What A Decade

I can not believe that we are on the verge of telling a decade goodbye. I remember, as many of you do, all of the craziness surrounding the possible Y2K events. Everyone was all worked up about computers shutting down, gas pumps not working, bank vaults locking, and so forth. Fear and anticipation was in the air. Well, Y2K did not happen, but there were alot of things that did. None of us forsaw the events of 9/11. No one would have predicted that we would be fighting two wars in the middle east. Katrina and the tsunami of South East Asia took everyone by suprise. There were some truely devasting moments in the world this past decade, and perhaps in your own life. For me, this decade began with the loss of my first wife. It was an event that I never would have seen myself going through. It taught me how valuable life is and how temporary it can be. A year and a half later, I stood at the front of a church and watched my wife Shea walk towards me. It was, and still is, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. She looked so radiant as she came towards me. My life changed that day. She has been my life for the last 8 years. She has given me two wonderful boys and a lifetime of memories. She has supported me as a youth pastor, evangelist, and for the last 6 years, as a pastor. In 2006 we had our first son and at the end of 2008 we had our second. The decade began with loss and has ended with new life. I am so thankful for what God has done for me and through me this past decade. I can look back on many occassions where I failed Him and He could have left me in my messes, but His grace and mercy have been there time and time again. I know that it is God who has brought me through all that I have gone through in the past 10 years and it will be Him that will lead me into the next 10. Only God knows what is ahead. All we can do is hold onto Him and let Him lead us through all of the good and the bad. As I stand on the border of the past and the future, I can truely testify that all things work together for the goood for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. God bless and Happy New Year.

Do The Right Thing

In Genesis chapter 28 the Bible says that Esau married a daughter of Ishmael because he knew that it would hurt his parents. The events that led up to this was on large part Esau's fault. Esau had seen no value in his birthright and traded it to Jacob for a bowl of soup. Jacob would then use deciet to grab hold of the blessing that was meant for Esau. Esau is angy, hurt, and looking for revenge. When he overhears Isaac telling Jacob to go and marry someone from Laban's household instead of one of the daughters of the land of Canaan, he decides to do something that would get back at those who had hurt him. These decisions by Esau would have long lasting consequences. For generations, his descendants would pay the price for his choices. It never pays to seek revenge. In Romans 13, Paul reminds us that revenge does not belong to us. It is not our responsibility to defend ourselves. That right belongs to God. If someone has done us wrong, God will be our defense. We are commanded by scripture to love them and do good to those who have hurt and wronged us. Doing the right thing will result in you feeling better about yourself. There will be no pain for you or your children to reap. Your choices affect more than just you. Make sure that you are doing the right thing today. God bless

Hope

As I come to the computer this morning, the one word on my heart is "hope." What does that word mean to you? Webster defines it as "a desire with anticipation and to expect with confidence." As we approach the new year, what are some things that you are hoping for? What are some things that you are anticpating to happen? For some of you it may be the birth of your first child or grandchild. For some, it may be the hope of a new job or promotion. Maybe some of you are hoping to get out of debt this year. Whatever you are in hopes of remember, God is the giver of all good things. The Bible says in Psalms 34:10, "they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." As long as you keep God first in your life, He will take care of you. I am confident this morning, that God wants to help us in life if we will let Him. We often feel like we have to beg God to do things for us when, in fact, He wants too. So, I encourage you to put your hope in the Lord this year and let Him guide you into all good things. God bless

Great Memories

I am writing today while still getting over the last two days. We have been to almost all of our family gatherings. We will be visiting my grandmothers today and then we will finally be finished. I pray that your Christmas has been as wonderful as mine. Great memories have been made and fun times had. There is nothing like watching your children come running down the hall and to see their eyes brighten when they see all of the presents placed under the tree. God has truely blessed us this past year. As I was reflecting this morning, I realized so much more how we must make everyday the very best because we can not get it back. Once today is over, its finished, never to be had again. Go make some memories today that will last a lifetime and in the process make sure that God is the most important part of it. God bless

Preservation of life

On this 12th day of praising God for the gifts He has given me, I want to thank for keeping us safe and healthy this past year. This time last year Nathan was in the hospital with an upper respritory infection and a touch of pnuemonia. I remeber feeling helpless and fearful watching him lie in the hospital bed. We spent last Christmas believing God for his healing. I realized last night how wonderful God has been this past year. He has brought us from that place a year ago and today both of my sons are healthy and we are looking forward to Christmas morning here at home. There have been so many times this past year that I know God was looking out for us. He has preserved us and been a hedge round about us. I praise Him for his protection of my family. May God bless you and keep you in this new year and may you have a wonderful Christmas.

That God Speaks and My Wife

Today I again will be giving thanks for two gifts that God has given me. I am so gratful that He still speaks. The Bible says in John chapter 10, that His "sheep" or followers hear His voice. While some today think that God is silent and no longer works in our midst, I disagree. I firmly believe that He will speak to those who will listen. His voice is still calling out to those who seek Him and will give ear to what He is saying. It may not always be what we want to hear, but it is always what we need.
I am also thankful for my wife. I know that I have already wrote concerning my wife and kids, but today I want to focus just on my wife. She is so precious to me. She has my heart. I love her now more than I did 8 years ago. I truly believe that she is a gift from God to me. The Bible says that God brought Eve to Adam and I believe that He brought Shea to me. She is loving, talented, and supportive. There are times when I probably take her for granted and for that I am sorry. May the Lord allow me to be a better husband in this new year and to take care of this treasure He has given me. God bless

Mercy and The Holy Spirit

Because of my busy schedule yesterday I did not get to post, so today I will give two reasons why I am thankful. The first is mercy. Mercy is defined by Webster's Dictionary as: That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. I praise God for His mercy. The Bible is very clear that the punishment or consequences of sin is death. The sins I had committed in my life were my own. No one made me sin and no one was guilty for it but me. However, God who is rich in mercy, came to my rescue and sent His only begotten Son to die in my place. Jesus who knew no sin, took my sin and shame upon Himself and bore my punishment. Mercy! I am also thankful that He gave to me the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised us that He would not leave the church alone, but that the Father would send to us the Comforter who is the Holy Ghost. I am thankful for that moment when I was filled with the Holy Spirit. I praise God that when I don't know what to pray or how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays through me. I am thankful that His presence is an abiding presence and is always with me. I do not want to take advantage of His mercy or the Holy Spirit. May the Lord help me to be constantly aware of how precious these are to me and how much I need them on a daily basis. God bless

The Gift of Grace

I am now seven days in on my 12 days of praise. Christmas day is getting closer and the only thing that I can truely say that I want is a closer walk with God through Christ. On my seventh day, I praise Him for grace. The grace of God is a wonderful gift that He has bestowed upon us. It is His favor and kindness to us. The Bible says that we are "saved by grace through faith." We are not saved by the works that we do. We could never be good enough because we are sinful in nature. We had to have a Saviour. Someone who was perfect and without sin that could take our sins from us. That is the essence of the Christmas story. Jesus told Nicodemus that He had not come to condemn or judge the world, but to save it. His mission was one of grace. The Bible says that when we are weak, His grace is sufficient. That means that when I am weak in an area of my life and I fall short, there is grace to cover. It does not give me a liscense to sin, but lets me know that if I fall short somewhere, I have an advocate with the Father. I have needed His Grace more times than I can count. I often feel so unworthy of His love for me. I am so thankful that grace has been supplied. God bless

Thankful For My Heritage

On my way to the office this morning I began to think about what I am thankful for today and what came to me was my heritage. I am so blessed to have been given such a rich upbringing and heritage. I am a fourth generation member of the Church of God. That simply means that for four generations my family has been Spirit-filled believers. I come from a line of prayer warriors and intercessors. My family has done much in God's Kingdom. From serving as clerks, sunday school superintendents, deacons, elders, teachers, evangelists, and even pastors. My grandparents worked to start one of our churches here in Rock Hill. On my mothers side, her family was part of the start of the Hickory Grove Chuch of God and a big part of the early days of the York church. I remember my great-grandparents and their strict holiness convictions and the impact they have had on me. I have been blessed to see God do some great things and move in mighty ways. This is what I am thankful for today. However, I want to make sure that my children are just as thankful. I want to pass this rich heritage on to them. I want them to know personally, God's strength and power. I want them to succeed in God's purpose for their lives. While I am thankful for the past, I must press forward for the future. May God allow our heritage to continue forward and expand at His will. God bless

The Gift of the Church

Today I am thankful for the church that God has allowed my family and I to be apart of for the last six years. Friendship Church of God is a wonderful place to worship. The people genuilly care for one another and the love of God abides there. The Spirit of the Lord has freedom to move and we are growing. The church body is so important to our spiritual growth. We need one another and at times must depend on one another. Too many times people feel like their church is constantly divided and is not living up to the biblical model. People are leaving churches and churches all over America are closing their doors. We must, as God's children, recapture the purpose of the church and become what God has called us to do. I pray that in 2010, the church be renewed and the body of Christ be revived. May a great move of the Holy Spirit come upon all of God's children. I love Friendship and that is why I praise God today. God bless

He Gave Me a Calling

On this fourth day of praise, I praise Him for the call He put on my life. I was 11 years old when I heard the Lord calling me into the ministry. Though the next years of my life were not always faithful ones, and there was a time when I did walk away from Him, He never walked away from me. He never gave up on me or took His purpose for my life away. I am thankful that He has given me the opportunity to share the Gospel with so many. I am thankful that He allows me every week, to stand before the church and exhort them in the faith and to call sinners to repentance. What has He given you that you are thankful for today? God bless

Thank God For Health

Today I praise Him for health. I have been blessed in that I have only gotten sick very few times in my whole life. God has blessed me with the ability to be around and minister to those who were sick and it not ever come on me. Praise God! Today I will be taking my grandmother to Greenwood, SC to see her brother who has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Cancer is something that seems to run in my family, but I do no fear it. I believe that God has a plan for all of us and I will not walk in fear of what may never come. Today I have health and I will give my strenght and my energy to serving Him. I am thankful for a healthy wife and children. I praise Him! Go ahead and give Him some praise for what you are thankful for today. God bless

My Family

Yesterday I presented you with the challenge to think of something that Christ has given you and to praise Him for it each of the 12 days leading into Christmas. Yesterday I praised Him for a personal relationship that He has given me. Today I praise Him for my family. I am blessed with a beautiful, gifted, loving wife. I have been blessed with two happy, talented, wonderful sons. I am blessed and I know that the source of these blessings is God. I count these as gifts that He has given me. I have the priveledge of watching Seth today and I thank God for it. He is growing so fast and I can not believe that he is already 1. May God help me not to take these gifts for granted, but to enjoy them everyday. What are you going to praise Him for today? Get busy. God bless

12 Days of Praise

This is my 100th post. I pray that each one has been a blessing to you and I want to thank you for taking the time to read what the Lord has been saying to me along with some of my own personal thougts. Today I want to begin a series with you called "12 Days of Praise." We are right in the midst of the Christmas season. One of the most popular songs of the season is "12 Days of Christmas." The songs intent is to remember what their loved one had given them over the 12 days leading to Christmas. As I was gathering my thoughts this morning, I thought it would be wonderful if we together took the next 12 days to remember what the Lord has done for each of us and to take the time to praise Him for it. So here on this first day of countdown I want to thank Him for a personal relationship with Him. I don't have to serve Him through someone else, I get to serve Him for my self. The very fact that He died on the cross for me personally, so that I could come into relationship with Him blows my mind, and that is what I am thankful for today. What about you? Go ahead and begin to praise Him for His gifts to you. God bless.

P.S. If you like to read, I would suggest getting "Your Own Jesus" by Mark Hall. Mark is the lead singer for Casing Crowns. In the book he talks about coming to the realization that Jesus wants it to be personal. Its a great reminder to us all.

Holiday Stress

How are you doing with all of the holiday activities? Have they become too stressful for you yet? If we are not careful we can get so wrapped up in all of the shopping, the parties, and the family get togethers, that we become overwhelmed and not enjoy this season. I have been so busy lately myself, that I just realized that Christmas is in 14 days! I have had so much going on at church and in other areas in my life, that I have totally lost some time. I love this season and am determined to take it all in over the next two weeks. Here is my advice on how to get the joy back for the season.

1) Remember the reason - This season is about the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is the reason that we celebrate and give gifts to those that we love. This season is not about recieving, but giving. Spend more time with Him over the next few weeks and this will add joy.

2) Spend more time with family - You need to spend more time with your spouse and children. I have two little boys who are absolutely loving Christmas. They love the songs and the decorations and everything else that comes with it. It is a delight everyday to see the joy in their faces. Spending time with family and unwinding will relieve the stress and bring joy.

3) Enjoy the Christmas classics - Take time to watch the classics that are coming on your t.v. The same one's that you enjoyed when you were a child, your children will now enjoy. Take time to sing the songs and bake some treats together. Take the time to go out and look at decorations and lights, or go to a parade.

These things will allow you to refocus and enjoy your Christmas. Take it all in because you will not get this one back. God bless

I Know Abraham

In Genesis chapter 18 verse 19, God says, "For I know Abraham." Wow, what a powerful verse. God is reminding us that He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. No body knows us like the Lord. The Bible says that He knows our thoughts while they are far off. He knows what we are going to think about and what we are going to say. That is why it is so important to stay in prayer and in the Word. That way our thoughts and words remain holy. The Bible says that if we walk in the Spirit we will not do the things of the flesh. If I do spiritual things I keep myself from messing up. In Psalms chapter 19, the psalmist prays that his thoughts and words would be pleasing to God. That is my prayer today. I don't want anything to make me unclean before Him. In verse 19, the Bible says that God knew Abraham and that he would lead his house in the right way and that he would keep Gods commands. What is it that God knows about you today? Will we lead our families in righteousness? Will we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God? Remember, God knows you today and everyday. God bless

Obedience Can Be Painful

Yesterday, I posted that God commands obedience and that obedience is better than sacrifice. When God approaches Abraham in Genesis chapter 17, He not only reminds him of the promises, but informs him on what he must do. God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and all the males that are with him. This is to become a covenant between them and God that will last forever. From that day on, every male child was to be circumcised 8 days after they were born. Abraham immediatly does what God has asked him to do. He gathers every male that is with him from infants on up and circumcises them. This is painful no matter how old you are, but the older you are the worse it is. I want you to know today that God still requires this act to be performed in our lives. The difference is that God now requires it to be of the heart. Paul tells us that it is not the physical cutting of the flesh that God requires, but the giving of our lives to Him. As believers, we are to cut away things in our lives that are hindering our walk with the Father. We are to cut away those things that bring confusion, doubt, fear, and disconnect. It is not always pleasant to cut things out of our lives, but it is neccessary to Grow in God. The Bible says that if they were not circumcised, then they would be cut off from God. I don't believe there is anything in this world worth that. What is it that might be hindering you from getting closer to God? What is it that you may need to circumcise or cut away today? Whatever it is, do it and do it quick. It may be painful, but the pain only last for a moment and then joy. God bless

God Commands Obedience

In Genesis chapter 17, God approaches Abram to remind him of the promises that had been given him and to change his name. Abram would now be known as Abraham and Sarai would now be known as Sarah. These name changes symbolized the power of God's promises over them and their future descendents. Abraham is at this time 99 years old and God informs him that now is the time when Isaac, his son through Sarah, was to be concieved. He has went 25 years waiting for this and all the while trusting in God. It is during this conversation, that God reminds Abraham how important obedience is to Him. He reminds Abraham of the promises and then tells him that as long as he obeys God they will come to pass. There are things that God wants to perform in our lives and in our families, but the only way they can be released to us is if we are obedient. The Bible says that "obedience is better than sacrifice." As important as sacrifices were in the days of the O.T., obedience was much more important. God doesn't want us just going through some religious routine, He desires us to obey Him and to trust in Him. How obedient have you been lately? Have you been doing it His way or your way? Let's try it His way. God bless

We Miss You Connie

This morning, we at Friendship are in a season of mourning. We recieved news late last night that one of our members had been killed in an accident. Ms. Connie Johnson was a true disciple of Jesus. She had been a member of Friendship for over 3 years and served faithfully. I had the honor of knowing her for most of my life. She and her daughters attended the same church as my family when I was a child. For the past year, Sis. Connie had served as a member of our intercessors. She had covered me and the church in prayer and she will surely be missed. I ask that you keep the Johnson family in your prayers as well as the church family. Pray that God will enable us to minister to the family during this time and that they will find Jesus in the midst of this season. God bless

The Destructive Power of Opinions

Have you ever noticed that everybody and anybody has opinions. An opinion is something that is not based on fact or truth yet is believed by the possessor of it. If we allow ourselves to be moved by someone else's opinions, the result can be deadly. In Genesis chapter 16, Abram is confronted by Sarai his wife concerning their lack of children. She approaches him with the opinion that God had left her out of His plans for Abram. She tells him that she will not be bearing children and that he should take her handmaid to be his other wife because she is young enough to bear. Abram takes her up on her opinion and soon there is trouble. Hagar soon concieves and has a son named Ishmael. When Hagar becomes pregnant, tension rises between her and Sarai. She eventually tries to leave the group but is told by God to go back. She is told that her son would be a wild man and that his hands would be against every man. This word over Ishmael has been true all through history. Still today his descendants are fighting not only against Israel, but against every man. It is the hands of Ishmael that are driving planes into buildings, blowing up subways, and killing our troops at home and abroad. You see, if we allow our lives to be run by someone's opinions, the result doesn't only effect us, but everyone around us. We must live by God's Word for us. His Word is truth and it is right for us. Opinions are sandy foundations that won't last, but His plans for us are sure foundations that will stand the test of time. Be free from other's opinions today and live in His will. God bless

Why Are You Afraid?

Why are you afraid? What are you afraid of? Some are afraid of failure, death, disease, financial collapse, or divorce. Others are afraid of things like spiders or snakes. The point is that many are living in fear. In Genesis chapter 15 God confronts Abram about his fears and declares, "fear not." We are told in scripture to not be afraid some 366 times! Thats one time for everyday including leap year. Abrams fear was that he would die without an heir to recieve what God had given him. He was old and still did not have a son. What was he to do but give his inheritance to the son of his servant. God had a different plan. He promised Abram that even though he was old, he would still have a son. He promised Abram that his inheritance would pass to his own children. Abram took God at His word and his fear passed. I don't know what is causing you to be afraid today, but I speak the Word of God to you today, "fear not." Don't let fear get a grip on you. It will disable you and keep you from going forward. Have faith in God today and keep moving. God bless

Fighting For the Family

Family means alot to me. As the oldest of three boys, I was taught to always look out for my brothers and to take care of the family. I was taught that you always stick by your family and help them when they are in need. We find a situation in Genesis chapter 14 where Abram's family has fallen into the hands of the enemy. The Bible tells us that a group of kings got together to invade the five cities around the Sodom area. During this attack, Lot and his family were taken captive. When Abram recieves the word that his nephew is in danger he quickly assembles his servants for battle. The amazing thing is that Abram is probably close to 80 years of age at this moment. I want to take the time right here to tell you that you are never to old to fight for your family. Don't pass the torch to early. Abram assembles his men and the Bible says that they won a great victory that day. They defeated entire kingdoms that day. I declare to you that it is time to fight back for the family. We can not allow the devil to steal our marriages, our kids, our parents, our neices and nephews, or our grandchildren. We have been give the power to chase off the enemy and win the battle. Start fighting back today. Don't live defeated. If you are a child of God, then the victory is already yours. God bless

Forever

Abram is told in Genesis chapter 13 that all the land is his. As far as the eye could see, God had given to Abram. What has God given you? We each have an inheritance from the Lord. Something that is ours to walk out by faith. This inheritance does not fade or wear out, it is meant to last forever. When the children of Israel are about to move into the land hundreds of years later, God tells them that they are never to give up their inheritance because it is His gift to them. As they moved in and conquered the land, Joshua divided it up to each family and tribe. What each family recieved was meant to be passed down from one generation to the other. In fact, God set up a plan in case one went into debt and had to sell the land. If one had to sell the land to another, then at the end of 49 years the land would be completely restored to the original owner. This was known as the "year of jubilee." It was a season when all debt was forgiven and you became completely debt-free again and was given a fresh start. Maybe if our nation adopted the economic plan of God we would be in a difference place as a nation right now!!
In First Kings chapter 21 there is a story of a man who had land that the king wanted and when he would not sell, it cost him his life. Are we willing to die for what God has given us? The apostles were. They had been given the gospel to preach to everyone who would hear and when they would not be quiet they lost their lives. Where are we today with this? You do realize that we have been given the same mandate to preach the gospel right? We cannot allow the world to silence the call to repentance. We must press forward and tell the world that Jesus loves them and that He died for them. This mandate is ours until the Lord returns in glory. It is mine forever. I must walk it out daily. God bless

Grasping God's Vision

As you read Genesis chapter 12, you begin to learn of a man by the name of Abram. Abram, who would later become known as Abraham, is 75 years old. He and his wife have no children because she is unable to have any. In spite of his age and his lack of children, God informs him that he will become a great nation. What I want you to remember today is, God has a plan for you and a time in which to accomplish it. You may feel like you are in the twilight of life and that it is all down hill from here, but I encourage you to seek God for His plan for you. He is not done with you yet. It may require you getting out of some places that you currently go, and to stop some of the activities you currently enjoy, or to give up some of the company that you keep, but it will be worth it. It will cause you to leave your comfort zones and do some things you never thought that you would, but the payoff is great! Get a grasp on what God has for you. As the year winds down and 2010 approaches, use this time to reflect on your accomplishments this past year. Have you done anything that has an eternal profit? If not get busy, you still have time. God bless