Just Checkin' In

Christmas is over. At least as far as the once a year folks go. The benefits of Christmas for the believer is every day.

There's is a new task at hand.

What's happening as far as changes for 2011?

Not that 1/1/2011 is really more than just another day, but it does represent newness.

Uh...it is called "New Year".

It's up to you if it will be a Happy New Year.

I don't believe in making resolutions, but one can still be "resolved".

I am believing there are great and fantastic changes ahead for me, my family, and for my church.

I believe that because that's what I believe I am hearing from the Spirit of God.

Sounds funny, huh?

Well, who or what are you hearing from? What are you basing your entrance into a new chapter of life upon?

Or are you going into a New Year based on a hopeless and dreadful past year?

If you are don't expect anything to change.

The newness of anything is based directly upon the newness and freshness of the Holy Spirit activated in your life daily.

How's that not going to church, avoiding bible study, not praying, not sowing and reaping, lacking in fellowship thingy working out for ya'?

Matt 9:16-17 - "But no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. Nor do {men} put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out, and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."

There's a new wine being poured out. Are you going to have it poured into your old dilapidated and used wineskin?

The litmus test is in your attitude toward the New Year. Are you hoping or expecting?

I am EXPECTING 2011 to be far better and greater than 2010 was, and 2010 was pretty, pretty good!

Keepin' the outlook for 2011 fresh and Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"The True End And Scope Of Life"

The trueness of life. The grand scheme of things.

It begins and ends with God.

People can live their entire lives without giving the Life Giver so much as a nod.

Sin clouds the issues of life so that we think there is no solution but man's, or no solution at all.

Jesus came to fix that.

Matthew 1:21 (AMP) - "She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]."

Jesus. Savior.

That is Christmas.

Keepin' it the Real Christmas,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Accept No Substitute"

There's the fake light, and there's the Real Light.

One is a masquerade, the other is Reality.

Accept no substitute.

John 1:9 (AMP) - "There it was—the true Light [was then] coming into the world [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] that illumines every person."

The Genuine, 100%, Perfected, Rock Solid...LIGHT!

Yeah, that's Him. The little Guy in the makeshift crib.

They may have had to clear out a few half eaten corn cobs, and needed to fluff it up with hay, but it worked. Fit for a King. Literally.

Who'd of thought the Creator would come to us as the Created?

Who'd of thought a King would lower Himself to such a wretched standard and actually want to rub shoulders with the likes of us?

The Light Who Lights up all of us.

All of us.

Some can't take their eyes off the Light and they embrace Him.

Others put on their shades and hide in the shadows.

What do you do?

Just got done with a text conversation with one of the amazing women in my church. She said anything that is good about herself is because of Jesus.

Yeah, that's it. Amen!

Celebrate the Light, Jesus Christ. He illuminates us.

He IS THE goodness of the world. He is the Reason for this season and every season!

Keepin' it Real (and truly Lit Up and Sparkling),

Pastor Kevin <><

"So What's The Point Of Christmas Anyway?"

Seriously. Does anyone ever actually stop in the midst of all this craziness many call "The Holidays" to ponder what it is all about? I mean, what is the point? If you call this a "holiday", then there ought to be a holiday away from the holiday!

Sometimes we need to stray away from the familiar gospel accounts of Christmas.

Sometimes we need to be good students and dig a little deeper in the plans and purposes of God. It will help us understand why the Christmas we may be seeing played out in front of us is in reality for the most part a fake.

Here's what Paul says:

Galatians 4:4-5 (AMP) - "(4) But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to [the regulations of] the Law, (5) To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons]."

God works within the parameters of what He deems "the proper time". This goes all the way back to the Old Testament. He says there are times, or "seasons", to live, to die, to reap, to sow, etc.

So God is an orderly God. I wonder what He thinks of rampant commercialism surrounding His Son's celebration?

Jesus came to earth by the conventional, biological, legal and normal way.

Why He came is not so conventional.

He came to die. That's was the price of our freedom from sin.

Our sin. His blood. Hardly seems fair. I made the mess. He straightened it out. Now that's Merry Christmas!

Keepin' it heavenly peaceful (and real),

Pastor Kevin <><

"Search And Destroy: Born Under A Bounty"

There was good reason to have Jesus die as soon as possible. Satan knew his days were numbered unless he could get to Jesus before He would get to the Cross.

All of hell knows the Word of God. They also know the prophecies concerning Jesus.

One in particular made it a matter of priority that the infant needed to die.

Genesis 3:15 (AMP) - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her Offspring; He will bruise and tread your head underfoot, and you will lie in wait and bruise His heel."

As a matter of self preservation Satan begins his plan to kill Jesus. He uses the black and hardened heart of King Herod. An actual bounty was placed upon the head of the baby Jesus.

Matthew 2:13 (AMP) - "Now after they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, Get up! [Tenderly] take unto you the young Child and His mother and flee to Egypt; and remain there till I tell you [otherwise], for Herod intends to search for the Child in order to destroy Him."

God was one step ahead of the plans of the devil and Herod. He was able to get Jesus away from harm.

It was not His appointed time to die.

One day it would be.

Fortunately for us the time came and went according to the plan of God and not Satan's.

Had it been up to Satan, we would all be dead in our sins and serving him.

Instead, God has provided a great salvation.

What a pity that so many refuse Him.

A Savior has come into the world and so few will recognize or acknowledge Him.

His purpose has been fulfilled.

Christmas to the Cross. All in about 33 years. Only 3 1/2 years of actual ministry of healing and salvation.

He accomplished so much in so short of time.

For us, we won't have to worry about clocks and calendars much longer. He is coming back soon to gather His believers.

Until then, there is much work to be done. SOZO work. Many still need to be saved, healed, and delivered.

That's our task, and Christmas is a great time to carry it out.

Keepin' it Really Christmas,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Christmas Is A Time For Truth"

*WARNING* Keep your children away from this devotional if you still fortify the myth of Santa Claus in your home!

No Virginia, there is no Santa Claus. Bah, humbug.

I know, I know, I'm ruining Christmas for the kids.

After becoming a believer in Jesus, I stopped fortifying the myths of Santa and the Easter Bunny. I wasn't militantly against them but I just didn't enforce them.

I am just a little bit guarded against myths that entrench themselves into our culture that detract from the Person of Jesus Christ.

Isn't it odd that the two most sacred days of remembrance and celebration have long established mythical creatures to compete with Jesus for His rightful honor and praise?

Nobody competed for His position on the Cross however. Pretty tough to conjure up a character that would bleed out for the human race.

Even within the framework of the story of Christmas itself we have adopted false truths about when Jesus was born, who showed up and when, and how the miracle of a virgin birth occurred.

Even religion had to invent a story surrounding Mary to make her greater than even she would have been comfortable with.

Mary was a virgin. She wasn't sinless. Mary had other children after Jesus was born. Mary died a normal death and was not assumed into heaven without having to die.

Matthew 1:23 (AMP) - "Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us."

Luke 1:34 (AMP) - "And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband?

Luke 1:35 (AMP) - "Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God."

We don't have to invent anything about Mary. She was already special in God's eyes. She was a virgin. She was not however, sinless.

If there is any time of the year where we should pay attention to the truth it's now.

The Incarnate Son of God has graced us with His Presence. Full of truth, grace, and righteousness. Is there some reason we felt the need to insulate ourselves against that?

Yes. That's what sinful people do when they come into contact with truth and purity. They create fictitious and faux gods. They make them appealing to children so as to get them captivated and away from Jesus as soon as possible.

Let's have our trees and lights. Our presents and letters to Santa. But NOT before we know the truth.

Know the truth first and we will play our charades later.

Keepin' Jesus, The One and Only, in His rightful place in the hearts of man,

Pastor Kevin

"And The Child Grew"

From the infant in the manger, weak and dependent, to the mighty Son of God we know as Jesus Christ.

That's my Jesus.

In Him is contained all of the attributes of God because He is God.

Don't ever forget He IS God. Never doubt that He IS God.

This is why He is worthy of our praise. He never had to anything to be worthy of that.

But He did.

Luke 2:40 (AMP) - "And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him."

And then He fulfilled everything that He came to accomplish.

He was born to die for us.

We were born to praise and honor Him.

That works real well for me.

It would work real well for the entire world.

I like what Bill Johnson said this morning.

"This life is the only heaven the unbeliever will ever know. This life is the only hell the believer will ever know."

Think about that.

It could be so much better if everyone just acknowledged Jesus. And for more than just one month a year.

Well, the true performer will always perform. In other words, those of us who love Jesus and live for Him will always do that right on through eternity. Eternal life began the moment I bowed to Him.

From an infant. Oh, how He grew!

He is awaiting the day He will welcome and greet me into my new home.

I believe Jesus is excited about that.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Don't Go Dying Until You See Jesus"

One of the most interesting biblical characters in the New Testament is Simeon. He was an old man whom Luke describes as "devout". He also says that the Holy Spirit was "upon him".

The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before the Messiah (Jesus) was born.

Luke 2:26 (AMP) - "And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

The fulfillment of that prophecy came when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised according to Hebrew law.

Luke 2:28-30 (AMP) - "(28)[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said, (29) And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. (30) For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation."

All is well. Simeon can now die a happy man. Peace has come to him and he can be assured of his eternity with God. Don't go dying until YOU see Jesus.

Christmas is just one day out of the year. Any day is a good day to embrace Jesus, but this time of year is a bit special. It puts us in touch with the history of what God did, why He did it, and how it affected people of the world.

How is it affecting you? Maybe you, like Simeon, are already secure in Christ. Simeon was already a righteous and devout man because he believed God under the best conditions there was before Jesus. But when he saw and beheld Jesus, and held Him in his arms, he rejoiced because salvation has now come into the world for everyone who would believe.

Have you been believing for someone to be saved in Jesus Christ? A loved one? A friend? A co-worker? Neighbor?

Maybe even yourself?

It's wrapped up in what Simeon saw. He looked past the cute infant and saw who He really is.

I think Simeon probably held many babies in his time, but this One was no mere baby. He was THE Baby! Simeon held a King! The conqueror of Hell itself! The Savior of Mankind! The future of the world was in his arms!

Simeon held the One who can make the difference in your life and the lives of everyone you ever come into contact with!

Go ahead. Embrace Him. Draw near to Him. He has accomplished everything He set out to do, and He did it all for you.

Jesus has never failed.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Jesus Is Always Where He Can Be Found"

The Word of God is always true. Whether written or spoken, it is His truth for us today as it always has been.

The shepherds found that out.

The angels told them they would find Jesus after searching for Him. They even told them where to look.

Luke 2:16 (AMP) - "So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger."

They went. They searched. They found.

Nothing has changed in over 2,000 years.

Jesus can be found. In fact, He is a lot closer to you than He was to the shepherds.

He is closer because He has actually been waiting for you.

He is no farther away than the utterance of your words.

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you WILL be saved" (Romans 10:9).

In the previous verse Paul says Christ, The Word "...is near you, on your lips and in your heart."

He is always where God says He will be.

Once He was in the manger. Once He was in the Jordan getting baptized. Once He was on the Cross dying for you and I. Once He was in the grave awaiting a glorious Resurrection. Now He is in Heaven at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.

Now He is present by the Holy Spirit, prodding, poking, convicting, and speaking to our spirit that He is near.

John says in Revelation that "He stands at the door and knocks".

Have you heard His knock? It's a sweet knock. Soft. Gentle. A "love tap".

I remember the day I answered. He came in and never left.

What a great time of year to let Jesus in!

A loved one needs this today. A neighbor needs this today. A son or daughter needs this today.

Perhaps even you need this today.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Lowly To Lowly"

Why shouldn't the Shepherds get the first announcement? They would be considered part of the disenfranchised, the lowly, the poor. They lived out in the fields (Hint: one good reason why Jesus wasn't born in the winter) and probably worked for "the man" raising and caring for the sacrificial sheep and lambs. They essentially had no homes. The stars were their ceiling.

Luke 2:8 (AMP) - "And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night."

Why the Shepherds? Well, who do you think Jesus should have opted in favor of?

If God had picked the rich for the angels to announce to, Jesus would have probably been smothered in comforts and materialism. He might even have been taken from Mary and Joseph.

If God chose the religious to hear the Good News, they probably would have been led by Herod and the babe would have been slain right where He lay.

It was the Shepherds because they represented the heart and soul of God.

The Shepherd knew something about raising the lowly for greater purposes. They cared for the little lamb that was being prepared to do its duty for the casting off of the sins of the people.

The Shepherd would come to realize that the little lamb in the manger would grow to become the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Shepherd of the lambs would have to bow and yield to the soon to be Shepherd of the Sheep. He would become the Good Shepherd.

So, lowly seeker of goodness and grace, have you done that?

Have you bowed your heart to Jesus? He is back in His Kingdom now, but His Kingdom is also here.

Have you become a "subject"? To be a subject you have to be subjected.

Are you subjected or objected?

Today is the time to straighten that out. Let me help you.

If you are living for anything else other than pleasing your King then you are objected.

If you are acutely aware that how you live effects your relationship with Jesus Christ your King, then you are subjected.

I am His lowly subject. I beckon you to join me.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Where's All That Peace And Goodwill We Hear About This Time Of Year?"

So? Where is it? Just the USA alone is fighting wars on two fronts, and a third is brewing. Conflict is broken out in every corner of the globe. Hunger, starvation, pestilence, disease, is at an all time high. Natural disasters are laying waste to entire regions. There have been more earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and hurricanes than ever before. It seems like if we can't find a disaster we will create our own. Thanks BP.

So, is the Bible lying? You be the judge.

Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased."

This is an angelic proclamation that was meant to be in effect from that moment on, not just a one day reprieve.

Peace among men? Where? Good will? On what planet? Is the Word of God a lie?

Or are we just misreading something?

Well, the Word is never a lie. So we must be missing something somewhere.

We are. It's mainly because the KJV did not correctly translate the verse. Fortunately virtually every other Bible translation after that got it right.

The good old KJV missed "with whom He is well pleased" (or variations to that effect).

There's your peace and good will on earth. It's there, just as the angels proclaimed. It was in the manger, it was all over Mary and Joseph. It was lavished upon the shepherd's, and even the wise men got it when they showed up (two years later).

Herod never got it. Pilate never got it. The Sanhedrin never got it. And most of the world today doesn't get it.

I have it. All the peace I could ever get under and into is all over me. I harbor no ill will toward no one. The angels proclamation is real to me, not just on Christmas, but 365/24/7.

People like us who "get it", don't struggle with vengeful thinking. We don't wring our hands over the global conflict. We don't hate.

Instead we keep alive the Spirit of Christ. The Spirit of that night, whatever time of the year it was.

So there it is.

It's "Glory to God". Can you say that? If not you will never have peace.

Is God pleased with you? If not you will never have any of it. None. Zilch. Zero. Nil. Nada. Nothing. Global conflict will rage in your heart. Don't forget, it's the little battles of the conflicted heart that expands to the global rage we see today.

The solution is in Jesus. It's all about Him. God has come to be favorable to us by giving His Son Jesus Christ.

It's all contained in Him. Embrace Jesus and peace and good will will envelope you.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"It's All About The Glory"

This is Old Testament mountain shaking glory. Shekinah glory. The glory that drives a person to the ground in awe. Sin breaking glory. Paralyzing glory.

It's the glory that breaks into our little cubbyhole world and shatters it into pieces.

It's the glory that leaves us forever changed.

Luke 2:9 (AMP) - "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened."

Flashed. Shined. Enveloped. Surrounded.

Consumed.

Yeah...that's it. Consumed.

I saw the glory of God like that 25 years ago. It was the night my old me was consumed by the fire of God. As sure as the fire of heaven burned and licked up every element of the altar built to Baal, so was my dead sinful spirit was laid waste and replaced with a new creation.

I saw the presence, power, and purity of Christ that night and I have never been the same again.

Consumed.

Listen to me here. Anyone who sees Jesus becomes consumed. If you really see Him. I'm not talking about sitting in a pew for 30 years and listening to one sermon after another. I'm talking about Shepherds crawling to the manger awestruck blown away type seeing Jesus.

Christmas. In December. In July. In March.

Whenever the glory of God shows up and points to Jesus it's a Christ new birth type celebration in the truest sense of the term.

Christmas is about New Birth. It's about Incarnation. Hope. Love. Joy. Peace. Mercy.

Good grief...I'm getting blessed right now thinking about it!

Christmas everyday!

We spend so much time "gearing up" for the one "special day", that when we collapse on Christmas morning amidst the mountain of wrapping paper and empty cardboard boxes, we cannot ignore the emptiness. Gifts that are only 10 minutes old are already discarded in favor of Sponge Bob on TV. What was that we were trying to accomplish exactly? I challenge you this year...no...I dare you this year to find the Glory of God in the midst of that.

I guarantee, that if society, yes sadly, even the Church, could discover that as being the secret of happiness then every day would be Black Friday!

Thank the Lord I have found THE Secret!

It's not in Christmas. It's in Christ. I'll keep saying it until people get it.

I hope this is a revelation to some. There is great freedom in this. There is a release from guilt for not being able to provide a proper "faux Christmas" for your loved ones. There is a reconstitution of true Christmas spirit in this. PEACE, my friends, sweet and glorious PEACE. I have gladly exchanged everything for it. Don't you miss it for the exchange of your soul to the credit card company for a joy that lasted 10 minutes.

The peace that passes all understanding is a mystery for many. I happen to have it and it is your good fortune that I will share with you how you can have it. Oh, I'm not necessarily speaking of salvation, you can be saved and still have peace allude you. Perhaps I'm even speaking about that particularly. The world, and yes even the Church in places, has no peace. There is a very simple reason for it. You may be shocked at how you've missed it.

Until then...I am...

...Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"How Do You Know You're Missing Christ In Christmas?"

Have you thought about Christmas? Sounds like a pretty ridiculous question doesn't it? I mean, how could you NOT think about Christmas in the midst of the madhouse we call the month of December.

However...did you realize that like most people, you may not have thought about Christmas at all? You may be detoured into thinking about fake Christmas.

Christmas is not Xmas. It's not greetings and salutations. It's not lights and trees and bows and ribbons and wrapping paper and gift cards and sleigh bells and reindeer and fat guys in red suits and elves and Bing, Frank, and Perry. It's not. NONE of that IS Christmas.

In fact...and don't shoot me yet...Christmas is not even Christmas. Christmas is a man made religious invention called "Christ's Mass". Do I need tell you where that came from?

Now you can shoot me.

So...to answer the question of the day, How do you know you're missing Christ in Christmas?

Here's a good yardstick...

Did I really tick you off a few moments ago? In your mind, was the first thought, "Hey! This guy is ruining Christmas!"

If that is true for you, then you haven't the slightest inkling about what has erroneously been nicknamed "Christmas".

It's not Christmas. It's Christ. It's always Christ.

Are we really honoring Him? Really?

How would you feel if people continuously and purposely celebrated your birthday on a day when you weren't really born?

How would you feel if people invented myths and urban legends about you that were not even remotely true?

How would you feel if people got the story of your life mixed with lies and fiction year after year after year?

How would you feel if people made a big deal about you ONE DAY out of the year and then essentially forgot about you?

Yeah. Merry Christmas.

Did I just ruin Christmas for you? If so then there is your answer.

You my friend are missing Christ.

Let me introduce you to the Truth and Reality.

Luke 2:7 (AMP) - "And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn."

THAT is something to celebrate.

There was no room for Him then, and there's no room for Him today. He is being squeezed out of His rightful place of honor by the very ones who claim to celebrate Him.

Don't blame Madison Avenue. Our own greed and worldly lusts and passions have hidden Jesus behind Santa in center court of our local Malls. Go ahead. Try to find the Name of Jesus in a store right now. Go hunt down a Nativity scene. Walk down center aisle turn left and ask one of Santa's elves.

I may have ruined your Christmas but it's all worth it if I caused you to at least think about Jesus.

And don't forget...I'm just...

...Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"This Christmas See The Impossible"

He can take a barren woman past her child bearing days and make her be with child. He can supernaturally impregnate a teenage virgin and have her carry to term the Son of God and still maintain her virginity. He can make John jump in the womb of Elizabeth just by being in the presence of Jesus in the womb of Mary!


God can do anything.


Luke 1:37 (AMP) - "For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment."



There are no impossibilities. This is what it took to pull off the Incarnation of God into man. What had never been done before, and what never will be done again, God created and performed the impossible.


How simple it is for him to deal with your impossibilities today?


What are they? What is your impossibility today? What is it you just can't get past? What is it you just can't get on top off or around?


It's magnified right now you know. It's Christmas. Everything gets magnified at Christmas.The demonic fix is in. There's a tote board in hell with the numbers of ruined lives on it.


Emotions run crazy at Christmas. Petty jealousies run rampant at Christmas. Melancholia is at its zenith at Christmas. All the specters of Christmases past rush to the present just to haunt us. The package stores stay open later to keep the numbing agents flowing. The cup of kindness ain't so kind.


The "ghosts" of Christmases past become the bane of Christmas present.


This Christmas could be different starting now. That is if you're willing to receive it.


Connect with the real Christmas. That pretty much means you'll have to ignore most everything that is going on around you as the "faux Christmas" is being promoted and celebrated.


There is no power in the fake Christmas. It's an illusion concocted by the enemy to take our focus off the Christ. Even the term "Christmas" is not biblical. It has been secularly and religiously embellished to create a "counter" Christmas". Even the store bought Nativity scenes cannot be trusted to be correct. The brilliant ad campaign hatched in hell decades ago even "X'ed" out Christ. Merry Xmas. Happy Holidays. Seasons Greetings.


Is it any wonder that people get twisted in knots this time of year? The devil has surrounded us with shiny objects to distract us from the Christ.


Celebrate the Christ.


He has come into the world to save us from our sin. That's Christmas.


A King lowered Himself in complete humiliation to become like one of us. He lived and walked among us for 33 short years healing us, loving us, teaching us, and then we killed Him.


An infant born to die for the people who rejected Him.


A King wrapped in rags lying in fodder. How does that contrast with some of the ornately wrapped gifts you will have gone into hock for this year?


Christmas is about the impossible accomplishments that He has done in our lives, and we go to great lengths to make it more impossible to receive it.


Ain't that just like us?


Not me. I hope not you. The real joy is in the Real Christmas. Truth. Reality.


Hallelujah. Jesus.


Keepin' it Real,


Pastor Kevin <><

"Trust The Story"

The "full reality" concerning the story of Jesus Christ. The "Good News". The Gospel.

Right from the very start, at the very beginning of the story of Jesus Christ, Luke the Physician intends to be accurate and truthful concerning the events and purposes surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.

As surely as he must have been with his patients in helping them overcome their illnesses, Luke treats the gospel in the same fashion.

God chose the right man for the job. Luke's account, just like every other word in the bible, can be trusted and taken as Divine Truth.

Luke 1:4 (AMP) - "[My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been orally instructed."

It's important as we work our way through the reality of the Christmas experience that we not get hung up on fallacies and myths (rather in fact dispelling them as we go along), but that we concentrate on and adhere to the Truth.

Jesus was made flesh and has dwelt among us. That's an unfathomable idea for many, but it is the bedrock foundational Truth for us who call ourselves disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, for those of us who bear the name "Christian" as it is intended.

These next 26 days or so, meditate upon the truths that I expose you to each day. Pray over them. Ask Holy Spirit revelation from God to descend upon you and revitalize your spirit.

Christmas is not a "religious holiday" and is offensive to God when it is treated with such shallow and superficial meaning.

Christmas is a celebration of God personally breaking into our lives. God unleashing His only Son to identify with us at every possible level with the express purpose of reuniting us with the Father.


Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

‎"The Creator Among The Created"

Jesus came to live among us as one of us. Not as a King demanding homage be paid to Him, but as a servant willing to die for those He created.


As a reward for His compassion and mercy He was crucified.


He didn't just walk among the people. The Word says He "tabernacled" with us.


This means He fixed His tent, His tent of protection and love over each of us.


If you are born-again today you have the Living Christ as a tent pitched over you life. He IS the Tent.


John 1:14 (AMP) - "And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth."


There's the true Christmas Story. Not saying that the Luke account isn't truthful or unimportant, but those are the physical details.


This passage is the Mystery of it all. Word Incarnate. Only Begotten Son. The stuff that gets skipped over at morning devotionals because folks don't feel reading the bible should be a brain buster.


These are the passages worthy of meditation. This is the stuff we need Holy Spirit intervention on. These are the Mysteries once revealed that become life changing.


I am hoping to help reveal some of the deeper meanings to Christmas as we quickly approach December 25th.


Maybe we will even dispel a few rumors and urban legends along the way which get in the way of the Glorious Truth (Reality).


Above all we must remember, it is really ALL about HIM!


Keepin' it Real (Truthful),

Pastor Kevin <><

"Miracle Friday"

Today I am believing for the "impossible" to be done.

I am centering my healing prayers upon those who have been given little or no hope by their doctors.

I am declaring in the Name of Jesus according to Luke 1:37 - "For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment."

Agree with me in expectation of miracles. NEVER give up hope! Jesus NEVER fails!





Keepin' it Real,

‎"In All Circumstances Be Thankful"

I would like to take this time to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Be blessed in all that you do. Be safe everywhere you go. Bring the love and joy of Jesus Christ into every place you enter.

Colossians 3:17 (AMP) - "And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him."


Peace. Joy. Love.

Keepin' it Thankful,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Jeremiah's Dungeon"

We often associate punishment in the form of imprisonment, banishment, torture etc., as payment for crimes and sins. However, what are we to do about equally detrimental situations as repayment for doing things that are good?

Take the prophet Jeremiah for instance. What was his crime? Simply telling people the truth about themselves and warning them that their actions displeased God.

Jeremiah was trying to save souls, yet he was repaid in a most despicable way.

Jeremiah 38:6 (AMP) - "So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the dungeon or cistern pit [in the charge] of Malchiah the king's son, which was in the court of the guard; and they let Jeremiah down [into the pit] with ropes. And in the dungeon or cistern pit there was no water, but only mire, and Jeremiah sank in the mire."

Jeremiah sank in the mire. I thought only bad people sank in the mire. The mud and mire of their own sinful lives.

Jeremiah was one of the good guys, yet he became mistreated for obeying God.

Yeah, him and countless other believers over the centuries who stood up for what was right and for what God wanted them to do.

Sometimes, maybe even often, there is a price to be paid in the form of discomfort for following God instead of the comfortable pathway of sin.

Make no mistake about it. As a pastor, and more so as a follower and believer in Jesus Christ, I have seen as well as experienced that discomfort. There was a time when standing up for Jesus was much more popular than it is today. In this place in time it is fast becoming the polar opposite.

Christian...you are barely tolerated in many places.

In other places you are murdered.

Jeremiah was fortunate. God raised up an advocate for him that resulted in him being rescued from the miry pit. However, he still remained imprisoned.

A strange thing occurs in time. Jeremiah continues to warn the King that the Lord wants him to surrender to the Bablylonians. In the long run King Zedekiah refuses, is taken captive, has his sons executed in front of him, himself has his eyes plucked out, and is taken prisoner.

Jeremiah on the other hand, ends up being released and walks free once again among the people.

How the tables get flipped! Jeremiah was the one who always had the favor of God. The captive becomes free, and the captor becomes captive!

Ain't that just like God?

Yes it is! And it's just like God to act like that on our behalf.

Rom 8:31 - "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us , who can be against us ?"

It's not to say the enemies won't try. It's not even to say that the enemies won't be successful from time to time.

It is to say that in God's infinitely perfect timing, we will never be defeated! No one, not anyone or anything, will successfully stand against one of God's own!

Are you one of God's own today? It's the best move you have ever made hands down!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"The Order Of Everything Is Found In Jesus Christ"

God is an orderly God. Everything has a place and a purpose. Nothing is done by chance or fate. It was all created by Jesus Christ, Who is The Word (John 1:1).

That's the kind of faith that is spoken of in this verse. It is by faith in Christ Who is the Word that we are able to see the truth of this passage, and also how we understand Creation itself.

Hebrews 11:3 (AMP) - "By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible."

The difference between an evolutionist and a creationist is not science. The difference is faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe the world was formed by Jesus Christ.

John 1:1 (AMP) - "IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself."

That SHOULD settle it. And it does for those who believe. For those who do not believe (or have faith) the issue is wide open and there is no other solution forthcoming. That's because there is none.

There are no other fathomable solutions, theories, hypotheses, doctrines, philosophies, or facts.

The issue has been settled by Truth. It's Jesus. Everything physical and spiritual to do with man and the universe that surrounds him is squarely centered in and surrounded by Jesus Christ.

THAT is where faith is placed. THAT is why we do not hedge our bet with false attachments of Creation/Evolution hybrid theories.

In your life it is going to be Jesus Christ or it is going to be nothing but disorder and disarray.

Jesus NEVER fails!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Not A Faraway Place"

When Jesus and John the Baptist said that the "Kingdom of Heaven is at hand", they meant it. It is not some far off place beyond the third heaven that we have to wait and die before we can access it.

It gives a deeper understanding to the verse for this morning.

Matthew 7:21 (AMP) - "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven."

In the context of the rest of the passage Jesus is indeed speaking of "that day" whenever it will be when He will have to judge those who had expected to enter into His Kingdom. That is the day of no second chance. That is the day when false expectations dissolve into grim realities. That is the day when some people will wish they had made better choices here on earth.

It will be the day they hear the dreaded words, "DEPART FROM ME! I have absolutely no idea who you are."

Just muttering the words Lord, Lord doesn't cut it. You have to know Jesus as your Lord. He knows who you are.

That's why this verse about entering the Kingdom of Heaven has a double meaning.

It falls right into what I have been saying all week. His Kingdom (the King's Domain) has come, and His will must be done "ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN"! When we believe that, we reach out to the Kingdom of Heaven which "is at hand" and we bring it down around us. We seize it as earnestly and with as much zeal (violently) as we can!

IF we do that, IF we begin to operate within the parameters of Kingdom Dynamics, then we will never have to worry about our name not being recognized in Heaven.

When I stand before Jesus someday (and we ALL will), I am confident I will hear Him say to me, "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into your inheritance which I have secured for you!"

How about you? Do you know beyond doubt that you will hear those words from your Savior?

You should, and you can.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"The Kingdom Of Heaven Needs To Be Unlocked!"

People wonder why the lack? By lack I mean lack of anything that should rightfully be instilled into the midst of the Church of Jesus Christ. Power, miracles, financial solvency, salvation, healing, impartation, spiritual authority over darkness, etc.

I've wondered many times over the years. I felt it in my bones but it was always just "out of reach". I craved it, but craving isn't enough. I prayed for it, but praying isn't enough. I laid claim to it, but that also is not enough.

I realized at one point through a revelation and vision that the one thing that was lacking was that we were not, I was not, experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven. I may have been in the midst of the Kingdom of God, but not the Kingdom of Heaven.

Then God revealed it all to me in an instant in a vision. It took me several weeks to figure it out, but when I did it was as if a lightning flash went off in my brain! There are "keys".

The keys unlock the power and authority of Heaven itself. Remember earlier this week I mentioned the verse "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand"? It's right there and accessible, and until we reach out and seize it (violently, as if we cannot live without it, Matt.11:12), then we will never unlock all it holds for us, and what it holds is the answer to everything the Church is lacking.

Who ever thought that it would all be contained in the one simple, redundant, repetive prayer we learned as children?

"Our Father Who is in Heaven".

"Your will be done, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!" In my opinion, that's THE KEY!

From that we can understand what Jesus ACTUALLY meant here...

Matt. 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven."

This is the LITERAL establishment of KINGDOM living in our present environment, whatever and wherever that may be.

I'll tell you what is illegal and unlawful. Sin, sickness, poverty, strife, immorality, that's what is illegal in Heaven! And if it is illegal in Heaven then Jesus says we can declare it illegal here on earth! I can LOOSE what is LAWFUL here on earth because it is what is legal and binding in Heaven.

If Jesus is really saying (and I believe He is) that His will is completed here on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, than is it any wonder we have missed it by vainly reciting it like a religious mantra? Power filled words recited without power!

All I can say is WOW! I am undone. There is no going back.

In a few short weeks God has moved in accordance with His revelation to me. He has moved people out, and has moved people in. He has changed the hearts of people, He has excited people to a greater degree than we could ever accomplish in the flesh. The carnal, the fleshly, the sensory, is slowly fading away and is being replaced by a new fire. Out of the dusty doldrums of repressed worship and praise has sprung new Kingdom Living! The future is bright and inviting!

It has ripped me from my comfort zone. I am not the same person, the same pastor, that I was even two months ago. There are people who are being changed Sunday by Sunday, week by week.

It's God. We have wrestled with Him and refused to let go until He has blessed us! We have stood on each others shoulders and pulled down the Heaven within our reach!


Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Like A Dragnet"

Jesus brought with Him the Kingdom of God. He also showed us the Kingdom of Heaven. As mentioned previously, there is a difference. It is also a theme taught by Jesus only in the Gospel of Matthew.

Matt. 13:47 - "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet which was cast into the sea and gathered in fish of every sort."

Fish of every sort. We'd like to pick and choose who gets into the net, let alone the Kingdom. Try some may, we don't get that choice. God does.

It's not to say He doesn't have standards. In fact, He has some very strict ones, but our responsibility is to pull down Heaven into our presence, or simply, "cast the net".

The world is our "sea". The "net" is the gospel. The "fish" are whosoever gets drawn in.

As fisherman sort through the "catch", so will the angels of heaven sort through the dragnet of people (vs. 49).

Some will be righteous. Some will be wicked. The righteous make it. The wicked don't. They get tossed away.

I'm glad I just toss the net and don't have to pick who gets in and who doesn't. I'm glad I get to pull down Heaven as it is within my reach. I'm glad Heaven brings with it God's will to be performed here on earth as it gets done in Heaven. I'm glad it does. Sometimes.

Sometimes both ways. Sometimes it doesn't get done, and sometimes it isn't always pleasant.

We have to expect, in fact we need to plead, that it all gets done. The glorious AND the scathing chastisement.

Both necessary for revival if we are ever to actually see it. I have to laugh sometimes at what the Church is willing to stamp as "having a revival". Judging by some of the recent models I pray it's more than that. I pray that it extends past the sanctuary into the streets and homes and workplaces, from one church to another, to the jails and hospitals, nursing and retirement homes, rehab centers, AA meetings...

When I see the lame walk and blind see in the places we would NOT EXPECT to see them, THEN I will get over the top excited.

Sin has to be dealt with. Demons have to be driven out. Souls (minds) need to be transformed. All of that transformed into Kingdom thinking which is to expand the Kingdom of Heaven and to decrease the labyrinths of hell.

I am out to destroy the works of the devil and to break down the gates of hell. I will no longer be satisfied with anything less than that.

We will see salvation. We will see healing. We will see demons set to fleeing. All of these I have enjoyed seeing manifested in my ministry over the years. I want to see more of it. I will not be satisfied until all who pass through my presence have at least been confronted with the Kingdom of Heaven both within and without the confines of the sanctuary.

Out goes the net into the sea. Let's make sure that the angels will not have to separate too many by the time they get to them.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"The Kingdom Of Heaven Will Be Difficult For Some To Attain"

This is not an indictment against people with money. In fact, the more I read and study it the more I think it means most of us. We are all rich in comparison to those who are poor. This could be as much about spirit as physical.

In the story of the rich young man and Jesus the man was captivated and held in bondage to the earth way of living by his stuff.

He was also religious ("All of these commandments I have kept from my youth").

Matthew 19:23-30 (Amplified Bible) - "And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it will be difficult for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven."

Religion, pride, and materialism. Three things that will keep the Kingdom of Heaven just past the tips of our fingers.

When Jesus said it's difficult (not impossible) for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of Heaven, it's a lot more far reaching than the Gates' and Trump's of the world. You may just be surprised to find it's you.

Some see the Kingdom at hand and seize it. Remember Jesus says it is to be taken by violence. Fight for it, even wrestle with God like Jacob did ("I'll not let you go until you bless me!"). There is a risk you'll walk funny later but you still want it. You need it.

"Riches" are represented in prideful stubbornness. Jesus always says before we get "This" we must get rid of "that". Getting rid of something simply means leaving it behind.

There are a great many people striving for the Kingdom but it will always remain just outside of their reach until they leave something behind.

What are your "riches" that Jesus says is making it difficult for you to enter in? You may crave it, you may think you are fully consecrated. I will tell you something. If you are not experiencing the full measure of the glory of His Kingdom living than you have not been made to be uncomfortable enough. Or you are uncomfortable but you have learned to live with it. If that is the case you will end up forlorn and saddened like the rich young man.

The young man saw something he wanted. It was Jesus and Kingdom of heaven living. Miracles. Wonders. Joys beyond comprehension. It was all worth 1,000 earthly kingdoms and all the wealth that goes with it, but he just couldn't pull the trigger.

How about you today? No, I mean TODAY! Can you pull the trigger? Can you dissolve your own little kingdom of selfishness, pride, and riches and just simply say "I must have this Kingdom that is at my fingertips or else I will die!"?

That's what it takes. A decision. Change your life. Go with Jesus or stay with yourself. Surround yourself with those on a journey, or with those who are woefully stagnated.

I am on a journey. If I have to lose every solitary person around me and go it alone I will do so. But I won't. There are enough hungry people, enough people fed up with religious ritual, enough people who crave to see the miracles and power of God, who will journey with me.

Are you one of those people this morning? Then just do it. Cut the string. Reach out your hand. The Kingdom of Heaven is now within your grasp.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is at hand", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I want to focus upon the Kingdom of Heaven as it pertains to us now. Particularly that it is within our grasp.

Jesus said it is essentially right at our fingertips. We don't have to wait.

Matthew 4:17 (Amplified Bible) - "From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Within reach. Touch it. Even if you only manage to brush your fingertips against it. Touch it. Hold it. Draw it in upon you.

I'm going to revisit this during the week. There are many reasons why Jesus has informed us how close it really is.
I have become a violent seeker of the Kingdom of God. I understand what Jesus meant when He said the "violent take the Kingdom of Heaven by force". It's a desperate "pressing in", an urgent and demanding need to pull Heaven into our reality. Yes, I am increasingly more violent in my approach that I must have the Kingdom here and now!

If it's within our grasp, truly "at hand" then we need to be reaching, even groping as if in the dark. Apprehending. Embracing. Like grasping for the life preserver in choppy waters. And we violently pull it into ourselves as if our lives depend on it. Because it does. Your life depends on it. Spiritually. Physically. Everything is on the line.

We must be willing to even leave places of comfort and familiarity to apprehend it. We must be willing to BECOME uncomfortable right where we are. We must be willing to have our minds rewired by the Holy Spirit.

The Father is there. His Kingdom comes. His perfect will for us is wrapped up in it. He wants it to be here as it is there (Matt. 6:9-10).

I had a vision some weeks back which I shared with many. I didn't have closure on it as I did not understand what God meant when He forced me to my knees in a public park and spoke to me the words, "Believe it!"

It was to prepare me for what is coming. There is a great pressing in ahead. The ceiling is either made of glass or brass. We are either going to shatter it with our violent and aggressive upward surge, or we are going to break our fingers against it in frustration.

Those who believe will shatter the glass. They can see through it. They know it's "at hand". They will not be denied.

I will not be denied. I want you to join me. I want you to come with me. I can show you exactly where it is. Stick with me. There are glorious days ahead.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"The Death Of George Bailey (Reprise)", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

This just in:

(RP) "Beloved Hollywood movie character George Bailey was discovered to have died recently. No time or place of death was reported, other than that it appears to have coincided with the recent colossal failure of the American banking, insurance, and savings and loan system. Since there was no actual body found, it is assumed that Bailey simply dissolved along with the rest of the hopes, ideals, and dreams of the once great nation he loved so dearly. Bailey was known for being the iconic role played in the classic Christmas film, "It's A Wonderful Life", by the beloved late American actor, James Stewart. Known for not being a failure his entire life simply because he had friends, there was no one else to contact for a statement other than a "Mr. Potter", who while being old and very sick, issued the statement: "Bailey was always a fool, and remained a fool until he died. His biggest problem was that he trusted people. In the end it was the people and system that failed him."

Lord, Lord, they cut George Bailey down.

Lord, Lord they laid him in the ground. (Adapted from the song "George Jackson, by Bob Dylan)


"No man is a failure as long as he has friends".

Ah, I'm going to miss that guy.

George Bailey. American icon.

The standard of decency created during a time of recovery for America.

Post WW II America. The great payoff for five years of sacrificial living.

America had taken it on the chin, even on the heels of a crushing and debilitating Great Depression, it bounced back and weathered the storm of war and loss.

America survived, and we have people like George Bailey to thank.

Oh sure, Bailey was a fictional character, but we all knew a George Bailey in real life.

People of unswerving optimism. Folks that said "we can do it!", and were the first ones to lead the way.

It's just not the same anymore. Mom, the flag, and apple pie just doesn't cut it anymore.

No friends, I'm afraid George Bailey is dead.

And there ain't no resurrection forthcoming.

This doesn't bother me so much.

Maybe it's time for Bailey to die.

There really wasn't much he could do for us except encourage us anyway.

Is it accidental that his film has become the most beloved Christmas movie of all time?

George Bailey pointed us toward something greater

He tried to show us the better way, but we didn't listen.

And now he has stepped out of the way. George Bailey cannot save us anymore.

He never really could.

Thanks anyway George Bailey, for all you have done for the American Dream.

It's time for us to move out of Dreamland now, and step into a much darker, much more insidious and uninviting place called reality.

We need a real Savior.

Fantasy Hollywood land used to be a comforting place we could get lost in, but alas, even it has gotten darker and seedier and threatening.

We really need a place to turn.

Enter stage right.

Hebrews 13:5 - "...I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

Thank you Jesus. We need you more than ever. Our country. Our world. It's all being torn apart.

We are a dying junkie in need of an intervention. We are sick and don't realize it.

Help us who see where our hope lies. Help us to help others to have hope.

Help. Hope.

This is an S.O.S. Lord.

My prayer this morning is that we will not fall into despair. In the face of mounting failure by our leaders, in the face of people losing hope in their country, in themselves, and maybe even in You Lord, we need a miracle of hope. We need help. Your help. It's a storm that cannot, will not, be weathered without You. We seek Your face today Lord, and we hold to Your promise of healing our nation.

With God all things are possible. Jesus is our Blessed Hope today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Pray Or Praise?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

We are admonished to pray. All God's children must pray. People have their own perceptions about what exactly that entails or how we should do it, but for the purposes of looking at it strictly as a spiritual discipline, we see that David prayed three times a day.

Psalm 55:17 - "Evening and morning and at noon will I utter my complaint and moan and sigh, and He will hear my voice."

Does this mean we should pray three times a day? Not at all. In fact, in the New Testament, Paul says the believer should pray without ceasing. Of course that's an impossibility unless we realize that Paul considered prayer more of an attitude than some rigorous religious ritual. Our life should be a prayer.

However, there's an interesting passage in Psalms, and also by David, which shows us that not only did he pray three times a day, but that he PRAISED SEVEN times a day!

David prayed three times, but he praised seven times. Hmm... Curious.

Psalm 119:164 - "Seven times a day and all day long do I praise You because of Your righteous decrees."

In fact, not JUST seven times a day, but ALL DAY LONG!

Understanding the premise of Paul on praying, it would not be presumptious to assume that David hit on something here.

Praise more, or as much, as you pray.

God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

Here's a tidbit. Praise is not reserved for when only good things are going on in your life.

Praise is most effective when things are going wrong, maybe even horribly wrong.

That's when you want to praise God because that's when you need Him to inhabit (to visit, to enthrone Himself over your troubles).

God loves when we praise Him when He knows it's not easy for us to do so. God is not an egomaniac who needs to be reminded how great He is. God is impressed by the humility of the believer who shows appreciation and love to Him when He knows we are struggling. God is moved by that. God is spurred to action by that. God is inspired to dwell upon us by that.

Pray by all means, but praise Him more.

Go ahead. No matter how bad you feel right now, no matter what trial and difficulty you are facing today, lift up your arms, open your mouth and just PRAISE HIM in your own way! Thank Him! Tell Him you love Him! Tell Him you are expecting a great move of His indwelling Presence in you even at this very moment!

I guarantee it will change you in an instant!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Are You Content With Being In Your Father's House", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

A lot of fuss was made over the return of the lost son in what has been called the "Parable of the Prodigal Son".

It's a beautiful story. It's particularly meaningful for us who have been given so great a salvation in Christ because essentially the story is about us.

We are the Prodigal. We were once lost, but now we are found.

There are other characters in the story. We must not forget that there are two sons. One has returned after being lost in sin in the far country. The other had remained in his father's household.

One would think that we could draw the conclusion that if we were to divvy up the accolades between the two sons, that the latter son would be considered the "good" son.

Let's take a gander at the "good" son:

Luke 15:29-30 - "But he answered his father, Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed your command. Yet you never gave me [so much as] a [little] kid, that I might revel and feast and be happy and make merry with my friends; (30) But when this son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you have killed for him that [wheat-] fattened calf!"

We could ask if he would like a little cheese with that "whine".

Ahh...the way the Kingdom turns. The "bad" son turns into the "good" son, and the "good" son, well here's the kicker...he actually didn't turn into anything. He was probably always that way, but had been considered a faithful and loving son because he had everything he ever wanted so he never complained. He was spoiled, and like most lavishly spoiled people, he seethed with resentment and anger underneath. We see what he really thought of his little brother when he refers to him as "this son of yours".

That's who this is about. The sneaky, resentful, and angry Christian.

Ever notice that in many instances the people you help the most resent you the most? The more love you show them, the more you give to them, the more you care for them, after awhile it will somehow be turned back against you? It's a phenomena that we wouldn't expect in the Church but it's there.

It's been there all along and God has shown us so in this parable. The older son has never gone without, yet here we see him complaining that he never received what his returning brother just received. Well, he also never had to go through the pain and torment his younger brother did either. Essentially there is really nothing to complain about.

The father (who represents God in this story) replies most graciously.

"(31) And the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. (32) But it was fitting to make merry, to revel and feast and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!"

Having been in the position of the father a few times in my life, I can't help but think that he must have at least thought "Where's this coming from!"

Sometimes petty jealousies and bitterness will not allow people to see the blessing. They will go so far as to put themselves into an undesirable situation, cutting off their noses to spite their faces so to speak, because of their inner rage and unhappiness.

This is why Jesus spoke of love and forgiveness and why the commandment of love is the one we are to keep above anything else. This older son had some hate in his heart and the Father reminded him that there was no need for it because "all that is Mine is yours".

Have you contemplated that lately? Especially when you're feeling like your being passed over or not getting enough attention?

All that He has is yours. Ask yourself if that could be sufficient for you today.

Wow.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Let The Newness Prevail", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

There is a peculiar understanding of what exactly happens to the person who accepts Christ into their life and becomes born again.

Some people believe that we basically stay the same, but only forgiven, that our sins are merely "covered" rather than completely washed away by the blood of Christ.

This first of all contradicts 2 Cor. 5:17, which testifies that when we come to know Jesus we are regenerated, or born again, into a completely new person. Paul specifically says that "the OLD is gone, and the NEW has come".

Jesus Himself spoke about this spiritual and supernatural phenomenon.

Luke 5:37-38 - "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the fresh wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled and the skins will be ruined (destroyed). (38) But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.

The New Wine is Jesus.

We like to think we can have the New Wine of Christ inside our old defective and sin wrecked wineskin.

We can't. We must be willing to receive a new wineskin. We must be willing to allow Jesus to make us into a completely new person.

Understand this today because it is critical. This is not a refurbished old wineskin.

We become BRAND NEW. A literal new creature in Christ!

I'm not sure why some folks find that so hard. Jesus is the Author and Creator of everything (John 1:3). Could He not create us anew in Him?

Yes He can, and He does!

Our old self had a lot of religious ideals that had to be tossed out. It was never going to adjust and accept what Jesus has in store.

All of our faulty schemes and plans, religious or otherwise, were going to burst at the seams under the new enlightenment and illumination of Christ.

We would never have been able to withstand Jesus as we were.

Yet, some try to make it work. They like the idea of having Jesus to turn to, but they want to have Him live inside of a garbage dump. Resistance.

It's just not going to work. We will become undone. We must be changed into something greater.

We must become new creatures in Him!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Synthetic Grace", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

The late Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book "The Cost Of Discipleship", said, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die."

I read that book early in my new walk with Jesus. I've never forgotten how that exposed me to the seriousness of the relationship between Christ and His Church.

I learned a lot about cheap grace versus costly grace.

Bonhoeffer said further, "Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."

I don't want that kind of grace. I don't want it because it doesn't come from God. Cheap grace is churned out from the hearts of men who water it down and synthesize it through the adding or subtracting from it's original intention.

I see a lot of synthetic grace operating in the Body of Christ. If it's synthetic than it is NOT organic.

So many will not put anything but organic food in their body, but they will settle for a synthetic gospel. They will feed their spirit with synthesized drivel.

Fluff. Words that don't call for a decision.

Words that cheapen the cross and let you off the hook. Words that make you feel like you've been to church but leaves nothing in you to prove it.

Words that bring you close enough to Calvary to see the cross, but not close enough to touch it.

Not me. I can't. I won't. Not at any cost. Not for numbers, love, or money.

Mark 8:34-35 - "When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (35) For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it."

The True Church of Jesus Christ, the one that is said to be "without spot or wrinkle", is an organic Church. It doesn't thrive on program. It moves and breathes as a living organism comprised of people who have one goal and focus in mind which is to lose themselves in Jesus.

Less of me. More of You Lord. I must decrease so You may increase.

Jesus says come and die, and the synthetic church is holding contests to see how many butts they can put in the pews.

God help us. Synthetic Christianity doesn't mind clinging to the old rugged cross. They just don't want to be nailed to it.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live" (Gal. 2:20).

Come and die with me today, will you?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"How Do You Stay In Touch With God?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

What is your method of communication with God? How do you keep the conversation fresh over time? What energizes you to keep seeking, even craving, a close relationship with Him?

Believe it or not my main way is by writing these devotionals every day. It keeps me accountable. It forces me to get into the Word even during those times that I'd rather be doing something else.

Yes, even doing something else.

What? Do you think it's any different than maintaining any other relationship? It takes commitment and cultivation and sometimes we just don't feel like putting in the time.

The good news? God always feels like it.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20).

"This is the assurance we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of Him" (1 John 5:14,15).

Three random passages that speak of ourselves and God. What we do. What He does. And how that all comes together in fellowship.

My best advice? Relax. God's relaxed. It's not some formal business meeting. Talk. Enjoy. Smile. Laugh. Cry. Express yourself. Even get angry if you feel a need to. In all healthy and solid relationships there is as much listening as speaking.

Talk to Him today. There is a wealth of health to be gained in body, soul, and spirit.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"What Are Your Qualifications?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

What qualifies you as dispensers and purveyors of the gospel of Jesus Christ? A wall of sheepskins? Ordination certificates? Accolades and praises of men?

Believe me, there are plenty of people who think exactly that, and perhaps that accounts for some aberrations in the Church of Jesus Christ.

To think or believe that, one has to stray from the truth of Scripture. Paul is crystal clear today:

2 Corinthians 3:6 (Amplified Bible) - "[It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive."

It is Jesus Christ who has qualified us. He is the One Who "makes" us fit for service in the Kingdom of God on earth.

Because of that, and that alone, we are qualified to "tell the story".

Yes, the gospel. It's THE "story". There is none greater.

You are fit for service. You have been qualified and made ready. So get out there and tell the story of the redemption of the human race from sin by the Savior Jesus Christ.

It's a simple message. Don't be afraid. You already have the words in you. Trust Him that He will bring them out.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Like a Flash Of Lightning", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

So you thought the government shifted in Washington pretty fast? The House changed from Democrat to Republican majority in what seemed like the blink of an eye. Just like that we have a new Speaker of the House as Nancy Pelosi was swept out of that position without fanfare or ceremony.

Just like that. And you thought that was quick.

Wait until the King comes.

Matthew 24:27-31 (Amplified Bible) - "For just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be."

I've been waiting all these last 25 years. Ever since I became a believer and disciple of Jesus Christ I have been eagerly awaiting His return. Someday, if I do not go to meet Him first, He will suddenly appear and everything will change.

EVERYTHING will change. More change than 1,000 governments could muster.

He is my King and He is coming to set up His Kingdom on this earth and all governments, yes, even Washington, will bow at His feet.

It will be quick, it will be fierce, and it will be purposeful. His enemies will be vanquished and His friends will be rewarded.

Are you His friend today? Or are you His enemy?

If you are not His friend you are against Him ("He who is not with me is against me" Matt. 12:30).

He is a good King. I have never regretted serving Him for even one single moment.

I hope He is your King today. I hope you are watching the sky each day.

I hope you are praying like John did in Revelation 22:20.

Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Keep The Perspective", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Today is Election Day in the U.S. Whoever you vote for today keep it all in perspective with who you are as disciples of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

Meditate on the Word, and pray for Holy Spirit enlightenment as to who to vote for.

Take Jesus into the polling place with you. Pull that switch or punch that chad with Him in mind.

Be praying for the needs of this Nation and for a repentance and return to His principles.

Vote the candidates who best represent that.

Be blessed and be God's ambassador today. Be the full measure of what it means to be a patriot.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Tomorrow Everything Changes!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I have suffered through these last few months with having my mailbox stuffed with unwanted campaign ads, watching mudslinging political commercials on TV, and having my privacy invaded by countless telephone calls telling me who to vote for.

Whoever I choose to vote for tomorrow I'd like to think it will help change the country for the better.

But will it?

I'm not so sure. I don't see any huge difference in the candidates. If you believe the commercials they are all a bunch of thieving liars.

Does as much change tomorrow as we would hope for? I guess so if the solitary goal is to render Obama a lame duck president for the next two years. Other than that, no. Don't expect sweeping changes or reforms. Nothing is getting repealed or changed. It's about gaining Republican control of the House.

Tomorrow just sort of puts the brakes on things and slows down the power of who has so far been proven to be one of the worst presidents the USA has ever had.

I suppose that's a good thing.

What I am saying is don't put your hopes and dreams in that.

The Nation will change, the world for that matter, when people trust more in Jesus Christ.

If we are going to keep crowing about how the USA has been founded upon Christian principles amd the favor of God Himself, then we had better get back to acting like it.

That is what is going to change a nation.

John 8:12 (KJV) - "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Follow Him first and then be a patriot. Get your heart right with Jesus and then cast your vote.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Do You Think Your Doing Impresses God?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Christians like to do things. They jump on every fad that hits the airwaves. They tirelessly dedicate their time and effort to things which in themselves are not wrong, but generally do not accomplish anything in relation to the energy, time, money, etc. that is expended. In short, it makes the person feel like they are accomplishing something, but worse it gives a false sense of understanding that somehow God has been impressed with us.

There are things that impress God. Fake and meaningless works are not one of them.

Giving every facet of ourselves over to Him does. He calls it spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."

He loves us to do things, but only when it is Him doing them through us.

I know this is going to ruffle some feathers, so I am trying to iron out the wrinkle here.

I have found that when the flesh gets in the way of something that may even appear to be super spiritual on the surface, at the end of the day it has counted for nothing.

I am alluding to the fact that many things we do individually or as the church body, often has an underlying motive other than giving our all for the spiritual worship of God.

We usually do stuff, even for God, with some expectation of something in return. This is not the Jesus Way. The Jesus Way is the unselfish way with no guarantee of anything in return.

The Church or individuals will sometimes do things to make the church look good, to draw new members, to raise money, etc. All of those are wrong motivations. And even if challenged they will respond that it was all for gathering souls into the Kingdom.

One had better be careful with that, because if that is not 100% true it will reap a whirlwind of judgment instead of blessing. This is what is wrong with Christian television. The motives sound good, but seldom are they in the best interest of the Kingdom of God.

Be careful also about marveling about how many souls you are winning, how much money you're giving, how much door knocking you're doing, that it is not drawing more attention to yourself and your church, than to Jesus Christ.

So much of the Church today moves on selfishness rather than selflessness, that it's no wonder it is poorly portrayed. The glitz and the glare are not the attraction. One might think so when they look at the filled pews and elaborate media stardom, but you have to dig through a lot of stuff to actually see Jesus.

Too many have not so much as passed within a mile of Calvary on their way to doing their stuff. The Jesus Way is to pause at the foot of the Cross and make sure that it is Him you are serving first and not your pastor, your church, or yourself.

Want to impress God? Embrace His Son Jesus Christ and make it all for Him.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Your Salvation Is At Hand", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It's near you.

It's not complicated.

It's clear and concise.

Listen to me.

If you do not receive this Word from God today you will miss the glory of heaven.

You will die in your sin.

Romans 10:8-10 - "But what does it say? The Word (God's message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, (9) Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation."

Focus.

YOU will be SAVED.

From what?

Sin and death.

YOUR salvation is at hand.

Read them. Pray them. Accept them. Three verses. It's all contained right there.

Everything you ever needed to make your peace with God.

Simply believe.

Already there? Pay it forward and pass it on.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Is Your Word Alive And Full Of Power?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Is it? Or is the Word to you a simple book of "Chicken Soup For The Soul" type stories? Maybe it's a "road map", or "instruction manual". Perhaps you subscribe to the acronym, (B.I.B.L.E. "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth").

Those are all cute and stuff, but they fall far short in explaining what the Word is to the believer.

Here's what the Word says about itself:

Hebrews 4:12 (Amplified Bible) - "For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."

No road map or instruction manual can do that.

The Word of God violently impacts the life of the believer. It is real. It is active. It has life. It is supernatural because the Word is the Eternal Logos, Jesus Christ (John 1:1).

When this powerful weapon, which Paul refers to as "The Sword Of The Spirit" in Ephesians 6, is wielded by the blood washed, Spirit filled believer, it will cut, slash, chop, expose, and lay to waste anything that stands in the way of TRUTH.

It will also offend. It will turn friend against friend, it will upset households and split apart factions. It will cause others to become accusers of the brethren. It will even make people leave the Church.

When the thoughts and purposes of the human heart are laid bare people have but two places to turn. They can run to Jesus, or they can run away to some place they see as another safe haven.

If it ain't to Jesus than it ain't safe!

Have you found yourself enjoying God's Word lately? Or have you found yourself dreading the hearing of it? Have you been avoiding church because you know what you will hear? Are you having trouble opening your Bible because you are afraid God will cut you with it?

Bare your heart and soul to Him. Allow His Word to penetrate even if it cuts a little deep.

In the end your heart will be pure before Him and you will be able to function as He intended you to.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Do You Want To Get Well? (Pt.2)", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

So what did you come up with in the last 24 hours? Have you decided if you want to get well or not? Are you tired of carrying around various types of afflictions for way too long?

You know, it's not just physical. It's spiritual as well. Maybe even more so.

Some of the sickest people in the world are in the Church. On paper anyway.

How do you spot a spiritually sick Christian? The same way an employer spots a physically sick employee. They don't show up. They don't contribute. They don't carry their load. They are self-absorbed instead of Christ absorbed. In fact, they show very little sign of being a believer at all.

Spiritually afflicted Christians are ruled by their flesh. They will lay by the edge of the "pool" but NEVER get in. When Jesus asks them if they want to be set free, if they want to be well, they answer with whining and complaining.

Who doesn't want to get well? Remember I said yesterday, "You'd be surprised"?

That's where it is right now. What are you going to do?

Jesus completely ignored every excuse the man by the pool made. It was as if He never even heard him. Why? Because he had no excuse. He was wallowing in self pity.

Jesus responds today as He did then.

"GET UP!"

For goodness sakes, GET UP! GET UP and begin to live! GET UP and take your rightful place in the Kingdom of God!

GET UP and obey Jesus Christ!

John 5:8 - "Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your bed (sleeping pad) and walk!"

Get up! Walk! Do something! Contribute! Receive! Partake!

Jesus never fails. Why do so many "believers" not believe that?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Do You Want To Get Well? (Pt.1)", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Who wouldn't want to be well? Right? I mean, who would ever want to remain sick if they had a chance to feel better?

If you think long and hard, you probably actually know at least one person who seemingly doesn't want to be well.

In fact, some people embrace their sickness like an old friend.

Go ahead. I dare you. Try to get them well.

Today's passage (still fresh in my mind from preaching on it) deals with a man who was sick for 38 years. He would show up at the healing pool of Bethesda regularly along with the multitudes of other invalids.

John 5:1-5 - "LATER ON there was a Jewish festival (feast) for which Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (2) Now there is in Jerusalem a pool near the Sheep Gate. This pool in the Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porches (alcoves, colonnades, doorways). (3) In these lay a great number of sick folk--some blind, some crippled, and some paralyzed (shriveled up)--waiting for the bubbling up of the water. (4) For an angel of the Lord went down at appointed seasons into the pool and moved and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was cured of whatever disease with which he was afflicted. (5) There was a certain man there who had suffered with a deep-seated and lingering disorder for thirty-eight years."

Quite a scene. MY bible says that they would gather and await an angel who would stir the water, and the first one in the pool during that moment would be healed.

*WARNING* Some bibles do not include Verse 4, replacing it with a footnote, or nothing at all! If your bible is one of those, I strongly suggest you prayerfully consider changing translations.

Imagine the pandemonium. Everybody trying to get into the water first. People being carried. People being thrown in. People dragging themselves in. Some even just rolling off the side into the water.

One would think that if one wanted to be healed badly enough one would do everything possible to get into that water! Wouldn't one?

Everyone that is except the odd crippled man who was afflicted for 38 years.

Hmmm...

Even Jesus, who happened to be there, was curious.

Verse 6 - "When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]"

Here's the clincher. I am sure that for centuries people have been reading this verse and coming to basically the same conclusion about how Jesus meant His question. I know that I for one used to interpret it as a typically compassionate Jesus kind of question.

But one day I asked myself, "Why ask at all?" Who wouldn't want to get healed, right?

Jesus saw something. He saw it in the man, and He sees it all the time in people today.

Are you REALLY earnest about getting well?

We are going to pick this up again tomorrow, but until then, whatever you need healing from whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual, are you sincere about your desire and willingness to achieve it?

Who wouldn't, right?

You might just be surprised.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"So...What Is Eternal Life?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It's a fantastic thought isn't it? I try to stay connected to that thought because the longer we follow Christ and travel with Him down all of the pathways of living, we can lose sight of the big picture.

Eternal life. Wow. Yes...I am actually going to live forever!

That might even sound scary for some. It's so...so...magnanimous a thought!

But, what does it mean? What is it actually?

I could get real cerebral on this topic and get so deep we miss the loftiness of it.

Let's keep it simple because that's what Jesus did.

John 17:3 (ESV) - "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

Knowing God and Him revealed in His Son Jesus Christ.

That's it.

That's what? You mean that's all there is?

Well, yeah. Jesus said "This" is eternal life, and He masterfully explained that it is simply knowing God.

Sure, there's more. There are fantastic details, and wondrous perusals, and beauteous meanderings, all for your future contemplation.

But as far as exactly what eternal life IS...it's knowing Jesus Christ.

If you know Him, and by knowing Him I mean deep in the depths of relationship with Him. A disciple. A follower. A believer. Then you have inherited the Kingdom of God and eternal life.

Follow Him here. Live with Him forever.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Simple Words", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Suppose someone developed a way to simplify life? I mean REALLY simplify daily living. By that I mean by making it easier to deal with some of the tough decisions we have to make, taking the pressure off of the everyday life choices, enduring the stresses and anxieties that we are confronted with. If we paused and considered just how much we have to put up with every day, well, life just wouldn't be so much fun living.

And for many people life is no fun at all. No joy. No peace. No comfort. No healthy outlook.

It could all change. It did for me many years ago. It can for you today.

Simple.

"I desire to do Your will, my God."

What? You were expecting Yoda? Some ancient Kung-Fu master, Weedhopper?

NO! This is better. The most powerful words from the Master of the Universe and all of it's Creation!

It's Psalm 40:8, and it's life changing words of supernatural power. It is from The Logos. The Word. Jesus Christ.

Activate it in your life. Say it. "I desire to do Your will, my God."

That means we are agreeing to place our own faulty and natural will aside and elevate God's will to the highest status.

Let Your will be done, not mine Lord. My will has not always played out the best for me in my life. In fact, not at all. Never.

Desiring God's will has been the single most greatest thing I have ever done for me.

I desire God. I desire God.

God changes things. Jesus never fails.

It will simplify your life and give it order and purpose. With order and purpose comes joy, peace, love, comfort, serenity.

He really does know what He's doing. I highly recommend Him!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"Avoid The Soul Killer", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

The soul and spirit of man lives eternally. The body dies relatively soon after it is born (in comparison to living eternally).

It makes perfect sense to me that we should direct some of our concern toward our soul.

Instead, many live their lives in the world of unimportant pettiness.

I think we would be aghast at how much energy in living our short lives is expended toward maintaining our stuff. Our "in today, obsolete tomorrow", stuff.

Someone asked Jesus once if He would make sure his brother divided up his stuff with him. Jesus essentially replied, "What do I look like? Your lawyer?"

We are so filled with the false importance of our stuff, that we will start to look at others stuff enviously, and actually think Jesus will help us! We'll even pray for more stuff, for God to protect our stuff, for our stuff not to go to a relative we didn't like when we die, for us to get more stuff from a rich aunt, for us to get a favorite painting or piece of jewelry from an inheritance.

Entire families feud over stuff. Churches have split over stuff.

The bible calls that "coveting". Jesus is against it.

Luke 12:15 (ESV) - "And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Imagine that. Life is not about possessions.

Acting contrary to that principle can kill your soul.

It can lead to greed, backsliding, poverty, deception, and even violence and murder.

It can separate a person from God.

The Word of God promotes giving, not hoarding and accumulating. Helping others over helping ourselves.

Life does not consist in the abundance of our stuff.

Life consists in the abundance of Jesus Christ.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

"I Need To Hear From The Voice Of Jesus", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

That's what I need to hear anyway. Every day, as often as possible. From the Word, from the Holy Spirit, from the Voice that comes to me at times via revelation.

I need, no, I crave, to hear from Jesus.

I'll assume you do to.

Let me connect you today...

Matthew 11:28 (ESV) - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Rest. Refreshment. Quietness. Serenity. Peace. I love those moments with Jesus. Could you use some of that today? It's available. Slip into the quiet zone with Jesus today and nourish your spirit and soul.

John 7:37 (ESV) - “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."

I thirst. I have an insatiable thirst for the Word of Christ always. His Words are like cool water to a parched throat. I want to know what He thinks. Are you thirsty? There is no reason to look beyond Jesus. He holds all the wisdom for man and the ages. His Word is fluid because the Word IS Jesus. He is the Author. He is the Originator. He knows exactly what you need to hear and when. What do you NEED to hear today? What is it you are thirsting after and not finding? Drink from Him today. You may find yourself satiated after a very long time of dryness.

John 8:12 (ESV) - “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

It's a lonely place to be in the dark. Depressing. Nothingness. Glimpses of shadows. Never seeing anything quite clear enough. Stumbling and bumbling through life as you bang your knees and stub your toes against one invisible obstacle after another. Life without the Light is simply kicking one distasteful episode of daily living out of the way in preparation for the next one. You exist in the darkness. You LIVE in the Light. Turn it on. Jesus says we do that just by deciding to follow Him. We see clearly. Oh, the obstacles will be there, but you will see them instead of tripping over them. When you can see them you can deal with them. In the Light you deal with them in Jesus. The advantages of living in the Light. It's just better.

The Voice of Jesus has just spoken to you.

Have you heard it?


Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><