Keepin’ it Real

I was having a conversation yesterday with some of our ministry team. Our topic turned to the move of the Spirit and the way we allow Him to order our services. It reminded me of when we opened our doors in February of 2004. I was casting about for a slogan to put in a … Continue reading Keepin’ it Real

Plan Time with God

While preparing to leave Panama this week, a couple of things struck me while negotiating the airport. As usual, after clearing security I headed for the men’s room. This is a recently remodeled facility. Millions of dollars were spent to provide a beautiful building with modern appurtenances. As I joined the march of men pulling … Continue reading Plan Time with God

Give Them the Word

Every now and then I read or hear something so far outside my way of thinking it hardly seems real. Often I take another step or two before it hits me and my mouth drops. A few days ago a friend wrote me about a church where he was told they didn’t like to study … Continue reading Give Them the Word

Don’t Settle for Less than God’s Best

Many years ago, in another place and time, I had a fellow come to me with a big grin on his face. He shook my hand vigorously and announced, "Pastor, I believe God wants me to serve as an usher here." I encouraged him to do so, gave him the job description, and referred him … Continue reading Don’t Settle for Less than God’s Best

Keepin’ it Simple

If you could advise a young pastor what would you tell him? At our recent leadership meeting, Rev. Van Crouch shared several things he believed to be vital. Citing the mission of the local church to make disciples who live victoriously and bear fruit, he proposed a list of things that should be on the … Continue reading Keepin’ it Simple

A Few Things I Want to See Again

We have just returned from the annual leaders meeting for our international organization. As always, there was much to report. The first morning we were blessed by the ministry of Van Crouch, whom I heard first some 27 years ago. He is still a blessing. During his message he referred several times to "this demographic," … Continue reading A Few Things I Want to See Again

Thank a Preacher

I watched another TV drama last night about a preacher who was a real idiot. It seems to me that the preponderance of movie and TV Christians are horrible people. They are either really icky-sweet or effeminate, or they are some kind of monster. We have certainly had plenty of characters to provide models for … Continue reading Thank a Preacher

Cured of Agrophobia

I have been preaching lately on the power of sharing our personal testimonies concerning what God has done in our lives. My goal is to get people to freely share their stories of salvation, healing, financial blessing, and other works of the Lord with those who are the natural contacts in their lives. I believe … Continue reading Cured of Agrophobia

Talking to My Invisible Friend

I just heard someone say it again, “God seems so far away!” I regularly hear that or some variation thereof: “I just don’t feel like He hears me.” Or “I don’t feel God is anywhere around.” These statements are usually made by sincere Christians who have known the Lord and walked with Him in some … Continue reading Talking to My Invisible Friend

Did 9/11 work?

A few days after 9/11/01 church attendance went up. People knew they needed God. It troubles me that ten years after the Islamo-fascist attack on the United States we are debating whether it would be OK to pray at the Trade Center site. Maybe even worse, we are avoiding any evangelical presence at the Pentagon memorial. Apparently the goals of … Continue reading Did 9/11 work?