing a lack of genuine spiritual growth in our church family. As the spiritual leader I have questioned what could I do differently but I realize that it is not about sermons or lessons it about moving people into to a deep relationship with God through intimate communion in prayer. It has been for a lack of better term ‘enlightening’. I have my work cut out for me when I get home trying to assimilate everything and began this never ending journey of teaching people to live life, to live more abundantly and live on purpose.

My ‘Good Thang’ is with me and that make all the difference in the world in traveling. We’ve been so very busy that it’s been really hard to try to spend some quality time together. This has been a great two days with all the sessions, we’ve found time to share some special moments. In my maturing in ministry my goal is to learn how to relax and be more of a husband, father and grandfather. Entering into ministry as a boy plus being a bit of a workaholic doesn’t make for a good thing. I thank God for my wife and family who have continued to love me but there is a thin line between love and hate.

I was very proud of my ‘Jan’ she hates when I call her that this past Sunday as she stood to speak at the Tabernacle Baptist Church during thier Women's Annual Day. She was awesome as my childhood pastor would say. She is becoming more and more conformable doing what I feel but she denies is her destiny. God has his hand on her life but she’s fight him all the way but I think that what God desires most those who don’t want to go. Some people desire the lime light or the spot light and all God wants is those who desire The LIGHT! Continue to pray for her obedience to God.

This weekend will be the close of our 15th Anniversary Celebration of Pastoral Ministry. I don’t think I’ll ever get use to the fuss [the good or the bad] that come along with this. I know that it is God’s Will but it’s tough because the enemy is always busy. I’m always humble that the church would take out the time but I’m always glad when it is over. I do always enjoy having one of my bestest friends Rev. Raclius Douglas and my pastor Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. to come through the Bethel Church.

Looking forward to the rest of the conference we’ll worship this evening at the Concord Church where my friend Pastor Bryan Carter serves as Senior Pastor. We had a chance to go out lunch and I appreciate him and his wife Stephanie taking the time out of their busy schedules to be kind to Janice and me. Oh, yea I most forgot Rev. Vance Roland and his wife Bev are here with us, we’ve been good for each other.

The maids knocking on the door so I better get going. Later

Today Was A Good Day!

Let me quickly say because I’m a few days late. Happy Birthday to Janell! Janell is my oldest granddaughter and she turned 3 the other day. She is truly a blessing. She has been attending summer camp with the other children because her Sugar-mama is the teacher. She has master most of the camp memory requirements while being one the youngest attending. I’m a very proud Papa!

Today was a good day [to borrow a line for the hip hop generation]. First, got a chance to get to some very needed honey do’s around the house. We made it a sort of family affair everybody pitched in. Second, Janice and I cook, she handled the kitchen and I did a pretty good job holding down the grill, If I have to say so myself. Third, we had some extended family over and watch a great movie “Pride” a must see.

Well, better rap things up. Got a busy day tomorrow, funny thing is after a day off you work harder the next. Janice took the opportunity to head south for the evening, she just call made it save, thank God. So, I’m turning it in, really tired. Looking forward to getting some must needed rest!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It is raining like crazy! I’m not sure but it should be going on week two of rain. My yard may never dry out, we have our own little river. Water has been running from the back yard down the driveway all week long [Thank God He’s paying the bill for this time.] This weather is taking its toll on my body my knees and my back have been aching. I use to think that the older people was just making that stuff up but the older I get the more aches and pain I feel.

Since the convention it’s been non-stop. Got back in on Thursday taught ‘Girlfriends’ our church’s Women’s Ministry on Saturday, Sunday morning continued teaching our small groups in a joint Bible Study [please be in prayer for that transition] then preached twice Sunday. Normally, I try to save some when I know I have to do an afternoon service but between Bible Study and that first message I almost didn’t make it. But the St. John Church of Brooksville, OK has always been kind to me. I’ve been preaching there a long time and the strange thing is I always look forward to going. Most time if I’m invited more than two or three time it becomes like a chore. This year was Pastor Lee Oliver and First Lady Katharine Oliver’s 30th Anniversary. We took off Wednesday and Thursday we traveled to Chandler, OK about an hour in the other direction to the Central Baptist Church for the 30th Anniversary of Pastor James Reed and First Lady Linda Reed an outstanding couple as well. Pastor James Reed is my big brother in the ministry he has known me for most of my life. I’m honored each year to stand in his pulpit. I pray that God would bless Janice and I to serve long.

I thank God for the church. They will never know how it makes me feel when I walk in a church and make my way to the pulpit and see the faces of faithful followers. It means the world to me. It’s encouraging, strengthen and inspiring. We’re growing! I see that, God has done some refocusing of my eyes I’m not look numerically as much as spiritually now! I really believe that God promised me numbers but now he’s counting on me to equip them. I’m committed to do my part in the development of people who desire to grow. For along time I was preaching and waiting, preaching and waiting but now I see some movement. People are beginning to see God’s vision and we’re going to become a healthy body of believers.

Bethel CommUnity is making some huge step to becoming reality. I was sharing with someone that you can be praying for something and when God does it [when it’s a God thing]. It forces you to have to pray even harder. We’ve been praying for God to move the project, now that all the professionals we’ve hired are on the job, now we need money. Bills are coming in seemly everyday. Now our prayer is Lord provide rather than Lord push. This is an exciting time and I’m looking forward to unveiling everything to the church. It’s going to be awesome!

Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day is always like a family reunion in the Gaddis family. Well, most holidays are because for the most part [with the exception of Christmas] we all gather at dad’s house. Father’s Day is special because Dana, Brent, Mike, Dad and I are under the same roof, we share a bond that isn’t shared in a many families we’re tight. We’ve always been! We were taught that family is important and we should have each others back. Even as boys we could fight like dogs [as my mother would say] but by the end of the day we were brother. Now that we have families of our own and have been blessed to be pretty successful in our respective occupations, we don’t get the chance to see each others as much as we should but one thing is certain when we get together stories will flow and it always seems like all the years disappear and we’re all kids again.

Oh, yea don’t want to forget to tell you that after we said our good-byes and I made it home [sounds like a long way but it’s really only four houses down the street] my children brought gifts. Every year about a week before Father’s day I get the same question “Daddy, what do you want for father’s day?” To which I give the same answers “I want you to fall in love with God and His Church!” They think always think I’m playing around but that is my prayer for my children, grandchildren and when I’m blessed my great, great grandchildren. Now I’m not in any hurry for the great, greats but you get the point. Anyhow they share thoughtful gifts with me and I’m still praying about the one gift that I really want 365 days a year.

I’m writing this from my hotel room in St. Louis, while attending the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. This will be a very important trip for two reason first I will try my best to get in as much preaching and teaching as I can by some of this nation’s greatest communicators. Reason two when I walk through the exhibits hall this year I will not only be looking for that fabulous dress to surprise the First Lady with but I will be shopping for our new church building. For years now I’ve walked through and window-shopped but this year I’m buying or at least seriously talking to vendor.

On the flight down I began to write down our vision for building to share with the architect so that the team would not see this project as just another building but the most important space our church has here-to ever considered constructing. A place where spiritual connections will be made, where souls will be nourished, and a place where the saving message of Jesus Christ will be spoken, it’s not just a church it’s a community. I may have just written our construction commercial blitz piece.

My head is spinning and my emotions are simply out of control. One moment I’m extremely excited about the future and the next I’m deadly scared of failure. I believe that our best days are ahead of us and I’m privileged to pastor one of the greatest churches in the world [In Jesus’ Name]! Pray that I will continue to look up to God and not look around at people. Pray that my faith will grow strong. Good Night!

Sure Isn't Like Riding A Bike

It's Monday and rather than resting and taking a day off. I'm at summer camp teaching. You never stop growing or learning. I've become accustom to teaching adults but teaching children sure isn't like riding a bike. See, I use too be the children pastor many, many moons ago at the Fairview Church. But after nearly 20 years I've certainly changed and the children today certainly have. I studied and prepared to share a study on "Trust In God," in chapel that would go along with our Bible course that is taught on Thursdays. Afterwards, I really didn't feel that I did a very good job but I'm trusting that God will continue to work. I think my problem was the level of my lesson more than anything else. We have really bright group of children this year that God has bless us to have an awesome opportunity and we really want to be a good steward over the young lives that he's placed in our hands this summer.

Join me in prayer for what God wants to do in and through this summer camp experience for the children. Prayer for our staff as well as our volunteers that they're service will be as unto the Lord. Two very important things: first in every child in that camp regardless of the home they come from need someone to speak and impart godly encouragement. Second love makes all the difference in the world, we get a chance to love them with the love of God.

Now Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is LOVE! Please join me in prayer.

Busy Time and It’s Just Getting Started

We just finished our first week of BethelKIDZ Summer Camp. Praise God from whom all blessing flow. This is our first year to do five days a week for 9 weeks [1 down and 8 to go.] We had a great group of volunteers and the staff handled things wonderfully. Glenda is a God-sent. She’s retired and could be sitting at home but she has been a jewel in as our campus coordinator. The children are very excited and are soaking up things really, really fast.

Attended the State Congress of Christian Education Monday – Wednesday, was encouraged by the meeting. The Pastoral class was very different than normal; it was open dialog, which allowed for a more helpful discussion. In the past we’ve only sat and listen to one point of view and all types of ministry style were simply not touched. Not sure who to give the credit to but well done congress staff.

Didn’t stay for the entire week for several reason but one was getting back to work on a few project that still need personal attention. After driving back I decided not to preach Wednesday evening which is my custom on the first Wednesday after the first Sunday then celebrate Holy Communion. I’m going to blame Janice for pushing me into preaching by saying that people were going to drive our over $3.25 gas and they needed to hear the Word. Well, anybody who knows me understands that I didn’t need much persuading. The Lord blessed His Word and sustained my tired body and birthed a series of sermon from Ephesians 4.

Tonight I was given the privilege to speak at a community forum. It was exciting and encouraging to see so many of our elected official, pastor and other civil organization present. I love my community and am willing to help where ever I’m needed. Some how I’ve been secretly appoint to lead this [not really secretly they just didn’t ask me I was just told that I would give the closing statement and the next day I’m the Chair], I know my Pastor had something to do with that. Only thing that is troubling is that God hasn’t really been clear on what He has plan with this community piece. So pray for me that I might know God will for this.

In a few hours Janice and I will have to both teach, she will teach Girlfriends while share with the Antioch Full Gospel Church and minister in a men’s luncheon. Janice is developing into a great teacher and will do a wonderful job of teaching. I’m really not sure what I’ll minister in the morning but I’m trusting God to lead and guide me.

Continue to pray for my health, haven’t felt this good in several months. My breathing has caused me to not be able to work out like I need to but I’ve been back for the last three weeks. Pray for my patience I’m struggling not to stress about how the Building funds, plans and other last minute things are dragging. I know God is in control and I know I’m probably the biggest hold up because He’s trying to teach me a lesson.

Last bit of new we’ve just finalized Beverly Crawford my all time favorite singing to come and minister during our 15th Anniversary Celebration. Now that’s doing church beyond the box! I’m most looking forward to the new idea that the committee came up with for a First Lady Luncheon. That makes me Happy! Nobody knows how much she put and pushes for the ministry. I don’t know personally another First Lady who is sold out for ministry like Janice. I often tell her I’m glad she’s on my team. She’s my girl.

Happy Birthday Saniyah

As usually I had a very busy weekend. After about 3 ½ hour of sleep, my day started with a 2 hour ride to a funeral service for the brother of one of the deacons in the church, they are a great family and have been tremendous supporters to the ministry. I was glad that Janice and I were able to be there for them. On my way back realized that I still had two more services to attend before the evening was over along with a very special birthday.

By the time we made it back it was time for our granddaughter Saniyah Raye’s first birthday [she is growing up fast and is beautiful]. Saniyah turned one on the 14th of April and with all my grandchildren [three in total] I always splurge for the party, that’s the least I can do. I’m blessed to see them everyday and they spend a great part of the day at the office with me. As I thought about how fast this year has gone by, a lot has happen…
· We purchased 25 acres of land to build a new church
· Zack [youngest son] is a senior in high school about to graduate
· Zack won state in basketball and choir
· Dee [youngest daughter] broke her collar bone in a basketball game
· Tiff [oldest daughter] moved out on her own
· Hornets [NBA basketball team on loan from New Orleans] have come and gone
· Bond program getting ready to hit the market for over two million dollars
· Celebrated the Home-going of two faithful women of God Erma Jean Hill & Delia Perry
· Saniyah crawled, walked and is now running, saying words and laughing

After the party I got a chance to spend some time with Saniyah [Sharonda brought her new pictures] before having to rush off to church. As the evening began to close as my custom is I began to turn my attention toward Sunday morning. As Ed Young Jr. says “it’s all about Sunday Morning, dummy!” The last thing I do on Saturday is to begin to visualize everything, and then I pray and ask God to have His way.

Sunday, we met for prayer as we do each Sunday praying for each other, our study, our service and soul. We’ve continued our study on ‘discovering our ministry’ in our small group experience. During our morning experience we began a new series called “Extreme, Home Makeover!” I felt real good about service after the Easter and Revival hang-over. At the end of the service a young man came to give his life to Christ, I took the opportunity to lead him to Christ personally.

Janice and I grabbed some lunch in the office and changed for another service, the close of the 63rd Simultaneous Revival at 3:00. By the end of this service we are completely exhausted. We had planned to spend the evening watching some new movies but the wrappers didn’t even get broke. We ended up just finding a comfortable place and just relaxed. Our grandchildren came by and as usual we found some energy to play and spoil them.

The plan is for us to work this week to wrap up Easter, the Revival and evaluate everything for next year’s planning. I’ll have to devote a lot of my week trying to get the CPA done, so that we can get our bond program off the ground and finalize our summer program. So I’m signing-off for now – to prepare to spend some time with the First-Lady!

It's Been Too Long!

I didn't know how long it has been. I had promised and promised myself that I was going to get back to my blog but like most things I just kept putting things off. Well, I was about to say tonight but I guess it is early morning. My mind is spinning with all the messages I've hear this week during the City-Wide revival. It has been one of the best Oklahoma City has had and I've had fun hanging with my friends and making some new ones as well.

Our revival was attended very well, we're growing and coming along in our spiritual growth as a church. I'm very pleased with how we handled really only our second revival under my watch. Pastor Bryan L. Carter was our guest for the second year and He was simply awesome and that's just not preacher talk. Pastor Carter allowed the Lord to use him mightily, through him God shared some strong messages. Pastor Carter and I have become great friends over the years and I'm blessed to have him as a personal as well as a ministry friend.

Apart from the messages, one of the highlight is our evening meal that has become a regular thing. About three or four years ago Janice and I felt lead to open our home to some of our friends who come and share with our City during the revival. Janice along with some of the wonderful cooks at our church would put together a menu and we would open our home for a meal between night service and late night service. Now that we are actively involved in the revival we simple host it at the church. We have a great time of fellowship [nothing is mover comical than preacher telling their stories]. The ladies at the church did an outstanding job with a spirit of excellence that would make any pastor proud.

While most churches run their revival week Monday-Friday, I've concentrated on just three nights Tuesday-Thursday for two reason, number one with our time of Prayer, Fasting and Meditation, then Holy Week, Easter prep and Easter Celebration to do five night would be pushing it. Number two one of my dearest friends Pastor H B Charles Jr. who is one of God's best preachers runs the meeting at my home church and it give an opportunity to hear him and spend some special time with him. He is a gift to the body of Christ as well as to my ministry. His dad will forever hold a special place in my heart and memory because God used him unbeknown to him to answer in this same revival some question and remove some hurdles that I had some 24 years ago. It's strange that in all the conversations HB and I've had I don't think I've ever shared that with him. Ironically, HB's brother Pastor Kevin Willis is the spitting image of their father, was giving the late night sermon and my mind ran back to 1983 and what God had done. Kevin runs the meeting for the Tabitha Church where my friend Pastor Jeffery Mitchell is the pastor.

I've been blessed, the church has been blessed and I'm looking forward to those things that God will do with all that He has said.

Peace!

Celebration Time

Today, we began the celebration of our 8th year as Senior Pastor of the GBC. WOW! What a ride its been. I've had the privilege to serve this church for over 17 years as part of the pastoral team. I've literally grew up right before a small group of our present members eyes.

Today we had one of my closest friends Pastor Racilus Douglas in as the guest preacher. Pastor Douglas is one of the greatest communicator that I know, we grew up together, so its hard for him to take my comments serious but he simply bad.

This week I will be attending the EK Bailey Conference on expository preaching in Dallas, Texas with my wife. I'm excited about the time away alone with Jan and to get a time of revival and refreshing. We'll travel back for a special service for Jan that they are calling "The First Lady Night," this is about the third year for this service and I'm very proud of the work our church does not to miss how valuable she is to our ministry.

Next Sunday my father-in-the-ministry Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. will come to bless our congregation. There are many in our church that look forward to hearing Pop [There's not to many preach that love preaching as much as he does.] He's been such a blessing to me and my ministry that words could not even begin to express my gratitude. I still remember the phone call he made to the Late Pastor C.C. Cooper as he talked about releasing me of my duties as youth pastor of the Fairview Church become the assistant-to-the-pastor of GBC. Now 17 years later I'm celebration 8 years as Sr. Pastor. Glory to God!

Marriage Conference

Tonight we began another marriage conference! I believe this is our tenth (10) or eleventh (11) year hosting Partners for Life. It has been challenging as well as rewarding. We are honored each year because it has continued to grow, with new couples as well as returning couples. It is a pleasure and a blessing to be able to be transparent during these times. It is both helpful and healing to both the attendee and to Janice and I. I can’t help but thank God each and every year for the privilege to do what we do. Looking back on the turbulent years, only God knew what would become of us. But here we are nearly 20 years later, high school sweethearts serving in ministry together and God has chosen to use us to build stronger marriages.

God always has a plan and a purpose for everything. He has taken all the ugly and nasty details of our marriage and turning them into a ministry. So in the morning we’ll begin this year’s journey to encourage, strengthen and bring hope to each and every couple. Father, thank You for being so wise and patience, You had every right and reason to give up on me. You have guided my life in ways I never thought possible. Help me to stay focus. Protect me from my enemies. I will always praise You for the gift You have given me in Janice. Help me to be as good to her as she is to me. Amen!

CONGRATULATIONS SON

There was another first in the Gaddis household, our oldest Son graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma. We’re proud of him! I know that it was tough for him with basketball and a wife and children, he did a remarkable thing. He’s my son and that more than he can handle at times. I’m pushy and very strong willed and he’s tough as well which doesn’t always make for a happy relationship. He almost never agrees with me and is determined to do thing his way. I’ve never really told him but he’s just like his daddy. I think that’s why he irritates me so much. I want what’s best for him and his idea as to what’s best is a lot different that what daddy wants.

I remember taking him to work with me many Saturday afternoons, he wanted to be just like me. I would pick my briefcase up and he would get his and jump in the car and head to the office. He would say “when I grow up I want be a preacher just like you.” Nothing does a father’s heart prouder than to hear a son utter those words. Well, my prayer is that one day God will grant that prayer but the prayer has become my prayer rather than his. I’m not saying I would want him to become a preacher [that’s God’s call] but it would be a blessing to have him working along side his mother and me in ministry. What an awesome thought!

He’s a good kid and I’m believing God to help him to grow and mature into a great man of God. He’s married and he and his lovely wife Shay and together they have blessed us with two adorable little girls who has stolen Big Poppa’s Heart. I couldn’t have picked a better daughter – she’s a beautiful woman and a gift from God. The other day was one of the proudest days for us as we saw our first son walk across that stage, wearing that black robe and hear the announcer call his name as a graduate of the UCO Class of 2006.

Congratulations Son – I Love You!

23 Years of Ministry

On Thursday, May 4th I quietly celebrated 23 years in ministry. It was an unusual day because I reminisced by thumbing through the memories that have been stuck back in the recesses of my mind all these years. Isn’t it strange how the human mind works, there are times when you can’t even remember where you put the car keys and then there are time you can remember things you didn’t even know you even took in mentally.

It was a Wednesday evening at the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, we where gather in what we called at the time the “fellowship hall” a small gathering room. The regular prayer warriors are being pressed by those who have only come to see what this boy is going to do “will he pass or will he fail,” that the question on every ones heart. What they didn’t know was that was also the question on the boy’s heart as well. Barely 18 years old, shy and timid [wearing a lavender sport coat, white shirt, pants, shoes and a “juicy curl”] he stands behind the pulpit reads Proverbs 3:5-6 and asked the question “Where is your faith.”

NOBODY BUT GOD ! I could not tell you what I said in that message that night but one thing has always stayed with me…I didn’t understand it then but now it is an all too familiar feeling. It is the Spirit of God working through this frail vessel. God has given me the privilege and honor to preach in many places and there have been times when I’ve only been a spectator. I wish I could profess that this happen every time but if I did I would be lying – not because the Spirit is not willing but there have been time over the life of my ministry “frankly” that the flesh has been weak.

I’ve grown so much during the 23 year of ministry and would like to just rehearse some of the names of people that I thought about during my quiet refection on my years of ministry. My childhood pastor Dr. J.A. Reed Jr. who took a chance on me and has been with me all the way and I affectionately call “Pop.” My uncle Elder James Booker who has always been one of the most spiritually men I know. The late Dr. H. B. Charles Sr. who God used to answer every question I had as I ended the four year struggle with accepting my call to the ministry. My friend the late Dr. C. C. Cooper who saw in me, sowed into me, and pulled out things that I didn’t know was there [I miss my friend]. He took me under his wing in the twilight years of his life and taught me about ministry and marriage. My long time friend Pastor Jeff Mitchell, who for many years struggled together with me as we both tried to figure this thing out. I can’t forget my counselor Dr. A. G. Woodberry, who is a wealth of knowledge in both life and ministry. The Fairview Church family who I owe [literally I should pay them], there are some names I could call that would consistently attend during the evening services that we had the opportunity to practice. The Greater Bethel Church family that allowed me to grow first as a preacher, then a teacher and then a pastor – God worked together for the good. The BEST for last, my wife Janice who have endured every sermon, lesson, lecture, country church, long drive, long hours and always being the last to leave…she is the wind beneath my wings.

Father, thank you for just using me, I am honored to participate in your work and realize that for many of those 23 years it was in spite of me. But today I say “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Make me Savior wholly Thine, Lord I give myself to Thee. All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.

MY ADDICTTION

Today is Monday and for the second Monday in a row – I'm not scheduled for any meetings and so my day off is really a day off. I know that sounds strange but I realized that even my day off isn’t really a day off. I’ve conditioned myself to think of Monday as my one day off a week but even my Mondays have been working days but today I’ve just decided to simply do very little in the area of work. I promise my very understanding wife that I would take her on a date today and we chose a movie, this should be a great time. Watching movies is one of my favorite things next to taking my grandbabies to “Chuck E. Cheese's.”

Over the last few weeks I’ve had to fight off this very familiar mood that if I’m not careful leads to a big bad attitude. I have this “addiction!” I’m totally addicted to churches, over the last seven or eight years I’ve studied churches. Not necessarily the preaching of the pastor but the structure, operations, ministry, beliefs and strategy of particular churches nationally and locally. I’m seeing a trend that I struggle with. Why are many of the newly started ministries apparently moving ahead of the churches that have been around?

As a pastor that is dedicated to his assignment and people, I sometime “admitting so” am guilty of desiring and sometime maybe even on the verge of coveting. Not in a sense that I’m hating on anyone – matter fact as part of my research I pray for the Pastor, the leadership and members of those church. I admire the work I know that it takes for churches to do what they do. I understand the dedication and commitment that leadership must have to move and grow a church and most importantly I am aware of the ministering heart of a congregation that grows through evangelism. So you might be asking so what is your problem? My issue is why can’t we get there. Why can’t we step up become passionate about ministry and ministering? Why do we always have to settle? Our children deserve a safe, wonderful and exciting place to learn to love God and His church. Our teenagers deserve a place of acceptance, care and love; and a place to discover themselves and God, an alternative place to hang-out and be themselves. Our people should be introduced to the latest tool that can and will enhance our worship but more importantly help reach those who we bring to our worship experiences.

Now, let me be clear on this none of the above mentioned is the end-all, they are simply tools that would help in reaching the lost. The message of Jesus is the only thing the church ever needs. It is not about completing with the world but it is about equipping the church to reach the community.

We’ve made progress don’t get me wrong. I’m just a bit impatience [and that’s the understatement of the year]. God is working on me and I praise Him for the work He has done and the progress I see in myself. I simply want the BEST for our congregation.

I know that this is not a complete thought but I really don’t know if I have the complete answer. I’m working my way through this it’s been a very long time and I don’t know if I’ll ever have the entire answer. I’m trusting God!

Revival Time

It’s Saturday and for the most part I’m trying my best to take a day to rest. Janice is exhausted; she has been a jewel this week, arranging meals for many of my friends who are visiting the city, gather volunteer to serve them in the spirit of excellence that we strive to do everything. As well as hosting our evangelist wife Stephanie Carter and our special guest Dr. Sheila Bailey (the wife of the late Dr. E.K. Bailey who had a great impact on my ministry) along with all of her normal responsibilities at home and at church. I’m blessed to have such a special lady by my side, she is my Queen. God did something special for her by giving her some very unsuspected one on one time with Dr. Bailey, there are some pastor’s wives who would have given anything for that, but God did it for Janice. Father, thank you for unsuspected blessing!

Our Easter Celebration was just that it was a celebration. There always seems to be an extra air of anticipation during our Easter services. I was thinking about it and think that it may be due to the amount of people who are working during our Easter’s services and our normal weekend experiences; the number almost triples to put off Easter. People volunteer they are excited and they invite their family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. My assignment was to share a message of hope for a better life. I was happy with the message for the most part but would have like to nail the invitation a little better. It’s tough because the crowd is so large and there are so many distractions during such an important time, but many gave their lives to Jesus Christ and many stepped forward to unite with the church.

We had Easter Monday off as a congregation but I had to pick up our evangelist Rev. Bryan L. Carter, Senior Pastor of the Concord Church of Dallas TX (who succeeded Dr. E.K. Bailey). Pastor Carter is a homeboy for OKC, funny thing is that I didn’t know him when he was here. God took him all the way to Dallas before we became friends over the last 4 or 5 years I’ve seen him grow and mature as a preacher and now as a pastor over one of this nation’s most influential ministries. Pastor Carter is a special person, blessed with a special wife in Stephanie – this couple is destined for great things in ministry. They are simply good people and I’m always excited by young couple working together as a team in ministry. Pastor Carter opened up our City-Wide Simultaneous Revival Tuesday morning and set the tone for the week. It was our first-time participating in the Revival and it was an honor to have our evangelist be asked to speak in a joint service. He preached all week, our congregation responded great. They connected with him from the first service, he’s a great preacher with a big heart and a humble spirit. God spoke through him and deposited some heavy stuff. Corporately we need to hear from God, it was my prayer for this revival that God would show us what we need to do for His vision to come to past in our church. God used this young man speak to us. Then our one on one time was encouraging, it’s hard to find the time with so much to accomplish in a day to carve out time but the revival afforded us a great excuse to hang out. We both seem to have needed that.

Last year during the revival the Lord placed on our hearts to be a blessing to many of my friends who come to town during the revival and my friends who bring them. So Janice and I opened our home two evening to serve dinner and have some good fellowship. This year since we participated in the revival we just served dinner at the church, the dinners were fantastic (Special thanks to Lo, Teresa, Angela & Mendel). This is a special time because many of my friends in town our schedules are so full that we only see each other in passing and the dinners give us some uninterrupted time together. My friend, Pastor Jeff Mitchell of the Tabitha Church, we started preaching together and have been friends forever, brings Pastor Kevin Willis of Riverside Church in Memphis TN and my Pastor Dr. J. A. Reed bring Pastor H B Charles of Mt. Sinai in Los Angles CA. Pastor Willis is a great preacher, I admire his preaching ability and he preaches with as much energy and anointing than anybody I’ve ever seen. Pastor Charles is a special person, in my option he is one of the greatest preacher I’ve ever heard but what makes him that is that he is one of the greatest people I know. Every year we manage to carve out a few hours in between his preaching and it’s like we talk everyday – I appreciate his friendship and every time I’m around him I want to be a better preacher and person.

Well, I’m going to try to kidnap my wife for a few hours this evening to spend some special time together and show her how much if love and cherish her.

Father, I Thank You!

WOW! I knew it had been a long time but I didn’t know that its been over two weeks since my last BLOG. Busy, Busy, Busy – is the theme of my life. I’ll start with the most important news, our third grandbaby came Friday morning. Saniyah Raye what a sweet name. Sharonda did good! Just looking at that little gift from God makes me love Him even more. Simply because He has spared me, loved me and forgiven me. I don’t deserve His grace and mercy but I thank Him for being so loving and kind to me. I’m thankful for my family: my unbelievable, talented wife, my children who I experimented on my sons are handsome and my daughters are queens and then my three babies (grandbabies) each one has stolen my heart. Father, Thank you for your gift to us Saniyah and what a gift she is!

In the morning we will have the biggest celebration of the year Resurrection Sunday! I’m learning much about leadership and one of the most important lessons is sometime you have to let go. I’ve always been afraid but I promised the Lord that when He brought people around who would care for His work as much as I do I would walk away. Well, I think He has spoken big time. It’s time for me to move to the next level of leadership. It’s going to hard but God has done His part now I’m going to do my part. Father, Thank you for what You’ve done and what You shall do in and through our church. Help me to recognize your voice and be willing to move to the next level of leadership. Spoil the plan and the tricks of the enemy, that your name may be glorified.

Earlier today we did our annual Easter outreach and I was greatly encouraged by the attendance. Not only by the number of those attending but the fact that there was more on the corner that I pastured eight years ago. With the exception of just a few – all of them are people that I’m the only Pastor they have ever had. What an exciting time we had 1,000 contacts in just over one hour. We’ve set a goal next year for 2,000 or 2,500. We prayed for Kingdom growth not just necessary our local church but that those who we contacted would come to the Kingdom.

This is day six of our spiritual journey of 40 days of fasting and prayer. God is going to do something special through this. I’m hearing stories and testimonies already. Father, bless your children as we concentrate ourselves before You; through fasting and prayer. We want more of you and less of us. Show us your way that we may please you. Amen!

The Power of Memories

I know that this seem a bit odd but I'm just getting the hang of this blogging thing by haven't gotten as fancy as other by accessing my blog through my smart phone. So tonight I'm posting two different thought but they where about two days apart.

Have you ever thought about the power of memories? How sounds, music, smells, conversations and situations instantly bring back a flood of memories. Have you ever had one of those butter cookie and it reminded you of elementary school? Memories are powerful. Have you ever been walking around and a very familiar smell captures your attention and you’ve spent the rest of the day trying to figure out why? Memories are powerful. Have you ever been surfing radio station in your car and a particular song hit your ears and the year just faded away. Memories are powerful. There are some conversations that will leave you breathless about past situations. You will began to feel the same emotion, remember everyone involved and even sometime remember things that even surprising to you. Memories are powerful.

For many their memories seem to be stuck on the bad episode of their lives. Memories of past failures, mistakes, decisions and friendship can haunt you. Memories are powerful. Bad memories will stalk you down. No matter how much you don’t want to deal with them – just like “Freddy Krugger” (Movie: Nightmare of Elm Street) during the night and during the day. How you handle memories are crucial, two scriptures come to mind Ephesians 2:10 and John 13:7: “For we are God’s masterpiece.” (Eph. 2:10a); “Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later” (John 13:7) How are we to correctly deal with our bad memories 1. Embrace the Master’s big picture; 2. Cooperate with the Master; 3. Accept the Master’s unique process and 4. Appreciate the Master’s work.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been going through the files of my life, take an inventory of sorts. Taking a look at the turns and the detours that my life has taken and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m thanks for so many people that knowingly and unknowingly have greatly influence my life.

The Sweet Spot

Where is the sweet spot? I believe that it is somewhere in between Sweet and Sour, Hot and Cold, Pain and Peace. It’s sorter like that moment right before daybreak as you lay beneath the covers of your bed and there is a gentle rain falling outside, there is a little chill in your room (you know that because you’ve been there so many times before) but beneath the covers you are comfortable. Right then you realize that there isn’t another place you would rather be than in sweet spot of comfort in your bed.

The more I grow in my walk with my God the more I realize that praying for everything to be perfect in my life isn’t what God wants for me. I believe that what is more honoring to Him is for me to have faith enough to trust Him and desire more of Him than anything else. Romans 8: 28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is the sweet spot that I long for. During my most chaotic, frustrating and sometime depressing days, I’m not looking for God to fix everything because I know that some things are good for me. I just want to find the sweet spot of God’s peace.