Prayer Request

Over the past few days many of us have seen the pictures of the devastation that has taken place over a portion of the deep South.  Alabama is the state in which I was born and raised as well as the state in which I began my Ministerial journey.  Both my family as well as my wife's family were sparred any damage to their homes as well as as any injuries and death.  We are thankful for God's protection for them but we also know that many other people are grieving at this very moment.  Some of them have lost all of their possessions while others not only lost possessions they lost friends and family members to this terrible outbreak of tornadoes.  Each of them are in my thoughts and prayers today.

My eyes have been moved to tears as I have seen the pictures of the destruction that was left behind after these storms brought damage, destruction, and death.  I am very much familiar with many of the communities in Alabama that have been affected by these killer storms.  As a matter of fact, I lived in some of those communities in the early years of life.  I have traveled and ministered in many of the states that have been affected by these storms.  I have preached the Word of God in one particular church in Alabama (Hackleburg) that was demolished by the storm.  As a matter of fact, they lost both their new building as well as their old building.  I have been privileged to preach a meeting in each of those buildings.  I am saying this so that we can understand a personal touch with the people and the circumstances that they are facing.  Earlier today the Pastor of the Hackleburg church, Pastor Clint, placed these words on Twitter, "God is faithful."  What a great reminder from a man that has seen much physical labor, effort, and investment of his time disappear right before his very eyes.  But it is during these moments of life that we are encouraged to trust in the faithfulness of God.  You may not be facing the aftermath of a tornado but you may be facing a "stormy" period of your life.  But in the words of Pastor Clint, "God is faithful."  You can depend on the faithfulness of God.

Let us continue to cover this region of America in our prayers.  Many of these communities face a long journey to able to reclaim any semblance of normality.  Let us pray that God will strengthen the hearts of this community as they pull their lives back together and resume their walk through life.

I also desire your prayers in a personal way.  I have been asked to speak to a Ladies Conference in Kentucky on Friday and Saturday night.  I believe that God has placed a word of challenge and encouragement in my heart for this Conference and I desire the freedom to release that Word.  Your prayer covering would be appreciated.

Valuable Lesson

Yesterday I was able to spend some time with our youngest grandson, Carson.  On several occasions throughout the day Carson would walk up to me and utter these words, "Poppy, I love you."  At the conclusion of these words he would walk away and resume what he was doing prior to his conversation with me.  Naturally I would reply to him that I loved him and that I thanked him for telling me that he loved me. 

My interaction with Carson reinforced the truth that God was teaching me yesterday.  I need to be open to any opportunity to share my love with my Heavenly Father.  I know that I am to give God praise and thanks in the midst of all my circumstances but there are times that my words may ring hollow.  I can say them without truly being thankful and appreciative of all that God is doing in my life.  Isn't is always a challenge to be thankful in the midst of a difficult day when it seems that things are headed in a different direction than you had planned? 

The joy of hearing Carson's words brought this thought to my mind; his words were spoken with true sincerity and genuine love.  The love that he possesses for Poppy brought him to my side to declare his feelings toward me.  Carson's actions were not driven by any ulterior motive although grandchildren have been known to play on the heart strings of their grandparents.  I can honestly say that Carson did not ask for any favors or any actions on my part.  He simply wanted to take a moment and express his love for his Poppy.  How long has it been since we were driven to the presence of God just to express our gratitude and love for Him?  We did not ask for anything; we just wanted Him to know that we loved Him and that we were glad that He had taken an interest in our lives.  I know that there are times in which we bring our needs to God in prayer but there should also be times in which we come to God just to express our love.  Thank you Carson for reminding Poppy of my need to express my love to God.  Thank you Carson for loving Poppy and for your willingness to tell me that you love me without me having to provide anything in return for your expression to me.  Let us come to God in praise and thanksgiving for all of His many benefits. 

Valuable Reminder

Each one of us go through moments in which we find it difficult to sleep. Last night was one of those nights for me. I had trouble letting go of some frustrations which I was feeling. Each of us KNOW what we ought to do in those moments but there are times that we fail to make the right decision. I kept lying in the bed fuming, stewing, mumbling, and allowing my mind to keep adding more frustrations to my life. I even began to re-visit past frustrations so that I could justify my feelings of disappointment. Finally I was able to drift off to sleep although I never fully found the rest that my mind and body needed. This morning I awoke and began to read one of my devotions and this passage appeared. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.". WOW, what a wake up call from the Holy Spirit. I immediately asked for forgiveness and strength to stay focused even when I face my own set of circumstances. I need to offer thanks to God REGARDLESS of my situation. I must learn to look for the Hand of God in the midst of my challenges. The Spirit reminded me that some things are easier preached/taught than they are practiced. I am determined to put this principle into practice in my life. Will you join me in that commitment? We need to praise God as we face the challenges of life. He is ever present to assist us.

Weekend Reflection

I trust that each one of you enjoyed a great weekend of reflection and celebration.  I was blessed to be able to participate in two wonderful services on Friday night and Sunday morning.  The anointing of the Spirit was very evident in each of these meetings and I was grateful for the opportunities to point people in these services to Jesus Christ.  I truly believe that this past weekend reinforced that burning desire in my heart; people need to know that Jesus still has power to save. 

The passage of scripture in Hebrews 7:25 was the key text for the Resurrection Celebration message; "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (NKJV)  As Christians we are able to declare that passage with great passion and determination.  We must remind this troubled world that the plan for God is to forgive us of our sins and to restore us to fellowship with God and with man.  Remember, He (Christ) saves to the uttermost.  We do not depend on our own ability to accomplish this spiritual transaction but the Word says that "He (Christ) is also able to save to the uttermost."  The verb "able" stresses the innate power of Christ to achieve whatsoever He desires or has willed.  In other words, He is able to do whatever he wants.  He is not limited or restrained.  As we read the Bible we can see that Christ is not limited in when He can save, where he can save, or whom He can save. 

My heart has been captured by these thoughts the past few days as I have prayed over these words.  We must remove the limits of our spiritual thinking and realize that God is able to work in anyone who will come to Christ and repent.  These are the days of great possibility for the family of God.  Do not doubt when you pray for your family or friends.  The story of Easter reminds us that Christ desires to save.  Matthew 18:11; "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."  We can place our confidence in the promises of the Word of God.  Do not lose hope.  Do not lose confidence.  Do not stop your prayers of concern for your family or friends.  The salvation of your family and friends is nearer than you think.  The Easter story shares that word of hope with each of us.

Holy Week

Many churches across America will celebrate Good Friday services today.  Tonight I will lead a service at New River Worship Center in Radcliff, Kentucky.  I always look forward to the service on Good Friday because it allows us the opportunity to look back to Calvary but it also affords us the opportunity to look ahead not only at the Resurrection of Jesus Christ but the promise of His return and His continuing presence with us.  This week's preparation for Good Friday and the Resurrection Celebration on Sunday has been different for me.  The Holy Spirit has caused me to truly focus on the blessings that was provided through the cross on which Christ died.  How often have I (we) been guilty of forgetting those provisions that have made such a dramatic difference in our lives?  Is it possible that we have overlooked the great sacrifice that was offered on Calvary?  I am determined to bring some of these things back into our thought process so that we can give due honor to Jesus Christ and the great door of relationship that He has opened to us through His sacrifice on Calvary. 

Christ's death on Calvary has brought to us the blessings of Justification.  On the basis of Jesus' sacrifice, the Lord now declares believers not guilty of the sins that they have committed.  Each of us were guilty of sinning against God and we needed our Savior to pay the price for the commission of those sins.  Although we had sinned we have been made righteous through the blood of Jesus.  We do not make this declaration out of an attitude of arrogance or self-righteousness rather we make this declaration through humility and gratitude to a Savior who loved us enough that He took our sins away and placed in our hearts His righteousness.  We need to avoid any thoughts of what "self" has done and understand that our right standing before God was not earned through our good works but it was received though faith as we invited Jesus Christ into our hearts.  Holy Week does not give believers the venue to declare our greatness but it provides an opportunity to seriously spend time in introspection and re-dedication.  Introspection affords us the opportunity to allow the Spirit to search our hearts and re-dedication allows us the opportunity to give our lives to Christ in a fresh and vibrant manner.  Let this weekend be one in which each of us take the time to search our hearts but we also take the time to praise and honor God for the great provisions of Calvary.

A variety of songs and music styles will be offered in services this weekend.  Some churches will sing the hymns of the church, other churches will choose to use the means of a choir presentation, and other churches may choose to use praise and worship music.  As I was preparing to finish the post, the Spirit encouraged me to place this challenge before you.  Let us praise God with fervor and gratitude regardless of the style of music that the Worship Leader chooses to use.  Do not focus on the "vehicle" that may be used to bring you into the presence of God but choose to focus on God who has made it possible that we might be called the "children of God."  Have a great weekend of celebration!

Holy Week

This week in Christendom allows us to reflect on the great love that God has for humanity as well as the revelation of this love through the life and death of Jesus Christ.  I know that the death of Christ on the cross was the ultimate revelation and declaration of the love of God but I also know that the Gospels of the New Testament reveal the daily release of the love of God in the lives of individuals.  Aren't you glad that God offers His love and care to us on a daily basis and he is aware of the challenges that we face on a daily basis?  We need to take the time to recognize the presence of the love of God in our daily lives and we must be prepared to release that love toward our fellow man.  As Christians we are to be an example of the life of Christ and model His love to a world full of people that have never fully accepted the revelation of that love.

The death of Christ allows us to understand that Christ was the propitiation for our sins.  The sins of mankind and the holy justice of God demanded that a payment for those sins had to be paid.  The Old Testament reveals the sacrifice of animals as a means of paying the price for the sins of mankind.  Justice demands that a payment would be required for these sins and the efforts of sinful men could not fully meet this demand.  Christ offered the payment of His life for the ransom of fallen humanity.  We must always remember that we (humanity) could not pay the price but the Son of God was more than willing to offer Himself as our sacrifice.  As we move toward Good Friday and Resurrection Celebration we must remember the purpose of our celebration.  The spirit of the culture has tried to hijack and capture this special week as it has so many of the wonderful celebrations of Christianity.  I do not want these words to appear in a legalistic manner but we need to resist the efforts of the culture and keep this week set aside as a week of deep and sincere reflection.  The times in which we are living are demanding that we have a solid foundation upon which we are building our lives.  We need to be careful and make sure that we are building our life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ our Lord.  This week should be a week of somber and serious reflection on the great price that was paid for our spiritual freedom and release from the bondage of sin.  Walk in the strength of the love that God has for you and recognize the fact that Christ died in our place on the cross.  He paid the price of ransom that we were unable to pay.  Let us offer our praise and adoration to God for this great sacrifice on the part of Jesus Christ.

Holy Week

We were awakened early this morning with the warning sounds of a siren notifying of us the threat of bad weather in our community.  Thankfully we were spared  any damage in our neighborhood but other parts of the community did sustain some damage.  Those individuals who suffered damage to their homes or to their businesses are in our thoughts and prayers.  Yesterday was a nice day with some sunshine, some clouds, and a warm breeze blowing.  But it changed quickly as the storm front began to move through our community.  This morning I thought  abut the week that Jesus faced.  He entered the city to shouts of praise and Hosanna but it was not long before the false accusations and a farce of a trial appeared on His daily agenda.  We could say that Jesus' life transitioned quickly from the calmness of a triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the hill called Calvary where He would die for the sins of mankind.  Let us remind ourselves that the transition of the last week of Christ's life on earth provided for us the power of forgiveness.  The death of Christ brought forgiveness from God for the sins that we had committed but it also placed within us the ability to forgive those who have committed transgressions against us.  Because we were forgiven we now possess the power, grace, strength, and even desire to release the blessings of forgiveness on their lives.  It is no wonder that the song writer declared these words; "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, who saved a wretch like me..."  We can be thankful that Christ was willing to take the final and proper steps to pay the complete price for our redemption!

Holy Week

This week is usually referred to by the term "Holy Week."  The path of Christ moves from the triumphant entry into Jerusalem until we find Him hanging on the cross for the sins of mankind.  Throughout the past several months the Spirit keeps reminding me that we can not forget the price that was paid for our rescue from sin.  The death of Christ was difficult for Him but life-changing for those who choose to believe in His Grace and Mercy.  We must allow this week to be on in which we reflect on the wonderful and awesome love of God and commit ourselves to sharing that love with a lost and hurting world.  Remembrance and responsibility seem to go hand in hand as we understand the purpose of the death of Christ and as we understand our purpose as disciples of Christ.  If we leave either of these thoughts out of our thinking then we are more than likely to live beneath the standard of our full potential. 

When we think about the crucifixion we can become overwhelmed by the physical and emotional suffering that Christ endured.  We can remember the beating that He received, we can remember the crown of thorns that was placed on His head, we can remember the nails that were driven into His hands and feet, and we can even remember the shame and mocking that He received at the hands of His enemies.  But during the crucifixion, much more was taking place than we can fully comprehend.  Jesus was setting in motion His plan to offer salvation to lost humanity.  The plan to rescue fallen man was being implemented right before the eyes of those who stood at the foot of the cross.  Today we are unable to physically stand at the foot of the cross but the Bible reveals the truth of those moments and through this account we are able to lay hold of the promises of God.  Let us fully reflect on these promises and offer sincere gratitude to our Savior for His willingness to suffer in our place on the cross.  Take a moment and share this good news with someone today.

Weekend Review

The remembrance and celebration of Palm Sunday was a blessing at New River Worship Center yesterday.  We were blessed to be able to enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit as people gathered to exalt and magnify the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We were able to recognize and exalt Christ as the Answer and Hope for humanity.  The Children's Choir led the Call to Worship as they reminded us that even on bad days there can be good things that God provides for us.  As we enter what Christianity refers to as Holy Week let us remind ourselves of the sacrifice that was made for our redemption.  We are walking under the blessings of salvation because Christ offered Himself as our Redeemer.  He paid the ransom price for our deliverance from sin and all of its bondage.  I urge you to celebrate our Redeemer this week and be willing to offer your life to God in service to others.

The Lord placed a thought in my heart as I was sharing the Word yesterday.  We have heard the proverbial statement that an individual person was waiting for their "ship to come in."  This usually referred to someone who was waiting on something special or life changing to take place in their life.  The Lord encouraged me to tell the people that we need to stop waiting on our "ship" to come in but we need to thank God for all of the "boats" that He has sent our way through life.  These boats have been loaded with the "daily benefits" that David spoke about in Psalms.  We must recapture the spirit of praise in our lives.  We live in a world of doom and gloom but in the midst of those challenges the Holy Spirit is leading and directing our steps.  Let us look beyond our clouds of difficulty and realize that the presence of Christ is with us.  Take some time this week and offer praise to God for all of the blessings that God has provided for you.

Praise God!

Yesterday I wrote about the church plant in which I am personally involved. Last night we saw the revelation of His presence both in the adult Bible Study as well as the Youth Ministry. The adults were studying about our need to truly share the love of God with people that we encounter on a daily basis. Little did we realize that while we were discussing the love of God in one part of the building the Youth were feeling the love of God in another part of the building. Five (5)) youth gave their lives to Christ during the service. I offer a resounding HALLELUJAH to the King of Kings! We ask for your continued prayers for this outreach effort in Radcliff, Kentucky. Feel free to contact me if you have family or friends who live in the Radcliff/Elizabethtown community or anyone who may be stationed at Fort Knox.

Weekend Review

The Spirit of the Lord was very powerful this past weekend at New River Worship Center in Radcliff, Kentucky. New River is a church plant in which I am serving as Lead Pastor.  We have seen the Lord touch the lives of many people over the past several months.  I am convinced that God is at work in the hearts of many people and that the people of God (church) must be prepared to reach out to those who are in need.  God has called us at New River to be a Refuge for those who are in need of a Savior and for those who are in need of feeling the love of God during the difficult times of their lives.  I must remind you that the love of God is real and that the true love of God will make a difference in the lives of people.  We must be prepared to live out the message that we declare; our individual lives must reflect the desire to fully represent Christ in this hurting world.

We were blessed with several first time guests this past weekend.  We have outgrown our present facility and we are in the process of relocation.  Many of you who read this blog are people that I have met over the past several years as I traveled around this country sharing the message of the Gospel.  You know that my heart is one that is seeking after more of God and for His leading and direction.  I felt led to ask you to support this outreach effort through your prayers and also through your giving if the Lord directs.  I am not asking for  a personal offering, I am asking for offerings for the process of relocation.  We are not being underwritten by any organization.  We are being underwritten by the Spirit and those believers who faithfully attend New River each Sunday.  We are a fully sanctioned 501C3 non-profit organization.  The Lord has provided many blessings over the past year and we are excited about the future to say the least.

Would you pray about making a contribution?  You can email me if you have any questions.  The mailing address is:

  New River Worship Center

  P.O. Box 426

  Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42702

Make your checks payable to New River Worship Center and your offerings will go the process of relocation.  Thanks and may God bless and guide each of us in our walk with Christ.

Personal Reflection

Yesterday was an unique day. I spent a good portion of the morning with a young Minister who has a strong and burning desire to serve Christ. He also possesses a passion to develop and disciple this younger generation so they can be equipped to defend their faith but also be equipped to live out their faith. Aren't each of us called to live out our faith? The afternoon found me attending a funeral celebration of a Ministry colleague for over 34 years. William Norton had served many years as a bi-vocational Pastor in Kentucky. I was given the privilege to serve the Norton family as Pastor when we first moved to Kentucky. Both of these men come from diverse backgrounds as well as different generations but they possessed a common characteristic; their passion for Christ and the passion to share the Good News of the Gospel. Each of these men in their own way challenged me to examine the status of my passion for Christ and the Gospel message. I went to see Bro. Norton in the hospital recently just to let him know that I loved and appreciated him. I emailed the young Minister last night to let him know that I was blessed by our time of sharing. Take the opportunity to thank those people who have caused you to examine your relationship with Christ. You and I are indebted to those teachers and preachers who have caused us to think about Christ and His work in our lives.

Remembering Christ

We can identify that we are involved in the Spring as we look outside and see the changing colors of the grass and tress as well as feeling the warm breezes begin to blow.  We are even seeing the changes in our attire as we begin to shed the long sleeves, sweaters and heavy coats for a more relaxed look such as sandals, shorts, and polo shorts that are being dug out of the closet.  Some of these items have not been worn since last year.  Spring also reminds us of the time of the year that we refer to as "Easter."  It seems to me that the term "Easter" almost refers to the cultural celebration rather than the reminder of the great price that was paid for the sins of mankind. This special time of remembrance allows each of us the opportunity to reflect on our relationship with Jesus Christ and understand that the death and resurrection of Christ allows us to live our lives with hope, anticipation, and faith that Christ is alive that He is daily present in our lives.

I challenge each of us not to lose the true focus of this event that took place over 2,000 years ago.  Do not allow yourself to be captured by the hype of the culture that causes us to focus on the temporary and overlook the eternal.  We thank God for the love that He expressed to this world through the life of Christ.  We thank Christ for His love that was revealed to this world through the willing sacrifice of His life on the cross for the sins of mankind. We thank the Holy Spirit for revealing His presence to us as we face the daily challenges of life.  After all, aren't those promises far more beneficial than any suit or dress that we may be able to purchase at the local mall?

Weekend Review

I am thankful for all of the blessings that God has provided for us through His Word and through the daily presence of the Holy Spirit.  We can trust in God and understand that God is committed to our spiritual well being.  The Spirit is at work at all times and in all situations even when we fail to recognize Him.  

I went to church this past Sunday morning prepared to share what the Lord had placed on my heart.  The Spirit began to redirect my heart as the service at New Worship Center began to unfold.  I could sense that God was leading me and the congregation in another direction.  The Spirit and the Word began to reveal that we need to be careful and not disregard the "small" signs of the presence and power of God.  Many of us live our lives only looking for the spectacular and dramatic revelation of the presence of God and in many cases we miss what He is doing because we are overlooking what He is revealing to us.  We must stop "despising the day of small things" that comes from God.  Remember that God took dust and created humanity.  Remember that God looked at nothing and spoke these words of transformation; "Let there be..."  Because of the power of God behind these words we are able to look at this earth and not despise the day of small beginnings.  

Many of us are able to look at prayer requests that we are presenting to God and realize that we do see some changes even if they are small changes.  We are seeing the "small" changes in the attitude of the person which is being remembered in our prayers.  We are seeing some "small" increase in our financial resources as we recognize that the Provider is at work.  We are seeing some "small" changes in the status of our health as we are realizing that the Healer is at work.  We are seeing some "small" changes in the atmosphere of our marriage as we seeing the transforming work of the Spirit in our life as well as the life of our spouse. We are recognizing some "small" changes in our lifestyle as we continue to see the development of our relationship with God.  Hopefully, these "small" reminders will serve as an encouragement to you as you continue to pursue your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Let each of us take the time to recognize ALL that God is doing in our life and not miss those moments of divine intervention even though they may appear small.  

Dynamite still comes in small packages!