Fathers and Sons....Are we ready MEN?

The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts.  Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up. Write them down and tie them on your hands as a reminder. Also tie them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses. Also write them on your gates.(Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

These verses are very familiar to most CHRISTian men, at least they should be!  It is still the father . . . .the husband who carries the spiritual responsibility to model and teach Godly principles. Yet when a home lacks a Godly father, or lacks a man in general, what are our children, boys especially, to do?

Fathers and sons are crucial to the family, the society, and the Church! God has placed responsibility on the men and for the most part, have abdicated! Even in homes where the man is present, many of us put God and family behind work and financial matters. 

In a day and age when the internet, the media, and rogue organizations are twisting our young (and not so young) people's minds, we men to take our rightful place as Godly leaders of the home, the workplace and society.......and our churches! 

It will take apologies in some cases. It will take repentance. It will take study. It will take wise counsel and some hard and challenging mentoring. 

Are we ready men? 

Help me to listen to Your voice, and not the noise of the crowd!

 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not from this world. If it were, those who serve me would fight. They would try to keep the Jewish leaders from arresting me. My kingdom is from another place.”“ So you are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, that’s the reason I was born. I was born and came into the world to be a witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of truth listens to me.” (Matthew 18:36-37)

I like the following comments:

Although Jesus was the promised Messiah, the one who could rightfully rule over Israel, He refused to become involved in any political issue of his day. We see this in a number of ways. Jesus refused to be made king; He told His disciples not to tell others that He was the Messiah and He also withdrew from confrontation with the religious rulers. In addition, He never incited the people against Rome. All of this was in contrast to false Messiahs. The reason He acted this way has to do with the nature of His kingdom - it was not of this world system. (Don Stewart; Blue Letter Bible; https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_789.cfm)

I must admit, I am challenged by the current condition of our society and how believers are/are not responding. If I say something, it might be perceived a certain way despite my heart. Yet if I remain quiet, it reflects another opinion. Well, I received some Good News from Scripture today .  . . in fact from Jesus' own words as He replied to Pontius Pilate while on trial. I will stick with that. 

I, as a CHRISTian, was born to be a witness to the Truth as well! LORD, help me to do just that! Help me to listen to Your voice, and not the noise of the crowd!

In Need of REST?

The apostles gathered around Jesus. They told him all they had done and taught.  But many people were coming and going. So they did not even have a chance to eat. Then Jesus said to his apostles, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place. You need to get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a quiet place. (Matthew 6:30-32)

A time for rest. . . .not luxury . . . nothing really planned . . .just rest away from the stress, uncertainty, and day to day doldrums. I need a different environment. I bed to experience God in nature in a whole new way. I want to see Him as those of old did . . . in the simple things like a sunrise, the breeze, the stillness!

I need a real break from the monotony because it will be back to work from home with virtual school again this fall! I was so looking forward to seeing the kids again, interacting with them, and simply hearing their crazy sayings and simple reactions! I wanted to plan some real ministry outings as we plan to reach young hearts for missions and ministry.

Amazing what one misses . . . .praying His will come late August for school and ministry!

I can relate and I cannot be quiet!

Sometimes I think, “I won’t talk about his message anymore.
    I’ll never speak in his name again.”
But then your message burns in my heart.
    It’s like a fire deep inside my bones. I’m tired of holding it in.
    In fact, I can’t.(Jeremiah 20:9)

Jeremiah was tired of the ridicule, embarrassment, and shame. He was tired of hurting inside. He felt like giving up, as if he was never born!

I can relate!

There are times when I simply want to stay home, tucked away in my quiet space with people who really know me. Actually, Covid-19 has helped with that! I don't hear the whispers or see the scrunched up faces. I don't feel the backlash.....well maybe on Facebook!

Yet like Jeremiah, His Word burns inside of me! I was called and equipped to be an evangelist! I cannot keep it inside. With so much going on concerning the virus, politics, social injustice and all that those issues entail, God's Word has a definite response! However,people, even believing people, do not want to hear it.

So I guess I have to welcome the comments, accusations, and ridicule. It comes with the territory! To God be the glory . . . I cannot be quiet!

Please keep supporting!

God supplies seed for the person who plants. He supplies bread for food. God will also supply and increase the amount of your seed. He will increase the results of your good works. You will be made rich in every way. Then you can always give freely. We will take your many gifts to the people who need them. And they will give thanks to God. Your gifts meet the needs of the Lord’s people. And that’s not all. Your gifts also cause many people to thank God.  You have shown yourselves to be worthy by what you have given. So other people will praise God because you obey him. That proves that you really believe the good news about Christ. They will also praise God because you share freely with them and with everyone else.  Their hearts will be filled with love for you when they pray for you. God has given you grace that is better than anything.  Let us give thanks to God for his gift. It is so great that no one can tell how wonderful it really is!  (2 Corinthians 9:10-15)

As our family transitions from business to personal mission life, we thank God for those who have been with us faithfully over the years, some for the entire twenty-two years!

Thanks to our Woodstream church family, our Pastor, Robert Wingfield, friends, coworkers, and mission partners in New Orleans, the Carolinas, St. Vincent, Puerto Rico, and local partners.

Your support shows others the faith we have in Christ and His Word. As we move to personal missions/ministry and pray for His will, please know the work continues! Please keep praying and supporting spiritually and financially!

You may contact/support us at.....
Woodstream Church
C/O Carroll Outreach Missions
14103 Pleasant View Drive
Howie, MD 20720

Waiting, Praying, Planning

Waiting upon God can be a real challenge! God is so awesome and unlike people. He is faithful, so we can trust Him. However, because He is eternal, time has no control over God so we can become impatient with Him as we WAIT!

I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.  Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:1-3)

We pray selfishly many times . . . for what we think we need. We begin to plan as if we will receive it . . .  after all, we prayed! Then, if God says "No" or "Wait a bit", we become angry, anxious, irritated, and try to obtain it on our own. When we get it, we wrongly believe that God did it! Then it backfires! Been there? I have!!!! 

What are we praying for today? What are you/we waiting upon God for today? Are we planning His will or our own? 

Let's wait upon God and be of good courage. Keep praying in His will.  Plan to accept what He says and does. I can't wait to share what He does!

https://youtu.be/83HPAKX4uWA

Do not lose heart . . .for God or for people!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Wow . . .just when we thought we were getting back to a little bit of normalcy, once again we are debating about masks, closings and of course continued social injustice and political unrest. Who knows what is best? How many more days and months of debates, arguments, and anger? When will TRUTH rule over facts?

Do not lose heart . . . for God or for people!

God knows everything that is going on today. He knows everyone with secret agendas and those who genuinely care. During these times of uncertainty and unrest, we who believe must believe that God has it all under control.  We have to seek Him over social media and political correctness. We must seek His Words over the spin of societal noise. As we seek Him, we begin to see the eternal in the present day. What we are troubled with today is nothing compared to eternal consequences and rewards. We need to walk by faith like never before . . .

This is no time to be silent nor is it a time to embarrass our Lord and Savior! We cannot lose heart for God or for people!

God is still present

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.(1 Corinthians 3:16-19)

We live in a time with much confusion, unrest, insecurities, deceit, fake news and doubts, we as believers MUST be assured that God is still present!  He is right in our midst. In fact, everything we do, everything we say, everything we tweet, post, sign up for, or events we attend we include God, because He lives inside every believer! We cannot forget that.

In a dangerous and unbelieving world, it is imperative that we who believe reflect God in our everyday actions . . . .not just on a SONday or in our prayer closet. In fact, let's come out of the closet like every other group!

Everything we do, every event we attend, every word we write, post, tweet or say reflects the God we serve. A dying world needs to see a genuine, caring, politically active, justice demanding, living out loud, liberty for all CHRISTian. This is no time for hiding in fear. HIS love casts out all fear! (1John 4:18)

Are we going to honor God or bring Him dishonor? Lord, give the discernment I need to honor You over man!

For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought!

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

We live in such challenging times; various groups at odds with one another, politicians all amuck, families fractured, restrictions because of Covid-19, school systems in flux. These past few months I at times have not known how to pray or what to pray! 

Fear seems to be everywhere! People fear certain groups. We fear a further spread of the virus. We fear the future of our political system. I know I fear for our kids and grandkids that they don't give in to society's norms but seek after God!

What do we pray but His will? How can we pray but in His will? Then we wait . . . Serve and wait! We still gotta work!

Lord, help me to never give in to the day to day doldrums of this world view, but keep me focused on Your will! Thank God for His Spirit and how He intercedes on our behalf, when we don't know what or how to pray!

God is still God: I am still His!

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.(2 Peter 3:8-13)

 God is still God and I am still his!
It's so hard after hearing the news that schools will once again be virtual to look forward to school! After being locked in and locked out for months, I was looking forward to and praying for a somewhat "normal" school year . . . at least a few days in the classroom! But "No!" I heard my concience whisper, "Where are You God?"

Yet again, He has reminded me, through Peter, that God is still God! He is still in control. His plan is best! He is not slack, uncaring, or blind! I, we simply have to trust Him over the things and people of this world. . . even ourselves and our plans! I still belong to Him!

Lord, help me to stay focused upon You and use this time to prepare for the things You are preparing for me! Use me to Your glory!

Some things, only God can provide!

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,  that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.(Ephesians 3:14-21)

Yes, there is a lot going on in our society......Covid-19, justice/injustice, political jargon and election concerns, economic worries, educational challenges. However to me, these are the little things. I have so many needs that only God can provide!

Do not get me wrong. I realize the issues we face daily. However, beyond that, I have needs that only the miraculous hand of God can provide as He allows.   I feel greedy at times and so undeserving. God has healed us, has provided  for us and most recently made a way for our son to be accepted and scholarshipped into college for 2020. Yet now I come to God for even more miracles, expecting He will provide in His timing.

He said to keep asking. He said to keep knocking. He said He will supply all my needs, but only according to His riches in glory. So here I am; asking, pleading, knocking!

Stay tuned . . .

TRUTH . . . not facts.

Remember how it was in the days of Noah. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes. In the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking. They were getting married. They were giving their daughters to be married. They did all those things right up to the day Noah entered the ark. They knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes.(Matthew 24:37-39)

I will admit, frustration is beginning to set in rapidly day by day. However it is not what you think. It's not the Covid-19. It's not the injustice and subsequent protest and rhetoric. It's not even all the political spinning going in in this nation. It is how we are reacting to it all!

With all the issues of injustice, illness, violence, school systems, politics and family relationships, I believe we know where the answers lie, yet we choose to ignore it!

ARE WE LISTENING TO GOD?

All these issues we are facing can be answered by TRUTH . . . not facts. While we attempt to gather facts, we seem to be ignoring the TRUTH.  Yes, the TRUTH will set us free....free from injustice, free from fear of viruses, free from political jargon, free from seeking love and acceptance in all the wrong places. TRUTH sets us free from sin! Once we know TRUTH, we see things in a different way....from a different perspective. We now can have a peace that goes beyond human understanding . . . even in middle of all that is going on today.

Do YOU know TRUTH? Have YOU met HIM? Pilate once stared Him in the face and walked away (John 18:28). Please do not make that mistake. Look at the result!

I trust TRUTH. I trust You LORD!!!!

It's what God knows that matters!

Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. (Mark 6: 1-6)

Ever wonder why folks sometimes doubt you, look at you in disbelief, have a different opinion of you when you are not in their presence? I often used to feel that way! Now it really doesn't matter that much. It's what God knows that matters, not what man may say!

Growing up, I was a sports loving fanatic! I played, coached, watched, lived and breathed sports . . . baseball, football, basketball, bowling, street hockey . . . you name it. If we could play it I did and I had an opinion about it too! Well into my 30's this was my life. Then Jesus picked me on His team.

I was still a sports junkey and played and coached, but the anger was gone, the win-all-cost attitude was replaced with do-your-best-at-all-times way of life. I still loved sports but I now lived and played for Him, not me. Guess what? People did not like it, did not believe it, or just plain would not accept it! Even believers kept me in the shadows. . . some still do . . . not quite trusting me! Oh well . . . .

I was not the cookie-cutter teen back then and I am not a cookie- cutter believer today. When God saved me, He changed my heart, not my personality! He saved me from within and welcomed me into a relationship with him, just as I am! He now uses me for His purposes, not others'. While many do not understand, I have come to understand it is OK, because some do! What God has for me is for me and for His glory!

They rejected Jesus . . . even family . . . why not me too?

Remember.....Memories!

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—  that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,  having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,  and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (Ephesians 2:11-16) 

Four years agao I was on a mission trip with several teens and my wife in New Orleans. I had just heard that my mom passed away. She had suffered for over ten years with dementia, a disease which took her life mentally years before. The kids and even my wife wondered why I was "OK".

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Well, you see, I remember who she was, not what dementia had done to her. I had asked God for years to take her peacefully, as long as He had saved her. I used to read scripture to her at the nursing home. I had previously prayed with her to accept Christ when she was still coherent. However, only God knows her heart. I can't say for sure. I can only remember the things we spoke about while she was still Mom.

Cherish the people you have in your life. Care for

their souls. When they are gone, be sure the memories do not cause sleepless nights. Use every opportunity you have to share Christ, even if it is uncomfortable. Then trust God....soon life will be just memories!

you will have great success

 I will give all of you every place you walk on, just as I promised Moses. Your territory will reach from the Negev Desert all the way to Lebanon. The great Euphrates River will be to the east. The Mediterranean Sea will be to the west. Your territory will include all the Hittite country. Joshua, no one will be able to oppose you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will never leave you. I will never desert you. Be strong and brave. You will lead these people. They will take the land as their very own. It is the land I promised to give their people of long ago.

“Be strong and very brave. Make sure you obey the whole law my servant Moses gave you. Do not turn away from it to the right or the left. Then you will have success everywhere you go.  Never stop reading this Book of the Law. Day and night you must think about what it says. Make sure you do everything written in it. Then things will go well with you. And you will have great success.  Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” (Joshua 1:3-9)

 Funny, over twenty years ago, these were the words God spoke to my wife as we were preparing to begin ministry. Now, as we are transitioning to a somewhat different life, yet still a life of total dependence upon God, He now reminds me!

About a year ago I asked God to supply what was needed to allow Michael to attend Liberty University, our  alma mater. There was no way we could pay the costs. Many doubted. They doubted that God could provide so much money (really?), they doubted Michael (he's not academic type, just a normal teen), and they doubted even more when Covid-19 struck! Oh, but God!!! I never doubted Him. I kept quiet, but no longer!

He has supplied over $25,000 in aid and grants so far. While we still need a bit more, we are walking into the land He has granted us by faith (v.8)  . . . Liberty University . . . even for the following three years, not just 2020! He has granted us the opportunity (v.3) and we now must courageously walk into it! (v.9)

That's my God!!!!

I want it NOW!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.(Matthew 7:7-12)

 So many today want so much . . . . and they want it NOW! Many cannot see the struggles many have gone through for what we have now. Even believers are demanding from the government for things right now . . . . a cure for illness, economic relief, ending homelessness and yes even justice for all. However, as we read in Matthew, we have to know Who the Source of all our needs is . . . . God alone.

We sometimes act as if God doesn't see or hear. However, Matthew reminds us that we need to go to God first, keep working in a Godly fashion, and trust Him with the results. It's hard to wait. Our society demands things NOW!

If I have learned anything the past year it is to plead and plead with God and then allow Him to do His thing. I am trying to stay out of His way. Oh, I am putting in the work, but trusting God with the results!

Just WOW!

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.(Psalm 37:7-8)

So many are succeeding today despite not even acknowledging God, some even outright denying His existence! Others are demanding change immediately, even by force, and getting results, but not always a Godly result!

But God is showing me that seeking His face and waiting upon Him is so sweet. Yes, I still struggle at times seeing the evil and ungodly receive results, but when I see what God can do in His timing, well, just WOW!

His rewards are so satisfying. His answers are simply mind blowing! When I seek Him and then wait . . . still working, but allowing God to act . . . WOW!

That is really the only word that comes to mind . . .  WOW !!!! 

I trust You!!!!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.(James 1:2-6)

Trials, tests, challenges . . . . . . we face so many today! Who do we believe? Who can we trust? Where can we go safely? When can we go? What about tomorrow . . . schools, jobs, careers?

All I can say, from experience and many failures, is that we must trust God! Most of my failures and most stressed our times have come when I walk out on my own, not engaging God or even giving Him a chance to work. However, through all those failures, I have come to trust God! He alone gives wisdom when all else is a mess! Remember, He has seen today and has been to tomorrow!

God, I want to move when You say to move and go where You say to go . . . even say what You would have me to say! I trust You!

Jobs . . . Schools . . . Finances . . . Family . . .I trust You!!!!

There is still HOPE!

Happy birthday America!

I pray that freedom may one day ring true for all, not simply a privileged FEW.

I pray that liberty and justice may be for ALL . . .  for me and for you!

I pray we will one day all walk humbly, love mercy, and allow justice to roll down like thunder. . . .

So we can really be one Nation under . . . .

Yes, UNDER GOD!

There is still hope . . . . Blessed is the Nation who's god is The LORD! (Psalm 33:12)

Demand freedom and justice for all

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? The LORD’s voice cries to the city— Wisdom shall see Your name: “Hear the rod! Who has appointed it?(Micah 6:8-9)

While many of us know these words from verse eight and like to quote them, we don't always hear the words from verse nine. As we are preparing to celebrate another birthday for our Nation, we are reminded these days that we really are not celebrating freedom and justice for all, but still for the privileged few!

I am calling out all who claim to know Jesus as Lord and Savior: not just on July 4th, but from here in out let's live out these words in our own lives but also demand them of our communities! Let's commit to point out injustice. Let's vote out those who tolerate and promote division.

Let's stop pretending to be a Christ follower and really be one, from the inside out!

I will not fear!

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”(Hebrews 13:5-6)

With all the anxiety, uneasiness, discontentedness, and everything else in today's society, there is One we can trust and count on for stability and peace . . .The Lord! Paul knew well of being stressed, chased, abused, falsely arrested, jailed, beaten, and left for dead . . . .eventually unjustly put to death! Once one of the privileged, Paul became a Christ follower and faced unjust treatment from all sides . . . . local politicians (Pharisees and local governors)  former church folk (Jews), current church members (CHRISTians), and the federal government (Rome). While he previously led a movement to track down CHRISTians and even kill them, he now was tracking down the unsaved (Jews especially) to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior!

Can you imagine the daily struggles of Paul?

No matter the day, the age, the movement, or the cause, we as Christ followers must be sure that all we do honors Him and not simply our own desires, feelings or what is politically correct/incorrect.

To be an active citizen . . . citizen of heaven, we must keep our eternal zip code in mind. We cannot live in fear . . . fear of government, peer groups, culture, or family or friends! Hold on to His hand rather than the world's!

There is no fear in Christ, but freedom to live!