Out of the Office Today

Today I have to go to Lafayette to attend a denominational meeting. I enjoy these meetings along with the fellowship, however, they can take a long time and drag out for several hours. I am downing a very strong cup of coffee so I don't fall asleep during the meeting. Everyone have a great day. God bless.

Be Careful What You Say...

Taking Time To Rest

Today, while surfing the Internet and catching up on the daily events in the world, I noticed that Starbucks Coffee was going to close down 7,100 of their coffee shops nationwide for three hours to re-train their employees on the basics of brewing and preparing their beverages. I was surprised to read this, because it's out of the ordinary for a major corporation like Starbucks to stop everything and take a break from selling coffee. However I was reminded of the fact that we all need to stop and take time to rest and refresh ourselves. In the Bible we read a wonderful story which illustrates the importance of rest. It is the account where Jesus meets His disciples after sending them out to minister in Mark 6:30-32 and the scripture says, "The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." 32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." The Lord understood the importance of rest and taking time for ourselves. He rested, His disciples were encouraged to rest and we should do the same. Rest is good for our body, mind, soul, and spirit. On my day off each week, I just enjoy resting and reading a good book and relaxing with a cup of coffee or hot tea. I am able to rest my body, and relax my mind and this is something I look forward to doing each week. Take time this week or over the weekend to rest and relax. You will be blessed and it's good for you. God bless.

Forgiveness Goes Two Ways...

I was reading in Matthew recently, and saw once again, a verse that, as many times as I have read it, still has the power to startle me: Matthew 6:15 (NIV) But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Christ's words are pretty clear, aren't they. He doesn't mention exceptions. He says it when He teaches His disciples how to pray, also: Matthew 6:12 (NIV) Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. If we are harboring any unforgiveness against anyone, it creates a block between us and our Heavenly Father. Yes, even when people have not asked to be forgiven, we must follow Christ's example, as He forgave those who crucified Him: Luke 23:34 (NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. Don't get me wrong. God does not expect us to condone sins that others have committed against us. That is unscriptural. It is right to hold people responsible for their behavior. It is actually good for them spiritually, anyway. However, we can hold people responsible, and yet still forgive them. When we forgive those who have wronged us, we reconnect with God. In addition, we find release and peace internally. This only happens when we are able to forgive others.

God's Word for Today

"For God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."
(John 4:24)


I hope you have had a blessed day and enjoyed the presence of God as you worship today. Remember that we praise God for what He's done for us, and we worship God for Who He Is.

My Youth Group's Questions for Their Pastor

Suffiency of God's Grace

2 Corinthians 12:7

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, ``My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (NIV)

So that Paul would not forget this, God gave him a constant reminder of his weakness. Rather than removing the problem God gave him grace in it. This grace is sufficient (i.e., adequate in the sense of providing contentment). (The Greek word translates: "to keep me from becoming conceited"). Has God given you a constant reminder of your weakness? Is there a problem that constantly bothers you? Our God gives us a daily supply of Grace. To seek this Grace, we need to spend time each day with our Lord, time in prayer, meditation, bible study, and other spiritual disciplines that help us receive our daily portion of Grace. I am reminded of the people of Israel wondering in the dessert. They were hungry for food and our God provided the manna for them. Deuteronomy 8:3 "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."(NIV) Each day the people had to gather their supply of manna. Each man, woman and child had to gather their own manna. The manna would spoil over night and had to be gathered again the next day. We must gather manna (grace) everyday from our Father in heaven, who readily gives us our daily portion. The Lord humbles us to prevent us from drawing away from Him. He wants his children at His side everyday. The Lord wants to show you how wonderful He is. Isn't an awesome thought that He cares this much about us? Isn't it wonderful that when we are at our weakest, HE is at His strongest! Now, go and get you manna for the day, experience the daily supply of Grace that our Lord has carefully proportioned out for you today.

Why Pastors Should Watch Their Weight

It's Been a Crazy Week

Hey everyone, I hope you are all having a good week. Mine has been busy as usual. However, it has been a very hectic and crazy week for me. My family is going through a battle with sickness, and the weather here in Indiana is horrible. It is currently snowing right now and more is expected in the forecast. I have been away for a few days, but all seems to be well now. Have a good evening and God bless.

God's Word for Today

"Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters." (Psalm 29:1-3)

Shop Until I Drop

Today, I spent ALL day with my lovely wife Stephanie shopping in Indianapolis. I was ahead of schedule this week and so we decided to shop for some new furniture and she wanted to get a few household items to go along with the new furniture. I don't know how many stores I visited with her but like a faithful foot soldier, I stormed hostile territory and faught for parking spaces and eventually came home with a load of bags and purchased items and one happy wife. You men who are married can relate. Have a great weekend.

Are You Paying Attention?

My prayer today is that David can be an example for us. Even if others are telling us to give up, we can hang on and give the control back to God, where it rightfully belongs. In a crisis, King David turned to God. People scoffed and believed God couldn't help the situation. David ignored their pessimistic outlook. Instead he continued to put his faith in the Lord. "So many are saying, 'God will never rescue him!' But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high." (Psalm 3:2-3 NLT) God is our supporter. He can be trusted. When David shared his feelings with the Lord, God responded. "I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain." (Psalm 3:4)
Is there anything you've been holding back from God?

One True Love

Today is Valentine's Day where we tell our spouse or special someone how much we love them. I didn't forget my wife this year and I am sure she enjoyed her special Valentine's Day gift. While we think about those we love today, remember that the love we show to those in our lives is nothing compared to the love Christ has for us. He said in the scriptures in the book of John 15:13-"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." Jesus paid the price for our sins and gives us eternal life as the gift of His love towards us. That's good enough for me.

Why Pentecostal Pastors Should Blog

Lebanon Starbucks Finally Opens

This past Friday the Starbucks Coffee shop opened here in Lebanon. It was a great sight to see this new addition to our community. As a coffee fanatic I enjoy all varieties of coffee. But I will admit that Starbucks is one of my favorites, if not at the top of my list. They also have some great hot teas to go along with their coffees. I recommend you try their Sweet Wild Orange Tea sometime. It's really a great tea and it's decaffinated and full of antioxidants. God bless.

Sermon Series Continues

Yesterday, I continued my current sermon series "God Rebuilds" by focusing on Building and Rebuilding our Relationships. I shared from Nehemiah 2 where Nehemiah set out to rebuild the broken walls of the Jerusalem but realized he couldn't do it alone. A few things from this scripture are important to remember:

1. Analyze Where You Are-Examine and see what is broken and evaluate what needs to be fixed. Nehemiah examined the situation when he arrived in Jerusalem and then he was better able to evaluate what he needed to complete the task.

2. Ask Others To Help-Nehemiah knew that he couldn't complete the task without help and he knew that he needed others more skilled and experienced than himself to accomplish God's work. In relationships, it's often people around us that make an impact on our lives and help bring success. We should involve others in our life and work for the Lord and allow God to work through His body, the church, to accomplish His will.

3. Advance Together Toward a Common Goal-There needs to be a singleness of purpose in the body of Christ and strong churches are fulfilling God's plan and will because they are built on relationships that are stong. The church has to be a team and work together. There are no stars in the body of Christ, only servants. This is why relationships are so important in the Christian life. They build fellowship, bring accountability and make the work of the Lord even more successful We can either add something to the body of Christ or subtract, or we can multiply and be successful or we can divide. I want to be a blessing and bless others in my earthly relationships. You can do the same.

Worship His Majesty

"Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord.

We praise you Oh Lord"

(Psalm 150:6)

Everyone have a great day as your worship the Lord today. May his presence fill your hearts and lives. Give him praise for he is worthy to be praised.

Love One Another (Even the IRS)

I just finished my taxes this past week and thankfully the IRS was merciful to me this year. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and God bless.

I Have a Problem

Matthew 5:44-48

"But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you 45 in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect (NASB)

I have this one little problem, and I'm going to let you in on it. You have to promise not to tell, and I'm sure you would have never guessed this. Well, ... I'm not perfect. The King James translation renders the word "persecute" in verse 44 as "despitefully use". There are people in my life that I find a challenge. It doesn't matter who they are. That's not important here. I find them difficult. Now this is not the same as someone who uses you. That situation is even more frustrating and offensive. To have someone deliberately take advantage of any of us is something I'm sure we could all live without having happen. God tells us to love them, as unimaginable as that might be. We are to love those who would take unfair advantage of us. We are to love those who use us as sheilds to hide from someone in the office, the neighbor who plays loud music outside when we have company, or the superior who drops his work on our desk. Let's take it to the next level. How do you love someone who might actually persecute you to the point of putting a gun in your face because you claim to be a Christian? It doesn't happen often in America, but it does in places in this world daily. How does someone forgive that and love the person who threatens their life? It starts with remembering that God loved us while we were His enemies (Romans 5:10). He loved us enough to die in our place! Pray for that person in your life that is persecuting or despitefully using you. Don't make a fuss about it, and don't tell them. Just quietly ask God to work in that person's life. Pray for their salvation if they don't know Jesus as their Savior. If you can pray for that one faithfully, imagine how easy it will be to pray for your friends and loved ones. Imagine the impact on your life if God choses to work in the life you are praying to have changed. Be willing to have your own life changed. There's something that might surprise you. It gets easier when we realize that we have a problem. We're not perfect.

God's Word for Today

Psalm 29:11

"The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace."

Congratulations Giants

"David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. "
(1 Samuel 17:48-50)

Congratulations to the New York Giants for their impressive upset win over the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl. This was a great win for the underdog Giants. Everyone remember, with God all things are possible.

What Some People Truly Think of the Preacher

New Sermon Series

Yesterday, I started a sermon series titled "God Rebuilds" and it deals with building Kingdom Stewards for God. This sermon from yesterday was the first of the four in the series and it talked about renewing our service for God. This message dealt with the theme that God calls us to serve him and he will build up those whom he calls. Just as he called Jeremiah to be a prophet in Jeremiah 1:4-9, God has called us to serve him. We should realize and understand three things:

God Calls Us To Serve Him-We have been saved to serve God and he has gifted us to do the work he calls us to do. He told Jeremiah that he knew him before he was even born and while he was still in his mother's womb, God knew him and his destiny. God calls us to success not failure.

We Are Often Reluctanct To Accept God's Call-We feel like we can't accomplish what God has called us to do. Many of us feel ill-prepared and this may be based on past failures, upbringing, high expectations, theology or any other reason. God wants us to be positive about His ability to work through us and in our lives to perform His will. We should accept the responsibility that God has given us through His call to discipleship and service to Him.

God Has A Plan For Us To Serve Him Effectively-Through God's grace and His strengthening, we can fulfill God's plan and will for our lives. Trust God as you serve Him. He doesn't call us to fail. He will perform His plan in our lives.

Give God Praise Today

Escaping Your Groudhog Day...

Today is Grounhog Day and I am sure that sometime today I will sit down and pull out the DVD of one of my favorite movies, Groundhog Day and watch it with my family. This movie is about a cynical, self-absorbed, arrogant TV weatherman named Phil Connors who has to cover the Groundhog Day festival in Punxatawney, PA and ends up living the same day, Groundhog Day, over and over again. So what is the point of these ramblings? Is it to impress you with my cerebral movie tastes? The point is that too many followers of Jesus are stuck in a "Groundhog Day" life of their own. They wake up every day and feel trapped in a repeating pattern of frustrating behavior. And then, depression sets in. The Apostle Paul wrote about this very thing in his letter to the Romans. "I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time." (Romans 7, The Message) Wow...can I relate to that. A bit later Paul writes…I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? That is the real question. And there is a real answer offered by Paul. The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. So what can you do to get out of this sin spiral? You and I can’t do it. I am incapable in my own efficacy to escape my spiritual Groundhog Day. Only Jesus can enable me to escape this endless loop of frustration. Further advice from Paul follows in Chapter 8 of his amazing letter to the Romans. But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Allow the truth of that verse to soak in. Want to get out of your Groundhog Day existence? Most readers of these humble ramblings realize they couldn’t deal with their sin separation from God on their own. We needed Jesus. So why do we think we can deal with our ongoing sin issues on our own? When the Father looks at me on my very worst day this is what He sees. Jesus. That is Step 1. I don’t have to clean up the sin to please God. He loves me already because of Jesus. Step 2. I am learning daily to recognize that the Spirit of God has taken up residence in my life. I am learning that I am the one who limits His power by restricting access and control to my thoughts and actions. I am learning that I don't need to wake up to the frustrating effects of repeated self-effort. I can wake up trusting God, trusting that Jesus has my sin covered and trusting that the Spirit of God will allow me to resolve that sin. Trusting God and what His Word says to be true allows me to escape the Groundhog Day syndrome. Instead I have a new day full of possibilities to thank God for His amazing grace.

More Snow for the Hoosier State

Hey everyone, it's snowing here this morning in Indiana and we have more snow in the forecast for today. It should taper off and hopefully warm up by this evening. Everyone have a great weekend and stay warm. God bless.