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Someone gave me a book the other day and on the first page was this passage from  Ps 90:12,17  12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. . . . 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Or as the NLT says, "and make our efforts successful."  The idea that God will make us successful rubs some people the wrong way.  I find that has a lot to do with their idea of who God is and what "fair" is.  Is it fair that a few people are rich and so many are poor?  Is it fair that we have to work so hard to make a living while some seem to blink their eyes and make money appear out of nowhere?   Well, appearances and opinions can be misleading.  Let's set a few things straight.  #1 - God wants to make you successful.  But He will define what success is.  You need to ask Him what He thinks success looks like in your life.  HINT:  Don't a

Copy Cat: one who imitates or adopts the behavior or practices of another. Isn't that the truth.  We see someone doing something we like, then we do it.   Recently, while I was traveling, I stopped at a local restaurant to get some lunch.  My food arrived about the same time an older couple was being seated near us.  The elderly gentleman looked at my lunch and asked me, "What is that?"  In my mind I thought, "lunch," but deciding not be so blunt I said it was a salad with grilled chicken.  He looked at the hostess and said, "I want that!"   One of the morning devotions I read said this.  "We imitate what we have experienced." 1 Corinthians 11:1  -   Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. But how can someone follow Christ if they have never experienced Him?   A while back I was in a waiting room, you know - waiting.  Across the room was a very loud person who was talking about their church.  However, the more they talked, the

I am not even going to try to understand what the people in Texas feel like.  Harvey didn't just hit them.  He stuck around and beat them up again. If you want to give something that will make a difference, go to FFWC.US and give online.  Give under the fund heading, HARVEY RELIEF.  If you don't like giving online, please call us at the church.  You can give via debit or credit card too.  All funds will be sent to Convoy of Hope.  They are the premier disaster relief agency in the U.S. and are already meeting needs in the hardest hit areas of Texas.  Every little bit helps.  It's hot in South Florida.  The thermometer in the car said 99 degrees today.  I don't think it goes any higher.  Air conditioning is almost worthless.  The old timers around here have told me that when it is hot, it keeps the hurricanes away.  Let's pray they are right! My cat has been sneezing for weeks. We took Latte to the vet and found a broken tooth.  That tooth apparently became

In fact, it looks like this. Matthew 7:13-14  13 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Here are a few things about the road to your future.  #1 - Jesus has already been down it.  - Even though the road is rough, it isn't impossible.  You have a tour guide on your road of life.  #2 - You know where it ends.  - Jesus promised that He would prepare a place for us at the end of our road.  So death isn't the end, it's just a new and better (much better) road.   #3 - There are plenty of easier roads to travel which will lead you nowhere.  - Through life, you will be given the opportunity to take easier paths that make big promises.  First of all, none of them end where your road is going.  Secondly, they waste your time thus wasting your life.  PRAY:  Dear Jesus, ple

Matthew 8:13   And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. Today I had a kind of surreal moment.  We had a special guest in church today.  Teen Challenge from Davie, Florida.  Director Rick Fernandez and I have been friends for nearly 23 years.  When I came to Coral Springs, he has just arrived as the new director.  Both of us were in the same boat.  Struggling with organizations who needed inspiration.   I had just arrived from Central Florida where I served as an associate/youth pastor.  I didn't know much, but one thing I remember was a slogan that the pastor used to inspire people.  He got it from the senior pastor he used to work for in West Virgina.   Vision Becoming Reality I had made a banner with the same phrase on it.  Ricky saw it and took a picture of it with his group.  In today's service, Rick said that was the one thing that inspired him in those early days.  

So today I got to spend some time with a friend of mine.  I wasn't supposed to, and I wasn't planning on it, but I did.  He was painting a large room by himself.  I know those jobs.  They get boring and lonely fast.  So I decided to stick around.  We talked about life, family, and stuff.  He did the painting I retrieved a screwdriver. When it was over he thanked me for staying with him.  Saying that I offered him some spiritual help. He said he was praying that he wouldn't fall off the ladder and then asked if I would pray also.  I did and then stood at the bottom of the ladder.  (Seemed obvious to me that God answered his prayer.) Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. It was worth it.  I enjoyed it.  He got half of the room painted.  It really does look good.   Why did I do it?  Because you have to stop what you are doing and appreciate the people God has placed around you.  You may not get to do it every day

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, I've sinned, you've sinned, we've all sinned.  There are no exceptions.  None of us are perfect.  We've all given in to temptation.  You might as well embrace it, it is a fact.   Sin is described as disobeying the law of God and rebellion against God.  If you have ever done something that God said, "Don't do that, you've sinned."  Now someone out there is going to say, "I've never done anything wrong!"  Really?  - Have you ever stolen anything?  Cheated on your taxes?   - Have you ever lied?  Even a little white lie?  - Have you ever looked at someone and thought something you shouldn't?  Let's see now, you broke #7, #8, #9 of the 10 Commandments.   Yup, you've sinned.   But most people ignore the second half of this verse,  and fall short of the glory of God, Do you remember those times in your life when someone important said to

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Today I was privileged to be a part of a Ministers Enrichment Seminar in Lake Worth.  During that time I heard about how Jesus has led a young family to plant a Christian business in a sensitive country.  (I can't say where.)  I spoke to a woman, who is physically challenged, leaving next week to spend a year in another country that I cannot mention.  I listened to another missionary and his wife talk about the orphans in Latin and South America countries who need our help.  I was privileged to hear one minister talk about how God is leading him to quit his current job and become a lead pastor.  I always love to hear the excitement of those who minister to youth and young adults, their passion and their determination to make a difference in lives.  Person after person, story after story I see people re

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. On occasion, someone will declare to me that they do not believe that placing one's faith in Christ is the only way to heaven.   Notice I said, declare not debate.  That's ok, Jesus gives everyone a choice to accept or reject Him.  But I have often wondered, "Why was it important for them to tell me that?"   Some people want me to know that they think I'm a religious fanatic.  Some people want me to know that they think I've got it wrong.  Some people want me to know that they found another way to heaven and they don't need my help.  Now the theological implications that Jesus got it wrong here is staggering.  Too much to dive into right now.  But either Jesus is a liar, and lunatic or He can save us from our sins.  Now obviously I agree with the latter.  I have a real relationship with Christ that meets my needs every

John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. The world we live in has become more unlovable every day.  I shudder to think that we, as a civilization could stoop to new lows.  But we can!  So when God says that He loves this world, how?  The verse goes on to say that He loves the world so much that He gave His one and only Son.  We know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the grave to guarantee our victory over sin and death.  But for THIS world?   Someone might say, "Well God can love this world all He wants too, but I'm not."  I get it.  We all have war stories of how life has treated us unfairly and even inhumanly.  Why would we show any amount of love or mercy to the world around us?  But still, God loves everyone.  Jesus die

As I was driving around during the solar eclipse, I noticed people taking in the moment for themselves.  As they were taking pictures and looking through approved glasses for watching, there was this surreal sense of awesome as the sunlight dimmed for a few minutes.  It was like putting on a pair of sunglasses.  (No I am not in the direct path of the eclipse.) What I didn't see was people panicking in the streets or anyone holding a sign saying, "The End Is Near!"  I did see a guy with a sign that said, "Fast cash here!" Matthew 6:34  “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Jesus said, don't worry about tomorrow there will be anxiety and problems to face.  But I've already taken care of it, you need not worry.   Some people have suggested that Jesus was saying, eat, drink and be merry (party) for tomorrow you die.  He wasn't doing anything of the so

Annekas (my daughters) birthday is tomorrow. My Aunt and my moms best friend passed away today. There will be a solar eclipse tomorrow. One brings joy, one brings sadness, one brings a sense of awe. All these emotions at the same time can be a bit overwhelming.  But that's life, isn't it? Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. God started something in my life nearly 54 years ago.  Each day has been a new revelation of that plan.  With it comes pain and joy, life and death, hope and despair.  Just because I follow Christ doesn't mean that my life is insulated from the bad. Matthew 5:45 For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. So how do you deal with life when it becomes too much.   #1 Don't deal with everything at once.  That's impossible.  Break everything down into parts that you can mana

Habakkuk 2:2   And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. Someone once told me this little formula.  Direction + Pace + Price = Vision What direction do you want to go in?  How fast (or slow) do you want to get there in.  What are you willing to pay for it (this isn't necessarily about money).  These three key elements will determine the vision of your life.  #1 - What direction, pace, and price are you going in right now?   It doesn't matter what you say, the answer to that question will tell you where you will be in a year, 5 years and the rest of your life.  Do you like what you see?  #2 - What direction do you want to go in?  Maybe you want to be healthier.  Maybe you want to be closer to God.  Maybe you want to change your career.   Ask God for His help.  Believe me, He will answer you.  Whatever it is - decide and then write it down.  #3 - How soon do you want to achieve this vision

Hebrews 10:25  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Right now some people are saying, "Thank God it's Friday!"  Their week actually beings on Friday.  They have a whole weekend of activities planned.   Some people are looking forward to Monday, "I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go!"  You probably know the tune.   But for followers of Jesus, Sunday's a Comin' Why do we worship on Sunday?  Because it is the day that Jesus rose from the dead.  We see the early church establish this practice in the New Testament.   But more importantly, Sunday represents everything that we believe in.  Jesus - Hope - Love - Life - Joy - Deliverance - Miracles and more!!! When you give God Sunday - it encourages the rest of your week.  When you give God Sunday - you are encouraged by meeting with like minded people who care about you.  When you

This Monday, my daughter's birthday, we will experience a total solar eclipse.  The last time this happened in the United States was 37 years ago (I remember that one) and one hasn’t passed over this country since 1918. Some people are panicking about this.  "How are we going to protect our animals?"  "Surely we are not going to let our kids go to school are we?"  Here were my mother's instructions about this 37 years ago.  "DON'T LOOK AT IT!!!"  Yes, ma'am.   Now I have seen some of the headlines on Facebook. 100-Year-Old Jewish Prophecy Says Eclipse Signals End of North Korean Regime.   - One can hope.  The coming eclipse and Last Days Madness - Madness indeed! Rare Solar Eclipse in 2017 and Another One in 2024 Will Mark Giant 'X' Across US. - How can it be rare when we can predict it? Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, has written, “Is God’s Judgment Coming on America?”  - While not being dog

Someone said that to me the other day, and I laughed at it. Then I thought about it. I stopped laughing. There are days that description fits me.  (According to my wife, today is that day.)  I know people who fit that description.  (Everyone who reads my blog and knows me are now thinking, "Is he talking about me?" - Maybe.) All of us have had our bad days, foul attitudes and stressful moments that have brought out the worst in us. “I have commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (CEV) Stress is a part of life, but what we do with it matters.  #1 - Don't Worship It If you let stress master your life, you are worshipping, or yielding to its desires.  Your brain is telling you, "You've got to do this now, now, now, now, now.  Remember the kid in school who kept poking you over and over saying, "Whatcha Doin?  Whatcha Doin

I am sitting here in my office writing Sunday's sermon and other weekly lessons.  I just finished this Wednesday's lesson on Eschatology, the study of end times. I have to say, it's been a while since I've taught an in depth study on this.  Not that I don't enjoy it, but it is a lot of work.  But after today's preparation, I have to say that I have a lot more hope.  Why? The world sees history as something with no beginning and no end.  We say things like, "History is doomed to repeat itself." and "We never learn from our mistakes." because of this point of view. Because mankind sees life from an evolutionary point of view, it embraces philosophies that only bring emptiness and meaninglessness to human life.  No hope.  Today human efforts are still attempting to lead the world to democracy, freedom, and a new order.  But instead, they lead to new slavery and potential self-destruction. So what's the Good News?  God has a plan!

Events of the last few days have really challenged me to think about the condition of our culture today.  While I am taking the risk of offending some with this post, it isn't my desire to anger anyone. But it is easy to get caught up in the narrative of the day.  First of all, let me say that anyone who practices racism is committing sin.  Racism in any form is demonic.  It has no place in the heart or life of someone who follows Christ.  I expect anyone who harms another person in the name of racism to be fully prosecuted by the law.  We are to stand together in the love of Christ with one another and for one another regardless of skin color. Well, pastor, you are a privileged white male.  You don't know what racism is.  Nonsense. - I've lost jobs just because I am a follower of Jesus. - I've received extra scrutiny by banks and loan providers because I am a pastor.  One even told me that I have a "dishonorable" profession. - Because I am Pentecosta

2 Tim. 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. That was Betty's text from the Bible this morning as she led children's church in the main worship service.  Just of the record, Betty and her team of kids did an excellent job!  Back To School Sunday was a HUGH success!  The whole lesson was about NOT living in fear.   Betty shared with everyone some of the things that have caused her fear in the past.  - When you total your husband's (that's me) car a few months after getting married.  - When you have 5 miscarriages and wonder if you're going to miscarry again.  - When the church goes through a tough time, and your husband (again me) doesn't get paid for a year.  - When your job gets cut to 4 hours a week and on the same day your husband (you know who) gets laid off.  - Standing in front of thousands of people at a convention and singing a solo.  - Being homeless with a three-year-old.  - Being to

Sheep are stupid. - They get so focused on eating, they will eat everything in sight.  - They will forget to watch where they are eating and wander away without knowing it.  - Sometimes the Shepherd has to force them to lay down.  Because they cannot digest all, they have eaten until they do.  - Sheep are afraid of moving water.  They can't swim.  - They are helpless against predators.  I mean, helpless.  - Sometimes a sheep can get turned over on its back and can't get up.  Because it's internal organs depend on gravity to survive, they quickly die.   - They will bite you if you turn your back on them.  Then Jesus calls us, sheep.  John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I don't think that Jesus is trying to insult us, I believe he is trying to tell us the truth.  Without Him, we are helpless.  Psalm 23: 1 - 2 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. Without a sh

Someone sent this to me this morning. You are awesome video tag someone and let them know that they are awesome. Posted by Delores Robinson Olsen on Thursday, February 23, 2017 Yes, it might be a little cheesy, but I liked it. John 1: 1 - 5  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Ok, go back 2,000 years with me.  Christianity was brand new to the world.  These people were called the people of "The Way" because they professed to follow Jesus' way of life.  But the New Testament hasn't been written in its entirety yet. As with many books of the New Testament, they were originally letters or Gospels written to assist the Church.  Each of these letters would have been p

What to do something amazing today?  Here is how you do it. #1 - Put others before yourself. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. #2 - Give God a reason to pay attention to you. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. #3 - Keep it simple.  Acts 20:35  In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” These three steps are so simple but profound.   A few years ago Betty and I stopped in a restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat.  We were traveling and didn't frequent this eating establishment often.  The waitress came and took our order.  But there was something about her that I couldn't quite figure out.  After a

We've all done stupid things.  Some stupider than others. (Apparently, stupider is a word!)  We all know that there levels of stupid.  - There is that thing you did because you were not paying attention.  Once in Bible College, I was walking to the chapel and didn't see the 4x4 steel post in the middle of the sidewalk.  That was stupid.  - There is the level of stupid that comes from being misinformed.  Like the time I ate a whole habanero pepper.  Lesson learned, ask what kind of pepper you are eating before you pop the whole thing in your mouth.  That hurt.   - Then there is the level of stupid that comes from being selfish.  This you can do something about.  Early in my marriage, I was selfish.  I wasn't trying to be selfish, I didn't want to be selfish - but I was selfish.  My selfishness almost got me in divorce court.  It was when I realized that this wasn't about, "me" but it was about, "us".  That when things began to tur

You want to be at peace? Then your solution is simple. Don't go to war. Even Jesus said in Matthew 5:9   Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God . Jesus was telling His followers that if they would help others reconcile their relationship with God they would actually be introducing peace to them. Paul talks about our interpersonal relationships in Romans 12:18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.   Or if at all possible, don't go to war with someone else. Obviously, every relationship isn't perfect. There are going to be disagreements and S ometimes you just have to agree to disagree.   Sometimes when injustices have been made, you have to stand up for what you believe in.  So here are a few guidelines that might help you on your path to peace. - If you're going to war for selfish reasons, you're doing it for the wrong reason.  You'll end up looking like a three year old fighting for toys in a sa

I've been a foodie all my life. Being raised in a Southern home, food is an art form.  Cooking was a necessity especially if you grew your own food.  After all, why would you go to all that trouble just to ruin it? You put bacon in green beans. Corn bread was made in an iron skillet. Ham was smoked. Okra was pan friend, never boiled. Salt and pepper were used - frequently. You get the picture. So recently I noticed that I was out of breath, suffering lower back and knee pain.  Bending over to pick something up wasn't something I looked forward to.  I was over weight.  So I lost 20 pounds.  I gained a lot of energy, the pain stopped, and gravity was no longer my nemesis. Now, this isn't a blog about how I lost it.  This blog serves a different purpose.  I discovered that I loved food.  When I had to start saying NO to certain foods like chocolate pecan pie and good hamburgers it hurt.  I mean it emotionally pained me to say no.  I missed my friends.  They wer

- Anneka starts High School tomorrow. - I'm turning 54 this year. - My cousin, who was 47 years old, received a terminal diagnosis and was given 3 - 6 months to live.  She made it 3 weeks.  She left behind a husband and two daughters. - Last night I received word that a friend of Betty and mine was in a coma and not expected to live.  She passed away just a couple of hours later.  She was the first youth to attend the first youth group I ever pastored.  That was nearly 34 years ago.  She left behind a husband and two daughters. Psalm 90:12  So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Time marches on.  It isn't merciful.  It does not care.  It just keeps moving.  We can rant and rail at it, but it will not change anything. What we do with time does matter.  We can let it teach us, empower us and help us.  But the core of Ps 90 is vital.  Allow time to give you a heart of wisdom.  Don't live your life thinking that you have x number of years le

I'm not known for having a lot of mercy.  Needless to say, when I am in a room of people who are gifted with mercy, I annoy them.  Sorry about that. That doesn't mean that I don't have compassion.  I really, really do. But something happened to me the other day that really brought this to my attention.  For the last week, we have been getting home earlier than usual.  School hasn't started and the fall dance schedule hasn't kicked in yet.  So I have had some time to work on the house.  I decided to trim the hedges in the back yard the other day (there were about 6 months overdue) and I made quite a mess.  So I asked Betty and Anneka to come and help me.  While we were piling up the clippings for disposal I told my daughter that while living on the farm this was my life.  Go to school, come home and work on the farm until the sun set.  It was always a race against the sun to get the job done so there was no resting or "taking your time".  To which my

A number of years ago I was in church praying for people on a Sunday morning.  If you have never been in a Pentecostal church, sometimes we call people forward and pray with them personally.  (It's in the Bible.)  As I was praying the Holy Spirit drew my attention to a specific person.  He wanted to tell them something.  I called the person forward, not knowing what I was going to say, and what I said even shocked me.  In essence, they couldn't defeat the temptation that they were facing.  They needed God's help.  That if they would simply give their life to Him - He would intervene. (Here is the interesting part - something that I have never done before or since.)  If they would submit to God, He would give them a long life.  But if they didn't, they would be dead in a few days.  This person looked at me with eyes of anger, got up and stormed out of the church.  Three days later the police found his body.  A drug deal went bad.   Before you think I've lost i

We've got more labels in this world than we know what to do with.   Our culture tends to label people, irresponsibly, thus causing more damage than good.  We use terms like illegal aliens, Republican, Democrat, crazy, gossiper, handicap, Christian, lazy, Millennials, fat, insecure and others. Who am I?  This is a question that has plagued generations of people for all time.  What is the purpose of life and is there more?  As others witness our pursuit for answers, they will tend to label us accordingly. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Paul wrote that passage of scripture, so let's label Paul. Evangelist / Missionary       - That's good.  Never attended bible school but has a lot of field experience.       - No formal education.  Traveled most of my life, renting and doing odd jobs to support myself.         - Can't hold down a job.  Been thrown in jail several times and been in

While sitting in a waiting room a mother and her small child entered and sat down.  The kid needed a diaper change - BADLY!  Mom looked at her son and said, "Did you make a stinky?"  I said, "Yes, he did!"  The mother glared at me.  My bad. I've known some people who were in desperate need, but when given the opportunity to do something about it never pursued it properly.  When pressed on the matter they would say. "God will take care of it." There is an old illustration that goes something like this. A fellow was stuck on his rooftop during a flood. He was praying to God for help.  Soon a man in a rowboat came by, and the fellow shouted to the man on the roof, "Jump in, I can save you."  The stranded fellow shouted back, "No, it's OK, I'm praying to God, and he is going to save me."  So the rowboat went on.  Then a motorboat came by. "The fellow in the motorboat shouted, "Jump in, I can save you."  To

Here is your English lesson for the day. (Yes, I do acknowledge that I am the last person in the world who should be teaching English.) Re - means "back" or "again." There are a lot of words that the prefix "re" gives life to.  Like: - Revive - Reform - Refresh - Renew - Recreate - Reconcile - Restore 2 Cor 5:7 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; I was reminded recently that God allows the old, comfortable and familiar things of our life to change.  In doing so, He gives us new life to enjoy.  It is that growth that we should be seeking every day of our life. Lamentations 3:22-22   22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. What needs