A Leaders Life.

Trying to Escape?

2012-03-01T06:53:00.001-08:00

Sometimes in life I find myself tired, just wanting to escape from the reality of life and all the responsibility that is in it. I cant help but think of and laugh at the commercial that aired often when I was a child, "Calgon take me away".

The truth is we all have those moments in life. Whether for a minute, or a day, we all experience at times the desire to escape. For some of us, its due to poor choices or unexpected circumstance, but no matter the reason, God has penned in His word a much better plan for our lives than the escapist mind frame of our society.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

My thoughts are short and simple today,but probably more relative to our society than our longest sermons. Gods word teaches us to hold steady and be faithful in the midst of trial and temptation. Even while the heart of the Son of God was under the greatest weight of His life He chose the will of His Father who sent Him.

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

We can all choose the path of least resistance or the opportunities to run from our fear and anxiety's of life. I pray that we face them. Jesus is more than enough. His guarantees are greater than the most secure business endeavors of life and more pure than most precious love this world can offer. He is faithful! Jesus taught us in word and example the awesomeness of turning things over to His heavenly Father.

Prayer:

Lord I hunger for what is real. Im tired of fighting life's struggles on my own. I realize today that I am helpless and hopeless without you. I confess you as my Savior. Forgive me. I give my burden, my struggle, and all that I have tried to fix over to you. Family, Friends, Education, Ministry & LIFE, in Jesus name I surrender. I ask for your strength, and I chose to use it wisely by casting my cares on you, by leaving my burdens at your feet. I know now that my escape is in you and not the things of this life. Amen.

Character

2012-02-27T06:14:00.002-08:00

Our Character in life is shaped by many things. Our family environment, the friends that we make, our life experiences and most of all, for the follower of Christ, His voice in our life. I know that Character and Choices go hand and hand, but I realize that our choices will never be Christ like until we allow Him to invade our Character.

2 Peter 1:5-8
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When I read this verse I cant help but think of seemingly unattainable Character qualities. After all, in my humanity, I am full of failure, but then I realize, that is the amazing thing about it! It is Gods ability to develop our Character. Its not my strength, or my ability. Just the thought that God can take someone like me, and develop them into a reflection of His image. That is amazing! That is what will compel the world to want what we have. Seeing God in us is the greatest witness that we can ever give this world. I hunger today for God to invade the territory of my life and shape me into all that He has called me to be. I cant help but think of my childhood church where my aunt and uncle were Pastors. The little white framed Church that set of Leary road in Albany Georgia. I was just a little fellow when my Uncle would lift up my younger brother, while singing Zacchaeusas was a wee little man, as part of their Sunday school program. They wanted so bad for us to see the heart of God. To hear His love and demonstrate His Character to us. The very thought that Jesus would love even Zacchaeusas meant that He would love me. That was the message that was taught to me even as a child.

Revelation 3:20

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

A Childhood teaching along with all the other things that help shape our Character can never take the place of that standing invitation that Jesus has given to you and I. I wonder when the last time was that you let Him in. If your Life seems filled with bad choices. Take a moment today and consider if you have given Jesus full access to your life. What area or areas are you still holding on to.

Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

If it were humanly possible to fix us there would be no need for a Savior. Paul understood that the goal was not something that he could obtain on his own but something that had already been obtained for him. Can you remember that moment that you gave permission for Jesus to invade you heart, so that He might reveal His heart to you. I hope you will make the choice today to let God shape your Character, to give you the ability to make right choices. He will empower you to leave the past and press toward the future!

Prayer:

Dear Lord I love I give you my heart. 100%... nothing withheld. I realize that you have been ever working to fill the voids of my life and I have withheld access from you. I surrender. Invade my life. Teach me your ways and give me your strength that I may serve you. I commit today to know you as you know me, personally and passionately. I choose you over this life and all my desires in it. Forgive me for foolish choices. I give you permission to shape my character, so my choices will be your choices. In Jesus name. Amen

What do I have?

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have found myself recently, wonderfully broken, before the Lord. I felt the Lord begin to flood my heart with a message for me and my congregation. It was personal, passionate and powerful. It still amazes me that just one word given by the Holy Spirit, with a marksman precision, can strike so deep into the corridors of our heart. I was reading Ephesians 4:28 when I realized how much of my life, with all my best effort, was still full of living to gain. Gods word teaches us to live to give rather than living to gain. I couldn't help but examine the investments that I had been making spiritually, physically, and financially. When I compare my life's work to the one that I follow, does it look like His? Is it a reflection of His unconditional love to a world so full of pain and in need of a Savior. My Desire is to allow the internal work of His love to flood the external components of my life. Jesus stated in Luke 4:18-19 the purpose of His life. So I ask myself, What do I live for. Do I live to give, to obey and serve as He did or is my life all about temporary gain. What in this life could mean any more than Jesus. What could be more important than reaching a broken world. I challenge you to join me today in asking the question. Am I my working to gain or working to give?

Give Me Jesus!

2012-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel scheduled and tasked to death? For some of us, it is simply what we have been programmed to for so long. We really know no other way of life. For some it is the influence of the high pace society and for some it just boils down to the simple makeup of our own DNA. (A.K.A. type A personalities).

While in my devotion time this morning, I was listening to the song “Give me Jesus” by Jeremy Camp and I found myself asking the question,” What is most important to me”? Is it Ministry, duties, schedules, family or the thing that Gods word says I should love the most? It’s OK to be productive and successful, but if our productivity and success is robbing us of the thing which is most important (Jesus) then inevitably it will all fail.

Ephesians 4:30

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. NIV

I learned today that the word grieve in this passage means to hurt deeply as when a man or woman has betrayed their spouse. As a father and husband I take seriously the importance of knowing the heart of my wife and children. I desire to protect that relationship at all cost. To know their hearts desire, to help them aspire to be all that they can be. Oh how I hunger for them to look upon me, and see a Godly successful man, one who will inspire them to be everything God has called them to be. If I feel that way toward them, then how much more should I value the most important relationship of all? After all, it is the very thing that will define true success and Godliness in my life.

James 4:13-15

13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." NIV

The Holy Spirit will

Convict
Bring us to Christ
Indwell us
Sanctify us
Empower us
Walk with us wherever we go.

This is a relationship that must be valued above all others. My prayer this 5^th day of 2012 is to slow down, refocus and know Jesus above all else. After all, life is but a vapor, a twig of grass that’s here today and gone tomorrow. I pray that you join me in giving the Holy Spirit free rein in your life. Make the commitment today….. Above all else “Give me Jesus” You can have all of this world, just give me Jesus.

The Power of Confession

2011-08-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Psalm 19:14

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

How important is our daily conversation? Does it really matter what I say? The bible is clear that our confession is a powerful thing. Our choice of words will help define our destiny.

Romans 10:9

9 that if you confess  with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has  raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Salvation begins with Confession. It is a powerful thing.

Proverbs 18:21
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

All through scripture we find passages that address our use of words. There are those that choose to ignore the power of our confession and those who embrace it.

Some years ago as I was pastoring my first church, and I found myself in a challenging situation. There was in my congregation, the little old lady that everyone loved. The one that seemed to do no wrong, but under that cloak of feebleness was a very malicious soul. It seemed that constantly I was receiving reports of her negativity, and disruption that she created in the body. I toiled over how to deal with her, and the problems that she created within our fellowship. It was always done in a way that could be excused as a misunderstanding and by all means everyone loved her and nearly no one saw what she was doing. One day in my prayer time the Lord said, "John I want you to love her, and tell her as often as possible". From that point on I began to confess love toward her at each service and meeting. I would give her a hug and say I love you. All the while the enemy would whisper into my ear, you are lying. You don't love her, shes horrible, deceitful and deserves to be exposed. I continued, in spite of my natural feeling, to confess love toward her as verse to criticism or complaint. One Sunday night before service she walks into my office. I thought, Oh What NOW! She said, "Pastor I need to talk to you". My mind was racing with thoughts of, I'm going to let her have it if she has stirred trouble in this ministry. Much to my surprise, with tears flowing down her face, she said, " I have said things I should not have said about you. I have lied, and caused trouble. I am sorry. I don't want to be that way anymore. Will you forgive me. I stood in shock. I went around my desk wrapped my arms around her and said (Confessed), I Love You. From that day forward there was never another conflicting report that involved her name.

God will use our confession to produce change in our circumstance and situations of life if we will let Him. So, Speak in love, confess the best and God will handle the rest.

Excitement

2011-08-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

I found myself in past months questioning where my excitement for serving God had went. Assured of my salvation but realizing that I had fallen into the proverbial, doing church mood. I was frustrated and exhausted. So I began a journey that I am currently on today.

First, I repented, confessed my apathy toward intimacy with God. I confessed my frustration, my weariness and my desperate need for change.

Second, I saturated myself via Gods word and presence in spite of my daily Pastoral agenda. I don't mean a five minute devotion and run out the door to the next appointment, but quality time with the Lord. An attitude that screams Im not leaving, or letting go until you have blessed me.

Matthew 5:6
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.

My prayer became God I want more, I want you, to know you they way I was designed to know you. I want to cry again, feel the hurt of others again, poor myself out again, knowing that through you I will be quickly filled to capacity, ready for another day.

Third, I began to spend time with others who are excited about God and without them ever knowing, their passion began to charge and challenge me to be that person that I knew God had called me to be.

We all need to revisit at times who we are, where we are, and where we are going. I am convinced that there is an unending passion given by God. A passion that has caused men and women to willing die for their faith. A passion that does not demand recognition or fame, but one that produces passion in us to believe God for the impossible. Wherever you may be in your journey today, know this, God has not moved. He stands waiting for you to return to the core values that shaped you into the powerful, passionate follower of Christ that you desire to be.

Matthew 11:28
²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Lord I pray today that you lift our burdens, help us identify our sin and distractions. Inspire us to pursue you like never before. Amen!

Lamp Stands and Light Bearers

2011-07-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Recently my wife and I were at St. Simons Island for a 5k that she was participating in on the 4th of July. While there, like many others, we could not help but see the beauty of St. Simons and the light house that was used to guide the ships safely in from sea. Since this visit to St. Simons I have found myself in a state of personal and prayerful review.

In the Revelation John wrote to the Seven Churches discussing there success, disobedience and even lack of passion. He often urged them to return to their first love, to strengthen what remained and move forward, but to no longer stand still or be complacent. We are to stand tall as a light house to those who are lost.

Matthew 5 reminds us that we (the church) are like the light house or lamp stand in a darken world. We have been challenged to give light, to be a city on the hill. Leaders often speak from the highest point, so that they may be seen and their message may be heard by those who follow. The Cry of my heart today is that in every area of our life we will once again become that City on a Hill, that we will be lamp stands and light bearers.

Its easy to complain about the state of our world, city, schools or churches but just as John wrote to the churches in Revelation I cant help but wonder if he were writing today what he would write to you and I. Would we get a well done, or would we hear " you think you are alive but truly you are dead". This word is not meant to be condemning but rather a challenge to assume the roll of the believer, a city on the hill, a candle in the darkness, a guide for those who are lost and looking for a Savior. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." This is the avenue by which we will change our world, city, schools and churches.

Yours Because of Calvary
Pastor John Price

Grace

2011-03-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

I find myself today considering the Grace of God. I feel overwhelmed at the thought that He loves me so incredibly much. The idea that He died knowing every Sin that I would commit but still He was willing to give me the opportunity for eternal life. I don't know about you, but that is beyond any idea that my mind can grasp. As I am writing this I'm listening to the song by Casting Crowns " Your Love is Extravagant". No matter where your life has taken you, or what choices you have made. His love is extravagant, and ready to be poured out over your life.
I remember a time in my life where I felt hopeless and abandon. I was floundering in a sea of self pity and despair. It was in that season that God showed His miraculous love toward me through my Pastor who chose to love me when once again I felt unlovable. I now strive to live my life in such a way that people can see and experience that same love through me. I now know that where ever I go He is right there looking to lead me into all that He has for my life. After all, He chose to die knowing all the mistake that I would make. That is the power of His grace offered through the life giving resurrection of Jesus Christ. So never give up or give in. God loves you and will see you through the day ahead.

Praising God for His Grace.
John Price

Change

2011-03-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

I find my heart heavy today with the desire for Change. I often see those days where I am no longer satisfied with the relational position that I hold with Christ. Though I am thankful, continent, I am not complacent. I hunger for more. I desire to see an increase in the fruit of my life. If there is no fruit then what good am I. You may wonder where I am heading with this ramble. I feel it to be a public confession of my desire for less of me and more of God.

John 3:30
30 He must become greater; I must become less."

I realize that in all my feeble efforts there will be no success, but as I rest in His grace, in His love for me, there lies the answer to my future as a follower of Christ. Lord I pray for that 180 degree turn in any area of my life where I have strayed from your will.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

The dynamic of His kingdom, the power of His righteousness is life altering. It is the course defining factor for the believer.

Psalm 37:23-24
23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

My prayer today, "Lord lead our steps, illuminate our path, and bring continual Change in our lives that in all we do, we will draw close to you, and bear the fruit of a righteous servant".

Yours Because of Calvary,
Pastor John

The Hand of Providence

2011-03-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

Psalm 37:23-24
²³ The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; ²⁴ though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

When I read this scripture I am reminded of a childhood song by Micheal W. Smith. "The Hand of Providence". As a child it was just another song ,and Psalms 37 was probably just another scripture. With some time and experience behind me I realize how wonderfully true they both were. It has always amazed me how God is able to lead our every step and illuminate our path in life. I find it comforting to have served the Lord long enough to be able to look back and acknowledge how God was working many times quietly behind the scene directing my life. In times of great loss, and times of great success, He was there. How often was I oblivious to His divine appointment for my life.

I find myself very thankful today for God firming my steps and holding my hand as He awesomely and powerfully directed my path. I hope today that you will give Him that chance to lead you. I must confess, there have been times of doubt, and disbelief, and times of faith, and great trust, but no matter which, He was and is always faithful. My prayer for you today is simple, "May you experience Gods hand of providence in your life, and rest in the assurance that He is always working for your best interest." Delight yourself in Jesus and He will delight Himself in you. He is just that amazing!

Yours Because of Calvary
Pastor John

Commitment is Never Convenient!

2011-02-18T04:14:00.000-08:00

Like all followers of Christ I have struggled with Commitment Vs Convenience. There are countless stories in the Bible that illustrates this subject very well, but the one that comes to mind this morning is the story of Jonah.

Jonah 1:3
3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. NIV

How often in life does God call us to a place, or situation in life that is much like Jonah's Nineveh. A place of Commitment. I find that God is constantly utilizing His plan to stretch us and use us for His glory. It is Gods plan to do great things through our lives. I will be the first to confess that it is just plain easier to run toward Tarshish than to always embrace the thing that God is calling me to. I know we like to believe that Pastors and leaders of ministry never struggle with the call of God. The truth is, we all struggle with commitment to His plan. There is always an easier picture of the natural mans desire to consider, but the end is the belly of the whale.

" Commitment is Never Convenient." The Cross was not convenient, the well or prison, for Joseph, was not convenient. A million Israelite s in the wilderness was not convenient for Moses, but never the less, Commitment to Gods plan was, and will always be, the avenue for Gods mighty work in our life.

Yours Because of Calvary
Pastor John Price

Bailout.

2011-02-15T03:52:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been so far into a struggle of life that your only request was, "God please get me out of this mess that I am in"?

I believe that we are all guilty of crying for a bailout. Jonah in the belly of the whale, Paul with the thorn in his flesh, the servant with Elisha in the tent who saw how great that his enemy appeared to be. How quick are we to forget just how BIG our God is. As I consider this thought today I am reminded of Gods word to Paul in a circumstance like this. He said..

2 Cor 12:8-10
9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. NKJV

We are so quick to ask for a "Bail Out", a quick fix to our problems of life that we miss out on the very thing that God is seeking to perfect, or should I say mature in our lives. Lets think on the story of Peter as he got out of the boat to walk to Jesus on the water. First he took a huge step of faith. Then in the process of pursuing God he became distracted with the storm of life and began to sink into the trial that was surrounding him. Jesus so quickly reached out to his rescue with a gentle, but sobering rebuke, and said "Oh you of little faith" which translates immature, or undeveloped faith. If Jesus is willing to bid us to step out of the boat of life, and venture toward Him, we must know that He is able to take care of us in all circumstance. He will watch over us in the darkest of valleys. After all, he said " I will never leave you or forsake you." Let me sum up my blogging today with this passage of scripture.

James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. NKJV

My challenge for you today is to stop looking for a Bailout from your situation. God is working a perfect, or mature work in you and The BEST IS YET TO COME. You will see a better day and then you will testify to His grace and mercy in your life.

Blessings

Pastor John

Pressing Forward

2011-02-09T03:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found yourself in a giving up mode? I can understand why carnally minded people will fall into this trap, but not the follower of Christ. As a believer in Christ I know that His word is full of promises that insure my success both in this life and the life to come. I realize that the enemy of God is crafty with his vices of life, but I also know that Jesus said He would always make for you and I a way of escape. I cant help but be reminded of the movie Facing the Giants. What an awesome illustration of commitment and endurance when the young ball player was on the field crawling with his teammate on his back. As long as he visualized the goal, and kept going, there was nothing that could stop him. The Apostle Paul was constantly challenging you and I in this same manner.

Phillipians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

My Blog is simple today. If the enemy is kicking you while you are down. Stand up in Jesus name and be reminded that HE has empowered you for success and not failure. Do you realize that Jesus took hold of your life with divine appointment. He knows every battle, and struggle that we will ever face. I remember moments before my mother went to be with the Lord, quietly lifting my eyes toward heaven, and saying, "Lord you already knew that this day would come, and if you knew then you have prepared me for it". I remind you today that Jesus Christ gave His life so that you might live.

John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (More Abundantly)

Be encouraged today. Hes got your back. It is His desire for you to keep pressing and never look back, defeat is behind, but victory lies ahead.

Yours Because because of Calvary,
Pastor John
Connecting People, God and Ministry.

Confused about Love

2011-02-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

I have recently began a series of sermons in my ministry focusing on "Love and Marriage". I have found throughout my study that this topic is as complex as they come in the eyes of most people today. The truth is, it is not near as complex as the world makes it out to be. I don't believe Jesus ever intended for His sacrifice to be something that would make our lives more complicated, but rather to bring answers and resolve to the struggles of our life. The world we live in will try to complicate everything, including the simple and powerful acts of love given by our heavenly father.

Hebrews 2:17-18
¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them,^[a] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

The world we live in may complicate the message of love and skew the importance of marriage but Jesus has made that message simple and powerful to those of us who are willing to walk in the teachings of His word, aka the Bible. Gods word teaches you, and I that God is love, and all things to be learned about the subject of love are found in a relationship with Him. The reason for the verse that I just shared with you, was to help you understand that Jesus walked in all forms of temptation and over came them so that He might understand our struggle in this world. You may ask, well what does this have to do with love? His Love for us is so pure that He was willing to leave all the splendor of Heaven and face the very struggle of this life, so that you and I could enjoy the knowledge, and experience of true love with our heavenly father. There is no greater love than this, the word says, than to lay down ones life for a friend.

Matthew 11:28-30
²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

My Challenge for you today is simple. Don't make complicated what Jesus has made simple. Surrender to His Love in every area of your life and experience the greatest victory you will ever know, the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. He said it best "Come to Me you who are weary and burden and I will give you rest".

Yours Because of Calvary
John Price
www.facebook.com/pastorjohnprice

Relevance

2011-02-02T03:28:00.000-08:00

I have often asked the question, “are we relevant?” Over the past fifteen years we have sought to bring about ministry in a way that is relevant to our society and culture without compromising the message of the gospel.

Mark 2:13-17

¹³ Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. ¹⁴ As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
¹⁵ Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. ¹⁶ And when the scribes and^[a] Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”
¹⁷ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”^[b]

I have found for me that the challenge is not in the possible compromise of the message but rather in the ability to communicate the message in a way that people will hear it. Like most people in the bible belt, we have read the good book and talked to the good Lord and everyone seems to have a dose of religion. I hunger to give Jesus to people, to paint a portrait of His love and grace without religious bondage's and restrictions. I believe we should all know, that knowing Jesus is more than an adage that says, I know the good Lord and I read the good book, but rather a relationship that is real, relevant and life changing. So, as I examine the question “ are we relevant?” I first have to examine my own walk with God. Do I know Him, or do I hold just to religious actions and adages of my culture. I pray that we hunger to be real with ourselves, God and the culture that is around us. I believe when we begin this journey we will again find relevance in a culture that seems to desire something real in place of religion.

^{John 10:10}
¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

I leave you with this "Holiness is not the absence of Sinners in our life but Holiness is absence of Sin."

Living Life Loving Jesus
John Price

The Heart of a Servant.

2011-01-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

Luke 10:38-42

³⁸ Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’^[k] feet and heard His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
⁴¹ And Jesus^[l] answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴² But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

There are times in life that you see and hear people with various roles of responsibility and acquired titles. Then there are those times that you meet an individual with something more than a title or self appointed position. I had the privilege of hearing two of those individuals today. Missionaries, Ronnie and Margaret Turner, who are currently in service to the IPHC in the country of Romania, Aradia Romania to be exact. Six months ago while leaving service in their home church in Romania, Ronnie had a stroke and heart attack as he was approaching his car. The events that were soon to follow were terrifying and life altering. I listened as Ronnie shared how he was granted the opportunity to witness and pray for those in the hospital even while his own speech was still slurred and his motor skills were limited. I listened to how he ministered to an Orthodox Preist via his own commitment to pray while laying in a bed with no natural hope of survinging. You may ask why I would take the time to share this story with you. I share this because of the seamingly fading role of the servant within the world we live in today. So many, do what they do, out of mere obligation or for selfish gain, but not Ronnie and Margaret.

Ronnie Turner

Ronnie and Margaret Turner are just the type of persons that we need within ministry today. While having every opportunity and excuse to surrender their ministry and retire they have chosen to fight. They have chosen to honor God with their lives in spite of the obstacles at hand. They see an obstacle as an opportunity for God to do something great.

Hebrews 11:1
[ By Faith We Understand ] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I was graced today with the presence of true servants. Those who care more for the well being of others than they do for themselves. Those who choose to win the lost to Christ while overcoming each obstacle through faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. In the words of my freind today. "Whatever it take we will spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will win Romania for the Lord. God give us more spiritual giants like this who will turn the world upside down for Jesus Christ while still maintaining the HEART OF A SERVANT. My Prayer for you, and I today is that we seek to be the servants that God has called us to be.

Mark 16:15
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Yours Because of Calvary
John

Stinking Flesh

2011-01-27T20:12:00.000-08:00

Romans 7:14-24 ¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. ¹⁹ For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. ²⁰ Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ²¹ I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. ²² For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. ²³ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. ²⁴ O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Why is it that we allow the enemy to frustrate us so? Whether it is via anger, bad attitudes, eating to much, or other outburst of the flesh. We all have been guilty of allowing the enemy to push our buttons. It is often overwhelmingly frustrating and plain discouraging at times how easy we fall to his tactics. In spite of all the rationalizing and reasoning it is never acceptable to play into the traps of the enemy. Paul spoke of the thorn in His flesh, the times that he wanted to do good, but still evil was present. There will always be a war between our flesh and the Spirit. There will always be a promise that as we draw closer to God that we will overcome.

John 3:30 ³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.

It is my greatest desire to be more like Him. Some years ago I heard a Pastor share a message on balance that has forever since sounded aloud in my spirit. Sin cannot be tolerated nor can grace be abused just because it is afforded to us. I choose to be God conscious, not sin conscious. I choose to pursue relationship, over religion. It is through these avenues that our flesh continues to die, and our spirit continues to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The word has declared that who the Son sets free is free indeed.

I conclude my thoughts today with those of the Apostle Paul.....

Phillipians 3:12-14 ¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

East To West.

2011-01-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

Psalm 103:11-12
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

It has always amazed me how God can love us so unconditionally. His ability to forgive and choose to forget our sin. After all, He is God. How is he able to forget anything, when He knows everything. That is the point. He chooses to forget.

As far as the heavens are high above the earth so great is His mercy toward those who reverence, honor, or fear Him. Joesph Alvarado said it like this "Science has not found the end of east or west or just exactly how great our universe is because with each new piece of technology created to see out into space it just keeps getting greater. This scripture leads me to believe that our universe just doesn’t end as God’s love and forgiveness for us does not either, it parallels His nature!"

I cant speak for you, but when I consider all the stupid mistakes that I have made over the years it is once again a reminder of how incredibly loving He is to me. AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. If you are struggling today in your walk with Christ, be reminded that He gave all for you and no one can define how far the east is from the west or how high the heavens are above the earth but they do reminded us of how Great His love is for you and I.

Praying for your walk with God today.

Pastor John Price
Connecting People, God & Ministry