EASY AND LIGHT CHRISTIANITY: When Jesus said that His yoke is easy and burden is light, He was describing Christian’s life that follows Him. If I were to live a life of sin, I’d be taking on Satan’s yoke and burden, and it would only lead to hardship and heaviness. If I just live for… [Read more…]
April 5, 2010
What is faith? Jesus talked about faith saying it was like mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). Jesus said that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, it would move mountains. Faith seems so simple and it is easy to underestimate, but it can do a whole lot more than you think it can!… [Read more…]
March 17, 2010
In the Old Covenant, the Lord spoke to the nation and promised them victory before they fought. Moses would wait for God to speak to Him about whether God would give them the victory or not, and then, God would speak to Moses and promise victory, and Moses would lead Israel. The Lord would speak… [Read more…]
January 19, 2010
(In Genesis 8:22), God told Noah that there would always be seasons on earth. I believe that in the spiritual sense as well there are seasons that we go through. It is important to understand which season we are in. You shouldn’t be planting in the winter, you are supposed to be storing before the… [Read more…]
December 22, 2009
Majoring on the Majors When we talk about the message of the cross, we are majoring on the majors of the Scriptures, not the minors. When Paul hung out with the Corinthian church, ministering day after day, month after month, for a year and a half, Paul taught the Corinthians the Word of God (Acts… [Read more…]
December 15, 2009
In remembering the parable of the sower that Jesus taught, I asked the Lord to melt away the rocks in my heart. The rocks are the what keeps the Word of God from going deep and bearing long lasting fruit. This is what the Lord spoke to me, “Because it is the heart that I… [Read more…]
September 29, 2008
Christians-especially Charismatics- have a tendency to keep score with others, to compete with others, and compare ourselves. We become all about who has more points. Who prays more, prophesies best, sees healings most often, had the most clearest visions and the most profound dreams, and lives holiest. While we keep score, we become: 1) motivated by the score,… [Read more…]
September 30, 2008
How often have you seen kids trying to get their parents attention, while parents are ignoring the kids, so the kid starts believing from a tender age: “there are people more important than me!” We carry that into our relationship with God and think, there are some people more important to God than me. God… [Read more…]
September 30, 2008
(Luke 18:9-14) We see the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee was counting score. He was well aware of how much he fasted, how much money he gave into the offering, and how much he sacrificed for God. His prayer was grounded upon his score. His confidence was rooted in his score. He was… [Read more…]
October 9, 2008
(shared on Sunday -Sept. 14. 2008) Introduction: There is an Old and New Testament in your Bible. The Old Testament presents the Old Covenant. The New Testament presents the New Covenant. We are living under the NC as NT Believers. There are so many benefits for you living under the NC! The NC is… [Read more…]
October 9, 2008
Shared on Sunday- (OCTOBER 5, 2008) No More Counting Score Christians-especially Charismatic Christians seem to have a tendency to keep score with each other, to compete with each other, and compare our selves to each other. We tend to focus too much on who has more points. Who prays more, who prophesies best, who knows the Bible… [Read more…]
October 22, 2008
Introduction: God? Technology has been changing rapidly in the last 10 years. We went from Discmans (portable CD players) to I-pods, from the pager to the I-Phone. Technology is not the only thing that’s been shifting, culture has too: from Modernism to Post-modernism. In America, the word marriage is on the verge of… [Read more…]
October 22, 2008
(Deuteronomy 13:1-5): How does God test us? “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and… [Read more…]
October 23, 2008
I want to address a couple issues: How do we humbly handle compliments? Is there a difference between compliments and encouragement? I’ll start with the second question and as I answer the second, I’ll have already answered the first. Encouragement: Affirms who you are in Christ! Compliments: Affirms what you do or what you… [Read more…]
October 26, 2008
Gracious people are those who understand grace. Religious people are those who understand religion. What’s the difference between grace and religion? Religion starts with Humans. Religion is about humans trying to reach God through their works and ability. Grace starts with God. Grace is about God trying to reach humans through His work and His ability.… [Read more…]
October 28, 2008
4.13.08 I have a burden in my heart for our church and myself: we must come to a greater awareness of, appreciation for, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Every week, when I share something, I share something I have this burning hope. It’s this: first, that God would stir up your heart, and… [Read more…]
October 28, 2008
2.24.08 How many of you have seen restaurants with grades on them: grade A, B, C? By law, every restaurant must publicly post their grade. How do they get their grade? They are examined by these food inspectors. The food inspectors have an evaluation sheet- it’s a list of about a hundred. Such as:… [Read more…]
October 28, 2008
3.2.08 We’ve been talking about eternity. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) tells us that God’s put eternity in our hearts. Deep inside, we know there is more to life than this. We crave for eternity- we could try to ignore that craving or suppress that craving, but it’s there. Because eternity is in our hearts, our hearts will… [Read more…]
October 28, 2008
3.10.08 Do you consider yourself a negative person? Is your outlook on life negative and pessimistic? Since I was a child, I was a pretty negative person. I was always frowning and my parents would always say, “Stop frowning.” But, I was always frowning because I was a negative thinker. A Negative Person and… [Read more…]
October 28, 2008
“Our obedience and holiness are possible only by the unceasing faith in His power ever working in us.” -Andrew Murray, “Covenants and Blessings.” p. 41 With the uprising of impurity in our world and even churches today, there is a cry for greater holiness! Many times, how the topic of holiness is approached is: TRY… [Read more…]
October 22, 2008
Stage 1) TRUE BELIEVERS WHO ARE UNITED AND FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: “They were joined together constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14) “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4) Stage 2) COMMUNITY AND CULTURE: The church was a community and they formed a new culture, they reflected the culture of their… [Read more…]
October 29, 2008
The Book of Galatians is about the battle between our flesh and our Spirit. Especially by chapter 5- it goes into specifics and tells of the fruit of the flesh verses the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is of course: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, meekness, and self control… [Read more…]
September 29, 2008
The topic that will be addressed is life-changing to say the least. It has transformed the way I view God, view self, and view the world. It is so simple that it might come across as foolish. But, God uses the “foolish things of this… [Read more…]
October 22, 2008
“But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the… [Read more…]
October 17, 2008
Jan. 2007 Grace is a Language: Grace is a language: Just like any language, there are those who will understand it, and there are those who won’t. Only those who begin to understand it, will be able to speak it. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)… [Read more…]
September 30, 2008
Remember the story of Job. The story starts with God bragging about Job before the sons of God saying, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8) We quickly find out that Job was… [Read more…]
November 1, 2008
The Key to Spiritual Power is: Pay the price! Fast 40 days! That is what I used to think. I would look around at Christians and make judgments: “She really paid the price, I’ll listen to her!” “He didn’t even pay the price, I won’t listen to him!” By price, I thought about fasting- because… [Read more…]
November 3, 2008
The Law of God was given to Moses to reveal the holiness and perfection of God. The Law of God is perfect, but it does not make people perfect. The Law demanded, but couldn’t enable. The Law is counter-productive. Legalism is always counter-productive! Are you legalistic towards others or yourself? There are legalistic churches, where… [Read more…]
November 4, 2008
Willow Creek Community Church invested much time and effort to put together an excellent survey on what is actually helping people to grow spiritually. They interviewed believers, many churches, and church members. They found out astonishing truths. What stood out to me was the answer to this question: “What was the most effective tool for… [Read more…]
November 6, 2008
More than 80% of Americans would describe Christian life as “trying hard to do what God commands.” - Kinnaman, David. ”Un-Christian” page 51 Many would think the Christianity suffocates a person, and only those with incredible self-discipline can live up to the extravagant pressures. Churches have been so concerned about their people doing right that 2/3 of… [Read more…]
November 6, 2008
Christianity is not a jail cell, it’s an airplane! It doesn’t trap you so you can’t enjoy life, but it enhances life and enables you to do what you couldn’t do on your own and go where you couldn’t go on your own! When I got saved and stepped into Christ, everything changed. I was… [Read more…]
November 6, 2008
Christian life is only hard if all Jesus does for you is saves you, then leaves you, and then comes back to get you after you die. If that’s the case, I don’t think I could survive! But that’s not the truth! He saves us, and is always with us. He’s given us His Holy… [Read more…]
November 6, 2008
When you sin that means you are sick and need a doctor. Jesus is the Doctor- we need to turn to. He’s not the Punisher- we are should avoid. Jesus referred to himself the Physician for the sick (Matt. 9:12). Why would Jesus punish you for your sick heart and sin, when He was punished… [Read more…]
November 6, 2008
God’s unconditional love and grace is not permission to sin, but permission to love God, permission to trust God, permission to desire holiness, permission to be courageous in waring against sin, and it’s permission to never give up! I have permission!
November 5, 2008
Rahab was a prostitute who was commended for having great faith. Not just that, but she was chosen to be in the selective list of Hebrews 11, known as the Hall of Faith. Her name is there with Moses, Noah, and other greats. Interesting enough, none of greats were perfect, but they were people of… [Read more…]
November 16, 2008
We are all connected God demanded that when the Israelites conquered the city of Jericho that nothing of gold, silver, and other precious items were to be taken because they all belonged to the “treasury of the Lord.” (Josh 6:19) Failure to obey would bring about a sure curse upon Israel. Even today, when a… [Read more…]
November 16, 2008
I used to think that it was me who initiated and God who responded. My mentality was: “I do…, then God does…”, “I pray and God moves”, “I give money and God gives back,” “I worship, God gives His presence!”, “I sacrifice, and then God gives blessings!”. However, now I realize that is an incomplete… [Read more…]
November 16, 2008
We must pray and admit out lack of strength and ask God for His strength. Every person who depends on God’s strength will do great things for God without pride, because a rational person does not self-glory in borrowed goods. We borrow God’s strength while on earth while we still carry our sinful nature. In… [Read more…]
November 16, 2008
What do you value in others? What makes someone valuable to you? Personality: Don’t people generally value those with good personalities over those with no personality or a bad personality? Talent: Don’t people generally value those who are really good at something over those who suck? Character: Don’t we value those with noble character than… [Read more…]
November 19, 2008
Introduction “Stop preaching at me mom!” Although preaching has in recent years lost it’s once held esteem, and has been related to unpleasant, relentless nagging; the historical truth is: preaching has transformed the lives of countless people of all ages and backgrounds. … [Read more…]
November 21, 2008
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) Jesus, if you strengthen, I can. Jesus, if you don’t strengthen, I can’t. Jesus, I ask you to strengthen me. Because I trust that you have answered my prayer, I will not put limits on myself, I will not put myself… [Read more…]
November 28, 2008
I remember when I just got into college, I just finished preaching to and praying for a group of senior citizens at an assisted living facility. That week, I was fortunate, because I was able to drag a friend out with me to lead worship. (I usually went alone) After our ministry, we debriefed about… [Read more…]
November 30, 2008
We live in a fallen world. We are standing in the middle of intense spiritual warfare over our souls. We have a flesh (a sinful nature) that punches like Mike Tyson. Then, there are all the people close to you, who are furthest from lovely or perfect. If that’s not enough, there are the burdensome… [Read more…]
November 28, 2008
(Mark 5:25-34) 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him… [Read more…]
November 29, 2008
Renowned Abortionist Becomes Pro-life Advocate Former European abortionist Stojan Adasevic has performed tens of thousands of abortions and now credits a heavenly dream for his conversion to a pro-life “apostle.” [11.25.08] Once known as the best abortionist in Belgrade, Serbia, having performed at least 48,000 abortions, Stojan Adasevic now says abortion is “satanic” and… [Read more…]
December 3, 2008
Many of these “fallen leaders” have started as sincere Christians- who experienced God’s transforming grace, and fell in love with Jesus. Then, they lost their first love, and found a new love- ministry. They gradually made the transition from being passionate worshippers to ministry machines. A high school student gets radically saved from a life… [Read more…]
December 3, 2008
Why are so many Christian stars falling? The bigger the get, the harder the seem to fall. The common denominator to the fallen Christian stars is that they were stars. We wouldn’t pay much attention or even have been able to read about these superstars unless they were elevated to celebrity status. Is the… [Read more…]
December 4, 2008
”Now these are the nations that the LORD left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before. These are the… [Read more…]
December 5, 2008
Written 2006 “Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, ‘The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides we saw the sons of Anakim there.’ Then I said to you, ’Do not be shocked, nor fear them. The Lord your… [Read more…]
December 12, 2008
PRAYER: ”Keep watching and praying lest you fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41) We have a choice: Fall on your knees and pray to God or fall prey to Satan. Fall on your face or fall into disgrace. From this verse, the Spirit of God says to me: If you really know how to fall… [Read more…]
December 13, 2008
Isaiah, after beholding the glory of God responds in this way: (Isaiah 6:5-6) 5 ”Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to… [Read more…]
December 13, 2008
PART 1: BE SMALL IN YOUR OWN EYES “The Lord said to Gideon, ‘The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’” (Judges 7:2) I CAN NEVER BE TOO SMALL FOR GOD TO USE,… [Read more…]
December 17, 2008
When I was in Hawaii, a man of God shared with me a prophetic Word that he had for me. He shared with me that I needed for focus not on pastors, or authors, but on Jesus. He went on to say, “You want to be like this missionary, and that evangelist. But, Jesus must… [Read more…]
January 7, 2009
Luke 1-5 Jesus listened to others (Luke 2:46) Jesus asked questions (Luke 2:46) Jesus answered questions and had an incredible understanding of truth (Luke 2:47) Jesus loved being in His Father’s house (Luke 2:49) Jesus was misunderstood by His parents (Luke 2:50) Jesus was submission to His parents, but put His Heavenly Father first (Luke… [Read more…]
January 7, 2009
“In the Gospels we see what He (Jesus) did, but it is in the Book of Romans that we come to understand the implications of what He did.”- Noel Jones, “The Battle for the Mind” p. 28
January 9, 2009
I live in the Ipod generation. Why are Ipods so popular? I could listen to what I want, when I want, and how I want. I have control! I have total freedom! I was so awesome and almost perfect in honoring and submitting to Church authority, the first few years I was a Christian. I… [Read more…]
January 11, 2009
(Matthew 16:21-27): “21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22Peter took him aside… [Read more…]
January 12, 2009
Being humble is easy compared to staying humble. Few have been humble, much fewer have stayed humble. King Saul was humble, but like many he didn’t stay humble. The way you can test humility is through seeing how someone responds to offense. Moses was the most humble man on the face of the… [Read more…]
January 16, 2009
Discipline is good, but not for its own sake. Without discipline, there will come inevitable poverty and shame (Proverbs 13:18). The motivation for discipline is not wealth and honor (The opposites of poverty and shame). The motivation for being disciplined ought to be love. Being disciplined as a Christian means he/she will engage in spiritual… [Read more…]
January 17, 2009
In the past, I’ve succumbed to different temptations and compromises, not because I didn’t have a heart that wanted to do right. I did have the right heart. The Holy Spirit resides in my heart. The Holy Spirit gave me a new heart at conversion. So, I didn’t lack the right heart, I just lacked… [Read more…]
January 18, 2009
Definition of Christian: Follower of Christ. Definition of Follower of Christ: “If any man desire to come after Me, he must first deny himself and pick up his cross and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24) Authenticity? My generation prizes authenticity. So much. Too much. ”I just want to be real” they say. ”I love… [Read more…]
January 19, 2009
When was the last time you saw people in church laying hands and praying for each others bellies and saying, “In the name of Jesus, I cast out the fat cells!” I wonder if anyone has every anointed their thunder thighs with oil and made a faith declaration saying, “Thunder thighs, the Lord rebukes thee!”… [Read more…]
January 20, 2009
“The fear of man brings a snare…” (Proverbs 29:25) What does the “fear of man” look like? The fear of man is expressed in many different ways, not just one. Sometimes we think that someone who has the fear of man is a brown-noser, a suck-up, a people-pleaser, a push over. That’s very probable! … [Read more…]
January 24, 2009
Are the following statements true? I give, so then God gives I do something good for God, so then God does something good for me I draw near to God, so then God draws near to me. The answer: Yes, but only partially. Yes, when I give, God gives (Luke 6:36)- “give and it shall… [Read more…]
January 27, 2009
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you.” (2 Thess. 3:7) Undisciplined: atakteo- To be irregular. To be out of order or to break ranks. To neglect ones duties As leaders we must be consistent and never be irregular in our: prayer lives, study of the… [Read more…]
January 28, 2009
Idols can be in the form of many different things: hobbies, activities, statues, religiosity, and even people. I want to talk about idols in the form of people- also known as soul-ties. How did the king come about in Israel? Israel wanted a person to look to instead of God. That’s idolatry. While… [Read more…]
February 2, 2009
Things to consider before you sin: 1. Sin hardens and deceives our hearts. “ But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13) Some might think: ”who cares if I sin, because I’m already “saved” all I have to do is… [Read more…]
February 3, 2009
John the Baptist was a forerunner. He was called to prepare the way for what God wanted to do next. Of course, that next thing was Jesus Christ. Other words for forerunner are: pioneer or predecessors. God’s raising up forerunners. People will will be on the cutting edge of what He is doing. They will… [Read more…]
February 12, 2009
Taken from the book Ministries of Mercy, by Timothy Keller The poor are really getting poorer The reasons being: Rent is increasing. Families need to earn double minimum wage and have the parents work full time jobs just to pay rent for the average 2-bedroom apartment. Jobs are requiring more high skills in technology Cheap… [Read more…]
February 13, 2009
I missed my morning devotions, why don’t I feel bad? I didn’t get to read the Bible yesterday, why don’t I feel horrible like I used to? 2 possibilities: It may be because your faith is weak than before… spiritual things are not important to you anymore, the love of the world has crowded out… [Read more…]
February 15, 2009
The way to a powerful spiritual life is not trying, but dying. Huh? I believe that Christians should not be lazy, and we should pursue God with all of our might. But, I’m saying trying alone is limited! When I am trying, my limited, sinful flesh is making it’s impossible attempts at holiness. How can… [Read more…]
February 16, 2009
Which is the best camp? Camp 1: Doing a lot of good works, avoiding a lot of bad works, but being self-righteous and proud about it? Camp 2: Being a struggling Christian, who really loves God, but gets caught in temptation traps all the time, but cries a bucket full after? Camp 3: A… [Read more…]
February 16, 2009
During the next 24 hours in America: 1,439 teens will attempt suicide 2,795 teenage girls will become pregnant 15,006 teens will use drugs for the first time 3,506 teens will run away 16 kids and teens will be killed by firearms 3,000 children and teens will see their parents’ marriage end in divorce… [Read more…]
February 18, 2009
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1… [Read more…]
February 24, 2009
Two Trees When mankind sinned against God, Adam used a tree to disconnect himself with God (he covered himself with leaves). The way God re-connected himself with mankind was through a tree- the cross. Now, I don’t have to get behind a fig tree and be shameful, instead I can get behind the cross and… [Read more…]
February 26, 2009
Introduction There are people who we just come across each day. This American Psychologist named Rollo May, estimates that Americans have from 500-2,500 acquaintances each year. Out of those people we cross paths with, there are people whom Satan brings into our lives. Then, there are people whom God brings into our lives- also known… [Read more…]
March 3, 2009
Here is a revelation the Lord gave me last week: “THE GREATEST POWER IN THE UNIVERSE IS IN ME, and THE TRUEST MESSAGE IN THE UNIVERSE IS IN ME.” Wow! I better change the world. I used to walk into Walmart to shop. Then I walked into Walmart afraid God would tell me to… [Read more…]
March 5, 2009
As surely as God loves me, people will be punished for their sins in an eternity called hell, if they reject Jesus Christ. This hit me in a fresh way this week. I think about how God loves me. But, as true as His love for me is, the truth of a literal hell is… [Read more…]
March 6, 2009
For if I preach the gospel. I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion, for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16) Paul preached because he was under compulsion! What does compulsion mean in the original Greek? ANAGKE: (By implication) Unavoidable distress. Spoken of as… [Read more…]
March 18, 2009
It’s been said that, “The best way to learn is from your mistakes.” That’s retarded. The best way for me to learn is not from my mistakes, it’s from the mistakes of others. There is a heavy price you pay when you make a mistake- people get hurt and you get hurt. If the mistake… [Read more…]
March 22, 2009
31 When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, Because the LORD has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me. 33 She conceived again and… [Read more…]
March 22, 2009
1. Solomon started with the Sacrifice of Praise! Solomon was a worshipper. He offered 1000 sacrifices to the Lord. Imagine that? He killed many animals and spent much time and energy offering a sacrifice to God. Today, we don’t make God a BBQ lamb, but we still offer sacrifices. We offer the sacrifice of praise.… [Read more…]
March 26, 2009
“Not lacking behind in diligence, fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11) Diligence refers to consistent discipline. Fervent refers to being passionate. What the Lord showed me this morning is that those two always go together. Fervor brings Diligence A real passionate person will have consistent discipline. A person who is really fervent in… [Read more…]
April 8, 2009
In the name of: ”trusting” the Lord and putting “faith” in His ability instead of our own, should we: do nothing, be lazy, and just pray here and there? NO! Prayer is huge, but we can’t pray in place of obedience. Prayer ought to empower our obedience, not replace it. Trust in the Lord means… [Read more…]
April 9, 2009
Daniel was a man of PURITY! Unwilling to be contaminated Daniel was unwilling to defile himself with the defiled things of the world (Daniel 1:8). Some might think Daniel was so religious and uptight that he didn’t enjoy life, and he only enjoyed his prayer sessions. Did Daniel enjoy the filth of the world? No.… [Read more…]
April 28, 2009
In many churches there are pyramid structures- with the man up top, and then those with more power and those with less. This is what the pyramid structure says, “The harder you work, the higher you will go!” In other words, “The harder you work, the more power you will get.” Because of this pyramid structure… [Read more…]
May 2, 2009
(Zephaniah 2:3): “Seek humility” 4 reasons to seek humility: 1) Humility determines how much the Lord can promote us (1 Peter 5:6): “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will lift you up in due time.” There isn’t just promotion in the secular world, their is promotions in the Kingdom of… [Read more…]
May 24, 2009
(Ephesians 2:10): “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” That word: “workmanship” means “work of art” The Greek word is: poema, from where we get our word- Poem. We are God’s poem. Every poem is an artistic expression of it’s… [Read more…]
June 2, 2009
Elisha replied, “Listen to this message from the Lord! This is what the Lord says: By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, five quarts of choice flour will cost only one piece of silver, and ten quarts of barley grain will cost only one piece of silver. The officer assisting the king said to the man… [Read more…]
June 2, 2009
How I often forget… Jesus doesn’t want to give me a religion, but a relationship. Jesus doesn’t want slaves, but friends Jesus is not drawn to beggars, but brides Jesus came to find lovers, not workers Being a Christian is not about being on a religious high, it’s not slavery, it’s not about begging… [Read more…]
June 2, 2009
God doesn’t need to get Himself ready for intimacy with us. He doesn’t have to talk Himself into giving us His glorious presence. He doesn’t have to psych Himself into blessing us. He doesn’t even need to be buttered up or butt kissed. He definitely loves us. He’s made provision for real intimacy with… [Read more…]
June 5, 2009
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”… [Read more…]
June 10, 2009
Being a Christian is about being intimate with God. Christianity is not rocket-science. Rocket-science is only for a small minority of people with incredible brain power and discipline. Christianity is a relationship. A relationship is something every human being has capacity for because we were made in the image of God- who is relational. Jesus… [Read more…]
June 24, 2009
Is God quick to spit? “So because you are lukewarm, neither hot or cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16) The lukewarm in the church will be spit out of the mouth of God. Some of you might be thinking, “Wow, God is so mean!” Others of you might be thinking, “God… [Read more…]
July 4, 2009
What is more important than being a good moral person is being in relationship with God. Christianity cannot be reduced to a morality club- even though a lot of people think that Christianity is nothing more than a list of dos and don’t. Christianity can however be reduced to a relationship with Christ. I’m not… [Read more…]
July 16, 2009
The following is from an e-mail response I wrote to a friend who had a question asking me: Why God would command the kings in the Old Testament to murder so many people? Regarding the kings in the Old Testament, we have to see it in the context of the Old Testament. Reading the first… [Read more…]
July 21, 2009
There is so much diversity in the body of Christ. Some are avid practicers of the gifts of the Spirit, while others shy from them, then some are in between. Some worship very expressively in dance while others are stiff and stoic, and of course, there are those in between. Some pastors preach only expository… [Read more…]
July 31, 2009
As sure as there is an earthly realm, there is a spirit realm. Those two realms influence each other. What happens in one realm has its affects in the other: 1) Demon possessions happened in the spirit realm, but they showed in the natural realm. Remember the man who lived naked among the tombs, screaming… [Read more…]
August 6, 2009
1. TO HEAR FROM GOD, WE MUST HAVE FAITH THAT IT WILL HAPPEN One of the greatest deceptions that Satan is spreading among God’s children is that they are not worthy enough to hear from God. Many Christians can probably name one person that they believe hears from God. However, when it comes to them… [Read more…]
August 7, 2009
33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the… [Read more…]
August 11, 2009
“3While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4Some of those present were saying indignantly to one… [Read more…]
August 14, 2009
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) Let’s first talk about: Hope. Hope has to do with optimism. Hope is the opposite of negative thinking. To be people of love we need to be people of hope. To be people of faith, we need to be people… [Read more…]
August 20, 2009
1) It’s not about the place, the season or time, or the man, it’s about Jesus. Remember the man who was crippled for 38 years, who was sitting by the pool of Bethesda? He was waiting because once a year the waters would stir and the first man who jumped in would be healed. When… [Read more…]
August 21, 2009
3) A key to hearing God is humility and surrender 30By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” (John 5:30) Jesus was someone who heard the voice of God. While Jesus was on the… [Read more…]
August 22, 2009
4) Do not get so caught up into the book, that you miss Jesus Human beings cannot focus on everything at once. I’m at my desk right now and as I type, I’m focusing on the screen. Because, I’m focusing on the screen, I cannot focus on my water cup- which is to my left,… [Read more…]
September 1, 2009
When I limit God, what I’m really doing is limiting myself. Why would I want to live a limited and restricted life? I cannot image what it would be like to live in prison. One of the things I enjoy doing the most is traveling with my wife. Next week, we get to go to… [Read more…]
September 1, 2009
Satan wanted to be great, but will be reduced to nothing. Jesus wanted to serve, and is exalted to greatness. Who do I want to be more like? In Genesis 11, we read about the Tower of Babel- a group of people gathered around one vision: they were out to make a name for themselves.… [Read more…]
September 3, 2009
Many Old Testament pictures have New Testament principles. Remember when David threw a stone into the head of Goliath, he didn’t stop there did he? He got the sword and cut off Goliath’s head. The Lord dropped something into my spirit today, and now I have the privilege of articulating it with my mind.… [Read more…]
September 4, 2009
(Genesis 18:10-15): 10 Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past… [Read more…]
September 12, 2009
Thank God that He is raising up many young people to be powerful preachers- whose words will carry power to set the captives free! Many young people are seeing visions of themselves preaching in front of people. At the age of 13, in a life-defining dream, I saw myself preaching, and then the fire of… [Read more…]
September 8, 2009
Do you know what are the ingredients to Mountain-Moving faith? It’s abiding, hearing, speaking with believing, and continuing to believe. I’ll explain. “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what… [Read more…]
September 8, 2009
Contrary to popular opinion, memorizing a lot of Bible verse, reading thirty chapters of the Bible everyday, and being in seminary will not get you mountain moving faith. It can, but it doesn’t guarantee faith. You see, it’s not studying a book that will generate faith, it’s hearing from God in the context of intimacy… [Read more…]
September 14, 2009
33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the… [Read more…]
September 16, 2009
WHY IS OUR FAITH SO IMPORTANT TO GOD? A more accurate question would be, “Why is our faith in God so important to God?” Faith is so important to God, that He chose faith to be the way we get saved. Here’s a little question to wrestle with. The answers to this little question will… [Read more…]
September 17, 2009
WHY IS OUR FAITH IS SO IMPORTANT TO GOD? “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6) We can’t please God without faith. That tells me that faith is important to God. Why is faith so important to God? 1) Our faith in God has to do with our heart, and God cares… [Read more…]
September 17, 2009
28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Some Christians… [Read more…]
September 18, 2009
My Stressful Ministry: If I had to preach or do something spiritual, I would feel like I had to strive to a higher level and become somebody else, to be powerful! So, I’d fast and pray and praise and do everything I could, to hopefully rise to another level, hoping I would minister so powerfully… [Read more…]
September 20, 2009
“Therefore do not let sin reign, in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” (Romans 6:12) Because we are afraid of our sin, and haven’t looked in the mirror of God’s Word, we are letting sin bully us around! The reason why sin is always reigning is not because our sin is… [Read more…]
September 22, 2009
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and… [Read more…]
October 19, 2009
The Church of Ephesus Working hard for the Lord, enduring the His sake, executing church discipline, being discerning, and not burning out, does not fully satisfy the Lord. The Ephesus church did all that, but they lost their first love, and Jesus pointed that out. Ministry for Jesus without intimacy with Jesus, is an incomplete… [Read more…]
October 22, 2009
Burnt out? (1:3) Our work for the Lord is energized by our faith. If we are getting tired in our service to the Lord or seeking of the Lord, it is because our faith isn’t powered like it should. Faith is like the generator. This generator is powered by the Word of God. The Preacher… [Read more…]
October 27, 2009
Imagine (A summary of 2 Kings 2) Imagine, if we were on a motorcycle trip from Los Angeles to Florida, and when we got to Phoenix, I looked at you and said, “You stay here!” You will say, “You’re joking!” And, I say, “Ha ha, no!” Wouldn’t you be offended? By offended, I mean, having… [Read more…]
October 28, 2009
There was a male witch named Simon, and he had incredible supernatural gifting. In fact, he got a lot of people to be his fans. He was drawn to Philip’s ministry, and even became a believer, because Philip had more power than he did. So now, Simon wants the anointing that Philip, Peter, and John… [Read more…]
November 11, 2009
Jesus told His disciples that when He is enthroned, they too would have thrones on which they would judge the 12 tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). What an honor right? However, this wasn’t enough for some of them. One day, James and John’s mom (Salome-that’s her name not biblically, but historically) came to Jesus. She… [Read more…]
November 11, 2009
The Extensiveness of your Calling is up to God. There are certain things that are prepared by the Father for you, and then there are certain things that the Father has not prepared for you. For example, becoming a pastor might be something that the Father has prepared for you, maybe it isn’t. Maybe being… [Read more…]
November 17, 2009
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching(continue in My Word), you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that… [Read more…]
November 19, 2009
When King David appointed prophetic worshippers- those who would make their living worshipping and prophesying the in the house of God, he chose: The children of Asaph: “who proclaimed God’s messages by the king’s orders” (1 Chronicles 25:2) The children of Jeduthun: “Who proclaimed God’s messages to the accompaniment of the harp, offering thanks and praise… [Read more…]
November 23, 2009
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) If we seek the Kingdom, we get the Kingdom and the things. If we seek the things, we don’t get either.
December 1, 2009
“ 1″Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1-2) What does it mean to judge? Jesus is telling us that we must not judge others. What does that… [Read more…]
December 2, 2009
Worship Ministry in David’s Time David was a man ahead of his time. David was a man who knew God’s heart, and God’s heart was always for worshippers (John 4:23). David was a worshipper, and he knew how much God enjoyed our worship. So, David had it in his heart to build God a house… [Read more…]
December 8, 2009
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then… [Read more…]
June 24, 2010
Throughout the ages, the Church has had a hard time swallowing prosperity. The Church has equated money as the root of all evil, when the Word of God clearly says that it is the love of money, or greed, which is root of all evil. Having greed is evil, but having money is not evil.… [Read more…]
May 7, 2010
Just say the owner of Chick-Fil-A gave you a branch in New York City. Now, He is still the founder and owner of Chick-Fil-A, but by his grace, your family has been given authority over that one promising restaurant. The first day you step into that restaurant, hope bubbles forth and overflows from your heart,… [Read more…]
December 28, 2009
Hebrews 9:13-14: “For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve… [Read more…]
May 7, 2010
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