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!

Where Were YOU?

Today, all around the world, people who are "old enough" will be asking each other --- "Where were you ..... when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated?"

It's been 50 years ago -- today -- when in Dallas, Texas, our President's life was snatched from him in just a few moments, as he rode in an open car through the streets of Dallas, Texas.

For me, I was between classes in the 7th Grade at Mowat Junior High School, in Panama City, FL, when the announcement was made over the PA system that our President had died.  To say the least -- school stopped that day for all of us..... I'll always remember later walking to the bus and viewing the American flag at half-mast.

Where were you?

Where were you on September 11, 2001? 

 It seemed like a dream -- a real nightmare, as we watched on TV the second plane fly into the Twin Towers in New York City.

The world changed forever that day!  We will never be the same!  Even though it's now been years ago, I remember that I personally was in the process of moving out of an apartment in Panama City (just blocks away from that same school, where I was in 1963) -- The one thing that we had not yet removed was my TV -- we ran and turned it on, after someone in the parking lot urged us to do so.  What did I see -- the TV images of that second plane.

Where were you?

Where WILL you be, when suddenly Jesus Christ appears in the clouds of heaven, as HE returns to rule and reign on this earth?

No, it hasn't happened yet --- BUT it WILL happen, and I believe it is sooner than most people think.

The Bible tells us that no one knows when -- so I'm not here to predict -- just to give you some good advice --- GET READY!

What is required to be ready?  I think it is as easy as ABC.

A -- believe that ALL have sinned, and need a Savior.

B -  BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came to earth, died on a cross to save us, and arose from the dead on the third day, and is seated at God's right hand making intercession (praying) for us.

C - CONFESS that Jesus Christ is LORD, and receive HIM as the LORD (the one in charge) of your life.  CONFESS your need of HIM as your Savior, and let HIM be your LORD.

ARE YOU READY, NOW?

Let me ask you one more time:

WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN JESUS RETURNS??

A Day to Remember: Might vs. Right

Today, September 11, 2013 -- is a day to reflect on what happened to us all twelve years ago -- 9-11-01

For years we have all known that 911 is the number you call on the phone for an emergency.  But since that day twelve years ago, today, 9-11  has a new meaning.  It's the day when airplanes were used by terrorist to strike this nation. 

In the subsequent years since that day, we have sent American troops into Afghanistan, where we have searched and fought terrorist and groups like that and have paid dearly in loss of life and limb.  After twelve years there, we are still "bogged down" in the mire of conflict.  We have sent troops to Iraq and have successfully removed Saddam Hussein from power, and his subsequent death has changed little in the territory of sectarian violence.  Yes, Iraq has a new government, and we no longer have our troops there in mass, but how stable is this country?  That is open for debate.

We have seen additional conflicts in Libya, Egypt, Iran, and now Syria.  Our President and Congress are talking about what to do with Syria.  Sounds all the world like Old Testament Bible times, when all these areas are in constant conflict with Israel.

The weapons of warfare today are much different than in our father's day.  We are talking about biological and chemical weapons, which are so deadly. We are hearing about "cyber" attacks as well.  In addition the nuclear weapons are always a threat worldwide.

My point in remembering today is simply to raise the question. 

 Does MIGHT make RIGHT?

or does RIGHT make MIGHT?

America for all of our 237 year history has lived by the philosophy that MIGHT makes everything all RIGHT!  We have spent trillions of dollars to insure that we are the mightiest power in all the world.  We still spend a large percentage of our GDP on DEFENSE.  During the "cold war" days, we had a foreign policy of "mutual destruction" -- amassing so many missiles and warheads to counter what the Russians had, etc.

With all our MIGHT -- a rag-tag group of terrorist moved into America and learn to fly airplanes right here amongst us. Then boarded those planes and flew then into the World Trade Center -- causing 3,000 people to go into eternity.

During the days after 9-11-01 -- Americans flooded our churches to pray.  BUT, we did not REPENT!

 PRAYERS WITHOUT REPENTANCE ARE VAIN WORDS!

How soon we forgot!  And, every year on this day we REMEMBER!  Remember what?  Remember those who died? yes -- Remember the heroes (the police, firemen, and other first responders)?  yes!

Do we remember WHY?  Was it our arrogance and lack of holiness that opened the door to attack?  I think so!  

Jonathan Cahn - a Jewish man - wrote a book not long ago, that ought to shake the foundations of this nation.  It's call "Harbinger".  In this book, Mr. Cahn points out some unique "coincidences" about what happened on that day, and what is happening now!  I do not believe they are "coincidences" --- God was and is speaking to America.  Are we listening?   If you haven't read the book - I urge you to get your copy today. You won't put it down, until you finish it.  AND, when you finish the book, please get on your knees and let's repent!

You see:  RIGHT MAKES MIGHT!  

 "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach....."

 Proverbs 14:34

We can no longer stand on our MIGHT --- we must first be RIGHT!  

SPIRITUAL PROFILING

Spiritual Profiling

The nation has just went through a long drawn-out "made for television" court trial (similar to the O.J. Simpson trial) - and at the heart of the matter was the issue of "profiling".

There is something more sinister going on inside many churches today --- spiritual profiling - that's where one's worth and contribution to that church is judged by how they look - whether they can sing on the platform (even though they are extremely talented) or not is determined by the local "profiling police" (AKA - the critics on the pew who complain to the leaders and basically "call the shots")

If someone doesn't look just right -- then they must sit down.  No - we won't sit down and talk to then, to inquire if there is or is not a problem -- we'll just judge them - and if they don't match our criteria of "platform worthy" -- then off they go.  We've got to keep our platform "holy" - don't you know!  

What does that mean anyway?

From our pulpits we hear the cry -- "everybody is welcome here" -- but that only means, you are welcome to come and sit -- welcome to give -- but not welcome to minister (unless you pass the test of what is holy or not).  Better not dress too well -- be careful to not look too "worldly" or "pretty" -- someone might not think well of you.

This foolishness is damaging to people.  It is demeaning and not worthy of the Kingdom of God.  It's time to give it up in the Church world -- and NOW !

What do you think?