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?

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER PENTECOST!

In much, if not all, of the church world today, Pastors and church leaders are struggling to find the "magic combination"  - the special event or thing that they can do to get a crowd and to keep a crowd.
In many areas, somewhat bizarre things are being done --- give aways -- free this, and free that-- friend day -- pack a pew day (hard to do in some places, since they only have chairs) -- gimmick after gimmick.   We get people to come to our service or event -- and then we have to work even harder to keep them.

I heard a Pastor tell me years ago, when I first went into the ministry, that whatever you do to attract them, you'll have to do even more to keep them.  I think Jesus had the same idea, when he fed 5,000 men -- later, he had to feed another 4,000 -- and then he found too many people who only came for the free lunch!

The world is "going to hell in a hand-basket" -- things are not getting better, are they?  Some are wishing and maybe even praying for another Awakening in America.  I don't know if that can happen. It seems that we are rapidly heading down a slippery slope to destruction as a nation.  We've snubbed God for so long -- liberals seem to be in control of everything.  What is the answer?

What we need in America is another Pentecost!  We need churches to be "endued with power from on high" -- we need Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  We need Pastor who will be unashamed to allow the Holy Spirit to move in their service -- we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit (that Paul in Corinthians said we can have) -- we need people are unashamed to pray in the Spirit  (that's prayer in tongues).  We seem to be more concerned with offending somebody -- and all the while we are offending the Holy Spirit!!!

In just a few days, on the church calendar is a date -- Pentecost Sunday.  It's time we had an explosion of Holy Spirit power in all our churches!!

What the world needs is a power-filled church!  Who cares about our fancy buildings?  Who cares about our technology and slick presentations?  WE NEED THE POWER!

Power to change lives doesn't come from psychology.  Power to heal the sick doesn't come from the medical community.  Power to heal marriages doesn't come from counseling.  Power to heal relationships doesn't come from a focus group.  Power to heal our nation doesn't come from Washington, DC.   IT COMES FROM PENTECOST!

God give us a "mighty wind" again!  God give us "tongues of fire" again!  God give us the POWER again!  Shake us once again!!!  Are YOU ready??

Who's In Charge of HIS Church?

The World of Catholicism has now selected their 266th Leader - call 'The Pope'.  They use a term "Vicar of Christ" to describe this position.  By definition, the word "vicar" means a representative or deputy.  I am not writing today to in any way disparage the current Pope from Venezuela.  There are a lot of people expecting this man to be a positive role model for the Roman Catholic church -- to lead them past the scandals, both sexual and financial.

I'm writing this post today to talk about the real question:  "Who's in Charge of HIS Church?

I'm not referring to a denomination or even whether it's Catholic or Protestant.  I'm referring to HIS church -- the one that Jesus Christ died on the cross to birth -- the church HE said that HE would build, "and the gates of hell cannot prevail against."  I'm referring to the Kingdom Church!

The "Church" by definition is the "ecclesia" (Greek word) which means "the called out ones.".  It's not a word used for a building, a local group, or a denomination -- but an organism made up of people  - worldwide and across all boundaries.  We know that the "ecclesia" shows up, especially in America, as local 'churches' (referring to congregations and buildings), denominations (Catholic, Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, etc.).  In each of these uses of the word, we're dealing with PEOPLE --- somebody is "in charge" of the local group -- the state group -- the national group.  What is so sad is when the emphasis is more on the local 'in charge person' instead of  the Kingdom.

The word "Kingdom" means -- the domain of the King.  We celebrate each year during Easter - the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  HE did all that to birth a KINGDOM -- not a religion.  Please note that in a Kingdom -- the KING is the main player -- the King is not elected or reelected by any man - the King's word is binding -- and the King takes care of his subjects (people who live in his Kingdom).   So now, think with me --- if the KING is in charge and HIS word is binding, then what place does all this other bureaucratic stuff have in the Kingdom?

The word "religion" refers to something made by man -- ordered and administered by man -- and is very capricious.  Man's opinion rules in religions, and it is subject to change (sometimes as quickly as the weather changes).  Religion favors a political edge, especially in America with our democratic mode of government.  For all the good the United States has done over the years in missionary efforts and charitable works, the one terrible thing we have imported is our "democratic religion" -- "of the people, by the people, and for the people"  

What is the difference between Religion and Kingdom --- a world of difference.  In the Kingdom, Jesus Christ is the HEAD -- unquestionably and peerless.  His Word is our command - His Will is our purpose -- and in the words of John the Baptist..."HE must increase and I decrease".

Guess what -- in religion, I count -- my voice is important -- my wishes need attention.  In the Kingdom, NONE of that matters!!

We witness daily the demise of local congregations, where leaders who are so heady, fight, split, cause strife -- all in the name of our Resurrected Lord.  This should never happen.

Listen Pastors -- it's not your church - it is HIS church!  Listen Deacons and Lay Leaders -- it's not about you!  It's not your Kingdom -- it's not your "church"!  You have no right to dictate anything -- it's your privilege to obey HIM and follow HIS Word in all matters.

When our Religion finally becomes His Kingdom, and HE is truly LORD of HIS Church -- then we won't worry about the "smoke signals" from the Vatican Chapel -- we won't worry about the latest "Board Meeting" -- the latest congregational vote- or the latest visit from the Bishop! NO, we will only be concerned about finding His will and purpose -- and fulfilling that Great Commission to go all over the world to make disciples of His Kingdom.

What do you think?