WE All Have Reasons to Rejoice

From my morning devotional, by R. T. Kendall

 “An they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worth to suffer shame for his name. Acts 5:41

“Do you feel that you let God down sometimes? Haven’t we all?

He is not asking us to be excited about the bad things that may have happened in our lives or in the world around us, but He is trying to get our minds on something useful and positive because – one day – we will be glad we did.

The rejoicing that Peter experienced after being rebuked and flogged by the ruling council of Jerusalem showed how much he had changed. He was cowardly after Jesus was arrested, but now he was as bold as a lion. God wants to do this for all of us. He lets us have a second chance after we have blown it. This alone is cause for rejoicing.

But there is one further important clarification: we are told to rejoice in the Lord. We do not rejoice in ourselves or in things. We rejoice in the Lord Jesus. This we can always do because there is no fault in Him, no disappointment. We rejoice in his person-that He is totally God and totally man. No matter what our circumstances we ca n always-with-integrity-rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The same Lord we rejoice in, however, is not only in heaven. He is with us wherever we are. Paul spoke of Jesus being right there with him (2 Tim. 4:17). How could this be if he is in heaven? Is it because He miraculously remains there and yet comes to us where we are? Certainly. But it is also because He lifts us up to where He is! “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5) That is therefore perpetual cause for rejoicing.

God will come again, one way or another, to let us have another chance – an (perhaps) save face! Rejoice in His faithfulness. Rejoice in the way He covers for us and does not expose the skeletons in our closets. God is so kind and gracious. Whatever you are going through, this too will work for good (Rom. 8:28). So rejoice!

Excepted from Pure Joy (Charisma house 2006)

May You find the courage to REJOICE for no other reason than He is Lord of every circumstance. Blessing this day and this week as well.

Love ya, T.A.B.

For Someone . . . this hymn has been ringing in my spirit all week

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. Some years ago in Brooklyn, Pastor Brown asked a singer he'd met to come and sing for our church. Brother March sang this song and what a blessing it was. Read, meditate, and be moved to seek Christ as your all.

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.

 

Originally posted by Brian G. Hedges

The words of an old hymn come rushing back to me today . . .

There have been three churches which have been foundational to my life Emmanuel United Pentecostal church, Bishop G. N. Brown pastor;  Berean Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. H. L. James, pastor; and Community Bible Tabernacle, (Philadelphia, Pa.,) Bishop W. W. Smith, pastor. It was here that God began His good work in me.

I don't know the Sunday I walked into Berean Baptist Church, to hear a hymn for the first time which become a part of my life, "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing." I've been singing it (not very well) ever since. 

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Refrain:
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

May these words comfort, and bless your heart today as they did mine.

Love ya,
T.A.B.

---

A Recommendation

The work a pastor (minister) can be and often is very lonely. Too often we pray alone, study alone. and work alone. Knowing that God is present is a comfort and strength, but frankly we more often then most of us would confess, we need an Aaron and Hur to stand with us (Ex. 17:12,) yes isolation, is often our only friend.

I ask you consider the benefits of The Shepherd's Covenant, I signed up. there is no cost to you and it is from Focus On The Family. What is it? You and I covenant together:

• G -genuine Accountability - 1 Samuel 18:1, NIV
• R - Right Relationships - 2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV
• A - A Servant/Shepherd's Heart - John 10:15 NIV
• C - Constant Safeguards - Ephesians 6:10
• E - Embrace God Intimately - James 4:8

Yes, it spells GRACE. All you need do is sign up at http://www.parsonage.org/ There is a great deal more to the covenant, but I hope I've wet your  to seek appetite for additional information.

You will receive a packet in the mail along with a lapel pin. Send me an e-mail make me aware that we are partners and accountable to each other. Perhaps you have already signed on, let me know. What a blessing it is to know 'you've got my back," and I've got yours.

Love ya, T.A.B.

How Do you Get the Most Out of Your Trials> By R. T. Kendall

From this morning’s time with the Lord.
Out of the most severe trial, their over-flowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:2

So how do you dignify a trial? Below are eight steps to getting the most out of your trials.

1.      Welcome it. Welcome the trial as you would welcome the Holy Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit who, with the Father and the Son, is behind the ordeal. And in this case, he comes with one purpose: for your own good.

2.      Don't panic. Satan's immediate goal when he is given permission to attach is to get you to panic. This is why he is compared to a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8). The reason for the roar is to intimidate and cause fear and panic - to make you think you are defeated even before anything has had a chance to happen.

3. See the trial as a compliment from God Himself. This is important. The kind of trial He has allowed you to have is very possibly one that could not be granted to others around you. God gave this trial to you for one reason: you are up to it.

4. Never forget that God allowed it. Satan will want you to focus on yourself, feel self-pity, and blame someone else for it. But realize that this trial has passed through God's filtering process.

5. Know that there is a purpose in it. There is an intelligent, meaningful reason God allowed it. It is to refine you, teach you a lesson, equip you better, make you more sensitive, teach you self-control, and help you guard your tongue. In other words, make you more like Jesus.

6. don't try to end it. Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. God will allow it to last as long as it supposed to last.

7. don't grumble. It is a sobering thought that God puts grumbling alongside idolatry and sexual sin in the list of evil deeds that brought His wrath down on ancient Israel (1 Cor. 10:1-12).

8. Know that God wants you to pass the test far more than you do. There are two reasons for this. First, He loves us so much and rejoices to see us experience pure joy. Second, it brings glory to Him when we dignify the trial by cheerfully enduring it.

Excerpted from Pure Joy (Charisma House, 2006)

Praying his strength for you today, In Jesus Name. Amen
Love ya, (aka) T.; T.A.B.; Bishop; Pastor t; “Dr.” Brother-Man

How Do You Get the Most Out of Your Trials? by R. T. Kendall

Out of the most severe trial, their over-flowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:2


So how do you dignify a trial? Below are eight steps to getting the most out of your trials.

1. Welcome it.Welcome the trial as you would welcome the Holy Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit who, with the Father and the Son, is behind the ordeal. And in this case, he comes with one purpose: for your own good.
2. Don't panic. Satan's immediate goal when he is given permission to attach is to get you to panic. This is why he is compared to a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8). The reason for the roar is to intimidate and cause fear and panic - to make you think you are defeated even before anything has had a chance to happen.
3. See the trial as a compliment from God Himself. This is important. The kind of trial He has allowed you to have is very possibly one that could not be granted to others around you. God gave this trial to you for one reason: you are up to it.
4. Never forget that God allowed it. Satan will want you to focus on yourself, feel self-pity, and blame someone else for it. But realize that this trial has passed through God's filtering process.
5. Know that there is a purpose in it. There is an intelligent, meaningful reason God allowed it. It is to refine you, teach you a lesson, equip you better, make you more sensitive, teach you self-control, and help you guard your tongue. In other words, make you more like Jesus.
6. don't try to end it. Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. God will allow it to last as long as it it supposed to last.
7. don't grumble. It is a sobering thought that God puts grumbling alongside idolatry and sexual sin in the list of evil deeds that brought His wrath down on ancient Israel (1 Cor. 10:1-12).
8. Know that God wants you to pass the test far more than you do. There are two reasons for this. First, He loves us so much and rejoices to see us experience pure joy. Second, it brings glory to Him when we dignify the trial by cheerfully enduring it.

Excerpted from Pure Joy (Charisma House, 2006)

This thing called prayer

As you may know, I'm reading a book and as a result I've been 'slapped' pretty hard. It isn't often I read a well known author who says, "I told the Lord that my prayer life stunk." Does that sound like anyone you know? Yeah, ME! " "That I found no enjoyment in prayer. found it boring and uneventful. Flat out I did not like to pray. I knew it was supposed to be a big deal for followers of Christ, but it came up short with me. Blatant honesty. No holds barred. In point of fact, I believe I told the Lord I wasn't even sure I wanted him to change all that, because the idea of a life of old stuffy prayer did not appeal to me."

Okay, let's get honest. That sound so much like me, I could have written it! What? No, no T.A. (Tony) Burns, yep! If we are ever to grow, we must begin with acknowledging where we are. Not where we wish we were, or liked to be, but were we are NOW. Reading more about prayer may be a start, but praying is hard work, and it requires a lot more than mental assent.

 ". . . a good prayer life is God's business, not mine." There is actually a Spirit of prayer, according to Ole Hallesby, he wrote that without this Spirit of prayer all prayer is empty an ineffective. But if I seek God, who is willing to give me much more that I can ask, if I am willing to ask. Somehow, if I think about it, I haven't asked. I have not because I ask not, or I ask amiss. That's "a wake up call."

Is there anyone out there like me? Will you dare acknowle my failure to pray is the result of feeling like it was a waste of time? Oh, I know I should do it, and Jesus said too, but, well and oh my . . .

Lord, I want it, that Spirit of prayer that ushers in your presence with power; life changing, healing, break through power, in my life, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Now that's just a start.

Praying together

Father, thank you for finding me. Of all of the people on this planet, in the ‘hood,’ of Brooklyn, on a street you planted a church. It was here that you sought me out. Here you found me, and called me by name. That I would become you son and servant, thank you for that and this call.

You have equipped each of us for a purpose, may we live out  that purpose. Refresh our minds, that we may meet the needs we encounter each day. We are often surprised by what comes our way, we question,’ where did that come from why?”I wish it weren’t true but we question. Grant me, (us) the ability to trust your judgment, knowing that you care for me and want what will bring you the greatest glory. May I walk with you and not along my own way.

May each of us, rest in the arms of your love, even as I tremble at the thought of what might be, and the unknown. I thanks you for not only faith enough to believe you, but the assurance I’m right where you want me at this moment. I thank you for confidence, not in myself, but in you and your concern, ability and care. You are working all things together for good. I thank you in Jesus name, Amen.

Love ya,

T

A Recommendation

I’m sure almost every day you’re give another book to read, suggested to read, etc. Well here another one. I’m completing the book I mentioned in my ‘blog,’ or writings named; Anatomy Of The Soul- Curt Thompson, M.D.

Frankly, this has proven to be one of the most difficult books I’ve ever read. Many of my P.O.E. (Pastors of Excellence) friends will find this very insightful since we’ve had the benefit of Dr. Terry Wardle’s teaching and writing. For those of you who have no idea who Terry Wardle is or what I’m talking about, TRUST ME! Buy and read this book.

The author is a psychiatrist, but don’t let that stop you from reading what he written. I have been trying for the last few years to convey what God has been calling me to in my personal and ministerial life. As you read through the book, some of you will begin to understand what I’ve been trying to say and do. The body of Christ is a community as much as my body and mind is a community, and I want to and need to be known.

If you dare get a copy of this book and read it, (there have been times when I’ve had to put it down, and walk away from it.) Coming back and thinking, “I’m not psychiatrist, I don’t get or use or even understand this.” But I bought it and I wanted to finish the book. I am so very glad I kept reading! I think you will as well.

At some point, some of you will call or write me and ask if we can get together and discuss what we’ve read. I look forward to sitting together and discussing what we’ve found, (frankly that’s a suggestion in the book.) So, if you dare, GO FOR IT! I look forward to hearing from you. Tell me what you think.

Love ya,

T

Thoughts from this mornings Devotional

Are You Trapped in Bad Company?

Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra wrote in his masterpiece, Don Quixote de la Mancha, quote. “Tell me thy company, and I will tell thee what thou art.” There is some truth to that statement. We are known by the company we keep.

We often believe that this concept applies only in our interaction with unbelievers; however, this can be applied to our relationship within the body of Christ, also.

Some years ago, I was in a situation where I found myself unwittingly in the grip of someone who I could see was not good for me. The person was our processing Christian, but I found myself in his grip. And I was leaning on him. I realize that this was wrong, and God delivered me from the situation. I was so thankful.

Am I advising you to avoid altogether unbelievers or certain members with in the body of Christ? Most certainly not. However, ask the Lord to shine His light on the various relationships in your life.

Could it be that at this moment, you are in this snare? You are trapped with bad company, and they are doing you no good. Maybe, however, you have to rationalize the situation and make up excuses concluding that you can be an exception. You wouldn’t recommend anybody else to do what you're doing.

The worst thing that you can do, however, is to begin to think that you are the exception to the rule. For the devil will come along side and say that you are different, that you can associate with the wrong company. Then, before you know it, you are in a trap.

It is a wonderful thing to realize that God delivers us from bad company.

Maybe, you are in a situation where you are being wrongly influence. And as a consequence, you have lost the sense of inner peace. Where the Spirit of Lord is there is liberty. But bad company causes you to lose the peace the God wants you to have. I ask you, are you in the grip of bad company?

R. T. Kendal – Excerpted from Higher Ground

My response:

Lord, I praise you for your instruction. . “Tell me thy company, and I will tell thee what thou art.” For far too long, I have sometimes sought out those men, who I thought would be good for me, career, or ministry. To find, I was totally wrong. I wanted to be associated with them for all the wrong reasons and purposes. Self and selfishness often can disguise itself. If it's all about me, Jesus, there can be very little of yourself. Even in this we often "jockey" for the best church, position or assignment, do forgive me Lord.

So we're you want to be, and what is it you want me to do for your glory? Not my own. You moved, and I am following. Not to be defiant or difficult, but because you purpose in me (us) isn’t what you called others too. I am a part your body, plan and purpose. Jesus help me to trust you’re leading away from the influence I think can do me the most good, (there, I've said it.)

You made me (wired) me as you have for purpose. You know where I will serve you best. Help me to seek nothing more than yourself and that for your glory. Jesus, you gave me a heart to love like yourself. I'm sure there were times of pain with your disciples. Yet, you lead by example, helped me to be more like you, and less like me.

I know, what I wanted, but what you want, for me, is so much better and with a higher purpose. This means that there are those I must leave behind, love them, but it is time to move on. Some relationships aren't healthy for me; they will keep me from following you. Good people yes, but your purpose has to be accomplished. Will I ever be allowed stopped loving and caring of our old them, NO! You have a new plan. Your plan hasn't changed but where and with whom has.

Lord, I want to hold on to what was, yet you say “follow me.” Those relationships have reached their purpose and end. If I continue to trying to salvage them, will mean I must move away from you, and that isn’t somewhere. I (or you) want to be. You are the best company to keep in step with.

Sometimes what comes pouring out is surprising

As I prayed this morning, the following came pouring out. Why, not even I can answer that. Yet I believe prayer must be honest and not always polite! The Psalms were written from the hearts, souls and yes, pain of the writters; if you've never read them as written in The Message, by Eugene Peterson, I suggest you get a copy and read them, they are AMAZING! So here's the prayer I prayed, which surprised even me.

Father, no more polite and cuties prayers:

Father, I thank you for a new year and for this (and every) new day.

What lies before us is greater then what is behind us. You where in my (our) past and you are very much in my (our) present.  There is nothing I am facing or will face that you are not present in and for. Grant me courage to do what I can and allow you to take charge everything else.

May we find way to bind together with those few men and women who dare to find time for each other. Who make room from those who aren’t like them on various levels, yet love you. We are in this thing you call the church together no matter how close or far apart we are. By your grace I dare to believe that you want us to find the one thing in each of these lives that causes me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and that will bring you glory.

Bless these my brother and sisters who risk so much for your purpose. Oh God break me, that what is broken you can begin to mold into your own idea of what I and your church must be. The division are so deep, the divides so cavernous we dare not try to reach or cross, yet you said we are to love one another, you call us to be ‘brothers and sisters’ even to those who are estranged from me, and who do so willing. Forgive my anger and yes, anger which I hold silently within and burns a hole in my spirit. May I love each of these as you love me; the love and grace you’ve given me, must be reproduced within me but that is wholly of your Spirit.

Yes, I am a new creature, if I dare to be. Yes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, if I allow you to; Yes, I need you, but do I want you too? These I share this prayer with are part of my (your) ever expanding family. These are they for whom you died Jesus; and I dare to hold them at arm’s length because of the pain I feel in my own heart. Forgive me Jesus!

I thank you that you see me, I’m not invisible to you; you don’t and won’t ignore me or pretend I have no value. You value each of us as your children, here in my heart you dwell, not in part, but all of you which makes each of us present with you in this moment.

Bless us this year to accomplish what you want; your purpose for your glory, this I ask in the mighty Name of Jesus, AMEN!

Those of you who dare, or have the courage, i'd like to hear from you after you've had a moment to pray with me. Love ya, T.A.B.

Strengths Finder 2.0 Results

According to the results my top 5 themes are:

• Connectedness
• Belief
• Communication
• Strategic
• Woo

I will be reviewing the additional information and working to implement the suggestions. I'll be adding this to my list of what I call my, "Learning curve," items, Which begins this week. "It's A New Year and It's A New Day!" The only was to start is to begin. Slowly of course, but someone has said, "beginning is half done!"

Keep me in your prayers, there is a lot to be done, but "I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me." AMEN!

Love ya

Blesssings in the New Year

This morning I'm sharing what's on my reading list. Why? If you know what I'm reading, it will allow you pray more effectively for and with me:

Anatomy of the Soul - Curt Thompson, M. D.
Strengths Finder 2.0 - Tom Rath (Thanks Aaron & Emily)
Sovereign Ladies - the Six Reigning Queens of England - Maureen Waller

I will beginning my Master of Divinity program.

I ask that you remember me in prayer each day. The list of things I have to do this year is lengthy, and learning curve is quite steep. "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me . . ."Phil. 4:13

Love ya,
T.A.B.