Near the Heart of God

God is all about people! Mankind was introduced as the pinnacle of creation and into him alone was breathed the breath of God. No other creature is described as being in the image of God. Jesus Christ came to earth to seek and to save lost people, not money, politics, or even the environment; PEOPLE!

Jesus then commissioned the Church to carry on His mission to reach the world with the Gospel “Good News” that God still loves humanity and desires to restore a beautiful perfect relationship with every person.

With such a massive mission that was begun by the perfect missionary (Jesus) it is easy to think, “I could never measure up to the enormity of the task or the talent required.” However, that is not what God is looking for.

 

I believe missions has never been about strength, talent or intelligence; mission work is all about an ability to understand God’s will and the faith to walk with Him wherever He leads. This requires living daily near the heart of God. 

We are so blessed that people just like this will be with us during this year’s Missions Conference. Missionaries Robert and Jody Hayton have been serving in the Zambezi River Valley of Sub-Saharan Africa for many years. I encourage all to come and share in the heart of this couple who live near to the heart of God.

Faith Promise Missions Conference February 19 - 23, 2014

Participate

Participation is at the heart of every good relationship. It is impossible to express real love and concern without participation. How can anyone ever feel the blessings of love without a genuine connection? This can take many forms and is necessary. Consider the “Good Samaritan” of Luke 10. The injured man realized no benefit because the Samaritan noticed his plight. It was when compassion carried help to the distressed man and participation rendered aid that the connection began making a difference.

Every relationship is different, yet, all require participation. Your child needs you to take some time to listen to her stories or celebrate his win in a game you don’t even understand. Your spouse needs to know they really do matter most to you by involvement in their life.

One day Jesus looked over Jerusalem, a city full of people that did not believe in Him and would eventually actively engage in His death, yet, filled with compassion not animosity or hidden hopes of evil for them, He wept over them and walked the road to redemption for them. That is LOVE expressed by participation.

Blessed Beyond Measure

I am a man blessed beyond measure. God is with me all the time and has promised one day soon, when my time is fulfilled to take me safely to my heavenly home. Completely forgiven and loved perfectly through all eternity.

Yet, that is not what I was thinking about when I was considering my blessings. I am unbelievably blessed with my amazing wife, Jackie and her love that envelopes me every day; with sons that I am so proud of and that share their love with me daily. I am blessed with family that extends well beyond our house with parents, siblings and extended family that share our joy. I am blessed with a church family that loves with a god-like love and that graciously share in life’s triumphs and tragedies, and is there with loving arms and encouraging words.

I am blessed to be a part of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God for you all and for your prayers and help. The blessings continue as my cancer indicators have continued to drop since radiation ended.

Thank you all for your love and patience, Merry Christmas and much love,

Season of Joy

Christmas Holidays can be hectic and stressful if I allow. That is in direct conflict with the announcement at Jesus’ birth. “And the angel said …I bring you good tidings of great joy...” Sometimes I have to stop and have a talk with myself and remember Joy is a birthright that Jesus brought me from heaven! To continue without joy is unacceptable; I remind myself that anything less is to treat the blessings of God disgracefully.

Lord help me to trust in your grace and enjoy the joy I am promised.

My Own Worst Enemy

Many times, I have faced decisions and felt pressures from every side; some of which work to undermine correct decisions. The worst part is that not all of those pressures originate outside. The most difficult influences to control are my own heart and mind. Our fears and desires can be more overpowering than our circumstances. In fact, sometimes we short-circuit our own processes and make terrible decisions before we even realize it; we have become our own worst enemy.

The ability to walk worthy of the Lord demands a true understanding of God’s desires for our lives.

The Bible verse that has guided my life and driven my ministry for many years is Colossians 1:10. 

 “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

I wish I could say that because of this verse all my decisions have honored God. Unfortunately, I cannot honestly say that. However, I do believe that many more have followed God’s will than would have if these words of God had not been an integral part of my thought process. I pray that I never stop “Increasing in the knowledge of God.”

"But Church Crabs" Video Clip

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THANKSGIVING

I am thankful for so much. God has blessed my life from the very beginning; growing up in a loving Christian family that understood and taught serving the Lord requires more than just lip service or wearing a cross around your neck. He has directed my life to acquire the necessary skills and training to serve God here. More than that, God has changed my heart, attitudes, and vision. I am happy to say that God has taught me mercy, grace, forgiveness and love; although I am sorry to say that too often, I was reluctant and resistant. Too many times God had to go to extreme lengths to make me what He needed me to be. Praise God that He chose to use wonderful caring people to make those changes in me. People like my wife Jackie, my sons Nate, Isaac and Luke, and so many others that have crossed my path or are still in my life. I thank God that He does not give up on me but continues His work tirelessly. My prayer is that my life and legacy will glorify the Lord forever.