A good positive day - Part III

I thought I might just finish out the week with some more thoughts on "having a good positive day."

 

One of the aspects of life that we all deal with are negative emotions.

 

Here's what I know:  The way we think affects the way we feel and the way we feel affects the way we act.

 

So how do you change the way you act and the way you feel?

 

By the way you process the negative emotions in your life.

 

And here's is what I would suggest:  When negative emotions come your way - starve them to death.

 

There is an old story that I have told in different ways:  Here is the latest version.

 

It is a classic fable that begins with a grandfather telling his grandson about the two wolves battling inside his heart.

 

"One is wise and kind, and the other is vicious and cruel," says the grandfather.

 

"Which one will win?"  asks the grandson.  And the grandfather replies, "The one I feed."

 

Thinking positive thoughts is a key to success.

 

Tommy Newberry writes, "If it comes down to choosing between reaching  your full potential or experiencing the negative emotion you believe you deserve, what's it going to be?

 

Negative thoughts will always lead to you having and experiencing more of what you don't want. 

 

Again, to quote Newberry, "to live a life of maximum joy, you must learn how to minimize negative emotions so they will not dominate your life."

 

How do you do that? 

 

I would suggest the following: 

 

Acknowledge them.  Put them in their place.  Take responsibility for those negative thoughts and whether you are going to allow them to continue.  Starve negative emotions by always looking at the big picture (Remind yourself of what is truly important).  Drop the thought.  Spend time with God.  ("In quietness and confidence shall be your strength - Isaiah 30:15)  Practice compassion (When you practice compassion, you detach yourself from the situation and don't over-personalize it).  Ask God for help.

 

You can demolish, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:4, "arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

 

And remember (to quote Newberry one more time):  Emotions don't reveal the quality of your life; they reveal the quality of your thinking at any particular moment. 

 

Change your focus and it will change your life!

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

A good positive day - part II

My desire that you have a good positive day - has turned into a desire that you have a good positive week!

 

One of the ways to do that is to guard your heart - develop personal habits to protect your heart.  The writes to the Proverbs shares:  "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."  (Proverbs 4:23)

 

And - the personal "firewall" to your heart is joy!

 

Here's what I know:  We often allow negative ideas and other's opinions to corrupt our potential for joy, sometimes even infecting the people we love the most in the process(quote:  Tommy Newberry).

 

Gang, it doesn't have to be that way.  You can build up your own personal firewall and protect your heart from the negativity of the world.

 

Here are some suggestions:

 

Keep feeding your mind and thought life positive thoughts (Philippians 4:8).

 

Start the day with joy.  I am learning that the first thing I do in the  morning will set the emotional tone for the entire rest of the day.

 

Are you waking up with an expectation that good things will happen throughout the day?

 

I would encourage you to spend the first 15 minutes of your day meditating on God.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and then all these things will be added to you."

 

Of course, you can go beyond 15 minutes!

 

Prepare you heart for joy.

 

Lastly, seal the day with joy (15 minutes before you go to bed).  Before you go to sleep, read something inspirational.  Read the Word.  Have a conversation with God.  Surrender your subconscious to God.  Ask God to cleanse your mind of any self-defeating thoughts that the day has brought.

 

Be intentional in the morning, throughout the day and in the evening as to what you input into your mental computer.

 

Hour by hour, moment by moment - ask God to fill  your mind with everything good. 

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

 

 

 

A Good Positive Day

Whenever I get  my haircut, my barber always tells me (as I walk out the door), "You go have a good positive day."

 

I like that.

 

My desire for you is that you have a good positive day.

 

Here's what I know:  A good positive day is rooted and grounded in not only having a good positive self-image but having a right understanding of your self-worth.

 

Please meditate on this thought:  Your self-worth is authentic self-esteem rooted in  your uniqueness as a child of God.   (Quote from Tommy Newberry).

 

We must continually remind ourselves that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."  (Psalms 139:14).

 

God has a plan and God has a purpose for your life.  That's God's Word - and you and I are to trust God's word more than the words of others to understand our true worth as a person.

 

David writes in Psalms 8:4,5:  "What is  man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."

 

Your self-worth, my self-worth is based upon our identity as a person who was created and is loved by God, unconditionally.

 

And as you realize who you really are in Christ (not based on your performance or on what others say about you) that positions you for success.

 

I encourage you to pray the prayer below and mediate on what it truly means to be a loved, accepted child of God today.

 

Here's the prayer:  "Father, I praise you that you made me as "one of a kind."  There is nobody else in the world who is exactly like me.  Let me be, this day, the masterpiece you created me to be.  Thank you for making me in your likeness.  Allow me, this day, to see myself as you see me, to see that I am significant, to see that you do have your hand on me.  Keep my focus on you and on what you have in store for me.  Protect me from obsessing about my failures and help me to remember my victories!  I am a child of yours.  I love you, Lord.  Amen."

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

First of all, let me say how much I am grateful for the faithfulness of all of our volunteers who minister so diligently on Sunday mornings.

 

From the worship team to the ushers, to the sound booth guys, to the greeters to the coffee connection helpers to the children's ministries staff, we are thankful for you!

 

Ministry, in the long run, is a matter of perseverance and prayer. 

 

Remember:  Seek this week to approve an audience of one:  God.  And everything else will fall into place.

 

We desire judgment when we have been offended - we desire mercy when we offend others. 

 

Mercy always triumphs over judgment.

 

The White Sox have won four in a row - too little; too late.

 

I hear rumblings of the NFL starting again - can't wait!

 

Just a "mid-summer" exhortation:  We encourage you to be faithful in attendance and in prayer!  If you are on vacation - seek out a "place of worship" wherever you are.

 

Can I ask you to do something with me?  Let's all begin to pray for the exciting things (events) that will be taking place in our church - beginning the middle of August - but most assuredly in September!

 

You are needed at Stone Church.

 

You are loved at Stone Church.

 

While your spouse or your friends can meet some of your needs - only God can ultimately meet all of your needs (according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus).  Philippians 4:19.

 

Be kind this week on Facebook.

 

I really appreciated Amy Beckberger yesterday and her leading of "You Deserve It All."  Well done, Amy - God's spirit was present!

 

Encourage someone today - I have never met anyone who wasn't uplifted by a positive word.

 

Love you all......

 

Path to success - let it go.

One of the paths to success is the willingness, yes the choice, to let go of the past.

 

Here's what I know:  Getting stuck in the past will limit your opportunity for success in the present and the future.

 

Have you ever been around someone - where all they talk about are their perceived wounds and hurts that previously took place in their lives?

 

While there is a window of the grieving process that needs to take place when you or I are hurt - there comes a point where we need to "let it go" and move on.

 

No one likes to be around anyone who lives in the past - in fact, if you find that people are choosing to avoid you like the plaque - that just might be the reason why.

 

As the main song in the movie Frozen states, "Let it go, let it go."

 

That's my word to you today:  Let it go.  Let it go and let God be God.

 

Here's what happens when you and I live in past hurts:

 

We limit what God can do in our lives in the present.  God will not work on our behalf.

 

We ruin present relationships.

 

We forget that life is not fair.

 

We can begin to play the "victim card"  and think that we are the only one who has ever been hurt.

 

We don't understand that many times we are not being mistreated at all - but it is simply a reflex response to past hurts. 

 

Here's what I know:  Hurting people hurt easily.  Hurting people hurt easily because of feelings of insecurity in their lives.

 

Some people guard the wounds from the past like an old friend.  It comforts them - gives them something to talk about over dinner.  They begin to rely upon that "old friend" like a crutch. 

 

Paul writes in Philippians 4:13, "One thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me."

 

Now then, let me give you five steps to victory in this area:

 

One, forgive those who have hurt you.  This is a one-time act; but yet it is a process as well.  Every time those feelings of anger and unforgiveness rise up - forgive them again and again and again.

 

Two, pray for them as God has told us to do.  I mean really pray for them.  I would suggest that you will never ultimately resent those whom you pray for.

 

Three, bless those who have hurt you.  Do something nice for them anonymously.  Treat them with kindness when they cross your path.

 

Four, speak well of them.  Refuse to talk unkindly about those who hurt you.  Don't keep talking about what your enemies did that hurt you.  That will only stir up the pain within  you.  (Friends, this is huge.  Probably the most important one of the five).

 

Five, wait on God.  Galatians 6:9 shares with us, "And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  Don't give up.  Keep doing what is right (the five above steps) and wait on God to change your feelings.

 

Let it go...let it go...let it go...let it go.....

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

 

 

 

"The Bible says"

Over the years I have changed my speaking style at least 4 times.

I have preached with one point.

I have preached with many points.

I have preached using videos.

I have preached using drama.

I have preached sitting down.

I have preached standing up.

 

I have preached with a pulpit.

 

I have preached with no pulpit.

Anything to reach people for Christ.

At the same time, I have settled on and gone back to what I know best:  preaching through the Bible verse by verse - with practical application.

I love the Word of God.  I believe that ultimately, all of the answers that we need are in the Bible.  All of the assurances that we need are in the Word of God.

 

It has been said, "In using phrases like 'The Bible says' we assume a person is a Christian, because only a Christian takes the Old Testament and the New Testament as authoritative.  So if I am going to preach to people who aren't Christians I have to leverage a different point of authority if I am going to expect them to track along with me."  Basically, what this says, is that we should avoid using the phrase, "the Bible says."

 

Let's talk about that.

 

When I say, "The Bible says," (which I do all the time when I teach) I am declaring that I am not speaking on my own authority but rather on God's authority as an "ambassador of Christ"  (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

 

What some say is a barrier to reaching people for Christ - I believe is just the opposite - it is the source of evangelistic power.

I believe the power of God is released as God's Word is spoken - that there is a spiritual dynamic that takes place (in the supernatural) as the Scriptures are shared.

Lives are changed, not even necessarily by the style of the preacher, or the way it was shared, but simply by the Word of God (and it is God's Word to us) as it is shared.

To exaggerate just a little:  It would be a great experience to just read a book of the Bible on Sunday morning (or several chapters) - give an "altar call" and go home.  I believe we would be amazed at the results.

 

We need to realize once again that when Scriptures are spoken it is as if they were God:  Galatians 3:8; Genesis 12:3; Romans 9:17; Exodus 9:16.

 

And that when God is spoken of it is as if He were the Scriptures:  Matthew 19:4,5; Genesis 2:24; Acts 4:24,25; Psalms 2:1; Acts 13:34,35; Isaiah 55:3; Psalms 16:10.

Paul declares in 2 Timothy 3:16, 4:2, that "All Scripture is breathed out by God" and then Paul subsequently commands shepherds of Christ to "preach the Word."

 

The implication is that preachers should unapologetically declare the divine origin and authority of the entirety of the Bible. 

 

The divine origin of Christ-centered biblical revelation is the reason it has the power to "make you wise for salvation."  (2 Timothy 3:15)

 

I am for using videos.  I am for using drama teams to accentuate the principles of God's Word.

But as Jeff Foxworthy once said (as only he can), "If  your preacher needs smoke bombs, rock bands, theater lights, dramatic skits, and circus acts to keep people interested - then you might need a new preacher."

 

Gang, let's be people of God's Word.  Let's be "counter-cultural" and know that the Word of God is an absolute - in an age where there are no absolutes.  Let reaffirm that the Word of God is powerful - and in itself - can change lives.

 

"The Bible says...."

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

 

 

 

T.H.I.N.K.

We live a day an age where everyone has a voice.

 

With social media, people feel the freedom to express their thoughts, opinions and feelings.

 

I would suggest to you that to a certain extent - it has gotten out of control.

 

Some things are best left unsaid.  Unspoken.

 

It is like our culture has taken a truth serum (Remember "Liar, Liar" with Jim Carrey) and can't hold their tongue about anything.

 

Paul writes in Philippians 4:8, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

 

Before you speak - before you put something on Twitter, Facebook, Think.

 

The Bible says in Proverbs 21:23, "If you want to stay out of trouble be careful what you say."

 

Some people think nothing of sharing their opinions and feelings about anything with everyone.

 

That will get you in trouble every time.

 

People say, "Well that is just the way I feel."

 

And you want to say, "Well, why don't you go somewhere else and feel that way."

 

Gang, let's think today before we speak.

 

Ask yourself:

 

T - Is it true?

H - Is it helpful?

I - Is it inspiring?

N - Is it necessary (some things are not necessarily wrong - some things just aren't necessary)

K - is it kind?

 

Challenging words for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

Summer is wonderful.

 

I encourage you to not complain about the heat - just remember the cold of winter!

 

I am thankful for a great staff who ministered while I was away!

 

Good to get away - good to get home.

 

Debbie and I visited a church while on vacation - there is nothing like our own church family, Stone Church!

 

I love our church!

 

As a pastoral staff - we are already engaged and praying about the fall - we are excited!

 

We will be celebrating communion this coming Sunday morning.  I encourage you to come with a heart prepared to receive from the Lord.

 

One of my favorite authors is Craig Groeschel.  He has written an excellent, challenging book entitled, "Soul Detox."

 

One of chapters is entitled, "Deception Infection."  (Telling ourselves the truth).

 

Debbie and I were talking about this last evening - people can rationalize anything.  I mean anything. 

 

Hannah Moore has written, "The ingenuity of self-deception is inexhaustible."

 

We all are dealing with one area of deception in our lives - something we refuse to accept or acknowledge.

 

And...usually it is because we don't want to know.

 

Why do we do that?  David writes in Psalms 36:2,3:  In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin."

 

David says, "people flatter themselves too much."

 

They lie to themselves and they don't even know it.

 

So, today, ask God to reveal the spiritual toxin in your life of self-deception.  Ask him to reveal to you that "something" which you either intentionally or unintentionally refuse to deal with, and then let God work in your life.

 

Stop lying to yourself, swallowing the poisonous self-deceptions that keep you from walking in complete spiritual health.  Admit the truth.  Come clean - and the truth will what?  Set you free.

 

Love you all.....

 

The key is worship

This Sunday morning, I am giving a teaching entitled, "The Key Is Worship."

 

The basic premise is this:  There is power in praise, especially as I walk through trials and adversity.

 

I can worship - or I can worry.

 

I can worship - or I can wail (and there is nothing wrong with wailing or crying in the midst of suffering - it is just that worship is the better way).

 

I can look to the problem - or I can look to the presence of Jesus.

 

In his book, "If God Is Good - Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil," author Randy Alcorn recalls when his friend, writer Ethel Herr, had a double mastectomy. 

 

Two months later doctors discovered the cancer had spread.  One of Herr's friends, shocked and fumbling for her words, asked her, "And how do you feel about God now?" 

 

Reflecting on the moment the question was posed to her, Herr says:

 

"As I sought to explain what has happened in my spirit, it all became clearer to me.  God has been preparing me for this moment.  He has undergirded me in ways I've never known before.  He has made himself increasingly real and precious to me.  He has given to me joy such as I've never known before - and I've no need to work at it, it just comes, even amidst the tears.

 

He has taught me that no matter how good my genes are or how well I take care of my diet and myself, he will lead me on whatever journey he chooses and will never leave me for a moment of that journey.  And he planned it all in such a way that step by step, he prepared me for the moment when the doctor dropped the last shoe - God is good, no matter what the diagnosis or the prognosis, or the fearfulness of the uncertainty of having neither.  The key is knowing God is good is simply knowing him."

 

The key to worshipping in times of trial and suffering is knowing God. 

 

Here is what I know:  Worshipping God during times of trial and suffering begins with thanking him for all the little things.  And as I daily, incrementally worship God with a thankful heart, it builds up an lifestyle of worship - to where when the "big" things come - my heart and soul are full of praise.

 

Did you know that you take approximately 23,000 breaths every day?

 

The process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide is a complicated respiratory task that requires physiological precision.  We tend to thank God for the things that take our breath away.  And that's great!

 

But maybe we should thank him for every other breath too!

 

And that is the starting point of creating a lifestyle of praise.

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

 

 

 

Have you seen Jesus?

There is a lot of stuff going on in the world - I know you will agree with me on that.

 

Some are throwing opinions around on the social media like a park filled with people throwing Frisbees - just wanting it to land somewhere.

 

In the midst of it all - I have purposed in my heart to keep my eyes on Jesus.

 

I am asking God to renew and restore my passion for Him.

 

Let me tell you this story that kind of summarizes where I am at right now (I encourage you to take the time to read it):

 

An old man tells the story of how one day he was sitting quietly in the sun with his dog.

 

Suddenly, a large white rabbit ran across the yard - right in front of he and the dog - and his dog jumped up and took off after that big rabbit.

 

The dog chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion.

 

Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking.

 

It was an incredible sight - the pack of dogs running, barking across the creeks, up the stony embankments, through thickets and through the thorns!

 

Gradually, however, one by one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the course, and frustrated by the chase.

 

The old man said, "Only my dog continued to hotly pursue the white rabbit."

 

You might say today - great story - but what's the connection between what is going on in today's world and a passion for Jesus?

 

Well, the old man went on and said, "the reason the other dogs did not continue the chase - except for his dog - was that the other dogs had not seen the rabbit."

 

Unless we continue to keep our eyes on the prize (on Jesus) the chase is just too difficult.

 

My dear friends, today, are you keeping your eyes on Jesus - is He the passion of your soul?

 

Are you lukewarm today?

 

Are you becoming distracted by "all that is going on in the world?"

 

Are you going through the motions?

 

In the midst of everything going on - let's keep our eyes on Jesus - otherwise is just a lot of noise and barking.

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Attention spans and God

One of the key words in our walk with Christ is focus.

 

We become what we focus on - and what you focus on becomes your reality (I will be talking about this on Sunday morning).

 

So true.

 

If  you focus on your problems - you will become problem filled in your thought life.

 

If you focus on the presence of Jesus - you will become filled with the presence of Jesus in your life.

 

Yet focus is hard.

 

Microsoft did a study of 2,000 consumers and they discovered that the average human attention span has gone down (from Kevin McSpadden's article, "You now have a shorter attention span than a goldfish.").

 

In 2000 it was 12 seconds, that's right, 12 seconds. 

 

But now, in 2015, it has gone down to 8 seconds - people generally lose concentration after 8 seconds, highlighting the effects of an increasingly digitalized lifestyle on the brain.  (Some of you have already left this blog and gone on to something else).  :) :)

 

In comparison - a goldfish has a 9 second attention span.  (I am not sure how they found that out but it is a scientific fact).

 

In other words, a goldfish has a longer attention span than we do.

 

Now here is the question:  Why has our attention span gone down?

 

Microsoft's theory is that because of the mobile Internet, the brain does not have the ability to adapt and change itself over time and a weaker attention span is the side effect.

 

The survey also confirmed generational differences for mobile use; for example 77% of people aged 18 to 24 responded "yes" when asked, "When nothing is occupying my attention, the first thing I do is reach for my phone."

 

What is your focus today?

 

I would suggest that every time you focus on your problem - you spend even more time focusing on the presence of God - and fill up your "free time" with the Incarnated son of God rather than the Internet.

The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31 that they that "wait upon the Lord will renew their strength."  Not they that "wait" upon the latest Facebook post.

 

And btw, thank you for focusing enough to finish the blog..... :) :)

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

I just have to say first off that I am very, very grateful for the many that are coming to Christ through the ministries of our church this past week!

 

Literally thousands came to Christ through the ministry of our Stone Church Tanzania missions team (They are now on their way back to Chicago - let's continue to pray for safe travels for the team).

 

Hundreds connect to Jesus at the Reinhart Bonnke crusade - many, many thanks to all of our Stone Church volunteers for going and serving in ministry - a special thanks to Phil and Nicole Buck for their leadership in this endeavor!

 

During the second service yesterday, several raised their hands, signifying that they would like to restart or start a relationship with Christ!

 

Powerful, powerful stuff.

 

We have been praying for a long time that we would become an "outreach" church - and it is coming to fruition!

 

I can sincerely say - with gratefulness in my heart - Praise God!

 

I have been receiving emails from people who were touched by the anointing and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our services yesterday.  Truly God was present!

 

Jesus has not gone back into the grave - God is in control!

 

RFKC camp this week - we look forward to hearing the great reports of what God is going to do in the lives of foster children.

 

I loved the old chorus we sang in the first service altar time:  Let it breathe on me.  Let it breathe on me.  Let the breath of God now breathe on me.  Let it breathe on me.  Let it breathe on me.  Let the breath of God - now breathe on me.

 

Breathe on us, oh God!

 

We desire more of your presence!

 

More and more, I am once again realizing the power of prayer. 

 

God is recalling us to pray!

 

Two of our church family were healed at the Reinhart Bonnke crusade.

 

I had the privilege of speaking with a younger guy yesterday (new to our church) who accepted Christ.

 

Love you all........

 

 

 

Praying through

Warning:  Reading this blog might be hazardous to the health of the trials you are facing, the struggles and challenges that are coming your way - and to the very effectiveness of the enemy who is trying to destroy you.  Read only if you want to walk in victory.

 

Back in "the day" we used to have an expression that whenever faced with a challenge, we as Christians are to "pray through."

 

In other words, we are to pray until the answer comes - or until an event has taken place.

 

There is a lot for us as a church family to "pray though" about (please see the end of the blog for the prayer requests) (I have intentionally been spending an hour of prayer each day this week for these events).

 

First of all, a story from Tim Keller, a prolific author and pastor in New York City.

 

He writes:

 

"In the second half of  my adult life, I discovered prayer.  I had to.  In the fall of 1999, I taught a Bible study course on the Psalms. It became clear to me that I was barely scratching the surface of what the Bible commanded and promised regarding prayer.

 

Then came the dark weeks in New York after 9/11, when our whole city sank into a kind of corporate clinical depression, even as it rallied.

 

For my family the shadow was intensified as my wife, Kathy, struggled with the effects of Crohn's disease.  Finally, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  At one point during all this, my wife urged me to do something with her we had never been able to muster the self-discipline to do regularly.  She asked me to pray with her every night.  Every night.

 

She used an illustration that crystallized her feelings very well.

 

As we remember it, she said something like this:

 

Imagine you were diagnosed with such a lethal condition that the doctor told you that you would die within hours unless you took a particular medicine - a pill every night before going to sleep.  Imagine that you were told that you could never miss it or you would die.  Would you forget?  Would you not get around to it some nights?  No, it would be so crucial that you wouldn't forget, you would never miss.

 

Well, if we don't pray together to God, we are not going to make it because of all we are facing.  I am certainly not.  We have to pray, we can't let is just slip our minds."

 

Good stuff.

 

Here are some needs to "pray through" about:

 

Our Stone Church Tanzania missions team:  Safety.  Effective ministry.  Hundreds to be saved.  Boldness to share the Gospel.

 

RFKC camp:  Safety.  Effective ministry to the foster kids.  Relational harmony amongst the staff.

 

Reinhart Bonnke Crusade:  Strength for our Stone Church family who are serving as altar workers.  Safety in travel to and from the arena.  Thousands to be saved!

 

A spiritual revival in the Chicagoland.

 

Signs and Wonders at our church.

 

A desire to seek after God amongst all Christians in the Chicagoland.

 

I leave you with this from James 5:16:  "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful!"

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

 

Wigglesworth and boldness

Sometimes, when you walk in the spirit with boldness - it can be misinterpreted as arrogance.

 

Ministering and relating to Christ and praying are to be done with an audaciousness and boldness that can only come through the anointing.

 

Most of God's kingdom either have never seen a true manifestation of walking in power - or are offended by the audacity of someone walking in faith.

 

I refer to the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:12 (KJV version) where he says, "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."

 

The NIV says it this way:  "The kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

 

Friends, I am going to remind us this coming Sunday morning - in a teaching entitled, "Overcoming the counter-attacks of the enemy" that we are at war.

 

War is not pretty.

 

War is ugly.

 

Our enemy does not fight fair.

 

War is not nice.

 

I encourage you not to be afraid of or offended by people walking in a God-given authority.  Those who know that their authority comes from the Holy Spirit - and who walk in the humility of Christ in realizing that what takes place is all God.

 

Smith Wigglesworth used to say, "You know, you can't treat the devil lightly.  You have to be rough with him.   You have to mean business.  You must tell him with authority to come out.  It's not use telling him a second time, because if you do, he knows you didn't mean it the first time.  You have to have enough authority in the name of Jesus to command him to come out.  In that name, he must come out."

 

I encourage you today, my dear friends, to take authority over your situation.  Be bold.  Be strong, for the Lord thy God is with thee.

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

What if God were on Facebook?

Facebook is now officially one of the greatest addictions - if not the greatest addiction a lot of Christians have.

 

I think sometimes that we consider it a "safe" addiction.

 

When in doubt, get online and check out Facebook.

 

Live your life vicariously through others.

 

Check up on what others are doing.

 

Instead of living a moment completely - spend the time (in the midst of that moment) putting it on Facebook.

 

Disclaimer:  Being on Facebook is not a sin.  Not at all.  Like anything else - it only becomes a negative in our lives if we allow it to consume us - in place of spending time with God.

 

For instance:

 

Physical rest can become laziness.

 

Quietness can become non-communication

 

Interest the possessions of others becomes covetousness

 

Enjoyment of food becomes gluttony

 

Self care becomes selfishness

 

Self-respect can become conceit

 

Communication can become gossip

 

Judgment becomes criticism

 

Carefulness become fear.

 

The list goes on and on.

 

Most of us won't often be tempted to commit obvious sins such as armed robbery, murder or rape.

 

Satan is too clever and subtle for that.

 

Instead, his tactic is to entice us to push something good beyond the boundary of the will of God until it becomes sin.

 

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."

 

Green lights are there on all things - as long as they don't run the red light of putting God first.

 

Some suggestions: 

 

Limit yourself to getting on Facebook once or twice a day.

 

Limit yourself to "x" amount of minutes.

 

Every so often - take a break from Facebook altogether.

 

Use Facebook to encourage and lift up - never to criticize or tear down or passively aggressively revealing your emotions toward something or someone.

 

Practice your spiritual disciplines before you get on Facebook.

 

I read a great thought today from John Ortberg:

 

"What if God was on Facebook?"

 

What would his page look like?

 

What would His profile look like?

 

Name:  The Deity.

 

Relationship status:  Triune and serenely blissful.

 

Number of friends:  I only know.

 

Unfriended:  List currently blocked

 

Photos:  None available (see second commandment)

 

Timeline:  From the beginning - created the world, didn't I?

 

What's on your mind?:  What isn't?

 

Recent posts:  My book is still the all-time bestseller and the bestseller every year.  Now have a billion worshippers.  What ever happened to Zeus?  Taking the day off.  Thank me it's Friday!

 

Great stuff.

 

What is God spent all day on Facebook?  "Uh, hold on there with that need, Bill or Betty, I am on my Facebook page."

 

You see, God doesn't need a Facebook page because He has already revealed himself in Scripture and in the life of Jesus!

 

To see God, look at Jesus!

 

And thank God we are called to seek His face and not His Facebook.

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

 

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

Summer is here!  Yeah!

 

Vacations are in full force - have fun spending time with your family and friends!

 

I really appreciated the sweet, ministering presence of the Lord during communion yesterday.

 

I am thankful for the cross and forgiveness of sins.

 

Powerful altar time during the first service yesterday - God is good!

 

Men, you and I are to be the spiritual leaders of our home.

 

Review of the principles from yesterday:  As spiritual leaders of our home, guys, we are to walk in integrity, a passion for God and his kingdom, humility and prayer for our family.

 

There is no greater calling than to pray for our children.

 

God is our heavenly father, and he watches over our children as we pray.

 

God uses both our successes and failures to keep us humble.

 

Humility is simply have a right understanding of who you are:  both your strengths and your weaknesses.

 

Let's all continue to pray for the Reinhart Bonnke meetings this coming Friday and Saturday.

 

My prayer is that during the meetings, the hearts of the lost will be open to hear the good news of Jesus Christ - and connect to God.

 

Lots of horrific stuff going on in the world - I sincerely believe that Jesus is coming soon!

 

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

 

Let's all pray for the kids at children's camp this week:  Camps are always a time when our kids draw closer to the Lord.

 

Can I tell you something?  Debbie and I love all of you very much............

Training up children

As you know, this coming Sunday is Father's Day.

 

The Lord is leading me to integrate a study of "what is means to be a spiritual leader" into our study on Acts 16:1-15.

 

I encourage all of you to come - all men will be challenged and encouraged.

 

One of the principles I won't get to expound on is the following (I will mention it in passing):

 

"Train up a child in the way he (she) should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  Proverbs 22:6

 

The Amplified Version states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, in keeping with his individual gifts, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

 

"To train" means - to create a thirst; to direct or lead.

 

In the Old Testament times, it would have a twofold meaning:

 

First, it was used when a Hebrew midwife delivered a baby, the first thing she did was put some crushed grapes or dates on her index finger and put it in the child's mouth.

 

That would create or cultivate a thirst for grapes or dates.

 

But it also meant to lead or direct. 

 

It was used to describe the action of putting a rope in the mouth of a horse and bringing that horse into submission and guidance.  In both instances it is related to the mouth.

 

In other words, Proverbs 22:6 tells us that as parents, our role and responsibility is to give our children direction and to create a certain thirst in their life. 

 

What is the primary "thirst" we create?  A thirst for God.  A passion to serve Him.  A love for His church.  A respect for spiritual authority.  The ability to live a life of a servant.

 

Now some parents, a lot of parents (I've often said that parents in today's world are much better parents than we were - however, my perception is that they are being challenged in this one area)  want to raise their children as they want them to be and as they want them to do - concerning what they (the parents) perceive their giftedness and talents are.

 

They have their children running from soccer practice to baseball practice to piano practice to ballet lessons all in the same week - many times wanting them to succeed in areas that they (the parents) failed when they were children - living vicariously through them.

 

It is hard for some parents to realize that their little "Johnny" is not going to be the next Michael Jordan, or their little "Judy" is not going to be the next Taylor Swift.

 

Why?  Because they don't realize that it is not a matter of "trying harder" or being "more committed" but that their child does not have that "bent" or the talents necessary to reach that goal.

 

So what do we do as parents? 

 

We find our child's "bent" or their "unique characteristics" and go with that.

 

We come to the realization that our child may not be anything like us.  They might not like the same things we like.  They may not be of the same temperament as us.

 

I encourage you to realize that your child (as they are younger) are like a lump of clay, a soft hunk of clay - that's true, but some parents think that as they poke it and mold the clay - they can make it into something they want.

 

And when they get the clay (to continue to metaphor) into something they want, they bake it in a kiln and bring it out hard - and then put the child on the shelf and expect him to say that way the rest of his or her life. 

 

So, if you child is musical, then you ought to be providing musical opportunities.  If your child isn't musical, the last thing you need to do is insist that they take piano lessons.

 

I know that some of you are saying, "Well, I had piano lessons."

 

Don't inflict your problem on your kids.  :) :)

 

Find your child's gifts, talents, likes, dislikes and bent - and go with it!

 

And rejoice in the diversity that God has created.

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

 

The power of intercession

Last evening, at our Tuesday evening corporate prayer meeting, we had an extended amount of time (intercession) in prayer for Frank Wolf.  We prayed and sought God together for his healing. 

 

At times, in the supernatural realm, it was intense.

 

We also prayed for David, Donna and the entire Tanzania team - and this missions trip beginning this Sunday afternoon.

 

Intercessory prayer is so needed in today's world.

 

We have become consumed with the idea that "praying without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) is the only pattern for prayer (in other words - praying throughout the day continually in short bursts) that we have forgotten a sustained period of prayer (that is so needed) both individually and corporately.

 

In short, we have become to busy to pray.

 

I would suggest that God's kingdom has lost the ability and desire to participate in the art of sustained prayer for other people's needs (and our own).

 

Intercessory prayer is not something that needs to be massaged or manipulated by anything other than you and God - face to face, so to speak, in conversation about a need.

 

I don't need something to "pump me up" or get me "in the mood" to pray. 

 

All I need is a need - and a desire for God to meet that need.

 

Intercessory prayer is not a time of praise or worship - and of course you know that those times are needed - please don't misunderstand me.

 

It is not a time where I am "growing in Christ" through communion with God.

 

It is a time where I am:

 

Alone.  Praying.  Conversing.  Sharing a need.  Not getting up from your knees (physically or metaphorically) until an answer comes.

 

The word, "intercede" in the Latin means "to go or pass between."

 

Please understand this:  True intercessory prayer is where there are two parties, one with a need and one with an answer - and seeks to bring the two parties together (Tom Eliff).

 

Moses on the mountaintop, praying for the people of Israel - would be an example of this.

 

True intercessory prayer contains the following components:

 

It is intense, passionate. 

 

Sometimes God does listen to the tone of our voice - not because He is deaf, God is not deaf, but because it is a sign that we are really connected to what we are praying about.  God would rather have heart with few words - than a lot of words without heart.

 

It is persistent.

 

It doesn't give up until the is a sense that an answer has come or an answer is coming.  Jesus continually encouraged persistent prayer - not to beg or persuade, but to prepare our hearts (as intercessors) for the answer.

 

It is "praiseful".

 

It knows that the ultimate answer is in God's hands.  It lifts up a need with thanksgiving in advance - knowing that the answer is coming.

 

It is powerful.

 

The enemy flees when Christians gather together to intercede.  All of hell cringes when they hear saints of God - with voices lifted on high - bringing a need before the Father.

 

Now then, let me narrow this down today to that individual with whom you are being challenged by, hurt by, in conflict with.

 

Jesus said it this way in Matthew 5:44, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

 

Leonard Ravenhill once wrote:  "We never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about other folks for whom we pray!"

 

And finally, Dietrich Bonhoeffer:  "A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses.  I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me.  His face, that hitherto may have been strange and intolerable to me, is transformed in intercession into the countenance of a brother for whom Christ died, the face of a forgiven sinner.  This is a happy discovery for the Christian who begins to pray for others."

 

Having troubles with a spouse, a child, a boss, a co-worker, a brother or sister in Christ? - pray.

 

Let's never underestimate what the Holy Spirit can do.

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

 

 

God's heart toward you and I

Wow.  Trying to describe our creator is an impossible task (outside of the Bible).

 

God is indescribable.  At our best, it is very difficult to wrap our minds around who God is - and how much He cares for us - individually.

 

I was reading some stuff from Jim Nicodem this morning - and he helps us realize the following about God - the God who is our Father.  And His heart for you and I.

 

God loves sinful people - and redeemed people.

 

God loves sinful people just as much as He loves redeemed people. 

 

Psalms 103:8 tells us that, "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love."

 

God loves sinful people, but He also has a long fuse.

 

He is, "slow to anger."

 

For this - I am grateful.  Continually throughout the Word, specifically in the Old Testament, God puts up with a great deal before He reaches His "boiling point."

 

I am personally thankful for God's patience with me.

 

Nicodem writes, "Over and over again, the Bible tells us the reason God exercises such great patience is that he's hoping we will take advantage of this extension of His grace to turn from our sin, seek his forgiveness, and begin to obey him."

 

Disclaimer:  Don't mistake God's patience with  you and I as a lack of concern about our disobedience.

 

Psalms 103:9 tells us that God, "will not accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever."

 

We are never more like God than when we accuse.  The Word says that Satan is the accuser of the brethren.

 

God never brings up the past.  He has a short memory.

 

He doesn't harbor His anger forever. 

 

In Isaiah 57:16, God says, "If I kept throwing up in  your face your past failures, if I chose to retain an angry disposition toward you because of your sin, your spirit within you would grow faint before me.  You would wither up and die."

 

Finally, in Psalms 103:10, it states, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities."

 

That's called grace.  That is called mercy. 

 

So, at the heart of God - He has a long fuse.  He's got a short memory.  He has thick skin.

 

I leave you with this:  As we look toward this Father's Day, know that God is a compassionate father - and He understands our propensity to sin and our frailty.

 

Psalms 103:13 tells us, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.  For he knows how we are formed.  He remembers that we are dust.  As for man, his days are like grass.  He flourishes like a flower of the field.  The wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more."

 

God is for you today.  Rest in that.  Rejoice in that.  Relax in that.

 

And be free.  And be forgiven.  And walk in His abundant life.

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

 

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

I had the wonderful opportunity and privilege of attending the Northern Illinois District Pow-Wow this past Saturday  morning.

 

There was a lot of activity for the boys (and men) - and everyone was being encouraged and challenged to either connect with Christ or draw closer to the Lord!

 

Thanks to all of our commanders - especially Commander Howie - for all of your hard work and time!

 

Great job men!

 

Quotes (and thoughts) from yesterday's teaching:

 

You know that you have created God in your own image when  you think God hates the same people you do.

 

Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right - forgiveness sets you free.

 

Forgiveness is surrendering my right to hurt you for hurting me.

 

Unforgiveness is the number one avenue Satan uses to gain entrance into your life.  Paul encourages mutual forgiveness "in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes."  2 Corinthians 2:11.

 

Unforgiveness leads to bondage in our lives.

 

Most of the time, nine times out of ten, the people I have had to forgive sincerely do not feel that they have done anything wrong.

 

Tomorrow evening, June 16th, we will be having our last Tuesday evening corporate prayer time - before taking a break for the summer.  Why not come out and spend an hour in prayer with the family of God?  6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

 

We will begin our Tuesday evening prayer times again on Tuesday, August 18th.

 

Please mark down Saturday, September 12th, on your calendars.  We will be having our first annual City Fest.  The band Abandon will be playing and there will be inflatables, food, pony rides, face painting, etc.  More information will be coming!

 

Let's be praying for our Stone Church Tanzania mission's team as they leave this coming Sunday, June 21st- for ministry in that country!

 

Can I tell you something?  At the end of the day - everyone is just doing the best they can.

 

With much love........