Telling it like it can be

The most dangerous person in the church.

2011-12-11T19:55:00.001-05:00

I read an article the other day that got my mind to wondering, who is the most dangerous person in the church. As I thought about this article, God gave me a Rhema word for the church on this subject. The text was 3rd John 9-11. Can you recognize the most dangerous person in the church? By dangerous, I don't mean the physical person. I don't mean the biggest, meanest or the scarest. I mean the one with the most dangerous spirit, the one with the spirit of Diotrephes.

Diotrephes would not submit to leadership, that made him dangerous. Diotrephes was a self serving, glory seeking, person who wanted preeminence. He fail to realize the Only Christ should have preeminence (Col. 3:18). Diotrephes was a slanderous, gossiper. He went around spreading mess about the man of God.

Diotrephes was a divisive person. His selfish desire caused division in the church. Anytime you have a member (s) in the church who displays these attributes, that person is dangerous to the body of christ.

How are we to respond to the spirit of Diotrephes? Verse 11 says we are not follow them because they have not seen God, in other words; they have not been saved. Paul said in Romans 16:17 that we are to mark them that cause divison AND avoid them.

In summary, Diotrephes can be anyone in the church from the pastor to the people. Diotrephes could even be you my reader. Ask God to examine your heart today and see if you are the most dangerous person in the church.

Looking for an answer

2011-10-22T09:03:00.000-04:00

I have one serious question for all you out there in the blog-a-sphere. Please give this some serious thought. Ready? Here it is......Can a TRUE christian become an atheist?

The fire still burns

2011-10-22T08:47:00.000-04:00

Thank God for my pastor, Rev. Keith D. Witherspoon. Man what a time we had in revival on last week. Pastor preached as though it was his last time preaching and our last time to make a decision. I am ever so grateful for this anointed man of God. Really I am speechless.

Telling it like it can be: You can depend on God

2011-07-24T20:56:00.000-04:00

Telling it like it can be: You can depend on God

You can depend on God

2011-07-24T20:55:00.001-04:00

God has had me anchored in the Old Testament for the last few weeks and I must say it has been a joy to preach from such passages as Exodus 20 (Ten commandments) and the book of Numbers. Last week I preached from a passage in Numbers (23:8)entitled "any way you look at, I'm blessed." That chapter was so rich God had me drop anchor in it again, this time from Numbers 23:19. The message was entitled, "You can depend on God." Here is a brief outline and overview of the text:
"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor the son of man, that He should repent. Has He not said, Will He not do." Each phrase in this passage can stand by itself as an independant clause.

God is: That's Affrimation.
Not a man: That's Information.
That He should lie: That's Declaration.
Nor the son of man: That's Limitation.
That He should repent: That's Revelation.
Has He not said: That's Proclamation.
Shall He not do: That's Expecation.

God put this word in the mouth of the prophet Balaam in response to Balak's desire for him to curse the children of Israel. Balaam had tried to curse the nation twice before, but instead of cursing them, he blessed them. That right there says you if God has blessed you, you're blessed.

God is. It does not say God was or will be, but it says God is!!! That right there is enough to shout over. Just the fact that God is says you can depend on Him. God is what, whatever you need God is. Back in Exodus 3, Moses asked God when I go back to Egypt & the people ask me your name what shall I say, who shall I say sent me? God told Moses tell them, “I am, that I am.” God is whatever you need Him to be. If you need a doctor, God is. If you need a lawyer, God is. If you need a friend, God is a friend that will stick closer than a brother. Because God is that means you don’t have to worry about what man may try to do you. You don’t have to worry about what man may say about you. Is there anybody here today that is glad that God is?
GOD IS NOT A MAN: That’s Information. You see the king Balak had the wrong information about who God was. The ancient pagans saw offerings as bribes; attempts to manipulate their gods & goddesses into doing what they wanted them to do. That is why he was so persistent in building altars & making sacrifices. He was trying to win God’s favor. God told Balaam to tell the king you can’t manipulate or bribe me.

& you know there are a lot of people walking around today even in the church house with the wrong information about God. You information about God is so wrong until you think by showing up on Sunday you can get God to do what you want. You think that by giving your offering or tithes you can bribe God into being your genie. You think that you can pop in a prayer & out pop a blessing. Tell your neighbor God is not a vending machine.

Man has flaws, fears, failures, frustrations, & faults. Man is fickle, fragile, faithless, foolish. Man is conniving, crafty, cunning, covetous & conceited. Can I go a little further? Man is boastful, proud, blasphemers, lovers of self more than lovers of God. Man is unthankful, unholy, false accusers, despisers of those that are good. Man has a beginning & an ending. You can’t depend on man. Man will tell you one thing & do another. I would give a plug nickel for the word of some men as a matter of fact; I wish I had a nickel for every promise man has made to me. Man will let you down. I got bible on that, Ps. 118:8, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” God is not a man!

But God on the other hand, He always was, He always is & He always will be. He is unmoved, unchanged, undefeated & never undone. Schools can’t explain Him. Armies can’t defeat Him. He is light, love & Lord. Is there anybody here that knows the He is Holy, righteous, gentle & good? Everything God has every said He has done. Unlike man God does not change His mind once He has made a promise, neither does He fail to act on His word. Somebody missed they shout right there!! God has made a commitment to us in Jesus, & nothing—no one—can move Him to go back on His word. Thank you brother Paul, “I am persuaded……God is not a man!!!
THAT HE SHOULD LIE: That’s Declaration. I can’t think of anything that shows the true nature of man than a person’s propensity or tendency to lie. We witness it in little children almost from the moment they begin to talk. Nobody has to teach them to lie. It’s in their nature. Even when a child is grown the tendency to lie does not go away. It does not diminish with age. Man lie so much till in some cases he is asked to swear on a stack of bibles.
When God was making this declaration He was remembering His own promise to Abraham in Genesis. I will bless those who bless you & I will curse those who curse you. God keeps His word ya’ll!! But because we have such a dim view of whom God is we have concluded that since man lie, then God must lie as well. But the bible is clear that all lies come from Satan. I got bible on that, John 8:44, “the devil he was a murderer from the beginning, & abided not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, & the father of it. Balak though he could get God to alter His promise by his sacrifices.
The text says God is not a man that He should lie. But I have it on good authority that if God said it, you can count on it! Five people just got blessed. When God said you must be born again, He was not lying! When God said the wages of sin is death, He was not lying! When God said flesh & blood shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven He was not lying! When God said a liar, drunkard, whoremonger shall have their place in the lake of fire that burns with fire & brimstone He was not lying!!
Flip that record over & play the other side. When God said sinner man, sinner woman repent, He was not lying. When God said, “If my people, who are called by My name…. He was not lying. If you just confess your sins, God said He would forgive you & make you clean. If you come to Him weary, worried & worn He will give you rest. As a matter of fact what every God has promised you, it will come to pass. I don’t know how you feel about it but I’m glad that God is not shorter than His word!!
Adam thought God was lying. The children of Israel thought God was lying. Pharaoh thought God was lying. Peter thought God was lying. Sodom & Gomorrah thought God was lying. I wonder just how many of us sitting here today think God is lying when He says if you don’t change your ways. You will lift up your eyes in hell? Come here rich man & tell them your story!! God is not a man that He should lie! His nature won’t let Him lie. His holiness won’t let Him lie. His love for you & me won’t let Him lie. You can depend on God!

NOR THE SON OF MAN: That’s Limitation. The bible says man that is born of woman is of but a few days. The bible says it is appointed unto man but once to die & after that the resurrection. The bible says that God has a bound set that no man can cross. In other words man has limitations on what he can do & how far he can go... somebody say but God. There are no limitations God. You see God is older than age. He is the beginning & the end, the alpha & omega, the first & the last. God is the creator of all things. He is the keeper of the universe. You can’t wear God out. God will never give out. Tell somebody you can depend on God.

THAT HE SHOULD REPENT: That’s Revelation. The word “repent” actually means “to be sorry”. God never needs to repent because never acts in ignorance or impulse. Unless man God does not let His emotions cause Him to say or do something that He would have to be sorry about latter, therefore God never needs to repent. It would do some of you good to repent right now. But instead of repenting you would rather die & go to hell then to admit you were wrong. If you been mean & low down, repent! You been shacking with him or her, repent! You’ve been putting your mouth on one another, repent!!If you've been lying on one another, repent! It you been talking about him or her, repent! Repent! Repent! Repent! I guarantee you if you repent, you can depend on God to forgiven you.

HAS HE NOT SAID IT: That’s Proclamation. What that means is that God keeps His promises. Didn’t God promise that if you abide in Him & His word abides in you, you could ask what you will. Didn’t God promise that no good thing would He with hold from them that walk upright? Didn’t God promise that He would supply all your needs according to His riches in glory? All of God’s promises are ye & Amen. God promised Abraham that He would bless those that blessed him & curse those that cursed him. Now we see evidence of God’s proclamation coming to pass.
What has God promised you?

That brings me to my last clause in this 19th verse. SHALL HE NOT DO IT: That’s Expectation. God is, that’s affirmation. Not a man, that’s information. That He should lie, that’s declaration. Nor the son of man, that’s limitations. That He should repent, that’s revelation. Has he not said it, that’s proclamation. Shall He not it, that’s expectation. Because God is not man. Because God can not lie, because God is not the son of man nor does He need to repent. Because God keeps His word, I am living in expectation.

The door is open.. You may come!

Bible Search Bar - Bible.Logos.com

2011-06-04T08:23:00.000-04:00

Bible Search Bar - Bible.Logos.com

Pastor Lewis video.WMV

2011-04-22T09:03:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this video

Telling it like it can be: So You Want to Get Married hu?

2011-03-30T22:37:00.000-04:00

Telling it like it can be: So You Want to Get Married hu?

Forgiviness is not an option

2011-03-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

Today was forgiviness Sunday at New Peter's Rock. The message came from Matthew 18:21-22. One of the key disciplines missing in the church today it forgiviness. We got singing down pat. Praying, no problem, speaking in tongues, like a China man, but when it comes to forgiviness, as believers we miss the mark.

Peter asked Jesus how many times should he forgive a brother that keeps on doing him wrong. Peter thought seven time would be enough since the preacher of that day said you only had to forgive three times. But jesus shocked Peter when He told him, do it 490 times (70 x 7). Jesus did not mean that Peter was to walk around with a forgiviness counter, counting until he got to 490 becasue the bible says loves keeps no record of wrong. Jesus meant that by the time you forgive someone 490 times you are in the habit of forgivining.

The problem is most of us do not have a proper understand of what forgiviness is. Can I help you with that? Forgiviness does not mean you are letting the offender off the hook. We fail in the forgiviness department because we believe, "if I forgive you, you have gotten away with something." Forgiviness means you are putting him/her in hands bigger and better than you.

When you forgive someone you are simply releasing them into God's hand. The same hands that shaped the world, the same hands that scooped out the dry land. Forgiviness is a ONE WAY street. Another reason many of us won't forgive is becasue the offender did not apologize for the wrong. Forgiviness has nothing to do with weather the offender ever apologize. The truth of the matter is even if they did, you probably wouldn't believe them.

Unforgiviness keeps you tied to the offenders. He/she goes to bed with you, to work with you. You are hand cuffed to the offender, maybe that is why so many of us can only raise one hand in church, the other one is holding on to hatred.

Again, many of us won't forgive because we have not seen it modeled for us. We teach our children how to curse, drink, smoke, hate, lie, gossip, but when was the last time you modeled forgiviness for your children? Let me hurry on. Forgivines has nothing to do with how you feel. God commands us to forgive not base on how we feel, but in spite of how we feel. If feeling was a prerequisite for forgiviness, none of us would be saved.

Can I go to Calvary for a minute. Jesus was spit on, slapped, laughted at, whipped, did I say whipped, nailed to a cross, the crowd laughted at him, even the thief was trying to steal His joy. But in spite of How much pain My God suffered, in spite of how humilited He was I can hear Him say, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

We have lots of options in this world, what car to buy, how to move in, what to wear, where to worship at, but there is one option that you and I do not have as children of God, We do not have the option of to forgive or not to forgive.

Sombody said, "Forgiviness is the bridge we all must cross to get back to God." Are you building bridges or fences.

So You Want to Get Married hu?

2011-03-29T23:20:00.001-04:00

Gary Collins writes and excellent book called 'Christian Counseling." It deals with a variety of issues that christians face on this road to glory. One of the issues he address is the issue of "Choosing a mate." I want to point out a few practical points that he makes on this subject, but before I get there I want to make a few personal comments from my own experiences.

When I met my wife I was not in the market or the mood for a woman or a wife, but God saw different. You see I had been burn, bruised, battered and bloodied by women. I was content being single. I did not believe I would ever meet the woman God had for me. Notice I said "the woman God had for me." I did not have any idea what I was doing when I first married, I was going by the banging body, and not the beating heart.Even though people (momma) told me she was not the right one, I was hell bent on having her.

You the time to instruct someone about choosing a mate is before they sell their heart. Because no matter how mean he/she is, once you have given your heart, once you have fallen in love...it's over for your heart. You do know the bible says love covers a mulitude of sins right? When I let God do the choosing for me. I AM BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!!!!!

So if you are seeking God for a help mate, I pray that the following guide lines help you. 1) Don't choose a mate with divorce in mind. We live in a time where marriages are disposable. Many christians go into marriage with the idea that if it don't work, no harm no foul. 2) People marry for various reasons (ex.. security, financial,loneliness, etc..). Why do you want to get married? 3) Many choose a mate for socail value....What do you mean preacher?

Picture yourself going to buy a car, you only have $10,000 to work with, so you only shop in the $10,000 and under lane. Christians do the same in choosing a mate, we shop for someone that is within our price range be it education, economics or race. I am sure you can add more. Finally, a good choice doesn't always mean a good marriage, but it's a start. Let me quit...Still praying.

Don't Compromise your view

2011-03-11T13:17:00.000-05:00

We live in a world today that seems to call right wrong and wrong right. We live in a world where anything and everything seems to be acceptable. We live in a world where even christians are "going along to get along." Can you say compromise? I don't consider myself to know everything about God, but I do know this, God did not call us out of darkness to compromise with the world around us. We maybe in the world, but if you are a child of God you are not of the world.

If we are to draw people to Christ then we must stop compromising the Gospel when we are in the company of non-believers or even when we are in the company of saints who maybe going down the wrong road. We as christians and especially men/women of God, must have our foot on one side of the line or the other. Compromise bu definition means "a middle course or view between two opposing one."

If we are the children of God and the bride of Christ our view is the view of the gospel not the world. The world says man came from apes. The world says that the world was formed by a 'big bang." But the bible says, "In the beginning God created.." To many in the body of Christ are halted between two opinions. To many are letting the world influnces creep in unaware into their homes and in the church.

Can I illustrate what I mean? How many of you wear glasses raise your hand. When you take your glasses of every thing you look at is distorted am I right? When you put them back on everything you look at becomes clear. Are you with me so far?

Before you came to Christ, your vision was out of focuse and it affected everything you viewed and did. You saw wrong as right and right as wrong. You didn't see anythng wrong with man sleep with a man cause one of them was your favorite cousin. You didn't see nothing wrong with your uncle have some on the side, cause your auntie wasn't acting right any way. you didn't see anything wrong with come to wearing anything, saying anything and giving anything. Why becasue your vision was distorted.

When you put on your glasses one side of the room does not light up more than the other.Somebody say but now..But now that you have had your eyes examined by the Master and He has given you spiritual vision, now that you can see clearly, it ought to affect how you view everything.

Your view of the world around you ought to be the view from the lens of the gospel and it ought to affect EVERY area of your life not what you select. I wear glasses and without them I can't see anything clearly, but when I put them on I can see even the lent in the corner; and it's just as clear as the garbage on the street.

So it is spiritually speaking. As Christians we must view EVERYTHING the same way and not compromise for fear of offending the masses. God called us to be the light not just on Sunday or to a select group, but to the World. God wants us to see every situation through the same lenses. So starting today, put your glasses on and stop taking them off.

In the words of Adrean Monk, "You will thank me later."

Deep water

2011-02-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

"The toleration which a christian is required to exercise is NOT something we must exercise in spite of his/her belief that the gospel is true, but precisely because of this belief." Lesslie Newbigin. I didn't mean to get that deep.

I am starting on a long journey next month working toward my Master's degree in theology. So If I get a little deep every now and them, pray for me. I don't know why God is directing me back to the halls of academia, but where He leads me I will follow.

Going back a different way

2010-12-26T19:39:00.003-05:00

Today was our last Sunday service of 2010, it was our evangelist service. I attempted to preach an evangelistic message from Matthew 2:7-13 entitled, "Don't go back the same way you came." In this passage Jesus is no longer the baby laying in a manger. He has traded swaddling clothe for training pants. The stable has been traded for a duplex. Joseph has handled his business for coming to Bethlehem.

Now a couple years have gone by and here come the wise men, three, we don't know. Who they are we don't know and it really does not matter. What is important is that they came from afar for one reason, to worship the Christ child. Point one: If when you come to the house of prayer you must have one thing in mind, WORSHIP. There is no way you can come into the presence of God with worship on your mind and then go back the same way.

The fact they inquired as to the whereabouts of the Christ child, the one born the, "King of the Jews" troubled king Herod. This cause him to call for all the scribes and to ask them when and where this child was to be born. Notice the Scribes told them of the prophecy according to the word of God. Point Two: It's one thing to know the word of God but it's a totally different thing to obey it. The scribes had been waiting and watching for the Messiah, now they are just five miles from the Anointed Son of God, but they would not go to see Him.

Many people in the world come to church, know the word of God, how to quote it and tot it, but if you really want to go back a different way, you must be a doer and not just a hearer. Then he called the Magi privily with the same question and with this instruction, after you have found him, come back and let me know so I can come and worship him as well.

If Herod really wanted to worship Jesus, one would think that he would have gone with them and not sent them. Point three: If you really want to go back a different way, you must see Jesus for yourself. It's time to quit living off of grand momma's prayer and go see the Saviour for yourself.

I will stop after I give you these next couple of points. The text says that the wise men, the magi rejoiced with exceeding great joy not at seeing the Christ child, but knowing that they were close. Point Four:It ought to make you joyful to know that you are coming to the house of God. It ought bring joy to your heart to know that as you are driving down the street on Sunday knowing that you are just the much closer to meeting the one who died for your sins. To often God's people come into the sanctuary with their heads hanging low as though they are going to a funeral not to meet with the living God. If you want to go back a different way, there must be some joy in your heart.

So now the wise men come to the house, not the stable, where the Christ child, the toddler is living with His mother. Notice the text mentioned the child before the mother. Last Point: If you want to go back another way, you must put Jesus first in your life. He must come before mother, father, sister or brother,Jesus must come before the bottle, the blunt and the bed. When you put Jesus first, you will not go back the same way. The bible says in 2nd Corinthians 5:17, If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."

There have been many a soul that have come to Jesus one way, but left another: The woman at the well, The man laid at the gate called beautiful, Paul the persecutor. Blind Bartamaeus. Zacheaus...I came to Jesus just as I was, weary, wounded, and sad!!!!!!!!!!! Now that I have meet Jesus, my life will never be the same!!!

Well lest I go on I just wanted to share with you my conviction on the subject. This coming watch night the text will be Luke 17:32, "Remember Lot's Wife." I will be talking about the danger of looking back. If God will allow me I will talk about her Problem, Her Pride and Her Penalty.

We Got the devil on the run.

2010-12-12T18:24:00.002-05:00

Let me begin by saying Merry Christmas to one and all. God has had me preaching through the epistle of James for some times now. When I first started preaching through this epistle the church took a turn. You see James is all about spiritual maturity. James is all about moving the people of God from the whinnig to worshipping, from fear to faith.

so when I frist started this expository explanation of the eternal word of God, every thing was find. In chapter one they still fell asleep. In chapter two they perked up a bit but still texted and talked. By the time we go to chapter three some thing happened that baffled me. One begin to argue with another. This one was not speaking to that one. Every ministry in the church seems to be at war with each other.

By the time we go to chapter four, I was tired, troubled and tempted to call it a wrap. What did you do preacher? I'm glad you asked. Just last week I came home from work on my lunch. It had snowed so I took the snow shovel and decided to take out my frustration on the snow.

As I was shoveling, I began to talk to the Lord. I explained to God how I did not understand why all of a sudden it seemed as though ALL HELL had broken lose in the church. So there I was shoveling and crying oout to God. Like at the baptism of Christ, God spoke. What did he say preacher? Wait a minute I'm going to tell you.

God said wipe your eyes before you freeze to death. God told me that the reason is seemed as though all hell had broken lose was becasue we had the devil on the run!....I stopped shoveling, not becasue my back was hurting but becasuse I needed to make sure I had heard God correctly. Say that again Lord. Stop. Rewind. Play. God said the reason it seems like all hell is breaking out in the church is becasuse you got the devil on the run. I shouted, hollereed, and screamed!!

God showed me that when ever you preach His word, on the surface it may seem like the people are getting worse, but in reality they are getting better. Glory to God. God showed me that satan is not going to just roll over and play dead, he is not going to go quietly into the night without a fight. Satan is going to lose every hell hound at his disposal to afflict the people of God in order to get them to fall back into their evil way. God said the hell you are experiences is nothing more than growing pain.

I asked God how do we keep satan on the run now that we have him on the run. Anybody want to know what God said? God said the key to keeping satan on the run is found in James 4: 6-10: Be humble. Submit. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Wash your hands. Purify your heart. Stop laughing at sin. Stop grieving the Holy Spirit and grive over your sins. Mourn (not becasue somebody has died, but becasue sin is killing you). Wail. Change. Be humble. Well I believe I have said enough. I believe I will run on now to see what the end will be. Thank you Father for renewing my focus, for restoring my joy and for reassuring me of my purpose.....Keep the devil on the run....Still praying.

I feel like going on

2010-11-14T21:39:00.006-05:00

Today my wife and I celebrated our third year of service to the church God assigned us to (New Peter's Rock). The church showed us much love and we are ever so grateful for each member and whatever role they played in making our celebration a memorable one. We had three powerful preacher to come and bless the body over the course of three nights. First was my own pastor, Rev. Witherspoon (Bethlehem MB Church South Bend). He preached about the "Preeminence of preaching. Next was Rev. Bacon (Mt. Calvary of Niles Michigan). He preached about "But God." This evening the preacher was Rev. Davidison (Greater Friendship MB Church South Bend). He preached about "The land in-between."

I was truly blessed and humbled by these mighty men of God who took time out of their busy schedules to come and share with us out of their convictions. I thank each one as well as all the other Churches that came and shared with us. A dear friend of mine that could not make the service dropped by long enough to bless us (Pastor Owens, Macedonia MB Church South Bend). You all are in my prayers.

So the question now is what have I learned that I can pass on to you my readers: 1). I learned that you can't neglect the sheep for the goats. There will always be one or two making noise, don't let that draw your attention away from feeding the flock of God. 2) I learned that if people really put their mind to do a thing, that can do it. Often time we think we have to micro-manage every event, every incident that happens in the church, news flash....We don't.

3) I learned that as a leader, I must use a telescope not a microscope. Leaders look into the future, managers only look at right now. Managers do things right, Leaders on the other hand do the right thing regardless of the consequences. So if you are a leader, called by God, do what is right and let God deal with the fall out.

4) I may not see the fruit of my labor, but every now and again God will let me peek in the window. Like Rachel I have cried out to God, "Give me children lest I die." But I discovered you can have children out of season (spiritually speaking). God will add to the church as He sees fit, so wait on Him.

5) I have learned that when I think our young people are not listening, they are. I have had young people come up to me two, three weeks after I have preached a certain message and repeat it to me word for word.. So leave them alone, they are paying attention.
5) Finally I learned that my wife can hold her own. She may be the weaker vessel, but she is still God's vessel. Again I just wanted to share with all of you what you may or may not know, about what I have learned over the course of these three years.... I had to cry. I have laughted, but through it all, I feel like going on...Still Praying.

Waiting for the harvest

2010-10-16T20:52:00.005-04:00

Our church is a spiritually young church with the anoiting of God resting on us. some times we lose our focus and begin to focus on things of this world and not of God. It is in those time that we need to be revived and reminded of the call of God on our lives. This pass week God sent His man to revive us. I thank God for His grace and His Spirit during our revival services on last week.

Our Evangelist for the week was Rev. Dr. Virgil Brackett the pastor of Rhema Word Church of Chicago, Ill. He told us not only what "thus saith the Lord," but what to do with it. This man of God was a mighty sword in God's hand on last week. I thank God for the vision and the insisting of the Holy Spirit to send out a Macedonian call.

I know God can move right now, but often times it takes time for the seed of the word to germinate and take root in the heart of the hears. Because God's word will not return to Him void,I am waiting, watching and worshipping for the harvest. I am now pregnant in the spirit and waiting for the spiritual harvest that God has promised. Still praying...

Preaching through the book of James

2010-10-10T13:53:00.002-04:00

I have been preaching through the book of James for the last couple of months. James is all about spiritual maturity. I have been blessed beyond measure by preaching through this book. I can't thank God enough for laying it on my heart to walk this road of maturity. Today I dealt with "The power of the tongue." It was an uncomfortable topic but a much needed one. Today I did something I don't normally do, I preached without notes and it was a joy...Thank you God for growing me up....Still praying.

A church with no class

2010-08-08T21:01:00.003-04:00

What a awesome time we had in worship today. Today's message was entitled, "A church with no class" from James 2:5-7. In the eyes of the world, most of us would be considered second class citizens for various reason; some for being overweight, others for being too short, too tall, too dark or too light. Some of us don’t live in the right areas, drive the right cars, wear the right clothes. You may not work the right kind of job; make the right amount of money even attend the right church. Yes the world has broken us into classes based on external things.

Sadly I must report to you today that the world is not the only place where we have separated people into classes based on external circumstances. It’s done even in the church house, the house of God. & we do it not because God said so, but we do it based on what standards the world has set for us.

By definition the word class means category, classification, denomination, division, genre, group or statue. There is first class; this means the A-one people, the excellent people, the champions. Then by the world standards there is a class above that, the High class, these are the elite, the superior. Above that the world has an upper class, the aristocratic, the blue blood, the well-bred. Then there is everybody else, the second class. God does not want us to put people in boxes, by class & in this text James tells us why.

God is instructing us in this text to look at all people as one class of people. You are no better than your neighbor regardless of where you live, work or what you drive. Your soul need saving just as much as the drunk on the street, the prostitute walking the street, the man sleeping on the street. The truth of the matter is each of us is a beggar trying to tell another beggar where to find bread. In God’s eyes we are all in the same class.

A few weeks ago we had a softball game, Brother Floyd though that the team I was on was winning because we had one more adult than his team. Well brother Gerald finally joined his team, brother Floyd stated now it’s even. He thought by having brother Gerald on his team the playing field was level.

Spiritually speaking, God’s grace levels the playing field for everybody rich or poor. How? James says God’s grace make the poor man rich because he inherits the kingdom of God which is rich. How do I know, because my bible says the earth is the Lord’s & the fullness there of. The bible says the cattle on a thousand hills belong to the Lord. & now matter how poor I may seem to the world, as long as I got Jesus I am rich. The song writer says, "My father is rich in houses & land, He hold the wealth of the world in His hands, rubies, & diamonds, silver & gold...Is there anybody here that is a child of the king?

Another way the grace of God levels the spiritual playing field is that it makes the rich man poor. You see you can’t buy grace. I don’t care how much money you have, I don’t care what you have been able to buy up to this point, you can’t buy God’s grace.

I knew you wouldn't believe me so I ask a sorcerer to come & testify…(Acts 8) I tried to buy grace. But Peter told me money can’t buy the gift of God. God views all of us in the same class. I got bible on that, 1st Samuel 2:7, “The Lord maketh poor, & maketh rich, He bringeth low, & lifeth up.”

Just in case you didn’t know it, it is possible to be rich in this life & poor in the world to come...come here Rich man & tell them your story. Then again it’s possible to be poor in both this world & the world to come it all depends on how you respond the God’s call to salvation. You see God did not promise His kingdom to the rich, or the poor but to those rich in faith.

To the world you maybe second class. The world may tell you to go to the back of the bus. But in God you are important. The world may not show you equal treatment, but God will, you see Jesus leveled the field of salvation at the cross. (The thief on the cross). Is your church a a church with no class?

Your Elect Lady.

2010-07-11T22:33:00.005-04:00

On yesterday I attended a worship service with my wife. The theme of this service was, "The Elect Lady." The purpose of this service was to encourage the wives of ministers/pastors. It was held at Faith Deliverance Center in South Bend IN. The First Lady of the house spoke words of encouragement to all the other Elect ladies in the house then they honored a specific Elect lady, my wife. I must say she was very moved and I couldn't stop crying.

You see I had to agree with all they things they said about her. Her love is unwavering. Her loyalty is never in doubt. Her patience is steady. Her friendship is unmeasurable. As I sat there listening to the Evangelist I swelled with pride and I was humbled by God for He chose me to be the husband of such a fine vessel of honor.

I do not know all that she goes through in being the wife of a pastor. I don't know the silent tears she cries. I don't know if she is holding her pillow tight because it's comforting or because I may not be there when she needs me. All I know is she is my companion on this christian journey and she is dear to me.

So if you have an Elect lady in your life, hold her close. Whisper in her ear. Feel her with your heart. Let her know just how much she means to you. Because when the days of shepherding God's people are done(and they will come to an end), she will still be your Elect lady. So thank you Kathy for being my Elect lady, my friend, my love.

My Prayer Today

2010-04-12T11:08:00.001-04:00

Disturb me, O Lord,
When I am too pleased with myself;
When my dreams come true,
Because I have dreamed too little.
When I arrive safely,
Because I sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb me, O Lord, when
With the abundance of things I posse,
I have lost my thirst for the waters of life,
I have ceased to dream of eternity.
And in my efforts to build a new earth,
I have allowed my vision of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb me, O Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas where storms will show your mastery where losing sight of land, I shall find the stars.
I ask you to push back the horizons of my hopes, and to push me into the future
In strength, courage, hope and love.

Sir Francis Drake

The Tragedy of the empty seat

2010-04-11T14:23:00.003-04:00

Hey blog world. It's been a while hu? yea I know, if you have been praying for me, God bless you, if you have not please do so and I will pray for you as well. Today was a kind of mixed emotion day. At the beginning of the worship service my heart was grieving over the sheep. This feeling caused me to want to change the message God had given me. I went and shut myself up in my study and prayed for guidance. I yielded to the Spirit of God instead of my flesh. Lesson learned: NEVER preach out of your frustration or let the circumstances around you move you away from what God had placed in your spirit.

The word for today came from John 20:24-29: I called it, "The tragedy of the empty seat." God showed me three things that Thomas missed out on by not being present:
1) The Peace of God: Jesus came and blessed the disciples, "Peace be unto you." We too miss out on the peace of God when we fail to fellowship with His people. God has peace for every situation in our lives, but we miss out on it if we are not there.

2) The Power of God: After Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples the bible says He breathed on them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." The disciples needed Jesus peace for their fears. They needed His power for their problems. We too need the power of God if we are to be witnesses to His word, will and way. We need His power to love right, to walk right, to pray for those that curse us. I don't know about you, but I can't make it without His power. As a matter of fact it is in His power that I now move, live and have my being.

3) The Presence of God: Verse 26, says Thomas didn't show up until eight days later. That let's me know that he went a whole week, discouraged, defeated and depressed. The tragedy is He could have had God's Peace, Power & been in His presence if it was not for His doubting way. I wish I had time to tell you, that we really can't blame Thomas for wanted to base his faith on as many facts as he could acquire. We really can't blame him for his doubt. I mean He had seen Jesus after the beating He had taken, he had seen them nail his hands, & his feet. He had seen the solders thrust a sword into His side. He had seen Him die!

But how many of you know that if you are a child of God, after every tragedy there is triumph!? Thomas eventually presented Himself at one of the meeting and Jesus showed up again. Jesus extended and invitation to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, reach hither thy had. Stop being faithless and believe." Thomas confessed.

Now as tragic as this story is there is an even bigger tragedy in our Churches today. There are still a lot of empty seats. Not because the attendance is low but because the level of commitment by those that do attend is love.. Y'all gone make me get dirty I see. Watch this...... If you are a deacon but you are not doing what a deacon should do....the seat is still empty... tragedy... If you are a mother, but you not doing what a mother should do...the seat is still empty.... tragedy... If you are a trustee, but you can't be trusted, guess what... the seat is still empty... tragedy! If you are a preacher, pastor, teacher, but you refused to say what, "Thus sayeth the Lord, guess what, the pulpit is still empty... tragedy..

Have you ever gone to a dinner party or a entertainment event and instead of sitting your seat you simply place your coat or some other belonging there to signify that the seat is yours? We have too many people in the church today, putting their stuff there, but their heart is not there. Tragedy.

One day I got to leave this old world behind, I know I will leave an empty seat in my home. but I got another building not made with hand, there is a seat for you and there is a seat for me, the tragedy is when your name is called with your seat be taken...

Let's pray: Father in heaven we too have been Thomas, we have doubted your word, We have asked you for signs, we have left our first love and our seat has been empty. Forgive us this day. Create in us a desire to seek and serve you from the depth of our soul. In Jesus name, AMEN!

Roll call in heaven

2010-03-12T16:42:00.003-05:00

On this past week my home church has lost some giants in the ministry. Bro. Ruben Williams, church financial secretary. He was in his late 90's. Not only was he the chruch financial secretary but he was one of the ones who set the foundation of the building. Talking with him a few months back he went down memory lane to when our chruch was a small white framed structure sitting out in a field like on little house on the praire.

His glasses were always dirty. I use to take them off his face and clean them each time I saw him. Glory to God, he does need me or them any more. Bro. Williams has reported for duty in glory.

Rev. Aaron Gathright, a country preacher. I do mean country in every sense of the word. He was one of my mentors when I came into the ministry. I watched him for what to do as well as what not to do. He was a powerful praying man. He had that country drawl to his speech. The first time I heard him pray, he prayed for the "marie" family. After that I would hear him pray for this same family each time he prayed, me being new to the church and all I wondered who the "marie" family was.

One day I asked another preacher who was the "marie" family becasue it seems like they have been sick a lo-o-o-ng time. (I am smiling in remembrance as I write this). "It's not the "marie" family, but the "Breaved" family." I still get a good laugh when I hear him in my heart.

Whenever he preached he would always close by saying, "I got my ticket in my hand!" Well the train has left the station carrying one more passenger...final destitation, Glory. Rev. Aaron Gathright has reported for duty.

Father in heaven I thank you for the memories of these fine two men of God. I thank you for allowing me to sit at the table of brotherhood with them for these past twenty odd years. I know one day roll call will be sounded for me, when that time comes Lord, I don't know if I will be wearing my glasses, but Father it is my prayer that I have my ticket in my hand. AMEN.

Don't drown in shallow water

2010-03-04T23:27:00.002-05:00

I believe I would not correct in saying that all of us have fears. Some of you reading this fear snakes, bats, being poor, losing a parent or child. Some of you even fear worms. The list could go on and on am I right?

As I continue reading Dr. Blacks book, "From the hood to the hill." I eavesdropped on a conversation that he had on the plan with a preacher that he admired. In this conversation he asked his role model what did he fear. His response went like this, "I have three fears. One, that my body does not out live my mind. Two, that I don't out live my mourners. Three that I don't drown in shallow water."

It was then that I scratched my scape. Shallow water. Couldn't he swim? Was he handicap? Was he afraid of water? No. No, and No. "After riding out all the storm of life, after surviving all the rough waves that have tried to wash me up, I don't won't to get to the end of this journey and do something stupid and drown in shallow water."

Now I was walking down the street at the time I read this and this statement almost made me walk in front of a car. I had to read it again and again. I closed the book (a car was coming and the light was green). I thought about this as I walked some more. I asked myself what is shallow water.

When you have invested so much time and energy in the halls of academia to become a doctor, lawyer, or Indian chief then one day you get caught with child porn on your computer, that's shallow water. When you have spent years courting and dating her or him and now you are married with beautiful children but you decided to have you some on the side, that's shallow water.

When God has anointed you, called you, appointed you, the people of God have received you and then you do something stupid to tear it down, that's shallow water. I think of so many in the political and entertainment industry that have drowned in shallow water. Yes there are even preacher, pastor who have drowned in shallow water. Will you be one?

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians 9:27, "But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to other, I myself should be castaway." That word "Castaway", "unapproved, unworthy, worthless, rejected, disqualified." Wouldn't it be sad to preach and watch God bless so many through your ministry but because of foolishness you drown in shallow water?

"Many will say in that day, Lord, Lord..." You know the rest. You may be on the verge or drowning today, but guess what, Jesus Knows CPR!

You can rise above your station

2010-02-27T20:51:00.002-05:00

I had the honor of going to Baltimore Maryland on last week for a workshop from the D.O.J. (Dept. of Justice. It was a great workshop with a lot of networking and interacting with others of my profession. By Wednesday I was bored, so being a preacher I found went to church Wednesday night. I was hoping to attend bible class, but God really blessed me in the form of let me hear Dr. Barry C. Black.

Dr. Black it the first Afro-American Chaplin in the history to be the Chaplin of the S.S. Senate. He is also the first Afro-American two star admiral in the navy to serve as the as the chief of navy chaplains. He can preach!!!! He grew up in the project of Baltimore. He has written a very compelling book called, "From the Hood to the Hill." I highly recommend it.

I was truly encouraged by the Word and I have been truly blessed by his book. Just thought I would share that with you all.

Lord Touch Me Again

2010-02-08T11:42:00.003-05:00

Greeting my Brother & Sisters. As you can tell by my last post I have not been in cyberspace for awhile. There is a reason for that. No I am not sick. Yes I am still on the wall. No I don't feel like throwing in towel. Yes I know God is still on the throne. I have been laying before the Lord on a very serious matter concerning the Church.

I am concerned about the spiritual health of the church. When I say the Church & mean the Ekklesia, the "Called out & called in." I am concerned about the individuals that make up the universal body. You do know that you & me the individual are the temple of God, therefore we are the church. I am very moved by what I see taking place in our churches today. Some good and some not so good. So I have asked God what is it that He wants me to do while I am on my current post. His response, Help me, get the church healthy.

So this past Lord's day I set out on a journey with the permission, power & presence of God to help heal the church. On Sunday God allowed me to begin this journey with Mark 8:22-26. It was entitled, "Lord touch me again."

It was from this passage that I launched out. You see every child of God needs a second touch. Not a second touch to save, but a second touch that we might see clearly. Our love grows cold over time. The weight of the world press us down. We sometimes try to emulate or imitate this ministry or that ministry. Even the people we worship with can cause us to have blurred vision.

If one wants to be a healthy church this text suggest two things that must be done. (1) Get Alone with God. Jesus took this blind man outside of city before He touched him. There have been various reasons given as to why the Lord did this, the judgment passed on this city, He didn't want to call attention to Himself. I am of the mind set that if a Christian is to truly be healthy, healed & whole, he/she must get alone with God.

(2) Admit where you are. After Jesus touched this blind man He asked him if he could see. The blind man responded, I can see, but I can't see clearly. (Lord I'm getting happy all over again!!) There are many in the body of Christ that can partially see, but they can't see clearly. but the problem in they won't admit it.

If they could see clearly then they would know that a position is function not a badge of honor. If one could see clearly then they would see the need of the community around them! Lord Touch me again!!!! If one wants to be a healthy christian then a second touch is needed.

It was after this man was alone with God, it was after this man Admit to God, it was then and only then was his sight restored & he saw CLEARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lord touch me again!!!!! (watch your voice son!!)

Notice after God restored this man's sight, Jesus told him to go home. If the Church is to be healed, it must begin at home. Not me trying to figure out what is happening at your Church or you trying to figure out what is happening at mine, but each of us must start at home.

You see to many of us have been thinking that our house is in order when it's not. If you start at home you will realize that the problem is not with the universal body of the Church, but it is with the individuals who make up that body. Home is the place to start. You see if you get another touch from the Lord & I get another touch from the Lord then the church will get healthy one stone at a time. Well I done got my my shout on again and now I got to go, I hear the Lord calling with another assignment.

Tis the Season

2009-12-24T22:38:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to all! In 2010, Let the Holy Spirit in!!!!!

A trip to the Great Physician's office

2009-12-13T19:36:00.007-05:00

Today God allow me to continue sharing with His people with the second installment of the series "A season of possibilities" entitled a trip to The Great Physician's office" (Mark 5:25-34).

we spent time in the waiting room. Why don’t you come with me as we step into the waiting room of this physician. As you can see, there are no magazines to read, no TV to watch. Everybody that is present in this waiting room is there with a serious need.The lame are here. The blind are here. I see blind Bartamus. The broken heart & down trodden are here.

Don’t you see the ten lepers standing back there in a corner? Look over there you will see a man possed with demons talking to himself. Chil, the woman at the well, her & all five of her husbands just walked in. it’s good to see you Lazarus, Nicodemus. Peter just wheeled his mother-law in. the room is crowded, but guess what, there is a seat saved just for you.

I have a patient’s chart here with me today. I know, I know we are not suppose to read the file of another patient, but if you will allow me to today I want to go against HIPPA. For your benefit & the glory of God I want to break confidentiality today & open one of the case file of the greatest physician. This physician kept better records than any other physician. This physician healed without surgery.
This physician is not concerned about what kind of insurance you have. This physician makes house call.

Every case this physician has ever treated, He treated with the same care, concern & compassion.He is not concern if you have COBRA, Medicaid, medical, blue cross blue shield. There is no co-pay or deductable cause He already paid it all. This physician’s waiting room is never too full there is always room for one more. This physician does not hide the facts surrounding any of His cases from the view of anyone who wants to read it.

All of this physician’s case notes are written for all to see. Right here in the bible. Who is this great physician that has never lost a patient? You might call Him Mary’s baby. Job’s horse pawing in the valley, Ezekiel’s wheel in the middle of a wheel. Paul’s arresting officer. The Hebrew boys fire chief, Daniel’s zookeeper. My Lord & my king, my all in all.

Today we want to focus our attention on just two patients in this waiting room. The first being Jarius’ daughter whom the bible says was laying at the point of death. Look at Jarius, frantically running to Doctor Jesus. Listen at him if you please. Can’t you hear the urgency in his voice? “My daughter lieth at the point of death; I pray thee, come & lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed & she shall live.”

Then we have this woman of our text today. The bible does not name her, it simply says, “A certain woman.” The bible does not give her age but simply says, “A certain woman. It does not list her race, but “A certain woman.” This woman could be you, you or even you. You see all of us are in need of healing for we all have issues of some kind. But if we look a little closes at these two cases you will find that they are totally opposites.

Even thought Jarius & this woman have come to Jesus with an issue, even though they meet in the office of the great physician. Even though they both meet at the feet of Jesus, they are so different. Jarius was a leading Jewish man; she was an anonymous woman with no prestige or resources. Jarius was a leader in the synagogue. Her affliction kept her from the house of prayer. Jarius came pleading for his daughter. This woman came with a need of her own. It’s it good to know that just as you can go to Jesus for someone else you can still call on Him for yourself?

The differences don’t stop there. Jarius’ daughter had been healthy for 12 years, & then died; this woman had been ill for 12 years & was dying. Jarius’ need was public everybody heard what his request of Jesus was. On the other hand this woman’s need was private. They both trusted Jesus. Jesus heeded the plea of Jarius.

He stopped what He was doing & begins to follow Jarius to his house. But alone the way to treat one patient, Jesus' pager went off. It was an emergency call. It was a certain woman. You do know that Jesus will stop whatever He is doing to come see about you. Your case is just as important as my case. If you don’t mind let’s look at three things about this certain woman; her Disease, her Determination & her Deliverance. .

Disease: 25-26:An issue of blood. How long? Twelve years. This disease rendered her unclean in all ways. Sin does the same to us.

Determination: 27-28:She was determined. One she spent all her money on doctors having CAT scans, PET scans, X-Rays, even DOG scans. Just as she was determined then, when she heard about Jesus, she was just as determined to reach Him. How determined are you when it comes to your soul salvation.

Deliverance:29-34: She touched Him and was healed. I wish I had time to real unpack this text but that would take to long. So I will just leave you with this thought. During this season of possibilities The Great Physician has a cure for whatever issue you have. This woman's issue was not the issue, Her faith was.

An impossible God

2009-12-07T06:18:00.003-05:00

This is the time of year when the air becomes heavy with hope & possibilities. Mothers live with the hope that their children will get tired of running & come to Christ. Fathers live with the hope that the better job is just on the horizon. This is the time of year when our children live with the hope that mother & father will get them just what they want for Christmas.

With the New Year just one calendar page away most of us are living in hope that the New Year will be our year. Ya’ll talk back to me in here. Yes even the man on the street heart becomes a little bit lighter with hope that he will get a permanent home, a permanent job.

For most of us it makes no difference how many trials we have faced up until now, this season of advent, this Christmas season is a season full of possibilities. Even though back in January you got laid off. February you got put out. March you got sick. April you lost your insurance. May your spouse asked for a divorce. June you lost a loved one. July your child ran away.

August your electric got shut off. September your water got shut off. By October you felt like giving up. November you really didn’t care. But for some reason, when the calendar says December, all the things that seemed impossible all of a sudden our hearts become filled with the possibility that the impossible is possible.

When most of us think of the word impossible it strikes us with the feeling of fear, loss, no direction but down, abandon, give up & hopelessness. Webster defines the word impossible as being incapable of occurring, unable to obtain. Yes there are many things in our lives that strike us as impossible, but how many of you know we serve a God of the impossible? You see your inability does not supersede God’s ability. When you feel that your hands are tied, God’s hands are still free. When you feel that you have done all that you can do, God is just getting started. Because He is an impossible God.

It’s impossible for Him to let you fall if you trust Him. PSALM 116:8, “Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears & my feet from falling. It’s impossible for Him not to forgive you if you repent. 1ST JOHN 1:9, “If you confess your sins, God is faithful to forgive you & cleanse you from all unrighteousness It’s impossible for Him to stop loving you once you are His. ROMANS 8:38, “I am persuaded.” It’s impossible for God to turn you away if you come to Him. JOHN 6:37, “He who comes to me, I will in no wise cast out.He is an impossible God!!!!

Now knowing that all things are possible with God how should we respond? Well real quick & I’m going there are three things God wants from you. Your body (38)Mary said, Lord do with me as you will.Romans 12:1-2. Your soul (v 46) & your spirit (v47).

Live in expectancy this holiday season. For with God all things are possible.

I won't come down

2009-12-05T20:27:00.002-05:00

Good evening fellow bloggers. Just wanted to reaffirm to you the readers that my mind is made up....I won't come down!!!!!!!! There are so many things that can make one want to come down, but I believe God therefore, I won't come down.

If you the reader has been contemplating your calling I want to encourage you to stand your watch no matter how much the wind blow, no matter how much the lightening flash or the thunder roll. You stay put. Pay day is coming!!!!!

Wasted Time

2009-11-20T12:07:00.003-05:00

God woke me with this thought last night, "Are you wasting your days?" I lay there in the dark for awhile letting the words wash over me like clear water over stones. When Woke this morning God was still asking me the same question. I turned in my bible to Psalm 90. We often read this Psalm at funerals especially verses 1-10. But God drew me to verse 12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

I thought about this, then I thought some more. I had to do some deep searching of myself. After much praying and crying and blowing my nose. I came away with this:

1) We waste our day on trivial things that don't really amount to a hill of beans. How many opportunities have we missed to be a witness because we were bogged down with pettiness from with and pressure to preform from within?

2) We waste our time trying to change people. Only God can change the heart of men. It does not matter how much energy you spend on some folks if God don't touch their hearts you are wasting your days.

The text says, "So Teach." That tells me that to apply my days in the will of God is not naturally in me. But the Holy Spirit will teach us how to apply our hearts to wisdom if we let Him.

This week our church has been celebration two years with us being pastor and people and I have to ask myself how many days have I wasted. It is my prayer for you that you treasure each breath, each waking moment, each hour of every day and not waste them.

Let's Pray: "Father in heaven we come now to ask your forgiveness for squandered moments, hours, days and years. We acknowledge we have wasted our time on the pettiness of this world. God We as you now in the name of Jesus to teach us how to apply our days for the living out of our lives that we may bring glory to your name, Amen!"