torch bearer

I'm Home

2012-01-02T11:32:00.001-08:00

We were gone for a few days after Christmas. Headed to the wet side of Washington to see family and just to get away for a bit. In order to do that, we had to leave our beloved LC Valley behind; the beauty of the Snake River, the sun, the rugged rocks carved by water, and just the awesome people. We did have a wonderful time seeing our parents, siblings, cousins and grandparents. It's always good to spend time with them. But it is always good to head home too.

Before I go on, I must tell you about one factory here in the valley that helps make us very distinct. Those who grew up around Everett or Tacoma will know what I am talking about. In fact, growing up, I lovingly refered to it as the "aroma of Tacoma". Here, Lewiston is commonly called "Pewiston". That's right, we have a pulp and paper mill. But we love it! It's a huge employer and they are a very community oriented company. No matter how thankful we are for this company, it still has a very distinct odor. My kids say it smells like the valley is filled with broccoli. The funny thing is, you don't notice it after a while. It just is there and a part of life.

So, back to coming home.

As we dropped down the long 7% grade into the LC Valley we caught a wiff of the mill. Wow, had I forgotten what that smelled like! It had been a few days and my nose had completely cleared itself of the smell. But the funny thing is, everyone in my family excitedly said at the same time..."We are home!" The smell told us we were home.

It made me think of the times that I have strayed from the presence of God. How I had left and then decided to come back. I have, at times, almost forgotten what it was like to be in His presence. To have the aroma of God penetrate every part of me. (I'm glad his presence doesn't remind me of cooked broccoli, just saying). But evertime I have chosen to come back "home", I have been greeted with that distinctive aroma of God's presence. And everytime I tell myself..."I am home!"

I challenge you this year, if you are not at home with God right now, head home. Go toward that smell and presence of God. Most likely you know the road to take, most likely you know it well. Find your way back home. There is a great sense of relief when you can say..."I am home!"

Freedom in the Open Gate

2011-12-05T08:22:00.001-08:00

No one likes to feel trapped. No one likes the feeling of being stuck and therefore controlled. Whether we are talking about being physically restrained, religion, or lifes circumstances.

In Jujitsu we are taught to go toward the open gate. Go toward the way of freedom. For example, if someone grabs your wrist with thier hand, you would move your wrist toward the open gate; the open space between their fingers and thumb. As you do this you are gaining freedom from thier grip. This move toward the open gate is true for all levels of this martial art. Whether your opponent has your wrist, arm, neck or whole body.

I remember having to use this when being held by Sensai Brian. The man was not tall, but strong like an ox. It was black belt (him) verses no belt (me). I figured that this little open gate move would only really work when I was evenly matched with someone of my limited ability. So this bear of a man grabs me and by instinct I moved toward the open gate, the place where there was freedom from this mans grip. I moved, as I had been taught, and in the next instance I actually had freedom! Freedom from an opponent who I was certain would be able to hold me no matter what I tried.

I know there are many who feel trapped today. You feel that grip becoming tighter and stronger. Maybe that grip is finances, a bad relationship, guilt and shame from past desicisions, or emotional trauma. Maybe you are feeling the grip of sin in your life and have tried to find the opening, the release from it, but have chosen false religions, alcohol, sex or other destructive means in which to find a release. Trust me, I know the allure of each of these false gates. However, I also know the end game of each of these...the feeling of being even more trapped. In fact, it's not just a feeling, you really are trapped even more.

But here is the truth. This tightening grip can be released from you once and for all. There is peace and freedom to be found even in this life. There is a way to freedom that will work, I guarentee it. This open gate is spoken of by Jesus in John 10:9-10. This is what he says:

"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

You and I have a way to freedom, here on earth as well as eternity, through the open gate of following and trusting Jesus Christ.

How do you need to be set free today?

Jesus and Java

2011-11-30T07:47:00.001-08:00

Little boys love to tear things apart just to see how they work. Some of them even grow into a place where they put them back together too. Well, I have the tearing them apart side down really well. That's why I have surrounded myself with guys who know how to put it all back together.

One of the thing that I love to do, is to take a Bible verse or 2 and really break them down. I don't mean pulling out the Greek manuscripts and finding the word meanings (although there is nothing wrong with that). My brain works on a much simpler plane. I just use everyday words that are easy for me to grasp. I pull it apart into usable pieces for me. I do have to put it all back together so it is functionable in my life.

I wanted to let you in on a peak of what I mean. So, welcome to my kitchen table. Grab your Bible. Here is a cup of coffee. (I know its strong, but that's the way I like it). I call this time of my day, Jesus and Java.

Revelation 7:10 ESV, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

Crying out in a loud voice = none of this wimpy worship of God! I must be vocal and heard in my proclaiming of He is.

Salvation = being rescued, saved, pulled from, taken care of, loved enough for it to happen (in this case salvation from death - physical, spiritual, emotional)

To our = personal

God = the creator

Sits on the throne = seated in a place of authority, honor. Someone who has been given power and deserves recognition and honor.

To the Lamb = Jesus! perfect, my sacrifice, the one who brought salvation to the earth, Emmanuel (God with us).

Well, there we go. Something to digest. Something to apply. Something to ponder.

Let me know some of your thoughts on this. What jumped out at you? What was meaningful? How are you going to apply this to your life?

Feel free to stick around for another cup of coffee too.

Unlikely people doing extreme things for God

2011-10-30T16:23:00.001-07:00

Here is the link for the audio of today's teaching from Amos 1:1. Somehow thenlast few minutes were cut off. Here are the notes from that portion.
Here we can see 4 things about Amos that put him in a place to be used by God. 4 things we can apply as well.
1) He saw (1:1) - he had eyes to see what God was saying
2) He allowed the Lord to move him (7:15)
3) He responded in obedience to Gods calling (7:15)
4) He was available - the best ability is availabilityc
Click here for download link

Teaching from Sunday October 16, 2011 - Perseverance - Joel 2:28-32

2011-10-24T00:01:00.001-07:00

Here is the teaching from the 16th. I pray you are blessed and challenged as the Word of God is spoken. If you have any questions or comments I would love to chat. Click here to go to the link.

October 23, 2011 Teaching - God Restores Joel 3

2011-10-23T23:24:00.001-07:00

Check out today's teaching at this link. I didn't do any editing so bear with all the extras. I believe it is what is called 'organic'. Hope you are blessed. http://www.4shared.com/file/gfuTLxHS/recording-20111023113247.htmlhttp://www.4shared.com/file/gfuTLxHS/recording-20111023113247.html

Facebook and changes

2011-09-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Alright, I know I will sound pious and a bit self-righteous even, but here goes...

If we are really that concerned about the new Facebook changes I have to ask a few questions and make a few observations. And I actually do want to hear your responses. Good or bad.

Our collective American blood pressure has risen today to a new all time high. More so than trying to watch the Seahawks actually win a game. Facebook status updates have been abuzz about the new changes, and most of those updates have been on the hater side of things. There is even picket signs going up on peoples walls and threats to just quit Facebook altogether. There has been a slew of comments on each of those updates, each building on the last and working the masses into a frenzy. Mr. Zuckerberg, lock your doors and double the guards. You have pissed off the American people!

Now really people. Most of you are adults (or so your lied about age says so) that are making these hater updates. That's because the kids are still in school and haven't noticed yet. I would dare say let's act like adults about this! This is only Facebook after all, not real life! Now, don't get me wrong, I love Facebook as much as the next person. I use it for all kinds of reasons, from ministry to spying, from new friends to old. But I am not about to get all tensed up over the changes. I realize in my short adult years that there is more to raise my blood pressure over. Like real problems. Like real change.

Did you know that the national poverty level has risen around 10% over the last 10 years? Did you know that several million people, just in the USA, don't have an active relationship with Jesus Christ? Did you know that there are kids in Kenya (and other places, I just love Kenya) that die by the thousands EVERYDAY just because they don't have the simple necessity of clean drinking water? Did you know that in your very town/city there are people who don't know what true love is? When was the last time you shared Jesus with someone? Do you know your neighbors? I could go on, but I'll stop with the "did you knows".

My point is this, we have so much to be about in life, and especially if you are a Follower of Jesus, that these Facebook changes should roll off us and really matter very little. If we are this upset about these changes, no wonder there is Church division and family fights when needed change happens.

Change, for the sake of change is not always best, agreed. However, the changes that we have noticed on Facebook today don't really count as life change. They don't constitute getting mad and venting. If you need to get made about something and want to help advocate change, look toward politics. Look toward local town issues. Look toward human life issues (abortion, health care, elderly care, etc.). Look toward your neighbors well-being. Look toward the little kid who needs a coat or help with school work. Look, and please don't forget this one, toward your own family. These are changes we should rally toward.

Please use your passion, and even anger, for the things that really matter in life. For the changes of life that matter. The change from the old self to the new self. Get passionately angry about sin and the destruction it causes on a daily basis. Use your anger and frustration wisely!

By the way, personally, I like the changes.

If you need you can unfriend me. I believe that button is still in the same spot.

Remembering

2011-09-11T00:58:00.000-07:00

I have the privilege to speak at a 9-11 Memorial and Procession tomorrow here in Asotin. I wanted to share what came from my heart. May we always remember...

Our American lives were foreverchanged on that fall Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001. Each of us have a story and memory of what wewere doing that day. Many of us were atwork or school, while others of us were still heading there. Maybe you were at home when you received thehorrible news that 2 planes were flown into the World Trade Center, anotherinto the Pentagon, and still another that was stopped by its passengers beforeit could cause more damage. The shocking news that America was under attack.

Other American citizens were expectinga normal day of work as firefighters, EMS, or police officers in NYC. At least as normal as these jobs allow. Little did they know that their lives, aswell as their families lives, would be devastated that day. On that day 343 firefighters, 72 policeofficers and 42 EMS personnel didn’t come home from shift. On that day they gave the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate act of heroism. Onthat day they showed that the health and safety of others outweighed their ownwell-being.

They lived out the verywords of the Fireman’s Prayer:

When I am called to duty, God
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it's too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife

There were words once spoken inan ancient time that still hold the same power and truth today. The words of Jesus recorded in John 15:12, 13say this, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have lovedyou. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for hisfriends.”

We are here today to give honorto those who laid down their life not only for their friends, but for thosethey did not know. Our tears, ouractions and our words stand in such small comparison to the ultimate act offriendship that these heroes showed us that day. We, the American public, give honor wherehonor is due, even though it cannot fully express our gratitude to thoseheroes. We are proud of those rescueworkers from that day.

We also salute our men and womenwho serve us today in the LC Valley. Whofaithfully do a job that many are not able to do. To those who view other’s lives as moreimportant than their own, we say thank you.

Lt. John B. Putnam Jr., a USAFpilot who was shot down and killed in 1944 at the age of 23, once said, “Courageis not the lack of fear but the ability to face it”. As much as we are here to honor those whogave so much that day, and to those who continue to give, we are also called tolook into the future. We are challengedtoday to not live in the fear of the past, but to be propelled into a betterfuture by these very events. That daytaught us not to be taken prisoner by other’s choices, but to be overcomers inthe face of adversity. To find courage in the face of fear. There are those who have found a source ofcourage and those who still live in a place of fear. Let us resolve today, to be a people notovercome with fear, but a people who will overcome fear with courage. A people who, as the Apostle Paul said, willnot be overcome with evil, but will overcome evil with good. Using the good of forgiveness to overcome thepast and to live in a bright future. Thegood of forgiveness even to a people who seemingly don’t deserve it. Let us bethe people that nations strive to be like and the people that our futuregenerations will speak highly of.

So today, we honor those who gaveeverything on September 11, 2001 by saying thank you not only in words but inaction and resolve. We honor you bybeing the generations that will never forget your sacrifice, continually giveyou honor, and live in a future that you have helped pave for us. We say thank you, and we will neverforget!

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, we are heretoday in reflection on an event that is so solemn and so life changing. We are here to remember those who gave theirlife so that others would have life. Ourhearts beat heavy for the loved ones left to grieve and our prayers are toYou today that You would bring them comfort and peace. Teach us, the remaining ones, how to respondwith courage while standing in the face of fear. Teach us, O LORD, how to forgive those whohave done heinous deeds to us. Toforgive them just as you have forgiven us. Let us learn from those who responded withmany acts of courage so valiantly that day. May our actions today bring honor to those who gave all on September 11th. May we walk as a nation and as a peoplewho have learned from those before us, so that our future may be bright inYou. We pray protection over those menand women who continually put themselves in harm’s way each day. May your hand be upon them and upon theirfamilies. We ask these things today inthe name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Furthering your Education

2011-08-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

School's back in session!

Depending on the age you are, these words invoke different responses. Anywhere from a gag response to dancing in the streets and thanking Jesus! No matter our response, the truth is another school year has begun. Teachers, books, friends, bullies, smells of the mystery meat for lunch, the flavor of pastes as it crosses over your tongue. Ok, maybe not the last one. Students, of whatever age, go to school for one reason (or at least you should) and that is to learn. To grow mentally. The old saying goes "You never are too old to learn something." Hopefully this year our students will exceed even the teachers expectations in learning.

As I dropped off my kids for their first day of public school today (yes, we have homeschooled them until high school and now we have put them into public school) I got to thinking. You know, I hope that what they learn will not just stay within those walls of brick and mortar. I trust that what they learn will stay with them and continue to be the foundation pieces they use to build an even better education throughout life. To go and spend all that time behind a desk and not actually use it for later in life is such a waste. Maybe that's why my dad would say when I was screwing around with homework, "I buy you books, send you to school and all you do is chew the covers off!" Our education is not just for now, and not just to graduate, it's to use later on in life. To build upon.

You know, the greatest education we can gain in life is from the Bible. Whether it is us reading it or if it is by someone (pastor/teacher) explaining it to us. We have such a treasure in our hands as we hold the words that God has spoken to us. A treasure that is not to be only used on Sunday mornings as we sit in the chair and listen to someone talk. An education that is squandered if we have our devotional/Bible time just so we can say we did it. A resource of growth that is wasted if we hear the words and never act on them. Our time with Jesus is a time that is to be put to use. Put into action. Used as a foundation for later, as well as for now.

We were never called to be students of the Word just so we could say we are students. Not even so we can say we graduated. And certainly not so we could just be proud of how much we know and keep it to ourselves. We are students of the Word of God so that we might grow as followers of Christ, and so that we might go and make disciples (other followers of Jesus) with what we have learned.

Our challenges for today are this:

Start learning if you aren't already. Spend time with Jesus (read the Bible, pray, listen, worship) so that you will grow. Need some help of where to start, try this great resource .

THEN

Go and tell someone what you learned today. Live it out in our actions, emotions, responses and motives. Use the words that God has given us to use. Use the words that we just learned today in our time with Jesus.

What are the challenges that you may face in using your 'education'?

How are you already doing it? I would love to hear how it's going!

Thunder on the Snake River

2011-08-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things I get to do as a pastor is water baptism. Man, it doesn't get any better than seeing people who have made a commitment to Jesus in their heart take a bold step and publicly profess Jesus.

Yesterday we had water baptism in a very warm Snake River. How excited I was to be warm the whole time! There was a large crowd to witness what was going on, both from our church body as well as just people at the beach. We were blessed to have a jet boat race going on at the same time, so people from all over were there to watch boats do 100+ MPH up the river. Little did they know they were going to witness something even more powerful...4 people making a public confession of their faith in Jesus. Now that is a true meaning of Thunder on the Snake River!

Congratulations to those who were baptized yesterday. So very honored to be a part of this powerful moment in your life.

Do you remember your water baptism?

Do we go back and revisit it in your mind from time to time? We should!

Have you never been baptized and want to? Talk to me or your pastor. It is a great act of obedience in your walk with Jesus.

Learning is from the birds

2011-08-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

I was sitting outside and enjoying my Java and Jesus time, (some may call that their devotion time, but I just have to be different) when I noticed something interesting going on at the neighbors.

No, the cops weren't involved nor was there anything really news worthy, I just noticed a bunch of birds. Little birds. Little birds who were sitting on the roof one second and then they would disappear into the gutter the next. I watched this for a while and was trying to figure out what they were doing. They would carry on in this manner and then fly off. The whole group of them were involved in this behavior. It finally came to me, they were getting seeds and such out of the gutters! They were at the Golden Coral for birds. Smart little critters, not having to go far for their food. Taking it where they can get it. But then also not staying in the feeding trough but leaving it to go do their little birdie work...whatever that is.

I believe that as followers of Jesus we need to grab a lesson from these little feathered friends. A couple things I want to point out. One is that we don't need to go far for good spiritual feeding. We don't need to go far to find good solid teaching. Every town and city has a Bible based group of believers in it. We don't need to get caught up in the flare of the next greatest teacher or movement when we are blessed to have spiritual food close by. Don't miss out on what God is doing through the local body of Christ. In the same manner, we are blessed to have this thing we call the Bible at our disposal. We are not bound by just one person hearing from God and telling us what they think, we have the ability to open the Bible up daily and read and apply it to our lives. Don't leave the responsibility of being spiritually feed to your pastor. Serve some food up yourself.

Secondly, just as the birds didn't stay in the gutter eating their food and getting fat, we are not made to sit in our spiritual feeding trough and get spiritually fat. We are to be daily fed, but then daily exercising. Our weekly gathering time (don't forsake this time!), our Bible studies (individual or as a group are key to growth), our camps and conventions (you should always try to be a part of one a year) are not designed for us to just learn from them so that we might have more knowledge. Instead, they are for us to be feed so that we might go use what we have learned to effect the world around us. Just as my bird friends got fed so then they could use that energy to go do their work, that is what our "feeding" time is for.

Third. These little fellers knew they had a job. I don't know what it was, but they did. They didn't bother telling me what their job was and they didn't bother trying to do someone else's job. They seemed content in doing what they needed to do.

So, let's get fed today. Find a devotional that you can easily read and that has you reading scripture with it. If you need some direction in this, let me know. Then after our feast of Jesus' power, let's get out the door and get to work. The world is dependent on you and I to tell and show them who Jesus is. And please, let's not fight among ourselves over our jobs within the Body of Christ. Let's just get out there and BE THE CHURCH!

Remember, Church starts NOW!

My God

2011-08-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have a view of who God is. You have a view of who God is. Everyone has a view of who God is, even if they don't believe there is one. Each view may vary a bit from the other. Sometimes it's due to life circumstance.

Many years ago I was going through a rough time in life. My marriage was falling apart, I felt alone physically and spiritually, I was making life choices that were not God honoring. It was a mess! I went to a prayer meeting one night for the sole reason to get out of the house and not have to be around Amy. Get reason huh?

I was feeling alone and distant from God. Of course, it wasn't Him that had moved in our relationship, it was me. That night, a wonderful man of God showed me how close God still was to me and how much He loved me. The man never said a word, he just sat by me in my distress and placed his hand on my knee. As a loving father would to a wounded child when words cannot fix the pain. Through that gentle touch I saw a picture of who God is. He is a God who is close and faithful. Full of love for His children. Even when His children aren't close, faithful or even deserve love. He just wanted me back!

God is revealed in different ways to us throughout the Bible. He is the very Creator of heaven, earth and you. He is the same God that was then revealed to us as a precious baby in human form. He then is shown as a brilliant light of rainbow colors, flashes of lightening and rolls of thunder! (Revelation 4)

Maybe today you need the gentle touch of our God. Maybe you need to experience the strong right hand of our Warrior God. Maybe you just need to remember that He is near and not a distant God (one that wants a personal relationship with you). Wherever you may be in this, just remember... It is the same God. A God who is powerful, yet approachable. A God who wants relationship with you.

Confessions of a Follower

2011-08-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes its really hard to know how (or if you even want) to praise God.

Ok, I know that is an odd thing for a follower of Christ to say, but we all have our tough days. Sometimes you just don't feel worthy. Or sometimes its because words are just so inadequate to describe our Creator and God. Whether because it's hard for me to praise God or to come up with the right words, I am so grateful for Psalmist (as well as the other authors of the Bible). There are times that all I can do is read something like this over and over:

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;

let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

For the LORD is a great God,

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth;

the heights of the mountains are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

For he is our God,

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand. (Psalm 95:1-7)

As I read this today, I came to the conclusion that no matter how I feel, I must praise God. If I am short of words, these can help.

Lord, I will praise you. As I do, I know the world around me will dim in comparison to You and your majesty! God, I love you!

Are you having a time of falling short on praising God adequately (or at all)?

Do these words from the Psalms help?

Love is shown through a plate of waffles

2011-06-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

My wife showed me one of the simplest yet greatest snapshots of who Jesus is today.

The day started like this...

Today is her only day off.

She woke up an hour and a half before me.

I woke up very late.

Needless to say, she wasn't real impressed by my morning behavior, and rightly so. I saw she was on the east side of miffed and so I quickly apologized and got busy on the work that I needed to do today. An hour later, she very sweetly comes out and hands me a plate full of waffles with syrup! Without saying anything, she serves me and shows me that she loves me.

I saw such a glimpse of Jesus in this act. How often do we do something that causes our Savior (or Saviour if you are in Canada) to shake his head and not be overly pleased with our behavior and actions. We call this sin. The right step for us to take is to repent and turn towards our faith in Jesus, to get back to work. Jesus then does this amazing thing, he forgives us and gently shows his love for us. Like Amy serving me waffles and showing me that she loved me even though I had wronged her, Jesus (to a much greater extent) does the same with us.

Two thoughts on this today: First, is there something you need to repent (ask for forgiveness) for today? Don't delay, ask Jesus for forgiveness right now. Second, do you need to show love to someone who has wronged you? Even if they may not have asked for forgiveness, you need to show them the love of Jesus today. How are you going to do that?

Thank you Amy for showing the love of Jesus to me today and teaching me a very valuable lesson. You continue to amaze me.

God's greatness

2011-02-21T09:23:00.001-08:00

I had the privilege to hear Pastor Brent Kimball rock the Word if God yesterday at Inspire Church of the Skagit Valley. He spoke in the greatness of God. Like he said starting out...where do you start, where do you go from there, and how do you ever end when talking about the greatness if God. Psalms 145:3 says that His greatness no one can fathom. So this is a big topic.

Pastor Brent used space as such an awesome illustration of God's vast greatness. How we know so little about so much. The fact of the enormity of space and that God spoke it into existence. God's greatness!

It struck me, and sadly I may not be the only one this is true of, that I can totally believe God spoke all if that into existence and yet fail to trust Him for the everyday stuff in my life.

I realized yesterday that I have fallen into the horrible trap of thinking that God is just a distant God. Still all powerful and full of greatness, but just not for my needs.

I have repented of that sin.

So I see again today that "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." Even in the smallness of my life and its decisions.

Where do you need to grasp His greatness in your life?

Strange Obedience

2011-02-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like God may ask you to do something that just doesn't really make sense? Something, that to us, may seem like it would go contrary to what would be best for His kingdom. What is our normal response to this request of strange obedience...yep, we go do what we think is best.

I started thinking this today after reading Mark 1:40-45. This leper comes up to Jesus and asks "If you will, you can make me clean." Jesus is moved with pity, stretches out his hand, touches and heals the man. Of course the man is excited. His life has just been given back to him. Not just his physical life but his social life. Lepers were not high on the social invite list. They had nothing and were viewed as nothing. Jesus restored everything to this guy.

Now we are faced with the strange obedience request. Jesus tells him to go and present himself to the priests and offer his cleansing as Moses commanded, as proof to the priests. Ok, that's not so odd.

But the part that Jesus said just prior to this is the interesting part. Jesus tells the man "See that you say nothing to anyone..."

"What? Seriously? Say nothing about what just happened? You just gave me back my life and You want me to say nothing about it? Jesus, I'm not sure that is really what you meant. I will be helping your cause if I tell people." Maybe these were the thoughts that were rolling around in his head. Maybe he was overrun by the excitement of what just happened and didn't hear what Jesus said not to do. Whatever the case was he went and told everyone and this really made troubles for Jesus.

Mark tells us that at this point Jesus could no longer openly enter a town. He had to stay out in desolate places. Sure, people still came to Him by the thousands and extraordinary things were done, but this man still did not walk in this request for strange obedience. God is still in charge and this didn't shock Him, but who knows how this may have changed history. Maybe there was just that one person who didn't make it out to the desolate places to see Jesus. Maybe they missed that face to face encounter with the very Son of God. Just because of one mans actions.

What are you being asked to do that looks like strange obedience? What is God asking of you that just doesn't seem to fit when we view it with our earthly minds?

Let's discuss this. I'd love to hear from you.

What could have happened had this man obeyed?

What is holding you back from strange obedience?

What may happen if you do or don't do this obedience?

The revealing of Jesus

2011-02-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

As we looked at Ephesians 3:8-13 on Sunday, we had a great group discussion. So much wisdom was presented and God was really working on our lives.

We were given two questions to talk about around our tables. "How does the church reveal Jesus? and How do I reveal Jesus?"

There was a lot said about how the church is revealing Jesus and much about how it isn't. Agreed, there is work to be done in how the church reveals Jesus, but I believe that all hope is not lost. We can become the church that Jesus envisioned when He created us. There were many practical ways given that we can be the church and reveal Jesus to the world. Giving of our time, loving people like no one else can, taking care of our neighbors and actually speaking the name of Jesus not just living the life.

But there was one answer that I really thought summed it up. It was said that the answer of the first question is truly answered by the second. As a whole, we will be ineffective if we are not individually revealing Jesus. It has to start with me and you as a person before we can expect to come together as a whole and really reveal Jesus to the world.

I want to hear your thoughts. Throw them in the comment section below.

How can the church reveal Jesus if the individual is not willing to reveal Jesus?

How can YOU reveal Jesus to the world?

How was Jesus revealed to you?

Stewarding your revelation

2011-01-10T09:24:00.001-08:00

Originally posted at New Hope's blog

Are you stewarding your revelation? This was our topic on Sunday as we looked at Ephesians 3:1-3.

The apostle Paul had a couple revelations (Acts 9:1-7 and Acts 22:17-21).

He had a moment there in Acts 22 that he tried to convince God that he was too bad a man and therefore couldn't steward the revelation that he was given. I love it...He tries to convince God that the redemption of sins through Jesus wasn't enough! How tragic that many of us sit, without acting on our revelation, because we doubt the power of Jesus' blood.

In the story of Saul in Acts 9 we see another man, Ananias. He was given a revelation as well. His was to go to Damascus and pray for this brute of a man named Saul. Ananias does a great job of trying to jog God's memory about who Saul is. Hit man, hater of Jesus' disciples, and all around bad man. As if God forgets! As followers of Christ is it not our job to remind God of the possible hardships that our revelation may bring, our job is obedience.

But the beauty of both of these men's story was this: they obeyed God!

In fact, Paul knew that what was revealed to him by God was important enough to let it consume his life. He let it become who he was. He became a good steward of that revelation.

The keys of being a good steward of your revelation is this:

Listen

Obey

Act

What has God spoken to you to be about? What was the word God gave you? What is YOUR revelation? We all have one.

Maybe it was the booming voice experience like Saul had or maybe it was the quiet voice like Ananias experienced.

Maybe it was to do something large and in the public or maybe it was to grasp (and live out) the truth that you are a child of God.

Whatever it is are you being a good steward?

What is your revelation? In what ways are you being a good steward? In what areas do you need to improve? Leave a comment, let's talk.

Straying

2010-11-29T23:45:00.001-08:00

Came across and interesting piece out of the Bible tonight.

Paul is standing before King Agrippa and giving testimony to his own life and how Jesus intersected it. He is telling the story of Jesus meeting him face to face in a brilliant and blinding light on the road to Damascus. Jesus gave him specifics of what he was to do with this new found truth. We pick up the story in Act 26:18 as Jesus is speaking to Saul (later he becomes Paul) "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'"

Paul was given specific instructions FROM
Jesus on what he was to be doing.

As we pick up the story in verse 19, we see that Paul followed through with Jesus' plan for him. "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance."

Paul did not stray from the word that Jesus gave to him. I'm sure he had plenty of opportunity in his ministry to listen to the voices of so many others. Maybe even good voices, maybe even godly voices, but yet he kept fast to the word JESUS gave him!

Staying firm to the word that Jesus gives you can be unpopular, especially when it has to do with preaching repentance, turning to God AND performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. That is evidenced in verse 21 when Paul says, "For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me."

The Church, as well as the world, is full of voices. Good voices and not so good voices. Voices of reason and voices of distraction. As a follower of Jesus you must remember the word (job, mission, purpose, etc.) that Jesus gave to YOU. Not what the voices are wanting you to do.

Before he stood in this position in front of King Agrippa, Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, " but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." Not to please man…but to please God. Paul knew, long before his speech in Acts, that pleasing God was his only desire. He knew that the word of Jesus was powerful enough that it was all he needed.

I'm NOT saying that taking in the godly advice of godly people should be dismissed. Not at all. I am saying, however, that straying from the word that JESUS has given you will only lead to disaster and heartache. For a great example of this, please see the story of Jonah.

So how do we guard against falling into this trap?

First, stay in the presence of God. The end of Jonah 1:3 says "So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord." In contrast to that, Acts 9:11, "and
at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying."

Second, never forget the word of God. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 puts it this way, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." In other words, REMEMBER!

Third, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. When we love someone that much, we could never walk away from what they ask. A great source to study this more is a book by Mark Batterson titled Primal.

What are a few other things you can think of that keep us from falling into this trap?

Lessons from the lake

2010-08-07T18:25:00.001-07:00

Spent day one of several days on the lake today. Just a chance to reconnect with Jesus and a chance to harvest a few of the fish He created. And actually I did both today.

On the fish side of things I got 2 keepers and played a couple others. Fishing is much more fun when you are catching.

As I'm sitting in my kayak in the middle of the lake I noticed something. Paul, the Maddog fisherman, was anchored in his kayak. Happily fishing and also doing quite well. I started out close to him but very slowly I was drifting away. Not noticeable at first, but soon I realized the scenery was changing. So I would paddle back over to him and start over. Oops, same result.

Wow, in life it is so the same way. Without being anchored we just drift however the world may blow us. Not fast, not obvious but still drifting away. And it may not big huge sin issues. Could be just the way we do church, or more often...not being the church, the hands and feet of Jesus.

We are encouraged in John 14 to stay attached to the vine. Then, and only then, are we able to stay in the place God wants us to be.

Attach yourself to the Vine today. Set aside time to get to know Him. To hear Him. To learn to love Him deeper and find out how much He loves you.

How do you stay attached to the Vine?

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2 Little Nuggets

2010-05-11T10:40:00.001-07:00

I love the little things that the Holy Spirit drops my way in hopes that I hear them and then respond. That has happened twice in the last couple days.

I was watching a documentary about a wheat farmer and the relation it had to the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). The elderly farmer was going through the whole process from picking the seed, sowing the seed, watching it grow and finally to the fruit bearing stage and harvest. He made a comment, almost in passing, which just struck me, "To see the fruit you can't weary and give up." Yep, in a half-hour worth of watching him talk about wheat, those few words hit me like a brick.

I know I fall into that trap of wanting to see the fruit NOW! The fruit of my own life as well as the fruit of those that I lead. I have to realize that it takes time, it's a process. That doesn't mean that the wheat seed can sit in the ground for 20 years and continue trying to convince those around it that "it's a process. It takes longer for some people." No, there is a natural life cycle of growth. The fruit doesn't come overnight, but there still has to be constant growth taking place. Otherwise, I believe that is called death. I came to realize from that farmers statement that I can't give up tilling and planting, fertilizing and praying, watering and weeding. To see fruit, however long it takes, I can't grow weary.

I am blessed to be surrounded by a great group of leaders at New Hope. Last night we were praying together and one of our men was praying for me and mentioned the story of David trying to wear Saul's armor (1 Samuel 17). He asked God to show me that I didn't need to try to wear someone else's armor for the battle that I'm in, just be comfortable with the armor that God has chosen for me to wear.

Do you know how many times I have heard this similar prayer or comment? At some point you would think I would get it. I can't be anyone else, I have to be me. The man God created. He made me the way He made me and for a specific reason. I need to be content with the armor that was designed for me. I can't move as well in someone else's and I won't be as protected either. God has designed each of us for a very specific reason, and we are the only ones that can do it.

I'd love to hear from you.

Are you becoming weary in the waiting? Have you been planted for way too long and it is time to grow?

How comfortable are you in the armor (the calling) that God has chosen for you?

God of this City: Baptism in the Holy Spirit

2010-04-27T15:56:00.001-07:00

I look at my childhood, and as much as my parents drove me nuts sometimes and I think my dad was so wrong in much of what he did, I still had parents that loved me. They truly wanted the best for me and continued to guide me in what they thought was best. They never abandoned me and made me figure out life on my own. I am so grateful for them for this gift of love they gave me. This empowering they gave me for my future. And now it is my turn to do the same with my kids.

How wonderful it is to know that God, as the perfect Father, has done the same for us. Knowing that we needed a Savior He sent His only Son to die for us. Then, still thinking ahead for us, knowing that we weren't going to make it on our own when Jesus was physically not on earth with us anymore, He left us the Holy Spirit. The very Spirit of Jesus left for us; to guide us and empower us in life.

Jesus tells us that he won't leave us as orphans but will send us a helper.

Jesus' final words on earth were that he wanted us to be his witness in this world and that he would give us the power to do it. To give us the power to live the life that he commanded us to live.

John 15, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, tells us the secret to living this Spirit filled life. Jesus tells us to abide in him and he will abide in us! Oh, yeah! Not only does he want us to live a Spirit filled life, he also gives us the way to do it! Now that's good parenting.

See ya Sunday at 10am for week three in the God of this City series. This week: Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

How have you needed or relied upon the power of the Holy Spirit during your life?

God of this City: Divine Healing

2010-04-23T13:25:00.001-07:00

We are continuing our 4 week journey through some of the foundations that we must understand about ourselves as the Church and also how that relates to the world around us. As Jesus said in Mark 2:15-17, He didn't come for the righteous or for the well, He came for the unrighteous and the sick. In other words, Jesus didn't come just for the Church to get fat and sassy, He came that the world might know Him. Part of that process is that He wants to partner with us, His Church, and work through us so that the world would come to Him. His manifest power seen in us by this world will change this world forever!

This Sunday we are talking about Divine Healing.

It is interesting how the world tries to respond with its false version of healing. The ancient Eastern religious practices as well as the newer New Age practices are all in direct contradiction to the authority of God. Interestingly enough is how so many of these practices have slid into the church completely unseen or at least uncared about. I think it's time to point some of this out and call false gods false gods!

We are going to see that Jesus was well established as the Healer. How the prophecies of the Old Testament point to Jesus as the healer, and how through His ministry He proves that to be true. And that His healing was not just for then, but for now as well.

Some tough questions always arise when we talk about healing. The "why" questions. Why does God heal some and not others? Why are some healings instant while others take a long time and even need doctors? Why should I keep praying even if God doesn't seem to listen? Why…

We are going to try and answer these questions with a story from my cousin Jennifer and her husband Mark. Mark was diagnosed with MS when he was 9 and has such a great story that needs to be shared. The healing that took place in his life is mind blowing!

We are believing that God is going to do a work in us on Sunday. We are going to come to Jesus for healings. If you are in need of healing (and don't just think physically) or someone you know is needing Jesus to heal them, maybe New Hope is the place to be for you. We aren't going to have a special speaker who is gifted in healings. We aren't going to have special mood music. We aren't going to try and pray the right words. We are just coming to Jesus with faith!

I can't wait for Sunday! See you at 10 am.

God of this City: Salvation

2010-04-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

We are starting a new series this Sunday, God of this City.

We will be looking at 4 important values to us as a church. Salvation, Divine Healing, Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Second Coming of Christ.

As important as these are TO the church (universally speaking) these are also important for the world around us. As Jesus spoke in Mark 2:15-17, He said that the healthy, or the righteous, don't need the doctor it's the sick, or the unrighteous that do. These are truths that need to be shared with a world who is desperately seeking truth. Desperately seeking healing. Desperately seeking power. Desperately seeking hope. What Jesus has to offer is not just for the church to feel warm and fuzzy, it is for those who are dying without what we have.

We believe that God is not done here in Northport (or whatever city you may live in). We continue to believe that God is still the God of this city.

This week we are looking at salvation.

I have found that every person falls into one of these 3 categories regarding salvation:

Those who should know the truth but don't
Those who don't know the truth but should
Those who do know the truth and need to grow

Do you have all the Biblical knowledge crammed into your mind, but no revelation of who Jesus truly is?

Have you only heard a little of Jesus, or maybe nothing at all, and are waiting to be presented that truth?

Have you accepted that truth but have just stagnated in blissful assurance of your salvation?

Let's talk about this on Sunday. In fact I would love to hear your thoughts here in the comment section of this blog.

The Joy of the Mission

2010-04-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. – Apostle Paul (1 Cor 15:14-19)

Not being ones that are called to a futile faith, but ones who are called to life and life to the fullest (John 10:10), we as Christ followers often seem confused between the two.

Galatians 5:22-23 talks about the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, what our lives as Christ followers are to look like, and one of those is joy. Cheerfulness as the Greek word truly means. Something that is not determined by external forces or circumstances, but determined by internal forces…the power of the Holy Spirit. Determined by the fact that we have a living God who resides inside us!

With this in mind, we need to respond to the mission of God with joy.

The mission comes out of the joy of Jesus' resurrection, and our joy comes from fulfilling the mission

The mission is to "go and make disciples" and the joy is that we serve a risen savior.

What has your response been to the mission?

Is your joy dependent on external forces?

Fresh Perspective on Sacrifice

2010-04-02T16:28:00.001-07:00

Just had a facebook conversation with a high school friend of Amy's. He is in Iraq right now. He says it's pretty dull right now, but prayers are still a good thing. I told him that I have a church full of patriots who love to pray, and asked him if he had anything in specific we could pray for. This is what he said, and this is from the heart of a battle-hardened soldier who has had many trips to the East.

Absolutely, I'd say for my family first, my wife, daughters and son, I know my wife's life isn't dull when I'm gone.

Powerful! Not only is he sacrificially battling for us overseas, but he shows his true warriors heart by selflessly asking for prayers for his family. He could have asked for anything, but that's his heart.

He shared with me many stories about how God is using him as His mouth piece while he is deployed. Stories of praying with the children of the area. Stories of his buddies giving him grief about his faith, but then not being able to deny the power of prayer that has saved their lives. Stories of how the Christian church is alive and active even in the middle of an Islam controlled area.

A truly humbling and life changing conversation for me. It gives a new perspective to the sacrifice that Jesus gave to us as we remember Him on this Good Friday.

Please pray for him as well as our other men and women around the world who are fighting for our freedom!

This is his name and information.

Jayson Rivas

I'm with 5th Special Forces, 2nd BN out of Fort Campbell

I'm a medic 18D is my MOS

Final Thoughts

2010-03-23T17:18:00.001-07:00

As we finished up our Lives Under Construction series on Sunday, we were left with a few final thoughts. A few from the Apostle Paul and a few from me.

In case you missed Sunday, slept through it or just have a memory somewhere along the lines of a goldfish, I wanted to give you a little of my Final Thoughts on this series.

It's taken a lot of time (Aug 16 – Mar 21)

Building a good house that will stand the test of time takes a long time to construct. You can't have just a good foundation OR a good structure, you have to have BOTH, and that takes not getting sloppy in the end. And the Psalmist says it "If the LORD doesn't build the house we labor in vain." Psalm 127:1.

The act of construction is only part of it

Now with a structure up, let's use what we have. James 1:22 says to be doers of the Word not just hearers. We must use what God has built. Use it, or lose it! Building a house and not living in it is a waste of time, money, effort and is just sad. How much more catastrophic is it to not use the life that God has built for us?

Continue to learn how to use your life to the fullest

Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6-7 to fan into flames what God has given him. To not live with a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind. The three questions to ask yourself are:

What has God built into me during this series?

What has God spoken to me to be about?

What am I doing about it?

Even if you haven't been a part of this series, these are good questions to ask yourself. Oh, yeah, and answer them honestly!

Don't stray

This was by far the biggest topic Paul kept hitting on, sound doctrine. From the beginning of 1 Timothy to the end of 2 Timothy. Most Christians won't slide and start attending a satanic cult, but they will start blissfully walking just one degree off the path of sound doctrine. Many have been lost, even some from New Hope, just because something sounds better, easier or more popular than what is being taught. Sticking to sound doctrine is not always easy, but it's always best. We must protect ourselves, our families and our churches from false teaching. How do you do this? Study the Bible. Not some guy's book or internet teaching. Study the Bible. What is it that God is saying, and then stick to that.

God's Blessing on you

God blesses those who walk with Him. Thanks not why we do it, it's just a bonus that comes with obedience. Paul left Timothy with a blessing in verse 22 of chapter 4. I too leave us with a blessing. Not from me, but from God.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." - Numbers 6:24-27

I pray that we continue to allow God to build us into what He wants, and then for us to respond through love for Him in obedience.

Do I?

2010-01-26T15:57:00.000-08:00

Small town boy sitting in a big city. There have been more people walk past the window of this sandwich shop in the last hour than live in Northport.

Do I know these people? Do I know their stories? No. Does my heart break like the heart of the Father's breaks? I think so. I want to climb into these people's lives. I want to know what makes them tick, what their past is and what they think their future is. I want to share that Jesus is their hope their future. I want to cry with them, laugh with them and dream with them. It seems so romantic.

But I flash back…do I know the people of where I live? Do I know their stories? Does my heart break for them like the Father's does? Do I want to cry, laugh and dream with them? Do I want to share with them that the hope and future they look for is in Jesus?

Am I blooming where I'm planted?

Are you?

Dangling By the Rope of Life

2010-01-25T11:10:00.001-08:00

The old adage of "I'm at the end of the rope" is addressed in scripture.

We have all repeated this saying in one form or another throughout our life. Emotions, relationships, finances, stress, school, job, whatever. It is something that we are supposed to think is normal or just a part of life. The fact that we are so weak, so done and have nothing left to rely on. God doesn't think so.

I once had to rescue Ken, my oldest, from the side of a cliff. He was dangling about 20 feet over a pond. His little hand desperately clinging to a tree root. He thought, and mom thought, that death was a certainty. He wasn't sure how long he was going to be able to hold on. All the onlookers weren't sure how long he was going to hold on (of course none of them stepped in to help either!). He was clinging with all he had to that root. As myself and a friend stretched ourselves over the edge and I reached out my hand to him, he gladly took it. He was now clinging to something he trusted…me. As I pulled him to safety he was so relieved that he wasn't having to do the work. I became a hero to him that day as he clung to my hand. What every dad wants, to be his son's hero!

Psalm 63:8 says, "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." If you are clinging to the rope of life, no wonder there is no strength left. When we redirect our energy to clinging to God and we let His strength uphold us, the world changes for us. When we put our hand in his and allow Him to do the work, allow Him to be our hero, what a relief comes.

How can we make sure our soul clings to Him? I want to hear your thoughts.

Blogs that help you grow

2010-01-06T22:43:00.001-08:00

I love preaching. Like passionately love it. I don't know how good I really am, but I have never fallen asleep during any of my sermons! That's pretty good.

If you ask any pastor, one of the tough things is how you stay fed when you are the one filling up other people's plates. (Quick personal side note…it is not your pastors job to feed you. Just their job to put it on the plate.) I have found a way to help keep myself with a plate full of food that I can chew on. I thought maybe I would share some of the blogs that I visit on a regular basis. These blogs help tremendously in my life.

www.evotional.com Mark Batterson is an innovative pastor at NCC in WA DC

www.withoutwax.tv Pete Wilson is a great leader out of Nashville

www.leadingsmart.com Tim Stevens is a fresh thinking pastor/leader in Granger, IN

www.ronedmondson.com Ron Edmondson is a church leader for the Kingdom of God in Clarksville, TN

www.blog.marshillchurch.org Mars Hill, with Pastor Mark Driscoll, is shaping the future church from Seattle, WA

These are just a few blogs that I follow. They all have links that you can follow so you can listen or watch their teaching. I would recommend you checking these guys out.

Are there blogs that you follow and you would recommend? Leave a comment and let me know.

Learning the Heart of God

2009-12-30T14:28:00.001-08:00

I may be the only parent who deals with this and if I am please don't tell me. I don't want to hear that I'm alone.

My kids step over things without picking them up. They leave things sitting on the table that don't belong there. And they say that they don't even see them.

What I want is for them to pick up the stuff, even if it isn't theirs. I want them to do the dishes without being told too. I want them to know that we do these things because we are Kelley's and that is what we do and who we are. I want them to know what my heart is and then do it without being told.

Part of it is the training that I have to give them since none of them were just born this way. As their father, I have to instruct them and let them know what I expect. I have to let them know what my heart is. Then the other portion of this equation is that they need to learn who I am, what I want and what I believe the Kelley family is about. They need to learn my heart.

The same is true in our being the Church. We are to know the heart of God and then act on it. As the perfect Father, His instruction to us has already been made known. He has already made known to us His heart, His desires and His plans. And, we are to be the kids who study the heart of the Father, get to know Him, then, without having to ask or be told, do what is in front of us.

Just as my kids love to receive my blessing (praise, free time, money) we love the blessing of the Father. However, we are not to be seeking the blessing, but rather seek the heart of the Blessing Giver. The blessings are just extra. If my kid's desire is to only have free time and therefore do what I ask, that is not the right motive and they won't receive my blessing. But if they do what is right because it is right, then the blessing comes.

Is our desire the blessing of God or the heart of God? Are we doing what is right because we want the goodies, or are we doing what is right simply because it is right?

For my kids to get to know and understand my heart more, they need to study me, get to know me and spend time with me. Then they need to act on what they see, learn and experience. They have to act on that revealed truth.

God has given us such great ways of getting to know and understand His heart better. We have His written word, the great spoken word of God and opportunities to talk to Him.

I challenge you this next year; get to know the heart of God. Read the Bible, go be a part of the church on a regular basis and spend lots of time talking to Him. Act on the revealed truth.

I have been challenged with this myself. At least for the month of January, I will be reading through the entire Bible. I don't know if I will do it for more months than just the one or not. God has laid on my heart that if I want to do what is right because it is right, then I need to know His heart more. So, I'm gonna read up on Him. See what He has to say and be radically changed by it. If you want to join me in this endeavor, that would be great. (Let me know if you decide to do this and I can tell you how I mapped it out.) Whether you do or not, I would encourage you to…

Learn His heart. Understand His heart. Then do what is right because it is right.

A Glimpse of His Heart

2009-12-28T23:37:00.001-08:00

As I sat holding my devastated 11 year old daughter on my lap in the middle of the floor, I had a glimpse at the Father's heart.

It started at a basketball game only a few hours earlier. We got word that my oldest was making choices that went against our family standards. Choices that will cost him dearly if there is no change. Choices that have been made by him in the past, and have been dealt with by us as parents. Choices that separate him from me as his father. Not because I love him less, but because when he makes those choices we can't have a close relationship.

My frustration with him did not come so much from what he did as it was related to how he broke my heart through our loss of relationship. I got angry, I cried because it hurt me, I tried to explain once again what the ultimate outcome of these choices would do to him and I was silent because I didn't know what to say. Not that all of these were godly reactions by any means.

As we were in the middle of this, my daughter's cat that she has had for 8 years, walked out into the living room and laid down and died right in front of us. As my Babydoll was crying and asking for God to not let her Colorful die, all I could do was hold her and cry with her.

At this point, God opened my eyes. He gave me a glimpse of His heart. The frustration and hurt He experiences every time I decide to walk away from His perfect standard, as well as the times He just holds me and lets me cry in my hurt. My heart broke. In the center of my time of being dad, I saw in such a small way the Father's heart for me. His fierce righteousness as well as His tender mercies. How terrific my situation felt, but how small it was in comparison.

Even in comparison to how His heart felt toward His own Son. The perfect Lamb of God…beaten, crushed, abused, rejected and killed. The pain the Father must have felt as He watched this happen. The heaviness of the Father's heart as the sins of the world were cast upon His perfect Son. The fact that God had to turn His face because He couldn't look on that sin. How must His heart have felt that day? How must His heart feel toward us from time to time?

My prayer has become one of repentance, change and thanksgiving since that time. Repentance for the hurt that I cause His heart. Repentance for the ways my reactions as a father aren't godly. Change because that is what happens with repentance. As I experienced the heaviness of a father's heart, I don't want to be the cause of that in His heart. Thanksgiving for a God who has continually held me in my time of need. Who, without judgment or even word, has been with me through my sufferings.

I caught a glimpse of the Father's heart that night and because of that, I will never be the same. Have you caught a glimpse of His heart? What have you done with that experience?

Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

2009-12-22T14:23:00.001-08:00

I have always wondered what would happen if a professional basketball team just went back to the basics. If they paired up against another talented team, but instead of all the show and glitter that you see now, they just played it straight by the fundamentals. I really believe that that team would surprise and astonish the other team so much that it would be a landslide. The fundamental team would walk away with a victory.

In short, I believe that is what Mark Batterson is saying throughout his new book Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. He is taking us back to our roots, back to what matters most, back to what will help us win the game. He takes us back to the basis of who we are to be and what we are to do as Christians. We are to love the LORD our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength (Mark 12:30).

As he breaks down this verse bit by bit, I continued to see the importance of stripping off everything I have learned, and re-explore what my faith is founded on. One of the hardest things in my Christian walk has been the fact of growing up in church. Not that I would trade that for anything, but it has been hard to strip off the stuff that I have learned that has truly covered up the fundamental relationship I am to have with my God.

All throughout his book, Mark continually draws from scripture, thoughts from people throughout history as well as insightful stories from his own life. The use of these means to help draw a conclusion is not new, but the fresh thinking that Mark puts to these means certainly is. His continual re-thinking thinking, his desire to understand ways of doing church that have never been thought of, his pursuit of a real, personal and working relationship with God (not just one of static) and his way of seeing scripture in a much deeper multi-faceted way is felt on each page.

If your desire is to come back to the basics of living in a new and active relationship with God, this has got to be the book you start 2010 with! I believe it is time for us to strip off the layers of stuff that we have piled up on our life with Him, come back to the fundamentals of the game, and truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. I believe that Primal is the book to help us do that.

Order a book today at www.randomhouse.com. You will be glad you did.

Oh, Little Town of Northport

2009-12-21T11:05:00.001-08:00

It amazed me on Saturday night, the talent that was displayed. We had our first Christmas Music Extravaganza led by our Worship Pastor, Angie. There was a huge array of styles of music, ages of musicians and singers and yet no lack in talent. She had the vision to pull off a "White Christmas" or "Holiday Inn" kind of evening. Let's just say that old Bing had nothing better than what I saw Saturday.

What I really took away from that night is the fact that just because we are a small church in a small town in an ungodly state doesn't mean that is what has to dictate us. The talent that was experienced on Saturday could easily have come from professionals in a much bigger venue.

Don't let your location, size, age or assumed talent level dictate or limit what you do for God. Just like Paul told Timothy, "Don't let them look down on you because you are young." Then he goes on to say (in my own words) "Just wow them with what the Holy Spirit has blessed you with."

Well, I was wowed and I was challenged to not be limited for what I do for Jesus' sake.

…and she began to serve them

2009-12-15T10:21:00.001-08:00

Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him (Jesus) about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. Mark 1:30, 31

Jesus has such compassion on this woman. He doesn't ask about her past or what she had been doing to become ill, he just reached out, lifted her up and healed her. What love!

Have you ever had that? Maybe it was a miraculous physical healing that Jesus did so that he would be glorified. For me it was lifting me out of the pit of mud that I had spiritually sunk into. Ok, I made my own choices to get there, but Jesus didn't ask, he just saved me. How grateful I am!

All of that is good, but did we catch the last part of those verses… "and she began to serve them." How crazy! She didn't sit and rest, she just got up and served. I don't know for sure, but I think she was probably so overcome with gratitude that she just couldn't help herself. She was grateful for a wonderful son-in-law that cared for her enough to mention her to Jesus, and she was grateful enough to a Savior that would heal her…no questions asked. What a woman!

When we were healed or rescued by our Savior, what was our first response? "Well, I have to rest awhile. You know, it has been a long time of sickness and I'm still kinda weak." When all along, our response needs to be like hers… "Jesus, I'm not even gonna ask if I can serve you, I'm just gonna do it because I know it's the right thing to do."

This Christmas season, we need to do something different. Recognize that we have been healed and/or rescued and then "begin to serve them." Find someone to have over for dinner and just bless them with the night of their life. Send a card or email to someone that you have been thinking of. Donate to a food bank or charity. Do extra chores around the house without drawing attention to it. Donate some time at your church. Plan for a missions trip this summer. Go tell someone about your being rescued!

Peering through a curtain

2009-12-11T10:20:00.001-08:00

Watched the cat today do something that I do way too often. The cat jumped up on the back of the couch and wiggled its head around on the curtain until it was able to move the curtain and peek outside. I don't know what it was looking at, but I'm assuming it was dreaming of freedom.

No, I don't jump on the couch to look out the window, but what I do is just peek through another curtain and not go experience what I see on the other side.

When Jesus died, the giant curtain in the temple, separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, was torn in half. This curtain was to keep the common folk out from where the presence of God rested. When Jesus died separation was destroyed. We were given free access to the presence of God.

Too often I just sit on the outside looking in. Wondering what it would be like to be there. Well, all I have to do is go! The Bible says that we can come confidently into the throne room of God. We don't have to sit on the outside just peering through the curtain. We can go to where God is!

Well, I'm done looking…I'm going! Wanna come with me?

Attitude Change

2009-12-10T20:50:00.001-08:00

Our attitude is directly affected by our latitude. I came to realize this after my trips to Kenya and India this year. I have come to realize this in moving to Northport.

My attitude has been changed drastically after my latitude changed. Things just don't bother me the way they used to. So what that Wal-Mart doesn't have that certain Christmas present on sale anymore, when so many go without just the basics of life. So what that the Starbucks girl didn't make the coffee the right way, when entire villages don't have safe drinking water. So what that I'm a little hungry, when 25,000 people die every day from starvation. But big deal that people are dying without Jesus around me. Big deal that my selfishness has gotten in the way of my loving others the way I should. Once my latitude changed for a while, my attitude couldn't stay the same.

Too often we miss so much in this life because we haven't moved. Our attitude can become stinky because we haven't changed our latitude for too long.

The apostle Paul said that he knew what contentment was. It was his trust in Jesus, yes, but I also believe that he knew what contentment was because his latitude changed. His first change of latitude came on the road to Damascus. He fell to his knees before Jesus. That is the first latitude change we must experience as well, falling on our knees in recognition of who Jesus is. Second, Paul didn't sit still. He got out of his comfort zone and saw how the other half lived. He started locally and then went from there. That is what we must do as well. Go down the street. Go across town. Go to a neighboring town. Go somewhere. And as you go, pray to see through Jesus' eyes.

You won't need to ask to have your attitude changed, it just happens as you change your latitude.

What I want for Christmas

2009-11-23T15:22:00.001-08:00

Ok, I know that many of you are not even wanting to think about Christmas yet since Thanksgiving hasn't even arrived, but, if it is good for Wal-Mart, then it works for me.

I remember, as a kid, sitting on the lap of a fat guy in a red suit, AKA Santa, around December and hearing him belt out in some "I'm trying to sound jolly to the 3,000^th kid I've seen today" voice…"What do you want for Christmas little boy?" Well, if I was able to sit on his lap now I would say "I want a Red Rider BB gun…" just to be smart with him. Of course, we all know what his response would be…Come on, say it with me… "You'll shoot your eye out." As adults, we don't have that privilege to sit on his lap anymore and tell him what we want. I guess, as a grown man, it would be a little creepy for me to sit there and talk to a guy in a beard made of cotton balls and tell him what I want. Of course, if I thought that he would have any sway toward me getting what I want for Christmas this year, I might just risk the embarrassment and climb aboard.

See, this year I actually know what I want. And so I am putting out my request to you nice and early so you can help me get it. You may be thinking a few things right now… "Is he nuts? Like I'm gonna get him a present." Or, "This is a little bold, publishing a wish list for all to see." Or (my personal favorite), "Shoot, I forgot to put him on my list. I'm so glad that he reminded me. I'm all ears, Eldon, to hear what I can buy for you!" Yeah, I like that last one. I digress. I have put a lot of thought, time, energy and distance into this present that I desire. Are you ready?

What I want for Christmas is… A WELL FOR THIRSTY AND STARVING KIDS IN OLOPOROLI, KENYA!

That's it. No iPhone (although very cool), no ties (don't wear the ones I have), no TV (nothing good to watch anyhow) and no new cars (even that Ferrari that I have been eyeing). Nope. Just a well with fresh water being pumped out to some kids that I fell in love with back in September. These kiddos are dying at an alarming rate and yet it is so easy to put the brakes on that statistic. Fresh, clean water is part of the answer.

In this village, Oloporoli, all I saw was sick kids. The doctor that was with us said that the least of their health problems was pneumonia. The least! The villagers had to walk for about 20 kilometers just to find some water to drink and cook with. If you help me with my Christmas present, they would only have to walk about 100 yards.

There are two little ones that stand out the most to me on that day we were there. One is 7-year-old Naserian. You may remember the story I shared before about the girl who had been circumcised. That is Naserian. But the other one that stands out to me is one that I don't have a name for. I'm assuming she had a name, but I don't know.

My encounter with her was very brief. In fact I didn't talk to her more than trying to say hello to her before she ducked behind her mom and hid in her shuka (wrap type clothing). All I remember was a cute, dirty, deathly skinny and so sick little girl. As I stood up, our interpreter, Too Tepeny, was talking with the mom. I stood there for a moment before Too (pronounced Toe) began telling me what the mother was saying. As I heard him speak, my heart crushed under the pressure and my eyes tried to hold back the tears. He told me that the mom wanted me to take her daughter with me! Now, this wasn't just in playful banter because the kid had been naughty, nor was it just some half-hearted idea. I know this because I asked. He talked again to her and she said, "No, I want him to take my daughter.' I could hear the child making noises and crying behind the mother as this conversation was going on. I don't know if the little girl understood what was being said or not, but I can't imagine what she would be thinking if she did. Through my own pain and tears I asked Too, "Why?" He said that the mom wanted a better life for her daughter than what she was going to have living where she was. My heart had been broken just one too many times this day. The crushing pain of hearing story after story of suffering, the visual reminder that these people are dying, and the smell that wouldn't let me forget that I wasn't just checking out National Geographic photos online. I couldn't hold back my tears, as I can't now, any longer. I replied to Too, "You realize I can't take her, right?" You may never know the agony of those words, or the agony of the reply, "Yes. I know." I would have taken her home at that moment without any hesitation if I could have. Every part of me wanted to scoop her up and love her. To give her a home. To give her a future. To give her hope. I came to a great realization that day, that I'm not the supplier of any of that. Maybe a home someday, even if it is not to her specifically, but the rest of it I couldn't. I knew then, that there is only One who can supply that future and that hope that she needs and that is Jesus Christ. More desperately than the physical water they were longing for, they were in need of Spiritual water. We offered that to them that day, and many made the choice to follow Jesus and receive that hope that comes through him!

Just as they were able to drink of Living Water that day, my desire is that they would also be able to drink of physical water that helps them live. So, that is what I want for Christmas this year. Even if you don't "buy" me a Christmas present, maybe you could "buy" a family member or friend this present. We are only about $10,000 short from making this well happen. If 100 of you (ok, that's bold thinking that 100 people are actually going to read this, which means it puts a little more weight on those of you who do) would "buy" me a $10 gift toward this well, that's $1,000! I've never gotten a $1,000 Christmas present before. And this would be the perfect one.

If you want to help "buy" this gift for me, you can send a check to Rick Willison, the leader of the X Treme Team. Any gift that is given is tax deductible! Just make your check out to TJMI (Team Jesus Ministries Inc.), write on the memo part "Eldon's Christmas Present", and then send it to:

TJMI

1523 Scarlett Drive

Anderson, IN 46013

Or you can use PayPal. Go to "send money" and then use the email tjmi@radicallysaved.com.

So, I sit upon your lap (eww) as a child would sit upon Santa's lap, and ask but one thing for Christmas…a well for my kiddos in Oloporoli!

Bearing His torch

Eldon

Common Story

2009-11-04T08:40:00.001-08:00

The kids asked a good question this morning during our Bible reading, "how do you get something out of a story that you have read so many times."

We were reading Genesis 7 today. The story of Noah collecting all the animals and getting them stored away on the ark. The ark being sealed and rains coming down and the floods coming up. The complete destruction of everything except that which was on the ark. If you have spent any time at all in church you have heard this story.

So, what do you get out of a story you have heard so many times. Well, verse 1. That's right, I didn't even have to go very far to find some meaningful morsel of truth. Verse 1 says, Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation." God used Noah because he was righteous before Him in that generation.

Noah was used to do something amazing because he was seen as righteous. Noah didn't go into this thinking, "I am going to be famous. Someone is going to write all this down, compile it into the world's bestselling book, people are going to preach about me and use me for children's stories. I can't wait to see what people will say about me!" No, he did what was right because of a fear of God. Because of his right-standing before God in his generation, he was used to restart the population of the earth. But it wasn't because of what he wanted out of it.

You can't be seen as righteous when you are doing what you are doing for the wrong motives. You are only seen as righteous when you are obeying God because that is what is right. Can you imagine what God could do with a bunch of Noah's in this generation? How he could "restart" the earth with a generation of people who were righteous before Him.

Are you doing anything? Are you in a place to be used by God to affect this generation and those to come? With what motive are you doing what you are doing? Let's be known as a people who were "seen that are righteous before God in this generation," and let's see what God does with that.

Relationship

2009-10-28T09:20:00.001-07:00

Relationship. That word. So powerful. So meaningful. Relationship. If it wasn't for my relationship with my wife I don't believe that I would fully understand what earthly love is about. She has truly loved me. Not selfishly, but totally unselfishly. She has taught me what it is like to love someone here on earth in a manner that is Godly. I cherish that relationship!

This word continues to find me everywhere I go lately. Every devotion, every teaching, every conversation, everywhere. God is truly showing me that the thing He desires most with me is a relationship. Of course, that relationship with a holy God is made possible only through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Talk about a selfless act! It wasn't about Him. He did it for two reasons. 1) Out of love for His Father. He did everything so that God the Father would be given glory. 2) For me and you. He died for us while we were still in sin. While we still hated Jesus. Jesus died so that we could be in right relationship with God the Father. Amazing!

I continue to see that this is what is important. I have been looking to see what God wants me to do, and He keeps bringing it back to relationship. In my relationship with Him all will work out. I don't need to focus on what He wants me to do, or be, or where to go. When my relationship is right it all works out.

So, I'm simplifying. No more wondering what God has planned for me. No more trying to figure out His will. I'm walking in obedience to the revealed Word of God…I'm pursuing and deepening my relationship with the One who created relationships. Please pray for me during this. I struggle sometimes. I need His power to do what is right.

Well, now you know what I will be up to for awhile.

Coming Together

2009-10-27T09:09:00.001-07:00

Interesting how it all works together. What I mean is how all the things that God is speaking to me all work together. In my devotions, in my family life, in other people's lives…God keeps speaking the same thing to me over and over. Maybe, just maybe, I should pay attention.

I notice in scripture how when God speaks people should pay attention. And then sometimes He repeats Himself a second time. That's when you just kinda drop what you are doing and focus in. Then, on a few occasions, God speaks a third time. I don't even begin to know what to think about that. It's too simple to say then we must really, really pay attention. The third time is beyond any description of what we should do except for the fact of dropping on our knees and bowing our hearts in fear. Well, I'm beyond the third time. And I am paying attention. I just think He really wants me to understand the importance of what He is saying.

What is God speaking to you? Through scripture, through other people's lives, through the spoken word of God or whatever other means. What does He want you to hear? Mine is this…don't focus on anything else but my relationship with Him. Everything else will come together. I have to trust Him that He can do it without my help. When my focus is on Him, He will use me the way that He needs to use me. Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and then all these things will be added to you." Perspective. Priorities. Position.

Worry during the rain

2009-10-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

Last night it rained. Not just this little Western WA drizzle, but the good old Eastern WA monsoon. Since I am still suffering from jet lag (in bed at 10pm after a 3 hour nap, then awake by 2am) I heard it all coming down. We have a metal roof (no, I don't live in a trailer!) so the sound was even louder than normal. It made me think that there were thousands of elves hammering their little hammers all over my roof. At first that was an exciting thought. I figured they must be fixing my roof for me. But, sadly, no. Then I laid there and started thinking about all the stuff that was laying outside without the shelter that it needed. (Ok, I wish that I was thinking of people and puppies here, but I didn't.) I started thinking about my boat that didn't have a cover over it yet and all the stuff in it that was getting soaked. Then I thought of the chainsaw that I saw had been left out (thank you son). Then I thought about the boxes that I hadn't put in the shed yet. Then about the…well, you get the picture. I laid there and started to worry about all the stuff that was getting wet. Then it struck me, I couldn't really do anything about it right then anyhow. I would have to wait until I could do something about it.

I don't know about you, but I worry about the dumbest things. And this little middle of the night episode made me understand what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 6. He tells me not to be anxious about anything. He uses food and clothes as examples, but the word anything means just that…anything. Worrying won't help us, in fact it harms us. It takes our attention off the important stuff. Satan loves to use worry. It doesn't seem all that sinful to worry, until we realize what it is doing to us. See, verse 33 says, "but seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness. Then all these things will be added unto you." Worry pulls our eyes off the importance of seeking His Kingdom, what it is that He wants you to be doing. Maybe it's the worry about money…so you don't tithe or give to missions like you should. Maybe the worry is about food…so you don't give to the food banks or invite people over for dinner. Maybe the worry is about your children…so you give up and let them take the path of least resistance. Maybe the worry comes from not sharing what Jesus has done for you in your life…so you allow your friends and family to slip quietly into hell. Maybe the worry is about the state of our nation…so you talk about it, but don't do anything to change it. All of this worry pulls our minds from the Kingdom we are to be advancing.

What is your worry? What will you do when you are faced with it the next time? Try this on for size…Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before u, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." When faced with worry (read sin), cast it aside and turn your focus on Jesus.

Then let's see what 1 Peter 5:6-7 says. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." Humble yourself...realizing that we aren't going to fix things. He is God and we are not.

I still have things outside that need my attention (I don't think God is just going to take care of that for me…bummer) but I will use this lesson when I am faced with worry once again. I will realize, and act upon, the fact that I don't need to worry…I need to turn it over to God. He has it covered.

Learning from serving

2009-10-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

As I stood serving communion at the C3 Church in Hyderabad India on Sunday, I discovered something. First off, I always love it when God shows me something so profound through something so simple. It's His little way of talking to me...and it works.

So, as I was saying, I was standing up front with Rick and people were coming up to participate in a time of remembering what Jesus did for us. Rick had laid out a great teaching about communion and about Jesus' sacrifice for us, and now was the time for our response. As I was watching people come and take pieces of the bread (which was really good might I add) it struck me. The physical bread that we were eating was disappearing right in front of us. Obviously, as people took a small piece, the whole of the bread got smaller. Remembering the reason we take the bread...as a symbol of Jesus' body being broken for our healing...this struck me profoundly. In the spiritual, Jesus' body never runs out! We can take and receive His healing and what He did for us, and He never gets smaller, never runs out, never becomes less! Jesus is the same, a constant, a force that never changes. As much as we need of Him, He never just runs out. We don't have to look somewhere else for more answers or for more hope. He is all we need, and He never runs out!

Where are you right now in life? Are you searching for something more than Jesus? Is He not enough for you? Are you afraid that He will run out? That maybe, just maybe you have come to Him one too many times and His grace won't cover you this time? I understand. No, really I do. I struggle with that feeling myself sometimes. I can't fathom that He would still have more to give me even though I have come to Him for so much already. It's hard sometimes to realize that He won't run out.

How will I work this out in my life? 2 ways. 1) I will allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. Without that power, it won't happen. I can't do it on my own. 2) I will set this up as a marker in my life. Just as God asked His people in the Old Testament to set up reminders of His power, I will use this as one for me. I will flash back to the time in India when I saw that bread, and remembered that my God will never run out! In fact, as I am writing this, I am reminded of other times when this very lesson has been proved out.

Walk with me in this truth, will you? I am going to really focus and come to an understanding in my life that He is all I need and that He won't run out. The writer of Hebrews says in chapter 13 verse 8, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is all I need. He will never run out.

2009-09-23T09:29:00.001-07:00

Praying for finances for Mondays outreach. God will provide. It will be epic

2009-09-20T22:15:00.001-07:00

SPOKANE! I have to say thank you Jesus for the blessed trip.

2009-09-20T19:08:00.001-07:00

On the last flight. Get to see my lady in a few hours

2009-09-20T15:16:00.001-07:00

On the ground in MN

2009-09-20T01:28:00.001-07:00

Wandering london. Getting on double decker bus

2009-09-19T22:45:00.001-07:00

Touchdown London. 7 hours here. We are going to try to run into town for a bit.

2009-09-19T13:18:00.001-07:00

Leaving Kenya in just moments. I will miss it here. But i will return.

2009-09-18T04:04:00.001-07:00

Back in Nairobi. Lunch at Java House!

2009-09-17T22:30:00.001-07:00

Coming out of Massai land heading to Narok. Amazing trip.

2009-09-14T03:56:00.001-07:00

In Narok. Rift Valley is beautiful. Only 45 k to go. 3 hour drive.

2009-09-13T22:03:00.001-07:00

Going to Naoosura today. Out with Massai ppl til friday. Pray for strength

It is well with my soul

2009-09-09T12:59:00.001-07:00

I have never heard such an amazing rendition of this song as I did tonight. The song itself is powerful when you know why it was written. The man had lost everything in the Chicago fire, his son was sick and died and then his family (minus his wife) was killed when their boat sank. He penned the words to the song when the only thing left he had to cling to was his trust in God. When peace like a river attendeth my soul… He knew that his peace only came from God. Well, tonight I heard it sang by someone who has all the reason in the world to sing it. Not only did she have the voice of an angel, she has lived the life of the devil. When an ex-stripper, ex-prostitute, mother in a hospital for the insane, family dead from AIDS, tried to commit suicide, people chasing her from her past and abusive father young woman sings this…it has real meaning. She sang this for us as we were heading home from an outreach tonight. She has a voice that is pure but a past that is not. However, in May, this all changed. She gave her life to Jesus and it has all turned around. She still has a hard time with things, but knows that her peace is in Jesus. We asked her if she would sing us a song (because we had heard a video she made) and she said "I will sing you my favorite song." When she got done, I couldn't help but have tears in my eyes. She understands peace. I will never be able to hear this song again without thinking of this young lady.

We have had a few days of outreaches that have gone well. We were in Imara Daima for a couple days worth of outreaches. Good stuff, hard crowd. Total spirit of fear in the men of that town. They knew they needed and wanted something more, but couldn't bring their selves to come and really make a commitment for Jesus. Be in prayer for Pastor William of the Deliverance Church. Tough town. He is also needing prayer for finances to finish going to bible college through East Africa Theology. This college is ran by the Kenyan Assemblies of God and he will be graduating from Global University, the same University as me! Funny thing happened there though. We had a herd of Massai cows come wander through where we were setting up our breaks. Remember, we were right in town doing this outreach. So, the cows come through and we were worried that they were going to knock down our stuff before we started. Good news…they didn't. Bad news…one peed right where we were having to stand for one of the breaks!

Today we went to a Nazarene school in the Kibera slums. Wow! That is about the only word to describe this place. Think bad and multiply it by a never ending exponent. I will get pics up on photobucket soon. (www.photobucket.com/EldonKelley. And yes, this works now.) We had 200 kids packed into a room that was only about 20 x 60 at most. This slum has well over a million people in it and it is no bigger than Colville proper. The kids were very sweet. I think I want to bring some of these beauties back home with me. Is that ok Amy? The kids taught us the Mosquito Clap! I will have to show you when I get home.

Then tonight we went and did an outreach at Central Nazarene. They had a basketball thing going that we came along side of and did our thing. Met Myke "The Kenyan Connection" tonight. He is part of our team down here in Kenya. What a great man of God. He can play some B Ball! He has played professional basketball for 12 years in Kenya. He brought the Word tonight, and he does that with even more intensity than playing hoops.

Tomorrow we are going to ANU (Africa Nazarene University) to do chapel for them. Cool thing about this school. They allow anyone to attend their school. Anyone meaning Christian, Muslim, Catholic, pagan… Each person HAS to take several Christian courses to complete their schooling as well as go to chapel. They have had Muslims give their life to Christ because of what they learn in their college courses. So, we are giving a complete gospel message tomorrow. Should be amazing! Another great thing about this university…$10,000…………FOR ALL FOUR YEARS! Find that in the USA.

Then tomorrow afternoon, we are going to hang out with the Kenyan national rugby team, Rugby 7. We are going to do some teamwork building with them and also share the gospel with them. Some are Christians already, but the whole team needs a relationship with Him.

This weekend we start the Battle Cry at Central Nazarene in Nairobi. This will be a great time to impact a church who is struggling to say the least. We are trusting for a great time of transformation in men's lives as they step up into becoming the men that God has called them to be. Please be in prayer for this weekend.

Then Monday morning, we are heading to Naaoosura (common spelling) out with the Massai. We have figured out that the final count will be that we are bringing enough food to feed 500 families for 1 month. That is around 3,000 people! We are going to be in the heart of things here. I will give more details in the next few days, but it is safe to say that we are going to need tons of prayer this next week. Spiritual battles. Physical battles. Emotional battles. Like I said, I will give more details before I leave.

Well, it is very late on Wednesday night here and I need to go to bed. I have so much to say that I could write forever, but my eyes tell me not to. I am amazed that God would use a guy like me to minister to the amazing people of Kenya. I say it every time I go somewhere…I go to minister to them and instead I get ministered to. The things that I worry about at home are so little compared to daily living here. My life with Jesus has become so precious that I couldn't consider trading it for anything else. In my times of worry or concern, all I need to do is remember the voice that I heard tonight singing…It is well, with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul!

Until next time

Bearing His torch (in Kenya)

Eldon

2009-09-08T05:46:00.001-07:00

Waiting in Imara Daima 4 outreach to start. A cow Peed where we are standing 4 one of the breaks.

When Tiredness Is Worth It

2009-09-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

I admit, I'm tired! It's been a tough week of trying to beat the jet lag. Yesterday was the first day that we all felt like we beat it. Of course then last night the bad dreams persisted and the sleep wasn't great. But I'm not complaining because this is worth it. Seeing the delight of these kids as you play football (soccer for you Americans!) with them when all they have is a plastic bag wrapped up with rope...worth the tiredness. Seeing those who have known no hope for their entire life find hope in Jesus for the first time...worth the tiredness. When you get to worship God with a church body who is really getting into the music (Angie, I took video for you!) and I have no idea what they are saying, but we are worshipping the same God...worth the tiredness. Have kids come up to you at the market place or at the restaurant and say hi because they saw us at their school...worth the tiredness. Getting to preach for the first time in a different country even though I only had 1/2 hour notice...worth the tiredness. Getting to enjoy chai and biscuts with the church body after an outreach...worth the tiredness. Walking into a shack that is a bar, telling people about my Jesus, getting to pray for a man there who wanted prayer and feeling the demonic presence in the place...worth the tiredness. Why is it worth it? Because it's not about me. It's about HIM! If I was doing this for myself it would be easy to be discouraged or just want to sit and rest for awhile, but it is about HIM being given the glory and honor. It is about people seeing the face of Jesus for the first time in their life. Even if for a brief moment. I challenge you, if you are tired for the right reason, keep going. Don't quit. You don't know when the next person you share Jesus with will be the life changing moment they have been searching for.

Tomorrow, Monday, we are off to do a school assembly at W. Nairobi School and then out to Imara Daima for the next two days. This is a "suburb" (if you would call it that) of Nairobi. We are doing 2 open air outreaches each day. Please be in prayer as this is a very poor area and as we drove through there the other night (we were totally lost and our poor driver was about to quit on us I think) I could sense the hopelessness that is there. I trust that the power of Jesus will break many strong holds in this place in the next few days.

Well, tiredness is setting in, and the very comfy bed is calling. Love all of you. Miss you my wonderful family and friends. Thanks for your support in sending me to Africa. The churches here send their blessings to you back home. I can't wait to share my experiences when I get home. I also want to be able to bring some of you with me the next time I go. There is so much need and many of you have so much to offer over here.

2009-09-05T03:34:00.001-07:00

Played football with kids in Athi River. Not NFL football. Battle Cry is good. Doing unplanned outreach tonight.

1st Kenya update

2009-09-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I am in Kenya safely. We had a great flight over the Pond. The plane rides themselves were uneventful...which is good. When we got to the airport, we found that all our luggage made it! Yeah! When we went through to customs, we noticed that they were opening all luggage and going through it. We weren't hidding anything, but we didn't want to have to open up all our stuff. When we got up there, the lady just asked if we had anything to declare (we said no) and she sent us through. She didn't even look at our passports! It was a total blessing of God.

We just got back from our first school assembly. We went to W. Nairobi Christain School (did you go there Mo?) and presented the gospel to them. The response was overwhelming. About 50 kids gave their life to Christ or recommitted it! That's what it is all about. The school was very cool. The school had kids from about 20 different nations. These are missionary kids, international businessman kids and kids from Kenya. They are an International Christian school that doesn't use the Kenyan (English) standard of schooling which is year round. They use the American standard of 2 semester years. Amy, you would love these schools. I think you would love to teach in a place like this. Most of the teachers are from the US. What an amazing ministry to reach out to these kids. They are able to learn about Jesus and then go and make differences in the nations they are from.

Tomorrow we are off to another school assembly. This one is a Christian school that has missionary kids and the kids of Ambassadors and Embassy workers. Can you imagine reaching the kids of national leaders? These kids can then reach their families who will then be able to reach their countries and the other leaders. The name of this school is Roslyn. It is also in Nairobi. We are also going to a church that is for golf caddies. These are men who are not the rich who play golf, but the poor who carry the clubs.

Pray that God will use us in each of these venues. We have seen God moving already and we expect to see more. Our prayer, as we have been talking as I am writing this, we want to be doing the will of the Father. Just as Jesus said that He came to do the will of the Father that sent Him, that is what we are wanting. We want to be able to hear what He says, and then do it right away. Pray that our ears and hearts are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We want to do His will.

We have some great stuff that we planning. It looks as though we are going to be able to feed somewhere between 6,000-7,000 people in the Massai tribe! They are in the middle of a huge drought and their cattle are dying. We are praying that this will work out. Be in prayer that as we transport (a 4 hour drive one way on bad roads) the food and then deliver it, that we are safe. That is ALOT of money going down the road and could be a big target. Pray for our protection and that we will be able to deliver not only food, but the gospel as well.

Well, that is enough for now. I will stay in touch.

Bearing His torch (in Kenya right now)
Eldon

2009-09-01T10:09:00.001-07:00

In Kenya! Lord Jesus use us. We are willing

2009-08-31T23:15:00.001-07:00

Safely in Amsterdam

2009-08-31T12:58:00.001-07:00

On the aero to Amsterdam. Here we go

Doing it Right

2009-08-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

As I am traveling today, I am reminded of the importance of doing things right. You know, not just going through the motions. I am hoping that today, each of my pilots, ground crews and mech decide to come to work today and do things right. And not just go through the motions. If they just go through the motions...I might die. If they decide to only do the job they are paid to do half-way...I'm dead. Doing things right, and not just going through the motions, are incredibly important to me today. Funny how that same thing is incredibly important to God everyday! He never called us to just go through the motions, do our "job" half-way, love Him partially, only share Him with others when it is easy. No, He wants us to go all the way all the time. As I head to Kenya today, and India next month, I am not willing to just do this half-way. I am willing to sacrifice and be His witness all the way to death. (Not that that is what I am shooting for though!) There are too many people who don't know Jesus for us just to go half-way or to just show up and go through the motions. If you are in Northport, Duvall, Mt. Vernon, Kenya or where ever...show up, do your "job", go all the way! I saw a sign today that said, "If you are waiting until the path is clear, that's not faith." That statement is true for this as well. Don't wait...act now!
Going all the way today...Bearing His torchEldon

2009-08-31T05:29:00.001-07:00

1st check point of the day is done. Im not a suspect

2009-08-31T03:40:00.001-07:00

Its dark at 300. Oh, right, its am

2009-08-30T19:29:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is D day. Leave home at 230am for 615 flight. Spiritually ready, physically almost.

Update of Upcoming Schedule

2009-08-24T18:58:00.001-07:00

Blessing to you in the glorious name of our God and Savior. Grace, peace and mercy to you through our eternal hope, Jesus Christ. Praises to our God who is and was and always will be.

I wanted to give you all an update on my plans here in the next little bit. As most of you know, and if you don't you will as you read this, I am going to Kenya on Monday the 31^st. I will be gone until September 20^th. Yeah, that is a long time, but is not going to be long enough for all that is planned while we are there. We are physically building 2 churches, helping to install a few pastors, bringing food and medicine into the Massai tribe, teaching young leaders, training pastors, leading men's retreats, leading young leaders retreats, preaching in churches, loving on missionary kids and doing evangelistic outreaches. And that is just to name a few things.

We are getting prayed up and are totally expecting great and mighty things while we are there. I serve a God who is still alive and well, and loves people enough that He wants to encounter their imperfect lives with His perfection. I am privileged to be a part of this great work that God wants to do. I am seriously waiting in anticipation to see what God has planned. But I don't want to be a spectator. I want to be USED by God. I want to have His Holy Spirit so active and alive in me that anything could happen. I am truly expecting that we will see salvation, healings, demons cast out and the dead brought back to life. No joke! Not to or for my glory…but for His. All for HIM! I would ask that you please pray for us before we go and certainly while we are there. Pray not only for us, but for our families as well. There are four of us going. Myself, Rick, Tim and Gary. We have to encounter God everyday while we are there. If we try this, even for one day, in our own power we will stumble. In that kind of spiritual battle, we can't afford to stumble or fall. We have to be strong in our LORD. So, we need your prayers.

I have written devotions for the team to read and apply to our lives every day while we are gone. I think it would be wonderful if there were more than just us reading and applying these certain scriptures to our life each day. I would love to have each of you follow along with us, where ever you may be. If you would, pass it on to a friend. Have them pray for us, read with us, and apply these scriptures to their lives as well. I have posted these devotions on New Hope's website, http://newhopenorthport.com/ministrytrips.aspx. That is just the easiest way for me to do it.

September is going to be a busy month. A week after I get back from Kenya, we are having an X – Treme Team outreach in Northport, September 28th. We are doing some school assemblies during the day and then the outreach that night. Then the next day, September 29^th, we are going to Ione WA to do the same thing. Then, on October 3^rd, Rick and I are heading to India for 10 days. Over there we will be bringing the gospel every day to people in schools, in churches and outside in open air festivals. I know that the people of India are so open to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church has a passion for loving Jesus and loving their neighbors.

As you can see, I am going to be very busy, but very fulfilled. Fulfilled, you ask. Yes. See, when we are in the center of God's will for your life, there is a fulfillment that comes. I have been called to be His torch bearer, and I am getting the chance to do this. Normally I get the great privilege of serving Jesus in this capacity while in Northport, but now God is expanding my territory. I don't take this as an opportunity to brag, be boastful or try to have people look at me. I still shake my head in amazement that God would choose a guy like me to do work like this for Him. All I want is to bring glory to Him and bring a smile to His face. I want people to encounter a loving God, who wants them to have a relationship with His Son Jesus. An encounter that doesn't just last for a fleeting moment, but a lasting relationship of pursuing a living God. God has placed a calling in your life. A calling to go and make disciples. He has even given you the tools that you need to do this. He has given you the power of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. Live out this calling. Live it like today is the last day that you will have to share Jesus with people. Live it like you actually love Jesus and don't want others to die without being introduced to him. Call upon God today. Ask for His power. LIVE today!

I will keep up on Twitter and on this blog while I am gone. Check back from time to time and see what is going on.

Like always….

Bearing His torch

Eldon Kelley

Uprisings and Riots

2009-07-06T23:13:00.001-07:00

Watering Green Grass

2009-05-26T16:47:00.001-07:00

Another beautiful day. Sunny, warm and just about perfect. I mowed the lawn even. And it is a stunning green. As I was admiring my completed husbandly task, I was wondering if I should set the sprinkler up on it and let the water flow. But then I thought, "Why? It's green. It doesn't need water." See, that's my problem...I usually wait until it becomes a fire hazard before I decide that water should have be applied to it long before that. And usually it is one certain friend who reminds me that I should be watering it and then so kindly reminds me that the lawn is now dead and that I have sucessfully killed another plant. I just never think about soaking it with water while it's green. It just doesn't seem all that important at the time. It still looks good and watering it is the last thing I think of.
Ah, the spiritual teachings that God reveled to my little 'ol heart on this one!
Too often my spiritual "lawn" looks the same way. Green, fertile and healthy. The last thing I think about is the "watering" that it needs to keep it that way. I'm just content to lay down in it and relax. Thinking that I have "arrived" and have the perfect lawn. Before I know it, I can't even walk across it with my tender little feet because the previously green blades are now brown and feel like knife blades. Then I sit back, scratching my balding head, and muse about what could have happened. It was so perfect not long ago, and now this! Then, a friend will stop by with the wonderful advice of, "Why didn't you "water" it? You almost killed it again." This will often times shock me out of my disbelief, and make me do something.
Trying to revive a dead spiritual lawn is not an easy task! It is so much easier and better to keep it up along the way. Not to mention, it looks better to those looking in from the outside. The brown spiritual lawn isn't what News Boys were talking about in the song Shine. Let them see what you have got! Yeah, brown is not attractive and dried out is not comfortable to walk on. Make them jealous...not with this lawn!
I am learning how to water and fertilize this lawn of mine. Continued prayer (pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians), don't worry about tomorrow but seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6), meditate on, and do the words of God (Joshua 1:8), love the Lord my God with ALL my heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22).
So, I don't know what your lawn looks like right now, but honestly, it's never too far gone. My lawn has gotten crusty brown too many times, and through the fertilizer and water mentioned above has come back to life. But, continued upkeep is so much nicer.
So, load that lawn up with water. Enjoy the green. Let others drive by and wish that they had a lawn like that. Maybe they will stop and ask how you do it.
Ok, gotta run...my lawn says it's thirsty and hungry!

The Shame of Our Nation

2008-11-04T23:09:00.001-08:00

I believe that we, as a nation and as a state, have just chosen to enter into an era where we think it better to walk alone than to walk with God. We have made choices tonight that will affect our nation and our state for an eternity. You may say, "oh Eldon, aren't you over reacting?" And my very short answer is NO! This is not an overreaction. We have truly decided to walk a path that is godless. The nation has chosen a president that does not support human life, does not support the Christian faith and in some aspects does not support our nation as a whole. Our state has decided tonight that being a part of killing over 1 million babies a year in our nation is not enough, that we should now be the second state to make killing our terminally ill a legal practice also. Scripture is too clear about these practices for us to even think of playing with them.

As I watched many hours of internet coverage tonight, my heart became more and more heavy. As I watched a man, that I believe will be a complete detriment to our churches and our Christian faith, stand before a group of weeping and screaming people, and promise change and say "this is our moment, this is our time" I couldn't help but weep either. Not for joy, but in absolute sorrow. I wept for my children who were gathered around me, listening and watching history unfold before them. To say that this is our moment and our time, removes any hope for the reliance upon God that we as a nation must have. We have just stepped deeper into a humanistic, "We can do it" mindset. As I read the results in regards to the choice of killing the terminally ill, I wept again. Again sensing a much bigger impact than I think we are hoping for. If this is ok now in 2008, what will be ok in 2020? Do we want to make choices that may seem like a good fix now, but refuse to look at the long term implications that are coming? Like the fact that God CANNOT look on sin. He turns His face from it. He is a pure God and cannot be a part of sin, even in the 'smallest' of ways. We have made a choice tonight to walk out from under the grace that He has bestowed upon us for a long time. A choice that quite honestly will be our death.

Does this mean we give up? Does this mean we run for the hills? Does this mean that we are done for? NO! This means we must stand. If you have not chosen to stand as an individual or as a family for the Godly standards of the Bible, than you better do it now! If now doesn't seem like a good time, I guess you could wait until it got harder to live a public Christian life, and then make the choice. Of course, if it is hard for you to stand now, it won't be easier then. Galatians 6:16-18 talks about seeing a noticeable difference in your life once you start to follow Jesus. Paul says that he carries the scars on his body to prove what he stands for…Jesus. Paul didn't just make that decision when he was tied to the whipping post. He didn't make this decision to stand when he was thrown in jail. No, he made this decision long before that. In a time that wasn't as filled with persecution. We must make our choice to stand now. Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the full armor of God. And then when that is done…stand! Folks, make the choice today to stand. Stand for Godly living. Stand for Godly decisions. Stand. We do this by being in prayer daily, asking Jesus to fill us with the power of His Spirit. We do this by then using that power, not the 'we can do it' garbage that is preached, but the "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" truth. Live your life in Christ, relying on His Holy Spirit for strength, power and guidance. Bury yourself in the Word of God. It gives life. It gives light. It exposes the lies and shows the Truth. Let the Word of God, spoken and written, be in you. Use it to judge what is right and what is wrong. Don't be afraid to make a stand. If God is for you, who can be against you? If you need someone to stand with you in truth and righteousness, I would love to stand with you.

Also. Even though this evening has brought many sorrows and many horrors to pass, we must do one other thing. Pray. Not just for the nation and state, but for our elected leaders. We must pray for President-elect Obama. Not that harm would come to him, not that at all. We must do as Scripture says: Pray for and support our leaders. Hebrews 13:1 says this. Remember that this was written during a reign of leadership that was far worse that anything we have experienced. Yet, we are told to pray for and support those leaders that God has placed over us. Scripture also says to pray for your enemies. That even means those who become an enemy of the Church. We must pray for them. Will this be hard to do? Of course. But in following God's word, we must make it our priority to pray for our new president and for our governor, who ever that may be. Even when the leader stands in complete opposition to what we believe, we still must pray. Jesus asked His Father to forgive those who just nailed Him to a cross to die. We need to cover our leaders in prayer. Pray for their salvation through Jesus Christ. Pray for their protection from harm. Pray for their families and the toil it takes on them. Pray for Godly wisdom to invade their minds. Pray!

So, I leave you with this. Stand and pray. Stand for what is righteousness. Stand for the Truth and the Life. Stand. And pray. Pray without ceasing. Pray for God's mercy. Pray for true repentance to fall on our nation. Pray.

Learning from the mundane

2008-10-04T22:05:00.001-07:00

Today was Jujitsu day. For the last almost year now, I have been taking Jujitsu classes from a black belt from our church. Starting next week, Bethanne and I will be taking weekly lessons from him. We are going to be going for our blue belt (the first colored belt) next month. As we were in class today, I couldn't help but pick up on more of the spiritual applications that go hand in hand with the physical applications. As we were doing a couple of new things today, I kept seeing the "little" things that we have been doing since day one. The stuff that seemed so mundane and maybe even silly or useless. Today though, I could see how all this comes together. How each move, step or even thought builds on each other to create and complete something really cool. I know that the Bible teaches us the whole line upon line, precept upon precept thing…as well as the if we are faithful with the little then He will give us more, but today it really hit home. I saw how the little, mundane or even silly things that God may ask us to do, is not just for Him to get a kick out of watching us do it, it is truly for us to learn from, to build on, to increase our faith in, and to use for the future. I like the fact that God doesn't ask us to do some spiritual black belt move, without teaching us the basics of the white belt stuff first. Now it is just up to me/us to have the faith, patience and trust in Him to know that He really does know best and that He is preparing us for the "cool" stuff later on. So, the next time God asks me to do something that I think is ridiculous, I will remember this lesson from today…God is just preparing me for something phenomenal later on. Thanks God for teaching me at the pace that is best for me, and for building on the "mundane" lessons of the past.

Look under the sand

2008-09-19T15:16:00.001-07:00

Thank you hurricane Ike. Not for the destruction that was caused, but by the lessons that are learned. Today there is an article about how the waves and wind unearthed a Civil War era ship that had only been partially uncovered before. Now all 136 feet of it are seen. The history buffs down there are amazed by it. They are all ready studying it and saying that they need to protect it from more damage. They want to haul this thing inside. Wow! All this history was there all along, just buried by sand over time. I think our lives can look the same. We don't like storms in our life. They hurt, rip and tear our lives up. But yet, if we didn't go through them, we wouldn't have the history or the beauty that lies beneath the surface uncovered. So, when you are in a storm, hold on. It may hurt, rip and tear you apart…but, God being who He is has something of beauty for you to see when it is all done.

One More Lesson from the Weather

2008-09-13T22:52:00.001-07:00

Massive Hurricane Ike weakened to a Category 1 storm Saturday morning after ravaging southeast Texas and battering the coast with driving rain and ferocious wind gusts as residents who decided too late they should have heeded calls to evacuate made futile calls for rescue.

Some 30 miles inland, storm surge pushing up through Galveston Bay was sending water into a neighborhood near Johnson Space Center where they had made rounds earlier with a bullhorn trying to compel people to leave.

Even before Ike made landfall, Coast Guard helicopters had rescued 103 people in the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston Island, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Stevens. "Some people were on roofs, some people in cars," she said.

Though 1 million people fled coastal communities near where the storm made landfall, authorities in four counties alone said roughly 140,000 ignored mandatory evacuation orders and stayed behind. Other counties were unable to provide numbers but officials said they were concerned that many decided to brave deadly conditions rather than flee.

"Some people didn't evacuate when asked," Bush said about the tens of thousands of people who may have to be rescued. "I've been briefed on the rescue teams there in the area. They're prepared to move as soon as weather conditions permit. Obviously, people on the ground there are sensitive to helping people and are fully prepared to do so."

But the biggest fear was that tens of thousands of people had defied orders to flee and would need to be rescued from submerged homes and neighborhoods.

"The unfortunate truth is we're going to have to go in ... and put our people in the tough situation to save people who did not choose wisely. We'll probably do the largest search and rescue operation that's ever been conducted in the state of Texas," said Andrew Barlow, spokesman for Gov. Rick Perry.

"We don't know what we are going to find. We hope we will find the people who are left here alive and well," Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas said. "We are keeping our fingers crossed all the people who stayed on Galveston Island managed to survive this."

How amazing. We are still cleaning up from Katrina, and people are still stupid and even selfish enough to not evacuate when they are told they need too. The last two statements just blow me away.

We have to send our people in, risk their lives, take their time to rescue people who had a chance to do it right the first time. I like how the Governor said they were "people who did not choose wisely". What a great thing to say. It is true that they did not choose wisely when it came to life or death.

Then the "we don't know what we are going to find" statement. They are just hoping they find some people who are still alive. Someone who might have made it through the storm. Even though they had been asked to leave and had been given a chance of salvation BEFORE it got bad.

I know that these were all written in response to Ike, however, I think I have read them out of scripture in some form or another.

Church, we have to grab a hold of the depth of these statements, and choices, made by people in Texas. We have to understand them in spiritual ways. We have people around us that are not heeding the warnings that are being given. Yes, there are people in this world who are not making commitments to follow Christ, but they are not the ones I'm talking to here.

If you notice, these people of Texas knew better. It's not like this is the first hurricane they have experienced or at least read about. But, they still made the choice to not go to safety, not to get out when they could. Church, fellow Christ follower, this is too many of us. We know better, we have heard the bull horns yelling, we know where safety is, we know we must get out…but we sadly refuse, choosing to hold on and do what we want. We have been given the chance to get out of the world for a long time, but we are too stupid, deciding we will ride this one out. We CAN NOT be participants of this world and not expect to get overwhelmed by the waves of sin and the winds of Satan, not to mention all the stuff that gets picked up and flung at us. Why do we still sit, expecting that nothing will happen to us? Ignoring the warning bells. Turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the worldly things in OUR life.

Jesus said for us not to be a part of this world. Light and dark can't mix. Light is suppose to take over darkness, not become it. Are we happy enough to be un-salty? Jesus says later on, that He won't take in those who have refused to come out of the world, remember the hot and cold and luke warm thing? I know that it is tough. I don't say these things with condemnation, but with love and sorrow. I don't say this with judgment or blame, but with a burden for the church. I say these things with what I believe is just one more warning from the Creator. A warning that right now it is not too late, but we must get ourselves out, before it is too late and what we hear is not the bull horn…but the trumpet blast! Then it's too late.

What doesn’t belong in a men’s bathroom

2008-09-03T22:51:00.001-07:00

As I walked in I noticed all the familiar sights, and smells, of a gas station bathroom. Shocking white walls with you don't want to know what stuck to them. White tile floor that hasn't been cleaned since the Reagan era, even though the little sign on the wall said it was cleaned by someone named Ivan at 3:15 that very day. I won't describe the condition of the urinal or the toilet, I will leave that to your imagination. The garbage can was over flowing not because it was full, just because no one can possibly put the paper in the can…the floor is good enough. The mirror resembled the bible verse about looking into a mirror that gives you a bad refection, although I don't believe the author was referring to gang writing like the case was here. Then the smell…over done deodorizer to cover the other fragrances that would normally pierce your nose. All these things seemed very normal to me and so they didn't stand out quite as much as one other item did. This one thing seemed very out of place, very not at home, very different. However, my eyes were immediately drawn to it. Drawn, and then couldn't pull my eyes away from it. No, it was not a dispenser of certain pleasure items. It was a wreath. A little wooden wreath. With small flowers on it. About 15 inches in diameter. In most cases it would blend into the background, but here it stood out. It kinda shouted at me…'Help, I don't belong here. Everyone stares at me when they come in here. I am out of place.' At first I thought I should rescue the poor thing and at least just throw it in the garbage so it didn't feel so bad. Then I thought to myself (man I am doing way too much thinking in a men's room on a short trip) I kinda like it where it is. It seems to draw my attention away from all the filth and slime that is around me. As much as that poor little wreath seemed all alone in a place it didn't belong, I seemed drawn to it, almost connected. (ok, now I'm scaring myself…but stick with me). I couldn't help but think of the verse about us as Christians not belonging here on earth. Our citizenship is in heaven. We don't belong here. Aliens if you will. I started thinking (there I go again) that we should be like that little wreath in a dirty men's room. In this world of filth and slime, we need to be the ones who have something that catches people's attention. We need to be so thick with Jesus that people can't help but stare at us. We need to truly look out of place in this world. I heard someone say the other day, 'if you are too comfortable with this world, maybe you should check your address. You don't belong in this world.' TRUE! We don't belong here. We, everyone, was created for a different home. A place called heaven. My prayer is that we can look so out of place in this world, that people have to stop and stare at us. Wondering why we look out of place. Then, we need to be ready with an answer for the hope that we have. The story of what Christ did for you, and the story of what Christ can do for the world. Sadly, I think that we just blend into the world so much that we just look like another part of a dirty men's bathroom (the world) that no one sees a difference in us. Is there something that is attractive about you for the world? Is there truly something that sets you apart? Is there something that screams…'I don't belong here. Everyone stares at me when they come in here. I am out of place.' My son offered his coat to a friend the other day at a party. The friend was cold and my son had something to offer him. So he took of his coat, put it on his friend and said nothing. The friends response to this was, "that's the problem with you damn Christians, you are just too nice." Yes!! My son stood out like a wreath in a dirty men's bathroom! I'm proud. Now, it is our turn. Stand out like a wooden wreath man. Shout it out that this world is not where you belong. Show that you have something else to offer. Well, gotta go. I got some shouting to do.

Listen…it’s God!

2008-07-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

There used to be an ad on TV LONG time ago, I will be showing my age here in just a second, that was for a stock broker firm named E.F. Hutton. They had these ads where someone would be carrying on a conversation in a noisy restaurant and mention that their broker was E.F. Hutton. When that was said, all noise stopped and everyone turned an ear to listen to the conversation. Then this anonymous voice would say, "When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen." If you remember these ads, you are as old as me…or even older in some cases. Of course, some may not remember anything, and that is a sure sign of being even older. Sorry, I digress.

Well, I had an E.F. Hutton experience yesterday…just not about stocks. I had a God experience yesterday. I heard Him speak! And, I actually listened this time. Now, it wasn't an audible voice, instead it was through His direction into His written word, the Bible. I have been struggling for some time with a comment/command that God gave me a few months ago. I really felt that I needed to fast and pray for a week and ask God for clear direction in my life and to have vision on how to proceed. Well, I got this amazing revelation from God. Here is what He said…"Keep doing what you are doing." Now that may sound wonderful to you, but to me it was confusing. My fault, not God's. I was praying for direction and vision and clarity because I didn't think I was doing anything and didn't feel as though I was accomplishing anything, and God comes up with this bit of wisdom…keep doing what you are doing. I thought maybe God had gotten confused . 'God, I'm not feeling productive, not feeling like I'm doing what I should be doing, not really even feeling like I'm doing anything, and you want me to keep doing it.' I talked to my wife, my mentor, my board…they all said the same thing. God is right, keep doing what you are doing. Funny guys, maybe you didn't hear me the first time…I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING SO HOW DO I KEEP DOING IT! So again I ask God, talk to my wife, my mentor and my board…and again…same response. Frustrating that they all get it and I don't. Auggg! I continued to whine about it, cry about it, pour out my heart about it, whine some more about it, and seemingly nothing was happening.

FINALLY! Yesterday I was praying before our morning service and felt led to some passages of scripture. As I read them, I couldn't help but feel so overwhelmed with the fact that this is what God had been saying to me all along. See the problem was this…I WASN'T LISTENING! I don't know why. I just wasn't, couldn't, didn't want too…something. But yesterday I finally got it. I heard the voice of the One who loves me, is fond of me and created me tell me what it is that I have been doing and need to continue to do. It literally felt like a ton of weight was lifted from me. Serious. What a relief. When I got done writing down what God was saying (which I recommend doing when God speaks) I had to stand up and scream…YES! YES! YES! It was a better scream than what I did at the Spokane Shocks game the night before when they won again. (15-1, and off to the playoffs!)

I guess what I want you to hear on this today is, listen…God is speaking. He doesn't speak in code or make things confusing just to get a laugh out of it, we make it confusing. Ask the people around you, ask God for clarity, do exactly what it is He says to do. Trust Him. Walk in faith knowing that He is the One who holds the future. For crying out loud, He created the future, I think He can take care of us in it! So, if you see me anytime soon and you think, 'geez, is he ever gonna do something different. Is he ever gonna change what he is doing,' take it up with God. My job is just to obey, not make up the rules.

So, I have to go now. I need to get back to what I was doing before!

The Future Due to Obedience

2008-07-24T11:14:00.001-07:00

Judges 1

Many of the different tribes were suppose to drive out the Canaanites, or other tribes God didn't give the land to, but they didn't. For whatever reason they didn't do it. Some of the reasons even seemed logical (Canaanites had better weapons, more people, knew the area more, etc.) but yet the Israelite tribes did not obey God. They even tried to make it sound good by forcing them into hard labor. But not full obedience. This became a big problem for them later, as well as for us now (Islam). Had they been obedient, things would have been different, even better.

My obedience to God needs to be the same way, 100%. I need to remove all the sin in my life so that it doesn't destroy me later and so it doesn't destroy my family later. If I don't deal with these things now, my family will be dealing with them in the future. In much worse ways. Sin always grows. I must, not through my own power, ways or wisdom, but through the power of God, get rid of this sin. Allowing the Holy Spirit to do his work in my life and also listening and responding to the voice that I hear. Not blowing it off. Not trying to justify what I am doing or want to be doing…just do what God asks. Do what the voice, the one that I am certain is God's, is asking me to do. I can't put my sin in hard labor camps and expect it not to grow stronger and come back to bite me. I must let sin be killed…for good. Seeking and spending time in the presence of God…doing what I know God wants me to do and say (no matter the desires of man around me)…learning to trust that when God speaks and I obey, then my present and my future are much brighter. I need to respond to God in this manner not just for me, but for my family.

Help from Dad

2008-06-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Again, I have to say thanks to my kids for the inspiration of this blog. I wonder what it feels like to be a public example all the time? Anyhow, thanks kids!

It was time to try and fix bike tires, again. We stopped by Wal Mart the other day to get new tubes for the bikes, but they didn't have an 18 inch tube in stock. So, we decided to by some green slime that stated it would do the trick. Tonight, Paul and Beth wanted to fix the tire for their 6 year old sister. They got out the slime, the bike, the air pump and were ready to go. Mom even asked, "Did you read the directions? Do you know what you are doing?" And of course the reply came back "yes!" They were out there for quite awhile when I went out to check the progress. They had the bike upside down, green slime being squirted into the tire and from a distance looked like they had it figured out. (notice key words 'from a distance'). When I went over there, they asked if I could help squirt the green substance into the tire. Wondering why they needed my help for such an easy task, I asked them if they had read the directions. Again, 'yes!' So, bending down to help, I noticed that no matter how hard you squeezed the bottle of slime, nothing happened. None went in the tire. So, looking at the directions myself, I noticed step one..."using provided tool, remove tube stem." Asking them again, they said yes, we read the directions. So, I used the provided tool and removed the tube stem. Took the green slime and easily filled the tire with the prescribed 4 oz. It was amazing how then the kids started back tracking. "Well, I must have missed that part. I didn't see that part. I thought we had. Etc., Etc." Bethanne then said, "See, everyone needs a dad."

It got me to thinking. How many times do I do that with my Heavenly Father. He asks if I read the directions (a.k.a. Bible) and I respond, some what ticked that He wouldn't just know that I already did, "yes!" Then as He watches me do an 'easy' task and make it way harder, He asks again..."Did you read the Directions?" Finally, I get to the point where I have to admit, I didn't read the Directions. When I read Them, I then see how to tackle what is in front of me, and not monkey things up on my own. God has given us the greatest instruction manual ever, all we need to do is pick it up, read it, and follow what it says. He did write the instructions after all. He gives us the help that we need, both in the written instructions and also showing us how we should do it. Like Bethanne said, "see, everyone needs a Dad."

Whoa!

2008-05-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

97 million!

That was not the amount of people that know at least 10 verses from the Bible (and use them appropriately, Nancy Pelosi). That's not the amount of evangelical Christians in the USA (that's only 79 million). And it's not how many Cokes I have drank in my life. No, that is the overwhelming number of people who voted on the David v. David battle for the American Idol title. I understand that the voting for this 'title' is not exactly the top notch voting that say the people of Florida are accustomed too, but this is crazy. Yes, people can vote more than once, but still, 97 million people had this number on their speed dial. I have no problem with some guys singing. And someone doing the American thing and make a buck off it, but I would hope that we could put this energy into something a little more necessary in life...like telling people about our King and Savior Jesus Christ. Have we made that many phone calls to people who need the rescue of their soul by Jesus? Have we had as many conversations around the 'water cooler' about what God has done in our life as we have about which David will become our idol for the year?

Then lets move on to what the Bible says about this...Exodus 20:1-6

1 Then God gave the people all these instructions
2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. 3 “You must not have any other god but me. 4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

Well, I didn't say it...don't yell at me. I don't know if I would want to be the one who stands before God (which we will) and explain to Him that our claim to fame was that we were someone's idol, or to even say that I voted for an idol and talked about this idol more than I did the One I stood before.

I know I will get some stirred up about this and some will tell me to get off my soap box, but I won't...My calling is to bring the Light into a dark world...and this seems dark. I will stand with His torch held high and my head held low in humility as I do what God has called me (us) to do, and I hope that some join me. The only glory that is to be given is to God!

Traveling

2008-05-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

"Are we there yet?" The four words that every parent dreads to hear as you drive your kids any distance. It could be a trip you have taken with them 50 times or a brand new route, but someone will always ask that question. There are times even as adults we feel that way. Hop into a taxi in a city, one bigger than Northport, and tell the cabbie that you haven't ever been here before and that you want to go to a certain address. He will certainly give you the scenic route and assure you that this is the fastest way there. The whole time you will be thinking, "are we there yet?" How about coming home from a long trip, when you are tired, miss your bed and want to get home. The one thing that goes through your mind as you travel the last few miles is...yes, you get the idea.

I was reading in Proverbs (one chapter for each day of the month) and came across this same scenario in our walks with God. It says several times throughout this book of wisdom, that God is the director of our paths. For example, in case you don't take my word for it, Proverbs 20:24 says, "A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Unfortunately, our ways aren't God's ways and our thoughts aren't as His. See, we come into this situation where we have to realize that our paths, our steps, our travels are directed by Him. We try and try to find reason for what we are going through. Or try and try to sort out what the next few days or years will look like. Or we try and try to figure out exactly what it is that God wants us to be doing (ouch that last one hurt) and all along we are the whining little kid in the back saying, "Are we there yet?" God asks for us to put our trust in Him, follow His paths (the ones that He directs for us) and not to keep asking those four silly words.

I found also in Proverbs, this time chapter 19 verse 23, what I believe is partly the answer to this. It says, "The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." I think that when we sit back and cry out those four words to God, we are not very restful or content. The reason is, we aren't fearing God. Fear, in this case, is defined as what stimulates us into holy and righteous living (2 Corinthians 7:1). We don't trust God for the outcome. We are more concerned with how long until we get there than to be resting contently. If we are being touched by trouble, is it because our trust is somewhere else other than in the One who directs our paths?

I have always disliked the bumper sticker that says "God is my co-pilot". Dude, no wonder your life sucks! Let Him climb into the drivers seat and take over your life. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, don't lean on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all things you do and He will direct your path. Get rid of the things (namely sin) that slow you down. Focus your eyes on the cross. Let your life be one that is striving for holiness, which can only come when we let God control the steering wheel. Have a healthy fear of God, and stop asking, "Are we there yet?"

Time to Act Like Kids

2008-02-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Our little 2 year old taught me a great lesson the other day. He was out jumping in mud puddles, running through the mud and giggling the whole time. Not a care in the world. How did I learn a lesson from that you ask. Easy...It's time for me to act like a kid. God's kid. We agree to being a child of God, but then we decide to try and act all stuffy. When our little man was out jumping in the mud, I could see the joy in him by being a kid, doing kid things. I was standing there not wanting to get muddy or wet because, well that not what grown ups do. I don't mean we should continue to act immature and not grow up, I mean that we need to live in the full freedom of being The Kings kids. It's ok for us to laugh and play...get muddy and wet...giggle like little girls (sorry girls) and enjoy being a child of the Most High God! The Pharisees tried this whole living by the law thing (not too mention making up a few of their own) and Jesus rebuked them for it. We still try the same thing by saying we have to do church this way not that way, getting hung up on meaningless arguments, and making tradition more important than the mission. Jesus said that He came to bring us life and life to the fullest (or more abundantly), so how dare we sit back and not want to live that life to the fullest. I want to restate a point I made earlier...this does NOT excuse us from becoming more mature in Christ. Paul talks about that so clearly in each of his letters that we need to grow up in maturity, leaving childish things behind...to stop only drinking milk when you should be eating steak. But it is ok for us to be kids who can have fun in our walk with The Father. It brings Him joy when we can live in the freedom that His Son gave to us. Well, I would write more, but I have some mud puddles to go jump in!

Snow

2008-01-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

Wow! We have snow this year. Not your little dusting every once in a while. Not your snow hard and then melt in a day. Not your snow hard and then freeze into solid ice. No, I mean real snow. Like a over 6 feet so far this year! With about 3 feet still on the ground. Man, this is good. My mind is constantly drawn back toward something God wants to teach me through whatever is going on around me. And, with this snow, it is no different. As this beautiful white stuff piles ever so deeper around me, I can't help but think of the other things that 'pile' up around me. Some not nearly as pleasant as the snow. I think of the unfinished jobs from fall. The ever increasing list of people to call. The constantly growing mountian of papers and packets of papers on my desk, in my files, on the floor, etc. I think of the people who seemingly pile up around me that are so desperate for something else in life. If you never have never looked beyond the eyes, beyond the superficial smile, beyond the small talk of those around you, start. I have really been seeing the hurt in people lately. A hurt that they won't just talk about. Not a hurt arm, head or whatever...a hurt of the heart. Too often they don't even know what it is. It is explained as... A drinking problem... A drug problem... A habit of pornography... I just want to be left alone... I was just born this grumpy way... My kids are driving me nuts... My spouse is not right for me anymore... I feel empty... or a mental illness. Here's the thing, Jesus came to heal the broken, bind up the infirmed and to set free the captive! As followers of this miracle worker, we need to have our eyes opened to the people who are pilling up around us. Maybe it's a friend, co-worker, child, spouse, or someone in the body of Christ. I believe that the people that you and I see every day are not just accidentally placed in front of us. I believe that we should work while it is day, make the most of every opportunity and love those around us like Jesus did. See, it is very simple to do. Start with a smile. Give your friend a real hug. Tell your spouse or your kid, "I love you." Reach out with Jesus to those around you, just like you would want to be reached out to if you were the one piling up around them.

Going to India

2007-12-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Jesus has commissioned His followers with a very serious task, one that should not be taken lightly and one that takes effort. Jesus told His disciples just before He left earth to go and make disciples of all peoples, teaching them His ways and baptizing them. He then a little later said how His disciples would be able to do this seemingly overwhelming task. In Acts chapter 1, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will come upon them and they will have power to be His witnesses’ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the rest of the world. What is great is that same power of the Holy Spirit is available for us today, just as it was available for those followers a couple thousand years ago! That power comes for us to share the hope and healing of Jesus Christ with a world that doesn’t follow Him. The principle of this statement is to start at home and move out from there. God has given me the great opportunity to do that very thing. I have, and continue to do so, share Jesus with my family daily. I have been able to share the hope of Jesus with the town of Northport and surrounding area. In the last 3 years I have had chances to share Jesus with my fellow Americans in several different churches and many different states. Now I have a great opportunity to take His love to even further places…the rest of the world.

From January 30^th through February 12^th, 2008, I am going to be going to Southern India on a mission trip. I and 3 other members of the Xtreme Team are going with Luis Palau and the Next Generation Alliance. We will be participating in outreaches and community work each day. The Next Generation Alliance has been to this area of India many times in the past, so they know the area, the people and the culture. They have had tremendous success in sharing the gospel in the past and with no doubt, this time will be the same. As for the Xtreme Team, we have not been to India before, but have been to many other countries around the world and have a good working reputation with each church we have worked with.

This area of India desperately needs the hope and healing of Jesus Christ presented to them. One of the towns we are going to, Renipet, is one of the world’s most polluted cities. There is not much hope when everyone around you is sick and dying. Most of India, this area included, is made up primarily of the Hindu religion, and so need the presentation of the Truth.

As with any endeavor, missions related or not, it takes lots of prayer, planning and monies. At the end of my blog, you will find a prayer schedule that is laid out from now until the day we leave. Now, that doesn’t mean we want you to stop praying then! This schedule is just to help you to know how to pray for us before we go, but many of the topics will be very important to continue in prayer while we are gone. One of my biggest prayer needs during my preparation time, as well as when I’m gone, is my family. My wife and children will need the covering of the presence of God when I’m gone - spiritually, physically and emotionally. So, will you please make a commitment to pray for me, my family and our team during this time?

The next area that I need help with is the finances. This trip will cost each team member approximately $3000. I have had chances in my past to help out in the contributing to other people’s mission trips. I usually just want to go with them, but realize that I can’t. So instead, I have been able to give financially. I can tell you that it is a terrific blessing to help someone go and walk in obedience to the Word of God. I have helped people all around the world hear about Jesus, without actually going. So, I would ask that you would prayerfully consider a financial gift to help me in my chance to “be My witness to the ends of the earth.”

At the bottom of this letter you will find two addresses. You can send your financial support to either one. The one address is mine, and the other is the leader of the Xtreme Team, Rick Willison. Just make the checks payable to Team Jesus Ministries and have it marked for Eldon’s India trip. You will also notice some other information: emails, websites and phone numbers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us so we can answer them.

I wanted to close with a piece of scripture from Ephesians 6:19,20. The apostle Paul says, “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. … Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.” So, would you please pray this for me and the team as we are able to be His witnesses in India?

Pastor Eldon Kelley Rick Willison
PO Box 415 T.E.A.M. Jesus Ministries, Inc.
Northport, WA 99157 1523 Scarlett Drive
509-675-6533 Anderson, IN 46013
pastor.eldon@gmail.com 765-610-6600
www.historchbearer.blogspot.com Website: www.radicallysaved.com

Luis Palau’s Next Generation Alliance website: www.ngateam.com

(Search for Rick Willison under member evangelists)

Prayer Calendar

Dec 22 - Financial needs for each team member to go - $3000 each

Dec 23 - Peace for my wife as I prepare to serve.

Dec 24 - Peace for my kids as I prepare to serve.

Dec 25 - For those God is preparing to hear the Gospel Message in India.

Dec 26 - For my personal walk with Jesus to strengthen.

Dec 27 - For my strength and endurance.

Dec 28 - Brad Butcher and his family as they prepare our way.

Dec 29 - For Michael Gray as he prepares to lead the way in India.

Dec 30 - For Don Johnson as he prepares for his festival in India.

Dec 31 - For our pilots, co-pilots, flight attendants.

Jan 1 - For God to keep me on our toes to share the Gospel with all those we meet.

Jan 2 - The people on the outskirts of the cities we will be in can find a way to make it.

Jan 3 - For clarity in the message.

Jan 4 - For my personal preparation - Am I ready to give the reason for my hope?

Jan 5 - For us to be fearless as we step into the playground of the devil.

Jan 6 - For the Gospel to break through the ways of the Hindu religion.

Jan 7 - For the Pastors of Renipet.

Jan 8 - For our safety as we fly.

Jan 9 - For our safety as we are driven throughout India.

Jan 10 - For our message to reach millions of ears. (Happy B-Day T-Dawg).

Jan 11 - For all the people who are preparing for us to come.

Jan 12 - For favor with all those we deal with in India.

Jan 13 - For wisdom as we enter into the country of India.

Jan 14 - For health while I prepare to go.

Jan 15 - For health while I am in India.

Jan 16 - For safety for my family while I am in India.

Jan 17 - For everything to go well at home and the church while I am in India.

Jan 18 - For my strength to be at it's peak while I am in India.

Jan 19 - For all the team's bags, boxes, and etc. to get through customs in India.

Jan 20 - For God to protect my stomach while I am in India.

Jan 21 - For my personal finances as we prepare to be gone for 3 weeks.

Jan 22 - For blessings to be showered on us as we show the love of Jesus to India.

Jan 23 - For all our things to be safe (not stolen) while I am in India.

Jan 24 - For enough space to be comfortable as we fly (we're big guys).

Jan 25 - For our finances - that we would be thankful for all that God has given us to go.

Jan 26 - For my wife. She is preparing to be without me for 3 weeks with six kids! Bless her.

Jan 27 - For my children. They are preparing to be without me for 3 weeks.

Jan 28 - For God to remind me of what I need to bring so I don't forget anything!

Jan 29 - For God to put His hand on all my transportation and keep me safe.

Jan 30 - For boldness as I leave and travel.

Jan 31 - For the officials of India to be open to the gospel, and not persecute us as we minister.

Please don't stop praying for me, my family, our team, and the people of India!

You will leave something behind

2007-11-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

All of us will leave something behind in life. For some, it will just be the garbage that is thrown away each day, but for others it will be a lot more than that. For some that knew my dad, you may be able to think of some of the things left behind by him...some good, some not. I think we can all say that about our own lives if we were truly honest. One thing my dad left for me was his love for singing. Now, I don't mean good singing, just singing. He would sing around the house, in the car and even louder at church. Me...well it's just the same. In fact, I love to sing the songs that I remember him singing. Old ones. Ones that you don't hear very often anymore. Even ones that are made up during the moment. As I grew up and had my own kids, I remember him singing to them as he held them. What a sweet thing to see and experience. I learned to do that and still do with my kids. We sing the 'oldies' around the house and in the car. I don't get to hold my kids in my arms as they fall asleep anymore, because they are so big. I did get the chance to hold, and sing to, a little baby the other night as he was having a hard time sleeping. I was able to sing...'sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus. What a wonder you are. You are brighter than the morning star. You're fairer, much fairer than the lily that grows by the wayside. Precious, more precious than gold.' And I got to sing...'Jesus loves you this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong.' And...'Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand." This was a young boy who may never hear about the love of Jesus unless I tell him now. This is a young boy who has had a troubled life, one that I don't think any of us should ever have to go through, and can't sleep well sometimes. But I found that my dad left me something that I can use to impact this little guy's life. What are you leaving behind? Is it anything that you want carried on from generation to generation? Choose today what you are going to leave for your family...Thanks Dad, for what you left for me, my kids, and even the kids that may only get to hear about Jesus once. Your legacy has touched many lives.

Static Electricity

2007-11-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Static electricity. I don’t know why, but I’m plagued with it. Not as much as my wife I might add, but still plagued none the less. It is almost too painful to shut the car door any more. I keep thinking that I’m going to blow my finger off or start a small forest fire from the spark. In fact, I think the street lights dimmed the other night as this happen to me once again. Here’s the funny thing though, that little shock, it only last a split second. It hurts. It even might change what you do for a moment. But it is for a short time. See, our lives with Christ are too often this way. A small shock to the system, a great time at camp or the alter at church, but it only changes us for a moment. I had a friend when I was a kid who grabbed a hold of a power line while he was climbing a tree. He lost toes, felt intense pain, spent time in the hospital and was changed forever. This is what I want in my walk with Jesus. I don’t want just a little static electricity shock, I want the life changing power of the Holy Spirit to radically change who I am forever! Here is the awesome part of this…I now how to grab a hold of that power. How to grab that life changing power line that’s charged with God’s power. In Acts chapter 2, Jesus is getting ready to head to heaven and He tells His followers to how to grab a hold of this power that He has been talking about His whole ministry. He tells them to linger…to wait on God. Joshua, in the Old Testament, he knew how to do this too. He used to linger in the tent of meeting long after Moses left. Joshua’s life was characterized by power. I know that too often I rush through my daily times with God, or even find other things to do. Life is busy, no doubt. But guy’s, let’s not settle for the spark…let’s take time to linger, to wait, to spend time in God’s presence…and know the life changing effect of that Power Line!

Self Medicating

2007-10-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

We hear all the time about how people self-medicate. We shake our heads and say that it is a shame that they can't deal with whatever the hurt is in their life in a more appropriate manner. Why is it that it is so easy to turn to something else when the hurt is so bad. "Well, if I do this activity, then the pain from the last activity will be diminished." What incredible, logical thinking that is! What is strange (ok, sad) is the amount of self-medicating Christians that there are. Now I'm not talking about taking drugs, alcohol, food or sex to self-medicate. What I'm talking about is the abandonment of the body when you get hurt. We fall into a false belief that we can teach our self at home and all will be ok. The hurt will go away if I just run away. I can't imagine trying to heal the hurt by trying to teach yourself. This is the same confused logic of taking a drug to make past hurts go away! Satan has been good at convincing us that we can abandon public teachings and the family of God, and still stay healthy in our walk with Christ. See, there is a strength in numbers. There is a healing that can only take place if we stick with each other. In Deuteronomy 32:30, which is usually taken out of context, it says that one can put 1,000 to flight and two 10,000 to flight. This is a statement of what the enemy can do to us when we do not have the power of God in our lives! It doesn't take as much work for the enemy to scatter us if we are trying to walk in our own power. And guess what, we walk in our own power when we run from the body of Christ and ignore public teachings. Yes, you can argue that we can use the TV, internet or CD's, but how easy is it to drift toward the teachings that 'tickle our ear'? Ephesian chapter 4, as well as other areas, talk about the importance of unity in the body. And to have true unity, we must actually be together. Teaching yourself only, or self-medicating, will not accomplish the unity that the body of Christ is suppose to have. And, if you have been so hurt by the family of God, and unfortunately it happens, that you can't go back to that part of the family...then go somewhere! But complete isolation or self-medicating is not healthy. Just as we would tell others that it is not safe to cover up their hurt with harmful substances or actions, I believe God is saying the same thing to us a followers of His Son, Jesus.

Slow Fires

2007-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it is October now, and guess what...we are having to build fires in the fireplace. I don't mind really. I like fire. Ok, I'm not an arsonist...I just love fire. The beauty of the flames...the heat that it produces...the things that it does to the wood. All of it. I just love fire. Today, as I was building one, I noticed something about myself. I had made a perfect prefire setup. Paper wadded up not too tight and not too loose. Small, skinny, dry pieces of kindling stacked back and forth like a Tic-Tac-Toe board. A little bit bigger pieces of wood on top of that in the same pattern. Man, I was ready. I grabbed the lighter and did my thing. I lit the paper. And as it slowly started to burn, I grabbed the bellows and started puffing away. 'Come on fire! Burn, burn, burn!' When it didn't take right away, I puffed even harder. It finally started to go. So I closed the door a little and walked away. Satisfied. I looked back at it a few minutes latter, and the dumb thing wasn't burning like I thought it should be. So I got back down there with the bellows again, and started puffing away. Then it hit me...what is my stinkin' hurry! I constantly talk about how life is a process and it all takes time, and here I am rushing something that I know takes time itself. Too often in my life I think I do the same thing. 'Ok God, You prepared the perfect setup, You have a desired outcome...now out of my way and let me puff this thing into reality." I think the problem is that I used to use Coleman fuel to help start bon fires years ago, and now I expect the same result in my home fireplace. Instant, big fire! But even using Coleman fuel was not a great answer...the fire would flare up fast but not really catch anything on fire. I know I don't really want this for my life, not to mention that is also not God's plan for my life. He wants to build the perfect 'prefire' set up in my life, then light it, and let it burn at the right speed. See, God knows that good fires take time. He doesn't need my help. He doesn't want a big fast fire that doesn't actually burn anything. He wants a fire that burns deep. One that produces His outcome. So, I think I will just let Him do that. Produce that long lasting, deep fire that is not easily put out. I will leave the fire of my life to the Ultimate Firestarter!

Rain and life

2007-09-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's raining here today! Some may say that is good, and yet some may say that is bad. Rain has advantages and disadvantages. Good and bad. Just like anything in life. Often times we only get wrapped up in the bad and forget to look at the circumstance that we are in and try to find good. You know, life is like a big knife. A knife can be useful if you pick it up by the handle. However, if it is picked up by the blade it can be painful. Too often we continue to hold on the blade and bleed and cry because of the pain, when all we need to do is turn the knife around, grab the handle and use it for good. It's your choice. Continue to bleed or say enough...I'm going to use this circumstance in life for good. See, Satan wants you to focus on the pain and lie to you and say that it will never get better. But that's not true. God can take the bad and use it for something good. It is our choice though of whether we are going to let Him or not. So, your choice...blade or handle?

Get Ready

2007-09-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

"You must be ready for everything life can throw at you." What a stupid, unfair expectation to place on people. There is no way that you can truly do this, so why stress yourself out. However, there are somethings you can be ready for. Be prepared, be prepared (you know, the little goat on Hoodwinked). I'm leaving tomorrow for Jal, New Mexico with the Xtreme Team. (www.radicallysaved.com) We have a week of teaching, preaching, training, equipping, and breaking. As always, I'm very excited to get to share my Jesus with people, but I have to be ready. I always work out harder on my BowFlex before I go. I always pray harder before I go. I always find out a little something about the town I'm going to, before I go. We know we are going into a battle this next week. Satan doesn't want anyone else to give the control of their life to Jesus, so he is going to fight hard. As followers of Jesus Christ, we all should know that we are in a battle everyday. Just as I prepare before a week of ministry, we should prepare ourselves daily for the battle that we are going to face. Start now. Pick up your Bible. It's that book over there...the one with the dust...under the newspaper...good job. Start reading. Right now we, friends and I, are reading through 1 and 2 Samuel. Reading the Bible will help prepare you for what you will face. Now pray. Yes, I know you like to talk. Just try talking to God. It is simpler than dialing the phone. Point is...prepare yourself. Don't wait till you are neck deep in trouble before you cry out to God. I went once to an outreach totally unprepared (didn't touch weights at all) and nothing broke, popped, or ripped like it should have. I wasn't prepared. So, prepare yourself for the things you know are coming up...like spiritual battle. Just like it is not all muscle that breaks things when we do what we do, it is being prepared with God's Power...just gritting your teeth and holding on won't take you through these battle either. Trust in the LORD with all your heart...through Christ who gives me strength...for those who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will shine upon you and you will receive healing and will leap like a calf released from the stall.

The Coolness of Fall

2007-09-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Oh man! I almost forgot...to enjoy summer that is. I can't believe that the calendar says that it is September already. If only I had....oh, never mind. I can't live in the past, right? Instead, as the leaves and the temperature change, I need to also. I have found that the only, yes only, constant in life is Jesus Christ. You can get out of taxes, and death...well just one word...rapture! So, the only constant is Jesus/God. The Bible says that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Um, that means He doesn't change. It, the Bible, also states that He doesn't change like shifting shadows. Again, He doesn't change. However, He expects us to change. Whoa, you say. That's not fair. He doesn't have to change and I do. Well, yes. See we have to change to His image, His likeness. We were, after all, created in His image. We have just made the choice to cloud that image to the rest of the world. So, we have to change. Just like the leaves on the trees, we have to change. And it must be visible. The reason leaves change color is because of a wonderful process called death. For us to change into the likeness of Christ we have to also go through the death process. Not physically. I'm not advocating suicide! I mean spiritually. Jesus says that we must pick up our cross daily and follow Him. Crosses meant death back when they used them. Jesus also made it clear that nothing else in life, including family, jobs, money, clothes, etc., should mean as much to us as He does. To change into the likeness of Christ, to regain that clearer image of Him...we must die. I challenge you. Die this week. Let those leaves of your life start changing color. Let the people around you start to see that there is something going on in your life.

Back to School!

2007-09-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Back to school! The sound of sorrow for many kids and yet the victory chant of many parents. To me, it just means the chance to get back to something normal. Something that might bring a usable schedule back into my life. I have found that summer is hard. It creates a chance to relax, but maybe not get you to the place where you need to be. Either spiritually or physically. Just like the lines on a road, boundaries are good. Living our life outside of boundaries, what many call 'freedom', we are lost. If you don't believe me, next time you drive, take your car over one of the lines on the road. Either one. Doesn't matter. Yeah, see. Boundaries are a good thing. Jesus has boundaries set up for us in scripture, not to restrict all our 'fun', but to protect us from on coming traffic. So, school starts in 2 days, for this parent it is certainly a victory chant...but for different reasons. I'm glad that I can come back into a schedule, some boundaries, a place where God can protect me and teach me. Maybe we need to all look forward to school this year.

Love, true love.

2007-08-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from a wedding that I am helping with. This is will be attended by those who don't necessarily have the same views as I do. But my good friend, who is an agnostic, is getting married and wanted me to be a part of her wedding. She wanted me to say something on love. So, here goes...

Love is something that is sought after by everyone. We seek love when we are infants, we seek love as adolescents. We continue to seek for love through our teens and into adulthood. Often times we do things in our quest of love that no normally sane person would do. We say, do and smell certain ways just in hoes of someone loving us. If we were more patient and took time to really meditate on the this topic, we could save ourselves a world of hurt. If we allowed our minds to be enlightened with truth, we would know that true love has been waiting there for us all along. We don't have to do anything to impress it. It just loves us for who we are. This couple have had a taste of this with each other. They have seen that true love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it doesn't boast, and it isn't proud. It's not rude, self-seeking or easily angered. Love doesn't remember wrongs. It doesn't delight in evil but is excited about truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. And love never fails. When we put into practice these attributes of love, and love lives up to its name (which it will), our lives together will be beautiful.

I just trust that the Power of True Love will shine through this ceremony in a way that common words can't. I know that my True Love is that powerful!

Silly Kittens

2007-07-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

I was watching our new kittens the other day. Yes, we have more animals. But these are going away. I was watching them trying to nurse on mom. They just barely have their eyes open and are not fully focused on what they see. One kitten was nosing around by moms tail and couldn't figure out why it wasn't getting fed. I thought 'just use your eyes'. Then I remembered, the kitten doesn't have good focus yet. Often times we do the same thing. Nosing around in places we shouldn't, wondering why God isn't feeding us like He should. Maybe we don't have clear vision of where the 'food' is. Maybe our eyes aren't focused as to see the source of food. Hebrews 12:2 says, "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." Keep our eyes focused on the right thing, Jesus, and we will get fed the good food He has for us. He does say that He is the bread of life. He also says that He is the living water. We don't go away unsatisfied when we are truly focused on Jesus. It's time to grow and let our eyes become focused in the right direction...not the tail end of a momma cat.

Blow the Packaging

2007-07-08T00:19:00.000-07:00

As we stood and watched an amazing display of power through the blowing up of fireworks, it made me think of something. Ok, actually it was before this that I thought of it. The ooh-ah factor of fireworks is not in the packaging, it is in the contents of the package. No one looks at an unexploded firework and marvels at it. No, it is after it is lit, and the energy that was inside is released, then the screams and cheers are heard. Our lives are the same way. We spend more time making the package look good then we do letting the energy come out. Too often, we allow Satan to lie to us and say that the only power we have is in how we look, smell or act. Guess what? News flash! Satan is a lying, deceiving punk who hates you and me. He doesn't want the true potential that God has placed in us to really come out. He knows that if he can keep people believing that they are nothing and that true joy is in the packaging, then he has us beat. God has given each of us an ooh-ah factor that is rarely seen. That is because we are comfortable sitting in our self-contained package and not wanting that power to get out. Yeah, it is messy when it is released. Yeah, that great little package you have worked on perfecting will be destroyed. But, the world will never see the power of Jesus if we don't let that package blow up and the energy inside come out. We were not made to contain the ooh-ah factor and keep it for ourselves. We were made to get lit on fire and explode - showing the brilliant colors and power that God has placed in us.

Sweet

2007-07-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

As the trees start showing their fresh fruit and the little bushes do the same, it makes me start to think. Well, actually I was thinking before this, it doesn't take a tree to get the juices flowing! Anyhow, I love this time of year. I love seeing the cherries turn red and the strawberries get bigger, because it means that I will be able to taste them and enjoy something wonderful. When I see this, it makes me remember something about Jesus. The Bible says to taste and see that the LORD is good! Taste and see. You know, once you sink your teeth into the sweetness of a strawberry, you want to have more. You go back for that taste. It's the same when you REALLY taste the LORD. Some may have tasted what they thought was Him, and left with a bitter taste in their mouth. Here's the thing...that wasn't a true taste of God. God is good. If you have left with that taste in your mouth that wasn't good, go back anyhow. Find Jesus for who He really is. Just like with a strawberry or cherry, one bad one doesn't stop you from eating more. You just search around until you find that good looking red one, and then you taste it. Then you go for even more. Go back for more of Jesus. He never leaves a bitter taste. Remember though, He is not here to be formed into what you want Him to be. If He brings correction into your life, don't run away and say He is bad. Just because He doesn't fit our mold of what we think He should be like, doesn't remove the sweetness of who He reaaly is. And for those who claim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, how are we presenting that sweet God that we serve? Make sure that we don't taint the flavor of our Savior to those around us. We may be the only Jesus some will ever see. Make sure that they can taste and see that the LORD is good.

Play by Play

2007-06-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

I got to play football with my kids the other day! It is always amazing to watch and listen to them as they do anything fun. They are constantly giving me a running commentary on what is going on and what they just did. "Then the ball went up like this and I ran back for it but I tripped and then I rolled and then the ball hit me on the arm and then it bounced back up and then..." Well, you get the idea. What is so interesting about this, is that I'm standing there the whole time. I was the one who threw the ball. I saw it happen at the same time and speed they did. I thought this was kinda weird until I realized why they were doing it...they loved what they were doing and wanted to tell anyone who would listen. They wanted to say out loud what had just happened in the physical. They want these moments to be burned into their minds as well as mine. You know, we can learn a lot from kids. Like the fact that we should be shouting out the things that Jesus Christ is doing with us and for us. We should be giving people the play by play of what we are doing with Him. "And then Jesus reminded me through a friend that He is in control even when we see life as out of control and then Jesus gave me this calm that only He can give and then He reminded me of areas in the past when He has taken care of situations that seem unbearable and then Jesus let me know that what I am doing is for His glory not mine or anyone else and then Jesus..."

Dumber Than A Post

2007-06-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone ever said to you, 'you are dumber than a post.' Of course, we haven't said that our self. You know what, I think posts aren't all that dumb. Think about it, whether it is a light post, fence post or sign post they aren't that dumb. They have been given a task to do, and they do it. Very well I might add. They don't strive to be something they aren't. They don't push and shove and put each other down just so they can look good. No, they do the job they have been given to do. They don't want to be something else and they don't whine because they aren't doing something important. They do the job they were made to do. Yeah, it may not be a glamorous job, but I'm glad they do it. I'm glad that dumb old post is holding up the stop sign when my family is driving up to an intersection. I'm glad that the light post is doing the mundane of holding a light so that I can see better in the dark. And my daughter is glad that the fence post that helps hold back her horse, didn't take off to do a job where more people would notice it. I find it amazing how we can learn so much from a dumb post.

Strength in Highs and Lows

2007-06-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

Today I got to do something that I haven't had a chance to do for a long time. I got to build fence. Yes...stringing barbed wire and pounding in posts. I actually love doing it. The sense of accomplishment. The sweat. The hard work. The sore muscles. I love all of it. Especially the alone time that it gives me. Today, as I was putting in an 'H' post it got me to thinking. Now an 'H' post is the wooden posts you put in at the high and low spots topographically. This is the key to a good fence. If you make it weak, your whole fence is weak. If you do it well...well, you have a good fence. I thought it interesting that the strong part of the fence is put at the high and low spots of the fence line. This is just like God. He is our source of strength, not just at the high times of life, but the low times as well. I actually took a moment today and thanked Him for being my strength...my strong part of life...my 'H' post. In all times of life...highs and lows.

Dad's Sweater

2007-06-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the long absence. I was in Indiana with the X-treme Team. Check us out at www.radicallysaved.com. Also, please feel free to leave comments on my blog. I will start commenting on more of your blogs. Please also feel free to link this blog or forward it on to anyone and everyone. I pray that God will use it somehow to deepen your relationship with Him.

Today is Father's Day. Of course, I'm writing this at 10:45pm, so most of you won't read this till after the day is over. But that's ok. The truth that lies here is still that, truth.

My dad used to wear this funky sweater that was blue with gold wavy stripes on it. He would wear it around the house when he was relaxing. It was kinda like having Mr. Rogers living in the house with you. I remember that sweater well. The feel of it. The look of it. And even the smell of it. It made an impression on me. I can still see dad wearing his sweater, drinking his coffee, and doing the crossword puzzle while sitting in his recliner. This sweater was a part of my dad.

This winter, as my mom was moving from her house to an apartment, I was over collecting my stuff that I had left there...for 15 years. When I was there, she asked me if I wanted that old sweater. Of course! I put that sweater on and was immediately overwhelmed by the flood of memories. Touch. Feel. Smell. I wear this sweater often around my house now. I think I look silly, but my wife and kids say I look great. My kids love it when I wear it. They say that when I hug them, it smells like me. Wow. It smells like me. I hope that's good. They say that I smell good. And they like the feel of it too. I get to tell them about the history of this great sweater. About the amazing man that used to wear it. To me, I can still smell my dad. To my kids, they smell their dad.

You know, I hope that as my kids hug me, they can smell even a greater aroma. I hope that the texture they feel is more wonderful than any piece of clothing I can wear. I pray that they smell God on me. That they can feel the presence of God around me. As I spend time around Him, I want to start to smell like Him. Feel like Him. Even look like Him. I want to be wrapped in His sweater. That way, when my kids see that 'sweater', I can tell them about the amazing God that gave it to me and what He is like.

Outta the Comfort Zone

2007-05-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

Instead of the comfort zone, sometimes life feels more like the Twilight Zone! This last week, I have started a somewhat part-time job. This job is helping a guy make high end cabinets. I will allow those who know about my construction/craftsmanship skills to catch their breath after gasping. God has gifted me in many ways, the above mentioned not being on the list. I have worked for him before and it was easy. Moving cabinets around, a little sanding here and there, nothing big. Oh, no. Not so this time. This time it involves measuring to a 1/16 of an inch, cutting, jointing. Things that require more skill than I have. I am way out of my comfort zone. It is one thing to screw up on a woodshed in the back yard, and another thing to screw up a $40,000 project! But I'm doing it. Not screwing up the project, that is. God is teaching me something in this. I can do things that I never thought possible when I put my trust in Him. Every time I get a new assignment at work, I have to ask God to help me. Guess what? He does! I see this to be true in every aspect of my life. When I put my trust in Him, His power fills me, and I am able to accomplish what He has for me to do. Something else I have learned. It is actually fun to be stretched. Doing something new is a blast. I think I am getting hooked on being stretched. I honestly want God to ask of me the impossible. I don't know what He will ask of me next, but I hope I'm scared to death to do it.

Listen to Warnings

2007-05-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

"Why are you so angry, " the LORD asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it." Genesis 4:6,7

It amazes me how God loves us enough to even warn us to watch out for sin. We just have to listen and respond in the right manner to His warnings. Here God is warning Cain that sin will overtake him. Cain will kill Abel. God warns him, tells him to respond correctly, and tells Cain that he must subdue it. Cain must come to God with a right heart. Cain must gain self-control. We know the story goes on and Cain doesn't respond to God correctly. Today, listen to the voice of God. Listen when He warns you about the next step you are taking. Then, respond correctly. God always gives us a way out.