Is anyone else out there amazed that in 2 days 2010 will end and we will step into a new year? A year full of promises, hope, faith and for all of "uncharted waters."
As we approach 2011 allow me to encourage you to make 2011 an incredible year. I am so anxious to close out a rough 2010 (although there were definitely some high points) and step into 2011. I am excited to see what God is going to do in my life and through my life.
On Sunday January 2nd we are starting a 21 day fast at our church as well as starting our journey of reading the Bible all the way through. I have already completed reading the Bible but I am looking forward to walking through it with the teens I pastor as well as with my wife.
The Bible declares "If my people which are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) I do not know about you but there are definitely areas in my life I need to humble myself in so that God can come and heal those areas.
If you would like to join us on this journey of walking a deeper faith, come on in there's room for you!!
Let me challenge you to do what ever it takes to make 2011 your best year yet. Step out and begin to dream bigger, love deeper and walk closer than you ever have.
Thanks for reading and if I do not get a chance to write anything before NYE then have a Happy & Victorious New Year.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Taking A Stand - In The Face Of Certain Adversity
I am somewhat of a news junkie, I daily check CNN, MSNBC, Fox etc... to check and see what is going on in the world.
I was shocked yesterday when I was on CNN and read about and saw a video of the gunman that walked into a Florida School Board meeting and let all of the visitor's and women go but made the 6 men on the board stay. For those of you who have not seen this story the lone gunman, Clay Duke, was anti-government and his wife was let go from a school and he said in the video "someone is going to die in here." However this story is not about Mr. Duke this story is about the school superintendent, William Husfelt, and the stand he took on NATIONAL news with Anderson Cooper.
In the interview Cooper asked Mr. Husfelt to recount what had happened at the school board meeting. When the gunman began to shoot he was only 6 - 8 feet from the school board members. What I really want to focus on is the superintendent for a PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM told Anderson "I don't have a death wish, but I know if I died today I know where I am going and I was fine with that." Later on in the interview Mr. Husfelt told Anderson that he believed that the "Good Lord" was standing in front of him because there were two bullet holes back behind where he sat during this ordeal.
What I love about this is the fact that story is national news and the superintendent was very clear on why he believes he is still alive and I think that it is AWESOME that someone is taking a stand for the Lord especially someone as high in office as a superintendent.
If you would like to see the interview go to cnn.com and click on the video portion of the site and look for the interview entitled "You Knew Somebody Was Going To Die." It is a 9 minute video but it is great, I just pray that people will continually take a stand.
I was shocked yesterday when I was on CNN and read about and saw a video of the gunman that walked into a Florida School Board meeting and let all of the visitor's and women go but made the 6 men on the board stay. For those of you who have not seen this story the lone gunman, Clay Duke, was anti-government and his wife was let go from a school and he said in the video "someone is going to die in here." However this story is not about Mr. Duke this story is about the school superintendent, William Husfelt, and the stand he took on NATIONAL news with Anderson Cooper.
In the interview Cooper asked Mr. Husfelt to recount what had happened at the school board meeting. When the gunman began to shoot he was only 6 - 8 feet from the school board members. What I really want to focus on is the superintendent for a PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM told Anderson "I don't have a death wish, but I know if I died today I know where I am going and I was fine with that." Later on in the interview Mr. Husfelt told Anderson that he believed that the "Good Lord" was standing in front of him because there were two bullet holes back behind where he sat during this ordeal.
What I love about this is the fact that story is national news and the superintendent was very clear on why he believes he is still alive and I think that it is AWESOME that someone is taking a stand for the Lord especially someone as high in office as a superintendent.
If you would like to see the interview go to cnn.com and click on the video portion of the site and look for the interview entitled "You Knew Somebody Was Going To Die." It is a 9 minute video but it is great, I just pray that people will continually take a stand.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
How Great Thou Art
Heard this song this morning on Pandora radio and wanted to let everyone know that no matter what God is GREAT!!!!
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Take some time today and thank God for his GREATNESS!!!!
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Take some time today and thank God for his GREATNESS!!!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Spirit Of Thanksgiving
As we approach one of my favorite times of year I wanted to take a moment and thank God for what He has done for me.
First of all I am so thankful for the family that He has allowed me to father. Last night I asked Paige what she was thankful for. She thought for a moment and said "my mommy, my daddy and my Bubby." I had tears in my eyes because even at 4 she is thankful for something that ALOT of people take for granted.
Secondly I am thankful for Pastor Jerry Laudermilk and Abundant Life Tabernacle. Pastor Jerry has made me a better person, minister and pastor.
Thirdly I am thankful for the group of teens Jesus has allowed me to pastor. We had our "biggest crowd" yet for a Sunday morning on Sunday. I know it is not about the numbers but it was encouraging to see the amount of teens that were in the class. Of the 28 teens that were in the class over 1/2 raised their hand for salvation or rededication.
Fourthly I am thankful for the heritage of my parents and my in-laws and what each set of families have taught me.
Lastly I am thankful for the men and women of God that have spoken into my life in times past
and what they have en stilled into me.
I found this pic below this was on November 21st 2010; a total of 28 in class 14 of which either rededicated their lives or made first time decisions.
First of all I am so thankful for the family that He has allowed me to father. Last night I asked Paige what she was thankful for. She thought for a moment and said "my mommy, my daddy and my Bubby." I had tears in my eyes because even at 4 she is thankful for something that ALOT of people take for granted.
Secondly I am thankful for Pastor Jerry Laudermilk and Abundant Life Tabernacle. Pastor Jerry has made me a better person, minister and pastor.
Thirdly I am thankful for the group of teens Jesus has allowed me to pastor. We had our "biggest crowd" yet for a Sunday morning on Sunday. I know it is not about the numbers but it was encouraging to see the amount of teens that were in the class. Of the 28 teens that were in the class over 1/2 raised their hand for salvation or rededication.
Fourthly I am thankful for the heritage of my parents and my in-laws and what each set of families have taught me.
Lastly I am thankful for the men and women of God that have spoken into my life in times past
and what they have en stilled into me.
I found this pic below this was on November 21st 2010; a total of 28 in class 14 of which either rededicated their lives or made first time decisions.
What are you thankful for today? Take the time and evaluate your life I am SURE you can find at least one thing to stop and THANK GOD for.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
More Updates For The Lifebook
I have been so encouraged by the response for The Lifebooks from our teens. I received the following update from a teen in my youth ministry that by all accounts should not even be serving God. She comes from a broken home, has a verbally & alcoholic father, has dealt with self injury but yet she wants so much of HIM.
This wonderful teen sent me a text yesterday and let me know that she had given away 3 books. She gave one to a fellow student that IMMEDIATELY told her she wanted one. The second one she gave out was to a young man that has had a lot of the same problems that she has experienced. Apparently he saw the book in her hand and said "Is that the book you were talking to me about?" She said "yes" he then said "Can I have one?" she said "Of Course" and he took it. The last book she gave out was placed in the girls bathroom with a simple note on it that said "Having Problems...?" This book will help and it is free! She went back into the bathroom after her last period and it was gone.
I also had 3 more teens that came to me and told me that they needed more books and she took 20 Lifebooks with her!!!
I am so excited for what this outreach is doing in the lives of the teens God has so graciously given to my care.
This wonderful teen sent me a text yesterday and let me know that she had given away 3 books. She gave one to a fellow student that IMMEDIATELY told her she wanted one. The second one she gave out was to a young man that has had a lot of the same problems that she has experienced. Apparently he saw the book in her hand and said "Is that the book you were talking to me about?" She said "yes" he then said "Can I have one?" she said "Of Course" and he took it. The last book she gave out was placed in the girls bathroom with a simple note on it that said "Having Problems...?" This book will help and it is free! She went back into the bathroom after her last period and it was gone.
I also had 3 more teens that came to me and told me that they needed more books and she took 20 Lifebooks with her!!!
I am so excited for what this outreach is doing in the lives of the teens God has so graciously given to my care.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Who Is He To you
The other night in youth I taught on "Who Is He To You". The scripture reference was in Matthew 16 when Jesus asked the loaded question "Who Do Men Say That I Am?". I am sure you remember that story; it is one of the most, in my opinion, moving stories in the New Testament. The thing I love about this story was the fact it was the "dysfunctional and most emotional" disciple that saw Jesus for who He really was. The thing I love about Peter was his "passion" for God, although sometimes the passion was misguided he was "passionate" none the less.
As I was teaching this lesson I could see that it was starting to take root. The important thing about this story was this: Jesus wanted His disciples to have a revelation of who He was. After travelling with Him for three and a half years the only one that "saw" HIM was Peter. In today's terms Peter would be dysfunctional but yet Peter was the one that walked on the water because of the word. It was Peter that, now, at a pivotal and crucial time in every one's life saw HIM for who He was.
We all have times in our lives when we see Jesus for who He really is. I like to call it the moment when Jesus comes down from the "felt board" and takes residence in our hearts. I do not know when "that moment" happened with Peter. Was it when Jesus was feeding 5k+ with some fish and loaves, or was it when He was performing numerous miracles. We could sit here and speculate all day.
In closing my question to you is this: Who Is He To You? He is my Savior, Strong Tower and Peace In The Midst Of The Storm.
As I was teaching this lesson I could see that it was starting to take root. The important thing about this story was this: Jesus wanted His disciples to have a revelation of who He was. After travelling with Him for three and a half years the only one that "saw" HIM was Peter. In today's terms Peter would be dysfunctional but yet Peter was the one that walked on the water because of the word. It was Peter that, now, at a pivotal and crucial time in every one's life saw HIM for who He was.
We all have times in our lives when we see Jesus for who He really is. I like to call it the moment when Jesus comes down from the "felt board" and takes residence in our hearts. I do not know when "that moment" happened with Peter. Was it when Jesus was feeding 5k+ with some fish and loaves, or was it when He was performing numerous miracles. We could sit here and speculate all day.
In closing my question to you is this: Who Is He To You? He is my Savior, Strong Tower and Peace In The Midst Of The Storm.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
First Bible Purchased
Let me say how EXCITED I am as a youth pastor. I received an email from one of the teens God has blessed me to pastor and she let me know that last night she went to Barnes & Noble and purchased her FIRST BIBLE EVER. I am so proud of her and she is also bringing a friend with her to the youth ministry tonight for our weekly Bible Study. God is getting ready to send revival to Mansfield and Richland county!!!!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Lifebook
Hello Everyone:
I forgot to mention this update and it is probably the most amazing one. About 2 months ago I had two teens come to me worried about a friend of there's that claimed to be an "atheist" and they were worried about her. They asked me for my advice and what I could do for this friend. My first thought was "The Lifebook" so I went to my office on Sunday morning and gave these two teens a copy of the Lifebook that I printed from the website. The next day they gave it to their friend and that same friend came to church with them that following Wednesday and she gave her heart to God!!!!
I forgot to mention this update and it is probably the most amazing one. About 2 months ago I had two teens come to me worried about a friend of there's that claimed to be an "atheist" and they were worried about her. They asked me for my advice and what I could do for this friend. My first thought was "The Lifebook" so I went to my office on Sunday morning and gave these two teens a copy of the Lifebook that I printed from the website. The next day they gave it to their friend and that same friend came to church with them that following Wednesday and she gave her heart to God!!!!
More Updates For The Lifebook
I received a final text last evening from another teen in my youth ministry. She had only handed out one Lifebook yesterday but she advised that in the few hours the recipient had the book there were some AMAZING results. She let me know that she is going to more than likely be coming with her to church on Wednesday night or Sunday morning.
** More Details Will Follow As We Continue With Our Saturation Week**
** More Details Will Follow As We Continue With Our Saturation Week**
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Lifebook
Hey Everyone:
Day one is almost in the books and I am hearing some INCREDIBLE testimonies about The Lifebook.
Day one is almost in the books and I am hearing some INCREDIBLE testimonies about The Lifebook.
One teen stated she gave out four and some of those teens said: they needed that and they needed to become closer to God and that the book would help them get there.
Another teend told me that God had placed three people on her heart and she had the opportunity to give all three of them the books.
* Apparently of the three, only one OPENLY accepted it; the other two have been talking to her about it and she told them to read it; there may be something in there that would help them, which is inevitably true.
I am awaiting a reply from the other teens, check back frequently!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Outreach Is My Focus
Pslams 2:8 in the NKJV says "Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, & the ends of the earth for Your possession." This has become the focus of the youth ministry, Unleashed Fire, at Abundant Life Tabernacle.
We are smack dab in the middle of something called a Lifebook Saturation. The purpose of this saturation is to place the word of God in every senior high studet in Richland County. As of right now we are focusing on Lexington High, Ontario High and Madison High. Recently a teen in my youth department had a friend that stated she was an atheist, I gave her a copy of the Lifebook I downloaded from the website and they did and invited Hannah to church. After a Wednesday night lesson Hannah gave her heart to God. I am so excited about what is going to be accomplished in this outreach opportunity.
For more info check out www.thelifebook.com
We are smack dab in the middle of something called a Lifebook Saturation. The purpose of this saturation is to place the word of God in every senior high studet in Richland County. As of right now we are focusing on Lexington High, Ontario High and Madison High. Recently a teen in my youth department had a friend that stated she was an atheist, I gave her a copy of the Lifebook I downloaded from the website and they did and invited Hannah to church. After a Wednesday night lesson Hannah gave her heart to God. I am so excited about what is going to be accomplished in this outreach opportunity.
For more info check out www.thelifebook.com
Monday, April 19, 2010
Less Than Two Months To Go
It just hit me that in less than two months I am going to be holding my new son; Jayden Christopher. I was excited for Paige but the anticipation for Jayden is greater if not more!!! I am not saying I will love him more than Paige I am just saying that the excitement is greater. With Paige we had no idea if it was going to be a boy or girl so we were excited to know that we were going to have a baby. This time I am absolutely ecstatic to know that I am having a son & I can't wait to hold him in my arms.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
It's Been A While
I just looked and realized that I haven't updated this since January 5th. Since that time we've been told that Misty is having a boy; was hired full time by Chase & will be getting ordained on April 24th. This is going to be a great year; we just finished the 1st quarter of the year & I am so excited for what God has for me in the second quarter. I will be updating this more so check back often.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Getting Things Right In 2010
On Sunday January 3rd we had our monthly time of corporate prayer at the church. It was an amazing time in the Lord! The "service" had already started once I got there so I just sat in a pew & began to be "quiet" before the Lord so I could pray not what I wanted but what HE wanted. As I sat in the pew & continued to "ponder & meditate" on what He was saying to me for 2010 the thought came to me "Set Your House In Order." I knew it was a "right now" word from the Lord because I had also been feeling that 2010 was going to be a banner year for the youth ministry, the church & my family.
But before I can have a banner year I feel like the Lord was saying that if it is to be a banner year then I need to get things in the proper place in my life. I was reminded of the woman in the Old Testament that received her miracle/breakthrough AFTER she had placed her house in order. I don't believe that it was a word just for me; I believe it's a clarion call that is going out to the entire body in this day & in this hour & it's a call to place things in proper alignment so He can move in our lives & through our lives. I truly believe that until we get things in proper place with HIM then what HE wants to do for us & through will NEVER be accomplished.
God can't move through someone that hasn't placed Him in the proper place in their lives. Matt 6:33 said it best "... seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God & all these things SHALL be added unto you." You can't ever have two things that are FIRST in your life; it's mathematically IMPOSSIBLE! I've seen the lists that have 1; then 1a 1b 1c etc... even though there are letter's by the numbers the very first "priority" you put down will be NUMBER ONE on your list. I believe that 2 Chronicles 20:20 says it best "...put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed" (NASB) The word of God will never fail; if we would place our trust in HIM & His word we are guaranteed to be established & to succeed!!!!
What is God talking to you about to place your house in order & will you join me on the journey of getting prepared to usher in the last great move of God & spiritual awakening in America?
But before I can have a banner year I feel like the Lord was saying that if it is to be a banner year then I need to get things in the proper place in my life. I was reminded of the woman in the Old Testament that received her miracle/breakthrough AFTER she had placed her house in order. I don't believe that it was a word just for me; I believe it's a clarion call that is going out to the entire body in this day & in this hour & it's a call to place things in proper alignment so He can move in our lives & through our lives. I truly believe that until we get things in proper place with HIM then what HE wants to do for us & through will NEVER be accomplished.
God can't move through someone that hasn't placed Him in the proper place in their lives. Matt 6:33 said it best "... seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God & all these things SHALL be added unto you." You can't ever have two things that are FIRST in your life; it's mathematically IMPOSSIBLE! I've seen the lists that have 1; then 1a 1b 1c etc... even though there are letter's by the numbers the very first "priority" you put down will be NUMBER ONE on your list. I believe that 2 Chronicles 20:20 says it best "...put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed" (NASB) The word of God will never fail; if we would place our trust in HIM & His word we are guaranteed to be established & to succeed!!!!
What is God talking to you about to place your house in order & will you join me on the journey of getting prepared to usher in the last great move of God & spiritual awakening in America?
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