Good evening everyone! I usually try to do the blog in the AM, but had too much going on this morning. Today, I got some yard work done at home and up the the church. This week we have been cleaning up the courtyard getting ready for the pavers and fountain. Amos Money and Mark Bowers did a lot of the work. Those guys really got it done. Then, Jeff Brumfield came last night and today and got a lot done. Basically, they have been moving some gigantic day lilies. I cut one of them today into five different ones...thats how big they are.
If you would like some day lilies for your yard, come by the church tomorrow and take some. We need to get rid of most of them.
As I close, please read the following passages in Psalm 34. Note the words humble, delivered, saved, encampeth, and peace. More than ever, in these uncertain times we must look to the Lord for our every need. Let the words of the Spirit comfort and minister to you.
Psa 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.
Psa 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Psa 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psa 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
Psa 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.
Psa 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.
Psa 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].
Psa 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psa 34:12 What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good?
Psa 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Psa 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psa 34:15 The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.
Psa 34:16 The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Psa 34:17 [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
-Pastor Randy
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Politics, Power and Pride
From time to time I run across a powerful and relative article that I post on my blog. Please read this and especially the prayer at the conclusion...its right on!
POLITICS, POWER and PRIDE:
How U.S Evangelicals Lost the Culture War and the Way Forward.
-by Eddie Hyatt.
Evangelicals may finally be realizing that political activism is not
the path to preserving the Christian character and culture of America.
After 30 years of the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition and the
religious right, America, last November, elected what are probably
the most liberal president and congress in its history. Since that
time 5 states have legalized homosexual marriage and others are
poised to follow suit. Chuck Schumer, the influential, liberal senator
from New York, gleefully declared that, “All this talk about family
and traditional values is a thing of the past.” In the midst of all this,
Dr. James Dobson, whom many would consider the most prominent
voice of the religious right, solemnly announced, “We (evangelical
Christians) have lost the culture war.”
Although this turn of events is disturbing for evangelical Christians,
this could be the starting point for a national awakening unto God;
but only if we admit our failures and turn from the notion that we can
change America by our own efforts, political or otherwise.
We (Evangelicals) Have Been Wrong
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we should not
be good citizens and participate in the political process; nor am
I suggesting that God does not call some to civil service and
statesmanship. But I am convinced that evangelical Christians in
America crossed the line in trying to change America through
political activism. We thought that if we could get enough Christians
elected to Congress and elect a Christian president that we would
preserve our Christian culture and heritage. Instead, politics, power
and pride became characteristic of American evangelicalism, rather
than prayer, compassion, humility and spiritual power. We forgot
that America has a history of Spiritual awakenings and that this
“revival heritage” has been the preserving force of our Christian
culture.
God Will Not Ride in on Either an Elephant or a Donkey
Hopefully, some are beginning to realize that God’s purposes for
America will not be realized through a political process or political
party. As Dr. Tony Evans once said, “God will not ride into our
midst on either an elephant (symbol of the Democrat party) or a
donkey (symbol of the Republican party).”
In seeking a political solution to our spiritual problems we,
as evangelical Christians, identified ourselves with a particular
political party and, thereby, alienated ourselves from over half of
the American populace. This is not good! Neither Jesus nor the
earliest Christians identified themselves with any of the many
political parties that were operative in their day; but, instead,
preached a transcendent government or kingdom of God that
would transform individuals (and thereby society) from within. We
need to take a closer look at the New Testament in this area and
adjust our thinking accordingly.
Let’s Remember Our Revival Heritage
Spiritual awakenings are an intrinsic part of American history.
They are a vital part of who we are as a people. Perry Miller,
the late professor of church history at Harvard University, said
that the Declaration of Independence of 1776 was a direct result
of the preaching of the evangelists of the First Great Awakening.
Awakenings such as the First Great Awakening (1726-1750), the
Second Great Awakening (1801-1840) and the great Prayer Revival
of 1858 have preserved the Christian character of American culture
at crucial times in our history. These were not religious excitements
generated by the fleshly machinations of professional revivalists, but
divine visitations in answer to the fervent, faith-filled prayers of God’s
people.
It’s Time For Repentance & Change in the Church
America is in dire need of another national awakening. Such an
awakening cannot be organized or strategized by skillful religious
marketeers. Such awakenings are conceived in the womb of prayer
and given birth through the absolute trust and simple obedience of
God’s people. If evangelical Christians are ready to admit that
political activism is not the way to change America, this could be
the beginning of our finest hour. If we will repent for our politics, for
seeking power and for pride and call out to God with all our hearts,
there is no reason why God will not answer with another national
Spiritual awakening.
A Prayer For Spiritual Awakening
Here is a prayer that I offer for Spiritual awakening in this hour; and
I pray that individuals and groups throughout America will begin to
pray prayers such as this.
Oh LORD God, we come to You in the name of our LORD Jesus
Christ. We acknowledge that we have missed the mark in all our
efforts to save this nation. We repent of self-reliance and pride, and
for imagining that we could make a difference in this nation by our
own human efforts and through a mere political process. Oh LORD,
we acknowledge that only you can change the heart of this nation
and restore to it the fear and honor that belongs to You alone. We
pray today that you will turn our hearts to you. Send the fire of your
presence, power and love once again to this nation. We pray for
another Great Awakening!
POLITICS, POWER and PRIDE:
How U.S Evangelicals Lost the Culture War and the Way Forward.
-by Eddie Hyatt.
Evangelicals may finally be realizing that political activism is not
the path to preserving the Christian character and culture of America.
After 30 years of the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition and the
religious right, America, last November, elected what are probably
the most liberal president and congress in its history. Since that
time 5 states have legalized homosexual marriage and others are
poised to follow suit. Chuck Schumer, the influential, liberal senator
from New York, gleefully declared that, “All this talk about family
and traditional values is a thing of the past.” In the midst of all this,
Dr. James Dobson, whom many would consider the most prominent
voice of the religious right, solemnly announced, “We (evangelical
Christians) have lost the culture war.”
Although this turn of events is disturbing for evangelical Christians,
this could be the starting point for a national awakening unto God;
but only if we admit our failures and turn from the notion that we can
change America by our own efforts, political or otherwise.
We (Evangelicals) Have Been Wrong
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we should not
be good citizens and participate in the political process; nor am
I suggesting that God does not call some to civil service and
statesmanship. But I am convinced that evangelical Christians in
America crossed the line in trying to change America through
political activism. We thought that if we could get enough Christians
elected to Congress and elect a Christian president that we would
preserve our Christian culture and heritage. Instead, politics, power
and pride became characteristic of American evangelicalism, rather
than prayer, compassion, humility and spiritual power. We forgot
that America has a history of Spiritual awakenings and that this
“revival heritage” has been the preserving force of our Christian
culture.
God Will Not Ride in on Either an Elephant or a Donkey
Hopefully, some are beginning to realize that God’s purposes for
America will not be realized through a political process or political
party. As Dr. Tony Evans once said, “God will not ride into our
midst on either an elephant (symbol of the Democrat party) or a
donkey (symbol of the Republican party).”
In seeking a political solution to our spiritual problems we,
as evangelical Christians, identified ourselves with a particular
political party and, thereby, alienated ourselves from over half of
the American populace. This is not good! Neither Jesus nor the
earliest Christians identified themselves with any of the many
political parties that were operative in their day; but, instead,
preached a transcendent government or kingdom of God that
would transform individuals (and thereby society) from within. We
need to take a closer look at the New Testament in this area and
adjust our thinking accordingly.
Let’s Remember Our Revival Heritage
Spiritual awakenings are an intrinsic part of American history.
They are a vital part of who we are as a people. Perry Miller,
the late professor of church history at Harvard University, said
that the Declaration of Independence of 1776 was a direct result
of the preaching of the evangelists of the First Great Awakening.
Awakenings such as the First Great Awakening (1726-1750), the
Second Great Awakening (1801-1840) and the great Prayer Revival
of 1858 have preserved the Christian character of American culture
at crucial times in our history. These were not religious excitements
generated by the fleshly machinations of professional revivalists, but
divine visitations in answer to the fervent, faith-filled prayers of God’s
people.
It’s Time For Repentance & Change in the Church
America is in dire need of another national awakening. Such an
awakening cannot be organized or strategized by skillful religious
marketeers. Such awakenings are conceived in the womb of prayer
and given birth through the absolute trust and simple obedience of
God’s people. If evangelical Christians are ready to admit that
political activism is not the way to change America, this could be
the beginning of our finest hour. If we will repent for our politics, for
seeking power and for pride and call out to God with all our hearts,
there is no reason why God will not answer with another national
Spiritual awakening.
A Prayer For Spiritual Awakening
Here is a prayer that I offer for Spiritual awakening in this hour; and
I pray that individuals and groups throughout America will begin to
pray prayers such as this.
Oh LORD God, we come to You in the name of our LORD Jesus
Christ. We acknowledge that we have missed the mark in all our
efforts to save this nation. We repent of self-reliance and pride, and
for imagining that we could make a difference in this nation by our
own human efforts and through a mere political process. Oh LORD,
we acknowledge that only you can change the heart of this nation
and restore to it the fear and honor that belongs to You alone. We
pray today that you will turn our hearts to you. Send the fire of your
presence, power and love once again to this nation. We pray for
another Great Awakening!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Inside-out
A frustrated little girl brought a flower to her mother and said, "Mommy, every time I try to open this flower it tears all up." The mother replied, "That's because you are doing it from the outside and not from the inside. Only God can open it from the inside."
Just like only God can open a flower from the inside-out, only God can change a man from the inside-out. When you try it from the outside-in, the results are disastrous. Romans 8:11 states "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Let him make something beautiful out of your life...inside-out.
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
~ In the next few weeks hopefully we will be upgrading our website considerably. Jon Rhoades and Mark Hughes along with another fiend of theirs is designing it. It should be really nice and more interactive then what it is now. It should be pretty cool!
~ Thank you Holy Spirit for feeding me God's Word this morning. Basically, I just listened to Him and gave it to you. He is truly the teacher of truth.
~ As I announced this morning, hopefully work will begin on the courtyard this morning. I have provided a brief video of the fountain that will be centered in the middle. It should be pretty nice when its all done.
~ Ken Brumfield and family ministered in Terre Haute today at the New Life Center. We missed them and pray that they had a great time of worship.
~ I appreciate everyone who went to the mission Saturday morning. Ron Thomas will be leading the ministry this summer. Please keep these men and women in your prayers and if you can go and serve then do so. You will be blessed as much as those you serve. Have a wonderful week!
- Pastor Randy
[at the beginning of the video the fountain is the one in the center of the picture]
~ Thank you Holy Spirit for feeding me God's Word this morning. Basically, I just listened to Him and gave it to you. He is truly the teacher of truth.
~ As I announced this morning, hopefully work will begin on the courtyard this morning. I have provided a brief video of the fountain that will be centered in the middle. It should be pretty nice when its all done.
~ Ken Brumfield and family ministered in Terre Haute today at the New Life Center. We missed them and pray that they had a great time of worship.
~ I appreciate everyone who went to the mission Saturday morning. Ron Thomas will be leading the ministry this summer. Please keep these men and women in your prayers and if you can go and serve then do so. You will be blessed as much as those you serve. Have a wonderful week!
- Pastor Randy
[at the beginning of the video the fountain is the one in the center of the picture]
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday Countdown
Its a little late for Friday Countdown but here it is. I've been working at home mainly today after being on the road this week attending some pastor's meetings. Basically, spent most the day trying to fix a icemaker...replacing the copper tubing and a valve or two. It got really interesting for awhile this morning. Its too painful to go into...lets just say if it wasn't for the mercy of God, I would still be emptying water out of trash cans. Don't even ask! Anyway, I am looking forward to getting back to ministry work tomorrow and Sunday. I don't think I could take two days in a row of "fix it" jobs at home. It requires so much patience and so many trips to the hardware store. Oh well, I'm sure you're tired of hearing me go on about this.
I'm looking forward to our Sunday Memorial service. We will take sometime to remember those that gave their lives and have made great sacrifices for our freedom. Of all the non Christian holidays, I think this is one of the more important ones. Memorial Day is truly a day for not just remembering our military but also we should personally take time to thank them. So I encourage you to do that. It may be uncomfortable, but go up to one and thank him or her for their service. It will bless you and them. John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Please take a moment and watch the following video "From Iwo Jimo to Christ." Have a great weekend! -Pastor Randy
I'm looking forward to our Sunday Memorial service. We will take sometime to remember those that gave their lives and have made great sacrifices for our freedom. Of all the non Christian holidays, I think this is one of the more important ones. Memorial Day is truly a day for not just remembering our military but also we should personally take time to thank them. So I encourage you to do that. It may be uncomfortable, but go up to one and thank him or her for their service. It will bless you and them. John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Please take a moment and watch the following video "From Iwo Jimo to Christ." Have a great weekend! -Pastor Randy
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tommie Zito Ministries Coming June 14 thru June 20
Today I had lunch with Tommie Zito of Tommie Zito Ministries. To say the least, I was very impressed. He will be coming in with a team of about twenty people to train, equip, and inspire us to share Jesus with the lost. Everything will begin Sunday, June 14th, and will run through Saturday, June 20th, with Monday being an off day. Cornerstone and hopefully a few other churches will be joining us. We are needing homes to put Tommie's team in during that week. Please call the church and let us know if you can put some of his people up that week. We will be feeding them at the church every lunch as well dinners. The ladies cell groups have graciously agreed to organize these meals.
This week the Tommie Zito ministries are at Pastor Rick Smith's in Dayton. Tuesday morning Rick said they had twenty people go out and share Christ on the streets after the 10 am teaching session. And we they gathered back over 200 people had received Christ. He said that parents were allowing their kids to skip school in order to come to the day sessions and go out share Jesus with people in Dayton.
Everywhere this ministry goes God is using it in the same way. I am really excited about what God is going to do at Kings Point. I know some of you may have never shared Jesus with unsaved people before, especially people you don't know. But I am asking you to come and let the Holy Spirit put the love of Jesus in your heart for the lost. That's all you need. The anointing of the Holy Spirit will do the rest. God will use you to lead people to Christ. You will be shocked at how receptive people are and how blessed you will be.
Back in March God spoke to me so clearly that He would take Kings Point to a level that we had never seen before in 2009. I really believe He is doing that right now!
Please be praying and getting yourself ready for what God is about to do. If I know the devil, he will unleash a new attack in the days ahead. With new levels comes new devils. But "greater is He that is in us, then he that is in the world." I promise you what God has in store for us is greater than anything that Satan will throw at us. Please be praying for me, my family, our staff, and ministry leaders. I sincerely believe that we are beginning to see the last harvest before Jesus comes back.
-Pastor Randy
This week the Tommie Zito ministries are at Pastor Rick Smith's in Dayton. Tuesday morning Rick said they had twenty people go out and share Christ on the streets after the 10 am teaching session. And we they gathered back over 200 people had received Christ. He said that parents were allowing their kids to skip school in order to come to the day sessions and go out share Jesus with people in Dayton.
Everywhere this ministry goes God is using it in the same way. I am really excited about what God is going to do at Kings Point. I know some of you may have never shared Jesus with unsaved people before, especially people you don't know. But I am asking you to come and let the Holy Spirit put the love of Jesus in your heart for the lost. That's all you need. The anointing of the Holy Spirit will do the rest. God will use you to lead people to Christ. You will be shocked at how receptive people are and how blessed you will be.
Back in March God spoke to me so clearly that He would take Kings Point to a level that we had never seen before in 2009. I really believe He is doing that right now!
Please be praying and getting yourself ready for what God is about to do. If I know the devil, he will unleash a new attack in the days ahead. With new levels comes new devils. But "greater is He that is in us, then he that is in the world." I promise you what God has in store for us is greater than anything that Satan will throw at us. Please be praying for me, my family, our staff, and ministry leaders. I sincerely believe that we are beginning to see the last harvest before Jesus comes back.
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
"You Can Look For it, Just Don't Find it"
In today's American culture it is now cool and trendy to say you are searching or trying to discover truth, but when you say you have found the truth they try to shut you up.
President Obama's speech at Notre Dame is exhibit A. He implored his audience and Catholics all over the world to be open-minded to the truth as if those that "know the truth" were closed and narrow-minded. This is the strategy now of American educators, media, government, and unfortunately many religions in America. Its all about openness, being fair-minded, and neutral on the surface. It used to be under the secular-humanism rules, all truth was relative and subjective. Whatever you thought was truth, was truth for you. But now the culture seems to be taking one more step toward "corporate cerebellum numbness"(or just plain stupidity). Now the P.C. police are telling their zombies that "you must be so open and tolerant of everything and everyone, that you should never arrive at truth because once you do that then you are closed-minded, intollerant, and unfair to others. And then, God forbid, you might offend someone else." IS YOUR HEAD SWIMMING YET?
Jesus simpliefied all of this about truth by saying in John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Jesus said in John 14:6 "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
The truth is the Devil is the author of confusion. By telling the masses that "truth is whatever you think it is." Or his latest lie, "that its all right to search for truth but you can never find it because it might offend someone else if you do"...IS JUST THE DEVIL BEING THE DEVIL. He is the father of lies and thats what he does. Meanwhile, God, the Father, is the author of truth. Jesus is the truth. The way you find real truth is through Jesus. You will never be free until you give your whole heart to Jesus. Please stop your endless search! Come to Christ...today!
Have a great day!
-Pastor Randy
President Obama's speech at Notre Dame is exhibit A. He implored his audience and Catholics all over the world to be open-minded to the truth as if those that "know the truth" were closed and narrow-minded. This is the strategy now of American educators, media, government, and unfortunately many religions in America. Its all about openness, being fair-minded, and neutral on the surface. It used to be under the secular-humanism rules, all truth was relative and subjective. Whatever you thought was truth, was truth for you. But now the culture seems to be taking one more step toward "corporate cerebellum numbness"(or just plain stupidity). Now the P.C. police are telling their zombies that "you must be so open and tolerant of everything and everyone, that you should never arrive at truth because once you do that then you are closed-minded, intollerant, and unfair to others. And then, God forbid, you might offend someone else." IS YOUR HEAD SWIMMING YET?
Jesus simpliefied all of this about truth by saying in John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Jesus said in John 14:6 "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
The truth is the Devil is the author of confusion. By telling the masses that "truth is whatever you think it is." Or his latest lie, "that its all right to search for truth but you can never find it because it might offend someone else if you do"...IS JUST THE DEVIL BEING THE DEVIL. He is the father of lies and thats what he does. Meanwhile, God, the Father, is the author of truth. Jesus is the truth. The way you find real truth is through Jesus. You will never be free until you give your whole heart to Jesus. Please stop your endless search! Come to Christ...today!
Have a great day!
-Pastor Randy
Monday, May 18, 2009
My Commentary on President Obama's Statement on Abortion
That's when we begin to say, "Maybe we won't agree on abortion, but we can still agree that this is a heart-wrenching decision for any woman to make, with both moral and spiritual dimensions.
The truth is organizations like Planned Parenthood don't want it to be a heart-wrenching decision and do their best to convince women that its just a cell...or a lifeless organism that doesn't count. Their message is that it is your body and you must consider your own health over the life of the baby. When I pastored in a university city in Indiana, the university newspaper was filled with abortion ads encouraging girls to get their painless and cheap abortions. It was well-known that many girls had as many as four and five abortions during their college years. Undoubtedly, the more abortions they had, the less heart-wrenching the decision became.
So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term. Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women."
With respect to his office, this is all tongue-in-cheek language. If we made abortion illegal, it would open up the opportunity for tens of thousands of families every year to adopt babies. And if you are going to honor the conscience of the pro-lifers and make sure our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics then lets stop inhumane methods like Suction-Aspiration which paralyzes and stretches open the cervical muscle then inserts a hollow plastic tube with a knife-like edge into the uterus. The suction tears the baby’s body into pieces. The placenta is cut from the uterine wall and everything is sucked into a bottle.
And lets bring to an end of health care policies like Dilation and Evacuation or(D and E)which is done after the third month of pregnancy. The cervix must be dilated before the abortion. Here, usually Laminaria sticks are inserted into the cervix. These are made of sterilized seaweed that is compressed into thin sticks. When inserted, they absorb moisture and expand, thus enlarging the cervix. A pliers-like instrument is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The abortionist then seizes a leg, arm or other part of the baby and, with a twisting motion, tears it from the body. This continues until only the head remains. Finally the skull is crushed and pulled out. The nurse must then reassemble the body parts to be sure that all of them were removed.
Understand - I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away. No matter how much we may want to fudge it - indeed, while we know that the views of most Americans on the subject are complex and even contradictory - the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable. Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction. But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature. Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words.
Again, President Obama is trying to play referee between good vs evil, between light vs darkness, between life and death, and actually between God and Satan's kingdoms. There is no place for openness and fair-mindedness in a civil society where the weakest and most vulnerable humans are mutilated and slaughtered to the tune of 60,000 every year. A President and a government are suppose to protect its citizens, not promote and financially support their deaths. Some may respect President Obama for trying to bring the two camps together, but he is playing the part of the fool and arguing against the very God whom he claims to serve. God's Word says, "Thou shalt not kill." Psalms 139 is very clear when it says in "For you (God) created my inmost being;you (God) knit me together in my mother's womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful,I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you (God) when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." [Psalm 139:13-16]
Yesterday, was a sad day for Notre Dame, but most of all for our country. The man whom we elected to the highest office in the land continues to advocate the offering of children to the god, Molech, as did Israel in the Old Testament. Almighty God punished severely his people (Israel) for such sins by allowing their enemies to destroy their armies and take them into captivity. How can we expect God to bless and have mercy on our nation when we are committing the same if not worse transgressions?
Please pray for our nation and our President as we are commanded in the scriptures.
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up...a few of my top three lists
Top Three Kingdom-Impacting Happenings Today...
1. Elderly man at the nursing home coming to Christ as two fourth graders, Josh, and Colton, led him in a sinner's prayer.
2. People at the altar this morning being delivered and set free from bondages and addictions.
3. People buying CDs and DVDs of the Discerning the Times revival and many giving them to unsaved friends and family. Over fifty sets have been sold along with lots of singles.
Three Things That Really Blessed Me Today and Others
1. Wilma making a delicious breakfast for all of the small group and Sunday School leaders this morning.
2. Seeing Erik Lundy tonight and hearing his testimony in how he has come back to Christ...a prodigal.
3. Seeing people worship freely and passionately this morning.
Three Things That Cracked Me Up Today
1. PJ chasing the ball while I was teaching this morning...I really didn't know his mom was sitting behind me when I said what I said.
2. Lynn Caddell talking about...no, I can't say. But she's funny nevertheless.
3. My car alarm going off on Gabe twice tonight before service. Both times he couldn't get it off. I'm really worried about that boy!
Well, thats all I got tonight. After two teaching sessions and two preaching sessions, no more brain cells left. Have a great week everyone!
-Pastor
1. Elderly man at the nursing home coming to Christ as two fourth graders, Josh, and Colton, led him in a sinner's prayer.
2. People at the altar this morning being delivered and set free from bondages and addictions.
3. People buying CDs and DVDs of the Discerning the Times revival and many giving them to unsaved friends and family. Over fifty sets have been sold along with lots of singles.
Three Things That Really Blessed Me Today and Others
1. Wilma making a delicious breakfast for all of the small group and Sunday School leaders this morning.
2. Seeing Erik Lundy tonight and hearing his testimony in how he has come back to Christ...a prodigal.
3. Seeing people worship freely and passionately this morning.
Three Things That Cracked Me Up Today
1. PJ chasing the ball while I was teaching this morning...I really didn't know his mom was sitting behind me when I said what I said.
2. Lynn Caddell talking about...no, I can't say. But she's funny nevertheless.
3. My car alarm going off on Gabe twice tonight before service. Both times he couldn't get it off. I'm really worried about that boy!
Well, thats all I got tonight. After two teaching sessions and two preaching sessions, no more brain cells left. Have a great week everyone!
-Pastor
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday Countdown
Well, its almost here...the weekend. The weather should be wonderful. I hope that you have a great one! This weekend at Kings Point we should have two awesome services. I hope you will join us for both of them. Please come expecting, hungry, and ready to receive.
Men everywhere are welcome to join us for prayer in the morning at 9:00 am. The ladies will be praying at 5 pm in the sanctuary. These prayer meetings serve as great appetizers to get you ready for the main course on Sundays. Please try to come if you can.
Our annual Missions Conference is coming up June 5th thru 7th, that's a Friday evening thru Sunday morning. Chris and Carmen McBeath did a wonderful job last year putting it together and are already working on this year's lineup. Presently, we are planning a missions concert Friday night featuring the Haddix family and we are working on getting a contemporary Christian artist as well. The concert will be a fundraiser to raise funds to support a church planter and his family who will soon be planting a church in Santiago, Chili. Between the two concerts at intermission, we will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs. It ought to be a fun night!
Saturday evening at 5:30 pm, we will hold our pitch-in dinner featuring various kinds of dishes from different countries. Afterwards in the sanctuary, Reverend Terrell Brinson, our missions representative, will be speaking and sharing an inspiring video presentation featuring what God is doing around the world in Church of God missions. It should be another great time.
The missions conference will be topped off Sunday morning with a "parade of nations featuring flags and costumes." Sister Arlene Miller, Kings Point's missionary, will then be speaking. Be sure to make plans now to join us for this great weekend.
See ya Sunday!
-Pastor Randy
Men everywhere are welcome to join us for prayer in the morning at 9:00 am. The ladies will be praying at 5 pm in the sanctuary. These prayer meetings serve as great appetizers to get you ready for the main course on Sundays. Please try to come if you can.
Our annual Missions Conference is coming up June 5th thru 7th, that's a Friday evening thru Sunday morning. Chris and Carmen McBeath did a wonderful job last year putting it together and are already working on this year's lineup. Presently, we are planning a missions concert Friday night featuring the Haddix family and we are working on getting a contemporary Christian artist as well. The concert will be a fundraiser to raise funds to support a church planter and his family who will soon be planting a church in Santiago, Chili. Between the two concerts at intermission, we will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs. It ought to be a fun night!
Saturday evening at 5:30 pm, we will hold our pitch-in dinner featuring various kinds of dishes from different countries. Afterwards in the sanctuary, Reverend Terrell Brinson, our missions representative, will be speaking and sharing an inspiring video presentation featuring what God is doing around the world in Church of God missions. It should be another great time.
The missions conference will be topped off Sunday morning with a "parade of nations featuring flags and costumes." Sister Arlene Miller, Kings Point's missionary, will then be speaking. Be sure to make plans now to join us for this great weekend.
See ya Sunday!
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Live on the Offense!
Good morning everyone! Just some personal stuff today.
Our nest is still under construction but the momma bird is planning on doing a lot of painting this weekend focusing on the kitchen. "One room at a time" is her motto. Dale Boegeman and Bob Carlson have helped us out tremendously over the past few weeks. I would recommend them both for your home repair needs. Dale does tile work and Bob is doing about everything now days. Not only do they do great work but they are both great men of integrity as well.
Man, the Reds are hot! Its fun to watch a bunch young guys play hard and who know how to play defense. But they didn't start winning until their offense kicked in. There's a great spiritual lesson here. Defense...just maintaining your ground is not enough. You got to go on the offense against the enemy in order to live a victorious life...everyday. I see some believers who are delivered and set free but fail to walk in that daily. BELIEVE ME, THE DEVIL WILL CONTEST YOUR FREEDOM. YOU CANNOT RELAX, THE DEVIL WILL COUNTERATTACK. YOU HAVE TO BE ON THE OFFENSIVE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Remember, Jesus' command "Deny yourself, pick up the cross and and follow me." [MORE SUNDAY ON HOW TO STAY ON THE OFFENSIVE!]
Well, that's enough for today. See ya!
-Pastor
Our nest is still under construction but the momma bird is planning on doing a lot of painting this weekend focusing on the kitchen. "One room at a time" is her motto. Dale Boegeman and Bob Carlson have helped us out tremendously over the past few weeks. I would recommend them both for your home repair needs. Dale does tile work and Bob is doing about everything now days. Not only do they do great work but they are both great men of integrity as well.
Man, the Reds are hot! Its fun to watch a bunch young guys play hard and who know how to play defense. But they didn't start winning until their offense kicked in. There's a great spiritual lesson here. Defense...just maintaining your ground is not enough. You got to go on the offense against the enemy in order to live a victorious life...everyday. I see some believers who are delivered and set free but fail to walk in that daily. BELIEVE ME, THE DEVIL WILL CONTEST YOUR FREEDOM. YOU CANNOT RELAX, THE DEVIL WILL COUNTERATTACK. YOU HAVE TO BE ON THE OFFENSIVE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Remember, Jesus' command "Deny yourself, pick up the cross and and follow me." [MORE SUNDAY ON HOW TO STAY ON THE OFFENSIVE!]
Well, that's enough for today. See ya!
-Pastor
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Wacko Stuff Doesn't Help Anyone!
Yesterday, after our cell meeting at Bob Evans, I was approached by a waitress who was terrified after a conversation with a Christian elderly lady she had a few days earlier. This waitress has been to our church and waited on our cell group many times over the last few years. She was very animated while telling me that this elderly lady told her to talk to me and that I would verify everything that she shared with the waitress. Now I will do my best to repeat what the waitress shared with me even though I'm sure I will not get some of the details exactly right.
From what I remember the little elderly lady told her that Jesus was coming because of the various things that are happening today...so good so far. But then she preceded to tell her about the purple money that the book of Acts mentions as a sign that Jesus is coming. She also told her she had to be filled with the Holy Ghost and speak in other tongues or her and her children would be left when Jesus comes. She then continued with her preaching by telling her that she wouldn't know her kids in heaven and she shared with her more "out there stuff" that I can't remember. At one point in the conversation she told the waitress, "You have Holy Ghost goose bumps don't you, thats because you're scared and under conviction." To which the waitress frantically replied, "Yeah, I have goose bumps all right because YOU are freaking me out!"
My waitress friend then began to ask me if what she was saying was true? This gave me a great opportunity to take her to the Word of God and share with her what the Bible says and what it doesn't say. We set up an appointment later at the restaurant to talk more.
I shared this story to underscore THAT PEOPLE REALLY ARE TODAY QUESTIONING WHAT IS GOING ON AND EVEN THE WACKO NUTS OUT THERE LIKE THIS ELDERLY LADY IS GETTING AN AUDIENCE RIGHT NOW. As believers, it is so important that you know what the Word of God says and that is what we share with others. It is our solemn responsibility as disciples of Christ to share with people the signs that are in God's Word and verify everything we hear by what the Word of God says. Jesus said true disciples are those that continue in God's Word. With so much happening in the news today that points to the spirit of Antichrist, it's easy get "carried away" if we don't stay grounded in the Word of God. People want answers, but most people are more likely to receive answers that can be verified by an objected source such as the Bible. Everything from the swine flu to the world economic troubles are a part of the last days picture as outlined in the Bible. God's Word covers it all. There's no reason as believers to point unbelievers to the wild and wacky stuff out there that for the most part only tickles the ears of the "hearers only and not doers crowd." [You that are a part of the crowd know who you are.]
By the way, Christians today with "itching ears" that love to pass on their "ear tickling garbage" to unbelievers do only greater damage to the kingdom of God. You are not doing God service. Your foolishness only causes people to become even more skeptical and hardens the heart so that the real gospel seed is met with greater resistance.
How should we then speak and live before unbelievers? I like Paul's advice to the Christians at Philippi, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
From what I remember the little elderly lady told her that Jesus was coming because of the various things that are happening today...so good so far. But then she preceded to tell her about the purple money that the book of Acts mentions as a sign that Jesus is coming. She also told her she had to be filled with the Holy Ghost and speak in other tongues or her and her children would be left when Jesus comes. She then continued with her preaching by telling her that she wouldn't know her kids in heaven and she shared with her more "out there stuff" that I can't remember. At one point in the conversation she told the waitress, "You have Holy Ghost goose bumps don't you, thats because you're scared and under conviction." To which the waitress frantically replied, "Yeah, I have goose bumps all right because YOU are freaking me out!"
My waitress friend then began to ask me if what she was saying was true? This gave me a great opportunity to take her to the Word of God and share with her what the Bible says and what it doesn't say. We set up an appointment later at the restaurant to talk more.
I shared this story to underscore THAT PEOPLE REALLY ARE TODAY QUESTIONING WHAT IS GOING ON AND EVEN THE WACKO NUTS OUT THERE LIKE THIS ELDERLY LADY IS GETTING AN AUDIENCE RIGHT NOW. As believers, it is so important that you know what the Word of God says and that is what we share with others. It is our solemn responsibility as disciples of Christ to share with people the signs that are in God's Word and verify everything we hear by what the Word of God says. Jesus said true disciples are those that continue in God's Word. With so much happening in the news today that points to the spirit of Antichrist, it's easy get "carried away" if we don't stay grounded in the Word of God. People want answers, but most people are more likely to receive answers that can be verified by an objected source such as the Bible. Everything from the swine flu to the world economic troubles are a part of the last days picture as outlined in the Bible. God's Word covers it all. There's no reason as believers to point unbelievers to the wild and wacky stuff out there that for the most part only tickles the ears of the "hearers only and not doers crowd." [You that are a part of the crowd know who you are.]
By the way, Christians today with "itching ears" that love to pass on their "ear tickling garbage" to unbelievers do only greater damage to the kingdom of God. You are not doing God service. Your foolishness only causes people to become even more skeptical and hardens the heart so that the real gospel seed is met with greater resistance.
How should we then speak and live before unbelievers? I like Paul's advice to the Christians at Philippi, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Happy Mother's Day everyone! We are able to do a little shopping today after lunch and got home around 3:30. Then, I got a nice Sunday afternoon power nap. It felt really good.
We had a nice crowd today and a good worship service. I was telling Annette it seems like every week we have new people that are becoming active attenders. God is blessing KP in every way these days. We just come out of one of the best attended revivals or conferences we have had since I have been your pastor. I couldn't believe how fast the DVDs and CDs from last week's series were bought up today. We had over 25 albums sold and orders for about that many more today. That didn't count the single cds and dvds that were also sold today. Amazing!
As I said today, you really need to get the Tuesday night dvd or cd. What Scott preached and the video that went with is eye-opening and alarming. This would be a great message to give to others especially with the videos and pictures that are included in his presentation.
Everyone have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
We had a nice crowd today and a good worship service. I was telling Annette it seems like every week we have new people that are becoming active attenders. God is blessing KP in every way these days. We just come out of one of the best attended revivals or conferences we have had since I have been your pastor. I couldn't believe how fast the DVDs and CDs from last week's series were bought up today. We had over 25 albums sold and orders for about that many more today. That didn't count the single cds and dvds that were also sold today. Amazing!
As I said today, you really need to get the Tuesday night dvd or cd. What Scott preached and the video that went with is eye-opening and alarming. This would be a great message to give to others especially with the videos and pictures that are included in his presentation.
Everyone have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday Countdown
Well, the Friday Countdown begins until Sunday. I trust you have had a great week and are anxious for the weekend.
Today, I was in Indianapolis spending the afternoon with my mom. Annette and I both spent the afternoon with our moms since we can't be with them on Mother's day. I picked up an Indianapolis paper at a restaurant and my eyes automatically went to the subhead under the headline of the front page which read, "Rise in suicide rates in state and Indianapolis coincides with despair over financial situation."
As I continued to read the article, the author wrote about how this generation's middle class has never experienced times like this before. Many are losing their jobs (some 347,000 this compared to 177,000 last year) and many others are losing their homes. Suicide help telephone lines are busy day and night with people most of which mentioning the loss of a job, a home, or both, as reasons for the suicide thoughts.
Reading this really saddened me. I hurt for people who lose their jobs and/or lose their homes. I can imagine the despair must be great. However, I have faced a few major crises in my life and I have certainly pastored many people through major crises. I know by experience that God's Word is sufficient to get us through the worst of times. The Word of God guides, strengthens us, empowers us, and prevents us from making messes of our lives when we trust it and obey it. Jesus warned us as human beings not to put our trust in material things on this earth. This is why He said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Jesus went on to say in Matthew 6:25-34, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Suicide is the absolute worse option that anyone could ever choose. I sincerely believe that there are demons that drive people to take their lives. God help us as a generation look to Him in our time of despair.
-Pastor Randy
Today, I was in Indianapolis spending the afternoon with my mom. Annette and I both spent the afternoon with our moms since we can't be with them on Mother's day. I picked up an Indianapolis paper at a restaurant and my eyes automatically went to the subhead under the headline of the front page which read, "Rise in suicide rates in state and Indianapolis coincides with despair over financial situation."
As I continued to read the article, the author wrote about how this generation's middle class has never experienced times like this before. Many are losing their jobs (some 347,000 this compared to 177,000 last year) and many others are losing their homes. Suicide help telephone lines are busy day and night with people most of which mentioning the loss of a job, a home, or both, as reasons for the suicide thoughts.
Reading this really saddened me. I hurt for people who lose their jobs and/or lose their homes. I can imagine the despair must be great. However, I have faced a few major crises in my life and I have certainly pastored many people through major crises. I know by experience that God's Word is sufficient to get us through the worst of times. The Word of God guides, strengthens us, empowers us, and prevents us from making messes of our lives when we trust it and obey it. Jesus warned us as human beings not to put our trust in material things on this earth. This is why He said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Jesus went on to say in Matthew 6:25-34, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Suicide is the absolute worse option that anyone could ever choose. I sincerely believe that there are demons that drive people to take their lives. God help us as a generation look to Him in our time of despair.
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Key to Keep From Falling Away From Christ
When I got serious about serving Christ at right around twenty years old, I prayed, "Lord make me want to pray and make the Bible come alive." It didn't take long before the Lord answered both requests. That first year I worked at becoming disciplined in prayer, bible study, and evangelism. Disciplines are addictive, and something like prayer and Bible study, if pursued with diligence, will feed the soul, fill the spirit, and quench the heart in such a way that spiritual hunger pangs soon result if the diet is forsaken. I was witnessing to everybody and experiencing a joy in being used by the Spirit, a joy far surpassing anything from my hedonistic years. And not only prayer, Bible study, and evangelism, there was fellowship. And, I do not mean the "sitting in a pew on Sunday only to act like everyone else during the rest of the week" fellowship, but truly the "clap your hands, laugh yourself silly, walk together, overthrow the deeds of the devil" fellowship.
The first lesson that I learned was that nobody who consistently practiced the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and evangelism fell away from the Lord. These practices didn't earn God's favor, but allowed the grace of God to strengthen and encourage the new believer to grow strong enough to resist the flesh and defeat the evil one. Later on, I was filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit and it only empowered me more to practice these disciplines. A few months later I received my call to preach the gospel. That was 28 years ago, its been a great ride. I've had a few tough times. But never, never, have I thought about turning back. I thank God that early on in my walk I learned the importance of prayer, bible study, fellowship with believers, and evangelism.
In the last days, the scriptures states that there will be a great falling away among believers. The reason for that is because so many have never learned the disciplines of the faith. What about you? Are you praying? Are you feeding from God's Word daily? Are you connected to believers in the body of Christ in intimate fellowship? Are you sharing Christ with others?
If you are not, pray now that God will help you to begin to practice these things daily. I promise you your faith and your very life will come alive and you too will come to the place that falling away from Christ won't even be a option.
-Pastor Randy
The first lesson that I learned was that nobody who consistently practiced the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and evangelism fell away from the Lord. These practices didn't earn God's favor, but allowed the grace of God to strengthen and encourage the new believer to grow strong enough to resist the flesh and defeat the evil one. Later on, I was filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit and it only empowered me more to practice these disciplines. A few months later I received my call to preach the gospel. That was 28 years ago, its been a great ride. I've had a few tough times. But never, never, have I thought about turning back. I thank God that early on in my walk I learned the importance of prayer, bible study, fellowship with believers, and evangelism.
In the last days, the scriptures states that there will be a great falling away among believers. The reason for that is because so many have never learned the disciplines of the faith. What about you? Are you praying? Are you feeding from God's Word daily? Are you connected to believers in the body of Christ in intimate fellowship? Are you sharing Christ with others?
If you are not, pray now that God will help you to begin to practice these things daily. I promise you your faith and your very life will come alive and you too will come to the place that falling away from Christ won't even be a option.
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
God Breathe On Me
2 Kings 4:32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay upon the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out upon him, the boy's body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out upon him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
36 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, "Call the Shunammite." And he did. When she came, he said, "Take your son." 37 She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took her son and went out.
Have you ever read this story? Its a great story of a prophet God used to bring forth to life a dead boy. Actually, the above scene is the second time that Elisha laid on the boy. The first time, it didn't work. But he persevered. He had faith in God and he believed that nothing was too great for God. He believed that God took delight in answering prayer and that God's favor was upon him. We too, must believe that nothing is too great for God. And not only that, but we need to be convinced that God loves us and wants to bless us.
The other day I was mowing the yard and it was getting late in the afternoon. The rain began to fall and I begin to talk to God while on my mower. I told him that I am your child and that I need to mow this yard more than He needed to water the plants in the area of which I live (at least that was my opinion...it had rained a lot the day before). I asked God to move the clouds around me so I could finish mowing. Do you know what happened? It start raining harder, and harder. However, I continued mowing while persevering in my faith. I even thought to myself "I hope my neighbor's not over there watching me while I am praying and the rain coming down. But about five minutes later it stopped. I literally watched the clouds as they split and not only did it stop raining for good but the sun even came out for the rest of the evening.
I am telling you if you are an obedient child of God, He really does like and love you enough to "give you the desires of your heart" even if it means moving a few clouds out of your way.
One more thing about this story...notice Elisha gave the boy mouth to mouth. What's that about you ask? Elisha breathed the breath of God into the boy. Elisha was God's representative. Elisha's breath was God's breath breatheing life into that child. Did you know God desires to breath life into you? The word "inspire" in the Bible means "God breathed." When you receive God's word you let him breathe life into you. Jesus breathed upon the disciples before they received the Holy Spirit in the upper room. Those in Acts 2 experienced "a rushing mighty wind" that was the very breath of God's Spirit breatheing "duanamis" power into the 120 that had gathered there to tarry for the Holy Spirit.
You and I need the breath of Almighty God. Not just once or twice, but daily. Let God breathe His life into you today!
-Pastor Randy
36 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, "Call the Shunammite." And he did. When she came, he said, "Take your son." 37 She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took her son and went out.
Have you ever read this story? Its a great story of a prophet God used to bring forth to life a dead boy. Actually, the above scene is the second time that Elisha laid on the boy. The first time, it didn't work. But he persevered. He had faith in God and he believed that nothing was too great for God. He believed that God took delight in answering prayer and that God's favor was upon him. We too, must believe that nothing is too great for God. And not only that, but we need to be convinced that God loves us and wants to bless us.
The other day I was mowing the yard and it was getting late in the afternoon. The rain began to fall and I begin to talk to God while on my mower. I told him that I am your child and that I need to mow this yard more than He needed to water the plants in the area of which I live (at least that was my opinion...it had rained a lot the day before). I asked God to move the clouds around me so I could finish mowing. Do you know what happened? It start raining harder, and harder. However, I continued mowing while persevering in my faith. I even thought to myself "I hope my neighbor's not over there watching me while I am praying and the rain coming down. But about five minutes later it stopped. I literally watched the clouds as they split and not only did it stop raining for good but the sun even came out for the rest of the evening.
I am telling you if you are an obedient child of God, He really does like and love you enough to "give you the desires of your heart" even if it means moving a few clouds out of your way.
One more thing about this story...notice Elisha gave the boy mouth to mouth. What's that about you ask? Elisha breathed the breath of God into the boy. Elisha was God's representative. Elisha's breath was God's breath breatheing life into that child. Did you know God desires to breath life into you? The word "inspire" in the Bible means "God breathed." When you receive God's word you let him breathe life into you. Jesus breathed upon the disciples before they received the Holy Spirit in the upper room. Those in Acts 2 experienced "a rushing mighty wind" that was the very breath of God's Spirit breatheing "duanamis" power into the 120 that had gathered there to tarry for the Holy Spirit.
You and I need the breath of Almighty God. Not just once or twice, but daily. Let God breathe His life into you today!
-Pastor Randy
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday Night Wrap Up
We concluded the "Discerning the Times" series tonight with just an awesome, timely message that I sincerely believe needs to be heard by everyone. We will have copies available Sunday of both the dvd (video) and cd (audio). I encourage you to get one for your friends and family and give them away. If you can get them to watch or listen to it, I really believe it will impact their lives - add some prayer and fasting too.
Pastor-Evangelist Scott Kazee's ministry is a needed ministry today. It is a prophetic ministry that has been missing in the church too long. For the most part, the American church has preached and taught a comforting, encouraging message. We have neglected the important ministry of a "correcting" word that is so needed in the church along with the comforting and encouraging words. As a father, there are times that I need to encourage and build up my son, but then there are times I must correct and discipline him. So it is with our our heavenly Father. God says in His word, "he chastens or diciplines those He loves" (a paraphrase). Please keep Brother Scott and his family in your prayers.
Please join us for Mother's Day this Sunday. I will not be preaching a traditional Mother's Day message. Matter of fact, we will have gifts for the ladies and a ladies choir, but for this year we are choosing to play down the mothering emphasis in our Sunday service but we encourage you to honor mom in every way you can at home in your families. So I will be preaching a Holy Spirit inspired message this Sunday that I really believe will be a "rhema" word for all of us. Please come out and join us...and bring Mom too.
-Pastor Randy
Pastor-Evangelist Scott Kazee's ministry is a needed ministry today. It is a prophetic ministry that has been missing in the church too long. For the most part, the American church has preached and taught a comforting, encouraging message. We have neglected the important ministry of a "correcting" word that is so needed in the church along with the comforting and encouraging words. As a father, there are times that I need to encourage and build up my son, but then there are times I must correct and discipline him. So it is with our our heavenly Father. God says in His word, "he chastens or diciplines those He loves" (a paraphrase). Please keep Brother Scott and his family in your prayers.
Please join us for Mother's Day this Sunday. I will not be preaching a traditional Mother's Day message. Matter of fact, we will have gifts for the ladies and a ladies choir, but for this year we are choosing to play down the mothering emphasis in our Sunday service but we encourage you to honor mom in every way you can at home in your families. So I will be preaching a Holy Spirit inspired message this Sunday that I really believe will be a "rhema" word for all of us. Please come out and join us...and bring Mom too.
-Pastor Randy
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday Night Wrap Up
What a great service tonight and good crowd too for a Monday. Just a very powerful word tonight. I loved it! God has really Pastor-Evangelist Kazee a tailor-made, fit word for "such a time as this." If you missed the service tonight, you definitely need to get the cd or dvd. We will have the entire series available Sunday.
Just one more night left. Pastor Scott will be preaching on the rapture Tuesday evening. Don't miss it. Hey, if you are reading this blog and your church doesn't talk or preach about the rapture, please come join us tomorrow night. It might make the difference between you going or not going when Jesus comes back for His church.
Well, I gotta get ready for my cell group in the morning. Also, Annette wants me to do some painting tonight. We are still working on our house. It's turned inside-out right now and we got to keep at it. Hope to see everyone tomorrow night!
-Pastor Randy
Just one more night left. Pastor Scott will be preaching on the rapture Tuesday evening. Don't miss it. Hey, if you are reading this blog and your church doesn't talk or preach about the rapture, please come join us tomorrow night. It might make the difference between you going or not going when Jesus comes back for His church.
Well, I gotta get ready for my cell group in the morning. Also, Annette wants me to do some painting tonight. We are still working on our house. It's turned inside-out right now and we got to keep at it. Hope to see everyone tomorrow night!
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Two great worship services today and good crowds. Evangelist-Pastor Kazee has done a powerful job preaching God's Word. Highlights today include four people saved this morning and six children received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Both the AM & PM services can be seen on our website later on tonight. We will also make the series available on dvd and cd next weekend.
Special thanks to all of our children's ministries workers who went to kidsfest. Debbie is blessed with a great staff that she and Lori have trained and equipped over the years.
I really don't have a lot to write about. I am very tired and going to hit the sack. Good night and have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Both the AM & PM services can be seen on our website later on tonight. We will also make the series available on dvd and cd next weekend.
Special thanks to all of our children's ministries workers who went to kidsfest. Debbie is blessed with a great staff that she and Lori have trained and equipped over the years.
I really don't have a lot to write about. I am very tired and going to hit the sack. Good night and have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday Countdown
Tonight begins Kidsfest at Kings Island. This is a great annual conference where churches children's ministries from the midwest come together for worship, fellowship, and a fun day at Kings Island. Even the adult sponsors come away blessed. Kidsfest goes through Sunday afternoon.
The swine flu pandemic looks to be getting pretty serious, especially throughout the southwestern part of the country. God's people really need to be praying about this.
Sunday begins what should be some great meetings with Pastor-Evangelist Scott Kazee. I am anxious myself to hear these messages. More than ever, people should want to know what's going on. As Christians, we cannot afford to put our head in the sand and pray that Jesus comes soon and delivers us out of this mess. Jesus said in Matthew 16:3, "And early in the morning you say, 'It is going to rain, because the sky is red and dark.' You can predict the weather by looking at the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs concerning these times!" You and I can be prepared for whatever happens. Please join us for this very important teaching series.
See ya Sundsy!
-Pastor Randy
The swine flu pandemic looks to be getting pretty serious, especially throughout the southwestern part of the country. God's people really need to be praying about this.
Sunday begins what should be some great meetings with Pastor-Evangelist Scott Kazee. I am anxious myself to hear these messages. More than ever, people should want to know what's going on. As Christians, we cannot afford to put our head in the sand and pray that Jesus comes soon and delivers us out of this mess. Jesus said in Matthew 16:3, "And early in the morning you say, 'It is going to rain, because the sky is red and dark.' You can predict the weather by looking at the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs concerning these times!" You and I can be prepared for whatever happens. Please join us for this very important teaching series.
See ya Sundsy!
-Pastor Randy
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