ChrisWhitman.co

Mud on your face

2011-11-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (John 9:1-7 NIV)

How many of us sitting in front of God with mud on our faces and telling God " if you remove the mud I will go "? How many of us are waiting for God to do something before we move? How many of us are waiting in our uncertainty for things to be more clear before you move in the direction God is calling you to? What journey is God calling you on that you want all the details first?

The blind man could of refused to go because he couldn't see what was in front of him. He could of refused to go on the journey Jesus told him to go. Why was the man blind from birth anyways?

God doesn't always give you step by step details because He wants you to trust Him more.
Maybe through your journey your miracle awaits.
Maybe God wants to do something in you that can only be explained by knowing Go did it.

You may be completely blind or Jesus may have put mud in your eyes. Either way He has a journey for you and if you trust Him you'll go home seeing.

I am Chris, son of Lee and Lynnette Stewart

2011-09-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce myself; my name is Chris, son of Lee and Lynnette Stewart.

In Mark 10:46-52 there is a story of a man named Bartimaeus. He was the son of Timaeus. Bar, B-a-r, means son of in Hebrew. In this story Jesus and His disciples were with a large crowd leaving the city of Jericho when Bartimaeus begins to shout out "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many people began to rebuke him and told him to be quiet. He shouted again, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

The thing that really stands out to me in this story is the fact that Mark wants us to know that Bartimaeus is the SON OF Timaeus. There are several stories in the scripture where the writers don't share the names of others (the poor guy, the widow, the orphan), but Bartimaeus is Timaeus' boy.

No matter our skin color, social background, financial status or our education we are all "Son of someone". Don't place people in a box because of selfish things. That's what happened in this story; everyone in the crowd pushed Bartimaeus to the side because they were embarrassed that again he was begging, but this time for mercy from the Savior of the world.

Jesus stopped and had them call to Bartimaeus. Jesus asked him "what do you want me to do for you"? Bartimaeus said "Rabbi, I want to see." Jesus told him that his faith had healed him, and immediately Bartimaeus received his sight and began to follow Jesus.

Truth is we should all see people as Christ does and love them. Don't let your selfish ways get in the way of empathy.

Bartimaeus got what he needed, both mercy and sight, only because Jesus looked at him as someone who mattered. Jesus asked one simple but powerful question, "What do you need from me?"

We are all Sons and Daughters of someone, and we all matter to Jesus. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask "What do you need from me"?

Love your neighbor!

I met a man that saved my life!

2011-08-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Abandonment left me searching for approval for most of my life. I turned to alcohol, drugs and many failed relationships to help me feel better. I hurt and took advantage of everyone that got close to me. Sick, tired and dying from alcohol poisoning I needed someone to help me but I hurt them all. I was in so deep the only one able to rescue me was Jesus. He was right there the whole time. August of 2000 I gave my life to Christ. He promised never to abandon me. I am married now for 10 years to my beautiful wife Kristen and we have 5 wonderful children. Our prayers are for others to know the transforming power of Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

My Mom

2011-05-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 6
20 do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart;
   fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
   when you sleep, they will watch over you;
   when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For this command is a lamp,
   this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
   are the way to life,

I remember before I encountered Christ my mother was always praying for me to meet Him and that He would keep me safe. There were many times my mother knew I was being dishonest and she would give it God. My mom is an awesome woman of God full of faith and always knew what I needed. She raised me in church and made sure I was there for all the events. She did her part and taught me well. This Mothers Day I want to honor my mother and thank God for her. I feel sure her teaching, instruction and love guided me to Jesus. Mom you rock! Happy Mothers Day.

Faith

2011-05-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Moving forward with God's plan for Transformation House has been a great experience. God has provided all of our needs in such miraculous ways. The culture of change in the Transformers has engulfed the west end of Greenville. That culture is a product of their time spent with Jesus which started with their encounter with Christ.

With this culture and our faith that we are walking in God's will and obeying Him, God continues to provide even the things that may seem minute to others. I don't want to say it's been easy, but when we hear God's voice we don't ask questions, we move. It takes a lot of faith to do that.

Transformers, we are living out Hebrews 11:6 and I am honored to serve with you.

Transformation House
Creating a Culture of Change

Wisdom

2010-09-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Nothing you desire can compare to wisdom. (Proverbs 3:15)
It's been 9 months since my last post. The busy matters of everyday life have prevented me from even reading much. I have managed to read a few scriptures everyday but to dive in and study has not happened. On my shelf I currently have 12 books I haven't read. I get up at 6 a.m. every morning to start my day and I am at work by 8:30. I arrive back home around 8:30 p.m. in time to see the kids for about 30 minutes before they are off to bed. It's crazy and I suspect I am not the only one that has days this hectic. On my days off, I am so far behind, it's catch up time (bills, chores, family, church, etc.).
This morning I woke up and my brain was starving and the above scripture is where God led me. So I decided to take sometime today and dive in. I feel better already. I plan on reading a great book today from Pastor Steven Furtic (Sun Stand Still) and God's Word. I guess I will have to start getting up at 5 a.m. Oh, wait...I need to exercise too. Pray for me!

Transformation House

If it's planted in the heart....

2009-11-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

Psalm 1:3 (Amplified Bible)
3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

Isaiah 32:16-17 (New International Version)

16 Justice will dwell in the desert
and righteousness live in the fertile field.

17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

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

My Rock, My Fortress, and My Deliverer

2009-11-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

Psalm 18:1-3 (New International Version)

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn [a] of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

How Majestic is His Name?

2009-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Psalm 8 (The Message)

A David Psalm
1 God, brilliant Lord, yours is a household name.

2 Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you;
toddlers shout the songs
That drown out enemy talk,
and silence atheist babble.

3-4 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry,
Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,
Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?

5-8 Yet we've so narrowly missed being gods,
bright with Eden's dawn light.
You put us in charge of your handcrafted world,
repeated to us your Genesis-charge,
Made us lords of sheep and cattle,
even animals out in the wild,
Birds flying and fish swimming,
whales singing in the ocean deeps.

9 God, brilliant Lord,
your name echoes around the world.

Leadership Qualities (Courage)

2009-11-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

I remember several weeks ago my family was sitting in the living room talking about the activities of the day when I noticed something on the patio. It was a snake that had actually wrapped itself on one of the pickets on the handrail. I jumped up and yelled, "SNAKE!" My wife, my 13, 8, 6, and 2 year old boys and my 4 year old daughter all ran over to the sliding glass doors to look. I stood behind them from a distance. I think snakes are of the devil and the sight of them frightens me. Yes, I am the father that stands outside the reptile building at the zoo and I'm not ashamed to say it. Well, my 13 year old son said, "Dad, you want me to get rid of it?" Uh, yeah...I'm not going out there. He removed the snake and all was better. So, are you asking yourself where was his courage? I didn't have any for that.

Now although snakes really freak me out, I am however secure in Christ. See I know without a shadow of of doubt that Jesus is my Savior. I know that I am supposed to share the gospel and when doing that or leading others to share Jesus all sorts of trouble will come my way. Persecution from those who don't know Jesus, oppression from the enemy to keep me from sharing the gospel. See my courage to keep on going comes because of Romans 8:18. The sufferings here can't compare to the Eternal Glory.
So yes, I am willing to suffer for Christ sake. I have the courage to follow Jesus and lead others to him.

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

Leadership Qualities (Compassion)

2009-11-04T04:09:00.000-08:00

This is probably my biggest fault. My wife, Kristen, is always telling me "show some compassion". Leaders tend to be very goal oriented. They see results as the prize--never really thinking how their means of getting there effects others.
The other day I was helping my son with his homework. He was really struggling with some word problems. So it was Dad to the rescue! After I had explained it to him 3 or 4 times I began to grow impatient with him and his lack of understanding. I yelled at him and even called him a name. I just couldn't understand why he didn't get it. I made the situation a lot worse for him. He was in tears! Then, Mommy to the rescue! She came to him and held him in her arms. At this point I felt like a complete jerk. Did I expect my methods were going to get through to him? Where was my compassion and comfort?
God has really worked on me since. He has never yelled at me or called me names when I didn't understand. He has never grown impatient with me. The very first thing we are told in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is that "love is patient".
1 Peter 5:8-10 really helped me on this subject. Maybe one day soon my 8 year old little boy will have compassion on his father and let me help him with his homework again.
Life experiences shape us...Jesus transforms us.
TRANSFORMATION HOUSE

Leadership Qualities (Love)

2009-11-03T05:07:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago at Christian Assembly we had communion together and celebrated the service of my family. It was our last Sunday and Pastor White wanted to serve my family. I was so honored because he did this. See, a true leader loves and serves those whom he leads. He showed me that true spiritual leadership means loving service to one another.

In Mark 9:35 Jesus says, "If anyone desires to be first he shall be last of all and servant of all." Jesus always modeled that. Can you imagine Jesus, the Savior of the world, King of Kings, washing your feet in the upper room? WOW! What an act of love and true leadership by example.

1 Peter 4:8, Peter tells us, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins."

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

Leadership Qualities (Humility)

2009-11-02T05:32:00.000-08:00

I constantly have to check myself for any pride that may rise up in me. Pride is everywhere. You know that person who is never wrong and will argue about the smallest things with you? That's pride! You know that person who is extremely competitive and when they lose they get mad? That's pride!
Its even more difficult as you lead people. When you have people following you and good things are happening they start to praise you, look up to and admire you, it's easy for pride to rise up in you. Or, when things start going wrong in that same group, you may start to blame others around you, never looking at yourself, because deep down you don't want to lose your status.
In Matthew 26:31, Jesus tells His disciples they will fall away on account of me for it is written: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." Peter reacted to this with pride in verses 33 & 35.
Peter responded in a lot of situations pridefully. I believe Jesus taught him many lessons in this area of his life and finally Peter got it. 1 Peter 5:5 he tells us to "clothe ourselves in humility", and that "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
If pride rises up in any part of your life, grace can't flow in that area of your life.
Life experiences shape us...Jesus transforms us.
Transformation House

Leadership Oualities (Self-Control)

2009-10-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

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

Leadership Qualities (Submission)

2009-10-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

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

Wisdom of Heaven

2009-10-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

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

Jump!

2009-10-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

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

Glad to be a Nobody

2009-10-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

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

This Morning I Met Donnie

2009-10-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

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.

The Crossing Guard

2009-10-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

(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

Embrace Life

2009-10-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

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

My Faith

2009-10-12T05:27:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-10-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

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!

I'm Sick!

2009-10-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

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!

Transformation House

2009-10-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Click on the title to visit Transformation House website.

The Cost Pt.2

2009-10-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

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.

The Cost

2009-10-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

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!

Integrity of the Family

2009-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

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).

The Song in Your Heart

2009-10-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

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!

The Call on Your Life Part 2

2009-10-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

"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!

The Call on Your Life Part 1

2009-09-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

This morning in my study time I was reading in Jonah. I started to reflect on my past when I first felt God put a call on my life. I was fourteen years old and God said..... Chris pursue me and teach others of who I am. Well that didn't fit in to my plan and I went in another direction, just like Jonah. As I read on further, I saw how my decisions and things that I did affected not only myself but others. Just like Jonah I put others in danger and caused much pain in their lives. I separated myself from family and friends but still continued to live a life of destruction. I remember the day, just like Jonah, when I was at the bottom all tangled up in the trash and yuck, when I called out to God and asked him to save me. God reached right in with his grace and mercy and pulled me out. Jonah 2:10 says God spoke to the fish and it vomited Jonah up on the seashore. Man I bet he was still really nasty and smelled real bad. I know that was the case for me. God took me through a season of cleaning me up, healing me and brought me closer to Him. Guess what God said next.... Just like He told Jonah in Jonah 3:1-2, on your feet and on your way, you still have work to do.

Place Your Life Before God

2009-09-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the awesome privilege of taking my 4 year old daughter to work with me. On the way to work she told me......Daddy, girls talk alot - that's what mommy said. Mondays are very busy for me and she stayed true to what her mommy told her. I remember at one time thinking....WOW, she never stops. I had to wait on her hand and foot all day on top of my work. Every step she took she wanted me to hold her hand, open doors for her, buckle her up, at the playground--swing me, Daddy! So many other things she needed from me. I will not lie, trying to work and take care of her was crazy for me. Then on the way home she told me..... Daddy I can't marry you because mommy said you are her man (Now, I always tell her I will find her a husband that God and I choose for her), but she told me yesterday she wants him to be just like me. That made my day!! As crazy as the day was for me that just made everything in me feel awesome. She understands who I am at 4 years old.... Her Daddy, Mommy's Man, and what she wants in her husband all because of what I do for her and how I treat her.

"The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are or do for him." (Romans 12:3)

WOW! What does God do for you? Who is HE to you?