We’ve just returned from our second ReFRESH® Northeast Conference. While our team is road weary, we are rejoicing in all God did in two short days. Gathering with pastors from all over the Northeast and as far south as Georgia was a blessing beyond measure. This year, we had over 300 pastors and wives register for the conference, and we were blessed to meet dozens of new people. This partnership has enriched my life and the life of our team. As Terri and I were talking last night, it’s been confirmed over and over again that the right thing to do was to go to parts of the nation outside of the Bible belt. Rather than asking pastors to come to our major “evangelical hubs,” it’s our responsibility to take the message and hope of revival to them. Continue reading →

We all want God to bless us. We all want God to answer our prayers. None of us would say we could live without the blessings of God. The question comes, are we on the pathway to God’s blessings? Are we walking in step with the Spirit in such a way that He can and will bless our lives? Can we say without reservation or hesitation that we are obeying Him fully? Continue reading →

I’ve seen it all my life – people who think, assume, or pretend they are entitled. The dictionary defines entitlement as “the state or condition of being entitled; a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract or the belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges.”

After forty years in ministry, I’ve seen my share of preachers and laity who believe they deserve or are entitled to certain privileges. It’s the “green room mentality” of the current celebrities in Christianity. It’s the demands for certain types of water, snacks, and amenities if I come to your church. It’s the unwillingness to stay around after a service and talk to people as if we are “all that.” Continue reading →

I’ve never watched awards shows. They’ve never captured my attention. Usually the Oscars go to movies I don’t like. The political correctness and lecturing from actors, musicians, and others isn’t funny, entertaining, or balanced. If I like a movie or a song, I’ll watch it, listen to it, and maybe even buy it. But I don’t need someone getting an award to determine value for me.

The same is true in the church. Too often we are reaching for titles and trophies and not towels. Jesus said if you want to be great, be a servant. Our flesh wants a stage; Jesus stooped to serve. Continue reading →

If I can be totally honest, I’m weary of the Prosperity Gospel of “name it and claim it.” I’ve listened to its preachers (none of whom seem to be poor) and seen the empty promises (many who follow them have little to show for their “faith” in this so-called gospel).

Countless stories can be found of people who planted a seed faith gift but still ended up losing their homes or their battle with cancer. The promises of the Prosperity Gospel are at best a shallow stirring of a soulish faith. They lack the depth of good biblical exegesis or the application of verses and promises in context. Continue reading →