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
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanks Thoughts
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
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
Monday, October 4, 2010
UPCI General Conference 2010 Houston
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....
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....
Thursday, September 16, 2010
When To Keep Your Mouth Shut
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.
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.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Name Change
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.......
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.......
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Prisoner of Love
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.
Monday, August 30, 2010
A Joyful Pastor
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?
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?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Faux Mess
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....
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....
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Could This Be Our Moment?
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....
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....
Monday, August 23, 2010
No Trash Zone
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+
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.....
Sunday, August 22, 2010
I Don't Preach Today
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....
Saturday, August 21, 2010
I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E
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....
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
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
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
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Redeemed
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!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Revoked
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
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......
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Incredible Outreach Idea
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
Friday, August 13, 2010
It Ain't Coming Back In!!!
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
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A Work Of The Holy Ghost
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....
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....
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sometimes!!!
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.....
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.....
Friday, August 6, 2010
Bus Teens Receive Holy Ghost
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.....
Thursday, August 5, 2010
It Was NOT Me!!!
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.....
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Pretenders...
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....
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....
Friday, July 30, 2010
Golden Anniversery
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!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tonight I allow candor to guide my fingers….
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…..
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…..
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friends
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….
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….
Friday, July 16, 2010
One Thing Never Changes
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....
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....
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Texas District Camp Meeting 2010
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.....
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.....
Thursday, June 3, 2010
His Glory Revealed
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…..
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…..
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Purpose for the Pain
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….
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….
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Highest Cost of Revival
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
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
Monday, May 24, 2010
Double Death of Adopted Daughters
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….
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
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
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
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Texas Bible College
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
I consider this an incredible invite and with to thank Johnathon Green for the invite....
Thanks to the class and Bro Green...
rks
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Nets Broke!!!
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
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
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Excerpt From Tonites Bible Study
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
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
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Deut 22:1-4
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
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
Monday, April 19, 2010
Revival Makers
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
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
Monday, March 1, 2010
World Missions Day
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....
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Crazy & Steady
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The House Of The Lady With Long Hair
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!”
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
We Can Sort The Sheep Later
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…..
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…..
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
There Comes A Time.....
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....
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
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
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
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Online Disconnect
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
Blogs, FB, Twitter, forums etc.....
Gonna unconnect from all the connections so I can connect to the Connector!!!
Til then.....
rks
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Today,I Am Mad!!!
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…..
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…..
Monday, January 4, 2010
Headlines on Drudge This Morning
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......
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
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
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
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