Tuesday, December 21, 2010

NO GREATER GIFT- My Christmas Card to You!

It’s that time of year again. Jingle Bells ring as the cash registers sing. While we’re dreaming of a White Christmas, the merchants are dreaming of a green one. As children anxiously anticipate that extra special present, store owners drool over their extra profit. Even the threat of a sluggish economy cannot thwart a Christmas shopper’s pursuit of the “perfect” gift.

Motivated by many things, the world pursues Christmas giving with all the gusto of a wild stallion gone mad. By Christmas Eve, stockings will be stuffed, and trees will almost topple over with gifts that will likely please, but never satisfy. Missing amidst the beautifully arranged decorations will be God’s greatest gift made available to all mankind... Eternal Life through Jesus Christ. It comes in no wrapping paper, but it’s waiting to be opened. For those who have received it, the Christmas tree is never empty and the stockings are always full.

Jesus says in John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them Eternal Life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” What a gift! What a God! What a Savior!

As you reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ this Christmas season, remember your priorities when you give and receive gifts. That watch from Macy’s may be marvelous. Those new jeans from Nordstroms may be wonderful. However, until you have received the glorious gift of Eternal Life through faith in our wonderful Savior Jesus Christ, Christmas really isn’t Christmas at all. God can give no greater gift. Let’s pray that many will know the joy of receiving it!

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST GIFT AT CHRISTMAS? HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO GOD'S GREATEST GIFT? WHO WILL YOU TELL THIS YEAR ABOUT GOD'S GREATEST GIFT?



Israel Houghton and CeCe Winans

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Benefits of Waiting on God by Dr. James MacDonald

The Weekly Walk
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." - Psalms 40:1–3

The longer I live, the more I come to understand that life doesn't have a lot of green lights. There are hardly any times where God is like, "Do you want that? Have it right now. Why didn't you ask sooner?" More often God is like, "I'd like you to wait."
 
"No! I want it right now!"

God is like, "Listen! You might think you want it now, but I'm going to give it to you when you're fit to receive it. I'm going to use the process of waiting to shape you into the woman or the man that I want you to be. Getting it now wouldn't advance My purposes for you. I want you to wait."

Waiting is not an easy thing. Waiting is not passivity. Waiting on God is not the absence of efforts. Waiting is "I've done everything I know how to do but it's not enough and now I am waiting on God to do for me what I could not do for myself."
That is such an important lesson to learn. Let me tell you about some of the benefits that you get when you wait on God. Here are five verses that spell them out.
  • According to Psalm 40:1 when we wait on God, He hears our prayers: "I waited patiently for the Lord and He inclined to me and heard my cry." 
  •  
  • According to Isaiah 64:4 when we wait on God, He acts on our behalf: "Nor has the eye seen a God like You who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him."   
  •  
  • That's what God is fired up about. He works for the people who wait. I wonder how many things we don't get because we're out there working for it ourselves beyond what we should and God's like, "Would you just stop that? I act on behalf of the people who wait for Me."
  •  
  • Psalm 25:3 says that when we wait on God, He keeps us from shame: "Indeed none of those who wait for You O God will be ashamed."
  •  
  • Isaiah 40:31 says that He gives strength to those who wait: "Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength."
  •  
  • Psalm 37:34 tells us that those who wait for God are exalted: "Wait for the Lord and He will exalt you."
Bottom line; God always makes it worth our while to wait for Him!

IF GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO YOU...WHY SHOULD YOU COMPLAIN?

Marvin Winans - I Won't Complain

Douglas Miller - My Soul Has Been Anchored

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Blessing of Friendship by Chuck Swindoll

Daughter Lauren's (Ilen Bell) Wedding 2010
“Family & Friendship is a sheltering tree ”

How true . . . how terribly true! When the searing rays of adversity’s sun burn their way into our day, there’s nothing quite like a sheltering tree—a true friend—to give us relief in its cool shade. Its massive trunk of understanding gives security as its thick leaves of love wash our faces and wipe our brows. Beneath its branches have rested many a discouraged soul!

But of all the trees God placed beside His choice servants, one human redwood looms the largest, in my opinion. David was hunted and haunted by madman Saul.

Between Saul and David, however, stood a sheltering tree named Jonathan. Loyal and dependable, Jonathan assured David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you” (1 Samuel 20:4). No limits. No conditions. No bargain. No reservations. Best of all, when things were at their worst, he “went to David . . . and encouraged him in God” (23:16).

Why? Because he was committed to the basic principles of a friendship. Because he loved him as he loved himself (18:1). It was the kind of love that causes men to lay down their lives for their friends, as Jesus put it (John 15:13). No greater love exists on this globe.

Beneath whose branches are you refreshed, dear reader? Or, dare I ask, who rests beneath yours? Occasionally, I run across an independent soul who shuns the idea that he needs such a shelter, feeling that trees are for the immature, the spiritual babes, or those who haven’t learned to trust only in the Lord. It is that person I most pity, for his horizontal contacts are invariably superficial and shallow. Worst of all, his closing years on earth will be spent in the loneliest spot imaginable—a hot, treeless desert.

So, then, let’s be busy about the business of watering and pruning and cultivating our trees, shall we? Would I be more accurate if I added planting a few? Growing them takes time, you know . . . and you may really need a few when the heat rises and the winds begin to blow.

My Sheltering Tress! If you have family, friends, and a relationship with Jesus Christ...You Are Blessed!!






Me and wife Tanya

Darryl, Mom, Yvette, Ron at Yvette's old home in Florida

Mr. McGee and Dad (John Harris)

Wedding Day 1982

Grandma!

Signing Day




East Orange Harris Kids

Broadway John and lil Jennifer Harris (Ron's daughter, MA U. of Chicago)

Yvette and Alice Harris (Mom) at home in Orlando

Yvette and Son (AJ) Anthony (U of Alabama Mgr. 2011!)

Ron Harris

Yvette and Ron (Barbara - wife)

Dave Dowlen, Me and Eric Jackson (best friend)

David Harris Ashland U!

Jonathan Harris Miami Ohio U                                          













Friday, December 3, 2010

How Does God Measure a Man? by Darryl Harris

Manhood is measured in many ways… by many people.  However, today we ask ourselves the question;  HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN? 


HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN? - Not by his physical strength or intimidating
        presence...but by his recognition that his real strength comes only from the Lord!

HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN? - Not by his fame, wealth, or position... but by
        his willingness to seek first the kingdom of God!

HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN? -  Not by how many women he can satisfy... but
        can he satisfy one woman for a lifetime!

HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN? -  Not by how many children he can produce...
        but can he provide for the children he does produce, and does he point them in the
        direction of Jesus!

HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN? -  Not by how many people serve him... but how
        willing he is to serve others, before he serves himself!

HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN? -  Not by how many obstacles he faces... but by
        how he stands strong and courageous against those obstacles, and overcomes them
        in the power of the Lord!

The Ultimate Measure of a Man is not how he measures against you or me... but How Does He Measure Against Jesus!

FOR OUR CHILDREN'S SAKE!
FOR OUR WOMEN'S SAKE!
FOR OUR COMMUNITIES SAKE!
FOR OUR PEOPLE’S SAKE!

FOR GOD’S SAKE!


WILL THE REAL MEN OF GOD, PLEASE STAND UP!!


Pastor Voddie Baucham on Biblical Manhood


Note: Find other parts to this great message on YouTube!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Why Write When So Few Read?

Now that's a great question, especially when it comes to "people of color".  Statistics indicate that we read at a much lower percentage than people of most other ethnic groups.  If Oprah doesn't give her "blessing", you may be writing to an audience of one. 

But why should that stop you from exercising your God-given gift?  The amount of readers doesn't determine the quality of your content and it's potential impact on the few who do read it.  If what you write makes a difference in just one life, I say keep the presses rolling!

As a Christian, your audience of one is actually God himself!  You want to make Him look good, and make Him smile!  That alone should be reward enough!  Your correct use of God's gift may not make you wealthy, but may make you worthy of His divine... "Well Done"!

So "write on" my brothers and sisters!  Best selling Christian author Rick Warren was asked how did Saddleback Church become so successful?  His reply raised some eyebrows.  He responded with sincerity, "We try ten ideas, nine fail, and only one usually experiences success"  THEN WE WRITE A BOOK ABOUT IT!

One of the keys in life is to not be afraid to fail!  Failure in your eyes may be success in God's, and He is the ultimate judge and jury.  Here are three keys to remember as a Christian author however:

  • Make sure you are writing from your heart!
  • Make sure your heart's desire is to touch someone else heart!
  • Make sure your heart is in line with the heart of God!
If you write for the right reason, in the right season, and for the purpose of pleasing God,  He just may use your words for eternal purposes!  Come to think of it, an attitude of gratitude just may determine the altitude your book may fly if you just have the courage to try!

One of my favorite songs! Inspires Me!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES:

Grandma's rolls!
  • so good they were sinful
 
    Dinner at my wife's families house!
    • Wow...so much good food

    Sherry's sweet potato pies!
    • perfect every time

    Monica's sweet potato cheesecake!
    • better than cheesecake factory

    Pumpkin roll from a friend!
    • He was a goooood friend

    EO football games 70's!
    • whole town went to game, great band

    Mom's juicy turkey!
    • you don't even need gravy

    Wife and daughter's mac and cheese!
    • from generation to generation

    Aunt Faye's Pound cake!
    • thank you for your thoughtfulness

    My church folks food (Pastor's privilege)!
    • fried turkey, ribs, homemade ice cream and so much more

    These were good times. But can you thank God in the bad times? Watch this video...Give God thanks....and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

    Saturday, November 20, 2010

    His Name is Jesus the Christ!

    Today I want to tell you a little about Jesus!
    He was the greatest motivator
    He was the greatest innovator
    He was the greatest agitator
    His name was Jesus …the Christ!

    No one ever cared so much
    No one ever loved so much
    No one ever sacrificed so much
    His name was Jesus …the Christ!

    No man could kill Him
    No grave could hold Him
    No whip could discourage Him
    His name was Jesus... the Christ!

    He lived so we could see
    He died to set us free
    He paid for your sin and my sin on an old rugged tree
    His name was Jesus... the Christ!

    If I wanted to be the world's greatest basketball player …I would talk to Michael Jordan!

    If I wanted to be the world's greatest businessman...I would talk to Bill Gates!

    But If I wanted to live a life of fulfillment and contentment, with absolute security I would talk to Jesus ... the Christ!

    There will never be anyone to walk the earth like Jesus.  There will never be a book written as powerful as the Bible!  Each day we get an opportunity to personally talk to Him,  listen to Him, and experience His love!  The choice is yours and you only get one lifetime to make this choice.  Choose a relationship with Him today.  Admit your sinfulness and receive His eternal forgiveness.  When you serve Him with each tomorrow He gives you,  then you will be able to tell the world about the greatness of Jesus...the Christ, YOUR SAVIOR!

    There's Nobody Like Jesus by Darwin Hobbs

    Wednesday, November 3, 2010

    The Winans - Now this is Good Music!







    LETS CLOSE WITH ANITA BAKER AND THE WINANS!

    Modeling Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy

    I wrote a book called When God Says Wait.  Waiting in our society is considered a weakness.  People hate to wait!  Even waiting on God!

    You must be too weak to lead if you are quiet.  Quietness is also considered a weakness.  But I've discovered that it takes more strength to remain silent and wait on God, than to boldly proclaim your power and demonstrate it with loud talking, loud walking, and loud living! 

    God's timing is rarely our timing!  I would rather wait on God and be late to man, than move too quickly without clearly hearing from God what He wants you to do.    I would rather suffer with Christ than gain the world with man without hearing from God first!

    The bible tells us that meekness is not weakness!  It's actually strength under control!  Very few model this attribute but those who do make an impact that few can match.  One such man who models this with incredible results is former coach Tony Dungy.  His strength may look like weakness to some but to God it's strength He can use for His glory!

    Listen to Tony talk about his book, Quiet Strength.  My prayer is that I could model this type of strength in my life and ministry.  Tony is one of the strongest men I know and is a role model to me.  May God Bless those who model this type of strength in a world who thinks the world would run over them if they exercise strength this way.  Wait on God and model strength His way! 

    Sunday, October 31, 2010

    Meet the Voice of the next Generation...Minister David Williams!

    David Williams Speaks...
    MISSION
    Reaching this generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by:
    • Communicating the good news of Jesus Christ to high school and college students who do not yet know Him.
    • Encouraging, equipping and motivating the body (those who do know Him) to take the message of Christ to others.
    • Partnering with local churches and para-church ministries that are focused on helping to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by WINNING, BUILDING and SENDING high school and college aged students. 
    Family: David and his wife Terea* have been married since 2001. They have four children: Selah (7), Kaela (6) and David Jr. (3) and Joseph Daniel (born 7/24/10). David also has a son Sukari (16) who lives in Pittsburgh, PA. David and his family live in Stow, Ohio and are members of The Chapel in Akron, Ohio.


    Terea*, David Sr., Kaela, David Jr. & Selah
    David Jr., David Sr., Terea*, Selah, Kaela & Sukari


    Joseph Daniel in daddy's arms
    Ministry & Vocational:David has been in full-time ministry since 1999. He is currently on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ as a speaker and campus staff at the University of Akron. He is also a network speaker with The Source for Youth Ministry and a member evangelist with Next Generation Alliance. David has been a speaker with various organizations such as Moody Bible Institute, Hannibal LaGrange College, Youth for Christ, Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Student Venture, Athletes in Action, The Impact Movement, Camp Patmos and local churches in Ohio and other parts of the U.S.

    David graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Economics & Political Science (1993) and a Masters in Public Administration (1996). Before being in full-time ministry, David was employed with the following organizations: The University of Pittsburgh, The City of Cleveland and PNC Bank.

    Friday, October 22, 2010

    Wait on the Lord! by Bill Sherrill

    Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14 NIV)
     
    Waiting is not something most of us enjoy. The very mention of the word "wait" may remind us of how much we dislike it and how poor we are at doing it. We admire people who appear to be good at it and may marvel at David's calm disposition in this Psalm. 

    Before we label ourselves as hopelessly impatient and forever doomed to a life of restlessness, consider the basis for David's exhortation to wait on the Lord.


    Before he says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord," he says ... "The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." (Psalm 27:1-3

    He expresses his confidence in God's protection. He knew and acknowledged the source of his strength and salvation. He had been through battles and had seen the Lord rescue him. When you have experienced the light of the Lord and know of His salvation, it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me." (Psalm 27:4-7

    He expresses his contentment to be in God's presence. All he wanted was to be with the Lord. He knew that in the Lord's presence was safety. When you know the security of God's presence it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." "My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." (Psalm 27:8-10)



    These words are the result of a life devoted to the Lord.
    He states his commitment to seek the Lord. He verbalized his commitment to seek the Lord's face in his prayers. He made his requests for the Lord to respond to his prayer. He spoke his confidence in the Lord above all other people. When you have opened your heart to the Lord so openly and have seen those prayers answered, it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." "Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." (Psalm 27:11-13

    He expresses his willingness to submit to the Lord. David had surrendered his life to the Lord and had given his heart to Him. He knew that the Lord had previously protected him and he knew the Lord would protect him in the future. When you have completely given your life ... your heart ... to the Lord it is easier to say, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
    These words are the result of a life devoted to the Lord. 


    When we dwell on God's protection, the peacefulness and pleasures we find in being in God's presence, our commitment to seek the Lord, and our willingness to submit to the Lord, waiting for the Lord might be easier. Waiting is more difficult and more unpleasant when these qualities are not present in our lives.


    Are you in the midst of a period of waiting for the Lord to work in your life? Give Him your life and your heart. Trust in Him completely.

    Amazing Grace by Whitley Phipps (history)

    Tuesday, October 12, 2010

    The Pain of the Tongue

    "Stand" by Donnie McClurkin
     
    Gossip is often regarded as a relatively harmless pastime, particularly when compared to wrongs like murder or adultery. Satan has painted talebearing as innocuous, but if we peel away that deception, we see the ugly truth. In the Bible, God lists gossip among the most depraved sins (Romans 1:28-31).
     
    Nothing about gossip is harmless. Whether the talk is intentionally cruel or simply some idle musing, the target of the comments can be embarrassed or hurt. A friend of mine decided to trace a damaging story about himself back to its source. He asked one man after another, “Where did you hear this?” Seventeen pastors later, he finally found the person who had originated the tale. This fellow admitted he had speculated aloud regarding a situation about which he knew little. A destructive chain reaction began with just one man jumping to a false conclusion while chatting with a friend.

    Even if the victim never learns of the chit chat going on behind his or her back, gossip still has consequences. The people who spread a tale reveal their inner thinking: “For the mouth speaks out that which fills the heart,” (Matthew 12:34). A poisonous tongue flows with the jealousy, resentment, or pride residing inside.
    Ask a few people to define gossip, and most will mention something about spreading rumors. That is correct, but it’s not the whole truth. Gossip includes any idle or malicious talk that harms someone else. 

    Gossip has the power to hurt feelings, destroy reputations, and divide churches. We do not have the right to bring such damage into anyone’s life. In fact, God is the only one we should turn to when we hear a story. Those facing trials need prayer rather than tongues wagging over their misfortunes.

    (by Dr. Charles Stanley in March, 2009 In Touch magazine)

    “Lies will get any man into trouble,
    but honesty is its own defense.”

    “A fool is quick-tempered;
    a wise man stays cool when insulted.”

    “A good man is known by his truthfulness;
    a false man by deceit and lies.”

    “Some people like to make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise soothe and heal.”

    “Truth stands the test of time;
    lies are soon exposed.”

    “God delights in those who keep their promises,
    and abhors those who don’t.”

     
    "Stand" by K&K Mimes

    IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A WAGGING TONGUE?       ....JUST STAND!!

    Tuesday, October 5, 2010

    Why Does God Allow Suffering?

    In her new book, A Place of Healing, disability activist and Christian author Joni Eareckson Tada takes on a question that has vexed the faithful for centuries: If God can heal people, why doesn't he always do so? Tada has a strong personal interest in the answer. A quadriplegic since a diving accident four decades ago, she has suffered from crippling chronic pain in recent years and was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this summer. Tada spoke with TIME about finding peace through suffering and continuing to fight for acceptance 20 years after the landmark signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.


    How are you feeling?
    Cancer and chronic pain on top of quadriplegia is a little challenging. Right now I'm tired from the chemotherapy and that, coupled with the pain, makes it difficult. At times I've thought, "Lord, this is an awful lot to bear. Are you sure you know what you're doing?" And yet, I know the answer.

    Some people think there's another answer, though. At the beginning of your book, you describe an astounding encounter you had in a church parking lot.
    Yes, this very earnest young man named David came up to me, knelt down by my wheelchair, and asked me, "Joni, are you sure there's no unconfessed sin in your life? I just know that God wants to heal you." He was basically saying my faith wasn't big enough or strong enough or righteous enough. I reminded him of the story in Luke where the four friends brought their paralyzed buddy to Jesus to be healed. But it was the faith of those friends — not the man's own faith — that Jesus used as a channel for healing. Well, there you go, David, the pressure's on you.

    Why do you think people need to believe that you're to blame for your suffering?
    If we can come up with a simple explanation, "You did something wrong," then it's something we think we can control. In the Christian faith, God really puts suffering front and center. He doesn't get squeamish about it. But our human inclination is to turn the other way, to assume that this person must have a bad track record with God. We just don't want to embrace the God who can be found in the midst of pain. We'd rather listen to Jesus preach sweet sermons about lilies.

    So why doesn't God always heal people when they ask?
    There is this verse in Matthew 18 where Jesus is delighted to heal people who come to him. But he says, if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. Now right there, it shows that Jesus has a different priority, and that is our spiritual healing. If I had been granted a miraculous physical healing back when I was 17, I know I wouldn't be in a ministry serving other people with disabilities around the world.

    So when you work with people in great pain, do you encourage them to let go of the desire to be healed?
    We can certainly ask to be healed. Even I ask for healing regarding this pain, regarding this cancer. Anyone who takes the Bible seriously agrees that God hates suffering. Jesus spent most of his time relieving it. But when being healed becomes the only goal — "I'm not letting go until I get what I want" — it's a problem. There comes a point at which if you don't start living, your whole life is spent jumping from one healing crusade to the next. And I believe I have been healed — just not in the way that others expect.

    A lot of people would look at you and find that hard to believe.
    I know. But I'm happy. And on that level, I have been healed. People who have been healed in the way I think I have been healed, we don't care about wealth, success, comfort. Having that peace makes up for any amount of walking that I have missed. One problem I have with faith-healing is that it tends to be focused only on the physical aspect of healing. But Jesus always backed away when people came to him only to get their physical needs met. My goodness, he was ready to have you lop off your hand! His real interest was in healing the soul.

    You were involved with passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has now been law for 20 years. What still needs to be done for people with disabilities?
    On the day the ADA was signed into law, we all went back to the hotel for a reception and our national director Paul Hearne gave a toast. He said, "This civil rights legislation is great in that it will open up doors of opportunities in employment, it will put ramps into restaurants. And yet this law is not going to change the employer's heart, it's not going to change the heart of the maître d'." He lifted his glass and said, "Here's to changed hearts." Paul understood what makes our society value or not value people. It's a matter of that moral center. I think the advancements will only be accomplished when we make friends with people with disabilities, when we stop tiptoeing around that person with MS, when we make ourselves see the woman in the wheelchair. You can't legislate that.

    Thabiti Anyabwile - Why Does God Allow Suffering To Come To Some But Not Others/

    Monday, September 27, 2010

    Never Give Up

    It was the fourth quarter of my son's big game of his senior year against their arch rival.  Great game!  Three minutes left but they were losing by twelve with four minutes to go.  Their coach was about to throw in the towel and put in the bench.  I was sitting behind the bench watching this moment about to unfold.  Suddenly I yelled out from my bleacher seat...YOU DON'T GIVE UP! YOU DON'T GIVE UP!

    Next time down the court my 6ft8' son hits a deep three pointer! YOU DON'T GIVE UP! Turnover.  Back down the court my son hits another deep three pointer, and it's a six point game!  I yell out again...YOU DON'T GIVE UP!  A missed shot, and back down the court. Then from deep in the corner, with fifty seconds to go in the game, my son hits yet another three pointer! YOU DON'T GIVE UP!  YOU DON'T GIVE UP, I yelled!  A three point game with little time to go!

    I sure wish I could tell you they came back and won the game, but I can't!  Down by three, with less than ten seconds to go, he steals the ball and then...dribbles the ball off his foot...out of bounds...game over!  But I have to tell you this ... I have never been so proud of a kid or a team as I was at that moment.  They didn't win the game...but THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP!  Life lesson learned!!  GOD JUST WANTS OUR VERY BEST!

    Now don't tell me you haven't!  But tell me the truth.
    • Have you ever wanted to give up!
    • Throw in the towel!
    • Say I'm out of here!
    If you haven't you're either a not telling the truth, or just haven't lived long enough to realize that the Christian life is not a sprint.  It's a marathon with high hurdles!
    Facing the Giants Movie - "Death Crawl"


    When you do get to that point in your life...and you will... I want you to take a moment and think what this life and this world would be like if Jesus had made that decision to give up!  We would be still lost in our sins, with no hope of eternal life and no help for this life we now live and even endure!  There would be no joy, only phoney moments of laughter masquerading the hidden pain beneath the plastic smiles!

    But Praise God... HE DIDN'T GIVE UP!  He chose to endure the cross because He loved people like you and me and was totally obedient to His Father above!   So no matter where you are today I urge you to take one more step!   And as you do just humble yourself and cry out...I need you Lord!  You know you can't make it without Him!  The good news is this... for the believer in Christ... He's just one step away!  NEVER GIVE UP!

    We Need You Lord by Jonathan Butler

    Tuesday, September 21, 2010

    Praying for a Spring Concert with Kirk Whalum at AGF!

    Kirk Whalum - The Gospel According to Jazz



    Watch this and you will appreciate not only the music, but the Lord he serves with passion!  Pray that we can make it happen this Spring!  Mike Goin AGF member, brother plays with him and has blessed us at Grace!

    Playing Saxaphone for the Lord - Greg Vail

    In junior high school I played the clarinet for one reason only.  Just to sit next to a girl I liked.  She was good so I had to be good too or I would have sat in the back row.  But what I really wanted to play was the sax!  Today we are both married with kids,  but the love of the sax is still with me.  What if I had just taken the time.  Maybe today I could play like Greg Vail.  Gifted and a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ!

    God probably knew I would get the big head and never follow Him, so I will just rejoice with Greg and others who play instruments so beautifully for the glory of the Lord!

    I love sax players from Grover Washington, to Kenny G, and so many others, but playing "my instrument" for the Lord is so special!  May God Bless all of them and allow them to continue to play for Him.  Maybe in heaven I will finally get my chance to play for the Lord as well.  Enjoy the sounds!

    Soprano Sax



    Tenor Sax!


    Even a Quick Flute Clip!

    Tuesday, September 14, 2010

    God will Restore!

    Never Give Up!  God will restore!  Powerful musical testimonies from men who sing from their soul!   Enjoy!



    Preach!



    SING!

    Wait for the Lord- Dr. Charles Stanley

    From August In Touch magazine by Dr. Charles Stanley

    "Right timing is critical in a believers walk with the Lord. However trusting His timing in important decision, uncertain direction, or pressing needs is extremely difficult when everything within us cries, "Do something!" Because we want action, waiting for God seems so passive.

    To wait for the Lord means to pause for further instruction while remaining in the present circumstance. It is a purposeful, expectant focus on God- a choice to be actively still and quiet in our heart, listening for His voice and watching for His intervention. The wait is not for events to work out as we want, but rather for God's will to be done. The Lord's voice often comes to us through His Word. Because this is His instruction book for our lives, quiet meditation on Scripture is essential. Sometimes when I read my Bible, a passage will jump out at me. The guidance I'm seeking is right there, almost as if it has my name written on it.

    At other times, God will use changed circumstances to redirect us, or He will motivate another person to give guidance, However, always remember that any voice offering us direction must align with the Lord's will as revealed in His Word; otherwise, it is not from Him.

    The first step in waiting for the Lord is submission to His choice of how and when He will act. What are you hoping God will do? Are you seeking Him or the thing you want from Him? Because He alone knows what is best for you, let go and trust His choice."

     
    FRED HAMMOND LIVE - "THEY THAT WAIT"

    Mark Jackson's Irresistable Calling To Preach God's Word




    When I served as Associate Chaplain of the Cleveland Cavaliers the on player that stood out to me above all was Mark Jackson of the NewYork Knicks.  He was so serious about Jesus Christ.  Most players who come to Chapel really love the Lord.  They take the time before the game to sit through a 15 minute message with players from both team, but only a few go on to be Christian leaders on their team and city.  


    Mark would always greet me with a hug, and come early just to talk a little more about Jesus.  Along with Alan Houston and Charlie Ward they formed them a powerful witness for Christ.   To see that Mark is now a Pastor is a thrill to behold.


    He is also a key NBA analyst for ABC-TV, but his love for the Lord cannot be hidden.  Mark was more than just a great player, he was a great man with a great wife by his side, and a great God.  I pray the Lord will continue to use him in a powerful way in His new calling!  Would you pray for him too.

    MEET HIS WIFE DESIREE

    Friday, September 10, 2010

    Miles McPherson - Senior Pastor, The Rock Church, San Diego

    Miles McPherson is the President of Miles Ahead and Senior Pastor of the Rock Church in San Diego, California. As a nationally known speaker, Miles is viewed as an expert on relevant issues such as teen pregnancy, drug use, suicide and gangs, as well as dynamic church leadership and outreach strategies.

    Miles was born in Brooklyn, New York in March of 1960. The second oldest of five children, Miles grew up in Long Island, New York with a solid family background. As with most teenage boys, he had dreams of becoming a professional football player. He also had the desire to learn. After playing football in high school, he attended the University of New Haven where he majored in engineering while playing football. Miles was the university's first player to achieve All-American honors and be drafted into the NFL; he attained his dream and played as a defensive back for the San Diego Chargers.

    His life began to spiral out of control. Two years into his professional football career, Miles was battling a drug problem and living a very immoral lifestyle. Fellow Chargers teammate Sherman Smith approached McPherson and asked him, "If you were to die right now, would you go to heaven?" It took over six months for Miles to answer that question. Having been up all night doing cocaine and realizing that his life was empty, Miles asked Christ to come into his life in April 1984. The change in his life was dramatic and instant.

    Soon after his conversion, Miles began attending Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego and reaching out to teenagers. He also began doing motivational speaking with the Chargers' organization. In September 1986, within a week after retiring from football, McPherson went to work as a Youth Pastor for Horizon and enrolled in Azusa Pacific University's School of Theology. He received his Master's of Divinity degree in 1991, and in 1992, founded Miles Ahead, a non- profit organization that reaches out to the world's youth with the Gospel.
    The Rock Church held its first services on February 27, 2000 with 3,364 people in attendance. The congregation grew quickly, generating the need for increased services. Currently over 7,500 people attend one of the Rock's six weekend services. The church is has now into its permanent home.

    Between his crusades, speaking engagements and Rock Church services, Miles has spoken to over 465,000 people and seen over 43,000 people make decisions for Christ. Miles and his wife Debbie have three children and reside in San Diego, California.




    The Rock Church



    Praise and Worship at the Rock w/the Katinas

    Friday, September 3, 2010

    Ten Reasons I Am a Pastor

    by John MacArthur

    I remember reading Iain Murray's excellent biography of Jonathan Edwards. I found much to identify with, especially the personal heartaches Edwards endured as pastor of the same church for twenty-three years. After all that time his flock voted him out.

    I've been the pastor of Grace Community Church now for forty wonderful years. While I don't envision a fate like Edwards's, I know what it is to be the subject of controversy, both inside and outside the church.

    Have I ever contemplated leaving the pastorate? Admittedly, there are times when even the prospect of digging ditches for a living has a certain appeal. But I know God has called me to be a pastor, and I have never seriously considered bailing out.

    Someone once suggested that I could leave my church if I wanted to and still have a fruitful ministry preaching on the Bible-conference circuit and through radio, thereby avoiding the hassles of leading a church. I could never do that. In fact, I can think of at least ten reasons I remain committed to church ministry.

    1. The church is the only institution Christ promised to build and bless. He said, "I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18). Christ's purpose in the world is to call to Himself a redeemed people who would live to the praise of His glory. He is building the church. In that I take great comfort and confidence, thankful for having a small part in our Lord's great work.

    2. The corporate functions of the Body all take place in the church. The church is where God has ordained His people to meet together to celebrate the Lord's Supper, to worship Him, and to encourage and edify one another. It's my joy to call God's people to worship, just as the psalmist said, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand" (Psalms 95:6-7).

    3. Preaching is the chief human means God uses to dispense His grace. The apostle Paul commanded Timothy to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2). I have the privilege each Sunday of proclaiming God's message to His people - a message of grace, by which God saves people and transforms lives.

    4. I can be consumed with study and communion with God. There's a public side to me that the congregation sees, but there's a private side to me that only God knows. While I might preach three hours a week, I study thirty. And those hours spent each week in God's presence are a high and holy privilege.

    5. I am directly responsible to God for the lives of the people He has given me to shepherd. Teaching on the radio and the internet, I'm not as personally accountable for how people apply God's Word. But as the pastor-teacher of a congregation, I have a relationship with my people like that of a shepherd and his sheep. I watch over their souls as one "who will give an account" (Hebrews 13:17).

    6. I am also accountable to the people in my church. Everything is exposed to them: my life and family, my personal strengths and weaknesses - everything. I cherish that accountability. It is a constant encouragement for me to reflect Christ in everything I say and do.

    7. I love the challenge of building an effective leadership team from the people God has put in the church. When someone starts a business, he can hire anyone he wants. It's another thing entirely to build with the people God has called, when few of us are wise, mighty, or noble by the world's standards (1 Corinthians 1:26). God reveals the greatness of His power by demonstrating that the world's nobodies are His most precious resources.

    8. The pastorate embraces all of life. I share the joy of parents over the birth of a child, as well as the pain of children over the death of a mother or father. I help celebrate at a wedding; I also offer comfort at a funeral. There is an inevitable unpredictability that accompanies my calling - an incredible adventure may begin at any given moment. It is at those times that the pastor goes beyond his sermon to stand in the gap for God in the lives of His people.

    9. The rewards in this life are marvelous. I feel loved, appreciated, needed, trusted, and admired - all a result of being an instrument God has used in the spiritual progress of His people. I know my people pray for me and care deeply about me. I owe a debt of gratitude to God for that. I am honored to be a channel through which the grace of God, love of Christ, and comfort of the Holy Spirit can be made real to people.

    10. I'm afraid not to be a pastor. When I was eighteen, the Lord threw me out of a car traveling seventy miles an hour. I landed on my backside and slid 110 yards on the pavement. By the grace of God I wasn't killed. As I stood up on that highway, having never lost consciousness, I committed my life to serving Christ. I told Him I would no longer resist what He wanted me to do, which was to preach His Word.

    God has called me to be a pastor-teacher "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service" (Ephesians 4:12). The reward of being a pastor far surpasses any frustration I will ever feel in ministry. And so I say with the apostle Paul, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

    © Copyright 2009 by Grace to You. All rights reserved.

    AS A PASTOR OF ONLY 11 YEARS I CAN RELATE TO THE WORDS OF THIS POWERFUL MAN OF GOD!

    ALL-TIME CLASSIC BY SANDI PATTI AND LARNELL HARRIS (grainy video but awesome sound)