Affirming

By definition the word "Affirm" means:
: to say that something is true in a confident way

: to show a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea)



We hear this word used a lot today in society, concerning social interactions - and lately it is being used to describe churches.  We are all aware of the term "political correctness" --- I still struggle to define this term --- it's really not about "political" at all -- unless the government is trying to dictate what is correct   [I think sometimes this is exactly what it means].

This "affirmation" is being presented as a "badge" of acceptance, and is usually used by the minority or people who consider themselves "down-trodden".

The poor want to be affirmed.  The minority races want to be affirmed.  The "gay" community wants to be affirmed.  The people who are here in America without citizenship want to be affirmed (I really don't like the term "illegal aliens" -- they are not aliens, they are people).  

Churches are now putting themselves forward as being "affirming".  What does that mean??  We used to see huge banners and signs on church building stating "Everyone Welcome"!  But, usually that meant, "everyone who looks like us, is welcome."   Martin Luther King Jr. is credited with saying that "Sunday morning is the most segregated day of the week".  

Today churches are wanting to be open to ALL people -- and that is often a challenge.  I wonder if in our effort to reach people, are we compromising what we stand for?

If the definition of "Affirm" is really to "say something is really true in a confident manner" - or "to show a strong belief in or dedication to something" -- then we cannot compromise our beliefs and our doctrine on the altar of "correctness".

If your church says they are "affirming" and what it means is... everyone is welcome to come and you are not required to change, because we accept you as you are, no matter what --- I have a problem with that.  

Yes the church is that "hospital" for sick people -- everyone is welcome at the cross -- but NO ONE leaves the cross unchanged!  I love the statement I heard from Pastor Rod Parsley years ago -- "God loves you too much, to leave you the way He found you!" - That's the Gospel (Good News)!

Come as you are -- leave a different person!  We are seeing too many churches downplaying the truth of the Bible to the extent that no body is changing anything!  Frankly, if my trip to church doesn't change me -- it wasn't worth the trip!

Am I calling for condemnation?   A thousand times NO! 
Am I calling for compassion? YES  
Am I calling for the truth?  YES -- the truth spoken and demonstrated by LOVE!

I affirm you as a person!
I affirm you as a person for whom Christ died on the cross to save!
I affirm you as a human who is made in the image of God!
I affirm that we are all sinners in need of a Savior!
I affirm that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God - the only Savior of mankind!
I affirm that God is in the process of changing each of us, by His grace and mercy!
I affirm that as I allow the Holy Spirit to work in me - I am changing - and you will too!

Now that is affirmation!  

That IS the business of the church -- not to please everyone - not to judge anyone - but to point everyone to the Cross, where change happens!

Towel & Basin Challenge

According to Bill Saporito in Time Magazine (September 1, 2014), "Americans give more than $300 Billion annually to charitable causes.  We're a generous lot.  Then again, there are a lot of hands out.  More than a million charitable organizations are asking for those dollars, and many of these organization are inefficient, even if they are well-meaning."

Then comes the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and money for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a fatal disease that attacks the nervous system).  From July 29 through August 20 of this year, the ALS Association has raised more than $31 million to fund research --- more than all they raised in 2012.

People go on social media --- dunk themselves with ice water -- make a  $10 donation - and challenge their friends to do the same in 24 hours.  It's like this phenomenon has taken over social media --- ordinary folks to famous folks are getting involved --- even former President George Bush has done it.

As I have watched person after person getting wet --- I am reminded of the greatest challenge ever given in all of history -- I call it the Towel & Basin Challenge.

Jesus Christ, just before He went to the Cross for the sins of this world, met with his disciples in a room --- he picked up a basin of water, and a towel -- and he knelt down and started washing the feet of these men.  He then said to them --- do this to each other.

What did Jesus mean?  Was He instituting some sacrament in the Church?  There are some who believe so -- but I think Jesus was simply telling these disciples, these followers of Jesus to serve one another -- to be willing to serve others.

In a sense the folks dunking themselves with ice water are doing so to raise awareness and funds for research of a dreaded disease, in hopes that one day ALS can be conquered.  There are so many needs -- so many causes -- so many diseases needing money for research -- so many people in need!

Why not turn out attention to someone nearby in need -- to some family in your community in need - then remember the basin and towel -- do something to serve them!

Take them a meal -- buy then lunch -- mow their lawn -- help watch their children so that the single Mom can have a few minutes to herself, to go to the store -- sit and talk with that elderly person -- visit with them -- there is something YOU can do.

If you want to dunk the ice bucket -- go for it!

What would happen is 400 million Americans each reached out and accepted the

Towel & Basin Challenge to do something today for someone in need nearby?

Do you think we could start a revolution of service?

I challenge you!

ISIS -Islamic State in Iraq and Syria

It's hard to imagine such cruelty -- such barbaric acts -- yet we are witnessing war crimes happening daily in the Iraq and in surrounding Syria.  Once again, the Middle East is a cauldron of trouble, distress, and distrust.  They called themselves I.S.I.S. -- Islamic State in Iraq & Syria --  This renegade, yet quite organized, group of terrorist are literally "taking the world by storm".  They had slaughtered Christians and anyone who is not radical Muslim throughout Syria and Iraq -- burned down churches -- chased people into oblivion -- forcing them to hide out in caves and mountainous areas of the Kurds.  Our President ordered air strikes against them to slow them down -- ordered humanitarian supplies to be air-dropped in the mountains for the people who have fled for their lives - so that they will not starve.

Just recently we have read reports that perhaps some of Saddam Hussein's "weapons of mass destruction" may have been found by ISIS in the underground hideouts.  What the free world could not find before -- perhaps now, the terrorist have found some those weapons.  We hear reports that many weapons and equipment which the USA left behind in Iraq, may now be in the hands of ISIS --  all this makes you want to say, "God help us!"

Take a look at the map - and see how they are advancing all across the region.

While Israel is dealing with Hamas (another puppet terrorist group, sponsored by Iran), the region is boiling with violence.  By the way, who do you think is sponsoring this ISIS group --- of course, Iran and Syria -- these folks are sworn enemies of the Great Satan (America) and Little Satan (Israel).

By the way, don't forget that while the world's attention (through the media) is on Israel and Hamas, and now ISIS and Iraq --- IRAN continues their march toward developing a nuclear weapon(s).  Sounds like a bad Hollywood movie --- bad in the sense that it is a horror flick!

Remember I wrote back in April about the Four Blood Moons --- and the results would be something earth shaking in the Middle East -- in the next two years -- well .......  can't you see the signs ??  ... can't you hear the sounds ??

Pray for the people of this area -- especially the peace-loving people -- the Christian people!

Pray for the Church of Jesus Christ  (the real Body of Christ)  - that WE will awaken to the reality that "time is short" --- I'm not a doomsday preacher!  But - folks it's time to finish the task.

You ask, what?  I'm glad you asked!  The TASK is to "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God"  -- that has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with Kingdom -- it has to do with Jesus Christ being LORD -- RELATIONSHIP -- it has to do with people being at peace with God!

Pray for West Africa

The attention of the world recently turned toward Emory University Hospital, as two American missionaries were flown to Atlanta to received treatment for the deadly Ebola virus, which they contracted while serving in West Africa.  Our prayers are going out for them and their families.  We hear of good progress being made in their treatments.

The fact that they were brought back to America from the area of Africa where the spread of Ebola is happening so rapidly that the World Health Organization called emergency meetings to talk about what to do, has sparked quite a bit of controversy.  Some have said that these two should have never been brought back to America -- why?  We are in panic over such an outbreak of such a disease!  We see images on the TV which reminds us something Hollywood would place on a horror movie.

Fear strikes where the unknown lives!  This is exactly where our FAITH intersects with the unknown, and we must choose to trust God or panic!  I personally have traveled to Sierra Leone and Liberia in ministry over the years.  In the past four years, I have traveled five times to Kenya.  The possibilities of disease are there -- the opportunities to get infected abound --- do I fear?  NO

Why?  I trust God!  Is that foolish -- I think not!  Am I careful and wise?  I think so!  Do I drink the tap water -- never!  The point is --- when your life is dedicated and given to God, you trust the Creator and Master to watch over you.....and HE does every time!

So, as you watch the TV news -- please pray!  Pray for the hundreds of infected people in the countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, that won't be flown to Emory to be treated.  Pray for the doctors and scientist worldwide that a "cure" or "vaccine" for Ebola will be found soon.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort those who mourn the loss of their loved ones, and that the power of God's presence will sweep over that region of the world.  I know a lot of great Christian people in that part of the continent of Africa - pray God protect them, preserve them, and use them to minister God's love to the sick and dying.

We can pray!  I challenge you to join me in prayer for West Africa today!

ALL EYES ON ISRAEL

I wrote back in April about the coming Four Blood Moons --- and the earth-changing events that will be coming in the next year.  God is sending planet Earth a message -- HE will have the last say in everything!

The Four Blood Moons ALL relate to the nation of Israel, and God's people, the Jews.

It will affect the whole world, but the "apple of God's eye" and the attention of God's end-time plans relate to His people.

Oft times, we in America think that the whole world evolves around US.  We think we are God's favorites.  Yes, God has blessed America over our 238 years of existence as a nation. The reason we are blessed is that we have been the "friend" to Israel.  God made a promise to the founding "father" of Israel, Abraham -"I will bless those who bless you --- and curse those who curse you..."

As we move forward this year --- watch the news from Israel.  Something "earth-changing" is about to happen, and it involves Israel.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  Support this tiny nation, which is surrounded by so many enemies, whose stated purpose is to eradicate them from off the face of the earth.

Hitler tried to destroy the Jews, and he failed!  Every enemy who tries will fail.

The final war of civilization will be fought over Israel.  God will have the last word!

Maranatha!

The Power of the Voice

Today -- we have so many options available to us when it comes to communication -- options that were not available to our parents or grandparents.

Today's method of communication is somewhat impersonal - yet lightning fast --  Texting, Facebook updates and Instant Messages -- with every passing year -- more and more methods are coming about rapidly.

Facebook is fun, in that you get to see pictures of your friends, etc. --- however, sometimes they (your friends) go overboard -- more pics than you want! ha!

The question I have today for you is this:  With all this technology --are we better communicating - or just changing the manner?   Are we relating better -- or just becoming more impersonal?

Never forget the power of the spoken word!  God created this world of ours, by the spoken word!  He didn't text it into existence!   "And God said....."

Scientist have been studying for a long time the power of speaking to the unborn.  All of us Dad's can identify with the picture below:

We were sure that if you just talk to your unborn child -- they will more readily identify your voice, after they are born.  There really is something to be said about recognizing voices.  Our brains do that quite well --- we can often pick out people in a crowd, because we recognize their voice.  Every Mom does this quite well -- let the child cry (in a public place) - and Mom recognizes that cry!

Remember what Jesus said -- "My sheep know my voice...."  -- well if the sheep (that's us) knows HIS voice -- then it stands to reason that HE recognizes our voice too.

So --  remember that God is listening for your voice -- in prayer - in worship - in the time of need, and even when you need nothing .... it's your voice he is listening for.....

Sorry, you can't text God -- he doesn't text!  Can't instant message him either!  You'll have to use your voice!

By the way --  I think we are too impersonal when we can't call and talk to one another.  Talk to your loved ones -- talk to your friends -- do it face to face if you can (so they can see you -- checking out your "body language") -- if not use that smart phone -- call them --- better yet, due to modern technology - Face Time with them or Skype with them (so they can hear your voice, AND see you too).

Your voice has power!  Use it for good today!  Remember the commercial, "Reach out and touch someone...."? -- well, have a talk with God -- then call your family and friends today!  They love to hear your voice!

God Is Sending Us Signs!

"Blood Moon" on April 15, 2014


As most of already know, this past Tuesday at 3 a.m. (EDST) - we experienced a total lunar eclipse, which included the red hue, known by experts as a "blood moon".

It's not strange that we have lunar eclipses - they happen.

Seeing the red hue isn't, of itself, an unusual occurrence.

NASA has told us that we will have four (4) lunar eclipses within the next year -- from April, 2014 to September, 2015.  They call this a "tetrad."

"The action starts on April 15th when the full Moon passes through the amber shadow of Earth, producing a midnight eclipse visible across North America. So begins a lunar eclipse tetrad—a series of 4 consecutive total eclipses occurring at approximately six month intervals.  The total eclipse of April 15, 2014, will be followed by another on
Oct. 8, 2014, and another on April 4, 2015, and another on Sept. 28 2015."
What is really unique about these four events is they ALL relate to Jewish "holy" days.

April 15, 2014 - the beginning of Passover
October 8, 2014 - during Feast of Tabernacles
April 4, 2015 - Passover
September 28, 2015 - Feast of Tabernacles

According to Pastor John Hagee and other Bible scholars this has happened three other times, and on during those time frames, significant events happened in relation to the Jews.

1492 -  King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella order all Jews out of Spain
1948 -  Israel becomes a "state"
1967 - the famous Six-Day War and Jerusalem is regained by Israel
2014-2015 - ??


Is God trying to send us a SIGN in the heavens?

What is going to happen next?

This is a very dangerous world.  God is communicating with us, and preparing us for another tremendous event on our planet.

Are you ready for the next great BIG thing?

Get Ready!


By the way, if you haven't read the book, get it today!  Stay informed!

Can You Stand the Rain?

Sea of Galilee

A few weeks ago, I was asked to speak at The Life House Church in Stone Mountain, GA.  The Pastor, Mauricio Sonny, was doing a series of messages on "The Gospel According to New Edition".

Some of you may recognize "New Edition" as a R & B group back in the 80's -- they were the original "boy-band" -- they recorded a song "Can You Stand the Rain?" which was # 44 on the Top 100 Billboard chart in 1988.  The gist of the song is summed up in the chorus:  

Sunny days, everybody loves them 

Tell me 

Can you stand the rain?

Storms will come 

This we know for sure 

Can you stand the rain?

I want you to know that "Rain Happens"!  "Storms Happen"!  In life, in marriage, in business, in relationships, even in church -- Rain happens!

Rain isn't bad -- life needs it! We all need it!  Sometimes we want it to stop -- but you can't stop the rain -- the question is "Can you stand it?"

When trouble comes or when storms hit your life and family -- can you stand?

In Matthew 14:22-36 - you find a true story of the disciples of Jesus getting into a boat on the Sea of Galilee, at Jesus' command, to cross the sea, only to meet with a violent storm which threatened to destroy them.  Jesus comes to them walking on the water.  He reveals who He really was, and Peter steps out the boat and walks on the water to Jesus.

Let me call to your remembrance the following ideas:

1. It took a storm to set-up a miracle.  So many times when troubles and 'storms' come into our lives we fail to recognize that God is setting us up for a Divine Intervention.  What the enemy sends your way to destroy or discourage you, may just be the "tool" for your miracle.

2. Jesus' word always 'trumps' the storms.  HE was the one who ordered his disciples to get into the boat and cross the sea, when a storm hindered them. Whatever is hindering you now, if God has spoken His word to you -- HIS word cannot be stopped by the storm!

3. Jesus CAME to them in the midst of their storm.  What a comfort to know that in the middle of our storms, Jesus can and will come to you!  You are not really alone!

4. His word to the disciples and His word to you -- "Don't be Afraid" -- what a "word" when you can't see your way out of your trouble -- Don't be afraid!

5. Jesus reveals His true identity -- one translation says, "It is I" -- the Amplified Bible simply says, "I AM" -- that is God's name -- remember the burning bush and Moses in the Old Testament when God revealed His name and His character.  HE IS!  HE is everything you need Him to be in your life.

Out of this miracle revelation, another miracle happens -- the disciple Peter asked Jesus, "If that is really you - tell me to come to you" -- Jesus says one word -- COME -- and Peter miraculously walked on the water too.   Yes, when he saw the waves and sensed the wind, he doubted and temporarily started to sink --- notice I said TEMPORARILY -- just for a moment -- Jesus quickly picked him up -- Peter did not sink --- and neither will you, if you will just get out of the boat of your circumstance -- look to Jesus - and obey His word to you --- C O M E !

Can YOU stand the storm?  Can YOU stand the rain in your life?  Your miracle is on its way to you right now!  Don't be afraid, the great "I AM" is with you --- COME to HIM now!  The storm ended when Jesus and Peter walked back to the boat -- and got in!

The same will happen to you!  Just believe and obey the Master of the Sea - Jesus!

SECOND CHANCES

I remember posting a blog back in 2011, when the entire city of Atlanta was totally shut-down by crippling ice storms, and thousands of vehicles were stranded on our Interstate highways and city streets.  We, obviously, were not prepared.

Well life has a way of coming back around.....the city of Atlanta, and the state of Georgia invested millions of dollars in snow plows and salt trucks, after the storm in 2011.
We were determined to be ready!

Well - that time has come again --- TWICE -- to demonstrate our ability to deal with the weather.  Tuesday and Wednesday, January 28 and 29 -- two days to remember.  That morning, after being warned that something big was coming, school children were taken by buses to their schools -- people went to the jobs. At noon things changed fast -- and the snow came quickly -- and suddenly the schools were released -- and seems like everybody in downtown Atlanta left work at the same time -- and guess what --- look at the photos above and  you'll see what happened --- TOTAL GRIDLOCK!  Where were the salt trucks and snow plows --- back of the pack -- could not even get to their positions!!  Three inches of snow -- melted -- then froze -- and school children were stranded on highways in their buses --- many kids had to sleep at their schools because their parents, trying to get them, were stuck in GRIDLOCK!  A conservative estimate says there were 1200 traffic accidents; 300 injuries and one fatality (due to this storm).

It was somewhat amusing, yet sad, as politicians blamed each other -- or just refused to accept any blame for lack of coordination.  Mistakes were made AGAIN!  We had the trucks -- we had the salt -- we were just not in the right place at the right time.

Many folks like the lady in the photo below - spent the night in grocery stores and other businesses that were open -- they had abandoned their cars, and walked (if they could) to a safe place.

Guess what?  -- Would you believe we got another chance!  Two weeks later --- February 11-12 -- more snow and ice. This time ---- we finally got it right!  People did NOT go to school -- did NOT go to work -- and the trucks rolled and we made it through, although due to ice, thousands were inconvenienced by power outages across the state --- many cars and houses were damaged by falling trees .... but we will live!

What's the point of this blog --- a news report -- NO!  Just like I wrote in 2011, how many of us will heed God's warnings?  Trouble is coming!  Will we be prepared?  Jesus Christ will one day soon, return to earth -- will YOU be ready to welcome Him?  Is YOUR heart and life what He wants for you?  Do YOU love and serve HIM?    If you were to die in the next 24 hours, would YOU be prepared to meet God?  You ARE going to meet Him -- ready or not!

It's been a cold winter in Georgia this year!  We've had a lot of "strange" events!  Last night, as the city was recovering --- we had an earthquake just across the Georgia line in South Carolina -- and it was felt all over the city.  Do you think that God is trying to talk to us?  

I'm listening-- are YOU?  I'm ready -- are YOU!