Do you ever wonder if a nationwide revival is possible? Do you ever feel that it is too late, that the culture in which we live is too far gone for the tide ever to turn? Do you, like me, ever consider the vastness of the world's population, the sweeping acceptance of false religions, the breadth and depth of depravity as vividly portrayed on the evening news, and the explosion of tolerance-based, godless philosphies in our schools and think, "What can possibly be done?"
What legitimate hope is there that anything could truly reshape the moral and spiritual landscape of this land?
These kinds of questions nag at my own heart. Although these issues could trouble me and cause me to be depressed, but "I hear the sound of the abundance of rain." I have an inspired hope and faith in what God can do in renewing our lives and church by the power of His Spirit!
Please join me and others who are asking God tomove upoin the hearts of those who are seeking the Lord for anoutpouring of His Spirit at First Baptist Church - Pearland!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
HERE IS WHAT I WANT
As I was doing my quiet time, thinking of our upcoming Thirst Conference, I made a list of the things that I want to see happen in terms of my life:
1. I want to have a closer walk with the Lord Jesus. This is always a matter of time in His Word, intensity and focus.
2. I want to see that the Lord is glorified in every area of my life.
3. I want to see people come to know Christ Jesus and see their lives changed.
4. I want to see people grow up in the Lord and become committed disciples.
5. I want to see our church make an impact in our culture and to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
There are others things that I would like to have or see take place. But it is important that we keep our priorities in the right order. I have a long list today and there are many different things that have to be done. I happen to be wearing a lot of different hats, but whatever the responsibility or the task, I pray that I am working on one of these critical priorities.
You have to know what you want. What do you want? Is it pleasing to the Lord? Are the things you are doing moving you in that direction? What do you want the Lord to do in your life during the Thirst Conference?
How is your preparation going? Is your heart open to what God is saying to you?
1. I want to have a closer walk with the Lord Jesus. This is always a matter of time in His Word, intensity and focus.
2. I want to see that the Lord is glorified in every area of my life.
3. I want to see people come to know Christ Jesus and see their lives changed.
4. I want to see people grow up in the Lord and become committed disciples.
5. I want to see our church make an impact in our culture and to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
There are others things that I would like to have or see take place. But it is important that we keep our priorities in the right order. I have a long list today and there are many different things that have to be done. I happen to be wearing a lot of different hats, but whatever the responsibility or the task, I pray that I am working on one of these critical priorities.
You have to know what you want. What do you want? Is it pleasing to the Lord? Are the things you are doing moving you in that direction? What do you want the Lord to do in your life during the Thirst Conference?
How is your preparation going? Is your heart open to what God is saying to you?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Back to School
I know that technically the new year begins on January 1, but for most people major changes in lifestyle takes place the day school starts every year. It has an impact on business, family, economics, and our schedules.
People are looking for a fresh start. This is true whether you have kids in school or not. It becomes part of the environment. How can we make the most of it?
1. Make sure your priorities are in the proper order. This is a time when a lot of good things can get in the way of that which is more important. Spending time with the Lord will make you more productive.
2. Get on a schedule and seek to be more disciplined. There are all types of people and causes that are seeking to set your agenda. Your use of time and talent is important to you and those around you.
3. Look for ways to minister to other people. This is a time of challenge and pressure. There are many ways that we can invest in people and show them we care.
4. See it as a time of opportunity. It is a fresh start and there are so many ways that you can make a difference in the lives of people. They are constantly looking for answers and we must remember that we have the answer in Jesus Christ!
People are looking for a fresh start. This is true whether you have kids in school or not. It becomes part of the environment. How can we make the most of it?
1. Make sure your priorities are in the proper order. This is a time when a lot of good things can get in the way of that which is more important. Spending time with the Lord will make you more productive.
2. Get on a schedule and seek to be more disciplined. There are all types of people and causes that are seeking to set your agenda. Your use of time and talent is important to you and those around you.
3. Look for ways to minister to other people. This is a time of challenge and pressure. There are many ways that we can invest in people and show them we care.
4. See it as a time of opportunity. It is a fresh start and there are so many ways that you can make a difference in the lives of people. They are constantly looking for answers and we must remember that we have the answer in Jesus Christ!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Lessons Learned during Football Practice
As I was reflecting on going to my 45th high school reunion, I was thinking about how this time 45 years ago we were in the heat practicing for the new football season. I remember how the coach was so detailed about the practice preparation during those couple of hours. I began to think about how a lot of those things that we need in our daily lives as we seek to walk with the Lord. Here are some of the lessons:
An Emphasis on the Value of Time - We did not waste time. Every second was planned. We ran by a script and every drill, exercise and place was carefully selected for that practice. We wanted to make the best use of the time.
An Attention to Detail - We worked on all the basics and took nothing for granted. Even the way we used our hands, placed our feet, held the ball or ran the plays. The coaches were closely watching everything to review each player's performance.
An Awareness of the Plan - Every time the whistle blew, we knew where to go next. We did not hesitate. We did not know the details but we all realized that we played a part in the overall plan and if we wanted to be a part of that team, we had to be in our place.
The Power of Encouragement - It was always hot, but there was a lot of encouragement on the field. Not just from the coaches, but between the players. We challenged each other and praised each other when each made a play. We were competing and investing in one another at the same time, it was as if we understood that if we helped one another, it would make us better.
A Sense of Urgency and a Passion of the Game - Football is a only a game. But you could tell that we had a passion for the game. The process had begun in trying to be the best and every moment could be significant. We could feel a sense of urgency on the field, but it was still just a game.
LESSON: We can take all of these and apply them to our daily walk with the Lord. What we do for Him has an eternal impact. We are not acknowledged by the spectators and we do not have people standing around to sign autographs, but the Lord gives us a chance to "make a play" that will change the life of someone else. I pray that we will be ready!
An Emphasis on the Value of Time - We did not waste time. Every second was planned. We ran by a script and every drill, exercise and place was carefully selected for that practice. We wanted to make the best use of the time.
An Attention to Detail - We worked on all the basics and took nothing for granted. Even the way we used our hands, placed our feet, held the ball or ran the plays. The coaches were closely watching everything to review each player's performance.
An Awareness of the Plan - Every time the whistle blew, we knew where to go next. We did not hesitate. We did not know the details but we all realized that we played a part in the overall plan and if we wanted to be a part of that team, we had to be in our place.
The Power of Encouragement - It was always hot, but there was a lot of encouragement on the field. Not just from the coaches, but between the players. We challenged each other and praised each other when each made a play. We were competing and investing in one another at the same time, it was as if we understood that if we helped one another, it would make us better.
A Sense of Urgency and a Passion of the Game - Football is a only a game. But you could tell that we had a passion for the game. The process had begun in trying to be the best and every moment could be significant. We could feel a sense of urgency on the field, but it was still just a game.
LESSON: We can take all of these and apply them to our daily walk with the Lord. What we do for Him has an eternal impact. We are not acknowledged by the spectators and we do not have people standing around to sign autographs, but the Lord gives us a chance to "make a play" that will change the life of someone else. I pray that we will be ready!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Israel: A Divine Gift!
President Obama's historic speech to the Arab and Muslim world in Cairo recently centered more on what he didn't say than what he said.
The Jews of the world were gratified to hear President Obama's strong repudiation of Holocaust-denial, which is rampant in the Arab world. Denying the fact of the Holocaust is baseless, ignorant, and hateful!
After alluding to Jewish suffering in the Holocaust, however, President Obama uttered four words that must have grated Jewish ears as it did mine. These four words were: "On the other hand . . ." President Obama followed his Holocaust statement with: "On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people have suffered in pursuit of a homeland."
I cannot accept the moral equivalency of the Holocaust to "Palestinian suffering." These statements point to a much more dangerous viewpoint. Without mentioning the Jewish people's "historical and religious rights" to the land of Israel, President Obama swallowed whole the Arab narrative that the Jewish presence in Israel is because of European guilt over the Holocaust prompting them to give the Jews their own state.
Countless historical and archaeological proofs bear witness to Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel from 1200 B.C. until the Roman exile in 70 A.D. Even after the Romans forcibly exiled most Jews, a significant Jewish population remained in the northern portion of Israel until Arab conquest of the 7th century.
King David made Jerusalem the capital of Israel 3000 years ago - 1700 years before Islam was even founded! Jerusalem never served as even a provincial capital during the centuries of Muslim rule. The Land of Israel is unquestionably Jewish. God created all the earth and heavens and He can give it to whom He pleases, and He gave it to the Jews!
The Jews of the world were gratified to hear President Obama's strong repudiation of Holocaust-denial, which is rampant in the Arab world. Denying the fact of the Holocaust is baseless, ignorant, and hateful!
After alluding to Jewish suffering in the Holocaust, however, President Obama uttered four words that must have grated Jewish ears as it did mine. These four words were: "On the other hand . . ." President Obama followed his Holocaust statement with: "On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people have suffered in pursuit of a homeland."
I cannot accept the moral equivalency of the Holocaust to "Palestinian suffering." These statements point to a much more dangerous viewpoint. Without mentioning the Jewish people's "historical and religious rights" to the land of Israel, President Obama swallowed whole the Arab narrative that the Jewish presence in Israel is because of European guilt over the Holocaust prompting them to give the Jews their own state.
Countless historical and archaeological proofs bear witness to Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel from 1200 B.C. until the Roman exile in 70 A.D. Even after the Romans forcibly exiled most Jews, a significant Jewish population remained in the northern portion of Israel until Arab conquest of the 7th century.
King David made Jerusalem the capital of Israel 3000 years ago - 1700 years before Islam was even founded! Jerusalem never served as even a provincial capital during the centuries of Muslim rule. The Land of Israel is unquestionably Jewish. God created all the earth and heavens and He can give it to whom He pleases, and He gave it to the Jews!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Phenomenon of Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle, the middle-aged lady from a small village in England, has become an overwhelming sensation all over the world. When she first walked on the set of "Britain's Got Talent" they looked at her as if she was a joke. They thought that they had someone that was going to provide great comedy for the show. That was until they heard her sing. On the first episode on April 11, she overwhelmed the crowd with her performance of "I Dreamed a Dream."
Recently she sang "Memory" from "Cats." This time the crowd was wildly behind her. She had a little bit of rough start but then she reached a point where they knew she would be okay and they stood with her. The videos of her performances have been watched by millions from around the world.
Why is it that people have become enamored with her? I think there are several reasons.
First of all, she was a surprise! They thought that she would be funny and she shocked the world with her voice.
Secondly, she is talented. She has a great voice and she courageously stepped on the stage when all the odds were against her.
But I think the biggest factor is that people are able to identify with her. She is an average middle-aged woman who certainly does not look the part of a star. When she walked on the stage she was the underdog, the long shot, the one that appeared to have no chance.
There are people out there who would love to believe that if she can do it, I can do it. I am not sure it has as much to do with her voice as it has to do with the way she is overcoming the odds.
Most of us would like for people to see that we have something to offer. We would like to dream that someday someone will be cheering for us. Most people that I talk to as a pastor are dealing with the same self image issues that Susan Boyle has.
We must remember that what the Psalmist said in Psalm 139 applies to us: "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13)
Recently she sang "Memory" from "Cats." This time the crowd was wildly behind her. She had a little bit of rough start but then she reached a point where they knew she would be okay and they stood with her. The videos of her performances have been watched by millions from around the world.
Why is it that people have become enamored with her? I think there are several reasons.
First of all, she was a surprise! They thought that she would be funny and she shocked the world with her voice.
Secondly, she is talented. She has a great voice and she courageously stepped on the stage when all the odds were against her.
But I think the biggest factor is that people are able to identify with her. She is an average middle-aged woman who certainly does not look the part of a star. When she walked on the stage she was the underdog, the long shot, the one that appeared to have no chance.
There are people out there who would love to believe that if she can do it, I can do it. I am not sure it has as much to do with her voice as it has to do with the way she is overcoming the odds.
Most of us would like for people to see that we have something to offer. We would like to dream that someday someone will be cheering for us. Most people that I talk to as a pastor are dealing with the same self image issues that Susan Boyle has.
We must remember that what the Psalmist said in Psalm 139 applies to us: "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Finally, Someone Has Some Sense!
Amazingly, the Dominican Republic, despite pressure from Planned Parenthood and the international abortion lobby, enshrined the right to life in their new Constitution by a vote of 167 to 32. The exact language declares, "the right to life is inviolable from conception until death."
This country has thrown off the madness of the modern world drowning in a sea of blood and perversion. They have embraced a biblical understanding of the function of civil government, which is to protect life and stop the shedding of innocent blood.
America, once a city on a hill, shown forth this self-evident truth. We stood as a beacon of light to the nations of the world as we declared the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness where human rights were granted by God our Creator.
We traded in this heritage a long time ago. We have reneged on our promise of life and as a result our liberty is turning to tyranny and happiness into mourning. Perhaps, America should humble herself and return to our national covenant and Thomas Jefferson's view of the role of civil government. He stated, "The care of human life and not its destruction is the one and only object of good government." The Dominican Republic has embraced this concept and may the blessing of God be upon them.
Perhaps, all Christian patriots who are now being profiled as "potential terrorists" by our out of control government, may need to flee to the Dominican Republic for asylum and sanity!
This country has thrown off the madness of the modern world drowning in a sea of blood and perversion. They have embraced a biblical understanding of the function of civil government, which is to protect life and stop the shedding of innocent blood.
America, once a city on a hill, shown forth this self-evident truth. We stood as a beacon of light to the nations of the world as we declared the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness where human rights were granted by God our Creator.
We traded in this heritage a long time ago. We have reneged on our promise of life and as a result our liberty is turning to tyranny and happiness into mourning. Perhaps, America should humble herself and return to our national covenant and Thomas Jefferson's view of the role of civil government. He stated, "The care of human life and not its destruction is the one and only object of good government." The Dominican Republic has embraced this concept and may the blessing of God be upon them.
Perhaps, all Christian patriots who are now being profiled as "potential terrorists" by our out of control government, may need to flee to the Dominican Republic for asylum and sanity!
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