Category: Living It Out In Real Time

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America Fresh Oil New Wine 2013 Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God

America: Find Your Voice

“One cannot wage war under present conditions without the support of public opinion, which is tremendously molded by the press and other forms of propaganda.” ~ Douglas MacArthur

KS77849Recently at our ministry, we have been inundated with phone calls asking what I think about what is going on in the world right now. Whether it’s the conflicts we see unfolding in Syria, Egypt, Libya, and the rest of the Middle East, or the rampant political correctness that is running amok, ruining our economy, and destroying our spirit of American exceptionalism, people have honest questions. Over these past many years, I have grown to ask myself, when I read or watch the media, “Is it fact, or is it propaganda?” Our government makes claims that seem unrealistic (at best), and then we see the American media walk in lock-step behind (and in support of) the claim.

Disagree?

Consider the “Arab Spring”. We were all told that the Arab Spring would bring democracy and positive change to the Middle East. However, instead of peace, democracy, and hope, what has happened?

  • Chaos has erupted in Egypt. Egypt was almost completely taken over by Morsi, Sharia Law, and the Muslim Brotherhood.
  • Slaughter of American diplomats and their military defenders in Benghazi.
  • Questions abound as to whether we were better off dealing with the likes of Muammar Qaddafi in Libya and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt. In my opinion… absolutely.

Now we have a civil war going on in Syria, with an American administration that wants to intervene, and help facilitate the collapse of that government. However, let’s stop for a minute and look at the record of Syria over the past 40 years, since 1973…

  • Syria has committed no aggressive act toward the United States.
  • Syria has not participated in an attack on Israel.
  • Syrian government soldiers have faithfully protected the Aleppo synagogue… the 2nd oldest Jewish synagogue in the world.
  • The Syrian government has protected the Orthodox church, including the 5000 Syrian Orthodox inhabitants (a community of believers that has survived since the time of Christ). They are one of the few communities that still speak Aramaic (the dialect spoken during the time of Christ).

Now, in just a matter of months, these so-called “Rebels” are undoing centuries of religious tolerance and peace; attacking and burning churches, and killing Christians. The Syrian government is protecting Christians, Jews, and Allawi Muslims from these Islamists that are attempting to take over the nation.

And now for the coup de grâce…

After years of being warned about “global warming this” and “climate change that”, it has been determined that the arctic has 1 million MORE square miles of arctic ice than just 1 year ago.  True science sees a trend toward global cooling – NOT warming! Taxpayers have, for years, been robbed of billions upon billions of dollars to help fund the myth of global warming that has been perpetrated upon the world. Climate expert Dr. Tsoris of the University of Wisconsin recently stated that the slight warming trend of the ’80’s and ’90’s (which amounted to 8/10ths of a degree) has reversed, and we are now in a cooling trend. As I write this, there are approximately 20 yachts trapped in Arctic ice, with summer just now coming to a close. In 1993, a British climatologist predicted the Arctic ice would be completely gone by 2013. Yet, in spite of overwhelming scientific evidence, as well a common-sense observation, our government is STILL funding the global warming hoax!

Personally, I am sick to death of diplomatic slight-of -hand, government-funded corruption and cover-up, and agenda-driven junk science. Give me the sacred Scriptures! Give me the reliability of God’s Holy Word! Give me the liberty that comes from the ONLY truth that brings freedom! Give me the church of the Living God — the stronghold of truth in a world running from deception to deception!

Now, a multimillion-dollar presentation entitled Do The Math (which affirms the global warming myth) is about to air on none other than Al Jazeera-owned Current TV. Al Jazeera is owned by Muslims, and Current TV was recently sold to them by it’s owners, including Al Gore.

Just so you understand: One of the loudest voices in the “climate change” camp sold his TV channel to a media company owned by “Arab Oil” — the biggest fossil fuel producers and polluters in the world.

Am I the only one that sees the irony here???

When are we the people going to get tired of being suckers and saps? When will we stop being sheep, led blindly to the slaughter of all that we hold sacred? When are we going to stand by the convictions and creeds on Monday that we espouse on Sunday?

When are we going to demand of our leaders the same standard to which they hold the people?

When are we going to frack and drill from the huge natural reserves that we have been blessed with, and stop funding the very people who are trying to kill us?

When are we going to find our voices, and remind the government that yes, we ARE still ONE NATION UNDER GOD?

Surely, if I know this, living (as I do) in Chattanooga, TN, someone in Washington D.C. knows it as well.

It is time to find our voice.

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America Friendship Healing Living It Out In Real Time The Bible The Life of Faith

Find Your Way Back

StatueYesterday, many of us commemorated the 12th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on our nation. We remembered the event like it was yesterday. We remembered the horror and anguish we felt as we helplessly watched nearly 3,000 of our fellow citizens be whisked away into eternity. We remembered the uncertainty of facing an enemy we could not see coming. We remembered the promises we all made to “never forget”. However, there is one thing we seem to have forgotten…

Our dependence on God during our darkest of nights.

Flag half-mastIn the days following 9-11, Americans flocked to churches. Some were looking for answers. Some were looking for peace. Some were looking for consolation. All were looking for something…

Many didn’t find it.

The cry of so many in our culture could be summed up in the words of an old ’80’s song by the group Jefferson Starship…

I know it’s too late now
But I wish I could go back in time
And start all over somehow
And get it right from the start

Many people carry unnecessary regret. Many think it is too late to change, or wish they could go back in time and get a “do over”.

Well, this Sunday, you can.

Sunday, September 15, 2013 is National Back to Church Sunday. If you are currently involved in a church, I challenge you to invite someone who isn’t to join you at your house of worship. If you are not involved in a church, I invite you to visit a church in your area, and see how you can get involved.

You may say, “I’m just not sure I can find a church that is right for me.”

Well, you won’t know until you try, and with 20,000+ churches participating this Sunday, the odds are pretty good that there is one that is right for you. And just remember: You have to start somewhere. If you don’t find it the first time out, keep trying. I believe the church where you belong is out there waiting for you.

“Well, I have a lot of questions… maybe some of my questions are dumb”

Church is a great place for asking questions. The Bible is filled with people who “inquired of the Lord.” If it is an easy question, we should be able to find you an answer quickly. If it is a tough question, we may just have to find it together. The only “dumb” question is the one you don’t ask. Wouldn’t it be great to find a group of people you can grow with?

“I just feel like my life is a journey.”

Life is a journey, and the church is not a destination. It is a place to stop, rest, and find encouragement to continue the journey. It’s about finding a fire, and spreading it to others to light their way. Isn’t the journey always nicer if you have someone to travel with?

“Maybe I’m too different.”

The first church in Jerusalem as described in Acts had a wide diversity of people: spiritually-mature, physically-challenged, ex-cons, religious professionals, widows, foreigners, new-believers, problem-makers, problem-solvers, and more. Sadly, the 21st century church is the most segregated place in our nation. Let’s work together to change that.

“But I’m a sinner…”

Welcome to the club… we all are. The Bible says that “all have sinned”. It is why we need Jesus.

“I’m broken…”

What better place to find healing than a hospital? The church is a hospital for the downtrodden and weary of heart. Come find rest and healing in the hands of the Great Physician.

“Well, the church is full of hypocrites…”

True, so you should fit right in. <<wink>> Seriously… we are ALL hypocrites in one way or another. Unless you live 100 percent of what you believe 100 percent of the time, you are, by definition, a hypocrite. However, our goal as Christians is to be more like Jesus. We may not always succeed, but most of us are trying. That is the great thing about grace and mercy.

So, the ball is in your court. Maybe you were involved in a church and left. Maybe you’ve never darkened the doorstep of a local church. Whatever your condition, why not find your way back (or to) a church this Sunday? I know that we would love to see you at Abba’s House, if you are in the Chattanooga/North Georgia area.

Blessings,
Pastor Ron

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America Healing Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith Through The Looking Glass

Faith In The Storm

Through The Looking Glass2

A couple of years ago, those of us in the Tennessee Valley and North Georgia witnessed a series of horrific tornadoes in our area. In the aftermath, we heard stories of destruction unlike anything most of us ever experienced. People from our church went to affected areas to assist in cleanup, and were stunned by the sheer devastation. Lives were uprooted like so many trees, and left so many people with lots of questions…

“Why did that tornado miss this house and that one, but wiped out mine?”

“Why did my family survive unscathed while others have lost everything?”

“Where was God when my life blew away with the wind?”

To be honest with you, I don’t know. But here is what I do know…

I know that God is a good God.

I know that the Bible says that rain falls on the just and unjust alike.

I know that, in spite of the storms, recent earthquakes in places like Guatemala, tsunamis in places like Japan and Indonesia, 9-11, Benghazi, and the current crisis in Syria… God is still on His throne.

And, I know that He still loves you.

Faith is what we celebrate during good times, and cling to during bad times. Faith is what gives us the strength to echo the words of Job, “I know that my Redeemer lives”.

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America Living It Out In Real Time Miracles Out of Nowhere The Bible The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God

In Search of… The Blessing

bat-creekAs believers in Jesus, and joint-heirs with Him, we have the rights of sons and daughters of the King. The same blessings that applied to the nation of Israel in Scripture apply to us as believers as well…

I was almost a year old when David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Almost a year to the day later, the UN voted by majority vote to admit Israel as a member. Here are some interesting facts about Israel that you may not know:

  • For all of the terrorist attacks we hear about, Israel has one of the highest life-expectancy rates in the world. At #4, it is far ahead of our own United States (a distant #33).
  • The only three U.S. states geographically smaller than Israel are Rhode Island, Delaware, and Connecticut. However, in 2012, Israel had the 43rd largest economy in the world (based on gross domestic product).
  • Israel has the highest standard of living of any country in the Middle East, and has the third highest in all of Asia.

So how can this be? Consider the words of Mark Twain. In 1898, Mr. Twain was living in Austria, where he witnessed vicious anti-Semitic attacks, and subsequently penned an article entitled “Stirring Times In Austria” (Harper’s Magazine, March 1898). One of the responses he received was from an American Jewish lawyer who asked, “Will you kindly tell me why, in your judgment, the Jews have thus ever been, and are even now, in these days of supposed intelligence, the butt of baseless, vicious animosities?” Twain’s response was in the form of an essay titled “Concerning the Jews”. He stated:

“If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of; but he is heard of, and has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallest of his bulk. His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also way out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers.
He has made a marvelous fight in the world, in all the ages; and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it. The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished.
The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?”

Right now in our world, the Middle East is as unsettled as it has been in decades. Between uncertainty in Egypt and Libya, violence and revolution in Syria, protracted war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and incessant saber-rattling in Iran, the survival of Israel seems to be nothing short of a miracle.

“So, what does this have to do with me?” you may ask.

The mystery of Israel’s survival is not just that they have survived, but that their survival is a living picture that, in Christ, you will live and not die. Your life is meaningful and full of purpose. God made you, chose you, and loved you from the foundation of the world, and no amount of persecution, tribulation, or trial will snatch you from His hand. In Christ, you are a child of the King— princes and princesses, royal priests, and heirs to all that God has to give you.

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Fresh Oil New Wine 2013 Living It Out In Real Time The Big Event The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God Through The Looking Glass

Lessons from a Screen Door

Through The Looking Glass2Funny? I don’t remember moving to Seattle.

To my friends in the Seattle area, those of us in East Tennessee are beginning to be able to relate to you. This year, we have been inundated with rain. While a normal summer for us is hot and fairly dry, our temperatures have hardly gotten over 90 degrees this summer, largely due to the overcast weather and almost daily showers that have kept the temperatures down, and the humidity up.

All of this water reminds me of the lyrics of a Rich Mullins song:

“It’s about as useless as a screen door on a submarine…
Faith without works… It just ain’t happening.”

Now, Rich could be considered one of the most successful artists in the history of Christian music. With songs like Awesome God and Sing Your Praise To The Lord, he left a huge mark on, not just the Christian music scene, but on the church at large. However, Rich understood, not just the significance of the lyrics he penned, but the importance of putting you money where your mouth is. He once stated that, when his royalty checks came in, his advisory board gave him a modest, fixed amount to live on. This amount was not based on an arbitrary calculation, but was based on a national average.

So, what became of the rest of his money. Stocks? Bonds? Savings, Market investments? Retirement?

Nope. His advisory board simply gave it away.

Rich once said that he had no idea how much he even made… what was important to him was following the example of Jesus by ministering to the poor. At the time of his death in 1997, he was living on a Navajo Indian Reservation, teaching music to the Navajo children. He understood that the trappings of success weren’t the true measure of success… following Jesus was.

The Bible says that, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20).

Why not find a way to put your faith into action today? Do something to show the world that your faith has a pulse.

This past June, a team from our church visited
the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Here is a short video about what they did, and how they put feet to their faith…

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America Fresh Oil New Wine 2013 Friendship Healing Living It Out In Real Time Miracles Out of Nowhere The Big Event The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God The Secret Place

Reflections on a Kingdom Experience

Worship2-2If you follow my blog or Twitter feed at all, you know that last week, we had our annual partners and friends conference, The Big Event.Jentezen

Randy CaldwellWow!

Ron PhillipsWords just escape me as I reflect on the incredible Kingdom time that we experienced. From the worship, to the words that we received, to the luncheons and receptions, it was clear that this Big Event was special. Every speaker brought such a Kingdom message… it was obvious that the Holy Spirit had orchestrated every sermon, every word, and every service.

Perry Stone“Thank you’s” seem so inadequate, but it is with a humble heart filled with gratitude that I thank each one of you who came to the conference, watched online, or sent encouraging thoughts via social media and email. Without such great partners and friends, we cannot accomplish the work for which we have been called. It is through your encouragement, prayers, and generosity that we are able to move constantly and consistently forward, and share the love of Jesus with a nation and a world that are in desperate need of Him. We love you, and pray that your hearts were encouraged and uplifted by the time we spent together.

Tommy BatesRonnieThank you to all of our speakers: Randy Caldwell, Perry Stone, Jentezen Franklin, Tommy Bates, and Ronnie Phillips Jr. consistently stepped up to the pulpit and knocked it out of the park. Your words encouraged all of us to a deeper walk and commitment to Christ, and I am proud to call each of you “friend”.

Thank you to my co-host and Executive Director of Communications Angie McGregor, the RPM staff, and all of the volunteers who made The Big Event a huge success. From childcare workers and parking lot attendants, to video editors, sound people, mailroom and call center helpers, musicians and singers, bookstore workers, caterers, and ushers (and so many more that serve “under the radar”), your sacrifice and service are beyond compare. You served selflessly and cheerfully, and made The Big Event  the success that it was. I love and appreciate each of you more than you will ever know.

In case you didn’t get to come to The Big Event, take a moment and check out some of what you missed. Below are the videos that we shared at the conference… videos of healing, hope, and the mission work that you are a part of when you pray and contribute to Ron Phillips Ministries.

And again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being Kingdom partners!

Love,
Pastor Ron

Worship Ron & PauletteDance

Angie & DanaChoir 2

ChoirPraise Team

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Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith Through The Looking Glass

Reality: Stranger Than Fiction

Through the Looking GlassGerman poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said that…

“Few people have the imagination for reality.”

It’s said that the truth is often stranger than fiction. Admittedly, reality is pretty strange for most of us right now.

We experience the problems in our economy…

We see the turmoil in the Middle East…

We feel for the people experiencing devastation and loss through tragedy and natural disasters…

Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard viewed it this way:

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

And although it may seem like a little TOO MUCH experience for some, all of this should come as no surprise. After all, Jesus tells us that…

“In the world, you WILL have trouble.”

But then comes the catch:

“TAKE HEART! I have overcome the world!”

While the world gives us trouble, Jesus promises us peace. And THAT is the reality we can all experience… just by asking.

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America Fresh Oil New Wine 2013 Living It Out In Real Time The Big Event The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God Through The Looking Glass

Where Are You Supposed To Be?

Through the Looking GlassThroughout history, success or failure is often determined by someone or something being where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there. From sports to warfare to our personal lives, being where you are supposed to be can make a “destiny difference”.

On June 6, 1944, the success of Operation Overlord (what we commonly refer to as D-Day) can be largely attributed to the fact that personnel and equipment were where they were supposed to be, when they were supposed to be there. Conversely, the failure of Operation Market Garden just three months later can be blamed, in large part, on the inability to get men and supplies where they needed to be in order to support troop movements and actions. Although Operation Market Garden was actually a larger operation, it failed to meet it’s objective and expedite the end World War II.

In sports, the difference between a team winning and losing a game has often come down to a player not being in his proper place when he was needed. Super Bowls have been won and lost for this very reason.

Even in the Bible, a seemingly insignificant decision made a difference we can follow across generations.

Look at King David.

2 Samuel 11:1 says…

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war,
David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army.
They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.
But David remained in Jerusalem.

“At a time when kings go off to war”. This would imply that David, as king and leader of the army, should have been with his army, Instead, he decided to hang back, and relax in the confines of his palace in Jerusalem. While there was not necessarily anything inherently wrong with being where he was (in his palace), by not being in his proper place, it allowed him to fall into temptation, and subsequently sin with Bathsheba. Not being where he was supposed to be opened the door for sin, and changed the destinies of Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba, David himself, and an entire nation.

Maybe there is nothing inherently wrong with where you are… it’s just not where you are supposed to be. For me, as a burned-out Southern Baptist preacher in 1989, a perfectly acceptable place for me to be would have been at home with my family. However, where I was supposed to be was in Glorietta, New Mexico. Being there, and my subsequent encounter with the Holy Spirit as a result, changed my future, my ministry, and my life.

So where are you supposed to be? Get to that place of destiny, and the future God has in store for you could be something more amazing than you could have ever imagined.

This week…

Our annual conference, The Big Event, begins this week. We have an amazing lineup of speakers, and it could be that the place you are supposed to be is with us at Abba’s House. This could be the kairos moment you have been waiting for, but you won’t know if you are not there. If you would like more information, or to register for this free event, click here. I hope to see you there.

Big Event Banner

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America Fresh Oil New Wine 2013 Living It Out In Real Time Miracles Out of Nowhere The Big Event The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God The Secret Place

What If?

Sunlight thru trees-editedIf you had a chance to change your life, would you take it?

If you had the opportunity to have a fresh start, would you jump at the chance?

If you had the choice between staying right where you are or moving into a better situation, what would you do?

If you could not just stumble into or happen upon the Presence of God, but truly abide there, would you?

If you are like most people (myself included), you would answer all of these in the affirmative. To move forward, whether it be financially, emotionally, or spiritually, is built into the human DNA. We continually desire to improve on our position in life, and when opportunity knocks, the wise man usually doesn’t leave him standing out in the rain.

Most of us have looked at the children of Israel in the Old Testament, and followed their many failings. We see the way God delivers them, yet at the first opportunity, they turn away from Him, and begin worshiping false gods. They repeatedly play out a vicious cycle: cry out, deliverance, gratefulness, complacency, rebellion, and failure. And every time we witness this in Scripture, the thought comes to mind…

“What is your problem? In light of all that God has done for you, why in the world do you keep rejecting Him? Are you INSANE?????”

However, the truth is, if we are honest with ourselves and with God, we do the same thing. Every day, most of us turn our backs on opportunities to get into His Presence, and miss kairos (opportune or supreme) moments of destiny.

So, one more time…
If you have a kairos moment staring you in the face, how do you respond?

Well, here is such an opportunity I don’t want you to miss out on.

Next Wednesday, August 21, an event will begin in the life of our ministry that holds the promise of being a Kingdom Encounter. Ron Phillips Ministries is hosting The Big Event, August 21-25, and this year’s lineup of speakers holds passion, purpose, and promise for all who attend…

Perry Stone… One of the most anointed prophetic voices in the world today.

Jentezen Franklin… One of the most dynamic pastors in America.

Randy Caldwell… Kingdom preaching at it’s best.

Tommy Bates… Music and message rooted deep in the fires of Pentecost.

Ron Phillips… (Yours truly) What happens when you give in to the Holy Spirit? Find out what happened in my life.

Ronnie Phillips Jr… My son – A gifted evangelist with a heart filled with compassion for the lost.

Great music and worship, dynamic preaching, and free registration.

For more information, or to register online, click here.

Don’t miss your moment… register today, and join us August 21-25 at The Big Event!!!

Big Event Banner

Categories
Living It Out In Real Time The Bible The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God Through The Looking Glass

Too Small for Prayer?

Through the Looking GlassSo what has got your stomach in knots today?

What are you concerning yourself  with that  you have absolutely no control over?

Corrie Ten Boom was the only member of her family to survive the Nazi death camps of World War II. Having faced death on a regular basis, she once said…

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer
is too small to be made into a burden.”

What is it that you are worrying about right now?

Potted PlantYour job?

A relationship?

Your health?

Events unfolding in the world around you?

Whatever it is, the next question is…

Have you prayed about it?

We have a Heavenly Father who is concerned with every part of our lives, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. He reminds us repeatedly in His word of this fact.
In I Peter 5:7, we are told…

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

This is not just a nice thought or helpful suggestion from an ancient book — this is a present imperative command and promise from the living, breathing Word of God!

Still need more convincing?

Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
~ Psalm 55:22

If your situation is not big enough to pray about, it’s not big enough to worry about.

However, if you earnestly seek God about it, you may just find that He takes the worry away, and replaces it with His peace.