Is There a Daniel Among Us?…

I have been reading materials and sermons by a preacher most people write off and give no room for influence. When I look at the many books we read by authors who are “NON” Apostolic I have to question what’s the difference with preachers who are “NON” Apostolic? You take what’s good and right from a book and throw the rest away. Right?! Such is the same when it comes to the ministry of David Wilkerson. I am stirred by a message he preached December 18, 2000. His message was called, “Hell Shaking Prayer.”

I share the stirring matter with you today. And I quote:

Daniel is an example to us of how important it is to have a praying minister during times of crisis. We see this in his early years, when Nebuchadnezzar rules. At one point, the king had a disturbing dream that left him bewildered, confused and haunted. He begged his seers to explain the dream to him, but no one could.

This enraged Nebuchadnezzar. He told his court, “You people give me nothing but foolish, empty words. You’re stalling, trying to buy time. But I want truth. I want answers to my deepest yearnings.” Finally, he decreed that all the seers be killed – astrologers, sorcerers, magicians, even “wise men,” including young Daniel and his three godly companions.

When Daniel learned of this death warrant, he called a meeting with his three friends. You can be sure this gathering wasn’t for “interfacing,” or exploring options, or surveying the other Jews to come up with a survival plan. No, Daniel and the three young Hebrew men knew they had to hear directly from the Lord. So they went to their knees and cried out to him for mercy and revelation.

What an incredible prayer Daniel offered: “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: he revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth in him: (Daniel 2:20-22).

At this time, the Old Testament church was at its lowest point. God’s people had lost their song, their praises were silenced, and now they were drifting spiritually. The incredible prosperity in Babylon had gripped the hearts of many. And surely Satan rejoiced over Israel’s condition. Then, to make matters worse, he motivated Nebuchadnezzar to issue the death decree for Daniel.

Now every captive Israelite was looking to Daniel. Their future depended on his being in touch with the Lord. They wondered, “Does God speak to anybody anymore? Is anyone able to read the times and know what’s happening? Who can discern the secrets of the Lord?”

Daniel knew exactly what was happening. And he could have acted in any number of ways. He could have organized a huge march on the capitol to demand justice for the Jews. But, you see, the world and hell aren’t impressed by crowds, numbers, demonstrations. Nor are they impacted by mega-churches, with massive buildings and memberships. They’re not stirred by bright, educated young ministers who use polls to achieve results, asking, “What topics do you want us to avoid in our sermons? How can we accommodate you, so you’ll come to church?”

No – the only way this world will ever be impacted is through a sin-exposing word that reveals the heart. The world needs to hear pure, Holy Ghost truth that cuts to the quick and answers the cry of the doubting heart.

WATCH THIS!!!

I believe King Nebuchadnezzar is a picture of modern humankind, crying, “I have power and influence. I have all the material possessions I could want. Yet I have no peace. I have questions, and I need answers to them. All you people who claim to speak for God – intellectuals, cultists, even people of the cloth – if you can’t answer the cry of my heart, then you have no right to exist. You have no purpose. You’re useless to this society.”

David Wilkerson then shares a personal story:

While in Dallas recently, I visited a congregation advertised as a “community church.” The service was so casual, it was grossly irreverent. People drank sodas and chomped on donuts while their children ran amok.

Sounds interesting huh?! I yet quote:

The service started with a comical skit about how to buy a car. Then the worship team sang a few “crossover” songs – love songs you might sing to your sweetheart. Finally, the pastor, a Ph. D., walked up with a tiny slip of paper in his hand containing his entire message. He spoke for ten minutes on how to enjoy your job.

This ministry had been started through a neighborhood survey that asked people what they would want in a church. As a result, the services were designed to be totally non-confrontational. Yet, as I looked around at the congregation, I saw men and women who obviously had deep problems that needed answers. The teenagers looked bored. My heart broke for these people. Everyone there needed a word from heaven, yet all they got was straw. Why? The men in the pulpit were stalling, because they’d lost touch with God.

HERE’S THE GOODS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

When This Nation Sees the Handwriting of Judgment on The Wall, People Will Cry Out for Praying Leaders.When the finger of God’s judgment becomes apparent in America, people will no longer turn to prosperity preachers who claim, “All is well.” Rather, they’ll react like the Israelites – seeking out a Daniel company, a godly people who can read the times.

In Daniel 5, Nebuchadnezzar’s son Belshazzar was on the throne. This pagan king threw a huge feast for a thousand of his lords. As the drunken festivities raged on, the king told his servants to bring in the gold and silver vessels that had been taken from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Soon Belshazzar’s lords, wives and concubines were drinking wildly from these consecrated vessels.

Suddenly, in a supernatural moment, the fingers of a man’s hand appeared at the feast and began writing a message on the wall. It was a warning that judgment was at the door. Scripture says, “Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers…and the soothsayers.

“And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled…and his lords were astonished” (Daniel 5:7-9).

What a terror-filled scene. Yet, I tell you, one day very soon, prosperous America will experience the same kind of shock. The writing is now on the wall, and no doubt judgment is at the door. Like Belshazzar, our nation’s leaders will be troubled, their countenances changing, their knees trembling.

Yet, in spite of this, ministers in America are preaching a false peace. All across the nation, compromised shepherds claim God would never bring down America because we send so many missionaries into the world. Yet these shepherds don’t mention that judgment is sure to come because we’ve killed 40 million babies through abortion. When the handwriting appears on the wall, such preachers will be tongue-tied. They’re already “out of the loop” – because God reveals his wisdom only to people of prayer.

I say to all pastors and preachers: God help you if you’re not a person of prayer. In these times of wickedness and pleasure, you should be shut in with the Lord. What will you do when God’s handwriting appears and your people ask you to read the times? How many jokes will be told from the pulpit then? How will you answer them, when they interrupt your sermons and cry, “Please, pastor, tell us what’s happening. Is this judgment? What’s coming next? Why didn’t you warn us about any of this? You told us all was well – but we’ve lost everthing.”

When I found myself at the end of his message … I’m amazed at the prayer he offers to God in the face of his congregation. It is one that I hope, when I pass will be said of me.

(9 years ago) A California law has made it compulsory for elementary schools to teach homosexuality as an approved alternative lifestyle. Alcohol binges have spread from college campuses to high schools and junior highs. And the Internet has become a superhighway to pornography. Almost thirty years ago, I predicted in my book The Vision that an electronic box would bring vile forms of pornography into our homes (VCR’s). Today, 90 percent of activity on the Internet involves pornography.

Simply put, we live in a modern-day Babylon. And tragically, Christians have adopted society’s sinful ways. Our ministry regularly receives letters from Christian wives who write, “I felt my husband drifting away from me, and I couldn’t figure out why. Then I opened the door to his study and caught him leering at porn on the Internet.”

Young people especially are easy prey for Satan’s wiles. Multitudes of Christian teenagers are downloading wicked music through the Napster site. I know of one Christian mother who took a computer class to learn how to tap into what her teenager was downloading. When she opened his computer files, what she saw horrified her: songs by the murderer Charles Manson; songs about cop killing; songs about death, suicide and every kind of promiscuous sex.

God strongly desires to bless his people today – but if our minds are polluted with the spirit of this world, we are in no position to receive his blessings. Daniel made this powerful statement: ” All this evil is come upon us: yet we have not made our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand the truth.Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us” (Daniel 9:13-14).

Daniel was saying, “We saw all the moral degradation in our land. And we saw our shepherds looking out for their own interests. Our whole society was racing toward destruction. Yet we didn’t turn to prayer. If we had only been praying, God would have turned us from our sins. He even waited on us, making glorious promises to restore us. But we didn’t give him any time. Instead, we just kept drifting slowly away from him, becoming satiated with the sins of the wicked society. That’s why his judgments came upon us.”

You may ask – what is the prayer that shakes hell? It comes from the faithful, diligent servant who sees his nation and church falling deeper into sin. This person falls on his knees, crying, “Lord, I don’t want to be a part of what’s going on. Let me be an example of your keeping power in the midst of this wicked age. It doesn’t matter if no one else prays. I’m going to pray.”

Daniel concluded by saying, “While I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel…informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding…thou art greatly beloved” (Daniel 9:21-23).
Where are the praying people in God’s house today? Where are the faithful shepherds who seek the Lord night and day? These are the ones who’ll be given skill and understanding, because they’re greatly loved.

Like Daniel, these servants identify with and confess the sins of the nation and the church. And they cry out in humility, “Oh, Lord, show me where I’ve been drifting, where I have great lack. Then help me to face it and deal with it. Whatever it takes, God, keep me on my knees. I long to see you restore your church.”

Purity: Lesson 4…

It’s very rare that I find direction this far in advance for my sermons but when they hit, the hit hard. Enjoy the notes in advance! Purity in Attitudes!

Attitude is the EYE of your soul!  Our attitude will determine how we view life and will ultimately take us to a place of disaster or our destiny in life.

If our attitude is negative, then all we will see life in a negative response.

If our attitude is positive, we will see life positively.

If we have a thankful attitude, we will see the things that we encounter as gifts to be thankful for.

One writer said:

“I may not be able to change the world I see around me but I can change the way I see the world within me!”

The power to see things come to pass is in your ability to have a positive attitude. If all we think, breathe, eat, drink, and live is a negative attitude … the result will in return be negative!

God needs people with POSTIVE, pure attitudes!

If there is going to be a revival in this youth group, there must be a spirit of UNITY and it must start tonight! God has INCREDIBLE things for this church, for this youth group and for this community. But if we’re NOT unified with the same attitude and purpose, then everything we do will be a waste of time, energy, and life. When I look at the term “UNITY” … I find many different meanings and I would like to share them with you tonight.

UNITY …

1. The state of being one single entity
2. The state of being combined with others to form a greater whole
3. The state of being a complete or harmonious combination of elements
4. Harmony among the parts or elements of a work producing a single major effect
5. Complete accord among persons regarding attitudes, opinions, and intensions

Unity is a very important part of growth and revival!

I like is the last one, “Complete accord among persons regarding attitudes, opinions, and intensions,”

Take for an example … I have been a musician for the majority of my life and started playing the drums in church services when I was 5 years old. When I was in Junior High School, I started taking band, and orchestra. One thing that I remember my band director teaching us was the importance of playing together and making the world of music pleasant to the ears of the audience.

There were 3 major points that he presented to us in our first day of classes.

1. The music itself is greater than one individual and when everyone agrees to this truth, a great sound is produced
2. In playing a piece of music, the tempo is the force that hold everything together
3. When everyone plays together on the same page and in the same tempo, the orchestra unites and the produce a sound that is un-stoppable

Here’s the deal guys … If you have an orchestra playing the same piece but with different tempos and with different levels or sound, what happens to chaotic. It literally creates a world is disunity!

When the audience listens to the piece being played, if all they hear are the percussionist going crazy, a few saxophone players hitting high notes without any clue of what’s going on, and the violin player is playing a classical song with a country groove … confusion is present!

When everyone actually gets on the same page and they all have the same attitude, UNITY comes to the group of musicians trying to accomplish the same goal and they all create a concert of excellence!

What I’m trying to present to this group of people sitting under the sound of my voice is simple and if we can all get together  for  the  same  purpose  and  the  same  reason,  I’m telling you the truth when I say God will honor us and as a result, he will cause great growth and great revival through our unity!

The bible says in Ephesians 4:16

1. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There are people in this room right now that have more talent and more skill than the person sitting next to them.

In fact, I’m positive that there are people who have the ability to sing a solo but yet the person across the pew from them doesn’t have this gift. And while this is true, there are people in here who are blessed with an ability to play an instrument better than someone else.

Is this a bad thing?

Does this mean we’re not unified?

NO WAY!

All this means to me is the fact that we all have different talents and we have different gifts. So in order for this youth group to go ANYWHERE, it’s going to require some bonding moments and some time to unite with each other, causing those gifts and those talents to come together!

Bro Avant, where are you going with this thought?

I’m simply trying to say, revival is here! Growth for B1 Student Ministries is ready to happen!

And the only way revival and growth will take place is when everyone in this building gets the same attitude, the same opinion, and the same intension about serving God! I’m not asking you to change your personality! And I’m not asking you to stop serving God the way you know how to serve God.

I’m just asking us to get an attitude of UNITY!

That when I step into this house of worship, I’m stepping in here because I want to usher in the presence of the Lord! When I come to youth functions, I’m coming because I want to bring a spirit of unity in our youth group!

I’m not showing up because I know I can sing better than this person …

I’m not showing up because I know I’m popular and this other person isn’t …

I’m not showing up because I have more friends than anyone else in this youth group …

I’ve showed up because I care about the people I call my youth group and in doing so, I’ve showed up because I want God to show up!

I am here because I am hungry for a move of God!

I am here because I am hungry for revival!

I am here because I am hungry for the best that God has in store for us!

I’m simply stepping into the position of unity because I want to possess a POSITIVE attitude and I want to go places in Jesus Christ!

Listen, I really feel that we are on the edge of a great explosion, but if we can’t get the same attitude about this, the chances of revival are slim! There is only one way to stop a move of God in this youth group and not only this youth group but this entire church. It’s through the lack of positive attitudes.

Truth be told, we need an attitude adjustment!

A positive attitude will change the way we respond to the singing and preaching in our Worship services!

A positive attitude will …

a. make us show up on time for pre-service prayer

b. keep us from talking during church

c. cause us to really seek God when the altar call is given

d. make us pick up the phone and make sure that our friends are doing good and if there’s a problem in their life, we will pray for them and ask God for his help

A positive attitude will keep the devil from causing problems in our youth group!

A positive attitude will rebuke the idea of each other talking trash and creating a world of gossip on our cell phones when we leave church and someone who doesn’t have enough money to dress like you dress!

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE WILL BE SEEN AND KNOWN BY YOUR FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, & TWITTER STATUSES …

Why or how could we ever convince people that we have a PURE ATTITUDE if we are constantly posting loaded comments …

Comments like:

“You know, I wonder about some people…”

“People just get on my nerves…”

“It’s amazing how people say one thing a do another…”

And then … we have people posting comments in reply to what has been posted by the other person.

The bible has a word for this … It’s called DISCORD!

Do you know that discord is an abomination unto God?

Let’s read it:

Proverbs 6:12-21

A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth, He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

We’ve should really watch the things we say in the public world because those are the ones who are going to judge us the most!

I’d hate for Jesus to reject us from making it to heaven because we didn’t live up to the commandments of His Word.!

I’m being tough right now, but every youth group deals with this problem!

Even the most spiritual youth groups in the United Pentecostal church have their own issues!

And the thing I’m trying to say in this message is not negative but rather it’s a challenge to be different and to be positive!

We must defend each other!

We must uplift each other!

We must serve each other!

We must protect each other!

There is a POWER in people who are positive and in people who have a heart beat for UNTIY!

I don’t want this to be the extent of our Sunday reVerb class!

I don’t want this to be the extent of our youth functions period!

We are too close to the coming of Christ and if there’s ever been a time for the people of Jesus Name to be together it’s RIGHT NOW!

We’ve got to be unified and we must possess the positive attitude that requires us in going to another level!

Don’ let the devil break us away from each other!

We must keep a bond and pray for each other!

There are people in this place right now that need a friend to lay a hand on them in prayer and a friend to just lift them up when nobody else cares!

That’s how we grow!

That’s how we reach the goals of life!

That’s how we make a difference!

ONLY THROUGH ATTITUDES OF UNITY … …

Different people have spoken of attitudes saying …

“Revival comes from heaven when heroic souls enter the conflict determined to win or die-or if need be, to win and die! “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

– Charles Finney

“Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.”

- Andrew Murray

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies: probably because they are generally the same people.”

- G.K. Chesterton

I’m am confident beyond the shadow of any doubt that the Lord has great expectations about us and if we can get the same level of expectancy then I firmly feel that will be the birthplace of a great outpouring of God’s spirit!

We have way too much talent …

We have way too much anointing …

We have way too much gifting …

We have way too many abilities …

Just to let them sit idle because we can’t get unified and get on the same page one with another concerning positive attitudes of UNITY!

If there has ever been a time for God to do the miraculous, it is now and it is through us! And if we can possess a positive attitude with each other and for our own personal life, we will see the greatness of God displayed in our youth group!

Purity: Lesson 3

I did NOT have much time to prepare for this lesson however … I was able to place a couple of scriptures on paper and I used a few different personal experiences … Hope this SHORT lesson outline helps you with any direction.

Psalm 24:1-10

1. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Today’s lesson is on “A Pure Heart”

We must have a pure heart so that our purpose will live on.

Jesus spoke out to the gathered in Mark.

Mark 7:5-9

“Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition”

Mark 7:20-23

“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man”

Jesus was basically putting these men in place.

What right do you have to say anything? — because you’re heart isn’t in the place to say anything PERIOD!

Your mouth says one thing but your heart says nothing to prove your words.

It’s a HEART issue.

What’s in YOUR HEART will come out of your mouth!

God help us to be pure in our hearts and keep your Kingdom in our vision!

We need to be sincere and maintain a heart after God!

If there’s ANYTHING that the devil will try to harden, it’s the hearts of God’s people.

The battle is in full swing!

The King of Glory is strong & Mighty!

God, Jesus Christ Himself – the savior of the World is in full control!

He will bring to you the joy of life!

Keep a PURE HEART!

Purity: Lesson 2

Most of the info below is taken from the book by Bill Davis called “The Gates of Hell and the Prevailing Church” — a must read. Lesson 2 was titled, “A Pure Choice is God’s Choice.” We  must never forget to make the right choices in life. Adam & Eve failed to do so with one simple task in the Garden of Eden. Read the material below and give me your thoughts!

Adam & Eve, had a great place in the Garden of Eden. Opportunity, beauty, and life. A God-given place. And that place could have been forever. Nevertheless, Adam and Even violated the rules!

Maybe rules do matter. Maybe they are not there to be broken.

And the first ground rules of the Garden are still in effect:

Genesis 3:1

1. Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree in the garden.

He has thundered His word to all generations. And to every man, the issues are still the same — “Yea, hath God said…”

The words were formed into a question by Satan to Adam and Eve.

And by going down 2 verses we see something interesting.

Genesis 3:3

1. Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it lest ye die.

Clear, direct, and to the point, and yet to these two people it was NOT quite clear enough to be honored.

Hell’s Gates prevail against us when we stop listening to God.

The first rule of Eden was clear: “Listen to God.” And this rule has not been revoked! From Genesis to Revelation, the position is clear … “Ye hath God said…”

Revelation 2:7

1. He that hath and ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

God planted a garden eastward in Eden. He created a perfect and beautiful environment for man. A garden of fruit, trees, and a river flowing out from the garden dividing into four rivers. A garden full of animals, birds, and life all around. And man was place there with full control and authority. And God was pleased for Adam and Eve to enjoy the world He created. He wanted them to enjoy a world dominated by His presence, sustained by His Word.

A world full of His gifts and blessings. A world that He (God) was comfortable to dwell in. A world He and man could mutually enjoy and walk together in. A place well designed by a God if infinite wisdom and power and love.

What a place for man!

In Eden, God came and walked in the cool or the breeze of the day He came to talk, walk, and visit and to enjoy His creation. He desired to enjoy both man and His garden. But the gates of Hell were opened and an intruder eased into the garden. The dark shadow of Hell stretched across the world of Adam and Eve.

The big question is why?

What caused the problem? Why or how were the first people so vulnerable?

Such easy victims.

Why did they allow the gates of Hell to prevail? Why does anyone all Hell’s gates to prevail? Why does anyone want the negative, the sad, and the miserable consequences of disobedience?

“God said” – “Satan said.”

Two voices, two forces were present, but the presence of Satan was not the major problem. The garden with the tree in the midst and the limits set on it were not the problem. The garden was not in jeopardy nor was it at fault

It was all about choices.

It is ALWAYS about choices.

Isaiah 33:6

1. And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation.

One may know what to do but lack the wisdom. Too choose is wisdom placed into action. Knowledge is what we know. Knowledge comes easy through study and teaching. But wisdom, well, that is different all by itself. True wisdom, heavenly wisdom comes from God. The scriptures actually speak concerning this truth!

The apostle James, inspired of God, says clearly ……..

James 1:5

1. If any man of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Another version says it this way: “If you lack wisdom, ask God to help you and He will give it to you without any hesitation.”

It was about “God said” – “Satan said.” It was about choosing whom to believe, the Creator of the Garden or the intruder of the garden. And of course, we know what happened. They set aside what God said, and they embraced what Satan said. That cost them and it cost them dearly.

It cost them the garden, the fruit, and the fellowship

It cost them their dominance over the animal kingdom.

It cost them LIFE!

It cost them eternal life, the chance to live always.

It cost them the privilege to keep on living period.

And it has cost EVERY generation and family since then.

The gates of Hell can and will prevail against any man who sets aside “God said.” It is time that we take God’s Word VERY serious. He has bound Himself to His Word and He is obligated to honor it and act accordingly to His own precepts. In our lives, it always comes down to what God said. Victory and defeat, success and failure; it always comes down to what God has said.

In conclusion, listen to this powerful statement …

“When we unleash the Word, the people will unleash their faith and God will unleash His power.”

The gates of Hell cannot prevail when we listen to God’s Word and obey it at all times.

When must learn to act on what God says. God is not a man that He should lie … So when God says something in His word, do it! Your days will be much better and longer on the earth!

When He was speaking in Deuteronomy 30, there was a clear voice and a strong suggestion:

Vs 15 – See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.

Vs 16 – In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statues and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Vs 17 – But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

Vs 18 – I denounce unto you this day, (in other words — I BOLDLY SAY) that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.

Vs 19 – I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings, (HERE’S THE KEY POINT TO ALL OF THIS) therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live!

It doesn’t get any more plain than this!

This is like the ultimate OPEN BOOK TEST which has all the answers right in front of you and you have no excuse to fail!

CHOOSE LIFE!

Finally, what did the writer say … “CHOOSE YE THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE … BUT AS FOR ME & MY HOUSE!”

So, what do you choose? A Pure Choice is God’s Choice!

Indianapolis Colts – ‘Nuff Said…

There is a reason why I am a Colts’ Fan. Obviously not just because of one player, but because they are a great team. They beat the Miami Dolphins while having the ball LESS THAN 15 minutes during the entire game. I was able to live in the city where the Colts dominate. Yep! – Indianapolis, Indiana. I attended Indiana Bible College for a semester. While living there … I became a fan. And surprisingly … I’m a Florida boy. Born and raised! But, NOT a fan of ANY teams both Pro and College. I am a fan of the OSU Buckeyes and LSU Tigers.

ANYWAYS — Read the entire article of the game against the ‘Fins by clicking HERE.

I want to know … Who is YOUR team. Tell me why! I’m interested. Leave your comments below!

Weight Loss Challenge Day #8 & some….

Hey guys! It’s been eight days since I’ve started my challenge of loosing at least 25 pounds before Thanksgiving. Check out the video below for all the details of this goal as well as a personal challenge and reality check for student pastors, preachers, and ministers of the Gospel! Thanks for stopping by my site today!

God Bless!

Purity…

I am concerned and spiritually awakened with a heavy burden for my generation. It is a challenge to be pure. Please, don’t judge me before you read the notes below. We need a revival of purity in our churches. Not just physical purity but a much, overdue revival of spiritual purity. Over the next 6 weeks I will be posting my sermon notes for this subject.  So … let’s begin the journey!

Purity is a BLESSING!

Tim Rutledge is the former Student Pastor at The Pentecostals of Alexandria (POA) and he forwarded some of the notes he used in this series on this subject. I have also taken a good amount of material from Ken Gurley’s series called “Worth the Wait.” Please note: I use this material with respect and honor given to the men who have formed such great guidelines and values on this much need subject. To Pastor Gurley and Tim Rutledge: I honor you and thank God for you!

PURITY: Lesson 1

When you find a wife, and when you find a husband the greatest gift that you can give to them, is not your Holy Ghost and it’s not your shouting abilities. It’s the gift of PURITY!

There are 5 lies that the world would want us to believe on why it’s okay to loose our PURITY …

Lie #1: Loosing your PURITY is no BIG DEAL.

That is a lie of an overexposed society where this is everywhere. You see it in magazines, billboards, TV. It’s become so normal; it’s no big deal. That’s why for some of your parents that have grown up in an era when sex was more hidden and not talked about as much and you throw it back in their face and say, “It’s no big deal!” That it’s everywhere. It is everywhere and it’s used for everything. You should know that is a complete lie and is the farthest thing from truth!

Lie #2. PURITY is only PHYSICAL.

Think of it this way: most of you will spend more time on the marriage side of life than on the single side of life. Don’t make decisions today that are for momentary pleasure. Your greatest, most powerful tool is not what you offer physically, it’s your mind. And your mind doesn’t shut things out nothing will! Your mind is an incredible gift. I totally understand how difficult it is to think so far into the future. Girls, I know that many of you have already thought about your wedding day and your dress. But now I’m encouraging you to think even longer and further out there. PURITY is a huge, huge decision for anybody of any age. Whether you’re a high school student or the president of the United States.

Lie #3: God is DOWN on fun.

That’s what a lot of people think. They think God is this cosmic killjoy who’s up in heaven wanting to have all these bad things happen so you can’t enjoy life. That’s what people think. God is down on everything that’s fun. That’s a horribly uneducated comment.

Lie #4: Everybody’s LOOSING their PURITY.

Here’s the truth: everybody is not doing it. As a matter of fact, statistics tell us that 40% of high school students graduate from high school without ever having a one-on-one intimate date. Can I also tell you that, in the last 10 years, current study research says this – sexual activity among teenagers is going down? As a matter of fact, there’s a lot more people not doing it than doing it. From the ages of 15 to 17, 38-40% has had at least one sexual intercourse experience. The numbers increased from 17-19. When you total all of them together, it’s right about 50% by the time you’re 19. It’s interesting to me that the divorce rate in this country is about 50%.

Lie #5: It’s impossible to be PURE.

People say, “If you say that PURITY is to be saved for the context of marriage what am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to be like totally pure? That is impossible.” It’s NOT impossible to be pure. What do you need to live; oxygen, air, water, food. You do not need to loose one of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse just to live life!

Three truths about the creator of PURITY.

Truth #1: God isn’t into RULES.  He’s into LIFE.

Some of you who think God is down on having fun. You say, “Why does He want me to wait until marriage”; because of those life-long effects that I talked about, because of the haunting spirits, because God created it to be so beautiful and to be celebrated and so pure that in the context of marriage that you would share it with one person for the rest of your life so you wouldn’t have this excess baggage to bring into marriage.

Truth #2: God is more concerned about your HEART than your ACTIONS.

Some actually think, “Great! If He’s not concerned about my actions then I can do whatever I want as long as I have a nice heart.” How wrong that is! God is more concerned about your heart than your actions. God is still concerned with your actions. For some, when it comes to your PURITY, they want us to create a list of what we think, as a student pastor, they should be able to do; “THE ACTION LIST.”

If I made up an action list:

• On the first date you can say hello.
• On the third date, you can interlock your fingers.
• Then on the fifth date you can peach kiss.
• On the sixth date you can prune kiss.
• And on the ninth you can “Alfalfa!”

WHATEVER!

Truth #3: God offers you wisdom, FORGIVENESS and hope.

Wisdom – God wants you to be wise and have unusual insight into ordinary living. Those of you, who don’t know much about God, ask God for wisdom. God’s wisdom is greater than your wisdom. My thinking is finite. It is limited. God’s is infinite.  God wants you to be forgiven. For some, just start over. That would be a great thing to just start over. In the past, “I was looking for a little bit of love. “I was looking to feel pretty, I was looking to feel different and I didn’t get it then, but now I get it”. God says “Great. Let’s start over.” He gives you hope; hope that you can be restored, hope that you don’t have to live in confusion, hope that you don’t have to be frightened and alone. That’s what God wants to honor. And we must keep ourselves pure and holy in the eyes of God and in the eyes of our flesh!

Cool Resources…

As a student pastor I’m often times asked where I find the graphics that I use for student ministry. My answer is usually “Google” and that’s it!” However, yesterday I opened my inbox to find a really cool site, (which I’m probably WAY behind on getting connected with) anyways … it’s pretty smooth. It offers PSD, JPEG, AI and EPS files. It’s called CreativeMYK and I highly suggest you go there for any graphics you may desire to use and expand your resource with.

Here are a couple of pictures from that site…….

Another resource I use often is Pixel Girl Presents. This site will require a few more minutes in deciding what’s clean and what’s not. You should know this site is one of my favorites for grunge and vintage style graphics. I use it a lot!

I suggest you visit both sites and gather graphic ideas and become creative for your student ministry. You’re kids will love it!

Armed & Dangerous …

Last week our students hosted our monthly worship experienced called “theGATHERING.” It was a great evening of worship and the Word. I preached a message called “Armed & Dangerous.” Below you will find a few of the notes I used while preaching this message. I hope this speaks to someone today and encourages you as student, student pastor, or someone just passing by my blog today. Don’t let the enemy fool you. You’re ARMED & DANGEROUS!

In the Federal Bureau of Investigation otherwise known as  the “FBI” there are warrants that have been issued for the arrest of men and women they consider to be “Armed & Dangerous.”

Here’s a few examples:

#1 – James Bulger is being sought for his role in numerous murders committed from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s in connection with his leadership of an organized crime group that allegedly controlled extortion, drug deals, and other illegal  activities in  Boston, Massachusetts  area. He has a violent temper and is known to carry a knife at all times! He is considered: ARMED AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

#2 – Robert William Fisher is wanted for allegedly killing his wife and two young children and then blowing up the house in which they all lived in Scottsdale, Arizona in April of 2001. He is considered ARMED & DANGEROUS.

#3 – Alexis Flores is wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old girl in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The girl was reported missing in late July of 2000, and later found strangled to death in a nearby apartment in early August of 2000. He is considered ARMED AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

These three men are of the top 10 FBI’s Most Wanted

There is however, an individual that you won’t find on the FBI’s Most Wanted List but he is, nonetheless wanted by many people.

He is known for his constant attacks against Holy and Righteous people.

He is known for disguising himself as a serpent in the Garden of Eden when God told Adam and Eve they could eat of any tree in the garden EXCEPT the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

He is known for walking through the homes of people who live for God and are sold out for the Kingdom.

He is known as a liar and the father of all liars.

He is known for entering the sheepfold as a stranger, going in from behind. Jesus called this a type of guy a thief. And that thief cometh NOT but to steal, kill, and destroy…

There is an outstanding warrant for the adversary of our lives!

The bible specifically tells us:

1 Peter 5:8 says to: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

There is nothing more in the world that the devil would love than to destroy your life.

He wants to walk into your parents marriage and mess it up…

He wants to make you think that you were a mistake that should’ve never happened…

He wants you to believe that you’ll never amount to anything in the Kingdom…

He wants your siblings hooked on drugs and alcohol…

He wants your backslidden parents and family members to stay out there because he knows the threat they present if they’d get back in the church…

He wants to fill your mind with junk and make you think nasty thoughts and desire lustful things…

I’m talking about a REAL devil that wants to swallow you in for eternity without a chance of no return.

He is considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

To the contrary however … There is a group of people in this world who have been washed by the blood, Baptized in Jesus Name, Filled with the POWERFUL gift of the Holy Ghost!

AND — you should know that you too, are ARMED & DANGEROUS!

Ephesians 2:8 – Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

I’ve got a news flash for the devil … if he thinks that he’s the only one who’s armed and dangerous .. he’s got another thing coming!

He must not understand who we work for!

He must not have a clue of who’s side we’re fighting for!

He doesn’t understand our defense!

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

You want to talk about being ARMED?

Ephesians 6:10-18 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

If there’s ever been an army that’s fully clothed and ready for battle, it should be the army of God!

We’re not fighting a war of the flesh! We’re fighting a spiritual battle! We must be ready at all times to fight the forces of darkness and be prepared to make the POWER and the GLORY of God known throughout the world!

God is on the throne! He is high and lifted up and there’s non greater than our God!

Don’t let the devil trick you and confuse you!

You’re full of power and full of anointing! There’s no devil in this world that can stop the weapons of our warfare! We are armed with the TRUTH!

We are set-up with a victorious weapon!

Matthew 11:1 – And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

I’m trying to help somebody today … don’t let the devil fool you into thinking you’ve already lost the battle! Don’t let him make you think you’re never going to come out on top!

I’ve read the back of the book and WE WIN!

For the sake of time … I’ll let you imagine how the service ended. Needless to say, God moved in and He made His presence known among the people gathered that night. Perhaps this entry will bless you and help you as it has my life. Expecting Greatness in the Kingdom! WE WIN! WE WIN!

“You Lie”…

CNN Report Reads: A Republican House member shouted “You lie” during President Obama’s health care speech to Congress on Wednesday, and members of both parties condemned the heckling.

After the speech, South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson issued a statement apologizing for his outburst.

My opinion is this: HE WAS RIGHT ON TARGET!

I’m glad someone FINALLY spoke up. But, then again .. I would’ve apologized as well. But, sincerely meant the outburst at the same time … LOL

The article goes on the read:

“This evening, I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the president’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill,” the statement said. “While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”

Wilson also called the White House to apologize and spoke with Obama’s Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who accepted the apology on the president’s behalf, according to a senior administration official.

“We can disagree without being disagreeable,” Emanuel said to Wilson, according to the official. “That was the point of the president’s speech.”

The outburst came when Obama denied that proposed health care legislation would provide free health coverage for illegal immigrants. Immediately, Wilson shouted, “You lie!”

The outburst caused Obama to stop and look toward the heckler. “That’s not true,” the president responded.

Well, all I’m going to say is this … I echo Mr Wilson … YOU LIED! lol

You can click HERE to read the article in it’s entirety.