THE ASSURANCE OF PRAYER
The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit after prayer and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:32-37 We see how the people were moved in heart and mind in that they now believe and their hearts were changed. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit opened their hearts and minds toward each other;
Acts 4:32-33
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
(NKJV)
God's Word moves with power and grace, also working through those that had looked out for others in need. This is how the Holy Spirit built the Church and how God moved among His people. These people were being moved by the His filling of them with the Spirit.
Acts 4:34-37
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
(NKJV)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Michael Vick
It has been widely publicized that Michael Vick has been signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles land Vick Here is a link to the NFL.com dealing with the Eagles signing Mr. Vick. Here also is a LINK where Mr. Vick says he will try to make the most of this second chance.
But does he deserve a second chance. I have read many articles and posts on how terrible this man is and how he should be drummed out of the NFL. What are your thoughts? What should we really do with him?
The story is one of a professional athlete that broke the law, who was inhumane to animals.
Or:
Is this a story of compassion or hatred...compassion to forgive a person that made mistakes or not?
John 8:7
The more I read about Mr. Vick the more I see hardened hearts void of mercy and grace.
Matthew 18:35 Matthew 18:1-34
We as a people condemn and HATE our fellow man all the while hiding what we do wrong. Is it right to judge others and not judge oneself? I have to admit...I am a sinner and I have done my share of wrong in my life. I see the spec in your eye but do nothing with the plank that is in mine. Matthew 7:3-5. Who among you have not lied, stolen, cheated, lusted, envied or hated as just a few examples of the plank that is in our eye?
Here is the point. God sent His Son to the cross to take our sins. Jesus died, rose and sits next to the Father interceding for you and me...and Mr. Vick. The only judgment that there is… when God asks you; “what did you do with my Son?” You either accepted Him as your Lord and Savior or you did not.
My prayer for Mr. Vick as well as you is this; that you soften your heart and accept Jesus as your Lord, that you ask Him into your heart and that you would follow Him the rest of your life.
But does he deserve a second chance. I have read many articles and posts on how terrible this man is and how he should be drummed out of the NFL. What are your thoughts? What should we really do with him?
The story is one of a professional athlete that broke the law, who was inhumane to animals.
Or:
Is this a story of compassion or hatred...compassion to forgive a person that made mistakes or not?
John 8:7
The more I read about Mr. Vick the more I see hardened hearts void of mercy and grace.
Matthew 18:35 Matthew 18:1-34
We as a people condemn and HATE our fellow man all the while hiding what we do wrong. Is it right to judge others and not judge oneself? I have to admit...I am a sinner and I have done my share of wrong in my life. I see the spec in your eye but do nothing with the plank that is in mine. Matthew 7:3-5. Who among you have not lied, stolen, cheated, lusted, envied or hated as just a few examples of the plank that is in our eye?
Here is the point. God sent His Son to the cross to take our sins. Jesus died, rose and sits next to the Father interceding for you and me...and Mr. Vick. The only judgment that there is… when God asks you; “what did you do with my Son?” You either accepted Him as your Lord and Savior or you did not.
My prayer for Mr. Vick as well as you is this; that you soften your heart and accept Jesus as your Lord, that you ask Him into your heart and that you would follow Him the rest of your life.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I have great children!
How often do you tell your kids, how great they are?
I just got off the phone with my son and it amazes me how hard he tries to be a great kid. My daughter who is 13 also works very hard to please. I have great kids! Their big brother is an adult now but he too has been a great kid. He is searching but knows the Word, so I trust in the Lord he will not stray too far.
Each day of the week they phone me at work, my son at 3pm and my daughter at 4pm to do their bible study. They first read their verses and then call me to re-read and discuss what the verses say. We use the inductive style of study to do our bible studies. It is so awesome to listen and hear what they see in scripture. Then it is so awesome to see the Holy Spirit work in them…seeing when they discover the Way, the Truth and the Light. John 14:6
I wanted to write this to publicly praise the Lord for where I, my wife and my children are at in our walks with God. We all have our trying times but when we look at our relationship with Christ it’s all so trivial. I commend my children for their love of God and respect of family. They have grown exponentially this summer; I hope and pray that the Lord stays strong in their lives.
1 John 4:4
Luke 18:16
I just got off the phone with my son and it amazes me how hard he tries to be a great kid. My daughter who is 13 also works very hard to please. I have great kids! Their big brother is an adult now but he too has been a great kid. He is searching but knows the Word, so I trust in the Lord he will not stray too far.
Each day of the week they phone me at work, my son at 3pm and my daughter at 4pm to do their bible study. They first read their verses and then call me to re-read and discuss what the verses say. We use the inductive style of study to do our bible studies. It is so awesome to listen and hear what they see in scripture. Then it is so awesome to see the Holy Spirit work in them…seeing when they discover the Way, the Truth and the Light. John 14:6
I wanted to write this to publicly praise the Lord for where I, my wife and my children are at in our walks with God. We all have our trying times but when we look at our relationship with Christ it’s all so trivial. I commend my children for their love of God and respect of family. They have grown exponentially this summer; I hope and pray that the Lord stays strong in their lives.
1 John 4:4
Luke 18:16
Monday, August 10, 2009
Prison Ministry
USP6 Victorville:
We had a team of 22 men work this last KAIROS weekend and 40 candidates with 20 KAIROS graduate/inside team members. The countenance of the candidates was hard and suspect of what they had signed up for but the team made them feel at ease and all came back on Friday morning. Each day brought a new trial and each day brought better fruit. We saw the room change by Friday night and by Sunday we were hugging and laughing…sharing in the Spirit of the Lord!
Sunday at the cross ceremony I was able to call 38 men forward and each said that they were now counting on Christ in their lives. We then went to closing where 15 outside guests came to welcome and show these new KAIROS graduates the love that comes from the body of Christ. The Head Chaplin was present for the closing and was invited to speak. His message was encouraging and direct. He called for the new KAIROS graduates to stand strong in Christ and to stay connected to the body. We actually had two 4th day speakers. These two jointly spoke on how a person can’t be a faker and play church. They spoke of denying self to have a strong walk with the Lord.
The hard parts were the normal issues: time was constantly being adjusted, counts dealing with the two drops and the constant attack from the enemy with attitudes.
The best part of this weekend was seeing hard eyes and faces turn to smiles and hugs. I know that God used this weekend to reach into a very dark place and His light was received. Please keep all involved… the Chaplains, Warden, staff, candidates, Prayer warriors, families and the volunteers in prayer.
Remember; we have just begun a work here and we need to be diligent in going back to continue God’s mission with these men and the institution. As the Head Chaplain said as we were leaving. “I am a government employee and bureaucrat, real positive change comes from the outside.” We are that outside and God wants to get into the inside…of all our hearts.
Revelation 2:11
We had a team of 22 men work this last KAIROS weekend and 40 candidates with 20 KAIROS graduate/inside team members. The countenance of the candidates was hard and suspect of what they had signed up for but the team made them feel at ease and all came back on Friday morning. Each day brought a new trial and each day brought better fruit. We saw the room change by Friday night and by Sunday we were hugging and laughing…sharing in the Spirit of the Lord!
Sunday at the cross ceremony I was able to call 38 men forward and each said that they were now counting on Christ in their lives. We then went to closing where 15 outside guests came to welcome and show these new KAIROS graduates the love that comes from the body of Christ. The Head Chaplin was present for the closing and was invited to speak. His message was encouraging and direct. He called for the new KAIROS graduates to stand strong in Christ and to stay connected to the body. We actually had two 4th day speakers. These two jointly spoke on how a person can’t be a faker and play church. They spoke of denying self to have a strong walk with the Lord.
The hard parts were the normal issues: time was constantly being adjusted, counts dealing with the two drops and the constant attack from the enemy with attitudes.
The best part of this weekend was seeing hard eyes and faces turn to smiles and hugs. I know that God used this weekend to reach into a very dark place and His light was received. Please keep all involved… the Chaplains, Warden, staff, candidates, Prayer warriors, families and the volunteers in prayer.
Remember; we have just begun a work here and we need to be diligent in going back to continue God’s mission with these men and the institution. As the Head Chaplain said as we were leaving. “I am a government employee and bureaucrat, real positive change comes from the outside.” We are that outside and God wants to get into the inside…of all our hearts.
Revelation 2:11
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