The neXt Great Spiritual Awakening

The last great spiritual awakening in America took place in 1857 beginning in New York of all places. By spiritual awakening I mean many people unexplainably turning their lives over by giving their hearts to Jesus. Since then there have been attempted movements that have been quickly put out like a small fire by egos and pettiness of men. ---There is a reason all real spiritual awakenings begin in prayer. In prayer we come humbly before God. We die to self. We don't care what anyone thinks. We submit to the Father who has the answers and the power. In prayer we come with a contrite heart and that is the kind of heart God desires and can work with.---That 1857 Awakening began in prayer initially by one man. He invited 1000's with fliers, but when the time came; he was by himself. He prayed. Then some came late...just a handful, but some. The next week a few more, and so the next and then things caught on fire across the nation. ---We'll you join me and others in persistent prayer that God would hear our prayers, and send the neXt Great Spiritual Awakening. I've been asking you to pray morning, noon and night. Just do it! There is a flicker of light as across this country a small rumbling of prayer warriors are rising up. Be part of the neXt Great Spiritual Awakening. ---Other choices: sleep through it, hinder it, be distracted by the cares of this world. I think we've slept too long, the church even has been a hindrance to the real deal, and the distractions (attractions) have kept us from God's great desire to show us His glory! Pray on your own, start or find a prayer group near you. No excuses.

How does one reject the righteousness of God?

Many people think there is more than one way to heaven. They reject the claim of Christ that there is one way (John 14:6). Jesus tells a parable about a wedding invitation that is sent out (see Matthew 22). Verse 5 says "But they paid no attention, one went off to his field and another to his business." The invitation was sent, but many were too busy. So many shunned the invitation to the wedding of the prince, that the king invited all who would come. At the wedding feast a guy showed up not wearing wedding clothes, and the king had him cast out.---There will be people thinking "I'm right with God on my own..." "me and God have an understanding..." "Surely there are many ways to God..."---Not so according to Scriptures. God wants to clothe us. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)Those who are trying to establish their own righteousness before God are like the man who though he could clothe himself. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3)---common sense: to get where God is one should follow God's path, not their own. For God made him who knew no sin to be made sin for us so that we could be made the righteousness of God.(2Cor.5:21) When you reject Jesus Christ as Savior you reject the righteousness of God (wedding banquet clothes). Don't get tossed!

The Godmobile...what is it?

Godmobile- a pretty intimidating name for an 8x8 box (trailer). It's the size trailer for maybe selling hotdogs or cotton candy out of at the local Fair. However, we aren't selling anything out of this trailer. It's free. Pat Butler calls it the "longest ride at the Fair". LTC members have been voluntarily sharing Jesus without fear at local Fairs for five years now. There have been over 500 professions of faith. In the past, we have used a two question test to evaluate one's spiritual condition before plainly sharing the Gospel with people. Typically some seasoned veterans (sometimes newbies) will sit on the inside and share the Gospel via the Scriptures, while greeters try to woo the passer-byer to come and take the two question test. We also have people prayer walk the grounds.---We are changing things up this year. We are going to give away an ipod by drawing from names of those that register. So the draw is the gift, but we will take that opportunity to converse spiritually with those that come. We have some pictures that describe life, that will give us a lead to share Jesus. Goal: engage in spiritual conversation, and let God do what He just naturally does. We might be telling someone about Jesus for the first time. We may just help get people thinking about the brevity life and God. Who knows, we may win some to Christ that night. Whatever, we've got the Good News and it has to be told. Your part: come check it out, participate, but surely pray hard.

Under the Circumstances

So often people reference their plight in life with "under the circumstances." For example, under the circumstances I can't complain or under the circumstances I'm not doing too bad. In Christ, we are not under any circumstance...no weapon formed against us will prosper, we are seated in the heavenlies with Christ, there is no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus. Hello! It is high time as followers of Jesus we wake up. We win...we've won! We need to be bubbling over with joy for we are under no circumstances, because Jesus has paid the bill! This is what prompted Paul to write his happy letter to the Philippians while he was in jail. He said, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. He may is well have said, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is Christ. I'm just fine thank you. I am not under any circumstances, because that would presume my God is unaware of my location and condition; and He has the numbers of my head counted. So, get out of the chains. Live for Him who died for you and was raised again...do it today. And tell someone why you have that stupid smile on your face! :)

Bad Fish, Good Fish

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishermen's net dropped into a lake that caught a bunch of fish. After a full catch the fishermen pulled the net ashore, and emptied the net. The good fish were kept and the bad fish were thrown back. [Fortunately, God determines the good and bad...He knows the difference. Recently, I had the opportunity to fish in the Bay. We threw the bad fish (catfish) back. They were easily identifiable. However, we (by law) had to throw the good fish that were just undersize back. This was tricky, because we had to hold a live fish still to measure them (keep the fish alive and not cut us in the process). But God knows.] Jesus said that it would be like this at the End of the Age. Angels will separate the wicked men from the righteous and throw them (the wicked) into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. <-- This is not a popular message, but these words came out of Jesus' mouth. Believe while you can. Tell others while you can. There is a day coming, and God knows if you are faking.
Matthew 13:470-50

Five Good Minutes on 10.11

Micah 7:18 Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
* There is noone like you Lord. You forgive the sins of your children. Your anger does not last forever. You delight in mercy. ** This is so overlooked by your ungrateful children. Father forgive me. Even as I say those words I am comforted because I know you did. Done deal ! Lord in our trek to be like you allow us to delight in mercy for others the way you do for us.
*Jared reminded many yesterday to at the very least start your day with 5 good minutes with God. Read His Word. Listen. Apply.

People Are Amazing

People are amazing. It's funny how we will get down on people, because of the stupid things they (we) do. Sometimes we feel like things would be better if we were all alone. We forget, and then we are reminded as we see people at their best. If it were not for two good friends Teresa and I would have missed out on wonderful boat ride, good time fishing, watching dolphins and a gorgeous sunset this weekend. If it were not for seven of our young men and women from church this weekend, a local organization that helps the homeless would have missed out on getting some much needed work done. If it were not for faithful partners in ministry at Living Truth, we couldn't even have church on Sunday at the level we currently experience. People are the most amazing when they mimic Jesus. Do for others. Make someone smile. Make someone else's life easier by picking them up.