"My husband and I attended Mike's Disaster Readiness seminar this past weekend (Sept 13, 2014) and were filled with God's confirming presence that we were on the right track to prepare for disasters not only for our family but to help others. My husband was concerned that I was "going off the deep end" in preparing but decided to attend this seminar with me. I had been talking about this with him for about 4 years but only after attending THIS seminar and speaking with Mike, he was full of FAITH to prepare our family for disasters, blackouts, etc. We thank God for Mike and his steadfastness in reaching out to everyone via emails. Because of yesterday's seminar, we are proceeding with gusto and much prayer over our preparations! God bless you as you prepare your family in these turbulent times. - Gill and Preet S., Arlington, TX
How to turn YOUR Community Upside Down.
Acts 17:5-8 says, " But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king - Jesus.” And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things..."
Is your church turning YOUR community "upside down"? As individuals who love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, are you being equipped to make an impact on the people and places who live in "your world" on a daily basis?
If not, why not? Many Christians spend up to 70% of their lives in the workplace. Because of some unwritten law decreeing we must keep the secular from the scared, the "Church and State wall of Separation" we hear so much about exists, in reality, only in our minds. It's a deception. It's a LIE! It certainly cannot be found in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, or any other founding document of this nation.
So, not only do we find rank and file Christ followers intimidated to share their faith at work, but we find Business Owners and Plant Manager who are apprehensive about hiring a Workplace Chaplain or permitting Bible Studies, lapel crosses, or Scripture verses on the facility. In my own ministry, I have received Certified Letters from lawyers representing companies demanding I stay off their property. Twice! I have been referred to as "a lawsuit waiting to happen." I've even had Employees report to their Supervisors how I "made" them take part in a prayer. In reality, sadly, I have learned to ALWAYS give the people in a group the opportunity to NOT have to listen to me or pray when I feel led to do so. They are given the option to leave, but this individual chose to stay.
As a Workplace Chaplain for nearly a decade - and unofficially, for years before that - here are a few of my recommendations to anyone who believes God is calling them to help Him build His Kingdom:
1) Pastors: DO NOT consider workplace evangelism as a bolt-on program of your church; it deserves SO much more than a 3-week topic of sermons or a special class. They, too, are ministers. Surveys reveal up to 97% of Christians say they have NEVER heard a sermon relating Biblical principles to their work life! Help is available. Just ask! Let your people GROW!
2) Business Owners: the law is on your side and so is God! Have a Bible Study! Have a morning Prayer Session! Hire a Workplace Chaplain! If you want to see an increase in loyalty, a boost in morale, a reduction in absenteeism and "presenteeism" (they're there physically but NOT mentally), a reduction in crime, let your people GO!
3) Employees: Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31: "Whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER YOU DO, do it all to the glory of God." Because the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you (Romans 8;11), what are you bringing to work besides skills, knowledge and abilities? You're bringing Christ IN YOU, the hope of glory! Yes, YOU can offer your coworkers HOPE! Sure, you have a job to do - and you should honor God by doing it with EXCELLENCE. However, your secret ambition should NOT be the trading of time for money, or climbing the corporate ladder (promotion comes from above). You don't have to have water cooler baptisms and give break room sermons. You don't even have to "close the deal" and lead people in the Sinner's Prayer. But ALL of us can shed the love of God from our hearts, lend a listening ear, give advice (when requested), and let His light shine through us. Let your people KNOW!
You see, the #1 way we can express our love to God is by loving His people. ALL people! When folks notice your strong work ethic, your concern for them as an individual, your terrific attitude, that "thing" that makes you different, they will be drawn to you. Once you have their attention, THAT is where discipleship happens. Your mission isn't to pack the pews at your church. Your #1 goal should be to advance God's Kingdom, NOT to build a denomination.
WARNING: The world you will turn upside down may not beat a path to your church building. They may not start attending any institutional church at all. In fact, they may begin to see the WORKPLACE as their church. Yes, I've seen that happen before! If that's where their "family" is, and that's where they're being spiritually fed, don't be surprised. In short, we want them to beat a path to God; THAT is when "Kingdom" starts happening, followed by evidence that things are changing in the world you call "WORK." When those who have experienced God's love through you in the workplace start sharing that love with spouses and kids, a mighty ripple effect takes place... and YOU started it! That's what happens when a "living Stone" hits the "water" of the Sea of Humanity.
There's nothing like a workplace that's filled with love and concern for one another. YOU can be either a Thermometer Employee - simply reading the temperature of the environment - or a Thermostat Employee, one who CHANGES the environment. Every day, you are surrounded by opportunities to offer comfort, hope and acceptance to those who dwell upon God's world. Don't let another day go by! Remember, every day is "BRING YOUR JESUS TO WORK DAY!"
MikeTummillo@me.com
Founder, The Church @ Work
It's all been orchestrated on the world stage. The ISIS militants who invaded Iraq - our politicians, too - are making all kinds of noise about an attack against America's shores and U.S. interests, not to mention in Europe and England, too. So, it looks like there's a False Flag on the drawing board. By the way, the situation in Iraq isn't about Iraq; it's about Kurdistan - a nation that wants to be our nation's 51st State - and the military bases the U.S. and Israel want to build there so they can later bombard Syria. Meanwhile, we'll use puppets. I'm convinced; the historical precedent has already been established. Nothing new under the sun.
It's all about positioning, gang.
That's enough about the geo-political situation. It looks grim and that's all we need to know. What I DO want to talk about is the Kingdom of God in the midst of all this.
For starters, we have a King. His Name is Jesus and He is the Anointed One - the "Christ" - the anointed Head on the Body that includes you and me. Jesus is the King of kings and WE are those kings. Scripture tells us "The government will be on His shoulders." Are "shoulders" not found on The Body"? WE are those shoulders. WE will, ultimately, rule, whether here on Earth or on one of the billions of billions of planets throughout the billions of galaxies. We are, as they say, "In training for reigning." So, we have a King. All kings are born, not elected, not appointed. They are not Prime Ministers or Presidents. There's a huge difference.
Next, our King has a Kingdom of which He said, "The Kingdom of God does not come with observation." In other words, you can't see it. He added, "The Kingdom of God is within you." The word "kingdom" comes from the Greek "basilea" which means "dominion." So, the dominion of God is within you. Think about that for a minute. If "the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you," THAT is His how God exercises His dominion - by His Spirit in you and me. Our body is the temple of God. He doesn't live in manmade buildings or manmade anything at all. Awesome! What are we going to do with that? DOMINATE!
God wants ALL people living in His Kingdom. EVERYONE! How are they going to get there, or even KNOW about this Kingdom, unless those who have EXPERIENCED the Kingdom share about it, just as Jesus modeled? Remember, He and is disciples went about preaching on the Kingdom of God. They didn't share about Christianity. They didn't tell folks about a Christian concert. They didn't spread leaflets about a denomination. NO! They told people about The Kingdom, something we hear so little about today. What's in the Kingdom? Righteousness, peace and joy, according to Scripture; three things everyone on the planet is seeking while being sucked into the sin-conscious, lack of peace and psuedo-joy religion which the world, the Church and the devil have been offering them for 2,000 years, simply because we've strayed from the example the Lord already showed us.
God desires to meet ALL your needs in the Kingdom and Jesus is our example of just how to do that. When Jesus needed, say, loaves and fishes to feed thousands for lunch, He reached into the Kingdom pantry and there they were. When He needed working limbs or seeing eyes, He reached in and grabbed what was required to bless somebody. If Jesus said He came as an example, doesn't that me we, too, can reach into that same pantry for whatever might be needed to advance the Kingdom? Sounds logical to me. A woman in Africa may be starving, holding her dying baby, her husband killed by terrorists. She attends an outdoor evangelism event and is told she's going to Hell without Jesus. So, she responds to the altar call. Next morning, her baby's dead. How much better if she had learned of the Kingdom that night, put her faith in the King whose Kingdom had come "near her," trusted Him to provide and experienced a miraculous gift of food? What would she do? She would tell everyone about this invisible King, thereby advancing His Kingdom. Trust me, I have experienced miraculous groceries and money, even my tuition to Bible College being paid. Our King is amazing!
God wants to work with you, through you, to advance His Kingdom. He doesn't need anything but your availability in order to accomplish that. He doesn't care about your past, your talents, your tattoos and piercings, your injuries and scars, your socio-economic status. All He needs is a willing heart.
As things on planet Earth grow gloriously darker, that light within you is going to shine brighter. Your peace, your joy, your calming effect will draw others like a moth to a flame. People who have tried everything else - sex, drugs, alcohol, careers, compromising relationships - are going to realize how those things have failed to satisfy and will wonder, literally, what's gotten into YOU!
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world and ALL who dwell in it." God loves the world SO MUCH, He sent Jesus in order to wash away all our sins, choosing not to hold them against us. The world has been blessed by the fact I am not God because I would be cleaning house, eliminating anyone who rubbed me the wrong way! Can any of us even begin to fathom the depth of such a love and so much grace? All I know is life on this planet is not "it" for any of us. We don't belong here and we aren't even from here. God isn't mad at any of us, He loves us and He has an incredible plan for us all.
Like Moses with his staff, why not submit everything you have to serving your King today? That includes your divorces, bankruptcies, infidelities, perversions, fear, worries, habits and addictions... the Father can do much more with your stuff surrendered than you can by holding on tightly.
Every blessing,
Founder, The Church @ Work
Do you have a job?
In November of 2006, a Health Inspector named Steven A. wrote, “Great blessing ceremony. I shall be honored to use it. Peace be with you! May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit grant you many blessings!”
A woman named Michele wrote, October 2009, “Thank you for allowing God to work through you. I have been asked to pray in a friends home and you have provided, through Jesus Christ, the words.”
In December of 2010, a man wrote, “Hey! thank you! I intend to do this in this new year. When our family was younger we used to pray over & thru our home & we were experiencing God's blessings and miracles all the time. Now the kids are adults and they are in their own world & just struggling by. Well, I've had it with the DEVIL! IT'S TIME TO TAKE BACK WHAT HES STOLEN FROM US!! Praise the Lord. Thank you.”
The Subject line read “Grateful” when a minister named Kimberlyn D. wrote in April 2011, “I was asked to bless two homes and have had no training on doing this. I know that you follow what the Lord tells you. I am one of those people that like to do things by instruction and demonstration. I truly thank you for your wisdom and knowledge and especially understanding. So before I do to these homes, I'm going to bless my own. Again thank you sooo much!”
A woman named Rebecca S. wrote (Feb 2013): “I have been feeling God's pull to bless my home lately. Did not know where to go or whom to speak with. Years of religion have taught me that a priest was the only one that could bless my home. But your statement saying "it is your home", the light bulb went off. We are a few months behind on the mortgage and issues with some renovations. I want to feel peace in my house - comfort and God's love. Thank you for guiding me so I can take back my home.”
On my birthday in 2013, I was extremely blessed when Tina wrote, “I love everything that you said in the article. It was a Bible sermon in itself. It gives us a few reminders we tend to let life help us forget.”
Does your life have meaning?
Pastor Rick Warren's book entitled "The Purpose-driven life" was a best-seller for one very simple and obvious reason: People want to know their reason for being. We want to know why we're getting up in the morning. It's one of life's greatest questions, asked of the long-bearded guru seated high atop a mountain.
"What is the meaning of life?" More specifically, "What is the meaning of MY life?"
Part of my duties as a Workplace Chaplain is directed toward the Residents in nursing homes. Sadly, for too many of these elderly people, the next big event on their agenda is their own funeral. In fact, in all my years of ministry to the elderly, I can count on one hand those who've displayed a sense of purpose for the final season of their lives.
What is the meaning of YOUR life? Like so many elderly Residents in nursing homes, many ordinarily vibrant, productive people are living their lives in anticipation of that next big "thing" that will, hopefully, make them happy; a birthday, an anniversary, a holiday gathering, a visit, a TV program. Was that REALLY all you were created for? Is that all you got out of bed for this morning?
Contrary to what so many people believe, mankind didn't crawl out of a primordial soup and we are NOT at the whim of whatever this thing called "life" decides to throw at us. No, we were created by God with a specific purpose. Just ask Moses, who got started at age 80! My contention is that we will not lead a life of meaning UNTIL we are fleshing out that purpose.
We spend up to 70% of our lives in the workplace, exchanging our time for money. Though many seek fulfillment by spending their money on the best life has to offer them, Jesus said (Luke 12:15), "one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
In 1 John 2:16 we read, "All that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world."
So, if money won't buy happiness, how are we supposed to achieve it?
For starters, there's a HUGE chasm of difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion, rising and falling with our moods, our bank balance and our circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), evidence of God's Spirit dwelling within us. The apostle Paul was in prison when he said, "Rejoice in the Lord always!" and James admonished the church to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience," (James 1:1-3). The Common English Bible puts it like this: "Think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy."
As Rick Warren said in his book, "God intentionally allows you to go through painful experiences to equip you for ministry to others."
You read that correctly: God ALLOWS it, just as He ALLOWED Jesus to be tempted by the devil in the wilderness and just as He has ALLOWED many martyrs to suffer over the generations. As Paul discovered when God ALLOWED him to suffer, "His grace was sufficient."
Proverbs 8:35 says, “Whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” I contend God is more concerned with the development of Christ-like character in His people than He is in our comfort. Why would we strive to get so comfortable any way? We aren't from here and don't belong here.
My advice, dear one, is this: Don't let your pain be in vain. Turn it on the devil and use it as a building block, a cornerstone upon which you can build God's Kingdom. Use your trials and experiences with God's grace to encourage, edify, undergird and comfort as many people as possible while there's breath in your body. Do not go quietly! Someone out there needs to know God isn't mad at them and wants to work with them and through them to help others. Your experience with God – your testimony – could be the very impetus they've been needing.
So, no matter how old you are, no matter your gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, if you're looking for meaning in your life - a real sense of purpose - you've got to SURRENDER that life while you can. God can do so much MORE with our lives than we can ever dream of. If we want something we don't have, we have to do something we aren't doing. We can start with a quality choice. HERE'S A HINT: We can start by loving that which God loves and allowing Hm to love them THROUGH us.
REPEAT AFTER ME: “My availability...gives God the opportunity...to do miracles...through me!”
To begin receiving SENIOR MOMENTS in your mailbox, please eMail miketummillo@me.com. thank you!
George G., Austin: "I really want to thank you for getting us all together for the seminar this weekend. Katie and I were both blessed by it. We also were surprised by the number of our old friends that were there. Please include us in future get togethers. Once again thank you for blessing us."
Maegan S., Burleson: "It's nice to reconnect! We learned that we both have a different love language and how it's important to speak the right one to each other! We were truly blessed by this class and definitely recommend it!"
Tara R., Dublin: "This little workshop was fun and enlightening! Mike is a great speaker and teacher, so he made it enjoyable while also very informative. The whole atmosphere was uplifting and we had a great time participating and interacting with the other couples. We met some wonderful people who shared stories and very interesting insights from their marriages. My favorite part of the workshop was the survey where we learned our primary love languages. My husband and I compared notes and learned some things about each other that will help us to improve our already happy marriage. We have already started intentionally applying what we learned with great results! It was so simple, free, easy, and fun... yet we learned a few things that I hope we never forget! Thanks Mike!"
Tiffany, G., Leander: “The Five Love Language's workshop we had was so much fun! Great speaker and funny! Thank you Michael Tummillo and Barbara for coming to Austin and spending time with us. It was a great three hour investment in our marriage!”
Gerri W., Georgetown: “[We] have discovered things about ourselves that has drawn us closer together as a couple. It's also drawn us closer to our Heavenly Father! Great job!”
Walt C., Austin: "My wife...and I found Mike's "Five Love Languages" workshop to be extremely beneficial. The points made will help to improve every marriage, especially the good ones! The session was very informal and no one was asked to reveal any personal "secrets" or issues. It was just great information presented informally, plus, it was very entertaining."
To the Unknown God
When the apostle Paul addressed the men of Athens, he said, "...as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you..." (Acts 17:23).
As the years go by, I am continually amazed at the few people of all religions and denominations I meet who actually seem to KNOW the one they refer to as "God." He remains, in essence, "The Unknown God."
For starters, He IS knowable. Worth knowing, too, for He is the kindest person you'll ever have the privilege of knowing. Yet, many who are affiliated with Christendom only seem to know ABOUT their God. They may exhibit a downright professionalism regarding everything from Scripture memory to liturgies, memorized prayer and hymns, too, having their denominational traditions down to an art.
Here IS a 5-part litmus test we can use to determine whether we know our God:
1) If one claims to know God, the One who loved the world enough to send His only Son to die for it, shouldn't we love the things He loves?
If that isn't the case, do we really know Him? 1 John 4:6-7 says, "We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."
2) Can we love, or come to know, someone we rarely speak with?
Prayer - which I define as two-way conversation with the Father - has become quite optional among many who claim to be Christ Followers. A person who knows God doesn't wait to be in a church service to speak with Him. They talk to God everywhere and anywhere, all the time, quite assured of the fact that He is always with them, and listen at least as much as they talk. 1 John 1:6-7 says, "If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus is Son cleanses us from all sin."
3) Are we introducing Him to others?
When we know someone wonderful, don't we desire that EVERYBODY have the chance to get to know that individual? In general, people who fall in love cannot wait to introduce their new love-interest to all their friends and family. Where the one God and Father of us all is concerned, are we doing that? Are we giving others the opportunity to know the Father many didn't know they had?
4) Do we have a Relationship with the Father, or merely another world Religion?
Do we REALLY love Him? "I love those who love Me, and those who seek me diligently find Me," (Proverbs 8:17).
5) Are you experiencing any level of God's power in your faith walk?
You should be! Daniel 11:32 says, " the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Father is looking for those who know Him to make themselves readily available to be used to His glory at a moment's notice.
In closing, if you didn't score very well on the litmus test, be of good cheer! This is NOT a contest. Every one of us is a decision away from growing "in the grace and KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," (2 Peter 3:18). Again, it's all about RELATIONSHIP! I hope you make that choice today, allowing the UNKNOWN GOD to become well-known to yourself and to those you meet.
Founder, The Church @ Work
WEATHER WARFARE!
Have you ever heard of HAARP? It stands for the "High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program." The HAARP program operates a major sub-arctic facility, named the HAARP Research Station, on a U.S. Air Force-owned site in Alaska. Believe it or not, there is increasing evidence HAARP is capable of changing the weather, even using it against enemies to bring severe weather and even earthquakes and tsunamis.
But that's another story. Google it or watch videos on YouTube and you might be amazed.
As I am known to say, as it is in the natural realm, so it is in the spirit realm. Scripture tells us, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds." Ephesian 6 reminds us our battles are spiritual, NOT against human beings. Jesus said He gave us all power and authority over all the powers of the devil.
If we can fight the demonic forces bent on killing, stealing and destroying, can we not, also, do as Jesus did and speak peace to storms Satan might use to devastate a community? I am convinced of this.
Jesus, who said He came as our example, said, "Greater things than I do will you do also BECAUSE I go to the Father," (John 14:12). HE said that, not me. He gave us all the power and authority that HE had when He walked this planet. He is the King of kings and WE are those kings! We don't hear that often enough. He said "The Kingdom of God [the dominion of God] is within you."
Remember, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead LIVES IN YOU," (Romans 8:11). For what purpose, if not to engage in spiritual warfare? To what end if not to show the world what Jesus was like? Believe me, nothing gets an unbeliever's attention like a good ol' fashioned miracle!
All that being said, I was wondering if anyone has a testimony regarding an incident where they exercised their God-given authority over nature and what the results might have been. I'll go first...
-A company I worked for evacuated to the stairwell and bathrooms because of a tornado warning. I felt compelled to go outside and command peace to the storm. The sky was green and dark and windy right above our building. I had made every group of sheltered-in-place coworkers believe I was with another group so I could slip away and shout at the devil. No tornado struck, not even a drop of rain.
-Our town was under a tornado warning. The skies were ominous. I went into the yard and read Scripture having to do with weather. When the hail eventually came, neighbors suffered great damage to their homes and cars. Our home suffered no damage at all.
-A monstrous storm was headed toward Arlington, Texas, where my wife and I had many friends and relatives. The TV was on in the living room while we were remodeling another room. I felt the Spirit leading me to pray. I ignored Him; I was busy. Again, I felt urged to intercede. Again, I had stuff to do. Finally, upon a third nudge, I put down my hammer and told my wife we needed to pray. She followed me outside to the lawn chairs and, as we crossed the living room, we couldn't help but see the huge orange blob, the massive storm bearing down upon Arlington. From the lawn chairs, far off in the distance, we could see lightning flashing repeatedly as we interceded. I will never forget walking back indoors to see the amazed weatherman pointing toward the now-miniscule, orange, powerless blob over Arlington.
As storms were headed toward other towns we were made aware of, we have prayed with the same results. Recently, a funnel cloud was forming on-camera as we watched the TV weather report. We prayed with righteous indignation and the cloud's tail went back up. The tornado warning was canceled.
A few years ago, the night before Easter, while sitting on the porch with my sister and brother-in-law, stuffing candy into plastic eggs, we were talking about the storm that was due that night, threatening to rain-out my grandchildren's egg hunt. Grrrrrr. I not only declared a sunny day, but because we needed rain, I specifically called for how much I would allow over our house. The rain came that night but the sun was shining by the time the kids showed up, just as we requested.
Just today, my neighbor told me about a mutual friend who called requesting prayer because bad weather - including a hurricane - was predicted on the east coast, making a beeline for the small Virginia town where she was working. Though they were 1500 miles away, they prayed and all was well.
Last week, on Easter Sunday, I was going to preach in a chapel in Whitney, Texas - a building which, last Easter, had been struck by lightning and burned down the night before. So, we prayed against rain for our chapel meeting. We wound up with glorious weather but received some harmless hail and over an hour's worth of much-needed heavy rain about an hour after we arrived at home.
Folks, I wasn't raised believing this stuff was possible. Going to church and being a Christian had nothing to do with any of this! My faith came with my understanding that we serve a God who wants to do things with and through those who believe. As I've seen such miraculous things take place, my faith has increased. These days, I have no doubt God's Army has been on bivouac far too long and it's time to go to war; time to get in the game.
We have the same authority over the weather that Jesus used (Matthew 28:18-20 and John 14:12), and many Followers of Jesus have exercised their faith and have seen similar things happen to their weather conditions. However, wisdom should be used when exercising authority over the weather. Paul never rebuked the storm he was caught in even though it was threatening the lives of many people (Acts 27). We must be led of the Lord. If we rebuke the rain so that we can have a picnic, we may be working against a million farmers who have been praying for rain, so check your motivations, (James 4:3).
Yes, there are times when an area needs rain desperately and, I agree, it rains on the just and the unjust. I get that, but sometimes we are moved with compassion, just as Jesus was, and we are compelled to engage in "Weather Warfare."
One more thing: I'm a Chaplain with a Christian disaster relief team. Serving in this way has exposed me to some of the most horrible and, at the same time, beautiful experiences I've ever been part of. Many lives have been impacted through our efforts. Nevertheless, I am 100% certain that, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, by the power made available to us, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, droughts, ice storms, snow, hurricanes can and will become toothless enemies.
I guarantee this: if we do nothing, NOTHING will happen. I believe it's time for the supernatural to become natural to us all.
When lives and property are endangered, let's give 'em Heaven, Church! Death and life are in the power of YOUR tongue (Prov. 18:21). So, let's get after it, as the Spirit leads, of course. We can get busy praying BEFORE, or get busy with clean-up and crisis ministry AFTERWARD.
Founder, The Church @ Work
The Insanity of Christianity
Insanity has been defined as “doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.” Words to that effect.
Many people are conducting their personal lives in that same way. I am convinced that, in every aspect of our society, a great question to ask would be: “How's that worked in the past?” Better yet, “Is that working NOW?”
Anything that is NOT working should be dropped from the program immediately, or drastic changes should be implemented in hopes of producing a different outcome. The way we handle relationships, businesses, governments and, the concern of this article, churches, is included.
I speak to so many people for whom “planting a church” or “buying a building” seems to be the epitome of Christianity. It's as if to plant a flag on a mountain top and proclaim to the world, “We've arrived!” I hope that, as you keep reading, you'll find you never left.
Let's consider that 80% of the church worldwide does NOT “do church” the way we do it in the USA. There, churches are growing under persecution. Pastors don't spend more than a few nights in the same house, congregants practice self-baptism for fear of jeopardizing their pastor's life. They pack into sweltering barns for 8-hour services. They meet in rice fields, caves, in the dark of night and mouth the words of hymns for fear of divulging their position by singing aloud. They head out early and come home late, meeting from place to place and ending the day having gained hundreds of converts for discipling.
Here are some facts regarding the American church – our non-profit corporations where some of the main concerns involve construction and remodeling projects, land acquisition, playground equipment and overhead costs:
- The average tenure for a Southern Baptist pastor is just over two years, according to Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
- It costs $50,000 to $100,000 per year to support an American missionary family Includes language study, cultural learning, travel, furlough time and costs, children’s education and a generally higher standard of living than nationals. In contrast, the cost of supporting a NATIONAL missionary is between $1,000 to $10,000 per year in most developing countries. Local missionaries are already actively sharing their faith but could be more effective with additional training materials and tools.
- Approximately 80% of all churches in North America have reached a plateau or are shrinking. The vast majority of a church's growth comes from “transfer growth” - people who move from church to church. Very little growth can be attributed to either making converts or disciples (only about 1 to 3%)
- The average American 501c3 non-profit church spends as much as 64% of its budget on staff salaries. It will spend as much as 30% of its offerings on building maintenance. Research shows churches spend between 82-96% of financial resources on maintaining themselves.
- In 2001 (last date I could find in my research), the total cost of Christian outreach worldwide averaged $330,000 for each newly baptized person.
- The cost PER BAPTISM in the United States tops $1.5 million.
- Approx 4000 new churches open their doors annually while 7,000 close their doors.
- According to the book “Exit Interviews,” 53,000 people leave churches every week and never come back.
I have often been asked why it is I don't conduct a traditional form of worship service, why I don't rent a building or what my issues might be with the institutional church. My response is simple: I don't see this anywhere in Scripture. Though I don't consider that style of worship to be “evil” or “bad,” and certainly don't doubt the sincerity and love of God for those who are affiliated in this way, I don't see the logic behind doing something that is so costly and yet so ineffective. Truth is, if most institutional churches were a secular business, they would have filed bankruptcy long ago.
Been there. Done that. Much prefer to listen to the Holy Spirit and do as He leads me. I am so convicted of the importance of building the Kingdom of God, I am certain that if the Spirit leads me to pastor a denominational church, He knows I would do it.
I'd likely ultimately be fired, but I'd do it.
These days, I am so much more a fan of Simple Church – two or three gathered in Jesus' Name, sharing “Christ in us, the hope of glory,” everywhere we find ourselves, especially the place we spend up to 70% of our lives, the workplace. I have been part of a House Church group for nearly 11 years and have seen many lives transformed, the litmus test for whether or not we should remain plugged-into any so-called “church.” My advice? Ask yourself, “Are lives being radically changed there?” Respond accordingly.
Founder, The Church @ Work
While you're writing verses, why not jot down this one for those times you may be feeling unloved: 1John 4:10 says: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to this earth]to be the propitiation [atoning sacrifice; appeasement] for our sins."
By the way, I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart, too!
Founder, The Church @ Work
Crowe. Hmmm.
I began thinking about the crow mentioned in the Biblical account of Noah's flood. As you will recall, after ten months at sea, Noah sends a crow out from the ark to see if the water was gone. Genesis 8:7 doesn’t reveal what happened to the crow, but it tells us how Noah later released a dove. It’s not hard to understand why the Bible doesn't dwell on the crow, since it probably found itself something to nibble on when it finally did find some dry land - a fish, a crab, something left behind as waters receded.
When there was no sign of the crow, Noah wisely sent a dove out to check the water levels. Since it didn’t find any solid ground on which to land, the dove returned to the ark. Noah waited seven more days, and sent the dove out again. This time the dove returned with an olive leaf in its beak, revealing to Noah that the water was receding below the level of trees and bushes. I'm sure this instilled great hope in Noah and his family, the world's only human inhabitants at that moment.
When we look at the dove and the crow as symbols of human nature, the crow displays a bit of selfishness; when it found something to its liking, it flew the coop. The dove, on the other hand, returned to the ark and symbolizes the human desire to return home. That, of course, symbolizes our longing to return home, ultimately Heaven.
If God uses Crowe's upcoming movie as a way of waking people up to the need for Disaster or Spiritual Preparation, that would be in keeping with His character. Some of us will be most like the crow; they won't 'get it' and will watch the movie for its entertainment value only, succumbing to the media hype, while others who watch the film will ponder heavenly things of God, their own mortality, things of a spiritual nature, and may find themselves longing for home (Heaven, that is, or a relationship with their Creator while they're here on earth).
I don't mind that the word "God" is never spoken in the movie (though "Creator" is) or that the film doesn't track with the Genesis account line for line (if anyone insists on that, read the Bible). My opinion is this: the same God who can speak through donkeys and burning bushes can also speak through movies, bumper stickers, t-shirts and billboards. He will meet us wherever we are including an actor's last name or the words written by a one-finger typist.
Personally, I'd rather watch a film about Noah than another shoot 'em up, obscene comedy or disaster flick.
Founder, The Church @ Work
How to Mount a Workplace Offensive
“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the armor of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut…,” (Isaiah 45:1-2)
The story goes like this: This chapter foretells of the great rescue of the Jews from Persia and how God used a foreign king named Cyrus, who was born in Persia, to demolish the great empire of Babylonia. Babylon was an enormous, fortified city if there ever was one. It had 100 gates, all made of bronze, and was impenetrable. Flaming arrows and battering rams would be of no effect and everybody knew it.
Cyrus wasn’t burdened with the facts. He trusted in the God of Israel and that was that.
Get this: Cyrus believed God’s promise despite the fact that he was a heathen. This reminds me of the Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to cast the devil out of her daughter or the Roman centurion who displayed such great faith. Hmmm. Heathens and pagans calling on God. Imagine that!
Without faith, it is impossible to please God who is, apparently, not as concerned about the same things that hinder so many Christians today. Even Adolph Hitler utilized the Biblical Year of Jubilee in order to get Germany out from under its hyperinflation problems. Like gravity and reaping and sowing, these God-ordained principles seem to work no matter who is willing to apply them.
Testimonies are increasing there. One man needed a vehicle; we prayed and he got one, a terrific deal (now, he wants a wife). Three weeks ago, a woman was having severe pain in her teeth and she told me how, as I was praying over the meal that day and announced that God was healing someone's tooth, her pain subsided. Three weeks later, today, she still has no pain and is eating just fine.
Founder, The Church @ Work
Ministry to the Poor: Good enough for Jesus…
Over the years, the Lord has led me to minister to more poor folks off the streets than to any other people group. Even when I minister in nursing homes, most of those whom I meet there – Employees and Residents alike – probably qualify as “poor.” I've had many poor people stay within my own home in the past and I've ministered to many others on the highways and byways and in prisons as well.
Ministry to the poor may not seem to be for everybody at first glance – it sure wasn't my plan for my own life - but with a little preparation, many of us could find ourselves up to our elbows in this ministry, just as Jesus showed us by His compassionate example.
He said, “The poor you will have with you always.” In Luke 4:18-19, sometimes referred to as the Lord's Mission Statement, His opening line is: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor...”
Jesus repeatedly reached out to the poor as well as to women, Samaritans, lepers, children, prostitutes and tax collectors. He made it clear that ALL people – regardless of social class – needed to repent. He once encouraged a rich young ruler to sell all his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor (Matt 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30; Mk 10:17-31). He was even quoted as saying, “when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed,” (Luke 14:13).
Just today, I led a Bible Study in which everyone in attendance but one was either in a wheelchair or using a walker. I felt for these people because I once walked with a cane to compensate for the pain I experienced from an “incurable” spinal disease from which God healed me.
Following are four things I want to encourage you to pray about and consider before launching out to serve the poor.
1) Training
The most productive way to get started helping the homeless is to join forces with a well-established operation such as the Salvation Army in Brownwood. I've been leading a devotional there on Tuesday's and praying with those who have lunch there, usually more than 90 people each time. I've learned a great deal simply by watching and talking with the Volunteers there. This ministry there began when ten from my church volunteered to assist with their annual Thanksgiving luncheon, thereby establishing a relationship before I was approached to functioned from their pulpit.
2) Respect
One of the best ways to help a homeless person is to show them respect. As you look into their eyes, talk to them with genuine interest, shake their hand and recognize their value as an individual, you will give them a sense of dignity they rarely experience. Talk to their children, re-fill their glasses, bring them a hot meal. By doing this, you will gain their trust.
3) Give
Giving is another great way to help, however, unless the Lord directs you, don't give money directly to a homeless person. Cash gifts are often used to buy drugs and alcohol. Instead, make your donations directly to the ministry. The Salvation Army can always use your financial help, and most of their donations actually go toward assistance, NOT to salaries and overhead costs. Many shelters and soup kitchens also welcome contributions of food, clothing and other supplies.
Lastly, prayer is one of the easiest and most positive ways you can help the homeless. I have the folks fill our Prayer Cards eveery Tuesday. I pray over these and even call those who leave their numbers on back.
Surprisingly, many people on the streets are fearful, injured or ill, and stressed. In today's economy, an increasing number are what might be considered to be 'normal' folks, desiring to work but unable to find jobs. On one occasion, I met a young man who had fallen off his roof and became a paraplegic. His wife and baby lived with him in a shelter and his car had been repossessed from the hospital parking lot when he was there. I recently met a man who said he was an engineer, waiting to start work in two weeks but had run out of finances and food. On several occasions, I've met people who've been eating at the Salvation Army for many years simply because they're on a fixed income and are trying to save money.
Is a ministry to the poor part of your outreach as a church? Is it part of your ministry as an individual? I recommend all of us pray for a Christ-like compassion and the measure of grace we will need to reach out to poor people with wisdom and compassion.
There are over 300 verses in the Holy Bible having to do with “the poor.” Here are four:
Ps. 10:14. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan... O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed.
Is 41:17. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them.
Luke 6:20-21. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
James 2:5. Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
Divine opportunity through tragedy
Life on planet earth is not "it" for us. We're sojourners here. Strangers. Aliens, just passing through. Problem is, we tend to get very comfortable here and start believing we have every right to expect everything to be "just so" in our lives... our health, our relationships, our security, often without much effort on our parts.
As a Chaplain who serves in workplaces and as part of a disaster relief team, I've seen many people who've survived tragedies. From an F5 tornado strike to lives stricken with cancer, death and destruction at the hand of one catatstrophe or another, a tragedy is a tragedy, large or small.
Aside from natural disasters like tornadoes and wildfires, there are accidental disasters, car wrecks and swimming pool drownings. There’s illness, abuse, broken relationships, betrayal, sorrow, injuries, disappointment, heartache, crime and death.
Perhaps you’re one who has asked the question, “Why me?”
This age-old question goes back thousands of years: "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Job wanted to know the answer, too. So did the writers of the Psalams. Why has the world experienced the genocides of so many people, the 9/11 attack, movie theater and school shootings and, most recently, the slaughter in Syria?
Jesus suffered, too, and He promised (John 16:33), "In this life you will have many troubles, but," He added, "be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world."
“Paul wrote (Romans 8:18), "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
You see, no matter what tragedies we suffer, no matter how much pain we've experienced while walking around in these earth suits, if life on earth really is not "it" - and Jesus knew this for, as Scripture says, "For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross" - what comes later will not include pain, tears, fear, trauma, none of the horrors of this planet. As with Jesus, who said He came as our example, we are destined to experience unimaginable joy and peace. But not now, not when, as Jesus said, "He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike."
This one thing I know: Satan ALWAYS shoots himself in the foot. Yes, the one who kills, steals and destroys always overplays his hand. Beauty rises up out of ashes all throughout history, from the Black Death to Chernobyl, great things have resulted afterward, often as a direct result.
As I reflect on my own personal tragedies - an incurable spinal disease, divorce, separation from my children, poverty, loneliness, betrayal, etc...I can honestly say my relationship and trust in God would never have developed as it did had He NOT guided me through all that. That allows me to actually thank God for all those tragedies. The list goes on and on as to the miraculous things Jesus did on my behalf when I rejected all thoughts of suicide and ran into His arms rather than AWAY from Him. I'm NOT referring to "church" here; I'm talking about a 24/7 RELATIONSHIP with a person we call "Jesus." My world has been transformed and, as a result, God has used my experiences to do the same in the lives of multitudes. My health has been restored. I married an angel! We have ten wonderful grandkids, a worldwide ministry... too many blessings to mention. Like Job, after losing it all, God restored to him so much more than he had.
The verse that always races through my head is from Hebrews 11:6, "God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." When I was suffering through the darkest hour of my soul, the one thing I did right - the one thing I feel compelled to pass along to anybody who might be suffering in any way - is this: PRESS IN! As with any relationship, we can CHOOSE to get angry with God for what has happened to us, or draw closer to Him and learn His ways. He's ALWAYS teaching; we must ALWAYS be in learning mode!
If you don't know Jesus, or maybe you've been hurt in some way - even by folks who said they were Christians - I encourage you to seek after a relationship with Him and REJECT every imposter with which you might feel tempted to fill that void. Drugs, alcohol, compromising relationships All carry with them their own set of negative consequences and only serve to dig the hole deeper.
Ues, press into a deeper relationship with the Lover of your soul, Jesus Christ! I used to spend hours – as many as 17 hours straight - surrounded by Bible translations and commentaries, Greek Lexicons and Hebrew dictionaries, devouring everything I could regarding this person we refer to as "Lord." He's as real as you are, folks. I pray that, like me, you'll soon discover (A) God isn't angry with you (B) He loves you more than you can imagine and (C) He has an INCREDIBLE plan for your life if you'll submit yourself to His purposes.
It's something to think about. Barna goes on to say: "Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for individual effort. Human wisdom tends to consolidation, to centralization, to the building up of great churches and institutions. Multitudes leave to institutions and organizations the work of benevolence; they excuse themselves from contact with the world, and their hearts grow cold. They become self-absorbed and unimpressible. Love for God and man dies out of the soul."
It's true; complicated things DO tend to break down having so many working parts while simple things tend to last longer. Simple Church is a term being used to describe "two or three gathered in Jesus' Name," whether that's in a restaurant, a hotel banquet room, a neighbor's den, or a park gazebo. Simple! Personally, I've met with people in apartment clubhouses, a real estate office, conference rooms, cafeterias, vacant rooms in nursing homes, and many other 'unusual' places. It was The Church meeting in all those diverse places; those places were not The Church. See the difference? WE, the people, are The Church. In all these places, the Gospel of Jesus Christ gave people hope, peace, and a purpose for living. Miracles have happened there!
Simple Church includes the many who meet in homes. These house churches are the best way to reach the growing number of unchurched and once-church people. Are you interested in learning more about this growing trend? If you are more interested in BEING The Church than in GOING to church, this might be just what you've been looking for.
Incidentally, Barna has determined that, if all the people affiliated with a house church were gathered under one umbrella, they would be the 2nd largest Christian group behind the Catholics and above the Southern Baptists.
Barna's "Revolution" was released in 2005. On Page 49, he says, "Within twenty years, the local church will lose 50% of its adherents to alternative forms."
Did he prophesy? Could he be correct? After all, there is nothing new under the sun. Are disgruntled, disillusioned church-attenders desiring a more "Book of Acts" style of the faith where smaller groups of close friends and family gather around a meal and share life - not merely a church service - together?
If this interests you, let's talk! You might pray about gathering with like-minded others and see what God does. If you need help, I'll see what I can do.
Taking the Pressure off your Prayer Life
Prayer is simply defined as a conversation with God. Unfortunately, the examples we’ve been exposed to concerning prayer usually include images with which many people simply aren’t comfortable. Whether it’s Charlton Heston’s Moses shouting flowery language towards Heaven, or a minister whose prayers are long and filled with thee’s and thou’s, a tremendous amount of Christian people will “pass” when it comes time to pray, generally out of a feeling of inadequacy.
I recall taking a college-age lady named Kim along with me to pray for a man named Richard in the hospital. Her prayer went something like this: “Lord…y’know…Richard’s a good guy and…like…he really deserves to be healed so…y’know…gosh…thank you for healing him, in Jesus’ Name. Amen!”
Richard began crying so hard we had to leave the room. Later, when I saw him, healthy and smiling, he testified of the power of God that hit him in his wheel chair “when that girl, Kim, prayed.” I’m NOT kidding when I tell you Richard underwent a COMPLETE personality change - for the better!
God’s looking at the heart. I imagine there are many people who cannot pray at all - in the American Christian Evangelical sense – whose heartfelt prayers carry much weight: the deaf mute, the palsy victim, the brain damaged, even the unchurched.
THE HAND PRAYER
Many people don’t really know what to pray for when they do pray. Here’s something that was taught by D.L. Moody to his disciples. I’ve taught it to many people as well. I refer to it as “The Hand Prayer.” Teach your kids and disciples!
Simply hold your hands in front of you, palm to palm as if praying.
Your thumb, being the closest digit to your mouth, reminds you to pray for those CLOSEST to you; spouse, family, friends, coworkers, roommates, church family, etc.
The pointer finger reminds you to pray for those in your community who point the way; ministers, educators, counselors, therapists.
The middle finger stands tallest of all, reminding you to pray for those in position of Leadership; Media, Education, Government, Medicine, Military, Entertainment and so on.
The ring finger is your weakest finger and reminds you to pray for the weakest among us; the newborn, the elderly, the sick, the newly divorced, the children of broken homes, the newly unemployed, etc. Physically, spiritually, financially and emotionally.
Finally, the pinky – least significant of all – reminds you to pray for your OWN needs.
JESUS AND PRAYER
Matt 5:44, Jesus said, “… love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
In Matthew 6:6, He said, “…when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” See, it’s OK to talk to God alone. Just the two of you. He adds in verse 7: “…. don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.” Whenever I read that, I see the difference between RELATIONSHIP and Religion. Who would say the same things repeatedly to, say, a spouse?
Matthew 14:23 shows us that Jesus practiced what He preached, “After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.”
In Mark 11:25, He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. ”
In John 17:21, Jesus prayed for the Unity of the Body, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” In Acts 1:14, we read, “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.”
I LOVE the following excerpts found in Acts 4:23-31: As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other Believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God…"O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
I can’t help but notice that they never prayed against their enemies. They didn’t bind any demons. They only asked for boldness in preaching and that signs and wonders would follow.
Imagine that!
PRAY AS YOU GO
There are many other verses having to do with prayer and, from these, we can learn an awful lot ABOUT prayer. One favorite verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:17 which simply says, “Pray without ceasing.”
Obviously, though we must use our mouths and brains for other matters throughout the day, prayer can also be silently done, from the Spirit. As one who has received the gift of tongues, I often pray while holding my cell phone to my head so as not to appear out of my mind while sitting in traffic. You can pray in the shower, while seated on the commode…Susanna Wesley had eight kids (one of which was John Wesley, founder of the Methodists). Whenever she needed quiet time to talk to God, she would pull her apron up over her head in the middle of the kitchen. Her children knew that when mama had her apron over her head they were not to bother her and quiet down.
Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t have any “quiet time” with God complete with scented candles, cappuccino and soft instrumental music.
Healing Evangelist, John G. Lake was a man of prayer. He had such an incredible healing ministry, that according to statistics, the U.S. Government declared his city, Spokane, Washington, to be the healthiest city in America – 100,000 confirmed miracles within six years. He spent time on his knees praying but also liked to walk and pray. He claimed this was his favorite way of communing with God. He taught his disciples to “run and pray, and pray as you run.”
So, go ahead and pray right where you are. Under your breath or without moving those lips. Talk to God. He’s ONLY looking at your heart any way. Like me, as you get to know Him, I'm certain you’ll find He’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet! A wonderful Father. An awesome Counselor, too.
Repeat after me:
“I am dead. Jesus lives.”
Today I received what I have long-described as a Very Hevvy Revvy, a revelation from God that hit me like a lightning bolt before I even got out of bed. I nudged my wife and started sharing it with her before the alarm even went off.
If you've already embraced this revelation, good for you! Pass this message along because I guarantee you, most who follow Christ have not.
The verse that came to me was Galatians 2:20 where Paul wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Catch that? He said, “I myself no longer live.” Hmmm. So, Paul is saying the “me” I call myself – the one who can't do anything right, who gets sick, who carries addictions and family curses around within his body – that guy is dead? So, logic tells me that, if I'm dead and Jesus lives through me, either Jesus is getting sick and manifesting all manner of bad stuff through me, or I am not living this truth out in my life. Rather than exercise our faith, we live in bondage to prescriptions and addictive habits and carry the family jewels as if they had any real value. In some cases, we seem to cling to our right to be sickly and hopeless.
In Acts 17:28, while talking to the religious pagans in Athens, folks who even had a shrine to “the unknown god,” just in case they skipped a god in worship. Paul told them about the God they worshipped without knowing it and said, “In Him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’”
Get it? We're God's children. We belong to “our Father which art in Heaven,” as the prayer goes.
Speaking of which, when we recite that prayer – some refer to it as “the Lord's Prayer or “the Our Father” - the words we voice include the line “on earth as it is in Heaven.” Question: Is there any sickness or pain in Heaven? No! So, why on earth are we sick or in pain? I believe it's because we've surrendered that aspect of our mind to the enemy. It IS a battle for our minds, after all.
Try and wrap that mind around this: I have heard that there have been cases of people struggling with Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD, now referred to as DID, Disassociative Identity Disorder) who, while they bore a sickness or some sort of condition as Personality A, completely lost that affliction when they switched over to Personality B. Amazing!
With that in mind, if we, as Followers of Jesus, are filled with the same Spirit who raised Him from the dead, and if it's true that, as Paul said, “in Him we live and move and exist,” why can't we purpose in our hearts to allow HIM to manifest through us to the point that we no longer struggle with alcoholism, depression, addiction, allergies, high blood pressure, pain... whatever ails us?
This morning, just before taking my diabetes medicine - a habit I plan to kick - I recited my new mantra: “It's not I who live but Christ living through me!” When I checked my blood, my numbers were great (105). Would they have been anyway? I'm choosing to give God the glory, choosing to believe that I am truly decreasing so that HE can increase. I was bought by the Blood of Jesus so I will serve Him to the point of surrendering control.
That's my desire any way.
Speaking of blood, I contend that we have a brand new DNA and whatever generational curse your family has been passing along through your ancestry can now be considered null and void. Sadly, we keep that thing alive with our own words, saying things such as, “It runs in my family” or “that's the (Italian, Irish, German... whatever) coming out in me.” Truth is, the blood coursing through your veins is the blood of your Father, Almighty God, the same blood that flowed from Immanuel's veins.
We were, indeed, healed by the stripes of Jesus, but as with any gift anybody wants to give us, we have to appropriate that gift; we gotta take it, claim it, treat it like it's REALLY ours!
Or it isn't.
One final thought: Are you studying God's Word? Trying to live this life without God's Word transforming you and renewing your mind is like attempting to run the vacuum cleaner without plugging it in. We cannot expect to be radically changed by osmosis merely by church attendance or a Scriptural Verse of the Day. If that were so, we'd see more fruit of that turning communities upside down.
Spend time alone with your Father. We seem to make time for OTHER important meetings, none of which holds a candle to that one. We make time for exercise, TV shows, movie showings, sporting events, dates... we can do this. We must.
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work
Embracing an Excellent Spirit.
There are many voices in the air; many spirits, most of which do NOT declare the lordship of Jesus Christ at all. Yet, multitudes have embraced them within the Body of Christ.
I'm referring to Spirits of Poverty, Lack, Depression, Filth, Unclean spirits and more. These demons have no place in our lives.
Numbers 14:24 tells us Caleb and Joshua were of "another spirit," one that was different from that of the others who were wandering in the wilderness with them. The word spirit in this passage is ruwach. One of the meanings of this Hebrew word is "mind."
In short, Joshua and Caleb were of another mind. I like that.
These two didn't focus on what they were up against. They declared, "Not only are we able, but we are well able!" (Numbers 13:30). They went forward to possess the land God had promised them. They were empowered by their knowledge that He was true to His Word.
The other people on the wilderness journey had no hope of transition. These days, many who claim to be Followers of Christ are just like this, claiming to have come out of darkness (Egypt), but never appearing to have entered into His marvelous light (the land of milk and honey), God's Kingdom existence. After God delivers us from whatever our “Egypt” happens to be, we must renew our minds in order to enter into the fullness of salvation, incidentally, a word meaning much more than “forgiven sins.” It is soteria in the Greek, and it means "welfare, safety, deliverance and health."
I understand people will have challenges in life, but we must consider the vicious cycle of the spirit of poverty. It's like a boa constrictor because it slowly squeezes the provision out of a person's life. It will allow much to go out and nothing to come in.
In my ministry, I meet with so many impoverished people who seem to be sabotaging their own lives. Not only are they in bondage to addictions like smoking, drinking and drugs, but they eat foods that promote an unhealthy lifestyle. Depression is rampant among them and families are as dysfunctional as one can imagine. Too many seem to have no grasp of basic things like personal hygiene, keeping a clean house, paying bills on time, obeying the law and maintaining their cars, the neglect of which will always lead to more costly expenses.
Sadly, most of these people profess to be Believers in Jesus, often church-going, Scripture-quoting folk, but their lives reveal very little that would cause others to desire the relationship with Jesus these individual profess to have found. If we are to 'know them by their fruit,' truth is, many exhibit very little fruit at all.
Far too many poor people have embraced a “hustling” lifestyle. They've grown accustomed to bare refrigerators and empty gas tanks. They've grown comfortable pawning things or begging for a few hand-outs to buy this or that. Paying bills on time, carrying insurance, taking care of their teeth, so many basics are neglected until everything about them screams “I am poor, praise God!”
Lots of ministers will say Jesus was poor. Perhaps He was. If so, it's strange He had a Treasurer named Judas. He certainly spent lots of His time and ministry with those who were poor. But He understood His mission. He bore in mind that the dusty, smelly streets of Israel were not “IT” for Him.
Consider this: Jesus, who said He came as our example, revealed to us all that something unimaginably greater lies beyond life on planet earth BECAUSE of what He did for us on the cross. That should so thrill us all that to refrain from sharing that message with as many people as possible would be uncomfortably impossible. As one who has lived a previously poor lifestyle and who has experienced a pit-to-palace existence, I am here to tell you, Jesus can change things. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, (Hebrews 11:6)
If your faith boils down to church attendance and futile attempts at “being good,” aim higher. God tends to expand the realm of influence of anyone who is faithful with the little they happen to have on hand. He provides seeds to the sower. Are you sowing?
Over the years, God has reached millions through the online ministry He's given me, not to mention those I've actually spoken to in the flesh. Prior to that, at best, I was practicing Religion and warming a pew. At worst, life was all about ME and whatever comforts I could glean from my human existence.
Is it time to embrace a Spirit of Excellence in YOUR life? Let me know if I can help you!
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work
Deep Freeze in the Deep South reveals lack of readiness.
The Deep Freeze in the Deep South made me wonder... this was just a temporary “emergency” caused by just three inches of snow that everyone knew would soon pass. So, if three inches of snow can create this much chaos in one of our major cities, what would a full-blown economic collapse look like?
I couldn't help but wonder.
Most folks have no idea how fragile our way of life is. In the event of a major natural disaster, an EMP blast, or a complete economic meltdown, our lives would change very rapidly, and most people are totally unprepared for that.
A car hits a transformer and blocks are cast into sudden darkness for hours.
A water main breaks and, in an instant, there's no water pressure for thousands.
It doesn't have to be a suitcase nuke or an astroid or earthquake.
Check out this CNN report…“I’m eight months’ pregnant and have my 3-year-old with me,” Atlanta-area resident Katie Norman Horne said on SnowedOutAtlanta, a Facebook page set up to help stranded motorists. “We’ve been in the car for over 12 hours. We are fine on gas but is anyone near on the road and might happen to have any food or some water?” In Atlanta, 940 accidents were confirmed, with more than 100 of them involving injuries, the Georgia public safety commissioner said. In Alabama, at least five people died Tuesday in weather-related traffic accidents. The governor deployed 350 National Guard troops to help motorists.
The first 24 hours
• Delivery of medical supplies to the affected area will cease. • Hospitals will run out of basic supplies such as syringes and catheters within hours. Radiopharmaceuticals will deteriorate and become unusable. • Service stations will begin to run out of fuel. • Manufacturers using just-in-time manufacturing will develop component shortages. • U.S. mail and other package delivery will cease.
Within one day
• Food shortages will begin to develop. • Automobile fuel availability and delivery will dwindle, leading to skyrocketing prices and long lines at the gas pumps. • Without manufacturing components and trucks for product delivery, assembly lines will shut down, putting thousands out of work.
Within two to three days
• Food shortages will escalate, especially in the face of hoarding and consumer panic. • Supplies of essentials, such as bottled water, powdered milk, and canned meat, at major retailers will disappear. • ATMs will run out of cash and banks will be unable to process transactions. • Service stations will completely run out of fuel for autos and trucks. • Garbage will start piling up in urban and suburban areas. • Container ships will sit idle in ports and rail transport will be disrupted, eventually coming to a standstill.
Within a week
• Automobile travel will cease due to the lack of fuel. Without autos and busses, many people will not be able to get to work, shop for groceries, or access medical care. • Hospitals will begin to exhaust oxygen supplies.
Within two weeks
• The nation’s clean water supply will begin to run dry.
Within four weeks
• The nation will exhaust its clean water supply and water will be safe for drinking only after boiling. As a result gastrointestinal illnesses will increase, further taxing an already weakened health care system.
This timeline presents only the primary effects of a freeze on truck travel. Secondary effects must be considered as well, such as inability to maintain telecommunications, reduced law enforcement, increased crime, increased illness and injury, higher death rates, and likely, civil unrest. Most importantly, the lack of national, regional and personal preparedness will result in the loss of human lives.
Sadly, most Americans have made absolutely no preparations for a major crisis. Apparently,
they just have complete and total faith that the system will always be able to take care of
them.
Speaking as a Chaplain affiliated with a disaster relief team based in Austin, Texas, they've
been deceived.
I encourage every individual, every family, every church, every school, every community to make Disaster Readiness a priority. To neglect such a responsibility is simply inexcusable.
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work
Get-to-the-point Preaching
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work
Getting Older and getting BETTER!
I am entering my eighth year as a Workplace Chaplain. Because my ministry is to the Employees of a Nursing Home and Assisted Living chain, I am often asked to speak with elderly people, facilitate Bible studies for them, pray with them, and offer them Biblical counseling. Over the years, I have been privileged to meet some amazing old saints, people who really knew Jesus and shined like a beacon among all the Residents there. They weren't religious; they were lovers of Jesus and shared His love with other Residents as well as Staff!
There is this promise of 2 Cor. 4:16 for those whose bodies aren't serving them as they once did: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Characteristics of a Beautiful Old Age
The following Scriptures will help you to get a thorough understanding of just what an exciting and productive old age looks like:
1 Timothy 5:5-10: Here is the example of a widow alone who faces widowhood and loneliness. However, this woman trusts in God, uses the promises of the Bible, and has a ministry of intercession. A widow who is "well reported for good works" is making the most out of old age.
Acts 11:36-43: This is the story of Dorcas, "full of good works", given to hospitality, who "washed the feet of the saints", made garments, relieved the afflicted with her nursing skills, and was a producer of divine good. She had mastered the details of life.
Titusy 2:1,2: Here is a discussion of the characteristics of godly elderly men. They are to be healthy minded, alert, sharp, with Christlike character, masters of the details of life ("temperate"), "sound in faith", having spiritual health because of doctrine, being free from mental attitude sins such as bitterness, envy, hostility, having a strong mental attitude and godly love.
Titus 2:3: This verse lists the characteristics of godly older women. Their shining inner beauty reflects the glory of God. They are not false accusers or guilty of maligning, evil speaking, or gossips, and they are not vindictive. They are also temperate and able to teach good things to the younger women. They had skill and wisdom and had the willing attention of younger women. They taught the young women to be healthy minded, emotionally stable, to have sound judgment, to be poised, in control of themselves, thoughtful, to be free from carnality ("chaste"), to be morally good, and to respond to their husbands.
From these illustrations we can conclude there is plenty to do in old age and that old age really CAN be our golden years, not necessarily in reliving the "good old days", but in actively enjoying the present and the future.
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work
A Return to the New Testament Mission Field
No, it’s not Jerusalem, Judea or Samaria. It’s not a leper colony in a third world nation or even the poorest side of town.
It’s the one place most western Christians spend the majority of their time: The Workplace.
It’s estimated, in the U.S.A., 71% of all American employees are unchurched... nearly 3 out of every 4 people with whom one might share an elevator! If The Church were to actually minister to all the needs of its hurting attendees, the fact remains ¾ of our nation’s workforce is STILL being overlooked.
Logically, we should do three things:
1) Equip and mobilize those who journey into the Corporate world for up to 70% of their lives - most of whom are itching for some purpose (explaining why Warren’s “Purpose-Driven Life” was such a hit) – training and releasing them as Workplace Apostles.
2) Make training available to retired ministers who wish to re-enter the workforce as Workplace Chaplains.
3) Encourage Christian entrepreneurs to start businesses with a hidden agenda: to advance the cause of Christ.
Is Corporate America catching the vision? Yes, many are. One widely-reported comment comes from Austaco, a large Pizza Hut and Taco Bell franchisee corporation in Texas, which credits its Workplace Chaplaincy program for reducing its annual turnover from 300% to 125%. Moreover, in the trucking industry, where 100% turnover in drivers is not unusual, Allied Holdings has a turnover of 4%, partly, they claim, due to their employee care programs like the Workplace Chaplaincy.
There may be as many as 20,000 Workplace Chaplains serving American business today. According to the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries, there were fewer than 50 workplace ministries in 1992; today there are roughly 1,200. Reflective of that trend is my own ministry, The Church @ Work (TCAW), which offers businesses the services of career Workplace Chaplains who combine their own secular workplace experience with ministry training.
HARDLY A NEW THING
Ministry in the workplace isn't new. In fact, 45 of Jesus’ 52 parables were about work, while 39 of 40 divine encounters in the Book of Acts occurred in workplace settings.
Workplace examples can be found throughout Scripture. The word “work” is mentioned more than 800 times and the Hebrew word “avodah” is the root from which we get both “work” and “worship”.
The workplace is a mission field, and although church leaders encourage their congregations to go out and reach it, rarely is training provided. Sadly, just as the Christian world is a spiritual ghetto into which most people never stray, so the majority of Christians seem to have an aversion to mixing sacred with secular – or they've been scared by that “Separation of Church 'n State” deception.
While Pastors say God called them into the ministry, what about the pew-sitters? Are they called to anything? The Church should be on a mission to disciple those who punch a clock. Let's define work the way God defines it... the essence of work, which is worship and Kingdom building... it’s not merely a place you go to earn a paycheck. We MUST realize that we are ALL in the ministry, not just the professionals.
Jack Munday oversees workplace ministry at the Billy Graham Training Center. They started the Christian Executive Leadership Forum in 2003 which works with business leaders on biblical leadership.
“The first century church started in the workplace,” Munday said. “We needed to provide encouragement and engage leadership in business. We call it the sacred/secular divide.”
Retired ministers, or perhaps those who've left the Institutional Church for the rapidly-growing Simple Church expression, should consider this Kingdom opportunity in the workplace.
Let's strike while the iron's hot.
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work
WHAT TO DO WHEN CONFRONTED ABOUT JOINING A CULT If you feel uncomfortable about joining a group after visiting, tell them you're simply not interested and do not put up with their badgering and phone calls. Tell them you want time to think about what they are teaching before you become committed to their group. If they pressure you for attendance or continuing in their studies then you know this is not something good. When an attorney from our previous church heard we were wanting to leave, he wrote the cult group a letter and they dropped communications immediately. Seems the group had been sued many times. That attorney's concern for us - people he'd never even met - really impressed me. If you are already a member of a group that meets the criteria spelled-out here, leave sooner rather than later because it doesn’t get easier to leave later on, especially if you've introduced friends and relatives to the group. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! You have every right to ask questions, lots of them, in fact. After leaving that group, I have been invited twice by friends to listen to speakers in their neighborhood in separate towns. I was raising my hand, asking questions, and one could feel the tangible spiritual clash in the room between the Presenter and myself. No one else joined on either night. What is the history of their founders as well as those the group looks up to for spiritual teaching. What books influenced them or what do they read? What is their doctrine and basic beliefs? Can you review their revenues? Are they open about how they spend their money? Are people's finances monitored and do they review who gives what and how much? Give yourself some time if you're seeking to know God or looking for a church; He will give you warnings and lead you. I often say, if you cannot observe lives being radically changed as a result of being part of that group, don't join! Don’t ignore the warning signs or spiritual checks on how they conduct themselves no matter how friendly the people are. Love and emotional attachments are an old ruse to have you accepted without any strings attached. This doesn’t last long. Ask what they do in their spare time. Many times one's talent and creativity is smothered as all their time goes toward the group or church. WHERE DO THOSE WHO JOIN CULTS COME FROM? Ron Rhodes writes in his book "The Culting of America," "It is a common myth that unbelievers join Cults." Percentages show that those who join these aberrant groups formerly attended Christian Churches. Dr. Paul Martin of Wellspring Retreat (where cultists adjust from their harmful experiences) writes, "Twenty-five percent formerly attended evangelical, fundamental churches. Over 40 % had backgrounds in large, more liberal Protestant denominations." Lately the International Churches of Christ probably have the greatest percentage of Church converts. Their main goal is to go into the Christian Churches and remove people. This was the group we had joined. There are 2 categories of cults: one is doctrinally the other is sociologically. 1. Almost all cults tend to deny the Apostles creed. They have tendency to pronounce other groups as apostate; they alone have the truth. 3. They devalue or deny the deity of Christ. 4. They have extra sources of biblical revelation. They may use God's Word with something else to interpret it 5. They have salvation by works - either denying God's grace or adding performance. It will not always be easy to spot. 6. They will deny a major doctrine. Cult-like groups take a minor doctrine and make it a major. Ex: you must speak in tongues to be saved. The following are basic patterns, or characteristics, found in almost all cults that one can easily identify. Add - Cults add to the Word of God by having additional writings they call Scripture, or by saying that only the Bible is God's Word but you cannot understand it without their interpretation from their own teachers or books. The Bible may be discouraged to be read alone. Subtract - Cults subtract from the Person of Jesus by saying he is something less than Eternal Deity, or they will add their own teacher as deity. Multiply - Every false religion includes "works" as part of their system of salvation. They also usually specify what works must be performed at a certain level for acceptance to their group and God. Divide - Cults have people choose by dividing a person's loyalty. It's God through their leadership by claiming to be the only Spokesman or group for God. They also require obedience to their leadership to be in right standing with God. They do not tolerate another’s differing opinions and it is looked upon as being divisive or of the enemy. Mediators- They will always have others involved for one's salvation. For the International Churches of Christ I was a part of, it was my Discipler. I hope this information will help you to either spot the cults, or discern whether or not you've joined one. If you find you are becoming cultish, talk about it, ask questions in an open and honest fashion. Seek guidance and grace from Father to help you avoid these tendencies to desire control and legalism. Remember this: Nowhere in Scripture does the Lord give any man dominion over any other man. Every blessing, Michael TummilloFounder, The Church @ Work |
Time and time again, I speak with individuals who express to me how worried they are about this or that. They might go so far as to seek out as much information as they can about an issue, only fueling the fires of anxiety. Even people who seem filled with faith will confess their tendency to wring their hands over matters completely out of their control. They go from being Prayer Warriors to Prayer WORRIERS.
Why do we worry? Truth is, we never have enough information to warrant worrying about anything. Think about that. Without any details at all, our mind runs amok with a million different possible scenarios, none of which are based on any facts at all. I've even read that over 90% of that which we CHOOSE to worry about has no factual basis and never comes to pass. Imagine that! What an incredible waste of emotional energy!
What do these Scriptures tell us about worrying?
Matthew 6:27-29
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
Translation: Worrying accomplishes NOTHING!
Proverbs 12:25
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Translation: Worry is a mental burden that can even lead to illness.
Matthew 6:30
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Translation: Worry is a tremendous waste of energy. Next time you feel pulled in that direction, pray about the issue. It will increase your faith and trust in God.
Matthew 6:25
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:31-33
So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
Translation: With faith in God, we realize there's really NOTHING to worry about.
Remember, we who follow Christ walk by faith, not by sight... or details, rumors or substantiated facts, for that matter. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith this way: "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
We've all heard the old adage, "An idle mind is the devil's playground." Truth is, Satan and his minions are in an all-out war to capture our imaginations; they really do want your mind. How can we focus on the things of God and the cause of Christ when the focus of our attention has been trained to worrying about something... anything at all?
Let's make up our minds to GIVE our minds over to Jesus, trying our best to RENEW our mind by filling it with God's Word, casting down those thoughts that don't originate from Him, and trying our best to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Good luck with that while living in this cesspool called "Earth" where our minds are bombarded with ungodliness.
But it CAN be done! It MUST be done!
Try turning each ungodly encounter into an opportunity to pray and see how Satan deals with THAT!
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work
Throughout the ages, many cultic and occultic groups have included temple prostitutes as part of their sacred acts of worship to, well... whoever/whatever they were worshipping. Sexual acts were performed with and by these Holy Hookers - men as well as women - perhaps as a fertility rite.
Founder, The Church @ Work
The BIG New Year Message
Here's my big New Year message. It's been rolling around in my head all afternoon. I'm guessing it's for someone out there. Ready?
I am 100% convinced that our Father in Heaven wants you to remember this: He is not angry with you. NOTHING will separate you from His love.
He loves you more than you could ever imagine and thinks of you as His favorite child. Yes, YOU! How could that not be true when you are the righteousness of God in Christ?
This year, expect that He will uphold you, sustain you, deliver you from the enemy. When you appear to fall, you will fall FORWARD.
Don't ever attempt to get comfortable here on earth. After all, you aren't from here and don't belong here. He is your rock, your fortress and your deliverer. Stay hidden in Him!
Soldier in God's Army, your bivouac is over. The battle requires your violent participation. The hour is coming when no one can work, so work while it's light!
Expect God's blessings to overtake you this year. Ask for Wisdom and He will give it abundantly.
Remember, it is unwise to expect the stuff of earth to make you happy. Joy is fruit of the Spirit - evidence of God's presence in the worst of times - while happiness rises and falls
Amen… was that for YOU? God bless you!
