WAS THE ANGRY BANKER WORTH AN HOUR PER WEEK?

  

  Every once in awhile, I hear a story which not only blesses my heart but inspires my soul. When my friend shared this story with me, I knew I had to share it with whomever happened to stumble upon this blog.

     Each week, I have the honor of teaching a team of evangelists in a predominantly Muslim country.  There is a pretty sizable time zone difference, so the class takes place via WhatsApp video, very early on Sunday morning and the teaching is done through an interpreter.  This is one of those outside of the box ministry opportunities I love being a part of.  

    For the safety of the team, I will omit the name of the country and the name of my friend as the main focus of their ministry is in the Muslim community. 

    A couple of years ago, my friend became aware of a man, a Muslim Banker, who was feared by everyone around him as he was a violent man with a mean temper.  God laid a burden, for the Banker, on my friend's heart so, under the guise of wanting to open a bank account, my friend visited the Banker and began to ask questions about banking.  

    After several visits, my friend and the banker became friendly and little by little a genuine friendship developed.  Notice, my friend did not go into the bank and begin proclaiming Jesus right away, first, he developed a relationship.  Through much prayer and patience, my friend was, eventually, able to share with the Banker a little about his faith, not in a proselytizing manner, but in conversation, as friends would normally discuss their personal lives.

    One day, undoubtedly by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, my friend asked the Banker if he would be willing to hold onto his Bible overnight, as my friend walked home through a heavily populated Muslim section of the city and feared harassment for carrying a Bible.  The Banker agreed to hold onto the Bible.

     My friend did not suggest the Banker read the Bible, he simply asked him to hold onto it. Night after night, my friend left his Bible with the Banker and eventually, curiosity got the better of the Banker and he began to read.  Each day my friend would retrieve his Bible and eventually conversations about the Banker's nightly readings took place. 

    Over a period of time, the Banker became a believer in Christ and is now involved with the evangelism team.  A soul was rescued from the clutches of hell because a brave man cared enough to invest time in making a disciple instead of trying to make a convert.

    Jesus commanded us to make disciples.  Making disciples requires an investment of time in the life of another.  This may be the single biggest problem with the modern church today:  we are not committed to spending time making disciples.  

    Jesus invested three years in the lives of His disciples, Paul invested time in Timothy, Priscilla and Aquilla invested in Apollos, the list goes on and on.  True legacy is investing in the the spiritual growth and maturity of others. 

    "I just don't have time," you may say.  When I consider the time I waste pursuing worthless things, it truly puts me to shame.  Who in your life is God prompting you to invest some time? Is this person's soul worth an hour or two per week?  

    My friend is a regular person, just like you, just like me, yet he knew God could do something amazing through him. 

Matthew 28:19-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus commanded us to make disciples, but, He also promised to be with us. What are you waiting for, my friend? Let's be disciple makers!

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

DID I JUST MEET A TIME TRAVELER??

     

This past weekend, I had the honor of being one of the guest speakers at the Place of Skulls 20th Anniversary concert. 

     We had an amazing event and were blessed to meet some really great people.

                                             

      The trip, itself, was not without incident, but, the strangest encounter, by far was a reunion of sorts:

      As my wife and I pulled up to the venue, Essential Church in Huntsville AL, I noticed a guy waiting to cross the street and I thought, "I recognize that guy."  I have never been to Huntsville before, mind you.  

    As we walked up to the door, the guy I had seen in the street was standing there waiting to go in.  I was greeting the attendees and went up to the man and said, "we've met."  And this is where things start to get weird.  The man said, "yep, I remember you, it's been a lot of years!"  Because often I get mistaken for other people, I kind of dismissed the idea, welcomed the guy to the show and went inside.

    As scheduled events often do, there were some last minute changes and I was told I would be opening the show with a message, rather than closing, so I walked to a lighted area to review my notes.  Lo and behold, the same guy is where I was heading and he says, "You still got that same walk, huh?"  So, now, my curiosity is peaked, and I finally asked him, "where did we meet?"  He looked at me for a moment and said, ominously, "Chattanooga", then nodded his head for emphasis.  I thought, "no way, I haven't been to Chattanooga since 1986!"

   Dubious of the whole encounter, I asked, "where in Chattanooga?" and the answer was certainly not at all what I was expecting!  You see, in 1986, at the age of 18, I was in a tiny little bar outside of Chattanooga getting my first tattoo.  This guy, apparently, remembered me from that bar!  How? I can not even begin to guess.

    As we talked out the details, neither one of us looking anything like we did in 1986, it was clear, this guy knew stuff he could not have made up. My wife postulated an explanation as good as any other - This guy was a time traveler who came back in time to mess with my head!

    My wife mused, "what if he was you from the future having a good laugh."  I thought that would be something, maybe because of the Mandela Effect, time travelers are afraid to alter history so they only use the technology to mess with themselves and loved ones! 

    Because the man is 65, for my wife's theory to be true, we would have to master time travel in the next 13 years. Since the guy was a few inches taller than me, I thought, maybe it was my son Daniel, 48 years from now.  Daniel is the only person I know who would use time travel technology to go back in time just to mess with someone's head (my head in particular) and have a good laugh about it!

    Obviously, neither I, nor my wife, actually believe in time travel, but, what if...

    The point of this story is, there are plenty of events and situations we find ourselves in which defy explanation.  There is a whole unseen realm governed by the One who transcends time and space. We are mostly  unaware of what is happening in the spirit realm.  

    God is not unaware: 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

    For us, what seems like chance encounters are often divine appointments. Followers of Jesus should expect the unexpected and realize, what we call supernatural is God's natural.  

    If your spiritual life is a little stale, a little stagnant you probably need to spend some time in prayer seeking God's power and direction. God has so much more for you than a mundane boring existence.  

    Learn to expect the unexpected and be prepared to go wherever God leads... you probably won't be meeting time travelers, but scripture says you may entertain angels! 

    I hope you are up for the challenge! 

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

MESSENGER - IN TO WIN - ALBUM REVIEW

Every once in a while, I come across a band I have never heard of and... really like.  Messenger is one of those bands.  I am pretty sure you will like them too.

    Messenger is a power/prog/melodic metal band with clean vocals and a fresh unique sound.  This is not, by any means, a "sounds like" or "if you like so and so you will love Messenger" band; Messenger has a distinct style blending musical influences from the 70's, 80's and today.  

    Messenger is based in Washington DC and is composed of Frank Clifton Herring - vocals/bass, Vlad Gurin - guitar and Michael John Hoover  - drums.  Studio musicians Rich Sandoval and Mike Zahorchak contributed bass and drums, respectively, for In To Win.

    In To Win, as an album overall, evokes the ethos of noble warriors who have been battle tested and stand firm in the knowledge theirs is a righteous cause.  Most songs on this album, according to the band, deal with "conflict and the response to conflict" and I would have to agree.  The listener cannot help but be inspired to aspire to something greater than the regular mundane day to day experience. Our Christian life should never be boring, and albums like In To Win remind us to not settle for mediocre.  

    From the first track, Time Machine, there is no doubt this album rocks.  Herring's call to "Kick it!" sets the tone and pace, not only for the opening, but for the whole album.  Immediately, the listener notices the care put into the musical quality.  Excellent guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section and top notch vocals are sure to please the most critical ear.

     The onslaught continues with Blind-Sided. A heavy hitter crafted around the inspiring guitar riffs of Vlad Gurin.  This song, both musically and lyrically reflects the the challenges we face when our plans are interrupted by unexpected circumstances.  Being a faith based band has it's definite perks, spiritually speaking, as the Holy Spirit certainly showed up in the lyrics, ministering, not only to the listener, but to the musicians as well.  

    The third track, Take Flight slows down the pace a bit, demonstrating the band's versatility and highlighting Herring's vocal range.  Vocally, I would put Herring in the category of  Rob Rock or Stairway's Graeme Leslie, for range and tone. Hearing Herring, dynamically paired with the uber-talented guitar work of Gurin, one can feel the chemistry, comparable to early Joe Perry and Steven Tyler.  

    The fourth track, Give a Shout!, is nothing but fun. I would expect this to be the opener to a live show. A driving onslaught which commands the audience, "If you like what you're hearing, give a shout!",  evokes a vision of hundreds of leather clad revelers raising a fist in the air and shouting along with the band. A perfect song, given the motif of the overall album. 

    The next track, my favorite, Crows and the Hawk, deals with the very sensitive and timely topic of racial unity in a world that seems to have forgotten we are one race... the human race.  Meticulously crafted, this song is backdropped by a single beat, enhanced by the intentional guitar work fashioned after Eastern European folk music. CATH highlights the international flavor and influences of Gurin, adding to the overall freshness and unique sound that is Messenger

    While every song on this album is worth a listen or ten, the last song I want to mention is Satan's Nightmare. This radio worthy song begs to be listened to at maximum decibels.  Starting off with an unmistakable modern sound, there are plenty of change ups and memorable riffs, along with catchy lyrics and chorus. The musical change up is reminiscent of Guns and Roses, where more than one song and style is detected.  

    In To Win is a winner overall.  I tested this album by listening to it three times in a row and enjoyed it as much on the third listen as I did on the first, which is very rare for me.  Another thing I noticed is I did not find myself skipping any tracks on the third listen, also rare for me.  

     To learn more about Messenger or to order directly from the band, please check out this link  Messenger Official Site  

    If you are looking for a worthy addition to your musical library, you will not want to miss out on In To Win by Messenger.  Don't forget to play it loud!!

Now go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

    

THE WORLD IS IN CHAOS? STAND FIRM IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

   

 How well do you know Jesus?  Think about this question for just a moment.  Sure, you can read about Jesus in the Bible and listen to one of millions of messages or read one of millions of books about Jesus, but how well do you really know Jesus?

      Peter spent about 3 years with Jesus. Saw all the miracles, heard all the inside teaching and watched the Man live life, yet, Peter came to a stunning and devastating realization one morning, in a courtyard: he did not really know Jesus.

       Picture the scene, Jesus has just spent hours instructing 11 of His closest followers about what would soon happen. Peter declares, "even if I must perish with you, you shall not be taken away." Yet,only a few hours later, Jesus has been arrested and three times Peter denies even knowing Jesus. Why did Peter deny Jesus? Sure, he was afraid, but why was he afraid? Ultimately, Peter did not believe Jesus was in control of the situation.

      If we truly believe God is in absolute control, we really should never live in fear.  Remember Jesus' frustration when the Disciples were terrified of the storm while at sea? Jesus was peacefully asleep while his followers had a little freak-out because they thought the boat they were in was about to be destroyed by the storm.  Jesus spoke the words, "Be Still!" as much to the storm as He did to His frightened followers.  

      For God to be God, He must be all knowing, all powerful and good.  It is very easy to give intellectual ascent to the idea of an all powerful, all knowing, and all good God, but, putting intellectual ascent into practice may be another matter, entirely.  

      Currently, the entire world is facing unprecedented upheaval.  The COVID 19 pandemic has touched every corner of our planet,  changing how we do almost everything.  Geological events are ramping up as dormant volcanoes are rumbling to life and earthquakes are increasing in strength and frequency.  

    Politically speaking, uncertainty is the best word to describe current conditions. Who will be sworn in as President of the United States on January 20th?  It depends on who you listen to.  Undoubtedly, election fraud has been committed, however, can the level of fraud be determined and proven in time to overturn the election results?  

     Added to the mix is crazed legions of arm chair prophets, prognosticating the latest "message from Jesus, Himself!"  YouTube and social media are rife with the contradictory messages of  modern day, self proclaimed, prophets, as the faithful seek answers and order during increased turmoil and uncertainty.

     There is no denying, chaos seems to be the order of the day, however, seems is the operative word.  As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we have certain assurances.  Right now, you may feel as if you are on a small boat ravaged by a ferocious storm.  You may be wondering if you will survive or if God is even aware of what is happening.  

     Having a solid personal relationship with God is paramount to standing firm during these times of upheaval and uncertainty. Remember the Disciples' fear and surprise in the storm tossed boat? Remember Peter's bravado turned to cowardice? All the result of not really knowing and consequently not trusting, God.  

     There are some practical steps to supernatural peace and joy, especially during trying times:

1. A regular and intentional time of prayer. Talking to God is the          best way to get to know Him.

2. A regular time of Bible reading, meditation, and memorization.        Learning key passages will protect you from fear and doubt.

3. A regular time of worship. Recounting the glories of God helps 

    us keep His power and faithfulness in proper perspective.

4. Fellowship with other believers.  Knowing you are not alone and      drawing on the strengths of others is essential. 

   God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, God's word assures us His perfect love drives out fear.  Nothing taking place in the world today, nor in your personal life, for that matter, has taken God by surprise.  Do you trust Him?  I mean really trust Him?  Are you assured God is in your corner?  If you know Him, you will trust Him.  If you trust Him, you will experience joy and peace, even as the world seems to spin out of control. God's got you and He's got this, whatever this happens to be in your life.  Fear not, for Christ is with us, even to the end of the age.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

WHY SHOULD I OBSERVE THE JEWISH FEAST OF TABERNACLES (SUKKOT)?

     

     

    Did you ever wonder why God gave His people feasts to observe for all generations? Each feast commemorates something specific and most have to do with agricultural events. There were spring feasts and fall feasts. The feasts were not suggestions for the children of Israel, but commands. In fact, for 3 feasts, each year, every Hebrew male was required to present himself before God, at the Temple in Jerusalem.

    Was this something God did just to keep everyone busy or was there a deeper purpose?

     As we study scripture, we quickly learn, from the earliest chapters of Genesis, the Bible is God's story of the fall and redemption of mankind.

     We are all familiar with the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. After Adam and Eve rebelled, God provided covering for them with animal skin and promised, in Genesis 3, the Seed of Woman would defeat Satan, once and for all.

      Next, in Genesis 6, man's bloodline was corrupted by rogue angelic beings who rebelled against God and impregnated human women, forming a corrupt race of giants. To preserve the human bloodline, necessary to fulfill His promise in Genesis 3, God wiped the earth clean with a flood and restarted humanity through Noah, a man, we are told, who was "perfect in all his generations." Perfect in all his generations was not referring to Noah's good behavior but, rather, his undefiled genetics.

     Not long after the flood, man rose up in rebellion against God and built a tower, in an effort to declare independence from God. God destroyed the work, confused the languages and ultimately, divided the earth into nations.

      Contemporary with the time immediately after the Tower of Babel debacle, God called a man named Abram and promised to establish a mighty nation through him and by this mighty nation, God also promised to bring redemption to mankind.

     Notice the pattern, man rebels yet God makes a way for man to be in fellowship with Him. In the same way, God gave us remembrances to remain mindful of Him and of the promises He made. The Feasts of Israel were given for just such a purpose.

     One feast, the Feast of Tabernacles, also referred to as Sukkot, is a time set aside by God for His children to commemorate. As Christ followers, we are not commanded, at this time, to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, but as Christ followers we get to keep the Feast!

You may ask, "why would I want to?" Well... let me tell you.

     For Israel, Sukkot commemorates God's preserving the nation through 40 years of wandering in the desert, on the way to the Promised Land. For the follower of Christ, it is a good reminder of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as God tabernacles with us through the indwelling.

     Many may not know this: the Feast of Tabernacles is the one feast every nation will be required to observe during the Kingdom age. Zechariah 14:16-19 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

     When Messiah comes, all nations will be required to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and every nation will be required to send a representative to Jerusalem for the feast each year. Any nation not sending a representative will receive no rain for a year.

     God, obviously thinks the Feast of Tabernacles is a pretty big deal. If God thinks it's a big deal, we probably should too. Unfortunately, many believers have no idea about most of the feasts of the Lord.

     The most exciting part about the Feasts of the Lord is the connection to the ministry of Messiah. The Spring Feasts: Passover, First Fruits and and Pentecost all found fulfillment in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. On Passover He died (Lamb of God), on First Fruits He rose (First born from the grave) and on Pentecost the Church age began (ingathering of the Wheat).

     It only stands to reason, the fall feasts will find fulfillment when Messiah comes to establish His Kingdom. Many scholars believe Messiah was born during the Feast of Tabernacles and will return on the Feast of Tabernacles to rule and reign for 1000 years. God's physical presence, in the person of Messiah, shall dwell, or tabernacle, with His people. Israel shall be restored - all twelve tribes. Peace will not only exist in Israel but will emanate from Jerusalem, the City of Peace.

     When one considers all the meaning God packed into the Feast of Tabernacles, it becomes apparent this is a feast worth observing. In a few days, Orthodox Jews all over the world will be putting up temporary shelters and enjoying a week of great fellowship and mirth. I still remember seeing booths made of palm fronds decorating the driveways of an Orthodox neighborhood I worked in, many years ago, in South Florida. The families observing the feast would eat meals in the booths and invite friends and relatives over for festivities.

    For 2024, Sukkot begins at sundown on October 16th and runs through October 23rd. If you get a chance, set aside at least one of those days, have a meal outside in a pavilion or under a dining tent and ponder God's promise to one day tabernacle among us. Spend some time in the Torah, have a little worship, enjoy a little fellowship and look up for our redemption is nigh.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

DO YOU HAVE THE CHARACTER OF AN ANCIENT SPY?

    

         What's up with character anymore?  Judging on who we elect to public office these days, character doesn't seem to matter to most of us.  This is a very sad state of affairs, indeed.

        Character used to mean something, character used to be a tangible trait by which we could value or trust someone. I remember growing up with role models like The Lone Ranger, who exuded strength and confidence, fueled by high standards and moral convictions. Our role models of yesteryear were men and women who defeated evil with good, never blurring the lines between right and wrong.

       Good character engenders trust, or at least, it used to. Today, character almost seems a whimsical ideal for suckers, satisfied with finishing last. Where have our upstanding leaders gone?  I can hear the All in the Family theme song as I write these words... indeed, those were the days.

        I fear we have traded character for expediency. Those we send to Washington to represent us do not exactly ring the bell of moral fortitude or self sacrifice for the good of others.  Unfortunately, when we send those of low character to represent us, it reveals more than we may realize about our own character.

        These thoughts came to me as I was studying in Joshua chapter 2 (go read it, it won't take more than a few minutes). 

     Well, in case you didn't go read it just now, I'll recap:  Joshua, now the military leader of Israel, sent two spies into the land of Jericho. You are probably familiar with the story, they are hidden by a prostitute, then, weeks later the Israelites march around the city, the walls fall down and there is great victory. 

        As I read through this passage, I began to wonder, why would this prostitute help these spies, spies who worked for people she knew would destroy her country.  I began to consider her situation. I am sure Joshua, a man of great character, himself, would not have sent men of low character to spy out the land. The last time Israel was less than discriminate in sending spies, it cost them 40 years and millions of lives.  

     So here is what I deduced.  Rahab, the aforementioned prostitute, was, well, just that, a prostitute. Generally, in her culture, in that time, prostitutes ran the local inn, sort of a one stop shop kind of thing.  Anyway, as the local prostitute, Rahab was most likely not treated very well by the men of the city.  Joshua's spies show up and these guys are men of character. These men do not come to Rahab for a fun night of indulgence, they come to the inn for a good night's sleep with their mind on the task before them.  Rahab probably did not come in contact with men who treated her respectfully very often. 

      We know from the text, in Joshua 2, the people of Jericho are well aware the Israelites serve the One True God.  Rahab knows the religion of her city and she knows how the men who live in her city treat her.  Rahab most likely saw something different in these spies who served God. These men, who came to destroy her city, demonstrated behavior with which Rahab was not familiar. These men probably represented God well and made an impact on this woman, an impact which most likely saved their lives.

        This is why character counts.  If you are a professed follower of Christ, people are watching your life. People may very well be evaluating Jesus based on how you live and treat others. 

         In the scripture above, a prostitute's life is not only redeemed, but, we learn later, this same prostitute ends up in the genealogy of Jesus Christ!  Now, how's that for redemption?

         Are you living life for you or for God. If you are out for yourself, you will inadvertently hurt others, there is no such thing as live and let live in the real world.  There is no victimless crime in real life.  We do not sin in a vacuum.  Our choices, good and bad, affect others, often those we love most. 

       The Psalmist wrote:  Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

     Our prayer should be the same. So, I ask you, do you have the character of an ancient spy? Do others see God in your daily life and behavior?  Like the aforementioned spies, you may be the only representation of Jesus someone may encounter.  

      Yes, character still counts.  We should demand it of ourselves and those we send to represent us.  Be strong and of good courage, dare to pray Psalm 139:23-24.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!     

THE SUPERNATURAL BIBLE

     Is your faith boring? 

     Let's be honest for a second... do you find yourself easily bored by church and Bible sermons?  Do you feel as if there is a spiritual void in your life, even though you go to church regularly, pray and even read your Bible some?  

     Do you have a sense of a world beyond what we experience?  I am not talking about heaven,or the after-life I am talking about an unseen realm where the rules of time and space may be a bit different.

    As we read scripture, we catch glimpses, here and there, of supernatural beings we do not really understand. We read about events or descriptions of visions which are outside our frame of reference, therefore, we pass over these passages, without really thinking about them.  

      When was the last time you heard a sermon on Ezekiel's vision of a wheel?  When was the last time you heard a pastor elaborate on Psalm 82:1 where it says, "God as taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods He holds judgement."

      So often, we have filtered the Bible through a Western mindset and forget it was written by men who accepted the supernatural as part of God's natural order. 

      Why do we accept a young shepherd boy was able to slay a giant with a sling and stone, yet, we balk when someone suggests angels mated with humans and created a race of hybrid giants?  Did you ever stop to wonder where Goliath came from in the first place?

      Churches and Sunday schools readily teach about Elijah being taken up in a chariot of fire, yet we do not get many lessons on Ezekiel's encounter with, what can only be understood as, a powered craft of some kind. 

       I wonder how we got away from the more supernatural aspects of scripture and who decided it was OK to ignore parts of scripture because they are too difficult to understand.  

      The one thing we must keep in mind, the Bible was given to us by an all powerful, all knowing Being from beyond our confines of time and space.  God exists extra-dimensionally from us and to think God is the only being who exists extra-dimensionally from us is foolish.

       Humans, generally speaking, are limited to understanding things for which we have a frame of reference.  We can understand eternity future because we are destined to live forever.  Eternity past is not so easy, since we have, and everything we experience has, a definitive beginning.   

       Do not allow difficult to understand passages of scripture deter you from studying and learning.  Do allow doubt to creep into your mind because parts of scripture seem to conflict with your understanding of the natural order.  The Bible comes to us supernaturally from a supernatural Source, so, of course there will be things beyond our understanding of the natural order.

      Imagine how the Apostle John felt when he was given visions of our future with all of it's tech.  We do not have to imagine Ezekiel's reaction when he encountered, and traveled in, an extra-dimensional craft, he tells us himself he was in such great shock from the experience he couldn't speak for seven days.

     Please don't take my word for this stuff!  Check it out for yourself and prove me wrong... if you can.  I promise, if you begin to look at scripture from the perspective and worldview of the writers, rather than the perspective of our modern lenses, Bible study will be a great new adventure of wonder and awe.  Hopefully, this new perspective will define how you look at the world around you, as well.  

      Bible study and spiritual growth should affect your worldview and lifestyle, not vice versa.  Pray before you study, ask God for wisdom and proper perspective. Ask God to make it real and relevant, I promise He will!

     Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

       

     

ARE YOU CALLED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

     

     Are you feeling unsettled?  Are you searching for meaning? Throughout history, extreme conditions have led ordinary people out of obscurity and into great purpose. A purpose not born of self promotion or desire, instead a prominence born of duty and faith.  

       In the book of Esther, we find a woman whom history would have ignored if not for her courage to answer the call of duty in a time of crisis.  

        You may be familiar with the story of Queen Esther, she was a Jewish woman (most likely a teenage girl) who was chosen, by the godless king of the Persian empire, as the replacement for his rebellious wife.  Shortly after Esther's appointment, a plot to eradicate the Jews from the empire was launched by a pompous government official named Haman. Mordecai, Esther's uncle, discovered the plot and implored Esther to intercede on behalf of her people. Up to this point, Esther had not revealed her heritage and was afraid to approach the king.  Mordecai's words may be among the most important aspects of this account: 

Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

      Mordecai knew the promises of God would not allow the Jewish people to be eliminated.  Mordecai knew God would bring deliverance for His people, furthermore, Mordecai was convinced deliverance would come through the intervention of his niece, who was elevated to the position of Queen for this very purpose.

     Today, we are facing a crisis none could have predicted.  What is God speaking to your heart right now? Do you have a special talent or ability for such a time as this?  Are you being prompted by God to step out and do something different, for such a time as this? 

     Peter stepped out of the boat into tumultuous conditions.  David stepped onto the world stage, out of obscurity, only when a monster threatened God's people.  Gideon, a virtual nobody, stepped up and delivered his people from enemy hordes.  

     Are you sensing God's call to step out in faith for such a time as this?  

      Queen Esther did not just jump and run, she spent a good deal of time in prayer and she enlisted the prayers of others.  What is the burden God is laying on your heart? Does it seem too big to accomplish on your own?  It probably is, however, this is when the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 comes into play:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

     If God is calling you to do something, He will provide you with all the resources, strength and personnel you will need to accomplish His purpose. 

    Make no mistake, God does not need you, He does want you however.  As Mordecai stated, God will accomplish His purpose, with or without you. Yes but, at what cost to you?  Are you willing to sacrifice peace and purpose on the altars of fear or sloth?

   The Revolutionary, Thomas Paine, said, "these are the times that try men's souls."  Is God trying your soul today? Extraordinary times call for ordinary people who are willing to allow God to do extraordinary things through them.  Are you up for the calling? Are you ready to step up and out?  Are you ready to be used by God for such a time as this?

    Now is the time and here is the place for you to put your faith into action and allow God to use you for such a time as this.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

DABSTER GENTLEMEN - ANSWERS - CD REVIEW

       Once in a while, something new and cutting edge comes along, something which defies tradition and stands up in defiance against the mundane.  The much anticipated release of Dabster Gentlemen's  second album, Answers, is a refreshing breath of fresh air.  Answers remains true to the genre defying style fans fell in love with in Death or Life , this time, adding a little electric into the mix.  

       Uber talented master composer Myles Barfield creates a spirited musical experience, combined with the distinct vocals and lyrical profundity of the legendary Dale Thompson. Added to the mix is new comer Skipp Phipps, adding his talents to this already extraordinary collaboration to deliver something truly unique and most importantly, honoring to God. 

       From the first track - Take Me To The River, the listener is immersed in a fun, nostalgic, romp imbued with the innocence of the Jesus movement of the early 1970's.  A wise choice for an opener as it immediately catches the listener's attention. The most single worthy song on the album sets the pace for what is to come and what follows does not disappoint.

       First Breath Today, the second track has a definite southern rock/mountain music vibe. This fun rocker demonstrates the versatility in Barfield's compositional prowess.  

Next up, Strange Fire is rollicking fun, and a bit tongue in cheek, lyrically reminiscent of Thompson's solo work with the Kentucky Cadillacs. 

     Dabster slows down and gets serious for a moment with Miracle which is a bit darker and contemplative.  Single worthy in it's own right, Miracle demonstrates the depth and strength of the bands talent.

    Hallowed Be Thy Name is two parts sacred hymn one part praise and worship and evokes a style reminiscent of early Native American musical traditions. Definitely a top prospect for second single. 

     Three Don'ts gets a little Calypso.  A rollicking reminder of our standing in Jesus Christ.

      Jesus Knows Where We Are is a nod to Dale Thompson's roots as a rock and roll superstar, recounting a show so loud, the police came and shut it down.  This track sports a funky groove reminiscent of Bob Dylan's 115 Dream.  

       More Like Jesus is a veritable poetry slam set to a most fitting musical background.  

      Straight Is The Gate is an easy flowing jazzy piece reminiscent of Henry Mancini's Pink Panther work.  

      Of Halloween has an 80's pop rocker sound and takes a bold stand on a sometimes controversial subject.  This track musically captures a fun, eerie tone, evoking childhood memories of  Disney's Haunted Mansion.

     The album wraps up where it began with a little nostalgia.  Bonus track All Roads Lead Home, is a reminiscence of a more innocent time. Barfield lays the perfect musical foundation as we get a sneak peek into Dale Thompson's musical heritage.  


      Answers will appeal to the casual listener as well as the most discerning connoisseur.  Compositionally eclectic, Dabster Gentlemen daringly blends styles most would never deign attempt and they pull it off. Combining the, decidedly not hard rock, compositions with the raspy powerfully high range vocals of Dale Thompson  produces a fun yet musically mature experience no one could have predicted.   

        If you are looking for a musical experience like none other, or are looking to add to your Dabster Gentlemen collection click here

CORONA VIRUS AND THE BELIEVER’S RESPONSE AND RESPONSIBILITY

Adapted from a message from the Fringe March 14, 2020

     I think it would not be over-dramatic to say we are living in unprecedented and historic times.  We are living in a time our grandchildren will learn about in history classes, should the Lord tarry.

     We are seeing the world around us change in ways never imagined in our age of freedom and plenty - quarantines, travel restrictions, shelter at home orders, financial collapse of the world's economies and, of course, the ever present threat of infection. 

     As believers in Christ, how do we respond to this kind of turmoil?  Some are declaring this pandemic to be the end of the world, others are ignorantly claiming some kind of supernatural protection for followers of Christ.  Most, however, are merely trying to understand how Covid 19 will continue to affect their lives.

     As a nation and a world, we have faced unprecedented tragedies in the past. World War I  cost millions of lives. Hundreds of years before WWI, the Black Plague wiped out almost 60% of Europe.  God did not allow the us to go extinct, despite Satan's best efforts. God's word holds promises and if you study scripture, you will see, this is not the end of the world, nor will it be the end of mankind

DO NOT PANIC

    Right now, it is important to not panic. Though Chaos may be all around us, God is in Control. The Bible talks to us about fear:

      Isaiah 41:10 - So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

Philippians 4:6-7  - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus

  So, we see a passage from the Old Testament and a passage from the New Testament, telling us not to fear nor to be anxious, but to trust God for peace and security.  On the testimony of two witnesses, a matter is established and we find here, the testimony of both the old covenant and the new covenant. And, also, we have the very words of Jesus: 

Matthew 10:29-31 - are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

   

God fully knows what we need. We do not have the luxury of seeing the future, we can only see now. The past is closed to us, sealed, unalterable. The future is invisible and unknowable. We are relegated to the immediate. God, on the other hand is in tomorrow, and next week and next month and next year. In fact, God is already in the last day of this creation. So, who are we going to trust? ourselves, the news man - who may or may not have an agenda, the politicians - whose main goal is gaining or retaining office?


This is the time, if there ever was one, for believers to crawl into God's pocket and to seek Him diligently. Throw off anything hindering your relationship with God.

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

     

What in your life is keeping you from fully surrendering to God? Is it pride, a pet sin, a self sufficient attitude, or even a sense of unworthiness? Whatever it may be, today is the day, now is the time, to cast off the weight and come home to your Father who loves you.


At the same time, we cannot sit back and do nothing, simply expecting everything to work out for us. I have seen some very irresponsible people on social media, saying stupid things like, "As long as you trust Jesus, you can't get the virus." Guess what, God's people get sick and God's people die, just like everyone else.


Be smart, limit your exposure, follow the protocols, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer. Take common sense precautions. Don't take stupid unnecessary risks, but at the same time, be open to the leading of God.


In the book of I Kings 17:7-15 we find a very encouraging and applicable account of God's leading during a national crisis. I encourage you to take the time to read through the passage and see what God speaks to your heart. The full message this post is adapted from can be found here:

     
     

I must confess, I do not know what tomorrow holds concerning this virus, but God does. I do not know what God has planned for you and your life, but God does.


Are you ready to cast off all things hindering you from hearing the voice of God? Are you ready to trust and obey?

     We are truly living in historic times. We are living in an unprecedented time, fraught with speculation, misinformation and agenda driven manipulation.  Fear not, for God is with you.

       The real question you have to ask yourself is, do you trust God?  After 9/11, churches filled up and unfortunately the rise in attendance lasted only a few short weeks. People went back to life as normal.  Did business driven churches see dollar signs instead of souls and fail those who came seeking answers? Possibly to some degree, but also, the crisis ended quickly and life resumed normalcy, consequently, the sense of needing God's protection diminished.  

     Please, whether this crisis continues, slowly ends or somehow life returns to normal, do no let go of the sense of urgency you feel right now.  We often run to God when we perceive danger, do not drift away from God after the sense of danger passes.  

     If you are a follower of Christ, you do not have cause for fear because you serve a God who transcends time, not just the past, the future as well.  Place your feet where He leads, love one another, be kind and helpful to those who are terrified.  

     This is a grand opportunity for God's people to step up and live out our faith, serving and comforting those who are afraid or in need.  Your may find your words have little affect in comforting others, but, your actions, your remaining calm, your kindness and generosity, these things will speak volumes.  

         This crisis may be an opportunity to forge new relationships and a way we can show how true love is action which expects nothing in return.  Listen to God, do not get caught up in emotionalism

     Do you trust God today, believer? Then do what He says. Show others the hope you have in Christ.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!!