Not Like the Others

Ruth 2: 13 - '...although I'm not like one of the others...'

This is such a profound revelation from this woman, and yet, we miss it almost every time. What's missing is the reality that we are not like all the others. In many ways, you can argue that we don't even belong! My brothers, and sisters of the cross; we are the dregs of society, the social misfits and outcasts, the left overs, and the banished...however, because of the favor that God has shown to you and to me...we've been given access, dominion, and the upper hand whereas normally, we wouldn't see the light of day.

How did this great favor fall upon Ruth? How is it that she goes from a heathen woman, drowning in the sorrows of losing her husband who, by the way, was her only true connection to the Kingdom of God; going totally broke - only to find herself, back in a a country that has rejected her, no family, detected enemies, and on top of her own destiny! Where did this favor and miracle provision come from? Well...it came from dedicated S E R V I C E.

Our bible teaches that she served Naomi, she served her husband before he died...then, she went out into the fields to LABOR in order for her mother-in-law and she could scratch out a living. She could've easily went back to her homeland...no doubt with her beauty, she would've been snatched up in no time at all...however, she chose to believe in the God that Elimelech and Naomi served, and finds herself in an incredible destiny with God!

Matt. 1: 5 - 'Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, 6 and Jesse begot David the king.'

Now, from the looks of things, she's an outsider - she has no business fulfilling any such calling, and yet, through Christ - not only was she accepted, but she was called to something / someone greater than herself...can this be an echo of His truth in your life? You'd be amazed at the doors that would open for you if you would simply make up your mind to serve, and to labor in the Kingdom of God.

All Things

Phil. 4: 13 - "...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."

It's amazing what our Lord and Savior can do for us amen? My wife and I have the wonderful privilege of working with some of the greatest people on the planet! Our church has seen a steady growth, not only in numbers, but in maturity - the miracles do not cease!

Last Sunday, we had a birth announcement...one of the couples I had the pleasure of marrying 4 years ago is PREGNANT!!  It was amazing, because the wife gave a powerful testimony about how they got saved, then got married, and now a little one is on the way!!  My wife and I have invested in them from the beginning, and to see the young man rise up as a leader in our church, and the servant's heart his wife has is something to behold!

Another testimony is about a couple that have recently joined the church, (6 months ago). We've prayed for them, helped them in any way we can, and sometimes, things just don't turn out the way you hope they would. Recently, they had a falling out, so much so that we thought separation was going to be their next course of action! We all were preparing for a Marriage Seminar and she swore on a stack of bibles that she wasn't going - even though he was discouraged, he kept coming to church, and kept on praying for her

Well low and behold...God did a miracle; they patched things up and both were present at the marriage seminar! Our kids babysat their kids while we were all there!! As a matter of fact, while at the seminar, they participated in a truly-wed game, and were the WINNERS!! Isn't our God remarkable? I so appreciate the fact that God would even choose someone like me to watch over His people. Thank You Lord; I look forward to all that God is going to do in these wonderful lives...

- Amen

Compelled To Send

Romans 10:14-15 (NKJV)

Israel Rejects the Gospel

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? 

For the first time in a long time, my wife and I were able to attend the Conference in Prescott AZ. The last time I was there was in 2003 by myself; the last time we were both there was in 1995!! So it has been long overdue...I must say, that it was incredibly refreshing to be alone with my wife and enjoy God's presence. This particular Conference was a bit different for me in the sense that, usually, a venue like this is a cause for a need to jolt my spiritual wherewith-all or get my fired up for going back home...however, I was already fired up before coming...God had something better in mind for me!!

Usually, Conferences are an 'Amen - Session', understand? I mean, for the most part, what is preached, I've conquered usually - however, our Chandler AZ Conference in 2015, and this conference was synonymous in the truth that - I was genuinely convicted and challenged to change! I thank God, that He can still reach down to my stubborn soul and shake something loose!!

Psalms 51: 17 - 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart - these O God, you will not despise.'

As many of you well know, each message builds on the other, and this makes for a powerful encounter with God...all of which is true; in my case, things really came to a head by Thursday morning. Pastor Mark Aulson, a well - respected Leader in our Fellowship preached a powerful sermon on giving your all for Jesus Christ...that wasn't the kicker - the kicker was the prophecy spoken after the service (altar call). The prophecy was so specific, it was almost scary!!

I'm telling you, the young man speaking the prophecy should've simply walked across the tent, and yelled in my ear! God was that specific and on point! It literally shook me to the core, and is still lingering in my spirit as I write this! Then, to follow that up > Pastor Tom Payne preached the Thursday Evening sermon for International Night. He made a powerful statement that will stay with me for a long time, he said:

"We are not required to understand, but we are challenged to participate in faith." 

I heard this, and I thought to myself - you've gotta be kidding me God! Haven't You said enough?? Lord, what do You want me to do with all this?!!  I know what God was saying in that statement...rather than waste my energy trying to figure out why things are happening to me, I should focus on responding to Christ in faith and gaining His strength through these difficult and / or trying times.

Puddleglum from 'The Silver Chair' (6th book in the Chronicles of Narnia), said this: 'Aslan never told us what would happen, he only told us what to do!'  This is so true concerning the Kingdom of God! I walked away from that Conference with this resolve - I intend on keeping my eyes and my ears open; I am in the process of preparing myself, (My wife also); for whatever God has for us in the near future!

Pray for us as we endeavor to do God's will!