Revival Call

My personal devotions have been spent in the book of Joel for the last few days. The theme of Joel is revival. Revival to the nation of Israel. Joel opens his book by lamenting Israels plight. A nation that has lost sight of and touch with its God, ground that is no longer fruitful, crops destroyed by locust swarms, people enjoying the lives of sin with no regard for closeness with God.

Joel begins to call his people back to their God, with this admonition,

Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! (Joel 2:1)

It is important to pause here and look at the significance of the "trumpet". The horn referred to here was most likely the rams horn or shofar. In Hebrew culture the shofar was blown only on certain occasions:

• to summon warriors to battle, and signal the beginning of an attack.
• to summon worshippers to Jerusalem.
• blown by watchmen to indicate important news (of celebration, or disaster)
• on holy occasions (Day of Atonement, return of the Ark, renewal of the covenant, temple worship)

Joel was calling Israel to revival! He was calling them to a spiritual attack, signaling the beginning of a spiritual battle to take back the hearts and minds of the Israelites, and return them to the things of God. He was calling the people to put aside their sinful ways and return to their worship of God, that they once couldn't escape from. Joel was warning of the disaster of life without God.

Joel does not just give warning, he also proclaims the battle plan,

"Now, therefore," says the LORD, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." (Joel 2:12)

Perhaps Joel's call to the Israelites, also serves as a call to Revival for us today. As "Christians" become more and more casual in their relationship with God, happy to come and go to church, without ever experiencing the face and power of God, happy to return home to a life void of devotion to Him, perhaps this is the call that God wants us to heed. The call to revival!

Joel's strategy for battle for the Israelites, is our strategy for revival today. "Turn to Me with all your heart", we have to actively turn our hearts to Him. We need to step away from the distractions, and the things that pull us from His presence, and make a concentrated effort to turn all our heart to Him.

As committed and captive Christians God is calling us to battle. To battle the things of this world, the distractions that draw us away from God, the lack of a "need" to worship, God is calling us to fight for our souls, and the souls of those around us. He is calling us to fight for Revival!

Revival of our hearts will require fasting, weeping, mourning. It will require fervent, dedicated, and focused prayer. It will require weeping, mourning, remorse, and regret over the condition of ours and others souls. It will require a desire to be close to God!

What is it in your life that you need to battle? What actions do you need to take to draw close to the heart of God? What distractions do you need to step away from, so you can see Him more clearly?

In conclusion I would like to close with this story of the Boston Tea Party:

After the Boston Tea Party, the British navy retaliated by blockading the port of Boston. The colonies surrounding Massachusetts responded with sympathy and action. On May 24, 1773, the House of Burgesses in Virginia proposed and approved a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer:

This House, being deeply impressed with apprehension of the great dangers to be derived to British America from the hostile invasion of the city of Boston in our Sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, whose commerce and harbor are, on the first day of June next, to be stopped by an armed force, deem it highly necessary that the said first day of June be set apart, by the members of this House, as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, devoutly to implore the Divine interposition, for averting the heavy calamity which threatens destruction to our civil rights and the evils of civil war; to give us one heart and mind firmly opposed, by all just and proper means, every injury to American rights; and that the minds of his Majesty and his Parliament, may be inspired from above with wisdom, moderation, and justice, to remove from the loyal people of America all cause of danger from a continued pursuit of measures pregnant with their ruin. (from The American Patriot's Bible)

Chick-fil-a Song

Tim Hawkins Comedy:

God @ Ramsey

Ramsey Campmeeting was like a breath of fresh air. To experience the presence of God in the "old-fashioned" way. The presence of God that cancels the preaching because people are running and shouting in the aisles, hugging one another, coming to a relationship with Christ, and giving testimony after testimony to the witness of the holy spirit, and the power of God.

The spirit of God met with His people under the anointed ministries of Rev. Terry Walker and Dr. Robert England.

Concerning revival, it was said of the late Charles Spurgeon that, if he had to do his ministry over again he would focus more on revival than evangelism, for if the church is revived then evangelism will happen. What a powerful thought! I was amazed to hear this sermon topic on the first night that I was at this camp meeting, as this is the very issue that God has been speaking to me about! May this be our prayer, that God would send revival to our hearts, and churches, that souls may be saved!

Another interesting sermon was that on, Fresh Oil, taken from Psalm 92:10, "But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil." O, that our hearts and souls would receive a fresh anointing! When a fresh anointing occurs in our lives it is evidenced by Spiritual Power, Spiritual Profit, and Spiritual Refreshment.

During this brief week I was also introduced to the ministry of Latin American Ministries, which is a mission/outreach to the Guatemalan people. This is an awesome ministry, with a great presentation that lets you experience the heart behind the mission. We are looking forward to partner with this ministry in whatever way God allows (more on this, to come).

Our short vacation was refreshing physically, and reviving spiritually.

Ramsey

This week Kristina and I are headed to Corydon, IN. We will be visiting family and friends, as well as, spending time at Ramsey Campmeeting. We are looking forward to a time of spiritual renewal and revival.

We will return early next week, at that time you can expect a blog report of the moves of God, that we will have experienced.

Power Shift

I came across this scripture in my devotional time, and was struck by it.

Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. -Deut 34:9

Many churches are in debate over whether or not "laying on of hands" is a Biblical mandate or not. However, there are a couple of things we can take away from this passage of scripture. One, is that the laying on of hands is Biblical. The other is a secret for experiencing the power of God on our lives.

But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face... -Deut 34:10

By following the example of Moses and Joshua we see that at times in our spiritual lives it is essential that we spend time in prayer (with laying on of hands) with those who have attained to a closer walk with Christ than perhaps our own. We see here a transfer of blessing/power.

What are your thoughts on this particular passage?

Revival

Lately, I have been reading about the great Spiritual revivals of the past. This need for a spiritual revival has been on my heart for some time. I would always mention it during my prayer time. But, as I was reading God's Word, I felt like God was saying to me, "Aaron, if you truly want to experience revival what are you doing about it?"

My mention of revival in my prayer time is not going to bring about spiritual revival in my life, church, community, or nation. However, seriously seeking for revival, and making it a focus of my prayer time/life will contribute to bringing spiritual renewal.

I have been studying the book of Deuteronomy. The more that I read it, the more that I see that it is a book that is very applicable to our Christian lives today. It is really a book all about revival. Deuteronomy is the amazing story of God bringing the Israelites out of the wilderness (physical and spiritual), and into a place of revival (a new land of blessing, a renewed passion for the things of God). Perhaps God is preparing to bring us, our churches, and our nation. out of our spiritual wilderness and into a land of renewal in Him.

Dr. S.M. Lockridge (rock mix)

A few weeks ago in a sermon series entitled, The Four Faces of God, Dr. Tom Mullins played a clip from this great pastor, Dr. S.M. Lockridge on the who God is...

Clouded Vision

From the blog of Rev. Brian Johnson, Community Wesleyan:

For over a year now my vision had gone from good to poor. My reading had even slowed down because it was just too hard to focus on the words. I went to the ophthalmologist in January and was told that I had a cataract. A cataract is where the lens in your eye becomes foggy. It is like looking out a dirty car window. Thank God for living in the USA and because of our technology, they are able to remove the old lens and put in a new one. I had the surgery on Monday and all went well…I can see clearly again. (though now I need a new glasses prescription).

Where once was a fog, the sun has now shone through and the fog has lifted. A lot of people, spiritually speaking, see life through cataracts, everything is foggy and not real clear. They need to allow the Holy Spirit to correct their vision.

I thought of this passage in Hebrews
5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Many who should be farther up the road than they are now, aren’t because of their foggy vision. Lord, give us clear vision.

Founding Fathers

I love history. And I love America! Thought I'd share a little of both as we celebrate Independence Day.

Before I do, let me say a few things. First of all, this isn't meant to be a dissertation. It's a blog. Secondly, I'm not nominating all of our founding fathers for sainthood. Having said that let me say this: there is a lot of revisionist history that totally ignores or distorts the faith of our Founding Fathers. A lot of them were motivated by their faith in Christ.

Here's some back story on some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.

John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible in 1791.

Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.

Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.

On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.

Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."

Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.

Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:

I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.

I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their generation. And I, for one, am grateful.

Hope that adds a spiritual dimension to your 4th of July celebration!

Borrowed from the blog of Mark Batterson.

God and America

Our nation was founded on the 7 guiding Biblical principles that all of our founding fathers felt deep conviction over (regardless of their personal relationship with Jesus Christ). Seven principles which our nation has strayed far from.

Principle #1: The Dignity of Human Life

The Declaration of Independence contains words stating that everyone has certain "unalienable rights" among which are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Matt. 22:39 - You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Principle #2: The Traditional Monogamous Family

Our forefathers held the position that a biblical view of traditional marriage and family is the backbone of a healthy social order.

Gen. 2: 23,24 - And Adam said: "this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Principle #3: A National Work Ethic

Throughout all of America's trials, and economic ups and downs, our strong work ethic is what has gotten us through. We have worked our way through times such as the Great Depression (this economic downturn is long lasting; consistent with the growing lack of work ethic and reliability on government handouts, and other peoples generosity).

2 Thes. 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Principle #4: The Right to a God-Centered Education

Proverbs 1:7 states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge". Without this knowledge of God the Creator, there is no foundation for any other type of learning. America has thrown out this foundational education component and have built a system with no firm foundation.

Our great universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth) were founded(by preachers) as a result of Americas Great Awakening(s).

Eph. 6:4 - ...but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Principle #5: The Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant states that if people and nations obey God (observing His commands and moral truths as set in the Bible), they will be blessed.

Pr. 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Principle #6: Common Decency

A good nation is made up of good people. Consider these words from the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Principle #7: Our Personal Accountability to God

In order for these other seven principles to fall in line, we must each carry out this one. We must always remember that we will be held personally accountable to God. By remembering this fact, this will guide our every step and decision.

Heb. 9:27 - And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.

These are the principles that guided the thought processes of our founding fathers.

As we celebrate our Independence the July 4th, let us remember and reflect upon these 7 principles of Judeo-Christian ethics.

Adapted from, Dr. Richard G. Lee's, "7 Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic".

Ozzie Announcements

Check out this great video our church (goChristFellowship.com) made for youth announcements:

American Patriot's Bible

In light of our upcoming Independence Day, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend a resource to you. It is, The American Patriot's Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America. Printed in the New King James Version, this Bible is easy to ready, and understand. The Patriot's Bible is loaded with additional information and Biblical helps. This Bible includes various articles scattered through out, all having to do with the forming of our Great Nation. Throughout the text we find articles, notes, and special passages that clearly display how our founding fathers felt about God and America. The articles give us a firm grip on the fact that we are a nation founded on Godly principals.

If you wish to "discover biblical truths that formed the foundation of American values", experience spiritual milestones in American history, and examine the intersection of American history and the Christian faith, then this is a must have Bible for the family!

RSVP

When my wife (Kristina) and I were getting married a couple years ago, we sent out more than 300 invitations. We had about 200 people that actually showed up. Out of all those invitations and all the people that came there were a couple of people that I really wanted to be there. These were people that were important to my life, I would have been disappointed if they had not shown up. These people received an invitation just like all the others, however, I also called these few people on the phone, to make sure they were going to be there, I talked to them face-to-face just so they would know the importance of their presence at my wedding. I made sure they didn't have any problems or issues, I wanted everything to be easy for them so I could be sure they would make it to my "big day". These were people that I wanted to be there, even if nobody else came.

Throughout my church life, I have heard people (myself included) "invite" the presence of God to the service/meeting/gathering. I have heard this "invitation" go out many times, often times I have left the service without this "invitation" being answered. As the church are we content to just invite God to our services, and then leave without ever truly experiencing Him?

It takes more than just a mere invitation. We need to go to God, and beg for His presence, long to experienced His power, we need to prepare our hearts throughout the week (not just at opening prayer time on Sundays) so that conditions are favorable for the presence of God. We need to be hungry for His presence, to the point that it does not matter what else is going on or who else is there. All that matters is that God was there. We are filled with His presence and power.

Or are we just content to come and go without change, content that God did not RSVP our invitation?

Barrel Monster

Check out this Barricade Monster:

Disruptive Innovation

Reading Wired magazine this month I came across an article concerning the automotive industry and its demise. Harvard Business School professor, Clayton Christensen believes that the only way the automakers are going to make it is if they apply disruptive innovation. Christensen defines disruptive innovation as a kind of change that alters the trajectory of an industry.

We all have family, friends, co-workers, whose lives seem to be going the way of the auto industry. We watch them consistently make poor choices, that lead them deeper and deeper into a life of self-destruction. I remember as a teenager in high school, being faced with choices and decisions every day and watching my friends respond poorly to these situations. There are so many people (especially young people) whose lives are already in a mess, and in bondage due to unwise decision making.

The only thing that can save these people, and begin to unravel the mess their life has become is a spiritual disruptive innovation.

Philippians 4:8-9 give us the necessary elements for disruptive innovation:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Think how the trajectory of our lives (and the lives of young people) would be changed if we chose to live in peace, if we made every decision based on this passage of scripture. The promise is the the God of peace will be with us.

When I was 18 years old, moving out of the house, starting my own life, a wise person told me, "Remember, the course of your life is not determined by one wrong decision, but by a series of small ones."

Does your life need to go through disruptive innovation?

To whom much is given...

This is taken from the blog of Kevin Wilson, Student Ministries Pastor at Christ Fellowship (Stuart)...


Luke 12:47-48 says, “The servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with fewer blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.“

I have read / heard this verse hundreds of times in many contexts but I saw it in a completely new way this week during a message by Steven Furtick. Often times we use this verse in reference to money or responsibility (example: if we are’nt faithful with a little money why would God give us more to handle). But this week God showed me how much of His word He has given me. So many of us have been fattend on God’s word. We read it daily and hear it several times a week and have unlimited access to it, but the question is, “what are we doing with it?”

One day we are all going to be held accountable to we’ve done with God’s word, no matter how much or how little of it we have consumed. Every week we read God’s word or listen to messages or podcasts, but too many times that serves as the end for us rather than the beginning. Too often our education outweighs our obedience. We have been given God’s word and we have responsiblity that comes with it. When God’s word exposes sin we must deal with sin. When it calls us to love we must love. When it calls us to rest we must rest. Maybe the last thing we need right now is more of God’s word; maybe what we need is to put what we already have into action.

Remember: To whom much is given, much will be required. How much of God’s word have you been given and what is He asking you to do?

Spiritual Mayday

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Phl 4:6)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6) (NIV)

There is no situation more anxious for a firefighter, than for problems to occur inside a fire building (burning structure). Potential problems that may occur include falls, collapse, becoming lost, trapped, or disoriented, becoming stuck, and loss of air, or malfunction of breathing apparatus.

When these situations occur, we are trained to call a Mayday!

The word “mayday” is French in origin. The original being, “m’aide”, which means “help me”. The root of this word being similar to our word “aid”, is “aider” meaning “to help”.

As a fire department, it is of utmost importance that we train for the mayday situation. One of the ways we do this is by constructing a training course made of props that simulate mayday situations. The ‘blacked out’ (blindfolded) firefighter starts at the beginning, following a hose line on his hands and knees. The first situation he comes to is to simulate a fall through the roof or floor (this is accomplished by using a ledge/lever arrangement that tips the firefighter into a safe area). After following the proper mayday procedures the firefighter then advances through the training course. Back on the hoseline the next situation is a building collapse (two personnel pin down the firefighter with pallets or a section of fence). The firefighter calls the mayday, then advances. An entanglement prop is the next hurdle to overcome. As the firefighter follows the hoseline, crawling through the maze his air pack/bottle becomes entangled on wire or rope. After trying to, unsuccessfully, free himself, the mayday is called. The final prop is to simulate being lost or disoriented. As the firefighter makes his way to the dead-end of the maze a door is closed behind him. Now, when he turns to go back the way he came, there is no opening he is boxed in. His only option is to call the mayday.

Through out the obstacle course the firefighter has encountered (and properly responded to) the four mayday parameters:

• Fall - no matter what through
• Collapse - having something collapse on the firefighter
• Lost/Trapped - becoming disoriented, not knowing where to go
• Stuck - becoming entangled

There is a proper way to call the mayday. This method is used over and over and over again throughout the training process, so that it becomes second nature. If the need arrises to call the mayday, the process can be accomplished more smoothly as a learned habit.

After the firefighter realizes that he is in a mayday situation, he must conduct the proper actions to ensure that his mayday is realized. The first step is to press the EIB button on his radio. The “emergency identifier button” sends out an emergency signal. When this button is pressed it cuts off all radio communications except for the downed firefighters. This gives radio silence on the fire scene allowing the endangered firefighter only, to transmit his message. After the EIB has been activated, the firefighter must broadcast his message, starting with , “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”. After the initial “mayday” call the firefighter must then provide information for his rescuers. The information needed is in the form of the acrostic LUNAR.

• L - location (where you currently are in relation to where you started)
• U - unit (truck/company/station that you are part of)
• N - name (identification)
• A - assignment (the task you were performing at the time of the incident)
• R - resources needed (items/tools that may be necessary for your survival)

There are often times, in the life of a Christian, that we need to call a spiritual mayday. Throughout our lives we experience many anxious things, things that cause us to wring our hands in worry, and fret. We experience trials, tribulations, sadness, disappointments, death, embarrasments, dangers, economic losses, uncertainty of the future, our spiritual conditions may waver and wane. In all this, God’s Word says, “do not worry about anything”.

• Fall- as Christians there will be times that we will stumble and fall. We will make mistakes.
• Collapse - there will be times of burden in our Christian lives.
• Lost/Trapped - we may become disoriented. We may lose our way, or lose track of the vision that God has for our lives.
• Stuck- situations of life may entangle us, and drag us down.
  

It is in the midst of these situations that the spiritual mayday must be called! “…In everything through prayer and petition (supplication) with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

For the firefighter in the mayday situation to become anxious could mean certain death or destruction. If the firefighter was just to begin ringing his hands and “freaking” out; or to just begin running crazy, or to do nothing, he would have no chance of survival.

There are so many situations of life that can make us anxious, or worry. If we lose our heads, or continue down the road of letting this anxiety build, we will ultimately be destroyed. We see people, friends, family, neighbors, who experience this. They do not have the hope of God in their life. The worry and fret, but get nowhere. We see lives ruined, because in their anxiety, they try to do things in their own power, not “through prayer and petition”.

The first step in initiating the mayday call is to activate the EIB (emergency identifier button), which essentially closes the lines of communication to all but the endangered firefighter. The firefighter calling the mayday has an open line of communication. His call will not go unnoticed.

I am glad we have an open line of communication with our Father. When we are in these life situations we have a God, who loves and cares about us, who is always listening, who wants to come, be near us, and meet our deepest needs.

HEB. 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

ROM. 8: 35-39
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The LUNAR considerations for firefighters calling a mayday, can serve as a kind of guide, for our times of petition/supplication.

• L - location, telling God where you are, what is going on.
• U – unit/N - name, identifying ourselves, who we are in Christ.
• A - assignment, telling God why you’re where you are.
• R - resources needed, petitioning God, telling God our needs (as we see them).

Our rescue comes.

Fall- I COR. 10: 11-13
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”


Collapse - 1 PE. 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Lost/Trapped - PR. 29:18, JER 1:5
“Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.” Pr. 29: 18

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jer. 1: 5

Stuck- HEB. 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

RIT

Rapid Intervention Teams. These are the firefighter's firefighters. When a firefighter is in trouble, or needs help, this is who the call. They call in the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

RIT members are trained and have all the tools to rescue firefighters that become trapped, run out of air, or are disoriented. They can create an opening where one does not exist. They can get emergency air supply to the trapped firefighter, or get him enough air to make it out of the situation. RIT is who the firefighter calls when he has an emergency.

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Mat 18:19-20 )

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecc 4:9-12 )

As Christians our church family becomes a sort of Rapid Intervention Team for us. In times of need we can turn to our church family to "intervene" (intercede) on our behalf. When we have burdens that are too heavy for us to bear alone, we can call for others to rescue us, and help us to bear these burdens. When we have nowhere to turn, we don't know what to do, the RIT team can support us.

One of my father's good friends was in a bad car accident. Immediately, my dad called me, and I in turn called other Believers. The "Rapid Intervention Team" was activated. We all began to pray and intercede on his behalf (he has since recovered from the accident).

This is the purpose of the church (body of Christ), to rescue those who are perishing. Activating the RIT team is one way in which this can be accomplished.

Memorial Day

As we enjoy our extended weekend and time with family, or our grilled burgers and the beach. Don't forget the people who gave us the freedom to celebrate this Memorial Day.

Have a great and safe weekend!

Dream Test

Do you have a dream? Is your dream capable of being accomplished? If your dream can be accomplished, how? These questions and more are answered in John Maxwell's latest book, Put Your Dream to the Test. Maxwell walks the reader through these 10 questions, in a quest to achieve dream clarity, direction, and accomplishment:

1.) The Ownership Question: Is My Dream Really My Dream?

2.) The Clarity Question: Do I Clearly See My Dream?

3.) The Reality Question: Am I Depending On Factors Within My Control to Achieve My Dream?

4.) The Passion Question: Does My Dream Compel Me to Follow It?

5.) The Pathway Question: Do I Have a Strategy to Reach My Dream?

6.) The People Question: Have I Included the People I Need to Realize My Dream?

7.) The Cost Question: Am I Willing to Pay the Price for My Dream?

8.) The Tenacity Question: Am I Moving Closer to My Dream?

9.) The Fulfillment Question: Does Working Toward My Dream Bring Satisfaction?

10.) The Significance Question: Does My Dream Benefit Others?

Maxwell helps the reader answer these questions by sharing an applicable story of people who have taken this "dream test" and passed.

This is an excellent book. It will help the person who has dreams to properly define them, and then form a strategy to achieve those dreams. This book is very easy to read; through the use of story Maxwell fully engages the reader.

Don't leave your dream to chance. This book is a must-have that can make the difference between failure and success.

"It's one thing to have a dream. It's another to do the things needed to achieve it. If your willing to put your dream to the test - and do whats needed to answer yes to the ten dream questions - then your odds are very good for seeing your dream become reality."

- John Maxwell

UL Listed Life

Part of my responsibility as a fire inspector is to ensure that products are properly "listed" for their intended use. An organization called Underwriters Laboratories (no doubt you have seen their "UL" mark on household items), puts various items through a rigorous testing process to certify them for their planned purpose.

For example, if a building requires a 2 hour fire wall it must be installed according to UL specifications. If there are any openings (doors, windows, etc.) in that "rated" fire wall they must have an equal UL listed, "rated" door/window/etc. Also, various products must be UL listed or they are not permitted (kitchen hood systems, surge protectors, extension cords, etc.).

At the UL facility, they have massive furnaces that these various products/assemblies are tested in. If a new product wants to be accepted worldwide it must pass all the UL tests.

In the following video we witness a window, and its assembly, going through part of this process, the hose stream test. One window assembly passes the test, another is seen to fail.



James 1: 2-4 says this, "Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." (HCSB)

Just as the above windows must endure a series of trials to ensure that they are not lacking any manufacturer integrity, as Christians we endure the same trials.

James says to "count it all joy" when we go through times of hardship, trial, and testing. It is in these times that God is making us mature and complete Christians. As we endure these things our walk and relationship with Christ is strengthened, and we grow closer to Him.

The "believer" who lacks faith will fail these tests of endurance.

As a Christian, has your life passed the test of endurance? Have you gone through various trials, and tests, only to come out "mature and complete"?

Just as the products that pass the UL process gain the coveted "UL listing", as a Believer, have you passed the test of endurance, is the life you live worthy of the label, "Christian"?

Home Sweet Home

I am home at last! The conference went well. It was an awesome opportunity for me, both in speaking, and meeting various people. I learned a lot of new things. Thats always awesome!

Read tomorrow...I am looking forward to posting some ideas that have been brewing in my head/heart for some time, based on a passage in the book of James.

Fire Conference

This week I am off to Myrtle Beach, SC. I will be a first time speaker at the "Aviation Fire Journal Conference". This is a conference for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) firefighters (firefighters that are certified to respond to aircraft emergencies).

I am looking forward to blogging about this event. I have several other article ideas I am excited about presenting here. They will be forthcoming.

Thanks for your readership!

Churches These Days

A lot of churches are building these great beautiful sanctuaries, multi-purpose spaces, fellowship halls and youth centers. That is awesome! These buildings often have great things like railings, ramps, stairs, smooth pavement, and benches...perfect for skate boarding! However, these same churches that claim they are trying to reach these people prohibit them from skating there, they post threatening signs, or special "security" personnel. They claim it is because of liability/insurance issues, or they do not want to mess up their new facility.

Consider this story from Mark Yaconelli's, Contemplative Youth Ministry:

First United Methodist Church in Valparaiso, Indiana was just such a church. They were getting tired of the kids being there, destroying their steps, and messing up their facility. So, the elders decided to rebuild the steps and install counter-measures to prevent the skater situation. However, the youth workers were able to persuade the elders (after much prayer) to reconsider. Instead, the elders left the steps, opened up the church facility, gave the kids a tour, allowed them to use the bathrooms, and fellowship areas, and the church staff could be seen fellowshiping with them.

"If you want to know what it means to share the presence of Jesus with young people, if you want to know more than I can tell you in this book, then drive an hour east of Chicago to Valparaiso, Indiana. Go spend an afternoon sittin on the curb across the street from the Methodist church. Then watch as kids come skating up to the steps, leaping and twirling, crashing their boards against the concrete in acrobatic feats of life and energy. Sit and watch as the church secretaries, the bookkeeper, the maintanance and pastoral staff walk up the crumbling steps. Watch as they stop to say hello. Watch as they converse with the scruffy street skaters. Watch as they take time from their work schedule to applaud as a boy shows off an especially difficult spin on his board. Sit and don't say a word. Just listen to the whir of the wheels on the pavement. Watch the young people running in and out of the church to get water and use the bathroom and then see. See if you don't find those crumbling steps beautiful."

(from the closing paragraph of, Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus (Youth Specialties) )

The Noticer

"Sometime, all a person needs is a little perpective," the subtitle to Andy Andrews' book, The Noticer, sums up the content of this self-help/personal growth title.

Andy Andrews takes time tested self help methods/ideas, and effectively packages them into an engaging story. It is the story of a man named Jones, and how the people's lives he comes into contact with (including, supposedly, Andy Andrews) are changed. Jones is a mysterious character that appears in the most unlikely places, at the most unlikely of times.

Jones meets with people and tackles the various issues of age, making a difference, the effects of our actions, there is no small stuff (everything can have big consequences), and intentions versus actions, all the while with the underlying premise, that all we do is based on our perspective.

Once you reach the end of the book, you realize it is a kind of parable, as Jones has met and impacted lives (by changing their perspective), we meet Jesus and He changes our perspective.

Although, at times, Andrews borderlines plagiarism (i.e., utilizing Gary Chapman's "Five Love Languages", as well as sermon illustrations I have heard throughout my church life) this is a quick read, and a very engaging story.

I recommend this book for any who are interested in personal growth, or a new life perspective.

Lyp Sinc

This is great! A lip syncer caught on tape!

Muck Mouth

The Book of James compares the tongue to a forest fire. A small ember can ignite a huge forest fire. This analogy is pertinent for many reasons, forest fires can burn quickly, they can cause lots of damage, and quickly grow "out-of-control". The forest fire can have far reaching consequences (loss of life, home, property; new vegetation growth, etc.).

An amazing thing about forest fires is the creation of "muck fires". When a forest fire occurs, there are sometimes areas of extremely heavy brush, or swamp/soft areas, that cannot be fully extinguished. As a result of this type of terrain, and firefighting efforts, muck fires occur. A muck fire is when this mud, or thick growth continues to burn. It can smolder for days, weeks, or even months before finally extinguishing itself.

So it is with the tongue. Whether the tongue is used for good or evil our words can smolder on forever. If we make a joking, flipant, negative comment, it may not mean much to us, but those words we spoke can simmer/smolder inside the person indefinitely.

If we give a quick word of encouragement, or a positive statement, though it may not mean that much to us, the effect of that good word, can stay with a person forever.

As we speak, we should remember that things we say may be no big deal to us, but to the listener, they could have lasting impact.

Don't be a "muck mouth"!

7 Victories

I was reading of the seven churches in the book of Revelation (ch. 1 - 3). At the end of talking to each of the churches a specific victory is mentioned...

These are victories for us as Christians:

1.) The right to eat from the tree of life. (Ephesus)

2.) Will never be harmed by the second death. (Smyrna)

3.) Some of the hidden manna. A white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it. (Pergamum)

4.) Will be given authority over the nations. (Thyatira)

5.) Will be dressed in white clothes, his name will never be erased from the book of life, but will be acknowledged before the Father. (Sardis)

6.) Will be made a pillar in the sanctuary of God. (Philadelphia)

7.) The right to sit on the Throne. (Laodicea)

Herein, lies the secret of victorious, and Heavenly, living! These are all great victories/rewards! These are victories, the Christian, can expect to have.

The way to obtain these victories, is found within the passage. We just have to dig a little deeper...

Whatever Happened to Loyalty?

The problem with professional sports is lack of player/team loyalty. Players do not play with a team because they believe in it. They jump from team to team based on monetary gain (20 million vs. 16 million, etc.). However, most teams are not loyal to their players, they work under contract, they trade based on income, or viewership.

A lot of parishoners are not loyal to their churches. People jump from church to church, never staying at a church long enough to build, or become part of, the church family. People will leave a church they have been attending, when a new church comes into town, just for the newness of it. New pastor in town, that preaches in a different way, let's leave and go there. Potluck dinners at the other church, "See ya!". Parishoners bounce from church to church based on job opportunities. They will attend one, just to get into the church job, when that doesn't work out, their off to the next church ("job opportunity").

Whatever happened to loyalty in the church? Whatever happened to attending a church because that is where God has called you to attend?

Just as parishoners are not loyal to the church, the church is not loyal to its parishoners. This seems to be more prevalent in large churches (1,000+). Often times when there is a position to be filled, rather than hiring from within the pool of capable volunteers, they will look to fill from the outside. Rather than utilize its people, churches often spend their money to bring in consultants. Instead of trying to plug new/different people into various ministries, they rely solely on the "regulars" (they always sing, she always teaches, their always in charge of the pageant, etc.).

Why has the church stopped being loyal to its parishoners?

Separate 2 Pray

"Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and guilt of their fathers."

Nehemiah 9:2 (HCSB)

For the Israelites to finally get serious, and repent, before God, they had to separate. They had to separate from the foreigners, those who were not of God. They had to separate from the junk of humanity that filled their lives.

Are you prayers getting through to God? Do you desire a closer walk with Him? Maybe you need separation in your life. Separation from people that drag you (and your relationship with Christ) down, separation from the activities that are not God honoring, separation from the busyness of life, separation from distractions.

Sometimes we just need to separate to pray. Separate from everything, so that there is only me and Him.

Choose Life.

Upcoming Book Review...

Buy		Read

Skeeter

13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139: 13-14

Max Lucado, with the help of a caterpillar named Hermie, and his friends, does a superb job of illustrating this point for children.

Skeeter is a mosquito that is ashamed of his crooked stinger. His brother has a straight stinger, and is a great adventurer. When Skeeter's brother, shows up, as the hero, in the garden where Skeeter lives with his friends, things get a little tough. Skeeter has always felt that their father looked down on him because of his crooked stinger. However, throughout the story it is discovered that, Skeeter's brother cannot fly due to small wings. The brothers are led on a treasure hunt that their father had left them.

They are led to a treasure that reveals to them the truth of Psalm 139:13-14.

I would highly recommend this video as a tool for teaching young children the truth of God's Word. And for illustrating the point that we are all unique, and made in the image of God.

Culturally Contextual

In striving to share Christ with others we must connect with them culturally, Don Richardson (author of Peace Child) demonstrates it like this:

From Preaching Magazine:

"When Caroline and I lived among the Sawi and learned their language, we found that they honored treachery as a virtue. This came to light when I told them the story of Judas betraying Jesus to death after three years of friendship. They acclaimed Judas as the hero of the story. It seemed as if it would not be easy for such people to understand God's redemption in Jesus. But lo and behold, their way of making peace required a father in one of two warring villages to make an incredible sacrifice. He had to be willing to give one of his children as a peace child to his enemies. Caroline and I saw this happen, and we saw the peace that resulted from a man's sorrowful sacrifice of his own son. That enabled me to proclaim Jesus as the greatest peace child given by the greatest father. In Lords of the Earth, the Yali tribe had places of refuge. That was their special redemptive analogy. In other words, there's something that serves as a cultural compass to point men and women toward Jesus, something that is in their own background, part of their own culture."

Fan Into Flame

2 Timothy 1:6, "Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands."(HCSB)

Oxygen is one requirement to have fire (heat and fuel are the other two). If a small fire begins to smolder in an enclosed space (a closed up room, aircraft cockpit, etc.) it will smolder for a while, then when all the oxygen is burned up, it will extinguish. However, if, during the smoldering phase, additional oxygen is introduced to the fire (a door is opened, etc.) the fire grows rapidly. A danger for firefighters is that when we arrive on-scene we sometimes, do not know, how long a fire has been burning so we must be careful when making entry, if oxygen is introduced to an almost oxygen depleted fire atmosphere, and explosive backdraft could result (as demonstrated in the movie of the same name).

In the same way, we are to introduce oxygen to the fire that God has placed within us.

We all have God given talents, abilities, and purpose. However, if we do not work on these, do things to enhance our talents, skills, abilities, and further God's purpose in our lives, the smoldering fire with in us will die, and we will live a non-fruit bearing life.

If God has given you a musical talent, you must use it. Study music, listen to music, read about music, play music, sing, do music. Or the music God has placed with in you will die.

If God has given you the gift of preaching/teaching, you must utilize it. Preach, teach, learn the art of public speaking, read about preaching/teaching, increase your knowledge of the material to be preached (God's Word).

Often times people come to Christ, but they are only Christians for a short time. What has happened is that they have had insufficient amounts of oxygen, fanning their flame of salvation. New Christians need to be surrounded with other Christians, they need to be led to Christian resources, and spend considerable amounts of time with God (in His Word, and prayer).

As "seasoned" Christians we understand the value of constantly applying the oxygen of God's Word, and time spent with Him, to the flame of salvation that is within us.

Awkward Worship

What's with raising of the arms in worship? It feels awkward.

It is supposed to feel awkward. In military time if a soldier keeps his head down, and stays in his foxhole he is safe. However, if he pokes his head up or raises his hand it is certain death...or surrender.

That is the reason for awkward worship. It is us, poking our head out of our little, insignificant lives, and telling God, take me, I surrender. I surrender my life to you. I am dying to myself, my desires, my plans, my goals, my ambitions. I am surrendered to a life in Christ.

Violence in Film

This is a good video on sin/violence in cinema:

Wayward

My close friend and is destroying her life. Her whole life she has been surrounded by a family and friends that love, and care for her. She continually makes poor life decisions, even when those who care about her (including myself) give her advice, she takes the advice and agrees, but then is soon back to her old ways. Her parents are distraught, her friends are concerned. What are we supposed to do? I would like to just take her and make all her decisions for her, and cut her out of her own decisions. I know that is not possible.

As I was pondering these things, the thought occurred to me that this is how Jesus Christ must feel. He has given us every opportunity in life, He has given us a life guide (the Bible) to making wise decisions, He has surrounded us with love (He gave His life for us), yet their are those who trash their lives, and pay no attention to Him. Jesus Christ heart must break, when He looks down, and sees what mess we are making of things. I am sure He weeps, when He says, "I have given you every opportunity, all you need, to live a full life. Why won't you listen, and obey."

Transforming Theology

In case your interested:

Scott Hamilton, The Great Eight

This is a great figure skating story. It is much more, however, than just a figure skating story. It’s a story of inspiration, of overcoming life obstacles, of maintaining healthy relationships, and of leading a life of happiness.
Each chapter is based on a lessons learned from Scott’s figure skating career, as well as, through his struggle with lifelong physical ailments (including cancer, twice).

His story can be an inspiration to all. Even when things are going bad, or you are in a down time of life, happiness can still be found.

Scott tells how he would never have been the success that he is, if he would have given up after falling down on the ice. He had to repeatedly get up, and fall down, before he could land his infamous jumps.

The key to all our success and happiness is to trust our Almighty Coach, Jesus Christ. Scott had to trust his coach’s judgement, and instruction. He could not have succeeded on his own.

Never lose. There is always something to be discovered in our seeming “losses”. However, if we are able to better ourselves through these “losses” then they are not losses at all, but wins!

To experience happiness in our relationships, it is critical that we maintain clear communication. Keep the ice clear. Just as it is hard to skate on used ice that has tracks from other skater, so it is with our relationships. If we continue to dwell on the past, or suppose the past predicates the future, we will never experience true relational happiness.

Scott talks about how amazing Kristi Yamaguchi’s smile is, and how she always has a smile, even when she falls. This is important to our life happiness, always smile. Decide, to be happy.

There is much more to living a life of happiness. By following the guidelines in this book, one can be far along on the road of obtaining a life of happiness and true success!

Authentic Faith

This is taken from the business blog of Seth Godin, however, it has a very practical implication for our Christian faith.

"If it acts like a duck (all the time), it's a duck. Doesn't matter if the duck thinks it's a dog, it's still a duck as far as the rest of us are concerned.

Authenticity, for me, is doing what you promise, not "being who you are".

That's because 'being' is too amorphous and we are notoriously bad at judging that. Internal vision is always blurry. Doing, on the other hand, is an act that can be seen by all.

As the Internet and a connected culture places a higher premium on authenticity (because if you're inconsistent, you're going to get caught) it's easy to confuse authentic behavior with an existential crisis. Are you really good enough, kind enough, generous enough and brave enough to be authentically a hero or leader?

Mother Theresa was an atheist, filled with self doubt. But she was an authentic saint, because she always acted like one.

You could spend your time wondering if what you say you are is really you. Or you could just act like that all the time. That's good enough, thanks. Save the angst for later."

As Christians, are we being authentic in our faith?

Socio-Economic Catering

Socio-economic catering in the church:

Expectant Surprise

A couple nights ago my brother-in-law (Brad) texted me to say that he had a friend of the family that was diagnosed with cancer a while ago. The man was in chemo and radiation when Brad last saw him. Brad asked the man if he could have one of his friends pray with him. The man agreed and the individual prayed for him! The man just recently went back for a doctor's appointment and they ran tests and the cancer is gone! The doctors in the hospital say they cannot find any signs of cancer!

This is an awesome story of healing. A story of what my Jesus is like, of what he wants to do for us.

I often wonder, why are these stories of miraculous healing are so surprising? As a Christian shouldn't this be expected?

We are very thankful to God for His grace, mercy, power, healing. Perhaps, we need to be more expectant in our faith/prayer.

Prayer Answered

This is a facebook note written by my wife:

I am writing this note to give God praise again and again for all His many blessings in my life! We have all been through so many things in the past six months! We have been hearing of all the terrible tragedies in our loved-ones lives and we have been praying continuously for these families! There also may have been some of your own near tragedies in your own dear life. Whatever situation you find yourself in..... I hope you find this note encouraging that we do still serve an amazing God that does heal and take care of us! Be encouraged that our God still is amazing! And He does prove it over and over again! This is one of my true lived miracles I would like to share with you!As all of you may know about two years ago this past january I was in the hospital for a CT scan, due to horrible migraines. I started getting them in May 2004 right before I graduated! Needless to say by december 2006 they continued to get worse and more frequent! I went from a migraine every couple of months, to about one a month, increasing to about three or four a week! Finally in january 2007 three months after we were married, I passed out at my grandparents house where we were visiting family in Indiana. Aaron took me to the hospital, and they did a CT scan and it was negative. After much pain, and many tests in the hospital we went back to my grandparents house so that I could continue to rest. Once I arrived my brother Brad called, and said he had a friend that wanted to pray with me for my migraines..... for God's healing touch! Honestly, I was hesitant at first, (atleast at this point without much faith of my own ) but I knew I needed to give it a try! We went over to my brother's house where we met the individual and he started to pray with me... ...and sure enough there was a power of healing that took place in my brother's little apartment that afternoon. I can't explain it. The only thing I could relate it to was the feeling I use to get in revivals when people prayed through... or at camp meetings when you knew that someone was really touched! I am telling you that I walked into my brother's apartment, with a filled prescription (migraine medicine) in my purse, and walked out never once needing to use a pill out of that prescription!I am happy and very thankful to God that I just celebrated His healing touch in my own life! I have been without "ANY" migraines for two years as of this past january 2009! Our God we serve CAN and WILL take care of us... all we have to do is believe and be faithful to seek Him and He prevails!

God's Time

I have been reading through the books of Samuel.

It is interesting that when we read about Samuel, there is a lot that is unsaid. Samuel starts with him as a boy, and talks about some experiences that he had. Then we hear nothing, until Saul is annointed as King of Israel. Then, Samuel appears in Saul's story periodically, and then we read of him anointing David as the next king.

Samuel did great things, he was used of God (to the point of having a Bible book named for him).

In our lives as Christians, we want to be used of God, in a supernatural way. So, to accomplish that we try to do a lot of things in our own power. Often these are good, noble, "Christian", things. However, they are not God things.

No doubt, Samuel served God in an awesome way throughout his life. However, we only read of portions of these things.

So it is with our own lives, we can do many things for God, but God has a specific opportunity/responsibility for us. He will use us in His time, and for His purpose. Not ours.

Christian Porn Church

The people that brought us XXXChurch.com (a ministry to those addicted to porn, and involved in the porn industry), now have a church on the Las Vegas Strip....Strip Church.

This is an awesome ministry, that is serving these people in a way the traditional church never could or would.



Check out their ministry and get involved!

Campfire Lesson

Sitting around the campfire last night, I was reminded of a lesson I was taught in Fire Academy.

Things do not burn. The wood pallets thrown on the fire do not burn. What actually happens is that the wood reaches its ignition point, the molecules freak out and start to break down, in the process the item turns to vapor and it is this vapor that actually burns (this can be plainly seen by looking closesly at the wick of a burning candle, you will see that the flame is actually not touching the wick).

As Christians, have we reached our ignition point, or are we still cold? Our we on fire for Christ in such a way that we are releasing His "vapor"? Is our relationship with Him evident to those around us, because we are emitting the love of Christ, and things of the Kingdom?

Dave Ramsey's Success Reads

Dave Ramsey is a nationally syndicated talk show host, specializing in finance. He is also author of "The Total Money Makeover", and "Financial Peace University". He recommends the following books for success life, money, and relationship with Jesus Christ.

I wanted to post them here for your reading pleasure, and to elicit any comments or reviews you may have concerning these titles.

1.) QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability in Work and in Life

2.) The Go Getter - Peter Kyne

3.) Rhinoceros Success

4.) The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant: Principles for Successful Living

Just wanted to alert you all to these potentially valuable resources. I recently added "Rhinoceros Success" to my collection; I will give you a review when I complete it.

Virginity, $3,000,000

This is an interesting and troubling article, about a girl who is auctioning off her virginity to the highest bidder (to pay for a Masters Degree in Family and Marriage Therapy...irony!)...


Student auctions off virginity for offers of more than £2.5 million
A student who is auctioning her virginity to pay for a masters degree in Family and Marriage therapy has seen bidding hit £2.5million ($3.7m).

Your reaction?

Hello, Goodbye

From How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else , Michael Gate Gill writes about his last day, before he goes to work at a different Starbucks location.

One of his regular customers, Ella, a two year old and her father, tell him bye...Gill write, "...I willed myself to take Ella's positive attitude. "Hi" and "Bye" were equally exciting to her. And should be to me."

You see, "Bye" is not a negative, its as positive as "Hi". "Bye" is leaving one thing (whether loved or hated), and "Hi" to another. A new experience, another chapter of life.

Prosperity Praise

Something fun for Saturday...

Ted Haggard, Lessons to the Church

What Ted Haggard can still teach the church

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 14, 2009
1:00 am Eastern


By Alan Chambers
© 2009


Ted Haggard is having his say. The former pastor of a Colorado megachurch who admitted to a sexual relationship with a male escort in 2006, is now sharing his story in a documentary called "The Trials of Ted Haggard." On Jan. 29, the film premieres on HBO and will follow the life of the former pastor and re-examine the scandal that rocked the evangelical world. While the film is bound to bring up old wounds and raise more questions, there are some important lessons that the church can learn from Ted Haggard.

When the story broke in 2006, I, along with thousands of others, was shocked. I had brief contact with Ted Haggard in his role as leader of the National Association of Evangelicals at various meetings. His deception grieved me as did the media's portrayal of him as the worst kind of hypocrite – a two-faced man who preached the Gospel of Christ by day and engaged in homosexual activity and drug abuse by night. People asked how it was possible for someone to oppose homosexual sin while indulging in it.

As he himself wrote in his confession, "There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life." If you had asked the thousands that attended his Colorado Springs church, I imagine most would have said they had no idea their pastor struggled with homosexuality. The same could be the said for our own churches. It might be easy for us to judge the outside world, but how often do we recognize the broken and hurting in our own pews? For every gay activist that shouts in the parades, I'm willing to bet that there's someone in our congregations who painfully struggles with homosexuality, but is afraid to reach out for help. I know because I was that person.

(Column continues below)




As a teenager, I was in church every Sunday and harbored my own secret – a battle with homosexuality. Like Ted Haggard, I, too, was molested at a young age and found myself dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction. I gave in to my feelings and found gay life fun for a season, but eventually realized it would be lonely for a lifetime. More importantly, I was living in deep conflict with my own Christian beliefs. I felt like a hypocrite, and I went searching for help. At the time, it seemed no church would touch the issue and thus I found Exodus International, a ministry that helps those dealing with this particular struggle. Godly men and women walked beside me as I began to deal with underlying wounds and discovered my true identity in Christ. They demonstrated the bold love of Jesus Christ when I needed it most, and now, 18 years later, I am blessed to do the same for others.

The truth is that most Christians struggle with a particular sin in their lives. It might be an uncontrolled temper. Maybe it's substance abuse or even a secret grudge harbored toward someone. Or maybe, like Ted Haggard and me, it's a struggle with lust and sexual brokenness. While there is freedom through the power of Christ, the sad truth remains that there is still something terribly wrong in many of our congregations, something that all of the marriage protection laws and constitutional amendments cannot fix. Many of our churches are not safe places for us to be vulnerable and seek help and so many continue to suffer in silence. The choice of committing sin and disobeying God has always been our personal responsibility, but we in the church desperately need each other. And yet, in many churches, people are still donning masks and ignoring the very hurts and struggles that God instructs us to be open about. If we are to make any progress in reaching a hurting world, our churches need to be a place of healing and accountability. This starts by every one of us, including our leadership, admitting to our struggles and asking fellow Christians for help.

In the end, however, it is the loving and redemptive nature of God to take our messes and even our most tragic circumstances and use them for something beautiful. Often, the villain in our movies and news stories "gets his," and that's the last we ever hear from them. But the grace of Jesus Christ isn't content just to leave things at that. God wants to reach out to all who have fallen, even the villains in the world's stories. Convicted Watergate criminal Chuck Colson is a perfect example of how God can take a disgraced public figure and bless him with a fantastic and far-reaching ministry. The Apostle Paul was one of the early church's most feared persecutors before God intervened and made him one of Jesus' most zealous supporters. No one is beyond the same redemptive power. Christ came to the world to set captives free, and no one is exempt from that promise. So, while Ted Haggard is having his say, it is far better to know that in the end, God will always have his.
___________________________________________________

This article taken from Exodus International Ministries.

I thought this was a great article...would love to hear your responses.

Divine Work (pt.4)

I am in the process of reading the book, "How Starbucks Saved My Life". It is the memoir of Michael Gates Gill. A man who was raised in a lap of luxury, went straight from an Ivy League university, into a high paying advertising job. After more than 25 years with the company the "let him go".

He then started his own advertising firm and after another 10 years of that he lost all of his clients, and around the same time was divorced from his long-term wife, and mother of his three adult children. His life of luxury was falling apart. He finally landed a job at a local Starbucks.

He relates to a story from his past, while contemplating his new work philosophy...

"...Fitzgerald wrote, "She realized too late that work was dignity."
Work is dignity, I repeated to myself. That could be my mantra.
Why had it taken me so long to realize this essential truth? Fitzgerald had written his daughter thhis key perception, yet I had fought my daughter Elizabeth, whom I called 'Bis', when she had wanted to go to work. When she was just twelve years old, she had been offered a sumer job helping the tennis pro with scheduling and teaching and I had turned down the job offer- without even talking to Bis about it.
"How could you do that, Daddy?" Bis had cried, tears cascading from her eyes.
"But I want you to have a chance just to enjoy yourself this summer."
"But I like to work," Bis had angrily replied.
For me, work was something one had to do, not what one should do. I admired those who never had to work... and lusted after the huge trust funds of some of my richer friends. I thought I was doing Bis a favor by protecting her from having to work. How wrong I had been."

His bio on the back cover sums up his new work philosophy "...(he) has no plans to retire from what he calls the best job he's ever had."

Speaking Engagement

I will be speaking Sunday (1/18/09) at Community Wesleyan Church, in Intercession City, Florida.

My topic is "God, Our Refuge", using a text from Deut. 19:1-13 (Cities of Refuge). I will be using illustrations from my experience in the fire service.

Outline:

1. Refuge is within easy reach.
- Illustration- New Years Eve Bangkok Fire; Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire.
- Clear way of escape.
- Rev. 3:20
- I Cor. 10:13

2. Refuge is open/available to all, no one is turned away.
- John 3:16, "whosoever"

3. The one in need will have life.
-Romans 3:23

4. Refuge is the only alternative, without it, total destruction.
- House of Refuge, Hutchinson Island, FL
- Psalms 46:1

5. The accused is protected with the boundaries of the city only. Outside of city means destruction.
- Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, FL
- SCBA mask, firefighter's life-line

6. Full freedom comes only with the death of the High Priest.
- Jesus as High Priest
- Hebrews 2:17-18

I will post the video recording of the message here within the week. Thank you.

Spiritual Formation Tour

Saturday I attended a Spiritual Formation seminar (by the Wesleyan Church). It was a wonderful time of refreshing the spirit, and learning methods of developing spiritual formation in ourselves and those in our churches. It was good to be reminded of the fact that the most important spiritual formation to maintain is our own. We must follow spiritual discipline, and take care of our own spiritual formation before we can train/develop others.

I attended the youth ministry track. Their were many valuable things discussed. However, the most important thing was the emphasis of mentoring; the importance of a one-on-one relationship with the students in our youth groups. Students will come to churches were they are accepted and loved. As we strive to develop spiritual formation in the lives of our students, mentoring becomes essential.

In my youth ministry experience the most valuable times of ministry were the times outside of church/youth group. They were the times at McDonald's after church. They were the times of taking a student along to perform some task, nothing really planned, just spending time with these students.

They gave a staggering stastic: 90% of Christians today are converted before the age of 14. Youth spiritual formation/ministry is more important now than ever.

We dsicussed 5 steps to establishing youth groups:

1.) Pray (for God's annointing on the ministry, spiritual strength, teen leaders).

2.) Develop a teen prospect list (write the names of teens, known or not known, and their hangouts, develop rapport).

3.) Have a start-up meeting (with whatever students you may have, what do they want the ministry to look like, what's important).

4.) Plan a big kick-off event (develop importance of youth ministry, outreach, promote).

5.) Stick to it (develop long-term goals, plan to stay for the long haul, youth pastor turnover rate is probably the #1 killer of youth groups).

Their are many youth ministry resources available at... www.unstoppableministries.com

Bondage to the King

1 Samuel 8:6-22 is the story of Israel's request for a king.

v. 6 "...give us a king to judge us..."
v. 7 "...they have not rejected you; the have rejected Me as their king."
v. 9 "...warn them..."
v. 11-18 "These are the rights of the king who will rule over you...he can take your sons...he can take your daughters...he can take a tenth of your grain and your vineyards...he can take your male servants....you yourselves can become his servants."

Israel was pleading with the prophet Samuel, for a king. Samuel "considered their demand sinful", so he brought it before the Lord. The Lord replied with, give them what they want, but it will be bad for them.

The Israelites up to this point had only God to lead them. But, they began to look around at other nations, and those around them, they felt like they were missing out on something. It looked like the neighboring nations had something great! They asked for a king.

They no longer wanted to be under the sole leadership of Christ. They rejected him for a king. The Lord, through Samuel, warns them of the troubles they will face with a king.

It is sad to say that everyday those around us are behaving just as the Israelites. They are rejecting the King of Kings, for other "kings" in their life. They look around and feel like they are missing out on something. Maybe they are a Christ follower, however, they are turned from the way of Christ for their desire of following the world. Or, perhaps this is what keeps a soul from turning to Christ, they are afraid of all they will "lose". They see the life of unbelievers (pleasurable for a season), they don't want to miss out!

Under Christ's lordship, the Israelites had complete freedom. They operated in the parameters of God's Word. However, they looked around, they saw something "better".

The Lord warns them of the trouble they will face. He will utilize their family. They will lose their sons and daughters, the king will put them to work. He will use them as he sees fit, not according to the purposes of God.

The king will take their possesions. He will take their land, vineyards, and fields. They will be his to use as the king wishes.

The king will take their servants, and donkeys (essential "tools" for the agrarian culture of the day). Any fields left that the Isrealites have would not be able to be worked to their full potential.

The kind will take their flocks, and they will become his servants. The king will finally take their freedom. With little fields, no tools to work them, with their flocks (source of meat) taken, they are left with no choice but to become fully in bondage to the king.

Family (that which we are closest too), purpose, possessions, potential, freedom....the king would take that which Satan is till trying to take from God's people.

Under Christ we have complete freedom. We have closeness with God (closer than a brother), we can only fully understand relationships with others after we have a relationship with Him, we have freedom to pursue God's purpose for our lives, when in need we still possess Christ (He possesses us), we are enabled to reach our full potential in Him.

People everyday, however, are looking around, they freak out because they fear that God is going to mess up, their lives they have planned for themselves can never happen with God. So, they choose to follow a different king.

Satan comes in, things may go good for a season, but eventually it all falls apart. Satan works the same way, attacks our relationships, robs us of purpose, dispossesses us of Christ, defeats us from reaching our full potential.

[relationships, purpose, possessions, potential, freedom]