Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. – Rev 2:4-5

The summer before my senior year I embarked on that familiar rite of passage known well by father and son — the search for my first car.  It was a welcomed and much needed upgrade after enduring the humiliation of my junior year transportation (let’s just say, it’s difficult to score cool points when you’re pulling into your high school in the family mini-van).  I was so desperate for wheels of my own that a Geo Metro was on my short list of possibilities. Thankfully there was divine intervention!

I’ll never forget the moment I laid eyes on her.  A 1989 Camaro RS I found at a used car lot on a forgotten stretch of backwoods highway.  It was love at first sight.  I knew it was the car for me…though my dad wasn’t quite sure.  Unfortunately for him, there was little reasoning with a 17 year old who was already daydreaming about cruising down the highway with the T-tops off.  Three days later, I’m driving off the lot with the car of my dreams.

That Camaro was in my life for two years until the inevitable took place.  No, I didn’t wreck it, I sold it to buy something else that had caught my eye.

How quickly we fall in and out of love with things.  I could give you a long list of things I just couldn’t live without that are now sitting in some forgotten place collecting dust.  It’s part of our human nature.  And it’s a problem when we allow that part of our humanity to creep into our spirituality.

Jesus’ letter to the church of Ephesus scares me.  It shows a people that were doing everything right, except one.  On the surface they looked like the perfect church, yet at the heart, had forsaken their first love.  Jesus clearly pointed it out to them.  He said though you are going through all the right motions, you’ve lost the right emotion!

Take a moment and ask yourself, “Does my love for Jesus burn as fervently today as it did before?” Am I as “in love” today with Christ as I was when I first came to know Him?  Can you ever remember a time when your love burned more brightly than it does now?  Does fervent love describe your experience with Jesus at all?

If the answer to those questions concerns you may I point you to the three responses Jesus asked the church at Ephesus to do to remedy their situation.

1. REMEMBER “there from where you have fallen”

Go back and remember the first moment you laid eyes on your Savior.  Remember the spark of new life that entered your soul.  Look back and see the fires of your first love.

You can’t live in your past, but it’s good to return to that past God encounter and remember what it was like.  Consider how much better it was then than now.  Remember the peace, the purity, and the pleasure of that time.  Let those memories reveal the contrast between where you are now and how it was back then.  Doing so is essential to come to the next step.

2) REPENT

Jesus then commanded them, “Repent!”  That means to have a change of mind that results in a change of direction.  Become inwardly grieved and ashamed at your condition and then carry that grief to the Lord and confess it in His sight. Jesus was inviting them to come and spend time with Him at the altar and make things right.  That invitation is still open for us as well.

3) RETURN “and do the first works”

Last, He urged them to go back, step by step, until they came to the place where they took that first misstep and from there endeavor to revive and recover that lost zeal.  Return to that place in worship where you were not just singing the words, but you meant them and carried them with you throughout the day.  Return to that place in the Word where you could see Him and hear Him in every verse you read.  Return to that place of wonder where you stood in awe of His creation and His great love for you.

Jesus’ letter to the church of Ephesus should serve as a warning that it is possible for any of us, great or small in the Kingdom, to be caught up doing all the discipline of Christianity, but no longer be devoted to Christ.  Never forget, the heart of Christianity is not discipline, but devotion, and there lies the difference between it being a religion or a relationship.

Sheer awe was the feeling I had as I overlooked the Yosemite Valley from atop Yosemite Falls.  That feeling was the payoff for a long, and I do mean long, hike.  Hours earlier I had almost given up as I looked up at those ominous zig-zagging trails carved into the face of  the granite wall.  My knees already hurt, my body was worn out, but I had come this far.  I convinced myself it was just a few more feet and that I could make it.  And I did.

If you’ve never seen the Yosemite valley from above, then you’ve truly missed out on one of the most spectacular views on planet Earth (though I recommend driving to the top of Glacier Point in your car).  It’s an additional 2,000 feet and saves you the six plus hours you’ll invest into the hike I took (wish someone had told me that).  The view is amazing and you’ll thank me later.

I imagine a similar and even greater feeling of awe surged through Peter as he stood atop the Mount of Transfiguration.  He watched as Jesus took off his humanity for a moment and let the brilliance of his deity shine forth.  He saw Jesus sit down for a conversation with Elijah and Moses.  He was certainly awestruck!  “It is good for us to be here,” Peter exclaimed in excitement.

Of course it’s good for you to be here Peter!  Jesus had told the disciples that greater things than these you would see.  He had prophesied that you would see Heaven open up and angels ascending and descending on Himself.  Peter had boldly proclaimed that Jesus was not just the son of man, but the Son of God.  If they had been paying attention, they would have known that this spectacular moment was coming.

Peter had a brilliant idea, “Let’s build a tent, and camp out here!”

Then as quickly as it came, it went.  Jesus robed Himself once again in his humanity and led them back down the mountain cautioning them not to share the event until later.

Jesus!  Are you kidding?  We can’t stay here awhile?  Can’t we continue to bask in Your glory?  Why not forget about everyone else and just remain?   And don’t share this with the others?  I don’t get this!

They missed something very important and something that many of us often miss as well…there was a purpose for this mountain!

My hike to the top of Yosemite Falls gave me a spectacular view I did not previously have, and now will never forget.  Imagine what would have happened if I had chosen to remain on top of the falls.  Sure I could have made it a few days… but sooner or later I’d have to come back down.  Why?  The mountain top is a place to visit, but not live.

I remember when I had my first encounter with the power and presence of God in the midst of revival.  I was pastoring a youth group at the time.  It was a powerful “mountain top” experience that forever changed me.  I was overwhelmed!  One night I made a foolish statement to my teenagers.  I said, “We are going to the top of the mountain to experience God, if you’re not interested – there’s the door!”

Why was this foolish?  Because God is not looking for lone mountain climbers! He is looking for leaders willing to go up the mountain alone if need be, and then come back down to lead the people to their own mountain.

Consider Moses.  Moses had a mountain top experience where he spent weeks in the Glory Cloud.  Yet Moses understood that there was a purpose to this mountain.  It was an important destination on their journey, but it was not the final destination.  Moses was given the option to remain with God and forget the rest of the Israelite camp, but he refused.  He desired for God to come down with him to lead the people to the Promise Land.  Moses wasn’t selfish, he was truly humble!

I have met to many well meaning people who believe that it is the ultimate experience to climb to the top of the mountain to experience the Glory of God and never come down from that experience.  They miss the purpose of their mountain.

Thank God for the mountain!  When Moses first visited the mountain he encountered God in a burning bush.  His second trip there he encountered God upon a burning mountain.  His last mountain he sat down for a face to face with the Son of God.  God has mountain top experiences awaiting every believer willing to ascend the hill…but there is a purpose for that mountain.

God is not looking for those content to simply camp out on a mountain top! God is looking for those willing to ascend the mountain, get some glory on their face and come back down to walk with the people (for 40 years in the desert in Moses’ case).

I promise, there is a mountain moment ahead for you.  Know that on that mountain God is looking to expand your vision and give you divine revelation for the journey ahead.  And do not forget that as quick as that moment came, it will pass and it will be time for you to come back down the mountain to walk among the people in your life to help lead them toward their own encounter with God.  Don’t miss the purpose for your mountain!

I am not sure why the story of Zacchaeus is often left to our “kidz” church days along with classics like “Father Abraham” and “If You’re Happy and You Know it”.  Yes, Zacchaeus is popular with the 3 to 5 year old crowd… but if you’ll let me pull him down from the flannel graph for a moment, I’ll show that there is still a lot Zacchaeus can teach this 35 year old.

Here’s the Story (in case you missed it)…

Luke 19:1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”

8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Luke gives us enough information about Zacchaeus’ to create the following caricature of him.  First, he was a tax collector, making him fairly unpopular.  Second, that he was wealthy, so at least he was good at his job. Finally that he was a man of “short stature,” which meant he probably owned a bigger camel than his neighbors

I believe there is something about Zacchaeus that most of us can relate to.  Maybe your not vertically challenged like our little friend.  However I assure you the same limiting factors that Zacchaeus faced are also trying to limit you.  Let’s take a look at three perspectives revealed in this story.

The First… What They Say.

Zacchaeus hears the news that Jesus is coming through town.  He’s heard the stories of healings, massive crowds, and miracles.  This makes his arrival something everyone, including Zacchaeus wants to witness.  Unfortunately for Zacchaeus, his physical condition leaves him at a disadvantage in the large crowd.  Everyone else’s view was obstructing his view.

Often times our view of Christ is obstructed because of someone else’s view

This is where many believers are trapped.  Their view of Christ is limited because of the view of someone else.  You can’t see Jesus through another’s eyes.  You have to see Him for yourself!  Yes there is great benefit to hearing what your pastor, or other saints have to say about Jesus… but in the end, you have to see Jesus for yourself.  You have to get in His book, spend time in His presence so that you can answer the same question Jesus asked his disciples, “who do you say that I am?”

The Second… What You Say

Another problem for Zacchaeus wasn’t the crowd, but his own physical limitations.  Surely Zacchaeus got to the road side, and started trying to press in, perhaps he stood on his tip toes.  But for all this trying to see Jesus – his own perspective was a limiting factor.  This might have caused Zacchaeus to begin to focus on himself thinking,  “I’m too small.  No one cares enough about me to let me through.  If only I was more like that guy.”

“When i focus on who i am, i will miss who He is”

I have learned through my own experience that when I am consumed with myself, it’s hard to see anyone else.  When you focus on how big or how small you are you’ll miss how great He is.  Yes your thoughts are important, but make sure they are founded on proper truth.  First the truth about who He is, then the truth about who you are.

The Third… What He Says

Zacchaeus made a life changing decision.  He chose not to let others view, or even his own view become a limiting factor.  He made the choice to rise above all of that and change his perspective.  He climbed higher to see Jesus.

“When I get a proper view of Jesus, I Get a proper view of me”

This Changed Everything!!!  Zacchaeus was a lowly man, small in the worlds eyes, small in his own eyes… yet because he was willing to get a proper view of Christ, suddenly he came into view.  Zacchaeus’ life was changed, not because of everyone else, or even himself, but because he was able to clearly see Jesus.

This is the position and the perspective that you and I have to obtain.  We have to rise above the views, opinions, and even criticisms of others.  We have to rise above our own limitations.  The only way to do that, is to simply get a proper view of Jesus.  See Him as He is, not as we want Him to be.  Search out His word to get a clear picture of His truth.  When we are willing to do this two things will happen.

1. Other’s will challenge us
2. Jesus will bring eternal life into our home.

When Zacchaeus saw Jesus, Jesus saw Zacchaeus and came to him.  He is always looking for those, who are looking for Him.  It was here that Jesus invited himself over to Zacchaeus’ house.  Immediately the crowd began to criticize calling Zacchaeus a sinner (remember the views of others are limited factors.)  Zacchaeus began to hear those criticisms and began to defend himself to Jesus (our view of ourself is a limiting factor).  But Jesus didn’t pay any attention to either the crowd or Zacchaeus. He simply spoke truth, “Today salvation has come to your house.”

The only way you and I will ever truly see ourselves for who we are begins with first seeing Jesus.  He is the One in whom all things were created.  He is the one in whom all things are held together.  He is the one in who we live and breathe and find our being.  Life in all it’s fullness is found in him.  This is what awaits those willing to change their perspective to get a proper view of Jesus.

Note: I am writing this not to call for a christian boycott, or some anti-gaga movement. Truth is soon Gaga will fall as quick as she has risen and some other artist will take her throne. I write this to ask parents and students to be more discerning with your entertainment diet. Music is more than just music. It carries a spirit. A true christ follower takes care to fill their life with, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (Phil 4:8). SO, these are my thoughts to why Gaga does not make my list and why she should not make yours…

Like a “bat out of hell” Lady Gaga has risen from obscurity to worldwide phenomenon. Seems the whole globe has suddenly gone gaga for Gaga. Yesterday she shut down one of the largest internet sites on the web with the debut of her second album. No doubt this talented young lady has accomplished something so few pop icons ever will, and has done so within months, not years. However, there is more to Gaga than talent and clever marketing. Behind the power ballads and catchy lyrics is a bolder message that is influencing a generation.

Music is more than entertainment. Anyone who doesn’t realize that dismisses its power. Music is art, art is speech and powerful speech at that. Art is the creative expression of an individual’s thoughts and ideas. There is a message behind all art, and music is one of the best ways to express that message. That is why Gaga can’t just be listened to. You have to hear what she is saying and subject that message to the truth of God’s Word. Otherwise you may find yourself biting the apple of her addictive melodic hooks and subtly contemplating her ideology.

Gaga is a preacher and her congregation is large (did you know she is an ordained minister?). Last year she was named in Time Magazines 100 most influential people of 2010. Rare for someone who was barely known the year before. That would make her the most powerful ‘minister’ this generation knows. What’s her message? Let’s look at three…

Open Sexuality

Gaga is provocative. Everything from her costumes, lyrics, videos, and lifestyle scream open sexuality. Her song “Poker Face” is all about her own perverse view of sex (the video alone should have told you that). When she appeared on American Idol, the show had to censor her high-heels because they were penises. For her appearance on Good Morning America she came dressed in a condom. Gaga is doing more than reflecting cultural attitudes concerning sex. She is pushing greater openness and removing the boundaries that keep your sexuality pure. Nothing is taboo, everything is permissible and sex is something to be worshiped. Gaga is simply the latest incarnation of an ancient spirit named Jezebel and her followers should beware.

Jezebel was a prophet of Baal. Open sexuality was one of the chief forms of Baal worship and it’s main symbol, the Asherah pole, was a large sculpted penis. Baal worship would involve ritual mass-sex in front of these poles that littered ancient Israel thanks to Jezebel. Gaga has made herself a phallic symbol (dressing as a penis), much like a modern day asherah pole and encourages open sexuality as accepted self expression (that’s the gist of her Poker Face video).

A generation who falls prey to her perverted sexuality will never know the gift of God’s purest sexuality. Paul warns us, “He who sins sexually sins against his own body” (1 Cor 6:18). This is a danger zone that you can’t afford to fall into!

Open Rebellion

Gaga is openly, unapologetically rebellious. She expresses her love for Judas over Jesus in her latest release “Judas”. “Jesus is my virtue, Judas is the demon I cling to I cling to” she sings and makes a self-judgement about that saying “In the most Biblical sense, I am beyond repentance.” Gaga is a very spiritual person… just the wrong spirit. Judas lived at Jesus’ side, yet still allowed satan to enter into him. I fear too many have no clue what spirit Gaga is of – I assure you, she does!

For her performance in the Grammy’s Gaga arrived inside an egg that she claimed to have been inside of for three days. She then “hatched” on stage before the world. When asked on GMA the next day about the performance she said it was her “Rebirth”. And went on to say that everyone needs a rebirth. I agree… we must all be born again, but listen to Gaga’s meaning behind that expression. In the GMA interview she said that, “we must all be reborn to look inside yourself, to love yourself. Not to look outside oneself, but inside for answers.” Gaga’s rebirth is to self-worship. It’s an anti-christ spirit.

Consider the obvious parallel she is making between herself and Christ. Jesus was in the tomb three days. Gaga was in her egg three days. Jesus was raised from the dead. Gaga was reborn from from the egg. Jesus’ message, turn to God. Gaga’s message, turn to self.

Jezebel was openly rebellious towards the God of Israel. She led a nation astray and was so powerful that she sent Elijah running for his life the day after he confronted her and her prophets of Baal. No discerning Jesus follower can make any room in their life to entertain themselves with a message that leads one away from Christ. Israel made room for Jezebel, and she altered the course of that nation for centuries. Make room for Gaga, and one may find a similar fate.

Open Advocacy

Born This Way, is her message to the homosexual community. Gaga has become a very vocal voice to advance not just tolerance, but mass acceptance and even participation. Gaga claims she is returning the favor because the homosexual community was the first to embrace her. She has poured tons of money towards the cause, and has used her social media power to mobilize her ‘monster’ army. Gaga is proving herself a powerful force to not just entertain a generation but to also persuade a generation and move them to action. Not an easy feat. She’s doing it well.

Jezebel controlled an entire nation by using her sexuality, her spirituality, and position. Her open rebellion towards God led Israel astray. From Jezebel until the exile of Israel you see Jezebel’s mark on the spiritual life of that nation. She turned that nation and they never returned.

I have contended in the past that tolerance or acceptance is not true love. Love does not tolerate. It seeks to change. Love says I can’t leave you as you are or just accept you as you are. Love lays down its life to enable another to find life. That is what Jesus did. He laid down his life, so that you could truly be reborn to new life. Yes, each us us were “born this way” into sin, but thank God that He did not just accept us as we are and leave us there. He forgave us our sins, removed our sins, and raised us up to His righteousness! That is not the message Gaga is advocating. God’s truth brings life, Gaga’s lie is bringing death!

You summon what you serenade!

Let me finish with this thought, “you summon what you serenade.”  My good friend Will Ford shared that thought with me a few years ago and it has stuck. If you serenade yourself with the wrong message, you’ll summon the wrong spirit. That was my immediate thought the moment I saw Gaga’s latest album cover (I posted the picture above).

I don’t see a young lady in that picture, I see what I believe she intended – a siren. A mythological demon that lured unsuspecting sailors to her with her song only to destroy them. There is more behind Gaga than her catchy tunes. There is a demonic spirit, a siren’s song, luring unsuspecting listeners away from the life of Christ’s light.  Her song is a message for open sexuality, rebellion, and advocacy.  Her audience is massive.  Her influence is great.  I warn you, don’t get captured by her song!

The Lessons of a Strong Man

When I think of a strong man, immediately I see a man with broad shoulders, massive arms, big chest and ripped abs. This hulk-like beast impresses me not so much because of his size, but because of his ability.  I’ve watched with awe as such a man lifts telephone poles over his head, bends metal with his arms, or even pulls a tractor trailer with brute force.  These feats of strength are a testament to the man’s hard work over many years of intense training.  There is much we can learn from such an individual, not just in shaping our physical body, but also in building our Spirit.

Paul when writing to his own spiritual son from prison admonishes Timothy, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).  Be STRONG!  Not in the physical, though it does have some benefit.  Not in your thinking, though that is of great benefit as well.  No, Paul says be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  In other words…Timothy, become a spiritual strong man!

There is a decision that each of us can make and need to make to strengthen ourselves in the grace of Jesus.  That grace enables us to build ourselves up in our faith, to stand strong in the midst of any trial and to be able to display great strength in any circumstance.  We can be a spiritual strong man…if we choose to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus!

So how do we do this?  What lessons can we learn from the strong man?

The first lesson is his DIET. The strong man does not eat what the average man eats.  He fills his diet with high amounts of proteins to build muscle.  He eats complex carbohydrates to supply energy to his body and he ensures that he is ingesting the right vitamins and minerals to keep his body healthy.

It is just as important that the spiritual strong man watches his diet.  Are you filling yourself with the Word of God daily?  Are you becoming heart healthy by hiding that Word within your heart.  Jesus said that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).  If we hope to become strong in the grace of Christ Jesus, then we must eat of His flesh, His Word!

Take a look at Matthew 4:4 again.  It says every word that “proceeds”.  I love the fact that Jesus said this in the present tense.  Because just as it is important to know what God said in His Word, we must also know what God is saying now.  A spiritual strong man doesn’t just get in the Word of God on a daily basis, but also in the face of God as well.  How else will you know what God is saying if you are not spending time with God each and every day listening to His voice?

A good spiritual diet is so important if you wish to become a spiritual strong man!

The second lesson we can learn from the strong man is DISCIPLINE.  The strong man is disciplined in every arena of his life.  He wakes early in the morning to run, he visits the gym daily and follows a strict routine.  He disciplines himself within in his diet abstaining from things that would not be beneficial. Everything that the strongman does is weighed in the balance of how it will help or hurt his goal.

If we are to become strong in the grace of Jesus then we must also discipline ourselves in every arena of our lives.  We must stick to our schedule of daily devotion and prayer, we must abstain from sinful activities and even frivolous activities that waste time and are of no benefit.  We must keep the spiritual junk food out of our homes.

As the writer of Hebrews admonishes us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Heb 12:1).

If we desire to be a spiritual strong man then we must exercise great self discipline, throwing off every hindrance and running our spiritual race with great endurance.

Which leads to the final lesson we can learn from the strong man, DETERMINATION.  The strongman did not get strong overnight.  He worked years to cultivate and shape his body.  He woke early in the morning to run, he pushed through the pain in the gym, he didn’t stop even when his body screamed for rest.

We too must understand that becoming a spiritual strong man is not going to happen overnight.  We are going to have to sustain a lifestyle of determination and perseverance.  We have to face every trial and test with full faith and resolve that we will not stop, we will not falter, we will not quit.

I truly believe that determination is a quality that God not only looks for in a spiritual strong man, but also desires to cultivate within each of us.

Peter writes, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1Pet. 5:10).

Strong, firm and steadfast.  Peter tells us that God’s grace (which Paul says to be strong in) will not only restore you, but also make you strong, firm and steadfast – that’s determination!

Determination, or perseverance, is truly what makes a strong man, naturally and physically.  I stated that I am not impressed so much by the sheer size of a strong man, but by his ability.  This is because there are ways to build bulk but not strength.  A man may look strong externally, but when put to the test his strength gives way.  A true strong man is able to withstand the test proving that his training was legitimate.  This is why James writes, “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3-4).

Diet, discipline and determination are the three things we can learn from the strong man and three traits that if adapted to our spiritual lives will also make us strong men!  So be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  Make the decision to consume the right spiritual diet, discipline yourself in all areas of life and remain determined to the end enduring any test or trail that may come your way.  That is what makes a spiritual strong man!

David Wilkerson went home to be with Jesus tonight after a fatal car crash (news article).  What a legacy!  What an impact!  Here is a repost of the blog he wrote hours before going home.

WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL

1.) By Giving More

When hard times begin to come, its human nature to pull back in fear.  This is especially true when it comes to giving.  Recent headlines have highlighted the fact that charitable giving is down as the economy has suffered these past two years.  This fact has hurt so many great non-profit organizations.

Jenna and I at the beginning of 2010, when faced with the prospect of seeing less, made a decision to not cut back on our giving, but to actually give more (about 2.5% more).   We knew that God would take care of us.  That’s faith, not fear.  God is a debtor to no man, and He more than took care of us last year and is doing so this year as well.  In fact we are out-giving last year right now.

2.) By Using Less

Obviously, you have to cut somewhere.  We made the decision that would not be in giving, but in consumption.  Here is a short list of a few things we’ve started doing…

• traded the truck (14 MPG) for a 07 Escape (23 MPG)
• drive less
• dining out less
• less trips to Starbucks (and staying away from those $5 dollar drinks)
• adjusting the thermostat
• backyard garden (organic veggies and fresh laid eggs)

We are even considering making even more cuts to cable, and other entertainment venues.  Truthfully… I believe that we should do everything we can to make better use of what God has given us.  As we are better stewards, I know God will bless with more.

3.)  By Saving More

I strive to practice a simple rule concerning finances.  10 percent of your income is God’s, 10 percent of your income is seed, 80 percent is means. Here is how that works.  The first 10 percent of everything that comes in goes to God (and we are striving to do more).  The second 10 percent goes into savings with the understanding that it is seed to be sown, not but to provide for our basic needs.  It can be invested or given, but has to be done with the expectation that it will produce more (and we are striving to do more here as well).  That leaves 80 percent to live on (and we want to live on less).

This rule is a great starting place for everyone and one that I am starting to teach Reijah.

4.)  By Exercising Faith not Fear

Our choices are driven by our desire to live by Faith, not Fear.  Everything we’ve done positions us for more not less.  I don’t believe in maintaining or retreat.  God has never been in retreat, and neither will I.  Everything that we do should be to position us to move forward.  I walk by faith, live by faith, survive on faith.  Fear has no place!  Stay away from those who herald and market in fear.  Surround yourself with those who build your faith!

It was Oct 2002 when Steve Hill called me.  I’ll never forget the passion in his voice and the significance of his words.  “Daniel, I’m coming off the evangelistic field.  The Lord has spoken to me about starting a church in Dallas.”

“My sheep need a fold” was what Pastor heard Jesus say.  The word was simple.  The impact was huge.  Those five words that pastor penned onto a note pad in 2002 became the seed of a dream that would change not only the life of my family, but the lives of thousands of families in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and eventually millions around the world.

Pastor shared with me that as he was looking towards his final 25 to 30 years of ministry, he refused to make the mistake so many of his peers had.  He didn’t want to cross the finish line without having raised up disciples to carry on the work of the ministry.  He and Jeri had worked all over the world, planted churches, been part of two major revivals, and seen millions come to Jesus.  Now it was time to plant a church that would do the same.

Jenna and I have been a part of that church from the very first day and from the beginning we have dreamed some big dreams about this church called Heartland.

We Dreamed about a Powerful Pentecostal Church

Pastor would constantly challenge us.  Don’t go looking at other churches.  Don’t try to copy what someone else is doing.  What God was going to do here was going to be different.

Pastor believed it was still possible to raise up a powerful church that didn’t shy away from Pentecost, the need for repentance, or the message of cross.  He didn’t want this to be a program-oriented church, but a power and presence driven church where you could come and experience God’s power.  He wanted a church that was in revival!

We Dreamed about a Church for your Whole Family

The first motto that our church used was, “A church for your whole family”.  That’s still true today.  Pastor stated that he wanted to see a church were lives are always being saved, healed, delivered and set ablaze for Jesus. Where whole families come to the Lord and marriages are restored. Where men and women who’ve been spiritually complacent are set on fire for God. Where children are being powerfully touched, teenagers are having encounters with God and sons and daughters are answering the call to fulltime ministry, receiving training at our school. A church where believers grow in God and discover that they can be used of God.  Truly, a Church for your whole family!

We Dreamed about a Large Church

During our first conversation Pastor said that Heartland would become church of 25,000.  It wasn’t about being large to say we are a large church.  It was about calling a great army within our city to do great things for Jesus.  The greater the vision, the greater the need!  Many hands do indeed make light work and Heartland has a lot of work to do.  When pastor planted Heartland he wanted a church that was able to not just make an impact around our city, but also around the world.  The kind of impact that only a large church can make.

Heartland is now seven years old and over that short period of time we have already seen glimpses of that dream become reality.  We have also endured our fair share of trails over that time as well.  Any endeavor you pursue will involve some degree of sacrifice.  A dream this great was always going to require fighting through some great battles.  We’ve been through some great battles, but it’s a great dream.  You want to know something?  I still dream the dream!  I refuse to give up on it or to diminish it.  It’s the vision we were planted with, it’s the vision we are running towards.  It’s who we are.  It’s who we will become.

The Lord told the prophet Habakkuk, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.  For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Heartland, don’t take your eyes off the vision! Though it linger, wait for it! Don’t stop dreaming!

These past eight years I’ve been privileged to witness the life of the man who preached behind that iconic pulpit that anchored the stage during the Brownsville revival.  I can testify that Steve Hill is truly a man of God!  He is the same in private as he is in public.  He is a man who walks in such godly wisdom that even his instinctive moves are often proven right; a man who lives a life of devotion; a man who walks and talks with Jesus; and a man whose work ethic would put most to shame.  I’ve never seen him take his eyes off the work of the ministry or his focus off the one thing that matters most – seeing souls come to know Jesus and finding the life that only He can give.  Even now as he fights for his life, I have seen such godly character from both he and Jeri.  They are true examples of what Christian faith looks like.

Today Reijah was in the backseat of our car playing with her toy phone when she announced, “Mom, I gotta call Pastor Steve.  He’s sick.  I pray, ‘Jesus, touch Pastor Steve.  In Jesus name amen!’”  And then she sent him a text .  Out of the mouths of babes!  My three year old prayed a prayer that Jesus cannot deny.

The deepest desire of my heart concerning our pastor and church is too once again see him grace that stage.  To hear him preach the word with greater authority and to see him function under a greater apostolic anointing.  There is a vision that is yet to be fully realized, and I still dare to dream that dream!  Pastor would always say, “We are on the verge of seeing the greatest move of God that this nation has ever seen.”  I believe that, and I also believe that my general will once again rise to bear witness to that.

So don’t stop praying!  Don’t stop believing!  Let us stand together as we hold up his arms.  Let us join the prayer of a child full of faith.  Jesus, touch Pastor Steve.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Ex 34: 14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Remember observing the jealous boyfriend at your highschool (as I’m sure that was never you)?  I can still see him throwing a tantrum in the cafeteria as he quizzed his love about her interaction with other guys.

“Where were you?  Why were you talking to him?  What did he want?  Why were you looking at him?”

That love-struck highschooler was so overwhelmed by his love for a young lady that his adolescent love drove him to be jealous for her time and attention.  Just watching him (or even myself) taught me something about relationships: It’s the one who is in love the most, that is often the most jealous.

A powerful, yet often missed attribute of our God is His jealousy for you and I.  That trait is so much a part of His nature that He even calls Himself by the name “Jealous”.  That revelation is powerful as it says to us, “I am the one who is the most in love in this relationship!  I am the one chasing after you!  I am the one who longs to spend more time with you! I am Jealous”

It is a fact!  He is the most in love in this relationship, and He is also the most jealous as well.  He is Jehovah Jealous.

As much as we seek after Him, He seeks more!

The psalmist said, “AS the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs for thee”.  This is the rawest expression of a heart that seeks long and hard after God.  It’s the fire that consumes the God-Chaser within us.  But as hard as we may run after him, He is running even harder after you.  That’s been the case from the first day of creation and will be the case when you take your last breath.  You and I chase him for moments, He chases us for eternity!

As much as we love Him, He loves more!

Another disclosure about God is the fact that His name is Love; true Love.  God is Love and Love is God.  There is no way to know love, possess love and give love unless you receive it from Him.  You and I love Him because He first loved us.  Whatever love we return towards Him is merely a fraction of the love He possesses for us.  You and I love him, but can still love Him more.  God Love us, and can love us no more and no less. Think about that for a while!

As much as we long to spend time with Him, He longs even more!

There was an old Larnelle Harris song that went like this.

“I miss my time with you, those moments together

I need to be with you each day, and it hurt’s me when you say you’re too busy

busy trying to serve me, but how can you serve me when your spirit’s empty

there’s a longing in my heart, wanting more than just a part of you

it’s true, i miss my time with you”

I can see God in the cafeteria of my highschool; His eyes of fire, staring intently at me filled with a Godly jealousy and a Godly love that no adolescent male or mature man could ever possess, singing, “I MISS MY TIME WITH YOU!”  You and I spend moments with God but it doesn’t take long before our attention drifts off to another thought.  You and I have never been out of his mind. His attention has always been on us.  And I promise you… He misses His time with you.