2009, is almost here and in my heart I hear the old anthem of the church!
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; forward into battle see his banners go!
At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise; brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Like a mighty army moves the church of God; brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the church of Jesus constant will remain. Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail; we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng, blend with ours your voices in the triumph song. Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King, this through countless ages men and angels sing.
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Find a Need & Meet it
I believe the Gospel can be summed up in one sentence, "Find a Need and Meet it"...
Most of us understand that the concept of gift-giving came from the wise men's visit to the childhood home of Jesus. However, the majority of society seldom seizes the opportunity to give our own gifts to Christ. Maybe, some of us never even knew the potential to actually give Jesus a gift existed. If so, then I would like to introduce you to a life-changing concept.
Jesus once stated, "...if you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me." How incredible it is to think that when we clothe the naked, feed the hungry, care for an orphan or even visit an in-mate, we are actually bestowing gifts upon Jesus!
This Christmas season, remember once and for all the actual Reason for the Season. I invite you to join me in returning to the discarded values from which the concept of Christmas was first instituted into our culture. May the Holy Spirit grant us the grace and prosperity to search out the less fortunate and find the true joy of life. May we live out the reality of Scripture's finest principle, "It is more blessed to give, than to receive..." as we find needs and meet them!
Most of us understand that the concept of gift-giving came from the wise men's visit to the childhood home of Jesus. However, the majority of society seldom seizes the opportunity to give our own gifts to Christ. Maybe, some of us never even knew the potential to actually give Jesus a gift existed. If so, then I would like to introduce you to a life-changing concept.
Jesus once stated, "...if you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me." How incredible it is to think that when we clothe the naked, feed the hungry, care for an orphan or even visit an in-mate, we are actually bestowing gifts upon Jesus!
This Christmas season, remember once and for all the actual Reason for the Season. I invite you to join me in returning to the discarded values from which the concept of Christmas was first instituted into our culture. May the Holy Spirit grant us the grace and prosperity to search out the less fortunate and find the true joy of life. May we live out the reality of Scripture's finest principle, "It is more blessed to give, than to receive..." as we find needs and meet them!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Still Waiting...
Just a heads up that there haven't been any new posts because I am still waiting to hear back from the contractor.
I'll let you know something as soon as possible...
I'll let you know something as soon as possible...
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Little Debbie
Debbie Burt, the 21-year old mother of two, whom we have all been praying for, became an incredible source of inspiration for HPC this Sunday. During the 9am service she made a surprise appearance. Less than a month ago she was quarantined in the marrow-donor section of the Markey Cancer Center at UK hospital. Now she is home with her family and amazingly able to attend church. She is far ahead of schedule. This a testimony to the power of prayer! She is an incredible warrior and I challenge you to continue to pray as we sit ringside for one of the most significant miracles any of us have ever seen.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Preliminary Plans
Well, the building plans have finally arrived and as it turns out the architect was not delayed in sending them, instead they went to the wrong address.
I was, to say the least, excited to finally get a chance to view what Central Kentucky Design had done with the sketches I had given them. The lay-out of the floor plan was very close to what I had envisioned it being. The only surprise was that the building, in overall size, turned out to be much larger than what we had anticipated. We had expected the facility to be able to meet our needs with about 12,000 sq. ft. of floor space. Instead it looks like it could possibly take close to 16,000 sq. ft. We intend to submit a couple of re-draw ideas to CKD within the next couple of weeks and ultimately we should know much more closer to January as to exactly how many square feet the project is going to require. A big question for us right now is how many seats we want the sanctuary to hold. We had originally requested a design for 600-700 seats, but we are now considering an auditorium that could handle 1,000 seats. I am actively seeking the Lord's guidance in this regard and I pray you will join me and the Leadership Team in our quest for His will.
Also, we do not have any concrete figures but a rough projected cost for the 16,000 sq. ft version of the facility is expected to be around 1.3 million dollars.
That's all I have for now. I hope to have an in-depth meeting with the construction company during the second week of December. Until then, continue to pray for the impartation of heavenly wisdom upon HPC's Leadership Team.
FYI: Mandy and I will be away to celebrate Thanksgiving, as well as, our 8th Anniversary during November 28-December 4. Aaron will be preaching this Sunday AM at both 9am & 11am. Cya Soon!
I was, to say the least, excited to finally get a chance to view what Central Kentucky Design had done with the sketches I had given them. The lay-out of the floor plan was very close to what I had envisioned it being. The only surprise was that the building, in overall size, turned out to be much larger than what we had anticipated. We had expected the facility to be able to meet our needs with about 12,000 sq. ft. of floor space. Instead it looks like it could possibly take close to 16,000 sq. ft. We intend to submit a couple of re-draw ideas to CKD within the next couple of weeks and ultimately we should know much more closer to January as to exactly how many square feet the project is going to require. A big question for us right now is how many seats we want the sanctuary to hold. We had originally requested a design for 600-700 seats, but we are now considering an auditorium that could handle 1,000 seats. I am actively seeking the Lord's guidance in this regard and I pray you will join me and the Leadership Team in our quest for His will.
Also, we do not have any concrete figures but a rough projected cost for the 16,000 sq. ft version of the facility is expected to be around 1.3 million dollars.
That's all I have for now. I hope to have an in-depth meeting with the construction company during the second week of December. Until then, continue to pray for the impartation of heavenly wisdom upon HPC's Leadership Team.
FYI: Mandy and I will be away to celebrate Thanksgiving, as well as, our 8th Anniversary during November 28-December 4. Aaron will be preaching this Sunday AM at both 9am & 11am. Cya Soon!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
RED ALERT!
Five years ago we launched the concept of Hallelujah Night (a Christian alternative to Halloween) at HPC. I remember being ecstatic that 8 to 10 cars showed up to participate. So much so, that I decided it was a horrible idea and we should not ever attempt to schedule it again! Thankfully, Junior Holmes (R.I.P.) persuaded me to give it another try because he believed it had the potential to someday effectively reach our community.
Now in its fifth year the crowds at Hallulejah Night have become staggering! During this year's October 31st weekend we actually saw overflow crowds show up for trunks full of treats, hayrides, hot dog and marshmallow roasts and fellowship! I must admit, however, that I struggled to enjoy the night because I was perplexed by a barage of concerns. My biggest concern--for those of you who saw me literally running from one side of the property to the other while handling our traffic jam--was where are we going to put all of these people?
I remember, during one of my laps around the building to communicate to our parking staff new directions, literally thinking to myself, "This is a RED ALERT situation!" Later that night the Holy Spirit solidified that thought with a resounding confirmation that it was time to finally launch the vision the Leadership Team had been holding for several weeks. As a result, with butterflies in my stomach I walked to the pulpit Sunday AM and tearfully shared with you a God-inspired vision to stick a shovel in the ground and prepare a threshing floor with RED ALERT fervancy.
A threshing floor is a place where the harvest is processed. In spiritual terms it is a place where converts are made into disciples. Every week hundreds of people come to 3515 West Hwy. 80 and gather on a hillside (nestled between a cow pasture and a hay field, I might add) to engage in vibrant worship and be discipled by uncompromised preaching from a real-life perspective. The end result of this supernatural phenomenon is that our current facilities are maxed out!
We are currently offering 3 Sunday services. Each of these gatherings is above 80% attendance in regards to sanctuary capacity. (KidLaunch is actually well beyond 80% as children are literally overflowing out of their seats and into the floor!) We are considering the possibility of offering a fourth weekend service either on Sundays @ 12:30pm or Saturdays @ 5pm but this will not effectively or efficiently serve as a long-term fix.
We have a RED ALERT! situation in regards to processing the harvest! Therefore a new threshing floor is required. The vision God has given us is to break ground on Easter Sunday 2009 for a sanctuary about three times the size of the one we presently have.
We are currently waiting on the architects, contractors, engineers and state building inspectors to give us final approval regarding what we can and can not do on our property and budget. This process will take about six months to work through, so in the interim we are inviting all who would like to join themselves to this RED ALERT! vision to financially give as the Holy Spirit leads.
We have currently received $60,000 in pledges to be received between now and Easter. The HPC family needs to raise $100,000 (above regular tithes and offerings) in this time-period so we are well on our way and I sincerely appreciate your sacrificial faithfulness. I ask you to keep in mind as we move forward that we are not asking anyone to give everything but we are presenting the opportunity for everyone to give something...
Ex 25:1-2, 8
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary... KJV
Now in its fifth year the crowds at Hallulejah Night have become staggering! During this year's October 31st weekend we actually saw overflow crowds show up for trunks full of treats, hayrides, hot dog and marshmallow roasts and fellowship! I must admit, however, that I struggled to enjoy the night because I was perplexed by a barage of concerns. My biggest concern--for those of you who saw me literally running from one side of the property to the other while handling our traffic jam--was where are we going to put all of these people?
I remember, during one of my laps around the building to communicate to our parking staff new directions, literally thinking to myself, "This is a RED ALERT situation!" Later that night the Holy Spirit solidified that thought with a resounding confirmation that it was time to finally launch the vision the Leadership Team had been holding for several weeks. As a result, with butterflies in my stomach I walked to the pulpit Sunday AM and tearfully shared with you a God-inspired vision to stick a shovel in the ground and prepare a threshing floor with RED ALERT fervancy.
A threshing floor is a place where the harvest is processed. In spiritual terms it is a place where converts are made into disciples. Every week hundreds of people come to 3515 West Hwy. 80 and gather on a hillside (nestled between a cow pasture and a hay field, I might add) to engage in vibrant worship and be discipled by uncompromised preaching from a real-life perspective. The end result of this supernatural phenomenon is that our current facilities are maxed out!
We are currently offering 3 Sunday services. Each of these gatherings is above 80% attendance in regards to sanctuary capacity. (KidLaunch is actually well beyond 80% as children are literally overflowing out of their seats and into the floor!) We are considering the possibility of offering a fourth weekend service either on Sundays @ 12:30pm or Saturdays @ 5pm but this will not effectively or efficiently serve as a long-term fix.
We have a RED ALERT! situation in regards to processing the harvest! Therefore a new threshing floor is required. The vision God has given us is to break ground on Easter Sunday 2009 for a sanctuary about three times the size of the one we presently have.
We are currently waiting on the architects, contractors, engineers and state building inspectors to give us final approval regarding what we can and can not do on our property and budget. This process will take about six months to work through, so in the interim we are inviting all who would like to join themselves to this RED ALERT! vision to financially give as the Holy Spirit leads.
We have currently received $60,000 in pledges to be received between now and Easter. The HPC family needs to raise $100,000 (above regular tithes and offerings) in this time-period so we are well on our way and I sincerely appreciate your sacrificial faithfulness. I ask you to keep in mind as we move forward that we are not asking anyone to give everything but we are presenting the opportunity for everyone to give something...
Ex 25:1-2, 8
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary... KJV
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day
Today, regardless of how big of an inconvenience it may be to you--VOTE! And when you do visit the polls--Vote for Values!
There is perhaps no greater hypocrisy than the sin of silence, so speak up! Speak loud. Let your voice be heard as you vote for the candidates who best represent the values God has placed in your heart.
By the way, I do have one departing question. What would you say to someone who says, "My vote is just one among millions and therefore I'm not going to vote."?
Click the comment link and let me hear your thoughts...
There is perhaps no greater hypocrisy than the sin of silence, so speak up! Speak loud. Let your voice be heard as you vote for the candidates who best represent the values God has placed in your heart.
By the way, I do have one departing question. What would you say to someone who says, "My vote is just one among millions and therefore I'm not going to vote."?
Click the comment link and let me hear your thoughts...
The Vision is Launched!!!
I am yet to know what to say! My vocabulary is simpy too inadequate...
The outpouring of financial support you provided Sunday on behalf of the vision for a new worship and ministry facility was absolutely phenomenal. As you know, my response was to simply fall to the floor and weep. I still find myself in that state of response... God is so amazing! Thank you for your gracious giving!
Many of you have asked about making online contributions to the RED ALERT! Building Fund. It is now available through PayPal. It is safe and secure if you would like to use this means for continued giving.
Click Here to Contribute...
Thanks again for being such an incredible fellowship of believers! You are truly providing provision for the vision!
The outpouring of financial support you provided Sunday on behalf of the vision for a new worship and ministry facility was absolutely phenomenal. As you know, my response was to simply fall to the floor and weep. I still find myself in that state of response... God is so amazing! Thank you for your gracious giving!
Many of you have asked about making online contributions to the RED ALERT! Building Fund. It is now available through PayPal. It is safe and secure if you would like to use this means for continued giving.
Click Here to Contribute...
Thanks again for being such an incredible fellowship of believers! You are truly providing provision for the vision!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Don't Miss It!
Just a heads up that Sunday AM services will be very significant for Higher Praise Church! Don't miss it! New vision will be launched!!!
Well I Never...
Have you ever just had one of those weeks?
For the last 3 to 4 weeks I have felt an incredible peace surrounding my life. Almost as never before I have sensed the nearness of God. The warmth of His embrace. The fire of His passion for humanity. And then...
Out of nowhere. Unexpectedly. Without any warning, stuff just simply started going wrong. Small things, but going wrong nonetheless. Then, small turned big and I found myself completely distracted--almost in awe. Wrestling with the same old Charlie Brown feelings of "why me, why here, why now?"
I found myself on more than one occasion saying, "Well, I never..."
I never thought that would have happened. I never thought they would do or even say that. Well, I never...
I suppose the Hebrew children felt that way when they arrived at their so called "Promised Land" and found giants eating their grapes. Can't you just hear the Hebrew people, upon seeing the men who stood like mountains living their dream, begin to whisper to one another behind the bushes, "Well, I never..."
How often have we anticipated that on the verge of the miraculous God would just fix everything for us? Its a natural thought process. We tend to always fall prey to the ridiculous notion that simply because our Heavenly Father said we could have something there will not be any resistance when we attempt to possess it. May I insert a question? Where else did you expect the giant to be? Doesn't it make sense that the enemy would camp out right in the middle of your destiny?
The fact that you are experiencing difficulty gives testimony to the reality that God has announced you can have it. Now the enemy is just bluffing! He's putting up a good front. But in the realm of the supernatural Jesus has already wrought the victory on your behalf. Its your time and hell knows it. Thus satan has sent his biggest and baddest minions to bluff you. His idea is that you will be so intimidated that your knees will buckle. (By the way, it worked against the Israelites in the midst of their Exodus!)
We wrestle a defeated foe! By the blood of Calvary, the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the name of Jesus we have already won!
The giants are just a smoke screen. A mere hindrance to the destiny God has set before you. Walk in the Spirit. Live with Life and Peace! Its your time for your thing, from your God!
Two years from now you may very well look at your life and say, "Well, I never..."
I never thought God had this in store for me. I never thought it would be this big! I never thought His provision would be this abundant!
Well, I never!!!
For the last 3 to 4 weeks I have felt an incredible peace surrounding my life. Almost as never before I have sensed the nearness of God. The warmth of His embrace. The fire of His passion for humanity. And then...
Out of nowhere. Unexpectedly. Without any warning, stuff just simply started going wrong. Small things, but going wrong nonetheless. Then, small turned big and I found myself completely distracted--almost in awe. Wrestling with the same old Charlie Brown feelings of "why me, why here, why now?"
I found myself on more than one occasion saying, "Well, I never..."
I never thought that would have happened. I never thought they would do or even say that. Well, I never...
I suppose the Hebrew children felt that way when they arrived at their so called "Promised Land" and found giants eating their grapes. Can't you just hear the Hebrew people, upon seeing the men who stood like mountains living their dream, begin to whisper to one another behind the bushes, "Well, I never..."
How often have we anticipated that on the verge of the miraculous God would just fix everything for us? Its a natural thought process. We tend to always fall prey to the ridiculous notion that simply because our Heavenly Father said we could have something there will not be any resistance when we attempt to possess it. May I insert a question? Where else did you expect the giant to be? Doesn't it make sense that the enemy would camp out right in the middle of your destiny?
The fact that you are experiencing difficulty gives testimony to the reality that God has announced you can have it. Now the enemy is just bluffing! He's putting up a good front. But in the realm of the supernatural Jesus has already wrought the victory on your behalf. Its your time and hell knows it. Thus satan has sent his biggest and baddest minions to bluff you. His idea is that you will be so intimidated that your knees will buckle. (By the way, it worked against the Israelites in the midst of their Exodus!)
We wrestle a defeated foe! By the blood of Calvary, the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the name of Jesus we have already won!
The giants are just a smoke screen. A mere hindrance to the destiny God has set before you. Walk in the Spirit. Live with Life and Peace! Its your time for your thing, from your God!
Two years from now you may very well look at your life and say, "Well, I never..."
I never thought God had this in store for me. I never thought it would be this big! I never thought His provision would be this abundant!
Well, I never!!!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Recommended Reading...
It seems that lately I have had an increasing number of people asking me to recommend books that deal with specific subjects. Some have even simply stated that they are having a hard time finding a good book to read. Well, out of the hundreds of books I have read over the last ten years the list below is made up of writings that stand above the rest. I consider these titles to be the most significant in my library. May they do for your walk with Christ what they have done for mine...
Christian Living:
Celebration of Discipline - Richard J. Foster
Driven by Eternity - John Bevere
Pursuit of God - A. W. Tozer
GodChasers - Tommy Tenney
Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis
Excruciating Agony - Gene Edwards
The Prisoner in the Third Cell - Gene Edwards
Understanding the Anointing - Kenneth Hagin
The Imitation of Christ - Thomas de Kempis
The Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence
Spiritual Renewal:
The Bait of Satan - John Bevere
Rut, Rot or Revival - A. W. Tozer
Why Revival Tarries - Leonard Ravenhill
America is Too Young to Die - Leonard Ravenhill
Sodom Had No Bible - Leonard Ravenhill
Repairers of the Breach - Rod Parsley
Leadership:
Visioneering - Andy Stanley
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John Maxwell
Developing the Leader Within You - John Maxwell
The Remnant - Larry Stockstill
Spiritual Authority:
Tale of Three Kings - Gene Edwards
Under Cover - John Bevere
Spiritual Authority - Watchman Nee
Prayer:
Prayer that Brings Revival - David Yongii Cho
Could You Not Tarry One Hour? - Larry Lea
Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer - Myles Munroe
Financial Planning:
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
Financial Peace University - Dave Ramsey
Fiction:
The Blessed Child - Bill Bright
The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
Christian Living:
Celebration of Discipline - Richard J. Foster
Driven by Eternity - John Bevere
Pursuit of God - A. W. Tozer
GodChasers - Tommy Tenney
Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis
Excruciating Agony - Gene Edwards
The Prisoner in the Third Cell - Gene Edwards
Understanding the Anointing - Kenneth Hagin
The Imitation of Christ - Thomas de Kempis
The Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence
Spiritual Renewal:
The Bait of Satan - John Bevere
Rut, Rot or Revival - A. W. Tozer
Why Revival Tarries - Leonard Ravenhill
America is Too Young to Die - Leonard Ravenhill
Sodom Had No Bible - Leonard Ravenhill
Repairers of the Breach - Rod Parsley
Leadership:
Visioneering - Andy Stanley
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John Maxwell
Developing the Leader Within You - John Maxwell
The Remnant - Larry Stockstill
Spiritual Authority:
Tale of Three Kings - Gene Edwards
Under Cover - John Bevere
Spiritual Authority - Watchman Nee
Prayer:
Prayer that Brings Revival - David Yongii Cho
Could You Not Tarry One Hour? - Larry Lea
Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer - Myles Munroe
Financial Planning:
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
Financial Peace University - Dave Ramsey
Fiction:
The Blessed Child - Bill Bright
The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thanks...
Sunday night, I mentioned to all of you at HPC that Monday would be a big day for our church. I asked you to spend the day fasting and I know many of you did. I also know many of you were praying at 9am as I had requested, because I felt your prayers. Thank you for understanding the value of prayer as we attempt to see God's kingdom advanced in the earth.
Unfortunately, I am still not at liberty to share all of the details with you, but we are very close to the unveiling of a brand-new vision that will enable us to more effectively reach the Lake Cumberland and Green River regions. I do not mean to be secretive, but I do not want to bring anything before you until I have made absolutely for sure that God is speaking to me.
Thank you for continuing to pray for me to have clarity regarding God's will for HPC.
Unfortunately, I am still not at liberty to share all of the details with you, but we are very close to the unveiling of a brand-new vision that will enable us to more effectively reach the Lake Cumberland and Green River regions. I do not mean to be secretive, but I do not want to bring anything before you until I have made absolutely for sure that God is speaking to me.
Thank you for continuing to pray for me to have clarity regarding God's will for HPC.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
On the Road Again...
I do not have words to describe how happy I am to be home. I have been gone for an entire week traveling almost 2,000 miles in order to take part in a couple of conferences.
My first journey was to Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference which was held at Breezewood Church in Fayetteville, NC. It was a great conference. The word was fresh as well as revelatory and the host church's hospitality was great. The Vines' family truly know how to do it right! They even let me preach a little on Tuesday night. :)
I drove all day Thursday so I could be in HPC's service that night and then I had meetings throughout the morning on Friday. I then left late Friday afternoon with our A/V team for Nashville where we attended an Audio Seminar. By the way, I attended the Audio Seminar for one reason and one reason only: I am not about to let Adam Cravens ever think he knows more than me!!! :P
So, I'm home with Mandy and the kids for a few days, but this is October and that means any time at home is short-lived as I will have to be gone Wednesday night, Friday night and Wednesday-Thursday of next week.
FYI: The reason October tends to put me on the road so much is because it is the last month of the year that I keep a full travel schedule. The end result being that a lot of stuff gets crammed into one 30-day period.
I covet your prayers and I trust you will continue to interceed on behalf of the Kingdom ministry I am attempting to walk in.
My first journey was to Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference which was held at Breezewood Church in Fayetteville, NC. It was a great conference. The word was fresh as well as revelatory and the host church's hospitality was great. The Vines' family truly know how to do it right! They even let me preach a little on Tuesday night. :)
I drove all day Thursday so I could be in HPC's service that night and then I had meetings throughout the morning on Friday. I then left late Friday afternoon with our A/V team for Nashville where we attended an Audio Seminar. By the way, I attended the Audio Seminar for one reason and one reason only: I am not about to let Adam Cravens ever think he knows more than me!!! :P
So, I'm home with Mandy and the kids for a few days, but this is October and that means any time at home is short-lived as I will have to be gone Wednesday night, Friday night and Wednesday-Thursday of next week.
FYI: The reason October tends to put me on the road so much is because it is the last month of the year that I keep a full travel schedule. The end result being that a lot of stuff gets crammed into one 30-day period.
I covet your prayers and I trust you will continue to interceed on behalf of the Kingdom ministry I am attempting to walk in.
There's Something Bigger Going On...
At some point a few years ago there was a significant shift in me. Before the shift I enjoyed pastoral ministry but I was more passionate about evangelistic ministry. Today I would have to say I am the exact opposite. I understand that I have a call on my life to fulfill certain evangelistic obligations but there is no place on earth I would rather preach than Higher Praise Church.
I believe the shift is in large part do to the release of a heaven-sent move of God to HPC. There is something in the the air! The atmosphere of expectancy is more electric than it has ever been before. Even before services you can sense that God is up to something and whatever it is one thing is for sure its big!
I am reminded of the prophetic song, "There's Something Bigger Going On..." Can you sense it? Feel it? Are you experiencing the same thing I am? I can't necessarily explain it, but I am most-assuredly experiencing God in a way that communicates very specifically to me that we are on the brink of the most significant release of the Holy Spirit's manifest presence we have ever encountered at Higher Praise Church!
I believe the shift is in large part do to the release of a heaven-sent move of God to HPC. There is something in the the air! The atmosphere of expectancy is more electric than it has ever been before. Even before services you can sense that God is up to something and whatever it is one thing is for sure its big!
I am reminded of the prophetic song, "There's Something Bigger Going On..." Can you sense it? Feel it? Are you experiencing the same thing I am? I can't necessarily explain it, but I am most-assuredly experiencing God in a way that communicates very specifically to me that we are on the brink of the most significant release of the Holy Spirit's manifest presence we have ever encountered at Higher Praise Church!
Have You Lost "IT"?
I may have never been more upset with my father than I was in April of this year. I was complaining about the fact that no one was responding to my altar calls. Furthermore, I couldn't understand why no one seemed to be attentive while I was preaching or why HPC's worship services seemed to be so dry and dogmatic.
I'm not for sure why my father finally decided to say something--maybe he was simply tired of listening to me complain. Irregardless of why, when he did choose to speak Dad's input set the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in the history of my ministry.
Dad is a man of few words, so his discourse began only with a question, "Do you really want to know what's wrong?"
To which I unwittingly responded, "Yes"
Graciously, but authoritavely he responded, "Eric, you're not anointed anymore."
To say I was upset would be a significant under-statement. I was enraged that the man whose opinion I respected the most was essentially telling me I had lost it.
I kicked and screamed and dared him to ever say such a thing to me again. All the while, very rudely communicating to the man who brought me into this world that he had no idea the price I had paid to walk in the anointing.
My father's response to my temper tantrum would forever change my life. Ironically, it only took him eleven words to do it, "Eric, you used to pay the price, but you don't anymore."
I immediately came home and told Mandy what a jerk my dad had been to me. I complained to her for three days, during which I never spoke to my father. Finally, meek little Mandy :) had heard enough as well. My wife's input led me to a very clear understanding that I truly had lost it.
As a result, in the month of May I began a journey back to the discarded values of my past. I once again found how important it is be sensitive to the Spirit of convicition. The reason being: when you lose it you quickly discover that "IT" is a He and His name is Holy Spirit. You also quickly learn that the Holy Spirit does not release His anointing upon filthy hearts.
Have you lost it? If so, I promise you the God of grace will help you to find it again? You simply have to come to the reality that you have changed--not God...
I feel it it important that I also give a shout out to Terry Mahan from The Father's House (Lakeland, FL). I was in Fayetteville, NC during October 13-15 at Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference and it was not until Terry shared his own personal testimony that I realized how to more effectively communicate what happened to me earlier this year. Thanks Terry for helping me to understand how important IT really is!
I'm not for sure why my father finally decided to say something--maybe he was simply tired of listening to me complain. Irregardless of why, when he did choose to speak Dad's input set the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in the history of my ministry.
Dad is a man of few words, so his discourse began only with a question, "Do you really want to know what's wrong?"
To which I unwittingly responded, "Yes"
Graciously, but authoritavely he responded, "Eric, you're not anointed anymore."
To say I was upset would be a significant under-statement. I was enraged that the man whose opinion I respected the most was essentially telling me I had lost it.
I kicked and screamed and dared him to ever say such a thing to me again. All the while, very rudely communicating to the man who brought me into this world that he had no idea the price I had paid to walk in the anointing.
My father's response to my temper tantrum would forever change my life. Ironically, it only took him eleven words to do it, "Eric, you used to pay the price, but you don't anymore."
I immediately came home and told Mandy what a jerk my dad had been to me. I complained to her for three days, during which I never spoke to my father. Finally, meek little Mandy :) had heard enough as well. My wife's input led me to a very clear understanding that I truly had lost it.
As a result, in the month of May I began a journey back to the discarded values of my past. I once again found how important it is be sensitive to the Spirit of convicition. The reason being: when you lose it you quickly discover that "IT" is a He and His name is Holy Spirit. You also quickly learn that the Holy Spirit does not release His anointing upon filthy hearts.
Have you lost it? If so, I promise you the God of grace will help you to find it again? You simply have to come to the reality that you have changed--not God...
I feel it it important that I also give a shout out to Terry Mahan from The Father's House (Lakeland, FL). I was in Fayetteville, NC during October 13-15 at Alva Wilson's Re-Eagle Conference and it was not until Terry shared his own personal testimony that I realized how to more effectively communicate what happened to me earlier this year. Thanks Terry for helping me to understand how important IT really is!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Day of Atonement
Lev 23:26-28
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month (on the Hebrew calendar) there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls (the word afflict in direct translation is referring to fasting) , and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
Deut 16:17
Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
Today (October 9th) is the Day of Atonement. The Bible is very clear that is day is to be perpetually honored by every believer performing two acts of worship: 1.) Abstain from eating and drinking by fasting all day. 2.) Bring your best gift and present it to the Lord.
I sometimes find it amazing how things catch on across the Body of Christ. I believe this is in part because some hear God and other's just follow what they believe God revealed to someone else. I have been intrigued to flip through the tv channels and find countless ministers speaking about the significance of the Day of Atonement. I assure you that my decision to lead our church into this time of honoring a Biblical principle is not due to any outside influences. Instead during a time of prayer at the beginning of September I felt compelled to challenge HPC to prepare for honoring our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of His Son on this very special day. Participation in the recognition of the Day of Atonement is not just a good idea or a fad. It is a Biblical commandment and those abusing it for financial gain for their ministries may find the judgment of God to be swift and significantly chastising.
Please consider spending today in prayer and fasting with me . We will gather together tonight @ 7pm for our regular mid-week service to share in the sacraments of Communion and worship during this special time.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month (on the Hebrew calendar) there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls (the word afflict in direct translation is referring to fasting) , and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
Deut 16:17
Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
Today (October 9th) is the Day of Atonement. The Bible is very clear that is day is to be perpetually honored by every believer performing two acts of worship: 1.) Abstain from eating and drinking by fasting all day. 2.) Bring your best gift and present it to the Lord.
I sometimes find it amazing how things catch on across the Body of Christ. I believe this is in part because some hear God and other's just follow what they believe God revealed to someone else. I have been intrigued to flip through the tv channels and find countless ministers speaking about the significance of the Day of Atonement. I assure you that my decision to lead our church into this time of honoring a Biblical principle is not due to any outside influences. Instead during a time of prayer at the beginning of September I felt compelled to challenge HPC to prepare for honoring our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of His Son on this very special day. Participation in the recognition of the Day of Atonement is not just a good idea or a fad. It is a Biblical commandment and those abusing it for financial gain for their ministries may find the judgment of God to be swift and significantly chastising.
Please consider spending today in prayer and fasting with me . We will gather together tonight @ 7pm for our regular mid-week service to share in the sacraments of Communion and worship during this special time.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Someday Syndrome
I am not a fan of taking your sermon from someone else's publication, but I have to say I was recently challenged quite significantly by a section I found in Kerry and Chris Shook's book, "One Month to Live". In this best-seller they share a concept they developed to bring new life and vigor to their pastoral staff. The thought process was simple: challenge the staff to approach life and ministry for a thirty day period as though it were their last month to live. The results were staggering. However, during my time reading I found myself being challenged the most by one lingering sub-heading that refused to leave my mind: "The Someday Syndrome". This portion of the Shook family's writing focuses on the simple reality that millions of people are paralyzed by the idea that "someday" they will finally seek to accomplish their destiny. People suffering from this syndrome typically have conversations with themselves and others that sound something like this, "Someday, I will..." or "Someday, I'm going to..." Yet, in most cases SOMEDAY never comes!
Amazingly, words within the pages of a book (that I never had any intentions of reading) led me to be free from what can only be termed, "The Someday Syndrome". Now I challenge you to break the chains of this paralyzing spiritual condition, as well. After all, aren't you tired of being sick and tired? Isn't it time to finally, LIVE???
Jesus promised us an abundant life and yet so many of us settle for so much less than abundance in expectancy! We go through life hum-drum. Living with dulled senses and bored participatory acts rather than having a heart filled with excitement about what God has next for us. Furthermore, most of us live a lie. Frequently and deceptively telling ourselves that, "Someday, I'm going to really LIVE!"
Look around... You are blessed! As a matter of fact, the reason most of us are so numb is because we so often casaully and unappreciatively meander through temporal paradises. It is time to: SEEK the face of God. SEARCH your heart. SANCTIFY your life and STAND for the cause of Christ! In doing so, I promise you that you will stop saying, "Someday, I'm going to..." And as a benefactory result: you will find something worth DYING for which will lead you to find something worth LIVING for!
"A man who refuses to find something worth dying for, will never find anything worth living for..." --Anonymous
Look around... You are blessed! As a matter of fact, the reason most of us are so numb is because we so often casaully and unappreciatively meander through temporal paradises. It is time to: SEEK the face of God. SEARCH your heart. SANCTIFY your life and STAND for the cause of Christ! In doing so, I promise you that you will stop saying, "Someday, I'm going to..." And as a benefactory result: you will find something worth DYING for which will lead you to find something worth LIVING for!
"A man who refuses to find something worth dying for, will never find anything worth living for..." --Anonymous
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