Friday, October 23, 2009

Leadership Oualities (Self-Control)

As Jesus was being arrested, Peter drew his sword and cut the right ear of Malchus (John 18:10). What was he thinking? There were hundreds of soldiers with swords and clubs. What was he going to do, take them all out? What was his plan? More importantly, where was his self-control? He saw an obstacle. See until now he had been with Jesus doing all these great things. Peter knew Jesus was the Savior of the world he just didn't understand the way it had to happen.

Peter was one of those guys who liked to take control of a situation. That is natural of a leader. It's easy for a leader that lacks in self-control to become impatient with people who don't express a vision or who underperform. Jesus taught Peter another quality of a leader by example. Later, Peter would write 1Peter 2:21-23 which teaches us self-control is a quality a leader must practice. Who better to teach us than the best leader of all time with more followers than any other.

Life experiences shape us, Jesus transforms us.
TRANSFORMATION HOUSE

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Leadership Qualities (Submission)

At age 15 I was a shift manager for a fast food chain. By the age 17 I was on weekly salary running the 2ND shift while still in High School. Just a year or two later I was running my own store as a General Manager. Then a few years later I had a company car and 10 restaurants. Why am I giving you all this useless info? Since the age 15 I have been in a position to lead people. A leader has many qualities that makes them successful, but I never considered submission as a leadership quality.
I recognized this leadership quality in Jesus (which by the way is the greatest leader ever, with more followers than anyone). In Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus shows us this as he teaches it to Peter.
Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, why should he pay temple tax? Jesus had the authority to not pay the tax, but chose to teach Peter by example how to submit to Earthly authority. Jesus, in His sovereignty, had a fish swallow a coin and that same fish took Peter's bait. From that miracle, Jesus had Peter pay the taxes for both of them, demonstrating submission.
Later, in 1Peter 2:13-21 Peter would teach how Christ led by example.
Life experiences shape us, Jesus transforms us.
TRANSFORMATION HOUSE

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wisdom of Heaven

I recently responded to a story I read on Facebook with a negative attitude. I called someone a name and put it out there for everyone to read. Now I still believe the actions of this person are completely wrong, but I let my sinful tendencies of speaking what I think first come out. My wife Kristen brought this to my attention last night. I made the comment about 4 days ago. This whole time I never gave it a second thought but it was something that my wife and maybe others viewed as a negative response.
That's not how I want to live or have people see me, so please forgive me. I want to live a James 3:17-18 life where I reflect the wisdom of Heaven:
Pure,
Peace-Loving,
Considerate,
Submissive,
Full of Mercy,
Good Fruit,
Impartial,
Sincere,
Peacemaker.
That cultivates a harvest of righteousness.

Life experiences shape us.... Jesus transforms us.
TRANSFORMATION HOUSE

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Jump!

In Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus is walking on the water towards His disciples and they believe they see a ghost and are terrified. Peter, in his boldness, says, "Lord, if that is you, call me to You." Jesus said, "Come." Peter jumps out of the boat and is walking on the water towards Jesus. He jumped out of the boat!
I don't know if Peter knew he was going to walk on the water or swim, but he jumped out of the boat because Jesus told him to come. He had faith enough to jump over the side of the boat because he knew that it was Jesus calling him. WOW!
Now Peter didn't make it far before he noticed the storm around him and began to sink. He took his eyes off Jesus for a moment and began to sink. Peter sinking in the water called out to Jesus, "Save me!" Jesus reached down to Peter and pulled him to safety.
I am amazed that Peter just jumped! See I believe Peter knew his Master voice, so when Jesus called him, Peter jumped. Now Peter was also just an ordinary man so in the middle of the storm he was scared and took his eyes off of Jesus. That was a mistake.....but we all do that. I wonder how far Peter would of made it if he kept his eyes on Jesus the whole time he was in the water. Even though Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink, Jesus was right there to save him when Peter called out.
1.If Jesus calls, know that it is Him.
2.Have the faith to jump.
3.Keep your eyes on Jesus no matter what.
4.Need Help?...His name is Jesus.
TRANSFORMATION HOUSE

Friday, October 16, 2009

Glad to be a Nobody

I don't have academic qualifications. I'm not a great writer of our time. I'm not a famous debater. I'm not a philosopher. I'm not even the best teacher in my office right now (I'm alone). I am terrified of the thought to stand in front of people and teach them about Jesus. I don't like the spot light nor do I want it. So, why me Lord? Why call me personally to teach and preach the Gospel?

"God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom and human strength can't begin to compete with God's weakness."(1 Corinthians 1:25)

Everything I need to teach people the Gospel, I get from God by the way of Jesus. "See, God chooses nobodies to expose the hallow pretensions of the somebodies."(1 Corinthians 1:28). When Jesus selected the disciples He chose ordinary men. Those ordinary men.....full of the Holy Spirit (not human talent or skill) impacted the world so that God alone receives the Glory.

Thank you Lord for choosing this ordinary man!
Transformation House

Thursday, October 15, 2009

This Morning I Met Donnie

This morning I met Donnie. I was on my way to grab some lunch with Pastor Tony and my son Chandler today when coming up the sidewalk talking to anyone who would hear him was Donnie. He is a homeless guy who came to Greenville because his mother had passed away. Donnie sat his trash bag of clothes and his umbrella down on the sidewalk. As he started telling us about his journey I began to suspect a need would follow. He went along for several minutes and then started telling us about Jesus. How Jesus was the Son of God and He came to Earth to save us all. Donnie basically quoted John 3:16. He added how his strength to carry on and make it in life came from the Lord. How the Lord helped those in need by putting people around him that would help. He pulled his Bible out of his pocket and began to read some of John 1. Donnie also shared that the Lord had gave him his calling to preach the Word and that one day he hoped to fulfill his calling. He then asked if we could pray and we said yes and I was thinking I'm about to pray for him, when he starts praying. Thanking the Lord for Jesus and thanking the Lord for our meeting each other. He also prayed for his family and our family and asked the Lord to bless us. I was thinking WOW! I was able to get him in the right direction for some help from a place that helps the homeless called United Ministries. I have been thinking of how the Lord is using him now. He is already preaching and telling people about Jesus. I am blessed to have met Donnie today and hope to get to see him again. The message is Christ and the messenger can be anyone. Lord, please keep Donnie safe and warm, and give him a place to rest his head. Bless him and prosper him in Jesus name.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Crossing Guard

(1 Peter 4:9) "Offer Hospitality to one another without grumbling"
This morning as I was taking my boys to school I noticed the crossing guard. I have seen him every morning for several months now. This morning was different for me though because it was pouring rain. He is an older man that I suspect is retired. He had a great big raincoat on with rain boots and a smile from ear to ear. The smile is something he always has on his face. He seems to enjoy his job a lot. Never have I seen him without his smile. I don't think I would enjoy it, standing in the cold pouring rain while walking out into traffic to stop the cars so that the kids get safely to school. I have seen the kids run up to him in the mornings and give him a hug, bring him coffee and presents. I bet those days are very rewarding for him, but what about the days those things don't happen. His smile and joy are still there.

His unconditional hospitality and love for the kids is something we should all show to everyone. No matter the circumstance, pouring rain, freezing cold, intense heat, rude people or the rush that you are in. Look past those things, stop for a minute and notice the needs around you. How can you show someone the love of Jesus today? I don't want to cause an inconvenience or hold up traffic or make his job harder, but the first chance I get I'm going to thank him....and I drive my kids to school.

Transformation House

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Embrace Life

Whoever wants to embrace life
and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you're worth.
God looks in on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what He asked;
But He turns His back
on those who do evil things. 1 Peter 3:10-12

Transformation House

Monday, October 12, 2009

My Faith

I have two grandmothers that have lived lives of extreme faith. One has lived most of her life in daily physical pain. She has never doubted God's love for her. I would ask often why doesn't God heal you? In His timing He will be glorified she would say. My other Grandmother lived a life of hard work where she raised two children alone and had to work two jobs to support them. Today she has dementia and forgets who everyone is.....everyone but God. She will not remember me but will tell me about God. Both women have given me great parents and have been awesome examples of faith in God.

In two weeks I step out into full time ministry. I leave a weekly paycheck. I have several people ask how will you make it? What are you going to do? Trust God and believe His promises to me are true.

Matthew 10:9-10 tells me He will take care of my needs. He assures me this is what He wants. I know there are no worry free guarantees because that would take away the element of faith. My BIG God, gave me a BIG Vision and I believe He has the resources I need.

I am very thankful to have great women of faith invest in me and a big God who loves me.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Word of Knowledge Spoken Over me on 10/4/09

This past weekend at Christian Assembly, Peter Kumar was used by the Lord to heal and speak words over people. Check out his website to learn more about his ministry.

Here is the word spoken to me:

You are humble, you are faithful, you have a unique ministry. For the last 6 months something has happened to you. You feel you have been removed from the main frame. Something has happened, you have just fallen out, but don't worry I'm giving you a new thing. You will not go back to the old thing. I'm giving you a new thing. You have a call for nations. You would like to go to some places but you are not able to. I will take you! You and your wife have an excellent ministry. The ministry's not only inside the church, but it's outside. You are like an Elijah, a father to the fatherless. Many people who are broken will come to you. A church outside of the walls. I am trusting you.

Wow!! Where do I start? The Lord knows my thoughts and emotions. For about 6 months I have felt that way. I have felt the Lord birthing a new thing in me. We are planting a church Downtown Greenville, SC. Transformation House. A place of 24 hours a day 7 days a week ministry (church outside of the walls). And to be like an Elijah, I'll take that mantle. He is trusting me. God has truly rocked my world!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I'm Sick!

No, really, I feel bad. It may be the flu. I don't know. What I do know is that today I cannot concentrate or think. It's making me crazy. I want so bad to get caught up in God's Word but can't. I am going to rely on God to give me the strength and mercy to help me with my weakness and needs. Thank you Jesus for bridging the gap!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Transformation House

Click on the title to visit Transformation House website.

The Cost Pt.2

Being a disciple of Christ takes commitment. It requires that we put aside relationships, possessions, positions and our own plans. It doesn't mean that we reject our abilities or interests, but devote all these things to Christ. I tried marriage without Christ....that sucked. I tried to make it all about me. It's much better now that I have devoted it to Christ. My possessions without Christ are all gone. I used to be the boss without Christ and wanted everyone to know. Now, I serve more everyday and don't care if I get noticed or not. My plans.....are nothing without Christ. I wanted to get as far away from Greenville, SC as possible. Now God is using me downtown in the center of Main Street. When I made a commitment to follow Jesus, He took care of all the things I used to put before Him.

When you make the commitment to follow Christ your identity and reputation makes you inseparable from your relationship with Christ.

So how will God view you? Do you follow the crowd or do you follow Christ?

Don't conform to the worldly patterns and cultures. Transform your heart and mind with a devotion and commitment to follow Christ.

The Cost is nothing compared to the Reward.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Cost

With a large crowd following Him, Jesus turns to them and says: If you want to be my disciple love me more than your mom, love me more than your dad, love me more than your children, love me more than your wife. Love me more than even your own life. Jesus demands that our loyalty and love for Him be greater than any other attachment in life. This is easy for you right? Jesus died for you.....wouldn't you do the same for Him?

Jesus goes on to say...if you do not carry your own cross and follow, you cannot be His disciple. This means to put your own selfish desires aside regardless of the cost. The cross of Christ is a symbol of suffering, death, shame, ridicule, rejection and self denial. A follower of Christ IDENTIFIES with Christ.

Understanding what you are giving up to follow Christ is something we should all be reminded of on a daily basis. It's easy to get distracted and caught up in life. For the next several days I will share more on this subject because if you have made a commitment to follow Christ, we all need to understand what that means. Don't get discouraged, like I said we IDENTIFY with Christ. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. That's ROYALTY!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Integrity of the Family

Luke 1:17 (Message) "He'll drink neither wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mothers' womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to their children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics - he'll get the people ready for God."

One of the highest priorties of the church is to help in building strong families. Faithfulness and love along with the understanding of proper authority is the basis of the family unit.
The church can help alot in this area but the person most responsible for this is the father. Fathers should spend time with their children, instruct them and teach them without ceasing to live by God's Word and standards. Fathers have to be there emotionally, physically and spiritually for their children. What a great task this is for me on a daily basis with five children, marriage and work. I must admit......I could do alot better. I also think sometimes, when is my time? Like right now.....my daughter and 2 year old son are both yelling at me. One wants his cup filled and the other says the kid shows are off--"Daddy will you change the channel?" I'll be right back....... The joys of being a Father, I got a kiss on the cheek and a "tank you dadieee". It's hard sometimes but the rewards are great.

So fathers, let's step it up and make our families what God intended for them to be. Let's teach them to be faithful to God and His purposes (Ephesians 6:4), let's love and discipline them (Luke 11:11-13) and let's pray for them (John 17: 20-26).

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Song in Your Heart

This morning, one hour before the alarm clock goes off, I'm awake. Which for the most part is normal on a daily basis. I get up and turn off the alarm so that it does not go off later to wake me. I turn on the television and began to watch the news before I start with my morning. I don't recall hearing a commercial on television with the song "isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful", but that was the song I was blaring from the shower. Now, I have no musical talent what so ever inside of me. My wife has told me I sound like Garth Brooks....."KIND OF". She is not a fan of the song from my mouth. Which stinks because I actually enjoy singing. I am one of those people if I hear a random word like, "STOP" it brings a song to mind "Ice Ice Baby" or "CAN'T" it would be "Can't touch this". That's just me. Now while I was singing that song I was thinking of my wife. I love her dearly and she brings a joyful song to my heart all the time.

In Ephesians 5:19 it tells us to speak to one another in hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

Singing is the language of the heart and a way of expressing inner joy, praise, worship, love, longing, and thankfulness to God. Singing can encourage, build others up, teach, give thanks and a way to pray.

Today..... what's the song in your heart? What a cool place it would be if we all realized what the Lord has given us and how much He loves us and let it out from our hearts. A whole planet full of praise. Let your song out today!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Call on Your Life Part 2

"He that began a Good Work in you will carry it on to completion." Philippians 1:6

I often think, where would I be if I had stayed on track with Jesus? Where would I be if I had not taken the other road at age fourteen? I had a friend in high school that would stand on the tables in the cafeteria and tell everyone about Jesus in the mornings before class started. I see how God has used him, and think how many years I wasted before getting on track with Jesus.

So…what has He put inside of you that you have rejected for years? What is it in life that you enjoy doing? What is it that you happen to do well? What is it that breaks your heart?

According to Jeremiah 20:9 you can’t deny what He’s put inside of you…it’s fire in your heart (PASSION) His words in your heart, a fire shut up in your bones. You can't hold it in!

I'm excited He didn't forget me. Excited that He uses me to teach people about how wonderful He is. I SERVE an AWESOME GOD!