I was outside with my 5 year old daughter the other day and she wanted to kick around the soccer ball. So I went outside with her and proceeded to run around the yard after this little ball. It was not very long that I was out of breath and my legs began to wear out. I always thought of myself as a pretty athletic person and never thought I would have such an issue just running around the yard kicking a ball. I came inside and mentioned to my wife that it might be time to get back into a gym. Back a few years ago, I got really serious about working out and was in the best shape I had ever been in. I was sleeping better, eating better and had so much energy that benefitted me in getting a lot more done. For some reason or another I stopped going as often and then before I knew it, I was no longer working out or doing any form of physical exercise. What had happened? I really can’t explain it any other way except I gave up. It was almost like I thought I had worked out enough and it was going to last me for the rest of my life. Well we all know that is not how it works. We have to subject our bodies to some form of activity if we want to avoid gaining weight. Which leads to more issues and can be very dangerous if we do not find a way to keep fit. Eating right, exercising and avoiding bad habits are vital to having a healthy body. I don’t think anyone would argue with me on that point….
Now, just like our physical bodies, our spirit needs to be nurtured, fed and “worked out “on a daily basis to grow and strengthen. I can remember a time in my life where I felt like I had done enough to keep me good for a long time and so I stopped studying the Word, and I stopped praying and I even stopped going to church. I had done it for most of my life so why would it not just carry over and sustain me? This action or lack of action had devastating effects on my life. It put a strain on my marriage and I was all but out of the ministry.
I had an opportunity to share salvation with someone and I could not remember key points and scriptures and I felt like a failure, just like I felt tired and out of shape when I was running around the yard with my daughter. I was in no shape to be telling anyone about God and something needed to change right away. I made a decision it was time to get back to the Gym (church) and began getting my spirit back in shape. Before long, I was remembering and being able to apply biblical principles to situations around me and for the first time in a long time, I was back on the way to being Spiritually Alive again.
I am back in the Gym now and working out on a regular basis and it’s not easy. My body is not used to this physical activity, but there will be a day when my body will be able to withstand these challenges and will be able to be strengthened and I will be running around the yard and playing with my kids without feeling like I need to lay down immediately afterwards.
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you” and Jeremiah 29:13 states, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Sin always separates us from God. We are reunited with God and he comes nearer to us, by repenting from wrongs that we have done and seeking forgiveness. We are able to come boldly before his throne (face-to-face with him) and receive mercy and grace in our time of need.
One of the fastest ways to draw near to Jesus is through spending time in prayer. Getting close to God occurs when we decide to pursue the place where he dwells. Jesus retreated from the crowds of people often to lonely locations to communion with his heavenly father through prayer.
By reading God’s word he will speak to us. Drawing near to his voice in this way is an easy way of getting close to him.
If you have been feeling distant from the Lord, he is not far away. In actual fact, he has said that he will never leave you. No one can snatch you from his hands and nothing can separate you from his love. Take some to time to draw near to God right now through prayer.
If you have been feeling like you are far away from Jesus, how will you draw near to God today? The Bible declares that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people, Psalms 22:3. We enter into a place where God draws near to us, by spending time praising Him!
Can I Get a Witness?
Keith
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Mustard on my Chips?
This last Friday, Graceanne and I attended our first Daddy-Daughter dance at her school. I was not really sure what to expect since I am not a dancer don’t know the first thing about dancing. Graceanne wanted to wear her favorite red dress and she was beautiful as ever. I bought a beautiful 3 rose corsage for her to wear. We took a few pictures before we left and off we went to the dance. I could tell she was a little nervous and I tried to not show my nervousness. When we arrived the parking lot was full, dispelling my initial fear that there would be only a few of us there and the entire world would be watching ME ruin the art of dance. We got out and walked up to the school and there were the Dad’s with their beautifully dressed little girls in the lobby. We signed in and were directed to stand in line for pictures. It was interesting watching the Dad’s and how some were kind of uncomfortable and how others were trying to smile without looking goofy.
The Dance started and the first thing Graceanne wanted to do was eat. She was Starving (as she put it) and nothing was going to happen until she got to eat. So we stood in the food line. Graceanne began grabbing at the pretzels, popcorn and chips and anything else she could eat right away. Of course everything on the Food table was just like that. Little mini pig in the blankets, Nacho Chips, Potato Chips, Chicken Nuggets and then the Veggie and Fruit trays, followed by Brownies, Cookies and puff pastries. I grabbed a handful of Nacho Chips and got a few spoonful’s of Salsa, and then I saw this bowl with a yellow substance ( maybe I should inform the readers that the lighting was very dim ) and I thought to myself, OOOh Nachos !!!! So I grabbed the spoon and heap a few big spoonful’s of Nacho Cheese onto my chips and hurried through the line so I could sit down and enjoy them. I sat down and took my first few bites of a few chips and thought hmm, this cheese is pretty interesting. It did not taste like any Nacho Cheese I had ever had before, but I was enjoying it and so I continued scarf them down. Then out of nowhere it hit me!!! This is not Nacho Cheese, its MUSTARD!!! After I realized what I was eating, I laughed at myself and finished off the rest of the food. The DJ then announced it was time for the first slow dance for Daughters and Dads, so Graceanne and I moved to the dance floor with all the others and had our very first dance. It was a great experience for both Graceanne and me. She had so much fun with her friends and just seeing her smile and dance and be with her friends was well worth the time of being there.
Sometimes God ask us to do things that we never think we would want to or are even capable of doing. Just like the Mustard on my Chips. I never would have put Mustard on my Chips on purpose. But after mistakenly putting them together, I realized it was a pretty good combo and enjoyed them. Throughout History there have been “mistakes” that worked out to be useful as in the two examples below:
During World War II, in 1943, an engineer in the United States Navy(Richard James) was on a ship’s trial run. As he worked, a spring fell on the floor. It flipped-flopped and bounced around on the floor as he watched. When he got home, Richard remembered how the coiled spring flipped-flopped in an interesting way. Richard and his wife Betty took a long steel ribbon and tightly coiled it into a spiral. They started production in 1945. From that spring’s accidental fall came a toy that kids have enjoyed for over 50 years, called the Slinky.
The Slinky isn’t electrical, no batteries are required, yet it has amazed generations of children and adults. More than 2 million Slinkies have been sold since it was invented. The only change to the Slinky since it was invented has been to crimp the ends for safety. Richard’s wife, Betty James is now the company President and the Slinky is still hopping, skipping, and bouncing across floors all over America.
There is a lot of sand on the Earth; in fact there are millions of tons of it. In the sand chemists can pull out a chemical element called silicon. During World War II, The United States government needed rubber for airplane and truck tires, boots for soldiers, and many other uses. Rubber was difficult to get during the war because rubber came from trees that grew in Africa. Since silicon was so available, the government asked many different large companies to have their engineers try to make a rubber substitute out of silicon.
At General Electric, in 1944, one of the engineers working with the silicon experiments was James Wright. One day he was running a test on silicon oil where he added boric acid to the oil. At the end of the test the result was a gooey blob that bounced. Unfortunately, this blob had no real use. Samples of it were sent to engineers all over the world, but no one could find any use for it, so it was forgotten about.
Four years after the war ended, in 1949, a man by the name of Peter Hodgson thought of a use. The goo could stretch and bounce and if you pressed it against the newspaper comics, it picked up the pictures and letters. Peter decided the goo made a great toy, so he borrowed $147 to start his business, placed the goo into plastic eggs and called it "Silly Putty." At first he started selling it to adults, then after several years to children. It was one of the first "fad" toys, like the hula-hoop, Beanie Babies, and Pokemon, but after 40 years it is still amazing. It’s a toy with only one moving part and it still costs so little that almost anyone can afford it.
Silly Putty even has some uses other than as a toy. The astronauts on Apollo 8 played with it when they got bored and used it to keep tools from floating around the capsule when in space. The Columbus Zoo used it to take hand and footprints of its gorillas in 1981. Silly Putty is even used by people doing exercises to strengthen their hand, wrist, and forearm muscles. It can even remove the lint from your clothes and the dog hair off the furniture.
Be willing to try something that does not make sense. Be a Risk Taker and allow God to do something wonderful in and through you. Peter took a Risk when he walked on Water. (Matthew 14:22-34)
A phrase comes to mind that we are all familiar with:
NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED - “You can't get anywhere unless you're willing to take a risk. The saying dates back to Chaucer (c. 1374) and is similar to the late fourteenth century French proverb: Qui onques rien n'enprist riens n'achieva (He who never undertook anything never achieved anything) the proverb was included in John Heyword's collection of proverbs in 1546. First cited in the United States in 'Letters and Papers of Cadwallader Colden. It takes varying forms: Nothing ventured, nothing lost, nothing ventured, nothing won, etc. ." From the "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).
You never know, you may be one that future generations read about.
Can I get a Witness?
Keith
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A month ago at this time we were preparing to go on vacation. We had saved and put money away just for the trip and had mapped out the trip. We were prepared. Through an old credit card my wife had we were able to redeem points towards free nights in a Hotel. We found a hotel in Indianapolis and booked it. Everything was looking great for our trip. We had gone to the Apple store to see about getting one of the new iPad2’s and were able to get on a list to expedite it because Heidi has her own business. We were hoping to get the iPad for our trip. We were leaving on Thursday and were waiting to get a call from the Apple Store. Monday came and went, Tuesday came and went and Wednesday came and went without any word. Finally on Thursday morning, just hours before we were planning to leave, the Apple store called and informed us that our new iPad2 was in and we could come pick it up. We were elated. We were really looking forward to being able to use it on our trip to Shreveport. We got it home and I had it charged, connected, registered and ready to go before we headed out on our Trip.
Can I Get a Witness?
Keith
We drove to Indianapolis and stayed the night and got up Friday morning bright and early for our 13 + hour drive to Shreveport. All the way using our new iPad2 and having a good time. I was especially excited about this new device because I was going to get to use it when I was speaking at Life Tabernacle and TLC Ministry. We made it into Shreveport about 8:30 pm and we were tired but most important, very hungry. We decided to go straight to a restaurant instead of my parent’s home first. We got to the restaurant and I moved a few items from the front seat to the back of the car and we ate dinner. We got to my parents about 10:30 pm and I told Heidi , don’t worry about getting stuff out of the car, just take care of the kids and I will unload the car. I went outside to start unloading the car and there was Heidi with the Back open and pulling things out of the car. I noticed she was not sounding very happy ( I thought she was just tired form the trip ) but my eyes became fixed on a Light on the ground. As I got closer I heard her say the iPad fell and I saw it now on the ground. I picked it up and discovered that the new iPad2 is not made of Shatter resistant Materials…… Yes, our Brand new ( 1 day old ) iPad2 was shattered and broken. Heidi was very upset and went into the house. I am not sure if I was in shock or what but for some reason, I did not get overly excited or angry. I simply said to her, it will be ok, it will work out. (At that moment , I was trying to carefully figure out not only what I was going to do about the iPad but how I was going to handle Heidi. ) At that moment I realized that no matter what had happened, this was going to have to be my fault. Heidi was visibly upset and understandably so.
The questions begin to start popping in your head… Why did this happen, how could God allow this? ( I know it is just a stupid iPad, but still ) One of us had to be calm while the other got the frustration out of their system. After exploring all possible avenues for a solution, we decided to just put the iPad away and get on with our vacation.
I had the opportunity to Minister in Song at Celebration Church on Sunday morning and then spoke at Life Tabernacle and TLC Ministry later in the week. What a fantastic time of ministry all three events. I had the opportunity to incorporate the Account of our iPad2 incident into both of my messages and people were very encouraging and in agreement with us that it would all work out.
When we got back home from our trip we called the Apple store and made an appointment with a Mac Tech. We loaded up the kids in the car and headed off to the Apple Store and to be honest with you, not sure of what we were going to encounter. But we had both agreed that regardless of what they said, we were not going to be angry. We walked into the store and we met with our tech and explained what had happened and he took the iPad and went in the back. He came out a few times, talked to a few people and went back into the back room. After about 10 minutes, he came out with a White box in his hands. He begin to tell us that they had one in the Manager’s office exactly like the one we had purchased and that they were going to give us the new one at no charge as a onetime exception. WHAT!!!! Really???? I looked at Heidi and I began to tear up as I could only utter the words PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!! We both at that moment realized just how much God loved us and He simply cares about the little things. Before we went to the Apple store that afternoon we agreed in prayer that there would be a good outcome, but we truthfully did not expect to leave the store with a brand new iPad2 without having to pay for repairs. 1 John 5:14-15 has new meaning with us now…
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - 1 John 5:14-15
No matter what you are going through or facing… God knows and cares. No matter how big or how small. It is my prayer that each of us are able to understand that simple fact and allow God to perform a work in each of our hearts.
Can I Get a Witness?
Keith
Friday, December 31, 2010
After God's Own Heart
Wow, here we are at the end of another year and decade. Looking back at this past year and even the last 10 years, I have to seriously ask myself am I closer to God then I was at those times? Have I become the Man of God I want to be or need to be? I know that we always have room for growth and always need to do more, but after 1 year much less 10 years I am really not sure I am where I should be. Don’t get me wrong, I love God with all my heart and desire to serve him above everything else, but am I really serving like I should? I always for some reason or another find myself comparing my life with that of David’s. Fortunately I have not committed a lot of the sins we read about during his life time, but I can relate to him and his walk with God. Someone who loves God with all his heart but yet coming up short at times. Throughout the Bible David is the only one referred to as “ A Man After God’s own heart” When Paul was preaching at Antioch he refers to the statement made by God concerning David: “ I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22)
In reading about David and his life, you have to consider the attitude he took and how he approached his life. There were 5 areas of David’s life that ultimately brought him to the place where God acknowledged him and called him a Man after His own heart.
1. David loved the Word of God ( Psalm 119:47-48 )
2. David loved to Pray ( Psalm 116:1-2 )
3. David loved to Praise God ( Psalm 119:164 )
4. David loved unity among brethren ( Psalm 133:1 )
5. David hated every false way ( Psalm 119:104 )
Looking at those 5 areas, I sometimes question, if David was walking according to these 5 areas, then how was it that he found himself in the situations we have all come so familiar with. God was confident that David would be one that would do all He asked of Him.
All of these areas are key and are required to motivate each of us to be faithful to all that God may ask. Are we motivated to do all of God’s will?
As I look at myself first, I would like to encourage each of you to reflect on this last day of 2010 and find out for yourself if you are motivated to do ALL of God’s will. I truly believe that if we really want to see a revival and see God move like never before we all need to take these 5 areas and apply them directly to our lives and seek to be a Man or Woman who is motivated to do ALL that God ask of us.
We recently had an opportunity to do something that allowed us to bless another family. I cannot tell you how unbelievable it feels to know that you hear the voice of God. I did not hear him speak out my name or hear him direct me, but I knew in my heart what the right thing to do was because I have been preparing myself through Prayer and the Word.
“ Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven “ ( Matthew 7:21 )
I would like to encourage each of you to make 2011 the year that God says, “ …… is a Man or Woman after My own heart….. “
Can I Get a Witness?
Keith Fentress
In reading about David and his life, you have to consider the attitude he took and how he approached his life. There were 5 areas of David’s life that ultimately brought him to the place where God acknowledged him and called him a Man after His own heart.
1. David loved the Word of God ( Psalm 119:47-48 )
2. David loved to Pray ( Psalm 116:1-2 )
3. David loved to Praise God ( Psalm 119:164 )
4. David loved unity among brethren ( Psalm 133:1 )
5. David hated every false way ( Psalm 119:104 )
Looking at those 5 areas, I sometimes question, if David was walking according to these 5 areas, then how was it that he found himself in the situations we have all come so familiar with. God was confident that David would be one that would do all He asked of Him.
All of these areas are key and are required to motivate each of us to be faithful to all that God may ask. Are we motivated to do all of God’s will?
As I look at myself first, I would like to encourage each of you to reflect on this last day of 2010 and find out for yourself if you are motivated to do ALL of God’s will. I truly believe that if we really want to see a revival and see God move like never before we all need to take these 5 areas and apply them directly to our lives and seek to be a Man or Woman who is motivated to do ALL that God ask of us.
We recently had an opportunity to do something that allowed us to bless another family. I cannot tell you how unbelievable it feels to know that you hear the voice of God. I did not hear him speak out my name or hear him direct me, but I knew in my heart what the right thing to do was because I have been preparing myself through Prayer and the Word.
“ Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven “ ( Matthew 7:21 )
I would like to encourage each of you to make 2011 the year that God says, “ …… is a Man or Woman after My own heart….. “
Can I Get a Witness?
Keith Fentress
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Real Change
If you watch TV at all, read the news paper or surf the web, it is hard to avoid seeing what is going on with the Dallas Cowboys and the season they are having. The beginning of the season started with such promise and hope, only to be the complete opposite. One of the most storied franchises in sports history are playing at their worst and each week we are reminded that there is something just not right and that is evident in the play on the field and the results at the end of each game. The dream of being the first team in NFL history to play in their own stadium in the Superbowl is all but over and now the team is faced with just trying to win a game. Each week, you hear the players , coaches and even the owner talking about how they are going to “right the ship” and the results just don’t end up being what they are preaching. They fix what is wrong in areas they have struggled the most in and they break down in other areas giving the same result as previous weeks…. A Loss. The organization is a proud organization and they have reason to be. Some of the greatest players and teams have proudly worn the Star on their helmets and have wowed us over the years. As a fan I have been disappointed this season not in the effort but in the results of what is taking place on the field of play. No matter how hard they try it seems that they just are not able to get it together and do what it takes to win a ballgame. With all the talent and experience they have, something needs to change…….
Have you ever felt in your walk with the Lord that you just were not getting it done and no matter how hard you tried things just don’t seem to go the way you planned or expected? I have been there…. I grew up with Parents who always showed me the right way to live and always gave me what I needed to be prepared for my walk with Christ. Did I always do what they said? No. but I tried.. Was that good enough? I don’t think so. Was it the fault of my parents? Of course not, that blame all falls on me. I had all the information, all the tools all the training and for some reason something was still missing…. I took for granted the gift that was given to me. Does that mean I did not love God or that I was not truly a Christian? Not at all, I just let other things, thoughts and distractions creep in until I was not totally focused on what God was calling me to do and how He wanted me to live.
Has God given up on me and moved onto the next candidate? I don’t believe God works that way. This past week our Pastor was continuing his series on Samson and during the message I realized something I had never seen before…. Samson repented and even though his life did not turn out the way it had been planned, he was still used by God to destroy more Philistines in one act than he had in his entire lifetime. All because he sincerely repented before God. Judges 16:28 “Then Samson called to the Lord and said, O Lord God, [ earnestly ] remember me, I pray You, and strengthen me, I pray You, only this once, O God, and let me have one vengeance upon the Philistines for both my eyes.” Even though Samson had fallen short of what God had planned for him, because he “Earnestly” Repented before God he was able to fulfill what God had called him to be. Thankfully we do not have to have our eyes gouged out or worse when we fall short of what God has called us to do or be. Just like the Dallas Cowboys need to find what it is that is keeping them from Victory, You and I both need to examine ourselves and seek God to find just what it is that has kept us from Victory ( Victory = God’s plan ). Most people who end up like this simply allow the little things to affect them greatly. Song of Solomon 2:15 “ the little foxes spoil the vine” Three things you can start doing today that will get you back on track and closer to what God has called you to do and be….
1. Pray – daily communication with God is paramount and essential to successfully walking with Him – 2 Timothy 1:3 “ I thank God whom I worship with a pure conscience, in the spirit of my fathers, when without ceasing I remember you night and day in my prayers” (Amplified version)
2. Read The Word – Daily reading of the Word and study of the Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 “ Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”
3. Sharing your Faith - There is no better tool than showing people how God has transformed your life and sharing your experience is one of the most effective ways of Sharing your faith. John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.”
Make these simple changes in your life and watch God perform above and beyond your understanding.
Can I Get a Witness?
K
Have you ever felt in your walk with the Lord that you just were not getting it done and no matter how hard you tried things just don’t seem to go the way you planned or expected? I have been there…. I grew up with Parents who always showed me the right way to live and always gave me what I needed to be prepared for my walk with Christ. Did I always do what they said? No. but I tried.. Was that good enough? I don’t think so. Was it the fault of my parents? Of course not, that blame all falls on me. I had all the information, all the tools all the training and for some reason something was still missing…. I took for granted the gift that was given to me. Does that mean I did not love God or that I was not truly a Christian? Not at all, I just let other things, thoughts and distractions creep in until I was not totally focused on what God was calling me to do and how He wanted me to live.
Has God given up on me and moved onto the next candidate? I don’t believe God works that way. This past week our Pastor was continuing his series on Samson and during the message I realized something I had never seen before…. Samson repented and even though his life did not turn out the way it had been planned, he was still used by God to destroy more Philistines in one act than he had in his entire lifetime. All because he sincerely repented before God. Judges 16:28 “Then Samson called to the Lord and said, O Lord God, [ earnestly ] remember me, I pray You, and strengthen me, I pray You, only this once, O God, and let me have one vengeance upon the Philistines for both my eyes.” Even though Samson had fallen short of what God had planned for him, because he “Earnestly” Repented before God he was able to fulfill what God had called him to be. Thankfully we do not have to have our eyes gouged out or worse when we fall short of what God has called us to do or be. Just like the Dallas Cowboys need to find what it is that is keeping them from Victory, You and I both need to examine ourselves and seek God to find just what it is that has kept us from Victory ( Victory = God’s plan ). Most people who end up like this simply allow the little things to affect them greatly. Song of Solomon 2:15 “ the little foxes spoil the vine” Three things you can start doing today that will get you back on track and closer to what God has called you to do and be….
1. Pray – daily communication with God is paramount and essential to successfully walking with Him – 2 Timothy 1:3 “ I thank God whom I worship with a pure conscience, in the spirit of my fathers, when without ceasing I remember you night and day in my prayers” (Amplified version)
2. Read The Word – Daily reading of the Word and study of the Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 “ Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”
3. Sharing your Faith - There is no better tool than showing people how God has transformed your life and sharing your experience is one of the most effective ways of Sharing your faith. John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.”
Make these simple changes in your life and watch God perform above and beyond your understanding.
Can I Get a Witness?
K
Friday, October 8, 2010
After God's Heart
I have once again come to a place in my life where I stop and ask myself… “Is this really where I am supposed to be at this point in my life?”
I used to think that was a bad place to be but after many years of walking through all types of situations I am confident that this is a good thing and is actually a healthy place to be. Life hands us many different things and how we choose to deal with them ultimately shape and mold who we are and how we are viewed by others. Now I know what others think is not how we should make our decisions, but it does tend to drive us into directions we normally would not have taken. We stop and think about where we are and at that time we make up our minds if we have been successful or if we have been a failure. The spectrum of my life has been one of happiness, frustration, joy, sorrow, uncertainty and fulfillment. When I graduated from Bible School, I was determined to turn the world upside down for Jesus. The problem with that was I was going to do it on my talents alone and hope God was coming along for the ride. Unfortunately for me I have always been one that was always able to just do things without much practice or study. I say “unfortunately “because looking back, I would have rather been a person who studied and practiced and put in the time required to make things right. You can only make it so far on “Talent and Ability “before you become useless.
My entire life growing up I knew I was called by God for the Ministry. I had been told time after time that I was going to be used by God and that I would do great things for the Kingdom of God. Problem is, I believed that to be true because I was so special and not because of any special gifting from God. I was blinded to the fact that to be a Great Man of God, I had to do things that required work, sacrifice and commitment. Now don’t get me wrong, I was taught by many around me, and especially those who were speaking into my life, My Parents, My Pastor and Youth Pastor how to properly live and prepare as a minister, but for some reason I found all that preparation and practice and studying to be something that I did not enjoy so I completely abandoned that way of doing things and Ministered, Sang and performed my duties as a pastor on my own natural abilities and talents. During that period of time it seemed to me that since things were going ok that way, why should I have to change? People were getting ministered to, people were getting saved even. I was so deceived and eventually, it took its toll. I was operating totally by the Grace of God not for my sake but for the sake of those I was responsible for. Ultimately I was left with talents and ability alone and I had no choice but to seek a regular job. Thanks to the Grace of God, He has always provided opportunities and I have been able to work and provide for my family. But there has always been something missing and I have refused to let go of that calling on my life. I can relate with David to some extent. I have not sunk as low as he did (committing murder and adultery) but in the grand scheme of things, Sin is Sin and God hates the planning and committing of Sin.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (King James Version)
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Zechariah 8:17 (King James Version)
17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
Psalm 5:5 (King James Version)
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
I eventually found myself after many years of being out of full-time ministry that life was not so bad and I had allowed myself to accept my circumstances and just try to make the best of what I had and the situation I have driven my life to. One thing I have been able to do through the years of being frustrated, is realize it is because of me and the choices I made that I am where I am today. It is not God’s fault or anyone else but me. The few attempts I had made to put my foot back in the door of ministry, ended in failure. Again I tried to do it under my own ability and strength and not on the direction of the Holy Spirit. I had given up on the local church and believed that I could just work out what I needed to with God on my own. I had never stopped believing and I always knew that without God I had nothing and I believe because of that He chose to bless me with such a wonderful wife and family. I have a wife who has never given up on me and has never made me feel like I failed. Why did I deserve that? Only God knows but I am so grateful for her and now we have two very beautiful children who are the joy of our lives.
Something I had to realize…. I am responsible to my family first and have to be the Man God desires me to be as an example to them before I can be anything to anyone else. Learning that has been the key to overcoming the obstacles keeping me from ministry and the call of God on my life. I cannot do it on my own or under my own power. None of us can. Talent will only take you so far. What did God say about David? He was a man after God’s own heart. We have got to be about one thing. After God’s Heart!!! This is the base of which we all must start and continue to be. I have one desire... That is to Follow Christ and in doing that everything will be where it needs to be. I cannot look at what others are doing and their successes and wonder why I am not doing some of the same things knowing that is what I was and am called to do. I can only continue to Seek Him first and study the Word and prepare myself for that moment that the door opens again and I am able to be what God intended for me to be. God honors obedience and thankfully his Grace is sufficient when we do slip and fall. When you fail and you will, get up, brush yourself off and march forward. My daughter just got her first bicycle and is learning to ride. She was riding along and veered off the sidewalk into the grass and she fell over. After falling, she got up and looked at the bicycle and was not sure if she wanted to get back on and ride again. She was scared because she had veered off the path and it caused her to fall. She has to know that all she has to do is get back on the bicycle and keep trying. The same is for you and me. When we veer off the path and fall, we have to know that God is standing there with his hand stretched out just waiting for us to grab ahold so we can get off the ground and back on the path. I noticed when she was riding that she was going all over the place because she is not only trying to steer the bicycle but she is looking at all the things around her that are ultimately distracting her as she goes along the path. There are always going to be distractions as we walk further with God, but it is how we handle those distractions that will determine the outcome. Keep your eyes focused on the Prize. Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”.
Can I Get A Witness?
K
I used to think that was a bad place to be but after many years of walking through all types of situations I am confident that this is a good thing and is actually a healthy place to be. Life hands us many different things and how we choose to deal with them ultimately shape and mold who we are and how we are viewed by others. Now I know what others think is not how we should make our decisions, but it does tend to drive us into directions we normally would not have taken. We stop and think about where we are and at that time we make up our minds if we have been successful or if we have been a failure. The spectrum of my life has been one of happiness, frustration, joy, sorrow, uncertainty and fulfillment. When I graduated from Bible School, I was determined to turn the world upside down for Jesus. The problem with that was I was going to do it on my talents alone and hope God was coming along for the ride. Unfortunately for me I have always been one that was always able to just do things without much practice or study. I say “unfortunately “because looking back, I would have rather been a person who studied and practiced and put in the time required to make things right. You can only make it so far on “Talent and Ability “before you become useless.
My entire life growing up I knew I was called by God for the Ministry. I had been told time after time that I was going to be used by God and that I would do great things for the Kingdom of God. Problem is, I believed that to be true because I was so special and not because of any special gifting from God. I was blinded to the fact that to be a Great Man of God, I had to do things that required work, sacrifice and commitment. Now don’t get me wrong, I was taught by many around me, and especially those who were speaking into my life, My Parents, My Pastor and Youth Pastor how to properly live and prepare as a minister, but for some reason I found all that preparation and practice and studying to be something that I did not enjoy so I completely abandoned that way of doing things and Ministered, Sang and performed my duties as a pastor on my own natural abilities and talents. During that period of time it seemed to me that since things were going ok that way, why should I have to change? People were getting ministered to, people were getting saved even. I was so deceived and eventually, it took its toll. I was operating totally by the Grace of God not for my sake but for the sake of those I was responsible for. Ultimately I was left with talents and ability alone and I had no choice but to seek a regular job. Thanks to the Grace of God, He has always provided opportunities and I have been able to work and provide for my family. But there has always been something missing and I have refused to let go of that calling on my life. I can relate with David to some extent. I have not sunk as low as he did (committing murder and adultery) but in the grand scheme of things, Sin is Sin and God hates the planning and committing of Sin.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (King James Version)
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Zechariah 8:17 (King James Version)
17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
Psalm 5:5 (King James Version)
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
I eventually found myself after many years of being out of full-time ministry that life was not so bad and I had allowed myself to accept my circumstances and just try to make the best of what I had and the situation I have driven my life to. One thing I have been able to do through the years of being frustrated, is realize it is because of me and the choices I made that I am where I am today. It is not God’s fault or anyone else but me. The few attempts I had made to put my foot back in the door of ministry, ended in failure. Again I tried to do it under my own ability and strength and not on the direction of the Holy Spirit. I had given up on the local church and believed that I could just work out what I needed to with God on my own. I had never stopped believing and I always knew that without God I had nothing and I believe because of that He chose to bless me with such a wonderful wife and family. I have a wife who has never given up on me and has never made me feel like I failed. Why did I deserve that? Only God knows but I am so grateful for her and now we have two very beautiful children who are the joy of our lives.
Something I had to realize…. I am responsible to my family first and have to be the Man God desires me to be as an example to them before I can be anything to anyone else. Learning that has been the key to overcoming the obstacles keeping me from ministry and the call of God on my life. I cannot do it on my own or under my own power. None of us can. Talent will only take you so far. What did God say about David? He was a man after God’s own heart. We have got to be about one thing. After God’s Heart!!! This is the base of which we all must start and continue to be. I have one desire... That is to Follow Christ and in doing that everything will be where it needs to be. I cannot look at what others are doing and their successes and wonder why I am not doing some of the same things knowing that is what I was and am called to do. I can only continue to Seek Him first and study the Word and prepare myself for that moment that the door opens again and I am able to be what God intended for me to be. God honors obedience and thankfully his Grace is sufficient when we do slip and fall. When you fail and you will, get up, brush yourself off and march forward. My daughter just got her first bicycle and is learning to ride. She was riding along and veered off the sidewalk into the grass and she fell over. After falling, she got up and looked at the bicycle and was not sure if she wanted to get back on and ride again. She was scared because she had veered off the path and it caused her to fall. She has to know that all she has to do is get back on the bicycle and keep trying. The same is for you and me. When we veer off the path and fall, we have to know that God is standing there with his hand stretched out just waiting for us to grab ahold so we can get off the ground and back on the path. I noticed when she was riding that she was going all over the place because she is not only trying to steer the bicycle but she is looking at all the things around her that are ultimately distracting her as she goes along the path. There are always going to be distractions as we walk further with God, but it is how we handle those distractions that will determine the outcome. Keep your eyes focused on the Prize. Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”.
Can I Get A Witness?
K
Monday, September 20, 2010
Simply Encourage
Having our two beautiful children has to be the most incredible thing I believe I have ever experienced. The sense of joy and excitement is a feeling I could live on for the rest of my life. There is something about the experience that brings a feeling that cannot be substituted by any other experience or substance.
My wife, while going through the pregnancy experience participated on a Forum where expectant mothers can post their comments and questions to other expectant mothers in an effort to get answers to whatever they might be going through or experiencing. It is interesting to read what others are experiencing along their journey at the same time you are and comparing those experiences. I believe this forum is designed to help ease concerns that one might have when they are not sure if what they are going through is normal or not. There is something about an informal setting like this that allows you to feel comfortable and ask just about anything. It is pretty incredible to read some of the replies to what people are asking: one woman reported gaining a certain amount of weight which seemed to be a high amount and the responses were unbelievable. Instead of showing sympathy, the replies were along the lines of “Oh, I have only gained 5 pounds, or I am not gaining much weigh, etc. The insensitivity of people amazes me.
This morning my wife told me that she had just read where a mother who had earlier been asking questions about different things had committed suicide. She was diagnosed with Postpartum Psychosis.
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers (Acts 15:32).
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2).
Therefore encourage each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
Follow God’s Example. Be an Encourager!
You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry (Psalm 10:17).
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5).
Can I Get A Witness?
K
My wife, while going through the pregnancy experience participated on a Forum where expectant mothers can post their comments and questions to other expectant mothers in an effort to get answers to whatever they might be going through or experiencing. It is interesting to read what others are experiencing along their journey at the same time you are and comparing those experiences. I believe this forum is designed to help ease concerns that one might have when they are not sure if what they are going through is normal or not. There is something about an informal setting like this that allows you to feel comfortable and ask just about anything. It is pretty incredible to read some of the replies to what people are asking: one woman reported gaining a certain amount of weight which seemed to be a high amount and the responses were unbelievable. Instead of showing sympathy, the replies were along the lines of “Oh, I have only gained 5 pounds, or I am not gaining much weigh, etc. The insensitivity of people amazes me.
This morning my wife told me that she had just read where a mother who had earlier been asking questions about different things had committed suicide. She was diagnosed with Postpartum Psychosis.
Postpartum Psychosis is the most extreme form of postpartum mood disorders and one of the rarest. It is described as a period when the woman loses touch with reality, the disorder occurs in women who have recently given birth. Most who realize something is wrong neglect to speak to their Doctor about this or this disorder is misdiagnosed as postpartum depression and this prevents them from receiving the proper medical attention they need.
Looking back at her forum post, not one person responded to her questions. I cannot even come close to imagining the pain and confusion this woman must have been going through. Now her husband is left to try and understand and he is also going to have to raise his child alone and someday explain to his child what happened to its mother.
When my wife told me about this woman, my heart immediately broke and I began to weep for this woman, her Husband and child. Maybe if only someone had responded or reached out to this woman this situation would have had a different outcome. What a tragedy this is that could have been prevented if she had just reached out or someone had picked up on her despair.
This is just one example of how important it is for us as Christians to be so aware of what is actually going on around us. Even more now with the internet and exposure we have to so many more people. Instead of being afraid to comment or say something to people in need, a simple word of encouragement could go a long way in helping someone on their way to recovery. We see it all the time, When you ask someone how they are doing and they usually respond “ I’m Great “ or “Doing Good “ but we find online people saying truthfully what is on their mind. Especially on Facebook where people express what is on their minds during the day. Every once in a while you will see someone reaching out and truthfully telling the world they are not happy or they are going through something. Whether they are having a great day or a bad day, we can help by just encouraging them. What more do we need to step in and offer help? When people are stating they are having a Bad day, they are usually looking for support or at minimum just want to know people care. The majority of the time we are not dealing with people who are on the brink but you never know. You never know what a person is dealing with or what they are facing. The Next time you read or hear a person commenting on the bad day they are having or that things just are not going well for them, SPEAK UP and encourage them. That is an opportunity to share with them the Truth of the Gospel and how God has made a difference in your lives. Life is precious.
Your words have an impact.
The tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21).
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life (Proverbs 10:11).Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers (Acts 15:32).
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2).
Therefore encourage each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
Follow God’s Example. Be an Encourager!
You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry (Psalm 10:17).
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5).
Can I Get A Witness?
K
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