Tag: Ron Phillips

Categories
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…

Categories
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

Categories
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.

Categories
America

A Middle East In Turmoil

KS77759Normally, my intent in blogging is to encourage and strengthen those who follow The Heart of Abba. However, there are those times when I feel it is important to discuss current events and unreported information, particularly when it pertains to events unfolding in the Middle East.

Today is one of those times.

There is startling, disturbing, and unreported information (except through a few outlets such as Glenn Beck’s, The Blaze) coming out of the Middle East and Egypt. I believe that it is important for all of us to understand what is going on, to understand the times we are living in, and to make informed decisions about the people and governments that we support, at home and around the world.

First of all, the arrest of former Egyptian president Morsi happened because he suspended the new Egyptian Constitution, and instituted Sharia Law. His followers declared open season on the Christians living in Egypt. Even though much more has happened, we know that last Friday (August 16th… the Muslim Holy Day), Muslim Brotherhood thugs burned 50 Christian churches, killed approximately 600 Christians, raped two teenage Christian sisters, beheaded a statue of the Virgin Mary, and burned dozens of businesses owned by Christians. The Egyptian military has stepped in, and is now trying to locate, arrest, and punish members of the now-illegal Muslim Brotherhood. Some friends of mine in Cairo have informed me that Morsi , supported by the Muslim Brotherhood, actually stole the election through fear and intimidation of voters.

It is important to remember that this man (Morsi) was supported by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the present administration, Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and John Kerry (D-MA). Democrats and Republican leaders alike declared that the Muslim Brotherhood would be friends and allies, and touted the glories of the “Arab Spring”.

Once again, we see a total lack of understanding on the part of bureaucrats in regard to the fanatical nature of extreme Islam.

Having made 25 trips to the Middle East, I have many Muslim friends who love peace, but they also are intimidated, and live in fear of extremist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.

The truth and reality of the matter is that radical Islam must be met with force.

Right now, the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al-Qaeda desire to take over Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and all of North Africa, thus having Israel completely surrounded. The only hope we have to stop a massive slaughter of Christians, Jews, and Alawi (and other moderate) Muslims in the Middle East is a strong military response similar to the one we see in Egypt, and (although it is disputed) even in Syria. Christians in these Middle Eastern countries are begging for help, and for the West to support the military as it tries to protect them from these extremists.

If America chooses to side with the Muslim Brotherhood and Morsi, Egypt will become another Sudan, where tens of thousands of Christians were slaughtered while the West looked on silently.

Would you please join me in prayer for these dear people, many of whom are our Christian brothers and sisters? But beyond praying, would you put your faith into action and advise your own legislators to support the military in Egypt as it tries to restore constitutional government and democracy to that land?

Categories
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

Categories
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.

Categories
America Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God The Secret Place

Are You Cashing-In?

Why are so many people unhappy?

In his article, A New Year – A New Life, Steve Shepherd gave his idea of a perfect world. He said:

“In a perfect world you would feel as good at 60 as you did at 17. And you would be as smart at 60 as you thought you were at 17.
In a perfect world professional basketball, baseball, and football players would be complaining because schoolteachers were signing multi-million dollar contracts.
In a perfect world potato chips would have calories, but if eaten with dip, the calories would be neutralized.
In a perfect world, mail would always be early, and the check in the mail would always be for more than you expected it to be.”

KS77810In our own Declaration of Independence, we are guaranteed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.

“… The pursuit of happiness.”

I think our Founding Fathers may have understood that, while man may have the power to allow others to pursue happiness, the only one who can guarantee true happiness is God.

So… why are so many people unhappy?

A big part of it could be a misunderstanding of what prosperity is. While in some religious circles prosperity has been saddled with negative connotations, in the Bible, prosperity is very positive, and denotes much more than a financial position.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. ~ III John 1:2

In God’s economy, prosperity goes so far beyond financial success and multiplied possessions. Plenty of miserable people have those things. True soul prosperity (III John 1:2) is born out of listening to Godly counsel (Psalm 1:1), maintaining a vital connection with the LORD (Psalm 1:2), recognizing prosperity’s purpose in your life, and maintaining a healthy balance in all we do (Psalm 1:3).

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.

Yes, every single morning.

However, there’s a catch: Every dollar that is left by the end of the business day is debited. Whatever you failed to use by the end of the day is gone, unable to be recovered.

So what would you do? I would imagine that you would draw out every penny.

The fact is, each of us has such a bank. The bank is called “LIFE” and it’s currency is “TIME”.

Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the day’s deposits… the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the “tomorrow.” You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success!

The clock is running… it is your future.

Make the most of today.

Be sure to join me this coming Sunday as I continue my series Seven Words That Work Wonders. Service starts at 10:30a.m. To watch live, click here.

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

Let The Moon Light Your Way

Through the Looking GlassFrom the beginning of time, the sun and moon have always served to light our way. While the sun lights the day, giving life and light to everything on the earth, the moon lights the night, reflecting the sun’s light toward the parts of the earth facing the cold and dark of space. Though not as bright as the sun, in the absence of any other light, it dispels the darkness and lights our way until the dawning of a new day.

This is an amazing picture of our relationship, not just to God, but to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sometimes, when our way seems darkest and we feel like we are a million miles from the presence of God, all we have to do is cling to the encouragement, love, direction, and “reflected light” coming from our Christian family. We can lean on the love of Jesus — shining through others– until the direct light of God is once again evident to us.

Are you having trouble seeing the Son?

Just remember… In the darkest of nights, there is a lot to be said for allowing the moon to light your way.

Categories
Through The Looking Glass

The Blame Game

Through the Looking GlassYogi Berra once made this statement:

“I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?”

This seems to be the 21st century mindset: “I’ll blame others because this can’t be My fault!” We see this mentality rampant in the news, and in our society…

“All of these tornadoes are because of man-made global warming.”

“The reason I’ve had all of these problems in my life is because of my parents.”

“My client knows what he did was wrong, but can’t be held responsible. After all, he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.”

Sometimes we have to take responsibility for our wrong choices. Sometimes, bad things happen, and there is nothing we can do about that. All we can do is change the things we can change, and trust God regarding the things we can’t.

While Jesus did promise we’d face trouble, He also made us another promise…

“I have overcome the world”.

By trusting Him today, YOU can become an overcomer as well.