Musings of the Minstrel

Matt Tuttle / Sept Surge

2010-09-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Sept 12 is a HUGE day for all of us here at TRC! We are all talking about "September Surge". Our first speaker is Evangelist/Missionary Matt Tuttle. This will be the last place he will be preaching at before he heads back to Holland where he will be working for the next year! I am personally thrilled to have him coming to be with us. He is one of the finest preachers you will ever hear. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is evident as well as is his burden to bring people into the presence of God.

Service Times:

10 am

6:30 pm

(Sunday)

Labor Day

2010-09-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor day everyone! I hope that your day is filled with fun and lots of memories with your friends and family. In these crazy times we live in, our friends and family should mean more to us than ever before. Thank God for days like today!

SEPTEMBER SURGE

2010-09-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

"September Surge" begins Sept 12 at 10:00 am. Due to a Holy Ghost out break in Mississippi Brother Wesley Jackson will not be able to be our speaker but Bro Matt Tuttle will be with us on the 12th for the "covering service". Evangelist Cody Marks will be preaching on the 14th. Evangelist P.J. White will begin extended services the following Sunday. You do not want to miss any of these revival services. There is a Holy Ghost wave coming to Elk Grove. GET READY FOR REVIVAL!

2010-09-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and it is time to have revival! TRC will be starting special services with Evangelist Wesley Jackson September 12! We are calling this revival "September Surge". We believe that we will witness the greatest harvest of souls in the history of our church. There is a new wave of excitement with outreach and bible studies that has me pumped up this afternoon. Last night we had over 85 people had a bible study expo type mtg with Sterling Busby. It was fantastic as new people are stepping up to teach personal bible studies. Shout out to our special friend Pastor Shane Golden (Fairfield, Ca) who is helping us so much in this area.

If you are in the Sacramento area, you need to come be with us during this special time. God is doing some incredible things.

Link to PEAK 2010 Holy Ghost Radio

2010-07-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON A LINK BELOW

Bosko International - Bosko Coffee Club

2010-07-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Been a while but I have stumbled back across the blog spot surface from the land of Twitter. To you that have been regular followers of my blog, I apologize as I have found Twitter a quicker and less stressful way of communicating but I will be frequenting my blog more often than of late.

This week we officially launch "Bosko International". This is a very cool way to get involved in making a difference around the world.

The "Bosko Coffee Club" launches July 22. Honduran high grown coffee can be shipped to you on a monthly basis.

Bosko International is also beginning the "DRIP" revolution. Do Right It Pays!

You will be hearing more about what Bosko is doing to make a difference in the lives of orphans, missionaries and how you can help with "addict recovery".

This is a busy, exciting time for me and my family.

Those of you that will be in Tulsa at PEAK 2010 stop by the Hope Corps booth and find out more.

Join the revolution!

Ministry Update

2010-04-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Shame on me! Where I have I been? It has been too long. I apologize to all of you that may have been frustrated by my lack of blogging. What can I say....uh ... Sorry. I hope all has been well with you and yours. This has been a very busy spring season for me and blogging has not been very high on the "to do list", but maybe we can get this thing stirred up a little bit more.

As to what is coming up with our ministry;

This week I will be at the Mid-America Youth Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. I am pumped about getting to be with all of you from that area. Pastors Joel & Nathan Holmes have done an incredible work for God in North Little Roc

k. I thrilled to be part of the live recording on Friday night and then preaching on Sunday. I am honored. If you are in the area, come help us have a Holy Ghost party.

Boston and I will be in beautiful Belize, April 26-May 1 with missionary Tim Joiner and the first "Hope Corps" team. It is going to be a great time of work, training and fellowship. This is a historical event. There will never be another "first team" of the Hope Corps.

Shout out to my team-mates: Johnny King, B J Wilmoth, Steve Buxton, Rick Treece, Guy Godwin. What started only as a dream has now become a reality. It is going to be awesome.

See ya in Belize!

NO LIMITS 2010

2010-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

To all my friends in "Blog-ville", get ready for "No Limits 2010". The dates are March 3-5. I hope that all of you will come and join with us. There is a special feeling in the atmosphere already and we are still 2 weeks away...I am pumped! This years speaker lineup is unique and exiting.

Wed Night:Bishop N J Wilson

Thursday: Steve Allard & Daniel McKillop

Thursday PM: Tony Spell & "yours truly"

Friday: Bishop Curtis Young & Cody Marks

Friday PM: Nathaniel Urshan

We will also be broadcasting on Holy Ghost radio as well as streaming live from our church web-site. One way or another join with us. The theme this year is "ALL TOGETHER NOW". God is calling us to unite for His divine purpose, it is going to be a wonderful time of worship, preaching, celebration, prayer and fellowship.

Monday Morning Musings

2010-02-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

As I watch the sunrise on this Monday morning, my heart is filled with gratitude for what God did last night! The power of the Holy Spirit rained down upon us in mighty way. I don't know if I have ever been in a service quite like last night. What made last night's service unique was the way that God used particular people from the congregation to minister to the body. There was a divine "breakthrough" as men & women begin to speak & testify of what God was doing in their lives. There were miraculous things that happened before the service ended and many were filled with the Holy Ghost.

An anointed saint of God is a powerful force against the enemy! I guess what I am trying to say is...I LOVE THE CHURCH!

To all of you Saints of God...Thank you for who you are and what you mean to the body!

REVIVAL

2010-02-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm back! Sorry its been so long! Here is my first post of the New Year! (I am doing a little better on my twitter).

I am sitting in my regular spot with my soy latte (sugar-free of course) when I open a new email from an Indian friend of mine. As I am reading, I almost drop my latte and start running and screaming "hallelujah" through the coffee-shop (at least it would cover up the terrible music- lol). My friend Kal, just sent me pictures of an incredible revival that is happening in India. Thousands are being baptized in the name of Jesus and are receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit! My soul has been blessed this morning and I had to tell the world.

I know many of you have and are going through difficulties and circumstances that try your faith but let me remind you... God is not having difficulty!

He is working His plan in the earth at this very moment! He never wrings His hands in worry or frustration. He is God! Enough said!

No matter what you are facing, God is still God! He never stops being God! While we may not understand our present circumstance we know that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord!

A revival report that comes in the midst of the fight is a source of strength. Take heart, you are not forgotten. You are in the middle of God's plan for the earth. Throw your hands up in surrender and say "God, I am yours" and let God work it out.

Man, I am excited this morning!

Communion

2009-12-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

Last night was a very special night at TRC. It was a night of communion and footwashing. Personally, I look forward to these nights as there always seems to be a uniqueness to these services that touches me deeply. There is a unity takes place that is so important. I watched as brothers knelt at the feet of another brother with tears rolling down their faces as they prayed for one another and committed to serve one another and my heart was filled with an overwhelming sense of love for the body of Christ.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church concerning the Lord's Supper. Evidently the secular culture of Corinth had begun to pull at the foundation of the church and the caste system of the carnal community had brought division to the body. The wealthy class of the church had begun to gather earlier than the working/poor class and had mingled the Lord's supper with "dinner on the ground" (maybe the first pot-luck church dinners-lol). They had divide themselves according to "the haves" and "the have nots". The communion service had simply become a ritual of remembrance. It was almost like a "toast" to a great hero of the past but they had lost the real purpose of the communion service.

Paul informed them that even though they claimed it to be a spiritual gathering it was not making them better but rather they were gathering and making themselves worse. The point was to recognize that the work of Christ's death was to produce a church (the body) that would accomplish his mission. He said that we are to look back to his death until he come. Notice the past, present and future of communion.

The Past.

We look back to his death and ask the questions: How he died? Why he died? For Whom did he die?

The Present.

As we take the elements of communion we are to look around and recognize that Christ died to produce this group of people that we are communing with. The good, the bad, the ugly, the rich, the poor...we are all part of this body. (Corinth had missed this part)

The Future.

Till he comes. Our Lord is coming again and we have been given the responsibility of the great Commission. That brother or sister standing next to you is part of the team that God has brought together by his death, burial and resurrection.

So, as we commune we look back, we look around and we look to the future and recommit ourselves to Christ, to one another and to a lost and dying world.

Thank God for the Body of Christ!

SIDE NOTE

2009-12-21T12:12:00.001-08:00

Pardon me for interrupting your holiday internet browsing again but I just wanted to post a little note for a couple of frustrated visitors to my blog.

Don't get frustrated that I don't post all of the comments that you provide in response to my postings. My blog is not a forum. I do enjoy reading what you send even if I don't post it all (Even if we don't agree). I am honored that you take the time to even visit.

God bless everyone,

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T11:59:00.001-08:00

Christmas has begun! I am so pumped! This is my favorite time of year. Family, friends, food, singing, parties, unique church services, candles, presents and and a whole lot of fun. This year we are fulfilling one of Sheila and London's life-long dreams...We are going to Disneyland for Christmas. It is going to be crazy fun at the "Happiest Place on Earth" with all the grandkids. (Pray for us parents).

Mom & Dad, Paul & Marlys, Monte & Olga...it is going to be a blast.

SoCal here we come! (I LOVE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)

To all of my friends I hope this is the best Christmas ever. I know for so many of you 2009 has been a very difficult year...but guess what...your still here!

God is not through with you yet! 2010 is coming! Let's agree that it will be a year of breakthrough for all of us.

I love you all

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Inspiration on the Web

2009-12-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

Hopefully we are all aware of the dangers that are on the internet, but lately I have been inspired by a couple of things on it. A while back someone recommended that I start following Missionary J B Lambeth on twitter. I am not much into the whole twitter ..."I am going to the store now" mentality but I am interested in what ministry trends and ideas are so I took the advice. I do not know J B Lambeth but let me say, his tweets and his blog have become a real source of inspiration and even conviction over the last 2 or 3 months. If you want to wake up each morning with a little spiritual nudge to go with your regular dose of Java then join those of us who are followers of twitter.com/jblambeth. The man has a definite burden for Brazil. Some day I hope to meet him.

I am also recommending www.apostolicnews.org

Baumeister & Coskun have recently launched this apostolic news site that I regularly check up with. I understand they are looking for reporters and writers. Hearing a lot of good things about this particular website and even some cool things for the future. Going to be exciting! Shout out to Baumeister & Coskun!

TO TRY MEN'S SOULS - C Myles Young

2009-12-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

So what have you been reading? They say (whoever they are) that we will be the same people 10 years from now that we are today except for the people we meet, the places we go and the books we read. People, places and books change us! I love to read and as a result I come across some pretty interesting books but ever once in a while there is a book that knocks my socks off. The latest one to do this to me is "To Try Men's Souls" by Newt Gingrich. Yes, the very same political figure with strong opinions. I don't know a whole lot about his political agenda but I will tell you, the man can "sho nuff" write a good historical novel. I was so impressed by this book. He tells the incredible story of the Battle of Trenton through the eyes of George Washington, Thomas Paine and a fictitious young boy caught in the storm of the American Revolution. This book moved me to tears at one point. I could not put it down. The Battle of Trenton was a strategic struggle in the fight for independence, but sadly few of our citizen's have ever even heard the story. I highly recommend this book, especially right now in this Holiday season. The Battle of Trenton took place on that cold December 25th, morning of 1776. As you read this novel you will inspired to take a stand as Gingrich moves his characters through the long wintery night of struggle and pain toward that great hope of liberty. If you are looking to give someone a gift that will be a blessing, then go pick up "To Try Men's Souls".

Happy reading and Merry Christmas!

What They See Is What They Get!

2009-12-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

We are living in a unique age. We are called to spread the gospel to new generation. Sadly some are pounding the pulpit and railing against what they believe is a generation that is hopeless. I will admit that ministry to this post-modern generation can be frustrating and at the very least challenging, but I do not believe it is hopeless. I would like to go on record and say "This generation can be reached". I know, the "en-vogue" thing for a 41 year old preacher at this point in the post is to attack organized religion and point out all the warts and blemishes of particular church movements and their traditional services. Before you get worried that I am rushing to buy a pottery wheel and candles for my acoustic alchemy worship set, relax, I am not going there! lol... But I do wonder if some of what is being preached is being drowned out by what this generation sees in the lives of Apostolics?

In too many cases what is being said is not being matched by what is being displayed. Remember this is a "visual" generation. This description is not just a statement about video screens and strobe lights added for effect in some kind of optical worship experience. This generation "sees" first, rather than listening. This is one important reason that we must "display" the truth that we preach. People have grown tired of mere words. "Our use of the Bible is analogous to our use of language. We indwell it rather than looking at it from the outside. But for this to happen it is clear that this 'indwelling' must mean being part of the community whose life is shaped by the story which the Bible tells"(Lesslie Newbigin). In other words, what we preach has to be made visible! WHAT THEY 'SEE' IS WHAT THEY 'GET'!

The Christ message must be preached and "lived out"...clearly! Graham Johnston in his book "Preaching To a Post-Modern World" states, "It is essential that the preacher not fall into the trap of being wishy-washy with a watered down message. People who have tired of uncertainty will be seeking straight answers". This generation is swift to recognize whether or not the message matches the life. They are not afraid of our doctrine...if our lives match what we say we believe. I am proposing that the apostolic church is poised to be the recipient of this generation's gaze. Let us recognize the need to "shew forth" this glorious gospel. This generation needs to see a church on fire, filled with the Holy Spirit and excited about what has brought us out of darkness. There is no need to be intimidated about our faith, our doctrine, our separation, our worship or our service to the Father. Square your shoulders, hold your head up, step out and demonstrate God's provision and love. It is the only way that this generation will receive it.

WHAT THEY 'SEE' IS WHAT THEY 'GET'!

the anonymous

2009-12-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note in response to an "anonymous" visitor. They took issue with me using a quote from Gergen. I am well aware of who he is and while I do not endorse him I did appreciate the quote. He has been quoted by several that are espousing "new church" philosophy. I used the quote in response to those that are walking away from relationships with friends, family and sadly even away from commitments that have long been apart of relationships with God.

Thanks for dropping by the blog, I hope that it makes you think.

Carnival Christianity

2009-12-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

I have been amazed lately at how quickly people walk away from what has been so dear to them. I have watched men & women walk away almost callously from their families. I have watched as people removed themselves from the friendships that took years to establish in just a few moments. Even sadder is to see people throw truth away under the guise of spiritual freedom. Experts tell us this is part of the "post-modern" mentality. If it is then my heart is broken for the coming generations that will feel the negative effects of such temporal decisions of the present generation.

There seems to be a blurring of reality. This is why the "virtual world" that the internet provides has become so popular. It is reported that social networking has now replaced pornography on the internet as the most used activity. People are creating "pseudo-relationships" with people from the past and with total strangers, people they would never even be interested in talking to in a real-time relationship. This blurring of reality makes the mind "...a switching center for all the networks of influence"(Jean Gaudrillard). This generation is being bombarded by many influences but is failing to maintain strong personal distinctives and the result is a blurring of truth.
Kenneth Gergen states that in the present condition of "decentered self", confusion will reign and "without external standards and without internal standards there is only cynicism, panic and freefall"(The Saturated Self").
When the moorings that have held generations strong are pulled up...long term commitments become a thing of the past. "Instead of long-term commitment, the postmodern self just moves onto the next game, to the next show, to the next relationship"(Middleton and Walsh) "This is the nomadic self, on the road with the carnival"

I am watching spiritual carnival teams start up very often these days. Their well decorated "carny" buses pass me by on their way to yet another empty lot in the seedy part of town. Bright lights, party music, cotton candy sermons (lot of fluff & color but not much nutrition) and a different crowd every night. Nomadic ministry....their christianity is a journey searching and chasing. It seems to be the new cool trend to be "searching" but "finding" is totally out of date.
I guess this is why I see so many "Rolling Stones"....just walking away... They see themselves as pioneers but sadly they just seem to be "wondering nomads" moving from tent to tent.

Kids and Disneyland

2009-12-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that a child's excitement is contagious? This past weekend I was at a party with several young couples and their small children. All of us adults were talking and laughing and having a good time when 2 little girls came running over to me. They had just returned from Disneyland and they wanted to tell me all about it. In just a few moments we were all caught up in the sweet joy of their description of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. I watched the beaming smiles of the parents as their kids told the tales of the trip to Disney.

This week I have been thinking about the joy that our Heavenly Father must get when we tell others about what He has done for us. The sincerity and openness of those 2 cute kids touched all us that were gathered around. No wonder Jesus said "Suffer the little children to come unto me" and "except you become as a little child...". I experienced firsthand the power of a child's influence...it made me want to drive to Anaheim and take my family to Disneyland!

Lord, I pray for simple child-like faith and sincerity that brings a smile to your face.

Love On Display

2009-12-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Last night was a night I will not soon forget! I saw and felt an incredible heart moving response to the needs of others by the wonderful people that God has allowed me to pastor. I told the story of the the "Good Samaritan" with some supporting scriptures concerning sharing what we have received with those that have need. In a way that I cannot describe the sweet presence of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Our bus ministry director (Jennifer Pelton) had presented the church staff an opportunity to help the 170 children that ride the bus every Sunday. At the conclusion of my message, I presented the opportunity to TRC...I was blown away. People surged to the front to adopt a child from the bus. We all committed to pray, love and give them a gift this year for Christmas, but also to build a relationship with these children.

I could not hold back the tears as I thought about the love that was being displayed last night.

James 1:27

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

2009-12-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in a coffee house this morning drinking my "sugar-free vanilla soy latte"(I miss my carmel frap)...and I started looking around. The paintings in this place are pretty weak. Probably done by local art students or bought at one of those summer sidewalk art sales downtown. Besides that 1/2 of them don't even make sense....oh well, I guess that's "post-modern" art.

Is it just me or have any of you ever wondered if coffee shop managers go to a class on buying/playing terrible music. Wow! pretty bad this morning! Some of these singers should have kept their day job...oh that's right...they never had one!

I am looking at a chinese tree of some sort (my botany skills are a little lacking) that has been used to decorate the little sitting area next to a huge sign advertising lottery tickets. This is some quality decor!

But....I am here! And there has been a steady stream of people coming through the door. They make a good cup of joe and they are friendly folks.

Just thinking about the business of the kingdom. It may not be the fanciest or best decorated church in town, the music may not be the most cutting edge of the latest worship project from some weird haired praise band....but the real deal is "CAN YOU GET JESUS THERE"?

Jesus is the thing that they are looking for and the only way they will see him is through you. So make them feel loved, give a smile and handshake, and let them see how much you love Jesus and their will be a steady stream of folks coming "taste and see that the Lord is good"

Have Some Fun!

2009-11-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

I hope your Thanksgiving was a great one, mine was. Now we are off and running down the last stretch toward Christmas and the New Year. Don't blink you will miss it as time seems to be running fast. During this season why not take advantage of time with your family. Get out of the house and do something fun. Even if it is different than what you normally do, just do something. Get off of that couch....get off of my blog and go have some fun with your kids! As evening was approaching on Thanksgiving I grabbed my son and his cousins and we headed to the school yard down the street for some street ball. We laughed, we argued, we sweated and we scored! But the best part was that we were doing something together.

Go have some fun and love your family!

THANKSGIVING!

2009-11-25T12:12:00.001-08:00

Well it is time for turkey! Can you believe it? This year has flown by (in spite of all the storms of life). Wow, where did time go? For many of us, today is a preparation day (Wed) for the big spread tomorrow. Trips to the grocery store and work in the kitchen. Here at home I am getting ready to make my "Pineapple Cake" and some "strawberry bread" (and what ever else I decide). Tomorrow we will sit down and partake of the bounty that comes from living in this the greatest nation on earth (to quote Michael Medved). I have been privileged to travel around the world and after seeing and going I have come to this one conclusion... WE ARE BLESSED! So while we are partying, laughing and eating let's remember, we could have been born in a place with no hope, no help and no future. Celebrate with family and friends but while the party is going on, tell somebody how thankful to God you are for his favor in your life

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

ISRAEL TRIP 2010

2009-11-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to visit the land of Israel and walk the same paths of Holy Scripture? Well, you can make it happen. Come go with me! My good friend Ron Walls and I are returning to Israel in November 2010. We will be leaving the USA on Nov 2. If you are interested in joining with us call my office 916-689-7625. The contact person is LeSharon. All of you E-group guys (and wives) give us a call and get your name of the list. Pastor Wilmoth and other pastors are going to be joining with us as we take this journey through the pages of the biblical past. There is no better guide than Ron Walls (this will be his 57 trip to Israel).

I promise you, it will impact your life forever. I went 2 years ago and I wish I could go back every year. That how much I enjoyed it.

Don't wait, start the process of planning now. Don't get old and wish you would have gone!

(Picture is of "Caesar Hotel" in Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee, where we will be staying)

Happy Birthday

2009-11-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

Shout out to my sis'. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love you and hope this is a great day for you.

Book of Isaiah - My Personal Devotion

2009-11-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

In my personal devotion and Bible study I am studying the book of Isaiah. The deeper I have gotten into this book the more sobering it becomes. The first 3 chapters provide the sad account of Jerusalem's moral and spiritual collapse. I guess what is so sobering is to see so many similar trends taking place all around us. The new issues are really not new at all but God's people have struggled with these things since the days of the Isaiah. I know this is not a fun filled post this morning but my heart is stirred. As I drove through the streets of a city with no apostolic church and prayed for the Lord of the Harvest to anoint us to accomplish His will, I couldn't help but think how much of the harvest is being missed because the laborers can't figure out who they are.

Instead of work be accomplished in the vineyard...there is fighting at the cottage about how the vineyard should kept.

Maybe tomorrow my latte will stir me to joy and excitement, but today this Pastor's heart is heavy with the reality of where so many are headed.

May God help us all!

Evening of Worship

2009-11-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

It's Monday morning and I am sitting in a little indie' coffee house enjoying my sugar-free vanilla, soy latte and reminiscing about last night's "Evening of Worship" at TRC. The place was packed, the music was pumping and there were guest everywhere. Before it was over the Holy Ghost was so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. It was a night of remembrance for all of us here at TRC. When it was all over we hung out in the coffee shop and fellow shipped with choir and guest that had come. There was a family that had never been to our church before who came up and introduced themselves with these huge smiles on their faces. After we exchanged pleasantries they brought their older teen-age daughter over and the dad told me that she had just received the Holy Spirit baptism. I turned to introduce myself to her and as I did I thought, something different was happening here! When she opened her mouth to speak to me, I instantly understood. She was still caught up in the Holy Spirit....She could not speak in English. The family was ecstatic with joy and all the young lady could do was smile and rejoice in tongues. This was 30 minutes after the service had ended. WOW! What a God! There is nothing like a sovereign move of God's presence.

I want to give a big shout out to our Minister of Music - Ben Vandiver. Thanks to you and the music team for a job well done.

Thanks to "VISION" for coming and ever more singing up in TRC! We love Gerry & Genny Mallory and Matt & Tishana Jones"

Also, we were privileged to have Evangelist Barry Claiborn in the house. Thanks for sharing with us..."To be convincing, you must be convinced"

Last but not least, to all TRC....you are the greatest church on this planet....LOVE YALL BUNCHES!

2009-11-05T08:57:00.001-08:00

To all my friends in the lovely state of Washington, I am headed your way! Looking forward to being in Spokane on Friday night and Saturday. It is always a privilege to be with Pastor Rick Mayo. If you don't know the Mayo's you are missing out. He is truly an "End-Time Cat" (His famous line from years gone by). We are going to have a Holy Ghost time! Send up a prayer that I can be a blessing to all those that are coming to the youth conference. If you are in the area, then drop by.

Alabama, Here I Come!

2009-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, It has been a while since I posted anything on my blog. I am sure you have struggled through in my absence! LOL! To all my friends in Alabama, I am headed your way. I am pumped about being a part of the Dedicatory celebration in Cullman, Alabama. Pastor Greg Wilbanks and the Eva/Cullman Pentecostals have recently completed an incredibly, beautiful new sanctuary and I am privileged to be one of the speakers at the dedication. I look forward to seeing all of you that are able to join us. I am thrilled to be headed to "Bama" (that's big coming from an LSU boy!).

p.s. I am taking my bow, pray I get a "bama-buck"!

Hold On - Pastor C. Myles Young

2009-10-26T00:45:00.000-07:00

Revival in Newport

2009-09-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend I have the extreme privilege of ministering at "The Sanctuary" in Newport, North Carolina. Pastor Ted Erskine and his lovely wife started this church a few years ago and my what a tremendous church this is. Friday night I spoke to all the key leaders and department heads on the subject of "The Consequences of Bad Leadership" and then Saturday morning a spoke to all the worship team as well as service leaders and technical crew about our calling in leading worship. Sunday is going to be a great time in the Holy Ghost as we move toward the Missions Service on Sunday evening. If you are ever in the Newport, Morehead, Havelock area, you owe to yourself to come visit this great church. You will not be disappointed. Thanks to all my friends on the East Coast (I love it over here), you guys are great. There is a great revival on this side of our nation. I am just blessed to be a small part.

God's Goodness

2009-08-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at starbucks in the beautiful Sierra Mountains with London (my daughter). This is the last week before school for both my kids so we are enjoying some much needed family time. As I look up at the majestic mountains at "Heavenly" to my right and beautiful Lake Tahoe down below, I can't help but think of how blessed I am.

God has blessed me with a wonderful family, a great church and so many great friends and most of all....I have the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. London and I drove through the mountains this morning while Boss and Sheila were still in bed.

These are special moments, next week she enters her senior year of High School and Boston starts his freshmen year of college. As He was registering for class my mind went back to what seems like yesterday, to the day my dad took me to the LSU campus to register me for class (gueax tigers). Where has time gone? This life is so fleeting. We are as the "grass that withereth", so while I am here, I want to recognize the moments of blessing that our wonderful God provides. Nothing is much better than sitting here "saved" in Tahoe, drinking a Sugar-free, vanilla, Breve, latte (de-caff) with my Daughter.

SHEPHERDS

2009-07-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

Harold Bell Wright wrote the great classic "The Shepherd of The Hills" many years ago and what a story it is. This tale of love, mistakes, bitterness, anger and forgiveness has touched so many people through the years. At the center of the story is Dad Howitt...."the shepherd". If you haven't read it, you owe it to yourself to take the time to read it. While revisiting this story recently, my mind went to the role of shepherds in the scripture.

Shepherds are found everywhere in the scripture... I began to think about their significance and what they represent! When one goes down the path of scripture looking for shepherds, one cannot help but notice the sheep. We are the "sheep of His pasture" and we are in need of a shepherd.

The "throw-it-all-away" version of Pentecost doesn't care for shepherds. Oh, they like their blogosphere spiritist , and their "web-celebrity God experts" but an old-fashioned shepherd is not of much value (I don't think goats like shepherds either).

Running with people that do not like shepherds is to associate with quite a list of undesirables. Remember in the OT, where the scripture said that "to the Egyptians ALL shepherds are an abomination"...wow! Think about that a moment!

Do you remember the time that David was about to fight Goliath and Saul wanted him to wear what was "relevant" (lol). Hey, it made sense to Saul....oh, I forgot....he was no longer in proper alignment with God....hmmmm! David said said "I can't wear this stuff" and took it off. Have you ever noticed what David did? The first thing he did was...he picked up his "shepherd's staff". Look again at the old story of David & Goliath...what did Goliath mock? He took one look at this young man coming toward him and said...."Am I a dog to be chased by a staff". Goliath recognized that it was a shepherd coming to confront him. The giants that we are presently confronting are no different than Goliath of old. They still mock the shepherd.

Think on these things while "disposable Pentecost" is mocking the out of touch garb of the shepherd!

PEAK 09 - A Success

2009-07-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Video courtesy of MD Wood

video from e-luminations
Thanks in advanced Bro Jo

PEAK 09 was a smashing success. It is now Tuesday and I am well on my way to recovery. I was totally wiped out when PEAK ended. I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who worked so hard to make it happen. There were so many volunteers who stepped up and "got her done". I want to especially thank Pastor Guy Godwin for all of his help, he did everything from shuttle service, found mechanics, took offerings, loaned pulpits, took care of evangelist. Guy Godwin is a great man. Thanks bro....

All of you who helped lead worship, you were great. Ben Vandiver, as always you did a spectacular job.

I should not begin to name names for fear of forgetting so thank you to everyone.

Bro Pullen, thank you so much for all your help.

Bro Switzer, thank you sir!

Bro Stringfellow, thanks for preaching. You did a great job. "Let's Get It Right This Time"

Bro Morton, what a timely message.

Youth Council, thanks for your work, passion and friendship.

God bless

PS. I am in Branson, (time to recover)

PEAK 09 - Wed Night

2009-07-22T23:04:00.002-07:00

Well I just got back to the room after the first night of PEAK 09. It was an incredible night. The young people started worshipping God on their own 30 minutes before service ever began. By the time the service started there was already a tremendous move of God's presence in the arena. Bro Stringfellow did an incredible job of preaching to young people about "Getting it Right This Time". What a great start. It is going to blow up!

We had over 3,500 in attendance . It was rockin tonight.

If you are in the area, come join us...

PEAK 09

2009-07-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Everbody, We are only one week from PEAK 09, Tulsa, Oklahoma. This year the convention is being held at Spirit Bank Arena. It is going to be a great time. Our evening evangelist is Jonathan Stringfellow. If you have never heard his ministry then get ready, you are going to be blessed. It all begins next Wednesday (22) at 7:30 pm. This year the theme is "VERTICAL". We are reaching up to the heavens to find the pattern for living on earth. I want to personally invite all of you to come and be a part of this move of God. Let's put on our "garment of Praise" and see if God will show up. When He does....anything can happen!

See ya there!

Lessons from an old Man

2009-07-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Pastor Young and PaPa King

Last night was one of those nights to remember. I ministered yesterday at Truth Church in Calgary, Alberta Canada singing at the annual Stampede Sunday Concert. Following the event I was invited to the King home where Pastor King gave Ruth's Chris a run for her money from his back porch grill. We laughed and went down memory lane with Mark and Matt. PaPa King (Johnny Kings dad) and Pastor King told stories of I.H. Terry while "Nan", Star and Kelsey were taking care of 'Vinnie'. Moments like that are special but there was one moment that will forever be stamped upon my memory....

Following the meal, I logged onto TRC's website to check in on services at home. Mark and I began to watch Bishop Wilson preach His classic sermon "The Cows". Before long, Pastor King and PaPa King had pulled up a chair and the 4 of us were soon in the flow of the message. As Bishop Wilson began to preach about Samuel's mother being separated from her son because of the will/call of God...the weight of the sermon was almost tangible in the room where we were sitting. I turned to PaPa King and asked "What was it like for you when Johnny and Judy left it all and came up to Canada?"

I will forever remember the look in his tear-filled eyes...he uttered 3 short words..."IT WAS ROUGH"

Oh, the feeling after all these years of an 81 year old father still remembering the burden of a son surrendering to the will of God. PaPa King your eyes and words spoke volumes to me. How proud you must be now to walk into a packed-out church built from the efforts of that Son that cast out into the deep of God's will. How proud you looked as you held your first great grand-child. I watched the smile on your face as you watched your grandson (Mark) minister on the stage that was built by the burden of your Son....

I learned a lot on this trip to Calgary...and it was taught by an old man from Bakersfield.

God bless "PaPa" King!

Sarah, You Are Beautiful! - Nathaniel Urshan III

2009-07-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Here I am sitting in a hotel room in Calgary so I'm checking email and responding when I decided to google "apostolic preaching". My search led me to Nathaniel Urshan III preaching at NO LIMITS earlier this year. As I started listening, my hotel was bathed in the sweet presence of God. My heart was pounding in my chest as Pastor Urshan told of Old Testament Sarah and her beauty. He skillfully made the connection to this apostolic message that has been given to us and I was overcome with thankfulness for such a clear message from my dear friend.

In this day of relevancy and emerging trends, the sound of a truly apostolic message is so refreshing. Pastor Urshan thank you for painting the picture so beautifully. Truth is gorgeous. What a timeless, transcendent message from a great man. If you were not there then you owe to yourself to listen to this message.

Sending out blessing to the Nathaniel Urshan family in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Calgary - One of my favorite places

2009-07-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

To all my friends on the northern border, I am coming to Canada this weekend. I am excited about heading back to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Calgary, Alberta. The only thing more beautiful than the Rockies in the distance beyond the Calgary skyline is the King family and Truth Church. The Kings are my extended family and I am looking forward to laughing talking and being touched by their incredible ministry. I am pumped to get to see the newest member of the family. Mark & Star, can't wait to see ya. Pastor King I can't wait to see you in a pair of cowboy boots...! "Nan"...you are now a grandma'...wow!

Truth Church, you are a special bunch of people and I am looking forward to ministering in song and word this weekend?

P.S. Somebody tell Joey Tomatoes I am on my way!

Happy 4th

2009-07-04T14:31:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July to everyone. Thank God for the liberty that we have here in the United States of America. Over the last year over 70 different nations have been represented by visitors to my blog. Many of the visitors have been from countries that do not have the freedom and liberty that we are blessed to have here in the USA. On this 4th of July I am not only saying prayers of thanksgiving but I am also offering up petitions to all of you that are living under oppressive governments. Lets agree together in prayer for the nations that the gospel of Jesus Christ would penetrate the bondage and bring freedom for lost souls. Many of you have come to this blog from Muslim countries. I am praying for you. There is a great revival of Christianity taking place in your part of the world. Keep crying out to God. His name is Jesus Christ. I am reading many new reports of Muslim people who are having dreams and vision of Jesus Christ. Reach out for him, he is as close as the mention of his name.

Repent of your sins, be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You can have eternal life. God loves you unconditionally! You can receive his love now , on this earth.

I am praying for all of you that are trying to find truth. Truth has a name = Jesus.

This is the freedom that goes beyond the boundaries of nations. The bondage of men cannot stifle the freedom of the soul!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Birthday Lady London

2009-06-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Today my little girl turned 15 years old. London, it is hard for me to believe that you are that old. I love you and I am proud of you. It was a great day when God gave you to us. Our house burned down 2 weeks after you were born and been smokin ever since. lol

You are the apple of my eye! Happy birthday little lady. (By the way, I have a surprise for your birthday)

Love Daddy

Earning Respect

2009-06-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am sure by now many of you have read or at least heard about another embarrassing moment by one of California's senators. A particular military officer was being interviewed by a committee and was asked a question by a certain female senator. The officer responded and in the course of speaking he respectfully called her "Ma'am". Barbara Boxer interrupted him and demanded that he refer to her as "Senator" instead of Ma'am because she had earned the right to the title. While I was trying to figure out how she earned the title (she was elected) my mind began to think about truly earning respect. I am sure that "Senator" Boxer was trying to gain the upper hand in somewhat of a heated exchange and was trying to establish a level playing field. It must be a little intimidating sitting across from this big strong, effective, experienced and well decorated man in uniform on national television. So I am sure she was using some type of strategic debate verbiage to rattle him but her attempt fell flat and only resulted in making her look even smaller and more intimidated.

Respect cannot be demaded....it must be earned. I have listened lately to many "johnny-come-lately's" who are shouting their revelations, wisdom and answers from blog-land. It is interesting to me that most all of their revelations have to do with deconstructing the faith of their fathers. They seem to be attempting to establish some new something (who really knows) upon the heaps of ruin (destroyed by their own hands) while demanding the attention and respect of the rest of us. Is it just me or is anyone else a little confused by their pomposity with so little accomplishment? As we used to hear growing up "there is no corn in the crib".

Leadership is about respect but it cannot be demanded it must be earned. Sure, if you have an office or position or badge etc. you may can force your agendas on people for a season but somewhere things are going to begin to break down. People look for leaders whose lives have produced greatness.

Just some musings from the minstrel this morning as I thought about the craziness of the world we live in. Try and earn some respect before pontificating your greatness upon the rest of us.

(I think I need a latte....maybe it will make me a calmer and gentler soul this morning)

"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"

2009-06-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Pastor Crawford, myself & Pastor Budgell

Scriven's little house

Beautiful "Rice" lake

Joseph Scriven was young Irish student who settled in Ontario Canada around 1849. He became the tutor to the family of a retired British Naval Officer named Pengelly. He lived in the little house over looking "Rice Lake". He fell in love with Pengelly's daughter and they were engaged to be married. The day before their wedding, she drowned in "Rice Lake". With his heart broken he penned the words to a poem and mailed it to his mother. It was entitled "Pray Without Ceasing". As the years went by the poem was set to music and given a new title "What a friend We Have in Jesus".

As I looked at the graves of Joseph Scriven and his sweetheart and gazing down the hill to "Rice Lake", I could not help but think, "blessings come from the strangest places"! This little place is out in the middle of nowhere. This was just a common man who experienced a gut-wrenching heart-ache. Here I was standing at his grave over a 100 years later and singing the poem that he had written so long ago. This song has become one of the most sung songs around the world. In China over 23 million people sing it every year. Scriven could never have imagined that his struggle would produce such a song of blessing for so many.

You may be going through a hard time right now and you feel like everything has gone crazy. You may not write a great song but I can tell you that out of your struggle can come great blessing as time goes by. I have thought about my own life over the last few days and remembered how God carried my through some very trying times. As time has gone by the difficulties that I had to face have become a source of faith, because I know that if God brought me through that situation then he will carry me through whatever I face today.

Keep your head up! You may have tears running down your cheeks but look to the hills from whence cometh your help. Your gonna make it.

Who knows, you may write the next great hymn!

p.s. Thanks to Pastor Crawford for taking me to Scriven's grave.

Oh Canada

2009-06-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

To all of my friends in Canada, I am headed your way. I will preaching a youth conference in Peterborough, Ontario Friday and Saturday. I am looking forward to being in Ontario. Toronto is one of the great cities of North America. I have so many fond memories of Ontario. When I evangelized I spent about 2 months in that beautiful province. Send some prayers up for the meeting this week.

TRC I will be back Sunday Night....let's have some church!

See ya in a minute!

Boss's Big Day!

2009-06-09T21:29:00.001-07:00

I had no idea how emotional I would be when I watched my son walk down the aisle of Memorial Auditorium last week. Standing an inch taller than me in his blue robe with that silly grin on his face, he brought tears to my eyes. It is hard to believe that Boston is now graduated from High School. I watched with bitter sweet emotions as his mother helped him sign up for his first college classes. It seemed like only yesterday I could hold him in my arms and rock him to sleep. I am sure he will think this is totally uncool if he happens to read this...but what kid goes to their old man's blog anyway! lol ...

I have to say that I am proud of him. He applied himself and finished a year early. It was a tough up hill battle for him but he did it and so I am a very proud father today. I want to follow the example of my heavenly Father and say..."this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased".

Fathers, are you encouraging your children. There will be enough times that you have to rebuke, correct or advise your children so take advantage of the times that they accomplish to speak honor to them. The Father spoke from heaven at the baptism of Jesus. Before he began his earthly ministry he needed to hear the support from the Father.

We only have one life, and just a few short years with sons and daughters in the home before they launch out into the wild blue yonder, so, love em' while you can. Let them hear how proud of them you are. Sure they don't do everything right....but....uhhh....NEITHER DO WE! So grab that son in a bear hug and say I love you and I am proud to be your dad.

Boston, I love you and I will always be there for you.

Congratulations!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2009-06-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

19 years ago, yesterday, I married the most beautiful woman on planet earth. Sheila, I love you with all my heart and I am looking forward to the next 20+! You are still my best friend and my help-meet. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

2009-06-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

On January 4 we started revival here at TRC with evangelist Cody Marks. It has been a tremendous spiritual journey for all of us. Close to 200 people have received the Holy Ghost and over 120 have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The Marks family are great people and we are so thankful for their ministry over the last 5 months. I personally believe that we will look back in years to come come at this revival as a landmark time for TRC. We will be praying for the Marks family as they continue to bless the body of Christ throughout the United States and beyond.

Oh, by the way....we will still get to see them on a regular basis! They bought a beautiful new home here in Elk Grove. Cody, Amanda, Caden, Kye, Addy we love you sooo much!

And we didn't even have to say good-bye!

Isn't God great!

2009-06-06T12:26:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody! It has been a crazy last few weeks of ministry, life, graduations and travel. Maybe as summer hits life will resemble some form of normalcy. One of the things we have been working on here at TRC is our website. Today we launched a shiny new website. If you have never stopped by 'therockchurch.org' or if it has been a while then take a moment and click in. We have developed a whole new team of web-site ministry so stay in touch for new things in the future. I am excited! TRC loves you and wants to do everything we can to "help you become".

E Group Gathering

2009-05-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a little while since I have posted. It has been crazy lately but God is good. I am on my way to Texarkana, Tx. for the "E Group Gathering". This meeting is being hosted by my good friend pastor Jason Calhoun. B J Wilmoth and I are very excited to take the "E Group" to Texas. At our initial meeting in Redlands last year there was such a great response from Texas that Pastor Calhoun presented us with the opportunity to bring "E Group" to his church. The speakers joining us in Texarkana are Steve Pixler and Guy Godwin. Say a prayer for our gathering that God would visit these young men and empower us to equip them for ministry.

Youth on Mission

2009-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick peek at the Saturday

Crusade!

REVIVAL TIME!!!!!

Youth on Mission

2009-04-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pics from the outreach effort.

These young people were rollin'!!!!!

Youth on Mission

2009-04-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Youth on Mission

2009-04-07T10:07:00.002-07:00

Here is a picture of part of the team of young people that hit the streets on Saturday. They did a great job. As a result of the young people's efforts there were several people that came to the crusade on Saturday Night. One of the young men had one flier left and started not to pass it out as it was time to leave but decided to try one more time. He approached a man and introduced himself and invited him to the crusade. A few hours later the man walked through the doors and was in the altar and was placed into a Bible study. Thank God.

I am excited to report that 9 people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost during the Youth on Mission Crusade. If you were unable to participate then start making plans to be a part of the YOM to Chicago in August. Thank God for young people who are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Youth on Mission

2009-04-07T10:07:00.001-07:00

Youth on Mission

2009-04-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

Young man slain in the Holy Ghost

Praying over the outreach material

Evangelist Cody Marks preaching kick-off service

Young men praying together

Youth on Mission Director for Oakland

(Ryan Caputo)

Tonight was an incredible kick off of the first ever WPF "Youth on Mission"(Oakland, Ca). We had a wonderful service of rousing worship and a very deep convicting message on "Prayer"(Evangelist Cody Marks). There was a very deep spirit of travail that erupted at the close of Bro Marks sermon. Thank you Bro Marks for speaking to our young people. This was the kick off service for the YOM. Tomorrow is going to be a big evangelism campaign and a crusade service tomorrow night. Let me give a big shout out to those churches who had young people participating:

- Cotati, Ca (Pastor Sam Howard)

- Brentwood, Ca (Pastor Joel Bryant)

- Oakland, Ca (Bishop Curtis Young)

- Sacramento, Ca (some dude from La.)

It was a great opening for this exciting weekend.

Say a prayer for all of the young people who will be hitting the streets of Oakland tomorrow. I am sure that most of you are well aware of the events that have had a very negative impact in this city. Oakland is in serious need for a Savior. The combined efforts of these Holy Ghost filled young people is going to have an impact upon this city. Say a prayer on our behalf.

Lets take the Bay for the name of Jesus!

Summit - Spokane, Washington

2009-03-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give a big shout out to all of you from the Northwest. I am in Spokane, Washington at the annual "Summit Conference" hosted by Pastor Rick Mayo. It is sure to be a great time. It begins tonight with Bradley Smith and Jason Dillon preaching. Tomorrow is Jon Shoemake and Donald Lance. Friday night is Cody Marks and Saturday is Mark King, Franco Platonia and yours truly.

Send up some prayer cover for all of us. If you are in the area, make the effort to get to Summit, it is going to be packed with power.

To the saints of Cornerstone, thanks for your hospitality.

It is time for a Revivalution!

Oakland Tabernacle

2009-03-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight is an exciting night for Sheila and me. We are participating in the first night of the dedication of Oakland Tabernacle. This is the fulfillment of a dream that began several years ago. My father and mother are pastoring Oakland and have done a tremendous job of remodeling the building. It is a beautiful testimony of blessing and the hard work of the saints at Oakland Tabernacle. Tonight, Bishop Wilson is speaking and tomorrow I will be ministering in "OakTown". I am excited! These folks really know how to worship. Like we used to say, "If you can't preach in Oakland, you may as well quit trying".

To all of the saints in Oakland, I am so proud of what you have done and how God is blessing you. This is a great celebration.

Dad and Mom, you simply amaze me! I don't know how you do it. You just keep moving the bar higher and higher!

Let's take the Bay for Jesus!

TIME WITH HIM

2009-03-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

Many of you have wondered about the song that is looping on my blog. It is one of my all time favorites by my favorite group, Commissioned! Boy were those the days! They were cutting edge and I would listen to their projects for hours. This particular song was not one of their big hits, in fact most don't remember it. It was released in the closing moments of this group. I will never forget the first time I heard this song. I was driving down the 5 through Los Angeles , I stuck in this cd and began to listen. When this song came on, I kept playing it over and over and tears began to roll down my face. I was just beginning to experience some blessing and promotion in my music and ministry. Everything was clicking and I was living in the overflow. This song confronted me to my core. I had to pull over because the tears just kept coming. It was one of those forever moments. Now, so many years later, this song still pulls at my heart as a deep reminder that in the midst of my success and accomplishments that Jesus is still in love with me and wants to spend time with me. This thing called Christianity is a relationship. He longs to spend time with us and show us His love. Maybe this song can touch that spot in your soul and woo you back to a little time with the lover of your soul.

Be blessed!

NO LIMITS 09

2009-03-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

Man, I am exhausted! NO LIMITS 09 has come and gone but will live forever in our hearts and memories. It was a great time of fellowship and God visiting with us. Every speaker did an outstanding job. There was a very common thread throughout the conference that God was trying to get us to expand and change the way we think. It is time to increase our faith and really believe that God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or even think. In spite of the terrible circumstances that are re-shaping our world, there is a great revival in the church and a tremendous harvest to be reached. To all of you that were here with us, thank you for coming. To our speakers thank you for lending your anointing for at least a little while, we are forever indebted to you.

NEW BOOK - Jars

2009-02-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

BREAKING NEWS! I have just completed my first book "Jars". It title comes from where the Apostle Paul said " we have this treasure in Jars of clay".

This book actually came out of a seminary project that I worked on a couple of years ago. I felt to rewrite it in a format that would be beneficial to everyone and not just a professor. This verse of scripture holds a very profound revelation of the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. "Jars" will be available at the NO LIMITS conference as well as GOSPELMAX.COM.

I hope it will be a blessing to you.

New Recording Project

2009-02-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody,

just wanted to remind you that my newest project is AVAILABLE right NOW.

It will also be available at Innovate as well as NO LIMITS.

It will also be available on itunes for all of you that would rather download it. I am excited about this project. Help spread the word.

"DECLARE IT TO THE NATIONS"

(see previous article and pictures of this Live Broadcast here)

URGENT PRAYER and UPDATE

2009-02-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

I am requesting prayer from all of you that believe God still works miracles. There is a little 11 year old girl in our church who has been attacked by an unknown virus or bacteria. The doctors are still not sure what it is yet. She has been on life support for survival. This has been a very devastating thing for this family. Her name is Farah Scott. I am asking for all of you to say a prayer. We are seeing some improvements. She is now becoming coherent. She tried to talk to me yesterday, so these are good signs. Let's bombard the throne of heaven and get Farah home in time for No Limits.

UPDATE : FARRAH IS HOME !!! 3/1/09

Many of you have been praying for Christopher Lombardo (a 12 year old boy in our church who is battling the terrible effects of Crohn's Disease). He had a tube put in his stomach today that will allow his body to receive the nourishment he needs. He came through the surgery fine and is recovering. It looks like he will be released in 4 or 5 days in time for No Limits. Please continue to pray for Christopher.

UPDATE: CHRISTOPHER IS HOME!!! 3/2/09

REVIVAL TIME

2009-02-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Night Revival Service

Last night there was a Holy Visitation at TRC. The power of the Holy Ghost fell in a mighty way. From the very start of service there was a sense of expectancy. People came to church last night planning for God to show up and He did. I watched one particular couple, who have been through the valley of the shadow of death and have fought some of the deepest, dark and demonic battles that I have ever heard of, worshipping God. They were smiling and dancing in the presence of the Lord. I began to weep as I watched them celebrating their God even after all they have been through. I couldn't help but say "Take that Devil, you hit them with everything you've got and they are still dancing".

The Spirit of God is our source of strength. If it has been a while since you lost yourself in worship, then reach for His presence today. No matter what you are going through, He is still on the throne and He is willing and able to help you in your time of need.

Draw near to Him while he yet may be found.

It's Revival Time1

NO LIMITS 09

2009-02-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody! We are just 2 weeks away from NO LIMITS 09. I hope you are making plans to be with us. The dates are March 4-6. I believe that this year is going to be a life changing time for many of us. I was thinking about how much has changed in our world since NO LIMITS last year. I have spoken with many of you who are going through some very difficult circumstances and you are having to deal with issues in you life and ministry that you have never encountered before. I think all of us will agree that 2008 was a difficult year and 2009 is already presenting its challenges. This is one reason that I believe in meetings like NO LIMITS, because it provides the opportunity to not only be encouraged, inspired and strengthened but it also lets us know we are not alone in the fight. There is a deep hunger in the heart of many of us to receive direction from God for how we are to minister in this crazy world. I ask that all of you say a word of prayer for all of those that are going to be preaching this year. Pray that there would be a holy visitation of God's glory and power that will direct us to fulfill His Divine purpose.

Our speakers this year are:

Barry Sutton (Wed Night)

Larry Booker, Guy Godwin (Thursday Day)

BJ Wilmoth,.......some other guy. lol (Thursday Night)

Steve Pixler, Nathaniel Urshan (Friday Day)

Cody Marks (Friday Night)

I hope you can attend the conference, but if not please join us on the web:

therockchurch.org

holyghostradio.com

Just Me and Boss

2009-02-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

My son is driving! I am now assigned to the front passenger seat whenever we are together. Pray for me that God will keep his hand upon me. I went to bed last night thinking about how quickly time goes by. Life is a vapor. I wondered to myself, "How much longer do my son and I have together...like this?" This has been on my mind quite a bit lately, due to the fact that I am attempting to raise 2 teenagers. I know, for some of you this is old news, you have been there and done that, but for me...what can I say? It seems like the days and weeks just fly by...man its only 10 months until Christmas.

So I have decided, however long I have the opportunity of a son at home, I am going to make it count. We are going hunting, we are reading our Bibles together, we are taking long drives into the mountains, we are making knives (don't tell Sheila that we are wrecking the garage) and we are HAVING A BLAST!

Too all of you that have kids still at home, don't get so busy that you fail to spend the good moments with them. Make a mess, break something, fix something, go somewhere, build something, read something...it won't always be like it is right now while the "cats in the cradle"

Latest Recording Project

2009-02-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

The new recording project is almost done! We are shooting for a NO LIMITS release. I am in Baton Rouge, La. completing the final mix down. Say a prayer that all goes well. I believe this is going to be one the best worship projects I have worked with. For all of you that are looking for new music....this is all usable material. Ben is going to be introducing some of this project at INNOVATE 09, so that should be a big blessing to you.

One other very important aspect of this project is all of the proceeds are going to go to building a training center for Native Missionaries. I thank God for all of the wonderful work that Missionaries have done over the years on foreign soil. The work that these precious people have pioneered can be greatly benefitted by training national ministers to return to their villages and cities equipped and educated.

So to all of you great Godly Missionaries (UPCI, WPF, ALJC, GIB, etc.) we love you and thank God for your labor. We are going to do our best to assist you in training these indigenous ministers.

These are exciting time!

So tell you friends about this project. Let's make a difference in our world.

This is a season of Apostolic Revival.

BUY THE CD

Preaching in Lake Charles, La

2009-01-31T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all, I am back in the land of my ancestors. Cajun Country!

I am preaching tomorrow in Lake Charles, La for Pastor Rick Treece (Apostolic Temple). It has been a long time since I have been in the pelican state. I felt a little nostalgia set in when I crossed the Sabine River and entered La. after flying into Houston. I am just sitting here thinking about how life unfolds. 22 years ago I moved to Lake Charles as a student of McNeese State University. So much of my life has changed since that Sunday afternoon. I went back down memory lane today as I drove down the streets that I use to cruise as an 18/19 year old teenager trying to find direction for my life. I had no idea where the road I would travel would take me. I came to this city with so many questions, so many dreams and so little wisdom, but God was my help. I am reminded of how Job said "He knows the way that I take". Even though I could not see His plan, God was working my life into position to accomplish his purpose. How many turns have led me back to this city, on this weekend, to preach to God's body?

In the words of one of my favorite Gospel singers (Marvin Sapp) "Never would have made it....without you". So, while my thoughts and emotions are buzzing with memory, God can I just say "Thanks, for all you have done for me".

(Maybe its just the boiled crawfish I just ate that is making me a little mushy tonight....)

Geaux Cowboys!

PEAK 09

2009-01-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendar, July 22-24

It will be at " SPIRIT ARENA" Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Headquarters hotel: Renaissance

You don't want to miss it.

Revival in the Everglades

2009-01-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

I have just returned from the beautiful state of Florida where I had the privilege of preaching the "Mid-Winter Conference" of the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ. It was a great time of fellowship and preaching. This was a brand new venture for me as I had never been to "Bellglade, Florida", I really had a great time. Under the direction of Senior Pastor Feld there is a tremendous revival taking place in Florida. This conference is an annual event for the "affiliate" churches of the ACJC. These pastors and saints gathered for 3 nights of power-packed worship and preaching and God truly visited with us. These men are doing some incredible things for God. Special thanks goes to my friend Nathaniel Urshan from Fort Myers, Florida for the invitation to minister to the ACJC. Pastor Urshan will be speaking at NO LIMITS. I am sure you will all be blessed by his unique ministry.

To all of my new brothers and sisters in the "Glades" I love you and can't wait to see the completion of your new headquarters church. Keep the faith and don't ever doubt!

Real Time Relationships

2009-01-12T15:26:00.001-08:00

Some time back I wrote concerning the importance of friends. I look at the changing world around us and I am noticing a growth of pseudo-relationships. Web-sites such as Facebook, My Space, etc. have tremendous potential for info exchange and connectivity but we are all aware of some of the dangers that lurk in such environments. One of the dangers that I see with our technological connectivity (as I write on a blog-lol) is the loss of real relationships while pursuing a relationship via the web. Let me explain. I have counseled wives and mothers who are frustrated with the lack of involvement of their husbands in their family life but these men are consumed with the internet. When I have spoken with these men they have expressed the fulfillment they get from communicating with old pals or game-players on the web. For these men this is a type of relationship. This phenomenon is certainly not limited to men, for I have dealt with wives and children with the same issues. This is substitutionary relationship. Substituting a real time relationship for a temporary, technological pseudo-relationship. Before you rush to your next forum debate or to check your latest visit on your blog take the time to ask yourself, "How are my real-time relationships".

That is one of the things that I love about the holidays. Holidays provide the opportunity to spend extended time with those we love.

My family celebrated the New Year with a whole host of people but one moment stands out in particular. On New Year's Eve I heard the sound of a piano playing so I made my way toward the music room and heard Bobbi Shoemake begin to sing. Sitting beside her was the "Lady of Southern Gospel", Priscilla McGruder and her "twin" sister, Mary Wilson. I couldn't help but join in the song and before it was over, we had a choir; Jimmy Shoemake, Nancy Holsten, Carroll McGruder, Nate Wilson, and even Jon and Tasha joined in (well Jon didn't sing-he was working on his black-berry-JK). As Bobbi played, memories flooded through my mind of being a child and hearing those old Dottie Rambo songs and my heart was moved with joy at hearing those old hymns from the past. We didn't just sing them, we told the stories about the songs.

After it was all over and Jon and Tasha, Bobby and Jimmy, Carroll and Priscilla, Brian and Nancy and the others had gone home, I thought, "These are the moments in life that you never forget". My family and I experienced real living, breathing relationships that have history, love, conquest and even sorrow. So, this year I am going to close the lap top more often and live out more real relationships in real time. After all, isn't life supposed to be lived and not typed.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that it is 2009, but I am kind of glad that 08 is over and done with. I believe that this year is going to be a great year. I had someone ask me "How can you say that? Look around you...." Here is my response. I know that the world has gone crazy (or so it seems). I know that every newspaper and media stream in America is loading us down with negativity. I know that sin is abounding. I know that the sea of life is quite rough right now. I know that these are the facts, but I refuse to "face the facts".... in 2009 I am choosing to "FAITH THE FACTS".

I am saved

I have a wonderful family

I have a great church

I have lovely friends

and MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN ANY STORM THAT I WILL HAVE TO FACE THIS YEAR...

So there....

I am going to put my "faith-specs" on and look for opportunities for Jesus to show off this year. There is no telling what He is going to do .... and I want to be right, smack-dab, in the middle of it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

Christmas is Over

2008-12-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

How many things did you take back? How many trips to the mall have you already made? How many cookies did you eat? Christmas has come and gone and now we are in those fun days between Christmas and New Years. I pray that your Christmas was a spectacular time of fun and fellowship with friends and family. Now your starting to turn your thoughts to that new fitness machine you got for Christmas and how starting January 1 you are going to turn yourself into a fitness expert,.....but for now.....you get another cookie. So many parties, so little time.

As we head into the new year, I challenge you to take some time to look back over 2008. Think about your successes and your failures. What did you do right, what mistakes did you make? What can you learn from the past year? What would you do different?
In 2009 determine to learn from your history. 2008 was a difficult year for all of us, but guess what? We are still here! We are still standing! We all have some areas to shore up and strengthen, but we can do it. Make up in your mind...."When January 1 gets here, I am going to another level".
Let's strengthen one another and believe that 09 is going to be the year of growth for all of us.
If God be for us who can be against us!

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

(click on picture to see full size)

My family and I want to wish you a very merry Christmas. We love all of you and we are praying God's best for you and yours.

What Shall We Call Him?

2008-12-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AND I AM GLAD I KNOW HIS NAME!

When the picture doesn't make sense!

2008-12-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

I came across this picture recently and wound up staring at it for 5 minutes. Which is the front? Which is the back? Can it really be driven? Can you imagine pulling up beside this car when you were really tired? Do you ever struggle to get a handle on things but they never seem to make sense? We all do. This is the way life is. Just when you think you got it all figured out you get knock sideways by something from out of nowhere. Crazy things happen to good people. Sometimes life just doesn't make sense, but don't give up. You will get through it. Keep your head up, you will smile again.....09 is going to be better than 08! God is on you side....and you are not forgotten. I love ya...Merry Christmas everybody.

Go eat a cookie, you will feel better. It may not fix the thing your facing but at least it will taste sweet.

It's Christmas Time!

2008-12-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! This is my favorite time of year. Family, friends, parties, cool music, intimate worship experiences and don't forget the food! Everyone's family has their own particular traditions around this time of year. Some of these traditions go back generations while others are relatively new. One of our traditions is "Pizza at Christmas"! I know your trying to figure out "Why, Pizza?" Let me explain, we were starting a church and we were broker than the 10 commandments and could not afford some big fancy christmas dinner. Besides, who wants to really do turkey and ham in a sunday school room. It just so happened that Domino's Pizza was running a special holiday coupon, so we had 2 pizzas delivered, followed by unwrapping the presents. It was so fun we did it the next year....and now almost 16 years later we still do "Christmas Pizza".

Another annual event is the "cutting of the tree". Every year the 4 of us load up in the truck and head to Slough-house. There is a huge ranch there that allows you to come cut your own tree. This is one of the greatest family moments of our year. We wind up playing hide & seek in the woods, and then running like crazy people back to the truck before we even think about picking a Christmas tree! When we finally settle down and pick the tree, we cut it down, load it up and then the party really begins....it is time to decorate the tree and everyone knows you cannot decorate a tree without christmas music and something sweet to eat.

These are the moments that families cherish forever. The gifts will be forgotten but the memories will live forever. Maybe you are just starting a family, or maybe you have never thought to take the time to create some of these special moments. Start this year. Do not wait another year. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Get your spouse, your kids or someone you love and create a moment that is free from everything except love for one another and let it become a tradition!

(If you don't believe in Christmas trees, ...uuuh, don't read the 2nd half of this post. Just eat pizza!)

MEXICO UPDATE-THE WRAP UP

2008-11-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

Pastor C. Myles Young and Roberto Guiterrez

These received the Holy Ghost tonight!

Recieving the Holy Ghost in canal!

Baptized & full of the Holy Ghost!

Receiving the Holy Ghost in the kitchen!

An Apostolic Bible study

We just got back to the room and grabbed some of the universe's best "carne asada" tacos. What a way to end a very busy day. Let me re-cap for you what took place today.

We began by meeting a couple and a teen-ager to teach them about baptism. We then counseled with a man who said he was struggling with his christian faith. We discovered that he had never been baptized nor had he received the Holy Ghost, so we taught him a Bible study on baptism. I looked across the table at him and said "You can receive it right now". He got up and raised his hands and started weeping. Dr. Baumeister laid his hands on him and in a few moments he was speaking in other tongues.

We then met with 3 pastors, and discussed the future for providing training for them. This meeting went well. One of those Pastors, we believe will play a significant role in this area for winning souls to Christ.

We then loaded up in pick-up trucks and headed out to find a place to baptize this couple and the man who received the Holy Ghost. Out side of town in a farming community we found a irrigation canal and baptized these folks in Jesus Name. With cars, truck, and buses (even a horse) moving by we had a little church by the canal. The young lady from the Bible study recieved the Holy Ghost in the canal as she came up out of the water. It was off the hook.... it will forever be one of my cherished memories.

We raced back to the hotel, changed clothes and went to church. We saw God fill 10 more people with the Holy Ghost tonight.

I wish all of you that are reading this could have been here today to see the increase of God's government in the present. Pray for Delicias, Mexico. There is a real need here for leadership because there is a revival beginning here that could be huge.

I want to give a big shout out to Hermano Jorge Vasquez, whose team sponsored this revival. "Te Amo, Jorge, muchas gracias"

MEXICO UPDATE-THURSDAY after church

2008-11-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

Pastor C. Myles Young, Bro Santo, & Dr. Paul Baumeister

Bro Santo receiving the Holy Ghost !

We just got out of church on Thursday night. It was a good service. We had several receive the Holy Ghost tonight. Pray for the service tomorrow night following the baptism class we are teaching tomorrow afternoon.

This afternoon we went to eat lunch at the Pastor's home and when we arrived we met a man named "Santo"(Holy in english). He has been attending the church but has never received the Holy Ghost. We found out that he would not be able to be at church tonight because he had to work. He was very disappointed because he thought he might receive the Holy Ghost at the conference. I told him that God could fill him with His Spirit right now, before he had to leave for work. Dr. Baumeister then asked him if he believed what I told him. He responded "Si, Yo creo"(I believe). We finished eating and stood up and the man began to cry....we laid our hands upon him and suddenly he began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance. Before today he had been given the name "Holy/Santo" but today God made him "Holy/Santo" by moving into his heart.

We still have one more day and night in this revival so please approach the throne of God on our behalf.

"Mi Dios puede hacer todo"!

MEXICO UPDATE-WEDNESDAY AFTER CHURCH

2008-11-12T22:57:00.000-08:00

These men were filled with the Holy Ghost tonight.

(This was taken at the pastor's home)

Pastor C Myles Young, Pastor Guillermo & Dr. Baumeister

These all received the Holy Ghost tonight.

(2 are hidden, they were still kneeling behind)

The drummer got the Holy Ghost too!

(You know we are having revival!)

CAN YOU SAY "AVIVAMIENTO" (REVIVAL)! We just got back to the hotel after a powerful service where 15 people recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was an incredible time. One of the men that prayed through had been a preacher at one time but walked away from God and his church. Tonight he prayed back through and was restored to his pastor. We watched as a man and his wife, who have gone to church for several years but had never experienced the gift of the Holy Ghost, lifted their hands and began to speak with other tongues.

This is a pioneer meeting to say the least. These leaders are begging for teaching and the people know very little about baptism and basic Biblical principles, so we will be teaching a class on friday afternoon on the subject of baptism and then we will have a baptismal service.

We taught a Bible study following service to one young man and he decided to be baptized Friday. We also met with a man who was a Catholic priest for 18 years. He had a deep hunger for the word that has led him on a journey to know more about faith and salvation. He was excommunicated from the church and has been under much persecution. We were able to share the Word of God with him concerning the Holy Spirit and Water Baptism. Pray for this man that God's will can be done and pray a protective covering around him.

Well, this is just day one...I can't wait to see what is going to happen tomorrow. I will keep all of you informed.

Thanks for being interested in what God is doing with our ministry.

En el nombre de Jesus!

MEXICO UPDATE-WEDNESDAY

2008-11-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

We have arrived in Delicias. We got in late last night. We landed in Chihuahua and then we crossed the lonely desert in the darkest of night (sounds like a novel). It was quite an experience. We were out in the middle of nowhere when we came upon a truck that was parked blocking the road and there were several men standing behind it. Paul and I looked at each other and said "Get ready"... talk about an adrenalin rush. As it turned out they were just broke down and pushed their truck out of the way and we made it in to town.

We found a hole-in-the-wall taco shop....Oh my word! Unbelievable tacos. (Don't you wish you were here?)

Since we have arrived, we have learned that our coming here is more important than we realized. Some of the pastors that we are meeting with have not yet been baptized in Jesus name. We are going to be teaching them. These pastors are coming believing that God is going to give them a new revelation. Pray fervently for us. This could be the key that we are searching for.

On My Way to Mexico

2008-11-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Keep me in your prayers this week. I am headed to Chihuahua, Mexico (we will have a barking good time). Dr. Baumeister and I are going to be preaching a conference in the city of Delicias as well as teaching during the day to pastors in the area. Mexico is ripe with revival and God is raising up great men & women throughout latin America to preach the Gospel. I am thrilled that God has allowed me to be a part of what He is doing in this area. I personally believe that we are the edge of a tremendous harvest. Who knows what the far reaching results of this conference will be. Who knows there could be a young man or woman there this week that could be the key to a door that has not yet been opened. Bend your knees and help us pray that God would direct us to the key persons for His kingdom.

Vaya con Dios

BOSTON'S 16th BIRTHDAY

2008-10-31T01:17:00.000-07:00

Boston & Cody Marks

Boss hamming it up!

It's 1:30 a.m. and I just got through cleaning up after my son's 16th birthday party. I am feeling really old and sappy as I head off to bed. I spent the entire day with my son, just he and I. I asked him what he wanted to do and he said lets head to the mountains and just ride and listen to old time radio stories on the xm channel. It was a day I will always cherish. How many more of these moments will I have with him? As we wound through the Sierra's today, not saying a word for miles at a time, then laughing at funny things on the radio, then debating about the state of our nation during this election season...I wished the day could last forever. I can't believe "The Boss" is 16 years old. It was a day of days for this old dad. I found myself remembering the many trips with just me and my dad....oh, how much they mean to me now. Boston, I am proud to be your dad and I love you with all my heart. By the way, it started raining on your birthday...looks like ski season is going to be good this year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSS!

MAN ALIVE - CONFERENCE '08

2008-10-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

We just got home from another tremendous "Man Alive" Conference in San Jose, Ca. This men's meeting is continuing to grow and is becoming a great source of strength for so many men from Northern California and Nevada. Our speakers this year were e Sam Emory (Merced, Ca), Steve Allard (Modesto, Ca) and Dean Domingues (Sanger, Ca). The common thread that ran throughout each session this year was "The Anointing". All three of these great men of God reminded us that what we need is the anointing of the Holy Ghost in our families, jobs and ministries. The Holy Ghost visited us in a very powerful way following each message. The conference ended with a very deep move of God upon fathers and sons praying for one another and making commitments to carry on this glorious truth and anointing that we have been given. The dates for "Man Alive 09" are Oct 23-24. Mark your calendar now. It is going to be a great time of anointed preaching and fellowship of Godly brethren.

Live Recording at The Rock Church Sacramento, CA

2008-10-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank all of you for praying for me and my crew. It was an exciting night of music and celebration. I want to thank all of the singers and musicians that helped me pull this thing off. I also want to give a shout out to all the technical people that helped. You guys/gals are great. I am planning on the project being released soon after the first of the year, so we are going to work quickly on the post-production. I think you will love the new material. Let all of your friends know about this project. Thanks to all my friends that showed up that night to show a little love. God bless!

Busy Day

2008-10-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

Whew! I am wiped out. This has been a crazy day. We worked all day preparing for the recording tomorrow night and as I was preparing to leave to get something to eat, I got word that one of my horses was giving birth....

I rushed home and got there in time to see the beauty of birth and watch the spectacular beauty of a mother taking care of her newborn. It never ceases to amaze me how God so masterfully created and designed life to bring forth life after its kind. God is amazing!

It was important that I establish a relationship with this new born horse immediately. It is called "imprinting". I waited until she was up on her feet, to assist her would be detrimental to her growth and development. She had to learn to stand on her own. When she found her balance, I moved to her side and began to talk gently and to put my hands all over her. I let her smell my hands and my breath thus "imprinting" her with who I was. I will continue this process everyday for several months and watch a relationship build.

I could not help but think about how God establishes a relationship with us. Sometimes when we feel like we are all alone and we are having difficulty standing...God is allowing the struggle to make and shape us. When we finally struggle to stand, he draws near to us and breathes his life and strength and identity into us. As he draws us close....he nurses us and gives new life to our spirit. It was a beautiful life lesson this afternoon....but I am glad it happened today (Saturday) and not tomorrow.

THE BIG RECORDING

2008-10-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody, send up some prayers this week. It's recording time! This Sunday night I am recording part II of a live worship set. We began this project in the Philippines a few weeks ago and we are recording the next phase this weekend. I am exited about this one. There is going to be a bunch of new "usable" stuff. This project may have the most variety of any project I have done, it is going to be fun. The band is being led by Ben Vandiver (moped man), the vocal coaching is being directed by Joy Norris. I am also excited to have with us on this project Paul Elder and Randy Williams (Men of Judah) who will be guest soloist. Tishauna Jones and James Wilder are also going to be featured. I am pumped.

If you are in the area, drop by and join the party if not I really covet your prayers. I have been having a little voice trouble lately so send up a prayer for me, PLEASE.

All the proceeds of this recording are going to sponsor Native Missionaries around the world.

LET'S WIN THE WORLD FOR JESUS!

The Value of Friends

2008-10-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting here thinking about how much friendship means to me. There is nothing like time together with friends. One of the greatest joys about being in the ministry is the wonderful people that I have rubbed shoulders with through the years. I was looking through my phone photos and these two jumped out at me. For all of you from Canada, is it just me or is my buddy J. King looking kind of presidential. This picture sums up what I think about J. King, he is one of the classiest dudes on this plantet (I love you Bro.)

I had to put this picture of two of my more ....hmmm....gentle (nah)...uh...CRAZY, WILD, FUN friends. Guy Godwin & Steven Buxton showed me a good time not long ago and taught me how to shoot skeet. They can ever more throw down on some clay pidgeons.

All kidding aside, have you thought about how much your friends mean to you. The older you get, the harder it will be to find new ones, so value the ones you've got. Say a prayer for them everyday and grow old together. I hope I make it....with friends like Bucky and Guy....they could get me shot.

The E Group Gathering

2008-10-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the first annual "E-Group Gathering" in Redlands, Ca. It was an incredible time of young men coming together to seek the face of God and to strengthen one another. In case no one has mentioned it lately, there are some really great young men out there that are full of faith and that are doing exploits. I was moved watching as young men began to pray for one another. There was a supernatural touch of God that was evident from the very beginning of the meeting. This group of young men really know how to pray. Between each speaker there was quite an extension of fervent prayer where the presence of God was almost tangible. I heard comments from many that this meeting was life-changing. I want to give thanks to all of the staff that worked so hard to make us feel welcome. Especially, Brandon Wilmoth, thanks Bro.... . Bro Wilmoth, Bro Urshan, Bro Calhoun, you guys hit it out of the park. Thank you for letting us hear from God. I want to let all of you know that Pastor Calhoun has extended an invitation to host another "E Group Gathering" in Texarkana. "It's Tongue Talkin Time in Texas".

Family

2008-09-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

Where has time gone?

It seems like only yesterday that my kids were in diapers! I blinked and they are staring me eye-ball to eye-ball! What happened? I was their age yesterday...or at least it seems that way. Now my knees don't work as good, my back aches, I need new glasses, my clothes aren't as cool as they used to be, I buy shoes for comfort instead of how cool they look. Man, I must really be getting old. (At least that is what my kids tell me). I LOVE IT! I love raising teen-agers. One reason is they make good "Rook" partners. Vacations are a lot more fun (I don't have to carry them through Disneyland). When I get old I am going to make them push my wheelchair through "It's a small world" 75 times and I am going to holler just to get them back. I love this stage of life in my home. It brings back so many memories. Watching them become, though painful at times, is fulfilling. I see them falling in love with Jesus for themselves and developing their own personal relationship with Him and it thrills me. I know that we can focus on the difficulties of these times of transition in our families but let's not overlook the joys that only come in these times. So, if you have teen-agers give em a hug and tell em your proud of them and then go kneel down and pray for strength to lead them through this period of their life.

Philippine Friends

2008-09-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, I just wanted to give a big shout out to all of my new friends from the Philippines. Since I have returned back to the USA there has been a surge of Philippine visitors to my blog. Thanks for stopping by. I hope that something will be a blessing to you. It is the least that I can do after how much of a blessing you were to me while I was in your lovely islands. I met so many wonderful people and it felt like God was uniting us together for the future somehow. I am so excited about the new recording that we did together and I can't wait for people state-side to hear you Boholano's sing for the glory of God. Keep the faith. Feel free to add a comment. We love you all so very much.

Philippine Crusade

2008-09-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from the Philippines. We had an incredible time in Tagbilaran on the island of Bohol. There is a great group of believers on the island. My family and I were part of a crusade team of about 30 or so from the USA and Canada under the direction of Pastor Stephen Buxton. On Friday night I recording a new P&W project live in the Philippines. I brought the band and back up singers with me and we were joined by the choir from Bohol who blew our minds. Thanks also to "Men of Judah" for helping us. We will be releasing this project after the first of the year. Keep the Philippines in your prayers. Such a lovely place with beautiful people but so many more need to know that Jesus Christ is the answer. I was moved to tears as I stood at the "Church of the Black Nazarene" as people crawled on their knees to kiss the feet of an ebony statue, praying that this idol could somehow help them. The Philippines has been blessed with great revival through the years but the need is still staggering. Please join with me in praying for God to strengthen the believers there and to bring another great wave of revival to the Philippine islands.

Only in America

2008-08-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

You have got to love this nation of ours! No matter what side of the issue you are on, we saw the beauty of America this week. A black man nominated by his party to run for President and a woman from Alaska chosen as the running mate of her party's nominee. Only in America. There has been a lot of discussion over the lack of "experience" with Obama and now with Palin. I am sure this argument could continue quite late into the night but what I would like to say is, "Only in America". We all have our own feelings and I encourage you to vote from your heart but on your way to the ballot box, just remember what a privilege it is live in the greatest nation on earth. It is truly a place where everybody has a chance to become. Young, old, black, white, male, female, experienced or not....

Only in America....My home....Sweet Home.

Thank God for America!

P.E.A.K. 08

2008-08-23T01:23:00.000-07:00

The only way I know to describe it is "mind boggling"! PEAK was off the hook. If you weren't there you missed one of the most incredible God encounters that I have ever experienced. Like the song writer Tony Roberts penned "I just can't find the words". Something happened on Wednesday night that I will never forget. Pastor Nathan Morton stepped to the pulpit to open the convention with an announcement and as he did the young people began to worship. Without any prompting they continued and became more animated. The power of God began to move into the building in wave after wave as the young people gave themselves to the presence of God. 45 minutes later, without one note being sung or one chord struck they were still lost in praise to God. Pastor Morton turned the service straight to the evening evangelist (Rev Cody Marks who preached us into the presence of God) and PEAK was off and running. The day sessions were literally life changing as Rev Jason Calhoun got right to where we live. By Friday evening close to 2000 people filled the convention center and boy did we have a revival. It was 3 days where God showed up and showed off. I am still living in the overflow of what took place in Tulsa. I can't wait till next year.

To all of you Pastor's that gave their support financially as well as sending your young people I would like to express my thanks.

And to all of the youth council of the WPF, you guys did a great job. Thanks a million.

To the young people that came and pushed the devil around for a little while...I LOVE YOU!

Inside the Walls

2008-08-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

I was just with one of my favorite people on this planet, none other than Pastor Doug Morgan. The man makes me laugh everytime I am with him. Most of the time when we are together we cut up but every once in a while we get serious (5 minutes max). Doug told me about a situation that has developed in the town where he is pastoring. In his city there is a "gated community" that was built a few years ago during the California housing boom. There was so much money to be made that investors started buying homes in the valley. These investors never intended to live in these homes. They bought them and rented them out to people who would never be able to buy a home in a "gated community". According to Pastor Morgan, a tremendous problem has developed inside the "walled subdivision". What was built as a safe place to raise one's children has been negatively effected by the lack of "home-owners" in the "gated community". The renters seem to care very little about the property and with the economic downturn keeping the place up is not very high on the "to-do list". The gated community is filled with people with no real commitment to the community. The home-owners are absent and were just in it for the money. The environment within the walls of "gate-land" has changed drastically and property values are falling rapidly. What a sad situation! What areas of your life and ministry are special enough to have walls and borders? What investments have you made within the walled places of your life? Are you allowing things to dwell in your heart and spirit that have no real place in the life of a child of God? There will always be opportunity and excuses to allow things inside the walls of safety, but we must be sure to ask ourselves, "What happens to my ministry if I allow this in?" "How will my home be different if I allow these; people, events, thoughts, entertainment, etc. into my life?"

So, Doug thanks for the 4 minutes (we didn't even get to 5 min) of serious thinking. It made me stop and do a little inventory for the future environment of my life, my home, my church and my ministry.

Supernatural Grace

2008-07-21T10:16:00.001-07:00

Someone said "You will be the same person you are 5 years from now except for: 1. The books you read , 2. The places you go, 3. The people you meet". My life was greatly impacted last night when B.J. Wilmoth introduced me to Stephen Benda. Pastor Benda is from Monrovia, Liberia. What an incredible man of God. I was greatly moved as I listened to how God has been with him and the Church in Liberia but my mind was blown as I sat around the table and heard him tell story after story of his struggle during the war. This man has become a tremendous leader working with Elder Albert Stewart and the Church in Liberia. In the early 90's Liberia was thrown into a terrible time of war that lasted for 15 years. Stephen Benda continued to preach the gospel during this difficult time. He faced execution, his brother, sister and other family members were murdered by the rebels, he faced death everyday. I asked him "How do you sustain your faith when you face such issues for so long"? He looked at me and said "Oh my brother, God gives you supernatural grace. On my own, I would not have been able but God took away my fear". Supernatural Grace! What a thought! Thank you Stephen Benda for reminding me that my God can supply all of my needs. He will even supply my need for faith in my time of adversity. When my faith is not enough to sustain me, He provides "supernatural grace" that strengthens me. Let me encourage you today, if you are at the end of your rope...God has supernatural grace that will keep you from falling.

P.E.A.K.

2008-07-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that P.E.A.K. is right around the corner, Aug 13-15. Tulsa, Ok at the Green Country Events Center. Speakers are Cody Marks & Jason Calhoun. It is going to be awesome! If you weren't planning on going....change your mind...get a ticket....bum a ride...share a room. It is going to be off-the-hook!

(I dedicate this picture to Gary Harding)

Oh Canada!

2008-07-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, give a big shout out to all of my friends in Canada. We just hit 1001 visitors from Canada. I will be there this week for the wedding of 2 of my favorite people....MARK & STAR. We are going to have a blast. So all of you on the other side of our northern border, I am on my way. Tell Joey Tomato to save me a seat.

The Decision to Come Back

2008-07-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre wants to return to the NFL. This has made national headlines in the last week. I don't normally make comments on my blog about things that really have so little meaning in the scope of real life, but this situation brought to mind some other people I have dealt with in my years of ministry. Favre evidently regrets the decisions that he made that took him off of the playing field and now he wants to come back. He wants to come back on his terms. Who knows what the Packer organization will decide. It looks like they will not release him to do it his way but crazier things have happened in the hedonistic sports world. My point with all of this "meaninglessness' is, I know many people that have made decisions to walk away from the church. They stated all kinds of reasons that were very important to them (at least that is what the pontificated) but the road didn't turn out so great. I have talked with so many that would love to get back in the flow of things in Christ's kingdom, but they are not willing to come on God's terms. There is no area of compromise with God...you're either for him or against him. Sure, He will take you like you are but He won't leave you like you came. If you are reading this and have contemplated coming back to Jesus, don't fight the process. Just yield to the word of God and surrender to His beckoning. His grace is enough for you to make it back. It won't be too hard. It just seems that way on the outside. I promise it's better back in the fold, so come back home. We love you and we've still got a spot in the starting lineup.

Happy Birthday America!

2008-07-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Is anybody thankful to live in the greatest nation on planet earth? I know that we have so many things that need to be adjusted and fixed, but in spite of all her warts the USA is still a wonderful place to call home. I listened tonight as my father in law read the Declaration of Independence to the grandchildren and was proud to be an American. If it has been a while since you have read the "Declaration of Independence", then do yourself a favor and revisit it. It's message is still relevant today. QUIZ: To whom is the document addressed? (you have to read it to find out....latter portion reveals answer).

Exhausted!

2008-07-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been run over by a truck. 16 services in 9 days has left me exhausted. The tent revival went incredible in Fayetteville. Can you say 95 degrees and 80% humidity? In spite of the heat the tent was full every night. We had a blast with the Mitchell's and prayed several through to the Holy Ghost. Thank you to all of you wonderful people from "First Church" you truly know how to take care of people.

I flew straight from Fayetteville to San Jose for "Freedom Week". It was incredible. Donald Lance did a tremendous job of ministering to the young people. It has been a busy 2 weeks but God is great and there is more ahead. (Jr. Camp next week). Well, it's like that old saying "No rest for the wicked, and the righteous don't need any".