Jonathan Wright Ministries

F. B. Meyer Once Said…

2011-12-06T05:30:00.000-06:00

“We never test the resources of God until we attempt the impossible.” –F. B. Meyer (1847-1929)

One of the greatly loved preachers of his day, Frederick Brotherton Meyer was a pastor, author, Bible teacher and evangelist. He was born in London in 1847 and grew up in a Christian home.

After attending Brighton College, he graduated from London University in 1869 and completed his theological training at Regents Park Baptist College.

Dr. Meyer began pastoring in 1870, and in 1872 he went to Priory Street Baptist Chapel. There he met D. L. Moody, who made a lasting impression upon his life and taught him valuable spiritual lessons. These two godly men formed a lifelong friendship.

In 1895 he went to Christ Church in London, with only 100 attending. Within two years he was preaching regularly to over 2,000. He remained there for fifteen years and then began a ministry of conference preaching and evangelism, traveling to South Africa and the Far East on mission endeavors. He returned to England to pastor for several years before he died in 1929. [Source: SwordOfTheLord.com]

Many messages and writings of Meyer have been very beneficial to me, however, there are a few that have been most helpful to me. They are: “Great Men of the Bible” and “The Epistle to the Philippians” [Many of his books can be found online at: GoToTheBible.com]

Here are few quotes from his writings and preaching…

“The supreme test of goodness is not in the greater but in the smaller incidents of our character and practice.

The church which is not a missionary church will be a missing church when Jesus comes.

Consecration is not the act of our feelings but of our will. Consecration is only possible when we give up our will about everything.

God has set Eternity in our heart, and man's infinite capacity cannot be filled or satisfied with the things of time and sense.

A providence is shaping our ends; a plan is developing in our lives; a supreme and loving Being is making all things work together for good.

When we want to know God's will, there are three things which always concur: the inward impulse, the Word of God and the trend of circumstances. Never act until these three things agree.

The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, buy unoffered prayer.

Fall on your knees and grow there. There is no burden of the spirit but is lighter by kneeling under it. Prayer means not always talking to Him, but waiting before Him till the dust settles and the stream runs clear.

The certainty of our salvation rests on the character of God.”

Cabinet Chronicles...pre-judging

2011-12-02T14:55:00.001-06:00

In this edition of the Cabinet Chronicles you will discover the importance of not pre-judging other people.

[Cabinet Chronicles is produced and distributed by Jonathan Wright Ministries. Take a moment to visit our Facebook and "LIKE" our page.]

Clovis Chappell Once Said…

2011-11-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

“Laughter and tears are the warp and woof of life. If you leave them out of preaching, you are leaving out life itself.” (Clovis G. Chappell)

Clovis G. Chappell (1882-1972) was ordained into the ministry of the Methodist Church in 1908, and over the next 41 years held pastorates in Washington, Memphis, Houston, Birmingham and Charlotte, North Carolina. He officially retired in 1949 but filled numerous speaking engagements each year throughout the country. Born at Flat Woods, Tennessee on January 8, 1882, he studied at Trinity (now Duke) and Harvard Universities. He held doctoral degrees from Duke, Centenary College of Louisiana, and Birmingham Southern College. He was the author of some 35 religious books which were distributed throughout the world.

In my library are numerous books that are collections of his sermons. A few that I gleaned most from are: “When the Church Was Young” “Sermons from Job” and “The Seven Words.”

Here I offer some of my favorite quotes from Chappell…

A religion that does not permeate and purify and uplift and sanctify business and business relations is not the religion of Jesus Christ.

We get in the grip of doubt and straightway we turn from the fellowship of those who know the Lord to the fellowship of those who confessedly do not know Him.

What we need is faith. For faith is not a tame and spineless thing that dares nothing. Real faith dares something, something big and brawny, beyond the human. Hence it brings into life the thrill of finest romance.

How glorious that, when we resist God's purpose and all but wreck ourselves, He will make us again. Truly we would be a hopeless race but for the fact that we have a mighty God who is able to remake us even when we have rebelled against Him and have thwarted His blessed plans for us.

As long as your sin breaks your heart, as long as your disobedience makes you lie awake nights and wet your pillow in tears there is hope for you. But when you become contented with your wickedness, when you come to believe that it is the best possible for you, then you are in danger indeed.

You may suffer and yet be un-Christlike, but no man can be Christlike and fail to suffer. If you ever, by the grace of God, become a partaker of the divine nature you must also inevitably become a partaker of His sufferings.

I have never felt any hesitation in speaking to my congregation about money. I thrill to it. I revel in it. I love to see the liberal enjoy it; I love to watch the stingy suffer.

The Lord Is…

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

“Blessed be the name of the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. The Lord is their strength, And He is the saving refuge of His anointed. Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.” (Psalm 28.6-9, NKJV)

Against ALL Odds

2011-10-20T05:30:00.000-05:00

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men of talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." (Calvin Coolidge)

Everyone in life has personal challenges to contend with and obstacles to overcome. Read what these famous people had to overcome...

Einstein was 4 years old before he could speak.

Isaac Newton did poorly in grade school and was considered "unpromising."

When Thomas Edison was a youngster, his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. He was counseled to go into a field where he might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality.

F.W. Woolworth got a job in a dry goods store when he was 21, but his boss would not permit him to wait on customers because he "didn't have enough sense to close a sale."
Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

Bob Cousy, a legendary Boston Celtic basketball player, suffered the same fate, but he too is a Hall of Famer.

A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he "lacked imagination and had no original ideas."

Winston Churchill failed 6th grade and had to repeat it because he did not complete the tests that were required for promotion.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,300 times, a major league record.

Remember: Determine to overcome. Take Steps to succeed. Get up when you fall down. Keep on giving it all you've got.

William Barclay Once Said…

2011-10-19T05:30:00.000-05:00

“There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.” –William Barclay

William Barclay (1907-1978) in preaching circles is best known for his Daily Study Bible commentary series. Additionally, he authored many other great books and those I gleaned most from were: “The Master’s Men” and “Letters to the Seven Churches.”

I was first introduced to this writer by August “Auggie” Kilpatrick an early mentor to me in the ministry. Auggie said of Barclay, “He will offer you good historical context and help you put it to use today.” Over the years I found that to be true and discovered many other helps from this good writer.

Here, I offer you some of my favorite quotes from Barclay…

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory.

For the Christian, heaven is where Jesus is. We do not need to speculate on what heaven will be like. It is enough to know that we will be for ever with Him.

Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice. And we do not really love Christ unless we are prepared to face His task and to take up His Cross.

The awful importance of this life is that it determines eternity.

The tragedy of life and of the world is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that, knowing Him, they still insist on going their own way.

Committed Is a Good Thing

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

“But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71.14 (NKJV)

NOW that is a great verse with a great declaration about a great truth. Here the Psalmist makes a commitment to do two actions…

First...he says "I will hope continually." This teaches us that hope is a commitment not an aspiration. If an aspiration it would be within reach, as a commitment it is exercising something we already possess.

Second...he says "and will praise You yet more and more." This is a commitment not a wish. A wish would be a "want to" but commitment is an "I will!" What fascinates me about this part of the verse is there is no qualifier. He does not say "and will praise You yet more and more IF I GET...or IF YOU DO SOMETHING FOR ME." Instead, he simply says he will praise God period!

So...what I learn from this is “hope fuels my praise & my praise feeds my hope!” However, I’ve had times in my life where this is a challenge equal to trying to reach the top of Mt Everest with a walking stick and flip-flops! In those times I’ve found it helpful to come before God with a prayer similar to this…

“God, I feel like so much of my life is hopeless. I want to praise you but I’m feeling dry and even empty. I need You today more than ever. I’m sitting here waiting for You.”

For me, I’ve discovered that my commitment to God in spite of the discouragement of this world is my breakthrough. If that resonates with where you are then taking the time to commit yourself to pray and wait for God might just be the HELP you need.

BOOK REVIEW: “How Good is Good Enough?”

2011-09-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

“Good people go to heaven…don’t they? Sure they do. It only makes sense. Actually, it doesn’t really make any sense at all. Smart, educated, accomplished men and women everywhere are banking their eternities on a theory that doesn’t hold water. Chances are, you've never really thought it through. But you owe it to yourself to do so. Find out now what’s wrong with the most popular theory about heaven—and what it really takes to get there.”

That write up on the back cover was enough for me to buy and read this book. After reading the first ten pages I began to really appreciate the authors approach to seize the attention and challenge the thinking of someone who has not made their final decision about eternity.

First, he gets their attention by working from the base, nebulous thought that “good people go to heaven.” Second, he sets out to challenge that belief and in the process he tackles the question of fairness.

In my experiences of personally sharing my faith in Jesus with others I find that both of these come into most conversations about faith. Especially the fairness question. Here are a few excerpts concerning this issue…

“To dismiss Christianity because it is unfair is to assume that something must be fair to be true.

“For most people, choosing a religion is like choosing a flavor of ice cream—we pick what we like, what we are comfortable with, what suits our taste. That’s understandable, but it’s not very smart. The issue is not What do I like? or How was I raised? or What makes me comfortable? The issue is What is true?

“Let’s face it, something can be absolutely unfair and true at the same time. We don’t determine what is true based on whether or not it is fair…Fairness does not determine truth.

“Christianity is different. The initial appeal is not fairness, but forgiveness. In fact, as we will see, Christianity is based on the premise that God laid aside fairness and opted for mercy and grace instead.

“When people complain about something not being fair, it is almost always a smoke screen for the fact that they are not getting something they want.

“The God of Christianity never claims to be fair. He goes beyond fair. The Bible teaches that he decided not to give us what we deserve—that’s mercy. In addition, God decided to give us exactly what we don’t deserve—we call that grace.”

I highly recommend this book for Christians to first read then find someone who is searching for the truth and give them a copy to read. This will give you a terrific follow-up conversation about God and a relationship with Him.

Forever Is a LONG Time

2011-09-21T05:30:00.000-05:00

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136.1 (NLT)

“Forever is a long time!” That was my first thought when I read Psalm 136. Forever, forever, forever...26 times all in direct relation to the mercies and love of God.

God's mercy/love must be important...very important! That was my second thought when I read this chapter. Repetition is a great teaching style to help a student grab the importance and remember a specific truth. Every verse in this chapter has at the center the love of God. We know love is important because it is the entire theme of 1 Corinthians 13. Actually, Paul goes a step further and closes the chapter by saying ... "and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

My third thought...what does 'endure' have to do with this truth about God's love? My studies show that ‘endure’ in Hebrew is 'amad' which carries the meaning "abide, appoint, arise, dwell, be employed, establish, raise up, remain, repair, stay." Now THAT is a great description of the importance of the abiding, forever love of God!

One of the reasons for the ENDURING love of God was so that when you were born His love would be there for YOU! Open your heart today and pray something similar to this.... "God, help me today to know your love. If I have any sin in my life that keeps me from this love then forgive me of it all. I do want to know your love. Amen."

Vance Havner Once Said…

2011-09-19T05:30:00.000-05:00

“A bulldog can whip a skunk but it just ain’t worth it!” –Vance Havner (illustrating for pastors the need to pick their battles)

That was my first introduction to Vance Havner followed by a cassette message I discovered titled “Home Before Dark” then a book titled “Pepper ‘N Salt” and these made me a fan of this whitty, down-to-earth, passionate preacher of the Gospel.

Here I offer for you some of my favorite, most memorable quotes by Vance Havner…

We are the salt of the earth, mind you, not the sugar.Our ministry is to truly cleanse and not just to change the taste.

Too many churches start at eleven o'clock sharp, and end at twelve o'clock dull.

Plenty of church members are shaky about what they believe, while not many are shaken by what they believe.

Some preachers ought to put more fire into their sermons, or more sermons into the fire.

The church is a hospital for sinners, and not a museum for saints.

The preacher is to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.

To some, Christianity is an argument. To many, it is a performance. To a few, it is an experience.

God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.

If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.

The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.

We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.

We are suffering today from a species of Christianity as dry as dust, as cold as ice, as pale as a corpse, and as dead as King Tut. We are suffering not from a lack of correct heads but of consumed hearts.

I'm tired of hearing sin called sickness and alcoholism a disease. It is the only disease I know of that we're spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year to spread.

If they had a social gospel in the days of the prodigal son, somebody would have given him a bed and a sandwich and he never would have gone home.

It is one of the ironies of the ministry that the very man who works in God's name is often hardest put to find time for God. The parents of Jesus lost Him at church, and they were not the last ones to lose Him there.

Sometimes your medicine bottle has on it, "Shake well before using." That is what God has to do with some of His people. He has to shake them well before they are ever usable.

Above All—GUARD

2011-09-14T05:55:00.000-05:00

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4.23 (NLT)

WOW ... We are to "guard" our hearts! This means to defend, keep something or someone out, to protect, to keep. That is how important the heart is! Why? Because it determines your life.

Here is good news...we do not have to guard it alone. Who helps us? Jesus Christ. Paul shares this truth with us in Philippians 4.6-7…

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Notice that this passage shows us that those who have an ongoing, active relationship with God will have their hearts and minds guarded BY Christ. Take a few moments to read again and meditate on these verses. Then, pray asking God to actively help you guard your heart. If you do--He will!

Oswald J. Smith Once Said…

2011-09-12T05:29:00.001-05:00

In the 1990’s my mentor handed me a book titled “The Revival We Need” by Oswald J. Smith and that became one of the significant turning points in my evangelistic ministry. Rev. Jonathan Goforth said this in the books forward, “Had I the wealth of a millionaire I would put “The Revival We Need” in every Christian home in the continent and confidently look for a revival which would sweep round the world.”

At only 23 years of age Smith made this three-fold commitment to God: “First, I will think no thought, speak no word and do no deed unworthy of a follower of Jesus Christ. Second, I will give my life for service in any part of the world, and in any capacity God wills that I should labor. Third, I will endeavor to do God's will from moment to moment, as He reveals it to me.” Many who knew Rev. Smith would agree that he gave himself wholeheartedly to these three promises.

Over the years of reading Smith’s books, poems and hymns his passion for Christ, His church and reaching the lost around the world is apparent. Not only apparent but contagious! If you seek to stir your heart for the lost I would recommend reading this mans writings.

Here, I offer you some of my favorite selections from Oswald J. Smith…

If God wills the evangelization of the world, and you are not interested in missions, then you are opposing the will of God.

Missions is not to be confined to an organization within the church. It is the chief work of the whole church.

We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.

No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.

The church that does not evangelize will fossilize.

The mission of the church is missions.

You can't take it [money] with you but you can send it on ahead.

Charles Spurgeon Once Said…

2011-08-29T05:30:00.004-05:00

Few preachers from previous generations have shaped my preaching as much as Charles Haddon Spurgeon. My first introduction to him was his classical work “The Psalms of David.” The Spurgeon Archive say this about him…

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-92) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861 the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.

There are many quotes from his writings and preaching that have either shown up in my preaching ministry or personally have meaning to me. Here are a few of my favorites…

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.

Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us.

By perseverance the snail reached the ark.

Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.

No one knows who is listening, say nothing you would not wish put in the newspapers.

None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.

Of two evils, choose neither.

The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.

Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.

Helps for Pithy Preachers

2011-08-24T05:30:00.001-05:00

If you did not have a chance to read the last post titled "The Need for Pithy" take a moment to do so before reading this posting.

Now for those preachers pursuing "pithy" here are few good one-liners that may find a new home in one of your great messages.

May God bless you and anoint what you say for Him!

Don't let your worries get the best of you ... remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

People are funny ... they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

Some minds are like concrete ... thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

Peace starts with a smile.

A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

God doesn't call the qualified ... He qualifies the called.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

He who angers you ... controls you.

If God is your Co-pilot ... swap seats.

Don't give God instructions ... just report for duty.

We don't change the message ... the message changes us.

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

The Need for Pithy

2011-08-23T05:30:00.001-05:00

Some things do not need a long explanation or declaration. For example, when I see those three little words on a sign “Beware of Dog” that says it all for me!

One thing some preachers lack in their communication is the art of pithy. Pithy means “precisely meaningful; forceful and brief; concise and full of meaning.” I often refer to this as a “one-liner.”

One of the kings of one-liners is the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. Here are a few of my favorites from his preaching…

…Noah went in the ark the minority but came out the majority.
…Puppy love will lead to a dog’s life.
…I’m not looking for the undertaker but the upper taker.
…Love is blind but marriage is an eye opener.
…Birthdays are good for you. The more you have the longer you live.

For whatever reason preachers, more than any other communicator takes longer to say the same thing. I’m not convinced that I have solved the "why" behind this question though I have a few good ideas.

Maybe we think that more words equal a better message. This is not true. If it were, I would have more pastors tell me in the pre-service meeting in their office, “Brother Wright, preach a really long message and don’t worry about getting us out of here by noon.” [There would be a much better chance of a White Christmas in the Mojave.]

Maybe some preachers have studied so many hours for their message and they have not mastered the skill of trimming the edges. How do you know if this is you or not? Here’s the test: When people offer a sincere, constructive criticism of your message is it the length OR the content they emphasize? If it is the length then maybe you should work on being pithier. I've discovered that many Christians do not mind a long message if that is what it took to bring understanding and life change. [Notice I narrowed the field by qualifying the criticism as being sincere and constructive.]

So, is there a precedent for pithy? Yes, there is. John chose only two words to describe one of Jesus’ most dramatic public displays of emotions, “Jesus wept.” These two words given in the context of this brief story are incredibly moving!

May God help us as communicators of truth to make a concerted effort in the area of pithiness.

Adrian Rogers Once Said…

2011-08-22T05:30:00.002-05:00

Over the past 23 plus years of my preaching ministry I have on numerous occasions quoted from sermons by Adrian Rogers. His preaching content, style, delivery and conviction was evident to anyone who listened to him. What drew me to him so often was his gift for putting a big truth in a small statement. For years I have referred to him as the “king of one-liners.” So few preachers have mastered this ability of truth in a pithy fashion. Below are only a few of my favorite’s from his preaching. I trust they will encourage you as they have me. Enjoy...

The church is not the way to heaven; the church is the sign that points to heaven.

It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.

Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?

I wouldn't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.

We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.

It's about time we stopped buying things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.

Just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it doesn't make sense.

If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy.

Sin is not just breaking God's laws; it is breaking His heart.

God grades on the Cross not on the curve.

Lead With Your Heart

2011-08-18T05:30:00.003-05:00

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4.23 (New Living Translation)

As a boy my brothers and friends would embark on an adventure with me of cutting through the brush of the woods to some unknown destination. It was such a grand adventure, the curiosity of discovery and the rush of what's next! We were unclear where we were going just somewhere IN THERE!

In this verse the Proverbial writer shows us that the priorities of our heart creates the path for our lives. We reach our destination by a path--that path is determined by the priorities of our heart. That means our belief system, values and what we meditate on in our hearts all form, even create, our path of life.

Christ laid out for all of us this specific priority in Matthew 22.37-38 when he said... "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment."

Are you satisfied with your path in life? If yes, then what priorities do you need to guard, keep in place? If no, then what changes do you need to make?

What’s On YOUR Mind

2011-08-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3.2 (New Living Translation)

"Money on my mind, Money on my mind, Money on my mind, Money money on my mind, So money is all I think of"

Those are the lyrics of a popular rap song of some years ago and it makes a statement about the obvious in our culture...we focus, think about, pursue, covet money AND things.

In Colossians 3.2 Paul shows that we must make a decision on WHERE to look. This verse is also intended to motivate WHAT we seek after and work to acquire.

Matthew affirmed this higher calling for our economic pursuits and desires when he wrote... "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also."(6.19-21)

What's on your mind? If it's not heaven what can you do right now to change that?

A View From Earth

2011-08-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set you mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3.1-2, NKJV)

This is an encouragement for followers of Christ to look UP TO heaven AT Christ. When you direct someone to look in a certain direction it is usually to show them something spectacular, use a visual for them to learn something or to give them direction, maybe even motivation. All this is being implied when God calls us to look UP TO heaven AT Christ!

This is hard to do because it is so easy to look at those things that are tangible and immediate surroundings. Here, the Scriptures are attempting to re-focus our look…when we do it will re-align our priorities.

What is your view from earth? How has it affected your priorities?

In Memory of John Stott

2011-08-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

Recently, John Stott went to be with the Lord. His writings over the years have impacted the church and my life greatly. In memory of him I am listing here a few of my favorites from his writing.

Apathy is the acceptance of the unacceptable.

We should not ask, "What is wrong with the world?" for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, "What has happened to the salt and light?"

Every Christian should be both conservative and radical; conservative in preserving the faith and radical in applying it.

Good conduct arises out of good doctrine.

The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.

We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.

Good works are indispensable to salvation - not as its ground or means, however, but as its consequence and evidence.

The modern world detests authority but worships relevance. Our Christian conviction is that the Bible has both authority and relevance, and that the secret of both is Jesus Christ.

Pentecost Matters

2011-06-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1.8, NKJV)

Pentecost matters because it is personal. God knows ME and has sent the Holy Spirit baptism for ME! In a nation of over 511 million and a world of almost seven billion people God knows ME and gives ME this power of the Holy Spirit…how awesome!

Pentecost matters because it is a promise of God. “I send the promise of my Father upon you.” (Luke 24.49) You see, when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit happened in Acts 2 it was the fulfillment of a promise made by God. This is another example of God making AND keeping His promises. So, when God gives you a promise and every thing appears to say it will never happen Pentecost reminds us that God KEEPS His promises!

Pentecost matters because it is power. This is power because it comes from God and is God…the Holy Spirit of God! God never intended any of His children to live a powerless, weak, anemic existence. We know, represent and have living within us the God of the universe. The one, only, true God who is all-powerful. Our God can heal a headache as easy as He can cancer, create a butterfly as easy as a universe.

Pentecost matters because it is purpose. As Pentecostals we love the power of God…we shout, sing and clap our hands in celebration of His power! However, this power was given with AND for purpose. That primary purpose is to help me boldly, fearlessly and confidently share Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him! This means that to truly be a Pentecostal is to be someone who lives to give testimony to who Jesus is!

Does Pentecost matter in your life? If not, then now is the time to claim, for some re-claim, the reason for Pentecost.

Remember, Pentecost matters because it is personal power for the purpose of telling Jesus Christ to all who do not yet know Him!

Stand Strong

2011-06-07T13:00:00.001-05:00

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10.11, NLT)

This verse happen to be a part of my Bible reading this morning then I read a powerful, poignant devotional from Charles Spurgeon. These two lined up with such certainty of purpose I feel it is important to share this with you…

“We are never out of the reach of temptation. Both at home and abroad, we are liable to meet with allurements to evil; the morning opens with peril, and the shades of evening find us still in jeopardy. They are well kept whom God keeps, but woe unto those who go forth into the world, or even dare to walk their own house unarmed. Those who think themselves secure, are more exposed to danger than any others. The armor-bearer of Sin is Self-confidence. Be not secure. We need a watchman for the night, as well as a guardian for the day. Oh, for the constraining love of Jesus to keep us active and useful!” –Charles Spurgeon in “Daily Helps”

Wouldn't You Want To Know?

2011-06-01T05:30:00.001-05:00

[This is a re-post of my very first blog.]

If there really is one, true God wouldn't you want to know? And, if what you believed to be true about this God is wrong wouldn't you also want to know that? These two questions were recently shared with me by a friend who is trying to help seekers of truth. For me I would want to know the truth because I would hate to come to the end of my life and discover all of my belief was in a lie.

If there is truth to be known why not know it now while I can still do something about it. This would allow me to study it out, use it as a means to more truth & knowledge, better my life and those around me. The other side to this discovery of truth is that there may be things about ME that need to change.

What are the benefits to truth? Some of the many include things such as: a sense of reality, life stability and a feeling of security. Those seeking the truth about the real, one & true God will find that He is a God of truth. God's Son, Jesus, said it this way, "I am the Truth." It's not just that He stands for the truth, talks about the truth and recognizes it when He sees it but that He is the Truth! The Bible (the record book of God) says this about Jesus being the truth, "grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" and that He was "full of grace and truth." You could say that if Jesus Christ did not come to this earth none of us would know truth! "Truth is a person and His name is Jesus Christ."

For some people it is not enough to just tell them the truth they must experience it for themselves. This starts with many long before they ever reach adulthood. Remember the child being told by the parent that the hot stove would burn their hand and hurt really bad. You would think that would be enough, however, for many kids what did they do? They touched the stove and then the reality of the truth affected their lives. God understood that many people would be that same way about receiving His truth. That is why the Bible challenges us to "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in Him." By reaching out to the real Truth, Jesus Christ, your life will be affected. You will experience the benefits and blessings of a life filled with truth.

There really is one, true God and you can know Him. If you are a seeker of truth then I ask you to call on God by praying today! (For additional information on Jesus Christ as the truth open a Bible to the Book of John and read chapter 14.)

My Devotional Today…

2011-04-30T14:27:00.003-05:00

My devotional today was especially encouraging so I thought I’d share some of it with you…

“Do not be afraid, Christ is your strength and righteousness. A wave comes against the side of the ship, but it does not hurt the ship, it only drives the wedges in tighter. The Master is at the helm—will not that assure your heart? It has floated over so many billows—will not that increase your confidence? It must, indeed, be a strong billow that will sink it now; there never shall be such an one. Christ presents the perfect number of all his people to the Father in the last day; not one shall perish. The ark of our salvation shall bring all its living freight into the haven of everlasting rest.” –Daily Help by Charles Spurgeon

Twenty-Five Years Now…

2011-04-26T14:40:00.004-05:00

Praise God that twenty-five years ago today I gave my life to Jesus Christ! He saved me, delivered me from my addictions and remains the best thing that has ever happened to me!

I was not at the end of my rope…mine was breaking. At 4am in the morning I felt God’s presence in the room and pushing my drugs away I turned that drug table into an altar. After that prayer I went to the end of the pier, stepped into a telephone booth and called my parents. For over an hour my parents prayed with me and in that place I found my new life.

This morning I called my folks to thank them for being so faithful to me, never giving up despite them not knowing many times if I was dead or alive. They were and continue to be a spiritual stalwart to me!

After that I called the pastor (Eddie Passmore) of my home church (First Assembly of God) in Harrisburg, Arkansas, to thank him for a church that never gave up on me. I’m told that even when my parents were too discouraged to mention my need for salvation that someone else would step up on their behalf asking the church to pray for me. The folks and my family that call that church home continue to be a source of encouragement for me!

Before all these calls I thanked the One who died for me. He did not HAVE TO but WANTED TO! If he had taken a public opinion poll I fear that He would’ve been tempted to change His mind about giving His life for me but He knew it was the ONLY way for me to know God. So…Jesus Christ, thank you for dying for ME so that I could live to know God and be known by Him. You have remained faithful even when I have not been. My life is ALL yours! Amen.

Easter Is More Than

2011-04-23T01:00:00.001-05:00

"One can never speak of Easter without rising to his feet. The pulpit is never so cramped and crowded as it is on Easter day. Hearing its message and assurances is like Jacob hearing that Joseph was still alive. It is almost incredible. It appears too good to be true." (Martin Luther)

What a powerful statement about the day of resurrection! You see Easter Sunday is more than jumping bunnies and jelly beans it is about new life in Christ!

During most of my childhood years I remember my parents buying us Easter “outfits” each year. There was something special about getting something new. These were not hand-me-downs from a cousin instead they were unstained, unripped brand new clothes that matched!

The resurrection message is much like that. When Christ rose from the dead it signaled a new beginning in our relationship to God. We would now be offered a way to exchange our stained, ripped, battered and frustrated lives for a new life, fresh start. With our sins forgiven we could now move forward in this life with a purpose and a future.

There’s a story told about W.E. Sangster the great British minister of the mid 1900’s who found himself stricken with an incurable disease that caused progressive muscular atrophy that doctors said would eventually take his life. They said that his muscles would gradually waste away, his voice would fail and his throat would soon become unable to swallow. After his legs became useless and voice completely gone he took a pen to write his daughter a letter on Easter morning shortly before dying. In that letter he wrote “It is terrible to wake up on Easter morning and have no voice to shout, ‘He is risen!’---but it would be still more terrible to have a voice and not want to shout.”

Dear God, During this time of resurrection celebration may all of your children be filled with the newness and splendor of this great day! Amen.

Good Friday—REALLY?!?

2011-04-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

Is Good Friday really a “good” Friday? After all, it is a day of death on a cross. Not just any death but in its time one of the cruelest forms of capital punishment in the known world. Read what Paul wrote to the church at Rome about this day…

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5.6-11, NLT)

Now that sounds like a Good Friday for me but what about Jesus? The Bible records His thoughts this way… “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12.2b; NLT) In other words, Christ knew that dying on the cross was necessary so that He could rule triumphant for eternity leaving no doubt that mankind has been saved. This was the ONLY way man (you and me) could ever have a relationship with God.

Are you certain of your relationship with God? Do you know that all things are right between you and God? If not, all you have to do is simply pray to Him asking for forgiveness of sins and you will immediately be right with God. You might want to say the prayer provided at the end of this blog post…and if you do please message me so that I can help you on this new journey with God.

Dear God, Forgive me of my sins. Remove anything from my life that would keep me from knowing you. Now help me to live in a way that will please you and help others to see how wonderful you are. Amen.

Spectator OR Follower

2011-04-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

One of the vantage points for me is that my ministry is itinerant in scope. This puts me in varying places (urban, suburban & rural), different sizes of groups (8 to 1,000+), various ministries (traditional, outside the box, MANY others) and close interaction with incredible church leaders. In my travels, observations and church interactions I’ve discovered two general groupings of Christians: spectators and followers.

The SPECTATOR group seems to be those who show up for church services and events IF convinced it measures up to some personal value factor. Those factors vary among the spectators. For some this means if their favorite staff pastor is not preaching they will visit the local Starbucks in lieu of morning worship. Others, will only join a Life Group if it does “something for them” while asking “nothing from them.” Typically, spectators are always found at the church picnic but never at the prayer meeting.

The FOLLOWER group are found in so many places in the church. They seem to have a commitment to church and their fellow Christians that transcends community events, school activities and social functions. You can see in their actions they understand church to be about giving not just receiving. They come to watch (like the spectators) AND to work…knowing it is not “either or” but rather “and both” when following Christ. They enjoy the prayer meeting as much as the church picnic.

Jesus said it this way… “Follow me” NOT watch me. (Matthew 4.19) None of us can name any church spectator that made a real difference but MANY are the names of those who followed. Their impact in our lives will never be forgotten in our minds or the halls of heaven.

When I think of followers my mind sees… Billy Graham, Claude Patterson, Martin Luther, Sister Britnell, Charles Spurgeon, John Lindell, Luis Palau, Lorene Wright, Kathryn Kuhlman, Billy Wright, Dwight Moody, Dan Wakefield, Sister Gray, Oswald Smith, Donald Britnell and so, so, so many others. These are men and women of God who loved God, served His church and did extraordinary things for others.

Who comes to your mind when you think of followers? What are you doing to be a follower of Christ? These two questions deserve your time, thought and answer.

This is my prayer, make it yours too … Dear God, Help me to become a better follower of your Son Jesus. I want to make a difference and not just take space in this life you have given me. I will follow you this week by ________________________________. Amen.

Death and Taxes

2011-04-18T09:30:00.005-05:00

Most Americans know very well that April 15th is Tax Day in the USA (with this year being the exception). Last night I listened to a tax preparer telling how many people dashed into his office after 5pm on Tax Day wanting to file their return while others wanted to request an extension. All these knew this day was coming and were aware that it required some level of decision and action on their part. However, on THE day they wanted more time…"I need an extension" was their plea.

The Bible tells us of a more important day when it says "...each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment." This shows us that there IS a day that EVERYONE will die and after that face judgment for the life they have lived. Unlike the Tax Day the day of our dying is not known but none the less is vitally important. Why? Because when it happens there's no option for an extension! No "do-overs" with an opportunity to do things differently or the chance to make our wrongs right.

We have an American saying, "There are only two things we have to do: die and pay taxes." HOWEVER, you can ask for an extension on Tax Day but not on your day of death. With all this in mind...let's decide to live today asking for forgiveness when we sin, keeping our relationships with others right and life-giving. Join me, will you?

Unprepared…AGAIN

2011-04-15T01:00:00.001-05:00

I did it again! It’s becoming an annual event for me and it leaves me unprepared AND cold! Since IT IS officially spring, tax week and recent temperatures that reached 90 degrees…I put all my winter clothes away and got out shorts, t-shirts and swim trunks. You know what that means? Today’s weather is windy, rainy and a predicted high of maybe 50 degrees…leaving me wet and cold. Obviously I was not raised a boy scout or I would have been “prepared!”

Even though I may be unprepared and caught off guard at times…God is not! God has prepared many things for us but two specific ones stand out to me today…

First, God has prepared good works for me to do. The Bible puts it this way, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2.10, NKJV) As a Christian I am called to be “zealous for good works” and a “pattern of good works” (Titus 2.7, 14) knowing my good works have a purpose…they introduce others to God! (Matthew 5.16; 1 Peter 2.12)

Second, God has prepared a good place for me to inherit. Jesus explains it to us, “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25.34, NKJV) This blessing of God THEN...is the direct result of my good works NOW. When you read the full text of Matthew 25 it records that the only difference between those who are blessed and cursed by God was based on what they did OR did not do! Clearly, this draws a line of blessing that is tied to my doing for God.

Christian…what are you doing for your Father? What one thing can you do today for someone else? When will you do that?

Dear God, I am encouraged that my lack of preparation does not affect in any way what you have prepared for me. Help me to see those good works that you have created me to perform and let others give you the credit! Amen.

LOST Conference…Exit Surveys

2011-04-14T01:00:00.004-05:00

"The salvation of a single soul is more important than the production or preservation of all the epics and tragedies in the world." (C. S. Lewis)

This week we wrapped up two weeks of LOST Conferences in three churches. Reading through the stack of exit surveys I continue to be convinced that this conference DOES equip people with practical helps to better share their faith.

Here are a few excerpts…

Barbara… “I enjoyed the humor and stories that I could relate to.”

Brian… “I liked ‘The Right Invite’ session. I got really good ideas to look anywhere and everywhere for the lost.”

Darryl… “Learned how to keep peoples attention when I share my faith.”

Deb… “I enjoyed the straight, down-to-earth way we were spoken to by Jonathan and his enthusiasm.”

Doris… “This made me think about areas in my life where I need to step out more in my soul winning and sharing my faith.”

Kendal… “I enjoyed the lively interaction between Jonathan and the attendees.”

Lori… “The most helpful part were the practical suggestions on what to say and what not to say to lost people.”

Maryln… “I couldn’t do this but I’m glad for people like Jonathan who have this gift and talent.”

Roger… “Helped me to begin ‘intentionally’ looking for lost people.”

Tiffany… “To me the most helpful things were ‘The Roman Road of Salvation’ and ‘The Right Invite.’”

Tony… “Great ideas on breaking the silence.”

William… “The most helpful for me were the ‘three circles of friends & acquaintances’ and the ‘Ten Most Wanted List.’”

For more information about or to schedule the LOST Conference visit our web site: the LOST Conference

Life Can Be Funny

2011-04-12T06:00:00.003-05:00

A woman was trying to get catsup out of the bottle when the phone rang. She sent one of her children to answer it. The younger returned to the kitchen to announce, “It was the pastor, Momma. I told him you couldn’t come to the phone because you were hitting the bottle.”

Life can be funny! Especially for those who have learned to laugh! There are benefits to having a good, healthy sense of humor. Here are just a few verses that explains this to us…

“A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15.13, NLT)

“For the poor, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15.15, NLT)

Have you lost your merry heart? Sense of humor? Laughter? Then make a decision to rediscover and acquire a life of laughter. Try one or more of these practical things…

Decide to read the comics in the newspaper and not just the news stories.
Purpose to balance your reading with humorous writings (fiction & non-fiction).
Rent a DVD of a clean comedian (i.e.-Tim Hawkins; Jeff Allen; Chondra Pierce; etc).

My prayer for you… Dear God, Give my friend the joy of your presence, a healthy sense of humor to combat the difficulties of life and friends with whom they can laugh together till they cry! Amen.

LIVE Comedian–Huh?!?

2011-04-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

“Live Comedian – Sunday 6pm” read a church sign and my immediate thought was “is this instead of a DEAD comedian?” I went on to ask myself if the person responsible for that message knew what he was saying? He probably meant to say something different than what the sign actually said.

As preachers we must be careful that our lives say what we want them to. It IS possible to have right theology and still communicate with a lifestyle that betrays who we say we are and/or what we stand for.

So, what does your life say to those around you? St. Francis of Assissi said, “Preach the Word. And when necessary use words!”

As preachers we must live in such a way that if we were brought before a court accused of practicing what we preach that we would be found guilty – hands down! Paul said it this way… “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9.27 (NLT)

After the Sunday morning church service I noticed someone dropped “live comedian” from the sign.

To Floss or Not To Floss—IN PUBLIC?!?

2011-04-07T04:00:00.001-05:00

While sitting in a theater waiting for the movie to start I noticed a family in front of me enjoying a very large bucket of popcorn. Then, I saw something I could not believe—one of the ladies took out of her purse a long piece of dental thread and began flossing her teeth! No joke! Right there in front of everyone she began to mine kernel pieces from every region of her mouth…lips to tonsils and gums to gums! I was raised by parents that taught me that some things are just not appropriate to do in public and though this one did not make their list I am certain they would agree that it should be listed.

As a Christian and in light of the fact that non-Christians are watching my life there are some things that are inappropriate for me to do … publicly or privately. Having grown up in a religious, legalistic environment I can recite a list of do not’s so quickly you would stumble with dizziness! However, instead of a list of the do not’s I’ve discovered that a definition works best in aiding my discernment and pursuit of a disciplined life. Also, it helps to keep some of those do not’s from finding a loop hole in my carnal reasoning or even a churches expectations for those naming themselves a Christian.

Inappropriate Christian behavior is anything that dims my light for Christ, diminishes non-Christians curiosity about my relationship with God or would give credence to anyone who might falsely accuse me of doing wrong.

What do non-Christians see when they observe your life? Your family’s activities? The way you do your job? Those you hang-out with in life? Your hobbies?

Peter said it this way… “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” (1 Peter 2.12; NLT).

May others see God in all that we do, say, places we go and the various aspects and activities of our lives. Take a moment to say this prayer… Dear God, In all that I do help me to find ways to display your goodness, demonstrate your grace and develop a hunger for you in the lives of those who have not yet met you. Amen.

Unseen Innocent

2011-04-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

Sure enough … it happened … it was embarrassing … many judged me wrongly. What was my offense? Trying to leave a super store with something I had paid for! Before completing my payment I asked the check-out lady if my purchase would set off the alarm and she assured me it would not. But it did! As I stood there under the scrutiny of the store security I watched customers leaving the store (some clutching their children) and looking at me as if to say, “I’m glad you got caught.” “Serves you right for trying to steal.” “I hope you get 20 to life.” “It’s obvious he is a thief.”

Because it was my day off I must admit my look was on the rough side (faded jeans, t-shirt, ball cap and sunglasses). For some my appearance was an affirmation of my perceived offense giving them a self-justification for their thoughts of prejudice toward and about me.

Beyond the feeling of my embarrassment was the sense of being unfairly pre-judged. I saw no looks of sympathy instead parents holding their kids close, cloaked whispers of accusation and finger pointing. I wanted to shout out… “I’m innocent! It’s a mistake!” …but I knew it would do no good. After all, isn’t that what they all say?!? However, I was the unseen innocent.

How do you see others? Do you just see them on the surface or do you look beyond their appearance to who they really are? Their needs? Hurts? Wounds? Dreams? Hopes? Spiritual condition?

This may be difficult for us as humans but I am so grateful that God is able AND does look at me from the heart outward! This verse says so much… “The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16.7; NLT) Matthew Henry’s comment on this verse… “We can tell how people look but God can tell what they are.”

Dear God, Forgive me when I unfairly pre-judge people. Help me to see others as you see them…as having needs, potential for greatness and searching for a right-now, meaningful relationship with You. Amen.

Packed AND Ready

2011-03-10T06:00:00.005-06:00

Because of the itinerant nature of my ministry most weeks I’m on the road to somewhere to preach, teach or coach…making it necessary to keep a bag packed AND ready to travel.

As Christians we believe that Jesus Christ will return for us (the Church) and take us away to heaven in an event we call “the rapture.” When Christ taught about his return His key theme was “readiness.” (See: Matthew 24.36 25.46)

We know how, why and for whom Christ will return to take away we just do not know WHEN. Just so it is clear listen to the words of Jesus… “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Matthew 24.36, NLT)

So, are you packed AND ready? Have you settled any unforgiveness with God? Someone else? Is there any thing that is keeping you from being ready should Christ call you home today? If so…take care of it right now.

Dear God, Help me today to be packed and ready for your return. I want to be in that group. Amen.

Tempted To Quit?

2011-02-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

“When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.” (Anonymous)

I’ve not ever seriously considered quitting my relationship with God but I have entertained temptations over the years to leave the ministry. Only ONCE did I actually put other options into motion that would require me walking away from my calling. That was a sleepless night of wrestling in prayer and my thought life. I awoke the next morning to an email from a friend that DID NOT know what was going on in my life and ministry. Here’s that email…

“Jonathan, It just occurred to me that you probably do not hear this too often. But I wanted to tell you that what you are doing is very important. It is important work in the Holy Spirit. You are touching many lives and making a difference. Don’t give up keep going. There are many more that need to see there is hope. You are an inspiration. Your many sacrifices are savings souls. I am proud to call you friend.”

WOW! That one note from my friend has been the single most important moment in my ministry after my initial calling from God. When I called to thank him and share what was going on we were both moved with what God was doing.

If you are tempted to quit either your relationship with God OR something God called you to do…DO NOT QUIT! Instead, read this verse and say this prayer asking God for His help.

“So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” Galations 6.9, NLT

Dear God, I need your presence and words of encouragement to keep moving in my relationship with you and my calling from you. Speak to me today words of life. Amen.

How To Pray For Jonathan Wright Ministries

2011-02-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

Regularly individuals stop me to say they are praying for us or ask me how they can pray for me and/or this ministry. So, we filmed this short video to help you pray effectively for me and all we are doing through this ministry.

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!

You ARE Loved

2011-02-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” (St. Augustine)

Many people convince themselves that they are only loved according to what they can do for someone else, how much they can please another, how perfect they seem to appear to others, etc. Unfortunately, many Christians view God’s love for them in this same way. These individuals become persuaded that there is something that must FIRST be done or performed BEFORE God will or can love them.

Here is the reality…God first loved us and there is NOTHING you can do to cause God to cease loving you!

Take a moment to read these Scriptures, then, receive from and relax in God’s love for you.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5.8, NLT

“But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.” Ephesians 2.4-5a, NLT

Say this prayer… Dear God, Thank you for loving me! Help me to receive this love and learn how to love you in return. Amen.

God IS Love

2011-02-09T12:44:00.005-06:00

The American Heritage dictionary defines of love as… “deep affection and warm feeling for another.” However, according to the Bible, love is a person and that person is God!

John writes it this way… “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4.7-8, NLT

In other words, if God did not exist we would NOT know, experience or have the ability to express love to someone else. WOW!

In light of this truth begin now to open your heart to God so He can love you. Then, find ways to express this new found love to others. This would include not just your family and friends but strangers, others in need.

Dear God, Help us all to receive your incredible love and to demonstrate that love to others. Amen.

"I Have A Dream" ...the MLK, Jr Speech

2011-01-17T11:00:00.003-06:00

Devotion Time: Quantity? Quality?

2011-01-12T05:00:00.003-06:00

Immediately following my salvation two saints in the church took it upon themselves to help me move forward in my faith. Interestingly enough they began to strongly disagree with one another on daily devotions. One advocated first thing in the morning as the right time while the other stood for that AND right before bedtime in order to have it done right. From there they started a heated debate about the length of time a devotional should be. One claiming that nothing less than an hour is Christian. Not wanting to be out done the other saint made claim that it must be one hour when you wake up AND one hour before going to bed. What seemed to be only apparent to me was they focused only on time spent NOT time spent with God.

This left me feeling that the priority of my devotional was on time NOT devotion. Their argument was quantity of time over quality of time and if quantity of time was the priority of a healthy relationship then why do so many people divorce after putting in 20 years to a marriage? You see, a healthy relationship is quantity WITH quality of time!

So, how can we make our devotional time WITH God a matter of quality and not just quantity? We do so by adding elements to the time spent; the right tools; preparing for the time we will spend with God.

Having served Christ for almost 25 years I have certain basics crucial to my healthy, quality, quantity time with God. Here they are…

First, a designated start time. I do not always set an end for this time but setting a definite start time makes this a priority and helps me with my second basic.

Second, a do not disturb plan. Set the time, turn off the phone, leave the computer off, message those who might normally have access to your time (family, secretary, staff, etc) and any other distraction that could possible arise.

Third, my Bible, paper, pen & highlighter. There are many Bible reading plans offered today but you need to establish how you will read the Bible. The paper is so you can record what you learn and what it is you need to do about what you have learned.

With these basic tools you can grow in a healthy, committed, vibrant relationship with God. Always remember the focus is your devotion to God by being with Him.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”” [Psalm 91.1-2, NKJV]

Leaders Are Readers

2011-01-03T13:09:00.001-06:00

“Leaders are readers, readers are learners, learners discover new ways to lead.”

I do not read only because of my calling to preach but I enjoy reading. As the years pass it seems that so much of my reading is consumed in sermon preparation, research, course work for classes as a teacher and student. So, over the years I’ve made it a practice to draw up a reading list for each year of books to read that I might not get around to without additional effort. This list comprises of books that are not in the immediate vein of what I do in life and are intended to stretch and inform me in other areas. Here is my list for 2011…

Aesop. Aesop’s Fables

Borrow, George. The Bible in Spain

Bunyan, John. The Fear of God

Burchard, Peter Duncan. Carver: A Great Soul

Crabb, Larry. Soul Talk

Dekker, Ted. The Slumber of Christianity

Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Frost, Robert. Selected Poems

Gordon, A. J. The Ministry of Healing: Miracles of Cure in All Ages

Havner, Vance. Three Score & Ten

Hollingsworth, Amy. The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers

Horne, Charles Silvester. The Romance of Preaching

McManus, Patrick F. A Fine and Pleasant Misery

Murray, Harold. Dinsdale Young: The Preacher

Philipson, Morris. The Count Who Wished He Were A Peasant: A Life of Leo Tolstoy

Phillips, Donald T. Run to Win

Plymire, David V. High Adventure in Tibet

Price, Charles S. Spiritual and Physical Health

Thielecke, Helmut. Encounter with Spurgeon

Coming OR Going?

2010-12-15T12:03:00.006-06:00

Recently I returned from a long ministry trip where I drove through a number of states preaching in different churches. Back at home and unloading my car I caught myself taking my luggage inside but bringing my hang-ups back out to the car. As I approached the car with my hang-ups in hand the confusion of the moment settled in and for a few minutes I stood in the drive wondering if I was “coming or going?” To my neighbors I’m sure this provided a bit of comic relief for their evening but for me I was confused. Why? Because I had traveled to so many places, in and out of different hotels, read as many roadmaps as newspapers and was weary from hours of driving. To clear the confusion and get my answer I had to stand still, take a deep breath and think clearly, deliberately about the facts I knew to be true. Then, I remembered that I was returning home.

The same thing is true of our spiritual walk with God. Our enemy, Satan, will do all he can to keep us running fast, working hard, zipping in and out of places and circumstances in our lives in hopes that we lose sight of … who? GOD! That’s why it is important to stop and take a deep spiritual breath by reading our Bible, praying (both listening and talking to God) and writing/mapping out what God is saying to us. These things help us keep the facts straight. Such facts as: God is all-powerful (omnipotent), always knowing (omniscient) and always with me (omnipresent). This kind of relationship with God will keep us focused on whether we are coming or going in our spiritual life!

“Be still and know that I am God!” Psalm 46.10 (NLT)

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”

2010-12-07T18:54:00.001-06:00

“Yesterday, December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Naval and Air Forces of the Empire of Japan.” These are the first lines of President Roosevelts declaration of war speech the day following the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor. Few events in our American history have done more to shake us as a nation and shape our future as a world leader.

That sudden and deliberate attack from an enemy is not unlike the same thing encountered by Christians from their evil enemy-Satan. The Bible describes him this way… “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” (1 Peter 5.8-9a, NLT) Satan is on the hunt, hungry and looking for prey to devour. His prey? Christians! So we must do what Peter encouraged us to do … “Stay alert!” “Stand firm!” “Be strong in your faith.” Also, remember the other encouragement from Paul “If God is for us, who can ever be against us!” (Romans 8.31b, NLT)

We ARE predestined for victory not defeat, victors and not victims!

“Where It Listeth” by Vance Havner

2010-12-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

One part of my devotional time this morning was an article by Vance Havner that encouraged me as a preacher and follower of Christ so I want to share it…

“The wind bloweth where it listeth.” John 3.8

Why is preaching a delight one day, while the next day the chariot wheels drag heavily? Why does the same sermon bring amens one time and yawns the next? Why does one man in church see the heavenly vision, while the one beside him is bored to death? Why does the revival lightning strike there instead of here, then instead of now?

There are many factors, but add them up, and still you are left with an X if you leave this out: “The wind bloweth where it listeth.” The Spirit is sovereign to do as He wills. He is not capricious nor does He ignore other factors, but He has the last word.

His movements cannot be charted. Jesus said we cannot determine the whence and where of the wind.

But we can put up our wind mills and be ready!

A Lookalike But Not A Match

2010-11-30T14:56:00.004-06:00

Just minutes ago while pouring myself a cup of coffee in my kitchen a plain white car speed up to my driveway and out jumped a police officer quickly looking over my car and feeling the hood. Then, he jumped back in the car and they sped off. Not even three minutes later a marked police car pulled up to do the same thing. I went outside to ask the officer what was going on. He said, “Sir, your car is a matching description of one used as a getaway vehicle in a bank robbery minutes ago in a nearby neighborhood.” To be sure that I’m crystal clear IT WAS NOT ME OR MY CAR! This made my car a lookalike but not a match.

For those of us who follow Jesus Christ we should be a match of Him not just a lookalike. A lookalike has the outer appearance of something that is close enough for a second look but at a third glance or further investigation it is not a match. Everything about our lives as Christians should reflect Christlikeness! Let’s not give the appearance of religion but the reflection of someone in love with Christ and showing who He is by the way we live.

1 Peter 2.12 “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world.” [New Living Translation]

Thanks-giving Day

2010-11-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5.18 [NKJV]

I always look forward to Thanksgiving Day. For me it means being with family and friends, enjoying lots of good food, watching football and an overall sense of fun, satisfaction. However, at some point I am always reminded of the need to be thankful for the many blessings I have in life…physically and spiritually.

From the busyness of this holiday season please take time to pause and give thanks to God for all He has done for you.

Happy Thanks-giving Day!

Meet the Charvats

2010-11-24T11:00:00.004-06:00

This week I met the Charvats (Tyler & Elina) newly appointed missionaries to East Germany. Having not physically met them before I began to realize my journey began with them many years ago. I was attending an American Military Ministries Retreat in Berchtesgaden, Germany, when the Berlin wall came down. You could feel the excitement in the air, the exhilaration of being there on the day of great historical significance. As we gathered in the ballroom for our morning session I distinctly remember us praying for God to send the Gospel into East Germany. We continued to agree together in prayer that God would raise up missionaries & evangelists to go there with the love of God. Now 20 plus years later I’ve met a young couple who have clearly heard God’s call to East Germany. They are actively enlisting prayer partners and raising the funds necessary to leave for this mission.

As I listened to their presentation it was obvious by their passion, knowledge of the country and the needs of the local people (physical and spiritual) that God will no doubt use them to reach the lost. So, I reached deep in my pocket to give an offering to their ministry. Why? Because I cannot go, this country needs Christ and they are called to be there.

Please take just a moment to visit their web site, say a prayer for them and consider financially supporting this ministry. Since we cannot go let’s send those who should and can.

Matthew 9.37-38 “Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.””

Feeling Out Of Touch

2010-11-16T17:45:00.002-06:00

Out of range…searching for service…currently not available…these are all things I do not like hearing when it comes to my cell phone connection. However, some of my travels take me to rural areas where a data connection is hard to find. Recently while ministering in a rural community I drove out of the town to park next to a cell phone tower thinking I would have better reception but alas it was not to be. I thought, “Why?” What I learned was my cell phone carrier does not have an agreement for service with the company who owns that tower.

I see a similar frustration with people and their connection with God. Some individuals are getting close to and trying to connect with something that appears to be a god, looking for some kind of a connection, trying to find clear communication but they walk away frustrated.

When it comes to establishing a relationship with God…it can ONLY happen through a forgiving relationship with Jesus Christ. He is our clear connection to God. You see, sin has caused out disconnection with God and it is only re-established by asking for forgiveness of those sins. Then, we receive all the roaming coverage we need as we travel this life.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”” [John 14.6]

The King In His Beauty

2010-11-16T17:19:00.004-06:00

This is from my devotional today and it meant much to me so I thought to pass it on…

“Thine eyes shall see the King in His Beauty.” (Isaiah 33.17, KJV)

The more you know about Christ the less will you be satisfied with superficial views of Him; and the more deeply you study His transactions in the eternal covenant, His engagements on your behalf as the eternal Surety, and the fulness of His grace which shines in all His offices, the more truly will you see the King in His beauty. Be much in such outlooks. Long more and more to see Jesus. Meditation and contemplation are often like windows of agate, and gates of carbuncle, through which we behold the Redeemer. Meditation puts the telescope to the eye, and enables us to see Jesus after a better sort than we could have seen Him if we had lived in the days of His flesh. Would that our conversation were more in heaven, and that we were more taken up with the person, the work, the beauty of our incarnate Lord. More meditation, and the beauty of the King would flash upon us with more resplendence. Beloved, it is very probable that we shall have such a sight of our glorious King as we never had before, when we come to die. Many saints in dying have looked up from amidst the stormy waters, and have seen Jesus walking on the waves of the sea, and heard Him say, "It is I, be not afraid." Ah, yes! when the tenement begins to shake, and the clay falls away, we see Christ through the rifts, and between the rafters the sunlight of heaven comes streaming in. But if we want to see face to face the "King in His beauty" we must go to heaven for the sight, or the King must come here in person. O that He would come on the wings of the wind! He is our Husband, and we are widowed by His absence; He is our Brother dear and fair, and we are lonely without Him. Thick veils and clouds hang between our souls and their true life: when shall the day break and the shadows flee away? Oh, long-expected day, begin! [Charles Spurgeon]

Honor For Our Veteran's

2010-11-11T08:49:00.005-06:00

"The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” -President John F. Kennedy

Today is Veteran’s Day giving us as free Americans a reminder and opportunity to thank those who have served in our armed forces. These are men and women who have sacrificed so that we can have freedom, our children can sleep safely at night, churches can publicly proclaim Jesus Christ, citizens can vote, right to a fair trial and a deep sense of security and peace. This freedom exists because as I type this many covert and overt military operations are in motion.

Here are a few ways to honor our veteran’s…

First, if you know someone who is a veteran invite them over to your home or take them out to a dinner and thank them for their service.

Second, rent a war movie (one that good wins over evil & sacrifice matters) and watch it with your children explaining to them what freedom means, how veterans secured and have maintained those liberties. A few movie examples: Valkyrie, The Alamo, Pearl Harbor, We Are Soldiers, Gettysburg, Black Hawk Down, Saving Private Ryan, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Von Ryan’s Express, The Patriot, Sergeant York, We Were Soldiers. [Please consider movie ratings for age appropriateness.]

Third, take a moment to pray for those currently serving in the armed forces that God would protect them, give them wisdom in their areas of service and that he would bring them back to their families safely and timely.

“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2.3, NLT.

Forgive For Your Sake

2010-10-04T13:01:00.005-05:00

A man lay on his deathbed, harassed by fear because he had harbored hatred against one another. He sent for the individual with whom he had had a disagreement years before; he then made overtures of peace. The two of them shook hands in friendship. But as the visitor left the room, the sick man roused himself and said, “Remember, if I get over this, the old quarrel stands.” [G. Ray Jordan]

Obviously, this man was not interested in true forgiveness. Jesus said it this way when preaching the Sermon on the Mount… “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” [Matthew 6.14-15, NLT]

Even if for no other reasons begin to forgive others for your sake.

If you find this difficult then take a moment to pray a prayer similar to this one… “Dear God, Help me today and forward to forgive others in the same free, unconditional way that you have forgiven me. Thank you for helping me. Amen.”

Once Broken...Now Working

2010-09-21T18:17:00.007-05:00

I had a 1995 Toyota Corolla that had been one faithful car. I bought it in ’97, only the second owner, average miles, clean and smooth riding. Last year, after 12 years and almost 300,000 miles it could run no more. The transmission decided to quite first with other automotive part peers in tow! Since the car would no longer run and I’m not a mechanic I did what everyone else does in my situation…I listed it on Criagslist to sell it “as is.” Why? Because to me it was broken, beyond repair and good for nothing…except, to give its parts to other worthy automobiles.

Within 24 hours of listing my car I received numerous inquiries from people wanting to look it over to see what could be salvaged. However, there was one man who came to see what it would take to fix it and make it run again. I considered him over ambitious and looking for some kind of pipe dream! Since he made the highest offer and the first one to produce cash it was now his. It took him considerable work to get it towed away with grand plans to make it run again.

As I watched it being towed down the street I thought now it’s someone else’s headache, their problem. Wouldn’t you know it? Can you believe it? Just yesterday I saw my old car being driven by a college age girl singing while she cruised down the road! It was “once broken, now working!”

Some of you might feel this way about your life. Maybe feeling as if one thing after another is falling apart, broken down on the side of the road of life, not feeling any worth or significance. The good news is found in Jesus Christ! He came to reconcile, repair and restore our broken lives.

The Bible says in Luke 4.18-19… “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” [bold emphasis mine]

Last Place

2010-09-02T09:08:00.009-05:00

"The last place Cleveland Indians…" the radio sports caster said as I drove home. He had much more to say about the Indians and other teams but those words kept echoing in my mind. You see, it is one thing to be in last place and know it but it is another thing for someone to announce it to the world on a national radio show, blog it, print it in every newspaper and see your team listed at the bottom of the rankings page. Yet, despite all the negative press and reality of their standing they still have fanatical fans! I mean…face painting, t-shirt wearing, #1 fan finger pointer toting fans! This is the kind of fan that believes in their team even when the team players are losing hope of ever winning another game.

These fanatical fans remind me of how God feels about each one of us. There are those times in our lives where WE know our shortcomings but it seems the world is broadcasting to everyone our failures, mistakes and inabilities. In those moments we must remind ourselves of what God thinks about us. Listen carefully to these verses and anchor them deep in your soul…

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (17) How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! (18) I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!” [Psalm 139.16-18, NLT]

Here it is clear that God knows EVERYTHING about us…the good, bad & ugly…yet His thoughts about/toward you and me are precious, good, wonderful! WOW! So, remember, first place or last; even if you cannot believe in yourself – God still does! He IS your #1 fanatical fan!

Broken Things

2010-08-27T11:14:00.006-05:00

In my devotional reading yesterday this quote spoke to me so I'm sharing it here hoping it does the same for someone else...

"God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume...it is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever." -Vance Havner

Psalm 51.17 "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."

Headlines INTO Prayer-lines

2010-08-12T01:13:00.010-05:00

Some call it being a news junkie but I prefer to think of it as being “informed.” No matter I like to follow the news and stay current on world events. There are some days that it seems so much of the news is dominated by terrible, sad stories of tragic death, thievery, child abduction, scandal and a bleak financial future.

Recently I found myself feeling down in spirit after hearing so many heart sinking headlines that I turned the radio off and was finishing the drive home in silence. In that setting God reminded me of Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica "keep on praying.”

While thinking on this verse, pondering it’s meaning for me I heard God say to me “Jonathan, why not turn those headlines into prayer-lines?” I’m sure you can sense that God meant this more as a challenge instead of a question.

So, whether those headlines are from the local paper, news blog, the lives of your family, neighbors, co-workers or your own life…join me in turning the headlines of this life into prayer-lines for a better life!

“Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” [1 Thessalonians 5.16-18, New Living Translation]

24 Years and Counting...

2010-04-27T19:16:00.008-05:00

WOW! It was 24 years ago that I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and it has been a great journey! When I came to Christ I was not at the end of my rope...my rope had broken, my life was in shambles! I was addicted to drugs and deeply immersed in a sinful lifestyle. Although I grew up in an Assemblies of God church with parents who love Jesus Christ I had chosen a destructive lifestyle. However, my family AND my home church never gave up praying for me. Because of their faithfulness in praying for me I finally came to the place of running back to Jesus.

I remember that moment as if it was last night. It was 4am on April 26, 1986, when I stepped into a telephone booth and made a collect phone call to my parents. When my dad got on the line I said, "Dad, please wake up Momma. I want you to pray for me because I am tired of running from God and I want to give my life to Jesus." My Dad said, "Son, your Mom is already awake and has been praying for you." Right THERE in that telephone booth I prayed with my parents for over an hour and God not only saved me but miraculously delivered me from EVERY addiction in my life! Just as Clark Kent would go in a phone booth a reporter and come out Superman...I went in that phone booth a hell-bound sinner and came out forgiven and set free! Much more than Clark Kent could've ever hoped for!

If you are a parent with a child that once served Jesus but no longer does...DO NOT stop praying for their salvation! Your phone call could be any day, maybe in the night...just maybe tonight!

We now have my testimony on DVD titled "This Is My Story: From Pusher to Preacher" and is perfect for anyone in need of a miracle, the salvation of a child or someone who wonders if their prayers even matter. [To order your copy today click here.]

As long as God chooses to not return for his church and this body continues to live on I WILL SERVE HIM! Joshua said it this way, "But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (24.15b) Will you join me in this same declaration?

Death and Taxes

2010-04-24T11:58:00.006-05:00

Most Americans know very well that April 15th is Tax Day in the USA! Last night I listened to a tax preparer telling how many people dashed into his office after 5pm on Tax Day wanting to file their return while others wanted to request an extension. All these knew that Tax Day was coming and were aware that it required some level of decision and action on their part. However, on THE day they wanted more time…"I need an extension" was their plea.

The Bible tells us of a more important day when it says "...each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment." This shows us that there IS a day that EVERYONE will die and after that face judgment for the life they have lived. Unlike the April 15th Tax Day the day of our dying is not known but none the less is vitally important. Why? Because when it happens there's no option for an extension! No "do-overs" with an opportunity to do things differently or the chance to make our wrongs right.

There is an American anecdote that says, "There are only two things we have to do: die and pay taxes." HOWEVER, you can ask for an extension on Tax Day but not on your day of death. With all this in mind...let's decide to live today asking for forgiveness when we sin, keeping our relationships with others right and life-giving. Join me, will you?

Sharing My Devotional With You

2010-04-22T13:38:00.004-05:00

My devotional yesterday from the book "Day By Day" by Vance Havner was so good I wanted to share it with you. Here it is...

What is a New Testament Christian? He is a heart-believer in a crucified and risen Saviour and Lord. But our churches are filled with believers who do not continue in His Word and so are poor disciples. Salvation is free-not cheap-and we have only to trust Christ to be believers. But discipleship calls for all we are and have.

We have unwittingly created an artificial distinction between trusting Christ as Saviour and obeying Him as Lord. The New Testament recognizes no such false compartments of experience. "Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ," said Paul to the jailer. No man can be a Christian by knowingly and wilfully taking Christ on the installment plan, as Saviour now, as Lord later.

And we are His witnesses, witnesses unto Him (Acts 1.8) and witnesses to the truth about Him (Luke 24.48). We are witnesses of His death and resurrection in our own experience and witnesses to Him in testimony. By life and lip we declare Him and make Him known.

Showing the Christ Life

2010-04-20T17:04:00.002-05:00

“What the Church needs to do is not to organize evangelistic campaigns to attract outside people, but to begin herself to live the Christian life. If she did that, men and women would be crowding into our buildings. They would say, ‘What is the secret of this?’” -Martin Lloyd Jones

“WOW!” was my response after reading that quote. What an important reminder that you and I are God’s primary agents of evangelism and it is best accomplished by first living Christ-like. An old cliché that still floats through some congregations says, “You are the only Jesus some will ever see.” If that is true, then, what do people see when looking at me? I trust we are all showing the Christ life. Think about it…

What Are YOUR Convictions?

2010-04-01T19:40:00.010-05:00

"When the pressure comes, preferences give way while convictions hold firm." (Edwin Louis Cole)

Recent political decisions in Washington, D.C., have proven to the world that some men and women disguise their preferences as convictions. We’ve watched politicians sell once held beliefs/convictions at differing prices one of them for the low, low price of a ride on Air Force One. The next question is not posed to today’s politicos but to you and me…what are your convictions?

In other words, what are your non-negotiables, your irreducibles? What will you NEVER bend on? In order for convictions to be just that, for something to be non-negotiable and completely irreducible it must be established in advance of the pressure not during the squeeze of the moment.

One of the greatest examples of this is shown in the life of Daniel. Being with, knowing and being known by God was a non-negotiable to him. He never allowed it to be debated or argued against. It’s in the squeeze of life that we find out what is really inside of us. This is the proving ground of our convictions, core beliefs.

Take time to put your irreducibles on paper, maybe even involve your family in this process. Then, post them somewhere for you to be reminded and the rest of the world on notice. Joshua did this in an address to the nation when he said, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

[See: Daniel 1-6; Joshua 24]

One Person Counts!

2010-03-29T13:35:00.002-05:00

Since God has called all Christians to engage in personal evangelism and that the most effective form is a one-on-one encounter I would like to share the following article with you. I hope it will encourage you!

The Unending Chain
Edward Kimball was determined to win his Sunday school class to Christ. One of the boys, a teenager named Dwight Moody, tended to fall asleep on Sundays, but Kimball, undeterred, set out to reach him at work. His heart was pounding as he entered the store where the young man worked. “I put my hand on his shoulder, and as I leaned over I placed my foot upon a shoebox. I asked him to come to Christ.” But Kimball left thinking he had botched the job. His presentation of the Gospel seemed halting, and he was downcast. Moody, however, left the store that day a new person and eventually became the most prominent evangelist in America.

On June 17, 1873, Moody arrived in Liverpool, England, for a series of crusades. The meetings went poorly at first, but then the dam burst and blessings began flowing. Moody visited a Baptist chapel pastored by a scholarly man named F. B. Meyer who at first disdained the American’s unlettered preaching. But Meyer was soon transfixed and transformed by Moody’s message.

At Moody’s invitation, Meyer toured America. At Northfield Bible Conference, he challenged the crowds saying, “If you are not willing to give up everything for Christ, are you willing to be made willing?” That remark changed the life of a struggling young minister named J. Wilber Chapman.

Chapman proceeded to become a powerful traveling evangelist in the early 1900s, and he recruited a converted baseball player named Billy Sunday. Under Chapman’s eye, Sunday became one of the most spectacular evangelists in American history. His campaign in Charlotte, North Carolina, produced a group of converts who continued praying for another such visitation of the Spirit. In 1934, they invited evangelist Mordecai Ham to conduct a citywide crusade. It was during that crusade that Billy Graham was converted.

And Edward Kimball thought he had botched the job!

More Than the Preacher

2010-03-09T14:39:00.004-06:00

I believe there are too many church goers that believe the pastor is solely responsible for evangelizing the lost.

The reality is most unsaved people view a minister as someone “who is paid to tell people about Jesus.”

Translation? Since he [the preacher] is paid to do it, he has to; if he has to, then it is insincere. (Not to mention their questions of motivation.)

No one better inllustrates this then Chuck Swindoll in his book “The Bride.”

"I could fill a book with amazing stories of stuff people have done and said shortly after they learned I was in the ministry. One fella sitting next to me on a plane during the mealtime nervously changed his request from a Bloody Mary to a ginger ale, whispering to me in a sweat that he really meant to order that in the first place. I told him not to worry, I didn’t mind at all what he drank, which he thought was a hint, and in a panic he ordered me a Bloody Mary. When I declined, he decided to change seats. In his hurry, he spilled his meal all over me. Sometimes it is easier to just tell folks I’m an author. But then they want to know what kind of books I write, and that leads to another Bloody Mary-ginger ale episode.
I will never forget the time I was walking down a long corridor, preparing to make a hospital call. As I approached the parishioner’s room, her husband was just leaving. On his way out the door he lit up a cigarette, then glanced down the hall and suddenly recognized me from a distance. I smiled and waved. He nervously waved back and was absolutely at a loss to know how to hide the cigarette from me. Still holding the lighted cigarette, he slid his hand into his pants pocket! I decided to act as though I hadn’t seen it and engaged him in a lengthy conversation. It became hilarious. The more we talked the shorter the cigarette got in his hand and the more he looked like a chimney. There was smoke swirling out of his pants pocket and curling up behind his coat collar. Unable to restrain myself any longer, I asked him why he didn’t go ahead and finish his cigarette. Would you believe it? He denied even having a cigarette. Within seconds he dashed to the elevator and fled, which is probably good. Had we talked much longer, the poor man would have become a living sacrifice."

The church must wake up to the realization and accept the responsibility that God has called ALL Christians to share their faith.

This is the calling of all believers not just the preachers!

Evangelism...The R.I.G.H.T. Way (Final, Pt 5)

2010-02-22T17:55:00.003-06:00

Let's now look at the last posting for this series on R.I.G.H.T. Way Evangelism...

R-Realize our responsibility

I-Initiate conversation

G-Genuine in our motives and approach.

H-Heighten others spiritual awareness.

T-TELL
As you begin to REALIZE your responsibility for evangelizing, begin to take the INITIATIVE with GENUINE motives seeking to HEIGHTEN the spiritual awareness of those not yet saved there will come a time when you will have the opportunity to share Jesus. This is what some have called the scary part! The reason they feel that way is because they are looking at it from what I call the "before" place. In other words, 'before' they have started the friendship, 'before' they've gotten to know that person, 'before' they've had a chance to pray with/for them and 'before' that person has had a chance to see God living through us. But once we have done these things, God begins using us and guiding us causing our fear to vanish.

If we are to witness "The R.I.G.H.T. Way" we must remember that God does love the whole world but many times He does it through us.

Dear God, Help each Christian to have your help to share their faith in Jesus Christ with others who have not yet heard your plan for their lives. Amen.

Evangelism...The R.I.G.H.T. Way (Pt 4)

2010-02-22T17:50:00.003-06:00

Let's continue to look at the R.I.G.H.T. way to share our faith...

R-REALIZE: There are lost people all around you.

I-INITIATIVE: Take the first step.

G-GENUINE: Be genuine in your desires and motives.

H-HEIGHTEN: As we develop relationships with unsaved people and earn their friendship we must find ways to heighten their awareness of God. There are many ways to do this: First, when they are faced with a problem we should offer to pray for them. Explain to them that you believe in prayer because God answers prayers. Then, proceed to give them specific examples of your prayers that God has answered. Second, whenever possible show them how the Bible has provided specific guidance and answers for your questions. Some unsaved people do not think of turning to God in a crisis until they see that others have done so and that it worked.

[Next time, Pt 5...Tell]

Evangelism...The R.I.G.H.T. Way (Pt 3)

2010-02-22T17:48:00.004-06:00

Let's continue to look at the R.I.G.H.T. way to share our faith...

R-REALIZE

I-INITIATIVE

G-GENUINE: As we initiate these friendships we must be genuine in our desires and motives. For example, I remember growing up in church and we would have "Pack A Pew" Sunday and for every person who could pack a pew they would receive a prize (i.e.-gift certificate, fruit basket, etc). The results were obvious, people in our church would feverishly begin to invite people to church. Now think this through with me. You have Christians only doing what they are suppose to do in hopes of a fruit basket not for the sake of an eternal reward. Also, you have unsaved people who realize that they are only a number to the church. They might even feel as if Christians do not care and maybe even a sense of being used for personal gain. Unsaved people must see and know that we genuinely care about them, their families and their needs. So, in order to make our evangelism efforts effective we must be genuine in our desires and motives.

[Next, Pt4...Heighten]

Evangelism...The R.I.G.H.T. Way (Pt 2)

2010-02-22T17:44:00.005-06:00

Let's look at the R.I.G.H.T. way to share our faith...

R-REALIZE

I-INITIATE
Next, we must be the initiators. First, we need to initiate the relationship. This means starting a relationship with someone who is an acquaintance and for others it means a fresh start to a stale relationship. The point is to begin to make friendships with people who are not Christians. Second, find ways to take these relationships beyond the surface and superficial. There are many people who, if we let them, will only talk about the weather, sports, work and their children. Get creative and discover ways to find out what is most important to them, who have been the biggest influence in their lives, and what are their dreams. Start with questions about who they are, what they like to do, etc. These will give you open doors into their lives.

[Next, Pt 3...Genuine]

Evangelism...The R.I.G.H.T. Way (Pt 1)

2010-02-22T16:58:00.007-06:00

Once we accept our responsibility to become a witness for Christ and make a commitment to begin to reach out the next question that is often asked is, "How do I witness?"

Let's take a look at the R.I.G.H.T. way to reach out…

R - REALIZE
We must realize two things…First, that we are surrounded by people who are lost in their sin and headed for a devils hell. There are many strangers that we pass by every day that do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We're not just surrounded by these strangers but friends, family, neighbors and even co-workers who are sinners. These are not the typical people that come to mind when we think of sinners. For most Chritians they view many of these people as good because their good deeds, generosity, and love for their families is so well known. This leads us to the second realization that God is calling each Christian to reach out to people with the Gospel. That's right - YOU! Not a television or radio evangelist, not a local pastor or even a street preacher but YOU!

[Next, Pt 2...Initiate]

BOOK REVIEW: "Out Of Their Faces and Into Their Shoes"

2010-02-16T19:23:00.002-06:00

"Successful Christian witness begins, not with in-your-face gospel showdowns, but in-your-shoes empathy." After reading this statement on the back cover I bought the book, read it and I am the better for it. (In fact, this is one of the best I've read on the subject.)

The author, John Kramp, is identified as a teacher of "lostolgy." That is: The study of being lost and what that experience can teach Christians about evangelism.

This book is divided into four parts and a great closing list.

PART ONE: You can learn a lot by getting lost
PART TWO: When all else fails, ask directions
PART THREE: The cost of being lost
PART FOUR: Secrets of a successful search

Mr. Kramp closes this book with "The 24 Laws of Lostology." The list begins with these:

Being lost can be fun.
No one gets lost on purpose.
It is easy to get lost.
You can be lost and not know it.
You cannot force people to admit they are lost.

I not only have read many volumes on personal evangelism but I've sat through numerous classes on the subject. With all of this learning experience I have found no one who has done a better job at making personal evangelism what it should be and that is EASY & NATURAL! After reading this book I felt that I had what it takes to give Jesus to other people.

The money and time spent to purchase and read this book will be well spent!

A New Per 'spec' tive

2010-01-29T12:23:00.008-06:00

There was no snapping noise, I didn’t sit on them nor did I drop them but when I began to adjust them on my face my eyeglasses broke. In that moment I was reminded how bad my eyesight really is. I could hear the preacher but not see him; friends would call out to me and I could only turn in their direction; and my son had to hold my hand and lead me through the exiting church crowd.

This blinding experience reminded me of how I take so many things for granted. Such as: my independence in getting around; ability to read for myself; etc. However, it was the spiritual lessons that made the most impact on my life.

First, there are many people in this life who are spiritually blind.They are blind to the Truth by either the god of this age (2 Corinthians 3.3-4); the darkness of this world (1 John 2.11) OR by their own choice (John 3.19).

Second, those who are blind [spiritually] need someone to show them the way. Isaiah 59.10 says, “We grope like the blind along a wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. Even at brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark. Among the living, we are like the dead.” Here is a vivid picture of a blind man in need of someone helping him find what is lost, missing.

Third, people who live in spiritual blindness will spend a lifetime groping in the darkness in search of truth, real life and satisfaction. In Isaiah 59.11-16 we see a description of someone looking for justice and rescue; someone whose piles of sins have kept them down.

You see, if someone has always been blind then they don’t know what they are missing. They know something is not what it should be and they are asking themselves “What is missing?” OR “What would it be like to see?”

Not all of these people are in the world...some are inside the church.They have managed to find the door to the church through the fog of their life but have still not embraced Jesus Christ.

So, what do we as Christians do about this? What is the first step? It is as simple as: Pray AND Seek!

Begin by praying for God to give you the words to say and someone to say them to. Then, begin seeking out those divine opportunities. It really is that simple.

I did make it to an eyeglass shop, got my new spec’s and in the meantime gained a whole new per'spec'tive on reaching out to the spiritually blind.

May God grant you today the words to say and someone to say them to! Amen.

The Christmas Letter Exchange

2009-12-15T12:10:00.004-06:00

While studying for last weekends after dinner Christmas message I discovered this letter exchange in my Christmas file. I'm not sure of its source but it is sure to bring you a smile...

Martha Stewart's letter to Erma Bombeck

Hi Erma,

This perfectly delightful note is being sent on paper I made myself to tell you what I have been up to. Since it snowed last night, I got up early and made a sled with old barnwood and a glue gun. I hand painted it in gold leaf, got out my loom, and made a blanket in peaches and mauves. Then to make the sled complete, I made a white horse to pull it, from DNA that I had just sitting around in my craft room. By then, it was time to start making the place mats and napkins for my 20 breakfast guests. I'm serving the old standard Stewart twelve-course breakfast, but I'll let you in on a little secret: I didn't have time to make the tables and chairs this morning, so I used the ones I had on hand. Before I moved the table into the dining room, I decided to add just a touch of the holidays. So I repainted the room in pinks and stenciled gold stars on the ceiling. Then, while the homemade bread was rising, I took antique candle molds and made candles & then made the dishes (exactly the same shade of pink) to use for breakfast. These were made from Hungarian clay, which you can get at almost any Hungarian craft store. Well, I must run. I need to finish the buttonholes on the dress I'm wearing for breakfast. I'll get out the sled and drive this note to the post office as soon as the glue dries on the envelope I'll be making. Hope my breakfast guests don't stay too long, I have 40,000 cranberries to string with bay leaves, before my speaking engagement at noon.

Love, Martha Stewart

PS When I made the ribbon for this typewriter, I used 1/8-inch gold gauze. I soaked the gauze in a mixture of white grapes and blackberries which I grew, picked, and crushed last week just for fun.

Response from Erma Bombeck

Dear Martha,

I'm writing this on the back of an old shopping list, pay no attention to the coffee and jelly stains. I'm 20 minutes late getting my daughter up for school, packing a lunch with one hand, on the phone with the dog pound, seems old Ruff needs bailing out, again. Burnt my arm on the curling iron when I was trying to make those cute curly fries, how DO they do that? Still can't find the scissors to cut out some snowflakes, tried using an old disposable razor. . .trashed the tablecloth. Tried that cranberry thing, frozen cranberries mushed up after I defrosted them in the microwave. Oh, and don't use Fruity Pebbles as a substitute in that Rice Krispie snowball recipe, unless you happen to like a disgusting shade that resembles puke! The smoke alarm is going off, talk to ya later.

Love,
Erma

What Does Pastor Cauthon Have To Say?

2009-12-06T02:04:00.005-06:00

Pastor Vance Cauthon (Evangel Assembly -Wichita, Kansas) has this to say about Jonathan Wright...

"Let me recommend to you the ministry of Jonathan Wright. He has spoken multiple times from my pulpit and blessed our congregation. His message is positive, uplifting, and anointed. His delivery is precise and attention grabbing. This was evident in the response of our people. I would without hesitation not only recommend Jonathan to you as a minister but as a person of integrity and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit."

Feel free to email Pastor Cauthon to ask any additional questions (vcauthon@evangelwichita.org).

You Know Who You Are

2009-11-23T19:32:00.005-06:00

You know who you are but more importantly God knows what you’ve done, He knows your generosity. Recently we were three days away from needing a $500 miracle when we received a cashier’s check from an anonymous donor for; you guessed it…$500! I so want to say thank you with a card or phone call but since that’s not possible I’ve chosen to post my gratitude here. Your gift was not only an answer to prayer but an encouragement to me and this ministry! Thank you!

Not only are we grateful for the gift but also for the many people who pray for this ministry. One of the three areas we ask people to pray is for God’s provision to keep this ministry moving forward. This ministry is solely funded by the generous giving of churches and individuals. For details on how to give to this ministry click on this link for complete instructions.

For those of you who give to and pray for this ministry…THANK YOU!

We Gain As We Give

2009-10-10T16:06:00.003-05:00

I so much enjoyed yesterday's devotion that I wanted to share it with you. It's from "Day By Day" by Vance Havner...

We Gain As We Give

"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which giveth bountifully shall also reap bountifully." 2 Corinthians 9.6

God "giveth liberally." He is a generous God, and His children should never be misers. He loves a cheerful giver and "the liberal soul shall be made fat."

Mary used expensive ointment when she anointed Jesus, not a cut-rate bargain. It was Judas, who pilfered the treasury, who grumbled about Mary's generosity. God does not smile upon extravagance, but He does reward the bountiful sower. His servants are worthy of their hire, and Paul, thought he sought nothing for himself, ever exhorted the saints to be liberal in their giving. When Christians turn into tightwads and try to do God's work as cheaply as possible they get cheap results. God will not honor a stingy testimony. The church that puts on a bargain revival cheats itself. God's work is in no danger of bankruptcy when His people are hilarious in their giving and hospitable to His servants.

God hates a false economy that is out to reduce a budget instead of to receive a blessing. We reap as we sow here, just as anywhere else.

Do I Have To Forgive?

2009-09-16T15:00:00.004-05:00

"Life is an adventure in forgiveness."(Norm Cousins)

In over 23 years of being a Christ follower and 21 of those years in active ministry many people have asked varied questions about the subject of forgiveness. Here are a few of them: Once I have forgiven them what if they do the same thing again? Do I have to forgive? Do I have to forgive someone who doesn't ask for forgiveness? Does everyone deserve to be forgiven? These are all valid questions.

One thing I have found to be true from my study of the Scriptures is this: where there is a need for forgiveness I am required to forgive! Case closed! NOW, the argument begins:"You have NO idea what this person has done to me!" -OR- "They don't deserve to be forgiven!" -OR- "They didn't really mean it so I don't have to forgive them!" It is this last statement that startles me the most.

You see to take this position of only forgiving if YOU think they really meant it, or worse yet, only after you make them suffer a little longer for their wrong...you are saying "I am the judge and jury! In my courtroom we do things my way!" I have to tell you that this posture has never (in my experience) restored a broken relationship, mended a wounded heart or helped someone discover a closer walk with God.

Here are a few Scriptures to consider before declaring yourself judge and jury...

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6.12)

"Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."" (Matthew 18.21-22)

"Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." (Luke 17.3-4)

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4.32)

"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11.25-26)

The real JUDGE (Jesus Christ) and JURY (God's Word) demands that as a follower of Christ we should walk in forgiveness...continually!

Dear God, Help us as your followers, those who have been forgiven of so much, to be the first to forgive and the last to judge. Amen.

Why Invite Jonathan to Your Church?

2009-09-04T10:44:00.001-05:00

Back To School

2009-08-21T06:51:00.003-05:00

Today is the first day back at school for my sons. So, here is one of my favorite kid and school stories...

I was waiting for my 4 year old son's preschool class to be dismissed when the door to his classroom opened and out walked one of his teacher's right over to me. Laughing she told me that after their goodbye song she exclaimed "TGIF" and then asked the class if anyone knew what that meant. She said my son, waiving his arm in the air shouted " I do, PAYDAY!!"

Needs Into Deeds

2009-08-17T10:49:00.004-05:00

“You may not have noticed because it did not affect you.” That statement has haunted me since she said it two days ago. The context for this conversation had to do with a neighborhood development but God has used this to convict me, awaken me to the needy around me.

You see, I seemed to have slipped into a Christian lifestyle that seems to only be affected by what directly impacts my life or family. That leads to an indifferent life to the homeless, hungry, widowed, fatherless, incarcerated, HIV infected…even the unsaved! WHY? Because it does not directly affect me, my family or our lifestyle.

When you read the parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25. 31-46) the only difference between the two was what they DID and DID NOT do! The sheep saw the needs and turned them into deeds whereas the goats saw nothing which led to doing nothing. In other words, they did not notice because it did not affect them!

So how do we turn this around? I found my help in the words Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3.51 (KJV) “Mine eye hath affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.” God has called me to open my eyes to my own city! To the plight of those whose lives are in desperate need. I am to pray for them, reach out to them and find ways to help them get their needs met.

Will you join me?

A Story About Attitude

2009-08-15T23:55:00.002-05:00

Joe Theismann enjoyed an illustrious 12-year career as quarterback of the Washington Redskins. He led the team to two Super Bowl appearances--winning in 1983 before losing the following year. When a leg injury forced him out of football in 1985, he was entrenched in the record books as Washington's all-time leading passer. Still, the tail end of Theismann's career taught him a bitter lesson: I got stagnant. I thought the team revolved around me. I should have known it was time to go when I didn't care whether a pass hit Art Monk in the 8 or the 1 on his uniform. When we went back to the Super Bowl, my approach had changed. I was griping about the weather, my shoes, practice times, everything.

Today I wear my two rings--the winner's ring from Super Bowl XVII and the loser's ring from Super Bowl XVIII. The difference in those two rings lies in applying oneself and not accepting anything but the best.

Reader's Digest, January, 1992.

On This Day

2009-08-10T12:49:00.007-05:00

The book "On This Day" by Robert J. Morgan tells this story for August 10th...

The Fall of Jerusalem

Jesus warned of a time when Herod’s beautiful temple would be destroyed, but the disciples could hardly believe him. The temple was arguably the most magnificent structure in the world, and its glow in the setting sun seemed as eternal as Jerusalem itself.

But a generation later Jewish zealots revolted against Rome. The rebellion began at the fortress of Masada then spread throughout Judea and Galilee. Romans were slaughtered, Jewish defenders battled bravely, and Emperor Nero sent General Vespasian to quell the uprising.

When Nero died, the general left for Rome, placing his son Titus in charge of the 80,000 troops. The siege began in April, 70, immediately after the Passover when Jerusalem was filled with strangers. Within city walls, the Jews splintered into various factions, fighting each other at the very time they needed solidarity. Food supplies ran out and the population began dying from starvation. The high priest’s wife, accustomed to living in luxury, begged for crumbs like a street urchin. Captured Jews were crucified at a rate of 500 a day, crosses encircling the city. Daily temple sacrifices ceased July 17, all hands being needed for defense.

The Romans, using catapults and battering rams, finally broke through the walls. The Jews streamed into the temple. Titus had reportedly wanted to spare the edifice, but his soldiers would not be restrained. A firebrand was hurled through the golden gate and exploded like a bomb. The temple became an ocean of fire. It was August 10, 70, the same day of the year, it was said, in which Solomon’s earlier temple had been destroyed by Babylon.

This, and the subsequent fall of Masada, extinguished Israel as a nation until its rebirth in the twentieth century. Most Christians had fled Jerusalem before its final hour, but the city’s destruction remains a defining event in Christian history. It further severed the young church from its Jewish roots, making it a global entity distinct from Israel and destined to develop its own identity among the Gentiles, bearing a message for all the world.

Morgan, Robert J., On This Day, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers) 2000, c1997.

Quotes from St. Patrick

2009-03-17T00:47:00.000-05:00

“Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall.”

“Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.”

“I am Patrick, a sinner, most uncultivated and least of all the faithful and despised in the eyes of many.”

“If I be worthy, I live for my God to teach the heathen, even though they may despise me.”

“If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me.”

“No one should ever say that it was my ignorance if I did or showed forth anything however small according to God's good pleasure; but let this be your conclusion and let it so be thought, that - as is the perfect truth - it was the gift of God.”

“That which I have set out in Latin is not my words but the words of God and of apostles and prophets, who of course have never lied. He who believes shall be saved, but he who does not believe shall be damned. God has spoken.”

“The Lord opened the understanding of my unbelieving heart, so that I should recall my sins.”

Charles Spurgeon said...

2009-01-07T00:56:00.001-06:00

Today in my devotional Charles Spurgeon said this...

"There is not a spider hanging on the king's wall but hath its errand; there is not a nettle that groweth in the corner of the churchyard but hath its purpose; there is not a single insect fluttering in the breeze but accomplisheth some divine decree; and I will never have it that God created any man, especially any Christian man, to be a blank, and to be a nothing. He made you for an end. Find out what that end is; find out your niche, and fill it. If it be ever so little, if it is only to be a hewer of wood and a drawer of water, do something in this great battle for God and truth."

My Needs + God's Riches = My Miracle

2008-12-11T13:29:00.001-06:00

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4.19, NKJV)

Today this verse has been running around inside my head and creating all kinds of thoughts. Track with me…

This verse reminds me that as a Christian I have a GOD! Not just any God but THE God of the universe! The implication of the word “my” says relationship, someone who is known and known by another. In other words, if I’m His then He’s mine!

The next thought is the reality that I have needs! Here Paul is not addressing my wants, desires or even my wishes rather my needs, my lack, something missing that should be there. Isn’t that something?!? I can have a relationship with the God of the universe in such a way that I can call him mine and yet have lack in my life! That is one of the tensions of this earthly human experience that I believe is healthy for us. Why? Because we need a problem bigger than ourselves but not too big for our God! If it was…He would not be God!

That leads to the final thought from this verse which is the relevance of the miracle. It is a miracle because it is something we cannot do for ourselves. It’s called a miracle because it’s not a good idea, grand thought, an exercise of self-control, self-will or human determination. Nor is it any self-generated effort yielding any amount of wealth, power or leverage by human activity. It is a miracle because it is something bigger than the greatest need we have; it can only be accomplished by divine power and comes from somewhere and in ways foreign to the human mind or abilities. If not…then it would not be a miracle! If we could do it for ourselves…there would be no need for God!

This need that is beyond our ability to provide places us in a position to be blessed by God, to know Him more intimately as Provider and deepens our dependence on Him.

You see... MY NEEDS + GOD'S RICHES = MY MIRACLE

Dear God, Help each of us to look to you in ALL our times of needs…not just SOME of them! Amen.

Unseen Pain

2008-11-04T14:21:00.001-06:00

Much of the pain in life is seen, visible to the eyes. For example, the man who struggles with crutches while dragging his legs, the mute who struggles to share what he’s thinking, the lady whose body is slowing being destroyed by cancer, then there’s the young boy being pulled from an automobile accident. These are all obvious even to the most oblivious of personalities.

However, there’s so much pain in life that goes unseen, not noticed, overlooked, underestimated. What pains? Hurts? There’s the mom who got the phone call that her teenage son was just killed in an accident and their last words were said in anger. Then there’s the wife who learns of a 10 year affair that her husband had with his secretary. How about the husband whose wife of 20 years makes a decision to no longer love him and walks out. Worst yet would be a grandmother’s revelation that one of her own sons molested three of her grandchildren. These and many other pains are all unseen, not visible to the seeing eye. No one can fully understand what it does to the soul, what those long nights do to the mind or what bearing that kind of unseen weight does to a person’s body.

As Christians it is easier ministering to a person if we can “see” their pain. If we can see it then we feel like we can fix it! A homeless person…we build a shelter. A cripple…start a hospital. A natural disaster that leaves all things desolate…take trucks of supplies & food. However, when its unseen we feel helpless at best or at worst underestimate the toll it is taking on a person’s life. Somehow we know its there but we don’t know what “to do" and we feel like we are only ministering if we are "doing" something. All this leaves a sense of frustration and helplessness.

Having personally walked the valley of a few deaths these last three years let me offer a few helps…

First, anywhere there is a breach, breaking of a relationship on ANY level there is hurt and pain. Whether it’s a girlfriend that found a new boyfriend, the end of a marriage, a child who runs away or any such ending of a relationship IS painful.

Second, don’t try to fix the person left with the pain instead just listen, listen a little more and then listen a little longer. At this time they need your presence not a prescription.

Third, pray with them not for them…there is a difference! So many well-meaning people try to pray for a person in ways that either sounds preachy or asking God for outcomes that the hurting person doesn’t really want and/or need.

Fourth, offer no advice such as “more fish in the sea” “time heals all wounds” “when God closes a door He opens a window” These are the last things any one needs to hear even IF there’s any truth to what’s being said.

If you will start with these simple things you will fulfill the Scripture that says, “…a brother is born to help in time of need.” (Proverbs 17.17b, NLT)

LOST

2008-11-03T16:03:00.001-06:00

OK…that was an interesting airport experience! I had just cleared security when I noticed a pilot & his flight crew wondering, talking among themselves with the look of “where are we” on their faces. I listened in on their conversation and just as I suspected…they were lost! A pilot & his flight crew LOST in an AIRPORT! Am I the only one that sees the humor in that? Since it was an airport that I am very familiar with I directed them and they seemed grateful. As they walked away I went from laughing to thinking about this encounter. My questions were: “So, if this pilot is lost in an airport is that really a big deal just as long as it doesn’t happen in the air?” “If they are lost in the terminal will they misplace their airport destination?” “Is this pilot better with navigating lefts turns just after the third cumulus cloud on the left than he is with terminal gates on the ground?”

Not many minutes later my laughter/questions turned to concern when I discovered this was not just ANY pilot & crew but MY pilot & crew! Now it’s personal! They are the ones in charge of getting me from where I am to my next destination.

It is good to know that Jesus Christ is NOT lost nor can He get lost. That means that when He says, “I am the way” it’s really true! AND when He says “Follow Me” you can do so with confidence! He knows where you have been, are now and where you need to go.

So, today’s challenge for us as Christians is to surrender our path, plans & pursuits to where Christ wants to lead us today and every day of our lives!

Someone Stopped To Help

2008-10-28T11:25:00.000-05:00

Have you ever watched a smile emerge on the face of discouraged motorist...because someone stopped to help? Or, the sigh of relief when a mourning widow is offered a shoulder to cry on…because someone stopped to help? Or, the shouts of joy from an unemployed single father when someone anonymously leaves groceries on his doorstep…because someone stopped to help?

The Bible gives us the record of a blind man sitting on the side of the road and when hearing that Jesus Christ was close by he began to cry out for help. Let’s listen in on how Luke tells the story… “The crowds ahead of Jesus tried to hush the man, but he only shouted louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" When Jesus heard him, he stopped!” (18.39-40a, NLT) Did you catch that last part “He stopped!” Jesus heard a hearts cry and He stopped to answer. Was He busy? Yes. Did He have places to be? People to see? Things to do? YES, YES, YES…but He stopped!

And now the rest of the story… “All right, you can see! Your faith has healed you." Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.” (18.42-43, NLT) Think about it: one minute you are blind and the next you can see!!! How? Because someone stopped to help!!!

How in tune are you to the cry of the needy? When you do hear their cry how do you respond? Do you stop or move on quickly? Let’s be that one who hears, stops and helps!

Dear God, Give me eyes to see the needy and ears to hear their cry and a heart that causes me to be that someone who stops to help. Amen.

"Give To The Winds Thy Fears"

2008-10-14T23:48:00.000-05:00

I just came across this and it is definitely worth sharing...

During the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century, German pastor Paul Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee from their home. One night as they stayed in a small village inn, homeless and afraid, his wife broke down and cried openly in despair. To comfort her, Gerhardt reminded her of Scripture promises about God's provision and keeping. Then, going out to the garden to be alone, he too broke down and wept. He felt he had come to his darkest hour.

Soon afterward, Gerhardt felt the burden lifted and sensed anew the Lord's presence. Taking his pen, he wrote a hymn that has brought comfort to many. "Give to the winds thy fears; hope, and be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head. Through waves and clouds and storms He gently clears the way. Wait thou His time, so shall the night soon end in joyous day."

It is often in our darkest times that God makes His presence known most clearly. He uses our sufferings and troubles to show us that He is our only source of strength. And when we see this truth, like Pastor Gerhardt, we receive new hope. Are you facing a great trial? Take heart. Put yourself in God's hands. Wait for His timing. He will give you a "song in the night."

(Our Daily Bread, May 7, 1992.)

It is well with the righteous ALWAYS!

2008-10-11T01:40:00.000-05:00

Each day I read from Charles Spurgeon's devotional "Daily Help" and this one was so good I just have to share. So, here it is...

"It is well with the righteous ALWAYS. From the beginning of the year to the end of the year, from the first gathering of evening shadows until the day-star shines, in all conditions, and under all circumstances, it shall be well with the righteous. It is so well with him that we could not imagine it to be better, for he is well fed, he feeds upon the flesh and blood of Jesus; he is well clothed, he wears the imputed righteousness of Christ; he is well housed, he dwells in God; he is well married, his soul is knit in bonds of marriage union to Christ; he is well provided for, for the Lord is his Shepherd; he is well endowed, for heaven is his inheritance." [October 9th, Daily Help]

Emotions - Whose In Charge???

2008-10-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

Sitting here in an airport waiting on a flight back to Wichita, Kansas, I am watching lots of different people experiencing a myriad of emotions. I’ve watched a couple reunite after what appears to have been at least more than one day, a single mom frazzled by the challenges of traveling with her three small children, an elderly couple sitting with angst in the corner waiting for a flight that they appear to be very uneasy about, a uniformed soldier sitting on the floor against his backpack staring at a picture of someone his heart is aching for and then there is that emotion of saying “good bye for now.” That would be my emotion…good bye for now! I know if the Lord tarries we will see each other again soon but somehow that does not dull the ache.

You see, in life everyone will experience a variety of emotions. Some are exciting, others draining then those that bring a dark cloud to the soul! It’s not so important that you recognize these emotions as much as what will you do with them. In other words, what will be your response to the negative? Positive? Less pronounced ones?

Obviously, those emotions that come as a weight or dark cloud (negative, debilitating) are the most difficult to deal with. So, let me make a few suggestions on how to respond: First, remember that emotions at their base are only a feeling not reality. Many times giving a second or third thought about your reality puts negative emotions in check. Second, ask God to show you the source of that emotion. The Bible says that one of the reasons for the Holy Spirit is to “lead & guide us into all truth.” Third, change the way you think! Take a look back to the positive things of your past, remind yourself of what good things you have now (good health, etc).

With your emotions in control it is easier to keep perspective, take control and move forward. Paul put it this way “we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Caffeine-Free, Diet Mountain Dew-WHY?!?

2008-07-07T13:30:00.001-05:00

While strolling down the aisle in my local grocery store there it was, for sale, proudly displayed and advertised…caffeine-free, diet Mountain Dew! My first thought was, “Why bother?” It’s what they left out that seems to be the reason people drink Mountain Dew—SUGAR and CAFFEINE!

Some churches have left out of their labeled gospel message…SIN and SALVATION! The problem with such a message? It leaves out the very thing all mankind needs to know, they are born in sin and there’s only one way to make it to heaven, that is, salvation through Jesus Christ!

Fellow Christian please do not fall into the trap of telling people what they WANT to hear but what they NEED to hear!

Dear God, Help each of Your children be able to clearly share Your gospel message with those around them who still do not know You! Amen.

Panic Peter's Principles for Managing Change

2008-06-24T23:44:00.000-05:00

Mark Twain said, "Only a baby with a wet diaper likes change." What Mr. Twain was trying to illustrate is that change is difficult and to many distasteful. The bigger issue behind this is that change comes to all of us so...how do we manage the change that comes our way? How do we grow through it and not just go through it?

Look with me at Matthew 14.22-34 where we find Panic Peter's nine principles for managing change in life...

1) God charts our course. (14.22)

2) God decides who goes and who stays. (14.22-23)

3) The route is full of sudden changes and contrary conditions. (14.24-25)

4) Sometimes God is hard to spot in the middle of the storm. (14.26; Mark 6.48)

5) God will bring "good cheer" [peace] in the middle of our chaos and fear. (14.27)

6) Along the way, God will call us to do extraordinary things. (14.28-29)

7) Even though you take the extraordinary step, there will be additional changes, contrary winds and difficult times. (14.29-30)

8) When we are overwhelmed, we must call on the one who will help us. (14.30-31)

9) With God in your boat and His orders in your hands, you WILL make it to the other side! (14.34a)

Dear God, Help each of your children to manage the changes in their lives in a way that not only pleases you but takes them safely to the place You are calling them to. Amen.

Remembering a Great Man!

2008-05-16T06:58:00.000-05:00

Tonight a spiritual giant left this earth and entered the gates of heaven…Claude D. Patterson! He was a friend, confidant, fellow preacher, peer and a man not satisfied with preaching an average sermon. He lived a life of integrity, generosity, humility and a curiosity about life and living that made most peoples minds dizzy. He always had time for people…loving those he pastored, looking for those whom he had not yet met, wondering who it was that needed encouragement and a willingness to do more to help you than what you asked for. He loved his Lord greatly, his wife immensely, his daughter, son-in-law & grandkids completely! Although I am mourning a great loss heaven is celebrating loudly another King’s kid is home!

Claude, I will miss you…I will pray for and help your family throughout this loss…I will always remember the things you’ve taught me…You will not be forgotten! I’m glad you made it safely home!

Book Review: "The God of Second Chances" by Stephen Arterburn

2008-03-24T12:15:00.000-05:00

I'm sure there are other people besides me whom at some point have felt the need for a second, third or fourth chance on life. Sometimes this need visits our life after losing career to company cutbacks, a spouse filing for divorce, an accident leaving oneself handicapped, an immoral decision or some other detour on life's highway. Some of these tragedy's visit us because of our own decision...others come along uninvited, unannounced and definitely unwelcomed!

For me personally, the events in my life these last two years has left me with a real sense of needing a second chance with life. During this time I have prayed, journaled, sought out professional counseling, wise counsel from close friends and thru all of this have found a place of healing beyond what I thought existed! Part of this process has involved reading and one of the books that stands out to me is "The God of Second Chances" by Stephen Arterburn.

I have recently re-visited this book..perusing my notes in the margins, highlighted & underlined sentences/paragraphs..below you will find what were for me significant quotes from this book. I highly recommend this book!

Quotes...

"We must realize that faith is a process and that struggle, doubt, and imperfection are not enemies of the gospel, but are often used by God to develop the faith He wants in each of us."

"We all have wounds that never seem to heal--from childhood, from our sinful behavior, from living in the world. But the answer is not to pretend that they don't exist or believe the world's lie that we can alleviate them with self-gratifying pleasures. We must face our wounds honestly, repent before God, and let Him surprise us with His amazing and healing grace. It is only then that we can begin to experience what God has intended and desired for us all along."

"Truth and love are inseparable twins. Both seek to give, to free, to offer hope. They never seek to set their own broad path. Rather, truth and love follow Jesus on the narrow and self-giving road."

"Yes, when we respond to God, things often get worse before they get better. But God has promised that if we have trust in Him, He will turn our suffering into joy-and refine our faith in the process. With endurance our lives and faith become deeper and richer."

Is Free Really...Free?

2008-02-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

I just spent a delightful evening on the town dining at my favorite restaurant, perusing a bookstore, shopping for new jeans and purchasing a few really cool things for my kitchen…and it was all FREE! Free for me that is. Over the holidays a number of family and friends bought me gift cards that I have not gotten around to spending...until tonight! While driving home with a full stomach and car trunk full of new things it dawned on me that these things were not really free.

You see, someone had to pay of the GIFT cards that were given to me. Who? Well the giver did. So what I once thought was free really was exactly what they were worth.

The same thing is true about our salvation. Sure it is free for us the recipients of the GIFT but for the giver it cost Him the full price! So, as a Christian who enjoys being free from sin, a loving God to look over me, a heaven that awaits me and the resources of Christ to get me there…I recognize that it all came at a price…the life blood of Jesus Christ!

Take a moment to read the words of Peter… “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.” (1 Peter 1.18-21, NLT)

"It's good to be alive!"

2007-09-06T18:24:00.000-05:00

“It feels good to be alive!” That was the response I gave to a friend recently who had been told about my health scare and called to see how I was doing.

What health scare you ask? While riding back from a late night movie with some friends I began to have severe chest pain, shortness of breath, a massive headache, shooting pains down my arm and numbness in my left hand. My friend noticed I had begun to groan and then slump over in the seat. When he asked how I was doing and noticed my difficulty in responding he immediately drove me to the closest hospital while his wife called 911. For the next few hours everything but my pain was very fuzzy to me. I do remember that my pastor quickly arrived and he along with my two friends stayed at my bedside for hours. The short version is that sometime after sunrise God healed me in my body and I left the hospital with doctors scratching their heads in wonder.

As I have reflected upon this experience I’ve learned a number of things some of which I would like to share…

First, none of us know how long we will live or how we will die.

Second, do all on your part to live in right relationship with others.

Third, keep a short list of wrongs (sins) with God.

Fourth, close, intimate, honest friendships will carry you thru times of crisis in your life.

Fifth, you really can have peace in the face of death.

The Bible makes it very clear in Hebrews 9.27-28a “And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes the judgment, so also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people.”

Let’s all live in such a way that we are fully prepared for this once in a lifetime event!

Willing, Wanting & Not Overlooked

2007-07-17T14:51:00.000-05:00

"God does not ask your ability or your inability. He asks only your availability." -Mary Kay Ash

The New Living Translation of Luke 1.38 in reads, “Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." And then the angel left.”

In a world that focuses so much on what people can and cannot do God appears to look beyond that to something else – availability! Examples of this would be: David, Moses, Peter & Stephen.

You see, if we are available then God can develop within us abilities and talents. God does this equipping and developing in many ways. One of those is through His Word. In 2 Timothy 3.16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”

By keeping ourselves in a place of waiting and wanting to be used by God we will not be overlooked.

Dear God, My desire is to be used by You. I will wait and listen for Your call to service. Amen.

A Living Message!

2007-07-13T19:14:00.000-05:00

“Jesus loves you, but everyone else thinks you're an idiot!” --seen on a bumper sticker.

Have you ever thought about the fact that your life, all you do and don’t say and do is a message? You could say that we are walking billboards or better still living bumper stickers.

For some, that message says “grump” others “kindness rules” for others “don’t bother me and no one will get hurt” but I’ve read some lives that say “go ahead, bother me cause I care!”

How are we sending messages? Mostly by actions! Such as the man who stopped in the pouring rain to help a lady in need. Her response? She noticed the wedding band and said “your wife sure is lucky.” Then, there was the single mom with a train of small kids in tow helping a sick neighbor with child care and house keeping. Their response? “No one has ever done any thing like this for us before!” Or how about the young boy who runs ahead of a crowd at the mall to hold the door open for everyone? The responses: “what a nice young man; thank you little gentleman; wow! This is a first!”

The Bible says... “The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you.” (2 Corinthians 3:3, NLT)

In another place it says... "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." (1 Peter 2.12, NLT)

You see as you cruise through this life you are giving those around you a message about your life. That message is displayed in response to what you do and do not do!

Dear God, Thank you for creating me for “good works.” Show me how I can display that message to those around me. Amen.

Being Christian = Connection with Christ

2007-07-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

"There are many in the Church as well as out of it who need to learn that Christianity is neither creed nor a ceremonial, but a life vitaly connected with a loving Christ." -Josiah Strong

Character Motivates

2007-07-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

Zig Ziglar once said, "It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through."