Knowing Jesus is Everything!

Below is one page from my sermon notes this past Sunday. This passage spoken by Jesus Himself, seems to be always close to my mind. 

Knowing Jesus on earth is the most important thing in life and knowing Him for eternity is the only thing! 

Do you know Jesus? Does Jesus no you? If not, please call out to Him and He will come running your way to make a right relationship with you. Tell Jesus you want Him to be your everything now and forever.

Whether we are lost in rebellion or religion, a saving relationship with Jesus is surely available to all who will simply call on His holy name.

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Haiti Afterglow

The journey home from Haiti has been very reflective for me. Because we left late from Haiti, I missed my late-night plane connection from Miami to D.C., so spending the night in Miami and another day of airports have really added even more emotions to an already moving and multi-layered experience. 

As a matter of fact, I am still short on words. Some things are too good to explain, especially eternal things. For this reality, I am so very humbled. 

Here are a few more misc. images, as a Haiti afterglow of sorts. 

We picked up leaders along the rocky road to the conference location. 

Jean-Alix Paul, the visionary with a heart of compassion for his people and all people. 

More riders on another day. 

Guacamole as fresh as it comes. 

Days end. Bound for Miami.

Orchids in foyer of my Miami hotel. Our God is amazing.

One thing I honestly missed in Haiti was a daily hot shower. We take so much for granted in the USA. The EB Hotel where American Airlines lodged me on Friday night in Miami was over-the-top lavish when it came to shower sophistication, but heh, I did not complain but gave thanks because every good and perfect gift is from Above. 💦 

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Haiti Day 3 Conclusion

Well, our pastors and leaders conference in the mountains of Haiti ended today with us presenting approximately 150 certificates for completion of the three-day teaching. Thanks for those who partnered with us in fervent prayer. 

These days have been tender and powerful and mere words are not close to adequate when it comes to expressing the experience — whether Creole or English. 

One pastor said: “We will never be the same because you came.” I can say the same for myself: “I will never be the same because I came.” 

Maybe these photos will help express this sacred experience as I am sitting now at the Port Au Prince, Haiti airport awaiting my flight to Dulles through Miami. Humbled...

Flower at the church house.

Faces matter. So do open doors. 

Never too old to learn more about Ministry. 

The lunch tray.

We gave our best. Lord do the rest. 

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Haiti Day 2 Update

Here are the messages I sent our local church pastors today, Thursday, from Haiti. What a day!!! Light overcoming darkness! 

The young lady on the left won her best friend to Jesus yesterday after the session on presence and prayerful soul-winning and invited her to church today. It was amazing to witness. So tender. 

One of the young pastoral couples. What Joy they have! 

Pastor Chester said he had only one desire, to receive the countenance of Christ on his face that my face expresses. My, my. Praise Jesus!!! It’s all about “Christ wearing us!!!” We prayed also for his young pregnant wife.

The pastor’s wife in the home we are staying. We’ve got family here. Yes, in Haiti.  

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Haiti Day 1 Underway

These are messages below that I sent to our local pastors in Harrisonburg from Haiti just before noon on Wednesday. My apologies that my WiFi is iffy and photos may or may not post. Keep praying fervently. God is at work. 

James and Mary Spruill, the compound guard dog, Rex, James challenging leaders to be light, maid washing clothes at the compound. 

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Haiti Arrival

Arrived in Haiti and have now once again entered the raw reality of these precious suffering souls. It is pure joy to be here and to know that surely The Good News of Jesus, if received, can make these — among the poorest on the planet — among the richest. Thanks for your prayers in this direction. Romans 10:15 will begin in earnest Wednesday morning, Lord willing. 

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Haiti Prelude

Remembering God’s goodness on my last journey to Haiti and anticipating His Presence for a new journey there now. Please pray that I will once again fulfill Romans 10:15 in Haiti and mostly that Jesus will be high and lifted up. (Stay tuned for updates.)

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

A Preacher’s Funeral Song

I hope one day when/if my Heavenly homegoing celebration happens here on earth that someone will be able to honestly sing this song as a testimony of my own life as a Jesus-believing preacher. 

https://youtu.be/mhlKW-5H-Gg

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

I’m On Tour

This song that I first heard and played drums to with The Clint Nelson Family Singers still encourages my soul with hope in times of despair. The title is: “I’m On Tour”. 

https://youtu.be/R55m0jTsKKQ

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:3 NLT

Grateful 

Praise to Our God / Benediction 🥁

This Sunday at our local church worship services, the song of Benediction will be overflowing with joy. Let us sing to the Lord! And, I will be playing the congos. Can hardly wait to worship God with the family of God. 

Click the link for a preview.

https://youtu.be/sQYF8xFeR8k

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT 

Grateful 

Prayer for More Men Praying

Humbled to be on the front row of our men’s weekly dawn patrol prayertime. Every Thursday at 6:10AM we engage in 50 minutes of seeking God together. Pastor Billy Logan leading today. For some 23+ years I have been inviting men to pray for me and with me. Please join us today, Thursday, our set aside Prayer day as a local church, by praying specifically that more men will heed the voice of God and respond to my ongoing open invitation to pray together. #bettertogether #WorshipOnlyGod🌿

Grateful 

Pray

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Glad About Gathering

Are you glad about gathering with God’s people to worship God, together? I hope so. 

I remember as a boy hearing the old saints at the local church express genuine gladness whenever God’s family of faith, hope and love were blessed to be together as one.

I pray this verse from The Psalms will always be one of my own heart’s desires:

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful

The Serenity Prayer / Complete Rendering

“Worship Only God!” Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful

Lost and Found

Sunday after our congregation sang a song that contained three encouraging words, "...found in Christ...", I was immediately inspired with this rich reality about my own life:

"I WAS ONCE LOST IN SIN, 

BUT I AM NOW FOUND IN CHRIST!" 

Praise Jesus, O my glad soul, rejoice!!! 

I was sinking deep in sin, but Love lifted me!!!

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Miracles of Jesus

This video clip at the link below is worth your time. It's about 12 1/2 minutes long. It compliments our message theme at this year's Project Galilee 5th Anniversary Gathering in North Carolina: "The Miracles of Jesus Over Nature". 

https://youtu.be/Z3j-5ymm5-Q

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

The Prayer Jesus Taught Us To Pray

Let us never take for granted "The Prayer That Jesus Taught Us To Pray." And let's not just say it. Let's pray it and often. 

Note: And if you want to know The High Priestly Prayer Jesus prayed during His week of passion, find it in The Gospel according to John, Chapter 17. 

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Church Sign on "Forgiving Your Enemies"

I love this church sign message:

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Heartbroken in Haiti

The photo below was the last image I recorded before leaving Haiti on my last trip there. I took the picture from a moving vehicle as we headed back to the airport. I titled the image "Heartbroken in Haiti". 

Please partner with me in prayer, as I am to return the last week of October with my pastoral mentor, James Spruill, to train and encourage leaders in the mountains there. Pray also that we will be compassionate, Jesus-filled sanctuaries of pure presence to every soul we encounter. 

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

The Family of Believers 🌎

This verse is so sobering and should be very encouraging to us all as believers:

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Prayer for Wholly Experience...

Please pray this prayer along with me:

Lord, let us wholly experience Your Holy Spirit!

In The Name of Jesus! Amen. 

Photo by my mentor, James Spruill

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Philippians 1:21 -- Christ Means Everything to Me!

Humbled to have preached on Sunday morning from this powerful Phillipian passage written by The Apostle Paul:

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Never Alone

Dear Beloved Believer in Jesus Christ:

You are never alone

Though it's quiet around

The Lord of Your heart

In you will be found

Go to the mirror 

Stare into your eyes

Let me know Who shows up

In the midst of your cries.

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Holy Worship in The Holy Land!

Few things touch me deeper than worship songs led by Middle Eastern believers. Thanks to Pastor Joe, our local church's worship leader, for sharing this link by Joshua Aaron and recorded in Jerusalem. Holy Worship in The Holy Land!

https://youtu.be/sWSKtoURGAg

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Someone Else's Sawdust vs. Your Own Plank

I am reminded tonight of a recent revival message preached by my mentor, Rev. James Spruill, on the topic of judging others while overlooking your own failures. Here's the passage, Matthew 7:3, and a photo of Rev. Spruill illustrating "...a plank/beam in your own eye..." 

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Scripture Speaking to Me Lately

Recently, at our all-staff retreat, we were invited to share a scripture that has been speaking to us presently. So I share now the four verses from the New Testament that I am saturating in lately:

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful

Amazing Grace / A Peaceful Easy Feeling

I love when a comedian gets serious after much needed laughter and sings sacredly to bless our hearts. 

This arrangement touched me deeply when I first saw it at our LifeGroup gathering this past Sunday. It was our Benediction. 

https://youtu.be/MBAVqX93i-U

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

Holy Ground

For our all-staff retreat, today, we pray our gathering will be marked as holy ground. Pastor Adrian began our time together with a devotional focus by reading about a crisis experience in the life of Joshua. Read it and reflect and ask God to direct your life, too. (You can even take off your sandals/shoes if you'd like.) 👣

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful 

God's Approval

From the Letter of Joy written from a jailhouse where he was imprisoned for preaching The Good News, The Apostle Paul spoke to all of us who are Jesus-believers these words of hope-filled promise:

* Verse shared as theme for Introduction message for The Book of Philippians by Pastor Adrian Mills on October 1, 2017 at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene. "We struggle with approval." 

Let's desire "everything that God's approval produces."

"Worship Only God!" Rev. 22:9 NLT

Grateful