Tuesday, November 30, 2010

"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 <><

Monday, November 29, 2010

‎"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 <><

Friday, November 26, 2010

"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,

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

‎"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 <><

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

"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 <><

Monday, November 22, 2010

"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 <><

Friday, November 19, 2010

"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 <><

Thursday, November 18, 2010

"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 <><

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

"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 <><

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

"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 <><

Monday, November 15, 2010

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 <><

Friday, November 12, 2010

"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 <><

Thursday, November 11, 2010

"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 <><

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

"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 <><

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

"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 <><

Monday, November 8, 2010

"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 <><

Friday, November 5, 2010

"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 <><

Thursday, November 4, 2010

"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 <><

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

"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 <><

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

"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 <><

Monday, November 1, 2010

"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 <><