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Just sitting around thinking to myself…
Can you explain why you believe what you believe? If you can’t then how do you know what you believe is right?
No matter which side we are on, there’s a little Pharisee in all of us. Paul says we must die daily in order to defeat that rascal.
I have learned: Discipleship is a lifelong process, not something you master in a classroom.
My friends encourage me. My enemies challenge me to get better.
If you want for yourself what God wants for you, you will get it every time!
The only way to fail if you have a God given vision is to quit.
A person excused their church’s lack of growth saying, “I’d rather have quality than quantity.” I’ll take quality & quantity. Just sayin’
God confirmed to me again today that He knows where Waldo is.
He did not say, “Go and cloister yourselves behind impenetrable wall of self-righteousness,” He said “Go into the world and make disciples.”
When the pharisees way of life was threatened they became subversive & violent, willing to do anything to save their position and standing.
Break us till we recognize that what we see when we look at the messed up people around us is what YOU see when YOU look at us.
If we are not careful we will always run to the safety of the fold and never enjoy the treasure that is found in the fields.
God, break us till we see ourselves as the one’s who are most in need of a Savior.
Break us God until we cannot fix ourselves.
The one word that changed everything was “nevertheless.” I’m so glad Jesus said it.
Why can’t we celebrate where people are instead of obsessing about where they aren’t.
Learn from the past, live in the present, lean into the future.
If you forgave them, why do you keep bringing up what you said you forgave them for?
The simplicity of the honestly spoken phrase, “I love you,” is far more powerful than the complexity of hatred.
One-liners, quips & quotes from my warped brain
Last week’s post http://langfordthinks.com/2013/04/02/a-pastors-broken-heart-speaks/ became the most read post in the history of this site. The feedback was also record breaking as well as quite interesting. To all who dropped by and to those who chose to respond either onsite, via email, phone or Facebook, thank you.
I thought I would go a little lighter with this post. The second most read article on this blog was one I did not long ago where I listed some one-liners and quotes from some of my Sunday sermons and Wednesday night Bible studies. You can find it here: http://langfordthinks.com/2012/11/29/some-thoughts-on-leadership-ministry-and-other-stuff/
Here are a few more I thought you might enjoy. If I got them from another source that source will be acknowledged. You are welcome to use them if you feel any are worth repeating.
Humor
If you insist on wearing skinny jeans, at least be skinny.
If a self righteous person falls in the woods and there is no one there to hear them, do they make any noise?
“If I continue to grow and you continue to stay stupid we are going to have a problem.” Wife to husband in Woody Allen movie.
Two heads are not better than one if they are both on the same body. It’s actually quite awkward.
Managers are married to status quo. Leaders just date it a couple times and move on.
There’s always room for innovation & improvement.Stirring the pot may cause discomfort but at least nothing is being scorched at the bottom.
Is it arrogance to think someone else is arrogant?
Aminahlinawoolitowelcomeyoutabodeyofliy2991. That’s what the announcer in the American Airlines terminal sounded like when he announced it was time to board. Huh?
I entertained quitting today for about four seconds. I slipped him a Mickey Finn then I cut his head off.
Hi. My name is Rick and I’m a Jesus junkie. I am no longer anonymous!
Grace
Jesus said, “He who has no sin, cast the first stone.” Then HE who had no sin didn’t. That always blows me away.
Every time I confront myself I see a sinner. I love grace so much.
If you think grace does not ask you to deny ungodliness, you miss the point of grace.
Grace creates its own boundaries.
Law limits grace. Law says to grace, “I’m in charge here so you’re not welcome.”
Instead of living up to the law (which is impossible) live into grace (which is possible).
We naturally gravitate toward the law because that’s the easy way to deal with hard problems. It’s not however, always the best way.
He looked down at us and saw a messed up pile of misery and His only judgement was that we needed His Holy Spirit.
Grace trumps sin.
God always knows where Waldo is.
His grace is not only saving grace, it is also a sustaining grace.
Grace is even for those people who try to explain grace away.
Purpose
Some people die and it’s as if they never lived. I want to make a difference.
Living into God’s plan for your life is not always easy but its always worth it.
Everyday I remind myself that He knew me before I was born and He has a plan for my life. So no matter what happens today, I’m good!
Even if it means loss, I refuse to compromise our purpose at the expense of the integrity of our mission.
Jesus said, “Let this cup pass from me.” He didn’t want to suffer and die but His mission was bigger than his personal comfort and safety.
Here’s the truth. When it comes to the mission of the church, its not about YOU! It’s His mission and it is our honor to fulfill it.
Through consecration we position ourselves to be anointed for service.
We must consecrate ourselves to Him so He can anoint us to ministry.
“We are not in the world to go to church. We are in the church to go into the world.” Quote by Priest at funeral I attended recently.
Through consecration we position ourselves to be anointed for service.
If you are a Christian it is your responsibility to “go and make disciples” too. The pastor is not the only disciple maker.
It’s one thing to know your purpose, another to live into your purpose. I know my car will take me places but until I get into it I’m stuck.
A pastor’s broken heart speaks
Dear Landmark,
I weep as I write this today. I weep because I see a trend developing in some churches (including the one I pastor) that is so very troubling. A trend that has completely gotten us off the track of serving others and on to the meandering road of self-indulgence. We have big heads but little hearts. Our heads are swollen with knowledge but our hearts are shriveled due to lack of compassion. We have become a people defined by scripture as having all this knowledge but not exercising in the power of that knowledge. It breaks my heart. We are good at saying what we should be doing but we stink at actually doing what we should be doing. We’ve become the First Church of the Sounding Brass and Tinkling Cymbal.”
Somehow we’ve got to break out of this place we have gotten ourselves into. The only way for us to break out is to allow Him to break in. I have prayed for three years for God to break me. Break me so that I don’t become so self-absorbed and stiff-necked that I can’t see the beautiful people who are less fortunate than me. Break us oh God! Break us as a church. Break us individually. Break us out of our whitewashed rooms of arrogance and entitlement where we believe we are better than others and where we think its about my comfort, my schedule, my benefits. Yep, that’s my prayer. Break us so that we can know how to minister to the poor. Break us until Luke 4:18-19 becomes what we eat, breath, sleep and dream. Break us oh God! My wife challenged me not long ago when she asked God to “…break us until we recognize the fact that what we see when we look at the messed up people around us is what YOU see when YOU look at us. We have become professionals at showing pity or disdain. God please break us until our misguided pity becomes heartfelt compassion.
Recently we decided to have a Saturday night service on Easter weekend. Our reason was really simple. We wanted to give people another option, another door for church. Lots of people get with family on Easter so we gave them an option to do that and still get to church. Other people had family and friends who attended other churches on Sunday and the Saturday option gave them a chance to invite them along to experience ours. Some people were planning parties and reunions that would have precluded Sunday church. We gave them an option. I was amazed at the kickback we got from some of our church pros. “Oh, that’s too much. You expect us here on Sunday, now you want us to give up our Saturday.” One person even said, “I wouldn’t do it. They know we have service on Sunday. If they want to come let them come on Sunday.” First of all, we didn’t have the Saturday night service for church people. We had it for the unchurched. And guess what? They showed up! It was worth it! Secondly, if it had been about us we would not have done it but IT WASN’T ABOUT US! It was about HIM and THEM! Thank you to the majority of the wonderful Landmark members who DID help make it happen.
Come on church, we’ve got to get this. We are only here because of His grace and mercy. He looked down at us and saw a messed up pile of misery and His only judgement was that we needed His Holy Spirit. He looked at the woman on the ground and then at her accusers who wanted to stone her to death because she was an adulterer. His anger was not toward the woman but toward the ignorance and condescending hypocrisy of her very religious accusers. To the woman He extended mercy and grace. His judgement won the argument with the pharisees and they turned and left but His love and compassion won the heart and devotion of a sinner.
We’ve got to get past our prejudices and personal preferences. So what if you are white and they’re not. So what if you are black and they are not. So what if they are poor or homeless or a drug addict or a prostitute. So what if they smell of alcohol. So what if they have to go out in the middle of the service for a smoke break. Save their seat. So what if they stain our pews with their unwashed clothes. So what if they fall asleep on our front row. So what if their culture is different than ours. So what if they take years to disciple. So what if they refuse to change. So what if they keep falling down. So what if they keep coming to the altar week in and week out because they are struggling with the same old thing. So what if dealing with them messes with my plans and my schedule. So stinking what! They are exactly the reason we are here. Serve them! Serve them with the best dishes, the best silverware, the best food. I believe Calvary ‘s sacrifice was universal. Our service to people should be as well.
When the pharisees perceived that their way of life was threatened they became subversive and violent, willing to stop at nothing to salvage their positions and standing. Pharisees are always threatened by vision. Somewhere along the line they had forgotten how to serve and instead began demanding to be served. This was totally opposite of what God had taught them throughout their history. Their mantra became, “It’s all about me.” Once they transitioned to that attitude, living for God became about the ritual and the rule rather than about the relationship. When this happens in a Christian they become insufferable to the faults of others, unreasonably demanding of others and intolerant of the weaknesses of others.
Here’s the truth. When it comes to the mission of the church, IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU! It’s His mission and it is our duty to fulfill it.He did not say, “Go and cloister yourselves behind impenetrable wall of self-righteousness,” He said, “Go into the world and make disciples….” Until we grasp this lifestyle concept fully we will never accomplish the mission. There will always be excuses. The human side of Jesus said, “Let this cup pass from me.” He didn’t want to suffer and die but his mission was bigger than his personal comfort and safety. Until we get this mindset we will always languish in mediocrity. I refuse to do that, even if it hair-lips the devil. Even if it means loss, I refuse to compromise our purpose at the expense of the integrity of our mission.
If we are not careful we will always run to the safety of the fold and never enjoy the treasure that is found in the fields. Staying in the pen is nice. In the pen someone else feeds you. In the pen someone else takes responsibility for you. In the pen everybody looks the same and acts the same. Problem is, the pen is where you are fattened up for the kill. In the pen you are constantly stepping in everyone else’s poop. In the pen relationships become exclusive and when that happens we’ve become a country club instead of a church. Save us God from this “pen-tallity.”
Break us oh God, break us everyone! “Break our hearts for what breaks yours.” Break us until we see ourselves as the one’s who are most in need of a Savior. Break us until we can’t fix ourselves.
Proverbs 14:4 (KJV)
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Sincerely,
Rick
It started with my foot
Wow! What a week that was!
Several months ago I went to the doctor because of pain in my foot. Little did I realize that this would be the start of an epic (at least for me) journey. To make a long story short, an MRI on my lower back and foot led to an MRI on my neck. The results of the MRI on my neck revealed, not just arthritis but some abnormalities (“several suspected cysts”) on my thyroid.
Upon informing my internist about the MRI results, I was immediately scheduled for an ultrasound. The results of the ultrasound confirmed that there were cysts but more unnerving was that there was a large mass on my thyroid gland. I was informed that cysts were either “hot or cold,” cancerous or not. I was also informed that thyroid problems, including cancer were the easiest to deal with. None of this was comforting to me because I don’t like the word “cancer” being included in any conversation about me or my family.
Let me confess a few things. I love my thyroid. I have been living with that rascal for 58 years. Over that time, we’ve become quite close. I eat with my thyroid, sleep with my thyroid. As a matter of fact, I take that little dude with me everywhere I go. I go places with my thyroid that even my wife doesn’t go. We have a tight relationship. The only thing is, I have taken that relationship for granted. That is until recently when I thought I might lose it or that it might be causing me trouble. In the end though, I decided that I wanted to keep it and I wanted it to be healthy and whole. As a matter of fact, when they told me they might have to take part of it away I became really upset. I realized I really liked that part. It might even be my favorite part.
Now, to get back on track. My doctor sent me immediately for blood tests and scheduled an ultrasound for the next day. This is where it gets interesting. The ultrasound showed there to be several cysts, confirming the MRI, but it also revealed a mass. When I spoke to my doctor he said things like, “If it is contained.” Awwww man! Why did he have to use “if?” I was then scheduled for a thyroid scan which would tell the whole story.
For the scan, I had to take a radioactive (no ,I didn’t turn green, I checked.) pill that took four hours to work, then the scan. I don’t mind telling you I was nervous as a cat and a little scared. After the scan I was told I would have to come in the next day for one final test before the results would be sent to my doctor. The next few hours were (sorry) hellish. My mind played all kinds of tricks on me. I began to experience pains and aches where none had ever existed. I imagined fever. I thought about death. I cried. I prayed. I had faith. I had fear.
In the middle of all this, my family, the wonderful people of Landmark and many friends prayed for me. I will be forever grateful for every prayer. As a result of someone’s (I don’t care who’s) faith and prayer, God did it! It was actually Wednesday morning at 9:26. I was in the back yard playing with my dogs and praying when it felt like someone put their finger in my left ear and held it there for about five seconds after which my ear popped. Immediately the words, “There it goes,” came into my mind. It was at that moment that I knew I had been healed! I rejoiced in my backyard.
The confirming call came at 12:30 that afternoon as we were finishing up lunch with a wonderful member of Landmark, Andy Sant. The voice on the other end of the phone said, “I am calling to let you know the results of your thyroid scan. There is no longer a mass and with the exception of one very small cyst that is not cancerous, your thyroid is normal.”
I asked the voice on the other end of the phone to tell me again and it said, “Your thyroid is normal. There is no mass. You don’t even have to come into the office for a follow-up appointment.”
I’m telling you, I was relieved. I’m reminded as I write this of an old jingle for Alka-Seltzer that says, “Plop plop fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is.” This was better than Alka-Selzer any day. My knees went weak and I cried. When I told my wife, we both were speechless. Andy matter of factly said, “Well, that’s taken care of.”
I’ve had some time to reflect now and still I am in awe of what God has done. Whether or not the mass was “hot” or not, or the reassurance my problem could have been medically treated with a high probability of success, is not an issue with me. This is what I know: there were cysts and there was a mass. Seven days later, they were gone! There was no treatment, no surgery, nothing. There had been a “mass exodus.” To God be all the glory.
“Thank you” to all the wonderful people who prayed for me. “Thank you” to the precious people of Landmark who went without meals as they petitioned God for my healing.
You may be wondering about the one very small cyst that remains. I thought about that and there is an explanation. That little cyst is one that I have to have checked annually. It is what I call my “Jacob’s limp.” Every year I will be reminded of God’s awesome grace and mercy and His amazing healing power.
So again I say thanks to all who prayed. Someone’s faith broke through. I thank my wife and kids who kept me going through that very trying week. Mostly though, I thank my awesome, wonderful Heavenly Father. I became a little boy that week, helpless and alone, and You were there. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
“But” moments
The thing that frightens the producer of a television show the most is not the writers, the directors, the actors, the studios, or the investors. What frightens the pro
ducer more than anything else is the remote control in the hands of the people who are watching. He hates that gadget. That little thing with all those buttons on it can bring down an empire. It can empty bank accounts and put people out of work.
One of the things that pastors may hate the most is the “but moments” that people in his/her church have. I think I may have heard them all. “Pastor, I would, but…. Pastor I can, but…. I know you are the pastor, but…. I was going to pastor, but…. Pastor I want to, but…. I’m behind you 100% pastor, but….”
This little word can be the enemy of revival and is a vision killer. It is a conjunction. A conjunction connects thoughts or phrases and in the case of the word “but,” more often than not it takes a positive thought and turns it negative. I’ve had people in their “but moments” tell me,”There will never be revival in your city.” A former well-respected pastor told me, “There will never be a great church in your city.” I forgave him, but I still don’t like him very much.
We can no longer afford to listen to the negative voices. Too much is at stake. And, we cannot afford to be one of the negative voices. What we need to do is get up off our…”conjunction” and give it to God. He has a way of turning the bad conjunctions into good ones. He will sprinkle a little Holy Spirit power on it and transform it into a divine conjunction. When He does that, the world can say “no,” BUT God says, “Yes!” The world says, “No way,” BUT God says, “Yes Way.” They say “Can’t,” BUT God says “Can.”
Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
1 Corinthians 6 9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1 Corinthians 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
I heard a preacher once who was preaching about excuses and he was using the conjunction “but” to make his point. Finally, to fully emphasize his message he said, “What we need to do is get our “buts” to the altar, repent and let God empower us to reach our Kingdom potential.”
I have to admit he did get the point across. I remember the message. I suppose it would do us good to follow his advice. There are people waiting on us to finally get it right so we can begin to help them turn a negative, worldly imposed conjunction into one that is positively Divine. “But God….”
The road less traveled
My wife and I did a little ride on a neat road on the island of Maui today. What a fantastic ride. In my opinion it is better than the much hyped and more traveled “Road to Hana.” The road winds its way around the northern and western portions of Maui. Several things set it apart. It has nasty twisties, forever drop-offs, blind curves, no guard rails, unpaved sections and strips where only one vehicle can fit. On this trip we rounded a blind curve on one of the one laned parts and had to back up over a hundred feet to allow an oncoming vehicle to get by. I thought The Nancy (my wife) was going to have a cat.
So why in the world would you want to travel this road? That’s easy, INCREDIBLE VIEWS. Views that the majority of tourists to Maui never see. There are lush green valleys, quaint villages unspoiled by mass tourism, waterfalls, and views of the coastline that are second to none.
Having ridden this road twice, once on a motorcycle (can’t believe we did that), I was just as mesmerized the second time as I was the first. The first time (on the bike) we were so freaked out from all the tension we didn’t stop to take in the beauty of it all. This time, riding in a jeep, we stopped at every opportunity and saturated ourselves in God’s magnificent imagination. No artist can reproduce what He has painted on the canvas of creation.
At one point, as we were surveying the landscape, The Nancy said, “If we hadn’t taken this scary, risky, dangerous road, look what we would’ve missed.”
I thought of what she said and realized she had spoken a truth that applies not only to a road less traveled in Maui, but also in life. There are some roads we 
avoid because they have a reputation of being too scary or they require risks we are not sure we want to take. There are other roads we do not take because nobody else is taking them.
I wonder how much beauty we have not seen because of that? How much success have we missed because of that? How much joy have we sacrificed, and in the church, how much refreshing and revival we have avoided?
I’ve made up my mind. I will start taking the roads less traveled from now on. I may be criticized. I may be called crazy. But hey Peter, if you never get out of the boat you will never walk on water. If you never take the risk you will never reap the reward.
Some books I recommend you read
I believe books are some of the most valuable tools in the toolbox of leadership. I think everyone, especially preachers should always be reading (something besides Twitter and FaceBook). Books have always been my friend. They open up all kinds of thinking doors and contribute to fresh inspiration.
I am currently reading four different book (not at one time). I tend to do that. Some books really stand out and in this post I want to give a short list of the books I think everyone should read. A couple of these I haven’t finished but they started so good I included them too.
Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley (I’m on my second time through this one. It will mess with you.)
Undaunted by Christine Caine (Excellent easy read.)
Movements That Change the World by Steve Addison (For forward thinking pastors and church growth enthusiasts. Awesome. Series material.)
What Jesus Started by Steve Addison (For forward thinking pastors and church growth enthusiasts. I love it! Series material.)
Be a Motivational Leader by LeRoy Elms (An older book but great stuff.)
The Fitting Room (Putting on the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter (Really good book on godly character. Insightful. Series material.)
No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern day Idols by Kelly Minter ( I had to repent over and over through this one.)
Fasting: The Ancient Practices by Scot McKnight (Boy, this one will challenge your paradigm!)
All these books are available as ebooks.
Happy reading.
Aloha!
I am writing this post from the beautiful island of Maui. The picture is one of the views from our lanai. Every morning I have been able to watch humpback whales play a few hundred yards away. It is awesome.
Sitting here today, I am realizing just how blessed I am. I am blessed to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. I am blessed to be able to travel to such places as this. I am blessed with a wonderful family. And, I am blessed to be called “pastor” of the greatest group of people anywhere in the world. I love my church!
To the awesome members of Landmark let me say, thank you. Thank you for making the last 20 years of my life so fulfilling. Thank you for sticking with me through the ups and downs, the highs and the lows. To the great leaders of Landmark, thank you for being farsighted in your vision and the hard work you have done to help get us where we are today. You guys rock. I would also like to thank you so much for leading while Nancy & I are away. It is very comforting to know without reservation that in our absence, everything will run smoothly and cohesively.
It is my goal one day to get Landmark to a place where there will be no leadership vacuum and where unity completely rules the day and where everyone is involved in a Luke 4:18-19 ministry. The early church was led by pastors who were shepherds that gently led them to green, well watered pastures. He did not pull the grass for them. He did not chew the grass for them. He just made sure there was plenty of safe reliable resources available to them so they could grow and mature into their purpose. I want to be that kind of pastor.
If we are not careful we will make heroes out of preachers to the point we think we cannot survive if something happens to ours. Remember, the Bible calls preaching “foolishness” so if we make a man a hero just for preaching, we are making him a hero for doing something, though important, that is foolish. We are also setting him and ourselves up for the great possibility of failure and almost certain disappointment.
My most important responsibility and calling as pastor is not preaching. That is something I HAVE to do because our human minds, eyes, hands and feet tend to wander and we have to be reminded of our blessings and responsibilities. My number one job is to build people. I can be a bad preacher and a great people builder. On the other hand, I can be a great preacher and a horrible people builder. I’m working to be both the best preacher I can be and people builder.
In my opinion, the effectiveness of a church is reflected greatest when the pastor is away. If a church continues with the vision even when the pastor is on sabbatical, then that church “gets” it. If, on the other hand a church moves into grumbling and complaining, if cliques see openings for insubordination, if individuals see this as a “chance,” then that church is not about mission, it has a lucifer complex (self-importance) or a jezebel (shut the mouth of spiritual authority) spirit and both are destructive to any vision, large or small.
At Landmark we have a BIG vision! Its because of people like you that we can think this way. For that, I want to say a great big THANK YOU! Thank you for doing your part with grace. Thank you for loving my family and me. Thank you for helping build the greatest church in the world…even when I’m not there.
I love you people! Aloha and mahalo!
Some thoughts on leadership, ministry and other stuff
The smallest act of service can be the biggest act of ministry.
I have to remind myself that sometimes the wisest response is no response.
When the going gets tough, leaders innovate, managers vacate.
When the going gets tough, leaders motivate, managers abdicate.
If you want the heart of God it will cost you a crucifixion.
After 27 years of being a pastor I still get a little nervous before I preach.
The proof of your desire for something is revealed in your pursuit of it.
What’s really important to you will be revealed by your priorities.
Living into your anointing can be a scary thing. There will be resistance.
People who forgive others and learn to laugh at themselves, are rarely depressed.
Self righteousness births arrogance which births contempt which births a judgmental spirit which births uselessness.
When you work around Samaritan wells, self righteous people get uncomfortable.
If you leave and no one notices, we’re you ever there?
If you measure your Christianity by what you don’t do, you completely miss the point.
Jesus didn’t say, “make clones.” He said, “…make disciples.” Clones have no vision. Disciples do.
Some people only want to go to a church where all they have to do is look the part. What a waste.
Its very comforting to know your vision is a God Vision. It takes away the sting of rejection.
Warning to pastors: If your church starts living out Luke 4:18 the dynamic of your church will change. Some will be uncomfortable.
Knowledge is power! I KNOW who I am in Christ!
Institutionalism is the enemy of creativity because institutions fear change.
Pharisees did not like Jesus because he dared mess with their religious control issues.
Being slandered by strangers is nothing compared to being betrayed by a friend. Forgive both.
“I forgive you” is not something you say, it’s something you do.
Forgiveness is better than revenge.
Being betrayed by a friend is the worst kind of hurt. Forgiving them is the sweetest reward.
I was a professional preacher until I was broken. Then I became a passionate preacher. I like myself better now.
Our level of consecration determines the degree of His anointing.
We must consecrate ourselves so He can anoint us.
When values clash, you find out who is really your friend or not.
Shocking but true: Friends can become your enemies if they do not understand your vision.
After 27 years being a pastor, I’ve learned that passion is more valuable than talent
You know you belong to a great church when right after the last worship experience, you can’t wait till next Sunday. I love Landmark.
We may as well embrace the questions of this generation. Even if we don’t, they’re going to ask them anyway.
“He who wins souls is wise.” We must be wise in how we win souls. Some immature people win souls, they are just wise in the way they do it.
If you aren’t winning souls, don’t criticize those who are.
The wiser one gets, the less smart one thinks he is.
Some people fear winning because if they did they would have nothing to complain about.
I have a great looking lawn mower that doesn’t work. Just because you’ve got the look doesn’t mean you’ve got the goods.
Visionaries will be misquoted, mistreated and misunderstood. Keep dreaming’!
A fresh vision is always about change. There will always be resistance.
You can’t discard your God given vision just because a few don’t get it.
No matter what, God does NOT stagger.
God always has a plan!
The bump in the road of life can become a place of blessing. Just ask Obed-Edom.
You can wake up & focus on the joy before you or you can focus on the drama around you.
“Consecration” and “anointing” both represent being set apart. I consecrate myself to Him, then He anoints me to serve others.
When there is a divine convergence of anointing, passion and prayer there will be revival. #theperfectstorm
If I embrace His anointing in my life it will take me to my Divine destiny. Failure to do so causes one to wonder what might have been.
We complain of politicians losing touch with everyday people. Be careful. As Christians we do the same when we forget where we came from.
One can demand obedience but not loyalty. Loyalty is earned not legislated.
Legalism completely shuts out mercy. What a shame because mercy is an eternal attribute of God. #ineedHISmercy
It’s easier to take something completely away than it is to teach moderation and self control. The result? Weak, conflicted Christians.
The Word produces faith. Prayer strengthens it. Fasting emboldens it. Worship enhances it. Needs challenge it. Obstacles provoke it.
Organizations don’t go to heaven, people do.
You can focus on the joy or on the drama. It’s your choice. Jesus chose to focus on the “joy that was set before him.”
Anytime you celebrate a victory there will always be someone or something that will try to take it from you.
Did you notice that the three Hebrew children had to be told to get out of the fiery furnace? They found it to be safer in the fire. #hmmm
Because it is organic, revival cannot be manufactured. It must be cultivated. #bigdifference
When we want for ourselves what God wants for us, we get it. #everytime
The anointing will lead you to your divine destiny. Don’t fight it. #embraceit
At a certain point, life becomes the sum total of the choices you have made. #makebetterchoice
The offspring of earned respect is admiration. The result of demanded respect is contempt. If you think you deserve respect arrogance rules.
Passion is defined as an unreasonable, ungovernable emotion. May we focus our passion on Kingdom things; not things that do not matter.
I don’t believe weather forecasters can be saved. There is no truth in them.
satan’s biggest mistake is when he knocks Christians to their knees.
The level of your passion is determined by how you perceive your purpose. If you do not believe in your purpose you will not pursue it.
A man I’ve never met, confides in me at SportClips: My wife left me yesterday. Forever didn’t last as long as I thought it would.”
Sometimes “ain’t” just says it better. #mywifehatesthat
“It can’t be done” is a statement true passion detests. #bepassionate
The definition of “middle” insists there be two sides. 1 middle = 2 sides. So live in the middle but get along with the sides.
More people are bringing their Bibles to church than ever before. They just look like smart phones and iPads. #welcometothe21stcentury
When the Anointing (which reveals your purpose) converges with Passion and Prayer, the task at hand will get done.
True anointing can be really messy sometime. #embraceitanyway
Grace was never meant to be used as a license to sin. #stopmisusingit
A sports team’s biggest critics are the fans in the stands. The biggest critics of the church are, “the fans in the stands.”
A friend is someone who knows you and still likes you.
There are no medals for doing what is expected. The medals are awarded to those who go “above and beyond the call of duty.”
There’s no such thing as a comfortable Christian.
When your ego is bigger than your altar, it is harder to see the truth.
Please stop asking! I will never wear skinny jeans!
A group of baboons is called a congress! No, really. #lookitup
With every criticism there is almost always a grain of truth. Look for it and let it make you better.
Nancy stayed in bed ten minutes past the alarm. She said, “I’m resting from waking up.”
When our sorrow is wrapped in His love, there is peace.
Learned this today-the spotted skunk does a handstand as a warning that he is about to spray his essence. #nowiknow
The happiest people are those who have learned to laugh at themselves. I’ve got plenty to laugh about.
The real me is not revealed by what’s in my living room. It’s revealed by what’s in my attic. #ineedtocleanmyattic
Repentance is a signal to God that a person has made a choice to change.
Why be a king when you can be a servant? #serveHIM
When is the last time you experienced post cognitive ubiquity?
Little faith is still faith. #Usewhatchagot
God does His best work with nothing!
I learned today that Antarctica is the only continent with no owls. Good to know I guess.
As I grow older I am finding that not only does time fly when one is having fun but it also flies by when one is not having fun.
I put going to Walmart in the same category as going to the dentist for a root canal.
I am amused by people who miss more church than they attend, yet think they know best how to run it.
Someone please tell @Nancy1112 I can’t keep up with her @ the mall. I’m still recovering from the births of both our children.
Because life is filled with positives and negatives, learn to leverage the positive.
A manager only does what is expected. A true leader will surprise you.
Being able is useless if one is not available. If is am available, He will enable me.
I’ve noticed that the church members who complain the most are the ones who are least involved in ministry.
Grace is God’s way of letting me know He understands that I am not perfect.
Is it appropriate for a pastor to call someone a jackwagon?
Authentic Christians are formed from the inside out not the outside in.
“It is what it is,” is a phrase never spoken by a dreamer.
When you are judged harshly, grace is always the best response.
I’m eating healthy tonight. I’m at waffle house having a 1/4 lb patty melt with two slices of cheese served on WHEAT bread.
I just found out that October 15th was Global Hand-washing Day. Boy, that one sneaked up on me.
Today I learned that turtles have the ability to breathe through their rear end. Hmmmm. I know some peo…never mind.
Current gov’t philosophy: If it ain’t broke, fix it till it is.
Why is it a criminal offense when the people lie to congress, but it is not a criminal offense when congress lies to the people?
Wife: “Watcha doin today?” Husband: “Nothin.” Wife:”You did that yesterday.” Husband: “I didn’t finish.”
The Nancy’s motto: “Only one shopping day left till tomorrow!”
Roger Clemens is indicted for lying to congress but congress is not indicted for lying to the American people.
Embarrassing church sign- “Life stinks. We have a pew for you!.”
The Whitney is cooking again! Maybe she will teach her mom how to cook someday.
A few thoughts on Grace
Grace spoke to me today, and mercy smiled.
We can only give grace because we have received grace.
I’ve seen some unbelievers give more grace than some “believers.
God did not give me grace so I could get away with sin. He gave me grace to help me not want to sin.
If grace didn’t flow downhill, I would have no hope.
Some people are spiritually constipated because they do not allow grace to flow through them. Undelivered grace is useless.
People who give grace the least end up needing grace the most. But, the church is for them too.
I want to be defined by grace.
Grace gives us liberty to fail. It does not give us a license to sin.
Grace is God’s way of letting me know He understands that I am not perfect.
When you are judged harshly, grace is always the best response.
Grace is so much more than a prayer before a meal.
