Pastor James' Blog

2010-09-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've been threatening to write about the three parables Jesus taught in Luke 15 for a while now. Today is the day. Reason I wanted to talk about these parables is because I think that many believe that these three parables are the same story. In other words that they are all communicating the same message. While that may be partially accurate it is not completely accurate. I intend to show you how that Jesus is talking about four different types of lost peeps.

Let's begin with the lost sheep. (Luke 15.4-7) In this story Jesus tells us that a sheep wandered off from the other 99 sheep from his fold and got lost. The shepherd went after it, found it, and brought it back with much celebrating. That's what it says if you just read it. However, what you may not know is that upon finding the sheep the shepherd broke the legs of the sheep and carried it home. Why would he wound the sheep? I'm glad you asked. He breaks the sheep's legs because the sheep was either willfully disobedient and went astray or he just wasn't paying attention. I also should insert here that not all of the sheep follow the shepherd. Most of the sheep follow another few sheep. When sheep were born the shepherd would take one and lay it on his shoulders and carry it with him wherever he went, thus training that sheep to know his voice, his scent, etc. The other sheep would recognize that sheep as the one to follow because where he is the shepherd is too, and where the shepherd is there is provision and safety.

My bad. You are prolly wondering why I think the shepherd broke the legs of the sheep he went and found. The reason I think so is because the KJV of the story renders the term “layeth”; Luke 15.5 - 5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders...

That word rendered “layeth” means to wound. The breaking of the legs of a wayward, self willed, or dumb sheep was common practice and it would be rehabbed as I've stated prior.

So the first type of lost person Jesus is telling us about here is one that is disobedient and or not paying attention. When this happens, expect that to be met with being found and then chastised. In the end you are the better, and also less likely to be “lost” again.

The next parable is the parable of the lost coin. (Luke 15.8-10) In this parable we are told that a woman had 10 coins, lost one and “cleaned house” to find the lost coin. She finds it and is of course overjoyed. What if I told you that this parable has nothing to do with the value of the coin as we may think. The lost coin represented this womans identity. The coin that the woman lost solidified her position as a wife. In those days women were not thought much of in the culture. They were more or less second class citizens at best. They really had no value except to be married. The marriage token in those days was a piece of jewelry, a necklace, that had 10 coins on it. When this woman lost her “coin” she lost her identity as a married woman. Have you ever lost your wedding ring? Would you not look for it with all your might? Context is everything. Clearly this is a different type of lost than the first story. Losing your identity is a big deal and you should expect to find it if you've lost it and you should expect those who are righteous to celebrate with you when you are again found.

The last story Jesus realates is one we are all very familiar with. The so called, “prodigal” son. Prodigal by definition is wasteful. This man was defiantely wasteful. As we know the son takes his portion and wastes it on the “glory” of the world and has nothing to show for it. He sunk so low that he was left with no choice but to attend pigs. I have no words that can describe an equivalent of what that would mean to a Hebrew except to say that they would rather die than to have anything to do with a pig. So in effect, this son was dead, just as the father later would say in the story. Upon first glance one could easily try and draw a parallel between the prodigal son and the lost sheep. If that is you, please notice this very important distinction. The “shepherd” does not go to find the prodigal as he did in the first story. He is concerned, but in a much different way. I won't spend a lot of time here as you've prolly had this message preached to you most correctly of all the three.

Additionally, the elder son was also lost. He was lost in that he had done everything the father asked of him, but lacked to catch the father's heart. He was self righteous, stiff, and hard hearted and didn't even know it.

Well there you have it. Four different kinds of lost. Rejoice when you are found if you be found in Him. Holla.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.

Something About Community

2010-07-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

^{Isaiah 58.6-11
6} Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

⁷ Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

⁸ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy healing shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of Jehovah shall by thy rearward.

⁹ Then shalt thou call, and Jehovah will answer; thou shalt cry, and he will say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking wickedly;

¹⁰ and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noonday;

¹¹ and Jehovah will guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in dry places, and make strong thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

I read this scripture yesterday and found it completely fascinating that we hardly ever hear what Isaiah shares here from the Lord as remedy for what ails us. How often do you find yourself in "darkness" only to scamper about looking for light in places other than the Lord. Perhaps you even go to Jesus for the light, but you are completely fixed on asking Him to do for you.

In this text we are told plainly to look out for others and the result is that we will be satisfied by the Father in all of the ways we need to be. What I see here is that in looking out for others we are provided for beyond what we could even forsee. He's even got our back!

So here's the scenario, I'm in a dark place and I decide to not allow that to tell me to focus on me...I go and serve others. I meet the needs of those who are possibly even worse off than me...I show love and kindness in the midst of the world giving me the finger and I do as unto the Lord. The Bible says, that when I do that, then the light I need will, "break forth as the dawn". In other words, who can stop it!?...after that or even at the same time, my healing will manifest...I'm talking about a holistic health, body, mind, and spirit....as that is going on, righteousness is headed on before me...So I will have a more clear path ahead of me and even if trouble is ahead I'm assured the Lord has been there prior to me and has made a way for me...Not only that the King of kings Himself is my reward! He will lead me "continually"!...He'll satisfy me with water in the desert and the Spirit of God within me will fail not.

The coolest part about this scripture is that most all of the beneficial aspects occur before I've even prayed. Prayer is mentioned very late in the text. Long past me receiving the favor and grace of God in my life. I cannot tell you enough, GO. Do something. Your "religion" is of no use to anyone, including God. Do something with yourself and the manifold blessings that God has bestowed upon you...He's given you stuff to the ends that they'd be used for the ministry of reconciliation, which ministry belongs to you by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Next time you find yourself in a dark place, or needy...meet the need of another. Keep the faith and wear the crown. God bless and keep you in His care. Holla.

Go?

2010-06-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hello peeps. Go. It's a trip to me to see this command used over and over by God as instruction for those that He has bid come. Without question coming is very important, for if you don't first come to Him you have no basis for standing at all.
The cool thing I'm noticing today is that God always says, "Go" after you come. For instance; Abram, come here, I have something for you. What is it God? A new name. Cool, what's my name God? Abraham. Awesome what now God? Go. Moses. Yes Lord? Come here and bow down. OK Lord. What will I do now Lord? Moses, go. Are you getting the idea?
You cannot deny that if we have been called to God, we have been sent by God. Problem is that we know this and yet we don't go. Not going is disobedience, and willful disobedience at that. Ouch! Right? But should I hold my peace and let you go on in disobedience that you should miss the blessings that lie in wait if you would just go? Heaven forbid.
I have good news Saints. God wants to partner with you on a mission that only you can fulfill. All you have to do is go. He will fill your mouth with the words to say, he will grant and endow you with the power that you need, and he will provide all that you have need of. Best part is, he'll get mad glory and you will be blessed indeed.
I hope this transmission has encouraged and empowered you to do something. Keep the faith, wear the crown, and GO! Holla.

More On Abe

2010-06-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hey! I'm back and want to talk a little more about our friend Abraham, father of many nations. In his story perhaps you will find some of yourself as I have over and over again. Following are my thoughts for today...
Abraham's faith was put to the test of time in waiting for the son that God had promised him. What we sometimes overlook is the fact that in Abe's desire for a son was wrapped up all of the things that made a man a “success” in Mid Eastern patriarchal society. An heir was everything. In Abe's case because of the passage of time, the birth of Isaac would've been a great relief to him in that his faith would now be evident to those who may have ridiculed him for following God and giving up the things that he did. Kind of an, “Aha! I told you!”.
But why would God now ask this man for the son that He'd promised to give him to make his name great? Well, is it possible that while Abe was put to the test in the area of faith, patience, and waiting on God; could it be that while he was indeed growing in relationship with God over this period of time; could it be that Abe had grown to love God for what He could do for Him and not merely for who He is? Could he have been “using” God as a means to an end? Is it evident at this point that Abe loved God unconditionally? No it isn't.
What do you have affection for today above or equal to God that God may have given you?
I pray that me asking you this question will cause you to ask it of yourself and answer with great trepidation and sincerity. When you arrive at an answer take time to pray and thank the Lord for revealing to you an issue of life, then act on it accordingly.
God bless and keep you in His care. Keep the faith and wear the crown. Holla.

PJ

The Blessings of Abraham?

2010-06-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hello peeps! It's been a while since I've taken time to collect my thoughts here. I was just thinking this morning about the blessings of Abe and how we all seem to chase them in some form or fashion. What I mean is that success, money, true love, and a "cool life" are what we all seem to want. Many of us have blindly placed our faith in these things hoping and believing that they hold some key to happiness. I won't dare tell you that these "things" cannot influence happiness, but they are not what you think either if that's the stream you're swimming in.
Back to Abe. Many peeps in the "prosperity wing" believe that we are entitled to the blessings of Abe. I believe that they are correct in that we should expect God's blessing on us as His children. I do however want to point you to the fact that for Abe to receive the blessings of Abraham he had to "go". In Gen chapt 12 he's clearly instructed to leave his country, his peeps, and his father's house to go to a land that God would show him. God called Abe to leave all that was familiar; his friends, most of his fam, and all of the safety trappings that we've all grown accustomed to. Not only go away but go to some unknown destiny. Abe was asked to give up wordly hopes and things that the human heart desires for God's sake.
I'll tell you this, you may indeed have claim to the blessings of Abe. That being said the route to receiving them is like his. Surrender. Go. Give up wordly hopes and the things that the human heart desires.
Faith in God for the blessings of Abe are just like all of the other gifts of God. By grace through faith? Certainly, but also with surrender, obedience, and sacrifice.
I'm finished for now. I welcome your commentary as always and would love to answer your questions. God bless and keep you in His perfect peace. Holla!

PJ

Made Alive

2010-03-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spoke on being made alive. The Bible term for this on both sides of Christ is, quicken. God wants to quicken us, or make us alive through the power of the Holy Spirit. As a believer and more importantly a follower of Jesus the Messiah we have the presence of the Holy Spirit as He has come to make a home within us. The Bible though talks about there being an additional thing that happens in the lives of believers when we get tired of being tired.
Make me alive and quicken me should be as prevalent a request in your life as any. The God kind of life can only come from God quickening you. Don't accept so easily what is. Press in, press on and go further into what could be. Plainly, God has more for you. You can have it, but you must get to the more His way and not your own. Cry out this week and whenever you need a shot of His life, quicken me O Lord.
Maybe you are at a place in your life where you are tired of the status quo. Maybe you are at a place in your life where you just want it settled that you are going all the way with the Lord. Take this opportunity and ask God for His life to invade your life. Pray as David did, quicken me Lord.
If you'd like to follow a line of thought regarding these matters and the Holy Spirit in general check out the weekly teachings tab at www.crosspointok.org or you can find the same teachings at iTunes by searching Pastor James Greggs or CROSSPOINT. Church, Vinita, OK.
I welcome your thoughts. Keep the faith and wear the crown. Holla.

P. James

My baby girls are growing up.

2010-02-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

A few thoughts concerning signs and wonders

2010-01-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

I'm just gonna go...you ready? Signs and wonders are relevant to the problems that people face. Our greatest problem as humanity is that we are alienated from our Creator and God. Every other power aside from reconciliation, no matter how mighty or awesome is inferior to it; because it directly addresses our problem. So that being said, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the ultimate power of God to mankind. Choose to use it and grow in power.
Holla.

More Thoughts on the Church

2009-10-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

I want to continue to probe this thing we call church. What is it anyhow? Is it merely an invention of mankind or is it God ordained. As we discussed last week, our mind goes to the meeting when we think of the church. I want to suppose a much broader view of church for the purposes of this discussion. I submit to you that the church in fact is the people of God. More specifically the people of Christ, or if you will the body of Christ.
So now I have a question for those who suppose that they don't need the “meeting”. I have met countless individuals who believe that they don't need to be a part of the church “meeting” to be a part of the church. This is nuts. I must ask you if that is your story, if your faith hasn't taken you to church do you suppose it will take you to heaven? Church was not our idea. This meeting, the gathering together was Jesus' idea. He left us a blueprint of the church in Acts 2. From all I read there, it isn't necessary for me to read anything into it. It stands plain before us that the early church, the one that saw with their eyes the Christ, received instructions to gather and break bread, and to listen to and heed the teaching of the elders. Acts 2.42 - All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Now I grant you that you can receive teaching on your couch in front of the TV. You cannot do the rest of this verse without a group of believers. From where do you get your fellowship?
Fellowship means – community of interest, feeling, etc.; friendly relationship, companionship(such as that of a father and son); an association of persons having similar tastes; communion...
Fellowship is a key and fundamental element in your spiritual growth. Amongst other things, fellowship will keep you steady and away from doctrines that are anti-Christ including those which say you don't need fellowship. I can go on and on. I encourage you to search the scriptures for yourself and find what the Lord thinks of the gathering in both the old and new testaments.
I have one last question. How can you claim to love Christ and not His body? How can you claim to love Christ and not His bride? Are you in fellowship with Christ at all? As always, I welcome your commentary. Keep the faith and wear the crown. Holla.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

Free Will

2009-09-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

God has granted us all free will. The challenge comes when you've surrendered your life to Him and then find your free will in conflict with His will. If we are actually in relationship with Him and we are enjoying fellowship with Him then we know when we and our will conflict with Him. Even when we begin with the best of intentions, somewhere along the way we realize that this isn't God's best for me.
You can keep yourself from these situations by prayer. Pray and read the Bible. God has a plan for you and it's a plan that is beyond belief. Ephesians 3.20 says - “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”
Keep that in mind as as you ask God to guide your life. Keep in mind that His plan is far better than you can imagine or conceive of in yourself. Ask Him to show you and then be sure to listen after you've asked. You must listen and read your Bible.
Praying and then acting without waiting is not what the Bible tells us to do. The Bible tells us that if we wait it will be worth the wait. Isaiah 40.31 tells us, “But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint.”
Wait on Him and He will direct your path. I pray that you have a terrific week as you walk out the path that God has for you in His strength and surrounded by His perfect love.
Keep the faith and wear the crown. Holla!

Pastor James

The Church

2009-09-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

The church. What a topic. The church has many critics, but no rivals. Lots of the opinions that are formed and trumpeted about the church come from people who aren't even in the church. Curious... I have a question. What does Jesus think about the church?
When we think of church our minds immediately gallop to the church gathering. We come, we greet, we sing, we pray, we listen, we seek, we repent...and all of those things are important. How often though do we stop and ask Jesus, “What do You think of the service Jesus?” Would Jesus be pleased?
Before I begin to attempt to unravel that notion I want to say something of the nature of Jesus with respect to His church. I find many times that churches and ministries try to make Jesus feel welcome and they feel that this should be the ambition of the attenders as well. I submit to you though that if it is His church, why should He be treated as a guest? He is Host, not guest. I think if we bear that in mind in designing what happens at the gathering, and aligning our expectations, we'd be far more effective at drawing all men unto Him even through the gathering.
Just food for thought. I'll get at you later with some more. Keep the faith and wear the crown. Holla.

P. Jas.

The Nature of Prayer

2009-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Is your relationship with God personal or functional? When I was younger in the Lord and began to hear some of the very things that today I teach, I was at first most upset. See, the truth does something that many will not acknowledge. It divides. When the truth is presented to you, you must make a decision to walk in the light of it or to get angry with it. I wrestled and got angry with the message of faith for quite some time, because it did not allow me to have my way. In the end I figured out that I am irrelevant and that to live is Christ. God was no more interested in what I thought about having my way than a little bit. I then came to realize that the primary purpose of my prayer life (and yours too) should be to deepen my relationship with God. The pinnacle of prayer is when we want Him. (When we don’t want what we want). The nature of prayer is such that our relationship with God is more important than our requests. So I ask again; Is your relationship with God personal or functional? Holla at your boy.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

A Little More To Chew On

2009-06-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

I want you to notice that it is quite possible that the nature of your relationship with God has hindered your prayer life. Relationship precedes request and out of fellowship comes fortitude. Some of us have gotten to the place where we accept God’s word as truth, but that is where it stops. A true follower of Christ is one who responds to the truth of God’s word. The life of faith in God is a response to relationship with Him, not just another way to be religious. All things have been revealed to you as a child of God. A disciple is one who will respond to God’s revelation. What will your response be to what you are reading here? Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
Pastor James

Food For Thought

2009-06-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Is your interest in God personal or functional? I ask this because as I’ve examined myself, I’ve found that there have been times in my life when my relationship with the Lord was purely functional. What I mean is that I wanted to know God only because I thought that I would gain something from Him. If that is your frame of mind today, I want to encourage you to get to know God on a personal basis. Not because you need something or want something, but because He wants to know you intimately, as well. I believe that even if you find yourself in a place where your motives to pursue an interest in God are selfish, that He can meet you there and take you to the place where you belong in Him. Remember that growth is optional. Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

Dawn Of A New Day?

2009-01-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

In a few hours President Elect Barack H. Obama will take the oath of office and become the President of the United States of America. I can say without reservation that today is a proud day for America and minority Americans more specifically. If you don't understand our enthusiasm, you are likely not a minority and it would be utterly impossible for me to describe to you why we feel the way we feel.
Enthusiasm aside, I believe that our coming president is fit for the job. I am not alone in this assertion. I hear on the radio this morning that 58% of Senator McCain's supporters are confident in the coming Obama administration. Obama is without question an innovative and deliberate leader, who has an opportunity to do not be merely the first minority President of the USA, but a great American president.
We have been filled with promises and pledges of what it will be like. I would like to believe that if he can get half of what he says done, he will go down in history as a great man, not just a great black man.
That being said, I wish that you would join me in praying for our president. I hope that when the times get rough and it seems like there is no way, you'll pray for a way. I'm hopeful that the faith community and those who are without will answer the call to be of service to one another. This alone, could solve many of the problems we face. Barack knows this, I know this and God knows.
Pardon me for being a little giddy, but I will be smiling ear to ear, every time I hear the song, "Hail To The Chief" from now on. Have a great innauguration day! Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

Sign of the Times

2008-12-16T12:11:00.001-08:00

Seasons greetings and happy holidays! Those of you who know me realize that I am no apocalypse now preacher. You also know that I don't claim to be anywhere relatively close to an eschatology expert. Actually, most of what I've been exposed to in the name of eschatology has been cleverly disguised drivel and wishful thinking.
That being said, the signs of the times have caught my attention as of late. Surely I don't need to cite for instances; but I will. Have you noticed the weather for instance? Earlier this week right here in Vinita the temperature went from 75 to 20 over the course of a day. Not exactly a normal situation, but yet more and more frequent. Didn't Jesus say that we are well able to discern the weather, but not the signs of the times?
Well the weather has certainly claimed my attention and I believe it is time to wake up as He could be back to collect His own shortly. I realize that I am in the company of every Christian philosopher that has ever walked Earth since Jesus first promised in this assertion...but really. Before you go with the, "Jesus is not coming back till His church is glorious, brother" argument, I'd like you to observe a globe and not merely a map of the USA. We (America) are the only place on the planet where the church is growing in reverse. Wasn't it Jesus who claimed that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to inherit the Kingdom of God? Stop it. You are rich. Again pull out your globe and look at the world. (Jesus isn't an American)
I say all of this to ask you to think about what I'm saying. At the risk of being redundant I'm saying, We must work while it is day...We must wake up to the fact that Jesus will be back and if He came back today, what would your, or my story look like? What words would we hear from Him with respect to our hearts condition and activity? Join me please in prayer that we as a people of faith would wake up, rise up, fall to our knees in repentance, get up and go about our Father's business till His return. Selah.
Again happy holidays. Keep the faith and wear the crown!

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

Everyone Follow's Someone

2008-12-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Everyone won't follow me. No matter how compelling, intriguing, or otherwise engaging that I am. Everyone won't follow. This is also true of sheep. In a shepherds flock only a few sheep actually follow the shepherd. The rest follow another sheep; usually the sheep that are following the shepherd.
It's important that as we follow Jesus that we do just that... follow Him. That should be obvious. I understand that there will be times that we cannot see Him clearly enough to follow. In these cases and in these times we should follow someone else who is following Jesus that can see Him clearly from where they stand.
Needless to say if we can do this we like the rest of the flock will live in a place of relative safety and peace. Selah.
Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-02T06:51:00.001-08:00

I don't even know where to start. We have made it through the Thanksgiving holiday. We have survived yet another "black Friday"...and black it was. At least it was very, very, dark.
I was stunned to learn that in the midst of giving thanks, the words thank you Lord still echoing in the walls of our craniums, that a man lost his life on account of a thankless, thoughtless, and delusional mob. That's right, a healthy hard working 34 year old man was trampled to death at a Walmart! What in the world could you want at a Walmart bad enough to participate in trampling to death another human being?
Wow, I mean isn't Walmart a bargain store to begin with? Were they giving away the water you can drink of and thirst no more? Were they giving away the bread of life? Were they giving away common sense? No, they were giving away nothing! They were feeding the fever of greed and selfishness and capitalism. They were feeding the fever of a culture that is so focused on I that they couldn't see a man beneath thier feet as they rushed to "save" a buck.
I want to apologize to the family of the man whose life was lost on behalf of humanity. I want to tell them that this is not who we are, but I have no excuse why we acted as we did. I want them to know that God was not pleased with this display. I want them to know that this is not what the original "Christian" architects of the "holiday" we know as Christmas had in mind in remembering the birth of Christ.
Please join me in praying for this family...surely, they will struggle to have a Merry Christmas.
Wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

The Day After

2008-11-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

OK, honestly it is still very surreal to me that the USA has elected Barack Obama the 44th president of the union. Honestly, I did not think I would see it. I didn't believe that I'd see a man of color be elected to the highest office in the land and for that matter the most influential leadership position in the free world. It's surreal.
I cannot help but to be overjoyed at the realization of the dreams of so many Americans who died having not received what they were promised. As an African American man, I am taken aback by this historic day in our nations history.
I'm actually at a loss for words and can only say, God bless America. Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God
P. Jas.

Thanks

2008-11-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

November is here again. We have stepped over into the giving of thanks zone. Now through the end of the year we find people less focused on self than at any other time. We will celebrate Thanksgiving. Whatever that looks like to you and yours the focus is that you are thankful because of what someone else has done. We have many things to be thankful for if we would open our eyes. Even the most terrible story you could possibly have, lends itself to this statement..."It could be worse". If nothing else, thank God it's not worse!
I will endeavor to give heart felt thanks everyday for the rest of the year. I will give thanks the most when I least want to. I encourage you to do the same. The Bible encourages us to posses a heart that is filled with thanksgiving and praise. There are benefits to the same. Search them out, you'll be pleasantly surprised. For the next 58 or so days, go out of your way to be thank-filled. Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

The Sinners Prayer / Prayer of Salvation

2008-10-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I want to talk about something very important today. This topic has been on my heart for some time now and I cannot take it anymore. There is no Biblical precedent for what we see happen week after week and in many cases day by day in churches and among church folks. I'm talking about leading someone in the "Sinners Prayer". Thanks be to God for folks who wanted to make Jesus available and as easy as possible to receive. There just is no Biblical basis for the supposition that a person can "repeat" a prayer and have a saving faith in Christ.
The only thing that will bring you to that is a belief in Him as the Bible says. Before you get too carried away you should know that God does not buy into your confession of belief without actions that "prove" your belief.(See the book of James).
I won't reinvent the wheel here as I've come across an article on this very topic that says what I'd like to say very well. Here's the link. "What Is The Prayer of Salvation?"
"What is the sinners prayer?"
Don't be deceived. Go with God and walk in the dust of Jesus.
Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the Goodness of God
P. Jas.

I Had It, I Lost It, I Want It Back

2008-10-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've lost it. I had had it and now it is gone. Lost it along the way while I thought that I was using it. One day I woke up and realized it was missing. It is missing because I took it for granted. Surely by now you must be wondering what it is. Truth is I don't know. I only know that I had it and now it is gone. I'd like to describe it for you, but that is difficult to do. I can however tell you what it does for me.
It is what some have that others want. It is that intangible something that leaders posses in order to make things happen through others. It is also what makes me "go".
I've been so busy with life and love and ministry, that I've misplaced it and now I want it back. I want it back because I cannot do what I need to do, what I've been called to do effectively without it. Without it, I'm just me. Perhaps you know me and likely you don't, I'd rather be the version of me with it than without it.
I'd like to point out that I'm not talking about God, but I am talking about something that He gave me. I'm talking about it now because I've been revived and refreshed this past week. I have Bro. Craig Groeschel to thank for pointing out to me that it was missing. So thanks Craig. I appreciate it. Good looking out.
Now that I know I need to get it back I can begin to look for it. Only thing is, it is rarely where you lost it. I know because sadly I've been around this mountain before. Good news is that I have assurances from the one who supplies all of my needs that He will help me find it. Getting it back will require a humility and pause that I am not accustomed to operating in as of late. I'm certain that I will get it back, but I need your prayers to stay strong and to walk this thing out. The result will be a better me in every way. The result for you will be a better you and a knowing that if you have it, you should treasure it and hang on to it at all costs.
The process of getting it back has begun and I'm closer to it than I was. I believe that it is now trying to come back to me as I move toward it. Before long I'll have it again and I won't let it go.
Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God
P. Jas.

2008-09-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Greater Works

What were the greater works of Jesus? This is a question that begs asking. Do you know? Have you thought about it?
I submit to you today that the greater works of Jesus were not the works of healing, miracles and so forth that we tend to focus upon. Think about it. He healed everything from blindness to leprosy to oppression. He raised the dead. Last time I checked all of those that were healed and/or restored later died. Even Lazurus is today in the grave.
I believe the answer can be found quite indirectly in the resurrection. The resurrection and all that led to it were the chief act of His love toward us.
My mind is often on love these days. My Pop-Pop, the Rev. Dr. James L. Dandridge, went to be with the Lord last week. Pop-Pop was amongst other things a mentor and Pastor to me and countless others. Pop-Pop had one word for me and all that he ever addressed. That word is love. He taught the church I came to Christ through the message of love for over 25 years. He knew there was a more excellent way. I know that he knew this, because he not only constantly spoke of it, but demonstrated it freely to all he encountered.
Get off your "whatsaname" and love. Take your eyes off of you for a spell and see those around you in need of the greater works of our Lord, even the greater works of those who follow him. You do that and you won't ever have to worry bout being in God's will.
The fact of the matter is that God is love. Keep this in mind and write it on the fronts of your eyes. God is love and expects of us that we love. Not a noun but a verb. Love is the fuel of your faith. Love today and live today. Keep the faith, wear the crown, and remember that love never fails.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.

Waiting To Exhale

2008-08-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hey check this out. I have a great metaphor for Christian living today. It's called breath. You know that song, "Breathe". The words are, this is the air I breathe and I'm desperate for you...etc. That song. Check it out. Inhale. Inhale again, and again, and again, and again. Fact is if you were to continuously inhale without exhaling you'd black out eventually. I think that many of us have "blacked out" in a very real sense because we do nothing but take from God. No wonder we can't be a witness, because in the economy of God's Kingdom we have to take what we have and give it away in order to gain anything. Are you waiting to exhale? Please breathe out or you too will be stale and blacked out in the kingdom and we don't need anymore of that.
Keep the faith and wear the crown.

Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.