Thank You For Visiting My Blog

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Here you will find current information about where I have been, where I am going, and what I am doing.  You will find links to my calendar and recent videos of our meetings.

After 43 years in ministry people ask “Are you winding down?” Heaven’s NO! we are winding up. Winding up ministering with some of the best people on the planet and winding up having more fun and more satisfaction than any other time in our lives.  Doris and I are ministering 50 weeks a year and love every minute of it.

Pastors, we are currently booking dates in 2009. Check out the “Invite Bishop Doggett” page for information about booking a service at your church or conference.

Bishop Doggett

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“Musings Of A Spiritual Father…….Fatigue Need Not Be Fatal”

Over the past few months there has been a repeated phrase I hear when speaking with ministers and Christian leaders. It’s short, and simply goes like this, “I’m just so tired.” That’s a phrase often overlooked, or we even gently tease the “tired” one, and the phrase passes without much ado. However, I begin to sense the Holy Spirit speaking to my life about this subject matter and I will share a few thoughts.

This tired feeling isn’t caused by a full calendar that makes demands every hour of every day. It’s not even the result of too many irons in the fire. This tired feeling is a spiritual attack on you to steal your dream and abort your destiny. Speaking of the enemy, Daniel writes, “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws” Daniel 7:25. Part of the work of your enemy is to tire, or weary you, to the point of discouragement. Numbness sets in and you find yourself going through the motions of what used to give life and energy.

A feeling of fatigue weakens faith and causes one to draw back from the pro-active mode of living and adjust to a reactive mode. You begin putting out burning fires instead of navigating the God assigned course of discovered destiny. The writer of Hebrews shares some insights. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” Hebrews 10:38. Drawing back is a position that weakens faith, and displaces the joy of the Lord. We lose joy in drawing back. If the joy of the Lord is our strength, then drawing back reduces strength, and results in fatigue. When fatigue walks in, faith walks out.

It’s imperative to break the chains of tiredness off our life. Dragging chains of fatigue slows life to a mere crawl and produces lack of energy. Every athlete knows when fatigue walks in, you get back to basics and do the things you know will work. Things that once became so routine they were boring. It’s the same in the spiritual realm. It’s time to get back to basics. Let me suggest a few.

First, practice what we preach. Do what we teach others. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28. I know the tendency is to pack your bags and run as far away as possible. That’s not the answer. Jesus provides insight, as He knew this day of fatigue would come. He says, “Run to Me, don’t run away!” It’s very important you gather the fragments of your broken, and forgotten dreams, and bring them to Jesus.

Second, your dream, and your destiny, will endure even during this season of fatigue and hopelessness. Paul writes to the Galatians and says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians 6:9. Whether or not you FEEL like it, there remains a “due season” somewhere in your future. Your fatigue has not changed the mind of God about your life. It’s important to be careful about decision making during this down time. With your perception distorted by fatigue, decisions will often be out of desperation, rather than inspiration.

Next, do some pruning in your life. Trim out of your life everything God never told you to do. Fatigue is the result of taking on too much outside the realm of your true assignment. You can’t be all things to all people. I remind you again; what your enemy cannot stop, he will accelerate. Hell knew you would not stop working for God, so instead of allowing you to run with one vision, he gave you many visions. Now you’re going in so many different directions it seems impossible to define the original plan God spoke.

Finally, rediscover who you are as well as who you are not! You are not the Messiah. People will pull you in many directions to satisfy their need to please God. In other words, they won’t do what God has asked of them, so they get you to do it for them. Learn to say, “NO!” Stick with the assignment God gave you. Remember the call of God on your life, and refocus on the main assignment God birthed in your spirit.

Also, learn who you are not. That’s important. You can’t be somebody else. You can’t wear garments of deception, trying to be someone you are not. John the Baptist gave a whole list of the people he was not. He was not Moses, not Elias, and not the Christ. He not only knew who he was, he knew who he was not. John did know who he was. He was a voice crying in the wilderness. He was just a voice crying outside the structures of his day, proclaiming the coming of one mightier than himself. From the outset of his ministry, he would decrease so that Christ could increase.

It’s important that you endure this season of fatigue. I know it’s lasted much longer than anticipated but keep in mind, THERE IS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS SEASON! Fatigue is the enemy’s weapon of choice to keep you from your greatest harvest. You must get to the other side. Gather yourself, make the decision you know should be made, get to Jesus, trim your life, reconnect with your dream and destiny, be the person God created and renewed strength will be manifested in your life. The Bible reminds us, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31.

It is my sincere prayer these words will be of assistance to someone on this journey, who is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Shake yourself awake and get pro active about life and the future. Try to always remember that FATIGUE NEED NOT BE FATAL!

“Musings Of A Spiritual Father……Creating A New Beginning”

It takes more than the turning of a calendar to have a new beginning. Each year folks make their resolutions, turn the calendar, and believe they have a new beginning. New beginnings are much deeper than the turning of a calendar. The fresh start I’m speaking about is the result of a brand new manifestation of the MIND OF CHRIST!

As you walk in the mind of Christ the rest of your life becomes the very best of your life. Thinking as Christ would think about each circumstance puts life in a different perspective. Take up the challenge; you are God’s creation! Make the decision right now to have a new beginning. It’s within your reach; you can make it through any difficulty. A new beginning will demoralize every enemy and release your harvest. No weapon formed against you will ever succeed. God is “for you;” nothing can stand “against you!”

With a fresh baptism of the mind of Christ, you can have a future brighter than any yesterday you can remember. Be encouraged, and enjoy this new dimension of living! Stop doubting yourself. Perhaps there is a list of “failed attempts to begin again” in your past; disconnect from those failed attempts and believe that God, in you, is more than enough to build a wonderful future. The future is NOW, and starts with “CREATING A NEW BEGINNING!”

“Musings of a Spiritual Father……..Advance In Adversity”

It could be time to get aggressive with your faith!  Advance!  Always remember, your vision will come in installments, not all at once.  Your vision is from God, it is “Divine Seed.”  I know there is struggle; sometimes pain and discomfort.  What God has put in your spirit is truth, and knowing truth will set you free.  Get excited and let your expectation rise to new heights.

This time of warfare is soon to pass.  Be sensitive to dormant resources God desires to release during this season.  Your strong help rarely comes from without; it most always comes from within.  There are powerful qualities concealed deep in your spirit God will release at strategic moments of this process.  Ask God for heightened awareness to maximize these moments to defeat your enemy, and secure the future God desires.

Tenacity wears down the enemy.  Refuse to speak words that would encourage your enemy and remember, he can’t read your mind!  Draw from the reservoir of inner strength God placed within you.  It is abundant, and it flows without restraint. Your enemy has missed his best opportunity to take you out!  It’s time to advance with your faith.

Even though a positive outcome lingers, always remember that nothing can keep it from ultimately bursting forth.  Your desire is “DIVINE SEED” and the quality of that seed will never let you down.  It can produce when the weather is good as well as when the climate is adverse.  Be encouraged in this journey.  Your faith pleases God.

Above all else remember this:  ADVERSITY CANNOT STOP YOUR HARVEST!

 

 

“Musings Of A Spiritual Father………..I’m Just Passing Through”

Anything you are willing to accept, you will probably never change.  It’s time to get moving, and go on through your season of struggle.  I am convinced your battle will end soon as a fresh, new season emerges.  Keep your spiritual eyes on the vision God gave.  The birth of that vision may not be easy.  It will take some growing, but dreams do come true if forward movement is continued.  Use this time to educate yourself in three areas.   Discover more about God, your assignment or calling, and your enemy.  My God is bigger than once thought, my assignment or calling remains the greatest focus, and my enemy has no power over me.

One never gets so old, or experienced, that struggles disappear.  You must simply learn to walk through them.  It’s important to remember the little phrase in the title of this article:  ”I’m just passing through.”  I’m not here to stay, not here to die, not here to breakdown, and certainly not here to go broke; “I’m just passing through!”  Although a rough patch has been found under my feet, I refuse to stop, “I’m just passing through.”

Although struggles are often thrust upon us, the choice to win this battle, and walk on through, must be made quickly.  God anticipated your problems, that s why there was a cross, and a covenant.  Even though your failure is on the schedule of hell, your recovery is far more organized by heaven.  Losers will focus on the warfare, but a champion will focus on the spoils of war.  God has a beautiful future planned for your life.  Discover that future, and walk toward your destiny.  Again, declare, “I’m just passing through.”

Pain is for a season.  “…..Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”  Psalm 30:5.  Usually a battle surrounds the birth of a miracle.  Moses was placed in the river (Pharaoh wanted him dead), but he became a great deliverer.  The birth of Jesus caused Herod to seek to destroy Him but Jesus became the Great Deliverer of mankind.  Greatness is just ahead……beyond the battle.  Make a decision that you will not lose.  Dig your feet in.  Stand fast on the Word of God.  ”I’m just passing through!

Discover the will to win that resides in the heart of every champion.  Refuse to let those who caused the hurt to live rent free in your thinking.  No more monuments to pain.  The constraints of today are not permanent, they are temporary.  Therefore, the declaration from this journey should resound in the ears of the enemy……..”I’M NOT HERE TO STAY, I’M JUST PASSING THROUGH!”

“Musings Of A Spiritual Father……..Do I Fight Or Function?”

Right now, stop what you are doing, take a deep breath, look around your personal battlefield, and refocus.  Often during extended times of spiritual warfare the enemy gets us distracted from our main focus and on to incidental issues that really matter little in the big picture.

The Bible provides valuable insight that should be noted.  “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,” Isaiah 46:9.  When God tells us to “remember the former things of old,” He is asking us to refocus on the beginnings.  It is time to let our mind return to the Word God gave us at the beginning.

When we remember what God said at the beginning we might find we have drifted off course.  We drifted in order to engage in spiritual warfare at a level that would protect the harvest God was providing.  However, we ultimately became more interested in the fight than enjoying the harvest.

Let this be a season to “remember” the things God spoke in the beginning.  Get back to basics and use the weapon of determination to stop the enemy’s attack.  Your focus will provide wisdom, as well as attract your harvest.  Sometimes we experience a “spiritual attention deficit disorder.”  It’s hard to remain focused on the assignment God gave at the beginning.  Our focus is on too many things.  We spend our time putting out the fire that’s burning while our “God Assignment” goes lacking.  It’s time to refocus from “fighting” to “function.”

Rediscover your function?  What is your passion?  Find again your assignment and move into an arena where you can function at your highest level.  Don’t try to do everything; just the “main thing.”

Often times we pack things away thinking we will never need them again.  Years come, and go, and then we start cleaning out an area of clutter and re-discover what had been packed away for a long time.  Joy returns as we think of the many ways the re-discovered item can be used to benefit us in this present time.

Go ahead; unpack the part of your life that you put away some time back.  The discoveries you will find are astounding.  Spiritual Gifts you packed away because their time was yet to come can be brought back to a functional level in your present season.  Your victory could be tucked away in a corner of your life awaiting your fresh discovery!

Refuse to let the dream die.  Plan no funeral.  Expect your dream to show life again.  All the ingredients to succeed are present within you.  Move away the clutter of life and clear the battlefield of the mind; then ask God to release dormant gifts that will turn the tide of life toward your greatest harvest.

Your thoughts are always appreciated.

“Musings Of A Spiritual Father……….God Will Restore My Soul”

Restore! That’s what echoes in my spirit. God will provide every resource to restore what has been lost, or injured.  With His provision you can expect joy to come back, peace to come back, relationships to come back, and finances to come back. Restoration, what a wonderful photo is created when you can see good things coming back into your life. Loss is only temporary! God will restore!

When Peter and John were in prison, they sang praises to God (Acts 16:25). It was at the place of praise the earth shook, and chains were broken. When the “outlook” was dark, Peter and John tried the “up look.” The shaking of the earth brought the necessary breakthrough to facilitate an exit from their prison house.  Keep in mind that when praise is lifted to God, chains hear praise and they simply cannot remain attached to your life. Chains must flee from His presence. God dwells in the midst of our praise. As chains fall, restoration begins. God will restore.

The psalmist David shares from his innermost being that “He restoreth my soul.” If anyone ever experienced the stretching of emotions unlike the normal man, it was David. His emotions were pulled in many different directions. Perhaps you have felt the same pull. Emotions stretched and nerves on edge, so many places are damaged restoration seems impossible.

God remains committed to the restoration of what has been lost, or injured. The battlefield of past experiences reveals struggles beyond anyone’s ability to survive; yet you are still standing! God has a plan for your life. He remains committed to that plan. God is the Master of Restoration.

When an item is restored, several things are revealed. First, the item was damaged. Second, the item still has value. Remember, restored items are always handled with extraordinary care and put in a special place. Is there a need for restoration? Has there been damage? Value remains, and God is taking extraordinary care during this process of restoration and you will ultimately be put in a special place.

Be encouraged, get your faith up, and expect a positive change. God will bring promotion. Beyond your need there is a harvest awaiting your arrival. Keep moving forward. Never give up. YOUR EARTHQUAKE IS ABOUT TO SHAKE OFF SOME CHAINS! Give praise to God in the midnight hour and see Him make a way out of no way. Defy all odds. Everyone says, “It’s over.” Show them different. Our God is a restoration God.

“Musings of a Spiritual Father………When Your Vision Is Under Attack”

As a Christian, you probably began this journey with a mental photo of something God placed in your heart.  It was called, “your vision,” or maybe, “your heart’s desire.”  As time and circumstances evolved that picture became cloudy, more difficult to define, or perhaps disappeared beneath the debris of life.  I have good news.

While there is so much of life with which you must deal, God remains focused on you, and your vision.  He remains committed to the plan He gave in the beginning.  Nothing you’ve gone through has taken Him by surprise.  You will never be too old, nor will you be too late, to accomplish your vision.  Although your enemy wants to paralyze your progress, blur your vision, and steal your future; you have strength in reserve, and weapons of war that are not carnal!  It’s time to take a deep breath, exhale and gather yourself for an aggressive move forward toward your dreams.

The first step is to “get up on the inside.”  Make that first forward move a shift in thinking.  Think like a conqueror.  No more pessimism, doubt, or fear.  Today, choose to make the shift in your mind (soul).  Remember, what happens in your mind will happen in time.  You are in a process that’s repositioning you to maximize every gift God placed within your life.  Take a look around because in every crisis, God gives a key to exit that crisis.  Energize your thinking to be keenly aware of all resources available.  Something previously overlooked could a key to your breakout.

Encouragement and energy are often synonymous words in the journey of faith and obedience.  Our energy often stops at the point of our focus.  When energy wanes, encouragement also wanes.  God’s word says your vision has an appointed time for manifestation.  When a baby is born, the greatest discomfort and pain is just before the delivery.  When the baby enters the birth canal, the nurse/doctor might say about the mother, “she’s in transition.”

Although you are in the midst of a painful season, please know this may also be the pain just before the promise!  Your destiny is manifesting at another dimension.  Be encouraged today as you remember the Word of God, which says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY cometh in the morning.”   Your day of deliverance is at hand.  Refuse to miss this moment.  It’s that for which you have prayed.  Embrace your harvest.  It’s abundant, and much closer than you think!

“Musings Of A Spiritual Father……Encouragement For Ministers”

You are not ordinary.  God has put His DNA in your spirit.  His imprint is on your life.  God has said your mouth is like a sharp sword, “…..He has made My mouth like a sharp sword….” (Isaiah 49:2).  The reason you have such significant battles over discouragement is that your primary purpose is encouraging others.  Christian encouragement is needed today more than ever.  Your enemy wants to steal your destiny.  Refuse to let that happen.

As you function in the gifting of ministry remember, you can initiate a season of overflow, a season of momentum by using the spoken word.  Your voice becomes the agent of change.  The “mouth” of the river is the end of the river.  It’s the point of enlargement, or change in structure.  It’s where we notice the most drastic change.  Once again…….your “mouth” becomes the agent of change!  Don’t be reluctant to speak the Word of God into your circumstance.

Since God has not stopped creating, you should not stop creating.  God spoke creation, this is the season to speak the vision God gave you and see its manifestation.  THE MOUTH IS THE POINT OF ENLARGEMENT, OR CHANGE!

It can be easy to question why seasons of adversity remain for such a long time.  Often, in the pain of the present, we begin a self-examination process to find what we’ve done wrong, and why this seems like punishment.  Please know that what we might call “punishment,” God might call “preparation.”  God is simply guiding you through the process of preparation for your next assignment.  It could be your greatest assignment!

An encouraging scripture is found in Isaiah 49:2.  The prophet Isaiah says, “…..In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me…..” Isaiah 49:2.

Moses was hidden 40 years on the backside of the desert.  Other men went through seasons of isolation before God brought them out for their greatest effort.  David, Elisha, and Jesus were all hidden for a time.

We can find a dual meaning here as we take another look; “…..the shadow of His hand…..” can also mean “in the shade of His hand,” or even can refer to the five-fold ministry.  You are not being punished; you are being hidden for a special assignment.  Not just hidden, but hidden in a special place.  You are hidden in the “shadow of His hand!”

When a photographer takes a photo, he takes the film, which has the imprint of the image on it into a dark room to develop the negative into a color photo!  The imprint of your destiny remains in your life.  God has had you in a dark place to remove the negative.  Now is the season to bring you out for your greatest work.

Let this note be an encouragement to those in ministry.  Your efforts are not fruitless, God’s hand remains on your life.  God has never been sorry He called you to the ministry.  Gather yourself, get back up again and start moving forward.  Nothing can stop the person God has called into MINISTRY!

“Musings of a Spiritual Father………Accountability”

We are living in a day when lives are being exposed on a regular basis.  Whether in the marketplace, or in the ministry, the significance of this exposure brings pain, heartache and disappointment that touches more lives that one can imagine.  It’s one thing to become successful and reach the top of one’s profession, it’s totally another thing to remain there and function at a high level.  It’s been said, “Be careful that your gifts and talents don’t carry you where your integrity and character cannot keep you.”  Today we find very talented people, very gifted people in ministry and high levels of leadership.  When they “fall” the rumblings go throughout the local church, the region, or the nation; depending on how high the level of exposure.

The results are devastating.  Families are broken, careers are lost, children are confused, the media often has a field day and folks leave the church, some of them never to return.  I’ve observed ministers who have stumbled and fallen.  It always breaks my heart.  I’m never glad when I hear the news.  It does seem there are common traits in the lives of the fallen.  Usually you can trace their habits to:  no daily prayer, no reading of the word, an uncommon love of money, or a lust for power, just plain lust, no functioning accountability and they always think it will never happen to them (they are “bullet proof”).

I think one area mentioned above stands out above the others.  Although all are important, the “no functioning accountability” stands out like a beacon.  Most ministers will say they have “accountability” relationships in their life and ministry but there is no function; it’s in name only.  Often “accountability” takes on the form of being a Spiritual Father who can be “bought off” from speaking the truth by significant checks coming in on a regular basis.  The temptation is to cover up the problem instead of speaking the truth of the Word of God to the person walking in danger.

Well, I suppose I shouldn’t get off on “Spiritual Fathers” who are dead beat dads, absentee fathers, abusive, demanding and controlling instead of being a father by using God as the example of the Perfect Father.  My heart breaks for sons who are craving attention, affirmation, and time with their spiritual fathers, all to no avail unless the check clears.  Again, the title of “accountability” is present, but the function is absent.  This absence of function aborts the “accountability” function and the relationship becomes a “business deal.”

I understand Spiritual Fathers don’t always know the secret details of the lives of their sons and daughters.  Just as parents in the natural don’t know the secret lives of their children.  However, once there is a stumbling, shouldn’t the father run to the son to provide help?  When the father of the prodigal saw his fallen son coming home, he ran to meet him.  Restoration was the order of the day.  In today’s restoration processes it seems more punishment and probation than restoration.

Ooops, I better stop here for now as my word count for this blog has expired.  Too long winded, I guess.  No, just passionate about being the best spiritual father I can be, and wanting the “accountability” function to be at a high level during seasons like we’re going through.  We need each other in the ministry.  No one should fall and not have a loving father to bring necessary correction, in love, and by a scriptural pattern.

I’ll try to add to this blog later if you would like to hear more…………………..Your thoughts?

“Musings of a Spiritual Father………Caught Between Seasons”

Have you ever felt like you were locked between two seasons?  You know another season is emerging, but the season you’re in right now refuses to give way in order to release the new.  This struggle often saps all your energy and has a negative effect on your emotions.

In the natural order of seasonal change, we regularly see the overlapping of seasons.  Uncommon temperatures occur.  It’s cold when it should be hot, it’s raining when it should be dry, it’s stormy when it should be clear are all conditions we face when one season is ending and another is beginning.  The weather is turbulent, and the unexpected is often experienced.

Let me suggest three disciplines you might use to help break out of the “locked between two seasons” experience.  This “in between” time is often the playground of your enemy.  He brings confusion to facilitate his desire to steal, kill and destroy your destiny.

First, refocus on the future God has provided for your life and ministry.  Stop building monuments to events of pain and discomfort.  Get a baptism of clear seeing.  God wants you to see what He sees.  His view is always from above, not beneath.  Crawl out from “under the circumstances.”  Climb on top of all the debris of this “in between” season and see your next God assignment.

Second, shift your language toward expressing your faith in God’s wisdom instead of constantly talking about the issues produced by enemy attacks.  Talking death attracts buzzards.  They can always be found at the point of fresh kill.  Your speaking must align with the Word of God and thereby choosing life so that you, and your descendants will live and not die.  You can now attract those who celebrate life, not death.

Third, look at your seed.  Far too often we stop sowing when times get tough.  It’s easy to stop sowing entirely when you are not able to sow at the level you once sowed.  Instead of being faithful with what you can sow, the choice is often to stop sowing altogether.  Regardless of how tough times are right now, find seed!  It’s in your life.  Start sowing what you can on a regular basis to get back into the discipline of sowing.  It shows the enemy you still believe what God said about sowing and reaping.

I believe these disciplines will assist you in breaking free from the grip of yesterday’s adversity and embracing today’s emerging season of favor.  Remember, you’re a champion……..and champions have “comeback ability.”  Your story isn’t over, nor has the final chapter been written.  Get back up and get going again.  A new season awaits your arrival!

“Musings of a Spiritual Father…….When Heaven Is Silent”

In the book of Revelation there is reference to “silence” in heaven for the space of half an hour.  I have wondered about that for some time now.  Mind you, I’m no theologian and no scholar of the Word.  However, it didn’t take much to go back through scripture and note a couple of times when heaven was silent.  Looking at circumstances which surround “silence,” it is quite noticeable something significant was happening.  Although I refuse to provide an exhaustive study on this, perhaps a nugget, or two, would suffice.  Take a short journey with me.

When Heaven is silent, there is usually a transition from one season to another.  Between the Old & New Testaments, there was silence; then God broke through with the voice of John the Baptist.  That voice certainly ushered in a new season.  When Jesus was crucified, heaven was silent; God broke through again with the New Testament Church.  Even though apostles had not been very effective when Jesus was on the earth mentoring them, after His death they came to life and begin to function a a very high level of ministry.

Let’s not forget my original thought from Revelation.  Silence, in Revelation, certainly ushered in a different season of the revelation of Jesus Christ. I’ve covered three instances of heaven’s silence.  By no means a thorough study, just a few instances, but enough to come to this conclusion.

We go through seasons of silence.  When it seems like God isn’t talking.  We pray, seek Him, fast, pray, tithe, give offerings, do everything we’ve been taught, even to extremes.  Yet there is still no voice from heaven.  Often the journey gets so difficult out energy level gets low and the fight within our spirit grows weak.  There seems to be no answer.

In His silence, He is processing qualities in your life which you will need in your next assignment.  Remember, you’ve brought some excess baggage from your prior assignment which must be flushed out of your spirit or it will contaminate your next assignment.  Once the residue of your prior assignment is flushed, there must be an anointing received for your next assignment.  All this seems to happen during “silence in heaven.”

If you are  presently experiencing a season of “silence,” remain alert, refuse to be lethargic and passive…….when God breaks the silence, and He will, there can be a new season dawn with fresh energy and revelation!  God is not silent forever!  He will break through the silence in a “due season.”  Take heart, my friend, God still holds you in the palm of His hand.  He will never let you go.  You’ve spent a lifetime “trusting God.”  Now God, in His silence, is “trusting you” with His next assignment for your life.

Embrace this part of life’s journey………it’s part of His Master Plan for you, from before the foundation of the world.  It’s not “Plan B,” it’s still “Plan A.”  God believes in you.  Never doubt His trust.

“Musings of a Spiritual Father……..Living in the storm!”

We all remember the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus.  There are a few “life lessons” to be learned from this experience.

Jesus used the word, “Come” to entice Peter out of the boat and into the water.  Lesson #1 is:  If the Lord doesn’t call you to do it, don’t do it!  To walk on the water one must learn to discern between God’s voice and our own impulses.  Our own impulses can betray us as our journey encounters “stormy seas.”  When life gets tough, be careful to keep your ear close to the voice of God so you can discern the difference between God’s assignment and your own impulses.

Getting out of the boat means leaving your comfort zone.  Lesson #2 is:  Identify your boat.  Your boat could be anything in which you place your trust during seasons of adversity.  It could be a job, a relationship, or even money that has been saved for a “rainy day.”  Whatever keeps you from a life of adventure in Christ can be called your “boat.”  It’s your comfort zone and sooner, or later, you must leave the comfort of your personal boat and go on the adventure with God.

What do you see.  Lesson #3 is:  Focus on the Lord, and not on your circumstances.  Everyone has stormy waves come to their life.  The Word of God even talks about difficulties that will come our way in this journey.  It’s just part of our journey of faith.  To grow in Christ often means taking on fresh challenges.  Each new challenge confronted will reduce fear’s hold on your life.  Fear must lose it’s power over you.  Always stay focused on God and not the circumstances.  Also, keep in mind that staying in your boat (comfort zone) doesn’t guarantee your safety either!

Lesson #4 is:  The real failure wasn’t the one who stepped out of the boat and begin to sink.  The real failures were the ones who never stepped over the side of the boat.  Their failure was not noticed by many and it was certainly a quiet failure, but inside each life they knew the truth about themselves.  No adventure, no trust, no effort of risk was made at any point in time.  In fact, had they known the storm would come, do doubt they would have stayed on the shore…….another comfort zone.

In closing these remarks please remember, Jesus isn’t in the boat.  He’s on the water.  Although He ultimately did get in the boat, the encounter was made on the water….in the storm.  God could be shaking everything up by asking you to face waves that are larger than you’ve seen in quite some time.  Should you choose to leave your comfort zone and start “Living in the storm,” two things will happen.  One:  Should you falter, you will not be alone.  Jesus is as close as an arm can reach from wherever you are.  Two:  Should you not falter, think of the strength you will have to do greater things in the Name of God.

From the heart of a spiritual father to sons and daughters in the faith……..refuse the comfort zones offered and be willing to step our of your boat, with courage and faith, into the great assignments God has planned for you.  Live the exciting life of God’s plan and be reluctant to settle for the mundane and boring safety of the average life.  Enjoy “Living in the storm!”

 

“Musings Of A Spiritual Father……….Ministers & Leaders”

My recent thoughts have been concerning “provision for ministers & leaders.”  Are you looking for your provision?  Do you feel like you have sown much and your provision still remains far away?  Are you looking for a “golden key” to unlock a tomorrow that is hidden behind a bolted door?  Your answer might be moments away.

I’ve never been more excited about your harvest.  You can’t stop now.  Your harvest is just ahead.  Isaiah describes the provision of God for the tired and weary when he said, “…..They shall mount up with wings as eagles…..” Stay faithful, your “due season” is at hand.  God promised you strength, and He will provide exactly what you need.

So you’ve flown for a while and now you are tired.  God said, “….they shall run and not be weary…..” Now you have earned the right to run.  God said that when you would run He would see to it that you would not be weary. That’s your provision.  Go ahead, just rest in Him.  God loves you.

You might even believe that you are no longer running, you’re just walking at a slow pace.  Well, God still has provision for you.  He said, “…..you would walk and not faint.” God’s got you covered….relax…..enjoy your journey.  He just wants you to keep moving forward.

That restless stirring within your spirit is an indication that God is calling you to another dimension.  It’s the same as when the mother eagle stirs her nest, causing the baby eagles discomfort.  The baby eagles get restless and don’t know what to do.  They soon realize that their destiny is not in the nest. You were not made for the nest, you were made to fly.

This is a season for transition (going where you’ve never been), and transformation (becoming what you’ve never become).  Many will make the transition without the transformation. God is not only calling us to go where we’ve never been, He is calling us to become what we’ve never become.  To change locations as well as change attitudes, comfort zones, and countless other things will bring new challenges to our lives.

Remember, your provision is where you are going, not where you’ve been.  Your provision is in what you will become, not in what you are at the present.  God has already been in your future, He knows what you will need, and has placed your provision at strategic locations for you to enjoy. To receive your provision, you have to be obedient to God, and keep moving forward.

The seeds you have planted are leaving your hands, but they are not leaving your life.  They have simply moved into your future where they are multiplying.  You will find those seeds manifested as a harvest when, and where you need it most. You must keep moving forward to reap your harvest.

Remember the grapes of Canaan were never placed in Israel’s mouth, only within their reach.  They had to keep moving forward to reap their harvest.  Keep sowing and keep moving forward.  Your provision is within your reach.  WITH GOD, your dreams are coming true.

Ministers & leaders, you are incredibly special.  God has placed you in significant locations for this strategic season.  Remain strong and faithful.  So many are counting on you.  You are never alone for He is with you……….remember that!

“Musings Of A Spiritual Father……Ministers”

Like most folks I often have thoughts that never find their way to a printed page.  When thoughts linger for several days I think it’s a great possibility they need to be documented.   I’m feel impressed in my spirit to list significant reminders for those who minister the Word of God:

1.  Remember the moment of God’s call on your life to minister the Word.  Distractions are everywhere.  The umbilical cord of God’s call on your life is your anchor in seasons of difficulty.  God made no mistake when He called you and He’s never been sorry of His decision.

2.  Know your assignment.  Stay true to the focus God has stirred in your spirit.  Your adversary will always get you involved in too many good things.  Broken focus is deadly to your assignment.

3.  Just because you face a prolonged season of adversity doesn’t mean you have sinned, or you are unworthy to minister the Word.  Your battle could be a preparation for your next dimension, not a punishment for bad decisions.

4.  Never get too busy for time alone with God.  You can’t get so busy with the “work of God” that you forget the “God of the work.”  Your personal relationship with Him must be maintained at the highest level.

5.  Evaluate relationships from time to time.  Jesus only spent time with those who ministered to Him and those who received ministry from Him.  He had no time for Pharisees & Saducees for they did neither.

6.  Make time for your family.  Both your spouse and your children.  Refuse to make your ministry a mistress with whom your spouse must compete for your time, energy and focus.  Don’t be an “absentee” father to your children.  Invest in them……they are your first responsibility.

7.  Refuse the temptation to copy others.  Someone once said, “You were born an original, don’t die a copy.”  Be true to yourself and the gifts, talents & abilities God has placed within you.

8.  You need a Spiritual Father in your life.  If you don’t have one, ask God to connect you with someone with the heart of a father to speak into your life from time to time.  He should not smother you, or restrict you, but encourage you, bless you, and help you achieve all God has put in your heart.  Don’t worship him but respect, honor and receive from him as God speaks through him.

9.  Preach the Word of God with passion and anointing.  Have a clear voice, with a definite message.  Declare the Word of the Lord to this generation.  They must hear a clear sound from the Presence of Jehovah.  You are that voice!

10.  Never quit.  Regardless of the battle, or the intensity, refuse to quit.  You are a champion and God is not only counting on you, He is believing in you and trusting you to stand in faith and trust Him and His Word.  You can do it!

These thoughts have been on my heart for several days.  As a Spiritual Father, my heart is heavy with thoughts for those in a struggle.  It is my prayer that everyone who ministers the Word of God remain strong and complete the assignment God has given.  We need you.  Your audience needs you.  You are a difference maker.  Go forth and make that difference.  Blessings to all……………..

“What’s In A Name?”

Just thinking today about names, and their meaning.  Biblically, names were significant.  Especially from Abraham forward.  Names had meaning, and that meaning could be an indication of how a person was treated.  Sometimes names were changed as parts of destiny would unfold.  The new name was a clue to the next steps in the destiny of that person.  Laying that aside, my thoughts then went to labels, or names, we put on situations in our personal life.  Let me be more specific.

I pondered the difference between naming something a “circumstance,” or an “enemy attack.”  It seems to me if we name a difficulty in our life as a “circumstance,” we treat it differently that if it were named an “enemy attack.”  ”Circumstances” seemed to be largely ignored, or even tolerated, until they run their course and pass away.  A “circumstance” is treated as though it’s just “one of those things” we have as our journey progresses.  We rarely choose to fight a “circumstance.”  On the other hand, if it is named an “enemy attack,” we would resist, use the Word of God and the Name of Jesus, to thwart its right to attach to our life.  Please don’t think I’m seeing a “demon behind every bush.”  That’s not what I talking about.

Maybe the next time a “difficulty” comes along it might be worthwhile to ask God for a discerning of the nature of that “difficulty.”  Is it just a “circumstance (one of those things),” or is it an “enemy attack?”  Once we know the nature (name) of the “difficulty,” we can better deal with the issues that accompany its arrival.  I realize we, sometimes, cause seasons of difficulty to commence by bad decisions we make.  That might fall into the category of a “circumstance.”  However, on other occasions, we could be under an “enemy attack.”

My cumbersome attempt here is to identify the true enemy so we can know what we’re up against.  I believe these are days when we must be on “high alert.” I am convinced many of us are naming an “enemy attack” as just a “circumstance.”  Thinking it will just pass away in due time we ignore its damage to our life in the area of finances, emotional well being, and children.  We move into the mentality of “survival” and forget we are “……more than conquerors through Him……..”

I could be time to fight back……resist……stand against the attack with the Word of God, the word of our testimony, the Blood of Jesus, and the Name of Jesus.  The result will be to minimize the damage, abort the length of the attack, and walk in victory quickly.  Remember, the Bible tells us that when we use the Name of Jesus, “every knee will bow.”  That has to be true of an “enemy attack” as well as anything else.

In closing, I do believe future generations could be adversely affected by battles we don’t win.  At this point in my life, I am keenly aware the clock is ticking.  Although I am not expecting the end to come shortly I do realize I’ve lived much of my life and certainly don’t want to leave any “unfinished” business (battles) for my descendants to have to deal with.

What’s in a name?  Maybe not so much these days, but perhaps this writing is worth considering as our journey continues.  Your thoughts are always appreciated.

“For Those In A Season Of Difficulty”

Never, never, never give up!  You’ve come too far and won too many victories in the past to allow this sustained attack of the enemy to cause depression, fatigue and confusion.

First, we know it’s the enemy because the Bible says, “God is not the author of confusion., but of peace…..” 1^st Corinthians 14:33.  Second, it is an attack against the things the enemy fears most in your life:  your finances and your family.  He fears your finances, as he knows you will use prosperity to bring down his kingdom.  He fears your family because he is keenly aware of generational blessing, and the strength of Godly seed in the earth.  As an older generation moves to a place of honor and respect, and the next generation is poised to receive the torch, you stand between generations.

This strategic place is where God wants you, and planned on you functioning.  God knew He would need someone with your gifts and talents to push back the powers of darkness and give the next generation a safe passage to maturity and destiny.  These days, my friend, are days of the “final push.”  It’s like a baby being born; the mother pushes and pushes and when the pain is the greatest, she is called on to make one final push to realize her hopes and dreams.

You are being called on to make a “final push.”  God did not make a mistake placing you in this circumstance.  He knew you could handle it with His help.  He is an “ever present help.” Lean on Him and keep the pressure off yourself.  You were not designed to carry this.  Put the pressure your covenant with Him.  That’s why it’s present.

America is reeling under the assault of pagan religions bent on its destruction.  You are called for this time, and season.  It may seem you are not making a difference, but you are a difference maker.  Hold fast with everything in you.  Draw on unseen strength deep within your recreated spirit.  It’s always been present.  It’s remained dormant for a season such as this.  Tap your inner resources and keep your spirit man fed.  We are truly winning this struggle.  You may be bend, but you will not break.  I stand with you.  We will stand together.  We are in this together.  Let’s win, let’s win, let’s win!  It is the “WILL OF GOD!”

This can be your finest hour.  Maximize the moments.  Remember, your enemy is the “real loser.”  This is your breakthrough season.  Refuse to slumber and allow spiritual fatigue to dominate your mind.  Be alert and ready for God to show up in an unusual way.  Never forget, God has already been where you are going and He will show up to lead your through the storm to your ultimate triumph!  Keep moving forward.

It is my sincere prayer this article will serve to encourage the reader to continue, and never give in.  You are more valuable than you think.  Kingdom Work needs your participation.  Family, and finances, will be restored to finally silence your enemy.  You can make it.  I know you can.

“When There’s No Way Out”

History is full of accounts of God working through people to “make a way out” when there seems to be no possible way.  The exit seems to be tied to a “travail and cry” that comes before a release.

“And it came to pass………the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.  And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.  And God looked upon the children of Israel…….” Exodus 2:23-25.

The struggle for the Israelites was that they carried a contradiction between who they believed they were, and where they found themselves within their circumstances.  Many folks live like that today.  An extremely important lesson for us is that had the children of Israel not cried out, God would not have sent them a deliverer! The voice of Moses was a result of God hearing the cry of the people, and remembering His covenant with their fathers.

“……..the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me…….Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:9-10.

The “cry” was a people asking for an exodus.  The “cry” was their faith manifesting as a groan.  The call of Moses was born out of the “groan of a people.”  Moses served not only as a “deliverer” but also one who had a vision for the future.  Moses, the prophet God called, allowed something to become possible that was outside the realm of possibility.  There are still many people who love God, but remain enslaved in areas of their lives.  There is already a groan being heard in many “brickyards” in today’s society.  Racial issues, gender issues, class issues and many others.  This desperation is noticed by the rising tide of teen suicide, drug abuse, sexual misconduct, and abortions that continue despite attempts to stop them.

Don’t ever think, “It could never happen again!”  As groaning goes up, we will begin to hear testimonies of breakthroughs appearing in the lives of many who were stopped at a dead end with “NO WAY OUT!”  Your groaning will produce your deliverance.  Be encouraged today; your deep desire, and groaning in prayer, for the exit of your present circumstance will produce a way out WHEN THERE’S NO WAY OUT!

“Old School” Church

I am blessed to minister across this great land from Sunday to Sunday.  I get to meet so many wonderful folks, and preach in churches that offer various styles of services.  One Sunday I found myself sitting in a congregation of wonderfully spirited people singing praises to God.  Before I realized what was happening, the praise team ceased singing the praise & worship songs I have come to love and appreciate, and started singing “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.”  I was quite surprised that I remembered almost every word of the song, yet more surprised at the effect it had on my worship.  Quickly tears started running down my face as I remembered seasons of stress in my yesterdays which were made peaceful through the words of this hymn of the church.

When that song ended, I wiped my eyes and was ready to go back to some of the more popular praise & worship songs of today.  Next, to my amazement, they started singing “Sweet Hour Of Prayer.”  Well, with those two hymns of the church back to back, I became a blubbering mess.  Although I remember much of this hymn as well, the words would not come…….only the tears as memory, after memory passed before my mind, of prayer times that made a big difference in the spiritual battles of my life.

Oh, I know there has been a move to put away the old song books and move toward fresh, new praise & worship songs with energy, positive words, and catchy phrases.  It’s good, and I really do have a great appreciation for the God inspired songs of today.

My life spans several generations.  I remember when it wasn’t called, “Praise & Worship,” it was just called the “song service.”  Many who read this blog will remember days when God stirred the spirits of men & women during the “song service.”  Revival would break out during the “song service.”  Prayers would be answered during the “song service.”

Well, I guess that’s “OLD SCHOOL” Church.  Some day soon, my generation will go on to be with the Lord and we will be mostly forgotten except for some family members that will remember us.  Now comes the reason I’ve written this blog under the title, “OLD SCHOOL” Church.

If I could leave this younger generation something of value from days gone by, it would be a few old hymns of the church like:  ”What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Sweet Hour Of Prayer, Amazing Grace”…….. etc.”   My encouragement would be to sing one of the “OLD SCHOOL” songs once in a while.  Maybe not every Sunday, but once in a while bring one out, dust it off, and sing it to the Glory of God.  Don’t let this generation forget some of their roots in Christianity.  When I hear some speak of the days gone by, they don’t have much good to say.  They sort of laugh and the ways we did things and try to minimize the results.

I know that church, in each generation, is always a bit different than the former generation, but I like to think that each generation has something good to pass along.  For me, it was a few hymns that will never leave my memory.  My thanks to “The Church of All Nations” for taking me back to significant roots of my early Christian experience.  Something in me stills believes we shouldn’t abandon some “OLD SCHOOL” Church.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Keys To Use During A Season Of Adversity

I would like to share a few keys you might find useful if, or when, you go through a season of adversity.  I’ll get to the point quickly and will not elaborate very much on each key.  As you use these keys, I trust they will help provide a shift in your thought pattern, and ultimately bring an exit from a difficult season along with an entrance into a season of abundance.

Key #1 – Your spiritual DNA.  You are a God product; the result of His planning and thinking.  You were not born to live in adversity; you were born to overcome.  There is a “God Quality” within your life right now that must be located and released to drive your enemy back to the pit from whence he came!

Key #2 – Your value.  A great price was paid for your life.  Jesus died for you to have eternal life.  Stop thinking you have no value.  It’s not like “just anybody” thinks you have value; GOD, HIMSELF, has place a high value on you, and has invested much in your life & future.  God never makes “JUNK!”

Key #3 – Your connection.  You are connected by a covenant to God.  That covenant means that all of heaven stands behind you, and is available to you as you have need.  You are not a ship without navigation.  Deep inside your life is a “God system” that’s designed to bring you safely to your destination/destiny!

Key #4 – Your protection.  Keep remembering that “no weapon formed against you will prosper.”  The Bible did not say that weapons would not be formed; it did say that those weapon would not be successful.  Angels are round about you.  Heighten your awareness to those “unseen” forces available to you during this season.  God has “GOT YOUR BACK!”

Key #5 – You are still moving.  You must keep moving forward.  Each day of movement in a forward direction is one less day this season will last.  Your season quite possibly is not a “wilderness” season; it’s just a “winter” season.  During this dormant time there are qualities in your life that are emerging which prepare you for your next season.  Stop punishing yourself because your spiritual gifting is not active during this season.  You have not lost that gifting; it has only become dormant in order to be shaped into the gifting needed for the next season!

Key #6 – Don’t panic.  God will compensate you for any loss.  Fear is a feeling of anticipated loss.  Refuse to give place to fear.  God can give back everything needed to complete your God assignment!

Key #7 – Watch your words – Avoid a “victim vocabulary.”  You will attract buzzards.  Stop talking like a loser.  Your are driving people away that God has sent to join your journey.  If you constantly talk the vocabulary of a victim, you will draw a predator!

It is my sincere prayer these 7 keys will assist you in your season of adversity.  I have used these over, and over again and they are always a great source of strength to me.  They also help me keep a more Godly thought pattern in my mind.  I believe if you can win the “war of the mind,” you can win the battle & exit adversity and move into abundance!

Your thoughts are always greatly appreciated.

Eagles Are Gathering!

At places of great transition, throughout history, some things have either died, or had to be put to death, in order for new things to emerge.  Often those who are too close to a situation grieve at what appears to be endings of their known world.  Things die at the, “point of transition.”

What is grief for those in lower places of perspective, when the things they have known suffer death at the hands of transition, becomes the food of the future for others.  Others who dwell in high places, with eagles, see things from a far greater perspective.  The way of the eagle is to thrive on the fresh kill of something that will now serve its purpose in a newly digestible form.

Jesus may not appear to us like He always has before.  He may appear in another form.  Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, will show traits and characteristics of Himself, suitable to the occasion at hand. Maybe God doesn’t seem the same as He once did.  You have become restless, dissatisfied, troubled.  Your restlessness is not an indication to exit your ministry, or church.  It is an indication to come closer to God, for He is ready to call the EAGLES together.  That’s what you are feeling.

For eagles to gather, there must first have taken place a “God-ordained ending (death) of something that formerly carried His life.”  God’s endings are always His new beginnings.  Eagles gather wherever fresh life is flowing from a fatal wound.  At the open veins of life, freshly sacrificed for future purpose, there is a gathering, or a meeting, of eagles.

Eagles, which have a tendency to fly alone, will find each other on the grounds of fresh sacrifice.  There, commitments are made to a “corporate purpose.”  God is looking for a people who will gather together and feed off the revelation of Christ, and become His mouthpiece with fresh power in this day and age.  Where are the discerners of tomorrow?  Where are the apostolic, and prophetic, voices that are willing to break with the past and run toward the future without regret, or fear of upsetting the status quo?

Where are those who believe that they can give birth to something that God has ever longed for, but is yet to receive, from the church.  Where are the “eagles” that have opened their eyes to see from great distances the possibilities down the road?  Our generation is called upon to be the “transition generation.”  We must operate in the Spirit and power of Elijah to impart transgenerational dreams and turn them into visible reality.

Our challenge is to move beyond the realm of what seems possible, and to bring forth what has been, up to this point, declared impossible.  It is the “push,” and “momentum,” of eternity past, and the “pull” of eternity future!  To that end, let us run with the vision.  We stand at the level of “transformation.”  We are at a point of radical departure from what we have known up to now.  We are beginning to move to a higher place instead of continuing to crawl.

The Church is about to feel the impact of eagles of the faith as they articulate, and frame, a future brighter than any yesterday we can remember.  I pray to have the traits of a spiritual eagle.  Your thoughts are appreciated.

The Gospel According to “Cupcake” – Chapter 3

Many of you have let me know how much you enjoy reading The Gospel According to “Cupcake.”  Here is the next chapter in the life of my inspirational little “Cupcake.”

The other day Cupcake was in my office when she asked for “A Plume.”  That’s Cupcake talk for a pen with which to write and draw.  She really enjoys sitting at my desk, drawing snowmen by tracing round shapes from any object she can find.  I was about finished with my office duties and was ready to run some errands around town.  However, my rush to do errands in no way changed Cupcake’s thoughts about the pen and drawing snowmen.  She was focused, and set on drawing, before we did anything else.  My attempt to bribe her with videos, treats of every sort, and anything else I could think of simply didn’t work.  Her phrase was, “Pappy, I have to draw you something, sit right here, it’s gonna be fun.”  When I realized my attempts to change her mind were fruitless, I put down everything I was holding, reluctantly sat down and patiently watched her trace round objects until she proudly held up something that slightly looked like a snowman.  With the biggest grin on her face, she gave me the page and proudly said, “Here, Pappy, this is for you cause you’re the bestest friend I ever had.”  Simply put, Cupcake would not allow me to define what was important.  She knew what was important for her at that moment and would not be distracted.  Moments later I was walking out the door, and in my spirit I was thinking how many times have I allowed others to tell me what was important and what was not.

We cannot allow distractions to move us away from important issues of life.  We are here on assignment from God and must not live with broken focus because others have been allowed to draw us toward things that are not significant to that assignment.  God is the “bestest friend we’ve ever had.”  We must please Him at any cost.  Always be true to the spiritual DNA God put in us before creation.  You must know what God has asked of you in this life and don’t allow others to re-define you.

Great peace comes from flowing in your gifting and talents.  Others are blessed, and you live a fulfilled life of confident assurance you are true to your God assignment.  Today might be a good day to start eliminating distractions, and regaining focus on this journey of life.  Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Is It God’s Will, Or Not?

Just about my entire Christian life, this has been the question most asked of me.  How do I know God’s will for my life?  Is it God, or is it just my own desires?  Those questions continue to echo in my ears long after pastoring churches for over 30 years.  Now, I find myself pastoring pastors and once in a while, this same question comes to me.  Let me give you an example I believe the Lord gave me.

Some years ago when we were a young family, with young children, pastoring a church; I took the family out to a nice place to eat.  All was well throughout the meal.  We had a great time.  The kids were behaving nicely and all in all it was quite a pleasant evening.  Now comes time to pay the bill.  In this place you had to take your check to the check out lady close to the exit door.  We, as a family, walked up to the cash register to pay the tab and, of course, just below the cash register was a glass enclosure with lots of candy.

One of my children (I’ll not say which one for fear of bringing them some grief at this point in their life), said, “Dad, can I have some candy?”  My response was, “Sure, just pick the one you want and I’ll pay for it.”  Next, I felt a tug at my pant leg and when I looked down, I faced my child, and the question, “Well, Dad, which one do you want me to have?”  Again, my response was, “Get what you want, you’re going to eat it, not me.”

This routine was repeated several times and I must admit I lost patience as the line was forming behind us and the natives were getting restless at my child.  I finally stooped down, spoke sternly and said, “PICK THE PIECE OF CANDY YOU WANT SO WE CAN GET OUT OF HERE!”  In tears now, the candy was chosen, paid for and we finally exited the building.

Just outside I lifted my face to heaven and questioned God about why He allowed a perfectly nice evening to be ruined by this child’s unwillingness to make a choice?  I thought it was a question that did not need a heavenly response, but I got one.  God’s response was, “Don’t be too harsh with the child, you do me that way all the time.”

Now, I’m interested, because I didn’t think I ever treated God that way.  The Holy Spirit, in His own special way, explained how that many times I had been give multiple choices of good things, yet I refused to make a choice, I wanted God to pick for me.  Now I was getting a better picture of the Will of God.  Since the Bible tells me that if I will delight myself in Him, He will give the the desires of my heart, there must be some times when He leaves the choice to me.

I know you can’t say this is true 100 % of the time, just as I couldn’t give my child multiple choices 100 % of the time.  But sometimes, I just wanted to see my child’s face light up by me providing something the child desired.  I sort of think God’s face lights up, even brighter, when He leaves a choice to us, and we pick the one we want.

Don’t be religious, and go “theological” on me.  I ain’t that deep.  This is just a small illustration of how we can sometimes know the will of God, and increase our joy along the journey.  I simply don’t think God wants His children to agonize over every decision in life.  Sometimes it’s got to be fun.  After all, we are safe in His arms and if we ask for bread, He will not give us a stone.

I trust my little story sheds some light for those traveling this journey.  Lighten up.  The joy of the Lord remains our strength.  As I experience His joy in my life, I am definitely stronger.   Blessings to those who read this bit of my life and your thoughts are always appreciated.

Seasons and Circles

I am aware that when we hear the words, “Seasons Change,” we quickly think of life being somewhat like the weather.  Changes, and transitions are constant.  I remember a minister, who when describing God, said that God is not described by a straight line, He is best described as a “circle.”  He went on to talk about the “eternity” of God and that He has no beginning, nor ending, therefore the “circle.”

Today, I begin to think about “circles.”  We have a saying, “What goes around, comes around.”  Sounds like a circle to me.  When we give value, we receive value in return (whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap).  Another circle.  Blood flows through the body in a circular pattern.  What goes up, must come down is another circle pattern in our speech.  Jacob was one who deceived his father, later in life, Jacob was deceived by his sons.  Life is indeed, a circle.  Even at death, we commit the spirit to God, and the body to the ground.  Once again, we go back to our original habitation.  I am sure there are many other examples of this circle pattern that could be given.  I will leave that to your thoughts.

Life often provides challenges that test every fiber of our being.  There are some days that seem to bring more moments of stress that we can handle.  To get through those days, we must remember that, “SEASONS CHANGE!”  Tough times are not eternal.  There will be brighter days……..stress free days.  They may seem totally out of reach right now, but remember the “CIRCLE.”  The good times you once enjoyed, will return again.

God’s Word says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”  Now there is a circle I can grasp with my spirit.  Keep your faith strong, refuse to doubt, and start a party in the middle of your present circumstance because you know God’s favor, and your personal breakthrough are due any day.  Let’s call it your “DUE SEASON.”  Seasons really do change, remember the circle,……….and change for the better!  Be encouraged today as you know that God is leading you to where He has already been.  Nothing surprises HIM!

The Gospel According To “Cupcake” – Chapter 2

It’s time for another lesson from “Cupcake.”  Remember, “Cupcake” is my 3 year old grand daughter.  Her energy amazes me and her attention to detail is incredible.  Another quality in the life of “Cupcake” that speaks to me is her ability to have her own party in any atmosphere.  It doesn’t matter if I’m trying to sleep, or talk on the phone, if Cupcake is in the room, there is a party going on.  She refuses to come in line with the atmosphere, she constantly changes the atmosphere.  Pretty soon everyone is either off the phone, or completely awake and joining her party.

What a great lesson.  Regardless of the situation, or circumstance I find myself, I can have my own party.  Simply allow the Godly celebration to come from my recreated spirit.  After all, Jesus said that out of my inner most being would come rivers of living water.  That sounds like a party to me.

Come on, let’s make a decision to change the atmosphere of the circumstance in which we find ourselves.  Refuse to have a “down day.”  Make a choice to rejoice and commit to that rejoicing until everything around you submits to the “party atmosphere.”

The Gospel According To “Cupcake” says, “LET’S HAVE A PARTY!”

The Gospel According To “Cupcake”

First, allow me to introduce “Cupcake.”  She is my three year old grand-daughter.  Her energy and enthusiasm for life provides many lessons that I, as an adult, have let slip away.  As I have pondered her attitudes and watched her develop a priceless personality, I’ve noticed she has reminded me of some “life lessons” that I must bring back to a place of priority in my life.  Here’s the first chapter in the “Gospel According To Cupcake.”

I’ve witnessed tears roll down her cheeks as she was corrected, or disciplined.  Her heart would break as she realized she must comply with an insturction that was against her will.  Shortly after the correction, she will come to the one who corrected her, climb up in their lap and say, “You’re the best friend I ever had.”  With that statement, all is forgiven and placed in the past and life goes on.

I wish I could always be that quick to forgive when life throws me a curve, or I feel someone has done me wrong.  Sometimes it seems easier to hold a grudge, or hard feelings, or even alow an situation to fester into full blown bitterness.  All that is needed is to make the choice to forgive, put it quickly in our yesterday and move on.  It amazes me that Cupcake never brings up the event again, it’s simply over.  It’s in the past and her energy and zest for life is restored as she moves on to new adventures.

Well, that’s one of the first lessons I’ve learned from the “Gospel According To Cupcake.”  Forgiveness is a choice/decision, never an option or suggestion.  The quicker we can forgive, the quicker our energy and zest for life is restored and we can move on to new adventures.

Consider “forgiveness” today.  Release people from judgement.  Make a quality decision about a situation that has been held within your heart for too long.  Remember, “The Gospel According To Cupcake” reveals the power of forgiveness. 

Your comments are greatly appreciated and perhaps there will be more lessons from “The Gospel According To Cupcake” to follow.

Beyond The Battle

While in prayer a few days ago, I felt a stirring in my spirit for my spiritual sons and daughters.  Many have been involved in prolonged battles that have tested the very core of your being.  Because of conversations I have had with some of you, I am aware of the intensity of the attack as well.

Often a battle can last so long we develop “survival” instincts and allow them to dominate every part of our life.  In extreme cases it can cause one to forget the goodness of God for a while and focus on the next part of life we must defend.  Our conduct and speech reflect this defensive outlook and frustration and anger are next to manifest.

As I asked God for an insight to this particular season of our journey, these thoughts came to mind.  I wish to share them with you in hopes it will provide encouragement and, if necessary, a shift in thinking that will close this time of adversity and begin a season of harvest.

First:  Don’t lose your vision.  Never allow the present season of attack cause you to forget where you are going.  Keep sight of the big picture, the vision God gave and the energy you had at the beginning.  Don’t permit the attack on your life and vision become the “main thing.”  Keep the vision God birthed in your spirit the “main thing.”  Remember the 8 X 10 color photo God developed within you at the beginning.  Beyond this battle, there remains the visio, the God assignment, which must be completed.  Don’t lose your vision.

Second:  Remember there is supernatural help.  You are the choice of God for this assignment.  He knew you were able to successfully complete this effort.  He placed within you those seeds of wisdom and greatness that must be released at this moment.  Refuse to panic.  Ask for the release of those inner resources which are for this season.  God will provide supernatural help for this part of your journey.  Beyond this battle, there remains the vision, the God assignment, which must be completed.   Remember, there is supernatural help.

Third:  Watch your language.  A few days ago Bishop Mark Chironna shared some thoughts that cut right to the heart of this issue of language, and speaking.  He said, “The power of language sets us apart from all other species God created………Language does not merely describe reality, language generates reality.”  Never allow a “victim vocabulary” to start coming from your mouth.  Always know that the words you speak have no accurate ”predictive ability” whatsoever, they have “creative ability.”  Be sure the words of your mouth, and the meditation of your heart are pleasing To God.  Beyond this battle, there remains the vision, the God assignment, which must be completed.  Remember, your language is generating reality.

It is my sincere prayer that you are encouraged in the Lord as we approach, what I believe to be, the greatest hour of the Church.  In spite of the bruises and emotional scars that you have endured during this season, God is not disappointed in you and still provides all things necessary for the completion of your assignment.  You can finish strong as you remember, “God will simply outlast your battle.”  Got ready for your season to change!

I am honored to be your spiritual father; and I pray for you daily.  Your comments are greatly appreciated.

What’s Missing In Church?

I’ve been around church all my life.  I can hardly remember not going to church.  Through the years church has changed a bit.  The content of the services have changed.  We use projectors to put the words of praise and worship music on a big screen for all to see.  Hard back song books with hymns are rarely found in the church anymore even though some congregations continue to sing hymns as part of their music program.  We’ve replaced benches with chairs in many auditoriums, some churches even use tables and chairs so attendees can take notes on the sermon.  Architects are designing buildings to meet modern standards.  We’ve made room for coffee and sweet rolls, bookstores, and offices.  We have television cameras, closed circuit televisions so services can be seen from anywhere in the facility.  We also have expensive sound equipment, along with childrens ministries that are decorated second to none in atmosphere to attract kids. I suppose it’s all good.  I know I enjoy all of the above.

Along with all these wonderful additions, I’ve noticed something we simply don’t see much anymore in church.  It’s the altar.  Oh, don’t chastise me too hard.  I know we have steps and platforms at appropriate heights that will accomodate someone who would like to kneel.  To me, kneeling isn’t the issue as much as having a place dedicated to sacrifice and committment.  As the building is a place dedicated to worship, I always remember the altar as a dedicated place of sacrifice.  I remember kneeling at an altar when I was saved and called to the ministry.  It was at the altar I received the vision of the ministry I am involved in today.  Many times, when my way got really tough, it was the memory of those hours at the altar that pulled me through.  For me, the altar was always a place of sacrifice and a place to meet God and settle many of my unresolved issues. 

I know we can build an altar anywhere and meet God.  Biblical characters provide abundant examples of this as God dealt with man in regard to covenants in the Bible.  Although I don’t mean this to be critical, I guess I’m just lonely for the altar, the place where I used to kneel, a place with tear stains on the varnish which were placed there by many who came before me.  The altar was a testimony to changed lives and Kingdom business, breakthroughs, and deliverance, a place of answers.  

In so many ways I am wondering if the absence of an altar could possibly lend itself to shallow Christian living, inability to keep covenant, broken marriages, and a host of other problems.  I’m not sure.  I could say so much more about this issue; but will hold back for another time.  What’s missing in church?  For me, I miss the altar.

Your thoughts are greatly apprecaited.

When The Journey Gets Weary

Often our Christian journey is affected by time and events that diminish our original excitement.  When that occurs the temptation is to draw back from God and soon we find that we just go through the motions of worship and serving God.  The motions are good, and often can fool most of the folks around us, but what’s happening inside our own life?  Inside, a slow death has begun.  The sensitivity to the presence of God is not nearly as keen as it once was and pretty soon, about all we have left is the motion of worship and zero spiritual witness.  Question is, “What do I do when the journey gets weary?”

When that happens, the next step is to begin a slow withdrawal from church attendance and all activities of the House of God.  We seek fulfillment elsewhere and soon find a way to criticize others, and their manner of service to God.  Criticism is a prelude to isolation.  Next, we find ourselves isolated from God’s House and finding new friends with new plesures that seem to fill the void, and dull the spiritual senses.  The question remains, “What do I do when the journey gets weary?”

The antidote for this is found in the very place we used to dwell.  It’s found in scripture.  Jesus said, “Come unto me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  There is the answer to the question, “What do I do when the journey gets weary?”  Simply run to Jesus!

Run to Jesus, not away from Him.  He knew you would get “weary and heavy laden.”  He also knew what you would need when that would happen.  His diagnosis is the RX you would need, “REST.”  His RX for your peace is to “come unto Him,” and only He could provide the rest you would need.  He knows the type of rest you need.  You are in need of rest in a ”safe” environment.  What better place than to rest in the lap of Jesus.

Now, have no fear that you will be rejected.  Run to Jesus.  There will be a warm welcome and healing for your every need.  No rejection in Christ.  Plenty of affirmation and safety.  Don’t run away any longer………run to Jesus.  He is your source for peace, safety and life fulfillment.

Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated.

Restoring Damaged Goods

What happens when my life sustains damage that is difficult to overcome?  What are my options?  Who really cares about me anyway?  Is their any hope, or reason to keep going and believe life will be better just down the road?

I’ve been thinking lately about items which through the years become damaged with use, or maybe even misuse.  Many things come to mind like furniture, cars, clothes, houses and many other things.  When these items are damaged, we often repair them, or discard them some way, or just put them aside and deal with it later. 

However, what I believe receives the most damage is the human life.  It has been said tha “life isn’t fair,” and that’s pretty easy to believe.  I have watched as wounded souls continue to make this trek through life, carrying pain and injury, believing there is no place to go for repair.

Please remember, life has a warranty.  God promised to take care of us.  He said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”  In a sentence, God is saying that when I sustain damage in life to come to Him.  He can restore any damaged area; emotional, physical, financial, even time lost.  What an incredible God!

The Biblical character David said, “He restoreth my soul.”  I believe he meant that God could restore damaged emotions and enable one to think clearly again.  That restoration is so complete that we could even trust our decision making again.

David also prayed for, and received, a restoration of the, “joy of salvation.”  A man who had lost his eagerness to participate in life; had that energy restored.  God can restore your to desire to get back involved in life; even if you’ve been hurt.  God even promises to restore health to our bodies and provide the harvest we’ve missed by wasting life in hurtful wanderings.  When the pain has been caused by someone else, God can restore.  When the pain was not intentional, God can restore.

My encouragement to anyone who is living with damage in any of these areas, Come To Jesus.  He will heal and restore.  He can make life enjoyable again.  Take a moment right now, say a prayer and ask the only one who can restore damaged goods to provide restoration for you as well.  He is you manufacturer and has promised to take care of you.  Return you life to Him.

Your thoughts are always appreciated.

Waco, TX Update

I wish you could have been in Waco with us this weekend.  It started with a men’s breakfast on Saturday morning with just over 60 men in attendance.  The presence of the Lord was experienced by all who attended.  Men accepted the challenge to meet the future with fresh hope and faith in God.  I thank God for quality men willing to worship and dedicate their lives to serving God and others.

Sunday morning is always a great time at Church of the Open Door.  Hundreds gather to worship God and fellowship with each other.  Praise and worship was so powerful that the altars filled with hungry hearts seeking God.  Several made a decision to make Jesus the Lord of their life.  What a blessed Sunday morning we enjoyed.

Sunday night was equally powerful in praise and worship.  Altars filled with those hungry for a breakthrough season.  Well, God never disappoints.  Breakthrough was indeed the experience of many as their faith was released at new levels.

Pastors Ronnie & Kim Holmes always provide a message of hope to hurting people.  Their influence continues to grow throughout the region.  We also spent some quality time with their family……..daughters, sons in law, mom and a beautiful grand daughter.  Sitting with all these folks at the same table  provides a great visual of “generational blessing.”

It’s on to Louisiana next.  We look forward to great services and a great visit with everyone we meet.  Stay with us on this journey called “life.”  I will provide another update in a few days.  The Doggett family journey continues…………

Breakfast In Waco, TX

Today I spent some time with a great group of men which gathered from an extended ministry of Church of the Open Door in Waco, TX.  Pastors Ronnie & Kim Holmes continue to do a great job reaching into their community with efforts of love and encouragement.  The extension ministry is called, “The House Where Jesus Shines.”  These are men with great dreams and goals who are making a fresh start that will create a new ending to their journey of life.

I was honored to be the speaker for this time of fellowship and relationship building.  I went there to be a blessing to them; but as you probably guessed by now, they were a blessing to me.  I simply wanted my audience to know this part of our ministry and the positive effect God continues to have in the lives of those who trust Him.

This meeting is on a Saturday morning and most important of all, I will see them all back in church tomorrow morning (Sunday) giving Glory to God.  My request to those who read this blog is that you would remember these men in prayer as they continue to overcome adversity, and discover their God assignment. 

Thanks for your time in reading this and your comments are always appreciated.

Moving The Bar…..Again

Since my last post regarding “Moving The Bar,” my mind has greatly expanded as I’ve given much thought to Bible characters who either moved the bar, or received a challenge to move the bar.  My first thoughts were of Joshua and Caleb who stood as lone voices against 10 other spies regarding entrance to the Promised Land.  Ten “lowered the bar” to “limbo” under while Joshua and Caleb tried to challenge others to “Move The Bar” upward.  They stood alone with the deep conviction they could obtain all God had promised.  They were willing to stand alone with their conviction and faith.

Jesus constantly challenged the disciples to “Move The Bar” upward.  Reach where few men reach; and live a life of victory.  Countless examples appear in scripture of men and women challenged to become more than they ever thought.  Dreams do come true.

Go ahead, take it as a personal challenge.  In the midst of this day of shifting values and conflicting emotions, dare to reach for your dream.  Stop “Moving The Bar” downward just to “go with the flow” of everyone else, and the opinions of others.  Draw from the inner strength God put in you before you were born.  I know it seems lost under so much of just living life and dealing with struggles.  Come on now; take a deep breath……exhale; now do it again……take another deep breath……exhale.  Believe with all your heart you can “Move The Bar” upward to new heights of living.  Even in a day of decline, you can raise the bar of your personal life, and experience the joy of the abundant life God promised.  You can do it……come on now……..one big push……..RAISE THE BAR!  Let me know your thoughts.

“Moving the Bar”

There is a dance I used to hear about, might still be around, called the “limbo.”  As the music plays those who were in line would bend backward and move under the bar without knocking it down.  When each one in line finished their turn, the bar would be lowered and the scenario would be repeated until no one could get under the bar without knocking it over.  Strange enough, the winner was the one who could go the lowest.

There is an athletic event that operates on the opposite principle.  It’s called the “high jump.”  The participant gets a running start and tries to jump over the bar.  Each time they are successful, the bar is moved higher until no one can jump over.  The winner is the one who jumps the highest.  The object of both excercises is to eliminate participants until only one remains. 

My question is, “Which way are your moving the bar?”  Often via the pressures of life the temptation is to shrink our personal world and lower the bar, and shrink the vision,  instead of remaining focused and continuing to raise the bar.  Keep in mind that very few people, if any, practice the “limbo.”  However, those who participate in the “high jump” practice on a regular basis.  The high jump seems to take more effort, and skill, to succeed as the bar is raised instead of lowered.

What about life?  So many take the path of least resistance and join the crowd in the “limbo” instead of being the lone participant in the high jump.  Raising the bar will bring a personal discovery of qualities that rest deep within.  One must find inner strength, and draw from untapped reserves, to continually raise the bar.

Each day the “bar” in everyone’s life is moving.  Which way is your personal bar moving?  Someone once said, “It is only when you are pursued that you become swift.”  The resistance you feel right now is making you stronger, better, more effective in your God assignment.  Your spiritual and emotional conditioning is getting stronger.  Be a finisher and finish strong.  I am blessed.

The Shout of a Conqueror

The Shout of a Conqueror

I believe we are in a season when prophetic voices must have a baptism of “clear hearing,” there is a rising tide of spiritual energy being released within the Body of Christ. It’s like Samson of old when his enemy allowed his hair to grow again. It probably wasn’t in the length of his hair as much as a re-dedication to the vow made earlier in life. Christians who have been under attack for quite a while now are sensing a fresh anointing rise from within. The enemy has, once again, underestimated our tenacity to follow on to complete our “God Assignment.” It’s time to ANNOUNCE YOUR EXIT from a prolonged season of difficulty.

Those around you need to hear the “SHOUT OF A CONQUEROR. I believe you are one of those who sense that “rise in spiritual energy,” the conquering spirit. Go ahead…….release a shout from your innermost being; I dare you! It could be your first step of faith. Your shout is announcing your exit from a present circumstance

As a minister, this is a time God is providing fresh illumination for you to enable the message to remain clear and timely; in these days of shifting values. The Christian community must hear a loud, clear sound from the pulpit to provide guidance through the remaining days of conflict. We’re coming out! We’re coming out with a shout and rejoicing in a day when many have lost hope. Go ahead…..release a shout from your innermost being; I dare you! You’ve earned it. You’ve been through enough. Announce your exit from trouble!

God has always dealt in different economics than the world system. Be encouraged and know we operate on a different level, and in a different climate, that those who have no hope. Draw strength from God and His Word. It provides strength in tough times. If you were gonna shout when the victory is manifested; go ahead……shout now! Get a head start and let those around you hear the “SHOUT OF A CONQUEROR!”

Talk about leaving with your head held high…

Services concluded last night in China Hill, GA with another powerful time with the presence of God evident from the beginning of the service.  It was a special time of connecting with God by a “revelation” of Him and not just connecting based on His “reputation.”  There were moments of tracing our lineage back to God and understanding the power of Jesus being the “Light of the world.”  From there we closed with reminding the folks that God was present to “take the limitation off” the most pressing circumstance they were facing.  We then sealed the service with a marvelous communion (covenant) service that allowed each person to focus on a special need and sow the “seed of the grape” as a point of contact for a future miracle.  What a “POWERFUL” week in China Hill.  Thanks folks for your faithful attendance, energy and passion for God.  You wear Jesus well!

Powerful Meetings Continue in China Hill, GA

Pastors Lemuel & DaVonne Miller

What a week at China Hill Christian Center!

China Hill, GA has been a place of special manifestations of God’s Presence which are evident in each service. Praise and worship time has found folks laying on their face in reverence and worship unto the Lord. Rejoicing with flags and dance also mark each gathering. The prophetic has been very powerful along with many testifying of special visitations; including open visions in each service. Others testify of physical healings, internal shifts in their thinking and making tough decisions concerning life and the destiny road they journey. Still others are free from habits that have bound them for many years. What was originally scheduled for Sunday thru Tuesday has been extended until Friday when we will have a time of covenant renewal, communion and thanksgiving for what God has accomplished this week. What a week in China Hill, GA!!

Remain Alert During Challenging Times

During these challenging times remain alert for this is just the type of season God chooses to birth “new things.” There is every indication God could be birthing that “new thing” He promised to bring into your life. During Herod’s treacherous reign; Jesus was born and brought new hope. Wise men were observant and did not miss this “new thing.” Lift your head, open your eyes, refuse to hide yourself and wait for a more favorable season. Look now! “……….unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing (deliverance) in his wings;……….” Malachi 4:2. The Sun of Righteousness could appear at any moment in your life!

Remember November?

Do you call November and December the “Last months” of the year; or the “LOST MONTHS” of the year? I refuse to treat November and December as “lost months.” A lot of people “check out” the last of October and show up again the first of January. Drifting through just over 10% of an entire year can be costly.Thank God, not everyone feels that way. Our travels have brought us in touch with some folks who’ve decided they absolutely will not coast through November and December of 2008.

Eight days at The Potter’s House Worship Center in Harrisonburg Virginia revealed that God always satisfies the hunger of every soul. Pastors Dan & Renee’ Garber have built a House of God dedicated to worship; and worship we did for those eight days. While the nation was electing a president people gathered at the church throughout the week to honor God. Crowds were good and there was a high energy level each service. On Sunday, November 10th the church celebrated its birthday with a cake, all the trimmings, including a meal that fed several hundred. As we ate, there were numerous testimonies that reflected what the church had meant to various individuals, and families, through the years. Truly it was a time to remember in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. My sincere thanks to Pastors Dan & Renee’ Garber for the opportunity to minister in this great church.

Coming back home to Orlando with our hearts………and stomachs full………we rested a couple of days before returning to our home church, The Master’s Touch International Church, with Pastor Ruth and Bishop Mark Chironna. I was blessed to again minister on Sunday morning, November 23rd in both services. “Wow,” is all I can say. Under Bishop & Pastor Ruth’s ministry the church continues to grow in numbers and in the Spirit. The anointing is always powerful as the congregation opens up during worship and continues to participate throughout the entire morning. There is great faith and confidence flowing through the congregation that all our dreams and goals will be fulfilled as we continue to follow the Lord. As always the staff and ministry team at The Master’s Touch reflect excellence in every service. It’s a great place to call Home. Thank you Bishop and Pastor Ruth for your service in Kingdom Work. You continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those you touch.

Now you can see why many people just won’t let November and December become the “LOST MONTHS” of the year. Come on friend, refuse lethargy and complacency. Remain spiritually aggressive throughout the entire year. Decide to finish strong. Finish with energy and intensity. How you finish 2008 will be how you enter 2009. Make a commitment to finish 2008 with your faith strong and your confidence sturdy, and your expectation sharp!

September Ministry Recap

Wow!  It’s been a busy month.  Sorry for being “absent” from the blog for the last few weeks.  Let me catch you up to date.

September started in Logan, WV with Pastors Mike & Darlene Hartwell.  Family Worship Center is located in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia make Logan a gorgeous place to be this time of year.  Wonderful people with a heart for God were faithful each morning and night to the revival.  I guess it’s fair to say, “There’s nothing like a revival in West Virginia!” 

August 21, 2008 – TV 49 Augusta, GA – Interview about Transition

TV Interview in Augusta, GA with Russell & Dorothy Spaulding

Recently I was interviewed by Russell & Dorothy Spaulding on CLUB 36 the flagship program for TV49 in Augusta, GA.

Now, I had heard of Russell & Dorothy and the great station they have created there in Augusta but we had never met.  To be honest when my office told me they had booked the interview my first reaction was “Why would they want to interview me?”

July 20, 2008 – Potter’s House Worship Center – Harrisonburg, VA

We had a great time with our friends Pastors Dan & Renee’ Garber at the The Potter’s House

God visited us in the Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg VA. Pastors Dan & Renee’ Garber along with The Potter’s House Worship Center provided a warm welcome and powerful praise and worship each night. God spoke as folks lay prostrate before the Lord night after night giving themselves to His Will and Purpose. Our ministry emphasized finding your place, remaining focused on your purpose, and allowing nothing to provide a distraction to your journey. Altar time was a time and place when hearts discovered that God encounters are always the best kind!

July 17, 2008 What a great night at Faith Christian University

The final night………..was it the best night at Faith Christian University?

I completed the course on “Transition In Ministry” at Faith Christian University on Thursday, July 17^th and it seemed to be a night of heavy presence of the Lord.  Usually there is a short break between classes for students to take a brief break before the next class session begins.  However, the Spirit of the Lord moved so strong between a couple sessions that students chose to remain in their seats praying and seeking God throughout the entire break. 

July 7, 2008 – Teaching “Transition In Ministry ” at FCU

The students at FCU are learning to lead themselves and others through Transition

Just a few short nights ago we met again at Faith Christian University for our class on “Transition In Ministry.”  What a great night.  God met with us in a powerful way.  Students reported the lesson was an “ON TIME” lesson.

The more I study “Transition,” the more I realize the significance of processing through those seasons with strength and excellence.  It’s a season of tremendous opportunity………a time of witnessing awesome “God Moments.”  Transition is also a season of connecting with God on another level, at another dimension.  

June 30, 2008 – Teaching Transition at FCU

MONDAY NIGHT……3 HOURS OF TRANSITION!

 

On Monday night I began teaching a course entitled, “Transition In Ministry” at Faith Christian University in Orlando.  FCU is a great place for a Christian Education.  Dr. Faith Fredrick, President and Founder, along with Dr. Ronald Smith, Dean of Students, form a wonderful team that will guide students through the process of discovering, and walking in their destiny.

June 29, 2008 – “SUNDAY IN SULPHUR!” – Victory Worship Center in Sulphur, LA

SUNDAY IN SULPHUR! 

Last Sunday, June 29^th I was with Pastors Larry & Janie LeFluer of .  Pastor Larry is a great man of faith who has battled some serious physical problems over the last year but stands today “HEALED OF THE LORD!”  The entire LaFleur family is a great blessing to everyone. 

 

Standing before the good people of Victory Worship Center was a great joy to my heart.  Pastor Larry has ministered many years in South Louisiana and his character and integrity are second to none that I have ever met in ministry.  We had a great time; and again ministered on the subject of “Transition!”

June 24, 2008 – Ministering on Transition at Bishop Mark Chironna’s Church

TRANSITION TUESDAY!

On Tuesday night, June 24^th I was honored to minister at The Master’s Touch International Church with Bishop Mark, and Pastor Ruth Chironna.  Bishop Chironna is a great friend and his ministry continues to speak to nations.  His teaching is rich with revelation truth, his preaching is always fresh with information and anointing, his influence is always positive.