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…
If 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.
Wow!
Words 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.
“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.
Thank 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!
Throughout 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.
If 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!!!
In the 1939 film classic, The Wizard of Oz, let’s recall a scene from early in the movie. Dorothy has just arrived in Oz, having unwittingly made the Wicked Witch of the East her impromptu landing pad. When her disgruntled and ill-tempered sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, inquires as to the whereabouts of the magical ruby slippers, she watches in horror as the slippers mysteriously disappear from the feet of her deceased sister, and appear on the feet of the unsuspecting Dorothy, the meek and simple farm-girl from Kansas.
Well, Toto… we’re not in Kansas anymore. Rewind thousands of years, back to before the dawn of time.
Lucifer is serving as the “anointed cherub” in the very Presence of God. He was visually stunning beyond belief. Music emanated from his very being. He is “all that”, and if you don’t think so, just ask him…
You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” ~ Isaiah 14:13-14
Because of his pride, Lucifer is cast out of the Presence of God. Because of his arrogance, he goes from being “Lucifer… Angel #1”, to “Satan… Public Enemy #1”.
To add insult to injury, God takes the dust of the ground and forms a man, stating…
“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… ” ~ Genesis 1:26a
So man was created in the image of God. Just like the Creator, we, “the created”, are an eternal trinity…
With our bodies, we are “world conscious”.
With our souls (mind), we are self-conscious.
With our spirit, we have the capacity to be God-conscious.
However, there was a down side, and Adam and Eve succeeded in finding it in fairly short order. Being made in the likeness of God meant having a free-will. When Adam sinned by disobeying God, humanity was plunged into a death-spiral. Man is now a creature subject to death…
Immediately in spirit.
Progressively in soul (mind).
Ultimately in body.
But hold on! When Jesus, the “second Adam” came into the world, the sinless Son of God dying for the sins of all mankind, He made it possible for man to be saved…
Immediately in spirit.
Progressively in soul (mind).
Ultimately in body.
Furthermore, we were created, not just in the image of God, but as vessels and instruments of praise to God…
“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.” ~ Psalm 100
Like the treasured ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz, God took the very thing that Lucifer desired (God’s image), as well as what set him apart (his ability for worship), and endowed lowly man with these precious gifts.
The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord,
Searching all the inner depths of his heart. ~ Proverbs 20:27
I was watching The History Channel as they explored the Theory of Evolution. A contemporary and friend of Darwin opposed him on evolution between species, especially man. On this show scientists said that man, as he is now, could not have evolved as we are today. Their answer is aliens from outer space planted a DNA 6 – 10,000 years ago! Darwin’s contemporary said perhaps a spirit out of another world or realm planted man. They focused on man’s reason and his ability to speak. The human larynx could not have evolved from other hominids or apes!
They are right, but it wasn’t “a” spirit… it was “the” Holy Spirit; not “from” another world, but the Creator of this one. We aren’t the product of chance or an evolutionary “roll-of-the-dice”. We are the very image of a Divine Creator, Who spoke everything forth from nothing more than the sound of His voice. We are more than just another species of animal, driven by primal desire. We are more than just another organism, no different than any other creature crawling around in the muck and mire of a fallen world.
We are the candles that, if we choose, burn with the very fire of God. When we allow the “Consuming Fire” that is God (Heb. 12:29) to consume us, He lights within us a passion that is unquenchable, unstoppable, and unmistakable. Just as a candle is no good without fire, we must have the fire of God burning within us to ignite His passion and His power to affect this world.
Do you want to find out how embracing the fire of the Holy Spirit will give you the mind of Christ? Do you want to know how to take that “personal” passion and change the world?
Join me at Abba’s House this Sunday at 10:30a.m., or watch us online by clicking here.
How many times have you seen someone give their all to a pursuit, only to come up short? We see it all the time…
A thriving business that ends up failing due to bad decisions, mismanagement, and financial chaos;
An actor who receives accolades for a performance, wins an Academy Award, then falls into obscurity;
An athlete or team that wins contest after contest, only to fail when it really matters. (Remember the New England Patriots 2007 season – they were undefeated going into Super Bowl XLII, only to lose to the New York Giants.)
But worse than coming up short in a contest or personal pursuit is someone who makes a conscious decision for defeat… someone who makes a decision not to take advantage of every opportunity, resource, or gift available to them.
† D.L.Moody was NOT such a person. D.L. Moody, the founder of many establishments including Moody Bible Institute, was a man who refused to operate without the power of the Holy Spirit. Early in his ministry he pushed forward in his work, operating mostly in the strength of his own flesh. He felt he had no real power in his life, but he didn’t know how to resolve the problem.
At the close of his meetings in a YMCA, two humble Free Methodist women often approached him and said, “We are praying for you.” Their comment unnerved the young preacher. Finally, one night upon their approach, he asked, “Why are you praying for me? Why don’t you pray for the unsaved?”
They responded, “We are praying that you may get the power.” He asked them what they meant, and they proceeded to explain to him the definite baptism of the Holy Spirit. He then prayed with the women, fervently desiring the power of God to fall on his life.
Not long after that prayer, as he was walking in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the streets of New York, the power of God fell upon Moody so mightily that he had to turn aside to the house of a friend. There, alone in a room for hours, he experienced the filling of his soul with such joy that he at last had to ask God to withhold His hand. He went out from there with the power of the Spirit upon him, and going directly to a London crusade, he saw God do a wondrous work through him, bringing hundreds into the church.¹
I could write pages and pages of the men of God who have experienced the filling of the Spirit, such as Charles Spurgeon, Billy Sunday, Charles Finney, and Evan Roberts, the Welsh evangelist. However, God’s power is not just for great preachers of the faith. It is God’s desire for all Christians to know the power of the Holy Spirit upon them.
† From my book, The Essential Guide to Baptism in the Holy Spirit Published by Charisma House
¹ R.A. Torrey, “Why God Used D.L. Moody”, in James S. Bell, ed., The D.L. Moody Collections (Chicago: Moody Press, 1997), 116-117
As I sit in my office contemplating the last year, I am overwhelmed by a profound sense of thanksgiving. At this time a year ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, recovering from open heart surgery.
As many of you may (or may not) know, a year ago things were very different in my life. After more than a week of exhibiting some very serious symptoms, my family, staff, and friends began voicing their concerns. My son, Ronnie Jr., had been out of the country preaching, and while he was away, had a heavy burden for me. He and his host pastor prayed and interceded for my life, and upon returning home, tried to convince me to go see my doctor. Reluctantly, I did so, and was diagnosed with “severe sleep apnea”. However, that diagnosis did not quell the stirring of the Spirit for those concerned about me.
On that Friday, I was taken to the emergency room, but everything was deemed “normal”, and they sent me home. Now, anyone who knows anything about Spiritual Warfare has heard of “generational curses” or “generational demons”. I believe that generational demons can play a strong role in our lives if we fail to recognize their patterns and method of working. Looking back on my case, this is very obvious… my own father was sent to the emergency room twice the week he died. Both times he was sent home, being told he was okay. A couple of days later, he was gone – at the age of 69.
After being released from the ER, Ronnie and I had a couple of discussions. He was still concerned, but I tried to assuage his fears. I had speaking appointments, a church to shepherd, and much to do. Going in for medical tests – being poked and prodded by doctors and nurses – just did not fit into my schedule. In frustration, Ronnie contacted a dear friend of mine by the name of Ron. He asked Ron to talk to me, and try to convince me to go have some tests done.
On Sunday, April 15, Ron spoke to me, and convinced me to change my plans. I was actually scheduled to leave the next day for Louisiana to speak in the very area where my ministry began. After hearing the concerns of my best friend, my son, and others, I decided to cancel my trip, and go for the tests. On Tuesday, Ron picked me up and took me to the hospital for a stress test…
I failed miserably.
As the providence of God would have it, when I failed the stress test, my cardiologist just happened to be there. Two nurses in the room who “just happened to be Christians” immediately laid hands on me and began to pray. The doctor immediately took preventive measures, admitted me, and sent me for an arteriogram. It was at this point they discovered that I had extensive blockages – what doctors term “the Widow Maker”. Among others, I had a 4cm blockage (100%) in my main artery.
Now, what makes my trip to Louisiana significant is that I was going to the very place (the 9th Ward) where my ministry began… a place and time of poverty, struggle, and depression for my family. I firmly believe that the enemy was taking me back there to kill me, for had I not had those tests, the doctors believe I would have been dead within hours.
I was put into intensive care, and they proceeded with surgery the next morning. I came through the bypass surgery and was put into recovery. It was during my time in recovery that I had a sensation that I was choking, and I heard the voice of the devil tell me, “I’m going to kill you!” But before fear even had a chance to take hold, I heard the voice of an angel say, “You’re a liar!” It was then that I saw a golden blanket descend on me. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me that this blanket was my prayer cover. I went back to sleep, and woke up to the beautiful face of my wife telling me everything was ok, and that I had made it through.
They moved me back to the intensive care unit, where I noticed one nurse in particular who seemed to be there a lot, almost like a guardian angel. She was working a double shift, and I came to learn that her father had come to a saving knowledge of Jesus toward the end of his life through the ministry of Ron Phillips from Abba’s House. This kind nurse said that the Lord told her to take care of me, and even though hooked up to wires and tubes, I had the opportunity to pray with her.
Over the next few days, God gave me the opportunity to rediscover the joy of the simple things in life – things like getting to sit up in a chair, walk down the hallway, or carry on a conversation with a friend. There is so much in life we take for granted.
My experience was a wake-up call. While I have made a living and lifetime out of feeding my mind and spirit on the things of God, I failed to take very good care of the “earthly temple” that God entrusted to my care. However, I have learned that living a “life more abundantly” is all inclusive… body, mind, and spirit.
Top image: Just prior to surgery Bottom image: December, 2012 (8 months later)
It’s now April, 2013, and I feel very thankful to be alive. I am thankful for the life God has given me, and for the second chance at being the best husband, father, grandfather, friend, and pastor that I can be. I am thankful for morning cups of coffee, looking at the sunrise, and making the most of the life God has blessed me with.
God has slowed me down a little, but not in a bad way. He has just made me more observant, has taught me to listen more to others, and care about what affects them. He has taught me to look for the lonely and hurting, and to take the time to hear what they are saying, not just be an advice-giver.
I am looking forward to many more years serving the King, listening to His voice, and sharing His Good News with anyone with an ear to hear.
A short photo-album of our mission trip to the Dominican Republic…
Some of the crowd gathered to hear Pastor Ronnie Jr. preach the word at the baseball stadium.Another shot of the crowd. An estimated 11,000 attended the first night of the crusade, with around 1,000 praying to receive Christ.My friend, Pastor Bob Vineyard, ministering to a local pastor at the Pastor’s Conference in Cien Fuegos.Three generations of Ron Phillips. My grandson Trey (Ron Phillips III), Ronnie Jr, and me. Such a blessing to get to minister with both of them (Trey read the Scripture the opening night of the crusade).Pastor Ronnie Jr. bringing the word on the second night of the crusade. In spite of the rain, approximately 5,000 braved the weather to get a touch from God.A young lady holding up two of the three books the team gave to all in attendance. The one on the left is my book, A God-Sized Future, translated into Spanish.The young lady on my left was crippled and using the walker I am holding up. We prayed, and she walked out of there healed! Hallelujah!!Ministry time. The crowd pressing in to be prayed for.Here I am, speaking at the Pastor’s Conference in Cien Fuegos. Nearly 100 pastors came to be ministered to at the conference.A local pastor and translator, Pastor Mike, and me. This brother has an amazing story and a wonderful heart.On our last day there, we ran into John, a new friend and viewer from South Carolina.My friend Dr. Randall Collins ministering at the Pastor’s Conference.The Landfill. A garbage landfill encompassing hundreds of acres. Hundreds of people come here to scavenge for food, as well as hunt for items they may be able to resell for money. Many of the children at the Abba’s House Children’s Center were rescued from this life, and are now fed and educated at the Center.Me, Pastor Jose Rodriquez (Abba’s House, Dominican Republic), and Pastor Ronnie Jr. with some of the children from the Abba’s House Children’s Center.Our team with the some of the children from the Abba’s House Children’s Center in Cien Fuegos, Dominican Republic.Pastor Mike and I praying for one of the attendees of the Pastor’s Conference.Pastor Sammy Wilson ministering at the Conference.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words…
If these images stir your heart and spirit, and you would like to learn more about how you can become a part, click here.
We spent our last day visiting the Abba’s House Children’s Center in Cien Fuegos. We arrived to a group of smiling faces, full of energy and excited to greet new visitors. From the first moment there, you could not help but fall in love with these wonderful children. The center is run by Pastor Jose Rodriguez and his wife Anyolina, a ministry we have adopted and that now serves as the official Abba’s House representative in the Dominican Republic. The center feeds and teaches over 100 of these precious little ones every day, and we are excited about the plans for their future, and the possibilities of feeding and ministering to even more in months to come. Jeremiah 29:11 says that God know the plans He has for us… good plans for a future filled with hope. We believe that God is going to do great things through the ministry of Pastor Jose, and use him to offer a bright future to many children.
While we were at the center, a small group from the team went to “the landfill”. What they saw there broke their hearts. The landfill is an actual landfill where the garbage and refuse from all over Santiago is brought and dumped. It encompasses hundreds of acres, and is filled with flies, stray dogs, cattle (and the waste they bring), and hundreds of people – many of them children – who scavenge for food, as well as discarded items that they might be able to resell. Almost ALL of the children from the Children’s Center were rescued from this very life, but there are so many more to rescue.
After our visits, it was time to get ready for the final crusade. What had been a beautiful day became cloudy, and while we were on the way to the stadium, the bottom fell out. It poured, turning the infield of the stadium into a muddy mess. Still, it did not deter thousands from coming to get a fresh touch from God, and find healing and deliverance at the foot of the cross. I shared the pulpit with Pastor Ronnie Jr. as we told the story of Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood, and raising Jarius’s daughter from the dead.
Pastor Ronnie gave an invitation for salvation, and many, many people prayed to receive Christ. He then gave an invitation for those wanting to be healed. Hundreds of people flocked to the stage to be prayed for. Our team, as well as local pastors prayed for those who came forward. The pastors then gathered at the front of the stage, and we prayed a blessing over about 100 of them.
This has been a glorious trip, and I want to just say a word of thanks to all of you who lifted us up in prayer. Your prayers were felt every step of the way, and encourage us to look forward with great anticipation to what God is going to do in the future in Cien Fuegos.
Funny? I don’t remember moving to Seattle.
The Heart of Abba - Ron Phillips 