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Thursday - August 31, 2006 This is the day the new students enroll for the Grace School of Ministry. I am excited to see the new faces and train a new group of leaders to change the world. Some in this group are here to study more of the Word of God. They will be faithful members of churches and teach Bible classes and serve as helps ministers. Others are here with the goal of returning for a second year to train for the ministry God has called them to. They will go on the road as traveling ministers, pastor churches, and go to the mission field. Please keep these new students in your prayers. Many of you were once Bible school students yourselves. You remember those days of great spiritual hunger. God fed you with simple lessons you will never forget. These are landmark years for our students. I welcome them as does our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday - August 30, 2006 Dr. Fred Price will be with us tonight in church. Dr. Price is the one who pulled back the veil for Loretta and me to understand God's message of faith. I worked for Kenneth Hagin for a year and a half and did not understand about confession and heart faith. When I heard Dr. Price open to the same passage of scripture I had read before and explain it, like a light in a dark place, the word was revealed. After hearing him, I also brought Loretta to hear Dr. Price and she saw it too. I am proud to have Dr. Fred Price and his wife, Betty as our special guests at Grace this evening. If you are a member of Grace Church, I trust you are planning on being in the service to be blessed too. Or if you are traveling through the Tulsa area, why don't you drop by? Join with me in praying in advance for others to come to the same knowledge we did of the God kind of faith.
Tuesday - August 29, 2006 It has been so nice to see the rains of the past few days. The ground was dry and the weather had been so hot, it is nice to see rain and the coming of fall. Rain reminds me of God's grace. Jesus told us the rain comes down on the just and the unjust. This is so typical of God's grace to all mankind to offer His Son as a ransom for sin. Rain also comes to us one drop at a time. Thank God all six inches does not drop at one time. There would be massive damage. God does not give us a years worth of grace, bread, finances or daily provisions for life. His bread comes to us as our daily bread. Nature has been given to remind us of God's love and mercy. Next time it rains, remind yourself that God never lets the earth go too long without rain. It may seem like it to us, but God is always on time. Your answer is on the way!
I understand scientists may have discovered more planets in our solar system. Pluto may not be the furthest planet from our sun. There may be up to three more planets out there and a number of new moons. Wow, there may be twelve planets in our solar system circling the sun we have always supposed had nine. There goes more encyclopedias out the window! Our knowledge sure is changing and rapidly. Today I would probably laugh if I had my textbooks from high school and even college. The knowledge in them would archaic. Is there a book in which knowledge cannot be changed or refuted? Of course, it is the Bible. Thank God for His Word that lives and abides forever and will outlast heaven and earth. Who knows? When we get to heaven we may find out there are more than twelve planets in our solar system. But God will never change one word of the Bible. Have you studied His unchanging Word today?
Next month, on August 10th, Dr. T.L. Osborn will be with us in the evening service. He has carried the gospel around the world and is probably better known overseas than he is in the United States. His evangelistic ministry has seen miracles beyond description as thousands of people have experienced healing in a single night in his crusades. He is truly a pioneer of the faith and a great blessing to the body of Christ. He may be older in years, but is still strong in the Lord. Keep the service up in prayer and expect to attend if you live in the area. You will be blessed and your life will be changed. Oh, yes. Please plan to attend the car and motorcycle show before the service. The show begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon.
Thursday - August 24, 2006 I am excited as I think about the upcoming week at our church. Next Wednesday night, pastor Fred Price will be with us. His ministry revealed the message of faith to Loretta and me. We owe him personally for the dramatic change in our lives. He and his church board also counseled our church board many years ago and helped them understand the function of a church board in an independent church. I owe him a great debt of thanks from our church. For those of you who do not know of his ministry, you will be greatly blessed by his simple message. He is not only a great minister, but a man of great integrity. He has lived what he preaches for many years. Many of his earlier critics have turned and given him honor over the past few years. If you live in the Tulsa area, please plan on attending the Wednesday night service, August 30 at 7:00 pm. If you don't live in the Tulsa area, you can watch/hear his sermon on the Thursday afternoon following (8/31) at www.gracetulsa.com.
Wednesday - August 23, 2006 I saw on the news the other day that Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Church, was a consultant to President Bush. The President had read his book and has been getting Rick's counsel for over two years. He may end up being a special ambassador to North Korea for our country. In the interview, Rick told the reporter he was also going to tell the government leaders of that country about the love of Jesus Christ. He expected to have an open door to tell them about the Lord. We need to pray for Rick. He was chosen by God for such a time as this. It also shows me God is not through with our country. Before Jesus comes, we have a future and it is good. Pray for open doors for his ministry and special ambassadorship. Only the gospel can permanently change the hearts of evil dictators.
Tuesday - August 22, 2006 Finally, we got a break in the weather. The winds came up and the rains came. The ground sure needed the moisture and the cooler weather is a great blessing. I am reminded of the verse Jesus gave us that the rain comes down on the just and the unjust. God sends His blessings to all. It does not just rain on the Christians, but on the sinners too. The sunshine comes to us all as well as the grass, flowers and trees. God's grace is the same to all. It is His goodness that leads to repentance. We would probably withhold blessings from those who reject Jesus and give greater ones to those who accept Him. God keeps giving the blessings of life to all so they will see his goodness. Do you treat everyone equally? Do you give blessings to those who bless you only? Or do you continue to give blessings to those who curse you? Love is the way to win the world. Jesus showed us this by dying on the cross for everyone. Whosoever will may come. Let His example toward the world be a guide for us.
Have you ever noticed how many times the Bible makes reference to the importance of listening? Faith comes by hearing. He that has an ear to hear, let him hear. Incline your ear to my sayings. These are only a few of the many passages in the Bible on this important subject. Yet, how little do we really hear? Do we really listen? If we do listen to people, they will open up and let us know how they feel on spiritual things. Jesus allowed the woman at the well to open up and she told Him exactly what she thought of the Jewish religion and her own. Jesus listened without defense or judgment. He answered every question in love and she responded by giving her life to Him. She not only became a believer, but brought as many men from the city as possible to introduce them to Jesus too. Perhaps you are not bringing as many to the Lord as you desire because you are ready with answers they do not need. Why not open your ears to the world and listen to what they are really saying? You do have an answer from the Holy Spirit and you will know how to answer every man.
Yesterday I asked you to pray for the students who are going to school. Let's make today a day to pray for the parents of those children. There are many questions the students will bring home that mom and dad are not looking forward to answering. The Holy Spirit will give wisdom to the parents and the right words so the children will know and understand. Proverbs tells us that godly wisdom is like golden apples in settings of silver. I am going to pray today for wisdom from the Holy Spirit for the parents, which is a wisdom beyond what they could have known on their own. The Spirit will give answers which are exceedingly, abundantly above all the parents could ask or think. These godly parents will help produce godly children who will, in turn, pass godliness on to future generations.
Thursday - August 17, 2006 School begins today for the students at Grace Christian School. This is also the day when others across our city are beginning classes. At the beginning of each school year, we are always reminded to watch out for children and be alert in the neighborhoods. This is good wisdom, but I want to add another alert to that. We need to be on a prayer alert for our children in school. There are more temptations facing our children than ever and especially more than when we, their parents, were in school. We should pray for their wisdom and protection. We should also pray scripture over them. We need to pray and confess that the Lord Jesus in our children is greater than Satan who is in the world. As our children hide God's Word in their heart, which they learned at home and in church, they will not sin against God. They will walk in righteousness and be a light for Jesus in their schools!
Wednesday - August 16, 2006 Pastor Carlton Williams is ministering tonight at church. He is a graduate of the School of the Local Church (now called Grace School of Ministry), and presently pastoring in his home town of London, England. He is a reminder to us to pray for our graduates. Not all of them are in third world countries or living in financial poverty. They are all in places of spiritual poverty and need our concern, love, and faith. If you attend Grace Church, I hope you plan on being in church this evening. I know you will be blessed to hear how God is moving in Europe during these difficult times. You can witness the results of your prayers for those who are ministering fearlessly under the constant threat of violence and terrorism because they know the One who has ultimately won!
Tuesday - August 15, 2006 I went to dinner tonight with the husbands of a group of wives who play Bunco (Loretta included). Ben Zimmerman, a long-time member of Grace Church, was there in his wheelchair, looking healthier than ever. He is believing God to be able to walk again without assistance. Someone asked him if he was using his ramp and he replied, "All the time." This was the ramp built by the makeover team from Grace. After his stroke, Ben and his wife were not able to fix up their house and were in need of help. The Grace team responded and made the house more "wheelchair friendly." He thanked me at the table and expressed his great appreciation for the men and women who came to help he and his wife. I could not help but think that this is one of the missions of the believer. To help Ben Zimmerman in his hour of need was to help the Lord Jesus Himself!
Loretta and I have noticed lately how few good movies are out. We have taken a gamble more than once and been disappointed in the films being produced today. It seems many studios have forgotten how to make a good movie. I think of people who do not know the Lord or are not close to Him and what they must do with their lives. Probably many of them look to things in life to give them happiness. Restaurants, sports, entertainment and movies are the source of their happiness. Well, I am glad, as you must be that movies and entertainment are not my source of happiness. I may not enjoy the movie, but my night is not wasted. I can still enjoy my relationship with God and all He has provided. Disappointments in life can make us even more appreciative of all God has given to us, both natural and spiritual. So if your day was not the best, life is still good because God is good!
The New Testament is strong on the fact that we all have a place where we fit into the body of Christ. First Corinthians 12 tells us that some are hands, some are eyes, some are ears and the rest of us make up the remainder of the body of Christ, the Church. I believe we also have a physical place we belong within the local church. I enjoy being around the ushers, greeters, communion servers and Sunday school teachers. The best thing is to see those who are so happy meeting the needs of others. They are more than an usher or greeter; they are a contented usher or greeter. They are fulfilled in their physical place inside the church. Have you found your place? There is always room for you. There are people waiting for you to find your place. If you attend Grace and are not plugged in, why not call the church and ask for Al Poncel's department (Outreach)? If you are a member of another church and have not become involved, contact the staff member who can help you become a part of touching the lives of others. When you make that decision, you will discover how happy you can be being a round peg in a round hole!
Thursday - August 10, 2006 I am ready for a break from this heat. Fall is only a few weeks away and I am already anticipating it. Yet, it reminds me we cannot live for the future. Jesus commanded us to live one day at a time. The weather may be hot, but it does not stop the faithfulness of God or the beauty of life around us. Some people don't like winter. Not everyone likes the Christmas season. We all have our favorite time of the year, but God is the God of the NOW. He is the Great I Am, not the Great Will Be. So, my word to you today is quit looking for tomorrow to be better and make this moment count. Be blessed by the beauty of nature today. Look out the window and count your spiritual and natural blessings. Circumstances are not the basis for your happiness. Having Jesus as your Savior and best friend is all you need for joy.
Wednesday - August 9, 2006 I have wondered how many of you read my blogs. I have recently received a number of emails saying you enjoy them. I have also received a few emails disagreeing with me or challenging my perspective on the Christian life. Well, I seem to be getting through. I am always blessed to hear how some small thought I give makes your day and helps you find victory in a trial of life. It assures me I am being led by the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your response. It is nice to know that my thoughts are being read and enjoyed.
The fighting in Israel today reminds me of the battles we all face as Christians. The news lately says that Israel was not aware of the strength of the enemy they are facing. About the time the Jewish nation thought they were close to defeating the incoming enemy, they were hit with hundreds of rockets traveling deeper into Israel than before. Have you ever thought you were just about to win a battle and the situation only got worse? We all have. The good news is, God knew ahead of time the battle would intensify and already has a solution. God is never taken by surprise and has a way of escape planned. All we need to do is remain in the fight and look through the eyes of faith. Our deliverance is only a short time away.
Today I read of a state legislature which is planning to push through a homosexual marriage act to force the state to accept the union of gay couples. The governor of the state then said he would approve it if it came across his desk. Do the citizens of the state count? Where is their voice? The article underscores the importance of praying for our leaders and voting for good state representatives and governors. Concern for our country and its direction is important, but prayer and action are best. We should also pray for good moral believers to run for office and help take control of the direction of our country. Our work is cut out for us and we cannot leave it in the hands of others. We have already done that for too long!
It has only been three weeks ago since a group of workers from our church helped repair a home and construct ramps for a man in our church who is partially disabled. It was a great blessing to him and his wife and as much of a blessing, if not more, to those who did the work. This is Christianity in action. Our skills and talents are given by God to be used to bless our spiritual family as well as provide for our natural family. We are already planning to work on another home in need of repair. If you cannot help us physically, please pray. Your faith in action through prayer is crucial to the acquiring of materials at great discounts and skilled workers volunteering for the labor. If you also know of someone in need of a home makeover in the Tulsa area, please call the church (252-1611) and ask to speak to Al Poncel (Director of Outreach at Grace Church).
Thursday - August 3, 2006 An article appeared the other day about a construction worker in Ireland who unearthed a leather book of the Psalms. It was quite a few hundred years old and the archeological society came to retrieve it quickly. It had to be sealed again quickly to preserve the quality of the paper. They said they may need to use x-ray to examine the pages, since exposure to the air may destroy the book in a short time. When the book was found, it was open to a Psalm speaking to the nations who will decide to come against Israel. God said in this Psalm He would protect the Jewish people. What a sense of humor and timing God has. No telling how many centuries the book has been buried, and God arranged to have it unearthed during this time of the attack of Islam against Israel. The God who has protected Israel will continue to do so until the coming of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday - August 2, 2006 The longer I live, the more it seems like time is speeding up. This summer has gone by in the blink of an eye. The teachers for Grace Christian School will be returning in another week and the students will be returning one week after that. This summer has been filled with great excitement for young people at Grace. The youth had a great summer camp and many were filled with the Spirit and rededicated their lives to the Lord. The children had a wonderful VBS and summer camp. Over 150 were born again and close to 100 were filled with the Holy Spirit. All the youth and children were kept safe and unharmed. I look forward to seeing them back in a few weeks, happy, healthy and closer to God.
After speaking in Texas last week at a Bible school for Spanish speaking nations, I gained a new appreciation for what God is doing in Latin countries. The world emphasis seems to be centered around Islam today and the inroads Christianity is making into their lands. Yet, God is blessing another groups of people right in our own back yard, the Hispanics. The young couples I ministered to are excited about their nations and beginning churches and Bible schools there. That excitement for the gospel and teaching the Word spilled over into their prayer time and praise service. They approach God with a great passion. In your prayers, please keep the ministers who will be entering Mexico and Central and South America before the Lord.
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