Day 14: No, Doesn't Always Mean NO!

Today's Scripture Reading: "Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." [23] Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." [24] He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." [25] The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. [26] He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." [27] "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." [28] Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour." Matthew 15: 21-28 (NIV)

Why doesn’t God answer our prayer when we pray? We KNOW that He has the power and the means to handle our situation. I understand why when we are guilty of asking for things that are not of His will for our lives but what I’m talking about is asking for those things in accordance to his will. In my own experience there have been legitimate request that would only lead to a deeper understanding or work for His kingdom and He says, “No!” Has God ever told you “No” after He has told you “Yes!” Samuel Rutherford says “It is faith’s work to claim and challenge lovingkindness out of all the roughest strokes of God.”

This bothered me for a long time…I knew God had given us clear direction to build. We where having week-in and week-out standing room only crowds. God had given us a master plan to transition the ministry to the next level [matching building with ministry] and four months before our projected completion date the contractor walks off the project. After a series of meeting desiring to be transparent and accountable to both the leadership and membership as would be expected the enemy began to invade what has typically been a very stress free project. I’ve questioned God many, many times about this and this text spoke to me. We often see God only as a compassionate, caring and loving God but at a limited basic. So, for God to tell us “no” seems unreasonable…in the case of this Canaanite woman when Jesus responded to her request He did so not to destroy her faith but to develop her faith.

Listen to the discourse between this Canaanite woman and Jesus:

A Canaanite woman cried out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."

Jesus answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

The Canaanite woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!"

Jesus replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

The Canaanite woman said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

It is her patience, persistence and plea that moved the very heart of Jesus. Jesus wasn’t playing games with her, nor was He trying to make the situation more difficult but He was simply drawing out of her a growing response of faith.

It was that relentless pursuit of what only Jesus could do that this woman wanted and it was this faith that Jesus acknowledged and immediately He healed her daughter.

God is trying to pull out of us what He knows is in us. Whatever it is that God said don’t give up because it seems like God’s not cooperating…He maybe doing more than you think. He loves you too much not to take advantage of every situation to help you to grow closer to Him. Without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Day 13 "Let Them Laugh Cause He Has The Last Word"

Today's Scripture Reading: “While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." [19] Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. [20] Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. [21] She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." [22] Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. [23] When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, [24] he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. [25] After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. [26] News of this spread through all that region.” Matthew 9:18-26 (NIV)

Day 13 really spoke to me. Have you ever had a situation that seemly was dying right before your eyes? Maybe a relationship, a dream, a goal, a career choice or may your finances. Whatever the case maybe all of us have had to watch something or someone we cared for deeply literally die right before our eyes as we watch helplessly from the sideline. You’ve fallen in love with someone and now that love is dying despite your best efforts. You’ve stepped out in what you believed was faith and now it’s crumbling. You’ve made a decision and now having to deal with the circumstances. To make matters worst it is as if God is taking his time to do anything about it. You’ve prayed and He’s promised but time is running out. Until finally that which was dying is now dead.

Well, that was exactly what Jairus was dealing with – Jairus’ love for his dying daughter compelled him to seek Jesus’ help. When Jairus first came to Jesus, his daughter was close to death. After Jesus’ delay [the woman with the issue of blood – touch his garment and Jesus stop long enough for that discourse] Jairus’ friends came and told him that his daughter had died. Why would Jesus allow this to happen? Why after agreeing to go a help with his daughter does Jesus stop off long enough for this to happen?

1. Delays are sent to help strengthen our faithfulness. Jairus saw what this woman meager faith accomplished in her life. We must learn how to trust God and His promises…
o no matter how we feel
o no matter what others say
o and no matter how the circumstances may look
2. Delays are sent to help strengthen our follow-ship. Jairus even after getting the word that his daughter situation had gotten worst, she had died continue to follow Jesus. Jairus didn’t give up or change his mind after getting the news. We walk not by sight but by faith.
3. Delays are sent to help strengthen our faith. Jairus may have resented the woman, because she interrupted Jesus from getting to his daughter before the girl died. But the real problem was not the woman, but himself. He need faith in Jesus. The fact that Jesus forces the woman to give her testimony was both for her sake and for Jairus sake. She testified of how her condition grew worst. The fact of what God has done for other ought to strengthen our faith.

Here’s what I’ve learned in my own personal experience as I continue to lead our church into it God-given purpose…
There will always be those [internally & externally] who will not believe in your dream
There will always be those [internally & externally] who will celebrate your impending devastation
There will always be those [internally & externally] who will laugh and make fun of your situation

The good news is that when Jesus cleared the house raised his daughter – the word spread throughout all that region. Trust God because after he bring your through you will have the last laugh!

Day 12: "IT'S ALREADY DONE"

Today’s Scripture Reading: “When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. [6] "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." [7] Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." [8] The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. [9] For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

[10] When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. [11] I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. [12] But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

[13] Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.” Matthew 8:5-13 (NIV)

What an amazing confession of faith! This miracle was wrought about because of the faith of this centurion. Scripture bears out that if you want to “please God” you have to have faith. How this centurion faith and belief system came about we’re not sure but one thing is certain the fellow had it. Catch the story…the centurion seek Jesus out, then asked Jesus to heal his servant and Jesus answers in verse 7 “I’ll go and heal him.” What’s some amazing is some where between his request and Jesus’ response, the centurion changes his mind verse 8 “Lord, I don’t deserve you to even come under my roof” – here’s what blew Jesus away “But just say the word and my servant will be healed.” He possessed enough faith to confess that Jesus didn’t have to be present, didn’t have to touch the servant but just say the word. In order to have God-pleasing faith we must believe that Jesus has the power just to speak a word and situation, circumstance and things will change.

Jesus does three things number 1, Jesus commends the centurion faith in verse 10 “I have not found anyone in Israel with such GREAT FAITH” and number 2, Jesus co-signs the centurion faith in verse 13 “Go! And it will be done just as you believed it would…” the NJB translation says “Go, back, then, let this be done for you, as your faith demands!” Number 3, Jesus confirms the centurion faith as he made it back to the house the centurion begins to investigate as to the condition of his servant and discovers that he was healed the very same hour that he was talking with Jesus. Hallelujah!! The centurion after speaking with Jesus just began to walk in what Jesus had said and found it just as He said. [I better leave that alone!] We don't know how far this centurion was away from his house but Jesus spoke the word and in faith he walked in it.. No matter what you maybe facing today, no matter the odds, obstacles, obligation or opposition have faith in the word and just “walk it out!” IT’S "ALL" READY DONE – THE QUESTION IS DO YOU BELIEVE?

Day 11: "Be Wise"

Today’s Scripture: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." [28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV)

One of the health principals that we encourage the Greater Bethel family to hold is James 1:22 (NIV) “Do not merely listen to the word…” It is our goal to help the members of our church to move from just hearing the word, enduring the word, sitting through a bible study or sermon to simply check something off their spiritual to-do-list. Grow happens when we allow the Word of God to produce something special inside of us.

In Matthew 7 Jesus moves from two ways, two trees to two builders and two houses. What this teaches is how we truly are able to please God. We please God by doing God’s will. The first step in doing God’s will is hearing God’s Word and then the second is doing what He says. We must not stop with only hearing or studying God’s Word. OUR HEARING MUST RESULT IN DOING. The success of one building and the failure of the other is found in their obedience and disobedience of the Word of God.

Here’s the FAITH FACTOR – no matter what you are facing in life you’ve got to stand on God’s Word. The following are six way to grow your faith through the Word of God.

1. You have to HEAR God’s Word!
2. You have to READ God’s Word!
3. You have to STUDY God’s Word!
4. You have to MEMORIZE God’s Word!
5. You have to MEDITATE God’s Word!
6. You have to APPLY God’s Word!

Day 10: Without Faith It Is Impossible To PleaseGod

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. [4] By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. [5] By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. [6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11: 1-6 (NIV)

(v. 1) Faith is Defined: “to stand under, support.” “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Our faith, in God, the Bible, etc. is that which stands under us and supports us to believe in "things hoped for" and "the evidence of things not seen."

It doesn't require that we understand it; it only requires that we STAND ON IT!

(v. 6) Faith is Demanded -“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) WE cannot please God without faith. We cannot know God without faith. We cannot serve God without faith. We cannot approach God without faith. It is not a matter of improbability, but a matter of impossibility.

(vv. 4-40) Faith is Demonstrated - The writer gives us classic examples to strengthen our faith, sustain our faith, and solidify our faith. We read of great Bible characters that were nothing more than common, ordinary people; but, people who moved the hand of God by their faith.

Day 9 "Take Up The Shield Of Faith"

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] 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. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6: 10-17

Disappointments, Discouragements and Disagreements are simply apart of the human existence, even in the church. Throughout this experience I’ve battled with all of the “D’s” include depression. In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter…1 Peter 5:8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armor. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against “the powers of this dark world,” fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit.

I’ve found myself struggling with the after effect of the deadly “D’s,” fighting trying to not allow them to set-up shop in my life. When one allows the enemy to take hold of our heart we began flirt with other emotion that will cause us to fall prey to the enemy’s will – anger, resentment and bitterness. The Good news is that we have the victory! We are promised the victory when we arm ourselves with the whole armor of God.

Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord’s side. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided it. Ephesians 6:16 “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

Our heavenly Father has given us the ability to extinguish, to stop, to quench, and to put out the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Day 8 "Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart"

Today's Scripture Reading: "But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: [9] That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. [11] As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Romans 10: 8-11, 17 (NIV)

If you want to give you heart to Jesus right now, then take these four steps...

1. ADMIT that God has not been first place in your life and ask Him to forgive your sins.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” 1 John 1:9

2. BELIEVE that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that he rose again on Easter, and is alive today.

“If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

3. ACCEPT God’s free gift of salvation. Don’t try to earn it.

“For it is by grace you are saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9

Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus already did for us!


4. INVITE Jesus Christ to come into your life and be the director (“Lord”) of your life.

“To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. All we need to do is to trust Him to save us. All those who believe this are reborn! — not a physical rebirth...but from the will of God!” John 1:12-13

Day 7 "There Is Purpose in The Pain"

Today Scripture Read: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5: 1-5 (NIV)

I hate waiting! I’m impatience! Anyone who knows me knows that about me. I don’t like to fly but my dislike for long drives pushes me to have to fly. When I fly I get to the airport as close to departure time without missing my flight. I want the plane to board when it’s supposed to board. I want it to take-off when it is suppose to take-off and land when it is suppose to land. I detest, abhor and despise delays or long lay over’s. I hate waiting cause I’m impatience. Well, guess what God has had to teach me that I’m not in control of what He does and when He does it. You know what the hardest pill to swallow has been? God doesn’t care about my plans. I mean I had the entire plan for the entrance celebration, dates, times, guest speakers, advertisement, launching new service times and everything. Now, you know when the project halted that messed me up. Here I am trying my best to hold things together and the more I tried the more things began to move out of my control. I don’t remember a more difficult time in my life. I had members, preachers, friends, trusted individual in my life and pastors who I thought was my friends, take liberties while a brother was down. Again, I can remember a more difficult season.

Let me just testify….I’ve grown up…A LOT [kicking and screaming – I might adds but nevertheless I’ve grown! Here’s one thing I’ve learned God’s will is no escape for the trials, troubles and tribulations of life. John says “In this world you will have trouble…” but they work for me not against me! I’m learning to rejoice…knowing that suffering produces perseverance [patience], perseverance, character and character, hope. The rejoicing is in the fact that while God is doing His work – He is pouring out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Pastor, ministry worker, lay person, member, husband, wife, mother, father, son, daughter, employer and employee know this that God Has A BIGGER Plan!

Day 6 "Amen!"

Today's Scripture Reading: "What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? [2] If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God. [3] What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." [4] Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. [5] However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." Roman 4: 1-5 (NIV)

Abraham is one of my favorite Bible personalities. In this passage Paul refers to Genesis 15, Abraham has just defeated the kings in chapter 14 and was wondering if they would return for a row two. God appeared to him and assured him that He [God] was and would be his shield and exceeding great reward. Even though God promised Abraham that grand promise, he still has this great void of wanting a son and an heir. God has promised him a son, but as yet the promise has not been realized. [I don’t know who that is for but you’re hanging between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise.] Look at what God did. God told Abraham to look up at the starts and said “So shall you seed be!” God’s promised and Abraham believed God’s promise!

The Hebrew word translated “believed” means “to say amen.” God gave a promise and Abraham responded with “Amen!” It was this faith that was counted for righteousness.

Why did Abraham say “Amen”? Because of another very important word “counted” in Romans 4:3 in the Greek it means “to put to one’s account.” Abraham did not have work for it – Jesus Christ did the word on the Cross and put it on His account.

Whatever God has promised you “Amen, Amen and Amen!” You can count on it!

COUNT IT DONE!

Day 5 "The Just Shall Live By Faith"

Today's Scripture Reading: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1: 16-17 (NIV)
Why would Paul even be tempted to be ashamed of the Gospel?

1. The Gospel was identified with a poor Jewish carpenter.
2. This Jewish carpenter was crucified and crucifixion was the lowest form of execution.
3. Those who where first believers, many where common people, some even slaves.
4. There were many great philosophers and philosophies and to believe that a Jew rose from the dead was ridiculous.

Paul declared without hesitation “I am not ashamed of the Gospel…” He then explains why he has confidence in his message:

The origin of the Gospel: it is the Gospel of Christ – 1: 16a
The operation of the Gospel: it is the power of God – 1: 16b
The outcome of the Gospel: it is the power of God unto salvation – 1:16c
The outreach of the Gospel: it is unto everyone that believes – 1:16d

Roman 1:17 is the key verse of the entire book of Romans “The righteous [just or justified] will live by faith. “By faith” in the Old Testament the righteous was live “by works,” but sinners soon discovered they could not obey God’s Law and meet His righteous demands. Paul refers to Habakkuk 2:4 “The just shall live by faith.”

Day 4 "Faith In Order To Accomplish God's Purpose"

Today’s Scripture: “In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. [21] Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" [22] "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. [23] "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. [24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. [25] And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:20-25 (NIV)

The Bible tells us that without faith we cannot please God. It is out of faith in God that we are able to ask confidently and know our prayers will be answered. It is vital that we as Christians understand the importance of praying in faith and equally so to understand just what it means to pray in faith. This passage above is frequently quoted but seldom understood. Especially verse 24, it is often used out of context to teach a well intentioned but false promise that Jesus guarantees that we will have everything that we ask. If we look at this in context we see that the intended focus is to accomplish a purpose. We are promised that we can move mountains, "therefore believe you receive them and you will have them." In recent days God has used this passage of scripture to encourage me to know that God will supply everything we need in order to accomplish His’ purpose in us, through us and for us. In retrospect I think with all the excitement we lost sight [me included] of the intent purpose of a new church. The need arose because of the urgent need for space and seat – then it began to be about bells and whistles, colors and carpets, rather than lives being changed [“Changed Lives” was another thing we promised that ground breaking day]. Now don’t get me wrong it “Changed Lives” was there but it quickly began to drop down the list of priorities.

So, what is the purpose of receiving what we ask as Mark writes in chapter 11? It is to glorify the Father through the Son who answers our requests. So we don't get off target, Jesus stressed the importance of loving Him through keeping His commandments. When we present our requests to God, it is necessary to understand that we are not seeking our own kingdom, but God's kingdom. No where is this illustrated better than this passage in 1 Chronicles 1: 11-12 where God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, [12] therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 1 Chronicles 1: 11-12 (NIV)

The goal of our request [prayers] must reflect God’s purpose for our lives. If we will make God’s purpose our top priority God will see to the things that will make our lives much more enjoyable. Solomon desired God’s wisdom and received much much more than he ever imagined.

Day 3 "Profession Or Possession"

Today’s Scripture: “Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. [19] Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. [20] When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.
[21] Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. [22] If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:18-22 (NIV)

The Scripture says it was in the morning, in verse 18. As he went into the city He was hungry. Evidently the Lord Jesus Christ had spent early morning hours in prayer. He had been alone with the heavenly Father and had not taken time to eat a morning meal. He is on His way into Jerusalem, being hungry, and the Bible says that He saw a fig tree in the way. On that fig tree He saw leaves. Before he got there He could see the leaves and He had a right to expect that there would be fruit on the fig tree. In that particular part of the world, the fruit would often come when the leaves came on the tree. Sometimes even the fruit would appear before the leaves would appear. So, here is a fig tree that is advertising itself. It is making an outward show of fruit. It is pretending something that it does not possess.

So, the Lord Jesus comes to the fig tree and the Bible says that when Jesus gets there He doesn't find any fruit. He finds nothing on the tree except leaves. So, you have here a pretending tree. You have a fig tree that is pretending something that is not. So, Jesus does something that absolutely stuns His disciples. He speaks a word to the fig tree. He says to the fig tree, "Nothing will ever grow on you anymore." The Bible says that immediately the fig tree withered away.

To have leaves is a pretense of something that it does not possess. It is making an outward statement that is not consistent with inward reality. That was exactly the way the nation of Israel was. If you had gone to Jerusalem at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ you would have seen all of the outward trappings of religion. You would have seen magnificent buildings. The temple buildings and all of the adjacent buildings were magnificent buildings. They were extremely elaborate and expensive to construct. Many, many decades of time were taken to construct those magnificent buildings. Of course, you know that buildings are wonderful things, but buildings are only valuable as they are used as a tool and an instrument to reach people for the Lord Jesus Christ. It is dangerous when any group of religious people get more attached to the buildings than they do to the reasons why the buildings are constructed. [I will talk more about that tomorrow.]

There is a tremendous lesson for us in this passage of scripture. There's a message that God wants to speak to us through this cursing of the fig tree that Jesus did. What Jesus is trying to say to us is that mere profession is not enough. There has to be possession. Now, I know that I’ve gone long on this one but here a very valuable lesson I’ve learned in the mist of this transition in our church history….There are many people who go through the motions of religion and they have all of the leaves of outward profession, but the reality of the matter is not in their hearts. [Let me share this especially to my Pastor Friends make sure as you make that transition that you aren’t fooled by the leaves!!! You are going to inadvertently you’re going to run into something and you’re going to need people who are around you with fruit not just leaves. Personally, I suffered a great deal because when you’re leading a church through a transition you need others who you can count on to hold up your arms.] People can bring their Bible and carry it around, but if they don't know Jesus it is nothing but leaves. People can jump the highest and scream “Amen” the loudest but it they don’t know Jesus it is nothing but leaves.

So, how do I know whether those around me have fruit or leaves? The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 7, by their fruits you will know them. You just hang around long enough and just look at the fruit of the life of an individual and you will find out what kind of person that person is. Test the fruit. As Pastor, I don't know anybody's heart. I don't know whether they are saved. On Sunday everybody looks saved on Sunday morning. But I don't know your heart. I don't know whether a person is saved or lost. Only God knows that. Only that individual knows their relationship with God. Yet, I remember what Jesus said. By their fruits you shall know them. I read through the Bible and see some of the fruit that is supposed to be a part of the life of a truly saved individual.

In Philippians 1:11, talks about the fruits of righteousness. It means the fruit of right living.

In Philippians 4 it talks about the fruit of our giving, and the fact that when we're saved one of the evidences of our life is that now instead of becoming a getter we are interested in becoming a giver.

In Hebrews13:15 the Bible says we are to offer the sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto His name. What you say is evidence of the fruit in your life. What's down in your heart, when you shake up your heart, is what's going to come out. It's just like a glass. You slam that glass on the table and whatever is in that glass will come out. If it's water in there, water will come out. If it's tea in there, tea will come out. If it's Kool-Aid in there, Kool-Aid will come out. You aren't what you are when life is smooth. You aren't what you are when things are going your way. When things don't go your way and when you spew off at your mouth, that's when you find out what you really, really are. Sometimes we don't like what we really, really are when we see some of the things we say, and see the way we act, and see the inconsistency of our lifestyle. Jesus talked about nothing but leaves when fruit ought to be there.

Let me share what blesses me the most – verse 22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22 (NIV) God wants us to participate in our deliverance by being fruitful by living out our purpose to his Glory and Honor, then He promises to deliver on His promise.

Day 2 "Coincidence or Proverdence"

I've learned a valuable lesson that I want share with you on Day 2 of this faith prayer journey and here it is...God places you in a holding pattern for an appointed time, so that He can get the glory. Looking beyond the temporary to the eternal. Looking beyond the present to the future....that what FAITH is. Facts means I see everything but know nothing. Faith means I see nothing but I know everything. We walk NOT by sight but by faith.

Are you walking by "Facts" or by "Faith"?

What you and I are experiencing is not an accident that what coincidence is. That's not how God works! God works by providence. God sees all. God knows all. Where ever season you find yourself in know this you might be surprised but God knew it all along. Even more importantly He will has you right where He wants you to grow up, to mature you and to use you for His glory and honor.

Day 2 Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:18-19 (NIV) "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. [19] "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

Day 1 "Whatever It Takes"

Today, we strike out on another “Prayer Journey,” Matthew 19: 26 says “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” “God has a very strange sense of humor.” is what many people say but I think it is more along the lines of God’s knows more than we know. In May of 2008, the Greater Bethel Church celebrated breaking ground on a nearly 3million dollar building project and the excitement was at a fever pitch. There were smiles, laughter, cheers, hugs and pride beaming from the aged members all the way down to the small children who yelled and scream as they held-up sign saying, “Whatever It Takes!” Little did we know that we would have to really live up to that promise.

In August of 2008, the church embarked on a Capital Stewardship Campaign [CSC] called “Time2Build” using Matthew 19:26 as the scripture reference. The membership made pledged to give to the CSC for the next 3years over and above their regular tithes and offerings. Who knew but God that economists would announce that as a country we had just entered a “recession?” As a pastor who has just entered into a building program that’s really not what you want to hear. At a time when there are hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of invoices and thousand dollar worth of change orders flying across your desk everyday. As that ugly word “recession” began to grow across this country like the old black & white movie the “blob” everybody began to tighten their belts [so-to-speak].

We couldn’t have asked for a better contractor on the project or for better weather. We where ahead of schedule and it was as if winter had come and gone without any effect on the project. From May 2008 to January 2009 it was perfect – problem free, care free and then all [you know what] break loose. After weeks of negotiation the project was halted [I’ll share the detail soon as well as the lesson I learned as a leader in an upcoming blog] but nearly 5 months later and God reminds me of what He had laid on my heart as we started this journey.

Let me be very transparent here, there has been some days when I wanted to lay down and die. I was one of them who would say I’ve never thought about suicide in a bragging and degrading way but guess what can’t say that any more. The last few months have been the toughest days of my 44 years. There have been and are enemies from without and within – and to top things off I’m having to deal with my own feeling of failure, inadequacy and shame. Honestly, I drop off because there was days when I could hardly even get out of bed and if I accomplished that I struggled all day trying to hold my head up. After several hard weeks and much prayer – and enough grace to make it to the pulpit enough times – God reminded me that I promised Him that I would do this with a “Whatever It Takes” attitude.

So, no matter what you might be facing today in ministry, life, career, marriage, parenting or what have you – You have to determine in your heart “Lord, Whatever It Takes!” That’s the attitude to take – you can’t lay down and die GET UP AND DO THE WORK! Be encouraged!

Day 1, scripture reading…Matthew 17: 14-20. “When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. [15] "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. [16] I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."
[17] "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." [18] Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.
[19] Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
[20] He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

The Last Three Weeks

Been a long time but sometime the schedule get the best of me. January '09 will go down in the record book (not really sure how but lets just say memorable). After National midwinter board meeting, it was back to the challenges of a building program. Vision is the easy part but keeping people focus and committed is a whole new ball-game. The challenge is that excitement has to rest near commitment. As a predominately Africa American church we have the tendency to start together but finishing together presents some challenges. It is a everyday work - the buy in is incredible and will have eternal implications. The "promise" is what has been the glue that has held me together. There are some days where that's all you have as a leader - just the fact that God said it & if He said it He will see it through.

The first part of this week was spent in Supulpa a town right outside Tulsa OK for the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention midwinter board, very eventful. Just like the National this is an election year as Dr. John Reed steps down there is a great need to move the state convention forward in order to ensure the continued growth of the churches associated with convention. It has a strong past but a some point we need address the future.

Today, we're visiting my youngest son at college. He's away and it become an necessity to visit. Young Zachary is a music major and a basketball player. I hopeful that I would get to experience both but because of a recent bout with a bad cold he opted out of singing the national anthem before tonight game. So it will be basketball - Zachary is very athletic, his skill are developing in the college game (this is his sophomore year but his 1st year because he was red-shirted playing basketball). He's struggling to breath but is getting a few minutes to catch is breath every now and then. I'm very proud o his growth both academically, athletically and personally.

Tomorrow I will continue a new series of messages called "A Dangerous Church" thesis a dangerous church is a church fill with people who possess a dangerous faith that transforms their individual life and their church life. Hebrews chapter 11 is the back-drop for this one - week 1 we looked at what a dangerous church looks like and how faith plays an tremendous role. Week 2 looked @ the dangerous faith of Abel. Week 3 we will look @ the dangerous faith of Enoch.

I just want to thank all of you who have been praying for both the pastor and the people of the Greater Bethel Church.

Sunday Morning Blues

I should be in the bed but here goes...“So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.” Ephesians 6:11-13 (Msg)

I have been fighting this one for months now. These last weeks have been a constant push for me to share something that is almost certainly more painful than I would like to admit. Leadership is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done in my life. It has almost been like a starker. As far back as my memory can take me, I didn’t know it at that time but I was born to lead. I can remember back to elementary school I was always picked as captain of everything. I remember being chosen as captain of our inter-class sports tournament – it was my first remembrance of how difficult it was to be in leadership. It was the championship game in basketball it was a close game the entire school was in the gym and it was the fourth quarter. I was dribbling the ball down the court and realize that everybody hadn’t played I called time-out and with great objection from my classmates I took myself out of the game in order for the last player on the bench to play. We lost the game [and the pizza party for the winning team] and there were some very anger sixth graders (and we all know how cruel they can be.) I took it and I remember that later on that semester when I received my report card there was a note from my teacher Ms. Linda Lockman [never over look the impact you can make on a person I’m 44 years old and I still remember her name] acknowledge my deed by writing a note to my parents about how I cared enough to make the other students feelings priority rather than the win. Leadership has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

What has been pushing me is the many sacrifices a leader has to make. My thoughts this week at the National Baptist Convention Mid-winter board was simply about that. With the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday, the inauguration of President Barack Obama, our National Baptist Convention election and in a few weeks our State election. Let me first start with what we all know there are some leadership privileges – that’s a given but there are far more sacrifices. I remember when I started in ministry some 25 years ago, I was almost ashamed at what people would do for me as a preacher, could hardly even except a compliment on a sermon. Let’s just suffice it to say I take any kind word now. So we can agree on the leadership privileges but let me share with you that there is a side of leadership that most will never know, the painful and heart staking sacrifices that come with it.

Many leaders are very lonely – many leaders walk alone, sometime emotionally and even time physically. In leadership you have to take people not where they want to go but where they need to go and every relationship around you will at some point be strained by that. You remember the scene as Jesus rode into Jerusalem to the shout of praise and worship, only to be spit on, cursed at, and killed by the end of the week.

For the sake of time let me just drop just a few of the struggle and a short solution that I will later elaborate on this week.
Leaders hurt, cry and become depressed and disappointed but Sunday is always coming
Leaders are people too that others think they can say and do whatever they want to
Leaders live their life on that perpetual stage, always under the microscope
Leaders have very few close and intimate friends (if any) because everybody wants something
Leaders have a great struggle in balancing leadership at home and at work

Leaders children normally grow up resenting the fact they were raised by a leader
Leaders wake up ever morning with the weight of leadership on them
Leaders are frighten 99.9% of the time if they are following God
Leaders have bad days, hurt, become depressed, discouraged and tired
Leaders hardly ever, ever, ever take time for themselves because they are always leading or preparing to lead or praying about leading
Leaders do have hearts and they do get broken, bruised and burdened

I could go on and on but even writing this is painful but I want to share two very important things: (1) if you have someone who has become a leader in your life take time to encourage them. A kind word or deed could make all the difference between the success and/or the failure of that leader. (2) give them a hug and acknowledge that you care and are very thankful that God has put them in your life. (3) and I know I say two things but finally pray for your leader whether you happy with them or not – just pray.

Hope this has been helpful but I have to be honest this has been more for me than for you. Thanks for reading.

National Baptist Convention Mid-Winter Board Meeting

This is the very last night of the National Baptist Convention Mid-Winter Board Meeting held at the Baptist World Center in Nashville Tennessee. It has been a very cold trip [14 degrees] other than that the trip has been very informative. During the board meeting the length and breadth of the convention business is discussed. The business meeting was held up a day in order for our National President to attend the swearing in of our 44th U.S. President then it was business as usually. Meeting, discussing, sermons and offering were the schedule.

This year is an election year for the convention, thus there was much discussion about the upcoming election. Who would be eligible to run for president? Which churches was eligible to cast vote during this election.

Now that we’ve handled the National convention business, we have to turn right around and do the same thing for our State Convention. This is also an election year for the State of Oklahoma. We will be soon gathering to do the very same thing locally. Be in prayer for our convention.

I didn’t give my outline for last Sunday so here goes. Why The Church Ought To Pray For President Obama…“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

1. The Responsibility of my Prayer! 1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)
2. The Recipients of my Prayer! 1 Timothy 2:2a (NIV)
3. The Result of my Prayer! 1 Timothy 2:2b (NIV)
4. The Reason for my Prayer! 1 Timothy 2:3c (NIV)

Inauguration of President Barack Obama

"A time of Celebration not Gratification."



Just some personal thoughts:



The timing of Dr. King's dream and the presidential inauguration...WOW



President Obama speech was timely and I think sets the tone for the great work ahead.



First-Lady Michelle Obama was elegant and so proud of her husband.



Their daughters Sasha and Malia just was simply adorable.



Hightlights for me was...

1. The swearing in

2. The farewell walk with the Mr. & Mrs. Bush

3. The parade walk as they held hands waving

4. Can't wait to watch balls



Our prayer go out the Edward Kennedy who collapsed today during luncheon.

Last Night In Houston TX

During day three of “Giving Blood” preaching conference Dr.Len Sweet shifted the focus of the preacher from the Gutenburg era of wordsmithing to the Google era of the image smith.

Kay Arthur taught how to “find” the Word of God that was hidden in the House of God using a text from Josiah.

Dr. Paul Walker thrilled the crowd with a comprehensive but compact training session on how to preach a Bible series.

Dr. Kaiser wrapped up a full 90-minute session on expository preaching that had the audience on the edge of their seats with a profound statement: “Preach the Word like it is going out of style...because it is!”

This was a long day of study but if you know me well there are two things that when I’m out of town I try not to miss: (1) increasing my vision by visiting some of the major ministry in the city. Of course Houston has so many from Dr. Ed Young Sr., Dr. A Louis Patterson, Dr. Ralph Douglas West, Pastor Joel Osteen, and the list could go on and on. I was blessed to visit the Solid Rock Baptist Church and spent time with their visionary Dr. Ross Cullens. Dr. Cullens about two years ago purchased a Garden Ridge Building and has transformed it into a magnificent model for ministry. He highlighted a café that leads into a banquet hall, a new worship area, huge gathering areas, a health club and the future worship area that hasn’t even be started yet. What struck me the most is that this church has a history of being business and kingdom builders. Interesting enough as we where breaking bread together I was sharing with him about a conference I attended where I met a pastor name Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin Potter's House Christian Fellowship in Jacksonville Florida http://www.potters-house.org/. Whose church owns a mall, a credit union and several other major pieces of property. Long story short he not only knows him but married one of his staff members. I was simply blessed again to met a leader with a vision that becomes so BIG that it can’t be confined within the walls of the church building. Oh, by the way they have a party room that would rival any dream place to have your child’s birthday party with private room, mother’s room, father’s room equipped with flat screen television to view football on Sundays afternoon and jumpers everywhere. Not to mention Cullens can preach.

Well, bet you thought I had forgotten about (2) but I didn’t and it’s shopping. I’m not often impressed but today I was – and before this it was in DC. I simply don’t spend money for the sake of it maybe a little wiser in my old age [not too sure,] When I shop now I have to see something that I just can’t live without – this can’t be just another suite or another pare of shoes. I had made some strong decision about my wardrobe for ’09 and was doing good until Pastor Jeff Mitchell [that’s right I’m calling names] and Pastor Cullens set me up. I should have stayed in the car but Pastor Cullens had to go in and pick up two suites they had for him and encouraged me to come along to look. Now I don’t fault Pastor Cullens because he doesn’t know me that well but you would think that a friend of over 25 years would know you well enough to protect you. Let’s just say that I didn’t fall off the wagon to bad.

This evening I’m taking the time to finish up the message for our 9am experience and on the trip back I’ll be reviewing the outline for the 1045am experience. Sunday afternoon I have been asked to sharing the closing prayer at the City-Wide Dr. Martin Luther King Service. Busy weekend and an even busy next week be in prayer – was told today that sheet-rockers are working. God is an awesome God!!!

Away @ Preaching Conference

Today, I'm attending the North American Conference on Biblical Preaching entitled "Giving Blood" How to preach to save lives. The conference equips pastor to 1. To Maximize Quality

2. To Minimize Time

3. Multiply Results



The conference features Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer, Dr. Kay Arthur, and Dr. Walter Kaiser.



Dr. Ulmer taught on "making the message memorable." where he focus on two thoughts, that if you want to make the impression that God's Word should you have to picture it and plant it. He was simply awesome and helpful.



Dr. Arthur taught on "how to preach through a Bible book." I have several of Dr. Arthur's books but this was the first time I heard her in a service. Amazing and very challenging are the two words that come to mind. Her passion for sharing the word was refreshing. I pray that God will deepen my love four His word. Dr. Arthur said that we should never be guilty of mutilating Word of God in order to mutilating people.



Dr. Walter Kaiser taught on "preaching all 66 books of the Bible." Dr. Walter Kaiser focused on expository preaching . He said in expository preaching you begin with a text. Stay with a text and end with a text.



The conference is being held at the beautiful Grace Church host pastors Steve & Becky Riggle. Website http://www.grace.tv/. God has truly given them a vision to accomplish. It is an extremely well ran and organized ministry.



This has been along day that has attached itself to along week. Blessings on you!

It’s ALL About Vision

“I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint. Then the Lord said to me, "Write my answer in large, clear letters on a tablet, so that a runner can read it and tell everyone else. But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk 2:1-3 (NLT)

Over the last year I have been asked by the President of the Baptist Minister’s Assoication Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. [my childhood pastor] to lead a monthly inhouse training. Each month I share on what I think are some very important subjects. Over the next two or three months I’ll be teaching on vision. One of the challenges that leaders and pastors have is to cast the God-Giving Vision.

A lot of Pastors have great vision. But they never see their God given vision become a reality because they never learned how to communicate to their congregations. Many great God-given dreams die in the vision-casting stage.

If you’re a member of a church, a leader in your local church or even a Pastor this will be helpful in sharping your skills. Here are seven things that you need to know when sharing your vision.

Tell them WHO you are. What’s your church about? What makes your church different and unique? When you’re communicating vision to your church, you’ve got to help people see how your church is unique.

Tell them WHERE you are going. If you don’t know where you’re going, nobody else will, and nobody’s going to follow you. To communicate vision, you’ve got to communicate where you’re going.

Tell them WHY you are going there. People will have a hard time following you to where God wants you to go if they don’t understand the motivation behind it.

Tell them WHAT it feels like to be going there. You’ve got to let people know they’ll find significance by investing their time, talent and tresure in seeing God’s kingdom expand.

Tell them WHAT people can do. You’ve got to help them see that their individual ministry contributes to the progress of the whole.

Tell them HOW you’re going to do it. Share with your congregation how you’re going to move forward. It’s going to help the vision become more reachable in the minds of your congregation.

Tell them WHAT the rewards will be. Tell your church what the benefits will be for fulfilling the vision that God has for you. Jesus tells you, “well done good and faithful servant”? That’s the most important reward we’ll get from doing what God calls us to do.

I pray that God will bless you and enlarge your vision and you seek to do God’s Will! Enjoy the New Pictures. Continue to pray for the entire building process. Thank you.

It Will Happen!

The New Church [NE 23rd & Coltrane] is moving at an amazing pace. God has given us favor with weather and speed. As you can see by the pictures they have begun on the outside. The entire inside is framed (hope to get picture soon on inside progress). They have begun the layout for the parking area. Favor is that by this time last year we’d had nearly two weeks of ice, homes and our church was without electricity. Yesterday it was nearly 70 degrees and today it should be the same. What a mighty God we serve.

This weekend we will host an open house for prospective buyers for our current location. I covet your prayers that God will inspire some church or ministry to have the vision to reach one more for Jesus. I’ve discussed with church staff that’s what it’s going to take for some pastor or leader to have a desire to do more than what is comfortable and risk it all for God. That’s what my prayer is that God will continue to push me, along with the Greater Bethel Church family to risk it all for Him. So that He can get the glory and the praise for what He does.

What is God asking you to put on the line?

What is God waiting to do in, to and through you if you trust Him?

"As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored." Matthew 9:27-30 (NIV)

The Message Translation says “It happened. They saw.”

This is YOUR Year!

Happy New Year

The New Year is here. We’ve made it! Between last Sunday and this Sunday I’ve preached both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve I was privileged to preach in the 28th Annual Prayer Bowl at the Fairview Baptist Church [my home church] Dr. J.A. Reed host Pastor. It’s funny because I’ve grew up attending the Prayer Bowl and now for the last 8 years I’ve been preaching in it [who would have ever thought it.] The Prayer Bowl is probably the biggest single event next to the Simultaneous Revival in the City of Oklahoma. For the last 12 years I’ve been preaching New Year’s Day at the Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ. I inherited this preaching spot from my predecessor Dr. C. C. Cooper. Dr. Cooper has aged into his 70’s and Dr. Levi Lenley would allow him until his retirement. Dr. Cooper was a legend; he was a quartet singing and an outstanding soloist. He was a C.A.W. Clark type when it came to preaching. I’m always glad to see the end of the year come and I’m glad to see them come to an end. The Old Folks use to say that how you end the year is how your year will be…that’s scary. With both Christmas and New Years being on Thursdays that has made for very challenging sermon preparations, putting my back against the wall for the out of the ordinary Friday – Saturday preparation.

The holidays have been slow and I’ve really enjoyed it. Spending time with those that are important is such a luxury. With the demands of the ministry it’s very difficult to find time to do this on a regular. That’s another thing that I’ve added to my list of things to work toward. Someone has said “to live life with no regrets,” so I’m going to work to make relationship a priority.

My New Years’ message is entitled “Trusting God will make 2009 your best year ever” Proverbs 3: 5-6. (1) Trusting God’s Care 5a. (2) Trusting God’s Purpose 6a. (3) Trusting God’s Will 6b. Even though this is a promise, it is a conditional promise. If we will do our part, God will do His part.

Construction project is going fantastic. I’ve heard horror stories from many of my pastor friends about project move too slow. I’m afraid the building is going to be ready and we not be. My prayer is that our church family will get on the fast track and get in step with what God is doing. He has given us favor and we ought to respond by stretching our faith. This is our [the Greater Bethel Church] year. Everybody connected with this church is going to realize expediential growth and favor. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in, to, and through this church.

The Blame Game

Sometimes one of the most difficult things to do is to look into the mirror. It is so easy to find fault in those around you and blame everything that's going wrong in your life on those around you. Why is that? That is a question I've been pondering for years. If you are unhappy, unsatisfied and unfilled is that caused by others, the result of others or does the fault lie with the person sitting where you are sitting. Is our condition and position really as tied to other as we tend to act or are we just afraid or unwilling to look in the mirror and own up to some things that are long over due?

Is it really the fault of the all the other members of the church that you feel alone?

Is it really your parent's fault that you are where you are in life?

Is it really the fault of every friend you ever had that you're no longer as close or no longer friend at all?

Is the real reason you can't maintain a relationship with the opposite sex really because you've not found the right person?

Is it really the fault of your mate that you're not happy, whole and healthy?

Do your really have a money and/or weight issues or do you have a discipline problem?

Is the real reason you can't keep a job that you keep getting hired by cruel and sinter people who get a kick out of hiring and firing people?

Tell me the real deal! Was there really no other options? Had you exhuasted ALL other avenues? Did the Spirit of GOD really move/show/tell you that? No! This is not the time to log off the computer or look up another site. Really though! You might be stealing time off your job right now [now that's funny]. We feel better if we can blame someone or something else rather than pointing the finger in the right direction. We'll even blame God for allowing certain things to happen. I have just one thing to say..."STOP IT...STOP THE MADNESS!"

Here's my point do yourself a favor and take a cold hard honest look at yourself and it will cause you to understand others around you. It's Christmas, so let me offer you a little advise. You ready for this? Here we do...You really want to do the people around you a favor?

1. Take a cold hard honest look in the mirror and see yourself the way you are.

2. Then have that same cold hard honest conversation with God [in prayer].

3. Finally sit back and listen to what God will say back to you (I believe as teachers we need to teach God's people not only how to pray but how to listen to to God).

As we move into the new year it would be a shame to pack the old baggage of the past in. Sit down with yourself and help yourself. We've all heared that maturity takes time but that's not the only thing. Maturity also take honesty and commitment. Old wound, attitude, emotion and mentalties will turn a new year fill of new opprotunities, possibilities and (you fill-in the blank) into more of the same. Quit making excuses and make this New Your Best Year!

Here's to stopping the blame game!

Happy Bithday Jesus

As we celebrate Jesus' Birthday, let me thank you so much for your support of the blog and your encouraging word. Christmas is such a special time for family, friends, fellowship, food and fantastic fun. Enjoy them all and be safe.

Didn't share my outline from this past weekend, but today seem like a great day.

Title "The Jesus Story"

Scripture Philippians 2: 5-11

Introduction to the life of Jesus...The Cradle

Body to the life of Jesus...The Cross

Conclusion to the life of Jesus...The Crown

Christmas is much bigger than a babe in Bethlehem. The cradle is useless without the cross and the cross is meaningless without the crown.

As I sit around with my children and grandchildren be certain that the story will be shared. Take advantage of this grand opportunity to began a tradition with deepen the meaning of Christmas with the Christmas story. It not just about a Son being conceived. It moves to a Savior being crucified. To ultimately a Sovereign being crowned.

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Get Some Rest For The Journey

“Come to me all you that are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

In the Bible, people came to Jesus for many different reasons. Some people came for forgiveness. Some came for answers. Others came for healing. Still others came to Jesus for eternal life. But in Matthew 11: 28, Jesus says you can come to him for rest. That means release from stress, release from overload.

Monday, I took off and headed for some much needed rest. We’re to take one day off every week. While the Bible say that we should rest on Sunday, for me Sunday is a far cry from rest. Sunday for me is full of preaching, meeting with people, and overseeing the worship experience, just to name a few – trust me I’m not resting. I really don’t think that it matter what day, but even Pastor’s need a day off.

I’ve notice over the last few years that when I’m tired emotionally, spiritually and physcially I became more irritated with the people around me. I don’t get as much done and to put it bluntly I’m not much fun to be around either. There a story of a pastor who’s members got mad at him because they couldn’t reach him on his day off. The pastor said, “Sorry, but that was my day off.” A member shouted back, “The devil doesn’t take a day off.” To which the pastor replied, “You’re right. And if I don’t, I’d be just like the devil.” Enough said about what happens to me when I don’t take the time to get some rest.

The last 48 hours has afforded me some time to really refresh and reflect. It’s amazing how cloudy your thoughts and emotions become when you become tired and wired. Well the long and the short of it is that I’ve learned a valuable lesson: when you get to busy to find time to steal way and get some rest, you’re just to darn busy.

One of the things that I’ve notice is that when I steal away, whether its a short ride, a long drive, a early morning workout or a day trip my thoughts become clearer. At the close of every year I make a conscience effort to be a better person than the year before by writing down some steps or a game plan. I really don’t believe in New Years resolutions but I do think that a person should simply find an area in their life that could use a little improvement and figure out how to deepen their life experience.

Well, I started writing my game plan for ’09 today. I haven’t completed my list but one of the things on my list is to deepen my relationships. I then asked myself what can I do to deepen my relationships? Here’s what I’m thinking give support, stability, self-expression and significance.

People need to know you’re with them, no matter what. That’s Support.
People need to know you got their back, no matter what. That’s Stability.
People need to know you will allow them to be who God made them, no matter what. That’s Self-expression.
People need to know they are important to you, no matter what. That’s Significance.

Take the next 7 or 8 days and challenge yourself to be better. I’ll be praying for you and get some rest for the journey.

Christmas time is coming

Christmas time is such a busy time seem like everybody is in a hurry. Busy shopping, decorating, family gathering, and Christmas parties. Its amazing the amount of time is spend preparing for Christmas and celebrating Christmas. At the Gaddis household we have always taken thing slow. It seems like the holidays seems to slow us down. As the old year comes to a close and the new year approaches we actually coast. Christmas is more about Christ there has never been a whole lot of gifts under the tree early. While we believe in exchanging gifts we simply go out a few days before and pick up a few gifts for our children and now grandchildren. Christmas is Thursday and Zachary, the sugababies and I just put the tree up at 2am because I had to catch an early flight this morning. Janice hasn't even began to shop, now somewhere in the next few hour she will pick up a few things. I'm thankful that we've tried over the years to not be guilty of falling in to the commercialism of Christmas. Amazing enough its not because we fought it, we just kinda fell into it.

Yesterday, was 28 years to-the-date when Janice and I started dating (now that's GRACE)! Let me quickly say that says much more about her than it does about me. It takes a special person to maintain a relationship with a head-strong, stubborn (and a whole lot of other stuff I probably shouldn't say) man like me. Janice is the one of the sweetest and loving people I know. She has one of the BIGGEST heart, love children and identifies with those who are hurting. She is an amazing woman! She has raise our children, maintain and managed our home and keeps up with me.

You probably would never have imaged it but for some reason we didn't like each other in the beginning (she really hated me...you know what the Pretenders sang "it's a thin line between love and hate"). We first met when I entered junior high school, I was in the 7th grade and she was in the 8th grade. Janice was very outspoken and a bully, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

So here's how this went down...it was lunch time and I was about to take my current girlfriend to lunch. Janice walked over to my car ask to ride with us and got in the front seat causing my friend to ride in the back. The way she tells it is that she didn't know that she was my girlfriend [everybody knows who the star of the basketball and football team is dating...sorry for the shamless plug]. Later I was visiting a friend and lo and behold Janice and her friend was walking home from the store. After a bit of flirting I asked her if I could walk her to her house. After a few blocks I had convicted her to give me her phone number. We spent the next few week talking on the phone all night long and deal with the current girlfriend issue.

After a date to Godfather's pizza (where she ate all the pizza) I pop the question...and she said yes. And has been saying yes every since. 28 years ago was our first Christmas, you talking about a tough gift to buy. New relationship, new Girlfriend and 5 days till Christmas. I went with the scarf, gloves set and $5 (always was a baller). Janice bought a terry-cloth shirt...I think I wore that shirt every week.

Now 28 years later here it is Christmas again but this time we have 5 children and 3 grandchildren. Funny how God does what He does. I often say in marriage counseling that had God given me anyone eles I would be on wife 5 by now. I have had a front row seat as God has shaped and fashioned her into the beautiful, caring and supportive women and wife she is today. Happy Anniversary Jan!

The Preacher's Struggle

Been working my behind off trying to get everything in before the holidays. Preparing Christmas message for this weekend. What a challenge each and ever holiday to trying to tell the same story from a different and unique and attractive angle. It's been interesting to talk to other Pastor and Preacher of the Gospel to see how God is leading them in their presentation. The Christmas story is still the second greatest story next to the Easter story but at the same time they really go hand-n-hand. Guess by now you've noticed my spiritual struggle or challenge. I'm done with my message but not feeling to comfortable with it. This happens more than I would like to admit. Two things happen with me when I'm writing or preparing 1. I get it [I understand clearly why He has me writing down that vein.] 2. I don't get it [this is when I'm struggling every step of the way, cause I just simply don't get it]. Here's the picture you ever been in WalMart and was amusingly entertained by the little kid who have been arrested by the toys and who mother is ready to go. The mother ends up dragging the child down the well polished tile kicking and streaming. Well that me sometime - I have to get it [not really but it feels much better when I do]. Pray for the message and messenger this weekend.

Young Zachary made it home from school safe for the holidays. The basketball schedule keeps him away, so its always good to have him home. Attached are two picture one of Zachary with two of the grandbabies. The other is embarrassingly a picture of the church but because they have worked so hard it's several week old. Promise to get updated ones soon. Keep the entire building process in your prayers as well.

Pastor's Aid Ministry

This past weekend the Greater Bethel Church was blessed to have as her guest Rev. Ray Owens pastor of the wonderful Macedonia Church family South Bend, Indiana. Rev. Owens has been our guest preacher for 8 years now…while as assistant at the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church and now as pastor-teacher of his own church. We have a unique relationship while I’m a few years older, our lives parallel. I first notice Ray as a young kid growing up at the Mount…he just had this air about him. He started out directing the youth choir, later answered his call to the ministry, started preaching youth annual days around town and enrolled in school at Oklahoma Baptist University. All of which I has done several years earlier. Ray is an outstanding preacher he stirred our hearts as he taught on “Real Worship” from John 12: 1-3 (ESV). God is going to do an amazing thing in South Bend through the preaching ministry of Rev. Owens.

Sunday was the annual Pastor’s Appreciation Ministry Day. This day was simply the old-school “Pastor’s Aid Day.” The Pastor’s Aid Ministry had been in African American Baptist Churches for a long time. What the ministry does exactly is up to each local church. Here’s at Bethel there are many who simply have the gift and passion for caring, supporting and praying for their pastor. This particular ministry has continue to evolve the old-school Pastor’s Aid would maintain the pastor’s robes, handkerchiefs, suites and other miscellaneous things. Now it has moved into a holistic approach the ministry now seeks to support its pastor spiritually, physically, financially, and congregationally needs.

For many you hear that age old cliché “it doesn’t take all that,” sad but true. The support of the pastor is vital to the health of the church. The President of the United States has his aids, staff, counsel, secret service, advisors and his presidential cabinet (just to name a few) in order to assure his success and the success of the country. Many pastor simply go to battle week in and week out, they are beaten, bruised and drained from the lack of support. Giving so much but receiving so little. Thus creating a spiritually, emotionally, physically bankrupted preacher that finally leads to an ineffective leader that leads an ineffective church.

An effective powerful church only happens when people and pastor, pew and pulpit are joined together in spiritual partnership. Churches are good at holding the pastor responsible and accountable to his end of the partnership. It’s time now that the church holds itself to the same. If a church wants a caring, loving, supportive, innovative, and cutting-edge pastor then the church has to be caring, loving supportive, innovative, and cutting-edge. Churches have been consuming pastors, leaders and ministry head for years because they have consumed much and contributed little [if any], have required much and given little. The spiritual covenant should be that we [church/pastor] commit to always sow more than we reap.

Please remember the Greater Bethel Church in your prayers today that the Lord will continue to do in us and bring through us that which will bring Glory and Honor to Him!

10 Days to Christmas

Christmas is 10 days away, does anyone other than me feel the pressure? The pressure of purchasing the perfect gift! If you do then I know that those that you are seeking to satisfy haven't been any help. The funny thing is that the very ones who are the most difficult to purchase a gift for are often the most critical. We've all been there when the gift critic begins about another gift. So to be thoughtful we ask "what would you like for Christmas?" to which they answer "nothing" or "I'm not sure" or the worst of all "WHATEVER!"

We are then trapped not knowing what that prefect gift is. Well this year everyone is getting a Visa Gift Card and we're going to be done with it. If they don't have any suggestion then surely you can't miss with a gift card.

I really don't like gift cards but they come in handy. Personally I believe that gift given should be thoughtful. The same way as cards (i.e. birthday, anniversary) when a person opens the card it should say something imitate and meaningful.

So to all who are under pressure to find that prefect gift...I praying for you. To all you gift critic don't be so hard, Christmas is really about Christ not you.

Gift Card for Everyone!

Today, Friday, December 5th

Today, I will be ministering the closing message in revival at my home church as they celebrate their 99th Homecoming Celebration. What a joy it has been to go home and share the word with many of the people who knew me when. Many who have made personal deposits into my life and ministry over these 44 years. I thank God for my childhood pastor Dr. J. A. Reed – he has continued to support, shape and push my ministry forward. I am share preaching responsibilities with Dr. Clarence Morton of Baltimore, MD, who is a full-time evangelist. Dr. Morton is a gifted, mature minister who I’ve learns much from over the past two years. He is very knowledgeable in cult and teaches with power and clarity each time he stands.

The Greater Bethel Church has just made me so proud and I know God smile by their support and attendance of the revival. What an amazing people God has given me the privilege to simple love and to care for…I love you Greater Bethel.

The new church is coming along well will be posting some new pictures soon!

I was presented with an award in honor of our former State Rep the honorable Kevin Cox base on his motto while in office "a workhorse not a showhorse" award. For outstand service to the community at a banquet hosted by the Metropolitan Better Living Center. Thank you to the board, director and staff for the honor.