RKS Upclose

Incredible Quote

2012-01-16T12:25:00.001-06:00

If you are called tobe a street sweeper, sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets sowell that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say,'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'...

Dr Marin Luther King Jr

Spiritual Weapons

2011-12-15T23:49:00.002-06:00

So tonight after our home being filled with prayer for well over an hour these verses seem to come alive to me all over again....

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty to the breaking down of strongholds....

RKS translations goes something like this....

Our weapons are not humanly and are incredible when pulling down those things which have taken a strong hold on our minds....

Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of Christ....

Why do our thoughts and desires exalt themselves in our minds against what we know HE would have us to do?

And then how can this subject be discussed without.....

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Again from the RKS....

We do not fight with people or personalities, but against dark spiritual entities and wickedness in the high places of the mind.....

Tonight once again I decide to not allow some things to be and realize that fighting people personalities is always a losing proposition....

Rather, I choose to employ the spiritual weapons of praying in the Holy Ghost and rejoicing as strong holds, or those things that have a strong hold upon situations come crashing down....

Blessings....rks

Sunday Morn Sermon?

2011-11-26T08:36:00.001-06:00

Seen on church sign......

ATM Inside

Atonement - Truth - Mercy.....

Bound to be a good Sunday morning sermon somewhere in this......

I Have Heard Your Prayer

2011-11-25T05:33:00.001-06:00

One year ago CUPC began a new season of prayer and seeking the Lord....

Then, last May, I was led in prayer to this familiar verse and used it as the basis for several weeks of study....

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

The Lord led us to seek His face, turn from our ways and pray with the promise that he would hear us in his heavenly realm and heal us in our earthly one....

We labeled our study and pursuit....

7.14 Church....

Many, many, many hours of prayer have gone up from our sanctuary....

Prayer changes this.....

Our prayers altared the landscape of our church.....

Revival comes in many packages.....

Last week, after a year of passionate pursuit of His miraculous....

With inadequate time to prepare for our Sunday evening service I asked the Lord what he wanted me to say....

He told me, "Go tell the people that I have heard their prayers"

I referenced the phrase and like a thunderbolt I felt the clear voice of God as he shared Hezekiah's promise with myself and CUPC.....

Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. 2 Kings 20:5-6

These words came alive to me and I consider it a word from God for our church.....

I have heard thy prayer......

I have seen thy tears.....

I will add to you.....

You are healed.....

I will deliver from the spirit that has besieged you....

I will defend you, therefore the battle is mine and not yours.....

These key words jumped into my spirit.....

Heard, seen, heal, add, deliver, defend...

He has heard and seen and healed and is adding, delivering and defending on our behalf......

After seeking his face for a year with as many as four prayer events a week in our Sanctuary.....

Breakthru!!!!

The Lord has heard our prayers....

He has seen the sincerity and purity of our tears.....

Healed as he promised back in May if we would seek his face.....

He is adding right now to the church.....

He is delivering from the afflicter and besieging spirits......

And he is defending.....

However, it is not time to relax.....

Rather, it is time to turn up the heat a bit more....

Pray a little harder and humble ourselves a bit more....

And stand back as God adds, delivers and defends......

Time-out for a shout!!!!!

rks

I Am Blessed

2011-11-24T06:20:00.001-06:00

Sleep got up earlier than I did today.....

So at 5 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning I leave the house in search of the ellusive Black Friday sale papers and wouldn't you know, I have purchased 5 of them and am back home in 15 minutes....

Last year it took 100 miles and 5 towns to find one....

So now I take a few moments to offer thanks for a most incredible year....

First off, I thank the Lord for the journey he has led me....

A year of prayer, seeking his face in a pursuit of Him and in the process a rediscovery of his greatness and recreation of myself, my family and CUPC.....

The transformation of CUPC is an aweing reality and I simply say thank you Lord....

I could not do the things I do without Tracie....

This is our 31st Thanksgiving to share and love you more today than I did when we were thinner and younger and I still had hair....

Tracie.....

Babe, you have been a trooper and even in the most difficult of times, never a single complaint, not a single whine, not a single "I wish" has crossed your lips....

You dear have been my special gift from God and I thank Him for you and I thank you for being dreams come true and resolute strength personified....

I love you....

My kids continue to bring joy....

Redonia, I am proud of you. As I watch you walk a not so easy path of adulthood I rejoice at your strenth and poise.....

I am proud of you and know that soon you will be blessed by God with a most special someone in your life.....

And then of course you gave me Annaleigh....

Just think, If I could have skipped you and gone straight to her.....smile .....wink........I love you girl....

Trent....

Oh what a man you have become.....

I saw a business aquaintance from the past this week who had seen you in public and they were so impressed with the young man they had known as a boy....

I love and respect you ......

Calah....

You laugh and giggle at all the stupid stuff Trent likes to do and make him feel so important...

But you also have learned to take charge of some things in our world and I am proud of you......

Trent is a better man because of you....

Now, get me that grandboy......

Extended Family.....

Ours is no different than other families today and we have been touched by disappointment and heartache....

The Patrick side laid to rest the first sibling, Carla.....

The Smith side sees two granddaughers and a daughter deal with the realities of single parenting.....

But amid these, none of us can really doubt the greatness of our God....

Mom, Dad, Gram, Popsie, thanks for loving us all and believing in me personally all of these years.....

CUPC Family....

The last year or so has been one of the most heart wrenching times of our life....

My heart has been handed to me time and time again....

But as I think of these things, there is only one emotion I feel this morning...

Gratitude for every single person who has passed our way over these years.......

I pray for each who passed, paused and then moved on; and I am thankful each....

I rejoice for each who cointinues with us....

I rejoice for every answered prayer....

I also rejoice as the miraculous continues to unfold amoung us....

CUPC Staff.....

This year the Lord chose to flip the staff and the incredible group of people around us daily is second to none...

I thank the Lord for each ofyou.....

Last but the Greatest.....

Lord, I thank you for your keeping grace.....

You took me on a journey of mercy and grace this year....

You educated me in the ways of mercy for yesterday's failures, and grace for the things we face today....

You led me to seek your face with the promise if I would that you would hear me from heaven and would take care of my earthy affairs from your heavenly realm....

Then last week you told me you had heard my prayers and seen my tears and had healed my land and that you would add to me and destroy the afflicter and be my defender....

I simply say Thank You Lord.....

rks

There Is Life In This Body

2011-11-19T13:25:00.001-06:00

Twas the last night of a seven night revival and Paul gave them their money's worth.....

He preached long....

Eutychus, the Window Percher, wearied and nodded and drifted and slept and fell out the window and landed on his head and broke his neck and died....

There are many Eutychus's today....

They sit on the periphery keeping an eye on whats happening in the church and an eye on what is happening outside....

They weary themselves and others with chronic discontent....

They influence others to be double minded as well.....

And as Eutychus falls out the window and crash lands, there are others that are influenced by his attitude....

There are many who can diagnose death in Eutychus and the church he fell out of.....

Surely broken necked Window Perchers represent the whole and core of that church....

However Paul showed us how to handle such....

He simply ran downstairs and let the other Window Perchers know that he was not dead.....

Window Perchers can see and discern broken necks and horrific demise.....

But Paul ignored the Window Perchers and evil reports and simply said....

His life is in his body....

And despite Eutychus' failure, Grace and Life continued in him.....

And Paul went back upstairs and finished preaching....

Paul went right back to what he was doing before the Perching Eutychus fell and broke his neck and before the other Window Perchers looked out the window to hear the message....

Life was in his body.....

And that ain't the only place!!!!

Life was still in the service!!!!

For Paul finished his sermon and then fellowshipped until daylight before running to catch his flight....

Fallen Window Perchers, broken necks, dead bodies and bad reports need be ignored.....

For life continues in the body...

There Is Life In This Body!!!!

There was life in his church....

And there is life in yours.....

Ignore the reports of the Window Perchers and broken neck memos....

Just keep having church......

God will take care of Eutychus.....

God will fix his broken neck....

Maybe he will stop being a Window Percher....

But if not....

God does not change....

And life will forever continue in the body.....

There Is Life In This Church!!!!

rks

My Helper

2011-08-28T09:10:00.005-05:00

Desperation drove the dear dad to the feet of the Master and these words, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief”

A broken hearted mom from Psyrophonecia fell at his feet worshipping and said, “Lord help me”

And who could ever forget the day Mary sat at his feet, while Martha fretted in the kitchen and then demanded He make her help with dinner…

Oh the misguided notion that our help can ever come anywhere but from Him….

Lately in my prayers I have overheard myself seeking His help…

“Lord, help me. I need your help. You are my helper”

David remembered his help came from the Lord…

So does mine…..

And yours…..

Without doubt He is our helper…

Heb 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

His help gives us confidence to be bold in the Holy Ghost….

Sort of like, “My daddy is bigger than yours”…

“My Helper is bigger than your helper”

Never forget my friend that indeed He is our Helper and a very present Help in the time of trouble…..

And of course we have no other recourse but to rejoice in His help….

Ps 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice….

We just might as well step back and allow Him to Help us and set aside any human manipulations of schemes…..

I pledge myself anew today to be a worshipper for I know as long as I stay close enough for his shadow to touch me, I will always be close to my Help….

Ps 30:10-12 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

His Help turns sadness into a party and replaces sadness with gladness…

His Help is the kind of Help I need…..

Next time you hear somebody say, “You just can’t find good help anymore”

Why don’t you break into one of those old fashioned “praise breaks” and let them know you found the best and only Help worth seeking…..

Hold on, while I rejoice a bit myself…

For indeed HE is my Help….

Can’t get no better than that!!!!

Blessings…

RKS

Who Ever Heard of Such

2011-07-05T22:05:00.001-05:00

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Isaiah 66.8

So the Lord dropped this into my spirit last week and I shared this verse Wednesday night with my bible class....

Whoever heard of such a thing?

Who has seen such things done?

Can a nation be born in a day?

Was the earth formed in a day?

These things don't just happen........

But as soon as Zion travailed her children were born......

Hummmmmm......

Before the mom felt the pain of birth the babies were born????

Who hath heard of such a thing?

And God said to go tell CUPC a quick work was happening.....

And things were quicker than I could imagine....

I am awed at his speed and efficiency at being God....

I rejoice to see his miraculous unfold.....

Quick revival...

A quick work........

A great God.....

rks

My Personal Agabus

2011-07-03T23:02:00.003-05:00

Well it happened faster than I could comprehend ........

Agabus the prophet.......

No, not the real New Testament Agabus that made very simple stage appearances, delivering a word from God and then willingly faded into oblivion......

But my own personal Agabus showed up at the $9 shirt rack at the Dilliards clearance center at Gunspoint Mall in Houston. .......

Yeah Gunspoint Mall; the only mall in America with it's own police station and jail over by the food court.....

Agabus my prophet showed up and spoke into my life......

"For 20 years?.................and as Late as thus morning" was where he began and ended my personal message from God......

Tracie started texting what was going on......

I stood and wept......

The Holy Ghost fell upon us as we held hands and prayed......

Friend, please know I share this because just as God sent me my Agabus.....

I am praying He send you yours....

You are not alone .........

Stand tall and in faith ........

Blessings......

rks

2011-04-27T11:08:00.000-05:00

Gone Pic Crazy

2011-04-27T11:04:00.003-05:00

Folks...

It looks like I have gone pic crazy but just thought to share a few with those interested....

Just wait til you see the one of me and my new GRANDkid....

2011-04-25T22:48:00.003-05:00

2011-04-25T22:41:00.002-05:00

2011-04-25T22:37:00.002-05:00

Root Issues...

2011-04-22T21:20:00.003-05:00

Wednesday night's bible study took on all the dynamics of a move of God....

Jesus passed by and noticed leaves on a fig tree but could find no fruit....

Leaves come on the fig tree after the fruit, but in this case leaves came but fruit did not...

Jesus looked at the leaf bearing fruitless tree and cursed it...

The next day it had withered from the roots...

So many times we have a move of God and it is only a leaf stripping session....

When what we really need is to address and curse and remove and deal with the root of the issue....

At another time Jesus said faith like a mustard seed would allow us to speak to the sycamore tree and it would move itself by the roots to the sea....

Our faith is powerful enough deal with the root issues...

Our faith is build up by praying in the Holy Ghost...

So our prayers create a faith that can remove root issues.....

However our habits are to just cut back the plant in the off season and it grows back every year....

When in all reality what we should do is not cut back, strip leaves or cut off the plant...

Rather we should wrap our hands around the issue and pull it up by the roots....

I dealt with such an issue this week....

While doing so I felt deep in my body virtue flow from me to another....

And together we dealt with the root issue of something that had gone on way too many years....

My friend...

Instead of leaf stipping or stalk cutting....

Try praying in the Holy Ghost until your faith is built up enough to speak to your sycamore tree and move it all the way to the sea...

The sea of forgetfullness.....

By the roots....

Howdy

2011-04-18T15:23:00.006-05:00

Life has been crazy of late...

Between a new grandbaby, big stuff happening at CUPC, the loss of nearly 70 pounds, and my golf score dropping 20 points life has been good...

Those that follow me here know that the last year has been a BIG journey of all sorts of heartbreak, disappointment and grace....

But life moves on and after the discovery of the sufficiency of God's grace through any situation....

I have discovered a new level of unconditional love and walking in joy....

I want to write about these things in the near future....

RKS Upclose has not been abandoned...

Rather the blogger has been bogged down in life but in the next few days look out....

I want to rev up my thoughts and talk about life again...

So as a temporary farewell I thought I should share the pic with you....

I think it says it all......

rks

Gracefully Gracious Grace

2011-01-29T11:41:00.002-06:00

The unmerciful servant learned a hard lesson that day….

Tis too bad he had failed to learn it before he failed to offer the same grace his master had extended him….

For he had been handed the gift of grace…

But failed to offer the same grace to another….

And to whom much has been forgiven much is always required….

John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

He used His grace on us so we would have some grace to use on others…..

He fills us with His grace so we will be full of that same grace…

Being filled with His grace mandates we be graceful

That means we are so full of grace that everywhere we go grace splashes out on others….

And such gracefulness produces in us the ability to be gracious….

Gracious when things are not comfortable…

Gracious when we are embarrassed….

Gracious in the midst of awkward circumstance….

Gracious when our prides would have us be otherwise…

I have been presented more than once the opportunity to be gracious when my flesh did not want to…

But how can one be covered and filled with His gracefulness and not be abundantly gracious

Therefore the sufficiency of His grace mandates my grace-filled graciousness

This thought brings me to this statement I tweeted a couple of days ago….

The most powerful words are those I choose to not say......

Such words can only be influenced by…

Gracefully Gracious Grace….

The Bishop's First Sermon

2011-01-13T22:58:00.009-06:00

I took Bishop the Killer Guard Poodle to church tonight…

He taught the lesson…

OK, here is how it all went down…

I bought the advertisement hook, line and sinker…

Well rather I bought the dog food…..

During my morning time at the Y there was an ad talking about a particular dog food that had a scruffy happy doggy with tongue hangy outy and slobber drippy drippy while his tail was waggy waggy….

I think you get the picture….

So when Bishop the Killer Guard Poodle ran out of his food and when my eyes beheld the incredible looking bag at Kroger I was a bit surprised when my tail started going waggy waggy and my tongue did the hangy outy thingy ……

I bought it…

And Bishop loved it….

He always wanted more….

He came back early for more…

Sometimes at 4 a.m.

He couldn’t seem to get enough……

I even worked his love for his new dog food into a bible lesson….

I would laugh when Bishop was over by the cabinet trying to get more of the stuff…..

But then I noticed….

Noticed that though he wanted more; the waggy waggy, drippy drippy routine slowed down…..

His hair began to lose luster…..

And then he looked skinny…..

How could he start looking like this while eating that so very good looking dog food…..

It looked so good I talked about putting some water in bowl of it and microwaving it and trying it myself…

But Bishop was not the same Bishop from a month ago….

So I researched the nutritional ratings of the new dog food……

And was surprised to see the food rated with the lowest dog food rating available…

Not only was it rated very low…

But along with the rating was a rebuke from the rating agency for the marketing misrepresentation of the parent company….

For the commercial had a scruffy doggy, loving master cutting up big chunks of beef and real veggies…

But the reality was….

The food consisted of chicken fat and soy powder with some food coloring and taste enhancement…..

Twas junk…

And I had been feeding it to my Killer Guard Poodle….

Shame on me….

So today I went and got him some good stuff that was rated very highly by the doggy food rating people….

And after one meal the pup seems so content and is snoring right now across the room….

This is kinda like some churches….

Got the right marketing down….

But do not offer truth or righteousness or nutrition for the soul…

Rather some nice little sound bites and non nutritious coloring but nothing substantial……

And we wonder why folks become so carnal and spiritually malnourished….

Shame on us for buying into the slick marketing of the non nutritious insincere and shallow of pop culture church….

Felt needs have been substituted for cross bearing….

Praise teams for prayer warriors….

Illustrated sermons and video clips have replaced the anointing for some…

Shame on us….

Is it any wonder that the outward looks of so many are changing?

Is it any surprise that a single diluted service in the week does not satisfy the attendees and their lives are filled with the world?

Shame on us for buying the slick marketing of the religious profiteers who make millions on the ignorance and spiritual decline of others while making everybody feel so good about themselves…

Orphanages and feeding the poor will never replace the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost…..

There is absolutely no substitute for Apostolic Anointing……

Some have exchanged anointed church for created atmosphere…..

And a Word from God must be filtered through the Creative Team……

Shame on us….

I apologized to Bishop for feeding him the garbage food…..

And the saints of God that we have served low rated spiritual food deserve to have it replaced with substance….

Prayers and blessings….

rks

Annaleigh Sage Smith

2011-01-03T22:37:00.013-06:00

Born December 29, 2010

I seem to be adjusting OK

I ain't gonna lie, this kid is cuter than yours.....

Painful Preacher Pride

2010-12-02T00:02:00.004-06:00

The heartbreaking news of moral failure in our un-wed daughter was revealed to us via a dream of the Holy Ghost….

Within hours the dream became reality and we would learn that soon we would be grandparents….

I begged God for mercy and for this ugliness to go away….

I asked for grace that was not granted…

However, the Lord did let me know that the grace he was allowing me would be sufficient for the journey we would take for the next several months….

I hurt….

Oh how I hurt….

For my daughter…

My wife….

My church….

The pain was terrible as I dealt with the reality of the ugly facts…..

I was lost in my own painful pride….

For you see….

Pride said, “You are The Pastor and look what has happened”

Pride said “Make an example of her”

Pride asked, “What will your preacher friends say about this”?

Pride said,”They might not say it but they will sure be thinking it”

Pride said, “Your family and you are a reproach to the ministry”

Pride said, “You cannot remain with the church since you cannot control your own house”

The day I mentioned to Tracie maybe I ought to just resign so as not to bring shame was the day reason dawned…..

And pride was moved to the rear of the situation….

That day I realized ….

Either I would own this problem or this problem would own me….

Therefore I took ownership….

The voice of Pride was to be ignored and I would love my daughter with all I had….

I knew that God had forgiven her….

Then why should I not…

Rather, why should I allow my pride to not allow me the joy of giving her the same mercy I had given to others over the years…..

This simple decision has changed the last nine months as I await the advent of an uninvited, unplanned granddaughter….

I moved furniture with joy…..

I helped paint a room with joy…..

I attended an ultra-sound session with, well, maybe not with joy but at least I went……

I insisted she attend meetings with us…..

I spent thousands making sure that she was beautiful at those meetings….

And I can say with absolute confidence that my grandkid will be cuter than yours….

Even though the child was conceived in sin and carried in shame and born into a single parent home….

I already love the little rat!!!

As I ponder these things….

I have remembered many friends along the way who did not win victory over their “Painful Preacher Pride”

One told me that they wished they had been more understanding when this happened to them….

Another wept saying his daughter never came back to church once the failure was made public….

Preacher man!

If your children fail, you cannot allow your Preacher Pride to control you….

For pride always precedes destruction….

Maybe not your destruction….

But more than likely your pride will insure the destruction of an already wounded and soiled precious daughter or son…

For the Pain of the Prideful Preacher in such circumstance is purely selfish…..

Pride is selfish….

Your pain is not your love for your loved one…

Rather, said pain is love for self….

The Pride of the Preacher can be very Painful to all involved….

The parent, the child and those viewing from a distance…

Preacher, please do not allow your pride to cause more damage to failed children than has to be…..

If you find this little blog offensive or painful do not feel alone……

For so would I have nine months ago…..

But now His love and His humility and His grace and His mercy has allowed me to become victorious over an embarrassing personal situation….

And I still have my daughter…..

That gives me my first grandkid in a week or so…..

Should you read this and find yourself in a similar circumstance, please know you are not alone and my prayers are with you….

Humbly….

rks

936.525.9938

Thanks Thoughts

2010-11-23T11:29:00.003-06:00

Today…..

Tuesday November 22, 2010….

Two days before Thanksgiving…..

So I pause, ponder and possibly pontificate on the reasons I have to be thankful this Thanksgiving season….

Tracie….

The beautiful, stalwart, consistent, powerful , passionate and gracious lady of my life whom the Lord gave me nearly 29 years ago. My heart, my soul and my life would really be a mess without her…

Doni…..

The little adoptee found in a dumpster 24 years ago that has produced more smiles, amazement and vehicle accident reports than I knew could be possible….

Trent…

My boy, my son, a young man pursing his calling, a man to stand beside in ministry, a young man becoming a full man and gains my respect more with every test passed…..

Calah…..

Trent’s gal that giggles at his goofiness and worships the ground he walks on and took the noisy thing out of our house but still lets him come over and play every Thursday….

Family….

My Mom & Dad were at my house in less than two hours on a very bad day when I called and simply said I needed them and hung up…..

Popsie & Grammy have believed in us for a lifetime……

Siblings….

5 - Smith, 4 - Thomas, 5 - Patrick makes lots of aunts, uncles & cousins….

Home….

Indeed God has blessed us with a most cherished refuge that we truly do not deserve….

Church….

CUPC is my life work and my life is far from over. Those past, present & future members will never understand the unconditional love I have for each. I am truly thankful that I have not torn down a bridge or locked a gate that would prevent one from approaching this lighthouse for the first or the fiftieth time…..

Staff….

Those that give of themselves daily deserve so much more than we are able to give one day will receive the proper remuneration for their service rendered unto the Lord….

Ministry Team….

Your maturity is such that I do not fear nor worry when away….

The Lord…

He decided to take me on a journey this year….

His Love….

In late April in a period of two weeks I felt my heart pulled from my chest and transplanted with hurt, grief, denial and questions. I was soon to learn that He meant this for my good and that I was being handed a new dimension of love. I simply pray I am passing the test.

His Brokenness….

Earlier in the year I preached a message concerning the Lord picking up, squeezing and ripping the fish from the lad’s lunch. I twisted and broke fish sticks all over the pulpit as a visual aid. Little did I know that He had already picked me up and had begun to squeeze and break me for the purpose of His multiplication. Brokenness is not fun…..

His Humility….

Events transpired in my world that forced me to cognize that pride could not be the driving force. Pride would cause me to be hard and not extend the love and mercy that I should. I had seen others with similar circumstance that allowed personal embarrassment and pride to drive a wedge that should never have been. I knew that my pride could cause my circumstance to own me for a lifetime or I could humbly take ownership of the unfolding events. Thankfully today I own the circumstance rather than it owning me.

His Grace….

I prayed for grace only to find out that the grace I prayed for was not to be extended. However I did find His grace would be sufficient for the path I was to walk. His grace has allowed for us to be gracious in a most difficult time.

His Mercy….

I asked Him for mercy. I asked CUPC for mercy. I asked ever individual for mercy and found more mercy extended to me than I ever dreamed. One board member of CUPC publicly implored that I extend the same mercy to my own that I had extended to theirs and then an entire church family gathered and for two hours gave us a never forgotten life experience of mercy. Family and friends added to the mercy. Nearly 100 people passed through our home last week and extended more mercy. Mercy upon mercy is more than I can truly comprehend.

Friends…..

This has been an area of discovery. For some we counted as friends for a lifetime were nowhere to be found when we despaired. At the same time we discovered friends we did not realize were such. While the absence of old friends was staggering, the discovery of new old friends has been incredible. This lesson of friendship has caused a new purpose within myself of simple friendship.

The Ministry….

The men of the ministry have become more important to me than ever. The Lord has used so many of his good men to speak into our lives the past few months. Camp meeting was halted and God’s man left the stage and marched to where I endeavored to hide with a personal word from God. An old prophet prayed with my children at camp meeting for over an hour. Another prophet was sent with new direction. One minister came to my house and just wept and prayed with us, and then insisted that we spend personal time together during the new few days. While yet another young man called with a word that promised the war was over. My appreciation for the Work of the Ministry as grown tremendously for instead of ministering I have been the one ministered to. I pray special blessings upon the Men of God who have spoken into my life this year.

Trust….

I trusted and found that some are not worthy of said trust and I learned that regardless. I must trust…

In the early months of 2010 I found myself referencing Psalm 23 on several occasions, not yet realizing the path I trod….

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death….

This simple verse came alive to me as I passed through the valley and felt shadows of darkness, loneliness, grief, and anguish for I was reminded that this was simply a journey through the valley. The darkness was simply a shadow that would pass.

The death I felt was really not death but a rebirth of a new appreciation of his greatness and goodness.

The week before I found myself plunged into the dark I began a Wednesday night series called “Finding Joy In The Journey”. Little did I know that my lessons were intended for no one but myself.

For indeed…

There is Joy in this Journey….

His grace has been sufficient …..

And I stand in awe this Thanksgiving Week of His wonderful workings in my personal life….

Notwithstanding....

The doctor told Doni last week that I will be a popi before Christmas….

May your Thanksgiving be as blessed as mine has already been…..

rks

UPCI General Conference 2010 Houston

2010-10-04T12:17:00.003-05:00

This morning Tracie and I checked out of the Hilton of the Americas in Houston and made the 35 mile trip back to Conroe....

Indeed the 2010 General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church Int was an incredible week....

Friends, food, fellowship, family and good church were all part of the week....

Then the incredible move of the Lord last evening in the Toyota which culiminated with many thousands around the world experiencing the New Birth was the icing on the cake!

So I ponder the last few days and have a few thoughts....

Indeed the direction on the UPCI is sound and sure....

Our leadership is solid....

Our world mission remains intact....

And though HIS church is flawed....

Her God is not....

And this pastor returns home to continue my small part in His Harvest!

With faith and confidence...

Rested....

When To Keep Your Mouth Shut

2010-09-16T08:40:00.005-05:00

Well folks this was my bible lesson last night at CUPC. I found it in a file of thoughts that I have collected over the years. However I have no clue who's material it was. Therefore if you read this and it was your work. Thanks....rks

Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

1. In the Heat of Anger Psalm 116:11 (KJV) I said in my haste, All men are liars.

2. When You Don’t Have All The Facts Proverbs 18:13 (KJV) He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

3. If Your Words Make Your Family, Friends or Church Look Bad James 3:6 (KJV) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

4. When You Are Tempted To Make Light Of Holy Things Matthew 22:5 (KJV) But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

5. If You Think You Might Regret Your Words Later Proverbs 6:2 (KJV) Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Proverbs 14:1 (KJV) Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

6. When You Are Tempted To Tell At Lie Revelation 21:8 (KJV) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

7. If You Can’t Speak Without Yelling Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

8. When It’s Time To Listen James 1:19 (KJV) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

9. If You’ve Already Said It Once Before. (Anymore becomes nagging.) Didn't proverbs talk about living in the attic all alone than in the master bedroom with somebody that nags?

10. If You KNOW That You Talk Too Much. Proverbs 10:19 (KJV) In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

11.If Your Words Are Meant To Get Even Or To Give Someone A “Piece Of Your Mind” Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

12. If You Know It Will Cause Argument Or Debate 2 Timothy 2:23 (KJV) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

13. If You Know That WHAT You’re Saying Can Hinder Revival In Your Church. Galatians 5:15 (KJV) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

14. If Your Words Will Offend A Weak Brother 1 Corinthians 8:11-13 (KJV) 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

15.When You’re Tempted To Make A Joke About Sin Proverbs 14:9 (KJV) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

16. When The Subject Is None Of Your Business 1 Peter 4:15 (KJV) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.2 Thessalonians 3:11 (KJV) For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

17. If Your Words Will Damage Another’s Reputation Or Character Proverbs 16:27 (KJV) An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.Proverbs 18:8 (KJV) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

18.If Your Words Will Damage A Friendship Proverbs 17:9 (KJV) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

19. When You’re Feeling Critical James 3:9-10 (KJV) 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

20. When We May Later Have To Eat Our Words Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Matthew 12:37 (KJV) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

21.If Your Speech Is Not Consistent With Godly Living.

Name Change

2010-09-06T12:37:00.004-05:00

I think it happened when I was not looking...

But I think my name was changed....

I am now referred to as Manual Labor'......

It seems that Labor Day turned into just that....

Labor Day....

My girls have projects for me to complete but I have escaped for the moment....

However, twil be a but a moment and they (the girls) will notice that all forward progress on the projects with an s has ceased.....

And Old Manual will be called back to Labor'.....

However it could be worse....

I could not have these two girls....

Or that boy that traded me for that little short girl.....

I could be without them and stuck with only this computer......

Truly my friend....

I am blessed beyond measure.....

Family, friends, projects.....

& You.......

Prisoner of Love

2010-09-01T13:09:00.002-05:00

I saw this earlier today on The Ballestero Blog and have been singing it every since.

PRISONER OF LOVE

By Dottie Rambo

1.

When I came to Jesus I settled it all.

I gave him my life to control,

Neither fear no persuasion could draw me to Christ.

But His love has captured my soul

2.

He holds me secure with his love strong and true.

I’m happy his servant to be.

In bondage to Jesus forever I’ll stay

My soul doesn’t want to be free.

Chorus

I’m a prisoner of love (I’m a prisoner of love)

A slave to the master

I willingly toil (I willingly toil)

Through the heat and the cold

I seek no reward (I seek no reward)

In this world below.

But a payday will come (but a payday will come)

When the pearly gates unfold.

A Joyful Pastor

2010-08-30T18:28:00.004-05:00

I am the first to admit that life is not always perfect....

Pastoring provides many disappointments...

However amid all of those there is absolutely nothing that compares with the good things that happen in the Kingdom of God....

Take this for instance...

Last weekend we had over 400 visitors in a single service at CUPC....

This week we are counting 5 new families.....

Amid a disappointment or two....

There are so many things to be joyful about....

Joy is a choice....

And when embraced the days become so happy....

Job had it figured out...

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, blessed be the Name of the Lord....

Therefore today as I reflect this evening upon the events around me the last few days....

I have nothing to be sad about and so very much to rejoice in....

I have chosen joy....

And somewhere along the way....

Joy seems to have chosen me.....

Think about it....

Make the choice to rejoice in your blessings and pretty soon joy just takes over....

Sis Opal Keen will forever be an inspiration to me....

She had buried 3 husbands and her only child....

Yet she was the absolute most happy person I have ever known....

Oh, how I miss her sweet phone messages telling me what a sweet pastor I was....

I will never forget her joy for living....

So today....

This pastor chooses joy.....

Care to join me?

Faux Mess

2010-08-27T09:02:00.006-05:00

So my baby girl Doni decides a room upstairs needs to be painted....

Her mother agreed....

That normally does not bode well for the MAN OF THE HOUSE....

So an after 9 trip to Home Depot ended with the 2 against the 1 for the room to be Faux...

What in the world is Faux?

After debate and even arguing the decision is made and Faux it is....

Why didn't somebody just say that Faux was sponge or rag paint?

Anyway, last night the event was to transpire but our attempt was pathetic....

So another late night trip to Home Depot and a new technique...

And the girls were finally satisfied with the final result....

However, it was not that easy....

Somebody had to go and repaint the base color back over all the mess the girls made....

And Daddy Did It....

So this morning I repainted the wall that was Faux'd nearly to death and now it has been redeemed back to its rightful base color...

The girls tonight will take on the project with renewed vigor and lesson learned....

This is kinda like me and Jesus....

I mess it up and he cleans it up and gives me a second or third or fourth chance....

Has HE worked out that way for you?

I knew it....

Could This Be Our Moment?

2010-08-25T13:45:00.007-05:00

If you could capture a single moment of your life what would it be?

Would it be a particular moment in the past?

A moment of regret?

A moment of a great decision that propelled you into the future with success?

Or the missed moment of a decision you failed to make and opportunity passed you by?

Imagine yourself presented with a divine moment....

That moment when the past and future collide....

That moment you stand between your yesterday and tomorrow with opportunity unfolding...

That moment when “the cloud” begins to move...

That moment you come face to face with a scared king and a big giant...

That moment you are told by God to extend your hand and you must make the decision...

To hand him the twisted hand or the good one...

Nazareth was presented with one of those divine moments and let it slip by...

Jesus read from the Torah and then handed it back to this...

This day his said, this is revealed to you!!!

They viewed the moment as the mundane asking this question...

Is this not the carpenter’s son?

No matter how mundane the moment may appear, the miraculous may wait to be unwrapped in it (McManus)

Twas but a mundane moment....

When the lad shared his lunch....

When the wedding party ran out of wine....

And when those little kids were invited to sit on Jesus' lap....

Moments move in a timely manner and times waits for no one!

Twas such a moment when Samuel was sent to anoint a new king....

Jesse recognized the opportunity and lined up the boys....

Overlooking and maybe neglecting to bring the least of them....

But the mundane forgotten one was the one God was after.....

Samuel rejected the first 7 boys and asked if there was not another son?

He then said “ We will not sit down til the king comes”....

This past weekend was such a moment....

600+ here on Sunday morning with an incredible day....

I feel that we as a church have grown and now are faced with a “moment in time”....

Will we seize the moment…

Or will we get stuck in time…

And never get past the big day and not build upon it!...

Are you stuck in a moment?

A moment from yesterday you keep fighting to live in....

Are you hanging on with all your strength to yesterdays victory/revival?

Was there an event in your yesterday that you have hung up on and still live in that moment?

Understand this…

There is always a future and there is always a hope....

Yesterday’s dilemma cannot force fear on your tomorrow....

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.....

Bartemeus found his moment, Jesus thou son of David have mercy.....

Twas his single chance for it was the only trip the Lord made to Jericho...

Last year we had one of those moments when things went out of control and got crazy...

We baptized 200 homeless people...

Things did not make sense....

We fed thousands with little to nothing to show for it....

But along about the end of that moment....

Jason & Casey Ballman came into the Church.....

That moment last year was for us….

That moment definitely belonged to Jason & Casey….

Therefore we must move forward and live this moment to the fullest in HIM....

The last thing that needs to happen is.....

For us to let this moment pass and we be left with the memory of a big day and opportunity let slip....

No Trash Zone

2010-08-23T21:05:00.007-05:00

Squalllllkkkkkk sccreeeeechhhhhh......

Yeah, I'll take a tall caramel frap decaf with extra vanilla and a tall Pike Place with sweet & low and half & half.....

Squuueellelelklllllellellel.......

Don't you love those speakers?

Anyway....

Out comes two coffees and in goes one debit card and the transaction is complete....

But then the visit to Starbucks took on a completely different dimension...

Ma'am I asked, could I trade out my trash with you as I tried to hand her my water cup from earlier....

No sir, we are not allowed to accept trash.....

Inspiration came and I told her...

That is good, and whatever you do do not take any trash in any area of your life....

Laura stuck her whole body out of the window and said...

Yes sir that is good advice and I do not intend to....

Good Laura...

You stay in the no trash zone from here on out....

By the way I asked....

Do you mind if I use your name and this conversation on my blog....

You see I pastor a church and I write lots of little stuff....

What church?

I thought you wouldn't ask.....

Laura, go to www.conroeupc.org and find the personal page for the pastor and follow the links to my blog....

Do you mind if I use your name....

Sure, if I can help somebody or be an inspiration...

So to my friend Laura....

You inspired me tonight....

Blessings....

rks

600+

2010-08-23T14:46:00.001-05:00

Out Back to School Bash resulted in this attendance and I am ecstatic....

70 or so workers....

2300 bottles of water.....

2500 pieces of literature.....

And a faithful God who helped with all of this....

This was a big day for us here at CUPC.....

Thanks to every team member....

Thanks to Tracie who coordinated the event....

Thanks to the Lord for his anointing....

And if you were one of those 600+....

Thanks.....

I Don't Preach Today

2010-08-22T08:41:00.002-05:00

Today I do not preach....

The people pictured above took care of that....

And today....

Today they will facilitate hundreds of visitors in our sanctuary....

I am awed at the unity of this group....

70+ people gave their Saturday yesterday to change our city a little bit more....

So while I do not preach....

I will weep as kids and parents walk into CUPC for the first time....

I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E

2010-08-21T17:37:00.004-05:00

The outreach event for out Back to School Bash was phenom!!!!

71 Revival Makers joined us....

2300 bottles of Conroe UPC water were given away....

Hundreds of blue snow cones produced thousands of very happy little blue teeth....

Some happy big blue teeth too....

2500 pieces of literature were distributed....

What more can I say....

So now....

The dye is cast....

The invitations passed....

We are tired but tomorrow we go in faith.....

Increase will come...

And tomorrow @ CUPC we know we will see many many many new people....

I rejoice in faith....

Anticipation

2010-08-21T05:43:00.003-05:00

Sleep left early.....

Too early...

Yet as it left I realized it was not Sleep's fault....

Rather....

It was forced out by the arrival of Anticipation....

Anticipation for today's events......

For today CUPC hits the streets of Conroe for a double entente of outreach.....

At 8 a.m. a team of about 20 will arrive at the Conroe High School at the Shots Across Texas to pass out 2000 bottles of water and a post card fan to each of people standing in line....

Last year there were 1200 kids in that line along with parents etc....

This year we are told to expect more....

And the neat thing is we have been given the prime booth area as a sponsor to hand out information about our church and the Back to School Bash being held tomorrow....

Too cool!!!

And then at 11 a.m. a team of over 50 will take all three busses and a van loaded with blue snow cones to the community....

We have people coming from other cities just to participate in this event....

What in incredible day today is going to be....

And then tomorrow....

Scoozy the clown will minister to over 200 children in the CUPC sanctuary....

We will be giving school supplies away to our guest kids.....

Many of those 200 kids will have their moms or grandmoms with them.....

Secret between you and me......

We are prepared to give school supplies away to 300.....

What in incredible weekend we will have.....

Hopefully.....

One....

Maybe just one will receive the Holy Ghost this weekend....

Maybe just one new family will make CUPC their church home.....

Though we will cast much seed.....

We will plant, water and sow.....

We know the God gives the increase.....

And we step into the harvest field in anticipation of a great harvest.....

And the last time I checked.....

A single soul is quite a harvest by heaven's standards.....

So as I sit here early with faith, anticipation and confidence in the Lord.....

I rejoice He allows us....

The incredible team of people who want to change their city.....

The incredible church who unquestionably invest into the community ......

The great people who prepared school supplies and decorated for the event....

The logistics team who washed and even armor oiled some our really neat busses.....

I rejoice in Tracie's burden and love for these children....

This past Sunday...

We had parents of kids who we discovered at this same event last year worshipping in our sanctuary....

This past Sunday we had several adults receive the Holy Ghost that we discovered from the Back to School Bash last year.....

God can anoint school supplies, blue snow cones, post card fans.....

And the joyful efforts of a wonderful church team who is willing to give an entire Saturday in the streets of the city....

To find a single soul.....

What fulfilment we will have today....

And what fulfilment we will have tomorrow when there is no room for adults to sit in the church....

And what fulfilment we know as we see the lives of some changed......

Sweat and sacrifice will be made worthwhile the next 24 hours at CUPC.....

And I can hardly wait.....

So as I conclude this thought....

Not only did Sleep get forced out by Anticipation....

I can feel the excitement and faith pounding in my chest....

And I will conclude my comments because I cannot sit in this Lazyboy Recliner anymore.......

Later....

rks

Redeemed

2010-08-19T23:11:00.003-05:00

I just clicked back on the blog and saw the great big red Revoked of the previous post.....

It hit me that there is something so more precious than the harshness of that word...

Redeemed....

re·deem /rɪˈdim/ Show Spelled[ri-deem] Show IPA
–verb (used with object)
1. to buy or pay off; clear by payment: to redeem a mortgage.
2. to buy back, as after a tax sale or a mortgage foreclosure.
3. to recover (something pledged or mortgaged) by payment or other satisfaction: to redeem a pawned watch.
4. to exchange (bonds, trading stamps, etc.) for money or goods.
5. to convert (paper money) into specie.
6. to discharge or fulfill (a pledge, promise, etc.).
7. to make up for; make amends for; offset (some fault, shortcoming, etc.): His bravery redeemed his youthful idleness.
8. to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom.
9. Theology . to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.

The dictionary says more than I can even comment on....

Therefore....

You can have the big red Revoked....

I just want to be redeemed!!!

Revoked

2010-08-16T18:29:00.006-05:00

Today while updating an account I was surprised to see several past staffers of CUPC still listed as having privileges to the account....

I asked the clerk to help me remove the past staffers and to just make the account more up-to-date....

As I one by one told the clerk which person's name to remove I saw the word in the above graphic flash in bold red font as the name was clicked on to remove....

By clicking on "remove" the program flashed a great big "REVOKED" on the screen over the selected names....

"REVOKED" seemed kind of harsh to me....

So I left there pondering the word....

"REVOKED" defined: to take back or withdraw; annul, cancel, or reverse; rescind or repeal:

I did not like being the decision maker in this matter...

It seems I was the one who cancelled certain privileges for the names selected...

Reversing privilege or access was not something I enjoyed....

My decision resulted in the annulling of another's "access"....

I rescinded past "authorization"....

The repealing of past decisions made me sad.....

While every one of those names I "REVOKED" meant much to me on a personal level, I knew that stewardship required I follow through with this updating....

Not a single one of the "REVOKED" do I have a personal problem with....

As harsh as the word sounded to me....

I have decided it was the perfect word for the process....

This prompts my next thoughts...

I wonder if God has ever had to consider the "REVOKE" option where I am concerned....

And if HE has...

I wonder if HE felt the harshness of the word as I did today.....

After all HE has invested in me, surely the thoughts of having to "REVOKE" past access hurts....

While I know HIS mercy endures forever....

I pray my decisions never place me in this position with God....

Can you imagine standing in line on Judgement Day and finally coming face to face with HIM...

HE asked the angel for the records concerning R Kent Smith....

And the angel sadly showing HIM...

And me....

That "REVOKED" had been stamped across my name......

I pray this never happens....

Therefore I choose to stay in right relationship with HIM....

For I choose to never have my "access" to HIM...

"REVOKED"

Just A Thought Concerning Decisions

2010-08-16T15:34:00.003-05:00

Today our staff and students came back for the first day of school....

I was happy to see the returning students as well and the staffers that have been preparing for the new year....

We added new uniforms as well and I think they are really neat....

This all made for a really nice day and I am looking forward to a great year...

Late last year we opted for a couple of tough decisions that we knew would make our school a better organization....

We were concerned that parents would resist the changes...

But today the changes seem to have paid off and I rejoiced as I see the positive effects of both decisions...

Decisions are not easy...

Hard decisions are even less....

But when standing at the crossroads of decision one must move forward in faith....

Our decisions today determine certain success or failures tomorrow....

Therefore...

We make our decisions and then our decisions make us.....

Ask yourself the hard questions....

How have my recent decisions effected my future?

Am I coming to regret said decisions?

Did I make those decisions in an emotional moment?

Are my decisions based on what is right for me and my family?

Was my decision based on friends and peer groups?

How did my decision effect those around me?

These questions and others are but a few questions that can provide clear direction for future decisions....

And please remember....

We make our decisions....

And then our decisions make us......

Incredible Outreach Idea

2010-08-15T22:43:00.005-05:00

Ok....

The pic is terrible but the idea is not....

Redonia built this post card and then Debra Robinson had the neat idea of gluing sticks on them and creating fans....

Bingo!!!

So we have at least 1200 of them ready to hand out to parents at our Shots Across Texas event Sat, along with a cold bottle of www.GotThirstConroe.com water....

Kudos to Doni on the card....

Debra on the fans...

And the rest of the team that will pass them out Saturday

It Ain't Coming Back In!!!

2010-08-13T22:07:00.009-05:00

So.....

The neighborhood association decides that this weekend is the time for all of the residents to clean out the junk and set it all out on the driveway for the neighborhood garage sale......

Please note that not a single sale will be in one of the 88 houses in our gated community....

Garages are for all the junk we are gonna keep....

But I digress.....

So for two weeks Tracie has kept me busy.....

But the first order of business was to clean the garage so we could junk it up again...

I happily conformed....

On my own terms...

And cleaning the garage meant adding new shelving and going through every single rubbermaid box that has been horded out there for the last 28 years....

The garage became an emotional journey....

Then came the downstairs closets...

Upstairs closets....

Every single drawer....

Every nook and cranny......

I even crawled into that little space under the staircase landing...

The 2nd story attic....

And then the 3rd story attic....

All and I mean all had to be gone through....

28 years of sentimental hordage was sorted and I was told to go up and down those stairs hundreds of times til it was in all deposited in the formerly cleaned and restored garage....

I must humbly comment on what a wonderful spirit I have displayed during these events....

But now the telling moment arrives...

The alarm is set for 5 a.m.....

And before daylight all the rummage will be placed out for the community to dig through....

My single command during all of this has been....

If it goes out to the driveway....

It ain't coming back in....

So I ponder....

This has been good for us....

We have sorted, cleaned, discarded, prioritized and now removed many things from our home we deem no longer necessary for survival....

If this works for the outer man....

Twould probably work out good for the inner one as well.....

Take some time my blogging friend....

Sort the the stored rummage that has collected in your spirit and heart....

Move it outside.....

And make the decision.....

When it is moved out....

It ain't coming back in......

Blessings....

rks

A Work Of The Holy Ghost

2010-08-11T12:18:00.004-05:00

In the beginning God created....

He spoke....

His Spirit moved upon....

And it all began....

There is absolutely no substitute for A Work Of The Holy Ghost...

Ministries cannot replace it....

Talents cannot imitate it....

Singing cannot synthesize it....

Teaching cannot convince it....

There is nothing that compares nor competes with a sovereign Work of the Holy Ghost....

You cannot rationalize or explain the pillar of fire, the cloud or the parting of the Red Sea....

There is no rationale of how the Lord moved upon a whale to swallow a man and deposit him upon the shore of where God intended for him to be to begin with....

Never will one find "sense" in how an angel could stir muddy water and provide healing for the first lucky person to stumble in....

Not by might,nor by power but by my Spirit saith the Lord.....

Nothing can substitute it...

Nothing can equal it.....

And this pastor is determined to not live without it....

Sometimes!!!

2010-08-08T15:26:00.002-05:00

There is so much tumult in the day we live in....

Noise and clamor on every side....

Confusion, fear and strife seem to cloud every waking moment....

Politics and political correctness force themselves into places never intended for them...

Finance or lack thereof are a constant pressure....

Family sometimes ceases to be family....

But in the midst of it all I find solace in the Word of God....

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6

Amid the clamor, tumult and strife...

Sometimes....

Sometimes I need.....

The Wonder....

Counsel....

A mighty delivering God....

Everlasting Father I can trust....

Peace.....

It seems to me that The Lord recognized there would be days we needed each of these.....

Sometimes I just need to feel the wonder of the Wonderful....

Sometimes I just need some counsel and a Word from God....

Sometimes I need the miracle of the Mighty God....

Sometimes I need the Everlasting Father so I can just trust again....

And sometimes I need the Prince of Peace to bring me the peace of God that passes understanding....

Today is one of those Sometimes days and I intend to bring those five things to CUPC tonite.....

Bus Teens Receive Holy Ghost

2010-08-06T22:18:00.003-05:00

Ok...

The above pics are the before and after of one of our busses!

But tonite I am more excited about some of the teens who ride our busses....

Several of them received the Holy Ghost at a youth rally tonight!

The busses have a pretty neat before and after....

But I can hardly wait to compare the before and after of these bus teens who started a brand new life tonight

Thanks to the sponsors who helped them attend the meeting....

Thanks to the the entire team who have worked with these teens.....

Revival comes in many packages.....

It Was NOT Me!!!

2010-08-05T00:22:00.006-05:00

So this is what I saw this morning as I left our beautiful gated neighborhood for the Y.....

Apparently somebody decided to make an entrance out of the exit...

The gate was twisted and bent.....

However the guy who put up the sign becomes my hero for the day....

Apparently the sign guy knew who ran through the gate because he put the gate crasher's name up on the fence....

As I came back into the neighborhood later I could not help but think....

I know the guy with his name on the fence....

I have dealt with him more than once over these years....

You know....

The guy who is always trying to go the wrong way in life....

The counter cultural rascal....

The one that just does his own thing....

The fellow that pushes every limit but steps back just before it can be said he did something wrong....

That rebellious teenager that only hurts himself....

The unsubmitted young lady who just keeps repeating the same dumb mistakes....

The momma who makes excuses for her kids....

The grandma who stills tries to be 21....

The mid-life crisis guy....

Seems like every time I see the guy with his (or her) name on the fence the results are always the same....

Something has been knocked down and twisted because somebody thought they were smart enough to beat the system and go the wrong way....

Oh well....

The guy with his name on the fence should have just followed the instructions....

But then that would be oversimplification for him....

Anyway....

I bet you he might have got away with going the wrong way again....

But not without some scratches and dents on his car....

So this leads me to this simple conclusion....

Going the wrong way in the thoroughfare of life proves little....

It tears up the gate and the car....

Which probably is the perfect qualification...

To get one's name on the gate.....

The Pretenders...

2010-08-02T22:00:00.004-05:00

At some point the Prodigal began faking it....

No doubt early on his new life and choices were fun....

But at some point...

The fun began to wain and the smiles had to be forced....

The first night the debit card dinged as he picked up the tab for his not so great buddies reality began to sink in....

Soon homeless and desperate he looked at the hog slop and was tempted to share dinner....

My point is....

At some point we begin faking it....

Sunday morning @CUPC we discussed this and it appears that the attempts to maintain pretense is the earliest stages of a sad demise....

There are Pretenders in every church....

On every job....

In every family.....

And maybe even inside of you!

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. 2 Tim 2:25

Pretenders "oppose themselves"

There are their own enemy!

But God "gives them repentence" when they acknowledge "the truth"....

Not doctrinal truth....

Not salvific truth....

But "the truth" about themselves...

For when one acknowldges "the truth" about himself he is no longer a Pretender.....

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Tim 2:26

The Pretender is taken captive by the enemy at the enemy's choice time....

Pretenders are not their own master, rather they willingly walk into the enemy's trap....

Oh but if......

If the Pretender will drop the pretence and acknowledge truth about himself....

He can "recover himself" out of the snare of pretentious pretending...

The Prodigal compared dinner with a pig to dinner at Dad's place....

And set all pretence aside...

Got himself out of the "snare of the devil"....

And ate a fat baby cow for supper....

The Prodigal Pretender would have had to share a pork chop with a pig....

Golden Anniversery

2010-07-30T06:32:00.005-05:00

Fifty years ago this week Pastor & Mrs. Ronald W Smith were married in Houston Texas.....

She borrowed a dress and he the cash for the license...

Over the next 20 years they became known as Mom & Dad to the five of us….

This week, my four siblings and I honor them with a 50th reception in Lufkin Tx….

Dad pastored for 40 years and recently retired for the second time….

Mom was right there with him every step of the way…

They taught us to love God, family, truth and the work of God…..

Their addiction to church work was passed on to us….

God has been good to them and they are able to enjoy their retirement years without pressure….

So this week……

Their five children and our respective families pause our lives and gather with them and a host of friends from around the world……

We celebrate their marriage…..

We celebrate their legacy….

We their children rise up and call our parents blessed….

And with this note I would like to remind my siblings……

I called them Mom & Dad first!!!

Tonight I allow candor to guide my fingers….

2010-07-27T07:28:00.003-05:00

This year will never qualify as my best….

In April, Tracie faced a major surgery….

Two weeks later my most trusted person left our staff and church….

I was staggered and grieve to this day….

Especially remembering we were once referred to as Mom & Dad….

One week later CUPC had a major financial crisis that I carried alone….

Then the next week….

My wife was awakened via a dream and it was revealed to us via the Holy Ghost our daughter Redonia had been involved in an inappropriate relationship and would soon be an un-wed mother…..

In a single month, this 1 – 2 – 3 punch staggered me….

I have never felt such despair before…..

My prayer began to sound like this….

Lord, please do not let my faith fail me…..

I began to ask God for mercy…

I asked CUPC for mercy….

I asked every individual I encountered for mercy….

God was faithful……

Mercy comes in many packages…..

A package called family that offered understanding and support….

Packages like the entire CUPC family gathering around us with forgiveness and grace….

Mercy like CUPC asking I show the same mercies to my own that I had shown to them and theirs….

Mercy packaged in an entire camp meeting being stopped as the preacher left the stage and walked to where I sat in the back with a personal word from God….

Mercy with Bishop Wayne McClain praying for my three kids for and hour and a half on Friday night of camp meeting….

Mercy like new friends becoming intimate friends….

Mercy like old relationships dissolving because they would be unhealthy….

Mercy like a vacation doing absolutely nothing but rest….

I long ago learned to never ask God why….

I learned long before this year to accept change and problems and to accept responsibility for things….

Therefore I do not question HIM….

Rather , I quietly walk in the Peace of God…..

Mercy came to me in the form of knowing that I must take ownership of these issues….

For if I did not control them…

They would control me….

And that pride could not be an issue….

Therefore it was mandatory that pride not manipulate me to cover or hide truth…..

These thoughts bring me to the following realities…

#1 Tracie’s body is healing from surgery and she is stronger, thereby we are stronger….

#2 The financial crisis was taken care of as always….

#3 Trusted people move on and I will one day trust again.….

#4 Life and pregnancy are a process that take time and move forward at their own pace…..

#5 I might not be given the measure of grace I ask for but the measure I am given will be sufficient for the day….

#6 Being granted grace mandates I must always be graceful…..

#7 Becoming a grandpappy was inevitable…..

#8 Designer grandparent names are ignorant but a cool kind of ignorant…..

#9 I will soon be known as Poppy…..

#10 My grand-kid is gonna be cuter than yours…..

Friends

2010-07-17T16:37:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had life do a U-turn on you?

Live many times takes turns you never expected…..

Tis those moments that you find yourself relying on God….

Family…..

And friends….

Most of us have trusted others to only be reminded that life is fickle and so are people when the trusted one proves to be unworthy of that trust….

Most know the feelings of vulnerability when friendship and trust is stripped or tossed aside…..

It is in the moments of such weakness and tears you make new discoveries….

The discovery that those you thought were friends and trustworthy really were not worthy of your trust….

And the friend you counted on really was never numbered among your friends….

Then surprisingly one discovers friends he never knew of….

Relationships born in the midst of heartache become the dearest…..

When mutual vulnerability is shared…..

Tears mixed with hugs and hurting hearts….

Truly trustworthy friendships emerge….

Trust is extended….

Then held close….

And lifelong relationships burst into life….

One Thing Never Changes

2010-07-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

Wow.....

What a roller coaster ride the last few months have been....

Change is inevitable....

So are surpises....

And then there are those life changing events that leave you forever different....

We have seen several of those of late....

However amid all the fun....

I have come to love my family more than ever....

CUPC has become more dear than I can express....

And Jesus never changes....

His constancy is the only real thing that never ceases to be the same....

Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever....

So while life provides change....

And church is ever evolving....

He continues...

Unchanged....

Ain't this the truth

2010-06-15T00:20:00.000-05:00

Texas District Camp Meeting 2010

2010-06-12T10:34:00.003-05:00

My bunch arrived at the campgrounds this year....

Battered, bruised and banged up.....

But the Lord had prepared a special rest and refreshing for us....

From a direct word from God from the pulpit for me...

Lots of hugs for Tracie from many...

Friends and family circling us with love....

To my kids all being renewed in faith and the Holy Ghost when anointed by Bro McClain....

We head home this morning refreshed, renewed and filled with....

Expectation.....

The CUPC family really does not want to miss Sunday night this week.....

His Glory Revealed

2010-06-03T00:10:00.001-05:00

The Devil dropped by to chat and the conversation drifted to Job….

Have you thought about him the Lord asked?

Yes Lord, but you have a hedge around him and his stuff so I cannot get to him….

So God moved the hedge back….

Have you ever noticed that sometimes God moves your hedge back and life comes at you from every angle?

Seems that there are seasons that the hedge is back and the Devil has free range in your life….

And when he does all those fiery darts of the enemy assault your mind and spirit….

Then he allows those fiery trials to engulf you but tells you they are no big deal…

Yeah right!

Fiery darts of depression, oppression, sadness, suicide, and the tsunami of fiery trials of divorce, failed relationships, failed kids or failed careers….

Sometimes the fiery darts turn into fiery trials that sure seem like fiery Hell….

You have been there too I see!

But Peter kept talking and reminds us that in a short while…..

The Lord’s glory is going to be revealed in us…

This I do not understand….

Why does he allow the fiery darts and fiery trials to come so He can get glory from it?

No, this is a hard thing….

But when I build up my host holy faith and pray in the Holy Ghost….

I can see through a glass darkly and barely comprehend…

That indeed His glory one day soon will be revealed in me….

Kinda like the fellow who was born blind and the Pharisees asked Jesus if he or his parents had sinned…

Neither was the Lord’s answer…

And then the great revelation….

This man was blind so that the Son of Man might be glorified….

OK……

So the poor guy was born blind and for a lifetime of frustration and poverty he has stumbled around just so Jesus can get some glory?

Yup….

For Peter goes on to tell us that soon the glory of the Lord will be revealed in us and we will be very happy about it….

The pain will be worth the gain….

And the blind man could only say….

I once was blind but now I see…..

So God moved the hedges back a bit and Job dealt with his own fiery darts and trials, losing everything but his nagging wife….

And integrity…

But if you just keep reading you will learn….

That in the end the Lord revealed His glory in Job and blessed him with more than he had lost in the beginning….

Some days and some things I just do not understand…..

But I intend to hang around and see His glory revealed…..

For some reason….

I just do not think I will regret my decision…..

Obama at the Bat

2010-05-31T22:31:00.000-05:00

Purpose for the Pain

2010-05-26T07:53:00.001-05:00

I write today as I ponder my own pain and that of many other ministers I know….

Why is it that it seems in this life called The Ministry that pain comes in waves…..

Just about the time one thinks he is ready for the blessing something happens and here comes another event more painful than the last….

Think with me….

The lad and the lunch neither appeared to be much until placed in the hands of the Lord….

As ministers we place ourselves in His hands by faith that He will use us…

Imagine you are the little fish in the lad’s brown bag lunch….

Imagine what the fish had gone through….

Captured in a net and drug from the water to die in the hot sunshine and then thrown in an ice chest, hauled home and then placed in a hot skillet of grease and cooked until well done…

This sounds like another typical day in the ministry….

Caught by The Call…

Then while being drug into the boat, the shock of loss of water, hot sun shine and then cold ice chest…

Preacher Guy, have you ever felt the shocking elements of ministry?

When all you wanted to do was mind you own business?

More than once I have felt the shock of the journey between the ice chest and the frying pan!

The fish was cooked and bagged and sent off to be eaten by the lad….

But Jesus had need of him….

So the dead fish is taken and placed into the hands of the eternal creator….

Imagine the surge of life that the little fish must have felt….

Life, energy, hope and resurrection….

Sounds like Sunday night doesn’t it?

Then just as the little fish feels the power of the Master’s hands….

Those healing miraculous hands begin to squeeze and break….

And the little fish was broken…

Broken and distributed….

And then multiplied….

Brethren….

There is purpose in the pain we feel in the ministry….

He takes us…

He blesses us….

He breaks us….

Then the multiplication can begin….

The Highest Cost of Revival

2010-05-25T12:58:00.000-05:00

During an outreach event last week I began to assess the cost of the event….

The snow cones and printed material were costly…

Busses and van moving people from place to place which involved insurance, fuel, registration and maintenance cost….

People took personal vehicles and there was personal cost involved in that….

The event was successful and the church was full of people…

Several received the Holy Ghost and there was a baptism….

Refreshments for the kiddos cost….

Again busses and fuel and insurance and maintenance expenses were consumed…..

Revival is not cheap…

I have never seen a revival that did not cost…..

Many of the cost are hidden and most around the church never realize they were incurred….

But after 48 years in the church and 29 years of ministry….

I have come to conclude that none of these is truly The Highest Cost of a Revival…

The hidden and visible Highest Cost of Revival is people…

Invariably…..

In the midst of revival….

In the moment dreams are coming true….

The invoice arrives with a demand for immediate payment….

And a family exits the back door of the church while the rejoicing of revival is heard around the altars….

I know….

A front door revival requires a back door revival…..

And while I understand this principle….

This pastor’s heart hates The Highest Cost of Revival….

For just as the church does not understand the hidden cost of fuel, insurance and refreshments….

They understand The Highest Cost of Revival even less….

So many times I have longed to rejoice as the waters of baptism splashed, but was distracted as the back door of the church closed behind those I loved….

I have wept as I cognized that relationships would be broken…

Friends….

I could care less how much fuel, insurance, vehicles, snow cones and printing cost….

I could care less how much 10,000 bottles of water cost to give away.....

I could care less how large the bill is when it comes to a soul….

Containment of these costs is the least of my concerns….

However…

I would do anything in the world to contain…..

The people cost…

For indeed this is…..

The Highest Cost of Revival

Double Death of Adopted Daughters

2010-05-24T14:50:00.000-05:00

Today I sat at their desk….

I read notes from two adopted daughters….

One adopted via love, the courts and a life choice…..

The other adopted via the altar, the Lord and the working of the Holy Ghost….

Double Death….

One died via the spirits of confusion, misunderstanding and shifted allegiance….

The other separated by the flesh and sin….

The double death happening in a two week span….

I sat at the desk holding notes from both of my girls….

And though the neither death is physical….

Explain that to my heart today….

Monday Morning Thoughts

2010-05-24T08:40:00.001-05:00

Jude 20-25

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
KJV

Texas Bible College

2010-05-02T16:44:00.001-05:00

I was asked to speak to the Personal Evangelism class at TBC this week....

I consider this an incredible invite and with to thank Johnathon Green for the invite....

Thanks to the class and Bro Green...

rks

The Nets Broke!!!

2010-04-24T21:04:00.001-05:00

Brothers...

Pardon me while I rejoice!

Tracie began a van route about 15 months ago.....

This resulted in approx 100 regular bus kids and 6 regular families and two busses.....

She wanted to have a parents day and so today we took the busses and went to invite the parents of our 100 or so kids....

Things went crazy.....

End result....

We have approx 100 new kids today who signed up to come tommorow....

Probably 20 mamas will be on the busses with thier kids....

This left us with the dilemna of how to get some 200 kids and mamas to church....

Our nets were breaking!

I called a pastor friend who has been trying to sell me another bus and this afternoon I bought the bus and got it back to our campus.....

Many say that busses and kids are too much work for revival.....

But today I rejoice in a team of over 50 volunteers who have fallen in love with the souls of this city.....

I thank the Lord for an entire church family who will selflessly give to facilitate this mininstry....

And I rejoice in the God who called us and has allowed us to continue for over 19 years now.....

I pray that each of you see HIS blessings as well tommorro

Excerpt From Tonites Bible Study

2010-04-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

2 Cor 1:8-11
I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. And he did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect him to do it again and again. TLB

Deut 22:1-4

2010-04-20T10:17:00.002-05:00

1 Thou shalt not see the brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

2 And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

3 In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.

4 Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.
KJV

What an incredible principle!

I hope as a pastor I am never guilty of helping facilitate the loss of my brother's sheep or ass or ox.....

Or anything else that belongs to him and not me....

rks

Revival Makers

2010-04-19T13:38:00.001-05:00

The young man made his journey from Jerusalem to Jericho...

Direction is everything....

He was moving from the place of God and never intended to fall...

He fell..

Among thieves....

Those who maliciously wanted to strip him of the things he had....

Those who were takers....

I would like to call them...

Revival Takers.....

Then came a priest and Levite who did nothing to help the man....

I call them Revival Fakers....

But a Samaritan with bad pedigree and no future paused....

Poured oil into his wounds and arranged a hotel to take care of him and then promised to pay extra if needed....

This was a Revival Maker!!!

I do not have time for Revival Takers or Revival Fakers....

But I have plenty for a Revival Maker....

Blessings...

rks

World Missions Day

2010-03-01T17:54:00.004-06:00

World Missions Day @ CUPC was a tremendous success again this year....

We were blessed to have Kevin & Jeanine Blake with us to lead us in our Faith Promise committal....

The Blakes are great and have already agreed to be with us again next year for our World Missions Day....

CUPC has struggled with budget issues of late in light of the loss of jobs of several of our families...

I was worried that our commitment would drop this year...

But praise the Lord it did not but actually went up by $200 for the year....

Nearly $76,000 was committed by the CUPC family to missions causes this year....

Also to close the service the sacrifice offering was just under $10,000!!!

Today I quietly rejoice in the step of faith by so many....

I will also rejoice with these wonderful people as the Lord honors their step of faith....

I am so proud and thankful for the entire CUPC family....

Crazy & Steady

2010-02-11T11:56:00.004-06:00

Look around and see the crazy stuff happening....

The Iranians now claim they are "nuclear"...

Four foot of snow in Washington DC....

I personally think God has a trememdous sense of humor and has frozen in and shut down the arrogant who think that man can really mess up this wonderful universe that HE created....

Politicians "Gone Wild"...

Bribery and broken promises on every hand....

Then not to mention the crazy things happening around us...

Last week a death by murder and another by overdose touched CUPC very personally....

Things have just gone crazy and out of control....

However in the midst of it all....

HE is still in control....

We cannot look to politics or social agenda to settle the issues in our lives...

Rather we simply need to look to the hills from whence our help comes from...

Our help comes from "The Lord"!!!

Brothers and sisters....

In the midst of the choas of the moment...

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever......

Be strong....

Stand fast.....

Rejoice in Him.....

For no matter what happens in our world...

Remember that we are of another world....

We live on dirt....

But are destined for gold!

New Climate In Our Country

2010-02-09T21:27:00.005-06:00

These Valentine cards are courtesy of the GOP....

Hope & Change Working Out?

2010-02-08T21:15:00.004-06:00

Mystery Sign nobody knows who paid for.....

Incredibly funny.....

The House Of The Lady With Long Hair

2010-02-04T07:54:00.003-06:00

I borrowed this from The Ballestero Blog. Elder Ballestero is a constant source for unique thought and life experience. Enjoy

Last night, I finished preaching the 1st night of Raleigh, North Carolina’s annual “Holiness Conference”. As I was stepping down from the platform, a tall brother in Christ made his way to me. “I have a Holiness story for you, he offered.

“A few nights ago, our doorbell rang. It was dark and I couldn’t imagine who would be at our door this late. He said.

“To my surprise, a little boy stood there, his eyes were red from crying. He was visibly shaken. His voice was strong as he said, ‘Please mister, do something. My Dad is hurting my Mom real bad! Call the Police…. Help her, please!’

About that that time, the sound of sirens was heard. Patrol cars were everywhere. Red and blue flashing lights interrupted the darkness.

The out of control, and abusive husband was taken into custody. The mother’s physical needs were being attended to.

He said, “I turned to the little boy and said, ‘I don’t live next door to you. Of all the houses in this neighborhood, why did you come to mine when you needed help?

“The little boy looked up into my face and said, “I just knew, that if I could make it to The House of The Lady with the Long Hair, everything would be alright!”

We Can Sort The Sheep Later

2010-02-02T17:12:00.002-06:00

Brethren….

I have lost families from my church….

I have gained families from yours…..

As a young man I remember thinking that God was sending us good people to help CUPC….

Never once really processing that my gain was another’s loss….

Recently I wept on the phone with a fellow minister that was losing a family to us….

He wept….

I wept….

We wept…..

For maturity had come to me….

My gain was his loss…..

His loss was not my gain….

Yesterday a minister that I have lost too spoke to me through his pain after losing several to another church…..

The gaining pastor has rejoiced of late because of the new folks….

And I am reminded of my own immaturity and lack of understanding where these things are concerned…..

My brother….

When you lose to me I do not gain by your loss….

Rather….

We both lose….

We can sort the sheep later…..

2010-01-26T16:54:00.001-06:00

Now I tweet!!!!

You can follow me @rkentsmith

There Comes A Time.....

2010-01-13T23:44:00.002-06:00

Rebellion, judgement, death and murmuring against the man of God were all found in in Numbers 16.....

Then the deadly plague....

Num 16:46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, KJV

There comes the moment when the Man of God must get what is in the holy place into the congregation....

Coals of God Fire and incense from the tabernacle must be transported from the presence of God to the congregation....

The Man of God becomes the censor....

And he stands between the living and the dead......

Tis my prayer that I can be that living censor to bring what happens in the heavenlies to the congregants of CUPC....

Render Unto God

2010-01-13T10:49:00.002-06:00

There was always that group that showed up at a Jesus event to distract and discredit....

The day they asked whether they sould pay taxes Jesus shared a most incredible truth....

Whose image is on this coin?

Caesar's of course, was the reply....

Then came the Truth Moment....

Matt 22:21Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.KJV

Jesus pointed out the necesity of rendering to Caesar the things that bore Caesar's image...

And then....

He pointed out to the distractors they should give to God what bore HIS image....

They missed it!!!

But you and I were created in HIS image and likeness....

Therefore we should render to God that which bears HIS image....

Ourselves....

We are not our own...

We have been purchased....

Bought with a price.....

God made us in HIS image.....

Therefore it becomes nothing but my reasonable service to present myself a living sacrifice....

I haply....

Render unto God the thing that bears HIS image.....

Myself....

Blessings....

rks

Online Disconnect

2010-01-06T22:18:00.003-06:00

Gonna set online life aside for a few days....

Blogs, FB, Twitter, forums etc.....

Gonna unconnect from all the connections so I can connect to the Connector!!!

Til then.....

rks

Today,I Am Mad!!!

2010-01-05T14:32:00.001-06:00

In a righteously indignant kind of way….

As a pastor I have watched too many people set aside truth for an "easier" way…

I am seeing way too many young men being wooed by a nasty spirit of deception…..

Some of the current buzz words among the pseudo Pentecostal reek of deception……

Example….

I want to be an “authentic” Christian…..

Face it, one is either a Christian or not…..

"Authentic" adds no authenticity whatsoever……

But the feel good buzz words of the non prayers among us find these kind of words relate to other non prayers….

Here is one they might should try….

Deny yourself and take up His cross and follow Him…..

Or maybe this one…..

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

How about the straight and narrow way to heaven?

And here is the part that is really causing the righteous stir in my spirit….

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves…..

I am seeing too many false prophets on different internet venues that beguile young men away from their roots of holy and separate living….

These ravening wolves are presenting our young men with the alternative of delusion…

They are smooth in their deceit….

They are suave in their seductions…..

And this pastor wants to rise up and shout….

Young man…

Ignore the seductions of the ravening wolves of modern Pentecostalism….

Find yourself a place to bury your face in carpet….

And forget the twinkling words of the ravening spirits of deception and compromise…..

Headlines on Drudge This Morning

2010-01-04T08:05:00.001-06:00

Temps Plunge to Record as Cold Snap Freezes North, East States...

CHILL MAP...

Vermont sets 'all-time record for one snowstorm'...

Iowa temps 'a solid 30 degrees below normal'...

Peru's mountain people 'face extinction because of cold conditions'...

Beijing -- coldest in 40 years...

World copes with Arctic weather...

Folks, just think how cold it would be if Global Warming hadn't warmed things up for us......

A Sleepless Night

2010-01-04T00:28:00.002-06:00

Sleep decided to evade me tonight....

Why, after such a day I do not know.....

I spoke at CUPC in both the 10 a.m. & 6:30 service.....

Then @ 2 p.m. for our Spanish Pastor Jaramillo.....

Communion and vision casting tonight....

Fatigue is upon me....

But sleep is not.....

As I ponder the last few days Tracie and I are truly blessed....

Our kids are blessed.....

CUPC is blessed.....

2009 was filled with many victories and even a few disappointments....

2010 is chocked of possibities and faith....

Tonight I asked the church to simply go "A Little Further" with me this year.....

I am planning progress.....

Tracie has many plans charted and ready to go.....

God is in control and wishes for more souls.....

By all accounts.....

We have launched into a most incredible year.....

HE is going to be lifted up and men will be drawn.......

Truly I am excited and challenged for the coming months....

Now if I can just find that sleep button....

Blessings...

rks

A Random Thought

2009-11-29T22:53:00.001-06:00

Concerning the matter of the preachers emotions when he goes home after service

There are days it is all flesh and faith......

Then there are those that HE arrives and makes us look really good.....

The secret is....

Be there both days

Sleepless Night

2009-11-24T23:52:00.004-06:00

Tonight I am emotionally and physically tired but sleep avoids me....

So I sit in a most beautiful home with my family around me this pre-thankgiving night pondering....

Pondering the realities of my blessed life....

God has been good to me....

Tracie has been such a trooper all these years and I can only rejoice that she continues to stand beside me....

Redonia, Trent & Calah bring me nothing but joy....

CUPC is the passion of my life and if truth be known tonight I do not sleep because I love her so much....

Tonight's service was filled with testimonies of people who God has done so much for....

Men like Kevin Greer who came here 15 years ago, young, confused and overwhelmed with life.....

Jimmy Hobbs who was so confused just a year ago.....

Jason Ballman the new convert who boldly told the church that he did not have much but now he did have this church and this church was his home.....

And the others who touched my heart with tender sincerity.....

I have so much to be thankful for.....

Paul told us the way to the will of God was to give thanks in everything...

Tonight I am so truly thankful for CUPC and the wonderful people I am called to serve....

I rejoice that my children walk in truth....

I rejoice that Tracie loves both myself, the kids and the truth....

I rejoice in the living, viable church God has given me....

I thank the Lord for every blessing and answered prayers....

And the unanswered prayer I struggle with this night I rejoice with thanksgiving that though I am sleepless with this burden......

I thank HIM for HIS answer.....

Now I Know Why I Don't Like Pumpkin Pie

2009-11-24T17:10:00.002-06:00

Plump Possum Pie

2009-11-18T10:26:00.004-06:00

Tracie has asked for a contitribution from me for her Charming Hospitality blog for Thanksgiving. I thought I would share it here first.

1 plump possum
2 pie crusts
2 nice taters
3 big carrots
2 cans mushroom soup

Place plump possum feet down and face up in first pie crust. Chop taters n carrots and place them around the plump possum. Pour the mushroom cans over the plump possum. Put second pie crust over the plump possum and squeeze edges down real tight. Bake until plump possum stops grinning and hair is crunchy.

The delightful delicious delectable dish definite defeats duck and all the other birds one other might offer up on Thanksgiving day.

Pray For Our President

2009-11-16T19:40:00.002-06:00

"Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” Psalm 109:8

2009-11-15T16:07:00.001-06:00

Prediction

2009-11-12T14:37:00.005-06:00

K people....

Today I offer a little predictification concerning the response we are seeing to the Ft Hood terrorist....

I humbly suggest that in the not too distant future we will see a car bomb or suicide bomber in the marketplace of America...

Our weakness will enbolden these activities....

Pray for our children.....

Will You Divorce Me For This?

2009-11-11T17:50:00.002-06:00

Is the same question as.....

Is this a heaven or hell issue?

Tonight at Mid.Point we will discuss a relationship that asks these questions....

A husband has things to worry about if his wife often asks him will he divorce her for the things she is doing.....

As the Bride of Christ, rather than see what we can get by with we should seek to do what pleases him.....

Fringe living is not optimum for a relationship....

Is this a heaven or hell issue?

Indicates a christian who is not sold out to pleasing or doing everything possible to please the Bridegroom.....

When we ask this question...

We put God in a defensive position of not wanting to appear hard or mean so he just allows his mercy to endure and he tolerates our unfaithfulness.....

I would humbly suggest HIS mercy will one day subside and his judgement will begin...

In that day I hope HE and I have not had any discussions concerning HIS divorcement of me or my family.....

Blessings....

rks

WeShine Pics

2009-11-10T21:48:00.008-06:00

Last Friday night Trent & Calah along with Stand Student Ministries hosted a rally they themed as WeShine....

Here is a shot of the Pre-Service stage....

Praise Team with Trent & Calah leading....

Kids were everywhere....

View from sound booth....

I Like This Guy....

2009-10-28T08:43:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin or Punkin?

2009-10-19T20:22:00.003-05:00

K folks...

Today I bring you deep thought and hope that the more intellectual that follow this blog can keep up....

Is it pronounced....

Pumpkin or Punkin?

My family is divided on the issue.....

Tracie says definitely pumpkin.....

Trent, Calah, Doni and Dad all vote for punkin....

Problem with this is....

Mom gets 5 votes....

Mom makes the rules as she goes.....

So when she reads this I will come back on and edit the punkins to pumpkins....

But til then....

Punkin prevails....

Rev & Mrs R Trent Smith

2009-10-13T13:21:00.015-05:00

I am awfully proud of these kids today....

Trent met the Texas District UPCI Board today and was granted credentials with the United Pentecostal Church International...

Congrats kiddos....

The Proud Papa

Rockies Game Snowed Out!

2009-10-11T08:21:00.004-05:00

The headline and pic above make me chuckle and bring a single question to mind....

Whatever happened to Global Warming?

rks

Addendum...

Just a few more Sunday Headlines on this subject....

BBC: What happened to global warming?

Montana cold breaks records...

Record Cold temps in Idaho threaten potato crops...

Hundreds protest Gore in chilly Wisconsin...

Manna's Mandate

2009-10-07T18:24:00.001-05:00

Ex 16:4Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. KJV

There appears the miracle of manna....

Was not for the feeding of the people...

But rather to prove them....

Whether they could be obedient in the most basic of things....

They had been delivered and brought out of Egypt...

They had a new life and walk....

But now after being brought out of Egypt they murmurred....

God's remedy for murmurring was manna and quail...

To feed them daily....

To prove their obedience....

Daily gathering of manna is the only cure for the sins of the spirit....

Fleshly and carnal sin…lust, resentment etc. Keep the old man pressed down

Murmuring, complaining, gossiping etc can only be remedied with new manna.....

Many want to celebrate the miracle of provision...

However he provides for us with stipulations....

He expects exact following of his plan....

We are to be stewards of his manna...

Stewardship is a mandate if one is to manage manna

Munch….

Blessings….

Munch…

Tonight I intend to lead CUPC in gathering manna....

Munch....

rks

A Novel Ministry Concept

2009-10-06T22:29:00.000-05:00

We live amid a constant barrage of marketing concepts. There seems to be a new gimmick ever day. The best sale ever is going on this week and next week a better one is coming. I told someone recently if the sales keep getting better pretty soon they will be giving us the stuff. But in all reality it is not so. Rather, only another gimmick to transfer your money to their pocket.

The church and ministry is not exempt from such things. We all want revival. We all want to grow. We want bigger and better facilities. We want to make sure no visitors slip through our fingers. We want our website to be a little slicker than the church across town. Therefore we seek out the best means and methods to make our churches just a little bit better.

At 48 years old I am a web sort of guy. I get the ether world. Blog sites, forums, online communities, Facebook, Twitter and who knows what is next. I see the way our culture is moving via the web and technologies. I can also remember a different time when truth was truth and absolutes were just that. I can remember being confused with the term post-modern and now the church is afflicted with it.

It seems that today Pentecostal ministry concepts are gleaned from non Pentecostal sources more so than the Word of God. Golf courses have replaced the prayer rooms. Ministerial values are assumed from associates rather than an altar. Ministerial concept books are consumed while dust gathers on leather bound bibles. Laptops, projectors, stools and music stands have replaced reference bibles, battle scarred pulpits and tear stained altars. Casual has replaced the careful dress of yesteryear. Grace replaced conviction. Sin is now called spiritual liberties. Morality in the pulpit is being challenged.

How did we get here?

What did Jesus say?

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matt 16:24

Jesus indicated three distinct things should be found in those that were to lead his church. Self denial, cross bearing, and following Him.

Self Denial seems to be a thing of the past in ministerial circles. Churches are blessed and young men are able to live above the levels of their fathers. Financial blessings are handed over instead of sacrificed for.

Along with these blessings we see ministers who do not deny any liberty to their flocks. Nor do they deny anything to their families. Wife and children are carnal because their minister daddy or husband denies them nothing. The church duplicates the pastor’s home and the things he allows, the members take further. A sad cycle begins that spins out of control quickly.

Pastor denies no liberties to his church because he denies no liberties to his family because he has never denied liberties to himself.

Jesus told the carriers of his gospel to first deny themselves and then to take up their cross….

Cross bearing is not fun. It is not cool. It is not sexy nor is it socially desirable. But then cross bearing was never intended to be so.

When a minister carries a cross he cannot go some places and do some things. He cannot carry it alone so his family helps him. A cross bearing parsonage will result in a cross bearing congregation.

Some doors are not accessible to one who carries his cross. The cross prevents access to some places. The minister who checks his cross at the door, and then tries to pick it up on the way out finds the cross overly burdensome. Therefore instead of carrying it to the door he just leaves it at home and his cross bearing is for personal conviction rather than public view. Soon the cross seldom leaves the parsonage and often can only be found stored away with the stuff from yesteryear.

But Jesus said if you are going to propagate my gospel you must deny yourself and take up you cross and follow. This might be where some of the real issue is found.

For nearly a generation we in the ministry have been consumed with leadership and ceased followership.

A few years ago I found myself without organizational leadership or inclusion in any way. I felt forgotten and unappreciated. Then I decided to do my leading from the pew of whatever meeting I attended. Instead of leadership books I began looking for books about following. I found far fewer followership books than leadership. Jesus seemed to think that following him was much more important than anyone following us.

Heed this word of caution my good preacher friend. Following him never disallows self denial and cross bearing. Post modern emergent concepts claim the Grace of Christ without repentence or self denial. Walking in grace does not create a license to partake in sins of the flesh. Jesus had this figured out long before any of these modern scruffy looking shirt tail flapping ministers were conceived.

What a Novel Ministry Concept!

Self denial, cross bearing and following HIM.

rks

Thoughts on the UPCI 2009 General Conference

2009-10-04T16:45:00.005-05:00

Having arrived home this afternoon from the UPCI General Conference in St. Louis......

I have been mulling my own thoughts of the happenings....

First my overall impression is .....

All is well......

The term limits of our manual were not kind to the sitting General Superintendent Bro Kenneth Haney....

It appears my single vote was not enough to push him over the top so life must move forward.....

Bro Haney's graceful response was incredible and hopefully I will pass the grace test in like manner.....

The Election of David Bernard to the leadership of the UPCI is in my opinion a good decision.....

It is my opinion that Bro Bernard will be a by the book kind of leader and both the right and left would do well to shift center.....

Sooner rather than later.....

It is also my opinion that those tottering on the fence will be inclined pull center under Bro Bernard's leadership.....

Thanks to the Haney's for their selfless years....

Congrats to David and Connie Bernard......

One final note on the election....

Wayne Huntley's name appearing as the fourth vote getter indicates that the UPCI is much more conservative than the doomsdayers prophesy......

The preaching was phenomenal at the conference....

Indeed the Healer is speaking.....

I enjoyed the fellowship of many and rejoice in the unity of the brethren we felt.....

Looking back two years to Tampa's vote and remembering the confusion of the movement following said conference and comparing that to the feelings we share leaving St. Louis....

I think we can be safe in saying that somewhere the last few months the UPCI did a little right hook back towards the center.....

To God be the Glory.....

To all those we saw at the conference I rejoice in your friendship.....

To those we did not see.....

We will see you next year here in Houston.....

Blessings....

rks

The Way Out Of Temptation

2009-09-18T22:34:00.007-05:00

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. 1 Cor 10:13 AMP

I could not have said it any better myself....

rks

Rest In Peace

2009-09-16T08:35:00.002-05:00

I borrowed this from Pastor Jay Jones blog.....

Obituary Notice

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were lost long ago in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated valuable lessons such as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, that life is not always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers: I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I Am A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because few realized he was gone.

~ Excerpted from “Obituary Notice,” by Martha Parker in The Pentecostal Herald, 6/08

Incredible Pic From The Hubble

2009-09-10T08:12:00.003-05:00

New pics released from the Hubble telescope remind me of the greatness of the God who numbers the stars and calls them by name.....

And the surreality that all of this happened by accident rather than intelligent design....

This places a single verse in my heart this morning....

The fool has said there is no God.

Blessings....

rks

Quote concerning truth.....

2009-09-08T23:27:00.001-05:00

"The 1st generation gets excited about it, the 2nd generation makes it routine, the 3rd generation makes monuments to it, the 4th generation questions it, and then God has to start over with the 5th generation...."

Truth Stands Tall

2009-09-06T23:14:00.002-05:00

Look around your world and see how truth is doing.....

It seems to me truth always prevails....

Whether it be politics, family, home, career or the church.....

Truth always rises up out of the smoke and ashes of her enemies....

Truth prevails....

While some will manufacture opposition to truth.....

There is no amount of money or energy that can withstand truth when she is wielded by someone who loves her....

In the United Pentecostal Church there is a grass roots gathering of men who are tired of every wind of doctrine.....

They are weary of the spiritual tumbleweeds who go this way and that.....

They weary of the latest religious fads and gimmicks....

And they have taken hold anew on truth and rise up....

So truth prevails...

Truth stands tall.....

Personally I am weary of all the latest gimmickry of relative Pentecostalism...

Give me truth that is timeless and we will build a church....

When today's fads and gimmicks are gathering dust in forgotten store rooms....

Truth will proudly yet humbly stand tall....

And I hope to have my arms wrapped around her.....

Blessings...

rks

Labor Day Sunday

2009-09-06T08:22:00.002-05:00

Most pastors I know dread two particular Sundays.....

Memorial Day and Labor Day Sundays.....

Most of the home folks will be away on such days and rightfully so.....

But we the soldiers of the pulpit remain to shepherd the remaining and welcome the weekend visitors....

Today I will not worry about those that are away for that will be futile....

I will haply rejoice with those here....

Celebrate the visitors that will be with us.....

And will do due diligence to reach and find....

The lost coin, prodigal or single sheep that is here and hungry.....

Blessings to each of you this Labor Day Sunday!!!!

rks

Free on Bond

2009-09-02T16:30:00.003-05:00

The bond servant had the scratches on the wall to confirm that indeed today was his seventh year.....

Today was his day of freedom....

He had come bankrupt, empty handed and nowhere else to go....

Today was freedom day......

As he gathered his possessions he looked around and paused.....

He had come with nothing.....

But now the Master had given him a wife and she had given him a family......

How can I leave them?

No doubt she paused with her chores and cast a look of curiosity and worry his way.....

When he dropped his bag and strode from the room....

To the Master's house....

Sir please come with me to the front porch......

Here sir is the awl......

Sir please do it quickly.......

So Master and servant leaned close to the doorpost and the awl was quickly driven through the servant's ear forever marking him as....

A love slave.....

He decided to stay because he had so much more in the Master's place than he had ever had in his own....

And then he had been given things...

Like his wife and family......

He loved them all....

This day he was free to go.....

But he was also free to stay.......

And the benefits of staying far outweighed the benefits of going.....

My blogger friend.....

The benefits of a relationship with Jesus Christ far outweigh being the master of your own universe....

The servant was more free than you or I might imagine....

He decided to stay.....

He chose the bond of love.....

He indeed was free....

Free on Bond.....

Blessings......

BTW.....

Since He was nailed to the cross for me I am nailed to the church for Him....

I Am The United Pentecostal Church

2009-09-01T22:02:00.002-05:00

Twas a nice little gathering of RPG's (regular preacher guys).....

All were credentialed with the United Pentecostal Church Int.....

During the talk a round the guy from Maryland mentioned that he was not in the loop of things....

The Illinois guy mentioned he wasn't very well connected....

The Okie mentioned he felt isolated.....

The Kansas guy mentioned we should just pray for him......

The Alabama guy drawled out that down in his neck of the woods they were a long way from where things were happening.....

When something came over this Texas guy and I interrupted the discussion....

Listen to us....

We are all expressing that we do not feel a part and are isolated and and feel a long way from the mainstream....

Brothers I declared......

We are the mainstream!!!

What happens in every local church is the mainstream of the movement....

Here we were a group of successful pastors who will collectively preach to thousands Sunday morning and we failed to realize that we indeed are the UPCI....

Brethren and members of the UPCI....

You are the UPCI....

Stand up in your sections and districts and committees and be heard.....

Proudly remember that it is ministers just like you and I that comprise this wonderful movement....

RPG's (regular preacher guys) just like you are the heartbeat of our beloved church....

We the regular preacher guys from all over the country and around the world are what comprise the United Pentecostal Church....

Without us there is no UPCI.....

RPG's are the UPCI....

I am an RPG!

I Am The United Pentecostal Church!!!

Blessings...

rks

Christ Without A Cross

2009-08-30T16:04:00.003-05:00

Peter shook the Lord in rebuke and told him that all these things would NOT happen to him on his watch.....

Suffering, murder and resurrection were things that horrified the good and noble Peter....

Peter loved the Lord so much that he did not want him to have to go to the cross....

Nobody can ever question Peter's love for the Lord....

But then the Lord called him Satan....

Because you desire the will of man over the will of God.....

You see my blogging friend....

Peter wanted his Christ but did not want His cross....

Christ without his Cross....

Today we see the same....

Good zealous fiery young men who love Jesus but resist His cross....

This zealous love for Christ but avoidance of His cross is the spirit of anti-Christ....

Get behind me Satan, Jesus had said....

Jesus then told Peter....

You want me on your terms rather than mine.....

Too many good men today desire Christ on their terms rather than his....

Then Jesus made the startling statement....

If you want me you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me....

Jesus was in essence telling Peter that you cannot deny me My cross....

And if you want Me you cannot deny yourself your own cross....

Too many today desire the goodness of a Christ without the sacrifice of crucifixion.....

I do not find a lot of the Cross in today's neo concepts of Pentcostalism....

Many want Christ without the doctrines of separation.....

Many want Christ but only the Christ of grace rather than the Christ of responsibility and self denial.....

Gentlemen....

If you want the Jesus of the New Testament you must also accept the cross of self denial...

You cannot deny him his Cross....

Or yourself yours.....

The Single Key To An Apostolic Revival

2009-08-25T10:56:00.005-05:00

We hear much about new gimmicks, fads and the old paths....

Jesus shared with us the key to a move of God....

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matt 16:24

Cross bearing is the secret brothers....

Not our standards or our gadgets.....

Cross bearing will regulate our standards.....

Cross bearing will moderate our gadgets......

Cross bearing will grow the church......

For Jesus said.....

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

One cannot carry the cross without lifting it....

One cannot lift the cross without men being drawn.....

One cannot carry the cross and not have a revival.......

Gentlemen.....

While some want Christ without the cross.....

Others have chosen the plan of Christ and have taken up the cross and are following him into Apostolic dimension....

Blessings...

rks

Buy The Truth

2009-08-24T20:30:00.001-05:00

Last evening Bro Wofford called me an enigma from the pulpit and then defined what he meant....

He mentioned that I was old fashioned and refused to let go of the basic traditions of the church....

He then said though that I was brave enough to embrace current and new methodology.....

This got my thinker going....

Here is where many of us find ourselves involved in the battle.....

Many here define the truth by grace and liberty....

Others here focus more on the visible cans and can'ts.....

Brethren....

Tis not our liberties or our convictions that define us.....

For both sides seem to wander off into the wasteland of the forgotten....

I have seen way too many conservatives wander off into the bitterness of everybody is going to hell but me.....

And I have witnessed too many liberal types backslide while loving Jesus....

I humbly suggest that the defining element that keeps men close to the church and the Lord is the "love for the truth".....

While one man might allow rings and video but noone can question his love for truth....

Another might be old fashioned in his standards but none here can question his charactar or love for truth.....

Herein lies the crux.....

Many wander off the reservation to the right and left because they love the stuff of the church more than the truth.....

Short sleaves and chin whiskers will no more send a man to hell than long sleeve white shirts and and a black suit will save a man....

These are things we as men set aside in consecration in our worship.....

Sure there are some who have consecrated more things to God than others....

And there are others with less consecration who love Jesus and their brothers much more than the more consecrated.....

Bottom line is....

Everyone of us better get a good grip on truth and love it....

Buy the truth and sell it not.....