Merry Christmas,
Yep, its Christmas already. For our friends in the northeast, U.S.A. who wanted a white Christmas, you really got it. Maybe you didn't want that much of it. We certainly pray that all are safe and even managing to take some time to enjoy the snow.
I was thinking about the song "Joy to the World," an old wonderful Christmas song of praise for the birth of Jesus our Lord. For those who believe, joy has come, but the world we live in is far from being a joyful place. One day it will be, but until then, it can be at times, a very scary place. That is why the joy of the Lord is such a wonderful gift, because it does not depend on external circumstances. Without the Lord, it is impossible to fully experience such joy. But not only was joy born to us two thousand years ago, but Grace was also born. More than unmerited favor, the grace of God has granted us access into the Holy place with Him and seated us with Christ in the heavens according to Eph. 2. Because of our new position we've be graced to receive all the spiritual blessings of the Father, the fruit of the Spirit to name a few. Grace has three major components: (1) Justification, (2) Sanctification and (3) Glorification. Justification happened in the past. When Jesus died and rose from the dead, we who would believe were counted as having right standing with God. Sanctification is a present reality. We are set apart from the world while in the world and are daily being shaped, conformed, transformed into the likeness of Christ. Its an ongoing process. Glorification is in the future to come when Christ returns and we are made perfect as He is perfect. We will lose these old bodies and receive glorified bodies that cannot get sick, sin or die. For us, this is what was born two thousand years ago in the person of Jesus our Lord, so joy to the world (at least to those who will believe) the Lord and His Grace has come!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Blessings all;
It is so hard to believe that we are so rapidly closing in on the conclusion of another year. What a good time to reflect on life's journey thus far. What has gone well, what not so well? What, if anything would you do differently? What have you learned about yourself? About God? About your journey? How has your story changed? Has your worldview changed? These are simple yet important evaluation questions that must be asked if we desire the future God has for us. Where you've been and where you are are clues to where your going. If we make no adjustments or radical change, in some cases, the future will only be more of the past. However, if you desire a different outcome or direction then different choices must be made. There is no magic in thinking on these things this time of year. Its just a good marker in time, an alarm clock, to do so. Many want "new levels" without a sober look at where they are. What it looks like depends on our vantage point. Do we see ourselves and our future as others do, from an earthly worldview, shrouded by the darkness of this world? Or do we see it all from the vantage point of heaven where, as the Apostle Paul declares in Eph. 2, we are seated with Christ in Heaven. This is a very different vantage point in which to see the world, its history and future and our place in it. Ask our Lord to help you see it as He sees it. Not as we want to see it but as He sees it. Then ask Him to help you live the life He has prepared for you so that your life will bring glory to His great name.
Rev. D and I had a great time meeting Matt Crouch (Paul & Jan's son) and many others at the TBN studio for a screening of Matt's new movie "The Preacher's Kid." Its their first with an all African-American cast. If it comes to your town, it is well worth seeing. Pray for and support this and other Christian productions and publications. It will help the Body of Christ reclaim the airways. Look for TMI-ATL's introduction, Jan 5, on TBN's Praise the Lord program.
May our God, rich in mercy and grace, bless each of you.
It is so hard to believe that we are so rapidly closing in on the conclusion of another year. What a good time to reflect on life's journey thus far. What has gone well, what not so well? What, if anything would you do differently? What have you learned about yourself? About God? About your journey? How has your story changed? Has your worldview changed? These are simple yet important evaluation questions that must be asked if we desire the future God has for us. Where you've been and where you are are clues to where your going. If we make no adjustments or radical change, in some cases, the future will only be more of the past. However, if you desire a different outcome or direction then different choices must be made. There is no magic in thinking on these things this time of year. Its just a good marker in time, an alarm clock, to do so. Many want "new levels" without a sober look at where they are. What it looks like depends on our vantage point. Do we see ourselves and our future as others do, from an earthly worldview, shrouded by the darkness of this world? Or do we see it all from the vantage point of heaven where, as the Apostle Paul declares in Eph. 2, we are seated with Christ in Heaven. This is a very different vantage point in which to see the world, its history and future and our place in it. Ask our Lord to help you see it as He sees it. Not as we want to see it but as He sees it. Then ask Him to help you live the life He has prepared for you so that your life will bring glory to His great name.
Rev. D and I had a great time meeting Matt Crouch (Paul & Jan's son) and many others at the TBN studio for a screening of Matt's new movie "The Preacher's Kid." Its their first with an all African-American cast. If it comes to your town, it is well worth seeing. Pray for and support this and other Christian productions and publications. It will help the Body of Christ reclaim the airways. Look for TMI-ATL's introduction, Jan 5, on TBN's Praise the Lord program.
May our God, rich in mercy and grace, bless each of you.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings and blessings to all;
For those facing tough times of any sort, ever wonder why your going through what your going through? Well, there may be any number of reasons and sometimes God is the only one who knows. One thing is clear, He knows. And if He knows, then He who loves us so much, desires to turn our struggle into victory for us and provide an avenue for Him to receive glory. But what if there was an easier way out? Not only out, but a way have wealth, power, fame and all your heart's desires? I recently saw a news program where the reporters were doing a random sample of people asking them what they most wanted. The answers? You guessed it, wealth, power and fame. Several admitted they would do almost anything to have it. They would ignore loved ones, hurt or back stab others, sell themselves, anything. What if you could have wealth, power and fame or whatever you dream of without having to compete with or hurt others? In fact, what if you could have it without working very hard to get it? There is a story of a man who was indeed offered all he wanted but the offer was made by Satan. The man thought hard and then said...:sounds to good to be true, what's the catch?" Satan's response was that the man would belong to him. The man thought it sounded like a good deal. He believed in God and believed in heaven and because he was a good man, felt certain he would go to heaven when he died, therefore this demonic deal seemed harmless. Oh, but indeed there was a catch. There is a Heaven, but also, there really is a Hell! Being a good guy or not believing there is a Hell will spare no one from it's reality. Many people, including Christian believers are confused about the issue of Hell. But its real and many are on a path there and don't even know it. Perhaps what your going through is God's way of getting our attention on Him. Perhaps its His way of purging us of things that do not please Him. Perhaps it is His way of training us to live victorious lives. Perhaps your going through what your going through because He loves you. Tough times cannot destroy you when you trust Him. Those times can only become your servant, for your good. God has a plan and purpose for your life and it does not include tough times but He will use tough times to help you reach your potential in life, in Him.
On another note: the Workshop on depression on Dec. 12 will be held @ TMI-ATL and not @ the Wyngate Hotel in Fairburn. The church address is 1950, Hwy 85, Suite B & C, Jonesboro, GA, 30238-5653. Check the church web site for more details: www.tmiministries.org. Hope to see you there. And don't forget our church's introduction on Praise the Lord on TBN on Jan. 5. I'll tell you more later or see last week's blog. God bless you all near and abroad.
For those facing tough times of any sort, ever wonder why your going through what your going through? Well, there may be any number of reasons and sometimes God is the only one who knows. One thing is clear, He knows. And if He knows, then He who loves us so much, desires to turn our struggle into victory for us and provide an avenue for Him to receive glory. But what if there was an easier way out? Not only out, but a way have wealth, power, fame and all your heart's desires? I recently saw a news program where the reporters were doing a random sample of people asking them what they most wanted. The answers? You guessed it, wealth, power and fame. Several admitted they would do almost anything to have it. They would ignore loved ones, hurt or back stab others, sell themselves, anything. What if you could have wealth, power and fame or whatever you dream of without having to compete with or hurt others? In fact, what if you could have it without working very hard to get it? There is a story of a man who was indeed offered all he wanted but the offer was made by Satan. The man thought hard and then said...:sounds to good to be true, what's the catch?" Satan's response was that the man would belong to him. The man thought it sounded like a good deal. He believed in God and believed in heaven and because he was a good man, felt certain he would go to heaven when he died, therefore this demonic deal seemed harmless. Oh, but indeed there was a catch. There is a Heaven, but also, there really is a Hell! Being a good guy or not believing there is a Hell will spare no one from it's reality. Many people, including Christian believers are confused about the issue of Hell. But its real and many are on a path there and don't even know it. Perhaps what your going through is God's way of getting our attention on Him. Perhaps its His way of purging us of things that do not please Him. Perhaps it is His way of training us to live victorious lives. Perhaps your going through what your going through because He loves you. Tough times cannot destroy you when you trust Him. Those times can only become your servant, for your good. God has a plan and purpose for your life and it does not include tough times but He will use tough times to help you reach your potential in life, in Him.
On another note: the Workshop on depression on Dec. 12 will be held @ TMI-ATL and not @ the Wyngate Hotel in Fairburn. The church address is 1950, Hwy 85, Suite B & C, Jonesboro, GA, 30238-5653. Check the church web site for more details: www.tmiministries.org. Hope to see you there. And don't forget our church's introduction on Praise the Lord on TBN on Jan. 5. I'll tell you more later or see last week's blog. God bless you all near and abroad.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings all;
I'm not sure if there has been any studies done to prove that those suffering from depression increases during the holiday season. Certainly during bad economic times there is great pressure on families during this time of year. What should be one of the more enjoyable times of the year is often a depressing time. However, regardless of the season, many suffer from depression. Saved and unsaved alike may have bouts of depression during certain seasons of life. Much of that may be driven by circumstances and experiences. Still others may suffer from more serious forms of depression which may be a result of physiological causes. No matter the source or cause, depression can be a debilitating experience. In its most severe forms it could lead to thoughts or even the commission of suicide. Clearly, our God wants us to experience joy in our lives, to be of good cheer, to be encouraged, to live life to the fullest. God is always ready to help, heal and deliver us from all of the maladies we experience in life. We ask and trust Him for the help we need and be ready to receive the help however God may choose to provide it. The issue is not what form the help comes in, but rather simply trusting God that help will come.
Transforming Women in Christ (TWIC), a ministry of TMI, is sponsoring a workshop on dealing with depression, especially for women, on December 12th. Anyone who will be in the Atlanta area is welcome to attend at no cost. This will prove to be one of the more insightful, dynamic and fulfilling workshops concerning the scourge of depression. You don't want to miss it. For more information go to www.tmiministries.org. Lost your joy? Get it back! Come and see what the Lord will do.
On another note, look for TMI on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) on Jan. 5, 2010. No we're not being interviewed on set.....yet. The pastors and congregation will simply be introduced early in the program. Thank you to TBN for the invitation extended to us! Zachary Timms is set to be the guest host. I'll give more updates as we get closer to that date.
I love you all here in the U.S. and abroad. May our Lord bless you all....mightily!
I'm not sure if there has been any studies done to prove that those suffering from depression increases during the holiday season. Certainly during bad economic times there is great pressure on families during this time of year. What should be one of the more enjoyable times of the year is often a depressing time. However, regardless of the season, many suffer from depression. Saved and unsaved alike may have bouts of depression during certain seasons of life. Much of that may be driven by circumstances and experiences. Still others may suffer from more serious forms of depression which may be a result of physiological causes. No matter the source or cause, depression can be a debilitating experience. In its most severe forms it could lead to thoughts or even the commission of suicide. Clearly, our God wants us to experience joy in our lives, to be of good cheer, to be encouraged, to live life to the fullest. God is always ready to help, heal and deliver us from all of the maladies we experience in life. We ask and trust Him for the help we need and be ready to receive the help however God may choose to provide it. The issue is not what form the help comes in, but rather simply trusting God that help will come.
Transforming Women in Christ (TWIC), a ministry of TMI, is sponsoring a workshop on dealing with depression, especially for women, on December 12th. Anyone who will be in the Atlanta area is welcome to attend at no cost. This will prove to be one of the more insightful, dynamic and fulfilling workshops concerning the scourge of depression. You don't want to miss it. For more information go to www.tmiministries.org. Lost your joy? Get it back! Come and see what the Lord will do.
On another note, look for TMI on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) on Jan. 5, 2010. No we're not being interviewed on set.....yet. The pastors and congregation will simply be introduced early in the program. Thank you to TBN for the invitation extended to us! Zachary Timms is set to be the guest host. I'll give more updates as we get closer to that date.
I love you all here in the U.S. and abroad. May our Lord bless you all....mightily!
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