The Journey

2012-02-08T09:14:00.002-06:00

I know that we're suppose to seek the face of God and have a desire to receive a Word through a man or woman of God that He has chosen, but I believe that we tend to go overboard in our seeking. I know people who are more than willing to drive several hours and fly across the states to receive a Word from God through a man or woman but has a problem with carrying their Bible to church on Sundays or cracking it open for a one on one devotion with God! hmmm...doesn't make sense to me. Now don't get me wrong, I believe that God is using some really intelligent and incredible scholars to interpret the Word of God in a way that we never will, but should that stop us from experiencing God's voice through words that He has already spoken in the pages of our Bible?

How mighty is our God? Think about this...Our God is so powerful that the very words He spoke, that was written on stone, papyrus, and scrolls by the authors of ancient times, still has the power today to rescue our souls from the evil that surrounds our lives, and it embraces us with a love that only a Creator can express!

Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

I have counseled a lot of people who seem to think that they can't help the sin in their lives. My reply would be...according to the scripture above, you've obviously neglected one of the most important essentials of a relationship with God, and that is...the reading and studying of the Word of God! Because according to Psalm 119:11, if you have the Word in your heart, temptations may come, but sin will not overtake you.

All I'm saying is...that Bible you have sitting on your night stand or thrown in the back seat of your car, has the ingredients of a life of power, joy, love, happiness, peace, direction, and hope! Don't neglect reading your Bible; Humbly accept the Word of God...it has the power to save your soul!

Lay aside the weight...

2012-01-27T10:37:00.011-06:00

On January 1, 2011, I made the resolution to become healthier and more fit than my High School days. Which is a huge goal, being that I was 5'7" and weighing 114 lbs soaking wet and 0% body fat! ha! What a goal!

So, like many resolutions...I started well but ended the hope of being fit the following month. ha! I was one of those, 'off and on' types that only worked out when I saw an episode of Biggest Loser or saw one of my friends who was really dedicated to getting fit, post their accomplishments on Facebook.

I really decided to get serious near the end of July at YMI after hearing the very fit, Rob Blakney, talk about the importance of being fit and adapting to a healthier lifestyle. On August 8, 2011, a day I will never forget, was the day that I really got serious and started a 9 week workout program called, "INSANITY!" It was just that! The first day consisted of a warm-up and then a fit test to see where I stood. Needless to say, I couldn't stand at all...I was lying on the floor of the gym completely exhausted and very nauseated from a stupid protein shake that I made an hour before. The next day was even worse as I focused in on the goal to finish 2011 more fit. I even became more aggressive in my quest and set a goal to run my very first official 5k in October. (BTW, setting goals periodically throughout the year can help you stay on course to reach your ultimate goal.) The truth is...I wanted to quit sooo bad, and it would've been really easy to come up with some excuse to give up. After all, I was dealing with some intense shin splints that was keeping me from training for the run or even walking normal, at that! I could've made the excuse of it being the holidays and how I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings by not eating their food, that they slaved many hours in preparation...believe me, I could've written a book, "Why I Can't Do This Now!" by Tony (Mr. Excuses) Putman and probably would've made millions...ha...But I pushed myself and determined not to let this weight and unfit body hold me back from experiencing something new, fresh and fit. I wanted to taste victory sooo bad, so I kept my head up and pushed through the grueling workouts! Now, 30 lbs lighter and more fit than ever, I'm tasting a little bit of that victory! I just started another workout program called "P90X" and it's pretty intense as well, but I'm still determined to live a much healthier life!

You know, everything that I said above about my physical health can also be applied to my spiritual health as well. You see, we're all kings and queens of excuses as to why we can't read our Bibles or why we can't commit to our local church or even why we don't have a consistent prayer life and while we're exerting ourselves to come up with some new excuse, our spiritual health is deteriorating.

Hebrews 12:1 says, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."

Look, I'm not going to be the guy that tells you what sin or excuse is weighing you down spiritually, because it's really not an issue of identification; it's an issue of commitment! Either you are or you're not going to be committed to developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with God. Now, I'm not saying that you're not going to have days that will absolutely test your commitment, but even in those times you will recognize the weight and do something about it! The truth is...there will always be something that will challenge your commitment, but God created you for victory! Stay committed and push forward! (Read the picture at the top! Great motivation!)

The Dare! - Pt. 1

2011-02-05T17:08:00.009-06:00

Luke 9:18-27 And it happened that while Jesus was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them saying, "Who do the people say that I am?" They answered and said "John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again." And He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God." And Jesus was saying to them all, "IF anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed ofMe and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes to Heaven."

As we read this passage, we see that the Disciples quickly answered Jesus with a pre-theoretical view. (a view that evolves through your life. ie. parents belief, church view, etc.) He was telling them that it’s more than just a view, but it’s a choice of action! “...he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me...”

Sincerely, Jesus wants to know who He really is to you. (Stop and ponder this, really.)

If you would just take the time to find the answer for the question, "who is Jesus to you?" your ultimate goal for life would change!

Jesus has to be more than just a Savior of your life, but the Lord of your life. What does that Word, 'Lord', mean anyways?

Lord - noun - Someone or something having power, authority, or influence

Lordship = An end of life on my own terms

He made this clear in Luke 6:46 “Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not [practice] what I tell you?”

Let me ask you a question: Are you practicing what the Lord has spoken to you through His Word?

When you realize the reasoning for your existence and begin to understand the role you play in the Kingdom of God, everything becomes involuntary when it comes to taking up His Cross and following!

(The Dare: Post something that comes to your mind about this study on this page! Then post it to your status for the World to read...I Dare You! Iron does sharpen Iron!)

Prove It!

2010-07-08T16:24:00.007-05:00

Matthew 3:8 (NLT) Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

I recently started reading a book, Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel, and above the title of the book it reads: Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn't Exist. Like you, probably, it stopped me in my tracks! I had to pull it off the shelf and give in to my curiosities and find out, just what was he trying to imply! After all, I am a good ol' christian boy who absolutely loves God, so what do you mean by...Living as if He Doesn't Exist?
Well, it didn't take me long before I realized, half-way into the book, how true it really was to: Believe in God but Live as if He Doesn't Exist. (I don't want to damper or spoil your opportunity to pick up this book so I'll end it right here.)
I started reading about the life of John the Baptist according to the book of Matthew and came across Matthew 3:8. Here's what happened. John the Baptist was preaching to the lost about repenting of their sins to God and to follow God's Command and be baptized with water, when he was approached by the religious people (pharisees & sadducees). After seeing the religious people walk up, he shouted out...Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God! In other words, You say your a christian but does it line up with the way you live your lives? Prove It!
The thing of it is...can we prove it by our lifestyle that we are True followers of Christ or is it just an old time religion?

3 ways you can start to prove it is:
1. Show Jesus! - John 13:35 says, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Does your love reach past the church? Do people see Jesus in you? The only way Jesus can be exposed in our lives is to deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
2. Show Integrity! - What's attached to your name? Is it: liar, fake, untrustworthy, disrespectful, etc. Who are you when no one is looking? Life is full of temptations and is ready to pounce on your integrity. That is why we need the Holy Spirit in our lives! Galatians 5:16 says: So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
3. Show Inspiration! - How many people have you inspired lately by the way you live? Your actions should inspire others to watch and imitate you. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said we should be the salt of the earth. If you think about salt, what is its benefits? Well, salt: enhances flavor, preserves, heals and creates thirst. Do people walk away from you inspired to know the God you serve? They should!
I believe, if we can live out these 3 things in our lives, we'll have no problem in Proving that God Loves, saves, heals, delivers, and is coming back!

God help me to prove it!

Spirit of Truth

2010-07-02T15:04:00.004-05:00

John 16:13 (AMP) But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

Everyone wants to know their future. But that is not always the case when it comes to Truth! It's really interesting to know that God is actually wanting to express His thoughts and directions for us. He's longing for an opportunity for us to stop, ...be still, and know that He is God. This is why we need the Holy Spirit in our lives! Without the Holy Spirit, I believe, it is near impossible to know or hear the voice of God because there is no forward motion in your relationship with Him. We often allow the voice of this world to drown out the Holy Spirits, making it impossible for you to know the directions of God. Galatians 5:16 says, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." The word 'Walk', means "to be occupied with or engaged in." When we are fully engaged in what the Spirit wants, then we'll also be open to what the Spirit speaks. And what the Spirit speaks come directly from the mouth of God!

Help me, Lord, to humble myself to hearing the truth. For I know, the truth will set me free...and when I'm free from the lies and noise of this world, I can truly hear your voice and be obedient to Your call.

The Swanepoels

2010-01-26T09:15:00.007-06:00

It's been a while since I've blogged my thoughts. It's not that I didn't want to blog...it just seems everytime I log on, my brain goes into hibernation of some sort, and I can't seem to focus on one topic... and then there's this huge collision (sound effects go here!) and...

Well, you get the picture! ha!

We've been in revival here at the church since Sunday with an incredible couple, Rudi and Sharon Swanepoel. Both are from South Africa and Rudi grew up mesmerized by the preaching and passion of Reinhard Bonnke, and has been a part of the incredible meetings. He told one story of it raining the entire day of the meeting and yet, the sea of people stood ankle deep soaking, not only in the elements, but also in the presence of God! That week, they had a number of 738,615 decisions for Jesus! WOW! Think about that just for a moment. 738,615 is a larger number than both New Orleans and Baton Rouge put together!

What do you think would happen if every professed Christian took the Bible literally, and fulfilled Acts 1:8, to be witnesses to their Jerusalem, FIRST! (Jerusalem is your home!) I think 738,615 would actually be a small number to Louisiana if we all took God's Word literally. Before we can throw our fists in the air and scream for a Holy Revolution, I think we need to revisit ---

Revelations 2:2-5 (HCSB) ²I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. ³You also possess endurance and have tolerated ‹many things› because of My name, and have not grown weary. ⁴But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love ‹you had› at first. ⁵Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

The Awe Factor!

2009-07-24T07:42:00.009-05:00

Psalms 46:10a - Be still, and know that I am God...

Recently, we finished our annual YMI '09 Conference and it was simply incredible!!! YMI is really cool because there's not really a theme that goes along with it, but if you was to listen to each speaker you would begin to see a theme forming. It's much like an artist who begins with a blank canvas and starts with several random strokes of his brush and then whoolah! the final product is revealed leaving everyone in awe of the beauty. (that was my creative side of the brain...I do have one of those for all of you that's wondering. ha!) While at YMI, a friend of mine was scanning through about a million pictures that she had taken of the different places in Europe she went to within the past year. As I looked on, I was blown away by the creativity of God. I've actually been in this state of mind before but never been sooo overwhelmed like this! You see, I've been reading an incredible book entitled Crazy Love by Francis Chan, that talked about 'The Awe Factor of God.' Now I've been in ministry for 13 years and had come to a place in my Christian walk where I became sluggish and down-right bored at times and it left me wondering: why? Until I read this verse in the Bible.

Revelations 2:2-4 [AMP] - I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars. I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

You see, I was much like the church of Ephesus to whom this letter was written to. I was doing all the right things but was walking around blind as to who I was serving! I've forgotten my first love! I didn't have that 'Awe Factor' of who God was! I believe that many of us are mis-led, about God, by the traditions of our man-made and church laws, so much so, that we often place God in our small boxes not even realizing that He just doesn't fit. You see, God will not and cannot be harnessed and thrown into a box full of doubt and dwarfed dreams. God is greater than that! Just look at the pictures that I ripped off from my friend. (just don't tell her! ha!) It shouts out, "I HAVE AN INCREDIBLY AWESOME CREATOR!!!"

(Thanks for sharing Sylvia!)

Check out this video! The Awe Factor of God - by Francis Chan (Go buy the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan!)

Search me...

2009-07-19T21:43:00.005-05:00

Do you realize that you don't have to strain to see or hear God? God is truly Omnipresent! In fact, God actually spoke to me just the other day while I was sanding my walls. No Lie! Here's the scoop. We recently purchased our first home, unfortunately, it's one of those fixer uppers. Instead of writing it all down, I made a video for your enjoyment.

Psalms 139:23 (AMP) - Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

Let's Go!

2009-04-23T12:27:00.007-05:00

This is a video blog that I did driving home from our District Council a few days ago after hearing an on time message from the 4th chapter of Mark. The vlog says it all!

Legacy

2009-04-09T13:15:00.005-05:00

Legacy: something or anything that is handed down from an ancestor.
As I sit here thinking about the word Legacy, I become more determined in my efforts to make sure I create 'a legacy' worth carrying on for my kids and grandchildren someday! I hope and pray that they won't look back and remember me for my job as just a dad or a grandpa, but that they would be able to see and live with the legacy that was handed down to them with that same sense of pride and determination that I had in creating it. Not because it feeds my ego, or theirs for that matter, but because it's important to me!
There's one thing that you should know about, in creating a Legacy. (I'm sure there's more, but for the sake of having to read a very lengthy blog, we'll say one!)
1. Creating a Legacy is hard work!
This is one thing that I've figure out in my own endeavors of creating a Legacy! There's a lot of sweat, tears, and blood involved in the process of being successful. One thing I know for sure, is that you don't just wake up one day and expect everything to just happen for the best! There are disappointments that you have to deal with. It's called LIFE! Disappointments should never be a stopping point for you. Work hard!

Check this verse out!
Romans 8:15 - 17 (TMSG) 15This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” 16God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. 17And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!

It's exciting to know that our Father in heaven handed down a Legacy to you and I, that we should carry on and not be ashamed! The Legacy of the cross is what we have and what we can share with others who are hopeless in themselves. We should never forget the price that was paid for us. So carry your cross (Legacy!) with pride and determination and walk in the freedom that's available to you and I!
Check out this video! I love Laminin!

Mr. Robotron

2009-04-07T17:30:00.008-05:00

Last month we took our Momentum Student Leadership Team on a trip to New Orleans to see the Hornets play the Grizzlies and also to see my man Corey Hicks do his thang on the court afterwards! (Go check out Corey Hick's music on myspace...He's doin it!) Anyhow, I really wanted the trip to be a memorable one for them so I took them to the French Quarters, just to check out their response to the enviroment that surrounded them. Needless to say, it has become a very memorable moment for many of them. Not because of the wild behavior of those that walked around us, but because they saw an incredible need of Jesus in that city! Which brings me to the picture above. While walking down the sidewalk of this historic city we came upon a very interesting person painted all up in silver. With every move he made, he replicated the sound of an actual machine by a whistle in his mouth. And as you can see, my two small kids stood amazed as he pointed to his sign that said, "Robotron - Coins make him move, Dollars make him groove." As I stood there watching his act, I began to imagine what would it be like to wake up everyday as Mr. Robotron and put on this show for people he doesn't even know. As I was driving home that day, questions began to fill my mind like: how does he paint that on? how does he take that paint off? How long does he perform on that box? Does he run out of moves for the audience? Does he make his living doing that 7 days a week? Is he married? Kids? Then a striking question, like a bolt of lightening exploding from the sky and colliding with earth, hit me...Does he know Jesus?! I immediately started repenting, because of a missed opportunity! I started thinking of different ways that I could have expressed the love of Jesus without stealing his thunder or living...If only I had a tract!...I could have wrote on the back of a dollar!...I could've done something! I'm still praying for Mr. Robotron! I hope one day I'm able to see him on the street again and take him out to eat and let him know how much Jesus loves him! I would like to encourage you to pray for Mr. Robotron too! Romans 10:13 says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Even Mr. Robotron!!!!