Entertained by God's Creation

Recently, Marie and I had the opportunity to be entertained by a beautiful sunset over the ocean. The star of the evening was the setting sun that cast a myriad of colors on the crystal, clear, blue ocean. God has His own floor show every evening. It is easy to miss the beauty of a sunrise, a sunset, a blooming flower, a majestic mountain, a bubbling brook or anything else that God has created. Yet man is God's greatest creation and too often we take one another for granted just like we overlook the beauty of God's creation of the heavens and the earth. Take time today to thank God for everything and everyone that He has created. Kick back today and be entertained by the God's creation. Laugh, smile and most of all don't miss the little things.

Unexpected Pain

There is nothing like unexpected pain, (ouch). The other day, I was in the dentist office and the dental assistant said that placing the crown on my back tooth wouldn't hurt since all the main work was done when the temporary crown was placed on my tooth. She was very, very, wrong. After I landed back on the dentist chair, it was unanimously decided by all that novocain would be administered. After several shots of this wonderful drug that makes your face feel like rubber, the crown was applied only to break as I bit down on a piece of cotton attempting to seal the crown on my tooth. I was then informed that the crown would be cut off and a new crown would be put on my aching tooth. Unlike me in the dentist cahir, Jesus knew the pain was coming. It was not unexpected but prophesied: Isa 53:4-5 - "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (NKJV) The good news is there will never be a need for another cross and His crown is secure and unbroken.

A Great Time to Share the Good News

I love this time of the year. Amidst bunnies, candy, egg hunts and ham dinners, there is still an interest in spiritual things at this time of the year. It is so easy to share the good news of Jesus in contemporary ways if we allow God to use us. Let someone know of the hope that lies within you. Look for windows to share the light of God's Son in your everyday experiences.

Sunday's Coming

Today, I viewed a sermon video clip entitled "Sunday's Coming." I love Sundays. The day breathes new life, new beginnings, and new opportunities that once seemed impossible. Think of the disciples how they felt as Good Friday came to disappointing close. Maybe your week or your Friday has been difficult. If so, look ahead for Sunday's Coming! When Sunday comes, the cross of last week will seem distant as you experience the power of the new life of Sunday.
"Sunday's Coming!"

The Next Generation of Pentecostals

My heart yearns to see our sons and daughters experience the move of God's Spirit. Over the years of pastoring, I have witnessed hungry young people become saved, receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, move out in the gifts of the Spirit and receive the call of ministry. If the enemy can rob the next generation of hunger than the perpetuation of Pentecost will end. Having lived a life outside of God as a teen, I realize the emptiness that comes from trying to satisfy the longing of the inner man with the "fig leaves" of this world. Let us not reach out to the world but reach up to the Lord.

Joel 2:28 - "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions." (NKJV)

The Shadow of the Cross

As we approach the Easter season, the shadow of the cross is in full view. Last summer, we stopped by a huge cross in Effingham, Illinois and our group all stood in the shadow of the cross. The shadow of this huge cross came down on us and also reached out to a field next to the cross. How significant, the long shadow of the cross of Jesus stills comes down on the harvest. Stay in the shadow of the cross this Easter season and reach into the harvest field.

http://www.thecross-photo.com/The_Cross_in_Effingham_Illinois.htm