Time Off

This past Friday I was injured with a cracked rib in a church basketball game. I have had to be very still to let it heal so I've been laid up in my recliner for the past two days. I knew I was hit real hard but with the excitement of the game and all the adrenaline pumping I didn't realize my rib was cracked. In fact it wasn't till later that night when I started hurting worse and worse every time I took a breath that I realized something was wrong. I could probably push myself and do a little more than what I have been but the doctor says that will only delay my recovery. So unlike usual I've decided to listen to the doctor. I've been watching TV, reading my Bible, praying and sleeping for two days now and I've got to admit the rest has done me a world of good. I'm reminded that we can get so consumed with life that we forget to enjoy it. I encourage each of you to take some time to spend with God, not just at a conference or a church service or even a revival, just some quit time alone with no distractions, just you and God. I pray it doesn't take you braking a rib to realize this simple but important truth. God Bless!!!

Into The Wild

Years ago a man named Chris McCandless decided he would forsake everything and head north to Alaska where he would walk Into The Wild to fulfill the ever overwhelming sensation compelling him to live off the land, be alone, push himself physically and mentally to overcome the brutal conditions of the land. I'm sure that Hollywood has romanticized his story at least a little. However I can understand this misunderstood young man who felt the need to be at one with nature and find himself amongst his struggle to survive. I have often longed to pack up my bag with minimal rations, rifle, sleeping bag, basic survival gear and head off into the great unknown. Fortunately I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and awesome kids that keep me grounded when those thoughts and desires surface. I don't really know what exactly it is that is so mysteriously powerful about the wild but I can't help but wonder "could I exist without all the commodities and conveniences we have come to love and depend on so dearly?". The wild can be a good place and it can also be a bad place. Jesus was lead into the wilderness (wild) by the Spirit, Mark even goes as far as to say "the Spirit drove Him into the wild". There Jesus fasted for forty days and then was tempted of Satan. When He resisted the temptation He was strengthened by angels. He came out of the wild with such anointing that he turned the water to wine, cast out devils, healed many that were sick and preached to the multitudes. So even though the wild can be dangerous and full of scary beast and conditions it can also prove to be a place to refocus our lives and grow in our faith. I think the most important fact the apostles were trying to illustrate to us is that when we are lead or shall I say driven into a scary uncomfortable place we need to keep our eyes on the lord and stay in His word, then in His timing we will come through with a great anointing and a great testimony. Unfortunately Chris McCandless died in his journey into the wild, If he'd been led of the spirit into the wild I have absolutely no doubt that he would have made it out alive. Always remember, where God leads He feeds! God Bless and farewell!

What Is a Witness?

In my most recent series "A Great Witness" I have come to a new understanding of what a witness is. I use to think that a witness was someone who shared their testimony or their faith with someone else who was lost. Now I can see that scripture tells us that a witness is supposed to testify and share their faith not only with the lost but also with the saved. Why? Glad you asked. We take for granted the condition of our christian brothers and sisters so many times. We think that just because they are saved they should automatically know and do everything right. When the truth is, we are supposed to witness to each other as much as we do to the world. Your brother or sister in Christ may be going through something that he or she is ashamed of and your testimony or your encouraging word may be the very thing that he or she needs to overcome their trial. So don't think that you have to go stand on a corner and scream "Jesus Love You" to everybody who passes by the next time you feel compelled to witness. It may be that whoever is nearest you the next time you feel that urge is the person who needs a shinning word of hope and encouragement.