I had an interesting visit recently with a lovely lady of about 70 years. She has been a Christian for 60 of those years, all spent in one Pentecostal denomination. She made and appointment to see me, and came to my office with a notebook and a pen. She opened the conversation with a question: … Continue reading The Word and the Spirit, keep it real!
Tag: Faith
Missing Ike
President Obama quipped in a speech in Iowa that the Republican convention espoused ideas "better suited for the last century. "You might as well have watched it on a black and white TV." the crowd laughed and cheered. That set me to thinking: the last half of the last century was my half-century. Looking around … Continue reading Missing Ike
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
Grateful for the Message
I am having a gratitude attack this morning. The symptoms are a swollen heart and tears of joy when I think of how God has blessed me. In particular, I am grateful that He plopped me into this wonderful family of faith. I came to the Lord by myself reading a Billy Graham book in … Continue reading Grateful for the Message
God’s About to do Something.
The other day as I was thinking on the death of liberty and the demise of western cviization ( for I do believe that is what we are watching), I prayed what has become a common prayer of late: "Lord, what are we going to do?" Much to my surprise, in my heart I heard … Continue reading God’s About to do Something.
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
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
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