Stagnation Vs. Significance

Over the last 30 years I have been a fan of Gail Sheehy's book, "Passages."  In this book she outlines the various stages of adult maturity.  According to Sheehy, "Going from each development period to the next, we learn new things about ourselves. Everyone goes through these stages at their own learning pace. By the time we have reached the end of a particular stage and it is time to advance to the next phase, we must leave behind certain aspects that will remain unaddressed until a future opportunity presents itself. We can accomplish certain goals, lose them, yet still gain them back as well."  Well, recently I have found that death and grieving can give us that opportunity of unaddressed areas that were left behind in other stages of growth.  In fact, unfinished business of the past has a way of catching up with you when you least expect it.

I'm now moving into my mid-50's and find myself caught between stagnation vs. significance. Hmmm... let's see.  I've traveled in 23 nations, 166 cities, and spoken in some of the world's largest churches, had thousands come to Christ, healed, and touch by the Holy Spirit in both large and small ways. I have hosted, produced, and directed radio and television programs seen around the world in over 500 million homes.  I've written books, spoken at conferences  and  I've served four churches and pastored for 35 years. I have two earned bachelors degrees  and two Master's degrees from "real" accredited colleges and seminaries.  I have overseen $1.5 million dollars worth of relief and aid goods and services sent abroad and here in the USA. Yet, I don't feel like I've made a dent in life.  I have felt stuck, unappreciated, and deeply disturbed at the lack of progress we have made in "restoring" the authentic New Testament church experience outlines in the New Testament.  Most international, national, regional, and local ministries are more caught up in their own press, protecting their own turf, and doing "business" as usual at the expense of losing our cultures to "putting on a good show."  The unfortunate thing is that the "show" isn't producing results.  The big screens, the great music, the dancers on the stage, and smooth motivational talks have done nothing to bring about "revival in the church" or "awakening in the nation."  It's just all hype and showmanship.  Recently, one intercessor wrote me and described it as a "dog" and "pony" show.  Big Whoop!  So, what really matters?

Some will tell you it's all about the family.  Then you watch those same proclaimers end up in divorce and leaving their kids in a drug lifestyle. Others will tell you it's about souls... and one year later after a crusade you can't even find those who respond to the altar call and the evangelist is introducing his next wife. Sound pessimistic?  You bet.  Try this... I have watched major leaders in my generation get caught in porning, having multiple affairs, kids out of wedlock, drinking or drugging, and having sex with the boys and girls all the while proclaiming the importance of remaining on the stage to proclaim their gospel.  Wow... and today I sit in my home quietly, trying to love my wife, get my girls through their educations, and having faith instilled in their lives.... finding myself shelved for the lack of drama in my life. There must be something wrong with me because I like it here!

"As teenagers we try to discover our individuality. We experiment, doing things our parents are unaccustomed to in order to identify our “self.” Since we don’t look at our family as people who understand us, we join a group of people who do. Some of us may look for a connection with another person, but can cause us to remain dependent on our families financially and emotionally. This group or individual, in turn, become our new family. In time, these groups start to fade and we go back to our actual families."  Each of our stories begin and end in our homes!  Who we are at home is who we are... we are not called to be "idols"!  We are called to be at home with ourselves, our families, our friends and with God!

The Holy Spirit sent Moses into a wilderness for 40 years.  He went from prominence to sheep herding. Joseph was thrown out of his house so that he could save his family. Then if you read the true marks of apostleship like being physically beaten, thrown in prison, shipwrecked while planting churches and turning the world upside down all for the sake of loving and serving people- you wonder how Apostle or Bishop so and so got so fixated on getting his credentials to call himself his title including the $30,000 fee and a monthly payment of $500 to the biggest TV guy in the church business network... Because so many people have no self esteem and haven't done the work required to hold the title they buy it or get an honorary label vs allowing the Holy Spirit to work in them the true marks of apostolic ministry.  What is a false Apostle? Can I hear somebody say Oh, my?  Lol.

I'm really not as cynical as I sound.  I believe in the championing the cause of the church. I believe in the local church. I believe in accountability. But,  growing up in Christ is tough stuff and requires stamina.  It also demands you to address what you don't want to address in yourself - the pain, the trauma, and sin that runs in all of us.  ALL have SINNED and fallen short of the glory of GOD (Rm 3:23).  Recently, I have really begun to discover how important and much I appreciate the Indian guy at 7-eleven who rings up my coffee in the morning. I love the waitress, Vickie, who serves my crab soup, ice tea, and hot bread for lunch, and the lady come rain or shine helps me unload my trash at the dump.  Are they not living up to their potential?  Are they stuck at a dead end life?  Hell No!  They are some of the best examples of servant hood, followers, and authentic leaders I've ever met.  Significance can be found in loving ordinary people more than extraordinary crowds and applause at the end of the show. For me I love my home, I love my wife, I love my kids, I love my dogs, I love my church and I love all my friends both present and past for all the contributions, impact and input they've had on my life- especially those who brought me to faith, discipled me, and laid hands on me and sent me out to preach the gospel.  I am not in a place of stagnation rather appreciation. Sometimes we just need to stop and appreciate the significance of God's handiwork in our stories.  Let's learn to stop and let each other know how much we appreciate each other... and how significant we are all are to each other.  My favorite scripture lately has been "While we were YET sinners, Christ died for us." He didn't give his life to insignificance he came to life us up out of our own stagnation.

Hearing The Voice Of God & Post-Election Thoughts...

On February 14th, 2012 I heard the Lord early in the morning say to me "Obama will remain President for another four years!"  So I wrote the following word of prophecy in my journal as the Holy Spirit continued. "I will revolutionize the Presidency with a man after my heart and not a heart after the nation. He will not care about public opinion but will align my country with my plans for the future. America is at her crossroads!" (see Jeremiah 6:16)

As I have reflected on this word over the last few months, I realized that for the first four years President Obama had a heart for the nation.  He worked hard to keep our nation and the nations of the world from collapsing completely from a world wide depression greater than the 1930s.  Despite, all the politics and rage against him... he remained focused because he had a heart for the nation.  Usually, I am not a person who enjoys the political realm but there was something God had put in my heart regarding him becoming the President of the United States in the first place.  God clearly spoke to me that President Obama was going to be used by God to (1) deal with the spirit of racism in America; (2) work toward the reconciliation of first nations people; (3) end America's exporting of its own colonialism culture; (4) and begin fighting Modern Slavery.  Here's what has happened:  

(1)  In regards to racism  - see Racism in Obama's America: One Year Later - ABC News  

(2) In regards to first nations- President Obama's first executive order called for the reconciliation of our nation with first nations peoples. He also has agreed to sign the UN Resolution that calls on the Western Church to repudiate the "Doctrine Of Discovery" The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in 2012, focused The Doctrine of Discovery: its enduring impact on Indigenous Peoples and the right to redress for past conquests (articles 28 and 37 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)

(3)  In regards to fighting colonialism - See the movie Obama 2016

(4)  In regards to fighting modern slavery - have a look at this.  "Clinton Global Initiative Speech"

       http://youtu.be/fe_ud_5XTBs

I believe that the next phase of President Obama's presidency will cause a radical change in his relationship with God... He will become a man after God's own heart who will set the course of God's plan in action for this nations future.  After all, if God could harden Pharaoh's heart, God can soften our President's heart.  If God can use The Persian Leader Cyrus to set in motion Israel's rebuilding of the temple, God can use President Obama to lead the way to bring America toward it's God given design and purpose. It is not a "go back to" message- It's a go forward message.  For those who call on America to go back I ask, "Go back to what?" Slavery?  The Trail Of Tears?  Segregation?

America's calling in the world is to be a "city on the hill,"  "a light to the nations,"  a nation that reflects the vision and values of the architect of our nation "William Penn" - with reciprocal liberty.  I concur with GodTV's Wendy Alec's prophetic word to the American Church. Prophetic Word from Wendy Alec – November 12th 2012: "I sensed the Lord saying: It is time to stop. It is time for a complete turnaround of my people. It is time to pray. And as my people, as my church, rises up across the nation and the nations of this world to pray –   Pray fervently for President Obama; pray fervently for the government; pray fervently for the White House That we will see in the land of the living – That we will see a change in the direction of the White House – That we will see a change – a transformation even of policies – And it will be My Hand that has wrought this change says the Lord  

For my hand has been restrained, says the Lord – My Hand has been restrained because of the disobedience of my people – For there have been many prayers that have risen up to my throne but there has been prayerlessness for this government For I tell you, beloved son, beloved daughter that as you arise in prayer for this government – as you arise in prayer for this President – for this husband; for this father of children, for this President of the nation of America – That my hand shall once again be loosed to move upon the White House – upon the government – upon the President – in power – in glory and in might  And as you lift up your voice in the day and as you lift up your voice in the night hour before my throne and pray for wisdom for this man – I tell you that even in an instant – I shall release wisdom –  Even in an instant I shall release revelation – Even in an instant – his eyes shall be opened to things in the natural and things in the spirit realm that he has been previously blinded to – And I shall pour out My Spirit upon the White House –

And I shall pour out My Spirit upon Congress And I shall pour out My Spirit upon the President, and I shall pour out My Spirit upon this government – and shall pour out My Spirit upon this Congress, and there shall begin to come a softening – and the great divides shall start to dissolve – And one by one, there shall come a working together across the aisles – across the differences – across the issues – and My Spirit shall move at first in individuals – in one man – then in one woman – Then another, and another, and there shall be within the walls of Congress a spirit of reconciliation – a spirit of working together – and the walls of division shall start to fall – for there has been a stalemate in the spirit says the Lord – but no more 

For there shall begin a healing of rifts says the Lord A healing of rifts. A healing of rifts between the Republicans and the Democrats. A healing of rifts that shall extend even from the Congress to Israel. For there shall even be a healing of rifts between President Barack Obama and President Benjamin Netanyahu.

And the spirit of Jezebel shall be rooted out of the White House – It shall be rooted out of the Congress. For I shall tear down and root out –  And even certain men and certain women shall be removed from their positions. They shall be removed –  And there shall even be removals from a high place – a place of great authority And in their place I shall position those chosen and appointed by my own hand. There will be Cyrus’ whose hands I shall use. And there will be Marys who hear my voice and who seek my face – But Lord how can that be? It shall be – says the Lord of Hosts – for child I am neither Republican nor Democrat – I am God, says the Lord of Hosts. Is a man’s heart not in my hands? Have I not said that that I move the heart of kings? So I wait for you beloved son – I wait for you my beloved daughter – Come rend your garments – come dry your tears and bring your supplications for this President –for this government before my throne – And it shall be – that even in a moment – Even in a day – You shall start to see things shift and change – People removed – people replaced – And I shall pour out wisdom in the night hour upon Barack Obama – And he shall hear a voice saying this is the way – walk ye in it And it shall be my voice says the Lord. And I shall put a hook in his nose to Israel. And I shall water the stony heart and I shall wash his eyes with my salve –the salve of my Holy Spirit. And I will break the bonds of intimidation from this President. For is it not that same spirit of Jezebel that has surely paralyzed his hands in this past term. That has kept his eyes from seeing...That has stopped his ears from hearing. But no more says the Lord of hosts no more shall it be For I shall raise him as a champion of the poor in this next term. And yes – he shall raise his voice as a champion for the poor and the weak and the helpless. And this is not of himself but it shall be of me. And he shall champion the poor. He shall champion education. He shall champion the common man. And I shall bring to him men and women after my own heart who shall speak to him of things that hold great weight with me. And he shall think deeply on these things. And he shall ponder them in his heart And there shall be many issues that he shall quietly address that may go unnoticed by the public But they will not be unnoticed by me. And I will place a steel rod at his back And he shall start to stand firm – and I shall grant him wisdom concerning economic issues. And yes there will be naysayers And yes there will be opponents. But as my people – but as my church bring him faithfully before me. I will grant him wisdom to deal with the Middle East. I Will grant him wisdom to deal with Israel And I will send my prophets. My prophets will speak a word to him in season concerning my people Israel. And I will grant him wisdom concerning Israel – wisdom concerning Jerusalem, wisdom concerning Iran. 

Wisdom concerning Afghanistan. Wisdom regarding China. And a new mantle shall rest upon him in this term. A new mantle. A mantle of wisdom; a mantle of power; a mantle of strength, For it will be a new day! And many, many across America will say – is this the same man? How can it be? And I tell you - it shall be because I am God -

Prayer for President Barack Obama and the government of the United States

Beloved son – beloved daughter – I feel that the Lord says that he has been grieved, much grieved at the voices of criticism that have risen up from his own people – from his own church these past years – from those across the United States that he has raised up to intercede and stand in the gap for America. That the Father, Himself is now urging all of us who may have criticised, spoken words that were not beneficial over the President to do a hundred percent turnaround. To repent of our attitudes – justified as many feel they are, and to get down on our knees, ask for forgiveness and start to earnestly pray.

If we want to live a quiet and peace-filled life then we are exhorted by the scriptures to Pray for the President of the United States... (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4) 

Rev. Billy Graham has recently written, "All of us care a great deal about our country. The intensity of opinions and feelings during the long political campaign showed the depth of that concern. Now with the votes counted, it is important to remember that whether we are personally pleased with the outcome or not, God wants us to pray for those chosen to be our leaders—at the national, state, and local levels. The Bible urges us to do so with both respect and thanksgiving (see 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 2:1–3). We must also remember that no election will ever solve America’s most basic problems. That is because the trouble, at its root, is in the human heart, and the only path to true restoration—for a person or for a nation—is through repentance. The Bible says, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19–20, ESV). Only the Gospel, God’s Good News, has the power to change lives, heal hearts, and restore a nation."

I would like to recommend all my American church friends read a very strong prophetic book entitled, "American Church In Crisis" http://www.theamericanchurch.org/TACIC.htm  

this book reveals Groundbreaking research based on a national database of over 200,000 churches reveals that the overall population growth rate far outpaces the church’s rate of growth. What does this mean for you, your church, and the future of Christianity in North America ? The American Church in Crisis offers unprecedented access to data that helps you understand the state of the church today. This book not only paints a realistic picture that confirms hunches and explodes myths, but provides insight into how the church must be renewed to reach our changing world with the hope of the gospel.

No longer will the American church have influence on the Political system, economic system or culture until we get back to doing what Jesus called us to do.  Win the Lost. Disciple the Found. Heal the Hurting.

The Sandy Foundation Shaken

     330 Years Ago, on October 28-29, 1682 William Penn landed in New Castle, Delaware.  This historic moment in history laid a foundation for a democratic republic which would later become the United States of America.  Penn's "Seed Of A Nation" was based on recipocal liberty. During the late seventeenth century, when Protestants persecuted Catholics, Catholics persecuted Protestants, and both persecuted Quakers and Jews, Penn established an American sanctuary which protected freedom of conscience. Almost everywhere else, colonists stole land from the Indians, but Penn traveled unarmed among the Indians and negotiated peaceful purchases. He insisted that women deserved equal rights with men. He gave Pennsylvania a written constitution which limited the power of government, provided a humane penal code, and guaranteed many fundamental liberties.  Penn is often referred to as  the architect behind our "frame of government," "our american justice system - trial by jury," and those "religious freedoms" we enjoy as Americans.  In fact, Penn was the only person who made major contributions to liberty in both the New World and the Old World.

      330 years later, a major hurricane named, "Sandy" hit the very locations Penn landed and where his charters extended.  The name "Sandy" means "defender of humanity."  It's extremely prophetic that this major storm was named "Sandy."  One of Penn's greatest and most controversial phamplets, written from his time in the tower of London, was entitled, "The Sandy Foundation Shaken."  Most people do not remember that New Jersey, which was hardest hit by the storm, was owned by William Penn before he was granted Pennsylvania by King Charles II. As early as 1660 George Fox and the Quakers had sought for over a decade a colony in America where they could practice their religion freely.  When a dispute over land holdings in West New Jersey (then a separate colony from East New Jersey) between John Fenwick and Edward Billinge arose, the Quakers (preferring to settle their differences among themselves) had Penn settle the dispute in England. In 1672, He wrote the "Concessions and Agreements" charter for a group of Quaker colonists who were settling in the newly acquired New Jersey. Among its provisions were the right to trial by jury, the freedom from arbitrary imprisonment for debt, and edict against capital punishment. Penn also strongly argued for religious freedom, writing "no Men. . . hath Power or authority to rule over Men's Consciences in Religious matters." This document has been called "the first clear statement in American history of the supremacy of the fundamental law [universal rights] over any statutes that might be enacted."  The New Jersey project was a success.  The colony reported having fertile land, ample game and being stocked with goods.  However, there wasn’t enough room for everyone from England, Germany, Scotland and Holland (places where Penn and his fellow Quakers had been spreading Quakerism).  Penn then looked to the Crown for land west of the Delaware River.

      There are some very interesting scriptures that apply to this historic moment we're in.  In Matthew 7:25-26 it says, "And the rain descended and the floods came and the wind blew, and they rushed against the house and it did not fall, for its foundation was laid on solid rock. everyone who hears these my words, but does not practice them, will be likened to the foolish man who built his house on sand."  The unfortuante thing is that our nation has departed from Penn's "Holy Experiment." His experiment faltered. Religious differences spawned political factionalism. In the Legislature, the Quaker party held the upper hand and resisted sharing power. Quakers themselves split into rival factions. Penn's trusted associates mismanaged funds. Penn was thrown into debtors' prison. He suffered two strokes, lost his memory and died penniless in 1718.  Although his vision for his colony only lasted for 80 years, Penn's real contribution was his honorable treatment of the first nations people - the Leni-lenopi tribe.  His treaties were honored during his lifetime... only to be broken by his own sons.  Those violations and acts of covenant breaking affect us to this day.  
     On Oct. 28-29, 2012  Hurricane "Sandy" came up the Atlantic and turned left into the Delaware Bay.  It came with 50 mph winds, affected 50 million people in the mid-atlantic and northeast, it did 50 billion dollars in damage, and killed 50 people.  50 is known as a Jubilee.  Hurricane Sandy caused Wall Street to shut down.  Recently, this past year my dear friend, Chuck Pierce,  prophesied that Atlantic City would go under water!  In Basking Ridge, New Jersey on June 8, 2012. “God is going to give us power over the next storm in this area. There will be a storm on the coast, and the Lord says I am going to give you power. You are going to see My power working. Now I am here to say again, New Jersey, Newark, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, Hartford area in CT and all the way to Yale – God is going to move in an unprecedented way – now get ready! The power of God has come into the atmosphere. This power is going to surprise you in a way that you have not been surprised. Some of you are saying how does this affect me? Well, some of you are going to wake up in the Presence of the Lord, and He is going to say I am waiting for you. He’s going to stand there and you are going to be arrested by HIS SPIRIT. God’s people are coming under a supernatural power and favor in this region.”  
     On the 50th year after the founding of Pennsylvania, The Liberty Bell, was presented in honor of William Penn.  Lev. 25:10 "Proclaim liberty throughout the land..." is inscribed on the top of the Bell. The revision of Penn’s Fourth Frame of Government in Pennsylvania was named the Charter of Privileges and was celebrated on its fiftieth anniversary in 1751.   50 represents Jubilee.  It appears that we are coming into a time of Jubilee where God himself is pressing the reset button on our nation!  As I wrote these words God spoke to me the following prophetic word...

Hear the word of The Lord! My people are called to be a people 

who hear and listen to my voice. My voice is not found in the majority. 

My voice is not found in what is popular... Nor in the voice of the many 

who share in the same opinion. My voice is the still small voice 

and there will you find the almighty. By the sword you shall fight 

but you shall fight from a broken place... I will be your defense. 

The Sandy Foundation is Shaken!

THERE ARE FIRES IN THE SANDS OF NEW JERSEY...

THIS IS A MAJOR PROPHETIC SIGN!

Don't Find Yourself On The Wrong Side Of History!

      Isaiah 43:18-19 "Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."   So, this passage was written in a time when the first temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonian military.  During this period, the southern tribes had been confident that as long as they had the temple God was on their side. However, God had other plans.  In Acts 17:24 The Apostle Paul proclaimed that "God does not dwell in temples made of human hands."  So then why were the southern tribes so hell bent in rebuilding a second temple when God's plan was to incarnate himself in a human body?  Why are so many people still obsessed with buildings and institutions as being "symbols" of stability?   This passage from Isaiah 43 explains to us that people have difficulty forgetting the past and have hard times embracing cultural shifts.  

     In our most recent presidential discussions the focus has been on Jobs.  Most of the time, the republican side has been emphasizing that we need to reclaim "Manufacturing" from China and India.  Unfortunately, because America has been an industrial country in the past it has not fully grasped the idea that the new technologies of the future are not going to sustain a industrial base.  We are now moving to a "knowledge based economy."  A Knowledge based economy is a kind of economy based solely on the production, distribution and the use of knowledge. In short, it means that the most important thing in the coming economy model will be knowledge and skills, not the material products.  So why then is there so much emphasis on going backward to an economy based on the industrial revolution?  In short, it's because with changes as drastic as this thousands of workers are no longer needed to build products of the past.  The democratic emphasis has focused on the new economy and the jobs associated with it.  Did you know With a nationwide unemployment rate of 8.1%, many Americans are having a hard time finding work. Despite this, 3.8 million jobs in the U.S. remain unfilled?  Why? Because there is no one qualified or skilled enough with the tools necessary for these new economy jobs.  Job training is necessary.  But there are those who want to return to the age before the Internet.  They want their printing press jobs, their real estate jobs, their car salesman jobs back. But, what do I need a middle man for anymore when I can go online and purchase the items from anywhere in the world without their help.  These jobs are obsolete.  In the future, teaching jobs will shift because of holograms.  Pastoral care will be more about facilitation rather being mediators and gatekeepers of truth.  There are no gatekeepers.  Anyone can be a photographer.  Anyone can start their on newsblog.  Anyone can produce programming, create their own stories and post them on YouTube at low-costs.  What do I need all those former reporters of news for when i can catch a news-worthy story on my IPhone for?  So what are we going back to?  Why are we wanting to return to the former days?  You can't take  it back and move the culture to the golden age of the 1950's.  So what does this all mean?

        There is no economic fix.  The economy is obsolete as we've known it.  Their are new rules, new jobs, new leadership models, new structures to be built based on flat-lateral team driven organizations.  Telephone poles must be removed.  Cell phone towers will be replaced by telstar and new infrastructures will become important to build and sustain our new economy in the global market place.  Modernism demands conformity. Post-modernism demands diversity.  The 20th century led to world wars and the building of the modern industrial complex. However, the 21st century will force nation-states to break up and interdependent regional areas to produce products together.  As the scriptures say, "weapons will be beaten into plow-shares" maybe in our time, in our generation.  So when we want to cling to the "Good old days" - may I ask when were those good ole days in America?  When slavery was recognized?  When race riots took place in Chicago?  When thousands of Native Americans were dispossed and displaced?  There were no good old days!   Our best days are ahead.  So you need to be concerned... wherever you live and in whatever cultural background your from... to make sure your life is focused on the future- not the past.  You need to choose leaders who are moving us forward not backwards and serve organizations which assist in bringing understanding, tolerance, civility, and transformation toward the future in education, business, church-life, arts, media, government, and life-care. And if you sense you are called to be in anyone of these areas of work you need to get the education.  But make sure your educators have an eye on the future and not the past.  Otherwise, you may find yourself on the wrong side of history!

WOW, NOTHING BUT WEAKNESS!

    Conquering negative emotions can be a challenge especially when you go through difficult moments in life.  In Phil. 3:18-19 explains that negative emotions can destroy our faith life.  So I often, try to find ways to encourage myself when I'm down emotionally.  I'm usually a very optimistic person, full of faith, and very attune to hearing the Lord on so many levels as I pray.  But, lately due to the grief and loss of my dearest family members I find my self second guessing, feeling depressed, feeling a little out of touch and fighting to distinguish God's voice in the midst of dark emotional states.  I've never had to deal with this before.

    What's even more difficult is to do my regular pastoral duties and visit with families only to learn that many of them are struggling with the same things or worse. As a result, I wonder if the Body Of Christ is under spiritual attack. The other day I went to visit with a family in our church and learned of some extreme things they've been going through.  What was strange as I left their house was I left their house encouraged and realized my problems seemed small in comparison to theirs. During my visit I found that as I encouraged them I found myself encouraging myself right out of a really bad emotional state that morning.  It's all too weird for me these days.  But God calls us all out of our negative places!

     I Samuel 30:6 says, "David encouraged himself in the Lord."  In this passage, David and all his men found their families had been kidnapped and all their stuff taken away.  All of his men were bitter about the situation.  As a result, David found himself in a place of discouragement.  When you let negative emotions get the best of you - you have to make a decision to get better or be bitter.  David made a decision.  But, how did he get into a positive place of faith again?  First he called his priest! Wow, what a thought.  He then asked Abiathar to bring him a priestly garment.  Why?  Because David understood the most important step to get out of self-pity, loathing, and negativity was to get before the Lord and seek direction directly from him.  God answers prayer.

    When I was in my mid-twenties, my grandmother asked me if I stilled prayed for my father to come to Christ (My father was an atheist).  I said, "No."  I had lost all faith for him and was discouraged about it so I ceased to pray about it.  I loved self-pity... it's a great negative emotion!  If you're going to have one.  She rebuked me, "Michael, you should never stop praying for him!"  "God answers prayer."  "I'm not going to die until he comes to the Lord."  Wow.  He did and she lived till she was 92.  God answered her prayers and mine too.  He doesn't forget the ones you prayed in the past. Lol.

      When David prayed he asked the Lord three things: (1) Shall I pursue the raiding party? (2) Will I catch them? and (3) finally, he asks "Will I be able to overtake them?"  These are the three things we need to consider when faced with negative emotions.  When injustice is done, you have the choice to go after justice or let it go.  It takes a great deal of discernment especially when in Micah 6:8 it asks "What does the Lord require of us?"  First thing out the gate - "to do justice."  What does justice look like in your situation?  Secondly, when faced with an injustice, in our day and age it could lead to court... and then you have to prove your case.  Here's right where I live right now.  I am involved in a court case.  My lawyer threatened to quit our  court case because he doesn't think we have enough money to finish.  I can't get mad at him since I recognize He doesn't have enough time and resources because of his own case management load... and our case is big.  So he gets discouraged and wants to quit.  Our side can win this.  We have the evidence.  We have the witnesses but can we really catch them?  Is it really worth going through all the hassle only to lose a case because the other side can outsmart you.  So David asked can we catch up to them?  Justice too often seems far away. Proverbs 29:6 states, "In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare,  and the just shall praise and rejoice."   Eventually, when you pursue justice, you end up in a place of gratitude and thankfulness.  David's final question to the Lord had to do with strength.  Do I have enough emotional strength to overcome this?  I love this place. It's a great place to get to.  Nothing but weakness.  II Cor. 12:9 says, "Christ strength is made PERFECT in our weakness."  Go figure.

      When I am weak he is strong.  How so... well the battle we all face are not ours.  It belongs to the Lord.  Without a battle we would not have a testimony.  But, when you're in that battle and sorely tested you don't think you can make it through and it doesn't seem God is listening or even cares.  Recently, someone reminded me that when I was a kid and had a test in school... the teacher was present but was silent behind the desk until the test was over.  When we turned our test papers in... our real question was one of seeking approval. How'd I do.

     Well, many times I believe God is present - especially in our weakness; sitting in his chair waiting for us to finish what we need to do or waiting for us to get over ourselves.  Tests are nothing more than checking our progress.  So what does God say to David?  Go for it!  You can overcome this. You can recover from anything that tries to steal you future.  The Apostle Paul said it this way, (2 Cor. 11:25) "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? 30If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. 31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32In Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, 33and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands."  Even death itself, Paul considered a victory.  One day, during my mom's final weeks she got up in bed and said, Mike, I don't want to die!"  I said, "Mom, why would you want to stay. You've been complaining my whole life how you missed your mother. Why stick around here when you can go be with her?"  I understand her loss because I lost her.  But the promise I have is that I will be with her again one day in heaven too!

      So if your feeling weak emotionally, want to lay down in a box of kitty litter and throw it all over yourself, why not turn choose to begin the turn around?  Shake off those negative emotions that destroys you faith life. Get in the presence of God and ask him how David's three questions apply to your situation and see what he will answer.  I'm just glad to know, Christ's strength is made perfect in my weakness - and boy He must be strong in me right now! Thank you Jesus for helping all of us get through tough times.  As Robert Schuller Sr. said, "Tough times never last, tough minded people do!  Remember I'm praying for you too...

It's Wall Street Not Sesame Street!

Talk about incompetence.  Recently, our church has been engaged in a legal battle against a predatory lending company which has ravaged several churches over our region of the country.  This story is just another Maddoff story that has bilked churches out of millions of dollars, brought down two major banks, stolen minister retirement funds and has 14 people and 4 different companies involved in the criminal activity and subsequent cover up.  How we ever uncovered this mess is still an act of God to me.  However, this case has given me real insight to major corrupt financial structures built in our country's economic and legal systems.  You can blame the President, you can blame the House or Senate, but the real criminals are the banks and Wall St. who have yet been brought to justice.  Our country is in a crisis.  It not only needs prayer but we need Godly leadership.  Our problem in the Christian Community is that we have failed to educate and raise up young people with the educational background, tools and resources needed to enter into the financial field to fix this mess. All the American Church World has done is raised up more crooks like Maddoff rather than bring about Godly change in the workplace. Why?  Because our churches have spent years teaching escapism, short cuts, and church politics all the while when they should have been engaged in becoming salt and light within our culture.  You can preach all you want on purpose, power, dominionism, and the seven mountains and lead millions into delusion if you want. But without educating and raising up a generation who can compete in the global market place- all this preaching is a joke.  Try pastoring a church in this legal and business environment and then tell me how well we're doing as a nation. However, not to worry it's all catching up and will create a major leadership shift in our world because of incompetence.  Here's why...

       Ezekiel 34 explains "The Lord spoke his word to me. He said, ² “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy to these shepherds. Tell them, ‘This is what the Almighty Lord says: How horrible it will be for the shepherds of Israel who have been taking care of only themselves. Shouldn’t shepherds take care of the sheep? ³ You eat the best parts of the sheep, dress in the wool, and butcher the finest sheep. Yet, you don’t take care of the sheep. ⁴ You have not strengthened those that were weak, healed those that were sick, or bandaged those that were injured. You have not brought back those that strayed away or ow looked for those that were lost. You have ruled them harshly and violently. ⁵ So they were scattered because there was no shepherd. When they were scattered, they became food for every wild animal."  God has called Leaders to Lead... this means to equip the body thoroughly for service. But how can you do that if you haven't gotten the equipping you needed to do your job?  Can't ask someone else to do what you're unwilling to do yourself!

           Here's what the American Church has been producing.  According to several major news outlets, The SEC has filed legal complaints against Ephren Taylor of running a fraud through his company, City Capital Corp. with a ponzi schemes targeting churches like New Birth Baptist Church in Atlanta and Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The SEC alleges that Taylor told people he invested in economically disadvantaged businesses such as laundromats, but he was actually spending the money on marketing himself and his wife’s singing career.  South Florida's Liberty City Church of Christ was a victim to his scheme and lost $100,000 in investments from church members."  

         A former usher of a Mercer Island church pleaded guilty, recently, to securities fraud for stealing more than $3 million from church members and others, according to the King County, WA. Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Stephen J. Klos, 86, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of securities fraud for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded elderly victims, the prosecutor’s office said today. Prosecutors say Klos and another man, Robert Justice, paid later investors in the scheme with money from new clients, pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars along the way. The scheme, according to the state Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), dated to 2004 when Klos began soliciting investments from members of his gym as well as members of the Mercer Island Covenant Church, where Klos served as an usher. The Securities Division of DFI began its investigation in 2007. The charges, filed in April 2011, arose from losses suffered by 10 people, although charging documents indicate Klos took money from at least 23 families.  Klos had been barred from securities and financial dealings in 1992 for running another Ponzi scheme that raised more than $3.4 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) records. No criminal charges were filed in the case, although SEC records indicate he had to pay back more than $380,000.

         Huffington Post reported a few days ago, "After years of etching their name into gospel music history, the Winans' family legacy has taken a slight detour with allegations surfacing that Michael Winans Jr. has been involved in a Ponzi scheme.  CBS Detroit reports that Michael Winans Jr. pleaded guilty on Wednesday to federal charges that he defrauded more than 1,000 investors out of $8 million in crude oil bonds over the course of 30 years. According to a press statement obtained by the local news affiliate, Winans promoted the fraudulent investment operation as if the Winans Foundation Trust were investing in Saudi Arabian oil bonds."  And the list goes on.  Why are people scammed?  Because our churches are being led into incompetency... within the clergy, legal and justice systems, and especially the financial sector. We need quality, competent, educated leadership to avert this stuff.

        We need people to be discipled in their faith and teach them how to apply it in every field of life. We need to teach thieves to stop stealing! (See Eph. 4)  The world is groaning for Christian integrity.   Do you know what a derivative is?  Do you understand the principles underlying capitolism?  Is it biblical?  Most don't know or care.  Banks are no longer banks - they're stores where you are led to purchase products at $35. a pop. Bank bailouts were supposed to be followed by financial reform to limit the banks’ destructive power. Instead, bailed-out banks are bigger than ever and have resisted reforms to limit their size and complexity.  Why?  Because banks are still doing "Speculative Banking."  They are interested in enriching themselves and their investors which is why churches are getting scammed and people everywhere are finding their personal economy threatened.  The bank failure is coming.  It's going to cost all of us and it could have been stopped if we were not blinded by our own moral incompetence.

It's Always Too Soon To Quit!

In the Apostle's Letter to Timothy he writes: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."  Getting there was another thing!  In 2 Corinthians 11:25 He explains how he got there. "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep."  So, according to the way I read the Apostle Paul's words, working toward a finished life doesn't necessarily mean the road toward your destination is going to be easy.  Life has a few twists and turns along the way.  Keeping your faith in tact is probably the major key to surviving a ship wreck or two.

       Over the last few years, I have had a few challenges of my own.  On Feb. 3, 2010 my mother died of small cell lung cancer (Never having smoked a day in her life).   She was one of my major supporters.  That same year, my only nephew, Jake Veir was tragically killed in a head on collision by a young girl texting one of her friends.  Then on July 9th, 2011 my father passed away in Fort Myers, Florida leaving me the responsibility of caring for his 85 year old German wife.  All the while, I have been in an intense "Lawsuit" against a predatory mortgage company with our ministry, stood close to a dear ministry friend who's wife ran off with another man, sold a home our family loved but could no longer afford, and coping with major mood swings of grief and depression - and still pastoring a church.  And you know what it's all good!  

My Mother, Ruth L. Berry
May 11, 1935-Feb. 3, 2012

       I haven't been beaten with rods, been ship wrecked  on the Chesapeake Bay, or stoned yet.  Just a few verbal abuses, stealing ideas, and thrown under a bus or two but no stones yet.   To the right you will see my mom holding on to what was my last Christmas gift to her six weeks before her death and she loved it!   We Berry's are very motivated in faith and have always fought to have a positive view of life and the future.  Bishop Fulton J Sheen in his renowned book, Peace Of Soul, wrote: "People would be in a less unhappy state if they realized that conflict, struggle, effort are inescapable in Adam's progeny."

       Job 23:10 gives us a great promise of hope when going through difficult times. "When He has tired me, I shall come forth as gold!"  Galatians 6:9 is a great promise of faith: "Be not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap... IF WE FAINT NOT."   Too often, we are tempted to throw in the towel (so to speak), and quit.  My dear friend, Australian Entrepreneur, Peter Daniels, once asked, "What is the cost of a vision?"  It's not money.  Never is.  Money always follows vision. Mark 8:36-37 Jesus asked, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own life? What should a person give in exchange for life?  The real cost of a vision is pain!  Disappointments, rejections, self-inflicted problems, broken promises, and low return on investments were not what you expected. And the rewards, were they worth the risks?  It is very normal and HUMAN to get disappointed.  It's okay to be bummed out... However, succumbing to negative thinking and negative people is a luxury that none of us can afford.  Dr. Robert Schuller once said, in his book, "Don't throw away your tomorrows:"  "Never make an irreversible negative decision in a down time!"  Recently, I've been thinking... "You know what?  I've done a lot of good over the last 20 years of my life, made some really good decisions that have brought thousands to Christ... I just wonder, with all the great knowledge I have gained and life experiences I now have, what damage could I possibly do to the kingdom of darkness with the next 20 years of my life?"  

"Face Your Fears.  Confront Your challenges with a 

stubborn, positive attitude!"  - Dr. Robert Schuller

       One of my favorite authors, Norman Vincent Peale, in his book, "You Can If You Think You Can," wrote, "When you have a problem, one that is especially difficult and baffling, perhaps terribly discouraging, there is one basic principle to apply and keep on applying, it is simply this -never quit.  To give up is to invite complete defeat And not only in connection with the matter at hand. Giving up contributes to an ultimate defeat of personality."  The Apostle Paul, always in the face of difficulty because of his vision wrote in Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Our journey to finished may not take the exact road we expected to go on but God does ensure everything will work together for our good.  In other words, learning lessons is what failures are- or should be - all about!  Sometimes when we are chasing a dream without taking steps to avoid the twin nightmares of over-estimating our own abilities and leaning too much upon the wrong people can be the very reason God allows us to get ship wrecked.  Out of all such experiences, lessons can be learned.  However, If there is one thing I'm learning about life, it is this: "If you keep making the same mistakes, you will never graduate, because you have not learned your lessons properly."  II Timothy 2:15 exhorts us to, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  Rightly dividing the truth, to me, does not mean becoming a great bible expositor, rather it means 'when faced with difficult times, STUDY what the contributing factors were to my bad decisions, learning the lessons from failures or obstacles I face, to enable me to live in (truth vs. delusion) reality. These foundations provide the insights necessary rectify our weaknesses and poor decision making processes. But always remember, Christ strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9).  Peter Daniels in his book, "How To Reach Your Life Goals," wrote, "Don't let failures crush you- remember, failures are lessons. Document your lessons into life-principles to prevent their recurrence!"

       So in light of my own writing today, I want to share with you what I believe God has called me to do over the next fifteen years in Annapolis, Maryland.  I would like to invoke all of you reading my posts today to pray for me to accomplish this and finish well... and come visit Annapolis someday and see how we are progressing in finishing what my wife, myself and others have pioneered here.  Our vision is to finish building a Quaker Renewal Center which will tell the history of Annapolis, which will continually call for God's people to fulfill Isaiah 58:12 "Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell."  

       We will build a center that includes:  a new meeting house,  a new friends center called 'Harris House' in honor of Quaker missionary Elizabeth Harris, and a beautiful chapel in the woods, called "Fox Chapel" (Named after George Fox, founder of Quakerism) designed by renowned architect, Maurice Jennings.  This center will be rooted in the past and provide guidance into our great future as a nation.  It will be home to the (noted Quaker Historian) Ken Carroll Memorial Library, become a place that remembers the tragedy of Annapolis' slave trading history and call for the end of slavery world wide in our time, and be a ministry dedicated to healing and reconciliation - that values reciprocal liberty as defined by William Penn, who often visited Maryland while establishing his "Holy Experiment" in Pennsylvania with the help with Maryland friends - like my family "The Berry's of Maryland."  This is my vision! Let's pray for your God giving calling... share it with me!  For the scriptures says, Habakkuk 2:2 "Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly."

       Just remember, Businesses can be rebuilt, broken bodies can be healed, nothing is final as it seems. Any chain can be broken and any captive can be set free! Even  damaged reputations can be resurrected and financial security can be regained.  There is an abundance of evidence in every city, every town of someone who has overcome the challenges they faced when working toward their finished line!  

Robert Half once said,

“When faced with a mountain, I will not quit! I will keep striving until I climb over,

                                                                                    find a pass through, tunnel underneath or 

                                                                                 simply stay and turn the mountain into a

                                                                               gold mine, with God's help.”