Thursday, December 29, 2011

From this mornings devotional - (without comment)

The Need for Fresh Anointing – By R. T. Kendall

Our reward in heaven will not be determined by yesterday’s anointing but by today’s fresh anointing. I will not receive a reward for how well I preached, how many thousands I reached or blessed, or even how many people were converted under my ministry. To be rewarded for my gifts is nonsense! “For who makes you different from anyone else?  What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor. 4:7).
God is not going to reward me for the ability He alone gave me. My reward is heaven (may God grant that there is such) will come entirely by whether I practiced what I preached: walked in the light, dignifying the trial, totally forgiving others, and placing utmost priority on my intimacy with him.

And yet my continued effectiveness here below is also determined by my hearing God’s voice today. If my anointing given me yesterday is replenished by a fresh anointing that comes by the way I live personally and privately, I will continue to hear God speak and will know His will daily. I will not miss what he wants of me or what He wants me to see around me. I can think of nothing worse than missing out on what God is doing. And yet my knowledge of the Bible will not in and of itself guarantee that I recognize what He is up to today.

We must all learn to distinguish the difference between what is important and what is essential – always do the latter. Whether with our use of time, money, our diaries, or social relationships, the issue is what is essential and being sure we do what is essential. Yesterday’s anointing is important; but today’s fresh anointing is essential.

Excerpted from The Anointing: yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (Charisma House, 2003)

Thursday, December 22, 2011


“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Praying together on Monday 12/18/11

Abba,

As we approach Christmas, how easily it is for us to become selfish and self-absorbed. Focusing on myself, forgive me. It is the season of giving, and you gave the ultimate gift, you gave your one and only Son for people just like me. Thank you!

I see the ads on TV and radio, which encourage us to spend money we don’t have, to buy giftS for people we don’t like, so that they might think well of me. Forgive my poor attitude. What would my life be like if you had not cared for me? May I convey your love, not as a ‘man’ or people pleaser, but from a pure heart.

Remember those I pray, whose gifts will be meager if at all. That home where there will be no feast or for that matter even a tree to decorate our home. May Your presence be there even if there are no gifts to present. May there be a sense of thanksgiving for knowing you and the life that lies before us. We have no idea what lies ahead of us, or where you will lead us to with the rest of our lives. May we embrace it by faith, even as we wonder, “why now and this way?

Jesus, this is not a complaint, nor a doubt of your goodness or mercy, you make all things possible, and we walk in the light of goodness. Thanks you for feeding us by the still waters; for restoring my soul even now. I ask Your blessing on those who are tried at this busy time of year; for those who are fighting for others who won’t fight for themselves.

Bless these who are helping to feed the hungry and finding ways to help provide even a single toy for that child who won’t otherwise get one. We see the need and want so much to help, to change the system that doesn’t care for the less fortunate. Thank you for leading us to where the greatest need is. Thank you for those who have and have not forgotten what it is to go without, because we where there once and not so long ago.

I pray a special blessing upon those who will lead congregations in worship this coming Sunday morning, some will close their doors, in deference to ‘times in which we live,” bless them as well. Help me not to judge them, but to love them as you have loved me.

Holy Son of God, I thank you for being willing to become one just like me. To know my world and my life; to live among a world filled with sin, but to walk among us by the power of your desire to become the sacrifice for my (our) sin, by the power of the Holy Spirit; to go to an undeserved death so that I (we) could be redeemed. “Rising you justified, freed me forever, and one day your coming back, oh glorious day!”

Abba, I thank you for these my brothers and sisters who have giving their lives for your service, bless them with gifts that enable them to accomplish Your purpose in their and their families lives. Surround them with your love so great, they can rest in the green pastures where you have led them.

In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!!!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Praying together on Monday 12/12/11

Abba, 
I thank you for your blessing of healing. Not just of my physical hurts but of those deep wounds which remain open. I confess I have not always allowed you to do the work within me you wanted to do. I've kept myself closed off in certain places, thus the wounding remains.

You are He, to whom I sing, “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,…” and yet I hold on to those very things, places and circumstances that continue to cause me pain and struggle. Teach me Lord, how to let go, forgive and turn the struggle over to you. I confess there are persons and places I can’t fix, change or alter. So here in this moment, I turn to you not only for help, but to yield them to you. You were wounded for me and you offer healing, it may not be instantaneous but you are here with me, to walk out the victory you are willing to bring.

I thank you for the walls that seem impregnable, and impossible to breach, you spoke to Joshua and said to tell your people to march around in silence for a specific period of time, thereafter, then and only then were they to shout at the sound of the Rams horn! We know the result, may I trust you to remain silent long enough and know when to respond to your command.

I thank you for your ongoing work in my life, it seems as if there is so much more for you to do; but as I look over my shoulder at what lies behind me, I praise you for the ground I’ve already covered. I am not the same person I was just a few days ago, THNAK YOU! So take the lead Lord, I am right were you want me to be; I didn’t expect this, nor was I prepared for where you led me, And I thank you for where I am, because it is here that you know I’m needed and may be most useful. It is here that you are working all things for my good; no I don’t ‘feel it,’ and frankly if I could, I’d change your mind, but you just won’t do it. I’ve run, I’ve hidden; I’ve sulked and even complained; but you’ve been faithful to me, and I thank you.

In this season of unusual busyness, “May the peace of God, rest, rule and abide with you both now and forever, AMEN!!!  

Are you ready for success?

Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written it in. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Joshua 1:8

The psalmist prays, “O Lord, grant us success” (Ps. 118:25), but have you ever explicitly prayed for this? So you think you are ready for it? If your answer is a quick yes, then I would caution you to be careful.

Every Thursday I would spend two hours with Dr. Lloyd-Jones, sitting at his feet, discussing the sermon for the following Sunday. He once made this throw-away comment, and I immediately got my pen and wrote it down. It was the most powerful word I ever heard him say, yet it’s in none of his books: “The worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he is ready.” It was a word of wisdom to me at the time.

If you do want success, do you think you are really ready for it?

What kind of success are we talking about? It may be prosperity. God does indeed give financial prosperity to some, though Christians who have wealth tend to come in for a certain of criticism that may spoil their enjoyment of it. However, once in a while, God will raise up a Joseph of Arimathea or a Lydia. (See matt 27:57-60; Acts 16:14-15.)

God may want you to have influence with people, but how marvelous it would be if you could be trusted with a ministry of prayer. Some are more successful in prayer than others. Why? Because they want to be successful in prayer. I challenge you to make that your goal.

The worst thing that can happen to a person is to succeed before he’s ready. But if you succeed because god says you’re ready, there won’t be that “after” of regret. If you succeed in prayer, you will have known success greater than any other.  Maybe books won’t be written about you, but when you stand before God and Jesus Himself looks at you and says, “Well done!” it will be the greatest feeling, and it will last forever.
Excerpted from Where God shows Up (Renew Books, 1998) R. T. Kendall

My Response:
Abba, I thank you for this time and these times of preparation. You were in every moment of it; you are even now preparing me for the work and life you wish, thank you. You have tried to teach me, and I have so much more to learn, thank you for being so willing a teacher. I thank you for this statement, “the worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he is ready.” Forgive me for thinking I was ready; I wasn’t then and perhaps not even now. But you are at work within me, thank you!

Yes, I’s like success in those places where it matters, my marriage, our children, in ministry and in our community. Yes, I’d like (and thank you for) prosperity, but then again, I bless you for the gift of prosperity I already enjoy. Forgive that which is solely about the desire for more, only to be consumed upon myself.

I thank you for the influence you’ve given me. May I continue to find ways to use it for your glory and the benefit of others. Help me to understand what it is, and power it has to advance your Kingdom and restore lives. May I able to understand what it is you have given in it.

And yes, I thank you for this prayer ministry you’ve given. It began with just a small group of pastors, and now reaches a larger number. I had no idea you would use it as you have to bless others. I didn’t get it then, nor do I now; it’s not my ministry, but yours; use it as you will for those who need it.

I ask that you will continue to help me to see myself as you do. I thank you for an open heart to love those, who like myself have been "...wounded in the house of friend," in places where there should have been healing, they found wounding, and damage. May I become one of your instruments of healing, repair and strength to these as well as others, for your glory. Jesus, its all about you, I thank you for calling me allowing me to be a small part of your work of restoration, reconciliation, repair and healing to broken people just like myself. I thank you for preparing me for the days yet to come, IN Your Name I pray, AMEN!!!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Why We Don't Need "Women's" Ministry

Once again one of my sisters has found something that strikes a cord within me, and it's about Women's Ministry. Read it carefully and consider the implications before you are tempted to dismiss it.

I say, AMEN!

Love ya, T.A.B.

Why We Don't Need "Women's" Ministry: Sarah Bessey: Please stop treating women's ministry like a safe club for the little ladies to play church.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Praying together on Monday 12/5/11

Abba, I bless you today just for being God. I thank you for all of your gifts and mercies you have shown me over my life. I thank you for being you son and child; for loving me when I didn’t know you or serving you. Thank you for forgiving my sin because of Christ’s sacrifice for me. Thank you for life and role you have giving me to play in it. Thank you for those who love me and yes, even those who don’t or won’t.

By your grace help me to love beyond my ability, to share with what I have, because you have provided me with everything I need. Help me to trust you as I open my heart and my hands to those who need what I have. May I not hold on to what I have as if this is all I have. You are
 my resource; not my job, the boss or the bank. Help me as I trust you in the face of impossible odds, obstacles, etc.; allow me to see your face rather than defeat, failure or unrest.

I am yours, by your choice, I didn’t choose you; you chose me and have promised you would never leave nor forsake me; this is your promise being fulfilled in my life. So Lord, do what you must, that I cannot; do what pleases you as you wish. Come now and quiet my troubled spirit and fear that attempt to overwhelm me. Hold my hand Abba, hold it tightly yet gently as I walk with you. Lead on to that place of promise, Oh that I knew where it was. What’s that you say Abba, “…follow me…” Yes, Lord, but where? No more questions, ‘follow me!” Thank you for your leading, direction and hope. May I take hold on Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I thank you for being present in this moment, You’re here and now. Not in some far off moment in time. You’re here not only because I need you, but because you care for me and about me. THANK YOU! I don’t struggle alone, you are here; I am not alone, you are here; my future isn’t uncertain, you have control of every moment of my life; I am cared for by Him who loves the world and sent His own son for not only the world, but for me as a part of it. THANK YOU for loving me; not only as I am, but as you know, as I allow you to work your will in me, for your glory and purpose.

I don’t understand why you permit the things that hurt me, but knowing you’re here, now is comfort, strength and courage to take the next step, in your name! AMEN!!!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Praying together on Monday 11/28/11

Abba, I thank you for your protection as we travelled this weekend. I thank you for the chance to visit with family and friends, for renewing old friendships. Thank you for a moment in time, where we remembered your goodness and mercies.

As we approach a new week, I ask for your help to focus on what is important and not just the urgent.  How easy is it to get busy and overlook my time with you and the study of your Word. My mind can become cluttered with so much junk, garbage, etc., that I can’t see or hear your voice. You come so often gently and quietly that I don’t (or can’t) hear you, forgive me there.

As we enter the Advent session of the year, the rush and schedule can become overwhelming, may I not forget, ‘Jesus is the reason for the Season.’ Lord, it’s “cyber-Monday,” may I ask myself the question, “so what?” The world is telling me the rush is on, may I ask, “too where and why?” May I seek you as the shepherds and ultimately “the wise men” did; may I make room for you in my schedule and a place within heart to speak to me; long before I must speak to your people.

Jesus, after your birth you grew, I ask that I may grow as well. “…in favor with God and man…” Man, sadly will be harder to please then yourself, I’m sure.  May I seek to please you and not perform for the world to watch, no matter how well the work is being done.  As I labor to construct the best sermon, teaching and seek the illustration that makes the right point and provides impact to my thoughts, may they become you thoughts, your life giving truth which brings hope to those most in need of it.  

Forgive me for trying to do too much and for taking too much on. My I learn balance. I thank you for passion, but may it be tempered with grace and patience. You’re the leader, others are watching and I am wondering, “…what would you have me do now? They are watching???” I thank you for a peace in the middle of my storm; for a confidence that comes not from myself and my plans, or for that matter my preparation, but from having spent time alone with you and following your direction.

So here I am Abba, just your kid, waiting (not always calmly) for your next move; Come Holy Spirit, do your best work, in Jesus name, I thank you, AMEN!!!

Love ya, 
T.A.B. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Pastors and leaders recommended reading:

Broken Windows of the Soul, by Dr.'s Arnold R. Fleagle, & Donald A. Lichi. Is a book worth your time. 


Thanks Bishop Dr. Joey Johnson for giving me a copy.


Love ya, 
T.A.B. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

As we prepare for Thanksgiving

As a nation we prepare for Thanksgiving by spending a large about of time getting our home and the food for the dinner. I want to take a moment to say first I thank God for you.

I thank God for my family, each of you is special to me and I love you very much. Thanks for all of your caring through the years.

I thank God for this county into which I was born; for the men and women of our armed forces, who risk their lives to preserve our freedom around the world. It is often a thankless job.

For you my brothers ans sisters in Christ; You are very important to me, you are a part of my life, I'd rather not consider what my life would be without you as a part of it. We have shared a great deal together and you are a blessing to me. 

Finally, for a loving God, who sent His one and only Son, that I (we) might have life and that more abundantly. 
   
I love you all. Happy Thanksgiving.
--
T.A.B.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Praying together on Monday 11/21/11

Abba, I thank you today for these your children, how often we forget we belong to you and to each other, we are related and I don't want to get away from this relationship, both to you and to them. 

I thank you for the struggle, for by it I'm made strong and maybe even more useful. I thank you for questions to which I have no answers, but you do; some will be answered now, and some perhaps in eternity. For those you remain silent upon, May I embrace your love for me and my situation. For those who are ill on this day, grant them healing and strength to fight on. You are our healing, and should you choose to withhold it, may we by grace to endure it until or even if you chose to do nothing. Lord, I don't much care for those times and places where I don't or won't get the response I'd like, but you are are God, help me walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and let me fear no evil, because YOU are with me... 

I thank you for being enough, for this moment and time and yes, for tomorrow. Remind me, I'm not alone here. speak to my heart, comfort my mind and give me courage for my journey. Thank you for being here, closer than my next breath. Teach me how to comfort those just like me. And when I don't get the answer I want so very much; when injustice seems to reign supreme and the heathen rages, give me courage and comfort that you are in charge and you will deal with this in your own time. Lord, I'm angry, so help me deal with my feels and wanting to take action, yes, even that action that may not... I thank you for the moment that day of your vindication and righteousness. 

Thank you for your Word to me today, "...Wait upon the Lord, and He will renew your strength, you shall mound up on wings like eagles, you will run and not be weary, you will walk and not faint..." THANKS!!! You know how much I need to hear that again. 

Forgive the feeling of failure and emptiness, May I see in your face your love for me again, forgive me for looking away from you to those like me, in there faces I see nothing more that I have as well, You offer me hope, a promise and a blessing, THANKS!!! 

I Love you Abba, I'm yours by your chose, you selected me, I am you'rs, thanks for wanting me, caring for me and telling me, "I love you!" I wish others did, but even when they do, compared to you, they don't begin to demonstrate what love is. Thanks for making me your own. 


Love ya,-- 
T.A.B.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

A prayer at noonday...

Wednesday November 16, 2011
Abba, I thank you for your love for me, even in the moments when I feel I’ve let you down by my behavior, you assure me of you constant love and willingness to forgive. So here I am, confessing my sin, not because of guilt, but because of your love. I’m not proud of myself I need you more now than ever.

I thank you for walking with me, past those things which life offers that seek to bring me in bondage.

Today I pray for those who like me struggle, and nobody but they are aware of. It is a private struggle, our society says, “there’s nothing wrong with that..,”( whatever ‘that’ is,) but at our core we know better. Your Word has given us light but we’re not listening or looking for the warnings which tell is we’re headed in a wrong direction, come Holy Spirit! Here I am Jesus, not attempting to conceal or hide from you, but trusting you not only for forgiveness, but grace to fight by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I thank you for your faithful servants, faithful when the funds and workers are few; when others ‘suggest’ we might want to reconsider the work we’re doing or ‘joining forces’ with a stronger group or organization; but we can’t. It’s not stubbornness, but a real sense we are called to serve here, this place and these people. Why even some of those we serve, wonder “why are you still here and doing this?”

I pray for the weary, may you strengthen their resolve to continue the fight. Not matter which ‘round” this is, the host of heaven look on, believing what they did in preparing us for this day, won’t be lost. You have promised us VICTORY! You have the ability to do what you have spoken, I (we) are the instruments you’re using to get it done. Forgive my faltering steps, my less than stellar belief in a moment of doubt. I thought it was all on me.

I thank you for being present, even when I ‘feel or sense” nothing. I thank you for comfort, just enough to believe you for the next step. I am not alone! I have not run out of resources, whatever I have you have provided, and if you must you will expand upon it, create a harvest from it or work with my faith for the results you want.

I thank you for a faith enough to believe you with what I have in hand at the present. I praise you for what is coming, it may be just enough to keep me moving or enough to trust you in the moment. You are an AWSOME God in my present, yes even NOW!

In Jesus matchless name, AMEN!!!!!!!!!  

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Being Accepted

All of us can tell whether another person is going to accept us. We can almost feel it. You must have some inkling if you can see me whether or not I would listen, whether I would care. What I wish is that I could radiate the love of Jesus, that you would feel that I want to be like Him.

The leper knew that if he went to Jesus he would accept him.

Some people teach that a precondition to becoming a Christian is that you have to do this or that, and only then will Jesus accept you. What we see here is that Jesus accepted the leper just as he was, and lo and behold, the leper believed Jesus could heal him, and Jesus did. Jesus is still the same today. He accepts you as you are.

In fact, we are told in John 8:3-11 that Pharisees, who were a self-righteous, legalistic group of people, brought a woman caught in adultery and said to Jesus, “In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” Jesus bent down and started to write in the ground with His finger. Then He said to these people, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Hearing that, they all left. Then Jesus said to the woman, “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

The woman said, “No one, sir/”

The Jesus declared, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

What did He do? He accepted her. That is His way. Jesus displays such tenderness. I could give one example after another to assure you that whatever may be in your past, whatever it is that you’ve done, this Jesus will accept you.
Excerpted from All’s Well That Ends Well (Authentic Media, 2005) R. T. Kendall


My Response:
Abba, I thank you for knowing I am accepted by you. I confess for a very long time I have struggled with being accepted by others. You open your arms and heart and say to me, “Come unto me; I love you and accept you.” THANK YOU! The leper was an outcast of the community, yet this one summons the courage to draw near to Jesus, and begs for acceptance, what is amazing is that you did.

All of my life you’ve known me, without pretense, or any false front, you see me and know me, and as I come with my needs, you’ve never pushed me away. Yes, I can sense the walls that have been quickly erected to keep me away by others; that look of rejection, which so often left me wishing I were, hansom, smart rich and important; that would cause others to want to know me or perhaps become me. You God never let me sense anything other than love and loving kindness, welcome and cared for.

Forgive my anger and resentment at those who don’t and won’t love people just like me. I can’t tell you what it means to be loved and cared for by you the God of heaven and earth, my Savior and my friend. It is easy for me to say, I can’t love those who I don’t know; I can’t love everyone. But you have and do; and if your Holy Spirit is within me, you remind me, you have given me that same capacity, and ability that I too can be the “healer, and restorer of a sense of personal value to a hurting world as you have been. May those who declare themselves to hate me and those like me, see in me the same love you had for the leper and the woman caught in adultery. Yes, Lord, there are moments when I put on the robe of judgment and condemn them, but your Spirit…, come Holy Spirit, pour out of me that which your presence brings, peace, reconciliation and yes, acceptance.

May you be seen in my life and living. Thank you for accepting me, but also for correcting and transforming me into the likeness of Yourself, Jesus. Jesus, of myself I can’t, and don’t want too, but because you are present, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is your truth in power, living out in me. Yes, Lord I thank you for what you are making within me, AMEN! 

Monday, November 14, 2011

Praying together on Monday November 14

Abba,
I thank you for life itself, life in you. As I look back, I thank you for your protection from dangers seen, (the auto accident of last Tuesday) and those unseen, (perhaps you tell me about those when we’re together in eternity.) I thank you for your assurance of your love for me and how much you care for me. Some might think this is selfishness, but I needed to know that “you are the God who sees me.” Thank you for reminding me, cars can be replaced, but you’re not done with me and other like me, just yet. You have a purpose for us, may we continue to seek you, listen to you and trust you for what is your pleasure in us.

Lord, we’ve planned or will be planning our week in the next few hours, all the while knowing there will challenges, unplanned interruptions, and perhaps mood swings that what to throw us off, help me to lean into you, remembering you are not surprised by what just happened.

Prepare my heart for ministry, even if it only to those closest to me, how easy it is to look beyond my own household to see ministry. Jesus, it’s okay to mess with my schedule, I need you doing that every now and then, it reminds me who is in charge of my day and my life.  If I say my life is yours, then you have every right to do what you want, help me to breathe and accept your direction and what I can’t see as a blessing.

Help with the delays of my life, the disappointments and yes, even disillusionment, maybe that wasn’t what you wanted, even as I wanted “it” so very much. Bless me to learn how to enjoy ‘this moment’ with you. I thank you for the release of those things which I want so badly and you know…; I thank you for rest during this week’s journey as well, you know I will need it but won’t make time for it; and for laughter in an unexpected moment.  

Come Holy Spirit, I rest in you now, may there be moment of joy and refreshing, inspiration and direction; a calm in a sea of storms, at home, with the staff, fellow workers and yes, even management. You are present, not only in this moment, but for those to come, I thank you for being God, not only in the circumstances, but of my very life. I love you Jesus, not only for what you do, but for who you are!

I thank you for your blessing on this week and its work, and privilege you’ve given me to be your son and your servant, in Jesus Great Name I pray, AMEN!

-- 
T.A.B.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Today, for someone just like me

Suffering and Sovereignty

In a sense all Christians are chosen vessels, because a Christian is a person chosen by God from the foundation of the world. But there are those Christians raised for a very special work, and we call them “sovereign vessels,” A sovereign vessel is someone chosen by God for a special work, and the more special the work, the more the specialized the suffering.

Jacob was a sovereign vessel, and we have already seen how he suffered – but he was undergoing the greatest trial yet. All that he went through in running from Esau, all that he endured after being with Laban, and all he suffered in losing Rachel, all of that was eclipsed when he saw the bloodstained coat of many colors. Not knowing that it had been dipped in the blood of a goat, he concluded his son Joseph was dead and would never seen him again. It was the trial of trials.

Perhaps you know great suffering, and just when you think you can’t take any more, lo and behold, something happens that turns into the worst ordeal you have ever undergone. Listen. It is a hint from God – you are a sovereign vessel – He doesn’t do that without a reason. Deep suffering is a strong hint that god has chosen you for a very special task. It’s an honor to a sovereign vessel. But if you want to volunteer to be a sovereign vessel, don’t do it until you are ready for God to deal with the sore spots in your life, for you have some. Some have sore spots, and it is though they have them forever and nothing is ever done about them. But if you have been raised up for a special work, God is going to refine you by dealing with these sore spots in your life. You may volunteer to be a sovereign vessel – but don’t do it until you are ready to pay the price. The connection between suffering and a sovereign vessel, is inseparable. One day you will look back and see the hand of God in everything.

Excerpted from All’s Well That Ends Well (Authentic Media, 2005) by R. T. Kendall

Monday, November 7, 2011

For my sisters, from a sister

Little Girl

by Laurie Cook on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 2:00pm
Little Girl
With cleavage, thighs, and stomach exposed announced,
“I’m a woman now.”
A woman.
This
Is a woman
So she’s told. So she’s shown. So she becomes.
Learning to seek her identity in
Eyes that peruse her
And hands that use her.
In sugar coated words
Swallowed so easily
Trying to fill
That space left by daddy
And now she has a baby
But she’s just as empty


This Little Girl
Now with her own
Little girl
Who watches Mama
For guidance in her world
Blind leading impressionable eyes
Down a road
That goes in circles
Traveled by fatherless generations
Seeking but never finding
But who’s to blame
When there is no guidance?
The media willingly
Stepping in to take the lead
So she watches closely to MTV
Showing her what a woman
Is supposed to be


Oh, Little Girl
Let me tell you the truth
You mean the world
To the very One
Who created the world
You don’t need any  man
To validate this fact
You don’t need to put on any act
To show that you’re all that!
You ARE all that
Because you ARE
Because He IS
LOVE
Yes He IS LOVE
Any other love
Is just a sip
Of the endless ocean
He offers that will fill
Your heart that’s broken


So Little Girl
Cover some of that skin
Your worth  has already been established
In Him
Show off
What you have within
Stand proud
That you are a daughter
Of the King
Who is everything
You could ever need
Don’t let anyone
Tell you otherwise
Stay close to Him
And you’ll quickly
Detect the lies
Let Him be your guide
Follow closely
And after awhile
People will see
That in Him
You are
What a woman should be

Friday, November 4, 2011

Why are many of our churches DYING?

Tell me what you think. Thanks, T.A.B.


“America has thousands of churches! There are some in Cathedrals, Small Chapels, Storefronts, Private Homes and Warehouses. Some of these churches are denominational and some are not, some are traditional and some are very unique, and finally some are growing and unfortunately MANY are DYING! There are a lot of churches, ministries, and Christian Centers that are on life support spiritually. Why? I believe the question is on the hearts and minds of many Pastors and church members, and the answer is available…BUT can we handle the TRUTH? 


The truth is something most Christians avoid like the plague! Why? I think we (Christians) would rather blame the devil for things that are really our fault and responsibility. Is the devil our enemy? Of course he is! But WE reap what WE sow. The church preaches a lot about sowing and reaping, especially when it comes to money and wealth. If you read the verses in Malachi about tithes, read carefully! It wasn’t the people God was rebuking, IT WAS THE PRIEST! But many churches lay this on the members and yet they don’t practice what they preach. Tithes in the Old Testament were not JUST for the priest! The Levites, The Strangers (homeless), The Widows, and the Fatherless ALL benefited from the tithe.

Local churches are supposed to make an impact on the communities they are in by GIVING back, (Matt. 5:14-16) Sinners should have to even confess and admit that the Church in their community makes a difference in the neighborhood! I want to give you ten answers to the QUESTION! “Why is my church dying!” Hold on to your hat’s the answers may shake up your traditional thinking…and make you THINK!” It is not a sin to think outside of the box of tradition…it is a sin to stay ineffective.

There is nothing wrong with having a storefront church! But if after 20 years your storefront church still has the same 12 members, you need to padlock the door and admit your church is dead! Saints should beget saints, we were saved to lead others to salvation in Jesus Christ! My prayer is that this small book will make you mad enough to do something!

Chaplain Mark H. Stevens, M.Min

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Why Brokenness?

It is a paradox that to be useful we must be broken. The problem with brokenness is that I can harden my heart and refuse to allow God to make me useful.
"Very few of us know anything about loyalty to Christ or understand what He meant when He said, “. . . for My sake” (Matthew 5:11). That is what makes a strong saint.
Has that breaking of my independence come? All the rest is religious fraud. The one point to decide is— will I give up? Will I surrender to Jesus Christ, placing no conditions whatsoever as to how the brokenness will come? I must be broken from my own understanding of myself. When I reach that point, immediately the reality of the supernatural identification with Jesus Christ takes place. And the witness of the Spirit of God is unmistakable— “I have been crucified with Christ . . . .”" -  Chambers
May we be shattered by Him today so that we may be totally identified with Him in our every encounter today.
I am praying for you.

Sent by one of my brothers, what a blessing.
Love ya, T

Monday, October 31, 2011

Praying Together on Monday...


I praise God for these morning when I am alone with YOU, where you can speak to my heart and I can respond to yours. 

Today, R. T. Kendall writes: The Value of Loneliness

After he has dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 
Matthew 14:23

Loneliness isn't for nothing. If you are in a situation of enforced solitude, there is a reason. God does not send the thorn in the flesh for nothing. Moreover, it is not punishment. Don't say, "Oh, I am getting my dues!" Wrong! 

God got even at the cross. The thorn in the flesh is preparation. We all need preparation in some way. Part of my own preparation has been learning to cope with loneliness. 

There is loneliness in leadership. Every church leader knows the pain of having to make unpopular decisions, the pain of not getting very close to those you minister to, the pain of treating everybody the same. The loneliness of leadership is part of the job. 

But there are advantages to loneliness. For example, you have time to pray; you may never have such time again. One reason for enforced solitude is that God wants you all to Himself. He loves your company, and you could be lamenting the very thing that He has designed in order to have your company. 

This is your moment to develop two things: (1) to become an intercessor, where you start praying for people, and (2) to get to know God with an intimacy beyond anything that you dreamed possible. 

Another value of loneliness is to make you sympathetic towards others. That is one of the main purposes of any trial. As Paul put it, "And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort" (2 Cor. 1:17). It produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings. You will be able to sympathize, and you will be able to identify with another person. Pray you will never forget what it was like, should this thorn be withdrawn from your flesh. 
(Excerpted from The Thorn in the Flesh (Charisma House 2004) 

Abba, 
today I thank you for loneliness, these moments and times when I feel so very much alone, abandoned etc. Thank You For What???
Yet, it is your Spirit that comforts me in knowing I am not alone, "...for thou art with me..." With me how? When no one seems to notice or for that matter care, your voice whispers, "I am here, I am near, fear not!" I sometimes wish you'd SHOUT, and make yourself heard above the noise and loneliness of my life. 

Yet, I thank you for R. T.'s words today, You call me to be a leader, and it is often an lonely job. I feel forced to make decisions I rather wish I could avoid, to do work I wasn't trained for, so Help me here as well. I thank you for making me aware of my need to spend time alone with you. My life is so filled with administrative tasks, that I almost forget the real purpose you me into ministry, to be your voice and bring your Word to this generation. It is your desire that i have an intimate relationship with you, Lord you know I'm not that crazy about that term. I almost wish you'f 'muscle' your way in, at least I could say "you made me do it!" but you want to love me and that I can know the gentle love of my Abba, (Father). 

Without this loneliness, I would not seek you, long for you or chase after you, nor care to be an intercessor. So here I am, Just me and you Jesus, I need to get away from rush of the 'madding crowd;' but I haven't yet learned, you're not often found in the crowd, but in the desert, valley and yes even the rough side of the mountain. Jesus, I may be lonely, but I am not or never alone. Thank you for your purpose, for sharing and showing me, "the value of loneliness." 

In your matchless Name I pray. AMEN!!!
--
T.A.B.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The God of Bethel Sees and Speaks

 (10/28/11)
I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land. Genesis 31:13

There are things about you that only God knows. You have told nobody, but God has a way of getting inside your heart with a single word. This is the way He conquers the hardest heart and the greatest skeptic with a closed spirit.

Nobody but Jacob knew about Bethel. Bethel was the place so special to Jacob, and God knew exactly what to say. Jacob was so discouraged; he felt he had nothing to live for. And then God turned up with these words: “I am the God of Bethel.” God could have introduced Himself by saying, I am the God of your father, I am the God of Abraham, I am the God of Isaac.” But He chose to introduce Himself in such a way that Jacob knew it was the true God.

You may ask why Jacob waited twenty years to hear these words. I can’t explain God’s timing, but I know it is perfect. God sees the end from the beginning, but he knows we want answers now. It must hurt Him to see our pain, and He longs for the moment He can speak to us. But it will be at the time when it is best for us, and when He finally steps in, we will have no complaints.

It could be that you are struggling with a situation that is very painful, and you ask, “Lord, can you see what they are doing?” You may think you cannot go on because of the pressure you are under. But the God of Bethel is the God who sees. Her knows what you are feeling. He sees what they are doing.

God said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). The god of Bethel will speak, and he will withhold nothing from you that is good.
Excerpted from All’s Well That Ends Well (Authentic Media, 2005)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

WAITING ON VINDICATION - R. T. Kendall

Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child: burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor. Isaiah 54:1

Isaiah could say that about one who longed for a special touch, a breakthrough, or vindication, and that’s god’s word for you. Do not be afraid. You will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace. You will not be humiliated.

In ancient times barrenness was regarded as a sign of God’s disapproval. Rachel believed her inability to conceive and the withholding of vindication meant that God did not approve of her.

Perhaps you are blaming yourself for what you don’t have. You keep thinking, What have I done wrong? What can I do? The truth is that God is sovereign. He can do what he pleases, with whom he pleases, when He pleases. This is His word for you. The day came when God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb.

There is a possibility that God wants to do something for you in the future that will make it seem that what you have now is nothing in comparison.

Rachel’s first son was the future prime minister of Egypt, although she wouldn’t live to see it. She named him Joseph because she wanted another baby. Indeed, God gave her another son, Benjamin. She couldn’t have known how strategic he would be. Paul said, “If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day…of the house of Benjamin” (Phil. 3:4). What Rachel finally received was worth waiting for. To this very hour we all benefit from it, for it was Paul who took the gospel to the Gentiles.

We should see that her vindication was the result of prayer. The Bible says that God remembered Rachel. He listened to her. This means she had been praying. She needed and wanted something only God could do.

Have you settled for a premature, shallow vindication? God has your vindication scheduled too. He has a plan for you, and it’s far greater than the thing you thought would give you satisfaction.
Excerpted from All’s Well that Ends Well (Authentic Media, 2005)

Abba, I thank you for this word for me today! AMEN!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Life Aboard the Fellow-Ship

Once again I find this article coming back to mind. I hope you find it as troubling and blessings as I do. Love ya, T.A.B. 

Life Aboard the Fellow-Ship

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.
ROMANS 14:1 MSG
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. ROMANS 15:7 NIV
Grace makes three proclamations:
First, only God can forgive my godlessness. “Only God can forgive sins” (Mark 2:7). Dealing with my sins is God’s responsibility. I repent, I confess, but only God can forgive. (And he does.)
Second, only God can judge my neighbor. “You cannot judge another person’s servant. The master decides if the servant is doing well or not” (Rom. 14:4). Dealing with my neighbor is God’s responsibility. I must speak; I must pray. But only God can convince. (And he does.)
Third, I must accept who God accepts. “Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God” (Rom. 15:7). God loves me and makes me his child. God loves my neighbor and makes him my brother. My privilege is to complete the triangle, to close the circuit by loving who God loves.
Easier said than done. “To live above with those we love, oh, how that will be glory. To live below with those we know, now that’s another story.” Best I can figure the situation reads something like this…
Rocking the Boat
God has enlisted us in his navy and placed us on his ship. The boat has one purpose — to carry us safely to the other shore.
This is no cruise ship; it’s a battleship. We aren’t called to a life of leisure; we are called to a life of service. Each of us has a different task. Some, concerned with those who are drowning, are snatching people from the water. Others are occupied with the enemy, so they man the cannons of prayer and worship. Still others devote themselves to the crew, feeding and training the crew members.
Though different, we are the same. Each can tell of a personal encounter with the captain, for each has received a personal call. He found us among the shanties of the seaport and invited us to follow him. Our faith was born at the sight of his fondness, and so we went.
We each followed him across the gangplank of his grace onto the same boat. There is one captain and one destination. Though the battle is fierce, the boat is safe, for our captain is God. The ship will not sink. For that, there is no concern.
There is concern, however, regarding the disharmony of the crew. When we first boarded we assumed the crew was made up of others like us. But as we’ve wandered these decks, we’ve encountered curious converts with curious appearances. Some wear uniforms we’ve never seen, sporting styles we’ve never witnessed. “Why do you look the way you do?” we ask them.
“Funny,” they reply. “We were about to ask the same of you.”
The variety of dress is not nearly as disturbing as the plethora of opinions. There is a group, for example, who clusters every morning for serious study. They promote rigid discipline and somber expressions. “Serving the captain is serious business,” they explain. It’s no coincidence that they tend to congregate around the stern.
There is another regiment deeply devoted to prayer. Not only do they believe in prayer, they believe in prayer by kneeling. For that reason you always know where to locate them; they are at the bow of the ship.
And then there are a few who staunchly believe real wine should be used in the Lord’s Supper. You’ll find them on the port side.
Still another group has positioned themselves near the engine. They spend hours examining the nuts and bolts of the boat. They’ve been known to go below deck and not come up for days. They are occasionally criticized by those who linger on the top deck, feeling the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. “It’s not what you learn,” those topside argue. “It’s what you feel that matters.”
And, oh, how we tend to cluster.
Some think once you’re on the boat, you can’t get off. Others say you’d be foolish to go overboard, but the choice is yours.
Some believe you volunteer for service; others believe you were destined for the service before the ship was even built.
Some predict a storm of great tribulation will strike before we dock; others say it won’t hit until we are safely ashore.
There are those who speak to the captain in a personal language. There are those who think such languages are extinct.
There are those who think the officers should wear robes, there are those who think there should be no officers at all, and there are those who think we are all officers and should all wear robes.
And, oh, how we tend to cluster.
And then there is the issue of the weekly meeting at which the captain is thanked and his words are read. All agree on its importance, but few agree on its nature. Some want it loud, others quiet. Some want ritual, others spontaneity. Some want to celebrate so they can meditate; others meditate so they can celebrate. Some want a meeting for those who’ve gone overboard. Others want to reach those overboard but without going overboard and neglecting those on board.
And, oh, how we tend to cluster.
The consequence is a rocky boat. There is trouble on deck. Fights have broken out. Sailors have refused to speak to each other. There have even been times when one group refused to acknowledge the presence of others on the ship. Most tragically, some adrift at sea have chosen not to board the boat because of the quarreling of the sailors.
“What do we do?” we’d like to ask the captain. “How can there be harmony on the ship?” We don’t have to go far to find the answer.
On the last night of his life Jesus prayed a prayer that stands as a citadel for all Christians:
I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me. (John 17:20)
How precious are these words. Jesus, knowing the end is near, prays one final time for his followers. Striking, isn’t it, that he prayed not for their success, their safety, or their happiness.
He prayed for their unity. He prayed that they would love each other.
As he prayed for them, he also prayed for “those who will believe because of their teaching.” That means us! In his last prayer Jesus prayed that you and I be one.

The Command of Acceptance
Of all the lessons we can draw from this verse, don’t miss the most important: Unity matters to God. The Father does not want his kids to squabble. Disunity disturbs him. Why? Because “all people will know that you are my followers if you love each other” (John 13:35). Unity creates belief. How will the world believe that Jesus was sent by God? Not if we agree with each other. Not if we solve every controversy. Not if we are unanimous on each vote. Not if we never make a doctrinal error. But if we love one another.
Unity creates belief. Disunity fosters disbelief. Who wants to board a ship of bickering sailors? Life on the ocean may be rough, but at least the waves don’t call us names.
Paul Billheimer may very well be right when he says:
“The continuous and widespread fragmentation of the Church has been the scandal of the ages. It has been Satan’s master strategy. The sin of disunity probably has caused more souls to be lost than all other sins combined.”2
“All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” Stop and think about this verse for a minute. Could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world for Christ?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

A response to this mornings devotional...

The Proof of Conversion (October 20, 2011)

There are many women who are angry with god because they feel He did not give them good looks, and men find them unattractive. Perhaps you feel this way, Let me ask you a question: So you wish you looked different, that you were better-looking than you are? I suppose we all wish that. But maybe, one day, when we get to heaven, we’ll see it was a particular kindness, which we couldn’t see at the time, that god made us just as we are. Do you know what God wants to achieve in you and me? He wants us to come to terms with our looks, with our gifts, with our limitations, with our place in society, with our parents, with the way we’ve been treated, and to learn to like ourselves like that. One of the greatest evidences of grace is that we like ourselves just as we are.

The proof of conversion is that you see through to the true God and don’t let circumstances divert you. I have often been amazed how black people in the deep South ever became saved when I consider how badly their masters treated them. Yet they heard talk of heaven and knew one day they were going there, where they would be out of their misery. They could identify with that. That’s why they were converted. God has a way of getting us past our circumstances. No matter how dreadful our experiences might have been, God has a way of reaching us, and the most unlikely person can be the most glorious convert. The experiences that may have caused us to feel the deepest bitterness can turn out to be our salvation. God has designed all things to get us to look to Him.
R. T. Kendall – Excerpted from: All’s Well That Ends Well (Authentic Media, 2005)

My Response:
Abba, I must begin with confession (again;) I have not been pleased with how you made me. You’re not surprised by this are you? Then again, I haven’t worked well with what you did give me, either. You made me as you have for a reason, and today I say, THANK YOU! Maybe one day in heaven I will be all I wish I were, but for today, I thank you. I may not be fully aware of what you want to achieve in me, but I want to permit you to do your best work in me. Help me to begin to, yes come to terms with, my looks, gifts and yes, my limitations, even my place in society. I thank you for my parents, Paul and Evenly burns; for how I have been treated, (and those like me.) Help me to like myself as I am, and not as I wish I were. Thank you for teaching me to like myself as I am, and not as someone I wish I were. Grant me grace to be the person you meant me to be.

I thank you for the gifts you’ve given me, to care for others, it matters not who they are, their place or position, thank you for allowing me to reach out to them as a demonstration of your love to someone who might otherwise be considered a stranger. You have time and time again, allowed me to see them as they are, and show your love and care for them, by offering nothing more than friendship. Grant me grace to accept the fact that not everyone won’t see this as a good gift. Help me not to be diverted from giving love and concern for them.

I thank you for making me as you have, forgive me for those moments when I would like to be someone else. I have allowed the culture to say to me, “if only, if only I were…” Thank you for your portion to me. Help me to love without purpose or desire for it to be returned, to give without thought of getting, of caring without the demand for reward.

I thank you for your ability to get past my circumstances, you had a lot of work to do here, but thank you. May I see you in the difficult places and moments s my life; may I be do filled with your love that those I meet may know of your care for them. “O drive these dark clouds from the sky, Thy soul cheering presence restore…”

I love you Jesus for loving me, and converting me in your likeness, a little more each day. You are cleansing me from the bitterness of hatred and self loathing I have so often felt. I thank you for doing your bet work in me. AMEN!

A Great old Hymn with very deep meaning for me this morning...

How tedious and tasteless the hours 
John Newton, the well-known converted slave-trader who authored "Amazing Grace," also wrote this little-known hymn. It expresses the centrality of communion with Christ to the Christian's joy. I grew up singing this song, but it was years before the lyrics hit home. Read, meditate, and be moved to seek Christ as your all. (Unknown)

How tedious and tasteless the hours
When Jesus I no longer see;
Sweet prospects, sweet birds and sweet flowers,
Have all lost their sweetness to me;
The midsummer sun shines but dim,
The fields strive in vain to look gay.
But when I am happy in Him,
December’s as pleasant as May.

His Name yields the richest perfume,
And sweeter than music His voice;
His presence disperses my gloom,
And makes all within me rejoice.
I should, were He always thus nigh,
Have nothing to wish or to fear;
No mortal as happy as I,
My summer would last all the year.

Content with beholding His face,
My all to His pleasure resigned,
No changes of season or place
Would make any change in my mind:
While blessed with a sense of His love,
A palace a toy would appear;
All prisons would palaces prove,
If Jesus would dwell with me there.

Dear Lord, if indeed I am Thine,
If Thou art my sun and my song,
Say, why do I languish and pine?
And why are my winters so long?
O drive these dark clouds from the sky,
Thy soul cheering presence restore;
Or take me to Thee up on high,
Where winter and clouds are no more.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Thank you Pastor...

Pastor,
I thank you for being there and sharing God's Word with me and those I love
Thank you for preparing yourself in study and prayer before sharing the Word with us
thank you for sharing yourself with me and us daily
Thank you for the gift of love you and your family share with us
Thank you for that hospital visit
Thank you for standing with me at the funeral home of a family member who isn't a member of our church
Thank you for listening, as I try to explain what I don't understand myself
Thank you for opportunities to share in the ministry
Thank you for your teaching
Thank you encouraging me when I needed it
Thank you for hanging with the young people when you didn't have too
Thank you for not forgetting me as I got older and my steps were slower
Thank you for staying among us, and never let us forget our value
Thank you for that time when...
Thank you for laughing at my dumb jokes
Thank you for showing me the way to Jesus
Thank you for accepting me and welcoming back when I've fallen
Thank you for being a friend long before Face Book came along
Thank you for blessing and loving my children
Thank you for loving me when I was a child
Thank you for being my pastor.