Thoughts on Tuesday

It is interesting to realize all of the tactics that satan will use against the children of God. Why does the enemy of our souls continually seek to hinder our journey with Christ? I believe that he uses these tactics to take our eyes off of Jesus Christ. He does not want any one of us to look fully into the presence of God and realize that we are not alone in our journey through life. Do you remember these words from a worship song; "Open the eyes of my heart Lord, Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see You, I want to see You." I desire to see the Lord as my Hope, Joy and Strength!!!

I would like to share some questions that I posed in a recent message at New River. I ask that you take a moment and review them in your heart. And then take a moment and respond to God as you feel led. I asked our local church to respond through the act of writing down some of the blessings that God has provided through the years of their lives. 

How long has it been since you took a fresh, new look at the Savior and realized the risk of releasing your faith has brought great rewards in your life?  How long has it been since you have sat down and attempted to remember just a few of the blessings that God has provided to you in your lifetime?   How long has it been since you have taken time just to thank God and offer Him praise for never leaving you or forsaking you? How long has it been since you have thanked God for not walking away from you at your moments of greatest despair and emptiness? How long has it been since you have offered God praise for forgiving you of your sins and adopting you into His family? YOU AND I CAN NOT AFFORD TO GIVE UP WHEN WE LOOK BACK AND REALIZE THE GOODNESS AND GREATNESS OF GOD IN OUR LIVES!!! 

Blessings on your walk with and in Christ!!

Monday's Musings

I fully realize that these are challenging and troubling times. The word "chaotic" could even be used to describe the atmosphere of our nation as the events of life unfold on a daily basis. But I was reminded of something during our altar time at church on Sunday and I was reminded of it again this morning during prayer. God is still calling people to draw close to Him. And there are people who are still answering that call. I was privileged to pray with several of those people in the service yesterday at New River. Many of you who will read these words today sense that same "call to draw closer to God" deep in your soul today. Let me encourage you with these words, "Do not be embarrassed to respond and do not let the intimidation of the enemy hinder you from responding."

I truly believe the Lord inspired my heart to understand this principle. The enemy is concerned and somewhat afraid of people who become hungry for more of God. Our hunger and thirst for more of God is not in vain!! Our hunger and thirst for more of God is coming directly from Him!! Our hunger and thirst for more of God will bring results. Our hunger and thirst for more of God will bring a response from God!! God will provide the strength each of us need to continue our pursuit of God and His direction in our lives!!

I encourage you to remind yourselves of the promise that Jesus declared in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." (NKJV) (Emphasis added)

Did you notice the last five (5) words of Jesus' message? He has promised that we would be filled with His righteousness!! Is it no wonder that satan works to keep us from being hungry and thirsty for more of God. The enemy of our soul seeks to convince us to receive the "bread of life" from the other sources of our culture. But Jesus plainly declared that He is the "Bread of Life." We can not find eternal life in any other source than Jesus Christ. I believe that God is raising up an army of hungry and thirsty soldiers who will seek after Him with all of their heart, soul, mind, energy and strength. 

Are you hungry and thirsty for more of God today?

America the Beautiful???

2 Chronicles 7:14, "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (NKJV)

My heart is saddened this morning as I prepare to write this blog post. I am saddened by the events of the past few days across our land but I am even more saddened at the condition of the hearts of Americans. I spent much of my prayer time in confession this morning. The Book of Daniel reveals that Daniel confessed his personal sins as well as the sins of the nation. This was the spiritual position that I found myself in this morning. I was able to identify the lack of concern for others as well as a lack of respect for one another that has taken a firm grip on our nation. Wasn't it just a few days ago that we were "celebrating" America? And now we are seeing the results of our personal as well as our national rejection of God at work in our land. Where did we get off course?

These words may not be popular but I do think that they need to be said. Each of us bear some responsibility as we view the landscape of our nation not only today but over the past several years of our lives. Where is our brokenness when it comes to the affairs of humanity? How long has it been since we have shed any tears over the spiritual condition of our families and our friends? How long has it been since we got alone with God and actually prayed? How long has it been since we have attended a meeting that was "dedicated" to prayer? When will we stop using the excuse that we don't how to pray? Dedicate some of your time to Prayer and you and I will learn to Pray!!

We no longer gasp at the stories that fill the headlines of the news reports. It seems that the Louisville television stations or radio stations are always reporting about a murder or murders in our city or surrounding cities. We easily forget the death of a three year old that was murdered by her father. We easily forget those unknown people (at least to us) who die from a drug overdose. We easily forget the family who is dealing with the death of their family member who was killed by a driver who was operating a vehicle under the impairment of alcohol or drugs (both street as well as prescription). We also forget the family of the driver who was at the wheel of the vehicle. What about the people who commit suicide? What about the people who are trapped in the lifestyle of prostitution or the sex slave market? Does it truly concern us when we see others trapped in the clutches of sin which lead to anger, frustration, desperation, volatility and uncontrolled actions or reactions? 

I was convicted of this fact; I forget very easily when I do not have a personal connection or attachment. But my forgetfulness in these situations is not a product of the fruit of the Spirit. Listen to these words; "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Is it possible that this is one of the missing elements in our nation? The Bible reminds us of this awesome principle, "For God so loved the world..." We hear the term "worldview" used in many different scenarios today but John 3:16 gives us "God's view" of the world. Our worldview needs to embrace the worldview of God. I encourage each of us to repent and ask God to show us our sins, failures and faults when it comes to our care and concern for our fellow human beings regardless of race, color, ethnicity, social status, educational status, political persuasion, etc. 

I want to leave you with a verse of a song that was written by Woodie Guthrie. I was reminded of this song this morning as I was preparing to pray. I know that seems odd but it was one of the ways that God reminded me of the importance of EVERY PERSON IN AMERICA!!!

This land is your land This land is my land
From California to the New York island; 
From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters 
This land was made for you and Me.

Did you take time to notice the last line of this verse? 

Thursday's Praises

Our small Group Meeting on Wednesday evening have been focusing on the study of I Corinthians 15 the past few weeks. We have been involved in an in-depth discussion of Grace and all of the attributes that are connected with the deeper understanding of Grace. We sing the song Amazing Grace but it is truly "amazing" when we identify the presence of Grace in so many areas of our lives. But that is not what I want to write about today.

I wanted to share with you about our Prayer Time prior to the beginning of the study. I opened the time of study and discussion with a Praise Report of my own. I shared about two unspoken requests that had been shared with me recently. One of them was on Tuesday evening of this week and the other one was shared with me last week. Both of these needs were met with one of these needs being met within in a matter of a few hours. I begin to offer praise to God for these answered prayers as well as other prayers that I had seen answered in the recent months. The New River church family has witnessed several situations in which God has divinely intervened over the past several months. To God be the Glory!!!

I could stop with that portion of information from last night's meeting and it would be wonderful. But there was more good news that needed to be shared. Other individuals raised their hands and begin to share their own story about answered prayers. And for several minutes the "study time" was changed to a "TIME OF PRAISE." The voice of praise and thanksgiving was lifted in our Fellowship Hall as we celebrated victories that had been won in our lives or in the lives of our loved ones or friends. 

Many of you have stories of prayers being answered. Do not keep them bottled up in your memories. Share them with someone today. Let people know that God is alive and that He is still interested in the lives of His children. I AM THANKFUL THAT I CAN REPORT THAT GOD IS STILL ANSWERING PRAYERS!! As a matter of fact, I have already received two praise reports this morning and neither one of them is connected with last night's service. PTL!!!

I feel led to share Psalm 150 with you this morning. I encourage you to pay close attention to the last verse.

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!   (NKJV)

Don't You Think That IT IS TIME TO PRAISE GOD

Isaiah 12:4, “And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. “ (NKJV)

A few weeks ago my wife directed a Ladies Ministry effort at the local church where we serve as Pastor. The theme of this ministry outreach was "Tell Your Story." This morning as I read today's passage of scripture I was reminded of that service and the challenge that was placed before those ladies who attended. 

Do we realize that each of us truly do have a story to tell and a story to share with others? In a world that is full of bad news and horrendous activities we need to be willing and ready to share the Good News that has taken place in our lives. Is it possible that we are always waiting for the "big moments" to share our story? And because of this waiting, we never seize those precious moments of opportunity that God places in our lives. 

I remember reading these words when I first began in the ministry. "You will never be able to preach to a large group of people if you are not willing to preach to a group of four or five people." That challenge has always encouraged me to do my best to share the Gospel message regardless of the size of the crowd. You and I never know who may be listening to the words that we are sharing and we may never know the full impact that the Spirit of God will make on their lives. We need to be prepared to share "our story" whenever the opportunity arises.

Notice the first few words of today's verse; "And in that day you will say..." TODAY is that day to Praise His name. TODAY is that day to call upon His name. TODAY is that day to declare His deeds among the people. TODAY is that day to make mention that His name is exalted. Oh, I am looking forward to TODAY so that I can show forth the praises of God who has brought me out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

What will you do with TODAY? Will you take the time to SHARE YOUR STORY WITH SOMEONE TODAY?

Happy July 4th

Today is a rainy, possibly stormy day in Louisville. Kentucky. Our nation celebrates its 240th Birthday. Our history books are full of examples in which our nation faced some "stormy" days. But it was at those times that God would raise up "patriots", or "spiritual leaders", or just everyday normal people who would become "heroes" in a cause that was bigger than themselves. We are in need of men and women of this caliber today who will rise above the fray and realize that there is a cause that is greater than our egotistical approach to life. We must not allow this  narcissistic, self-engrossed, self seeking and self-absorbed approach to life become the "Trojan horse" that leads to the destruction of our nation. 

I would encourage, implore and even plead with you to take some of your time today and pray for our nation. Here are a few prayer points that are on my heart this morning.

Before you even look at my list, ask the Holy Spirit to direct your prayer life so that you can connect with the heart of the Heavenly Father for our nation. 

1) Pray for the Leaders of our nation. You could begin with the family leaders, the educational leaders, the spiritual leaders, as well as the governmental leaders.

2) Pray for our Armed Forces who are presently serving at various bases around the world and also include those bases located in our homeland.

3) Pray for the families of our military personnel.

4) Pray for the upcoming election in November.

5) Pray against the spirit of anger, frustration, division and violence that has such a strong grip on our land today.

6) Pray against those enemies who are out to destroy our nation and the principles of freedom upon which we stand.

7) Pray for another "Spiritual Awakening" across America.

Thank you for your prayers and may GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

What Will We Celebrate?

It seems that people are looking for something to celebrate. Fellowship parties always draw a larger crowd than Prayer Meetings. A few weeks ago some people estimated that over million people gathered in the streets of downtown Cleveland to celebrate the NBA Championship of the Cavaliers. Many of them spent the whole day waiting on the champions to arrive and say the same things that they had been saying since they won game 7 on Father's Day. There is nothing wrong about celebration (I celebrate God every opportunity that I have presented to me.) but in my opinion we do need to remember whom or what  we are celebrating.

July 4th is just a few days away. The business establishments that are selling fireworks have been open for a few weeks now. People are stocking up on hotdogs, hamburgers, drinks of all types, charcoal, chips, condiments, etc. People are preparing to celebrate although many of us may have forgotten what we are truly celebrating. July 4 will mark the 240th birthday of America as a nation. Our nation existed prior to July 4, 1776 but on that particular date our Forefathers chose to make the final decision to break away from England and establish a nation that would be based on freedom. Historical manuscripts reveal that these early pioneers leaned on the promises of God and actively asked God to be with them on this new journey to freedom. They looked for freedom based on the fact that they were placing their trust in God to guide their decisions both at the present as well as in the future. I just wonder, "Is that true among our leaders today?"

Would you look at this scripture passage with me for a moment? John 15:12-14, “ This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (NKJV)

WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE OFFERED THEIR SERVICE TO OUR NATION IN THE ARMED FORCES!!! I am proud to report and declare that these men and women are the true heroes that the citizens of America need to be honoring and applauding today. The police will close streets and halt traffic because a “celebrity" has arrived in town for an event yet our Veterans will have to wait several hours for medical treatment in overcrowded and outdated VA Hospitals. Does anybody see anything wrong with that picture that I just painted?  

Because of the valuable service of these men and women through these 240 years we still can celebrate FREEDOM OF RELIGION today. We can believe in and offer our heartfelt, sincere, genuine and authentic worship to the Lord God Almighty this morning. Although I must confess that the freedom to exercise our right to walk in the principles of Christianity is under attack. There was a time in America when a crisis arose in our nation that our governmental leaders as well as our spiritual leaders encouraged us to turn to God and seek His help. Now there is a very vocal element in our culture who seeks to blame Christianity and its followers as the cause of the crisis. What would our Founding Fathers truly say if they could speak?   

I would like to encourage you to remember the reason behind getting a day off from work on Monday!! I would like to encourage you to remember those brave men and women who have given their service to our nation so that we may have a party/celebration on Sunday as well as Monday!! I would like to encourage you to remember those brave men and women who are presently serving our nation in the Armed Forces!!

HAPPY JULY 4TH!! ENJOY YOUR CELEBRATION!!