MINISTRY OF CHRISTIAN RECOVERY HOMES

He woke up in the morning at 4:00 a.m. trembling and feeling pain all over his body, in the roach infested room. He began feeling the effects, and needed to get out. So out into the cold he went through the back door and down the stairs to the alley below. He realized he had left his little .22 caliber stashed behind the urine stained mattress. He said, "I don't need it. I gotta go." After jumping the fence, he began looking around. Coughing and breathing the mist that comes from a cold morning, he began thinking what to do next. He began walking toward the house he had been casing the last few days. He needed a fix, and he needed it bad. He was strung out. So before he made it to the street the house was on, he noticed a lady at a bus stop a block away. She fit the profile of a responsible and dedicated woman. She fit the profile of an easy pigeon. At this moment he didn't care who she was or how she would feel. He was on a mission. Going a little further, he realized she hadn't saw him in the dark. He concentrated on her like a hawk, her purse by her side, he managed to get a little closer, ever so discreet. A couple of cars passed by distracting the lady as she waited for her bus, around the corner. Then he thought to himself, "When another car passes by I'll make my move." Just then an orange colored van passed by used by a local paperboy. As the lady watched the van go from house to house. He ran towards her and without warning, grabbed her purse, and fled. He felt, "Hey, don't you understand? I'm not going to be denied. This purse is business as usual. Ain't no different from any other time. Forget that lady!" He ran that morning like a junkyard dog ready to attack. For he needed to get well and bad. The lady seeing what had happened so quickly, began to scream with a shreaking yell that pierced the morning dawn. With tears in her eyes she cried out, "My purse, My purse! Help me, My Purse!. Come back, Please!" In her purse she had carried all of her personal effects, cell phone, keys, wallet, and the money she had saved for the rent the next day. Yet scream she did, to no avail, as one light after another began to come on, in the second and third storied projects. So there he went, running into the dark alleys, clutching that purse. The only means possible for his medicine for the time being. The dogs were loud with their barking, as Rogelio ran towards the connections housed, in the dark drug infested alleys. Yep, this is just another normal day of the mean streets of yet another city in the big U.S. of A.

Why The Ministry of Christian Homes?

1. Because the government is crying out! The government has no cure, no answer.
2. Because homes are falling apart.
22 million Americans are addicted to alcohol; They spend 90 billion a year on alcohol. every 30 min. someone is killed in the U.S. in an alcohol related accident. There’s over 600,000 heroin users. Which they spend between 150 - $ 200 a day for their habits. In the last 30 days, 19% of High school seniors. have tried crack or cocaine. 3 people die every second, 180 every minute. Not to mention the families broken and destroyed due to drugs, gang violence and crime.
3. Because we have a mission as Christians to reach the hurting.
4. Because the cry of the hurting has gone up to heaven. Exo. 3
5. Global cities is where Jesus said to "Go!"

Acts 1:8 "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." The Samaritans were the most hated people. The call to the apostles was to get rid of their hatred, many in their society previously had. It was a call to put away prejudice and show real love to hurting populations.

In Luke 15 Jesus tells a story of a young man who wanted his inheritance. After basically telling his dad, he wanted his money, and making a statement, "I don't care if I lose my right as your son, or even being called your son. Give me my money." Going off into a far city, many commentators have said was Rome or Antioch. He began living like any other worldly young guy, which means to party, frequent the local prostitute joints, and hang out with deadbeats. After getting to the lowest point of his existence, he remembered his dad. Attempting to make his way back, he repented and came to a change of heart, mind and will. His Dad, looking for him everday, the same as our mothers and fathers looked for us and could not sleep, till we arrived. Saw him, and came rushing and running toward him, with tears in his eyes. The boy, tells his dad, "Father, I'm not worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your slaves." The dad not having it, commanded his servants to go kill the fatted calf, then clothed him with the family robe and sandals, and a ring on his finger. All which represented, honor, sonship, power of attorney, and reconciliation. And there was great celebration in the air. So it is, when sons and daughters give their hearts to the Lord. When they become restored by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a restoration I have seen firsthand, in my 20 years of full time ministry.

What do Christian Recovery Homes do?

1. They produce a different grade of disciple.
They produce people who’ve been tested and learned the intensity of Christian ministry. In the home, they learn the word of God. They learn to pray and build their relationship with Jesus Christ. They learn what it means to be a disciple. They learn to be obedient and stand in trials. Jesus was in a type of home. He lived together with His disciples. They had a mission. They learned at His feet. They prayed. He sent them two by two's. He taught them concerning ministry in many settings. The results are found in the book of Acts. 'These me who have turned the world upside down." Or in Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

2. It is what makes our ministry unique. There are many dying churches in the U.S. today. One reason is they have become as a frog in the kettle. They have stubbornly refused to change. As the world has passed them by, they have continued to adhere to the old methods of evangelism or philosophy of ministry, albeit with good motives. Listen, values or biblical principles never change. Only our methodology does. In our movement, it's imperative to reach out to drug infested communities. It is our vision, and call. To us, it is beautiful (Not the crime. But the potential of changed lives with the gospel of Christ). Thank God we are a body, where every part serving and fulfills its role. 1 Cor 12.

3. Gives the worst of the worst, hope.
Victory Outreach International is a leader in inner cities worldwide. The first promise God has given our International minstry is found in Isa. 45:2-3 “I will go before you and will level the mountains, I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, The God of Israel, who summons you by name.” The second is found in Isa. 45:2-3 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendents will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”

I was in the home for 3 long years. I have 10 years full time home directing. Being in a Christian Recovery home was one of the hardest things I've had to endure in my life. The first 6 months I wanted to leave everyday, like a chicken through a cornfield. After getting over that time, I began to see the vision God had for my life. I began noticing the change He was doing in the life of our residents. And seeing the success of the life they had after graduating to the next level. There was a time when many ministries (I won't name many of them. For you have all heard of them) judged our vision (Though they'll never admit it) due to the fact, we had a heart to reach drug addicts, gang members, and their families. They called us the Addict ministry. They made their holier-than -thou innuendos and sarcastic remarks. Now what do you see? You see many ministries who came to their senses and have said, "Its true. Jesus dealt with the rough and tumble people. He was on the streets. This is the wave of the future. Inner cities are growing and we must show compassion." Victory Outreach is the largest Christian Recovery Homes ministry in the U.S. under the leadership of Pastor Sonny and Julie Arguinzoni. It is recognized throughout the world, including taking part in President Geroge W. Bush's Faith -based Intitiative. As long as people have breath, they have hope. The hope of a better and changed life in Christ Jesus. And so you ask:

What is a Christian Recovery Home?

• It is a River of cleansing. God cleanses away our sin. He cleans up our bad habits.
• It's a spiritual Army base. We are in a spiritual war. We're called to be God's soldiers.
• It is a Holy Ghost hospital.
• It is a Bible college. Men and women learn the word of God, meditate on it, apply it, and preach it to the world.
• It is a Home. Many individuals come from broken homes. Many have never had a home. Others, were properties of state ran orphanages. While others are some who simply knew their step dads or moms. Many times living in drug infested motels. It is a home. God's home.

What I Learned As A Director?
I can’t treat everyone the same.

What are the types we work with? Glad you asked.The rejects of society; The burn outs; The tweakers; The jail house lawyers; The drama queens; The spiritual eggheads; Religious grasshopper; and so on and so on.

There is no easy way for discipleship.

It is not easy to work with people who have have been a certain way for many years. Many could say, 'Yeah, but God forgives, and saves.' Yes, Its true. But its a process. It doesn't happen overnight. There are many so called Christian homes, who have a time set. After two to three weeks they can go and find employment. Do you see the trouble the certain ministry is causing their lives? An addict is a certain way many years. After two weeks they still have that itch. Then they go, as a dog to its vomit. And so there they are the same way as before. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Right after, He said, unravel him. And so it takes unraveling for a person to learn and be discipled. Its Ok , because that's our call. But, oh', the joy when they become disciples. Praise the Lord!

Learned It is God’s Home.

That being in a center, or a home cannot change anyone. Man made formulas do NOT work! Just think about the recent deaths of super stars, who tried self help methods or entered those centers. Only God changes lives. Many drug rehabilitaion centers charge thousands of dollars. They come up with their, 'Scientific treatment' that focuses on the symptom and not the true cause. The heart is the cause. The change in the heart must take place.

The one’s you least likely suspect are usually one’s that catch it.

Those individuals, who apply what the word says. Those many steroetyped as the least likely to succeed, are usually the ones who make it in Christ and make an impact. Just ask King David. Or the many multiple men of women of God in the Bible. 1 Cor 1:27

What Results Take Place?
God does miracles in men and women. He heals our minds and hearts in the home; He puts character in their soul; He gives them spiritual backbone to stand in God; He restores families; He gives vision and hope for people. Kids recieve new parents, moms and dads; Parents receive new children; They become a post card for their parents; Spouses get new husbands and wives; Society gets better productive citizens; The church receives growing disciples and future leaders; The gospel's influence goes into the G.G.G. mode. It Grows. Goes a lot further. Reaches its Goal.

We're talking about . . .

• Treasures out of darkness.
• Trophy of God’s Love
• Testimony of God’s Grace.
• Teller's of God’s word.
• Transmitter of God’s vision.

I'm very thankful for the ministry that was humble enough to allow God to use it to bring a change in my life and literally to millions. If I would not of endured the pressure, the pain and the process. I would not be talking to you here. It's what I needed at the time. It was where God healed my many annoyances, strongholds and habits. It's where I was exposed to full time ministry. I'm thankful for the Lord, and my pastor who gave me an opportunity. To the director God used in my life. 1 Tim 1:12 Be resolved! Be used of God in this day and hour!

Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Leave a comment if you can. If not, talk to you next week. Keep laughing with God's joy!

THE RING

A husband said to his wife, “You always carry my picture in your purse to the office. Why?" And she said, “Well, when there’s a problem, no matter how impossible, I look at your picture and the problem disappears." And the husband said, “Wow! You see, how great and powerful I am for you?" And the wife said, “Yeah, I see your picture and say to myself, "What other problem can be greater than this one?"

Old Farmer Johnson was dying. The family was standing around his bed. With a low voice he said to his wife: "When I'm dead I want you to marry farmer Jones." She said "No, I can't marry anyone after you. He said, "But I want you to." She said, "But why?" He said: "Because Jones cheated me once in a horse deal!"

The Gold Ring many couples wear on their finger as a married people, presents a very special display. It signifies 5 major graces within your relationship:

1. Symbolizes the endlessness of your love.

2. It talks of your committment to each other, wherever you are. Regardless of temptation. It reminds you of your loyalty.

3. Gold symbolizes the purity of your heart toward one another.

4. Its a shadow of the Holy Spirit in our life, showing we are His.

5. Confirms an ancient tradition. That a vein in the 4th finger of the left hand went directly to the heart.

Someone once said there's 4 rings in marriage:

* The Engagement Ring* Wedding Ring* Suffe-Ring* Endu-Ring!
The Wedding Ring is an outward sign of a heart to heart and spiritual bond that unites a loving husband and wife. It's when two people feel an attraction and catch what real love is. It's giving expecting nothing in return. When two people are resolved they commit themselves to live their lives together, with the motive of giving and not taking. Serving and not being served. Blessing and not being blessed. That is what brings and keeps marriages together for a lifetime. Marriage is a serious and wonderful thing. Someone once commented, “Marriage is an adventure that begins at an altar, and one that ends at a gravesite.”

5 Key Ingredients in Marriage

I. The Formation Of Marriage
God instituted marriage. And He designed it to be a blessing, to each other and their families. Someone said, "Marriage can be heaven on earth or it can be hell on earth." God put you and your wife or husband together. Doesn't matter what you're going through. God put you together. I know. 'He snores; or she doesn't know how to cook." Yet, God put you both together.

II. The Foes of Marriage
There's many foes, that do not want you together. Marriage is a symbol of what's in heaven. It gives the devil fits. It reminds him of the Body of Christ and the Bridegroom. That is why he's at work to destroy your marriage. Sometimes he'll wait, and do it one thing at a time. The media doesn't help. When you have shows like Mad Men, or Married with Children. Among some of the worst shows, we've ever seen. It takes its toll on couples who are simply falling out of love. Is that you? What about family interference? Family members always getting involved in your marriage relationship. They can't ever mind their own business! I say to them,(For you. Not unless you like it) Get a life! From the Mother-law, to other siblings. You wonder, How can they ever stay together?!

Iii. The Failure of Marriage
Its been surveyed that statistics of divorce are the same or higher in the church, than the world. Divorce should not be mentioned. It should be a bad word in your relationship. God put you together. You made a vow to Him. Do you remember this?

Will you take this person

to be your wedded spouse
Promising to keep cherish and defend
And to be her or his faithful and true spouse

as you both shall live?
I _________ to you to be my wedded spouse,

To have and to hold from

this day forward for better....

for worse for richer....

for poorer in sickness and in health

to love and to cherish

till death us do part.
Many times a beautiful couple turns because of selfishness on both parts. They both want to have it both ways. It's always important to know, that any successful marriage has Christ at the center of it. Being married to my wife of 15 years was no easy task. She, early in our marriage had to adjust to alot of things. She lived with friends for about 5-6 years and was involved in ministry. Me? It was full time ministry. I was in a Victory Outreach Christian Recovery Home for 3 years. I had known Vera in the church prior. When we tied the knot. It was great. Then later on, some little schisms began. From washing to cleaning, or me saying the wrong thing. Or her not thinking what I thought she already knew had to be done, and so forth. For the first two years, talk about anger, mayhem, rage, and tears. Wow, it was tough. Until, we found the secret. And that was, 'I can't have it my way. I am not right, and neither are you. God is the only one right. And we need to change according to His word.' Then it got better and better. I remember one time, we're on our way back to our apartment, back from another busy day of ministry. I clicked the opener and nothing. We go to the store thinking its the batteries. We try again, and nothing. I open the garage door by lifting it, and put my son through. He goes around, opens the front door. No lights, nothing works. I'm not in the mood, and I'm thinking, "Oh, my God? I think I know what it is. And yep, it's exactly that. She didn't pay the electric bill." I'm feeling, 'Hey, I work hard. I deal with alot of multiple situations, issues, projects, and multiple personalities. Do I need to put up with this? I'm tired right now, its 10:30 PM(Oh, don't tell me? You've never felt like this. I'm sorry, maybe its just me. I just wanted to be personal here) Ministry has its curves and turns. Normal people come home from work, eat dinner, look outside the window, put on the porch light, yawn, sit down, watch a movie or a game and maybe go to Bible study once a week. Us in full time ministry. Let me just say this, It's never a dull moment(I'm not saying we're better. Its just that in ministry you live being on your toes. Pretty intense stuff). Let's get back. Well, at this time, It's on, and I mean its on. Its WWIII! And it gets ugly. It's, I think the worst argument, we've ever had in our 15 years of marriage. It's like the devil came and slept in our sofa in that little 2 story apartment. We fought till maybe 5:00 a.m. My son. My poor son, at that moment was frantic. He was paranoid and didn't know what to do. He was yelling, crying, pleading with us to stop. But we dealt with it that night. We talked, forgave each other, made up, cried, and prayed. Some other fools, (Selfish at that. Yes, its true, Fools.) would've of taken off, and never returned. Never thinking that there's hope. That their kids wanted them to be happy and stay together. Thats all they wanted, a united family. That's all. Some guys act foolish. How? They retreat, and separate themselves from their spouses. Develop different bank accounts, go to different churches, make excuses for not to come home. Then, they attempt to justify it. Not knowing that everything that happens in that household is a result of their leadership!

Prov. 18:22, "The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and recieves favor from the LORD. The man who finds a wife finds a good thing; she is a blessing to him from the LORD."

IV. The Fruit of Marriage

What a blessing when all the pistons are firing. When things are good. When your home atmosphere is what God designed it to be. I knew I was doing my job, when my wife would sing as she cooked and tended to needs. I tell couples, to hang in there. That it'll get better. You never know what you have until you lose it. That when you find love, hang onto it. For it is hard to find love. And when you do find love, its great, its good, its blessed, it beautiful. Tough sometimes, but for the most part tremendous. To love and feel wanted. To give and see that you have a part in the life of the one you love. There will be fruit. Maybe you don't see it. But there's a blessing right around the corner.

According to Ephesians 5 The husband and wife have different roles. He's to be:

• Manager, the
• Model and the
• Minister. (I didn't say Monster)

1 Pet 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

Warren Wiersbe said: "The husband must be the 'thermostat' in the home, setting the emotional and spiritual temperature. The wife often is the 'thermometer,' letting him know what that temperature is!"

So she also is to be his . . .

• Helpmate - (I didn't say Hell mate!)
• Soulmate - The best of friends
• Team mate - Back to back partner. and
• Playmate(Oh my', should I say this? What? Do you expect me to explain? You is crazyyy. You've got indigestion. But, Ok I'll make it biblical . . Heb. 13:4)

V. Fight for your Marriage

You live and learn. You know the story I told earlier? When the lights were off, she began putting candles on in the dark. Do you know what she told me after the big fight, in tears? She said since the lights were off, she wanted to make the best of it and have a romantic night. I felt, "What a big Buffoon I am!" What I'm saying is, we must find the best solution and work it out, and not getting into it, like we did. Fight for your marriage. Listen to each other. Catch the meaning of what they're really saying. Not how they're saying it. Work on your marriage. If you stay the same, you'll grow apart. If love and commitment is there you’ll be blessed. If you follow God’s word, and pray, you'll make it. What it takes for a happy marriage? It takes commitment. It takes companionship. It takes communication. It takes spiritual character. It takes the ATM cash factor. What you put in is what you get out of it. Sad is the day, when you both go to withdraw, and read: Insufficient funds. That's right, marriage is what you make it. So what that Ring? You wear it, but is it important to you? Or just some little bling you love to look at, with your rose colored glasses?

If you'd like to leave a comment. feel free. I'll attempt to respond.

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!