RUSSJONES.US

I am still processing last Sunday's services with Marsha Woolley and Amy Singleton.  Talk about a God moment!  To say He moved in our hearts and lives is an understatement. But here are few things, if you're not familiar with Pentecostal style services, that you may need to know. The REAL special guest was the Holy Spirit.  True He is always with us.  But we can NEVER take this for granted. God really doesn't care about your opinion.  I am sure that there were some who were thinking, "This would be more appropriate in a prayer meeting or a small group.  This isn't appropriate for church."  Well, all I can tell you is this.  God moved, we didn't plan this or manufacture it.  He thought it was appropriate. This was about relationships, not religions.   When we determine that we are going to receive from a worship service, we become God.  God will not be pushed out of where He belongs.  He was there to touch peoples lives, if they wanted to receive

I've been wanting to write this post for a few days.  Simply because there is a loss in our society as to what is sacred. But let me start with defining "sacred".  Some would say, "holy" or "set apart" and they would be right.  But allow me to take it a little farther.   Sacred is what you treat with respect, honor and dignity.  Sacred is something that you don't disgrace, humiliate or cheapen.  That which is sacred is not only valuable to personally, but it's valuable to us as a society. So what are some things that are sacred?  (In no particular order) Relationships - The friendships and relationships that we enjoy are very sacred.  God never wanted you to abuse the people around you.  In fact, some of these relationships are there for you to honor and obey.  It's in the Bible.  The Bible also tells us what limits these relationships have and what purpose they are suppose to serve.  We can't do "whatever" we want j

What is that in your hand? When Moses faced the Red Sea all God him to do was stretch his staff out over it. Out of all the things you can do against your Red Sea - did you think of using what is in your hand? There was nothing magical about the staff. It was just a piece of wood, that's all. But in the hands of someone whom God has blessed and ordained to face that Red Sea, it becomes a symbol of power and leadership. Not Moses', Gods. The Israelites knew that God had done this for them. (They had just witnessed 10 plagues from Him, remember?) They also knew that Moses was God's chosen leader for that time. Even though they had just logged and huge complaint against Moses for leading them to their death, God prevailed. How many times have we lodged a protest against God, or against His appointed leaders in dire times of need. Why didn't you see this coming? Why didn't you do a better job? Why is this happening to us? Don't you understand that we are

I had mention Moses and the Red Sea Sunday during the worship service.  That God had to use what was in his hand in order to part the Red Sea. Now let's be honest here.  God didn't need Moses or his staff in order to do part the Red Sea, or did He? God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.    1 Cor 1:27 - 29 Moses understood something that many of us don't get.   God is in the business of INCLUDING us in His plans.  But be honest here, you would rather that God DIDN'T include you, right?  I mean, you would rather God just fix your life and not bother you with all that praying and patience stuff, am I right?  Of course I am.  We all, if given the chance, will take the easier road through life.  Truth is, there are no easy