Time With God

Time With God

A few months ago a man in our church came and shared that the Lord had placed on his heart to ask other men to come join him for a time of prayer.  He decided on Tuesday mornings at 6am.  This was a day that worked for him and others but it also would be a time that wouldn't be convenient as one would have to get up earlier than usual to come to pray.  There are days when several will come to the men's prayer time and there are times when there are a few.  There's no condemnation meant by that statement to those who don't make it.  It just simply happens that way sometimes.  There are also times when it seems the time flies by and it's hard to believe it has been an hour of prayer.  There are other Tuesday mornings when time seems to crawl.  I believe it comes down to understanding that prayer really is work.  You have to be intentional and work at prayer.

A few weeks ago during this time of prayer, God began to speak to me.  This thought came to my heart..... "God will only become as real to me as much as I let Him become real to me."  Think about that statement for a moment.  God will never force Himself on us.  He will only come as close to us as we will allow Him.  My prayer and desire is that I allow Him to be real in my life always.

By the way....since having this time of prayer with the men of the church we have seen God's Spirit move in a great way.  There have been people's lives changed.  I understand that it's not just because of the men's prayer on Tuesday mornings, but I do believe it is making a difference.

Times for No Time

Myrtle Beach, SC

Well, we are on our annual family vacation.  In fact, we only have a few more days left before we head back home to reality.  We love our family vacations and try to enjoy every moment.  A few years ago, I made a decision to take both of my weeks of vacation back to back.  We have really enjoyed the two week span.  For me, it takes almost the first whole week to unwind.  I guess that is good for me and the family as a whole.  This year we started our vacation by spending a few days in Nashville, TN.  It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed our sightseeing there.  Next we drove to Myrtle Beach, SC.  We had been there a few years ago and really enjoyed the area.  We usually like spending time in the mountains and that will always be our favorite, but we also have enjoyed spending time on the beach.  It is so relaxing in the late afternoon listening to the waves crash on the shore and watching the kids play in the water and sand.  We are ending our vacation time by stopping in Sevierville, TN.  It is the area close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and is in the Smoky Mountains.  It has been a lot of fun.

Sunset at Myrtle Beach, SC

I remember the morning when we were leaving the house.  I went into our bedroom to look one more time to make sure I hadn't left anything behind.  Then I saw it.  It was sitting on my dresser and I stopped and pondered if I would take it or not.  I actually looked at it and reasoned if I should take it or even if I would actually need it.  Sure I would need it.  I have it with me everyday.  I use it more than I ever can count during the day.  It is probably one of my most helpful items in my life.   But what would I do without it?  Can I actually leave it behind?  As I looked at it, I made the decision not to take it.  What was it?  It was my watch.  I can't remember when or if I have ever gone two weeks without wearing this item on my wrist to make sure I was "on time" or to see "what time it was".  But I had made my decision.  On vacation, I was going to make it my ambition and go live in a "Time for No Time".  Oh, there were moments when we needed to know what time to be at a show or when something was going to begin but for the most part, time hasn't been an issue.  When someone would ask, "What time is it?".  My response in my mind would be, "Who cares?"  We really haven't had any schedules and really haven't had the need for a watch.  It really has felt pretty good.

Ice Cream Snack

I know that in a few days, I will go to my dresser and put the watch back on my wrist.  In that moment, I will begin looking at it each day numerous times to make sure I am on time and I am where I need to be when I need to be there.  But for now and the next few days of vacation, I am going to live in a "Time For No Time."  Loving my family and loving our time together on our 2012 Family Vacation.

The Everlasting God

A couple of weeks ago during a quite prayer time, these thoughts began to come to my mind.  "We serve and everlasting God."  I began to write down a few thoughts about this.  

The Everlasting God....

• Has no beginning but began time.
• Has no ending but will end time.
• He is not created but has created everything.
• He is not in need of miracles but He is the miracle worker.
• He is not in need of anything but gives us everything we need.
• The heavens are His throne and the earth is His footstool but He has made it so we can sit with Him in heavenly places.
• The heavens cannot contain Him but He desires to come to earth and commune with His children.
• He is not in need of love but desires that we love Him.
• He knows my beginning and end but is still concerned with my life every minute that I live.

Wow, we serve and everlasting God but He is so personal to us.  He is not a God just out there somewhere, but He is a God who loves us and cares for us every minute that we live.  When you stop to think about how great our God is and how much He loves us, it really makes you want to love and serve Him daily.

Remember....We serve and Everlasting God.

Unreached People

I am sitting in a guest room in Calcutta, India.  Our church has a team of people who have come to do missions work with Calcutta Mercy Ministries in India.  Once again, this trip like the others has opened my eyes to people who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Ashlyn praying for a lady in India 

 

When we first arrived in Calcutta, we set out to a city named Ranchi.  It was an 8 hour train ride.  We met one of the pastors and also with the Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in that region.  These men have a heart to reach "Unreached People Groups".  Unreached People Groups are groups of people that have never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Children Praying in India

Pastor John, who is the Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, shared with that many of these people still live in the jungles of India.  I know it is hard for some of us to believe that there are still people who have never heard the name of Jesus.  It is true and we must do something.  Pastor John shared there were 32,000 villages with only 250 churches.  They estitmate that each village has approximately 10,000 people.  Wow!  3.2 million people with only 250 churches.  This lets me know that we need to be very intentional about church planting and reaching these people with the good news that Jesus loves them.  There are people are being reached but there are so many who have not heard.  There are schools that the children attend and are taught how to pray and to live for Jesus.  There are still so many who have not heard.

The Unreached...Africa

There seems to be a theme of what God is telling me.  The first of this year, I was privileged to a place in Africa to visit an area where people have never heard the name of Jesus.  I will not mention the particular name of this place because of the sensitivity of the area.  Men and women are putting their lives on the line to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the people of that area.  Once again, the Lord is speaking to me about being more intentional about taking the gospel to the "Unreached People Groups". 

I believe that each one of us can be a part of reaching those who have never heard about Jesus.  Stop and ask yourself, "What can I do?"  First of all we need to pray.  We need to pray that God will protect our missionaries but also pray that God would send laborers into these places to tell people about Jesus.  We also need to pray and ask God what we can do financially.  It is true.  Money is needed to start churches and to equip people to do the work of the ministry. 

So, here I sit here in Calcutta once again being challenged by God's Holy Spirit.  I would also like to challenge each person who is reading this to pray and ask God to speak to your heart.  Ask Him what you can do? 

We must reach the unreached because...."EVERY SOUL MATTERS".

You've Got Mail!

You’ve Got Mail

“You’ve Got Mail” is a famous line from the old movie “Sleepless In Seattle”.  The line actually comes from the voice from AOL that alerts a person that they have a new email message. 

This phrase came out of my mouth a few weeks ago when I told Mitchell and Ashlyn they had received a letter in the mail in our mailbox which is also known as “snail-mail”.  The reason why the letters and mail you get in your mailbox is called “snail-mail” is because it’s not as quick as an email.  But I would like to add that it might not be as personable either. 

Now before I am labeled as one who is against progress and technology, you need to know that I text, email, instant message, Skype, and use other means to communicate.  I am not against things that help with productivity.  They just don’t seem as personal (except for Skype) as a hand written letter or postcard.

I remember the thought I had when I said, “You’ve got Mail” to Mitchell not too long ago.  He came running into the kitchen to see who had sent him a letter.  Ashlyn does the same thing when told she has gotten mail.  The thought was, “We all have mail”.  We all have a letter sent to us from God.  It is His Word.  It is written with careful love and instruction so we can have the best life.  Just as that thought came to my mind, I had another question.  “Why don’t we get as excited about God’s mail (the Bible) as our children do about getting a letter in the mailbox? 

God’s Word has been written to us as a “letter of love”.  It guides us and instructs us how to run our business, families, marriages and so much more.  It’s more than just a set of rules and regulations. 

The Psalmist said, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  In other words, God’s Word is there to help me make decisions on a daily basis.

I hope that we can become more excited about God’s mail to us.  Many people spend a lot of time today checking people’s status on Facebook & Twitter, but I sometimes wonder if we spend just as much time in the greatest book we have available.  Remember, I’m not against technology.  I have a Facebook account and also a Twitter account.  I just want to make sure that I spend more time reading God’s love letter to me.

“You’ve Got Mail”…take time to read it and you’ll be amazed at how it will help guide your life. 

New Year Thoughts....

A New Year Is Here....

I can't believe that I am writing the year "2012" on my checks and other documents.  Does anyone remember the "Y2K" scare?  It seems like it was just yesterday. 

This New Year brings several things to my mind:

1.  EXCITEMT - Excited for the new opportunities that are ahead.  I am continuing to take classes this spring at SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University).  In fact, this is something that I had started several years ago but paused the process.  I took a couple of classes at NWACC this past fall and enjoyed most of it.  I am also excited because Krystal is starting her Graduate work at Harding University as well.  I am very proud of her.

2.  ANXIOUS - I know the Bible tells us not to be "anxious" about anything, but this anxious feeling isn't worrying but probably more of an anticipation of the unknown.  At least that sounds better.  Because of the two parents going to school, Ashlyn's basketball schedule and Mitchell's schedule, our schedules will need to be somewhat guarded.  This is not an easy task when your "work" involves being around and loving people. 

3.  REFLECTION - I am reflecting on how life is precious and we are not promised tomorrow.  This is something that I never want to forget.  We are not promised tomorrow.  The Bible clearly reminds us that our life is a "vapor".  While it is here, we must make the most of every opportunity and tell those close to us that we love them each and every day.

4.  DESIRE - I have a desire to grow.  I desire to grow in my Christian walk with Jesus.  I also want to grow as a husband and father.  Leadership growth isn't an option either as I desire to lead and pastor the great people God has entrusted me with.  Growth doesn't automatically happen.  Three things I have learned about growth.  First, growth is a process and takes times.  Second, when you stop learning is when you stop growing.  Third, growing takes work.

I don't know if I would categorize these thoughts as resolutions, but just some things that come to mind as this New Year begins.  New opportunities that will bring excitement, reflection and accomplishments.