HONOR

       A few years ago, I met a great young man in a TV studio in Washington, DC.  His name is Bryan Kim.  The very first day I  he met him, God instructed me to go to an ATM machine and pull out all the money I had and give it to him.  So I did.  What I didn't know was, he had not been paid for weeks and had no money so my obedience was a great blessing to him.  Weeks later, God put it on my heart to hire him as our youth pastor and Bryan moved to Annapolis to join our church staff.  What a blessing he was to us.  But, what he taught our youth and brought to our lives was an important principle - honor!  You see, Bryan is a second generation Korean and as a Korean he was taught from an early age to honor his father and mother - to honor his elders.  When he first joined our staff he was deeply disturbed how badly behaved our youth were. How disrespectful they were toward their parents and those in authority. So rather than put up with it - he challenged our youth and called them to repentance.  Bryan did an awesome job in bringing kids to Christ but he discipled them and taught them how to honor God, their parents, those in authority and one another. I knew Bryan would only be with us for five years and I am honored to have had him in my life for that period. Bryan has not only taught honor but has continued to live it in front of others.  He has honored me as his mentor.  Today Bryan pastor's a get church that he planted in LA. called "EKKO."  Today, well over 200 young people have come to faith, are discipled, and taught to honor. 

       Another great man, an elder statesman in the kingdom of God, John Sandford has invested a lot into my life personally.  For many years, John came to our church here in Annapolis and taught one thing. "Honor your father and mother, that things may go well for you, and that you live a long life in the land that I give you."  So out of this 5th commandment found in God's word there are three promises. If you learn "HONOR" your parents, God says, (1)  THINGS will go well for you; (2) You will live a long life (Health promise);  (3) God will give you "land" to settle yourself in.  If you violate the principle of "Honor" then things won't go well in your adult life - that's the evidence of dishonor. 

     What's interesting to me is that I hear to many so-called "Christians" bashing their leaders, their president, their employers, their pastors and even one another throughout our American culture.  Why?  Because they have learned and practiced dishonoring of their parents. Then these same people wonder why their kids are defiant, on drugs, sexually promiscuous, and rebellious. It all has to do with "Doing what you model, not what you tell them to do."  If you dishonored parents - you'll dishonor your president, you'll dishonor your employer, and you will dishonor God and yourself.  I am often shocked at how many  "ex-military" people I've met that think it's okay to express and use language against the president of the United States, disrespecting him and his office. Where did they get the idea that once they left the military that it became okay to speak to their superior officers (governmental leaders, employers and pastors) the way they do.  They would have been thrown in the Brigg for showing such disrespect.  We recall that even after King Saul had become disobedient to God and corrupt, he remained as the anointed King over Israel for quite some time. Saul eventually became jealous of the heir to his throne, David, and began a relentless manhunt to kill him. At one point, David and his men stumbled across Saul encamped in a cave and had the opportunity to kill their sleeping pursuer. But instead, David chose to quietly cut off a portion of Saul's robe as evidence to show his unwillingness to slay Saul when he had opportunity. However, later the Lord convicted David's heart that not only was it wrong to slay God's anointed, it was wrong to even cut his robe or lift a finger against him in any way. "Now it happened afterward that David's heart troubled him because he had cut Saul's robe. And he said to his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD" (1 Sam. 24:5-6).  Why have I focused on the military here?  Because I live and work in a city that supposedly trains officers in the navy at the Naval Academy.  What do I find in the lives of many of these ex-military personnel?  They dishonor Leaders. They talk behind their superiors backs, they speak against their employers, their community leaders, their pastors and sow discord with others, rail against dignitaries and leaders in every field. Why?  Because they had bad relationships with their parents and they've taught their children to do the same.  This is why when Bryan Kim came to Annapolis he found "dishonor," rudeness, and disrespect among the youth of our city.  God has called our city to be the training ground for our country's future leadership. Leadership requires understanding what the word "honor" means. If Strength and self-differentiation are  marks of true leadership, then these two qualities can be exercised without tearing down those we disagree with.  Honoring  those in authority - whether elected, called, or given the place of responsibility requires all of us to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and so that He exalt us in due time. When we continually humble ourselves before God, he can exalt us. Self-exaltation always tears down others in order to promote the self-life. This applies in our homes, the job, and even the church.  Too often we get impatient waiting for God's promotion and we start joining in with the griping and the gossip going on around us because we didn't get the recognition we thought we deserved. Then, to top it off. we develop a bad attitude and we stop the flow of God exalting us.

         In our city God has raised up The United States Naval Academy to teach "honor" as a
         necessary ingrediant to great leadership.  Some of the greatest young people I've met
         and have been a part of our congregation have come from the Naval Academy and          
         have demonstrated the principle of honor and respect.  Honor those in authority 
         is a matter of the heart.  (See Jeremiah 17:9)

         Young people who have been great examples of honoring their parents from
         the Naval academy within the life of our church over the last few years have been
          - Rachel Barton,  Chase Hanson, Simon Irish, Sarah Bull and many others who
         have conducted themselves with great honor as midshipman - reflecting the vision 
         and values of leadership training in our national military academies.

         I remember hearing a story about  an old naval academy professor that lectured new midshipman about the chain of authority. "As far you may see, as a second lieutenant you be may younger than the other men on the ship, inexperienced, and green behind the ears. They may not figure how in the world you got to the rank you are, but remember this when a commanding officer gives you an order, those under you will be watching you as you look at the bars on  your commanding officer's uniform and  watch you say 'Yes sir!' When  you obey the orders of those above you, you're obeying the one at the highest level who, for whatever reason, they saw fit to grant authority to you. So, live your lives by example."   The Christian solution to the antagonisms in the home and in society is not to water down the 5th Commandment but reinforce it. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise-- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-4).  After watching a television presentation about rebellious youth, a husband said to his wife, "What a mess! Where did our generation go wrong?" The wife calmly answered, "We had children."

      It seems no matter where we look in modern society, we see belligerence, combativeness, fighting, insubordination hostility, division, and rebellion. Husbands and wives divorcing each other; children rebelling against their parents, and wider society paying the price. For if we have failed to learn to obey at home what will motivate us to obey in society? If we fail to learn to respect our parents who else will we learn to respect?  Learning to "honor" and "obey" those in authority is the right thing to do. There is an order in nature, ordained of God, that argues for the rightness of an action. Since the parents brought the child into the world, and since they have more knowledge and wisdom than the child, it is right that the child obey his parents. The "modern version" of Ephesians 6:1 would be, "Parents, obey your children, for this will keep them happy and bring peace to the home." But this is contrary to God's order in nature and experience shows it doesn't work. When a person becomes a Christian, he is not released from normal obligations of life. If anything, his faith in Christ ought to make him more committed to being accountable and submissive to authority. To the Colossians Paul enforced his admonition with "for this is well pleasing to the Lord" (Col. 3:20). Here is harmony in the home: the wife submits to the husband "as unto Christ"; the husband loves his wife "even as Christ also loved the church"; and the children obey "in the Lord." Harmony comes from relating to one another as if we were doing so to the Lord - for you know what?

      God has called us to "HONOR" one another. The Bible warns that contempt toward God's obedient servant is equal to contempt toward God (Exodus 16:2,8, Josh. 22:19). Is President Barack Obama God's servant?  Yes.  Just like Nebuchadnezzar was God's servant as King of Babylon and Cyrus was God's servant over the Medo-Persian empire. Romans 13:7 exhorts us "Give honor to whom HONOR is due." "Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10). "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves" (I Thess. 5:12-13).  "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear" (I Timothy 5:17-20).   Here's one for you!  "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you" (Heb. 13:7).  You ex-military and ordinary civilians both need to be an example of what does the word, "OBEY" your leaders and submit to them means in Christian terms.  Just because you disagree with a national policy or presidential decision doesn't excuse you from practicing honor as a Christian.

       I've heard people who try to conceal their disrespect by saying, "Oh, I respect the office but not the man!  Really?  Where in the Bible does it say you aren't called by God to respect the President Of The United States or your Queen or Prime Minister?  Why are you expected to honor him while in the military but then once you're out, you think it's okay to rail on him?  To rail against a Leader who God has placed in authority is to rail against God (Romans 13).   Respect toward authority is not limited to our actions, but even relates to how we speak of them. The Bible warns against lifting our tongue against the Lord's servants, even though they might be worthy of criticism. When the Apostle Paul was unjustly punished for preaching the Gospel, he spoke defiantly until he realized that he was addressing Ananias, the High Priest. He apologized and said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people" (Acts 23:5). Just imagine. Even though this High Priest was an enemy to the Gospel, and was wrong to have Paul slapped on the mouth, yet he was still a spiritual authority whom Paul was obligated to respect. If Paul was not permitted to speak against Ananias, then you certainly don't have any right to badmouth Godly, spiritual leaders. It is an act of rebellion, for which you will answer to God.

     How can we claim to be a Christian when we don't even exemplify or practice the "PRINCIPLE OF HONOR" that the scriptures so challenge us to practice?  And, YES by all means get if any of us get offended by what I'm saying here - we should ask ourselves why it we can easily into slip into deflection rather than addressing the roots of dishonor within us.  IT is not acceptable to speak or model disrespect toward our President, our leaders, our husband, our pastors, our employers or even those who teach our children in the classroom.  God has established the order, structures, and authorities over us to bring accountability, stability and order to our world (See Romans 13).  The bible warns against "Speaking against dignitaries." Jude 8-9.  One is the meaning of "dignitaries" in v. 8.  The Greek word is doxas, which literally means "glories," and has been translated as everything from "rulers," "them that are in authority," to "angelic majesties," to "celestial beings."  But taken most literally, the word simply speaks of those to whom honor is due, and it condemns the sinners who refuse to confer that honor.  God requires us to respect the authority He has placed over us, even if that authority isn't perfect. Leaders are human and will make mistakes, but the Lord still demands our respect and restraint toward them. They are His servants and He reserves the right to correct or reprove them (Psa. 105:15).  The important thing to remember as we face the challenges of a new emerging participatory culture, where individualism is highly valued and personal perspectives are important to take in consideration - is learning how to how value and esteem others in the midst of dissent.  All of us, at times have found ourselves at odds with our governmental policies - but when working "we the people" - means we may not all agree and- we don't need to lower ourselves to dishonor one another because we find ourselves in differing perspectives. Scripture declares, "Give honor to who honor is due." Did you know that five times in the Book of Malachi, God even complains of feeling dishonored and his people don't see it.

          Every Christian is called to show "Honor."  It begins with repenting of the dishonor you had toward your mother and father.  To "honor" our parents means much more than simply to obey them though. It means to show them respect and love. To care for them as long as they need us, and to seek to bring honor to them by the way we live. As an adult what does your life expressions say about your parents?  The prophet Malachi ends his letter with these words "And he shall turn  the heart of the fathers toward the children, and the heart of the children toward their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.  Maybe this is why America is having so many problems.

      The fifth commandment has a promise attached to it: "That your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God gives you" (Ex. 20:12). This promise originally applied to the Jews as they entered Palestine, but Paul applied it to believers today. He substituted "earth" for "land" and tells us that the Christian child who honors his parents can expect two blessings. It will be well with him, and he will live long on the earth. This does not mean that everyone who dies young dishonored their parents. Paul was stating a principle: when children obey their parents in the Lord, they will escape a good deal of sin and danger and thus avoid the things that could threaten or shorten their lives. But life is not measured only by quantity of time. It is also measured by quality of experience. God enriches the life of the obedient child no matter how long he may live on the earth. Sin always robs us; obedience always enriches us. There is no substitute for a godly Christian home.  If it was not your privilege to share in one, aspire to create one for others. So, the child must learn early to respect, to honor and obey their father and mother, not only because they are his parents, but also because God has commanded it to be so and with it will bring great blessing. Disobedience to parents is ultimately rebellion against God.  And that is the challenge to you and I. Lets practice obedience from the heart and honor those in authority seriously, lets understand why they were given and lets change our society for good.

I've Been Left Behind..

2012 is drawing to a close... and yes the world has not come to an end as predicted by Harold Camping and the Mayan Calendar.  Yet, I find it strange that I've been left behind by the speed of technology, the growth of my former colleagues mega-ministries, and my choices to pursue subjects like Quakerism and William Penn. For me, I enjoy the story that has been unfolding here in my home area.  Over the last number of years, I have found a love for reconciliation, family history, and learning how to become a modern abolitionist in a city once dedicated to selling slaves - like Kunta Kinta.  God's incarnational nature got into my world and has transformed how I view things and what has become important to my personal and spiritual growth.

I am a revivalist.  I love the move of the Holy Spirit.  Although the in between times have been difficult to manage as death knocked on my family's and friends doors.  I've lost a lot of good people who have helped me along my journey. People I will always value and never forget.   I could have gotten disillusioned by my career path had it not been for my family and friends who have now gone on to be with the Lord.  But, now it's my turn to be spiritual father, mentor, and guide for hope.  Over the last 35 years, I've been a youthful voice in the midst of great outpourings of the Holy Spirit - serving the generation of leaders who served their generation well and to be honest not so well.  However, I gave myself to their visions, their hopes and dreams, and learned how to be a man of God rather than just another preacher.  Many years ago i had a brief encounter with Demos Shakarian (Founder of Full Gospel Businessmen - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demos_Shakarian) who asked me, "So son, you going in the ministry?"  I said, yes sir.  He said, "Remember one thing. Preacher's are a dime a dozen. Be a man of God!" ... and that's exactly what I've tried to be.  But, this has cost me dearly.

Over the years, I have watched "what" many people would define as success.  I have met leaders, followers, and ordinary people filled with self-ambition pursue, sell and merchandise themselves for glamor, money, crowds and assets.  Many gained their goals and lost their marriages, kids to drugs, and their personal integrity.  James 3:16 states, "For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil {and} vile practices."  And knowing my heart, I decided a long time ago I couldn't, I wouldn't allow myself to pursue these same pursuits due to knowing I was prone to make the same mistakes if I was not careful.  By my early 20's right into my 30's I had all the same temptations to self-aggrandize myself into fame, money, and a lifestyle that was at dissonance with my calling from God.  My grandfather use to sit me on his lap as a kid and read a verse over and over again to me, exhorting me to never forget, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37) Every day is an exchange. We all exchange our lives for something.  We all have personal ambitions... however, self-ambition is a very different thing from a wholehearted pursuit to be a man after God's own heart. Acts 13:22 speaks a very important aspect of faith, "After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, 'I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will."  Doing the will of God is very different from doing what you or I want to do.  God sometimes calls people to live their lives faithfully in places where the Gospel is rejected.  Just do a cursory study of the Old Testament prophets or look at the marks of true apostleship outlined by St. Paul.  In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul wrote:

¹⁶ I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. ¹⁷ In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. ¹⁸ Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. ¹⁹ You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! ²⁰ In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. ²¹ To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. ²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. ²³ Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. ²⁴ Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, ²⁶ I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. ²⁷ I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. ²⁸ Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. ²⁹ Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

Notice no where did he mention how many people were attending his meetings, how many people were healed or how many churches he planted.  None of this stuff are marks of greatness.  Most of those who measure their ministry success by numbers, money and assets  do not have have God's view of success.  You can have a TV, radio, large church that does not make you a success. If so, then why aren't these same "GREAT" mega stars not exclaiming the successes of their local Roman Catholic churches or Muslim clerics who have far more attendance and money than they will have seen.  Let's look at another perspective that can only be examined by spending more than a day or so in archives.  Charles G. Finney won a whole city to Christ -  Rochester, New York.  I haven't witnessed this in my lifetime yet.  This is a project I'm working on - this is why I choose to remain in Annapolis. If we can't take a little city then how can we take a big city.  I didn't move to Annapolis to build a great church (although I serve one); I came to bring a whole city to Christ... to lower the percentage of those who do not know Christ.  I also believe that not one person or one church can bring their city to Christ alone.  It takes every follower of Jesus working in concert with one another.  So if you think a church is highly effective in reaching it's city for Christ - then let's use some real statistics to see how well things are going.  These are some of my favorite churches- who are doing some significant things.

Hillsong Church - Sydney, Australia.  Sydney has a population of 4,627,345.  Now Hillsong boasts that it has 22,000 in attendance.  1 percent of Sydney's population is 465,735 people. If we take just 1/2 of this one percent then we almost reach Hillsong's membership claim. So, as much as I love Hillsong and their team they have only reached a half of percent of 1 percent of their city's population. (This is only based on Sydney not their entire missional outreach).

Lakewood Church (America's largest Church)  - Houston, Texas.  Houston, Texas has a population of 2,260,918.  Based on current stats, Lakewood Church claims 30,000.  Using the same calculations evaluating Lakewood's effectiveness in reaching their city; they are reaching about 1%.  This is great but that leaves a hugh population not reached with the gospel.  However, we need to start thinking in terms of winning our cities for Christ.

Yoido Full Gospel Church (the world's largest church) - Seoul. Korea has certainly demonstrated how great congregations and leaders can emerge and challenge others to accomplish great things.  Seoul, Korea's population is 10,208,302.  Based on it's multi-campus sites and small group ministry, Yoido boasts of 1 million in it's membership which is 10 percent of the population. However, recent conversations with church growth expert C. Peter Wagner, Yoido has been unable to sustain it's growth and is experience increasing losses in membership due to inability to maintain it's infrastructure. But, who can argue against the impact this church has had on it's own city in proclaiming Jesus. Yet, millions of Koreans are still not being reached for Christ despite this great church's efforts.

Yet, Islamist's claim that their growth rate is 235 percent each year.  Christianity only boasts of 47% growth per year.  There are over a billion Muslims in the world today, including 3 to 5 million in the U.S., making it the second most populous religion on earth after Christianity. According to some estimates Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world. What's now bothersome to me, is that, 100,000 people per year in America alone, are converting to Islam. For every 1 male convert to Islam, 4 females convert to Islam.  In fact, According to George Barna:  "With its 195 million unchurched people, America has become the new mission field. America has more unchurched people than the entire populations of all but 11 of the world's 194 nations.  According to America: An Emerging Mission Field in World Christian Encyclopedia, Second Edition p.27:  "In 2000, the United States sent out 118,200 missionaries, but it also received 33,200. Ironically, the world's largest missionary-sending country has now become the world's largest missionary-receiving country." Not to mention:

• The world's largest Buddhist temple is located in Boulder, CO, USA!
• The world's largest Muslim training center is in New York City, USA!
• The world's largest training center for transcendental meditation is in Fairfield, Iowa, USA!

Even though Chicago is known by many Christian's for Bill Hybels and Willow Creek, the number of churches in Chicago has decreased by 900 in the last 10 years! In many cases what were once churches are now condominiums. Although, I do not consider myself effective yet, I have a passion to not only reach and disciple the lost for the Kingdom, but to encourage and help others in my own city to do the same—right where God has placed them in life. The job, the neighborhood, the family, and the friends where He has planted you is absolutely no accident. (See Acts 17:26)  Scripture tells us that this is your mission field, and it is as significant to God as any in the world! He ordained and planned, in eternity past, to reach it through you. We find this indicated, among other places, in Ephesians 1:3-10 and  2:10. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth."  Your world is as much on His heart as any part of the whole world, for which He died. "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." We have also found what Jesus said in Matthew 9:37 to be so very true: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

The city I pastor in... is a very transcient city.  We lose 30% of our population every year. Our city population is 38,394.   Our church has effectively won and discipled hundreds for Christ. However, many of them have moved away and are currently living all over the world.  I often wonder if we have been building a missionary movement. Our church membership has remained about the same as those listed above as compared to our city's population over the years, however, let it be said, we do not draw people to our church who are churched. Our membership is made up of 90% of new converts who have made our church their first church experience.  Yet, I am not satisfied.  Why?  Because of this scripture... Ecc. 9 "¹³ I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: ¹⁴ There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. ¹⁵ Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. ¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded."  I wonder if God has called me to be this "poor wise man" - God knows how expensive it is to live here. It's the third most expensive place to live in the USA. But what disappoints me is how many leaders have dismissed our work and not seen value in what we do because we do not have a 1000 people yet attending our church on Sunday mornings.  I'm often think I'm left behind as many other pastors are because they think our church is insignificant. But, yet when you look at the percentage we've won to Christ, discipled and maintained as a church we are just as effective as Hillsong and Lakewood in our city. We are half as effective as Yoido. I know we can be more effective... but so can each of these great large city ministries become more effective... and they can encourage churches in small towns, villages and rural communities to grow too instead of criticizing them for not being as big as them.

I guess what I'm basically trying to point out here is that some of the greatest churches to be found in America are in small cities. In fact, America is more “small town” than we often think, particularly in how we govern ourselves. Slightly more than one-half of the nation’s population lives in jurisdictions --- cities, towns, boroughs, villages and townships --- with fewer than 25,000 people or in rural areas. Planners and geographers might see regions as mega-units, but in fact, they are usually composed of many small towns and a far smaller number of larger cities. Indeed, among the metropolitan areas with more than one million residents, the average sized city, town, borough, village or township has a population of little more than 20,000. Places where a church, if it reached 20,000 in membership will have seen a whole city brought to Christ. Now please redefine success for me... Little is much when God is in it!  In closing, I find solace in these verses:

2 Corinthians 10:12-13 ^"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you." 

Hey did I tell you that I love living in Annapolis where 98% of the population of the city doesn't darken a church door?  It's going to be awesome to be a part of a major revival here when we take this small city for God... and let me be the first to encourage you pastor if your pastoring in a small city, town, or rural village take your area for God. Now go win your world to Christ so you're not "left Behind" in the next move of the Holy Spirit.  - It's big and it's coming to city near you. (See Isa. 60)

“Blessed are the Peace Makers, for they shall be called children of God.”

So imagine coming home from work and hearing your kid has just been shot down at his or her local elementary school just before Christmas by a twenty year old man.  What a Christmas gift!  It's the kind of gift that keeps on giving year after year at Christmas time when our world should be focused on the birth of our savior Jesus.  For my friends around the world, yesterday December 13, 2012 Adam Lanza killed his mother at their home before driving her car to Sandy Hook Elementary School and -- armed with at least two handguns -- carried out a massacre that left 20 children dead, officials said. A third weapon, a .223-caliber rifle, was found in the car, and more guns were recovered during the investigation. 

Why is America's younger generations filled with such rage and violence?  Could it be the increased violence in video games?  The killing and violence seen on TV, YouTube, and other social media outlets?  Is this how our culture has taught our kids to resolve their problems?  The thing that bothers me here is, other kids standing by laughing as a victim is bullied, beaten or shot.  Or how about this, our various communities pretending they care but really don't until it hits their city.

The church envisioned by Jesus should reflect his values and not the military mindset embedded in American culture.  Here are some thoughts that we should reflect on:

— Are we working together as the people of God to free our nation from militarization, so evident in our society and in its economy?

— Are we seeking to understand the causes of war and violence and to work for the development of the attitudes and institutions of peace?

— As a follower of Jesus Christ are we recognizing and correcting the causes of violence within our communities, and working toward overcoming separations and restoring wholeness?

— As Christians are we committed to increase the understanding and use of nonviolent approaches for the resolution of conflicts?

Personally we need to ask ourselves....

Do I live in the power of that Life and Spirit that takes away the occasion of all wars?

How do I maintain Christian's testimony that military training and all participation in war and its preparation are inconsistent with the teaching and the spirit of Christ? Or am I teaching my family, friends, and community that the increased militarization of our culture is something to be valued? 

Do I work for the establishment of alternative ways of settling disputes? Am I aware that to build a world community requires that we all face our differences honestly, openly, and in trust?

Do I treat conflict as an opportunity for growth, and address it with careful attention? Do I seek to recognize and respect the Divine in those with whom I have a basic disagreement? Do I look for ways to reaffirm in action and attitude my love for the one with whom I am in conflict?

Most American Christians think that the 2nd amendment to our constitution is an important right to keep.  The second amendment says:  "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."  Notice that the purpose to bear arms was linked to the security of a free state not school shootings.  I hear more "Churches" standing on the side of "honoring" war than teaching non-violence.  Anyone ever read, Isaiah 2:4 "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."  When is the last time you heard the church teaching how to do this?

Why is it that most Western nations like Australia, New Zealand, Europe haven't had these problems?  Why is it that their nations are free from "personal" gun collections like automatic weapons and are just as free as we are as Americans?  Violence among pupils, attacks on teachers or staff members, insolence, theft, and damage or destruction to school premises: school violence is one of the most visible forms of violence towards children. However, public awareness and intolerance of school violence has greatly increased over the last ten years, and most European governments have added school violence to their political agendas. After the integrated project ‘'Responses to violence in everyday life in a democratic society'' (2002-2004), in 2005 the council of Europe launched an action program, ‘'Children and violence'' whose main objective is to help with the identification and implementation of consistent prevention policies. Do we do this n our country? No we continue to support loose gun laws in the name of freedom and we witness shootings like Sandy Hook.

"A range of factors have been shown to be related to school violence, including among others drug use, having learning difficulties, family problems, poor impulse control, as well as feeling rejected at school." 

Drug use, learning difficulties, family problems and poor impulse control are among the recognised factors associated with school violence. Feelings of rejection at school and poor relationships with teachers have also been shown to enhance the risk of violence within schools. 

"In addressing school violence, interventions generally aim to prevent the occurrence of violence and the carriage of weapons, as well as efficient responses to weapons-based violence when it occurs. 
  
"Ideally, this leads to safe school communities and behavioural change in those who perpetrate violence or pose a threat to the school community." 

Should the Body of Christ be involved and active in our communities to address these issues... I would think so. However, we tend to insulate ourselves into our church buildings, curse our national leaders and blame others and excuse ourselves from any responsibility to call our nation to a place of non-violence.

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.