Loving the Least

A few weeks ago, my life changed as I held death in my arms. On a recent missions trip to Haiti, I had the opportunity to choose to love a starving, diseased, dirty, half-naked and dying child by taking him into my arms, (this is not the little boy in the picture). The little boy stretched his arms towards me and I had a choice to make either to love him or pass by him. I wonder if the children who the disciples tried to keep from Jesus were dirty, starving, diseased or dying. Jesus took the children into his arms. When you love the least you are loving Jesus. Who is the most spiritual or mature in the kingdom? According to Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, it is the one who loves the most. Over the last few weeks, I have watched a spontaneous outpouring of love being demonstrated by our congregation as they have given sacrificially to feed children in Haiti. Sounds like a spiritual church doesn't it?

More than a One Day Holiday

I love Easter Sunday. It is an incredible day to present the gospel. On Sunday morning, at both of our church campuses, many were added to the kingdom of God. I enjoyed becoming Aaron the High Priest as we reenacted the tabernacle. Easter Sunday lunch was delicious although the High Priest probably shouldn't have eaten ham. Last night was an awesome conclusion to the day with the presentation of our original Easter Drama entitled: "One Man, One Cause and One Stone." Everyone did a great job and the message certainly was clear and powerful as the life of David, Jesus and our own street evangelists came to life. There is no time to have an Easter hangover as we have the opportunity to present the drama Tuesday, March 25th and Wednesday, March 26th. Then it is one more Sunday with the Tabernacle teaching and and short missions trip to Haiti next week. The power of the resurrection is more than a one day holiday - it is a way of life. It is a great day to be alive!

It's a Girl!

Twenty-three years ago on a Sunday morning, I picked-up my wife Marie and our newborn daughter Ashley from the hospital. The first place we went after we left the hospital was to attend church. How appropriate that all these years later, Ashley would go into labor with our first grandchild while she was worshiping and seeking God at the altar of our church. Today, at 9:16 am, February 18th, Kiley Marye Chest came into the world weighing 6lbs. 6oz. and measuring 18 inches long. Amazingly, she weighed the same as her Mom at birth. It was love at first sight...How exciting to be a grandfather. I can't be that old can I?

The Destiny of Prayer

The other night, I had the privilege of attending a funeral of a godly pastor's wife. As I sat through the service, my thoughts went back to 20 plus years ago when I moved across the street from the pastor's wife's unsaved son. I thought of all the years she and her husband and others had spent praying for her unsaved son and daughter-in-law and their family. God found a young couple with two young children and sent them to her unsaved family in answer to her prayers. The second Sunday we had services in our new church plant the unsaved daughter-in-law was born again. The son's journey took a lot longer to return home to the Father's house but in time prayer was answered and he was born again also. In the family of God, we are more connected in our destinies than we may realize. Your destiny may be shaped by another person's prayers.

Cutting Edge Christianity

Many leaders in the church world are seeking diligently to be culturally relevant and cutting edge to reach the American audience. I have a suggestion that can help leaders and followers in the body of Christ be Biblically relevant and cutting edge to reach any audience. The simple suggestion is extended times of prayer and fasting. When a believer denies himself food to seek after God in new enthusiasm and hunger, God reveals spiritual insight and anointing to that individual that is cutting edge for any culture. Today begins 21 days of prayer and fasting for our local church. This year 3 other churches in our community are joining us for 21 days of prayer and fasting. Don't miss the opportunity to pray and fast corporately and individually this new year of 2008 and experience "Cutting Edge Christianity." Check out this website on thousands who have joined together to fast and pray this month for a spiritual awakening for this nation: www.awakeningamerica.us

Don't Miss the Boat!

As we were ready to leave Liberty Island after visiting the Statue of Liberty, I realized one of our group was missing. Where is Bob? Suddenly, we spotted him racing to the dock only to discover that it was too late to board the boat. After a few pictures were taken to memorialize this not to be forgotten event, we had to leave Bob behind. Well, after boarding another boat and running to catch the bus, Pastor Bob was reunited with us. Don't count on boarding another boat. Get on the boat of opportunity today and do what God wants you to do.

Other People's Leaves

Yesterday, as I was sitting in the front room of the house reading the Word, I looked out the window and noticed it was that time again. The time is autumn with leaves beginning to fall. When we bought our home over five years ago, the former owners mentioned to us that the leaves from the neighbors' trees often ended up in the yard. This couple were true prophets as every year since moving in to our home, I have spent hours cleaning-up other people's leaves. Sometimes, I get so tired of this annual event I want to move. Last year something happened that helped me in my leaf collection exhaustion - help from my family! Instead of dreading the job, I actually enjoyed it as talked and worked together. Helping people with the leaves of their fallen condition can also be exhausting but working together with other leaf removers can sure help with the process especially with those who seem to put more leaves in your yard than others. So, don't move yet instead find a team of leaf collectors.