Happy birthday, Amendment 16

“That the power to tax involves the power to destroy; that the power to destroy may defeat and render useless the power to create….” Chief Justice John Marshall. 2013 will mark the centennial of the federal income tax. The ratification of the 16th Amendment released the federal govrnment to directly tax individual income for the first … Continue reading Happy birthday, Amendment 16

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

Romney May Not be Electable

I have been trying to maintain some sense of objectivity in the political arena, confining myself to informing my church folks how to approach their own decisions from a Christian perspective. Without telling anyone how they should vote, let me give a heads up to my Republican friends: the electability of Mitt Romney is a … Continue reading Romney May Not be Electable

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

Thank God for the New Old Days

As Christmas gets close I tend to reminisce and, like many in my age bracket, wax philosophical about the “good old days.” I do miss my mom and dad, and Christmas at Grandma’s, etc. But this morning I am struck with how many things I am grateful for today that we didn’t have just a … Continue reading Thank God for the New Old Days

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

Name your Nazi

After reading yet another article about someone calling a Tea Party guy a nazi, I just couldn't resist a brief comment. First of all, the use of the term Nazi in the pejorative is a bit overdone these days. When real nazis show up we are numb to the warning. Second, if you insist on calling … Continue reading Name your Nazi

Debate was a yawner

I thought the debate last night was a bit dull. These guys just regurgitate the same stuff. Except, of course, for Newt. I love the guy and really wish he were electable. He is by far the sharpest of the group. I really want to like Perry. He seems like a decent fellow. His heart … Continue reading Debate was a yawner

Tell Somebody

We just completed three wonderful days of meetings in our church. The Spirit of God moved in a powerful way. Folks were saved, healed, and delivered. It truly was a time of refreshing. God revealed Himself as Jehovah-Shalom, the God who is our Peace. Mental torments and anxieties were lifted. He reintroduced Himself as the … Continue reading Tell Somebody

Are You Just Stupid Like Rick?

I see by the morning gab that I am supposed to dislike Rick Perry because he is stupid. We know this because he said that it would be almost treasonous to print fiat currency for the sole purpose of manipulating an election in the middle of a national crisis. Then he implied that he thinks … Continue reading Are You Just Stupid Like Rick?