Blessings to all who belong to our Lord around the world:
Isn't it amazing that you belong to a family that stretches around the world and who speak nearly every language know to mankind? The family of believers are from every continent in the world. How blessed are we to be called God's very own. By our simple faith in Jesus Christ we become a part of God's Kingdom, yes, even God's family. A Kingdom that encompasses the universe and dimensions, seen and unseen. In the last few years, so many have been impacted by Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Church." That book has truly blessed many. This past Sunday, however, I preached a message entitled "The Presence Driven Church." It was about people who are driven, hungry for God's presence. Without that burning desire for Him, one's purpose, and even the church's purpose cannot fully be realized. He desires our intimacy with Him. When we seek after Him, all else will be added. King David said, "one thing that I desire of the Lord and that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life..." (Psalm 27:4a). The one most important desire he had was to dwell in the presence of God. Is that your primary desire? If it is, what if God says OK, I'll honor your request and then the next thing He does is take you into the wilderness? No common support system, no job, none of the usual comforts and an uncertain future (Hosea chapter 2:14). But what better place to really know God than when there is no one else you can depend on? If you read further in the Hosea account, you begin to see that great blessings follow the wilderness. I shared a few examples from scripture of those who had such wilderness seasons and how God did such great things in, through and for them afterwards. Strangely, according to research, half or more "born again believers" have been so influenced by culture or political correctness that they miss the voice of God inviting them into the wilderness where He can minister to them alone. Don't dismiss an opportunity for greater intimacy with God because He may call you into a wilderness season. Like David, let the one thing you desire of the Lord be a hunger for His Divine presence in your life.
Pray for TMI-ATL. The needs are many, but resources are few. We know God will provide, but He usually provides through others. Pray for TMFBC in Virginia; all is going well, but likewise much is needed to prepare for the next level of ministry God has in store there. Pray for our nation and its leaders. What a mess! Maybe somebody in D.C. will hear God speaking. May our Lord keep each of you in His love, care and provision, and may we honor Him by being one in Him. Peace.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
What would you give for just one moment in the presence of God without limits? Christian book sales are at an all time high. Many spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars each year going to Christian conferences, conventions and workshops seeking to hear the latest well-known speakers and presenters sharing the most clever, contemporary ideas of what it means to be a deep Christian who is able to walk in power and favor of God. Some of these gatherings can indeed be worth the effort and expense it takes to get there. They can be inspiring and instructional for those who attend. However, no endless pursuit of these gatherings can be a substitute for the most effective avenues into God's presence. Prayer, which costs nothing but time, and study of God's Word, which is only the cost of a Bible or Internet connection. All else may help us know more about God, but nothing is as effective as the authentic, passionate, desperate pursuit of a heart hungry for His presence. "SEEK FIRST the Kingdom of God........" are words spoken by our Lord that, if taken to heart, go beyond things being added, or even forgiveness being added. Seeking a God who is not hiding, and who wants us to discover His burning desire for us to become one with Him, is to discover what it means to live in His presence. As we discover living in His presence, all other concerns, issues, others' opinions of you mean very little. You are freed to love everyone without the need for their affirmation.
Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart...and He will direct your path.
Please pray for our governmental leaders that they will hear and follow the voice of God in guiding our nation through these very difficult economic times. Pray that God will lead the way.
Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart...and He will direct your path.
Please pray for our governmental leaders that they will hear and follow the voice of God in guiding our nation through these very difficult economic times. Pray that God will lead the way.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Do you believe that you are growing in the Lord? Do you sense the favor of God moving within? How do you measure your growth? Some base growth on how much more information they get for themselves from books or workshops or sermons, which is truly necessary for growth. On the other hand, that alone could prove to move you further away from God without realizing what happened. Remember the Pharisees? Very highly educated religious leaders in the time of Jesus, but were so far away from Him, they did not recognize Him and were partly responsible for His death. Does praying more draw you closer to God? That sure will help, unless the prayers are routine and empty. Who or what do you most pray for? Do you pray for yourself more than others? Do you believe you'll draw closer to our Lord by doing religious or church duties? The Scripture never teaches that ministry is just doing religious or church duties. Again, remember the Pharisees? The Disciples of Jesus were not very well educated, and perhaps not very pious in fulfilling religious duties. What our Lord most looks for are those who will sacrifice their own desires for God's desire for their lives. He looks for those who are much more concerned about serving others rather than serving themselves. He looks for those who will give to the least among us, without the expectation of what will be done in turn for themselves. He searches for those who would be in relationship with Him. But how can two walk together unless they agree? In order for us to walk with the Lord, we must agree with Him. Agreement is like-mindedness. Agreement is seeing the world and its people through His eyes. It's our hearts beating in rhythm with His. He loves everyone. He gives sacrificially (He gave His own Son). He reaches to the least among us. He cares for the hurting, the wounded, the broken, the poor, the sick, the frightened, the troubled. He thinks more of what He can do for us rather than what we will do for Him. He does not treat us according to what our sins deserve, but goes beyond giving for our good, what we have not and could not earn. To experience His favor is to walk with Him. To walk with Him is to be in agreement with Him. To be in agreement with Him requires the denial of self for the love, support, benefit and good of others. Deny yourself, take up your cross (daily) and follow him. This can be a hurtful path as the world, even many in the church and many of its leaders may turn from you. But what joy to pray for them and serve them because your walking with the Lord.
Please pray for those who have lost so much in the storm called Ike and the storms that came before. Help them in a tangible way if you can. Pray for those who are in the midst of their private storms, that God will bring them through. Pray for our nation and its current, and soon new leadership, that they will hear from God and lead His way, and not the way of political correctness. Seek God while he may be found and he will direct your way.
Pray for our brothers and sisters in India who are suffering increased persecution. Pray for Africa that its many nations will become one nation under God. Pray for Europe which is rapidly becoming a land void of God. I'll be praying for you all, that you will walk ever closer to our great Lord.
Please pray for those who have lost so much in the storm called Ike and the storms that came before. Help them in a tangible way if you can. Pray for those who are in the midst of their private storms, that God will bring them through. Pray for our nation and its current, and soon new leadership, that they will hear from God and lead His way, and not the way of political correctness. Seek God while he may be found and he will direct your way.
Pray for our brothers and sisters in India who are suffering increased persecution. Pray for Africa that its many nations will become one nation under God. Pray for Europe which is rapidly becoming a land void of God. I'll be praying for you all, that you will walk ever closer to our great Lord.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
PEACE & GRACE TO ALL
The first service of Transformation Ministries International of Atlanta was such a wonderful blessing. The small room rented at the Wyndum by Wingate Hotel was full. Some we knew would be there and some we could not have known. One thing for sure, we all were blessed by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of one another. It was also good that in this first service we shared communion together. The table of our Lord has a way of bonding His people in such a powerful way. It was great to see faces familiar and some for the first time. God showed Himself and confirmed His word that this ministry is His doing. All necessary operational and administrative responsibilities are being fulfilled and should find completion for this phase of the start-up soon. A number of persons are working diligently, sacrificially and with excellence, to fulfill all that needs to be completed. Of course, as the major items are completed they will be given to the Board of Directors for ratification.
As God spoke through a message at TMFBC - Charlottesville, Virginia at the beginning of this year, He declared that this would be a year of shifting, shaking, transitioning and transforming. It indeed has proven to be just that for so many. But God is so faithful and so good that, if we refuse to give in to fear and uncertainty and remain as the Apostle Paul declared in First Corinthians 15, "...be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...," then we will see in the shift such wonders of God that from the very core of our being will well up stronghold-destroying praise. Saints, you are blessed, held by our King's mighty right hand. No matter how things appear, remember we walk by faith, not by sight. I remember when I was in management at a large soft drink company before going away to seminary and into full-time ministry. We had a company Christmas party for upper management. There was a magician there who walked through the crowd performing very close in the midst of everyone. He was so close you could easily touch him. Even that close, our eyes deceived us because his illusions were so good that we had to rely on common sense to remind us that it was not possible for him to do what it clearly appeared to our eyes he was doing. It looked real to the eye. Things in life appear one way but is often another. So we walk by faith. Circumstances may appear devastating and insurmountable, but in reality God has already prepared the answer. In fact, what appears scary or feels hurtful may be a testing of your faith and a set-up for a great blessing on the way. Our God is too good and too faithful to let you go! Feel the excitement of what God is doing in your life. Don't wait to see it, now is a good time to praise Him.
I want to say a special thank you to Pastors Wayne and Wendi Frye of Faith Christian Center International in Charlottesville for their generous donation of an over-head projector and large screen to TMI-ATL. We're praying that God will bless them and FCCI immeasurably for their kindness. God loves the cheerful giver. As you can imagine, the expenses of starting a new ministry are great. No one, including Co-Pastor Gardenia or me, receives any income for the ministry at this time. Everyone is making sacrifices to fulfill God's calling, which we know God will honor. If you feel so led as to send a sacrificial donation, you can make checks payable to TMI-ATL, P. O. Box 38, Tyrone Georgia, 30290. Until next time, may our Lord mightily bless each of you.
The first service of Transformation Ministries International of Atlanta was such a wonderful blessing. The small room rented at the Wyndum by Wingate Hotel was full. Some we knew would be there and some we could not have known. One thing for sure, we all were blessed by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of one another. It was also good that in this first service we shared communion together. The table of our Lord has a way of bonding His people in such a powerful way. It was great to see faces familiar and some for the first time. God showed Himself and confirmed His word that this ministry is His doing. All necessary operational and administrative responsibilities are being fulfilled and should find completion for this phase of the start-up soon. A number of persons are working diligently, sacrificially and with excellence, to fulfill all that needs to be completed. Of course, as the major items are completed they will be given to the Board of Directors for ratification.
As God spoke through a message at TMFBC - Charlottesville, Virginia at the beginning of this year, He declared that this would be a year of shifting, shaking, transitioning and transforming. It indeed has proven to be just that for so many. But God is so faithful and so good that, if we refuse to give in to fear and uncertainty and remain as the Apostle Paul declared in First Corinthians 15, "...be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...," then we will see in the shift such wonders of God that from the very core of our being will well up stronghold-destroying praise. Saints, you are blessed, held by our King's mighty right hand. No matter how things appear, remember we walk by faith, not by sight. I remember when I was in management at a large soft drink company before going away to seminary and into full-time ministry. We had a company Christmas party for upper management. There was a magician there who walked through the crowd performing very close in the midst of everyone. He was so close you could easily touch him. Even that close, our eyes deceived us because his illusions were so good that we had to rely on common sense to remind us that it was not possible for him to do what it clearly appeared to our eyes he was doing. It looked real to the eye. Things in life appear one way but is often another. So we walk by faith. Circumstances may appear devastating and insurmountable, but in reality God has already prepared the answer. In fact, what appears scary or feels hurtful may be a testing of your faith and a set-up for a great blessing on the way. Our God is too good and too faithful to let you go! Feel the excitement of what God is doing in your life. Don't wait to see it, now is a good time to praise Him.
I want to say a special thank you to Pastors Wayne and Wendi Frye of Faith Christian Center International in Charlottesville for their generous donation of an over-head projector and large screen to TMI-ATL. We're praying that God will bless them and FCCI immeasurably for their kindness. God loves the cheerful giver. As you can imagine, the expenses of starting a new ministry are great. No one, including Co-Pastor Gardenia or me, receives any income for the ministry at this time. Everyone is making sacrifices to fulfill God's calling, which we know God will honor. If you feel so led as to send a sacrificial donation, you can make checks payable to TMI-ATL, P. O. Box 38, Tyrone Georgia, 30290. Until next time, may our Lord mightily bless each of you.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings Saints,
How good it is when the people of God worship and fellowship with each other. Since my last posting Rev. "D" and I have been blessed to spend time with family and friends in Pittsburgh and Charlottesville. This past week in Charlottesville, we had a great time of sharing at TMFBC. Three were baptised and several came to Christ and/or joined the church. It was good to see that the ministry is going well under good, devoted leadership. The formal CD release of "Now Is Our Time," my first music CD, was also a great time of fellowship and sharing. I'm excited about the response to this project in Pittsburgh and Virginia. Now it appears that interest is growing in other places. You can now purchase a copy at http://www.drbabeard.com/. You can also get them at the Macedonia Bookstore in Pittsburgh, and soon at Plan 9 music stores in Virginia and North Carolina. As other outlets are certain I will let you know. Pray that our God is pleased and glorified in this and that its hearers will enjoy it. That has been my primary goal.
There is nothing as good as fellowship with God and with God's people. Jesus put it this way: ".....love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor as your self." All of the commandments and the heart of our Lord's intention for mankind can be summed up in these few words. The devotees of God should never be satisfied with anything less. How do we know when we are in the will of God? Well, there may be a number of ways but certainly how we are living up to these two basic commands speaks volumes about our relationship with God. Since Christ has declared these to be basic to our faith we must seek their fulfillment in every area of our lives. It does not mean that there will always be agreement on every issue, but no matter what, our love for God and each other must always prevail. How is your prayer life? How often are you speaking and submitting to God in prayer? How many of your life decisions or ministry and job decisions are made only after spending time with God and submitting to His answers. How much time is spent studying God's written word, the Bible? How often do you pray for others rather than for yourself, including those who don't care for you? These are indicators of our commitment to God and each other. How generous are you with your time and resources for the benefit of others? God loves a cheerful and generous giver. Our faith is not the completion of duties but rather a hunger for God, love for God and love for all humanity. It is being able to feel the hurts of others and seek to help show them a way out. It is rejoicing in the blessings and success of others and not jealous of them. It is loving the lost so much that you desire to do all you can to lead them to salvation in Christ Jesus. Our love for God and others is demonstrated in our asking what more we can do to bless others. We will never go wrong by seeking to do more rather than less. God will bless the open hand, not the closed fist, because the open hand is the nature of God.
Well, the time has come for the first service of Transformation Ministries International of Atlanta. Sunday September 7 at 11:00am will begin the ministry here. The goal of the ministry in brief is to love God and love our neighbor. Pray for the success of the ministry as the Lord may define its success. Pray for the resources of people, spiritual gifts and talents, financing, administration and tools to carry out this work, all in abundance. No ministry should be limited in its ability to minister because of lack. The spirit of lack can only get a hold of us if we are not moving forward in the will, work and word of God.
Remember that we love you and are praying for you all no matter where you may be in the world. May the joy of the Lord be yours.
How good it is when the people of God worship and fellowship with each other. Since my last posting Rev. "D" and I have been blessed to spend time with family and friends in Pittsburgh and Charlottesville. This past week in Charlottesville, we had a great time of sharing at TMFBC. Three were baptised and several came to Christ and/or joined the church. It was good to see that the ministry is going well under good, devoted leadership. The formal CD release of "Now Is Our Time," my first music CD, was also a great time of fellowship and sharing. I'm excited about the response to this project in Pittsburgh and Virginia. Now it appears that interest is growing in other places. You can now purchase a copy at http://www.drbabeard.com/. You can also get them at the Macedonia Bookstore in Pittsburgh, and soon at Plan 9 music stores in Virginia and North Carolina. As other outlets are certain I will let you know. Pray that our God is pleased and glorified in this and that its hearers will enjoy it. That has been my primary goal.
There is nothing as good as fellowship with God and with God's people. Jesus put it this way: ".....love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor as your self." All of the commandments and the heart of our Lord's intention for mankind can be summed up in these few words. The devotees of God should never be satisfied with anything less. How do we know when we are in the will of God? Well, there may be a number of ways but certainly how we are living up to these two basic commands speaks volumes about our relationship with God. Since Christ has declared these to be basic to our faith we must seek their fulfillment in every area of our lives. It does not mean that there will always be agreement on every issue, but no matter what, our love for God and each other must always prevail. How is your prayer life? How often are you speaking and submitting to God in prayer? How many of your life decisions or ministry and job decisions are made only after spending time with God and submitting to His answers. How much time is spent studying God's written word, the Bible? How often do you pray for others rather than for yourself, including those who don't care for you? These are indicators of our commitment to God and each other. How generous are you with your time and resources for the benefit of others? God loves a cheerful and generous giver. Our faith is not the completion of duties but rather a hunger for God, love for God and love for all humanity. It is being able to feel the hurts of others and seek to help show them a way out. It is rejoicing in the blessings and success of others and not jealous of them. It is loving the lost so much that you desire to do all you can to lead them to salvation in Christ Jesus. Our love for God and others is demonstrated in our asking what more we can do to bless others. We will never go wrong by seeking to do more rather than less. God will bless the open hand, not the closed fist, because the open hand is the nature of God.
Well, the time has come for the first service of Transformation Ministries International of Atlanta. Sunday September 7 at 11:00am will begin the ministry here. The goal of the ministry in brief is to love God and love our neighbor. Pray for the success of the ministry as the Lord may define its success. Pray for the resources of people, spiritual gifts and talents, financing, administration and tools to carry out this work, all in abundance. No ministry should be limited in its ability to minister because of lack. The spirit of lack can only get a hold of us if we are not moving forward in the will, work and word of God.
Remember that we love you and are praying for you all no matter where you may be in the world. May the joy of the Lord be yours.
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