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Awfully good that is. Sunday was a great day at FFWC.  After service this morning, we went to Stuart Beach and had a wonderful picnic, followed by a water baptism in the ocean.  The picnic was GREAT!  Thank you, Ben Germany and Josh Anderson for cooking on the grill.  To everyone who brought their favorite picnic food to share. We baptized 8 people.  I am so happy that we had the opportunity to do that.  But next time, I don't think I will do it in 3 - 4 seas.  2 different waves knocked me down, it was awful.  I was body surfing my way back to shore.  The funny thing is, I've never body surfed a day in my life.  After the second one, I was done.  It knocked the wind out of me.  I was thinking, "Let's go find a swimming pool, a bathtub, a mud puddle, anything!"  Then other people got right in there with me, and we started baptizing people.  One right after the other.  If it weren't for them, the day would have been ruined. So what can you take from this?

Here is another reason why Acts 2: 42 - 27 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Here I want to focus on: -   ... fellowship, to the breaking of bread ... -  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, ... - ...  breaking bread in their homes, they received their f

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Acts 2: 42 - 27  42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Why do I love this you ask?  Because it shows me what we as a church are supposed to be doing.   Oh, I probably should explain what the church is.  The church is people, equipped to serve by the Holy Spirit, meeting needs everywhere in Jesus name.  (For thos

. . . and people are our passion. This is taken from the Great Commandment found in   Matthew 22:36-40   36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Now if you attend the church I pastor, Faith Family Worship Center in Palm City, Florida, then you know that this is our mission statement.  But more so, it is a statement of faith. #1 - ( Christ is our heart ) Jesus is the center of EVERYTHING!  Who do you worship?  Who do you pray to?  Who do you give to?  Who do you serve?  Who do you learn from?  The answer is the same, Jesus.  Without Jesus what do you have?  If you said nothing, you are wrong (in my opinion).  What you have is a hopeless mess. #2 - ( People are o

The idiom, "The devil is in the detail" refers to a catch or mysterious element hidden in the details, meaning that something might seem simple at a first look but will take more time and effort to complete than expected and derives from the earlier phrase, "God is in the detail" expressing the idea that whatever one does should be done thoroughly; i.e. details are important.  Wikipedia How someone got from "God is in the detail" to "The Devil is in the detail" is beyond me.  Apparently, someone was looking at life as a glass half empty.   Psalm 37:23   The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; As followers of Jesus, we should believe that our God is in the details of our life.  But as the Psalmist says, that will only happen when we delight ourselves in His ways.  If we don't, then we invite Satan into the details of our lives.   Song of Solomon 2:15 warns us that it is the little foxes that spoil

I Like Saying Yes - to God! If you read yesterday's blog, you might think that all my marbles are not rolling in the right direction.   I assure you, they're not.  But that has nothing to do with this blog.   Yesterday I blogged about the power of NO.  How you can use it to be a blessing to your life.   Today I want to tell you about the power of YES! James 4:8  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  The Message says it this way.   Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Saying yes to God is a blessing, a privilege, and a challenge.  Saying yes to Him will stretch you beyond your known limits, it will increase your faith, and it will test it.  Think about it, it is a good thing that:  Abraham said yes to God and moved to the land that would be called Israel.  Noah said yes to God and

I know, that makes me sound like a meanie, but something is freeing about saying no.   Titus 2:11-12   11 God has shown us how kind he is by coming to save all people. 12 He taught us to give up our wicked ways and our worldly desires and to live decent and honest lives in this world. God created you to say no.  In a world that wants to say YES to everything, we have the power to say no.  Here is the deal, we should say no - A LOT!  We can say no to temptation.  We can say no to bad plans that would derail our lives.  We can say no to people who would try to manipulate us.  We can say no to doubt and unbelief.  We can say no to ideas that would lead our lives down rabbit trails.  What does, "NO" do for you?  It keeps you on track.  By saying no to distractions, you can discover and experience God's will for your life.  No is profitable to your life and wallet.  Think of it as, "stupid insurance."  No protects you from decisions that cou

This morning (Sunday) I ministered on the subject of bitterness.  I already know that you have had to deal with it.  Mostly likely you know someone who struggles with it or makes it their lifestyle.  Bitterness is more prevalent than you think. Ephesians 4:31  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ESV OR as the CEV says Ephesians 4:31  Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.  Think about it.  There is a reason why it's called bitter.  What kind of face do you make when you eat something bitter?  How do you react to something that smells rancid?  How do you respond to someone whose attitude is rude and belligerent?  I bet it's a lot like eating a lemon.   Here is the thing about bitterness.  It is a choice.  You can choose to be bitter, or you can decide to be better.  But how?  Here are a few more tips that I can share with you

First thing this morning someone told me that I was at the age when senility should start setting in.  (I'm 53).  Now, to be honest it was a joke.  But it did get me to thinking. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18  outer self is wasting away - I think that Paul understood getting, "older".  Probably one of his young hipster disciples pointed it out to him.  But he also understood,  our inner self is being renewed day by day.  Or in other words, while our age may slow our bodies down, it doesn't slow our lives down.  Jesus renews, refreshes, revives and restores us daily.  We are never too, "old&

I forgot to blog yesterday - please accept my apologies.  I don't know how I did it, but I did.  Usually, when I do something like this, it means that I need to take a day and review how I manage my life.  So, again - sorry. But frustration is a part of life, isn't it? While in Bible College there was a minister in Chapel who was telling us how "Frustration is eventually productive."  Meaning, that if you keep working on it, it will usually work out.  His story is what got my attention. He was, as a young minister, preaching in a small church in Northwest Arkansas.  He was the main speaker at the youth rally.  However, because it was one of the first sermons he ever preached, he was quite nervous.  So he held on to the pulpit like it was trying to run away or something.  He was sweating profusely and standing very still.  Too still as it turns out.  He had locked his knees and as a result passed out.  Remember though, he had a death grip on that pulpit.  A lar

Have you ever read a passage in the Bible and wondered to yourself, "Why haven't I ever seen that before?"  Here's what happened to me. Matthew 28:16-17 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. Now we know that Thomas had some issues in John 20:25.  But after Jesus appeared to him, he recanted his disbelief quickly.  Here we see that there are others who still having a hard time believing that Jesus has resurrected from the dead.  Now call me weird if you like, but if the guy is standing right in front of you what more could you ask for?   Being slow to believe isn't a bad thing.  I don't see Jesus or anyone else rebuking these people for their doubts.  Apparently, the disciples were satisfied to allow these people to work through it.  If you are struggling with your faith, that's ok.  As long as you are working on it and not using

Many people work hard to get ready for Easter.  The aftermath of which makes your church staff look like they have fought a pitched battle against an overwhelming enemy from another galaxy.  But is this the end? After Jesus had risen from the dead, he was on this earth for another 40 days.  We don't have a lot to go on, but the fact that He appeared to over 500 people suggests that He was busy.  I'm sure that the disciples had lots of questions.  Jesus takes the time in Matthew 28:18-20 to give His final commands to them, 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” With that, He ascended into heaven.  But before He went He commanded them to go to Jerusalem and wait for the pr

After Jesus' resurrection, He visited a number of people.  Paul speaks of nearly 500 eye witnesses.  Luke talks about the two disciples (not of the eleven) who were walking to Emmaus.  There are accounts of Jesus confronting Thomas' doubt, the restoration of Peter and more.  But there is a theme that occurs in the beginning that you need to pay attention to. The disciples and followers of Jesus were not expecting a resurrection, therefore, they were not looking for Jesus.  Mary and the women at the tomb were shocked to see Jesus.  Peter and John ran to the tomb because they couldn't believe that He was alive.  The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were shocked to discover that Jesus was sharing a meal with them. Luke 24: 39 - 43 a 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved

I don't know exactly how the disciples felt the day after Jesus' resurrection.  But I have a feeling that they were not bemoaning their Monday. For most of us, Monday is almost a curse word.  But going back to work the first day of the week doesn't have to be awful. 1 Thess. 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Hold it, Pastor, you want me to do what?  I'm not giving thanks for my overbearing boss or that ungrateful co-worker.  That's not the point. - Focus on Christ, not on your problems.  Think about it. - Choose to give thanks, don't let others choose for you.  You're are in more control than you think. - Remember what Jesus has already done for you, then remember - He isn't finished.  The best is yet to come. PRAY:  Dear Jesus, I am giving thanks today for everything you have done for me.  Please do not let my day distract me away from you.  AMEN.

Matthew 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. The women and the disciples were not expecting Jesus to come back from the dead.  Even though He told them that He would, they just didn't understand.  So the women are expecting Jesus to be in the tomb. As you go to church this morning, what do you expect?  Are you coming to see a tomb?  Or are you coming to see Jesus?  Are you going expecting to receive what you have always received from your annual Easter celebration?  Or on this day are you expect more?  Are you expecting to meet the King of kings and the Lord of lords? Matthew 28: 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. The Gospel isn't built on an empty tomb, it is built on a risen Savior.  Because Jesus has risen from the dead, He is now able to keep every promise He made.  He paid your price for your

Jesus is dead and buried. Roman soldiers guard the tomb. The disciples are in hiding thinking, "Are we next?" The family is mourning. Jesus enemies are rejoicing. It doesn't look good, does it? Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; There are times in our life when we ask God, "Why am I going through this?"  Satan would tempt us with the idea that we've done something to incur God's wrath or at the very least not deserve His divine protection.  We mourn our loss.   But Sunday's a comin'.   God is with you.  He has never left you.  He knows what you are going through just as He understood what the disciples and followers of Jesus were going through.  You may mourn for a while, but Jesus will come again! PRAY:  Dear Jesus, please turn my mourning into dancing.  AMEN 

From the time that the Sanhedrin found Jesus guilty, it was just a matter of convincing the Romans to execute Jesus. Peter has now denied knowing Jesus three times.  The rooster crows, and the Gospel of Luke even says that Jesus turned to look at Peter.  That was all Peter could take, and he ran away weeping. The Sanhedrin hauls Jesus before Pilate claiming that Jesus is a security risk to the Roman Empire.  That Jesus' claim to be a king was in direct competition to Ceaser.  Pilate questions Jesus and after getting some simple answers determines that Jesus is innocent of these charges.  But the Jews press on.  So in an attempt to "pass the buck", he sends Jesus to Herod.  All Herod wants to see is Jesus do some magic tricks.  Of course, Jesus doesn't comply (He isn't a magician) and is sent back to Pilate. At this trial things get serious.  It was the tradition for a prisoner to be pardoned on this day.  So Pilate allows the people to choose between Jes

Thursday in Jerusalem Jesus celebrates the Last Supper with the disciples.  It is the Passover meal. However, He makes a few changes.  When He breaks the bread, He says, "this is my body which is broken for you."   This is an apparent reference to Isaiah 53 where it says that by His stripes we will be healed. Then He shares one of the 4 cups that is used during the Passover meal. But here He says, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood."   Because of His sacrifice, we now can ask for and receive forgiveness our sins. From here the disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Obviously, Judas is not with them.  Here Jesus asks for the disciples to pray for Him and for themselves.  This is the only time that we see Jesus asking the disciples to do something like this. He knows what is about to happen, and is asking for his friends to pray with Him.  Matt 26 Judas finally arrives with the Sanhedrin.  They brought with them the temple guard and Roman soldiers,

Jesus remains in Bethany all day.  But what is happening in the background is undeniable.  Judas and the Sanhedrin are hard at work.  Where is Jesus going to be?  How are they going to arrest Him?  How will they convince Pontus Pilate to have Him executed?   Jesus said in John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Don't think for a moment that Jesus didn't know that Satan wasn't behind all of this. However, Jesus knows that His time has come. Remember, while the enemy may revel in their victory, God always wins.   Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” PRAY:  Dear Jesus, I admit I need you always.  AMEN

Again Jesus is staying in the town of Bethany. On his way to Jerusalem, he passes by the fig tree that He cursed the day before. (Mk 11:12 - 14) It has withered.  Some people have a problem with this passage because it says, "it wasn't the season for figs."  So why did Jesus curse it?  Well, it wasn't about the tree.  It was about the temple, which He had cleansed the day before.  Think of it this way.  Jesus went to the temple looking for faithful worshippers and people praying.  Instead, He found a room full of opportunistic business people taking advantage of the travelers needs. (Thievery)  So as He cursed the fig tree, and it withered, He too cursed the temple, and it was destroyed.   1 Corinthians 6:19-20   19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. What does Jesus find when He looks into your life?  Fa

Monday in Jerusalem  Jesus is staying in Bethany near Jerusalem.  It makes sense as Jesus was probably staying at the home of Mary and Martha. On the way into the city, he curses the fig tree.  (We will get to that tomorrow)  Then Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.  Jesus laments the fact that there is coming a day when the city will be destroyed.  This, in fact, happened in AD 70 when the Romans under General Titus destroyed the city. Luke 19:41-44 Cleanses the temple for the second time in His ministry.   During Passover, many people came from all over the world to celebrate.  It wouldn't have been advantageous for them to bring their own sacrificial animals on the journey.  So they would purchase one upon their arrival.  But because most of the money in those days had pictures of pagan gods imprinted on them, the temple wouldn't accept their money.  They would only accept the Tyrian half-shekel.  So money had to be converted, for a price, to that sacrifices could be p

Who are you watching? Do you watch people who feud with you? Do you watch people who encourage you? Do you watch people who don't care about you? Do you watch people who will never change your life? So this morning (Sunday) we were praying for individuals who needed healing.  We're Pentecostal - we roll like that.  While praying for a couple of people they were, slain in the Spirit.   Question: Why do people fall down while being prayed for?  Answer: Because they can't stand up!  The presence of God is so strong that one can become weak in the knees.  People I have been doing this for over 30 years - believe me, it happens. (and it's ok!) Back to the story.  So as I scanned the area I see a little boy laying down on the front pew.  He was near the two who were slain in the Spirit hovering over their faces.  In my mind I thinking, "Oh dear God, if these people open their eyes they are going to get the surprise of their life."  I had visions of people

I am sitting here (Saturday evening) in Jensen Beach high school auditorium waiting their presentation at the Sound of Music.  One of our youth from church, Nicole Kuzevski, is singing in the production. So I have a moment to think about the day. People came to the church to clean it thoroughly. More people came to the church to finish painting it.  The new projector is in and working.  So much to be thankful for. So much to appreciate. Phil. 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We are rich with friends, family and Christ. We are rich with love, hope and joy. We are rich wirh opportunities and possibilities. God gives all these things and more.  My friend, you are rich. PRAY: Dear Jesus, I appreciate how rich I am.  Help me to share my wealth with others.  AMEN

In my office, there is a sign that hangs on my wall. What do I believe in?  No matter what I say, some will say. - Great!  I believe in that too.  But someone else will say. - Really?  You believe in that?  Then someone else will say. - No, I don't believe you. What I believe in gives me strength and purpose.  It focuses my efforts and gives me direction. Do you know what you believe in?  If your belief system changes from day to day, if your values are "negotiable," and if your purpose for living isn't clear and worth believing in chances are your life is a tumultuous mess. John 14:12-14 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. Jesus said that if we would believe in Him, He would give us dire

Today's blog is a little different. Last Saturday a friend of mine called.  He has been on a ventilator for the last month due to a car accident.  His back is broken in 5 places. Another friend of mine just texted me that his mom, who should have had routine cancer procedure today, discovered that that cancer is worse than expected.  Surgery will not help. I also recently learned that the wife of one of my friends had surgery recently for chronic pain.  The surgery apparently didn't work. In the last few days, I have met people whose cancer has returned, operations have not gone as planned or received bad news from their doctors. A few years ago I read a little book by Oral Roberts.  Here is a portion of a story that has never left me. "I remember several years ago Evelyn and I were driving across the deserts of the southwestern United States. We stopped the car and walked out into the desert in that barren waste. And for the first time I saw the desert rose

Once, while in high school, the pastor of the church where I attended asked me to repaint the church sign.  It was a metal sign with black letters on a white background.  "Sure, I said."  5 days and 50 hours later I wish I had said no. As a musician, I understand the pain of a sour note or a missed beat.  It messes everything and everyone up.  One mistake and it's all over. The pressure to live our lives without mistakes is overwhelming.  Mistakes have cost lives, drove people into bankruptcy and destroyed families.  No one wants to make a mistake. Unfortunately, that thought usually leads us to this one.  Perfectionism.  Doing life without making a mistake.  The problem is, it's impossible.  There is no such thing as being, "perfect." If you pursue perfectionism, then you have to understand that it will make you worship at its altar.  What will it bless you with?  Agony.  When you make a mistake, and you will, perfectionism will devalue you.  You

I was reviewing my blog this morning, and I noticed that the title said. When you can't get wrong write. I didn't mean to use the word, write.  I intended to use the word right.  I use spell check, and it corrected it for me.  Too funny.  But it fit, so I am going to leave it that way. Proverbs 17:22  A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bone s. Laughing at yourself is a necessary part of life.  It is, as the writer of Proverbs says, good medicine.  But if we are going to whine and complain at ourselves about our mistakes, we will only crush our own spirit.  Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy.  So have a good chuckle today at your own expense.   It will not kill you, in fact, you will probably feel better.  PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to laugh at myself today.  AMEN 

My message was about dysfunctional families yesterday.  (I will be addressing that subject all month on Sunday Morning.)  I know some families that go out of their way to be as, "perfect" as possible.  That somehow they have it all together.  While it looks good, down deep, we know that it isn't possible. My friend posted this pic today on Facebook. Have you ever thought that you messed up something so bad that even God couldn't fix it?  Well, you are wrong.  Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” What do you think Jesus was talking about?  Making the Sun come up every morning?  Feeding every bird on the planet?  Child's play to Him.  He was talking about our lives and how we mess them up.   As a pastor of another church in South Florida, I received a phone call from one of my deacons on a Sunday morning.  "Pastor!"  he said.  "I've had it.  I'm go

After Sunday services we had some lunch. But that had to be quick because Anneka had a dance recital. After the recital I had 30 minutes until I had to be at the soup kitchen. After soup kitchen I had to go back to church, finish some paperwork and then go to the store. Drove home, picked up Annekas dance bag she left in someone's car and then sat down on the couch. Doh! I forgot to blog! I had plenty of opportunities to get angry and upset. I could whine and complain. I could be very unappreciative about my day. Galatians 6:9-10. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. If you are reading this, this evening or tomorrow morning resist the temptation to complain about what God has gifted you with.  I might be exhausted, but I met with great friends today.  I got to watch my beautiful daughter dance.

When it all comes unglued at the seams, you must be doing something right. I remember when a pastor friend of mine a few decades ago told me that.  I thought to myself, "Aren't you a cheery one!"  But He proceeded to tell me that when God is doing something great in your life, family or church - things will try to distract you. For example: - This week the AC in my office died.  Don't worry it was an easy fix. - Then the AC in the sanctuary died.  Turned out the thermostat needed new batteries.  Whew! - The garbage disposal in the kitchen stopped working.  Hit the reset button, and we were back in business. - The converter for the projector (the old one) arrived.  It was the wrong one.  Spent a whole day trying to find a $2 adapter.  Did you know that there is a Radio Shack in Indiantown, Florida?  Who knew? - A speaker in the sound system stopped working.  Don't worry, it's back up and running. - The new projector is still on back order.  (Had a l