Every year a specific Ronald Reagan speech is played at our church. I cry every time I hear it because it’s ranked on my list of my favorite military inspiration speeches. Truth spoken has the ability to turn hearts in a positive or negative way. We celebrate “Women Who Inspire” because we truly believe that every human inspires another. The inspiration could be positive or negative but either way inspiration is happening. Speeches have a way of participating in this process.

The Revolutionary War
- President George Washington

The War of 1812
- President James Madison

Mexican American War
- President James Polk

Civil War
- Abraham Lincoln

The Spanish-American War
- President Williams McKinley

World War 1
- President Woodrow Wilson

World War 2
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- President Harry S. Truman

The Vietnam War
- President Dwight Eisenhower
- President John F. Kennedy
- President Lyndon B. Johnson
- President Richard Nixon

The Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm)
- President George Bush Sr.

The Iraq War
- President George Bush Jr.
- President Barack Obama

Before every war there’s a speech. Every war time President listed here gave a speech. Some are more memorable than others but it happened. These wars are a compilation of millions of lost lives. Some of these presidents were the start and finish of the wars. But many started the war, others inherited the war and a few had the privilege to end the wars. They all had their part to play and the American solider was their solution.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
- President Bush Jr.

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States and one of the most influential figures of the Cold War. The most interesting thing about the Cold War was just that; it was cold. It was a time of conflict, not a war time period. Ronald Reagan was not a “war time” president. The Cold War was called cold because the featured heavyweights, the Soviet Union and the United States, were  "at peace." But they engaged in circling each other, jabbing at each other, testing each others' supposed weaknesses. It was a “war of words” if you will. The Cold War lasted from 1947 to 1991, a period of about 45 years.

How many of you are in the mist of your own “Cold War”? Actual weapons have never been drawn but words and antics are flying left and right. There are casualties based on  the belief of who is wrong or right and it has lasted for years. Are you fighting a “war of words”?

“We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted.”
- Ronald Reagan

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
- Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan had a lot of great words. His words caused the Berlin Wall to come down.

As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. . . .General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate.
 Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate!
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
—Ronald Reagan

In the mist of your “Cold War” do your words build up walls and break down walls? Fight the good fight of faith. There are battles to be won daily and they won’t start or end themselves. There will be many casualties but the price of freedom requires it. Someone has to do it and it starts with our words; a speech if you will.

Go win the war!!

Freedom is never free. There is a price to pay.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭4 NLT‬‬

We are thankful to those who poured out the full measure of devotion upon the altar of freedom. There are many soldiers that could and do tell dramatic stories of heroism. Many soldiers remember those situations that resulted in a lose of friend and fellow solider. They have left this realm of time and space, they have out-stripped us in life’s races, but the sacred memory of their selflessness and the freedom they died to obtain will live forever. Many disciples of Christ have come before us. After reading the Old and New Testament we too find stories of dramatic heroism. We to are reminded of great loses that allowed us to obtain religious freedom and eternal freedom. Let us not forget the price that has been paid. We can express our love for Christ freely because someone paid the price. A solider paid the price. Thank God for the bravery of men and women who gave all.

Freedom isn’t Free!!!

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”
John 15:13

Freedom is a gift, it’s a treasure.  And though we all may agree on that truth, it’s often easy to take for granted one of the greatest gifts that God has given us in our lives. We just celebrated Pentecost. We celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit. He’s the lead and the guide into all truth. He empowers us to do what we feel inadequate to do. The most precious gifts are never free. They came and come with a price. It always takes a sacrifice.  Jesus gave all. His life was a beautiful exchange for our life. The solider understands the final measure sacrifice. Many brave men and women were and are willing to face hard battles in order for us to enjoy that gift of freedom today.

For all those who have protected our nation, for the men and women in uniform who are no longer with us, we say “Thank You.”

Freedom isn’t Free!!!

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”
John 15:13

There are about 1.3 million active-duty personnel, or you could say, less than one-half of 1 percent of the U.S. population. The army is the largest U.S. military service, followed by the navy, air force, marine corps, and coast guard.

There are around 19 million U.S. veterans as of this year, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, representing less than 10% of the total U.S. adult population.

Less than 10%of the U.S population will put their life on the line for another and yet less than 10% is enough.

The sacrifices of soldiers that are no longer with us has been great, yet the greatest sacrifice of all time was made by a man on a cross who died not only physically but spiritually that men might live. Many of us have neglected Him too long! We have rejected Him as the center of our lives. I challenge you to accept His program of heart regeneration that can transform the society in which we live, and we can know the meaning of genuine peace in our life. Be the change for your town, city, state and nation. Take Jesus to your people. Be a solider for Christ. Lay everything about you down and pick up your Cross.

Freedom isn’t Free!!!

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”
John 15:13

You are being invited into a deeper encounter with the Holy Spirit and into a fresh alignment with the promises of God over your life, your family, and your purpose.

In the Old Testament, Pentecost is associated with God giving the Law which included His Word, commandments, and covenant order. In the New Testament, Pentecost is associated with God giving the Spirit, who breathes life into that Word and writes it on hearts. The Holy Spirit takes the Scriptures and turns them into revelation. He opens your eyes to understand the Word, leads you into truth, and reveals Jesus to you in a living, personal way. Pentecost is God saying to you that He does not just want you to know about Him; He wants you to know Him.

The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) is a harvest feast, celebrating the wheat harvest and the bringing in of firstfruits of the land. It was also a worship feast, a time when the people would bring offerings, rejoice before God, and remember His goodness. In the New Testament, Pentecost brings in a spiritual harvest: three thousand added in a single day, the launch of mission to the nations, and the beginning of the Church’s witness in the world.

Shavuot (Pentecost/Feast of Weeks) is celebrated from sunset on Thursday, May 21, until nightfall on Saturday, May 23.

Have an awesome Pentecost Weekend!

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!””
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It would be the behavior of a Galilean to be drunk first thing in the morning but not these Galileans. Are there behaviors expected of you because of where you come from?

“And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”

The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to be more than where we came from. You still dress the same, look the same and sound the same but something different is coming out of you. A different presence is surrounding you. A different spirit is overflowing in you. Now you are impacting generations for His glory not yours.

The Road to Pentecost

“The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the Lord your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced. Then you will know that I am among my people Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. Never again will my people be disgraced.

“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth— blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.”
‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is what Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. Peter quoted the Prophet Joel. Peter spoke the prophetic Word. The Word was hidden in his heart. He didn’t have a Bible of Old and New Testament. He had the Torah. He watched prophecy being fulfilled over and over in the life of Jesus and on Pentecost he participated in the fulfillment of the prophetic word. What an honor!

Hide the Word in your heart. Hold on the prophetic word spoken. In due season it will happen. There is about 800 years between the book of Joel and the book of Acts. God is not a microwave God; He’s an on time God. We are a product of His timeline not ours. It is an honor to participate in His plans. Allow His spirit to do what only He can do.

The Road to Pentecost

Along with apostles (special messengers(the 11)) and disciples (dedicated followers) was Jesus family in the upper room.

“Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And are not His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not [living here] among us? Where then did this Man get all this [wisdom and power]?” And they took offense at Him [refusing to believe in Him]. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And He did not do many miracles there [in Nazareth] because of their unbelief.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭55‬-‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

So his family went about their lives but Jesus moved forward with the mission. They did not serve Him or serve with Him. They were not apostles nor disciples. They were His family. John the Baptist (Elizabeths child) was his 2nd cousin. He told of the coming of Christ and baptized Jesus in water but continued his own ministry. James and John (Brothers of Thunder/Mary Salome children) were His 1st cousins and they were with Him faithfully. They were His family. This same John was at the foot of the cross (the one that Jesus loved) charged to take care of his aunt; the mother of Jesus. Not only would he take care of her natural needs he would take care of her spiritual needs.

“Someone said to Him, “Look! Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside asking to speak to You.” But Jesus replied to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples [and all His other followers], He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven [by believing in Me, and following Me] is My brother and sister and mother.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭47‬-‭50‬ ‭AMP‬‬

 He does not reject His attachment to or responsibility for His immediate family. Jesus was the oldest of the children and therefore by tradition carried the responsibility of His family. Biblical law gave preference to the firstborn son. He had the rights to a double portion of his fathers possession. He recieved a double portion because he also inherited the responsibility for the family. Jesus was not only the first born of His natural family but Jesus is the firstborn of God. He uses this moment to radically enlarge the idea of what it means to be a family. Jesus was not subtracting; He was adding those who do the will of the Father. And although His family really didn’t see Him as Messiah until after the resurrection, God saw fit that 6 or 7 of the New Testament books were written by His family. Your family is a decision God made about you. It can never be changed, altered or dismissed. What are you doing with your family? What part do you play in your family and with those who do the will of the Father?

For 40 days after the resurrection Jesus visits and speaks with the apostles, disciples and His family. They are all in the upper room when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. They all received His final gift; the gift of His Spirit poured out.

The Road to Pentecost

“Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them.

“Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.” (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”) Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’ “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed,

“O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Holy Spirit would have it that nothing would take us by surprise. Peter encouraged the followers of Jesus and His family with the prophetic Word. He reminded them about what King David said, what the book of Psalm said. Peter reminded them of what the Holy Spirit said as they all followed Jesus instructions and waited. We all must hold on to the prophetic Word in our lives. When it seems strange things are happening view the situation or circumstance through the lens of the prophetic Word. Pray, O Lord, You know my heart. Show me what to do next.

Go with God!

The Road to Pentecost

“In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!””
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

While Galilee had a large Jewish population majority of the people were Gentiles. Jesus was from Nazareth, a city in Galilee. For 3 years, Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
The only member of the original Twelve Disciples who wasn't from Galilee was Judas. Jesus was from Galilee. There was a general sense that if you were Galilean, you were mad, bad, and dangerous to know. Galileans were known for being poor and poorly educated and violent. Can you imagine when the elites in Jerusalem heard Jesus speaking with a Galilean accent.

Where we come from matters. I truly believe it speaks to our area of influence. Jesus was born and raised in Nazareth, which is a city in Galilee. When Jesus ascended into Heaven the angle referred to the disciples as “Men of Galilee” while in Jerusalem. Jesus was on a rescue mission to save the world but he started by saving his home, his street, his neighborhood, his city…his state. Are you on a rescue mission?

The Road to Pentecost

Pauls efforts continued in full force, though his circumstances were challenging. It’s the last part of Paul’s life and he expresses mixed results. People come to him and he spends his days unfolding the fullness of the Gospel. It is recorded that some people were convinced of the Gospel and others “disbelieved.”

The work of Paul reminds me of the work of pastoring. Many of us are not as famous as Paul, but certainly are as faithful and committed to obeying: providing top quality teaching so that His children receive a high quality spiritual education. In a very real sense, like Paul, we have more impact with some people than others. I also believe that the promise of the Holy Spirit which Paul recites (quoting Isaiah) is applicable for pastors. We are called to serve our church and every person in it and will do so faithfully believing that God will bring the results that will transform people who will impact and transform their own communities/families.

We have and will face substantial opposition and frequent challenges as we obey God but never waver in the belief of the local church. The physical building is like a neon light that proclaims to all who are in the community: this church belongs to God! This is what it looks like to see compassion for people every day! We will teach and preach, but most importantly people will encounter the Jesus who can transform their lives!

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

Read Acts 28 (recites Isaiah at verse 26)

The Road to Pentecost

“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is not some sentimental priority that Jesus is commanding us to follow. He is suggesting that it is those, like children, who are often bypassed by the world because they seem so insignificant. Jesus is saying that His focus is towards all people, like these children, who are deemed less valuable.

We as people are only valued by the world when we do what the world does. Stop feeding the beast and watch the world turn on you. We watch how even feeding the beast isn’t enough. If you don’t play by their rules they will still turn on you as if they never knew you. Be in the world but not of the world. Stay on the path of righteousness. Please God! He values you. He knows your name. He calls you His own. He said yes to you before you said yes to Him. He approves of you.

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

The Road to Pentecost

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
John 15:1-8

Five times in this passage, Jesus says: “Abide in me.”  But it’s rooted in a promise: “Abide in me”, he invites, “as I abide in you.”  This is not about being in the same place.  It’s about a mutual sharing.  Jesus declares his sharing in our lives and invites us to share in his.

This gift, however, isn’t forced on us.  It is offered, again and again.  

Lord, we admit that our faith is very small at times. When the impossible is staring us in the face it so easy to be distracted by how big the impossible presents itself. Thank you for giving us opportunities to exercise our Faith muscles. Our faith grows as we experience more of You. We rejoice in knowing that we will see our small seed of faith blossom and grow in the miracle that only you can bring to our life. Abide in me as I abide in you Lord. If i abide in you and your words abide in me, I can ask for whatever I wish, and it will be done for me. In Jesus name.

I’m thanking you this morning and every morning! In Jesus name, Amen!

Is your life being controlled by fear of what might happen because something is happening?

There is nothing too big for God. There is no obstacle, circumstance or situation that can’t be moved by the supernatural power of His spirit. Take heart! Pray in faith believing that whatever needs to change in your life is to the Glory of God.

The Road to Pentecost

Jesus was teaching thousands of people who flocked to hear him. Nobody seemed to have planned ahead and it becomes obvious that people are getting hungry. The only food available seems to be a small boy with a lunch of five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate his power in a way that will be obvious to everyone present. 
 
Can you imagine being there on that day? If you are a disciple, you are worried but then become cynical as Jesus says, I have a plan! Imagine their attitude as they watched the bread and fish being distributed to the people who are there. I wonder when it dawned on them that they were not running out of food. Can’t you just see them when their cynicism and embarrassment turns to joy as they distribute this food. People eat until they are full and still there is food left over.

I like to focus on the attitude as they watched the bread being distributed. In order to have a change in attitude they had to do something. They had to obey. Obedience is always better than sacrifice. We may not understand everything we are asked to do but do it anyway and watch all of your doubt turn to joy.

Read John 6

The Road to Pentecost

Jesus healed a boy who was demon-possessed. Those demons caused epileptic-like seizures in the boy. These seizures would actually throw the boy into open fires or toss him into bodies of water. We can only imagine how his family’s lives were controlled by their fear of what might happen to this young boy. Jesus is actually a bit disgusted at his disciples whose prayers seem to have little effect on the boy. He tells them that they lack faith and even a little faith is the most powerful thing on earth.

Is your life controlled by the fear of what might happen?

Jesus reminded his disciples that even a little bit of faith is powerful.  It’s like the small mustard seed that grows into a huge plant. Jesus said, that kind of faith can remove obstacles in our lives, even those that are huge like mountains.

There is nothing too big for God. There is no obstacle, circumstance or situation that can’t be moved by the supernatural power of His spirit. Take heart! Pray in faith believing that whatever needs to change in your life is to the Glory of God.

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

Read Matthew 17

The Road to Pentecost

It doesn’t take much to see that, around the world, followers of Jesus will need boldness as we face the challenges that seem to arise daily and threaten the spread of the Gospel. The early disciples prayed for boldness as they faced opposition to the preaching of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The response from God was a mighty display of His power that shook the room where they were praying. 

Not only do we need boldness to meet challenges, we need boldness to get out of our routines and safety zones to spread the Good News.

Lord, stir me by the power of your Spirit to be bold like those early disciples in Jerusalem who boldly proclaimed the Gospel. Give me boldness to speak the Good News to those nearby who still need to hear the Gospel that transforms lives.  Give me the courage to be steadfast concerning my family. Help me to be more purposeful about leading my family to You and living out life examples that are holy and acceptable to You. Empower me Lord to give my family something to look at as I represent You. Display your power in my home, on my street and in my neighborhood. In Jesus name, Amen.

Read Acts 4

The Road to Pentecost

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Friendship and persistence in prayer were the common threads in the book of Mark. Just as Jesus honored the persistence of friends as they tore through a roof to lower their sick friend in front of Him, so the prayers of us and our friends receives the same powerful response. Healing, transformation and hope can fill each story of our lives and testify to us the promise of Pentecost. Jesus is doing the very same things today as were recorded in the Gospel of Mark.

You have a choice to make. Doubt and do without or believe and receive! The same question Jesus asked the teachers of the law is the same question He is asking us today when we choose to doubt Him. “Why do you question this in your hearts?” Do you find yourself questioning the promises, power and authority of God? Just because you haven’t seen it or never heard it doesn’t mean it’s not true or it can’t happen in your life. “Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’?” It’s all easy for Him! He can do it all! He wants us to believe that He is the source of all things not a resource. When Jesus Christ resurrected He proved His source of power. His response is the same to you today. “So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Did He prove it? Yes, He did! So believe!

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

The Road to Pentecost

Paul tells the story of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus years earlier. I can only imagine, in this unique setting and with the royalty present, how Paul leaned into a full retelling of the encounter with Jesus that turned his life upside down. He recalls the conversation he has with Jesus and the very words spoken to him, that had guided the life mission of Saul, the religious fanatic, who became Paul the Apostle.

The proclamation of the Gospel is a powerful transaction where eyes are opened, and darkness turns to light. So powerful is this encounter that the power of Satan is overcome by the power of God. What happened to Paul motivates him for the rest of his life. He lives to proclaim the Gospel to those who have never heard it. The result of this encounter with the Gospel also includes the freedom of receiving forgiveness and a place in the community of people who have been set apart to give visible demonstration of what it means to be a child of God.

Paul’s retelling of the words of Jesus today, still describe the power of the Gospel. It is a proclamation of the story so powerful that a person can literally move from utter darkness into light. A person can be removed from the death grip of Satan, receive forgiveness of sin and be placed into a life empowering relationship with God. What happens when you retell your story? Is it full of you or is the power of God on display? Does what happened between you and Jesus motivate you to stay the path?

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

Read Acts 26

The Road to Pentecost

“Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The book of Acts is filled with accounts of the clear guidance of the Holy Spirit to the apostles, as they obediently follow the direction the Spirit gives. Paul’s missionary efforts are specifically guided by the Spirit. Paul is even given clear direction in a dream one night about people in Macedonia who plead with Paul to come and preach the Gospel in their region.

Christians look and sound different depending on the church, unfortunately. Some Christians scoff at God speaking through dreams. Yet in other parts of the world we regularly hear of people coming to Christ through dreams and visions. The Holy Spirit leads and guides. We must believe this. This is the gospel truth. We never have to be surprised by life when the Holy Spirit is our compass. The Holy Spirit reveled where to preach the gospel. If He did it then He does it now. Wait on the Holy Spirit for the next set of instructions.

The Road to Pentecost

The picture of Paul and Silas singing praise to God in the middle of the night has always amazed me. They had been accused of disturbing the peace, had been beaten severely and placed in the most secure part of the jail. The truth is, they had cast the demons out of a slave girl. She was a lucrative possession for her owners because she was a fortune teller. The owners were not very happy at the loss of their cash machine.

In the middle of this bad day for Paul and Silas, an earthquake opened all the doors to the jail. The jailor knew that the loss of prisoners could mean he himself might be killed. But Paul and Silas calm him, and he responds by asking the most important question any person can ask: “What must I do to be saved?” That day the jailor was saved and his entire household (everyone he was responsible for in his house) came to the Lord.

Entire households still come to Christ today. What’s the status of your household? Are they asking you, “What must I do to be saved?” It’s the most important question they could ever ask. Calm the people you love with the love of Christ and knowledge of who He is. Testify of his goodness everyday. Leave no doubt in the mind of your household. Jesus is alive and oh how He loves!!

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

Read Acts 16

The Road to Pentecost

As Jesus awakens he speaks to the waves and the water immediately becomes still. The disciples are now as surprised about the stillness as they have been fearful of the waves. It’s as if they are saying to themselves, who is this person and what have we gotten ourselves into?

We look at this story and we are drawn to how the  waves immediately respond to Jesus command and, like the disciples, we are amazed at such power over nature. But shouldn’t we also be amazed at a promise fulfilled? That promise was in verse 35 when Jesus simply said “Let us go over to the other side.” His guidance to get in the boat and row him away from the crowds of people is clear: what is just as clear is that Jesus has made a simple declaration, with a promise. The promise was as they started across the water, they would surely make it to the other side.

We can expect God to show up in those moments where we are simply overwhelmed, overmatched and out of strength. But we also need to hear the promise from this story in God’s word. His empowering Holy Spirit is here before our needs arise and is with us, even in life’s most painful moments when we think the waves are about to take us under!

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

Read Mark 4

The Road to Pentecost

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Holy Spirit has the power to break the prisons in our mind that our world can confine us to. The culture we live in has a way of shaping us to its desires, which are always to control us. But the renewing power of the Holy Spirit frees us to consider the goodness of God. We are given a “chance to dream” as the Lord fills us for the role and place that He has assigned to us.

Read Romans 12

The Road to Pentecost

Paul and Baranbas disagree on who should be a part of their team. The person in question is John Mark who has deserted them on their first journey. Paul felt John Mark was not useful for ministry and Barnabas disagreed.

Barnabas took a chance and discipled John Mark. We don’t read what Barnabas did, but we do know the result. If you read the passage in 2 Timothy, you will see that Paul obviously has had a change of mind about John Mark. While Paul is under house arrest and very alone in Rome, he says that he would like John Mark to visit, because this young man had become “useful to me and my ministry.”

It can be hard for us to see the potential in kids or other people who come from tough circumstances; whose lives begin with a huge deficit. We tend to see disaster, not success, in their futures. Nevertheless, God uses people and situations, like Community LIFE, to transform adults and kids into useful vessels for Christ’s ministry and service in His Name. God is restoring the Joy!

Read Acts 15 and 2 Timothy 4

The Road to Pentecost

After Saul had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and the days of blindness and spiritual guidance, Saul returned to testify of his experience to the disciples in Jerusalem. Their initial response to Saul was filled with fear and cynicism. Who could blame them? No doubt, most of their families had been threatened by the aggressive tactics of Saul to eradicate followers of Jesus.

But Barnabas seeks out Saul, listens to his testimony and brings Saul before the apostles and stands up for the validity of his testimony; he is now Paul. This results in acceptance by the apostles and the initial bold preaching that Paul started in Jerusalem. Death threats start up almost immediately and Paul is taken to Caesarea for protection. He then proceeds to his hometown of Tarsus.

Scripture says that the church, “walked in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” In the middle of all that violence we read that the church multiplied.  We can all relate to living in tough times. Our world can overwhelm us daily. The question is whether we will let anxiety and pressure rule, or will we follow the example of our brothers and sisters over 2000 plus years ago?

To walk in the fear of the Lord is simply to acknowledge that whatever may be the world’s current situation, we have a God who is above and beyond it all. Our world crises are contrived by humanity’s desire to live by their own rules and we all suffer the consequences. In that world, to fear the Lord is to acknowledge He is the Creator of the Universe and no humanly created crisis is a threat to the fact He is in control. Also, to walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit is to have a deep sense of peace in the middle of chaos. This is peace that only the presence of the Holy Spirit can bring.

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

Read Acts 9

The Road to Pentecost

Remember that the One who gave us power over danger and the demonic, also has the power to give us eternal life. We are blessed to see the power of God displayed in such extraordinary ways. There are people of earthly power who lust after even more power. Jesus cautions his disciples that the kind of transforming power that He brings can never be seen by people who want power for their own advancement.

In our world we increasingly see the pursuit of power as a high profile goal. Corporations seek power to market their products more effectively. People seek power to influence others toward their perspective or opinion. All of us are experienced in the power struggles that cause tensions in relationships. The 21st century is no different than the time in which Jesus lived. Position and power are natural human goals that people strive to achieve.

Remember, the One who writes our name in heaven, is something to treasure and only God Himself can give that gift to us! That’s real power!

Read Luke 10

The Road to Pentecost