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Dr. King I want to see your dream!

January 16, 2012 in Featured, Ministry with 2 Comments

dr-king

In 1963 Dr. King spoke many words that have transformed our world.  Words that were powerful and words that are still being put into place today almost 50 years later.  Each week as I pastor a small church here in NW OKC I pray to see the fulfillment of the dream Dr. King spoke of.

You see, we have a president of color and we have color mixed in many areas of our society.  Our schools, our work place, our parks, and our sports!  Yet for some strange reason when it comes to Sunday morning, there is a great divide.  People of color tend to go with their color.  Yet in one part of the speech that Dr. King wrote he says some words that I think we need to pray for and seek.  He writes…

“With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”

Dr. King I want to see your dream.  I want to see men and women of diverse color praying together and struggling together.  I want to see men and women of diverse color worshiping the God who made all the colors.  I want us to listen to one another’s struggles and work together to solve the issues that are still at hand.  I want to see the local church filled with all the colors God created.  Only by the power of God and the presence of God will we see true brothers and sisters of color worshiping together in one place.

Each week, one of my greatest joys as a pastor is the getting to worship in a place where the dream of Dr. King is a reality.   Yesterday, our church was full of color.  We had such diversity in skin color and in social status.  I am so proud of our people for loving and accepting each person regardless of their color or income level.  Yet, I want to see this all over this great country.  I want to see the dream of Dr. King come true in each and every church.

Our road to this place of diversity has not been easy.  I have seen the sickness of racism as people have left our church because of the fear of diversity.  I have heard the echoes of racism as people have voiced their concerns to me as a pastor.  I have seen fear in the eyes of people who love when their sporting team has a person of color or they go on a mission trip to help the poor, yet for some reason cannot handle when their church is filled with people of color and poor people.  This does not make sense.  My Bible still reads, “For God so loved the world…” I think this includes the rich and poor, as well as all those of skin color.

May it be that the men and women of God rise up together and break this Sunday morning barrier.  May our church be filled with diversity.  May we strive to worship the God of all colors together.  May it be that we repent of the sin of racism and become radical inclusive of all men and women regardless of color.  Dr. King I want to see your dream.

Are you present?

April 6, 2011 in Featured, Ministry with 0 Comments

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One of the first things I learned as an early follower of Jesus was this; “God is at work around me; so I need to pay attention.” Listen; if you and I are going to be really used of God in this life; we have to learn to be attentive to what God is doing around us.

We cannot allow our mind to worry about all the junk in this life.  We cannot be thinking about all the things we need to do.  We cannot be worried about what others are doing or thinking about us.  Instead, we have to be present in the here and now. This means we are focused on God and what he is doing around us and in us.

This is why when Paul starts Romans 12 and writes 2 ”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Getting your mind right is the key to learning to walk in the will of God.The very things you choose to think on will either help you or hinder you in doing the will of God in your life.  If you are worried about all kinds of things, you cannot be present; you will miss great opportunities to minister to others.

In Matthew 6 Jesus was helping us understand this issue.  Toward then in of the chapter, Jesus speaks on worry.  In verse 25, Jesus said – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”

Jesus is saying I have more important things for you to do with your life than to worry.  And then he goes on to give some illustrations of how God takes care of the birds and the lilies and basically tells us worry is a waste of time.  And then he concludes his teaching by pointing out that there is really is only one thing we need to be doing.  And in verse 33 he says, “seek first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Basically, be present by putting God first right here and now!

Dora the communicator

February 17, 2011 in Featured, Ministry, Teaching with 0 Comments

I recently watched Dora with my two little girls.  It was really fun, but as I watched this cartoon, Dora taught me some valuable lessons for communicating and teaching.  See if any of these help you as you prepare to teach others.

1.  Know your audience –  Information is just that – information.  I can go anywhere and get information.  Communication is so much more than just information.  It is about connecting with those you are speaking too.  In order to do that, you have to know your audience.  One of the best things I heard years ago was this, it is the teacher’s job to go to the audience and lead them where you want them to be.  Dora brings the information on a level where children can get it.

2.  Repeat and repeat.  Let me repeat that.  Repeat and repeat.  If you want someone to get what you are saying, keep repeating it.  Obviously you do not want to sound like a broken record, so find creative ways to repeat information over and over as you communicate.  In Dora, many different characters say it, sing it, and show it over and over.  For example, my children say “o man” about a million times after watching Dora.

3.  Help your audience.  Dora is so helpful.  Her adventures are usually centered around going out and helping someone who is in trouble.  If you want to be a good communicator, make sure what you are teaching is helpful.  Help your audience go somewhere, solve something, or add something of value in their life.

4.  Make it memorable.  In order to do this, you have to use visuals, songs, questions, and different tones to communicate.  One of the best things Dora does is show a visual while singing or repeating something.  Or she will ask a question and then pause.  This gets the audience involved.  Audience’s will remember what they are involved in.  Keep people involved.

5.  Take them on a Journey.  Dora is all about adventure.  Communication is best when you feel like you are going somewhere with the speaker.  I love when I am listening to someone and it feels as though time flew by.  It means they captured my attention and took me somewhere.

6.  Have fun.  When all is said and done, make sure you had a little fun.  Dora has fun while teaching lessons.

7.  Make your point clear.  What are you trying to say?  Dora is clear.  Clarity is a speakers best friend.  In you cannot understand what you are trying to say, how will anyone else in the audience.

So that is what Dora taught me.  Now it is time to try and apply these lessons as I teach this week.

Thank You

November 13, 2010 in Ministry with 0 Comments

This is a simple post to say “Thank You” to all those praying for our family and our staff during this time of transition.  As we attempted to get Real Church started again this last Sunday, the response was great.  I was amazed by your excitement and love that you showed Sunday.  I do not know what the future holds, but I do know this; I thank God for a church family that knows how to love and care and hang tough in hard times.  This is what church is all about.  Thank You for your text, your emails, and your support.  Thank You for being disciples and loving one another. Thank You!!!

Greater Things…

October 22, 2008 in Ministry with 1 Comment

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Real Church began as a dream on a piece of paper. God has made what was once just an idea into a reality. This church has been a place where so many have come to know Christ and grow in their personal relationship with Him.

With God’s blessings and your amazing support we have been able to move from only 9 people and no money to a wonderful meeting place on North Pennsylvania. Through our church we have seen children, youth, college students, and adults impacted and touched. We have been able to support missionaries around the world, help plant churches locally and globally, and support orphanages in China, Africa, India and other surrounding areas.

Yet, the best is yet to come. Real Church is known as a place “where you can be you” and we want to extend that in this city. We have been praying to see God do greater things right here. In order to make a great impact in this area, we need to expand our children’s ministry and refront our current location. Literally thousands of people drive by our campus everyday and we want them to notice us. Right now, we appear like a night club or at least an old skating rink. It is time to make a change.

This Sunday will be a time of commitment for our members.  For those who read this I ask that you pray and give.  You can go to our web site to learn more about this exciting project.  The web site is at www.realchurch.tv/greaterthings

God is going to do great things in the days to come.

July Stuff…

July 31, 2008 in Life, Ministry with 0 Comments

  1. My grandma and great grandma are in the hospital. Please pray for them.
  2. Julie and I still need to decide what to call our next baby girl. Any suggestions? We want the middle name to be HOPE.
  3. One of my good friends lost his dad suddenly to a heart attack this last week. God give him peace and comfort.
  4. We had students get saved at camp this month. Thank You God.
  5. One of our church Air Conditioners went out. It is going to cost $9500 to fix it. That is a hard hit, but God always takes care of us. Thanks staff for being patient about having no air in the office.
  6. God is doing amazing things in the life of one of my friends in recovery. He is making it. Thank God.
  7. Sara, my trainer, is continuing to make me work out hard. I am now down 16 lbs.
  8. As I have already posted, but I will repeat, Luke and Megan got married. Yeah!
  9. Got to spend a week speaking to HS Students. It was awesome to see tender hearts follow God and to spend time alone seeking the Lord.
  10. Planned out some incredible new series for the fall. This fall will rock at real church.
  11. Many new plans are in the work for RC this fall. As August progresses I will be speaking to the church. Thank You God for some wise advisers that have stuck in there on this journey.
  12. Broken was a powerful series where God moved in the hearts of some of our key people. I am still challenging our church to pray “Lord break me.” Thank You for those who have shared with me.
  13. After “Lord make us colorblind” pastor Clarence and I have been praying in July about what God wants us to do next. We are committed to asking God to break the Sunday morning segregation. July 06 was one of the finest moments in the history of our church. Thank You Lord.
  14. Satan has tried to discourage me this month. This can only me good things are around the corner. “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” -Psalm 16:8
  15. I have become a huge Sushi fan. I really do not understand this, but it is slowly becoming a passion. Crazy! What is your favorite sushi?
  16. Julie has had a tough time this month in pregnancy. Her iron and blood sugar have been low. Yet amidst the tiredness and having a very active 2 year, she has done an amazing job as a mom and wife.
  17. The bible has been so refreshing. As I read finished 2 Corinthians, it was awesome to see Paul get frustrated, I felt comfort. As I read through Titus and Timothy, God challenged me as an overseer. Now I am in James and boy is he direct.
  18. Another good friend who’s wife had breast cancer 12 years ago and they thought they got it all, may have some more issues. Test came in with signs of some new formation, so now they have to do more test. He is handling it so well. I admire the way he trust God.
  19. Real Church was able to send two more out on mission this month.  Casey and Summer Short have moved to Texas to work with Gospel for Asia in their church planting movement.  Please pray for them.  We will miss you guys.  Casey my stomach will not miss late night tacos though.
  20. I found a new favorite quote. “History is history, tomorrow is a mystery, so live today.” With that said, I look forward to this moment and new ones tomorrow should God allow it. As James says “Life is a vapor…” Hello August.

Satan’s Schemes

July 30, 2008 in Leadership, Ministry, Teaching with 0 Comments

Sunday I spoke about being broken by God. During the writing of the message and also during the delivery of the message I could sense the Holy Spirit really speaking to me and through me. So afterwards I was doing some thinking especially about How God will allow Satan to take from you yet not touch you. (Read Job 1 if you do not know what I am talking about)

Anyways, as I thought on the way God allows Satan to work I ran across an interesting read by Beth Moore. She asks the question: “How do wholehearted and sincere servants of Christ become vulnerable to demonic seduction?” She says, “None of us is sinless, but sin is not where the enemy most often gets his foothold among the godly. Rather, where Christian victims are concerned, the enemy more often latches on to personal weaknesses.” I love that, “Christian victims.” Constantly I try to warn fellow believers, “Our battle is not against flesh and blood… (Eph. 6:12)” Satan wants to steal from you and destroy you, he wants to make you into a victim.

Then Beth goes on to list four specific weaknesses that regularly open believers up to demonic seduction. Here they are:

1. Ignorance

Beth says “what we do not know can hurt us!” So many believers are really ignorant to the schemes of Satan in their life. The go day by day blaming or looking at others, yet never really seeing their real enemy. Satan loves this, he is an excellent fisherman. He knows how to lay great lures right in front of well meaning followers who are ignorant of the truth.

2. Spiritual passion that exceeds biblical knowledge

Beth says “This one area of ignorance drains our spiritual strength faster than any other.” Most believers spend more time in their personal passions than they do the word of God. They are passionate about what they want and how they think things should be in their life, yet spend very little time searching God’s word. Jesus said it best, “The truth will set you free.” Beth says “Without His truth in our heads and hearts, we are lame ducks awaiting the inevitable.”

3. A lack of discernment

Beth says “knowing the difference between what is and is not of God is critical to living in victory. If, after all, we cannot discern the Devil’s lies from God’s promises, we have little hope of tuning Satan out or tuning the Lord in.” Discernment comes from an intimate walk with God.

4. A lack of self-discernment

This is the ability to be honest with yourself. Where are you sinning intentionally and where are you sinning by error? Beth says “Anytime we are loaded down with sins, whether intentional or not, we are game for seduction. We are vastly helped when we recognize, acknowledge, and ask forgiveness for our errors, both the intentional and the unplanned.

If you are a follower of Jesus, Satan wants to “steal, kill, and destroy.” Where have you seen him destroy a part of your life?

Racism

July 3, 2008 in Convictions, Ministry, Teaching with 0 Comments

I am so excited about this coming weekend at Real Church. We are finishing the One Prayer series by joining up with my friend Pastor Clarence Johnson of Joy Christian Center. Our two churches will come together and pray one bold prayer; “Lord, make us colorblind.” This weekend we will talk about Racism, primarily the black and white issue. I am excited about co-teaching with Pastor Clarence and enjoying worship lead by both our worship leaders.

As we have worked together on the service God has been burdening my heart about the need to break down racial barriers within the church. Sunday Mornings are typically the most segregated time slot in our culture. Why is this? Why do these issues still exist and especially within the body of Christ?

Please if you read this comment. Share your opinion on this subject. It is a serious issue affecting many lives. Also if you have been affected by racism in some form, please share your story.

One Prayer

June 20, 2008 in Evangelism, Ministry with 0 Comments

I am so excited about the One Prayer series we are currently doing at Real Church. Did you know that 1480 churches representing 830,000 people in 27 countries are standing together during this series? That should pump you up. As I have said since the beginning, during this series we are partnering with churches to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. One way we are doing this is by doing a local mission together with another church body. Tomorrow morning here at Real Church we are teaming up with volunteers from Life Church to reach out to our local community. We will be going door to door giving out a simple gift to let people know “God loves them” and we are here to serve them. Take a look at what we have to give out…


We bought some 1500 or so Oreo’s to pass out this weekend. Not only that we will be offering a FREE Car Wash for the community and serving lunch to people in the park. This is going to be awesome. We are starting at 8:00 am and should wrap up by 2:00. Bring your family and make a difference.

Not only are we doing a mission, this coming weekend we will be receiving an offering (in addition to your regular offering). Together we will support four international organizations in planting 500 new churches in Cambodia, India, Sudan, and China! The local church is the hope of the world, and these churches will be able to make a sustainable, lasting and eternal impact on these four strategic regions.

I hope these two things get you excited. If not, we have one more for you. On July 06th we will be partnering with another local church. Joy Christian Center is coming to join with us in worship. Our theme for this weekend is “Make us colorblind.” I am so excited about preaching with Pastor Clarence Johnson. Not only will we preach together, but our two worship leaders will lead worship together as well. This will be a great weekend of breaking down racial barriers and serving God together.

What part of “One Prayer” excites you the most? Or you can answer this question: What did you think about Perry Noble’s teaching last weekend?

Praying to make a difference…

June 15, 2008 in Convictions, Leadership, Ministry with 0 Comments

Britain’s William Wilberforce, at the end of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth centuries, prayed to make a difference in the lives of slaves and slave owners. His prayer was simple, “May God enable me to have a single eye and simple heart, desiring to please God and to do good to my fellow creatures.” Yet the ability to see slavery outlawed within British Parliament and among England’s financial power brokers would carry with it great sacrifice and personal discomfort.

Nevertheless, for twenty long years William Wilberforce continued to pray and work to stop slavery. William displayed great courage as he worked within parliament and eventually a vote was made that abolished slavery. His work and this vote served as a model for the movement that was to take place in the United States during the nineteenth century. Even though it took an American Civil War, eventually slavery in America was abolished.

As I read about William Wilberforce, it made me wonder; “how many times have I stopped praying and working because the journey to make a difference was long and hard?”

What are you praying about that will make a difference for the Kingdom?

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