IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR

Mueller is traveling with his wife and mother-in-law in a Far East country. At a place of honor his mother-in-law makes a careless remark, that the native people take as an insult to the royal family. Mueller is dragged off to court with his wife and mother-in-law and are sentenced to corporal punishment. Each of them are to receive 50 lashes on the back side with a cane. But because the royal family doesn’t want to appear hostile to foreigners, they grant the guests in their country a wish beforehand, as long as it is able to be fulfilled. Mrs. Mueller is first. "What do you wish for yourself?" "I would like a pillow bound on my rear end before the lashings." "Okay, that shall be granted to you." Mrs. Mueller has the pillow bound to her rear end & receives her punishment. But because the pillow is too small and the executioner also hits her back a couple of times, she receives a few blows. Next it is Mueller’s mother-in-law’s turn. "What do you wish for yourself?" "I would like a pillow bound on my rear end and a pillow bound on my back before the lashings." "Okay, that shall be granted to you." The mother-in-law receives her fifty lashes, but hardly feels the pain through the pillows. Then comes Mueller himself. "What do you wish for yourself?" "I have 2 wishes. Do you want to fulfill them for me?" "Because you are a guest in our country, we want to fulfill your wishes for you, as long as they are reasonable." "I would like 100 lashes instead of 50." The executioner is surprised, but recovers again right away and replies, "Yes, that is a pious wish, it shall be granted to you. And what is your second wish?""I would like to have my mother-in-law tied to my back."

Today our nation suffers from a sickness of the soul because our families are weak: weak in their knowledge of God, weak in their convictions about God, weak in their experiences of God, and weak in their understanding of how to love one another. Dennis Rainey

The family is the oldest and greatest institution in society since creation. It is the vital fabric in a nation and where character is built. It's where values are shaped, developed and where foundation for life is laid. It’s the place that shapes our human personality. Family is close to God’s heart. And the Christian home provides the greatest foundation on where we can build our lives and ministry. It s been said, that as the family goes, so goes the church. And as the nation goes, so goes the world. A society that destroys the family destroys itself. If the family falls apart, society falls apart. And there is no one perfect family. Yet why is the home so important?

1. Because where we live is the real us.
2. Because successful homes require extra care.
3. Because God wants a happy home.

4. Spiritual attacks are heaviest in the home.

The enemy hates your family. But God cares for the family and loves the family. Psa. 107:41 “Makes families like a flock”. What are some of the attacks facing our families?

1. The Media

The media has a certain mindset. They think they control and play the role of god. We are constantly bombarded with crooked and perverse family sitcoms and comedy. The real truth is that what they are sending down the pipe is a joke, garbage and a family trojan horse. Designed to bring destruction by living according to their way of life, instead of scripture. I say if we can. Let's not watch those cruddy shows. See how they like that.

2. Over worked parents.

Some parents are simply too busy, that theyr'e in danger of losing their loved ones. The word is balance. Yes, in this economy, parents must work. Yet, not at the expense of losing their loved one! Many parents even work on sundays nowadays. Once in a blue moon. Fine. But as a way of life? I don't think so. What about the spiritual life of the home. And what are we teaching our kids. That's its ok to work on sundays? Please.

3. Selfishness in marriage and a thing called: Divorce.

Before marriage a couple is all goo, goo, eyed, and in love. Love is in the air. Romance is in their life. After marriage, honeymoon is on, and it is good. Then kids come. Time goes on, and for some reason they drift apart. Even to the point that they're simply room mates. Then the other stuff comes into it. All the while the children are grateful that they have their parents. Not knowing the nightmare that is about to encompass them. Yeah, you said it. The spirit of selfishness has invaded the hearts of the only leaders in their household. Its been said, that the divorce rate in the church is the same as that of the world! And that the trauma of divorce to a child is second only to death. I will speak on marriage on a different day. And yes, I have alot to say. The word in marriage is apply; Change; Unity; Love; Oh did I say? Death? Yes, death to self. Anyway, let's go on.

4. A lack of purpose for the family.

It says in Prov. 11:29 “Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air." Children learn what parents exemplify. They need guidance and our vision for our family.

If a child lives with conflict, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with fear, he learns to hold back.
If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with encouragement, He learns to be confident.
If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with praise, He learns to be appreciated.
If a child lives with acceptance, He learns to love.

To grow a godly family, 3 principles: Taken from Deut 6:1-9

I. Right Living v. 1-3
II. Right Loving v. 4-5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

III. Right Learning v. 6
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

There's 7 things I have a beef with concerning families:

1. Kids who have no respect for parents & play them against each other.

Kids could be pretty sneaky. Yes, they are wonderful and special. They are a joy. Yet, when they can't have their way. Watch Out! They devise methods to bring drama, in order to get their way. Parents must be wary of this and have a united front, in raising their kids right. And do you want to know the truth about that? Kids want boundaries. They see that as being loved by their parents. When there's not any. Well?

2. Kids who have everything and fail to appreciate.

I came from a very poor family in a poor community. The Artesia part of Santa Ana to be exact. One of the oldest neighborhoods in OC. Many times I would come home and find the fridge empty. My mom as kids would feed us tortillas with milk. Imagine that? We had a hangar or a foil on our black and white TV set. Not to mention we had special guests in our house. You know, rats, and cockroaches. I mean, we had many conventions and group meetings with them (Just kidding). Those were the days! Today's kids. And I would say, from now to age group of 25-35, probably never experienced things as that. A word that comes to mind of today's kids is Spoiled! And that is not with all children, I know that. Yet, there is a mindset, where kids do not appreciate, (They just don't understand) because they really never have had to work for it. Its true. But, its up to us to teach them that principle.

3. Parents let their kids get away with murder.

Look if you don't have any standards, then later on they will have trouble with the law. And what better to start with the word of God!

4. Parents who just give their kids money, but not Jesus.

5. Domesticated and irresponsible men.

If our churches do not attempt to build strong responsible, spiritual men. Our households will suffer. Men are the difference makers in the home, society and the church. They are the backbone. They are the managers, the models and ministers of their homes. The picture comes to mind of the domesticated man. In the movie Napoleon Dynamite, he has brother who is weak and panzy looking. Well, that's the picture (Spiritually) of many men in our churches. Unspiritual, excuse making, church hopping and church delinquent, non caring, skirt chasing, TV remote loving men. Men! If we get it together with God. It will affect every other area of our lives. Including who really runs your household.

6. Parents not taking the time to teach their kids.

7. Singles who are too busy to work for God.

There is no reason single Christians cannot do a great work for God. The whole world is before you. Seek to go on a mission for the Lord. Join a church planting team. Take a missions trip to a foreign land. Get into training to become a small group leader. There is much to do. Look at our Lord Jesus Christ. Think about Paul the apostle. Think about all the singles in the Bible, for there are many. Be used of God. Once your married, it becomes a little more difficult to just drop things and go.

If we will make a difference in inner cities worldwide. If we are to make a impact in millions of lives. If we have our marching orders from the Lord, to go into all the world. How then can it happen if our families are in shambles. The mission is to bring about a change in our lives and families. Then go out and make it happen with the gospel of Christ. I'm not talking perfection here. There's some in Christendom, who'll say. 'Well, my family is in ruins. How can I do a work for God. My wife or husband or kids. They just have too many problems." These are the same ones who do nothing about it. They just conntinue in a frozen war. Still the same. Nothings changed. Because they refuse to change. Why? Because they at war with their own family (And God I might add). Instead of repenting, and drawing closer to God, then allowing Him to use them to their fullest ability. We need God. I need God. I am not a perfect dad. But I'm striving. And don't we all need His grace? So what is a Christian Home? Glad you asked.

This is a Christian Home
Where family prayer is daily had,
God's word is regularly read
And faith in Christ is never dead,
This is a Christian home.
Where father, mother, sister, brother,
All have true love for one another,
And none ever hates the other,
This is a Christian home.
Where family quarrels are pushed aside,
to let the love of God abide,
ere darkness falls at eventide, even at falls darkness
This is a Christian home.
Where Jesus Christ is host and guest,
Through whom we have eternal rest
And In Him are forever blest,
This is a Christian Home.

Leave comments if you'd like. I will respond. Have another great week!

ISRAEL: THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH

On May 14th, 1948, the greatest nation on earth became an official nation. On that day, Israel was attacked by 5 other nations. And by the hand and grace of God, they were all soundly defeated. Once again, in 1956, they went to war with Egypt in a dispute concerning the Suez Canal. In 1967, in what is called the Six-Day War. This war was fought with perennial enemies, Jordan, Egypt and Syria. Six other nations sent troops as a help to defeat Israel. They were still angry over their defeat 19 years earlier. Israel once again defeated them by God's help. The Yom Kipper War, which began on October 6th, 1973, an attack that caught Israel by surprise as it was their most holy day (Day of Atonement). Syria, with Iraq, Libya, and Jordan with other help knew the Israelis would be involved in their ceremonial duties. They attacked with overwhelming odds. Consider this. In the Golan Heights, Israel faced them with 150 tanks compared to 1,400 Syrian tanks. On the battlefront with Egypt Israel just had 500 troops in comparison to 80,000 troops for the enemy. Israel fought back and was victorious once again. Tell me God wasn't involved?

1. Israel is God's chosen people.

God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees. He told him to leave his country and his family, to a place He would choose. Abraham is known as the Father of many nations. God looked throughout the earth and found a man he could trust. A man who would follow him through the thick and thin. He found a faithful man of God.

2. God has has given them a promise.

God promised Abraham that as the stars of the sky, that is how his descendants would be. That they would multiply and be a blessing to many people in the earth.

3. God has given them their land.

God chose mount Zion, Judea, Samaria as their habitation. With Jerusalem as their undisputable, undivided capital. Psa 2:6

4. That they would be a blessing to the world.

Did you know many inventions were created by the Jewish people? There has been tremendous breakthroughs by those of the Jewish heritage. From Albert Einsten, to Leonard Bernstein. Even the cell phone was invented in Israel by Motorola. There is so much more, I cannot interject it here, for the sake of space. Christ Jesus came from Jewish parents. The gospel came to us through the land of Israel. Jewish authors, with the exception of Luke, wrote the New Testament. God's people are a blessing to the world.

• My love for Israel

I have always loved Israel. And I recognize this is not a topic, anybody else would even think about sharing. But it is VERY important. This is part of our worldview and biblical view as Christians. Next year, hopefully, either I will go there or to South Africa, Capetown. I'm leaning towards Israel. That is my land (Though I am an a Mexican -American with German blood by way of Durango, Mexico. How crazy is that?). I want to walk where Jesus walked. Want to see where He died. Stand in the Garden where he faced the most excruciating pain. My son's name, Elias, was a result of one Israel's greatest prophets, which had inspired me. I told my wife if we had another son, I would either call him Israel or Ariel. After one of their greatest military generals. Ariel Sharon. I had felt, if there was ever a war, that I would gladly go and fight for Israel. This is God's people. And even though, the Jews have rejected Christ as their Savior. Though they're "still" awaiting their Messiah. God still loves them. They have suffered at the hands of many heathen throughout history. You can just begin to imagine the pain they've gone through., Wow! Think about Hitler, that demon possessed man. All he conspired to do against God's people. I'm sure he's thinking about it to this very day. A few insightful movies I suggest you watch is Schlinder's List, by Steven Spielberg. A tremendous motion picture. Or the recent film called Defiance. Ok, Ok. Another movie I love is Munich. Tells the story of the attack against Jewish athletes in Munich, Germany. And their counterattack against their evil cohorts. What is happening currently, you ask?

1. We have a government who wants to divide their land.

The U.S. and many other world governments have their opinion as to the Palestinan issue. it's to give back land to the Arab people. Yet, God has given the land to Israel. End of discussion. That is why I love the policies of Benyamin Netanyahu. The current president of Israel. I see in him a heart like David. He's like, "no, no, no. The land is ours. And I don't care what anybody says." In the past you've had guys like Shimon Peres (Can you tell I keep with what's going on over there? Well, it's important!, That's why.), and Ehud Olmert, and many others that felt they had a right to give land away. The Arabs DO NOT want peace. They want blood! Just look at Gaza. As soon as they gave that land up, Hamas, that terrorist organization took over and began shooting rockets and causing harm and damage, with help from Iran. They do not want peace.

2. Israel is faced with enemies on all sides.

Iran and its president is quoted as wanting to destroy Israel from off the map. They are currently developing nuclear weapons. They are surrounded by armies continuing to arm themselves to the teeth for future war against Israel. The whole of the wicked Al Qaida and Islamic nations are bent on the destruction of Israel. And of course, it is devil inspired. Its true. Even our own news media is highly against Israel. They lie, and twist the news as to make Israel look like a bully, and a criminal. If you only look at the map of that part of the world. You'll see they are completely surrounded, by enemies on all sides. They are the only democracy in the Middle East. God promised Abraham, "I will bless him who blesses you. And I will curse him who curses you." Gen. 12:2-3. That is why it upsets me when nations come against Israel. They are actually coming against the Lord. They're fighting against God. Even that Peanut farmer has said some bad things against Israel. You know that peanut farmer, Jimmy Carter. One of the most weak and jellyfish backboned presidents the U.S. has ever had. I wholeheartedly reject the stance of our current government and whatever government, wanting to give land back to the enemy. And sad to say, our country is setting itself for a fall, and a curse according to scripture. America is the only true friend Israel has ever had in the world. We must continue to support them. They are the only peace loving nation in that part of the Middle East. Another thing, (Here I go again). for all the Mumbo Jumbo Obama spouted off in the recent election. Pretty much the guy did anything and said anything to get elected. Then as soon as he went into office, overturned some of his promises. Including saying he was a Christian, then overturns abortion laws. Even him in his -still -freshman state, has attempted to give Israel, some"Ultimatums". Like if he wants to "school" Israel. Look, he's not had much prior international experience. Then he wants to give God's elect, ultimatums!! What nerve!! What gall! Anyhow, let's go on.

What is it God wants us to do?

1. He wants us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Pray for the favor of God over their land. That God would have his way in the streets of Israel and Jerusalem. Psa. 122:6-9

2. He has called us to pray for their salvation.

Look at the pain of how Paul felt, when he said in Rom. 9:1-3. In essence, he's saying, 'I wish I could go to hell, so my people could be saved." Imagine the love!? We as Christians should not boast against the Jewish people, though they rejected Christ. We have been grafted into the family of God. We must pray for them.

3. He wants us to support the Jewish state.

We are pretty much the only true friend Israel has in the world. They know, that Christians support and love them. They must know, that that support will never end. If we want to be blessed. If the body of Christ wants the blessing from God. Then we must do whatever we can to support God's chosen people. God is still at work within them. Though, even at this point, they have laws in Israel for proselytizing. One day, they will see Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Sad to say, it might be in the Great Tribulation. But that is up to them and God. The good news is, that there's many of the Jewsih heritage who have come back to the God of their forefathers. PTL!

4. Keep an eye on what's going on in Israel.

The reason being is, whatever affects that nation affects us, as a country and as Christians.

I have in this blog, attempted to share what's important to the body of Christ. And what's important to me as a pastor and leader. This is a very important point. Its something that's very dear to me. It should be something that also burns within your heart. Your love for Israel. May it never waver. May it never be subsided through the news media. May we attempt to lead those of the seed of Abraham to the Lord Jesus Christ. May we as a country never lose our support for that land. Our very future depends on how we believe, behave towards it. God bless you.

Leave any comments if you can. I'll try to respond. Have a beautiful week! Oh, and game was awesome yesterday(Monday at The Angel Game. Sorry for being late).

THE TEAMWORK OF KOBE BRYANT

Teamwork is Dreamwork is not just a nice little saying leaders make. It is a reality and a lifestyle. It is the method of winning churches.

Kobe Bryant was drafted out of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1996. He went to the famed Los Angeles Lakers. He was the youngest player drafted out of high school. The Los Angeles Lakers was a team he dreamed about playing for and having Magic Johnson as his basketball idol. They were a team that had won many previous championships. He, in that same year, became the youngest player to start an NBA game. Every year his scoring average had been climbing as well as his basketball saavy. In the 2000 season, Kobe teamed up with Shaq O'Neal to win their first championship for the Los Angeles Lakers. They would repeat it two more times. Now, for Kobe Bryant it wasn't a smooth sailing. He married his wife, Vanessa, from OC. Even through that, he had a family split. Where his family disapproved of his relationship, much less his marriage to his wife. The feud and division lasted a couple of years. He was accused of a sexual tryst with a woman in Colorado. Apart from that, he had a brewing conflict with his so called, "Big brother", Shaq. As well as future problems in his own marriage. Yet, Kobe kept at it. We are watching a great person grow up before our very eyes. I might add, I have seen history in watching Kobe. I watched him score (On TV of course) those 81 points. I saw him score those many points last season at Madison Square Garden. I saw the majority of the Finals last season. As well as go to the Lakers Parade. So what is it that makes Kobe so intriguing to the public? 5 reasons:

1. He seems to stay above the fray of negative nba actions.

Apart from his turmoil, Kobe tends to his family. Is well known as a giving person, and an example in helping others. His popularity in China and Asia is off the charts.

2. He's the closest to Michael Jordan that we might see in our lifetime.

I do not see another player with this type of caliber on the scene. Many go on and on about Lebron James. But it is wishful thinking. Kobe has many years left, and will probably attain greater heights than Michael Jordan. It'll be close to compare them. But I still think Jordan will get the edge. Yet Kobe is right there.

3. The man is a hard worker on the court.

And because of that, he constantly comes up in the clutch. Its been said, he shoots about a thousand shots in practice. He often comes before everyone else and practices, and leaves after everyone else is gone. He has a drive. If Kobe does it for monetary value. (Though I know he loves the game) should not we work for God even more? Because its for the Lord?

4. He's become a well rounded player.

It's great to see him becoming a good leader. You just see it. He's loyal to the purple and gold. I tell my son, that if wants to be a great player just watch Kobe. Kobe is all over the place. He doesn't just focus on scoring. He does all the little things. Plays defense; goes after loose balls; Rebounds; makes the pass; makes his team mates better. He does it all. He has become a well rounded player. What about you? Are you growing in your skill for ministry? Or are you still stuck, in that ministry rut. It is your job to become trained, so you can pass it on to your workers and staff. Take Bible courses; go to school extensions. Attend seminars, read good books. Listen to counsel from your leaders,(And apply it)Know your stuff. And, boy' do we ever need it in this fast paced and changing world.

5. The man wants to win.

Me, like Kobe, I hate to lose. Play me handball, dominoes, basketball, or football, chess. I hate to lose. As a pastor, I love it when our church scores points. I mean gains yardage, or does things that cause an impact in peoples lives for God. Kobe hates to lose. You can see it on his face. Do you like to win? I think for God and miniustry, we should do those things that breed a winning culture. You see that in teams who every year are at the top. Whether in college, school, or the Pros. It starts with wanting to give God our best.

There are many churches in our country who are many sizes. Large and small, or medium. In addition there are a great many growing models. Due to the fact that in the Bible there are no formulas for a one size -fits- all. Many cultures, many generational shifts and geographical localities. There also are a great deal of Kobe's (Spiritual Kobe's) in our churches. People with many talents(Oh, I forgot. How could I say Female Kobe's? Ok, There's many Whoopi Goldbergs. No, No, No, Just Kidding! There's many Wilma Rudolph's or Serena Williams'.) in our ministries. And they, the truth be told, are the real heroes. It is NOT the pastors. Even though he plays a big part. See, the job of a coach is to get into the background. To coach his players, to become as one unit. To bring the best out of their players so they can fulfill their God given potential. That's his job. There's some who say, No, No, No, the leader leads up at front. Yes, its true. But a leader is a coach. The players are the ones in the field, its not the coach. Which one is it? What do you want to be? If its a player, then get out there in that field! If not, stay on the sidelines and coach! I have a philosophy that, I'd rather be a Barnabas, than a Paul any day. Though Paul recieved the name or the fame. He was a good man of God. It was Barnabas that set it in motion. He took the back seat, in order for the disciple to take the front seat, and so to propel the gospel to the then world. While watching Kobe I have learned some lessons about his game we can apply to our team ministry. Here's a few of them:

1. He learned he couldn't win games by himself.

Kobe in the beginning showed spouts of promise. He had great moves, that you thought we were watching Jordan. Yet, how many times have I watched him in past games, where he'd get stuck under the basket, and I'd say out loud, 'Kobe pass the ball." Then watching Jackson, uptight about it. A couple of years ago. Kobe spouted off in the media, about getting traded. Someone in the Laker organization had said some nasty things about him, and he was upset. The only thing he wanted was support. Players who were decent players on the court. He has learned to pass the ball. He has learned to give up shots for the sake of the team than self.

2. That when we have power & prestige, we tend to make mistakes. In his early beginning, he made mistakes. Pro players have many temptations on the road. That doesn't exclude you or me. We have the same and sometimes even worst temptations confront us in life. We must not let power get to our heads. We walk around as we don't need the Lord. Humility, contentment, prayer, holiness, accountability, worship, teamwork, are not simply by-words for you. They are your life. Your life in God. You and me are not exempt. We must surround ourselves with the Lord's presence as well as our church teams.

3. That regardless of your talent, you still need a mentor.

Kobe has had it pretty rough. When you have that type of attention. You kinda seclude yourself. With all the popularity, people and those who can help, can fade into the background thinking you don't need them. Kobe was misunderstood and thought of as arrogant. Yet, he still needed counsel. Even Jordan backed away from him, as well as his own dad. So what do you do as a young kid? Do you have a mentor? Who is that person who speaks into your life? Are you close to a real man or woman of God? If you will last for the long run. You need a mentor. Throughout scripture great leaders had mentors. From Moses, to David, with Samuel, to Elijah with Elisha, to the apostles, etc. If you will go far, you must stay open to learn. Leadership is a lifelong process of learning.

4. He's pressed on regardless in his focus.

He has stuck it out. He in the meantime he has excelled and raised the bar, and standards on the court. No matter where you are in life. You must press on in God. Ministry and serving the Lord is not easy. Yet, at times we make it hard on ourselves. How? By our bad decsions. By our bad attitudes. By our wrong choices. Then we attempt to point fingers at society, at our upbringing, at our churches, pastor, parents or coaches. God wants you to prosper and have success. Success His way Psa 1. The plans He has for us are not bad, but good, it says in Jer. 29:11. He is for us. If the whole world were against you, and you had God in your corner, you'll always come out on top. Yet, people are not your enemy. The devil is. You will make it. Stay in the fight and be focused on the task at hand.

The Lakers have now won a Finals championship post Shaq. It was due to Kobe's evolution and development as a team player. The Lakers have a tremendous system. It is called the Triangle Offense. It ensures the ball is fluid. That each player touches the ball. It is a team, system. It has proven successful in Chicago, with the great, Michael Jordan. Winning six championships. Some parting thoughts to help us this week.

1. We cannot stifle the Kobe's on our teams.

Remember, God gives gifts to the church. They come in the form of individuals who can help us build our churches. Yes, they are on fire. Yes, they are excited. Yes, they can be immature. Let's work with them, utilize them in ministry. Yet, may we not pour cold water on their fire. They are the future in our churches. Be patient. It is a good thing because the blood is flowing in the church. What we do not need. What we do not want is stale maintenance. That's why many churches are dying daily across the U.S. and the world. You walk around the streets of Europe, and , 'My God", talk about death.

2. That if we keep at it we will be successful.

Many churches shoot themslevse in the foot. Their mentality is that their time has come and gone. Not so! You must think, as its barely the beginning. That the only way is up and not down. I've been saved 27 years. Pastored 16. It s been tough. But I believe my better days are right around the corner. That the greatest days for our church is right around the corner. That the most powerful days for the body of Christ is in the future. That the greatest time and moments for our moovement is up ahead. Our future is so bright, we have to wear sunglasses. I am so proud to see young people and families and teams being raised up, with the gospel in their hearts. But I also recognize, we must keep at it. That church leadership teams must keep at it to be successful. We live in a cheap, do everything fast world. I think that's kinda creeping into some of our churches. As long as we're growing. Might not be as what others expect. But it is solid growth in the Lord. Then, you're talking about a ministry that'll make a difference for years to come. A ministry that has built a winning culture. That each year desires to raise the bar of ministry. Raising the bar by evaluation, adjusting and taking decisive action, and selecting the right personnel.

3. That you must think as a coach.

A coach when everyone else is resting, is studying. A coach that evaluates constantly. A coach who tinkers with the roster as to have the greatest output. Same way a parent wants the best for his or her family, thinking ahead of the coming days. Seeing the advantages and pitfalls. The coach is on their game. Look, if you'll have a winning team, you must practice. You must be able to see weakness and strengths you can use in a particular situation. You say, "What do you know about coaching?" Well, I was a basketball coach two or three times. The first time. It was for the YMCA. I was handed the worst team. I noticed that the rest of the coaches had better players. I found out their schemes. Before the year was out, they were recruiting the best players already. Yet, what happened was, that we didn't have a bad season. We turned those players into a B team. Not bad. We beat some pretty good teams. Parents were happy. I tried different schemes including, zone defense, full court presses, different plays. You must think as a coach on your ministry team.

Leave a comment if you'd like. I will respond. Have a great week.

HEART OF THE SHEPHERD Pt. 4

A woman got on a bus holding her baby. When she did the bus driver said: "That's the ugliest baby I've ever seen." In a huff, the woman slammed her money into the fare box and took a seat near the back of the bus. The man sitting next to her saw that she was angry and asked her what was wrong. "The bus driver insulted me," she said. The man sympathized and said: "Why, he's a public servant and shouldn't say things to insult the passengers." "You're right," she said. "I think I'll just go up there and give him a piece of my mind." "That's a good idea," the man said. "Here, let me hold your monkey."

The shepherd would never treat his sheep as that. As a matter of fact now its been a whole year in a sheep’s life. They've gone from the green pastures; to the still waters; to up the mountain passes of the summer range; Now fall is coming with its colder weather and its back to the ranch for a long winter. Psa. 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. This speaks of sheep who came back well-fed, safe and more trustful in the shepherd. Goodness is mentioned 240 times in OT. So here the sheep were making a statement.

3 things God’s goodness does:

1. He forgives our sins - Ps 103:1-3
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins. The Bible says it is, "the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.” Ps 32:1 says, "What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” The word blessed means happy; Fortunate; to be envied.

2. He provides for our needs -Ps 103:5
"who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. " We can be so picky at times. Once when Vera was still alive, me and her were passing on a busy street. We looked across, and saw that a house had a very large plot of land that the city had, I guess, taken a part of the land. Maybe by eminent domain. I laughed and said, "Hah! The city took a piece of their land, to widen the street! Hah!" Here's the funny thing, its the same house God gave to us. How crazy is that?! And there's a story in that too! That house, or may I say, this house. It was the last one we saw. After being desperate along with our real estate agent, in looking for a house. We were at our wits' end. We saw at least 50 houses, searching for the right one, to no avail. Finally I saw some of the last comps, the very last. We had already begun talking, 'Well, If we have to stay in the apartment another year, well, its gotta be." I went to look at the house with my son, at night with a few friends. The door was locked. So we found the side door unlocked (You know how we do it). I secured a flashlight, then took a look inside. I looked around, examined. And perfect. Everything we prayed about. A fireplace, A good size living room. Decent back yard. Laundry nook, wood floors, nice good sized kitchen, and dining room nook. I called Vera and told her, 'You better get over here right now." She came and her heart was overwhelmed. The real estate agent was amazed, and came right over in her sweats. It was like 11:00, 11:30 P.M. We signed papers, and the rest is history. Talk about being blessed. Can't get better than that. But you better be careful at what you laugh at. Hah! Hah! Hah!

3. He gives us constant opportunities to do his will.

A prospect; An occasion of possibility; A strategic chance.” Some once said, "The reason a lot of people can’t find opportunity is that it is often disguised as hard work.” That, “Between tomorrow’s dream and yesterday’s regret is today’s opportunity.” and "The reason some people don’t go very far in life is that they sidestep opportunity and shake hands with temptation.”

A man named Art, took a friend took for a ride one day out in the country. They drove off the main road and drove through groves of trees to a large uninhabited expanse of land. A few horses were grazing, and a couple of old shacks remained. The friend, Walter, stopped the car, got out, and started to describe with great vividness the wonderful things he was going to build. He wanted his friend Art to buy some of the land surrounding his project to get in on the ground floor. But Arthur thought to himself, Who in the world is going to drive twenty-five miles for this crazy project? The logistics of the venture are staggering. And so Walter explained to his friend Arthur, “I can handle the main project myself. But it will take all my money. But the land bordering it, where we're standing now, will in just a couple of years be jammed with hotels and restaurants and convention halls to accommodate the people who will come to spend their entire vacation here at my park.” He continued, “I want you to have the first chance at this surrounding acreage, because in the next five years it will increase in value several hundred times.” “What could I say? I knew he was wrong. I knew that he had let this dream get the best of his common sense, so I mumbled something about a tight-money situation and promised that I would look into the whole thing a little later on.” “Later on will be too late,” Walter told Art as they walked back to the car. “You’d better move on it right now.” And so Art Linkletter turned down the opportunity to buy up all the land that surrounded what was to become Disneyland. His friend Walt Disney tried to talk him into it. But Art thought he was crazy.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
1. It is a blessing to be used by God.

This is a promise from the Lord. That if we follow Him, if we allow Him to lead, if we place our life in his hands, this will happen. We'll be blessed, then walk right into heaven at the end!

David was saying to the Christian, everyday is a good day.

For the Christian there are no bad days. There are hard days. There are evil days. The attacks of the enemy. But there are no bad days. When we were lost, now those were bad days. When someone pulled a gun in our face. When we were facing certain jail time. Now those were bad days. When you lost your family, and marriage, due to negligence and abuse. Those were bad days. With Jesus, everyday is a good day. We might think, "Well, today, is a bad day." Yet, Jesus has a plan for us everyday. He is in control. Rom. 8:28. If He was not in control, then, Oh, boy', watch out! That's a bad day!

And one thing is for sure in life: We leave a trail behind us in our journey. What do people say about you? “Well, I can’t let her borrow nothing, because she never returns it." "I trust them because they always direct me to God.” “They go out to eat, but they never pay.” "That family took the time to teach me the word of God.” "Man, I sent him for some eggs, and they brought me a chicken!, Duh!" Could you say, the memory of me brings to others a glad thankful smile or would they rather forget about me?”

and I shall return to the house of the LORD forever. and I will dwell in this sheepfold for the rest of my life, forever and ever.

1. The House of the LORD – The family of the Good Shepherd
What a blessing it is to live a life protected and nurtured by our Good Shepherd. We are blessed indeed. We are sanctified. We are separated to God. We do struggle. But we still live a blessed life. There is no better life. I would not trade it for the world. At times I sit back, or I stop and think, "God, You have blessed me. You are with me. I love you." I live at the end of a cul -de-sac. What a blessing it is. Once again, I tell my son, "Dude, We have the best house on the block." Reason being, is in the summer it is hot. Our house is at the end. And when the breeze gets going, it comes unhindered to us. While the other houses face the street, ours is at the end. But, in the winter, oh' yeah, its get cold, with those cold gusts of wind. But still its a blessing from the Lord's hand. And still yet, there are many dying of thirst, and hungering for the words of God to come into their communities. They are hungry sheep. We must, wherever we reside, tell hungry sheep. That's why Jesus in Matt. 9: 35 Yearned and said because he saw the sheep as scattered without a shepherd. The world is looking for leadership. The inner cities are looking for leaders. Oh, If God would open doors, Oh, How we need more leaders. Leaders who are willing. Who are willing to meet needs. Willing to allow God to use their lives. Willing to take God at His word. Willing to step out of their comfort zones, especially in Southern Calif. and in the U.S of A. In our ministry in Anaheim, Ca. We communicate, that God "Has not called us to reach an audience, God has called us to fill pulpits". For me, its not who has the largest church. Its who's making the biggest difference and the biggest impact. And that impact is not measured by what others in the body of Christ think. It is measured first, If God is pleased, because of our motive. It is measured by, if real lives are truly being touched by God's power in the city. It is measured if we are implementing a biblical ministry and if we are being obedient to God's heavenly vision. Too many today, are simply playing church. Seminar after seminar, teaching after teaching, and when it comes down to it, people refuse to go. Rare are the ones, who say yes, then go. What about you? Are you a disciple, much less a leader? We must get out of your comfort zone. We only have one life to live. That's all we have! I tell my son, "Elias, when you talk to me, make sure you know what you're saying and where you're going. I don't have time for wrong turns, and dead ends. I don't have time to waste." Every move I make is strategic. I like what a friend who is now in heaven told me (Pastor Steve Pineda) and some disciples on the way to LAX. He said, "Roy, you and your disciples, every time you get the ball, (As in Football or baseball) You must get some yardage. You must get on base. Everytime, you must bring your team a little closer to winning. Every move is strategic." I have tried to heed his advice. There's hungry sheep all around us.

In our ministry, Victory Outreach International, I value those early pioneers who blazed the way. The veterans of the faith who blazed a trail. I value the many saints of old, the John Bunyan's and the Polycarps. Those who gave their lives away to the Lord. Those who abandoned themselves into the hand of God.

2. Heaven Forever will I be content with God in Heaven. Forever will I be with my shepherd, therefore do I live with joy, power and vision. Forever will my Faithful Shepherd lead me beyond the celestial shores." Are you saved? How do you know? Get right with God. Make it right with Him. If you are saved, good. Press on and endure. Work out our own salvation as it says in Phil 2:12-13. Your life has great potential, like a gold mine or a field, and He wants to help us fulfill that potential. For God is at work in you.

A Texas minister who had a speaking engagement at an all- day conference was running late because his alarm didn’t go off. So when he started shaving, he cut himself. Then he had to iron his clothes. Going outside in hurry, he found out he had a flat tire. After changing the tire, he hurried on the road in a hurry. Racing through town, he failed to see a stop sign and went through it. And wouldn’t you know there was a policeman. He jumped out of the car angry and frustrated, and said, “Go ahead and give me a ticket, everything else has gone wrong today!” The policeman walked up to him and said quietly, “Sir, I used to have days like that before I became a Christian.”

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! 2-3 He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. 4 Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. 5 You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! 6 Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

Jesus, tender Shepherd hear me
Bless thy little lamb tonight;
Through the darkness be thou near me
And keep me safe till morning light
Through this day Your hand has led me
And I thank You for thy loving care
You have warmed me, clothed and fed me;
Please listen to my prayer
Let my sins be all forgiven;
Bless the friends I love so well;
Take me, when I die, to heaven,
Happy there with You to dwell

This was the last of this series. Hope God ministered to you. Leave your comments, if not, keep up as the Shepherd leads you.

HEART OF THE SHEPHERD Pt. 3

Its going on a whole year in a sheep’s life. From the green pastures; to the still waters; to up the mountain passes of the summer range. Then, up to the mesa. Now fall is coming with its colder weather. And through the journey, there developed a love and a trust between the shepherd and sheep. See, they were on a mission. They weren't just little homebodies. They were on the move. Just like you and me. We're not just busy, we are going somewhere. 5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. You make the necessary preparations for my welfare. You prepare a place spread out, with plenty to eat." This talks of having a feast and gives us a picture of a faithful shepherd leading his flock. And a shepherd walking and leading the sheep to higher ground.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. My Shepherd’s desire is to see my best interests served; His concern for me is beyond comprehension.”

As you can imagine, a shepherd would be overjoyed to see his sheep grazing on the land he prepared for them. To him, there was no greater happiness, than to see them taken care. Oh', the joy of pastoring. Oh', the joy of leadership. To see people fed and see them grow and experience the blessings of the journey. To see them assured of their security and have their anxieties subsided due to God's constant care, love and protection. What truly a blessing it is.

“You make the necessary preparations for my welfare. You prepare something is spread out for me.”

Now, where they would be at, was called a mesa. It was a large great massive part of land that we often see in movies or when we travel the mountain passes or the southwest. It was more like a table and a very hard place to reach. Yet, it was the best place to graze. Just as God wants the best for you. It talks of having a feast. I've heard stories of when people go to Italian familes houses in Italy, that for them just a snack, they throw a a gigantic spread. When I went to Durango, Mexico last year. It was just the same. I traveled to many parts within the state, for I literally have thousands of relatives there. Well, when I went to many quaint little towns and made contact with relatives. They would immediately go into their kitchens and make some of that tremedous 'authentic Mexican food.' Wow! What a blessing. May God bless their hearts. As a sheep, this was just like that.

What would the shepherd do to get them to that place?

1. He would prepare the way for the coming journey. He would prepare the pastures. Take out the rocks, roots and stones. He would remove the poisonous plants. Because the sheep felt overconfident, (Like some of us do, at times) that they could eat everything that came their way. That they were ok, and didn't need anybody's help. Then, he would shear the sheep, so they could be lighter for the coming journey.

let me say this . . .

We can't take a heavy coat, those old fleshly ideas and habits with us on the road. Also, for the leader or pastor, the work of the ministry is often done behind the scenes. The sheep had no knowledge of what the shepherd was doing for them. Now, ministry is no easy task. Yet, its a privilege to care for people and do it with God's call. For the sheep are His. 1 Pet. 5:2. The work we do, should be done with the sheep in mind. For them, to excel in the Lord. To see them do greater things than you yourself have done, and go to places you yourself have never gone before. To love them and bring out their best and see them fulfill their potential in life.

2. He watched and was alert due to wild animals who could attack at any time.

Wolves and mountain lions were a threat. The wolves grow to 4 feet in length. That's pretty big. The mountain lions would watch where you least suspected. The 18 inch Horned Viper. They hung around the stony places and hid in walls and hedges; lurking on the roads. Then would bite the sheep when they would eat the grass, because they were in a hole in the grass. So the shepherd would try to prevent that.

Say This:

1. We must let the Shepherd lead us. There's some who want to get ahead of the Shepherd. Listen, we cannot get ahead of God. We must allow God to lead us. Our job is to follow with faith and obedience. How many people in life starve, when what God gives to us is free from His hands? How many Christians are living on the brink? How many of people are going into a downward spiral of impending destruction, all because they don't listen to wise biblical counsel?

2. The shepherd would lead the flock. Not drive the flock. Many times we could be so concerned about 'getting to the higher level,' than actually being concerned for the flock. We want to attain. We want to achieve. We want that ol' feather in our cap. And notch in our belt as leaders. We want to say, "Oh, look what I did!" But God is the one who rewards. He looks at your faithfulness. He sees your toil. He cares for you and gives you supernatural strength to be able to do what you do for Him. Never think its you. Though it is you God is using, let's give the glory to the One who deserves it it, the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes in dealing with individuals in ministry, God tests our patience. One time when I was running our Christian Men's Recovery Home. I had been working with a rough guy. At that time the person had a girlfriend in a Women's home in a different city. I had been trying to help ever since he arrived at the home. On a certain saturday, I stayed back from our schedule, and was counseling the individual. He had done alot of prison time. Anyhow, as I'm dealing with him, the guy pulls out a knife. And is serious about stabbing me. I look at him and say, "Dude, (I started laughing at him) Your'e going to pull a knife out on me?! Here I am trying to help you, and going out of my way, and you're going to pull this little stunt on me?" Though the guy, did that, God had His way. Anyhow, God calls us to be patient with others. The same way He is with us. We must turn things around. I mean our viewpoint, and our mentality. That it is a joy and a privilege to share in the work of the ministry. You must love what you do. Yes, yes, it does come with heartache and disappointments. But how many times does God remind us that its His work and not ours. We're not perfect, as thousands and leaders are not. Yet, its a blessing to lead people to the cross of Calvary and do it with a right heart, right spirit, in the right city, the right message and the right mission.

3. There's things in life that are deadly.
There's a saying I love that says, "Not all that glitters is gold." Its so true. We must be alert. We must watch for the wolves or wild animals, things detrimental to the sheep. Remember, "Where lives have been destroyed and wounded, the devil has been there.” You can't always be so naive to think that you will never get attacked. You will. We must always look at God's word on how to respond and keep moving for the Lord.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

It's summertime now in the meadows. And here, there's blessing. But there's also trouble. There's 3 major problems sheep face. See, with every level, there's a challenge we must always keep alert to that. Its: 1. Insect time or Nasal Fly time. 2. Parasite Season. 3. Time of the Rut.

• Nasal Fly Time – Mosquitos; Nats & Deer flies
  The flies would distract and devastate the whole flock. And advanced stages would lead to blindness. The flies were slick. Their vision was to land on the moist nose of the sheep. Then they would hatch their eggs on the noses. The eggs would work their way up the nasal passage and membrane. Then hatch in there, and thrive. What it would do to the sheep is cause havoc, and torment. Sheep would rub their nose on the ground becaue of the torment, Bang their heads on trees, In real bad infestation, they would jump off cliff's because of the petty annoyances, the detailed distractions, the tiny torments and daily dilemma’s.
  
  1. The devil will always attack the mind. One of his names is Beelzebub. "Lord of the Flies". What does that mean? Is that the enemy wants reverse everything God has done in you. He wants to pervert our faith and belief. Someone has said, "You can't stop birds from flying over your head, but you can stop birds from laying a nest on your head." Bad thoughts are going to come. But we must repel them with the word of God. Can you imagine as we speak the multiple lies of the enemy he is putting on millions of people worldwide. the destruction you will hear about in tomorrow mornings newspaper? Don't stop reaching out.
• Parasite Season

Highly contagious disease would spread in warm weather through infected sheep. Sheep love to graze togtether and be affectionate. And often their heads would touch each other. And so by contact they would infect and contaminate each other and would spread through the flock. Its the same with church people. At times there's different sources of infection. Just like the common cold. If one is contaminated, there's the potential for many to become so as well. That's why a spiritual firewall is so important. Prayer has to be evident and effective. There must be strong leadership and solid biblical preaching. Yet, there must be compassion and love for infected people. Christ is the antidote for any infection or spiritual ill. And you should be careful not to become infected yourself. Gal . 6:1

• Time of Rut

This was a battle for position; and a dangerous time. The rams would butt heads. and many sheep would get hurt. Again, there was requirements that had to be met for sheep to lie down They had to be free from fear. Free from parasites or flies. Of hunger, and free from friction with other sheep. Rut season is when jealousy and old grievances come to the surface. Its when bitterness, suspicion and pride would come out.

1. There's some in our churches who always want to fight. They have a fighting spirit, not as the Bible talks about. But a fighting spirit to fight against other Christians, leaders, parents, coaches and anyone who crosses them. They still haven't learned to throw that ol' chip on their shoulder into the bonfire. They don't feel good unless they fight. We know it’s a time of rut when we always have our guard up. When we think we’re better than others. When we think we’re always right. They say, when someone gets fired from their job, its not because they were not any good at what they do. It is because they never knew how to build relationships with people. In the Lord, we could drop our guard and be ourselves. We are part of a team. We must forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. We must learn to get along and build godly relationships with each other. Psa 133.

So here, we talked about torment, contamination and conflict. So what does the shepherd do in all of this. How many times do we say, "Man, doesn't the pastor care? Doesn't he know what's going on?" Or we say about God, "Why does He allow these things to happen? Why doesn't He just do something and intervene?" Remember, God is good. He is just and compassionate. He died for you and me. He can turn things around. So the shepherd would apply oil in all three situations. He would put oil on the sheep. Then the fly would try to land and couldn't. And the sheep would be like, Aa-a-a-h, what a reli-e-f-f! He would put it on the head of the sheep, then when they would touch each other as they grazed, and there would be no infestation. Then he would put oil on the horns and heads of the rams. Then when there was clashing, and battle. Their heads and horns would roll off because of the oil. They would sit there and say, How did that happen? They would sit there like, Duh? Like a dunce.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
A fresh application of oil was most effective. And it wasn’t a one time deal, it was a process that had to be repeated over and over. The shepherd would mix olive oil, sulphur and spices. What does that tell us?

1. We need a fresh daily touch of the Holy Ghost. We need God's anointing upon our lives daily. The freshest application would be the most effective. When God’s Spirit is on us and in us, we become different people. That's when the change takes place. We need God everyday.

Acts 1:7-8 - "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Alot has been said. But I'll close with this:

• Enjoy the seasons of your life. I'm speaking from personal experience. Enjoy life. I am enjoying life right now. Though I still miss Vera. She's gone. There's nothing I can do about it. But I'm pressing on. But on the flip side, I'm enjoying my time. Yes, I'm busy as ever. To be honest I live a tired life. Constantly going. But its Ok. Because I know that this is the stuff that life is made out of. If you stop enjoying life, what is to become of you? C'mon, take time to ponder, to think, to enjoy. God is with you. Take the time to experience the sunset. To smell some flowers. To read a good book. To go out at random, and get yourself a Tropical Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Its alright. Enjoy the life has given you.
• Stay close to the Shepherd and eat at the Lord’s Table. He has your best in mind. Maybe you've gotten hurt in life. Maybe you've been abused physically, mentally, sexually, or even maybe spiritually. Eat at the Lord's Table. He loves you and takes special interest in you. Nobody can take away what Jesus has done with you, has given you, and has for you. Let Him have His way with you. Our shepherd never sleeps, is never careless and always looks out for our best. Stay close to the shepherd and eat at the Lord's table, John 10:9.

Have a beautiful week. I love you and God loves you. Talk to you later. Oh, sorry for being late. I slept in this morning. I was tired. Leave your comments if you can. Or just keep Baaaa-hing!

HEART OF THE SHEPHERD Pt.2

Right now for the sheep, its the halfway mark. The faithful shepherd is leading the sheep to higher ground. So just picture it. The shepherd is leading the flock up the gentle slopes. They trust him. They know he has their best in mind. The sheep feel secure, because they know the shepherd will not leave them. They have built a relationship with them. He knows each by their name. Now, the shepherd was dressed a certain way. He wore a tunis and girdle; He wore his sandals; He was equipped with slingshot, pouch and oil; Along with that he had his rod and staff. Again, his work was not easy. If anything it was a very difficult one. Many think, "Well, the ministry is appealing. Its easy, I can do it." Maybe you can, maybe you can't. It depends on God's call for you. Anyhow, they see the lights, the benefits, the glare and the applause. Yet, they fail to recognize, it's not easy pastoring people. The shepherd had to deal with the elements up in the hills and gorges. He had to show tenderness to the young and feeble. He had to hunt down strays, and was very watchful at night, due to wolves, lions and other wild animals. So it meant not alot of rest and sleep. His job was one of danger, soberness, diligence and vigilence. “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” Remember, the first part of the chapter, its like the sheep is talking and boasting about the shepherd, (Remember the movie, BABE?) then without warning, the shepherd comes walking. Then the sheep starts to talk to him, in verse 4.

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. He keeps me on the right track and helps me do what honors Him the most.”

1. We live in a culture that is contrary to God. It pays off to live for God

2. We try so hard to do things in our own strength, and we can't. But if we walk in the righteousness of the Lord, and cleansed by His blood, we will make it.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; You will be with me. Though invisible, You wilt attend me. I will not go alone; I will not be alone.

I will fear no adversity, bad, misery, distress, affliction; or calamity. Verse four speaks of inner assurance, complete trust.

Let me say this:

1.)There will be valleys to higher ground. I've heard many people say, "Man, I'm going through the valley." Not knowing that in a valley you find nourishment and water. Someone once said, "When you're in the valley, take the time to smell the roses." Listen, our life is a journey. If you're involved in ministry, you are helping others make it through the valley, as well as helping them fulfill their potential in life.

2.) For every dark tunnel, there is a light at the end. Has it been tough for you? Whatever difficulty you may face, you'll see brighter days. And the thing about the dark valleys, is that God is right by your side. I grew up in Santa Ana, Ca. We lived by some railroad tracks. My dad, when there was a need to go get some food at the store, would take me at night. I remember us walking through the dark tracks at night. Not knowing if some wino would creep up on us. I remember looking up at the stars and my dad holding my hand. How secure I would feel. With my pop by my side. As long as I knew he was by my side, I didn't care what we faced. It's the same with you and God. There's some of you. You are very lonely. You feel you are all alone. Even as Christians. Even as ministry workers, leaders, or even some of you pastors. Have I ever felt lonely? Yes, I have. Yet, we must turn things around. Why? Well, there's a difference between loneliness, and aloneness. Lonely speaks of depression. Aloneness talks of you before God and communing with Him. There is a light at the end of that valley.

“If we never walk through the dark valleys we would never know how to appreciate the bright beauty of life.”

4 your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The rod was a 2 feet long club with a knob at the end with nails. It was the main weapon of protection and main weapon of power. It was for discipline and warning. It would bring effective control of the flock in every situation. The rod talks about God’s Word. God’s word is an extension of God’s mind and God’s will. Why would the Shepherd need the rod? Well, it was the shepherd's strength, authority and power. Well there was 4 types of sheep (Which one are you?):

Never satisfied sheep; The explorer sheep; The do it my own way sheep; And the content and peaceful sheep. God's word has something for each and every one of us. How can we minister to others, if we are deficient of God's word? Soak your mind and heart in God's word daily.

4 your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The staff was between 6-8 feet long. It was a symbol of concern and compassion. It was a symbol of management used to untangle sheep. And it was a symbol of strength. The staff was used for discipline and warning. It protected the sheep from from snakes and wild animals. It was used to draw the sheep close to Him. They would lift the sheep when they fell. Push the sheep into the gate and into the fold. The shepherd would walk with the sheep and guide them. The staff speaks of the Spirit of God in our life. What does the Holy Spirit do in your life?

1, He gets us untangled. How many times have we gotten in messes. How many times do we work with people that have multiple issues, and you say to yourself, "How in the world can I help these people. They have so much problems." Leader, we need God's Spirit to do the work. Many times we want to take the place of the Spirit of God. Then we mess everything up. We say the wrong thing. We make the wrong decision. We operate in 'our own strength' instead of God's leading. Then things go from bad to worse. Ever been there? "Oh, what tangled webs we weave."

2. He keeps us in line. We're the type of people (Well, some of us, not all) that don't like to be told what to do. You say, "Well, who died and made you Chief? Yeah, but you don't know my small group leader!? You don't know the way my parents are!? Its not easy following the pastor. I don't like the way the pastor's wife talked to me, yesterday! My, boss, I can't stand him!" I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who said, "He that cannot obey, cannot command." I'm here to tell you, that the kind of leader you have is the kind of leader God knew you needed. It is your job to be faithful. Its not your job to rationalize. To question every decision(As long as its in line with God's word). Its not your job, to make decisions that are not yours to make. I was in a Victory Outreach Christian Recovery Home for 3 years. Boy, what a long 3 years. I was under a director that was a man of God. Yet, being under his leadership was tough. In the beginning, wow! Talk about torment. We would work six days a week for the payment of the bills of the home. He was a rough guy. He was very rough on me at times. I remember one time. We had come back on a Saturday ( This was 22 years ago, but it seems like yesterday), he had instructed me to do a certain thing which I thought I had succeeded in doing. At the end of the day. As the other men were getting ready for Bible study. He met me outside. (Hatchet time. I didn't say Hammer time, I said Hatchet time) He told me why didn't I do what he had instructed me to do. I told him I did. But, he pretty much didn't listen to me. He knew he had me like cat has a mouse. So there he went. He gave me what the Bible calls a rebuke. A bad one at that (You ever experience that?). Anyway, he left me right there as he left, bleeding and all (Figuratively speaking). Me? Well, I just began turning different colors. Blue, green, then red. I was mad. (Lucky you weren't there) I said to myself, "Who the heck does he think he is!" I was so mad, I left (Not left the home.) I took a walk. But the heavy thing is this. In like 5 years I hadn't cussed. God had changed me. But there and then, I began cussing. And you know what? I was praying too! I was telling God, "You know God, this blanklety, blank, blankety dude! This guy is too much. Just give me 5 minutes, and I'll fix him. Please! How dare him! I'm sick and tired of this blankety blank blank stuff! You know, he's too much, that turkey! He doesn't even appreciate all the things I do for the home, that blankety, blank, blank!" Picture it, Its saturday evening. I'm all dirty from a long busy day. Then a bombshell is dropped on you. Also, the thing to realize here now, is that at this time I was crying too! Sobbing. But here's the thing. I needed a leader like him. A leader that wouldn't let me get away with nothing. God knew I would be in my own city. I needed a spiritual internal helm. Convictions. God knew he would give me a big responsibility one day. The responsibility of leading hundreds, and thousands one day. God wanted to change my life. God knew I still had that corrupted language inside. And He was determined to use an instrument in the form of a home director to bring it out. The director was a good man. He is my friend. He pastors in a different city now. But God used him, as God is using your'e leader to this day. God has to put you in line. Maybe your leader is really a sinful leader. Or is partaking of carnal evil. Think about David. He would not of become king, if he would of never had a Saul in his life. So don't despair. Stay put. You are in a win win situation.

3. He breaks unhealthy habits we have developed. One type of sheep there was, was a sheep called a maverick sheep. These were the kind of sheep that always had to go their own way. They had baaahh! habits. When these sheep continued, and when they began to influence some other sheep. Then the shepherd would take action. He would break their legs. If they still would not listen after many a time. He would kill that sheep. And so that bad spirit would be abolished. Someone has mentioned that habits are like beds, "Easy to get into, but hard to get out of." Especially 5:00 a.m. He breaks unhealthy habits.

3 closing lessons:

1. As long as God is with us we need not fear evil. Don't be afraid. Trust in Him. He will see you through. You have to get through those valleys, to get to the exhilirating mesas. The mesas with breathtaking and visionary views. Can you just see it now? Don't be afraid.

2. When we come to God (As sheep), we must come with a blank page, for Him to fill it. In other words, "Whenever you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!" Hah! Hah! An attitude that says, I'm here, God. I want to follow you. Its not easy for me, but you are with me. I can't make it without you. I need your strength to do your will. I want to be pleasing to you." You do that, and rest assured He will fill that page. You'll be baaaaah -ing, all day long.

3. Expect to get stuck, eaten up alive, and bitten, when we decide to go our own way. Don't be hard hearted. The thing I find that's very helpful is prayer. As long as I'm right with the Lord. Things will be OK. It'll help deal with difficult situations. It helps us see things in a different perspective. To see the big picture. Pray.

If you'd like to share an experience or would just like to leave comments. Feel free.

THE HEART OF A SHEPHERD Pt.1

There's no greater sense in life, than that we will be taken care of. That we could be free of cares, chaos or confusion. That God has our best in mind. In Christian circles today, many think it takes slick cliches' to serve God in a 'dynamic' way. It simply takes following the Shepherd. Trusting in his tender care. Yep, this is the secret to having a successful, effective and long lasting ministry wherever we are. Ps 23:1-3 says: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Do you know anyone who is like The LORD?
Astronomers tell us that the Milky Way, is a family of more than 100 billion stars. They say could be as many as 100 billion other galaxies in the universe. And they believe that the billions of these galaxies’ billion stars could have hundreds of millions of planets like our own. The sun is so large that, if it were hollow, it could contain more than one million worlds the size of our earth. There’s stars in space so big that they could easily hold 500 million suns the size of ours. There are about 100 billion stars in the average galaxy. And there are at least 100 million galaxies in the known universe. But many is a 100 billion? If we were to count 250 a minute—day and night—it would take us about 1,000 years to count to 100 billion. Multiply this by a few trillion, The distance from our galaxy to the next nearest one is nearly 1,500,000 light years. That is the distance light will travel in one-and-a-half million years going 186,000 miles each second. My Father did that!

The Lord is my shepherd David is saying, ‘He's my main source of guidance and protection. He's the one I love to spend my time with.” The Bible describes us as sheep. The bad news is, sheep are some of the dumbest animals around. They can't swim, can't fight, can't run fast. I am a sheep. and you are a sheep. Good news is, He's the Shepherd, not us.

I shall not want - The Lord owns you. He bought us. We're His. He will take care of us. He knows what we face. Our dreams, desires; Our bills, ambitions; Yet, It's when we stay close to the shepherd that we become healthy, and recieve the best care. The Lord is my shepherd, that’s all I want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, Sheep do not just take care of themselves. They take a lot of work. This verse talks about being at ease, and rest with enjoyment. Talks about the shepherd leading them gently to a resting-place. Its a pastoral word used of gentle leading to the watering-places, then causing them to rest.

Note: An unfed sheep is always on their feet and on the move. They can't ever rest. God wants you to have His peace in life.

he leads me beside quiet waters, Sheep lack a sense of direction, and by nature sheep are very fearful and nervous. Apart from the shepherd they can’t fight off any enemy. So they're defenseless. That's why it's difficult for the shepherd to have sheep lie down. There's 4 Issues before they do:

They have to have their fears dealt with. They have to be free from friction with those around them. . They have to be well fed. Free from flies and parasites.

2 Things sheep shy away from: Fears and friction

FEARS

Today, you'll be surprised at the different fears people have. I've met people afraid of elevators. Mice, being alone, etc. There's a guy I know of, who's literally afraid of dogs. Seems funny, but to them its not funny. 8 % of what people worry about is true. The other 98% is things we have no control over and things unrealistic made up in our minds. 1 John 4:18 says “perfect love casts out fear." 2 Tim. 1:7 says that the sound mind is the mind free from fear. But fixed on God. Daniel instead of being afraid, prayed. How much fear we allow in our life is related to how much time we spend in prayer. Dan 6: 10.

1.) A word to you who love to watch scary movies. You must stop this practice. You're allowing the enemy to gain a foothold in your mind and heart. As well as your household. Then we wonder why we think Jason or Freddy is at our door!

FRICTION: Among sheep, this is considered the "Butting order".

This is a fight for position. Its the desire to be numero #1. Did you know that wanting to be No.#1 among people takes peace out of our lives. It causes worry and distraction. J. Oswald Sanders said, "Man, should not seek the office. It's the office that seeks the man." In other words, its my job to be faithful and fruitful. To blossom where I'm planted. A while ago, in ministry. There was a leader in a certain district. I knew the individual was a shady person. Things so happened that leaders came to me and would pretty much vent. I, in love, and respect, would share concerns with the leader. Someone has well said that, "it takes a big man to see how really small he or she really is." Well, to make a long story longer. Word got around to his leaders, that I was "disobedient" and not open. When it was really the other way around. Funny thing is that, everyone knew it (Or so I thought). So I tell my wife. Vera, "Proof is in the pudding. Let's keep on doing what we've always done. We have always been in the trenches. People know that. We have a good reputation, in the ministry, city, and community. We've been faithful to God. (Didn't say perfect) Let's do this," I said. Well, God continued to bless us. What happened to the leader, you ask? He's not there anymore. Yet, nobody came around and said, "Hey, Roy. You were right. We were wrong." But you know what? They don't have to, but people know. So its cool. You might find yourself in a similiar situation. Not to worry. Stay in the fight. Continue to be faithful. Do not be moved by the power seekers. Stay in the trenches and do your job for God. Disciple people to the Lord, Your leaders, to the gospel. Be faithful! No matter what. An elder of our ministry, Ed Morales, once said, "Trials or hard times will affect your performance. But they should not affect your performing." Furthermore, Do you know how Jesus responded? With the towel of a servant. That's how. And its interesting, that whenever the shepherd was around, there was no bickering, rivalry, competition. No, "Hey, I got position yes I do, I got the power how bout' You'!! Leader does this ever happen to you? That whenever you come around, (I said sometimes. Not all the time everywhere.) people start moving faster. Why? (You know the ol' Cat's away syndrome) Doesn't feel that good. Again, why? No.1# I don't see myself as a big shot. I'm not afraid to pick up a shovel. That's who I am. No.2# People don't serve me! They serve the Lord. So whatever they do is to the Lord. God is the One who rewards. Me? Well, I'll just give you an ol' pat on the back, or a slap upside yo' head (Just kidding).

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes our soul. Yes, indeed. At times we find ourselves stressed out. They cut back your hours, stress. Traffic, stress. Somebody talks to us the wrong way, stress. Your spouse takes their anger out on you, stress. Dealing with independant and stubborn people at church, stress. Smash your finger, like I did last week, stress.

he restores my soul. Restores means He renews, refreshes, rebuilds, reclaims, recovers and revives. He revives life in us. He is an oasis in the midst of multiple terrains and seasons of life.

Sheep had the potential to be problematic. One such issue was becoming a 'Cast sheep’ - They would get a little comfortable at night and look for a soft spot to snuggle in. Just like a cat. And we have the tendency to be the same way. We look for the easy life, the easy way out. We look for the soft spots in life. And in the morning, when sheep would get up. They'd realize they could not, because of their heavy wool. Then, gasses in their stomach would cut off their circulation. So being in that hot sun, didn't help. So sheep would die. The shepherd would be concerned, when he'd see vultures circling the air. He'd think it could be one of his sheep. His next move was to shear the sheep. That's right. Take off all the dirty wool. With dirt, parasites, splinters, small tumble weed branches and all.

As leaders, disciples, coaches or parents. Must be careful of 2 things:

1. Be careful of too much soft places of life. More people have fallen in a time of leisure than in time of sacrifice. That little spider monkey you play with on the side, will one day, become King Kong, and smite you. That little pet, the secret sins you play with, (If you do)will one day squeeze the life of God out of you, like a boa constrictor. Let's keep ourselves on the cutting edge in Christ.

2. Be careful of the old self life - Its what I call, "The Old Shaggy You."
One reason the High Priest in the OT could not wear wool in the Holy of Holies? Is because it symbolized the flesh life. It was repulsive in God's sight. The flesh is in rebellion to God. We as Christians, mighta served God for many years. Now the fire is not so bright. And you seem to think, "Well, I've paid my dues. I did my job!" But what about now? Does God not speak? Has your time passed you by? Because you have no position at church. Does God not have the capacity to still use your life? Get, back to what God wants you to do. Remember the promises He's given you. There is much for you to do today. We need you!

1. Let others know about the goodness of the Good Shepherd.

2. God's watching you and knows what's best for you. Don't worry!

3. Know you're on a journey. The road you travel on is an adventure.

If you'd like to leave comments feel free. Baah! Baah! Baah, Baah!