Thursday, September 30, 2010

"Sensing What Is Vital", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Abounding love. The Spirit of Christ is abounding love. Love that transcends all situations and conquers the negative in Him. Love that extends beyond the shortsightedness of our own anger and disappointments. Abounding love is unconditional and never tainted by narrow minded self effacing dogma. If one has the abounding love of Christ they will never turn away in frustration and fear, but will allow that love to strike out ahead and in advance of every step they take. Paul said in 1 Cor. 13, that if we have not this abounding love of Christ, this "agape" love (Greek for the God kind of love), then we are just clanging, banging, noisemakers.

Paul expounded further.

Philippians 1:9-10 - "And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment], 10) So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

It's my prayer as well.

Learn what is vital, and understand it through the love of Christ. Do not be found in error especially where there is much at stake.

Be conscious of the fact that your stumbling and bumbling retributive knee jerk responses to issues you disagree with in life will not only cause others to start to take on your poor example, but will destroy the foundation of love for you and all around you.

Love must display itself, or bitterness will replace it. There is no gray area. There is love or absence of love. No middle ground. Either/or. A little love in the midst of much hatred is no love at all.

This is why Paul prayed that it would be revealed to us. He knew the consequences. He was wrong once himself when he misunderstood his participation in the stoning of Stephen as being the result of his love for God. In reality? God HATED what Paul (as Saul) had done.

Terrible atrocities are committed in the name of religion.

I am glad (true) Christianity is not a religion, but rather a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus never fails. Never. Place Him first and foremost smack in the middle of EVERYTHING!

You will do well to do that today.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

"They Hung Him On A Cross", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"They hung him on a cross, They hung him on a cross, They hung him on a cross For me
One day when I was lost, They hung him on a cross, They hung him on a cross for me"

That's the words to an old blues song. Simple. Succinct. To the point.

It's also great theology. How so much truth could be contained in two repetitive lines to me is amazing.

Think about it. All but one sentence continuously repeats over and over that Jesus died on a Cross for us.

But then it briefly goes deeper. "One day when I was lost."

Deep spirituality from a man whose nickname was "Leadbelly". A violent repeat offender who was in and out of the worst Southern prisons and work camps. A man who stabbed a man to death. A man who consistently got into violent drunken altercations and stabbed several men over his short life. He was dead from Lou Gehrig's Disease by age 62. He was also inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

In spite of all his shortcomings, Leadbelly seemed to understand what Jesus did for him.

Leadbelly knew one of the deepest truths of Scripture.

Romans 5:8 (Amplified Bible) - "But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us."

"While we were still sinners", or, "One day when I was lost", and, "Christ died for us", or, "They hung Him on a cross for me".

Any way you cut it. It's the gospel truth.

Is it that simple for you? When you were deep in your sin, even perhaps in your gutter, that's when Jesus died for you.

How is that possible to have had Jesus die for me 2,000 years before I was even born?

It's possible because Jesus Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world! (Rev. 13:8)

He didn't die for all the world, even far into the future, with a guarantee that everyone would accept and receive Him. He didn't die for the fine, upstanding Christian man or woman you would become. He died for you when you were the worthless sinner no one in their right mind would touch with a ten foot pole!

Maybe you haven't come to that realization yet. Maybe you think there is some inherent goodness in you that God will focus on while ignoring your self righteous, selfish, and worthless nature you were born with.

Let me remind, or perhaps even inform you for the first time. It's not true. You are not good enough. Any goodness you can ever hope to acquire can only come through the Spotless Lamb of God who died for you on a cross.

Even a broken down, old drunken convicted murderer finally realized that.

I hope you have. If not, I really hope you will.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

"Are You Sober Enough To See What's Coming?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

We are living in some tumultuous, yet exciting times. Well, they are exciting to me because I know that one day, whether in my lifetime or not, Jesus Christ is going to return to reconcile all of the troubles this world is facing. Some folks use the term "the end is near", but while people like myself know what that ACTUALLY means, I think it freaks out the vague minded and uninformed.

It takes a sober mind to discern the truth. I don't mean exclusively a mind free from drink or drugs, although that is certainly a necessity, but rather a mind that is free from all of the "noise" competing against the Word of God being presented to you.

1 Peter 4:7 (Amplified Bible) - "But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice of] prayer."

I like the way this version expands or "amplifies" the meaning to say "the culmination of all things". Very well put. "The end is coming" scares people into thinking the planet is going to blow up. Please understand that the planet Earth will never go away. It is here for eternity regardless of what NASA, or Stephen Hawkings, or scientific think tanks say. The sun is not going to send out radioactive "death rays" that will destroy the Earth's magnetic field in 2012, heating the Earth's core to a degree that it will interfere with the planets rotation and knock Earth off its axis. Not going to happen. The bible says Earth is part of a "world without end."

If there is anything we should be watching for it is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now that might happen in some form in 2012. Perhaps the rapture of the Church will occur. It could happen in 2012. It could happen today!

Are you clear minded enough to live in prayerful expectation? Or is your mind wrapped up in nonsensical conspiracy theories and science fiction?

What kind of noise is filling your head this morning? Do you watch the news each day and cringe in fear? Are you numbing your mind with artificial stimulants to avoid having to deal with your fear?

I hope not, because if you are you will be caught by surprise when Jesus returns "like a thief in the night".

Listen to Paul and determine what category you fall into.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (Amplified Bible) - "(2) For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night. (3) When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape. (4) But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief."

Are you of those who "know perfectly well"? Or are you "given up to the power of darkness"? Perhaps you are ignorant of the facts and are thinking "All is well."

All of that is unclear thinking and I am telling you that if you do not heighten your spiritual awareness and stay close to Jesus (picking up your cross daily and following Him), you will be caught unaware and surprised!

A sober and clear mind is a Holy Spirit guided mind. He will help you to read the Scriptures more clearly, and He will help you to discern perfectly what you are reading. He will best encourage and direct your prayers for enlightenment as well. If you don't know what or how to pray, the Holy Spirit will fill your mouth with utterance.

Pray! Pray and watch! Pray and listen! Pray with expectation! His Word has said nothing He will not fulfill.

Jesus is coming, and I believe He is coming soon. Watch and pray.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, September 27, 2010

"Let It Go!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Sometimes the believer is called to some tough duty. I'm not talking about performing a ministerial type task such as teaching a bible study, or serving on the church board. Those things might be a minor inconvenience at times, but the real tough stuff we face is when the Word calls us out on an issue and expects us to do it! It can make for some squirming in the pews on Sunday morning.

Today's words from Jesus is exactly one of those moments.

Mark 11:25-26 (Amplified Bible) - "(25) And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. (26) But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings."

Jesus has the uncanny ability to let us know we need to be doing something which effects our relationship with others, all the while turning the focus right back on ourselves (where it really needs to be).

Is that you today? Have you pondered blessing someone with your forgiveness in order to show them and God how gracious you are? Do you really think that's what this passage is about?

I am always surprised when I see how often this passage is preached from the very narrow perspective of us doing something for others.

You know what? The tension of the verse is on "In order that...".

This is about "Us" not "Them".

We need to forgive for our right standing with God. It's about our shortcomings and failures. And way too often our failures are all wrapped up in a hardened unforgiving heart. Festering anger due to not being able to forgive an abusive parent, cheating spouse, non-appreciative child, overbearing boss, and on and on and on...

There are no abuses we have suffered at the hands of people in our lives that don't qualify to be forgiven as far as God is concerned. At least none that I have found in scripture.

And as distasteful as it might be to even give one second in thought over the forgiveness of some people who have actually single handedly destroyed the quality of your life for perhaps many years...the fact remains God says we MUST!

Actually, we MUST so surely, that if we obstinately refuse to obey God on this issue, our very forgiveness of our own failures and shortcomings (and yes, we all have them) are at risk of not being forgiven by Him.

That's scary.

So, just how angry are you? How much hatred is pent up inside of you? Enough to go to hell for?

A man said those very words to me years ago. I explained that he needed to forgive those who had so deeply offended him. His response was, "I will go to hell first!" When I explained that it could be a very viable option if he doesn't forgive, he approached the subject more soberly. He eventually was able to open his heart and forgive and reconcile the people who had hurt him.

You see...unforgiveness is a shortcoming. It's a spiritual and moral failure before God and man.

Unforgiveness will eat your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all snacks in between. It will dine on your heart and devour you from the inside out. It will send you to your grave broken, mean, and nasty. Do you see why that person does not get into heaven?

Fortunately, if your breathing and reading this, you have time to react to the Word of God and satisfy God's demand.

You won't be able to do this on your own. Why not pray God's help? Why not appeal to the Comforter?

It is God's desire for you to be set free from this. He is simply waiting to see what your desire is.

Be blessed!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, September 24, 2010

"You Shall Have It!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

This is a bit long this morning, but I promise you will be blessed if you stick with it. This devotional today has the potential to change your life completely.

There are some passages in the Word of God that some find tough to deal with. Many are tougher for some more than others. From what I can gather after almost 25 years of teaching and preaching the Word, is that the level of one's faith is the determining factor. Sorry, I know some folks don't like to consider the "faith factor", but that's what I have personally found.

I have further found that most bible passages are pretty straightforward and not too difficult to understand particularly in the gospels when dealing with the words of Jesus directly. So, the issue must rest soley upon the receiver and not the Author. Jesus IS the WORD so He knows what He is talking about.

Let's take one of the most simplest of Jesus statements. It's easy to read, and appears to be intended to be simple to obey.

Mark 11:22-24 (Amplified Bible) - "(22) And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly]. (23) Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. (24) For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]."

Let's tear into it a bit.

The first thing Jesus says is "Have faith in God." Easy right? Well, easy to read. Easy to understand. Apparently not so easy to do.

Many, many, many people fail at the starting gate, and this is why they fail to appropriate the rest of the passage. They fall down and skin their nose at "Have faith in God."

Note that it is intended to be understood as to have faith in God "constantly". All of the time. Never ending. Always. It's not meant to be understood as have faith in God only when you need to. This attitude will break down eventually. You may have enough faith in God one moment for His ability to find you a new job, but not enough the next moment to cure your disease.

Now let's look at the next verse. Jesus is trying to further establish the criteria for faith. He takes an absolute impossible situation and uses it as a teaching method. Is He suggesting that you actually try to take a mountain and throw it into the sea? Not at all. But He is comparing your present problem and difficulty as being like a mountain, and if you erase all doubt and establish great belief, and trust in Christ, you can SPEAK to your difficulty (mountain) and dismiss all of your troubles in a moment of faith.

Then Jesus explains that He said all of that to say this...He puts it as "For this reason I tell you.", or "Therefore I say to you."...

...WHATEVER you ask for in prayer, BELIEVE that it has been granted, and YOU SHALL HAVE IT!

It doesn't get more simple than that. But if it is so simple, why have so many failed to receive? I betcha there are more than a few reading this right now who are beginning to squirm under the mere mention of it, and will decide against the Word by interjecting their own philosophy or inherited bad theology. Yes, there are many who will just not believe the Words of Jesus simply for what they say as written! They will feel the need to qualify them somehow or defer to some "learned scholar". These types of folks will never get what they are praying for because they violate the very first order of Jesus which is "to have faith in God constantly".

Are there conditions to receive? Absolutely. However, they are all contained in the Word. We must understand that this criteria is for the BELIEVER. And that the BELIEVER must PRAY. And that the BELIEVER must PRAY with unlimited FAITH. And that the BELIEVER must REFUSE to DOUBT in his HEART. And that the BELIEVER MUST BELIEVE that WHATEVER it is they need has ALREADY BEEN GRANTED!

In other words, whatever it is you need today, right now, at this moment, YOU SHALL HAVE IT, and you must believe BEFORE you see it that you ALREADY HAVE IT!

Hey, John had to believe it and he did...

1 John 5:14-15 (Amplified Bible) - "(14) And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. (15) And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him."

If John believed it you can believe it! Stop making excuses and arguing with God. Simply believe.

Keep telling yourself that today. You don't have to convince God, you need to convince yourself.

Be blessed, and live in expectation.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, September 23, 2010

"Mr. and Mrs. Natural", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Are you truly Mr. or Mrs. Natural? I'm not speaking in terms of using health products or eating natural foods. I'm speaking of your spiritual life.

The natural man or woman according to Paul, doesn't entertain or welcome the gifts and teachings of the Holy Spirit of God. That is because they are supernatural by nature. Those who reject those teachings in effect remain living in the "natural".

1 Corinthians 2:14 (Amplified Bible) - "But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated."

The natural style of life is living by ones five natural senses. Sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Most of what you have learned in your life has come through those natural or carnal senses. They are good enough to safely get you from birth to old age. They are good enough because they are God's creation.

However, they are not good enough on their own for the return trip back to God.

For that you need the Spirit of God. To get that you must be born again.

Without the born again experience man remains dead in his own ways, means, and intellect.

Think of it as man being a naturalized citizen of planet earth. We have come from God and need to return back to Him. However, the return trip has been spoiled and interrupted by Adam and his sin against God and the human race. Man has since adopted the ways of a sinful planet and has become a comfortable part of its citizenry. Man must renounce that citizenship in order to gain back his standing in Heaven.

We are aliens, immigrants so to speak, just passing through here. Our true home is heaven, and as long as we remain comfortable with the ways of this world, and become absorbed into its culture and sinfulness, we will remain estranged from our true citizenship and home.

It happened to the Israelites when they were taken into Assyrian and Babylonian captivity. They went in and never came out. The people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God's chosen people, became fully immersed into the culture of their captives and became so diluted in their spirituality that the tribes simply faded away.

So it is with humanity. Jesus has completed all that is necessary for man to make the journey back to the Father. He has reconciled us by His Cross. By accepting Christ as Lord and Savior we renounce this sinful world and re-establish ourselves in the citizenry of Heaven and the Family of God.

Is the bible nonsense to you? Foolishness? Boring? Unnecessary? Then I suggest you think seriously about the supernatural aspect of your life.

If you (or a loved one) have slipped back into representing more of this society than the family of God, then I want you to know there is hope. The hope is in Christ and His work upon the Cross. Turn to Him and to Him fully.

As the father of the prodigal eagerly awaited his son's return, so does God wait for you (Luke 15:11-32).

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

"You Can Receive This Right Now!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I think that the beginning verses of the epistles of Paul tend to be read quickly if not completely ignored. After all, if you've read one salutation you've read them all, right?

Well, that would be true I suppose if one were to approach the study of the Word like reading a novel instead of with the expectation of receiving promises and blessings.

Romans 1:7 (Amplified Bible) - "To [you then] all God's beloved ones in Rome, called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life: Grace and spiritual blessing and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

There is criteria to be fulfilled before you lay claim to God's blessing today.

First of all, are you beloved of God? Are you one of God's children? Do you have a relationship with Him because you have accepted and received the salvation provided by Christ and what He did on the Cross?

Are you designated for a consecrated life? If you are born-again you are therefore designated to go farther in Christ and the Holy Spirit.

If you are indeed these things than you can receive all the grace and spiritual blessings you could ever possibly contain!

Just think of it. Suppose you are suffering needlessly because of sickness and pain, or financial or marital difficulties?

Perhaps you never read this very simple opening salutation from Paul. Let me encourage you today. NOTHING that Paul ever said or wrote is trivial! In fact there is no passage in the Word of God which is trivial.

Why?

Because Jesus Christ is the Word and to accept and receive it is a direct blessing fro Jesus Christ Himself!

So, you blessed saint of God, open your heart, mind, and spirit and find the relief you so desperately crave and need today!

Lay hold of and claim the Word for your life situation today.

I am anticipating great blessings for you immediately.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

"Separation Anxiety", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Stress and anxiety accompany any major changes in lifestyle. If we are to believe the statistics gathered on such things, we will find that changes like the death of a spouse, moving to a new location, starting a new job, having a baby, etc., are high up on the list for stressing out beyond the norm. Many of them are the result of some sort of separation or another.

How about getting saved, and all that comes after that experience?

Romans 1:1-7 (King James Version) - "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God."

Paul mentions being separated to the work of the gospel. There is a great anxiety attached to that, more for some than others.

Paul was called to be an apostle. That carries with it a heavy responsibility, and perhaps a certain amount of risk at times. Ask the people who are bringing the message of the gospel in China, India, the Philippines, and other persecuted areas in the world where the penalty is death or imprisonment.

Most of us will never know that threat. It does not mean that there isn't any anxiety.

I think the average believer struggles with feelings of inadequacy and fear of rejection. They already anticipate the worst scenario when thinking about sharing Jesus with others, which sometimes paralyzes them even though their heart is burning to share their faith in Christ.

The answer to this dilemma is as simple as one word. Faith.

As simple as that sounds I am not just merely oversimplifying the issue, but rather narrowing it all down to the least common denominator. Faith.

At the end of the day, no matter what you read, what course you take, where you go, or how you approach it, you are ultimately going to need to simply exercise, and rely upon, faith.

Now listen carefully. It's where you place that faith that determines your ability. Remembering that faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), rely upon that same Holy Spirit to give you words to speak at the precise moment you need them. He will give you the right words for the right moment (Luke 12:12).

This is the perfect plan of God. It is reasonable to expect and to assume, that since God has separated you to bring the message of the gospel to others, He will also equip you.

And that my friends is where the problem lies today. People have turned what God has ordered into a scheme. He doesn't need our help in developing people separated to the gospel, but rather believers who will actually believe that He will accomplish it through them.

It takes faith, trust, and obedience. You have to exercise your gift of faith that He wants you to do this, trust the clear call of Christ upon all believers (Matt. 28:18-20), and then simply obey. Just do it! If He has ordained it to be then He will anoint you to accomplish it!

My strong suggestion is to pray for opportunity rather than to launch into aggressive street evangelism to strangers. There is another gifting to do battle in that arena. Do that only if you are called to it. However, for the normal day to day lifestyle of the average believer, God will set you up nicely to present the gospel if you show your desire to follow through.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><


Monday, September 20, 2010

"The Supernatural Order Of Things", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

We are effected heavily by the natural order of things. Life on planet earth means that we are governed and influenced by natural laws. Laws of gravity, motion, thermo-dynamics for examples, while being God's creation, are physical laws that keep the planet orderly and proper while we go about our daily living.

The majority of mankind will live an entire lifetime living according to those laws and those laws only. It could be said that such a person upon death had lived a very "natural" life.

What about the "supernatural" order of things? It's tragic that there are people who live and die never knowing about, or simply refusing to live by God's supernatural order of things.

Have you considered that you are a supernatural being? What could be more supernatural than a person who has a spirit that will return back to God upon death?

In essence, we are supernatural beings living in a natural world, passing through on their way back to God.

Is it not reasonable then, to suggest that we are to act upon the suggestion of the Word of God to allow our supernatural spirit and soul perform great acts of God while we are in this early body?

Is that not exactly what Jesus did? Peter? Paul?

While we are capable of healing the sick and casting our demons (all of which are supernatural acts), the greatest thing we can do is be Jesus to someone else. To share our faith and belief in Him with others is a supernatural activity because it breaks down social and natural inhibitions. In the flesh we could never accomplish that. In the spirit we allow the supernatural to accomplish it.

Here's my point with scripture:

John 7:38 (Amplified Bible) - "He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water."


The born-again, supernaturally Spirit-filled individual cannot help but lead people to Jesus. Out of the believer will flow unlimited power to do the works of Christ (John. 14:12).

How about you today? Is there really a River of Life flowing out of you?

I say let it flow! Don't allow the hindrances of the natural and the flesh interfere with the work of God being done through you.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, September 17, 2010

"The Deal Of A Lifetime", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It was the best deal I ever made. And I have made plenty of them. Financial deals, real estate deals, new and used car deals.

The best deal I ever made however, was back in February of 1986. It would be the one deal that was responsible for saving my life (both physically and spiritually). Not only that, but it was a two for one deal. My wife was able to get in on it as well.

It was my deal with God.

He offered. I accepted. No paperwork. No collateral. No co-signers.

In actuality, while it was a "deal" for me, it would be more precise to call it a covenant.

Jesus Christ went to the Cross as a sacrifice for the human race. His part of the covenant was not contingent upon anything other than His love and willingness to die for us.

Our part of the covenant is to simply receive it.

It's amazing how much of the human race has been resistant.

So, let me offer to you what was once offered to me, which I accepted, and almost 25 years later still relish and revere as the best decision I have ever made.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (Amplified Bible) - "So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God."

That's us. My wife and me. We are ambassador's of Jesus Christ, introducing (and re-introducing) people to Him.

I am not beyond begging. If it takes me begging you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then I will gladly do that.

Whether you have never met Jesus, or knew Him once, my request for you today is to be reconciled to God.

God offers you forgiveness of sin and complete and total restoration. He extends the privilege of being adopted into His family as one of His own children. He offers reconciliation to those who have been estranged.

It is truly the "deal of a lifetime". There is none better. Nothing or no one offers you more.

Just say yes to Jesus Christ today, and don't sweat the details.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, September 16, 2010

"Living In A Leaky Tent", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

That's how Paul describes our living in our physical earthbound body. A tent. Tents sometimes, if not often, leak.

They even become destroyed. In fact, someday it will simply dissolve away back to dust.

Uh-oh. Then what?

You would be surprised at how many don't know about the "then what".

2 Corinthians 5:1 (Amplified Bible) - "FOR WE know that if the tent which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved), we have from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Paul is not talking about mansions and dwellings that we will someday live "under", but rather the new spiritual body that we will be "clothed" in.

Someday, during the great Rapture of the Church, the dead in Christ (ALL of those who ever lived and died with Christ as their Savior) will rise from the grave and be caught up with Christ in the air. Paul also tells us that after the dead rise, we who are alive at that time will be caught up with Christ in the air as well, and given new incorruptible "glorified" bodies (nothing corrupt enters heaven)!

"1 Th. 4:15 - For this we declare to you by the Lord's [own] word, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall in no way precede [into His presence] or have any advantage at all over those who have previously fallen asleep [in Him in death]. (16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!"

The leaky tent will be replaced with a new and eternally durable body that will never suffer decay, aging, sickness, disease, corruption, etc.

Sounds like a deal.

Your earth tent may present some real difficulties during this short period we spend here. Pain, sickness, emotional distress.

It's a comfort to know that it is only temporary. Someday it will be far better than anything we can imagine.

We are just visiting, passing through.

Our true home is in heaven with Jesus Christ. I know it is a fantastic thought, and it seems so far off, but it's a future reality.

Do you believe that today? If so then tell as many people as you can about Jesus and the home He has prepared for us with Him.

Listen for the Voice, the Shout, the blare of the Trumpet! Someday we will hear it! What a glorious day that will be!

Keepin it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

"If's, And's, Whatever's, And It Shall's", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Bible study is a structured and well ordered endeavor. Or at least it should be. There are hermeneutical and exegetical "laws" that need to be applied and never violated. Needless to say, they are broken all the time.

We tend to not like the "if's" that are associated with the Word of God, which indicates the reader has to fulfill something in order for the promise contained within the passage to become activated. The "whatever's" could be pro or con depending on the particular teaching. The "it shall's" are usually the good stuff, containing what we can get from God. We tend to bypass the first two third's of the verse to get to the good stuff.

Take the passage this morning:

John 15:7 - "If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you."

In a nutshell, this verse is saying IF you participate with God, AND you continue to do so, WHATEVER you need, SHALL be accomplished.

We love that stuff, especially the "shall be done for you" part. Often that part doesn't happen and the chasm between God and man widens because man doesn't think that the message the TV preacher is hawking works. Well, if it doesn't work it's because the whole counsel of God is not being taught. Hey, let's be frank here, how much revenue would pour into the preacher's pockets if he told people there is work to do in cultivating and maintaining a relationship with Christ before the "good stuff" kicks in?

There are 34 words in this version of the verse today. One word is the most important. "IF". It all hinges upon "IF".

I can ask whatever I will and it will be done...IF.

Nothing...I repeat...NOTHING happens in our lives in relation to Jesus Christ if we are not vitally united to Him. Nothing. So to expect anything much past air in your lungs is perhaps the very root of the frustration in the life of a marginal and fringe imbiber of the River of Life.

Maybe that's you. Maybe not.

I really need the "it shall", and I shall have it, but I really love the vital union with Jesus part. I find that staying in close relationship with Him cuts down exponentially on the asking part. However, during those times when I have to be specific, and there is a real need, I have the confidence and expectation that whatever I ask I shall receive it.

How can I know? Because I KNOW Jesus.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

"My Completed Joy", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

What makes you happy? Have you ever contemplated total and complete happiness? I have met few people in my life who have actually defined what joy is for them, let alone achieved it.

What does that mean? Well, I'm not about to assume what it means for you, but I can tell you what I believe.

In the world today, both in and apart from the Church, the idea of being happy revolves around how much money one has. I say the "idea" of happiness because if it's financially or materially rooted it is no wonder that so many have not found it.

They have not found it because even if you do manage to become a part of the small percentage that is considered solvent, then chances are you are working too hard to maintain it, thus gaining false happiness on one end only to lose it at the other.

I have joy this morning, but I'll be honest, it's not complete. There is a competing sadness.

The joy of Christ in others and the working together as a church to spread that joy is what really makes me happy. When that doesn't happen some of the air gets let out of my joy.

Seriously. I see money and material as a necessary evil sometimes. It does nothing to make me happy. If it did I would have stayed making the big bucks and never became a pastor.

I sense the heart of Paul this morning.

Philippians 2:1-2 (Amplified Bible)

"SO BY whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever persuasive incentive there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy, (2) Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention."

Yeah...that's the ticket.

The Source of my joy is Christ. The expression and encouragement of that joy is through His people, the Body of Christ. When that is fractured or minimally achieved my joy is reduced.

If we as the Church are one in the same mind and purpose, then our joy in Christ is complete in that harmony of same mind and purpose.

It's easy to run and hide from that. I shudder to contemplate the untold hundreds of thousands of Christians who weekly simply come and go, shrinking into the sea of anonymity and shadows of the invisible church. Small or large, the local church can become a hiding place.

As much of an uphill battle it sometimes is, I will not diminish my hope for pure joy in this lifetime. If what Paul is preaching this morning is not achievable in this life than none of God's Word is!

I choose to believe in the participation of the brethren with the Holy Spirit for the completion of my joy in this life.

The day I can no longer do that is the day I file my papers.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, September 13, 2010

"Rain Or Shine", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

If you walk in the rain you get wet. I am wet right now. Not too bad. It wasn't raining hard. I only got a little wet.

A "little" wet.

I wonder what Paul was thinking each time he wrote about the Christian faith being like walking (or even running).

Paul said that we walk by faith not by sight. Can we look ahead just a little?

How about this one:

Romans 8:1 (Amplified Bible) - "THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit."

Walking after the flesh instead of after the Spirit. Like rain or shine.

Walking after the flesh denotes sinful behavior. Can we just get a "little" wet? Just a little sin?

Can we walk after the flesh once in a while and the rest with the Spirit and be OK?

Can you walk in the rain and not get wet?

It appears that Jesus doesn't put up with any waffling back and forth on the sin issue. Paul sure didn't, and Paul got it from Jesus.

For Jesus, our faith needs to always be in Him. It's never "either or", but rather, "this or nothing".

Him or nothing. Light not darkness.

He told the Pharisees that even a little leaven spoils the entire batch of dough.

Until we get the most important priority in life straightened out nothing will operate properly. There will at least always be some unsettled issue with God, always some unfinished business.

If your trying to walk the two paths at the same time you might hold your own a bit until the paths begin to get farther and farther apart from each other. Inevitably you need to commit to one. You will walk after the flesh (sin) or after the Spirit (Life).

One will set you free, one will lead to chains and bondage.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, September 10, 2010

"To Burn Or Not To Burn", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It's on. It's off. Apparently it might be on again.

I'm talking about the plans of the Florida pastor to burn 200 copies of the Koran on the ninth anniversary of 9/11 (tomorrow).

This plan has gone as far as the President. It is now considered a matter of national security.

Supposedly this is because the pastor disagreed with the plans to build a mosque in close proximity to Ground Zero in Manhattan.

From what I have read, the imam of that planned mosque has agreed to move it. Furthermore, the pastor supposedly agreed to stop the book burning.

Now it's all up in the air again.

What do I think? I think it's dumb and insensitive. It's as dumb and insensitive as planning a mosque near the site of the worst attack ever upon U.S. soil.

So...change it. Don't do either and everyone goes home happy. Right?

Unfortunately, wrong.

Tomorrow there will be new hatred and bigotry from both sides of any fences between any people. The human race doesn't need any excuses such as burning a book or building a building. The Hatfield's and McCoy's feuded for 25 years over a pig being on the others property.

No, we don't need an excuse to hate. But it helps.

What does God think?

1 Peter 2:17 - "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."

God knows who belongs to Him and who the enemy of His people are. He knows and He can handle it. If we actually lived according to His Word things would be more peaceful even for our enemies.

If vengeance is warranted God says He will take care of it.

I'm tired of reading about stupid pastor tricks in or out of the pulpit. The Terry Jones and the Fred Phelps of the world need to be given as little publicity as possible. I don't know about you but they embarrass me.

I'm praying for a Jesus Christ intervention. It's His Church and I hope he deals equitably toward those who are screwin' it up. Souls are weighed in the balance.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, September 9, 2010

"What Is Your Name?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I'm sitting in the food court of the Mall as I write this (boy that DD's Pumpkin Spice coffee is good!).

I can't get away from last night's bible study. The passage is too powerful.

Gen. 32:27 - "[The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]!"

Maye it doesn't strike you as particularly important or exciting. Rest assured it is a mammoth passage in the midst of all of God's Word.

Jacob is in the middle of contending with God. When Jacob demands that God bless him and that he is willing to wrestle with God all night until he gets it, God pauses and asks Jacob his name.

He already knows his name. What God is really asking Jacob is what does his name mean. He wants to know about how he has lived up to his name.

Jacob means "supplanter", or "deceiver". Indeed, Jacob was all of that and more.

God wanted Jacob to admit it. He did and much more.

Jacob's response came in a whirlwind of self-realization, which will happen to a person when they finally contend with or reckon with God. Jacob paused in shock and was barely able to whisper "Jacob...I am the trickster, the schemer, the swindler..."

I am remembering the day I had to answer God over who I was. "I am Kevin...the schemer, the trickster, the deceiver, the drug addicted alcoholic cheat, thief and liar." I wince as I write it. Yup, that was me, and worse.

God answered me the same way He answered Jacob. "That's not your name anymore (or, that's not who you are anymore). I am changing that right now. God changed Jacob to Israel (contender with God).

He changed me from an enemy to His disciple. A foe to a friend. An estranged impenitent sinner on the road to perdition to an adopted son of God and citizen of Heaven. A hater to a lover of the souls of man.

I remember my "Peniel".

You should too.

Maybe you haven't "wrestled" with Him. Maybe your Peniel wasn't that at all. Maybe you just responded to a religious idea in a religious way.

I tell you today that if you haven't contended with God, if you haven't been changed from what you were into someone God is pleased with then you haven't been born again. If you can't remember a moment in time where the old you disappeared into Christlikeness than it probably hasn't happened.

That doesn't mean it can't or won't. You have to get to a place where you and God can hash it out.

You will have your blessing, but you will have to give up something near and dear to you...you will have to lose yourself in Christ.

The old has gone...the new has come...2 Cor. 5:17.

Let that roll around in your brain a bit today.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

"As You Breathe There Is Hope.", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

The bible says we live by faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. We do not live according to hope (as a verb), but hope (as a noun) is a truth that cannot be denied.

This is particularly true when referring to the condition of a person's soul.

As long as one lives and breathes there is a hope that their soul will be turned to God.

Even if things are not going particularly well for someone it is better to heed the wisdom of Solomon:

Ecclesiastes 9:4 (Amplified Bible) - "[There is no exemption] but he who is joined to all the living has hope--for a living dog is better than a dead lion."

You lived with the strength and courage of a lion. Respected and depended upon by everyone. All who knew you loved and honored you.

Now you're dead. All that is left are the testimonials and monuments of a life once lived. If they could see you now. Tortured in the flames of hell and the separation from God. Forever. So you lived a great life according to what society calls a great life. So what? The rest of your life (eternally) is not going so hot (oops...sorry...it really is going very "hot"). Well, you always did think you were "hot stuff".

It would be better that you were still alive as a dog than being the suffering dead lion your are.

At least if you were living the dogs life there would still be a ray of hope for it getting all turned around for you so you would escape the pains of eternal death.

See what I'm getting at? Better a dog with hope than a lion with no future.

You're not so tough. Ever hear the saying, "Whatever doesn't kill me makes me stronger"? Not exactly. More than likely whatever doesn't kill you now, and you don't learn from that, will inevitably kill you later. It could also make you think you are indestructible and give you a sense of false bravado.

Hell will be filled with those who thought they were much, much stronger than they really were.

If you're able to read this today than that means you are still breathing. If you are still breathing than you have hope.

Your hope is in Jesus Christ. Put your faith to that and bring that hope into a present reality. Give hope "substance".

You really can teach an old dog new tricks. Better an old dog in heaven than a young lion in hell.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

"What Do I Really Know?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I know a few things. There is also much I don't know.

But when it comes to the really important things in this life that I NEED to know and understand, I am sure of this...

Job 19:25-26 - "For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, and at last He [the Last One] will stand upon the earth. (26) And after my skin, even this body, has been destroyed, then from my flesh or without it I shall see God."

Jesus Christ lives! This I know beyond doubt. He lives and has redeemed me from the punishment of Hell.

He is coming back to this earth again, and whether in my flesh or in my spirit, I will see Him personally.

There are some things in this life we can be sure of. Some say it's pretty much death and taxes. Neither are 100% true.

The one sure thing is that Jesus is Lord and that He is alive and sitting at the Right Hand of God interceding for you and I today. He is preparing a place for us to live with Him eternally. He will soon come to gather His Church. If we are dead before that we will be resurrected and given new bodies. If we are alive we will be transformed in an instant and taken with Jesus to Heaven. At some subsequent point we will return with Him to vanquish the enemies of Israel and God and restore His Kingdom in the Holy Temple of the New Jerusalem.

I also know another thing. If you are not born-again today, and when all of this is fulfilled, you will miss it.

Sad. Heartbreaking. Tragic. Painfully true nonetheless.

Just remember, when it happens and you didn't make it, that it was never God's choice for you. He wanted you with Him but you rejected Jesus.

So...what do I really know? A few things. But none more important than these things.

I hope they become the few things that you really know as well.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, September 6, 2010

"Do You Have Cause To Rest?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It's Labor Day. A U.S. National Holiday. Many have the day off today and have enjoyed a long weekend. It's kind of a way the government honors those who go out into the work force each day to make a living to support their families and the framework of America.

It's a nice gesture. Hey, a day off is a day off.

However, it falls woefully short. You could have the entire week off and it wouldn't be enough. Even a month. Sooner or later it is back to the grind.

Only Jesus is enough. He does not just give rest. He IS Rest.

He is our Rest. He will CAUSE you to rest.

There is a lot more at stake than just becoming physically spent by your laboring in the work field. Every hour you spend at work is time away from your family. Every moment spent thinking about something else is time not spent on refreshing your mind and spirit.

People can get so wrapped up in working so hard that they will not take the proper time to refresh themselves.

Here's some good news. Since most of us have no choice but to earn a living, and we cannot take off on a mental health day or week whenever we want, Jesus has built into our relationship with Him a fail safe, fool proof method that ensures our physical, mental, and spiritual stability.

Matt. 11:28 - "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]"

Ease and relieve. Just let those words sink in a moment. Refresh. Rest.

Is it actually possible? If Jesus says it then it is possible.

Your rest is not in a trip to Disney. In fact, statistics show that many people come back from vacation more stressed out than before they left! Yes, you can forget to take Jesus with you even on vacation.

I love the bumper sticker that reads: "No Jesus, No Peace...Know Jesus, Know Peace."

The most important part of the verse this morning? "Come to Me."

Come to Jesus and let Him take care of you. It's sooooo simple that it must be too simple because so many miss it. Is this the epitome of not seeing the forest through the trees?

Come to Jesus. He is your rest. You'll never know true rest until you do because He is Rest. He is the Refresher. He is the Restorer. He is All and Everything. It's ALL in Him. There is no other Source.

Be blessed today. If you are one of the many who is enjoying a day off, remember that while your day off may be the courtesy of your company and the U.S. Government, your rest is in Jesus!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, September 3, 2010

"Been 'Dissed' Lately?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Sometimes when we are "dissed" we are really "dissed". I'm not sure if people in general realize the depth of being dissed and the far reaching effects.

Have you been,,,Disrespected? Disturbed? Discouraged? Disenfranchised? Disadvantaged? Disabled? Disappointed? Disapproved?

How about disarmed? Disavowed? Discarded, and discharged? Perhaps you have been discombobulated? Or even discomfited?

Maybe discomforted...disconnected...discontented...disheartened...discontinued...discounted...discriminated...and discrowned.

This could lead to:

disdain...discouragement...displeasure...disembodiment...disenchantment...disengagement...disestablishment...disgrace...
disgruntlement...disgust...

...and a whole lot of other "disses".

When you allow yourself to be dissed you are in distress!

In these times, and they will come on occasion, remember that you are a...

...Disciple!

2 Tim. 3:14 - "But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them]."

It hurts when people come against you in various ways. It distresses a soul in all ways. It taxes ones patience and resolve.

However, our relationship with Christ and the Truth of His Word prevails.

The discontentment of others will always splash over into the lives of the content. People who suffer from chronic discontentment will always try to spread their unhappiness into the lives of those who are living otherwise joyful lives in Christ.

Don't accept it. Don't receive it. Absorb the blows and let Christ in you deal with it. Process it and move on.

A little tidbit for you. If you do this, you will be amazed at how Christ deals with it. Not only will you be protected, but you will rebound stronger. It's almost as if you gain strength and favor in Christ as the result of people's insensitivity toward you.

Hold fast to Him. You will find yourself "dissing" others. You will dis-play and dis-perse the grace of the One Who has taken on your battles!

Disregard the disrespect and you will disable the work of the enemy!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, September 2, 2010

"Fellowship Of The Broken Yoke", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Some folks live their entire lives as if they feel it's only purpose is to be a warning to others. Afflicted quiet desperation. This life is real long when it's lived under those conditions.

Life not only effected by a yoke of bondage, but as an actual yoke of bondage.

I know a little about affliction. Also about a yoke of bondage. Twenty years enslaved in chains of addiction is affliction by anybody's standard.

Perpetual apathy. Why bother? "If I don't acknowledge my problem maybe it will just go away. Or people will. Or...ahh...who cares...".

It's always darkest just before it goes pitch black.

Need rescue?

How about membership in the Fellowship of the Broken Yoke?


Nahum 1:13 (ESV) - "And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) - "28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

OK, in your best Braveheart William Wallace scream, shout it out..."FREEEEEEEDOMMMMMMMM!!!!"

That's just gotta feel good.

Chains, bonds, yokes. Restrictive, confining, oppressive, burdensome, frustrating...

Gone. Really. Simply gone.

Whatever your yoke is today, Jesus says He will take your heavy yoke of affliction and exchange it for His light yoke of following Him.

Yoke of affliction or yoke of freedom?

I think that might just qualify as an official no-brainer.

How 'bout it? Tell Him you're done. Tell Him you would like to stand up straight for once. Tell Him you want to walk in full stride. Tell Him you are ready for peace, joy, love, mercy, happiness...

You can try to white knuckle it. You can try to overcome just by sheer guts and determination. You can read self-help books. You can recite mantras. You can rise up under the weight of the yoke and chains and shout to the world "I am going to beat this thing!"

You will fail. At best you will just be a self-confident pathetic creature with a heavy yoke and chains.

The Fellowship of the Broken Yoke are just people like me who one day realized that they were going to remain paralyzed by the increasing weight of affliction and turned to the Only One who could actually CHANGE the situation. Jesus.

Jesus Christ. 2,000 years of unbroken success in changing lives.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

"When God Blows It Away", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

God deals with things on different levels. Collectively, individually, corporately, religiously, spiritually, physically...

He doesn't like when His house is in disarray.

Your house prospers when His house is running smoothly.

But if it's reversed?

Haggai 1:6 (Amplified Bible) - "You have sown much, but you have reaped little; you eat, but you do not have enough; you drink, but you do not have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages has earned them to put them in a bag with holes in it."

Ever experience the above scenario? Perhaps even right this very moment?

Nothing is going right. You are working very hard to make ends meet. You are even giving at church. Yet...life is like a giant bag with holes in it. You can't sustain anything. Not relationship, not self, not finances, not anything. Life is an exercise in futility when it doesn't click like it should.

Why?

You pray. You give. You read the Word. You pray some more. Still...it just isn't working. You are not...happy. It's a struggle. A major struggle.

God says "Consider your ways and how things are going in your life" (vs. 7).

God says that many have been so busy building their own house that His house lies in ruins.

"(9) You looked for much [harvest], and behold, it came to little; and even when you brought that home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of hosts. Because of My house, which lies waste while you yourselves run each man to his own house [eager to build and adorn it]."

That is called backward living. The presumption that God will allow Himself to be put on a shelf until a time that is convenient for you. That after you get done ordering your life and setting it all up, you will turn to God, dust Him off and insert Him into some small facet of your well planned existence.

Convoluted, upside down, backward, inside out thinking.

"I blew it away!"

Feeling "blown away" today?

Matt. 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

There it is.

The proper order of God.

Silly rabbit. Did you think God would set aside His carefully prepared plans while you submitted a revision? Did you think He would admire your wisdom and tenacity for pulling up your own bootstraps and setting out to conquer the world yourself? Did you think He is merely a rubber stamping quality controller?

"I blew it away!"

It feels like being blown away, doesn't it? Yes, I know. I have been there.

Upside down can actually seem like right side up when we are deceived. Except things don't quite work the same. It's like being in the Bizarro World.

Not to fret. It can be fixed.

Haggai 1:12 - "...all the remnant of the people [who had returned from captivity], listened to and obeyed the voice of the Lord their God [not vaguely or partly, but completely, according to] the words of Haggai the prophet, since the Lord their God had sent him, and the people [reverently] feared and [worshipfully] turned to the Lord."

Done.

Hey, there it is! If you are not pleasing God by caring for His house first, then you are in captivity my friend.

Return to God's way. Turn to Him FIRST. Fill His house with the first fruits of your giving of yourself, your earnings, and your praise and worship.

The promise is every bit as much as He has promised over the centuries.

"(13) Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's message to the people saying, I am with you, says the Lord."

I am God's messnger to you today. He is saying as strongly today as then...

"I AM with you!"

My strongest suggestion is to get to that place in your life today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><