Category: Through The Looking Glass

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Fresh Oil New Wine 2015 Healing Living It Out In Real Time The Big Event The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God The Secret Place Through The Looking Glass

Setting the Angel Free

Creación_de_Adám hands

St. Peter's BasilicaArtist, architect, an sculptor Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni is one of the most renowned artisans of all time. Two of his most famous statues, Pietà and David, were created before he turned thirty. His paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, as well as his architectural design of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, are among the most recognized works in the world.

Michelangelo had this to say about his craft…

I saw the angel in the marble, and carved until I set him free.

What a beautiful description of God’s relationship with his children. Using the circumstances of life as His chisel, God knocks the rough edges away, and sculpts us into the works of art He wants the world to see in us.

So for today, here’s a reminder:

The God who began a good work in you has promised to complete it.
When He sets you free, your reflection will be the beauty of His Son, Jesus.

"Michelangelo's Pieta 5450" by Stanislav Traykov - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michelangelo%27s_Pieta_5450.jpg#/media/File:Michelangelo%27s_Pieta_5450.jpg
“Michelangelo’s Pieta 5450” by Stanislav Traykov – Own work. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michelangelo%27s_Pieta_5450.jpg#/media/File:Michelangelo%27s_Pieta_5450.jpg
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#HonorMemorialDay

For about 240 years, Americans have shed their blood for the cause of freedom.

From places like Lexington and Concord to Gettysburg to Appomattox Station, the blood of patriots has been shed on American soil, fighting for a young nation’s heart and soul.

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When the United States had established itself as a world power, our brave men and women were once again called upon, and shed their blood fighting against dictators and tyrants with
names like Mussolini, Hirohito, and Hitler.

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While American citizens enjoyed the safety and security of life at home in places like Wichita, Dallas, Boston, and Tacoma, American soldiers gave their lives in previously unheard of places with names like Chochiwon, Ia Drang, Haditha, and Kamdesh.

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On Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifice of these brave American heroes who saw the cause of freedom as something worth defending, worth their sacrifice. We remember those who gave the last ounce of devotion to the ideals and principles enshrined in documents
like The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

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Today… we remember.

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…It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God,
shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people,
by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
~ Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863
from The Gettysburg Address

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Fresh Oil New Wine 2015 Living It Out In Real Time The Big Event The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God Through The Looking Glass

Lessons from a Carpenter

Through the Looking Glass

A friend of mine once offered me an interesting perspective on making mistakes.

He told me how, having been raised by a father who was a jack-of-all-trades (and a master of most of them), he would try to build things and undertake projects, but never seemed to really achieve the quality of work his father did (among other things, his dad was quite a good carpenter). Although he enjoyed working with wood, try as he might, it was always a combination of fear and intimidation that kept him from being really good at it… fear of breaking something or having the end result be an embarrassment.

His father passed away while my friend was a teenager, and this strengthened his desire to learn more about carpentry, and make his father proud. However, try as he might, he still fell short of the mark.

That all changed when he met Glen.

Glen was a contractor that he became friends with, and ended up helping build houses. Although he was simply a “laborer”, he learned invaluable lessons simply by listening to Glen, and watching Glen and some of the other more experienced guys on the crew work. The more he worked along side these “masters”, the more he came to understand a few of important things…

#1. You have to have the right tools. Understanding the tools of your trade are essential to any occupation. As a carpenter, you’re not going to get very far if all you have is a tire pump, a pair of wire cutters, and a note pad. Understanding what tools you need, and how to properly use those instruments is critical in being successful at anything. The right tools in the hands of a master is a thing of beauty to behold.

#2. You have to possess a teachable spirit. Often times, important lessons can come from unlikely places or unlikable people. On the crew, one of the best carpenters was Albert… he was old, ornery, and (at times) obstinate. However, he had good reason: He had been a carpenter for over 50 years, and had probably forgotten more about woodworking than most of the younger guys on the crew knew. My friend told me that, if you took the time to see past the rough, disagreeable exterior, Albert was a goldmine of wisdom and knowledge on how to become a great carpenter.

#3. You have to be willing to take risks. No building has ever been built without breaking things, cutting things down to size, and beating things with hammers. My friend came to realize that, if he made a mistake cutting a board, it wasn’t the end of the world… just get another board and cut it right. If he accidentally knocked a hole in a sheetrock wall, it wasn’t a dealbreaker, just a minor setback… fix it and move on. As the saying goes, “You have to break eggs to make an omelet”. He learned from his mistakes, learned how to fix his mistakes, and went away with the knowledge of how to do it right the next time. The axiom is true… All failure is not final.

Regardless of your occupation or aspiration… learn. Get the right tools. Learn how to listen intently, not just to the voices of praise, but to the voices of constructive criticism as well. Be willing to take God-inspired risks, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes along the way — look at David, Peter, Moses, and Abraham — you’re in good company.

And as you go about your life experiences, know that you have the Carpenter from Nazareth in your corner, always near, listening for your calls and cries, and willing to guide the teachable and humble of heart. Take courage from Him, and go be a success.

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Fresh Oil New Wine 2015 Living It Out In Real Time Spiritual Warfare The Bible The Big Event The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God Through The Looking Glass

Do You Possess the Heart of a Warrior?

Whether it is in the movies or real life, with all of the violence in the world today, there is a word we hear quite often…

Warrior.

Wallace SwordWhen we think of a warrior, it brings to mind images of a knight in shining armor, wielding a massive sword, and ready to take care of business. For some of us who remember the movies of the ’80’s and ’90’s, it may conjure images of Rambo or William Wallace in Braveheart. We want to think of a hero; someone of great strength and integrity, willing to face insurmountable odds for the betterment of humanity.

However, we often don’t take into account what it takes to become a warrior. We don’t often understand the pain and sacrifice that an individual goes through — the commitment that it takes to carry the mantle of a warrior. Today in America, most armed services have a six- to thirteen-week period of what they term basic training. During that time, the recruits have a leader called a drill instructor. Throughout this basic training, the young soldier or sailor begins to look and act differently. They are preparing for the possibility of warfare, and train accordingly. They prepare to take down the enemy with extreme prejudice (deadly force) — an enemy that will not hesitate to kill both soldier and innocent civilian if given the opportunity.

In spiritual warfare, a timid, untrained army is no match for hell’s terrorists! No, we must get into spiritual shape, pick up our armor, and go to the battlefront. The destiny of humanity hangs in the balance. David trained his four hundred soldiers with the truth we find in Psalm 18, which contains six basic charges every warrior needs to hear.

I. Get under authority — submission.

For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks. ~ Psalm 18:27

The soldier must begin the day knowing how to obey orders. From the moment of arrival in boot camp, nothing belongs to the recruit any longer. His hair is cut, his clothing is selected for him, and his schedule is determined by his leaders. For a season, freedom is lost and submission is taught. One of my high school buddies was always a rebel at heart. His dress was unconventional, as well as his attitude. Finally, he quit school to live free. His choice? He joined the Marines. I laughed when I saw him after boot camp… his long hair was now a crew cut, and he wore a crisp U.S Marine uniform instead of jeans. He had learned to live under orders.

It is essential to understand that putting the devil to flight requires submission to God. James 4:7 tells us, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  Hebrews 12:1-2 gives the Christian his or her marching orders…

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

II. Get on fire for the cause — passion.

For You will light my lamp. ~ Psalm 18:28

The second goal of boot camp is to inspire the recruit to have a passion for the cause of the nation. All things being equal, the one with the most passion for the fight will win. In our struggle against the enemy, we must be on fire to win the souls of men for God’s kingdom. One admirable thing about Islamic fundamentalists is their unbridled passion for their cause. They are willing to die in order to further their purposes. While their teaching is in error and their methods are horrific, they’re on fire for what they believe. All the weapons of a militia cannot stop such passion; it must be met by Christians who have a passion for Jesus Christ.

III. Be prepared for warfare — discipline.

The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. ~ Psalm 18:28

God will “enlighten” His soldiers. We have been given the right armor and the right instructions. Every church must become a spiritual armory, preparing its people for the struggle against the darkness.

IV. Believe you can win — vision.

For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God, I can leap over a wall. ~ Psalm 18:29

Here the recruit confesses his faith. By the power of God, He can overcome a troop. With the strength of God, he can leap over a wall. The enemy’s army and obstacles fall before the spiritual soldier who has faith.

V. Know your weapons — power.

As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect… He teaches my hands make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. ~ Psalm 18:30-32, 34

Notice first that God has a perfect battle plan. The word perfect means “absolutely complete”. We must fight according to His plan.

Secondly, Yahweh has given us a sharp, two-edged sword — His Word. We must wield this sword effectively if we are to live the Victor’s life.

Furthermore, God grants us a shield of protection: faith.

Also, Yahweh exercises our gifts so our hands will be strengthened to make war. We can use our “bronze bow” to judge the enemy. Spiritual archers can shoot down the principalities in the heavens.

VI. Go to the next level — excellence.

He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. ~ Psalm 18:33

Boot camp moves us to the next level of battle. We can conquer the mountains before us. Our feet must be strong so we can walk with a sure foot. The feet of deer ‘track,” which means the rear foot will always land where the front foot leaves. Our God allows us to walk in His footsteps, tracking hard after Him.

David’s manual, here in Psalm 18, molded the four hundred outcasts into a military machine that would take the kingdom. We too can go to the next level if we become informed and disciplined.

So what about it? Are you ready to become the warrior for the Kingdom that God has called you to be? Are you ready to know your enemy, understand the battle, equip yourself for the fight, and walk in victory? The battle lines are drawn. The Commander awaits.

Will you answer the call?

— Adapted from my book
Everyone’s Guide to Demons and Spiritual Warfare
Copyright © 2010 by Ron Phillips
Published by Charisma Media / Charisma House Book Group

Stone-Phillips

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Fresh Oil New Wine 2015 Living It Out In Real Time Spiritual Warfare The Bible The Big Event The Life of Faith Through The Looking Glass

With Liberty and Justice for All.

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Freedom of speech is soon to be a thing of the past in America.

The recent incident in Garland, Texas where Muslims tried to murder a group of people drawing cartoons about Mohammed is blazing the trail for laws against so called hate speech. Even some conservatives are railing against Pamela Geller’s gathering in Garland.

As distasteful as what she did may seem to some..this is America.

KS77787As a believer in Christ, I obviously disagree with the majority of what Bill Maher has to say. However, I will defend his right to say it in America. People have the right to ridicule and criticize Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other religion or ideology they choose in America. The First Amendment was not adopted so we would all have the opportunity to agree, hold hands, and live in harmony. The First Amendment was meant to guarantee the right to worship as one believes, to have the right to have a dissenting and/or unpopular opinion, and to peacefully assemble and seek the help of the government without fear of retaliation or retribution. As believers in Jesus, we must remember that the same laws that give us the right to speak and worship freely also protect the rights of those who say offensive and abhorrent things in direct opposition to our faith. However, If we say some cannot speak freely no matter how abhorrent, it is just a matter of time before the government attempts to silence Christians. We are beginning to see it happen now. Yes… today our voice is free to speak out against gay marriage, immorality, and even poor government. However, that will soon be called hate speech as it is today in Canada and parts of Europe. Liberals and Islamic extremists believe only their opinions are protected. But while the voices of “intolerance in the name of tolerance” continue to force their agenda down the throats of the American people, we must be diligent in standing on our identity as Christians, and our rights as Americans. We must be wary of the schemes of the enemy to silence the Church through physical threats, legal intimidation, and popular opinion / mob rule mentality.

CoffeeFreedom of speech, like freedom of religion, protects the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some of my teachings are already unwelcome in certain venues. It is important that Muslims realize that the freedom that enables them to worship and speak in this country is because of our Judeo-Christian American heritage. Islamic nations restrict freedom of speech, religion, and women’s rights.

German theologian Martin Niemöller famously said…

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

This is America and we must guard freedom of expression for all.

Wake up America!

Pastor Ron

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Creation: At The Intersection of Fact and Faith

The Glory of Creation

Hunting season will soon be upon us. Now, this is not turkey, pheasant, or deer season, the setting is not the great outdoors, and the weapon of choice is not a firearm or bow-and-arrow.

The setting is the American college campus.

The weapon of choice is the mind of the liberal professor.

The “prey” is the American freshmen college student.

Probably almost every Bible-believing pastor in our nation has experienced this scenario: A teen in the church graduates from high school. They’ve been active in the youth group, sang in the youth choir, and been visible multiple times over the years at the altar… for salvation, re-dedication, to pray for family and friends, etc. In the church since birth, they have grown up being told what to believe, the importance of a relationship with Christ, and the relevance of going to church, prayer, and daily devotions. Excited at the prospects of new experiences and entrance into adulthood, they say goodbye to mom and dad, and drive off into the sunset of new horizons, new adventures, and higher learning.

Then it happens.

The student sees the beginning of the rest of their life.

The liberal establishment sees fresh meat.

A naive mind that can be easily turned. A idealistic dreamer who just needs a little encouragement down the path of open-mindedness, coexistence, and a broadened world view.

These young, impressionable minds are met by well-read, well-rehearsed ideologues who see it as a challenge to destroy the faith of a young student who believes in God, but doesn’t know how to express why they believe what they believe; an ideologue who has been trained to take faith out of the equation, and rely entirely on the “science” of theories, speculation, and (often times) junk-research.

Paul said, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” So where does faith come into play? How can a well-meaning young student’s faith contend with the scientifically “proven” arguments of a liberal professor who wields the power of authority and the grade-pen over them?

Starting this Sunday, I hope to help you and your student.

On Sunday, May 10, I will be beginning a new series entitled The Glory of Creation. In this series, we will look at what the Bible has to say about the creation of the universe, help explain some of the “gaps” between the Bible and science, and help understand how science and the Bible are not at odds with each other, but taken together, actually support each other to the logical, honest, and “open” mind….

What was here before the Genesis account of creation?

How does the Christian make sense of scientific dating that puts artifacts at tens of thousands of years old?

What about the theories of evolution, the Big Bang, and alien civilizations?

What did the fall of Lucifer have to do with the earth’s destruction and subsequent restoration?

We are going to look at these things over the next few weeks, and I invite you to join us at Abba’s House for this exciting series, The Glory of Creation. I am dedicating this series to the young people in our lives who need to be able to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). It is my prayer that this series will allow your student to live at the intersection of scriptural faith and scientific fact, that it will strengthen their faith, and give them the tools they need to stand firmly on the Word of God in a world that is hostile to that faith.

If you are not in the Chattanooga area, I invite you to watch the service LIVE online at abbashouse.com/live

Tell you friends, share this blog post, and join us
(live or online) this Sunday at Abba’s House!

The Glory of Creation

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The Big #Fail.

It’s the joke you told and no one laughed.

It’s the job you got fired from.

It’s the “great idea” that singed your eyebrows, sent your best friend to the hospital, or turned your dog green for 6 months.

It’s the “Hey… watch THIS!” moment that nearly landed you a Darwin Award.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Tacoma Narrows Bridge

One has only to Google the word fail to find a host of cringe-worthy, heart-wrenching, and oftentimes humorous results that come from that particular search. Fails come in all shapes and sizes… from the personal unfortunate moment captured by your little sister and posted to Instagram, to the architectural mis-design that garnered the attention of the world (the Tacoma Narrows Bridge), to the truly tragic that resulted in untimely death or serious injury. But while losing a job, or failing as an inventor for the 500th time can take the proverbial wind out of your sails, just because you fail doesn’t make you a failure.

When faced with multiple failures trying to create the incandescent light bulb, Thomas Edison made this observation…

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

American founding father, statesman, and inventor Benjamin Franklin said…

Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.

Billionaire and real-estate tycoon Donald Trump expressed it this way…

Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates stated…

It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.

All of these men experienced disappointment. These men all experienced some sort of failure. However, experiencing failure and being a failure are two entirely different things.

Failing does not make you a failure. After Peter famously told Jesus that, even if everyone else turned away from Him, he would not, but then proceeded to deny Jesus three times in His hour of need, most would have written Peter off as an abject failure and loser.

Jesus didn’t.

Upon His resurrection, Peter found redemption in Jesus’ words, “Peter, do you love Me?” No grovelling. No penance. No period of probation or trying to make it up to the Savior. Jesus understood Peter’s heart, understood His weakness, and showed Peter in no uncertain terms that even the most horrific failure is not always final. He gave Peter hope, and by giving Peter that hope at that time, Peter went on to become “The Rock” that Jesus depended on in the infancy of the early church.

So what is your fail? What is your moment from which you need to pick yourself up by your bootstraps, dust off, and re-affix your eyes on the Savior? It’s time to stop seeing yourself through the eyes of your embarrassment, and start seeing yourself through the eyes of the One Who looks at you, and sees nothing but potential.

Today, I leave you with a thought from President Theodore Roosevelt…

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure… than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

Screenshot taken from 16MM Kodachrome motion picture film by Barney Elliott.. Via Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TacomaNarrowsBridgeCollapse_in_color.jpg#/media/File:TacomaNarrowsBridgeCollapse_in_color.jpg
“Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse in color” by Barney Elliott; The Camera Shop
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America Fresh Oil New Wine 2015 Friendship Healing Living It Out In Real Time Spiritual Warfare The Big Event The Life of Faith Through The Looking Glass

Sleepy In Seattle

seattle-skyline

On April 13, baggage handler Willa Junior dozed off in the cargo hold of a Boeing 737 while working his job at a Seattle airport. Junior was awakened abruptly when a piece of baggage hit him in the head, and he was faced with darkness, engine noise, and the feeling that the plane was ascending.

He tried to call his company, but they thought it was a prank call.

He tried to call 911, but his call was cut off.

He then began banging on the ceiling of the cargo hold, which was heard by the plane’s passengers directly above him.

The plane was forced to return to the Seattle airport to release its sleep-deprived captive from the cargo hold — alive, and probably quite embarrassed.

On March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into the sea. At the time, this was the worst oil spill in United States history (eclipsed in 2010 by the Deepwater Horizon spill). Allegedly, the Valdez spill was caused by the ship’s third-mate falling asleep at the helm, causing the tanker to leave the shipping lanes, and run aground on Bligh Reef.

In the Bible, we find the story of Jonah. In his attempt to run from God, he boarded a ship. While asleep in the hold, God sent a mighty storm to stop the fleeing prophet. Being awakened, and realizing the storm was on his account, Jonah instructed the crew to throw him into the sea (see the book of Jonah).

We find the disciples asleep in Jesus’ hour of need, at the very time He needed them to watch and pray (see Matthew 26:36-46).

SleeperSleep deprivation can have horrific results. These stories are just a miniscule sampling of the thousands of instances of someone falling “asleep at the wheel”, and being met with tragedy. Countless car accidents, plane crashes, and other disasters have been caused because someone dozed off at their post, with tragic results.

In our nation and our world, the Church is suffering from spiritual sleep deprivation…

We have forsaken the diligent study of God’s Word for entertainment and lullaby religion.

We have allowed our prayer-times to devolve into blessings at dinner time, and fox-hole, final exam, and health-crisis pleadings.

We have fallen asleep in the Watchtower of Righteous-Indignation, and allowed the voices of immorality, narcissism, self-indulgence, and anti-Christianity to storm the walls and drown out the sound of the Good News of Jesus.

We who are alive in Christ must engage this culture if we are going to change it. The liberal agenda in our nation is making no bones about changing the fabric this country was built on, making room for no dissenting opinions, and taking no prisoners. As those who have come out of darkness and into the light of God’s love, it is up to us to make our voices heard, in the churchhouse, the schoolhouse, and the statehouse. We must put feet to faith, reach the ears of our detractors with truth, and reach their hearts with love-based action. As the late Keith Green pointed out, “God bless you, be at peace…’ just doesn’t cut it with a world that is starving for truth, looking for love, and dying from self-inflicted misery.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.” 

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ~ Ephesians 5:8-16

So how do we do this? How do we stand against the waves opposition and persecution we are seeing today?

  • Come together. There is an old adage that there is strength in numbers. It’s time for the church to pull together, cross denominational and cultural barriers within the Body, and stand on the truth of God’s Word. It’s time we stop “forsaking the assembling of ourselves”, and stand side-by-side against the tide of public perception and political correctness.
  • Speak the truth in love. Anyone can be a shrill voice of dissention. It takes well-grounded, Spirit-filled minds and hearts to thoughtfully, intelligently, and truthfully vocalize Biblical opposition to the deception overtaking our nation and give an answer for the hope we have.
  • Live it. Talk is cheap, and costs nothing. It is in living out our convictions, particularly when it is uncomfortable or costs us something, that our critics take notice, our adversaries are silenced, and we make a difference in the world. It’s not enough to simply talk about Jesus’ love if we are not going to put feet to faith, and make our presence known in a very real, very tangible way in our neighborhoods, communities, counties, and world.

So get involved! Find a way to make a difference. Open your eyes to those around you, and touch the life of someone who has no way to repay you. Let that be a start… the seed to greater things for the Kingdom of God.

Every great oak began as an acorn.

Every great idea began in the mind of someone brave enough to dream, and bold enough to think they could succeed…

And with the God of the universe in your corner, you can too!

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Fresh Oil New Wine 2015 Living It Out In Real Time Spiritual Warfare The Big Event The Life of Faith Through The Looking Glass

Unleash The Greatness Within YOU!

 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. ~ 1 John 4:4

  • Born into privilege, “Copperknob” (as he came to be nicknamed because of his red hair) was born into British aristocracy. Spending much of his childhood being raised by people other than his parents, he was independent and rebellious, and although an obviously smart child, made poor grades in school. Suffering from a speech impediment he worked hard to overcome, his life was a series of successes and setbacks.

Sir_Winston_S_ChurchillAfter years of public service, and suffering from a severely damaged reputation, he went into exile. However, with a world in crisis, he returned to the public eye, and became Prime Minister of Great Britain at the age of 65, leading his nation through its darkest hours and on to victory against the Nazi regime. He famously said…

…We shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.

He was Winston Churchill.

  • In 1919, while segregation was alive and well in the South, a boy was born to the daughter of a former slave. After the boy’s father left when he was just a few months old, the boy’s mother Mallie moved, with her five children, to California.

Jackie_Robinson_1945As Mallie’s boy grew, he experienced the racial hatred still aflame, even in California, in the 1920’s. However, Mallie’s example of diligence, hard work, and kindness, as well as her faith, lighted the way for her son. Overcoming the hurdles of a racially divided nation, Mallie’s boy worked hard to become a fine athlete, excelling in multiple sports including football, track, basketball, and baseball. Although he had minor brushes with authorities, the Christian values instilled in him by a good mother and other Godly adult role models kept him on the (fairly) “straight and narrow”.

After a period of playing semipro football, as well as serving honorably in the United States Army, “Jackrabbit” — as he came to be nicknamed — accepted an offer to play baseball in the Negro National League. His exceptional ability on the diamond attracted the attention of an older gentleman…

Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

“Jackrabbit” Jackie Roosevelt Robinson overcame the obstacles of hatred and racism to become the first African-American to play major league baseball, receiving awards and accolades, a world championship, and the Medal of Freedom (posthumously awarded to him in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan).

We all have untapped potential. We all have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. It doesn’t matter if you are born into wealth and prestige, or come from humble beginnings — we all have the potential for greatness.

“How is that?” you say.

It just stands to reason that, if He is great and greatly to be praised, and we are made in His image, we have the potential for greatness as well. So what does it take to unleash that greatness? What does it take to tap into that untapped potential?

It takes courage. Venturing into the unknown takes courage. It is no small thing to go into uncharted territory, personally or professionally. Churchill had the weight and fate of Britain on his shoulders. Jackie Robinson was breaking down the wall of racism in professional sports at a time when vitriol and hate against people of color were in full swing. It takes courage to go down a path no one has traveled, where the path is neither clear nor well-lit.

It takes commitment. Although he faced criticism and opposition, Churchill was committed to his nation, and the principles of freedom that Britain stood for. Jackie Robinson had to be committed enough to, not just baseball, but the vision that Branch Rickey had, that he was willing to look beyond the physical and emotional abuse, threats, and ridicule he incurred for the sake of an ideal bigger than he was. Being committed to your calling is vital to see your vision through to the end.

It takes Christ. Sure, there are plenty of people out there with lots of success who do not believe the tenants of Christ. But in the end, only what is done for Christ will last. Only what is done for God will stand the test beyond time, and still matter when the hands of time have stopped.

We are put on this earth for but a moment, compared with the eternity that awaits us… it’s best that we don’t waste that moment. God has called you to something bigger than yourself, but you’ve got to make the decision to get into the game if you are going to make a difference. In the words of Jackie Robinson…

Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.

In 1997, amidst much fanfare, Jackie Robinson’s number 42 was retired from major league baseball.

When eternity looks back on the race you have run, will your number be retired?

Will you fight the good fight of faith?

Will the sound of your accomplishments echo through eternity?

Will you hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant“?

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Fresh Oil New Wine 2015 Living It Out In Real Time Spiritual Warfare The Big Event Through The Looking Glass

Be Excellent!

Looking Glass

Pat Riley, former coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, knows something about excellence. Having won one NBA Championship as a player, and five as a coach (four with the Lakers, and one with the Miami Heat), he had this to say about excellence…

Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.

People who rest on their laurels or believe their own press seldom achieve little more than fleeting success. Those who reach a point at which they become satisfied with their past accomplishments, and rest on past glory are usually left on the shoulder on the highway of progress, and soon become spectators of this Great Race we call Life. Those who spend their lives working for the applause of others are foreign to the loneliness of what it means to be a pioneer, or are unfamiliar with the solitude that comes from being on the cutting edge.

It’s the NBA star who was once the 12-year-old kid, shooting countless free-throws in his driveway.

It’s the inventor who went through hundreds (or thousands) of failed designs before he found the one that worked.

It’s the musician who practiced for thousands of hours in an empty room before playing the first note in a concert before thousands.

It’s the medical professional, who spent lonely years studying what it means to hold life in their hands.

As Christians, we are held to a higher standard…

      Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:12-14

      And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.. ~ Colossians 3:23-25

Paul shows us that his goal was to keep moving forward, that there is a prize that awaits those who diligently follow after Jesus. Paul makes it clear that excellence is a constant journey that is only achieved by continually moving forward. As believers in Christ, our excellence should be evident to all, for it stands to echo into eternity.

The great Vince Lombardi once said…

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.

If perfection is our goal, than excellence is within reach.

However, if “good enough” is our standard of success, then we will survive in a nondescript existence of mediocrity and obscurity.

I just think the King of Glory is worthy of more than that… don’t you?