180 Movie

A new video released by Ray Comfort on the abortion topic is gaining popularity in the world of social media.

180 Movie changes several peoples opinion on abortion is minutes. This 33 minute long video links the Jewish Holocaust to how abortion is occurring in the United States.

Watch the video today and spread the world. I believe this is something everyone must see! But be warned, the video includes graphic content!

Persecuted Brothers and Sisters

Recently, I came across the "One With Them" Campaign where we are asked to stand one with the persecuted church. Everyday, our brothers and sisters in Christ are kidnapped, tortured, imprisoned or even sentenced to death for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. November 13, 2011 is being considered the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Just today, I heard that Iranian Pastor Youcef is being considered for the death penalty. Pastor Youcef was asked by a judicial board in Iran to recant his faith in exchange for the faith of his fathers (Islam). I'm asking you today to sign the ACLJ's petition to pressure Washington DC to act now for Pastor Youcef. The time to act is now!

Will you stand one with me for our persecuted brothers and sisters?

He's in Control

God is in control. Accidents are merely acts of of sovereign control to God. In Exodus 4:11 we read that God is the reason for all the deaf, mute and blind.

Sometimes life gets in our way. Things happen. The pressures of life can cause stress. It's in those times when we need to back up and take a look at everything thats happening. God is in sovereign control.

Today, I want you to pray to the Lord and commit this week to the Him. Remind Him, but more importantly remind yourself that He is the one in charge.

Be Holy like the Lord

The worst part about being in 1st and 2nd grade was when you got a word wrong on a spelling test. I remember like it was yesterday. When I got home, we were forced to write, write and write the words we got wrong. There's something about repetition. It makes it easier to learn.

Same goes for scripture. In the Bible, there are a total of at least 4 occurrences of the same theme: "Be holy, because I am holy."

God pushes us to be holy. Like Jesus said, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Pursue a more holy and righteous lifestyle, pray constantly, read the Word of God, and you will be filled with nothing but righteousness.

Daily Bible Readings

How many of you read your Bible? Let me re-phrase that. How many of you read your Bible on a daily basis? It's unfortunate, but most Christians don't.

According to the Barna Group, over the past 20 years, casual Bible reading (not counting church) has declined. Only 40% of adults now read their Bible on a weekly basis. This is a sad minority. It's time someone sends a message to Christians around the world.

Sadly, until about a year ago, I wasn't part of the minority. I was doing what a lot of so called Christians are doing. Once I did eventually start reading daily, I found new joys in God's word. I can honestly say that my life changed for the better, and I my prayer is that everyone would take the necessary steps to turn their lives around.

Daily Bible reading is part of the everyday Christian's routine. It's something we should practice out of habit. It's time to change those statistics. It's time to start walking the walk, instead of talking the talk. Faith without actions is dead, so get going!

Get Out

On this back to church Sunday, we need to be asking some very important questions about the church we attend. If your church ceased to exist in your community, how different would your community be?

Most churches these days aren't doing enough when it comes to community involvement. Whether it is walking in parades, volunteering at local food banks, or raising money for that family that lost their home in the recent fire, churches need to be doing these things to "step into the real world."

In doing this, we need to remember that no church community is perfect and that we all our working together to be the body of Christ. Casting Crowns puts it nicely:

"But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way"

What better time to start reaching, healing, teaching, and going then the start of a new church year? Churches, let's get our game faces on and get out!

New Age Atheism

Recently read an article about Richard Dawkins and his new approach to atheism. The Bible calls these people fools. No matter how you look at it they are being misled by Satan. Dawkins's theory tells the "new age thinker" to look specifically at the facts and make decisions based on science.

There is one major problem with this theory. According to science, bumble bee's can't fly. If a "new age thinker" is going to stick with the facts and make decisions solely on science, then bumble bee's can't fly.

I'm not sure about you, but I see them flying almost every summer day!

Let's pray for these "new age thinkers" and ask the Lord to speak with there hearts today.

Heed the Warning

With 2011 already shaping up to be the costliest year for natural disasters on record, we need to realize something bigger is working here. I want you to take a look at this years list of Federal Disaster Declarations. This list is compiled by FEMA and can be found here. As you can tell, it's quite an extensive list.

In Matthew Ch. 24, Jesus speaks of the signs of the times. As you are probably aware, the last sign he mentions are great natural disasters.

You've probably heard many pastors/teachers speak on this issue time and time again. If you're like many, it has probably been beaten into your brain so many times that you could scream.

For that reason, I'll only say this once: It's time to heed the warning.

"All these are the beginning of birth pains." -Matthew 24:8 NIV

Repent or Perish

"In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill." (Isaiah 30:25 NIV)

Interesting. For those of you who have Bible's, please turn to Luke ch. 13. If you're one of those people out there that aren't fortunate enough to have one, please contact me and I'll make sure you have one!

At the beginning of Luke 13 we find Jesus talking about a couple specific instances of death and great slaughter. The question came of of why these people died that way, and some even thought it was because they were worse sinners.

Jesus corrected them. It wasn't because they were worse sinners at all. In fact sin, has nothing to do with it. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But these people didn't die for nothing, there suffering was supposed to be a lesson to the rest. Repent or Perish.

It's time for us as nation to repent. In modern day American, many are fighting to remove "God Bless America" or "In God we Trust" from American culture. Some claim it to be an infringement of rights. In my opinion, we are not doing enough to honor our Lord.

As I stood there in front of the TV, 10 years ago, I couldn't help but ponder the awesome power of God.Even when it comes to suffering and destruction, He's still in control. I just hope this lesson was not in vain. I pray that our nation will turn around and understand it to be a sign of repent or perish.

Looking Back at 9/11

Tomorrow kicks off the 10th Anniversary for the September 11th Terrorist Attacks. This day is special not only in this nations history but for the rest of the world as well.

Looking back, I've realized that out of that horrible day came a great life lesson. I was a young boy in 2001. Watching the events of that day unfold live on the television was hard for me. Since that day, the images of people jumping from the towers have been etched into my head.

That day gave me a sense of thankfulness and respect for life. Life is short. Life is precious. Most importantly, you never know when your time is up. My prayer for you is that you would appreciate the breath of life God gave you, and that you would use your time today to honor Him!

Spread the Love

As September 11th steadily approaches, what is your mindset toward Muslims? Do you love Muslim's like Jesus calls us to do? In Matthew 22 we learn that we are called to love the Lord, and love people.

Christians share many beliefs with Muslims (one god, creation etc.) but in no way are the 2 comparable. Many people in today's society try and blend our religions in an attempt to bring peace and prosperity. The modern "chrislam" movement tries to take teachings from both the Bible and Koran.

This movement is nothing less then idolatry. In Exodus 3:14 God reminds us that He is who He is and nobody can change or water-down that fact. We are reminded that nobody can gain access to our Heavenly Father except through Jesus, in John 14:6.

There are many ways to express love without embracing their religion. Christians should feel a deep love, compassion and drive towards lost souls. Muslim's need our love and affection more than most people realize. All it takes is a simple act of kindness.

The Power of Fasting

Timing is everything. As fall begins to roll in, maybe you should start something new. I recently read a book by Jentezen Franklin about fasting. In my opinion he nails it!

More and more people in todays world are turning into "weekend-Christians," where there is a place and a time for Christianity. For most people that place and time where Christianity is accepted is Sunday morning church.

As we read the Bible, we learn that Christianity is a way of life. The rest of the world should be able to look towards a group of people and point out the Christians. If that were the case, would you be selected? Do you stand out from the crowd?

One of my favorite verses in the Bible reads as follows:

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." -Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

It's not every day we see mountains moving. According to Jesus, all Christians should have the power to 'move mountains'. Maybe it's because of our little faith? Or could it be were missing the point?

Fasting is key to a Christians life. The Bible doesn't speak of fasting as an option. Jesus gives us guidelines for 'when we fast' not 'if'!

I encourage you this fall to begin a fast. Weather it be a 1, 3, or 21 Day fast remember to do it for His Glory!

Meet Leonardo

I start my post today by asking a few basic questions:

1. Do you have food & water readily available for use today?
2. Do you have clothes to wear?
3. Do you have some type of shelter?
4. How about some type of transportation?

If you said yes to these basic questions, then consider yourself rich when compared to the rest of the world. Filthy rich!

Personally, I know a family that survives on less than $100 (US) per month!

Meet Leonardo!

He's my sponsor child I've been sponsoring through Compassion International. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the people at Compassion for doing what they do. Their love, care, and kindness give children like Leonardo a chance at a better life and a chance to learn about Jesus!

If you have any questions or concerns today regarding Compassion International or any other form of sponsorship, I encourage you to leave a comment below.

God First

Readings of the Bible this week bring us into the book of 2 Samuel to read and learn about the life and rule of David. Though David sinned (like we all do), he was said to be the apple of God's eye. As we review his life and actions throughout his rule we can learn how we too can become as right with God as David was.

David was pursued many times in his early life by Saul. He had several changes to kill his pursuer but David chose not to. It wasn't his anger that caused his actions, it was his wisdom. David had the wisdom to know that our leaders have God given authority to lead, and no matter how bad the situation seems to be, we should always ask God for direction.

The most important thing is David put God first! Do you always put Him first in your life?

On this Labor Day Monday, I pray this week that you will strive to put God first, just like David.

Praise God!

First off, I would like to thank everyone in my life who has encouraged and pushed me to pursue what God called me to pursue. Nothing is impossible when the Lord takes charge, and my big evangelistic plans God intends for me, I believe, are only the beginning of great years to come.

I'm reminded constantly of a verse in Jeremiah. It reads as follows:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" -Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

As I begin this new blog I'd like to give a big shout out to the Lord! I commit this to His will, and for His glory!