My Heart Is Broken For This Country!!

 

John 15:18-19 New Living Translation

The World’s Hatred

18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

So Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist was murdered today in broad daylight, while speaking on a college campus in Utah. Charlie was a Christian, a husband and a father! He was unashamed by his faith! He boldly and openly spoke about his love for Jesus. 

He went to college campuses all over the country to speak to the young college students. To get an open dialogue going about recent events going on across the country. What the students thought and how they responded to them.

Because he didn't agree with them or side with them, they labeled him as a racist, hate filled Christian. 

I followed Charlie quite a bit. I would watch his videos and watch the debate happening between him and the students. He never once promoted hatred, racism, anything negative. He always welcomed everyone's opinion whether he agreed with it or not. He just wanted to get a conversation started.

Titus 3:2 English Standard Version

2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

So today, apparently someone had enough of Charlie's rhetoric, pulled out gun and opened fire, striking him & killing him.

In my mind, he died a martyr. Proclaiming the name of Jesus everywhere all the time. He never hated anyone or ran any one into the ground. He would calmly discuss with others, even though they would get angry. Yell and shout all the while he remained calm.

My heart is breaking for Charlie's family tonight. I can't imagine how they are feeling right now. To realize that your husband or your kids dad is not coming home again, ever!!

Ironically, even though he was shot to death, he was a defender of the 2nd amendment. He defended the right to own and bear firearms!

Matthew 5:10-11 New Living Translation

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

My heart breaks for this country. All the senseless violence going on. Murder in broad daylight. Woman getting stabbed and killed while taking public transportation. ICE in our cities. Military in our cities. Kids getting shot at a church. On and on it goes. When will it end?? We need Jesus now more than ever!!

Genesis 6:11 Amplified Bible

11 The [population of the] earth was corrupt [absolutely depraved—spiritually and morally putrid] in God’s sight, and the land was filled with violence [desecration, infringement, outrage, assault, and lust for power].

Not much has changed since the first book of the Bible was written. Not much at all.

I pray that Jesus comes sooner than later! 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Questioned.

 

I was wearing the shirt in the picture while on vacation last week. My wife and I decided to take an old time sail boat cruise out of Bar Harbor, ME. The boat was full of people of all ages. Mom's, dad's, grandma's and grandpa's. Plenty of family units as well. We were cruising on our way back to the dock when an older gentleman seated kitty corner from me asked me about my shirt. He asked what Disciple was? Was it this or that? Or is it the name of a band? I told him Disciple was the name of a Christian metal band.

Right away, the guy sitting next to us chimes in with kind of chuckle. He's like " a Christian metal band huh?" "Isn't that kind of contradictory?" Me -"How so?" Him - "Well doesn't metal music use the Devils Tri-tone?" "So for a Christian metal band to use the Devils Tri-tone, oooo!"

I'm like "I don't know bro! I don't get that technical with my music. If the music is good and the lyrics lift up the name of Jesus, then I'm in." 

How come every time I tell someone that I listen to Christian metal, they automatically mention the devil and that metal music is of him? Like you can't listen to that genre of music and be a Christian.

Let me tell you something. I have worshipped God more at a Disciple concert than at a Lauren Daigle concert.

I have worshipped God more at a Stryper concert than at two Christian heavy weights concert. Steven Curtis Chapman and Amy Grant.

With both Stryper and Disciple and many of the other metal bands I have seen live, the Holy Spirit was very evident the whole evening. With the aforementioned Christian worship artists, nothing! Nada. Spirit was not there, nor was he moving amongst the crowd.

Secular metal can sing about the Devil, Satan, sex, drugs and rock n' roll.

Why can't Christian metal play the same kind of music but sing about Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, prayer, etc. etc.

I don't see the problem. But, a lot of people look at me with side eye when I mention being a Christian and listen to metal and attend the concerts.

Not all Christian music needs to be the Gaithers or Pat Boone. Nothing wrong with either one of those artists. Other than boring!

There are plenty of "country" Christian artists. Ben Fuller, Anne Wilson, Cain! Never hear anything about them and the music that they play. 

Aren't there secular country artists who sing about cheating, drinking, fighting & so on?  So why is okay for Christian artists to play Christian country but not Christian metal??

Ephesians 5:19-20 The Message

19-20  Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

This is what I do when I listen to Christian metal. I don't sing the lyrics back to the band, I sing them to God. Praise Him. Worship Him. With a heart of gratitude for all He has done for me!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Being Feed Gods Word.

 I went to a Christian music festival over the weekend in Newark, IL. The headline artist was Matthew West. A native of Illinois who now lives in Nashville. Anyway, the whole evening you could just feel the presence of God. Holy Spirit was very evident. From the time I put my Jeep in park, till the time I took it out of park and headed for home. Able to pray for people, testify to people, and just plain talk and listen to people. I was in my element. 

While Matthew was performing I had a thought about a similar setting, during Jesus' time. Where this festival is held is at a church outside Newark that is surrounded by fields. Very large fields. I was watching him perform with the stage facing out from the end of the field towards the 6,000 plus people in attendance. Then the thought came to me. This reminds me of when Jesus feed the 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread.

Now, I'm not comparing Matthew West to Jesus, that would be crazy. But the concert itself reminded me of that miracle that Jesus performed. Instead of feeding the crowd physical food, Matthew was feeding us God's word with drums, guitars, bass and voice. Every word that was sung or note that was played pointed everyone towards Jesus!

Instead of having the crowd sit down in groups to receive the music, we all stood in unison as we worshipped our Lord and Savior! Arms stretched wide in surrender. Singing for all that we had to give! It was amazing to be a part of. Getting chills just writing about it.

Like I said you could feel God's presence the whole evening, even before a song was played by any of the artists. 

It was hot, 101 heat index. The weather forecast was for possible severe storms that evening. While standing in line to get food, the sky to the west got very dark and angry looking. I'm like "here we go, it's coming." Then you could almost feel the breath of God blowing through the festival. With in a few minutes the storm clouds were gone and it actually cooled down. God had blown the storm out of the area to the North and left us with incredible weather to worship Him.

Then to show that He is God, He created one of the most awesome sunsets that I have ever seen. It was like He was telling us, "Don't worry about any storm." "Enjoy this beautiful sunset while worshipping me." The rest of the night was just amazing. Worshipping with 6,000 other Jesus freaks in a giant field, in the middle of nowhere! It just proves that you don't need to go to a church to meet Jesus. He'll meet you right there in the middle of a field.

Matthew 18:20 Amplified Bible

20 For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”

Well, there were more than two of us there and He was definitely with us. What an amazing God we worship. He is so worthy of all the praise and glory!

God Bless.

Rev. Kev.

400

 400. No it's not the sequel to the movie 300. It's not a homerun total, or a point total for any sports. 400. It's the total number of blog posts I have posted since I started my blog in January 2011. When given a list of tasks to complete for my ministry schooling, I picked blogging as my choice. I had no idea on what I was doing. My wife helped come up with the name for the blog. Once that was accomplished, I just started writing and writing and writing.

If you would have told me that 14 years later that I would still be blogging, I would have said "yeah right!" But here I am, still going.

Originally my blog was just about my life and things that I have gone through or endured. Then the Holy Spirit took over and wanted me to lift up, strengthen and encourage. So my posts started to change. They were still personal to what I was going through or something that had happened to me, but I was to use it to help others who might be going through something similar.

Proverbs 27:17 New Living Translation

17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

A lot of my posts are music or movie driven. I hear a song and it will trigger something in me. A reminder of sorts. Or I see a movie and it's will spark an idea to blog about. When these things happen, I don't believe that it is by coincidence. I believe that it is the Holy Spirit wanting me to use these tools to write about something that somebody may need and not know it.

If I'm outside on a walk, or hiking, God will speak to me about this idea or that idea. I know it's from Him because He will not let me forget about it, until I get out in writing.

I could be driving, working, really any kind of activity and The Lord will speak to me and give me the idea of what to write. If it were up to me, I would have been finished about a week into this project. 

Proverbs 3:5 Amplified Bible

5 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

So as this is actually post 401, I hope that the previous 400 have encouraged you. Lifted you up. Inspired you. Challenged you in some way. I pray that my iron sharpened your iron.

So here is to another 400, God willing.

God bless.

Rev. Keven

I Got You!

Have you ever had anything happen where you thought "oh no, this isn't going to end well." Then all of a sudden you hear God's voice or feel God's presence saying "I got you." "You're going to be okay, trust Me!" I have had that happen several times during my walk with Jesus the last eighteen years. The most recent was when my brakes went out on my van and I had to blow through a red light, with cars lined up on both sides. As chaotic as that was, I could just feel the presence of Jesus saying to me, "I got you." And He did. Nothing bad came out of it. No accident, no damage to person or vehicle, nothing!

Psalm 121:8 New Living Translation

8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

I'm always thankful for His watchful eye and arms of protection. Even when things do go sideways, it could always be worse without Jesus being involved! He has protected me time and time again. I know it's Him, because if it were me, I would have ended myself years ago! Sometimes I do not make good choices in life. That's why I trust in Jesus, and not myself. My way will end up in destruction.

Proverbs 3:4-5 Living Bible

4-5 If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.

It's been like this from the day I said yes to Jesus. As soon as I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, I could feel him saying to me, "I got you!"

Though I may stumble and fall, He is still faithful to me.

Psalm 37:24 New Living Translation

24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

God has gotten good at picking me up when I stumble and fall. Picks me up, dusts me off and tells me to keep moving forward, He has work for me to do.

Psalm 73:23 Amplified Bible

23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.

So I encourage you today. No matter what may come against you or something that you are going through, hear God saying "I got you!"

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Other Plans.

 I bought this t-shirt last August when I saw Ben Fuller perform at Helmar Palooza. He has a song by the same title. Very powerful. Take a listen to it if you can. When I saw this shirt it triggered me to think about all the things that God as saved me from or protected me from. He has other plans for me. Things that I had no idea about. If you would have told me years and years ago that I would become a pastor in the future, I would have asked you what you were drinking!! He had other plans!

The fact that I am still breathing today is by the grace of God. I have done plenty of stupid things in my life that could/should have ended me. But here I am. Thanks to God! He had other plans!

I was wearing this shirt the other night when I went to make a hospital visit in Aurora. On my way home, just a little south of Elburn, I was approaching the intersection of 47 and Main St. The light was red, so I went to apply my breaks, only to discover they weren't there. Nothing, nada, gone! I started freaking out to say the least. I was approaching the intersection at over 50MPH with no signs of slowing down! I went to move the gear shifter into neutral to try and take some of the power away from the drive. Nothing. Lever did not move at all. Dear Jesus, take control. I had no idea what to do in that moment. As a last ditch effort, I tried the gear shifter one more time. With all the force I could muster, I was able to shift all the way up into park. Whew! Nope, van kept moving. Even in park! So I prepared to blast through the intersection. I started blowing my horn and flashing my lights to let everyone know that I was not stopping. Then, I prepared for impact. For a car coming from the other direction, or a car turning left onto Main St. 

I made it through the intersection without an incident. No crash, nobody got hurt, Praise Jesus! It took me over a mile to get stopped, with the van in park. I coasted to a stop on the shoulder and called a tow truck. No way I was going to attempt that again. So they came in hooked my up and towed my van back to DeKalb. As they were hooking up to the van, one of the workers noticed my shirt and said that he liked it. I had forgotten what I was wearing, so I looked down. Yep, I told him. God sure does have other plans. Things could have gone much worse than what happened, but God was with me and protected me.

I started praising God for everything. I praised Him for getting me to stop on a very wide shoulder of road. I praised Him for when it happened. It happened at 9:30 at night. Not much traffic out at that time. If it had happened at 5:30 in the afternoon, things would have been much different. I praised Him for the tow truck getting there quickly. Despise what happened, everything went extremely well afterword. I give God thanks for that. 

I don't know what His plan is for this happening, but I'm sure it is for somebody I know. I have been telling everyone about what God did for me in that moment! He gets all the praise, glory and honor. I did nothing but hold on for dear life!

Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation

7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving

I was mentally shaken up, but otherwise fine. God had His arms of protection around me, once more. He never fails and His timing is never late!

Psalm 55:22 Living Bible

22 Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Anxious Anticipation!

 Does anyone remember the ketchup commercial from the '70's about anticipating the ketchup coming out of the bottle onto your food or plate or where ever? It was for Heinz ketchup and the people in the commercial were anxiously anticipating it because it was supposed to be the best ketchup and they couldn't wait to get it out of the bottle. I remember that commercial like it was yesterday! I remember the jingle as well.

How about when you order something online and you anxiously anticipate the delivery of the product that you bought. You want it delivered right now, but you have to wait. And sometimes you have to wait and wait and wait. Then wait some more. It's frustrating to have to wait so long. When it finally arrives, oh the rejoicing that you do. You pick it up out of the mail box or off of the porch depending on how it was delivered. You hug it, say to it that you have waited so long for it to come and now it is finally here. Or is that just me!

How about a concert that you bought tickets to? Sometimes I get my tickets several months in advance and then do the waiting thing! Keep looking at the calendar asking "is it time yet?" Only to be let down that you have awhile more to wait. Ugh!

This could be said about anything cool. A birthday, any holiday, a day off of work, having family visit. You anxiously anticipate the event to come. Then when it does, you rejoice.

There is one event that I wish more people were more anxiously anticipating. The return of Jesus! That is THE ONE event that I am really anticipating to happen. Oh, what rejoicing we'll do when that happens. To be free of the problems of this world. To be present with Jesus, forever!

Revelation 21:4 English Standard Version

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Here is the thing though. Unlike sitting around anticipating delivery of the goods that we order, we are not to sit around idly waiting for Jesus return. He has work for us to do until He returns.

He wants us to remain watchful.

He wants us to continue to witness to others.

We are to keep worshipping.

To walk in obedience.

We are to work for The Kingdom, until Jesus return.

Titus 2:12-13 New Living Translation

12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

As much as you love seeing the mailman or door dash or the Amazon driver walking up your sidewalk, I can not wait to see Jesus coming towards me with an outstretched arm. That is what I am anxiously anticipating!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Second Chances!

 Do I believe that God is a God of second chances? This question has been asked a lot of me recently with some of the things going on in the world.

That question started me thinking about that. Is God a God of second chances?

The answer is, of course He is.

Did He give King David a second chance after his affair with Bathsheba? (2 Samuel 11:2-5)

Didn't He give the Samaritan woman at the well a second chance? (John 4:1-42)

He gave Jonah a second chance after he ran away. (Luke 11:30)

How about Peter? After denying he even knew Jesus three times, he was given a second chance. (Matthew 16:18)

Paul was persecuting Christians up until His trip to Damascus! There came his second chance! (Acts 9:1-19)

As I was pondering the response to this question, a song started playing from my play list. Shocker, I know!

It is a song by the band White Cross. The title is ironically titled "No Second Chances." The song is about a man named Lazarus and rich man. Lazarus was a beggar who laid outside the rich mans gate. They both died and Lazarus went to Heaven and the rich man went to hell. (Luke 16:19-31)

As the song goes, the rich man is asking for one more chance to make things right. To be able to go back and warn his brothers of what will happen if they deny Jesus.

You see, once you die, there are no more second chances to make things right. You're either right with Jesus before you breathe your last or you're not! After you pass away, there are no more second chances!

You either spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven, or eternity with Satan and the torment of Hell. You can't cross from one to the other. What is done is done! No going back!

I know that God has given me a second chance for a new life in Him. I was one way, and now I am another. I thank Him for that, daily!

So I urge you tonight to think about your life. The choices you make today have consequences for the future. Once they are made and you happen to pass away, you will not get a second chance!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Epic Failure!!

So the Newsboys lead singer Michael Tait has been in the news with a moral failure of epic proportions! He has been accused of some horrific things and has admitted to doing them. And now some more accusations have come out implicating some of the crew for the band as well. The whole situation makes me sick to my stomach. I can't believe a person with that kind of high profile would do such horrendous things. If you look back over the course of history, many people in a high profile position have had epic moral failures. King David. The Samaritan woman at the well. Peters denial. Paul's past. How about more recently? Jim Baker. Robert Morris. The list can go on and on. It is by no means exhaustive!

My point is that Mr. Tait is not the first high profile person to have moral failure. He is just the latest. Unfortunately there will be more. It's just our human nature!

Romans 3:23 English Standard Version

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

What I don't understand is now K Love and other radio stations are dropping the Newsboys from their playlists. Their record label has dropped them. Because of one persons actions. The whole band has not been accused, just the one member. So why punish the whole band?

Isn't that passing judgement?  

Matthew 7:3 New Living Translation

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?

I wonder how many of the music programmers working for these stations are sin free? How many of the people working at the record label are sin free? I'm going to go out on a limb and say "none".

I'm not condoning what Mr. Tait has done. It is horrendous to say the least. But don't judge his sin because he sinned differently than you. Sin is sin. No matter how big or small "we" think it is. It is still sin in God's eye!

Aren't we supposed to walk with our brothers and sisters in Christ when they stumble or fall? See that they get the help that they need. Repent and turns from their sin. Not abandon them in their hour of need. That seems un-Christ like to me.

1 Peter 5:10 Living Bible

10 After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.

If Michael Tait came through the door of our church, I would hug him, tell him I am praying for him and offer whatever help I could. I would not shame him, or shun him! Jesus used all the people mentioned above after their epic sins against Him. He can do the same for Michael Tait!

Let's show the love of Jesus, even to the ones who have committed an epic failure.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Twisted Flags.

 The company I work for have three flags that fly over the main entrance. One is the American flag, one is the State of Illinois and the other is the DeKalb county flag. The hang on three different poles sticking out of the side of the building. The are always blowing around and getting tangled and wrapped up with each other. I have noticed these flags everyday for the last thirteen years. I have seen them get tangled and then untangled! It is a constant struggle to keep them from doing this. Can't really control the wind. How hard it blows and in which direction.

Anyway............

I'm walking across the parking lot from my van this week to go to punch in. I look up at the flags, like I said I have done everyday for the last thirteen years. But today they hit me different. Not sure why, but God was speaking to me through those flags.

He had me notice that they were tangled and wrapped up in each other more than usual. I thought that was weird.

God was like "isn't this like my children?" "Walking straight and righteous when all of sudden a gust of wind will whip up and get them tangled and wrapped up in sin!" How many times have we heard something different that goes against what we know is true, so we think that we'll give that a try and all of a sudden here comes the gale of wind. Blowing us this way and that way. Next thing we know, we are intwined, wrapped, tangled in a situation that we know better to be in.

Romans 7:15 Amplified Bible

15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity].

If we are grounded in Christ and His word, no matter how hard or what direction the wind blows, we will not be swayed!! We will stay straight and true! Not saying the winds won't come or the storms, they will trust me but, we have Jesus to lean on!

Ephesians 4:14 New Living Translation

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

To get the flags untangled and straightened around, our maintenance dept. has to go out with a scissor lift and fix them.

We don't need a maintenance dept to fix our problem. We have the ultimate fixer in Jesus! He is our savior. No matter how hard or which direction the wind blows. He fixes us with His unfailing grace and mercy.

I encourage you to get grounded in Christ, so that when the winds and storms do come, you have the ultimate anchor to hold you in place, JESUS!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Remember That One Time.

 We have been learning at church the last few weeks about memorials. When God did something for someone, they would build an altar of memorial. To remind them of what God has done for them. They would gather 12 stones, one for each tribe of Israel and pile them up to make an altar to The Lord, to mark the place where a miracle happened. When the younger generation would pass by and see this memorial they would ask what it was for. The older generation would tell them "remember that one time?" "When God did this for us."

They did this when God stopped the Jordan river so the Israelites could cross to the other side.

Joshua 4:6-7 New Living Translation

6 We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”

An altar is a physical reminder of God's faithfulness. Our memories can fade as we get older, but with these physical altars to look at, it will remind us again "remember that one time!"

What kind of altars do you erect in this modern world? I'm sure gathering stones has gone by the wayside, but there are other ways to build an altar to remind of what God has done for us.

How about dates on a calendar? You have specific dates circled or highlighted. Some special date that God did something for you. Or came through for you in a mighty way. People can see the dates that you have circled or highlighted and ask you what those dates mean to you. Oh, let me tell you what God did for me on those dates.

Dec 2: Proposed to my girlfriend. She said yes.

May 31: Got custody of my daughter.

May 15: Bought our first house.

July 22: My salvation day. The day that I said yes to The Lord!

I could go on and on but I think that you get the idea. All of these dates are my memorial altars. Days I can reflect on "remember that one time!"

Psalm 77:11-12 New Living Translation

11 But then I recall all you have done, O Lord, I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. 12 They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

So I encourage you to remember all that God has done for you and in some special way, make something to remember that date. It will be a constant reminder of God's faithfulness.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Detox, I Need Too!

Have you ever left the house and as soon as you step out the door, the world starts beating you down. Traffic, congestion on the way to work. People not being kind or polite while waiting in line for coffee, food, whatever. Expecting to get things their own way, no matter what or whom it bothers. As long as it benefits them, they don't care. 

You get to work or wherever it is you are going and things just don't go right, or as you think that they should. You clock in and the negativity starts. This person, that person starts complaining about something. You're like "dude, I just clocked in." It starts to affect you as well. All of a sudden you realize that you are starting to complain as well. It's just not how you thought the day would start! You don't like what you are becoming and want to change.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Living Bible

33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things. If you listen to them you will start acting like them.

Like a song from one of my favorite bands, we need to detox. Not go to detox, but to detox from the negative, worldly environment. How do we do that as Christians. Glad that you asked.

We need to get into God's word. Read The Bible. Read what it says and put it into action. Learn what it says to do and not do. 

Another way to detox is by praying. Crying out to God, to hear my pleas. To protect my ears and eyes from things that are not of Him.

Psalm 119:37 New Living Translation

37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

I work on a receiving dock. I deal with drivers all day. The language that they use, oh my. All of a sudden after a few hours of this, I hear myself starting to say things that I normally wouldn't. Foul words would slip from my mouth. I'm like "you drivers, corrupting my language!" I try to block it out, but with it being a constant it's hard to do.

Colossians 3:8 Amplified Bible

8 But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth.

We have a buzzer that a driver will push to let us know that they are there and ready to check in for a delivery. After dealing with a few drivers, I hear this buzzer go off, and I'm like "take it easy so & so!" "Give me a minute to get down there." I get angry for absolutely no reason. For them simply pushing a button. But the foul language and worldly attitudes I get from drivers, I start to act like them. 

I detox by surrounding myself with like minded people. Go to church. Worship with other believers. I go to concerts, connect with other fans of the band(s). Share that experience with each other.

Proverbs 27:17 New Living Translation

17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

So I encourage you. When the world starts to pull you down, start a worldly detox. Get into God's word. Pray and surround yourself with other believers. 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Heed The Call.

More music, more inspiration. Some songs I have been listening to lately have been singing about hearing/heeding The Call. What call you may be asking. The call from Jesus. They sing about Him calling you. Calling you into what exactly? That depends on you. What your giftings are. Where He can use you most effectively! 

Maybe He is calling you into to being a street evangelist! Having you stand on public sidewalks and proclaim Him and His Gospel. Tell people about Jesus! Give testimony.

Maybe He is calling you into full time ministry. To be a pastor at a church. To lead His flock. 

Maybe a missionary. Calling you into a different part of the world. A part that doesn't know Him. Never met a Christian let alone ever heard about Jesus! Or calling you to be a missionary at your work place, or school. Don't have to leave the country to be a missionary.

Calling you into being a chaplain of some sort. Hospital, military, police dept, fire dept. Hospice. Home care. Wherever He needs you.

A team chaplain. Football, baseball, basketball, hockey. Those are the big four. Could be a high school or college chaplain.

Maybe He's calling you to be a husband or wife. Calls you to be a parent. That is a high calling. To trust you with raising a child or children. They don't exactly come with instruction manuals! To be a step parent. To step in when one of the birth parents are unable to. 

Maybe He is calling you to be a business owner. To run and operate in the community and show God's love to others by how you run it.

To be a great employee. To show up to work everyday on time. 

Colossians 3:23 Amplified Bible

23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,

To go above and beyond what they ask of you.

Matthew 5:41 New Living Translation

41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.

So my question to you is this. Are you listening? Will you heed The Call. The Call that God has placed on your heart, your life? Keep your ears tuned into what The Lord is saying or calling us to.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Ready, Willing, Able!

I listen to a lot of music. That is quite the understatement. Recently while listening to Petra,  a song came on that really got me thinking. The song 'Ready, Willing & Able'. I really start listening to the lyrics and I thought "wow", am I actually going to do what the song is saying?

The song talks about being ready to serve. Ready to serve your neighbor. Your church. Your community? People think that once you become a Christian, believing in God is enough. Not really. There is more than just believing. He calls into action, by serving.

1 Peter 4:10 New Living Translation

10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

We are not to sit on the sidelines. We are to engage, get in the game. Just like a tennis match can not get started without a serve, our walk with Jesus starts with a servants attitude. Jesus Himself taught us that when He came to Earth.

Matthew 20:28 Living Bible

28 Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve

Then the song talks about being willing. Are you willing to do what God tells you to do. Follow Him, no matter where He leads? If He leads you to go and be a missionary in some unknown land, are you willing to leave your family and everything that you have known, to go? Are you willing to count the cost of following Jesus? Following Him will cost you. Friends, family, maybe even your job. Maybe even your life. Are you willing?

Mark 8:34 Amplified Bible

34 Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and [a]take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].

The final question the song asks is are you able. Are you able to stand up for Jesus? Take a stand for Him in a world that rejects Him wholeheartedly? Are you able to stand and go toe to toe against your foes? Are you able to defend The Bible? Your new life in Christ? You'll have many people come against you. Are you able to withstand?

Ephesians 6:11 Amplified Bible

11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

So I ask you. Are you ready to serve? Willing to follow and able to withstand? I pray that your answers are yes and amen!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Almost, Caught In A Mosh! Thoughts Pt. 2

 Mosh Pit:

A mosh pit is an area in front of a stage at a concert, particularly at punk, metal, or high energy shows, where audience members engage in intense, physical activity, such as pushing, shoving, and jumping.

I have been involved in a few of these throughout my concert going career. Some directly, some indirectly! The ones I have actually been in, have not gone well. In fact they went so poorly for me that I always bow out when one starts and I am near it. I like my personal space. I don't like to be slammed into or against other people. For fun?? I don't get it.

The first one was at a small club in Chicago. Went to see a band on their first U.S. tour. The pit started and I got sucked right into it. Ended up kicking a guy in the head by accident when he went down. I never felt so bad for doing something like that, to another person. He recovered, got back up and continued moshing. Not me. I moved away from the front, closer towards the rear of the venue. I was done with that!

My friend and I went to see the Clash of The Titans tour at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin. The bill was Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth & Alice in Chains. The show started off kind of mellow, but by the time Slayer hit the stage, the crowd had been whipped into a frenzy. The pit started (this was the craziest pit I have ever witnessed). My friend and I were in the 8th row. The pit reached the 7th row. First time at a concert that I was actually scared of what might happen. I was afraid that the pit circle would grow even bigger and encompass us. Thankfully it never did. It stayed right where it was. Whew!

My brother and I attended Oz Fest a few years ago. They had two stages going at the time. We got there early and stood on the outer rim of the crowd of the second stage. The band Slipknot had a huge pit going. It was actually unbelievable. So we're there watching and this dude comes out of the crowd with blood just running down his face. He was like "___Yeah!!" "That was awesome!!" My brother and I look at each other and we both kind of mouth, "awesome??" Right!

So I fast forward to last weekend when I went to see the Christian thrash metal band Deliverance. They were on the bill with three secular bands. So Deliverance hits that stage. I am standing front row, right in front of the singer. You guessed it, a pit got started. I wanted no part of it as mentioned before, so I moved over to the right, in front of the guitar player.

The pit was getting wider and wider. People kept bumping/ramming into me. Almost as trying to entice me to engage the pit. I would have none of that!

Then the intrusive thoughts invaded my mind, once again. I so wanted to stick my leg out to trip some of them. Time it just right and throw my shoulder into one of them and knock them into next week. Then I heard God speak to me. Over the volume of Deliverance, through my ear plugs. Could not have been clearer. "Keven, these people are not bumping into or running into you on purpose. They are having fun and releasing their energy. Do not retaliate against them."

1 Thessalonians 5:15 The Message

15  And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

When I heard God's voice telling me not to do anything back, I realized that He was right. Like He always is! It was a Friday night after a long week. The music was loud and aggressive. Kids just wanted to let off some steam. Who was I get in their way? I just moved a little more to give them some more room and viola, no more contact. They enjoyed what they were doing and I enjoyed the rest of the show in peace! And it was EPIC!! 

So after it was all over and the house lights came up, one of the people in the pit came up to me and actually asked me to pray for him. I told him of course I would. Just God showing me again that it wasn't personal towards me. I was just a little to close to the action.

Galatians 6:2 Living Bible

2 Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s command.

Moral of the story is this. Listen to God's voice, no matter where or what you are doing. He can even reach you though some loud, heavy music.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Gratitude!

So yesterday at church, the worship team played the song by Brandon Lake “Gratitude”. This song really gets me pretty much all the time, but yesterday it hit much harder for some reason.

So, while the song was being played, I started reflecting on the last 4 ½ months of this year. The things I have been able to do. The people that I have been able to meet. To minister too. The places I have been able to go! The concerts I have gone to. The bands that I’ve been able to see. The bands that I’ve been able to meet. What a blessing! As I thought about all this, the tears really started to flow. I don’t deserve any of this. From what I have done and sometimes continue to do, I deserve His punishment. But He is a gracious God! His mercy is new every morning.

2 John 3 New Living Translation

3 Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.

Grateful for God waking me up every day! To be used by Him, for His purposes. To move me, position me in places or situations that He wanted me to be.

So how could my heart not be full of gratitude, my mouth full of praise for The One who deserves it all. It’s all because of Him I can do all these things!

Psalm 100:4 New Living Translation

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

Like Brandon sings in the song, all the words I have will fall short. All I can do is lift my arms and hands in praise to God! He has been so good to me and my family! I have felt His peace more than ever the first part of this year. He has placed me in situations that I thought I would never find myself. Meeting people I thought that I would never, ever meet! Praying for people that I have just met. Not the old cliché saying about how I’ll pray for you, and then never do it. No, He had me praying for people right on the spot, no matter where we are. Middle of the concert floor. Parking lot. Concourse.

Again, like the song goes, I have a lion inside. I cannot be shy about praising The Lord for what He has done for me. I must let it out. Let people hear the roar of praise! Hallelujah. With my arms stretched wide, I will worship You! The Alpha and Omega. The Beginning and the End!

The Great I AM!

Revelation 22:13 New Living Translation

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

So I encourage you tonight. Be grateful in every circumstance. 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

 

Intrusive Thoughts.

 So I'm standing by the back stage door of the Arcada theater after the Petra/White Cross concert. I wasn't really planning on hanging around after the show, but as I was walking towards where I had parked, a guy stopped me to talk about the show. So we were there chatting about the show that we just saw, and then other shows that we have attended. Then out of nowhere comes a voice. It's a voice I know well. It's loud and obnoxious. I have encountered this person at almost every show I have gone to at the Arcada. He is talk (yelling) to us. Asking us if we were waiting for (a) band to come out? He didn't even know who would be coming out the door, if anyone. So myself and the other guy go on with our conversation, when this other dude keeps butting in. Rudely I might add. Then all of a sudden the back door opens and out walks the lead singer for Petra. We're like "Hey John." He stops to tell us that He needs to put something in the van and that he would be right back. The other dude proceeds to chase him down the block. I'm like "dude, he said he would be right back. No need to chase him!"

So John comes back up to were we were all standing and starts chatting with us. The other guy wants him to autograph some stuff and all I want is a quick picture with him and to say hi. There are only three of us back there, so I'm thinking we'll each get a turn with John. Nope! The loud guy kept interrupting our time with John. First was the autograph guy. The loud guy doesn't have any idea on personal space. Instead of the usual 3', he is about 3" away from him. Pointing and talking about this song or that song. Totally raining on the autograph guys time. Then John turned towards me, said hello and we shook hands. Just as I was getting ready to chat with him, the loud guy butts in. I almost lost it. The old fleshly Keven almost came out. The intrusive thought about punching this guy, or shoving him, whatever it took to get him to shut up and leave us alone. I immediately flashed back to a song that Petra sang about an hour before.

The title of that song is 'Jekyll & Hyde'

In the song they sing about sometimes feeling like Jekyll or Hyde, depending on what situation they are facing. Two men fighting a war inside.

I instantly thought, wow, that is me right now. I want to hurt this person (not really) just to get him to shut up. I knew that was an ungodly thought. It wouldn't glorify God or make Him happy with me, but I had it none the less. I know The Bible says to take every thought captive, but still.

2 Corinthians 10:5 New International Version

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

This wasn't the first interaction I had with the loud guy. When I met Stryper last fall, he was pulling the same stuff. I won't say he ruined my meeting them, but he sure put a damper on it. So I had that history with him already before meeting Petra.

Do I always want my speech and actions to glorify God? Of course I do! But sometimes, things just happen. Thoughts invade and want to take you a different direction. How you respond is up to you.

Romans 3:23 Amplified Bible

23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,

I know this isn't my last time interacting with this person. I just pray that the next time I have a better thought process towards him. I'm sure he will not change, I need to. I need to get better at showing Jesus to him. By having those intrusive thoughts are not the way to do it. I need the mind of Christ. Let me see him the way that Jesus does.

Romans 14:19 Amplified Bible

19 So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth].

So I encourage you. If you stumble and have these kinds of thoughts, turn them over to God and let Him work in you.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

May 1st.

 So yesterday was May 1st. There are a few things I think of when this date rolls around. First thing is my cousin and his wife's wedding anniversary. Second thing is May baskets. My family used to give us May baskets every May 1st. They were cute little baskets filled with some kind of goodies for us. Not sure if it still happens or not, but it is a fond memory for me, for sure! The third thing that I think of is the saying "May day, May day, May day!" It is used by airplanes who are in distress.

Here is the origin of the saying that I came up with on Google.

Frederick Stanley Mockford, a senior radio officer in London, was put in charge of finding a good distress signal. He reasoned that because so much of the air traffic flew between Croydon and Le Bourget Airport in Paris, it might make sense to use a derivative of a French word.

He came up with "mayday," the French pronunciation of "m'aider" ("help me"), which itself is a distilled version of "venez m'aider," or "come help me." The U.S. formally adopted "mayday" as an official radiotelegraph distress signal in 1927.

Due to radio interference and loud ambient noise, pilots are told to repeat the word three times: "Mayday, mayday, mayday." The repetition also serves to help radio operators distinguish the transmission from others that simply refer to the mayday call.

I started thinking about this Mayday distress call. If the pilots call out on the radio with this statement, the people working the air traffic control tower know the plane is in trouble. They formulate a plan to help them get out of their predicament. 

What about us, who are not on an airplane and are in distress? Who do we call out to for help? That answer is easy. We call out to Jesus.

Psalm 121:1-2 New Living Translation

1 I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

God will help us in our times of trouble. We can call out to Him for help every time. There is no limit, to Him helping us. 

Like the song from Third Day says "Cry Out To Jesus!"

2 Chronicles 14:11 Living Bible

11 “O Lord,” he cried out to God, “no one else can help us! Here we are, powerless against this mighty army. Oh, help us, Lord our God! For we trust in you alone to rescue us, and in your name we attack this vast horde. Don’t let mere men defeat you!”

So I encourage you tonight. As you face troubles (don't worry, you will at some point) instead of uttering the Mayday call for help, call out to The One who can really rescue and help you in times of trouble. 

May you never look at May Day the same again.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Humbled.

 Last night I wrestled with God, in a dream. Not a physical wrestling match like Jacob (Gen 32:24), but a wrestling match in my mind. I am going to a concert tonight and I already had my shirt picked out that I was going to wear. God came to me in my dream and told me that He wants me to wear a different shirt tonight. I said that I already had my shirt picked out. It is already in the next to wear space in my closet. God said "that's great, I want you to wear something different." "The shirt you want to wear will bring attention to you." "This night is about me!" I don't know what He has planned, but who am I to say no to God? So, I'll humble myself and wear what He wants me to wear.

So I thought about humility. God has humbled me plenty of times during my life, and I accept His making me humble. He knows what is best for me. Like I said, who am I to question Him.

So I wondered if God ever humbled Himself? I would say that yes, yes He has.

Did He humble Himself when He was born a baby? He could have come as a full grown King, but instead He humbled Himself to born as a baby.

Did He humble Himself when He was born in a lowly stable? He could have been born in the Ritz Carlton, or some fancy inn, but He chose a humble birth in a stinky animal stable.

Was He humble when He entered Jerusalem on a donkey? The Bible calls it His triumphal entry. (Luke 19:28-40). I've read stories about other leaders triumphal entries and they are riding on a stallions, or chariots or something of some kind of significance. But the King of the world rode in on a donkey!

Was He humble when He washed the Disciples feet? He was taking on the role of a servant. Most kings were to be served, but Jesus came as a humble servant. (Mark 10:45)

I'm thinking about the Disciples who argued who should sit next to Jesus. They thought that their position at the table made them more important than the others. Jesus says that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Luke 18:14) Other words, we are not to think to highly of ourselves. If we are to be like Jesus, we are to humble ourselves.

Philippians 2:3 New Living Translation

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves

Was He humble when He died a criminals death? Beaten, scourged, nailed to a cross. Like a common criminal. He could have avoided all that, but He humbled Himself to take that head on.

Philippians 2:8 Living Bible

8 And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross.

I encourage you to live a humble life. Do good to others. Not to think to highly of yourself. God will humble you, if needed! 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Bow Down!

 Here we go. Another song inspired post. This one is a song by the band Disciple. The name of their song is 'Bow Down'. In the song, they sing about idols being set before them, to bow down to. Promising them this and that. Take you to the highest mountain, promise you a crown. From every direction there is a new voice shouting that they are the way, the truth and the life. Hogwash.

They (I, we) will never bow down to any other God than Jesus! He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. There is no other God but Jesus.

Isaiah 46:9 New Living Translation

9 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.

This song reminded me of the story in The Bible about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The King had set up a gold statue and ordered everyone to bow down to it. They refused.

Daniel 3:10-12 New Living Translation

10 You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. 11 That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.

You can read the rest of that chapter to find out how that turns out.

I started thinking about what I may be bowing down to without even thinking about it. I would like to think that I am not, but I am not perfect by any means.

Do I bow down to money? Of course I wish I had more. Who doesn't? But I don't serve money. I work a job to make a living and pay my bills. If I have .25 left after I'm done, then God gave me .25 more than I needed.

Do I bow down to greed? If you know me, this isn't the case. If it wasn't for my wife keeping me in check, I would give everything away. You want that or need that, here ya go. It's yours.

Do I bow down to my job? There may be a little truth to this one. I never miss work. I never call in sick. I have the attitude that I need to work, no matter what. I was taught that if you want something, you work for it. Well, there have been times when I chose work over other important things going on. It is a hard fault to break.

People would probably say that I worship and bow down to the band Stryper. I have seen them 10X in concert. I wear their shirts, support the band, but I don't worship them, I worship with them! They praise God and I'm there praising with them. I've even been given a nickname from someone inside my inner circle that revealed to me how they really feel about this.

At the end of me, I am only going to bow to one person and that person is Jesus. He is the only one I serve and worship! He alone is worthy of all the praise and glory. No one else comes close!

Psalm 95:6 New Living Translation

6 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,

So my question to you is this. What or whom are you bowing down to? Search and see what God reveals to you. 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Let's Go!!

 Did you know that when you accepted Jesus as your Savior, He has work for you to do? He doesn't want you to dilly dally about getting to it. He's like "Let's Go!!"

First thing for me would be to surround myself with other Christians. People who have been a Christian for awhile. They know a little something and could share with you. Lean on and learn from their experience. They can show you how to follow Christ, now that you are a believer  They can show you how a church operates. What goes on inside with worship and serving. Getting plugged in.

Proverbs 27:17 Amplified Bible

As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].

Second thing would be to open our mouth. Start telling people about Jesus. We are not saved to stay quiet. Wherever you go, tell everyone about Jesus and what He has done for you. Share your salvation story with everyone. Testify about God's truth! Proclaim His name from the streets to the roof tops! From mountain tops to the valleys!

Mark 16:15 New Living Translation

15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

Don't stop praising His name. Give Him all the honor and glory. He is worthy of it all! 

As you grow more and more in your walk with Jesus, start teaching others. Show them the way, just as you were shown the way when you were a baby Christian.

Matthew 28:19-20 New Living Translation

19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Third thing is to put your faith into action. Start serving others. Volunteer at a food bank. A pregnancy resource center. Give people rides. Help change a flat tire. Help someone move. Go visit someone in the hospital. Bring a meal to someone who is home bound! Pay for someone's meal in a restaurant. Just get moving. Jesus doesn't want us to stand still. He wants us to get in the game and start participating!

Acts 20:35 New Living Translation

35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

So my question is this. What is stopping you? What is making you not do what The Lord calls you to do? Are you afraid of what people will think of you? If you are afraid of what people will think, you'll never do it. Are you afraid of someone calling you "A Jesus Freak?" They'll ask if you could just keep your mouth shut about this Jesus. You say to them, "I can not be silent. If I stay silent then the rocks will cry out." I don't know about you but I don't want any rock speaking for me. Jesus gave me a voice and I intend to use it. For His glory!

So I encourage you today. Let's Go!! He has work for us to do!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Flipping Tables!!

 In the last month or so I went to see a couple of movies. One was 'The Last Supper', and the other was 'The Chosen, The Last Supper'. In both movies they show the scene of Jesus flipping over the tables in the Temple. Last week I went to see Disciple in concert. One of my favorite bands. The lead singer always does some kind of a mini sermon during the show. Guess what He talked about? Jesus flipping the tables. I don't know about you, but when I hear something two or three times, it is a sign to me. God wants me to listen to what He is saying.

The singer for Disciple asked why Jesus called the Temple a house of prayer. He said that its because The Father wants to have a relationship with you. So by having it turned into a den of thieves, it was going against God.

1 Timothy 6:10 New Living Translation

10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

What does a thief do? They take what is yours. Steal it away from you, without your knowledge. By turning the Temple into a den of thieves, they were taking away (stealing) their area to spend with The Father! Having money changers, the selling of livestock and whatever else they could do to get in or block the way of God.

John 10:10 New Living Translation

10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. 

Thieves had taken over the Temple to steal peoples time with The Father, kill their faith and destroy their relationship with God!

Jesus was angry that the Temple had been reduced down to this. That people were allowing it to happen. He came in and started flipping tables, using a whip to drive out the merchants. Money went flying, animals ran wild and people were shocked by what was happening. According to the movies, it was quite chaotic!

So I fast forward 2,000 some years to today's world, or more exactly us! What kind of tables do we need flipped in our lives? What are we allowing that is not of The Father? What does Jesus need to drive out with a whip?

Is it a table of addiction? Fear? Anxiety, depression? How about pride, lust, greed? Set whatever you want up on the table and have Jesus come in and flip it over. Drive it out with a whip, never to return.

Colossians 3:5-8 The Message

5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It’s because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.

So I ask you today. What tables need flipping in your life? What do you need to get rid of? Jesus can and is more than able to do it!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

What Are My Beliefs??

 I was asked this question the other day by a co-worker. I pondered for a little bit before I answered him. I knew what he was asking, but I decided to have a little fun with him first. Who knew?? Lol!

I told him that I believe that the Cardinals are the best team in the MLB! The Packers are the best team in the NFL. Michael Jordan is the GOAT, not LeBron! Metal is the best kind of music. The half time shows of the Super Bowl are terrible! And so on.

He groans, and says "come on man." "You know what I'm asking." "You're always wearing these Christian t-shirts, what's your belief?"

Oh, my spiritual belief. Got it.

I believe that Jesus was born of a virgin. (Matthew 1:23)

I believe that Jesus was crucified and three days later raised back to life. (Luke 23:33) (Luke 24:6-7)

I believe that He is my Savior. (Acts 4:12)

I believe that He guides my every step. (Psalm 32:8)

My co-worker said "okay, I get it. Just wanted to know why you are the way that you are, and wear what you wear."

I also told him that I believe that I am healed because Jesus believes that I am healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

I am forgiven because Jesus says that I am. (Isiah 43:25)

Jesus provides for me. (Philippians 4:19)

"One more thing. I believe that I am delivered." (1 John 1:9)

I told him that I try to live my life Biblically. Jesus is everything to me! (Psalm 73:25-26)

This is my belief system. 

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Reaction!

I bought these two shirts with one thing on my mind. To get a reaction from people. I  wanted to get reactions from people who wanted to be prayed for. Let me tell you, it has worked.

The first shirt, the purple one, I wore to a festival last summer. I was walking around, taking in all the sites and sounds. Checking out the food trucks, bathrooms, just the layout of the event, when a woman approaches me, out of breath. I was thinking "what's up with this?" She told me that she saw me and the shirt from across the lawn and ran over to greet me. She wanted to know if it was true? I didn't know what she was talking about at first, because to be honest with you, after putting on a t-shirt and wearing it for a little while, I kind of forget what I am wearing. She wanted to know if what the front of the shirt said was true? I told her of course it was. I wouldn't be wearing it, if I didn't plan on backing up what it said on the front. So she asked me to pray for her and her family right there on the spot. So I did. I had no problem doing that. She thanked me and told me that she was glad that I would do what the shirt said I would do. It's called integrity. 

The second shirt is black. I guess you really don't need to know the color. Just wanted to let you know. Anyway, I wore that shirt to the Toby Mac's "Hits Deep" tour a couple of weeks ago. On the way out and walking toward the car, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there was a woman telling me how much she liked my shirt, and if I could pray for her? I told her absolutely I could. I asked her what the need was and just like the other woman, she asked for prayer for her family. So we are walking across the parking lot and praying at the same time. I'm not sure I ever did a mobile prayer! She thanked me for the prayer and went on her way.

I have had woman come up to  me at oil change places, tire repair shops, grocery stores and even at work for prayer. It is almost always the same thing, wanting prayer for their family. I keep remembering something I heard a long time ago. Somewhere there is a praying Grandma, Mom or Wife. Interceding for their family!

The thing that I find interesting is that it's always women that approach me for prayer outside of church, never men. I'm not sure why. I don't mind, especially since I am praying with them in public so there is no hint of inappropriate things going on. I'm not sure if maybe men are a little prideful, to ask for prayer in a public space. Who knows! I'll keep praying for whom ever asks for it.

1 Timothy 2:1 New Living Translation

1  I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them

So if you ever see me in public and need some prayer, don't be shy. Please reach out, whether I am wearing those shirts or not!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Seek To Understand.

 I recently watched a documentary of 9/11. It was one of many I have watched over the years since the attacks took place. The one thing that always gets me from these shows are the phone calls from the people on the planes & towers to their loved ones. People calling their husbands, wives. Dads, moms. Sister, brothers. Children. Telling them that they loved them. I didn't hear any calls of hatred toward anyone. Just telling family how much they love them in their last moments.

After watching the latest documentary, all I wanted to do was hug my wife and daughter tighter than ever. Hold them close and tell them how much I love them. Call my brothers and their families and tell them the same. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins!

All the people who died on 9/11 did not know it would be their last day. None of us know when our last day will be.

James 4:14 Amplified Bible

14 Yet you do not know the least thing about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air].

After this latest documentary I attended a visitation for a friends mom who passed away. I understood that a couple of her sons hadn't talked with each other in a very long time. They were mad at each other for some reason or another. On my way to the funeral home, I was thinking about this. Surely they can put aside their differences for a night, to come together for their moms visitation. 

Boy, was I wrong!

When I entered the funeral home (one I have visited quite often, so I was aware of the layout) I could see the casket, my friends brother, then my friend. Then there was large gap (probably 15-20') between the next set of relatives. When I approached that part of the family (I didn't know who they were) I introduced myself and they told me who they were. I asked (innocently) if the brothers were getting along for the moment? I found out that this group of family were the one brothers family that were not talking to the other. In fact, the husband (her son) wasn't even in attendance. Then it all clicked. Why they were so spread apart from each other. That made me sad. That the one son couldn't even come to the visitation and put his feelings aside for just a few hours. That his family was separated from the rest of the family.

This is what I am seeking to understand. While watching that documentary about 9/11, the phone calls that were being made to family members and loved ones, to say how much they loved them. Why do families not come together during these times of need. To comfort one another? I understand families fight and do not get along, but still. Put those feelings aside for an evening, if not for anything at least do it for your mom or dad, or whomever. I could not imagine not going to a family members funeral because of disagreement I have with another family member. When my mom passed, it brought our family closer together!

So I encourage you, to put away silly pettiness when things happen to your family. Come together and mourn together. After it's all over, you can back to your separate camps.

Psalm 133:1 New Living Translation

1 How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Dead Things!

 Brandon Lake & Elevation Worship have a new song out titled "I Know A Name". Its a really awesome worship song! Check it out if/when you can. I mean, can Brandon Lake write a bad song?? I don't think so

Anyway......

In the song they sing a line that talks about dead things coming alive, in the name of Jesus. You know me, I started to think about what dead things could come alive?

Well my first thought is life. Jesus and God can bring people back to life. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, just by shouting into his grave.

John 11:43-44 New Living Translation

43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

The second thought of course is God The Father, resurrecting His Son after His death on the Cross.

Ephesians 1:20 New Living Translation

20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Okay, these are two easy examples. What else could be dead and then brought back to life?

How about a person who is crippled? Can they be restored? That is exactly what Peter & John did happening upon a man who was crippled from birth. He was at the temple gate begging people for money. 

Acts 3:4-6 Living Bible

4 They looked at him intently, and then Peter said, “Look here!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. 6 But Peter said, “We don’t have any money for you! But I’ll give you something else! I command you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”

How about your marriage? You think that it is over. Dead, to never be revived again. You and your spouse are heading towards the big "D". Don't you think that Jesus can heal and redeem your marriage? Of course He can.

1 Peter 5:10 New Living Translation

10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

How about relationship with your children? The one who ran away and squandered everything. Can that be saved or restored? I think that you know the answer.

Luke 15:24 Amplified Bible

24 for this son of mine was [as good as] dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found.

These are just a few things that I thought about when I heard the song lyrics, "Dead Things Come Alive In The Name of Jesus."

So I encourage you. When you think things are dead and are no longer, cry out to Jesus. He is the healer and resurrector of all things. He makes dead things come alive!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Forever.

 Have you ever sat with someone who is terminally ill? You know their life on earth is coming to an end. If you know they are a Christian, you know they'll spend forever in eternity with Jesus! What a comforting thought.

Then you start thinking about yourself. Where will my forever be? Will I spend it in Heaven, with Jesus? Or will I spend it in Hell with Lucifer? Well, that depends on you. What your beliefs are. Do you believe in Jesus? Or do you reject Him as your savior and accept the Devil and his ways?

Matthew 7:13-14 Living Bible

13 “Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! The highway to hell[a] is broad, and its gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose its easy way. 14 But the Gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.

In the song Highway to Hell, the singer sings about there being no speed limits or stop signs. Nothing to slow you down from destruction and eternal damnation! Foot on the gas all the way to Hell! 

By entering the narrow gate, God puts guard rails up for us, to protect us from veering off course. To slow us down or even stop us from going astray. He doesn't say this path is easy. In fact it is a difficult one to traverse. Following Jesus and going His way can be hard. He never promised us an easy life.

John 16:33 The Message

33 In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

But so many people want to take the easy route. Wide open, nothing to stop them or slow them down from doing their own thing. Their own selfish desires. A choice that will have "Forever" consequences! 

So if you are questioning on what to do to make sure that you spend forever with Jesus, this is what you  need to do.

Romans 10:9 New Living Translation

9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

It's really that simple. Jesus wants to spend forever with you, in eternity. 

So I encourage you today to think about choices that you are making. They have a forever in mind. Who do you choose today? Jesus, the giver of life, or Satan, the taker and destroyer of life.

My prayer is that you choose wisely!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Recalculating!

 So, you've finally made a decision to go on a trip, someplace that you have never been before. You load up the car and put the destination address into either Google or Apple maps on your phone, or your GPS unit. (Do people still use GPS?) You pull out of the drive and head on down the road. Google or Apple maps will start giving you instructions on which ways to turn and go. Left, right. How many miles to the next turn, etc.

So you are sailing along approaching your destination, when something goes wrong. You don't pay attention to the directions and miss your turn. Or turn the wrong way. All of sudden your unit has to recalculate to find out where you are and give you new directions. Most of the time if you are lucky you just have to go around the block to get back on track.

I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me. I start thinking I know more than a computer mapping system. News flash, I don't! Especially in a bigger city. This most recently happened to me when I traveled to St. Louis to see a Stryper concert. Due to construction, one way streets and a pouring rain, I was turned around and so lost. The mapping system could not keep up because I kept turning so rapidly. I finally stopped to let it catch up, and when it finally did, it said that I was at my destination. I had passed it at least twice without even realizing it.

All this had me thinking about God and His direction for our lives. He is the ultimate GPS. He knows what the best path (road) for us to take. 

I was thinking about the Old Testament Israelites. God told them He had a land picked out for them. A land of Milk & Honey. 

Deuteronomy 26:9 New Living Translation

9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey!

All they had to do was trust in The Lord. But they were a stubborn bunch, to say the least. They were poised to enter the land that God had promised to give them. But because their unbelief, they were turned around and had to wander in the wilderness for forty more years.

Numbers 14:34-35 Living Bible

34-35 “‘Since the spies were in the land for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years—a year for each day, bearing the burden of your sins. I will teach you what it means to reject me. I, Jehovah, have spoken. Every one of you who has conspired against me shall die here in this wilderness.’”

A trip that should have lasted only eleven days, lasted forty years. It took forty years because of grumbling, complaining and unbelief in God.

It's sometimes the same with my GPS unit. "It doesn't know the right way!" "I can go a different route." Well that doesn't really work. Need to trust in the system to get me where I am supposed to be.

Just like we are to trust in God to get us where we are going. We'll end up eventually at our destination, just depends on how long we want to take getting there!

I have been feeling this for a while now. I feel like I am getting close to a break through, something from God and then, I am going through the wilderness again. Another trip around whatever object you insert here. Tree, mountain, block, whatever. I don't know what I am doing wrong or what is preventing me from the break through, but I pray and repent and wait! His ways are higher! 

Isaiah 55:8Amplified Bible

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

So I encourage you. Whatever path you are on. Trust in God, the best GPS there is. He knows what direction is best for you!

God bless. 

Rev. Kev.

Just Enough.

 There is a something that I have been noticing lately. I have been noticing people who are doing just enough to get the job done. I'm talking about people who put in just enough effort to get by. They only scrap their windshield to get a big enough spot where they can see and then head off down the road. Shovel just enough to get to their car door, leaving the rest of the driveway untouched! Not going to lie. I have done this once in a while, but not very often. I always think about the other cars on the road that I am going to see. Can I see them enough not to crash? Can I see traffic lights? Stop signs? Other people? I pray that I can. I think about my family who also has to use the driveway. To get out and get to work. I am not the only one that lives there. 

I think about people at work who do just enough to get their job "done". Putting material away. Place it just inside the door so that it closes. Doesn't matter if it's in the way of the next person entering the warehouse. As long as it's out of their way, they are good.

I don't want to be thought of in this kind of way. I want people to know that I went out of my way to take care of business, they way that it should've. I don't want to be perceived as lazy or selfish! If I claim the name of Jesus, how can I represent Him by doing just enough? I want to have integrity. I want to show Him to others by my actions.

Titus 2:7 New Living Translation

7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

It may take some extra effort to do the right thing, but the results will be worth it. Your car will be cleaned off so others can see you and you see them. Your driveway will be clear so the rest of the family can get out without any issues. Material will be put away in organized fashion. Make it easier for the next person to get to and use.

Colossians 3:23-25 The Message

22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

I'm not saying this to say look how much better I am than everyone else. Far from it. I am still guilty of doing these things. Sometimes I let the bad thoughts take over what I know is good. Just this once, what will it hurt? You'll never know how your actions affect others. I want to affect them in a good way, not a negative one!

I try to live my life Biblically. What The Bible says to do, I try to do it with the best of my ability. But, sometimes, other thoughts take over. When that happens, I have to remind myself of Gods word!

Romans 8:1 Amplified Bible

8 Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].

I encourage you. When faced with taking a short cut or doing it the right way. always choose the right way. It will work out much better for you in the end! Do more than just enough!

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Transcends

 I keep seeing this on Facebook, almost everyday. It is a saying that says "In a world where you can be anything, be kind." I love this saying. It doesn't cost a thing to be kind to someone, or take much effort.

Romans 15:2 The Message

15:2 Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

Did you know that kindness or words of encouragement transcends language barriers & culture differences. Even religious differences

I work on a receiving dock. I deal with drivers who are from around the world. There is a truck line that delivers to me that was started by people from the Ukraine. I see drivers from Canada, Russia, India, Ethiopia & Somalia. They can be male or female. Older, younger. Single or couples. In a moment of irony, with what is going on with Russia and Ukraine, I had a female Russian driver, driving for the Ukrainian trucking company.

Some of these drivers speak perfect English, the others not so much. But the one thing that they all have in common is this. Whenever I am finished unloading their trailer and take the paperwork out to them, I always tell them "great job." "Keep up the good work." "Appreciate the job you are doing!" English, some English, or little to no English, they all understand the kindness that I am extending to them. The words of encouragement that I speak to them. They always and I mean always get a big smile on their face when I say these words to them. (Especially The Female Drivers) They understand kindness, no matter the language difference.

I even have Muslim drivers come in to deliver. I am wearing my Christian witness wear and when I give them their paperwork, I do not treat them any differently than I do anyone else. I've had drivers look at the shirt that I am wearing and do the whole eye roll thing, probably expecting me to treat them harshly or not friendly because I am a Christian and they are not. Jesus tells us to love everyone. So that is what I do.

1 John 4:8 Living Bible

8 But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.

I can not go around claiming to be a Christ follower and not be kind & loving. It just doesn't work. If I want people to see Jesus in me, I need to be kind and friendly to them. Even those who have a different faith than me.

I want to be the reason that somebody smiles today. That maybe sometime later in the day or even a few days later, that driver will remember that receiving guy treated me kindly and encouraged me. And they will smile with that memory.

I had an encounter today while eating lunch with a family who had a special needs son. He came right up to where I was sitting and said hi. I greeted him back and he started telling me all what he had going on at that moment. I talked with him until he had to order his food. His mom turned around and thanked me for being kind to him. She said that most people shy away or ignore him altogether. I told her we should be kind to everyone. I'm not saying this to say "Look how good Keven is." No, just saying that it took a couple of minutes of my time to interact with this young man to be kind to him.

So I encourage you. This world is so full of negativity, lets be the positive. Let's spread kindness and love to everyone that we come across. We will never know what that person is facing.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

Days Can Be Rough.

 Have you ever had a day that beat you down so badly, that you just couldn't anymore? People are just not doing what they are supposed to be doing. Situations are out of control? People just seem to not care about what is happening. That's what my day was like today. No matter which way I turned, there was always something coming against the job I was trying to do. People just doing whatever they like, no matter the outcome for the next person.

That is why I put my trust in Jesus and not people. Jesus never lets me down. He is always looking out for me.

Psalm 118:8 Living Bible

8 It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in men.

I just don't understand why this happens almost the minute that get through the door. I pray, read my Bible, listen to worship music on my way in. I am fully loaded to go to work (at least I think so).

I clock in and almost instantly there are problems. This person put something in the wrong spot, where they knew that it did not go. Now it is on me to shuffle product around to make room for the new. It was like this all day today. Every where I turned, there was always something in the way. I became very frustrated at the whole situation. 

Titus 2:7 New Living Translation

7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching

I think that is what bothers me about this whole thing. I always try to look out for the end user. Make it easier for the next person to locate and pull the product they need without to much of a hassle. I just wish that it went both ways. 

2 Corinthians 4:17 New Living Translation

17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. 

I know that this will not last forever. Usually a day at most. The next day is a whole new day. Things seem to click and all is well in receiving land!

I often look at these issues that I have at work and I think that they are nothing to what Jesus had to go through and endure! My momentary frustration is nothing compared to Jesus'.

So what do I do during all of this? I lean on Jesus! He is the only way!

Philippians 4:7 Living Bible

7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus

I encourage you tonight. When something comes against you and frustrates you to no end. Lean on Jesus.  He will get you through. Might not seem like it at the time, but before you know it, you are on the other side of what was going on.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.

His Great Name!

 I was listening to an album by the band We The Kingdom while driving the other day. This particular album was recorded live at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.

On this particular album they have a song, I don't recall the title right now, but during the song, the band dies down and the backup singers take over. They keep singing the name of Jesus. They would sing Jesus, pause for a moment and then sing His name again. They would do this over and over again for a few minutes. The pause in between singing Jesus' name seemed almost like a time to reflect on His name.

So this one day I was stopped at a red traffic light. To me it seemed longer than usual. I was listening to that album and that song at that exact moment while waiting for the light to turn green. 

I've listened to this song many times, but at that moment, it just hit different. I knew the part was coming where the band dies down and the backup singers take over. So, I'm there waiting for the light to change and listening to this song.

The name Jesus came across my van speakers, then the pause. I started thinking about His name. You know, The name above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) What does His name mean to me.

Here it came again.

Jesus!

I thought that I have a Father in Heaven loves me. (1 John 4:9)

Jesus!

He is my Savior. (1 John 4:14)

Jesus!

He is my Provider, Protector, my everything. (Philippians 4:19) (Isiah 54:17)(Psalm 73:25-26)

Jesus!

He is my friend. (Proverbs 18:14)

I could go on and on, but I think that you get the idea. I do think that God made the red light extra long for a reason. Just like He made the sun & moon stand still for a little bit extra time. (Joshua 10:12-13)

He wanted me to reflect on His name and what He means to me. All that He has done and continues to do. I never want to forget any of that. 

So I encourage you to do the same. Take time, slow down. Maybe God has your sitting at a red light for a reason. Reflect back on Jesus' name and what it means to you. What He means to you.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.