RADICAL FOR JESUS!

LEADING A LIFE OF SIGNFICANCE

2012-03-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Recently I was given a brand new 2012 Chevrolet Equinox as my new company vehicle with the company I work part time for. With that transportation came satellite radio service for a limited time. Everything you wanted in radio but were afraid to ask for. Having in another life been a mobile dj I have enjoyed listening to music from the 50's and 60's however it got me to thinking about my life since the time those songs were popular. From 40 to 50 plus years gets you thinking whether or not you are living a life of significance rather than a life of mere existence. What you thought of as important in your early teen years certainly changes as the years go by. I sort of went into a short time of depression thinking of all the wasted years where I could have been a major Radical For Jesus follower. I wrote in my journal: "I feel I have so wasted the majority of my life and here I am today working three jobs and possibly a fourth that it leaves me no time for what I feel that I have been appointed and anointed for. I know it is not about me but all about you and our relationship Yahweh not so much what I am doing for you. I just want to be living a life of significance versus a life of existence. I need to hear you oh God that I am on the right path." Just moments later a pastor friend of both Karen and I "just happened" to call to thank me for the phone message I had left earlier in the day and how encouraging it was to him and his wife. Obviously a true sign from Abba Father that my life is one of major significance...one life at a time!

IF JESUS TOOK MY PLACE IN THE MARKETPLACE

2012-02-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Let's suppose Jesus took your place in the marketplace for one year. What would it look like? He certainly would do His work with excellence. He would be known around the office for His great work He did. He would develop new ideas for doing things better. He would hang out with sinners in order to develop a relationship with them in order to speak to them about the Father. He would strategically pray for each worker about their concerns and their needs. He would pray for those who even disliked Him. He would rally to support a needy family during Christmas. He would offer to pray for those who were sick in the office and see them get healed. He would honor the boss and respect him/her. He would consider the boss as His authority in His workplace. He would be truthful in all his dealings and never exaggerate for the sake of advancement. He would be concerned about His city. He would always have a motive to help others become successful even at his own expense. Certainly sounds like good ideas we could each model as Radial For Jesus! followers wouldn't you say? (Adapted from an Os Hillman TGIF 2 devotional)

LOVING YOUR ENEMY

2012-01-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

As a radical follower of Jesus one of the hardest commands comes from Matthew 5:43-46:
You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If your have been called to be a "Radical For Jesus" leader you will at some time have to deal with conflict. How you and I manage that conflict will determine how good a leader we will be. Jesus, the perfect example, handled conflict in several different ways. (1) Confronted the issue head on, (2) Ignored the accusation and walked away, (3) Sometimes chose to wash the feet of those who attacked Him.

Dr. Martin Luther King, father of the United States civil rights movement modeled conflict management in the following way:

"On Christmas Day, 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a sermon at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. It was based on this passage and the sermon title was, 'Loving Your Enemy.' Through the course of his sermon, Dr. King suggested three ways by which we can do just that.

First, we must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. Such forgiveness doesn't mean that we ignore the wrong committed against us. Rather it means that we will no longer allow the wrong to be a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness, according to King, 'is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning.'
Second, we must recognize that the wrong we've suffered doesn't entirely represent the other person's identity. We need to acknowledge that our opponent, like each one of us, possesses both bad and good qualities. We must choose to find the good and focus on it.
Third, we must not seek to defeat or humiliate our opponent, but to win his or her friendship and understanding. Such an attitude flows not from ourselves, but from God as his unconditional love works through us.
As followers of Christ who seek to lead as He led, we must remember that the more freely we forgive, the more clearly we reveal the nature of our Heavenly Father."

As we enter into a brand new year let us commit to being proactive about forgiving those who have been the source of pain in our life.

A PROPHET WITHOUT HONOR....

2011-12-01T05:53:00.000-05:00

There are days when walking the path of a radical follower of Jesus that I understand what it means to be a "prophet without honor". It seems that family, friends, and close associates do not always understand that which you are anointed and called to do. Rejection seems to be an ongoing issue. A recent devotional by Os Hillman on this very subject hit the proverbial nail on the head: 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, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house" (Mark 6.3, 4).
Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to spiritually impact your immediate circle of relationships and family? Jesus warned us of this phenomenon. We often relate to family and friends differently because they have a history with us that no one else has. They most likely have not had the privilege to witness the spiritual transformation that you have experienced and is evidenced by others in your life.
The spiritual authority that others may recognize in you is not there with your own family and friends. "After all, you're just my sister or brother, with whom I fought, played, and lived everyday life," is what is thought. Jesus was more qualified to be a carpenter than the Son of God in his own family and community's eyes. It was too difficult to change old perceptions of someone they knew so well. So too, is it for your family members. The sad result of this mindset is that we often do not experience the same fruit of ministry in our family's lives that we do outside this circle. It is an unfortunate truth. "Jesus still healed a few sick people," meaning there is still a remnant of faith that can receive from you and I. Ultimately, God determines the fruit of our lives. Do not allow spiritual pride to prevent you from freely giving to your family and friends when they do not receive you in the way you think they should. You don't know which "few" God will choose to touch through your life.Many did not receive Jesus. Therefore, many will not receive you. Nevertheless, allow God to touch the few in your circle He chooses to touch through you.

JESUS THE RADICAL

2011-11-01T05:16:00.000-04:00

Jesus The Radical

There's a radical in each of us, even if the years have mellowed it. The way to express it is surely through radical devotion to the Father's cause. On one hand, Jesus spoke to men as they were able to hear it, not as He was able to expound it. Yet on the other, He gave His radicalism free reign. The Sabbath miracles seem to have purposefully provoked the Jews. When He encouraged His men to rub the corn heads and eat them like peanuts as they walked through a field one Sabbath, He knew full well this was going to provoke confrontation. And he said what was anathema to the Jews: " The Law was made for man and not man for the Law" . Where there is human need, the law can bend. This was a startling concept for a Jew. Jesus described the essence of His Kingdom as mustard seed, which was basically a weed. It was like a woman putting leaven [both symbols of impurity] into flour. Surely the Lord was trying to show that His message was not so Heavenly that it was unrelated to earthly life. It was real and relevant to the ordinary dirty business of life. The woman who have everything she had was noted by the Lord as His ideal devotee. He taught that it was preferable to rid oneself of an eye or a limb and to sacrifice sex if that is for us the price of entry into the Kingdom (Mk. 9:45-47). The parable of the man who built bigger barns taught that in some senses we should in His service like there's no tomorrow. He expected His followers to respond immediately, to pay the price today rather than tomorrow, with no delay or procrastination. There is an emphasis in His teaching on immediacy of response, single-mindedness and unrestrained giving. This is radical stuff for 21st century people in the grip of manic materialism.

His simple claim that God can forgive men all sins was radical (Mk. 3:28)- for the Rabbis had a whole list of unforgivable sins, like murder, apostasy, contempt for the Law, etc. But the Lord went further. His many words of judgment weren’t directed to the murderers and whores and Sabbath breakers; they were instead directed against those who condemned those people, considering themselves righteous. He calls those who appeared so righteous a ‘generation of vipers’. The publican, not the Pharisee, finds God’s acceptance, according to Jesus. And again, the Lord is making a telling point- because Rabbis held that repentance for publicans was almost impossible, because it was impossible for them to know exactly all the people they’d cheated. Very clearly, the Lord’s message was radical. He was out to form a holy people from whores and gamblers, no-good boys and con-men. And moreover, He was out to show that what God especially judges and hates are the things that humanity doesn’t think twice about: hypocrisy, self-righteousness, judgmental-ism, exclusion of others… Another example of the Lord’s radical collision course with the Rabbis is in His comment that God’s care even embraces sparrow (Mt. 10:29). For the Rabbis explicitly forbade prayers that mentioned God’s care for birds, because they argued that it was dishonoring to God to associate Him with something so small as a bird (Berith 5.3). And the Lord purposefully stood that idea upon its head.

Judaism focused repentance and forgiveness around the temple; but Jesus offered forgiveness to all and sundry, out there on the street. The realness of His person backed up the truth of His claims to grant forgiveness. And it was a forgiveness they evidently felt ; it wasn't mere philosophy. And it was backed up by healing miracles which spoke to the reflective as live parables of the reality of that cleansing and forgiveness. This is what, put together, made Him so unique and magnetic. This was what gave that radical bite to the teaching of Jesus. Truly, the more real, the more credible. This is what enabled a man who lived such a short life, in such a backwater, never rising to public prominence until age 30, and then only being in the local limelight for three and a half years...to influence the lives of millions world-wide over the next 2,000 years, in a way which nobody else has ever done, and to become Lord of the empire which had crucified Him.

Presenting The Radical Jesus

The essential spirit of the great commission was “Go!”, following on as it does from the repeated commands to “go” and share the glorious news that Christ had risen. And yet so many congregations of believers seem to stress instead “Come in to us!”. And every manner of carrot is dangled before the public to entice them to ‘come in’ to some church event. But the emphasis was clearly, and should still be, upon ‘going’ to people. Our turning of ‘Go!’ into ‘Come to us’ is all part of a wider picture, whereby the group of hard core, desperate men who first followed Jesus, the whores, the gamblers, the mentally ill, the marginalized women… have all been diluted into a religion of conformists, a spiritual bubble in which we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, and comfortably continue in the way of our fathers who were also members of the same church as we are.

It’s this mindset which is in my view our most serious problem as a community. We need a shake up. Perhaps we need to remember that the teaching of Jesus was actually not directed initially at irreligious people; it was rather to the people of God, to those within the ecclesia. We need to read the Gospels from that viewpoint. They are a radical call to a radical life, a life and way of thinking that’s not about sitting around in a church doing humanly sensible things, taking the safe decisions and options, raising our children in a cocoon of safety and ‘fun’, often to see them walk out into life either indifferent to Jesus, or as merely passive members of a church. It’s not about ‘a religion that makes sense’. It’s not about God always keeping us safe on the roads if we pray regularly and go to meeting on time and read the Bible now and again. It’s about a call to do that which is humanly nonsensical, but to give and give up things in faith, to risk, to aim high, to leap in faith. I see this spirit in those newly baptized. But so often I see it quenched by their attendance at church driving them into the status quo, the utter monotony of civilized church life, within a nominally Christian culture. I’m not against churches; to be together in the body of Christ is a vital part of our growth. But it has to be said that all too often, the structure ends up rationalizing apathy, and absolving the newly converted individual from the great weight of personal responsibility which they feel to take Christ to their world. Somehow we have to ensure that we all keep in personal contact with our Lord, with the spirit of the Gospels, that we never lose that sense of personal encounter with Him. For this will ever keep us from worrying too much what others think of us, doing what is smart and acceptable and right in the eyes of men… rather we will think only of what is right in His eyes. We’ll get the spirit of David as he danced before the Lord, being himself, with his wife mocking him for what he was looking like in the eyes of men (2 Sam. 6:21,22). The cause of the Kingdom must be forcefully advanced by “violent men” (Mt. 11:12). This was the sort of language the Lord used. He wasn’t preaching anything tame, painless membership of a comfortable community.

ON BEING NORMAL

2011-10-01T04:18:00.000-04:00

Just finished an amazing book by author Francis Chan entitled: "Forgotten God" reversing our tragic neglect of Holy Spirit. The final afterword began with these words: "My hope and prayer for you, the readers, is that church people don't try to normalize you." That really struck a chord in my soul. It seems over the years I have been walking the path of a radical follower of Yeshua that many have tried to quench the Holy Spirit's fire in me. One pastor even went to the point of telling me as I was radically worshiping the King of Kings that I was calling attention to myself not evening knowing the true cost of the praise I was lavishing on the One who had set me free, who had taken my feet from the miry clay and had set them on a solid rock. Or another church staff member telling me I was saying to many "Amens" in the service and that is was beginning to be difficult for him to edit them out of the radio and television broadcasts! Others who would look at me with disdain and reproach telling me by their looks that I should tone done my enthusiasm and passion for God because they don't do that kind of thing in their church. Sad thing is that it is not their church! Instead of deadening passionate and radical Christ followers we should celebrate and join the Spirit's movement in and through them. Chan goes on to say: "This is not about one specific way of living radically. It is about discerning and obeying the Spirit's voice, especially when He asks you to do something that is hard, and little beyond "normal" and that requires sacrifice. This is a two-fold thing; It is both about encouraging others to obey the Spirit's leading's and about listening and obeying His leading in your own life. Do you feel bold and powerful? Whether your answer is yes or no, all of us need to ask for more courage and boldness." Yes, their are days when I feel like I would like to go back to what the world and the church call "normal" but it does get boring so I go back to being the me God created. One who is a man after God's own heart, one who is a worshiper in Spirit and in truth, not a perfect man, but one who truly wants to be a passionate, radical follower of the Rabbi!

HOLY VS. HOLIER THAN THOU

2011-09-01T05:21:00.000-04:00

When walking the life of an immediate-radically obedient Christ follower their are certain non-negotiable elements one of those being Holy as He is Holy (1 Peter 1:15). The question then is what does 21st century holiness look like versus appearing holier than thou? Many times because of the "needs" of people, they advance themselves in the world at the expense of righteousness (right living). Holiness is birthed within the heart of the believer and it is a lifestyle, but holiness also covers one's actions, deeds, and presentation. Do we all make mistakes? Absolutely! Imperfect people make plenty of mistakes, that's not what I am speaking to. I am talking about loving the world so much until IF God said to leave it or certain aspects of it you would have a hard time and tend to go the other way. John 2:15-17 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh,and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away. and the lust therof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever!" John is simply talking about the world's system and benefits that are gained from it. The world rightly expects to find within us, the believer, a standard of holiness and righteousness. The world cannot see your faith, but it can surely see your presentation. We as saints are to be a "living sacrifice". Holiness responds to it's environment and is aware of the environment in which it exists. The standard then is not what others think of us, even if they do call you "holier than thou". The standard is the objective word of God, not the subjective feelings or perceptions of what one thinks. Thank God for all those who do live sacrificially and choose not to dwell among the "stuff" of this world. There will be a great reward. All those men and women who choose to live and look like godly men and women--GOD BLESS YOU AND PLEASE KEEP THE FAITH!

WHEN ALL HOPE IS GONE

2011-08-01T06:10:00.000-04:00

Do you have days or lifetimes that seem to say: "all hope is gone?" In walking the life or a radical follower of Jesus I cannot tell you the number of times I just wanted to literally throw in the towel as I was at the end of hopelessness. In fact their was a point my precious father-in-love actually handed me a white towel and I asked him: "what is that for." He replies: "throw it in" meaning give up on what you have dreamed for, believed for, and declared for in your personal & ministry life. I ask you as I ask myself: wherein does my hope depend on when All Hope Is Gone. Me, others, God? As I think about this the words from that hymn of old comes to mind: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean in Jesus' Name! On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand." So when you are at the point of thinking all hope is gone, put your trust in one and one alone, the man Christ Jesus. A sure foundation can never be found elsewhere. My hope is in God and God alone.

I WANNA BE JUST LIKE PETE MARAVICH!

2011-07-01T06:16:00.000-04:00

I wanna be just like Pete Maravich! No! I do not desire the fortune or fame he acquired or all the basketball records he shattered some of which stand to this day. All that according to Solomon is meaningless anyway. If Pete were alive today he would probably have often quoted this phrase: "Only one life will pass...only what is done for Christ will last." His life, although cut short at age 40, lives on for the glory of the one he so desired to serve. One of his quotes says it all: "I want to be remembered as a Christian, a person that serves Him to the utmost, not a basketball player!" The question is then how do I or you want to be remembered? If I want to be like Pete Maravich who wanted to be like Jesus it certainly is not about us, it is all about Him! Less of me, more of Him! May I be considered one of His radical, immediately obedient followers!

IN A PLACE AND SEASON OF DRYNESS....

2011-06-01T04:43:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been in a place or season of dryness? Then the lyrics of this Keith Green song will relate. My prayer for you and for me is that we would be washed anew with the fresh oil of Holy Spirit to again be the radical followers of the Rabbi!

" My Eyes Are Dry "

My eyes are dry
My faith is old
My heart is hard
My prayers are cold
And I know how I ought to be
Alive to You and dead to me

But what can be done
For an old heart like mine
Soften it up
With oil and wine
The oil is You, Your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew
With the wine of Your Blood

My eyes are dry
My faith is old
My heart is hard
My prayers are cold
And I know how I ought to be
Alive to You and dead to me

But what can be done
For an old heart like mine
Soften it up
With oil and wine
The oil is You, Your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew
With the wine of Your Blood

MY ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE REVIEW

2011-05-01T07:01:00.000-04:00

Having worked in the sales arena for years I have experienced that dreaded time when either annually or quarterly I would be reviewed for my past performance. Either I would have my head held high, or bowed in a
state of utter shame. As with the marketplace their will be a time in my spiritual life that their will be the ultimate performance review. Shall I hear: "well done, thy good and faithful servant!" or "well?" The Bible's performance review is known as: "The Judgment Seat". From 2 Cor5:10 Message version: "We will appear before Christ and take what's coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad. That keeps us all vigilant for sure. Its no light thing to know that we'll all one day stand in that place of Judgment." Having been a radical follower of Jesus for over 15 years has not come without its persecution. As with Jesus I have not really been embraced by my own home town but that is ok. I would rather be His than have riches untold and the accolades the world. So my friends what will He have to say for your ultimate performance review? May I be faithful to the call, unashamed of the Gospel, and a radical Jesus freak!

WEARY IN WELL DOING

2011-04-01T05:21:00.000-04:00

Galatians 6:9 from the Message: "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up or quit." Being a radical follow of the Master does not come without its consequences and share of disappointments. If Jesus was not even honored and accepted in His own home town, how can I expect differently? Yes, I have had major times in my journey when going back to my "old life" seemed like a better solution but then when your life has been radically transformed by the power of Holy Spirit how could you ever want to go back to Egypt? So as the Apostle so challenged me in the passage from Galatians to not give up, and Jesus with his invitation from Matthew to come to Him as I am weary and burdened and He would give me rest, my radical journey will and shall continue. Hallelujah!!!!

PLEASING GOD VERSUS MAN

2011-03-01T08:57:00.000-05:00

For every relationship we have both with our fellow man and with our God their are rules to relationship. Just this morning as I was reading II Thessalonians 2: 4b it struck me as to one of the important components of a immediate-radical-obedient rule of relationship with my heavenly Father. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church shares that their sharing of the gospel despise incredible opposition did not spring from error or impure motives nor out of trickery. On the contrary they were speaking as men "approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel". And here is the key element: "We are not trying to please men, but God who tests our hearts." So with that in mind my prayer this day is Lord, search my heart and may my relationship with you and what I do for you out of that relationship be done for pleasing you and you alone and not for the accolades and praise of men. I will continually work for an audience of one. To you be all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise, Amen & Amen!!!!

HOLINESS, IT IS WHAT I LONG FOR!

2011-02-01T12:50:00.003-05:00

In praying into what I felt Holy Spirit was laying on my heart for my monthly blog posting I felt a song coming into my ear gate entitled "Take My Life" . Let the lyrics of this song speak to your heart:

Holiness, holiness is what I long for
Holiness is what I need
Holiness, holiness is what You want from me

Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for
Faithfulness is what I need
Faithfulness, faithfulness is what You want from me

Take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, Oh Lord

Righteousness, righteousness is what I long for
Righteousness is what I need
Righteousness, righteousness is what You want from me
(Chorus)

GOT PASSION?

2011-01-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

Got passion? Passion is defined as "the object of any strong desire." And as the lyrics on the picture suggest we should all, as radical followers of the Rabbi, "take our passion and make it happen!" What does passion look like for you? For each one of us, made in His image, it is going to look different. If we all expressed passion in a uniform way would that not be boring or what? I guess the bottom line is however, whatever, whenever the opportunity arises to express to a dying, hopeless world the passion of the Christ that dwells within in us Be Faithful, Stand Firm, and let them experience the glory of the Lord through YOU!!!!

THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN....

2010-12-04T05:03:00.000-05:00

I was just talking with my son-in-love about his recent Facebook posting celebrating his 135lb bench press. Seems his tricep injury of the past had kept him from accomplishing this. One of the key ingredient's of his healing was a three day fast. Mike has fasted in the past but this time was different. He was led to the passage in Isaiah 58:6: "Is not this the kind of fasting that I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" He asked himself how can I in a practical way loose the chains of injustice. Holy Spirit led him to make a financial donation to Africa's Child a local thrift store that supports an orphanage in that country. Then a prayerful spiritual inventory of anyone he needed to release in the area of unforgiveness that would have held a "yoke" upon him. Mike realized as did I that when we fast their is a condition set forth by the very words of God that their is way of fasting that He chooses not one of my fleshly choosing. If I then am to passionately follow the Rabbi in immediate radical obedience then the prayer and fasting of His choosing must be part of my everyday spiritual discipline.

ALL ACCESS....

2010-11-01T10:43:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been to a concert venue and wanted desperately to get to see your favorite artist up close and personal but knowing it would be impossible with out some type of official identification? That was brought to mind when I recently was helping my son-in-love set up for a musical concert by Stephen Curtis Chapman and family here in Holland. For me I had to wear id indicating I was a part of the set up crew and only had "access" into certain places, however the official road crew had id indicating "All Access." Suddenly I had a thought for a blog posting. You see in the spiritual the world is just wearing id that limits their availability to "access" Yahweh. For those of us who have a radical, obedient, following hard after God relationship with our creator we have been given an "All Access" pass as it were to him through His son Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him" (Ephesians 3:11–12).
God's children have one of the greatest privileges ever bestowed on humankind. We have the right, the boldness and the freedom to break in on our Lord at any time. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God!
Don't ignore your great gift of access. Your eternal future depends on it. Pray and seek the Lord. He has provided you with access. And he promises to meet your every need.

THE DANGER OF IDOL WORSHIP

2010-10-07T06:55:00.000-04:00

The righteous rein of King Hezekiah of Judah is laid out in II Kings 18. One of the notable accomplishments of his tenure of 29 years was that he destroyed idol worship among other things a brass serpent something that 800 years prior had been lifted by Moses in the desert to save lives from snake bites. Here is a powerful quote from Spurgeon on verses 3-6: "In the same way, sometimes good things become idols and therefore must be destroyed. For example, if the true cross of Jesus or His actual burial cloth were to be discovered, and these objects became idolatrous distractions, then it would be better for those objects to be destroyed. “Although it was an interesting memorial, it must be utterly destroyed, because it presented a temptation to idolatry. Here if ever in this world was a relic of high antiquity, of undoubted authenticity, a relic which had seen its hundreds of years, about which there was no question as to its being indisputably the very serpent which Moses made; and it was moreover a relic which had formerly possessed miraculous power — for in the wilderness the looking at it had saved the dying. Yet it must be broken in pieces, because Israel burned incense to it.” (Spurgeon) We as God's people today must likewise be on guard against idolatry. There are many dangers of idolatry in the modern church today:

· Making leaders idols

· Making education an idol

· Making human eloquence an idol

· Making customs and habits of ministry an idol · Making forms of worship an idol

WHAT IS IN A NAME?

2010-10-02T06:42:00.002-04:00

Ever been to a business meeting and had to wear one of these self adhesive name tags to alert everyone to who you are? Been there done that! In my delving into II Kings 13:5 this morning something very important came to mind when it comes to the question: "What Is In A Name". The verse begins: "Then the Lord gave Israel a deliverer..." No mention what so ever who this unnamed "deliverer" was just simply "deliverer". How often have you been in a church or ministry setting where the name of the speaker, minister, soloist, evangelist, prophet, teacher, etc. etc. etc. was glorified with all the credential details of just who they are, what they have accomplished and so on and so on. It simply makes me want to shout: "Who is getting the real glory here?" Where is the simple fact that He will not share His glory with anyone. Just as in this passage my hope, my prayer as I will begin soon to be launched out into an area of ministry that will have far reaching and global impact that I would be known simply as "His deliverer" of His people. Simply put: one does not need a great name to do a great work for the Lord.

A LEAP OF FAITH

2010-09-25T01:51:00.000-04:00

What does a "leap of faith" look like to you? Similar to this picture or is it you on the edge of a cliff and taking that first unknown step going to somewhere where you have never been before? Amen on both points! Here I am at 1:48AM on a Saturday morning contemplating my future and having nowhere to go except a faith to believe that wherever my steps take me the Father will be there to catch me. Understand though that to take this leap of faith is going to mean ever more stress, more questioning but is it the right thing to do? That is the million dollar question. But if God be for me who can stand against me. The plans of God cannot be thwarted by the enemy. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. And I am truly blessed in my coming in and my going out. Here I go!

KNOWING GOD'S STRENGTH

2010-09-23T00:53:00.001-04:00

It has been over a month since I last posted on my blog. This was brought to my attention from a pastor friend in Florida. Why the delay? I have found myself in a battle over where I am at in my life of immediate, radical obedience. Burger King, the only job I had offered to me in nearly two years of being unemployed is not where I thought I would be. I know their are lessons to be learned but still I have had major day to day struggles with this. My trust for sure has not been in the Lord. So as I was awakened early this Thursday morning the 23rd of September I was drawn to my wife's Kay Arthur daily calendar and the accompanying verse from Habakkuk 3: 19. Here from the Enduring Word Commentary was my right now Word from the Father for my present situation. May it encourage you wherever you are in your own journey of faith....

19) Knowing God’s strength, Habakkuk can trust God for strength.

The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

a. The Lord God is my strength: Habakkuk can only properly pray this after he prayed the prayer of faith in the previous verses. He rightly declared that his strength was not in fig trees or vines or fields or flocks, but only in the Lord God.

i. We might even say that what we praise is our strength. If by his words, life, or heart a man lives to praise his own achievements and resources, that those are his strength. If by words, life, or heart one praises a person or an idea, then those are his strength. We demonstrate that the Lord God is our strength when we praise Him.

b. He will make my feet like deer’s feet: Habakkuk thought of the deer running about on the high hills, never losing a step and never falling. More than that, the deer positively dance and leap on the hills - they are full of life and joy. So the prophet declares, “God will set my steps that firmly and lively also. As I trust in Him, He will not allow me to slip or fall, and I will do more than merely plod along - I will skip about with life and joy.” I say amen & amen! Selah.

STRENGTHENING MYSELF IN THE LORD

2010-08-01T06:49:00.000-04:00

As I have found myself in the midst of a major transition in my life of radical obedience to Christ their are days I have been downright weary. For the majority of the last month I have been delving into the book of 1 Samuel with it's latter chapters devoted to much of David's life. In particular 1 Samuel 30 which chronicles the Ziklag saga. As you recall David had been on a long slippery slide into walking away from all he had known about since that encounter with Goliath and Ziklag was the proverbial icing on the cake. Just when David was at his lowest verse 6 ends with this: "but David strengthened himself in the Lord His God." Here, from Enduring Word Commentary is a few thoughts I want to share with you that strengthened me for my personal journey or immediate, radical obedience:

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. This was backslidden David, wayward David, “fight with the Philistines” David. Why would God strengthen him? Because God is rich in mercy and grace, and because David was now completely broken, ready to be filled. Sometimes we think we have to achieve God’s blessing or strength, but David shows us another way.

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. He received the strength, and felt it flow through himself, and was bold enough to ask for it and receive it from God. Before this, he didn’t see himself as weak, but after coming home to a burned-out ghost town, David knew he was weak and needed God’s strength.

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. He didn’t wait for someone else to strengthen him. He didn’t say, “Well Lord, if You want to strengthen me, that’s fine. I’ll just wait here until You do it.” David knew that the Lord’s strength was there for those who wait upon Him, so he strengthened himself in the Lord his God. God’s strength was there for David all the time, but now he takes it for himself and will strengthen himself in the Lord his God

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. This wasn’t some kind of rah-rah cheerleader kind of positive thinking mumbo jumbo. This was the strength of the living God making itself real in the life and heart of a hurting man. This was strength for recognition, strength for brokenness, strength for repentance, strength for determination to win back what the enemy has stolen. This is the same strength that would raise Jesus from the dead! Hallelujah!

A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

2010-07-15T07:49:00.001-04:00

In my journey of immediate radical obedience to the Father my daily prayer is that I would be "a man after God's own heart." But what does that look like in every day living. From Enduring Word Commentary let me share with you these thoughts. A man after God's own heart honors the Lord. A man after God's own heart has a soft, repentant heart. A man after God's heart loves other people. The Lord seeks for Himself a man after His own heart. Yahweh is always looking for this kind of man, and eventually He will find him in a most unlikely place, i.e the shepherd boy David. God is still looking for men and women after His own heart. When we think of a man after His own heart, many of us think that this is a title reserved for a few "super spiritual" folks. It isn't for us. We want these kinds of people around us, but we never think we can be one of them. We aren't spiritual enough. WRONG! Just look at David: a warrior who killed hundreds of men with his own hands, a fugitive, a traitor, a man who had seasons of backsliding, an adulterer, a murderer. Yet he could be called a man after His own heart! If David can have our sins, then we can have his heart. We can love God and pursue Him with the kind of focus and heart David had. Let us even this day be the people after His own heart Amen and Amen!!!!

ON HEARING GOD'S VOICE

2010-07-05T16:02:00.001-04:00

Having ADHD as part of your personal makeup can certainly have it's ups and downs. Take for instance hearing God's voice. Knowing that you can be all over the place in every aspect of your life how do you know when God is truly speaking to you and when you are in the flesh as it were? The Father cleared that whole issue up to me in my time of devotion with Him while in the book of 1 Samuel 3. You remember the scenario with Samuel three times thinking that Eli the High Priest was calling him by name. Having not known God or His voice at this juncture Samuel keeps re-awaking Eli to where after the third time Eli get's the clue and tells him to reply: "Speak Lord, for thy servant is listening." Being a sort of driven to distraction type of guy I wanted a full proof method of hearing God's voice and His voice alone especially in this season of major transition in my life. Having been out of work nearly 22 months and seeing no visible means of employment either in the workplace or ministry sectors I wanted to make sure without a shadow of a doubt that it was my Abba Father saying: "James Alan Michael, this is the way walk in it." So here, with the help of Enduring Word Commentaries is what to look for:
" First, we must always judge what we think God may be telling us by what He has certainly told us in His Word, the Bible. God will never contradict His eternal Word. Second, we should always be humble when it comes to the idea of God speaking to us. We can never completely trust our ability to hear from God by this “inner voice” accurately. It is easy for us to add something to what God has said, or to stop listening, or to misapply what He has said, or to think that it was God when it was ourselves or something else. It is far better to say and think, “I think the LORD told me . . .” than to talk and think as if you hear God perfectly. Finally, no one should feel “unspiritual” because they think God does not speak to them the way He seems to others. If you really want God to speak to you, and to speak to you the best way, get into God’s Word, the Bible! We know He has spoken there!"

EARLY RELEASE

2010-05-29T20:42:00.001-04:00

Being a radical follower of the Rabbi comes with it's own set of issues. Since my 180 degree turn from darkness to light in 1995 I have lost a ton of friends, a fairly decent relationship with my ex-wife, and the estrangement of my son and daughter. As my wife Karen and I were returning from a quiet evening at the shores of Lake Michigan we reminisced about what my life was pre-Christ. All the aforementioned relationships were solid for the most part and life went pretty smooth. But then the transformation that has got me where I am today. It seems the enemy has imprisoned me here in Holland, Michigan at this point of my life with nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. But praise the Lord He has risen up very special people in my life to encourage and empower me to press on. Just yesterday a precious couple from Washington State called and ended up praying for me. They know the spiritual prison I currently find myself incarcerated in. Their prayer was that I would experience an "early-release". Not probation or parole, but an "early release" to the destiny the Father has anointed and appointed me to. I receive that right now word of knowledge and speak it again and again to my life. Sometimes, like King David, I need to encourage myself in the Lord. I'll let you know when I receive my release date and then we can all rejoice in the victory!

WHY WE DON'T HAVE REVIVAL/LEONARD RAVENHILL

2010-05-01T21:10:00.002-04:00

Why We Don't Have Revival

In an old town in Ireland they'll show you with reverence a place where four young men met night after night after night praying for revival. In Wales, there's a place in the hills where three or four young men only 18 or 19 years old met and prayed night after night. They wouldn't let God go; they would not take no for an answer. As far as humanly possible they prayed a revival into birth. If you're thinking of revival at your church without any inconvenience, forget it. Revival costs a lot.

I can give you one simple reason why we don't have revival in America. Because we're content to live without it. We're not seeking God we're seeking miracles, we're seeking big crusades, we're seeking blessings. In Numbers 11, Moses said to God, "You're asking me to carry a burden I can't handle. Do something or kill me!" Do you love America enough to say, "God, send revival or kill me"? Do you think it's time we changed Patrick Henry's prayer from, "Give me liberty or give me death," to "Give me revival or let me die"?

In the 30th chapter of Genesis, Rachael goes to Jacob and throws herself down in despair. She says, "Give me children or else I die." Are you willing to throw yourself down before God to seek the spiritual birth of spiritual children in our country?

People say, "I'm filled with the Holy Spirit." If the coming of the Spirit didn't revolutionize your prayer life, you'd better check on it. I'm not so sure you got what God wanted you to get.

We've said that prayer changes things. No! Prayer doesn't change things. Prayer changes people and they change things. We all want Gabriel to do the job. God says do it yourself - with My sufficiency and My strength.

We need to get like this woman, Hannah. What did she do? She wept, she was grieved, she said she had a complaint, she fasted - and she prayed.

Jesus, the anointed of God, made prayer His custom. Paul, with his background and intellect, depended on prayer because he said he was weak. David, the king, called himself a poor man and cried to the Lord. Hannah prayed for a son and gave birth to a prophet. The prayers of a handful of young men sparked revival.

WHEN PRISON BECOMES A PLACE OF REFUGE& REST

2010-04-26T08:23:00.000-04:00

How could prison, be it true incarceration or one of God's making be a place of refuge or rest. Today in my ongoing reading in the book of Acts chapter 25 it was all made clear. Paul, while in a state of what has been described as a "generous" imprisonment in Caesarea, was able to have his friends visit and provide for him. Yet even then how could Paul or you and I be content with prison life? Because our God has greater plans for us than we could ever imagine. In Paul's case God had allowed Paul's imprisonment for two extraordinary benefits. First Paul was providentially provided protection against the murderous intentions of the Jews. Secondly it was a "forced rest" in light of His unfailing missionary service in years past , and great tasks in the years ahead. Bottom line even though you and I often find ourselves in the prison of everyday life with seemingly no way of escape the Father has us under His watchful eye knowing that this season of judicial or personal imprisonment is for our good. Just last week as I was ministering in our local county jail I conversed with man who said that had it not been for his incarceration he would he never had someone from a local church come to share the good news of the gospel and now he is forever changed for the ordinary. So rest assured beloved that God has his purpose for the prison you find yourself in this very day.

WHEN FEAR STRIKES OUT...LET PEACE BE YOUR UMPIRE

2010-03-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

While concluding my 60 minute work out early Monday morning I concluded with my 30 minutes on the elliptical. To make the time go quicker I always like to tune the tv to TCM and their classic movies. Todays' title was especially prophetic: "When Fear Strikes Out." It was a story loosely based on the life of former baseball great Jimmy Piersall. What I sensed Holy Spirit was saying to me was that He had not given me a spirit of fear but of power and of love and a sound mind something Piersall struggled with in his own life with bipolar disorder. Then I recalled a message from several years ago by one of my favorite speakers Joyce Meyer entitled: "Let Peace Be Your Umpire". Putting it all together Holy Spirit's message to me and you is this: "When I strike out fear of the future in the game of life and your destiny, let my perfect Shalom (peace) be your umpire day in and day out. "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll: whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul!

RADICALIS DECLARATION

2010-02-11T06:11:00.002-05:00

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling, and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There is no turning back. I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status and people over possessions, position and pleasure. I know what matters most and I will give it all I’ve got. I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I can’t be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer is yes! I’m ready. Anytime. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!”

JUST A CARPENTER

2010-01-31T08:34:00.003-05:00

In the familiar passage from scripture in Mark 6 Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth along with His disciples. "On the Sabbath he gave a lecture in the meeting place. He made a real hit, impressing everyone. "We had no idea He was that good!" they said. "How did he get so wise all of a sudden, get such ability?" But in the next breath the were cutting him down: "He's just a carpenter--Mary's boy. We've known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers and his sisters. Who does he think he is? Jesus told them" A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives. He laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that's all. He could not get over their stubbornness." (THE MESSAGE) Walking the path of radical for Jesus obedience does not come without a cost. Since my radical transformation in February of 1995 and subsequent encounter with Holy Spirit in sundry Promise Keepers events it has been difficult to plow through the stubbornness of people in the West Michigan area who have not celebrated all that God has accomplished in my life. Knowing me from my past life they, like their counterparts in Jesus day basically say the same thing: "Who does James Kingma think he is, we knew him when.." and you fill in the blanks with the rest. Truly a prophet i.e. me has little honor in his own back yard and even among my relatives. If you are not associated with the right denomination or have the "approved" ministerial credentials, or connected with the big dogs no doors of ministry opportunity open for you. Where does the anointing and appointing of Holy Spirit come into play? Apparently for most it is not enough, there always needs to be one more thing you need to have or do to be welcomed into church or ministry venues to speak. I guess it is more than time that when I am not welcomed, not listened to, I am to quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug my shoulders and be on my way to places where I am celebrated not just tolerated! Go where the Ark is!

INFERIOR QUALITY

2010-01-22T06:40:00.002-05:00

The other day while reading an on-line devotional from Os Hillman (TGIF-Today God Is First), two words riveted my spirit: "Inferior Quality." The gist of those words were in the context of the fact that the Lord has called each and every one of us to be excellent in what we do whether in word or in deed. However recently Karen and I experienced a situation in which we had to make a location decision for our ministry of sabbatical on just where it was to be held. Having not seen the first of two venues in the light of day but rather the dark of night, the daylight exposed the property for what it really was: run down with a long term lack of ongoing maintenance. It literally broke our hearts to see this 40 year plus ministry in such disrepair. How could we in good conscience even think of having our ministry identified with such quality. Os shared this insightful story which gets me to the point I am trying to make in this posting: "I recall the first issue of an international publication we began. It was common to hear the comment, "It doesn't even look like a Christian magazine." They were saying the quality and excellence exceeded what they equated to Christian work. What a shame. Has inferior quality become synonymous with Christian work?

May we strive for excellence in all that we do for the Master of the universe.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).

JOHN THE BAPTIZER

2010-01-17T09:26:00.001-05:00

As I began my devotional time this Sunday morning in the book of Luke the life of John the Baptizer just leaped in my spirit with Rhema Word. My radical walk with Yehshua has been likened by those close to me as a combination of the spirit of John the Baptizer and Elijah. The Message version of the Bible clearly lays out John's life of holiness that was expected of him.
^15-17"He'll drink neither wine nor beer. He'll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother's womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for God." The "forerunner" anointing: a person who goes before or announces the coming of another. That was John's assignment and I feel that same hovering of Holy Spirit on my own life. The final words of Luke chapter one just riveted me in regards to John: " ⁸⁰The child grew up, healthy and spirited. He lived out in the desert until the day he made his prophetic debut in Israel. I sensed Holy Spirit saying to me: "Prophetic debut, as with John the Baptizer so it will be with you Jimbo, you shall prepare the way of the Lord!" An awesome responsibility. But I feel through the refining fires I have been through for over ten years I am ready to go where he wants me to go, say what he wants me to say, and do what He wants me to do. Amen!!!!

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF GRACE

2010-01-08T06:08:00.000-05:00

A.W. Tozer, a modern day prophet tells us: " It is doubtful whether God can bless a man until He has hurt him deeply." I could write a book on hurt, offense, betrayal and such. Being a radical follower of Yehshua has its earthly consequences but oh the heavenly rewards. My biblical hero David, the man after God's own heart, experienced his own deep hurts, offenses, and betrayals even within his own family. How could he ever bless those who had cursed him? How could a man who was a murderer and adulterer be even considered a man after God's own heart? Here is the one thing that separated King David from all the rest. He had a heart that sought to please God and be in His will. When David blew it he REPENTED! God will actually rise up storms of conflict in relationships at times in order to accomplish that deeper work in our character. I cannot love my enemies in my own strength. This is then the graduate school of grace. Am I willing to take the test? If I pass I can expect to be elevated to a new level in His kingdom. For He brings me through these tests as preparation for greater use in His kingdom. May I pass the test this day Oh Lord. For it is not by my might nor by my power but by your Spirit!

WHEN THE SPIRIT SUPPLIES THE WORDS

2010-01-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

Being a radical follower of Jesus has it share of consequences. Like when you want to, out of your passion to see others walk in holiness (separation) and righteousness (right living), say something that is totally offensive and taken totally out of the context in which it was meant. Tendency is to shut the mouth and do nuttin honey.
The prophet Jeremiah found himself in a similar situation. From Jeremiah 20:9 The Message: "Every time I open my mouth I'm shouting, "Murder!" or "Rape!" And all I get for my God-warnings are insults and contempt . But if I say, "Forget it! No more God-Messages from me!" The words are fire in my belly, a burning in my bones. I'm worn out trying to hold it in. I can't do it any longer!" So when Holy Spirit lays something on your heart so strong why fear what you will say? Do not let the enemy of your soul defeat the purpose to which you have been called. When the Spirit supplies the words, they will stand on their own merit. Be encouraged with this right now Rhema Word from Matthew 10, The Message:: "don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words." Go forth this day in the Spirit's power!!!!

GUILTY AS CHARGED!

2009-12-28T09:29:00.001-05:00

A recent Os Hillman TGIF (today God is first) devotional challenged me with this question: "have you ever been tempted to use your power, skill and ability to force a situation to happen, perhaps out of anger?" Guilty as charged! I like Moses of old (Numbers 20: 8) instead of speaking to the rock (my mountain) , I hit the rock with my staff (my own strength) twice (my own ability). Yes, water came out, but I have been delayed entrance into my land of promise, i.e. destiny. God is calling His bride to use the weapon of prayer to move the face of our mountains. The force of our ability is unsatisfactory. God is calling each of us to a new dimension of walking with Him. Pray this day that God will give you and me the grace to wait on Him and not take matters into our own hands. Then we will not be in jeopardy of failing to move into the Promised Land of our life. Amen? Amen!

A CALL TO RADICAL CHRISTIANITY

2009-12-26T07:17:00.003-05:00

The history of the Church has been shaped by radicals. Furthermore, the future of the Church until our Lord returns will continue to be shaped by radicals. No, it is not those who departed from Christianity in radical ways that have shaped the Church. It is those who have embraced Christianity in radical ways that have influenced it most profoundly.When the Church flirted with-or was seduced by-heresies, it was those who were radically committed to the truth of the Gospel who shaped the faith we believe today:

Radical Holiness
God calls all Christians to be holy. To be holy or sanctified literally means to be “set apart.” All of us who know Christ have been called out from the world and set apart by God to belong exclusively to him. And our God is jealous over his people: Christians are called to be different from non-Christians.
In what ways are contemporary Christians called to be set apart? Briefly, here are a few:

Radical Relationships
“They'll know we are Christians by our love,” was the refrain to a popular song among Christian youth in the late sixties. Non-Christians often tend to look at Christians as being negative, narrow, judgmental, and angry-because all too often we are! Whether extravert or introvert, every Christian should have the reputation for being someone who cares for and loves people. Do you stand out in the radical ways you treat others? Whether those who know you agree or disagree with your theology, would they find it impossible to deny that you always reflected the love of Christ in your relationships?

Radical Approaches to Money
Jesus said more about money than he did about any other single topic. Money can easily become an idol if we place our security and trust in it instead of God. Being radical here means recognizing that all we have comes from God. Rather than ask “how much of our money is it right to give?” we should be asking “how much of God’s money is it right to keep?”

Radical Work and Rest
Work can become an idol or a mere means for getting money. Again, Christians should be radically different. We must aim for quality work without succumbing to workaholic idolatry. We must also be different in the way we value rest. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work” (Exodus 20:9-10). Let's take the idea of Sabbath seriously. Let's be ruthless about insisting that one day a week will be different, set aside in a unique way for worship, “re-creation” and rest.

Radically Different In Our Sexual Ethics
The Christian teaching on sex is quite simple and to the point: sexual relations are appropriate only between a man and a woman who have been united in Holy Matrimony.    We don’t believe this because we are prudes, and God didn’t command this because he is a cosmic killjoy. God’s way of holiness is the way of wholeness-protecting us from destructive behaviors and relationships. We also should be radical in noting and eschewing the rising emphasis upon androgyny in our culture today. Our differences as males and females should be joyfully appreciated. In a world that has lost the wonder of sexuality, the Church needs to value the beautiful, God-created diversity of men and women as equal in worth and yet different.

Radical Followers and Radical Leaders
The reason so many saints down through the ages could be so bold in their proclamation and in their leadership is that they were radical in following their Lord. Many who think they are being radical today are simply following the culture. The Christian who will count for Christ in shaping the future is the man or woman who is radically committed to following Christ and radically committed to leading, not following, the world.
So let us keep our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus, who loved us and gave himself for us. Let us respond to his great love by being radical followers of Jesus, boldly seeking to reach, to engage, and to be radical leaders, in Christ’s name, to those around us.

The Very Rev’d Canon Robert S. Munday, Ph.D.

FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWER

2009-12-25T12:53:00.003-05:00

Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) What does it mean to be a fully devoted follower of Yehshua? John Wesley, like many of the early church fathers before him, preached that it is possible in this life to experience God’s power in such a way that we are actually able to live a love-filled obedient life. He taught that through God’s power we could be enabled to actually obey the two greatest commandments—loving God completely and loving neighbor as ourselves. The term for this experience has shifted through the years and has included Perfect love, the Upper Room Experience, being filled with the Spirit, baptism with the Holy Ghost, the deeper life, the higher way, Entire Sanctification, and Holiness. The current edition of this ageless notion is probably best represented in the term, “Fully devoted follower of Christ.” So what do you think? Can a person become a fully devoted follower of Christ? In this life? Is it possible? ABSOLUTELY! "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life." (Luke 18:29-30)

A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART BUT.....

2009-12-24T11:08:00.001-05:00

As my wife Karen and I began our Christmas Eve 2009 on our knees by our king sized bed this morning my heart was heavy. Just recently I had a tense conversation with my daughter Amy from my first marriage. Subsequently our already strained relationship gap widened to a place where, unless Holy Spirit intervenes it may be irreparable. I have done everything I know to be Jesus' hands and feet to her asking years ago for forgiveness and repenting of how I raised and treated her but yet their are some deep seeded wounds she has refused to work through and although being a practicing Catholic, she does not have that deep relationship with her heavenly Father. My heart aches for her and does not cease to bring her up in intercession daily. As Karen lay her hands on me and prayed out the enemies darts that were attempting to target my heart and replacing them with the Balm of Gilead, the Father gave her this prophetic word: "Jim, you like King David are a man after God's own heart. However like David there are consequences for sin that linger long after the acts of forgiveness and repentance." Reality hit! I know my sins are removed as far as the East is from the West however since we still live in a fallen world the enemy continues to hurl collateral damage at us for what has already gone under the blood. However we can choose to either succumb to enemy attack or we can put on the full armor of God and submit to God, resist the devil and he has to flee in Jesus' Mighty Name! How glorious, how wonderful to know that the Babe of Bethlehem still rules and reins today and that His Kingdom will be forever. I rejoice this day with you that Immanuel is still and will always be with us even in the darkest of days. He will never leave us nor forsake us. I stand on His promises that what He has started in me He will complete. I am not that man I want to be, but Praise God I am not the man I used to me! I am a man after God's own heart!!!!

LOOKING BACK

2009-12-19T14:31:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that my last posting on this blog was February 2006! Looking back in the rear view mirror it is hard to believe all that has gone on since then. The dreams of Radical For Jesus has been put on a back burner for such a time a this for the future. Their have been a plethora of disappointments that would take an entire book to cover. At times it feels like we have missed it and we want to throw in the towel then special friends like Ron and Trish Kott pray with us and set us back on course. What does the future hold for me? How will God use all the gifts and anointing's He has inputed into me? The end of the story has not been written. I press on with the vast army of His warrior angels to do battle against the kingdom of darkness. We win! Hallelujah!!!!

RADICAL FOR JESUS

2006-02-10T13:23:00.001-05:00