Teachable Moments

There are many ‘Teachable moments’ as we watch our children and grandchildren grow. The most valuable ones come from our times of adversity and sadly, heartbreaks. The important thing is to not overlook these teachable moments, and to learn that they should be marked as a monument that will remind our children that when we are anchored in God, no storm will wash us away!

It is sad to think that there are millions of children who have no monuments to look to for assurance. Thank God for my parents and grandparents, who built monuments for me so that now my children and precious grandchildren can ask; “What do these stones mean?”

 (Joshua 4:6-7 NLT)  We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”

 (Exodus 13:14 NLT) “And in the future, your children will ask you, ‘What does all this mean?‘ Then you will tell them, ‘With the power of His mighty hand, the LORD brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery.

My grandmother had this picture (below) hanging in her living room when I was a small child. When I asked her; “What does this mean?” she seized that as a teachable moment and began to tell me of the many times God watched over her family and how He sends angels to protect us. I now have this same picture in my house.

Need Help With A Difficult Task?

God is not limited in whom He calls and anoints to assist us in doing the work He has called us to do. In Isaiah, God used King Cyrus, a man who didn’t even know God, to reestablish Jerusalem. Cyrus accomplished more for God’s work than we would expect from any believer and asked for nothing in return. If it seems the work you are called to do seems impossible, ask God to send a King Cyrus into your life!

Here is what God said to Cyrus when He anointed him and blessed him to do this task:

(Isaiah 45:4 NLT)  “And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know Me? It is for the sake of Jacob My servant, Israel My chosen one.

What is happening to our country?

What is happening to our country?

I hear that comment so much lately. I must admit that I ask myself that question almost every day. We have so many changes coming at us it makes our head spin. Our government is morphing into some sort of distorted socialist, anti capitalist nation at a breathtaking speed. We have witnessed over 30 % of our economy taken over by the government in less than one year. If the President gets his way with healthcare, the government will then have taken control of 50% of the nations economy in less that a one year! No one would have imagined this just a few years ago.

We have troops feeling abandon in foreign lands. These are brave men and women who voluntarily risked their life to comb the mountains of the country that housed and trained our enemy from 911. Will we forget those brave soldiers who have already died in that land and cause their sacrifice to be in vain?

Here in America, our unemployment is over 10% in some states, companies are going broke every day, people are confused about their future. Throughout all this turmoil our President, Congress, and Senate are digging in, making Government control top priority. What is happening to our country?

I believe that you can describe what is happening in one word; CORRECTION. We simply got so far off course that it is taking drastic measures to get back on track. America was founded and established on Godly principles. Since it’s beginning, America has been the leader in promoting freedom and other Godly principles in the world. Over the years we have blessed the world with so many good things. The liberals in this country may not like it, our critics may hate us for it, but like it or not we are a nation of Gods People! Being a nation of Gods people has it’s blessings, but it comes with responsibility. I believe that we have entered into a time of responsible accountability in this nation. God loves us and is waking us up and telling us to get back on track.

Let me give you a scripture that tells us what we should do next:  

2Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) ….if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Notice that God isn’t calling on the heathen or the the atheist, or the wicked who serve other Gods; if MY PEOPLE who are CALLED BY MY NAME will humble themselves and pray!

So when you find yourself asking that question, (“What is happening to our country?” ) remember that the way out of this is not found in the hands of those who are dismantling the country and expanding evil;  The way out is firmly placed in the hands and hearts of believers across this land. If ever there was a time to follow 2Chronicles 7:14, it is now! I like our odds because the solution has been placed in the hands of the Believers, not the wicked

One more thing; I am personally excited about where we are because I have extreme faith in God, His children, and this great nation. It may get worse before it gets better, but it will get better! I believe we are on the threshold of a great Move of God like we have not seen. The evidence is clear, we are living in the last days. I believe that God loves this world so much that He will try everything to reach us before returning. After all, He has paid a tremendous price to save us, He has proven His love and His willingness to go the distance to save us. Christians, are you ready to work the greatest Harvest in this worlds history?

“If MY people, who are called by MY name……..!” 

(Repost from Jan. 2009)

Pastor Rick

My Refuge

As I sit in my favorite chair tonight, my heart is heavy for my grandson, Chase. I received word earlier that he was injured seriously when he fell from a tree; broken shoulder and ribs, bleeding from his kidney and spleen. As serious as this is, I know that God doesn’t get blindsided, nor does He ever, ever, ever,…..EVER, panic!

For me, it is difficult to go through, I live almost three thousand miles away from my little man, but I know that God is standing right there in my place. It doesn’t matter who else is there at Albany Medical in New York tonight; my Father is there looking after my grandson. I am so thankful that God truly hears our prayers and cares to get personally involved when we call.

With nothing to do but wait, I picked up my Bible and read one of my favorite chapters. This isn’t just ‘religious stuff’ to me; God has been tested and proven in my life. He listens when I pray, hearing every word. He not only hears me when I pray, but He is listening for me too pray! He delights in coming to the aide of His children, and he his listening for our cry.

Let me finish this blog by posting this short chapter that has given me so much comfort tonight as it has over the years:

 A psalm of David. Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to You for refuge. I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from You.” The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. LORD, You alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land You have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow Your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.  (Psa 16:1-11)

UPDATE: Chase is fine and once again able to climb trees. Thank you God, You are so faithful!

 

Something Is About To Happen!

 I heard a man stand up awhile back and give his opinion of the church that he attended and I learned a lot from this this story. 

The church had called a meeting to hear from it’s members about ways to improve things. The question presented that night was simple: “Why do people choose to come or not to come to our services?” When asked for opinions, this man blurted out, “I’ll tell you what keeps me coming to this church.”  Every eye in the house was on him and ears wide open. Everyone must have had their own idea of what class or program caused this gentleman to be so sold out to his church. Surly he must be so encouraged by a particular program that he continued to be loyal to this church. The odd thing here was that this gentleman rarely spoke to anyone about anything.

 “I’ll tell you,” he said, “what keeps me coming to this church,” (every head turned in his direction). The sudden rush of the peoples attention made him hesitate,  but he went on. “It’s strange, I know, but I get the feeling here, like nowhere else, that something is about to happen.”

Have you ever had that feeling? Maybe a strong premonition or a strange notion that something big was about to happen and you didn’t want to miss it for the world. If you speak too much about this feeling to others, you are likely to be labeled as a weirdo, and yet the earliest Christians would have recognized this feeling of anticipation instantly as a sign of the Holy Spirit at work. They were convinced that they stood on the threshold of history, and that something was about to happen, and did in fact did happen daily. I can assure you that even the unsaved world, even though they continued life as usual, had to feel something happening too!

 I believe that Christians today should live their lives with eager anticipation that something is about to happen. SOMETHING GOOD IS COMING INTO FULL VIEW! We are truly living in the last days and Jesus is eagerly waiting for the order to return for His Church. With the tremendous love and compasion that God has for His people, I can assure you that in the last days He will pull out all stops to bring in the Harvest; 

When something big begins to happen in the spiritual realm, it brings about an anticipation in the natural. When baby Moses was pulled from that river, I can assure you that those present felt a sense of anticipation of things to come. When that shepherd boy picked up five stones and walked up to that mad, ranting giant, there was a sense that SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN! When the angel came to visit Mary to tell her she was going to have a child; and when the star appeared to those wise men from afar, THIS ENTIRE UNIVERSE was filled with anticipation , an expectation that SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN! It was that same feeling of anticipation that kept people hanging around the Upper Room in Acts chapter 2. 

Recent evidence of a major stirring that I would like to present for you to consider, is a simple look at the signs. Jesus instructed us to ‘watch the signs’ that warn of His return. One such sign is our rapidly changing weather patterns. While not everyone will agree with me on this, I believe that whenever there is a major stirring in the spiritual realm, it is always mirrored in the physical realm. The old testament speaks of whirlwinds, rain, droughts, and other signs at the same moment that miracles were taking place. We see the same pattern in the New Testament; an earthquake at the Crucifixion, storms at sea before mighty works, and so on. When you look at the past links and listen to the words of Christ, it seems evident to me that the spirit world is solidly connected to our natural, physical planet. With this in mind, do you remember ever seeing such strange patterns in our weather and the numerous ways our planet is vocalizing itself, as if it is crying out to God; “Come Lord Jesus!” Something is about to happen, and that ‘something’ is the return of Jesus Christ! 

God paid the ultimate price to save us; don’t think for a moment that He won’t do everything possible to bring in a great Harvest before sending His Son to take us out of here. He isn’t playing out a ‘gottcha’ plan with man, but He does have a Saving plan. While the world is focused on politics and gas prices, the dedicated church is hearing a whisper and feeling a tug deep in their spirit; Something is about to happen. I believe that we are about to see the greatest spiritual awakening this world has known, if we want it. In my lifetime I have not witnessed such a longing and a hunger for a true visitation from the Holy Spirit. Indeed, something is about to happen; are you ready?

Our ‘Fair Share.’ REALLY?

I am really tired of the phrase; ‘Fair Share.’ It’s not that the idea is a bad one, nor am I suggesting that any group of people should have seven apples while another group only has four. My premise is the way those apples are earned. America’s top leader (for now) has a distorted view of fairness and how it is that certain people have managed to position themselves financially above others. Perhaps the reason for this is that Mr. Obama has never worked a ‘real’ job and possibly believes that everyone should be able to hop and skip their way to success as he did. Whatever our president’s beliefs truly are, he has chosen for political reasons to preach the message of ‘Fair Share.’  We are being bombarded with speeches that tell us Mr. X isn’t paying his fair share so Mr Y isn’t receiving his due. We have also learned that the guy at the car wash isn’t getting his ‘fair share’ because he makes less than the guy who designs bridges and skyscrapers.

Our ‘Fair Share’ Mr. President? Let me explain this, oh great one; As for those who won’t work, they shouldn’t eat, and that IS their ‘Fair Share.’ (See 2 Thessalonians 3:10) For those who didn’t take the time to be the best they could be, they have willingly settled for less and THAT IS their ‘Fair Share.’  Those among us who made the free choice to rise early, stay up late, make the sacrifices necessary to build a business or career; those who have never wasted countless hours watching Survivor, American Idol, or the Kardashions, those who have lost forever the priceless family moments because they were busy at their workplace, are also reaping their ‘FAIR SHARE.’

It isn’t about opportunities in America; we are all blessed with that. It is about Choices, Mr. Obama. Perhaps you didn’t learn this in Kenya or wherever you grew up, but it is about CHOICES here in America, and thank God Americans still have the freedom to make them on their own. As for those whimpering Americans, recognize your freedom to make choices and understand the consequences of those choices.

I normally keep my blog on the spiritual side and avoid politics, but this I can’t ignore. Perhaps the real invitation for me to join this debate came as the liberals in this country began to distort this ‘fair share’ doctrine as being Christ-like. False, false, and false! Jesus taught us that men get what they work for, and that they should be willing to work. He also taught us that the amount we put into something determined what we get back from it. (Luke 6:38) Jesus never advocated that slackers should receive the same amount of ‘apples’ as those who made a total commitment to their labor.

America is in trouble, yet it remains the greatest nation on earth. We must not allow this doctrine of jealousy and entitlements destroy us. Let’s get it right America!

Pointing The Way For My Children

It is my duty to ensure that as I go through suffering and difficulties in this life, to label each one with a monument that will witness to my children and Generations to come of Gods faithfulness, and how He led me through.

Faith is gained by hearing the Word. (Romans 10:17) The first-hand account of the Saving Grace of God from a trusted parent to a child is a powerful Word to be heard. Don’t overlook a teachable moment; remember to build those monuments!

(Joshua 4:6 NLT) We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’

A Happy BLESSED New Year!

What a great New Years day! It started out awesome from the beginning. I opened my eyes and immediately felt a peace and joy. I started my day with a smile, confident that tomorrow, like today, held wonderful blessings and an endless supply of joy. God has gone to great lengths over the past few weeks to assure me that He is guiding and directing our steps in this New Year. The Holy Spirit has began to stir and open my eyes to His plans for our future and the ministry that is in front of us. Very exciting! I think I have been walking just a little above the ground as we have passed from 2011 into 2012.

In Sundays New Year Service, the full impact of what God is doing for my family began to sink in. I suddenly realized that God had not only began to reveal His plan for the next step in our ministry, but that He did so BEFORE we faced the New Year! What a Blessing! It wasn’t as easy for me in 2011. Although I was Blessed and did not have any great problems to speak of, there was much uncertainty concerning the direction of our Ministry. We had just previously left the church where we had been the pastors for five years and simply did not have a clear vision of what we would do next. I think that when a pastor finds himself without a congregation, it is more than simply being unemployed, it becomes a spiritual wasteland. It’s like coming to the end of a road you have long journeyed, and finding you must choose from countless roads the path that is right for you.

As a pastor you have a good understanding of the seriousness of the choices we make. We have watched many others make those choices and seen the impact of making right and wrong choices. I can tell you that I have spent many nights agonizing before the Lord, seeking to hear the Spirit give instructions. I prayed with my pastor, whom I have trusted for most of my life, and his advice to me was simple, yet straight from the Holy Spirit. He simply said, “Ricky, be patient son. Be patient.” I had no idea how hard that would be! But I really had no choice other than to patiently wait on the Lord for instruction, and thankfully, God was faithful to remember me.

I don’t know what you face coming into 2012, but I can promise you that God cares as much for you as He does for me, and He wants 2012 to be a year of VICTORY for you! I believe that those who put their trust in Him will live a victorious life in 2012! This will be a year of Sharp Focus for Gods people. Are you tired of your Promises and your destiny being cloaked in a cloud of secrecy; barely visible and often not visible at all? This year, as you seek the Lord, that cloud will lift! Not just enough for you to get a bit of a glimpse, but see enough to energize you and spring you forward with a new confidence.

The worlds problems are still hanging around; financial, political, cultural, and environmental issues are as gravely serious as ever in history, yet I have Hope! Banks will continue to collapse, Governments will fall or drastically change, cultural differences will lead to new battles, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Floods, Hurricanes, whatever; Our God is STILL in control!  I have Peace, even as the world seeks relentlessly for peace to no avail, because I know the Giver of Peace! I have Confidence, even as the world destabilizes by the hour as every once- firm foundation that modern man has known loses it’s security and crumbles. Why do I have this peace, this joy, this hope and security? Because I have a relationship with the one who spoke the universe into existence, and continues to command it with authority today! I enjoy peace because the Prince of Peace was waiting to speak with me when I opened my eyes this morning.

Join me in dedicating this New Year to the only one who can Bless it, even in troubled times, our Savior Jesus Christ! Thank You Lord for your tremendous Blessings in my life!

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”  (John 10:10 NLT)

A Happy BLESSED New Year!

What a great New Years day! It started out awesome from the beginning. I opened my eyes and immediately felt a peace and joy. I started my day with a smile, confident that tomorrow, like today, held wonderful blessings and an endless supply of joy. God has gone to great lengths over the past few weeks to assure me that He is guiding and directing our steps in this New Year. The Holy Spirit has began to stir and open my eyes to His plans for our future and the ministry that is in front of us. Very exciting! I think I have been walking just a little above the ground as we have passed from 2011 into 2012. 

In Sundays New Year Service, the full impact of what God is doing for my family began to sink in. I suddenly realized that God had not only began to reveal His plan for the next step in our ministry, but that He did so BEFORE we faced the New Year! What a Blessing! It wasn’t as easy for me in 2011. Although I was Blessed and did not have any great problems to speak of, there was much uncertainty concerning the direction of our Ministry. We had just previously left the church where we had been the pastors for five years and simply did not have a clear vision of what we would do next. I think that when a pastor finds himself without a congregation, it is more than simply being unemployed, it becomes a spiritual wasteland. It’s like coming to the end of a road you have long journeyed, and finding you must choose from countless roads the path that is right for you.

As a pastor you have a good understanding of the seriousness of the choices we make. We have watched many others make those choices and seen the impact of making right and wrong choices. I can tell you that I have spent many nights agonizing before the Lord, seeking to hear the Spirit give instructions. I prayed with my pastor, whom I have trusted for most of my life, and his advice to me was simple, yet straight from the Holy Spirit. He simply said, “Ricky, be patient son. Be patient.” I had no idea who hard that would be! But I really had no choice other than to patiently wait on the Lord for instruction, and thankfully, God was faithful to remember me. 

I don’t know what you face coming into 2012, but I can promise you that God cares as much for you as He does for me, and He wants 2012 to be a year of VICTORY for you! I believe that those who put their trust in Him will live a victorious life in 2012! This will be a year of Sharp Focus for Gods people. Are you tired of your Promises and your destiny being cloaked in a cloud of secrecy; barely visible and often not visible at all? This year, as you seek the Lord, that cloud will lift! Not just enough for you to get a bit of a glimpse, but see enough to energize you and spring you forward with a new confidence. 

The worlds problems are still hanging around; financial, political, cultural, and environmental issues are as gravely serious as ever in history, yet I have Hope! Banks will continue to collapse, Governments will fall or drastically change, cultural differences will lead to new battles, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Floods, Hurricanes, whatever; Our God is STILL in control!  I have Peace, even as the world seeks relentlessly for peace to no avail, because I know the Giver of Peace! I have Confidence, even as the world destabilizes by the hour as every once- firm foundation that modern man has known loses it’s security and crumbles. Why do I have this peace, this joy, this hope and security? Because I have a relationship with the one who spoke the universe into existence, and continues to command it with authority today! I enjoy peace because the Prince of Peace was waiting to speak with me when I opened my eyes this morning.

Join me in dedicating this New Year to the only one who can Bless it, even in troubled times, our Savior Jesus Christ! Thank You Lord for your tremendous Blessings in my life!

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”  (John 10:10 NLT)

Ugly Became Beautiful

Have you ever looked at something so ugly, or so repulsive that you just had to turn away? Perhaps it even caused a reaction in the pit of your stomach that forced you to look away. I am certain that the above comment surely conjured many revolting mental images, but there is one image of ugliness that I doubt came to anybody’s mind. An image that once caused men, women, and children shake their heads in disgust. An image that was at one time a picture of shame; that image is the cross!   

The cross was a symbol of shame. It was the means of ending one’s life in utter disgrace. If someone one sentenced to die on the cross, it indicated that this person was the lowest of lows, the dirtiest of them all. People would pass by and spit at them, or even curse them, while gazing at the cross in disgust. 

But look at the cross today. What happened? Today we look upon the cross with such reverence. I would say that every one of us has at least one cross or picture of a cross among their belongings. Today, when I look at a cross, it is easy for a lump to form in my throat and tears to fill my eyes. Today, most of us see a cross and we feel a sense of awe and reverence. Why? How can such an image of disdain be transformed into an image of profound respect?

What happened that changed the world’s opinion of the cross?

That change came when our Savior was nailed to that cross, a sacrifice for our sins. He bore our shame for us on that day. Because our Savior was nailed to that cross and became my ugly shame, the image of the cross has been transformed into an image of love and beauty. 

This may not seem like a big deal to you, but think about this;

So often I run into someone who radiates the love of Christ and have become a walking billboard for the beautiful love of God! We all know a people like this, they are everywhere. The sad truth is that many times Christians expect these wonderful examples of Christ to be perfect, (ugh) perfect SINCE BIRTH! (Oh you know there are perfect people EVERYWHERE!) When they discover that they have a forgiven past, they are no longer able to see the awesome Beauty of Christ in these people. Perhaps these types of critics need another look at the Cross, then and now, to jog their memory of the beauty of forgiveness. 

Until the cross was labeled as an image of shame, it had no beauty, nor shame. It was the shame of sin that gave the cross a negative image, and it was the love of Christ that gave the Cross an image of beauty. Without Christ, we all look like a troubled mess, but because of Christ, we are transformed into beauty! If we are created in His image, then we are created in BEAUTY!

I can now see the significance of the cross. It was transformed from an object of shame and disgrace into a symbol of perfect love. The same can be said for the lives of you and I. Our life was a symbol of shame and disgrace, but because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we now reflect His perfect love!

The next time you see a cross, try this; don’t focus of the form of the cross, but instead reflect on the changes that cross has made in your own life, and your own image. The Crucifixion transformed your ugliness into beauty. Think about this and stop condemning others for the forgiven-ugliness in their past.