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World War 1 was labeled the war to end all wars. Since then, we’ve had World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, a Middle East quagmire, and any number of smaller conflicts that have cost hundreds of thousands of lives. We have political divisions at home like never before, while politicians, instead of striving for unity, are profiteering from the very enemies who seek to divide us.

And now, this very night , we stand on the precipice of World War 3, and no one seems to know or even care. It’s not because we are planning for it; most wars never happen that way- they are simply stumbled into most times by accident or disinformation. The sovereign nation of Ukraine, has 130,000 Russian troops poised on its border to strike at any moment , from Crimea to the south and Belarus to the north of Kiev. Our joint chiefs of staff said tonight that The capital of Kiev would fall within 72 hours at a cost of 15,000 Ukrainian solders, as well as 5,000 Russians soldiers. He went on to say that 1.5 million refugees would be fleeing into surrounding European countries.

The question is being asked,’ Why should we care? What can Ukraine do for us?’ I want to put aside the politics, for a moment, and look at it from a human and Spiritual perspective. Putting aside the fact that I have family there and a church which has become like family, as well as involvement over a span of almost 30 years, I have seen in the Ukrainian people a love for Jesus that has been formed through the blood, sweat, and tears of countless invasions by blood thirsty tyrants who have tried to stamp out Ukrainian language, culture, and even religious faith. The cycle has been endless, but it has only strengthened the faith of the faithful. For that reason alone, Ukraine matters to me, because Jesus teaches us that when one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers.

Ukraine is but a microcosm of the Spirit of anti -Christ that threatens any place in this world where the name of Jesus is being lifted up. Shortly before the Last Russian invasion of Ukraine, when Crimea was seized, I had the privilege one evening to attend a church service far into the woods on a very dark night. We walked for a good distance and came upon a ramshackle building, with the windows all covered. Even then the believers had to meet in hiding because of persecution. I will never forget as we opened those big wooden doors and the sound of praise and celebration engulfed us in such a way that the woods seemed to spring forth in splendor and awe. I saw that night a body of believers so sold out to Jesus, that not even the fear of prison or death would stop them. Likewise 2 years ago, I was part of a team as we joined 800,000 Believers on the streets of Kiev celebrating, for the first time the right to worship Jesus without fear and suppression.

While I understand the political implications of our involvement in Eastern Europe, it does not negate the fact, that our brothers and sisters need us- if nothing more than to pray that the enemies’s plans would be thwarted and that war could be averted. But just as important, I pray that we the church wake up to the fact that the time is late. We are living in the days Jesus spoke of. And finally, may it never be said that we become so naive to the spiritual war raging around us and so blind to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ that we EVER ask the question- ‘Why should I care?’ The blood of Ukrainian martyrs is crying out for us to do so!

As I  share these words, My heart is overwhelmed , because I was blessed to be part of something so overwhelming that even now, It is hard to comprehend as well as understand the depths of God’s mighty love. The Jesus’ Movement had burst on the scene, in the 1970’s followed by the Charismatic Renewal in the Protestant and Catholic Church. But as amazing and life changing as those Moves of God were, there was the Promise of another Movement of God’s Spirit that was in the formative stages laying the groundwork for a Revival that would shake our world in the not to distant future, and it would directly spring forth from my hometown of Canton, Ohio. Canton would not be the only aquifer or well spring of Revival nor would it be out of just one church. But it would burst forth from  those believers in our city hungering after God with a passion not seen before. This article is a reprint from an article that I wrote in November 2002, because the Movement has begun, Heaven is waiting, and the Holy Spirit is Gathering His Army signifying that Jesus is waiting on us, His Church, to burst upon the scene in all of His Magnificence and Glory! So here goes.

“Do you understand that where you live is unique to God’s end times plans. Do you realize that God has chosen your city to be mightily used in the Last Great Revival that will sweep the world?”

Those words I will never forget, and as my dear friend Miriam King related them to me, I came to the realization that I was part of something very huge spiritually. Miriam and Claire King, her husband, were spiritual giants in my life back in 60’s and 70’s, as well as giants in this city in the area of spiritual healing. . I had the privilege of attending many of their healing services at Christ United Presbyterian Church in downtown Canton when such things were unheard of . It was an encounter that Miriam had with a visiting  U.S. congressman’s wife that forever changed the direction of my life , for it began a sequence of events that have transgressed these past 40 some years. I remember the day that Miriam called me and mentioned that she wanted to share something with me concerning her conversation with the senator’s wife. She shared that as she approached the city, she saw a dome of light over Canton, and the Holy Spirit began to speak to her heart these words, as well as those above. ” I have chosen this city to be a key player in what I am about to do all over the world.”

We’ll, as a new believer and just recently baptized in the Holy Spirit, as well as possessing  a discerning if not skeptical mind, I heard those words but did not allow them to penetrate my heart nor understanding. But what I want to share with you is what the Holy Spirit did with those words, and just how He confirmed many times His Plan for our city. Space does not allow me to journal the totality nor depth of my experience, but I pray that as I share a few examples from the archives of my journey, you will be encouraged to know you also are part of something very special that God is about to do through our church and churches and city.

Several years after that initial encounter, I found myself in school in Anaheim, California, which was a miracle in itself, because being a homebody, California was the last place that I would have gone for seminary after  just dropping out of graduate law school. Then, strange things began to happen. One Sunday morning, in the midst of 4,000 people, my pastor called me out of the crowd. I couldn’t believe my eyes as he was directly looking into mine  and summoning me forward. As several friends pushed me out into the isle, I stumbled towards the front. With eyes that seemed to pierce through me, the pastor  looked at me and said,” Son, God is taking you back to Canton, Ohio to start a church and out of your city, will flow revival that will touch the world. ” I was speechless, because I had never met him nor spoken about where I was from.

A week or so later, I met a lady named Doris Smalley  who proceeded to tell me about a vision that she recently had. How I had met her, was another Divine Appointment that was beyond logic for my brain to figure out. Anyways, she had been waiting to meet me. The first words out of her mouth when she saw me were,”You’re the one.” ” The One what, I responded?” she replied,” You are going back to your city, and you’re going to start a church which will minister to youth in particular, but it will also minister all over the world. She then went on to describe our original meeting place at High Mill swim park, even describing the color of the front doors on the farm house which was our meeting place. She said that she had been given it in a vision. She and her husband Phil, became like our spiritual parents for the next 15 years and eventually came back and shared one Sunday morning the whole experience.

Sometime later, I was in San Francisco and during a church service, a man began to prophesy. ” There is a city in Ohio, named Canton, out of which will flow a mighty revival in the last days.” I was stunned and turned to a friend and said, ” Did you tell him that I’m from Canton, Ohio?” ” No, he replied, I didn’t know that was where you’re from.” No more than a week later, the same thing happened in Los Angeles and later in Denver and Canada.

Down through the years,  at various conferences, when my hometown’s name has come up and I’ve mentioned Canton, Ohio, I’ve gotten the same response. Not too long ago at a mega church in Atlanta, Georgia, a pastor friend related a like occurrence. The pastor began his sermon and then abruptly stopped. He began, ” I can’t go any further until I say something. There is someone here from Canton, Ohio and the Holy Spirit wants you to know that out of your city will flow a mighty revival that will touch the whole world.”

A well known author recently shared in a magazine article about Revival flowing out of Ohio-especially out of the northeast part of the state. A noted evangelist recently did likewise.

Church-What does this mean? Does it mean that we are special or more anointed? Of course not! I feel that it only speaks of the blood, sweat, and tears, as well as prayer that have been sown in this city and for this city by those who have possessed obedient servant hearts. I believe that we are going to reap the harvest which they have sown-And the scripture, “weeping and sorrow are at night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5)  will be our victory and destiny.

 

 

 

 

 

It had been a very warm day, and I was emotionally spent. It was my fourth day teaching at a college in Vanadzor, Armenia. I had been invited to teach a two week seminar at a local Christian College under conditions that were brutal. The temperature was approaching the low ninety’s, and there was no air conditioning nor any  fans. And while the students were very attentive and eager to learn, eight hours with only a one half hour break was taking it’s toll on all of us. It was approaching evening as I walked back to the small apartment where I was staying, and needless to say, I just wanted to relax in my room. But as I approached the door, I found that it was locked and my host was no where to be found. It is here that an adventure began that would touch my life and heart forever.

Darkness had set in, and I had no place to go. So, I walked back down the eight flights of stairs that I had climbed to reach my flat and just stared out into a small park area wondering what do I do now?. There sitting on a park bench were three older ladies, who I knew that were locals and spoke no English. Immediately one of them waved for me to come over. That was my first meeting with Asia. Probably in her mid 70’s, with a big smile and friendly heart, she asked me in Russian what I was doing. I spoke enough Russian, to explain that I was locked out and my host wasn’t home. Immediately Asia got up and told me to follow her. As we climbed back up the eight flights of stairs in what was a vintage world war two apartment complex, we soon arrived at Asia’s apartment which surprisingly was across the hall from mine! That began a friendship that has now lasted almost 15 years.

Over this time span, Hebrews 13:1-2 has become somewhat a reality in my relationship with Asia. ” Keep on loving each other as brothers (and sisters). Do not forget to entertain strangers , for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Was Asia an angel like the writer was talking about? I cannot say for sure, but she was one to me one scary night in a far distant country.

Asia has always had uncanny way of knowing when I show up to visit. She will tell others that her Pastor Chuck arrived yesterday or whenever without me ever letting her know that I was coming. I could cite so many other supernatural happenings through the years that sometimes do make me wonder about the angel thing; like her praying for me all night at times when I needed it the most. But that is not the focus of this article. You see, the day that I met Asia, that soft still voice of the Holy Spirit, spoke to me and said that I had been put in her life to ease her burden-To become a “Shoshben”to her. For almost 15 years, financially and otherwise, I have tried to fulfill that promise.

So what then is a “Shoshben?” In Eastern culture, a Shoshben was a friend of the Bride Groom.His responsibility was to handle all of the preliminaries that would take place before the marriage celebration. He made sure that invitations went out and the food was ordered. Besides helping with the ceremony, he would stand guard over the wedding celebration tent-where the groom would take his bride after the ceremony. He held a position of honor as the groom’s best friend.

John 3:29 explains it this way. “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom,waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice.” Thus, as John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus, his words are likened to the role of the Shoshben.  John was positioning the lost to receive the bridegroom who was coming-Jesus Christ. John held that position of Honor for Jesus. He was His Shoshben, so to speak.

A Shoshben then positions a person to receive Christ. Much like with the “Woman at the Well”, Jesus positioned her to receive the Words of the Father. Barimaeus, Zaccheus, Peter and John- all of these men plus many others, Jesus came along side of, and became a Shoshben, in front of them, to reveal the Father’s Plan through his example of caring love.

Look at it this way. Every time you take someone to lunch, a ball game, or spiritually intervene and show them the Father’s Love,you become a Shoshben in their life-preparing the way for the Messiah; positioning them for a personal encounter with Jesus Christ!

Relational Evangelism is very simple. We are the friend of the Bridegroom and have been given the most honored position of preparing people to Encounter Jesus Christ. But we must keep in mind that people don’t come to Jesus through osmosis or even acts of love. Through Word, deed, and action we are to pave the way for a Jesus encounter so that one day when Jesus becomes Lord, they will have already seen and met Him through you-the Shoshben, the very hands and feet of Jesus!

 

 

 

In 1968,I met someone that I would like you to meet!I had read about Him and found Him to be quite famous. I heard a lot of people talking about Him and even heard some say that He really didn’t exist anymore in relevance. I listened to songs sung about Him, but I still had not met Him face to face.

Then one day,no more than a year after I had asked Jesus into my life,a little old Lady asked me if I had the Power. “Power”-what do you mean Power?”,I asked. In my short walk with Christ, my excitement and joy in knowing Jesus had seemed to wane, and I felt that there was more that I was missing, so when she talked about “Power”, I was ready to listen.

She invited me into her front room one afternoon, and sat me in a chair. Little did I realize that this chair was called the “hot seat”, where over the next four years, I would witness countless young people come into a deeper walk with Christ- one that I was about to experience, but that’s a story for another time! She tried to reassure me that what was about to happen wasn’t anything to fear. Actually how could I fear someone whose height barely reached four feet eight inches and weight tipped the scales around 100 pounds dripping wet. She simply placed her bony little hands on my head and asked me to invite the Holy Spirit to fill me. I knew that I received the Holy Spirit when I was born again, but this was different. She was asking me to invite the Spirit within me to flow out of me-in Power! Then I met Him. I can’t explain it. All I can tell you is that out of one simple act of obedience, my life was changed forever! I went from not sharing my faith with anyone because of inhibitions and fear to traveling the world, telling anyone who will listen about the one who desires to make you an over comer filled with His Power so that you can share the Great Commission to anyone who will listen!

Today, my heart is broken when I meet people who deny His rule and Authority in their lives. To deny the Holy Spirit, third part of the Holy Trinity, is to deny God Himself. Especially when I see high school students and Christian millennial’s, struggling to deal with a host of cultural attacks upon their walks with Jesus-individuals who know nothing about the believer’s second experience referred to as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. But I feel the deepest anguish, when I see believers settling for “casual Christianity”, which is void of True Joy, Peace, Purpose, and Vision. To be introduced to Jesus and then not have a Power packed relationship with Him is like falling in love with your human best friend without being able to enjoy the fruits of that relationship.

Yes, some will tell you that the gifts of the Holy Spirit ended with the death of the last Apostle and the canonization of the Word. They will say that when “The Perfect” Paul talks about in First Corinthians 13:10 comes, there will be no need for supernatural Power. Because we now have the Word, we no longer need to be empowered. Such thinking is based on shallow exegesis of the written Word and poor historical understanding and time lines. Paul said, in relation to the “Perfect”, that when it would come the imperfect would pass away. He went on to say that when that Perfect would come, that,” Now I see dimly, but then I will see face to face.”(vs. 12)If the Perfect was the inscribing of the Word or Canon, then Paul missed it, because He died 35 years before various forms of the Canon came into existence and 25 years before the end of the Apostolic age! The “Perfect” (or completeness”) that Paul was waiting to see face to face must then be the return of the Lord Jesus, when there would be no longer a need for gifts, because the Giver of Gifts would be in our Presence!

Until then, the very Power that raised Christ from the dead dwells within us. (Romans 8:11), and that Power wants to flow out of you -putting an end to Casual Christianity forever! My Friend is waiting to become your Best Friend!

I’ve never cared for New Years nor the wintry seasonal weeks that follow. Maybe it’s because of childhood memories, the loss of loved ones, or unfulfilled Resolutions left over from the previous year that want to slow me down emotionally. Im sure that Ohio’s cloudy days also play a major role when depressing thoughts come knocking at my door. I can’t really say which, but I know that the feelings are real!

Depression or mood changes are a simple fact of life, and nature can definitely play a role, but whether it’s July 1st or January first, I believe that there is a way out that God has provided. Some people try to stay busy, others become workaholics, still others turn to temporary stimuli, which actually makes matters worse when you wake up.

He declares that they will be called Oaks of Righteousness, the Planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Oak trees are very Majestic. It has been said that Oak trees take 300 years to grow, 300 years to live, and 300 years to die! Pass any cattle ranch, and you see sturdy oak trees spreading their limbs in every direction and providing shade for anyone or animal in need. Maybe the writer had no other thought in mind when he used the term Oak trees plural, but I’d like you to consider a thought. Isaiah was saying that the righteous or over-comers, who are still standing tall and have grown in maturity, are like the Oaks of Righteousness.

The prophet Isaiah in chapter 61 begins by proclaiming to His People the gift of Salvation . He goes on to preaching good news, healing for the broken-hearted, and Liberty for captives. Being a type and shadow of the coming Messiah, Isaiah declares deliverance, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of a spirit of heaviness. Then he declares something very interesting in the latter part of verse 3.

If you know anything about forestry and Oak trees in general, there are two types that produce different kinds of wood. Let me explain. There are those stately trees in the middle of many fields that grow in solitude, but there is another type of Oak called the ‘Woodland’ Oaks, which grow very close to one another, and any carpenter will tell you that they produce a much stronger type of wood for the carpenter’s saw.

So how is that applicable when it’s even hard for me to just get out of bed? Consider this- many of us are like the solitary single Oak existing apart from other Oaks. We have an attitude that says, ‘I can do it myself, and I don’t need anyone to trust or confide in.’ Many people live that way and make it ok through life. But the Christian Faith is a message of Relational Love and Joy. Our faith declares that we need one another! This nature example makes it clear, because the hardest and best cut of wood comes from those Oaks who dwell together.

So what can I do to get back my energy and joy? First, begin each morning by praying, Holy Spirit, what can you and I do today to further your kingdom? Let Him show you, and He will. Secondly, make a decision to get involved in the lives of others. Begin with coming to church. The Word is clear concerning the assembly of the brethren, and that weekly commitment, as iron sharpens iron, will get your mind off of ‘self.’ Thirdly, seek to serve someone. Nothing invigorates me more than reaching out to someone in need. Fourth, get involved in a small group, Bible study, or some sort of intimate gathering, where you can develop true and trusted relationships. Fifth, ask the Holy Spirit to put on your heart one person each week that you can reach out to. All of these suggestions have one thing in common-There is not room to be a lone ranger if you want to become the vessel that God desires you to become. I love those stately old oak trees, but if I want to build a tabernacle for God to dwell in, I’ll find those Woodland Oaks!

In my last blog, “When Relational Love Becomes Toxic,” I shard about how the Love message of Leonard Evans, based on I. John 4:7-11, had transformed my life (Read the blog for background related to this blog). It also laid the foundation for High Mill Church’s world view and foundation, back in the mid 1970’s. While Lenny’s message, then and even now,has transformed many lives, shortly before his death, we went to lunch, and Lenny told me that he had left something very important out of that message; He went on to say that it troubled him. As I stated in my last blog, I have wondered for years what that could have been. Then, just a short time ago, in the mountains of Armenia and Switzerland, the Lord revealed to me what Lenny was saying- the one part of “the Love Message” that completed the Message of Love that Jesus intended. He took me to John, chapter 21.

The disciples had gone fishing and caught nothing all night. Dawn arrives and from the beach Jesus asks about their catch.They had caught nothing. So, He tells them to throw out their net on the right side, and they would catch some. The haul was so many that they couldn’t haul in the net. Peter realizes that it is the Lord, and jumps into the water and heads for shore ahead of the others who pulled the loaded net to shore. There, breakfast was waiting for them. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish which they had caught. Something amazing happens here that most commentaries don’t comment on. Simon Peter brings a net with 153 fish in it. Have you ever wondered why the fish were numbered? The story continues with none of the disciples daring to ask Him who He was, because they knew. One part of the evidence was from the number 153, because when the number is broken down in ancient Hebrew, it states,”I Am God.” After breakfast, not only would Peter be restored from his betrayal, but would also be taught an amazing lesson about love; a lesson that I believe was the heart of Lenny’s Love Message that he failed to include.

In the American church today, the word love is tossed around a lot, but I believe is not understood in the way that Jesus lived and taught it. The beauty of this story was in Jesus’ willingness to restore Peter. As you read the chapter, Jesus asks Peter, ” Do you love me?” Peter responds emphatically,” You know Lord that I love you!” Jesus responds, “Then feed my sheep!” Three times Jesus asks the same question so that Peter truly understands what Jesus was asking. Jesus patience with us is mirrored in His patience with Peter in that He is willing to go any length to restore us, if we are willing. The understanding of what Jesus was asking of Peter is found in the meaning of two Greek words. When Jesus asked about Love, He was using the Greek word Agape, which translates boundless, unconditional, covent-al, and deeply loyal. Whereas, Peter used the Greek word Phileo as the word for love. Phileo love, while portraying brotherly love and care, is more emotion centered and can fluctuate depending upon circumstances such as performance and personal response to situations and experience. Simply, while Phileo love is relationship centered, Agape love is covenant centered. The difference is immense. The role of covenant, all throughout the old and new testament, is considered to be central to man’s relationship with His God and and with his brothers and sisters. This is made clear in I. John 4:7-11 where God is referred to as Agape Love. So How can relational love become become toxic creating idols in the heart, where relational soul ties replace our covenant relationship with God the creator of all relationship. Let me explain.

First of all, when personal church relationships become more important than hearing God’s soft still voice, God’s calling and destiny for us are replaced by how my friends act and respond to their surroundings physically and spiritually. The Holy Spirit is subsequently replaced by relational idols of the heart in the form of relationships that are neither healthy nor Biblical. Secondly, when relationships with others replace a personal relationship with God, unhealthy soul ties form where our spiritual walk is dictated by the responses and actions of others around us. Here, the “herd mentality” becomes the norm, as people’s personal commitment to a local church can be dictated by what their friends do. In my many years of experiencing “church life” in my church, as well as many others, I’ve seen churches become like country clubs, where people come to church to see each other and not hear from God; try preaching to that kind of crowd! Thirdly, in this setting, the focus shifts from God, to what have you done for me lately. I saw a cartoon recently that speaks truth to this issue. Someone quipped, ” I went to church today and didn’t really like the worship.” His friend responded,” Well that’s too bad, but we weren’t there to worship you!” Finally, Covenant love chooses to see the bigger picture in relationships and what God is up to. It’s roots are grounded deeply in unwavering love, loyalty, and commitment. It puts relationship with God before man, which in turn helps us to understand those around us. It models God’s unwavering love for us. In the old and new testaments, as the hands and feet of Jesus, we are referred to as a “kingdom of priests.” When defined by it’s Hebrew roots, the word priest literally means to show the world what God is like; to show off God! In a world of inconsistencies, lack of authenticity, commitment, and shallowness, it is so vital that if we are going to reach this generation, it becomes vital that our spiritual resume cannot be filled with a bunch of broken relationships but one of showing off our God to the world that we are different; that we are willing to reason with one another, be loyal to one another, and most of all be in true covenant relationship with one another. This is what Jesus taught , this should be what the church is reflecting, and I believe this is the missing component of Lenny’s incredible message of love- namely that it’s Covenant love that reveals the nature of our God, and it is that kind of love we must model if we are going to meet the challenge of reaching this desensitized generation for Christ!

I met Lenny Evans in the early 1970’s, and I would never be the same again! Lenny was quite a guy. It seemed like he had doctorates from practically every major college in Europe and America, and with his some what British accent, sounded the part. Yet, for all of his knowledge and wisdom, he had the unique ability to take a complex subject and simplify it for anyone to understand. And so it was with his favorite subject to expound on. Lenny went all over the world teaching what he defined as the “Love Message,” based on I. John 4:7-11 which begins, ” Beloved, let us love one another, for Love is of God.” When I heard that message, my life would be forever changed, as would hundreds of my friends who established their walk of faith based on that same principle. In fact it would soon become foundational to a small Bible study in Massillon, Ohio that would later become High Mill Christian Center.
Lenny was not only a close personal friend but also a mentor, who loved to have me take him to lunch so that he could grill me concerning scriptures. I would leave those three hour sessions all beat up but the better for it, because Lenny loved me enough to be sure that I was handling the Word properly.
Lenny’s message was simplistic in nature; as God loves us, we ought to love one another the same way. It was simple but profound. It was and is the message of Jesus concerning how we treat one another. But shortly before Lenny died, we had one of our lunches and he told me something that I will never forget. He began in that unique accent that was all his own, ” I feel Chuck that I’ve left out part of the story about love, a missing chapter, that I deeply regret. I should have spent more time talking about a tough and abiding covenant love that doesn’t give up on others and is not dictated by emotions .” He didn’t go in to detail that day what he had left out, and as fate would have it, I would never have another opportunity to discuss the subject any further.
For years, I have wished that I would have had time to ask Lenny about what the Lord would have added to his Love Message. Amazingly, I had much like an epiphany or Revelation, while in Armenia and Switzerland, just several weeks ago. There, I believe the Holy Spirit revealed to me what was in Lenny’s heart when he spoke those words to me. I believe that it was a revelation, first of all, of what true Love should look like in the body of Christ. But secondly and much more importantly- He revealed to me what takes place when Relational love and friendships replace the voice and Spirit of God speaking in guiding and casting future personal vision. It is when “Godly” personal relationships leave God out of the equation that toxic love replaces Jesus as Lord- making His will for our lives subject to the actions and wims of those I’m in deep relationship with. It is where the worship of personal relationships replaces the creator of all Relationship. He took me to John 21, and in my next blog, I will share with you what He revealed to me about toxic love and Lenny’s Love Message.

I’ve been in the ministry for over 40 years and have seen just about everything, but there is one thing that never ceases to amaze me. It is when seemingly spiritual people respond in non spiritual ways when adversity and testings arise. I add the concept of testings because, often times, how we handle the test determines where our faith walk and spiritual journey takes us next.

I believe that the depths of a man’s relationship with Jesus Christ can be measured by his or her response to adversity and circumstances around them. Personally, I can tell you that failing the test at times can be part of the process of becoming what the Holy Spirit has in store for you, but the key becomes, what I have learned through adversity so as not to make the same mistake again. The Pharisees and Sadducee’s were considered deeply spiritual men in their day, but Jesus said about them in Matthew 13:13, ‘ For they look ,but they really don’t see, and they hear, but they really don’t listen or understand.’ Have you ever been in a conflict where someone refuses to see or listen even when the truth is placed before them? It’s as if there is a seemingly invisible barrier between the two of you. It is where wisdom and spiritual discernment are tossed aside and accusations and anger become the normative response.

We see this confusion and response in Peter’s life. Peter was one of the leading apostles and one of first disciples called by Jesus becoming spokesperson for the group. He also authored First and Second Peter. He was brash and bold in His Faith, walking on water,and cutting the ear off of Malchus the servant of the high priest when they came for Jesus in the Garden. It was Peter who proudly proclaimed in Matthew 16, ‘Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ It was Peter who said in Matthew 26:35,’ Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!…And all the other disciples vowed the same.’ Often times good intentions are not backed up by words and actions.

Peter became a man shaped on the Potter’s Wheel (Jeremiah 18), but it took failing the test to get there, because soon after all the gallant proclamations, Peter would deny the Lord three times. What is it that causes Christians in the Church to constantly reject the Gospel they’re supposed to be living and modeling and revert back to sinful and fleshy responses? Paul put it best in Galatians 3:1 in response to the Galatians reverting to old ways of thinking. ‘You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a hex on you? Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it’s obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives.’

So how can we pass the test when testing, masquerading as adversity, enters our quiet and peaceful lives? How can we march on to the next level of trust and purpose that the Holy Spirit has for us instead of circling the mountain of sinful responses over and over again? I want to share five simple and brief warnings that can save you from walking away from that destiny and next step of faith waiting for you,that your legacy might be fulfilled

First of all a former pastor shared from our pulpit recently that when she had been hired 18 years earlier, several people deeply hurt her. The easy thing would have been to run, but she didn’t. She stood the test, responded in a Godly way,and saw it for what it was-God’s test of her loyalty to the vision of our church. Now 18 years later, with mission trips all over the world, teaching seminars, women’s conferences, and many other experiences, Pastor Mary Kay said to think of what she would have missed if she had failed the test?

Secondly, When conflict arises, it is the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment that should be governing your responses and not your tongue. In Acts 20:30 Paul warned the church, ‘ Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.’ What is in our hearts readily becomes evident by how we speak in tough situations. Scripture warns us again and again that we must not receive accusation but in wisdom and discernment, seek the Truth.

Thirdly, It is easy to be influenced by the roar of the crowd. It is human nature to listen to the crowd and let fear and confusion over ride what is the Truth. Peter did when he denied Jesus 3 times. Also, in Luke 12:54-56, Jesus said to the crowd before Him, ‘ You can tell when its about to rain by the cloud formations and when the south wind blows, you know that it will be a scorcher. You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and the sky, but you cant figure out and interpret the situations around you.’ This is why we have so many denominations. We are so spiritually naive and not prayed up at times that we cannot discern the signs of the times, so rather than seek God’s way, we just start another church for those confused individuals who are confused like we are.

Fourth, the Bodily Resurrection of Jesus is not only denied by verbal assaults but also how we model Jesus to the world. We must think before we speak. Hebrew teaching , when referencing our spoken words says that words have the power of life and death. Every word spoken can never be withdrawn. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.’

Fifth, stop listening to other voices but seek the voice of God. Psalms 46:10 states,’ Be still and know that I am God.’ Translated- cease striving, stop being so confused, wait in silent reverence, and let me speak! I have found out in talking to so many wounded believers, down through the years who had previously left other churches, that most often, they didn’t know why they had left.In most cases, they left because someone else, likely with second and third hand information was speaking into their ear and rather than trust the pastor or seek out the real answer, they walked out. That is the demise of the American church today.

Finally, consider the test laid before you, seek Godly wisdom and discernment, don’t surrender to the roar of the crowd, consider every word that you speak, and listen for God’s voice and not the voices of others, and you will graduate to the next part of the Plan that God has for you!

In 1968,I met someone that I would like you to meet!I had read about Him and found Him to be quite famous. I heard a lot of people talking about Him and even heard some say that He really didn’t exist anymore in relevance. I listened to songs sung about Him, but I still had not met Him face to face.

Then one day,no more than a year after I had asked Jesus into my life,a little old Lady asked me if I had the Power. “Power”-what do you mean Power?”,I asked. In my short walk with Christ, my excitement and joy in knowing Jesus had seemed to wane, and I felt that there was more that I was missing, so when she talked about “Power”, I was ready to listen.

She invited me into her front room one afternoon, and sat me in a chair. Little did I realize that this chair was called the “hot seat”, where over the next four years, I would witness countless young people come into a deeper walk with Christ- one that I was about to experience, but that’s a story for another time! She tried to reassure me that what was about to happen wasn’t anything to fear. Actually how could I fear someone whose height barely reached four feet eight inches and weight tipped the scales around 100 pounds dripping wet. She simply placed her bony little hands on my head and asked me to invite the Holy Spirit to fill me. I knew that I received the Holy Spirit when I was born again, but this was different. She was asking me to invite the Spirit within me to flow out of me-in Power! Then I met Him. I can’t explain it. All I can tell you is that out of one simple act of obedience, my life was changed forever! I went from not sharing my faith with anyone because of inhibitions and fear to traveling the world, telling anyone who will listen about the one who desires to make you an over comer filled with His Power so that you can share the Great Commission to anyone who will listen!

Today, my heart is broken when I meet people who deny His rule and Authority in their lives. To deny the Holy Spirit, third part of the Holy Trinity, is to deny God Himself. Especially when I see high school students and Christian millennial’s, struggling to deal with a host of cultural attacks upon their walks with Jesus-individuals who know nothing about the believer’s second experience referred to as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. But I feel the deepest anguish, when I see believers settling for “casual Christianity”, which is void of True Joy, Peace, Purpose, and Vision. To be introduced to Jesus and then not have a Power packed relationship with Him is like falling in love with your human best friend without being able to enjoy the fruits of that relationship.

Yes, some will tell you that the gifts of the Holy Spirit ended with the death of the last Apostle and the canonization of the Word. They will say that when “The Perfect” Paul talks about in First Corinthians 13:10 comes, there will be no need for supernatural Power. Because we now have the Word, we no longer need to be empowered. Such thinking is based on shallow exegesis of the written Word and poor historical understanding and time lines. Paul said, in relation to the “Perfect”, that when it would come the imperfect would pass away. He went on to say that when that Perfect would come, that,” Now I see dimly, but then I will see face to face.”(vs. 12)If the Perfect was the inscribing of the Word or Canon, then Paul missed it, because He died 35 years before various forms of the Canon came into existence and 25 years before the end of the Apostolic age! The “Perfect” (or completeness”) that Paul was waiting to see face to face must then be the return of the Lord Jesus, when there would be no longer a need for gifts, because the Giver of Gifts would be in our Presence!

Until then, the very Power that raised Christ from the dead dwells within us. (Romans 8:11), and that Power wants to flow out of you -putting an end to Casual Christianity forever! My Friend is waiting to become your Best Friend!

Now one week after the events, which myself and 3 team members witnessed in Armenia during the Revolution, I’ve had time to process what we actually experienced-Events which none of us will ever forget!

In today’s politically charged atmosphere, when Revolution is mentioned, violence usually follows, but the Velvet Revolution which it’s leader, the new prime minister, Nicholai, has called it, was and is different. Armenia has had governmental corruption at its core for years. It is a country that has suffered from genocide where a little over 100 years ago, 1.2 million Armenians were murdered by the Turks. It’s unemployment rate is astronomical, and the diaspora has led to her people being scattered all over the world; 2 million alone in Los Angeles. So one would expect that a country so scarred would be rife for a violent Revolution. But the Velvet Revolution or revolution that has gone very smoothly, would have none of it.

So, as Americans, what did we learn from these Brave Armenians, who have sought to gain their country back from those who would use her for their own selfish gain?

At the Constitutional Convention,in Philadelphia, during our Countrie’s founding, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a lady while leaving the meetings one day, Mr. Franklin, ‘What sort of a document are you giving us?’ Mr. Franklin replied, ‘ My lady, one that will last for many generations, if you base it on two important principles- A strong belief in God and strong moral character.’ Could it be in America that we are socially unraveling because we have walked away from those two principles?

What we witnessed in Armenia, in the mist of a diverse culture, was not unprincipled leaders trying to divide people into tribes or clans that they might war against one another and thus take advantage of chaos, but we saw a people who genuinely love their country and have put her interests first.

Because the love of God is deeply rooted in Armenian culture, we saw the respect for others and respect for human life honored everywhere. If there were instigators trying to take advantage of the moment, they were few and far between, and we didn’t see any! Because their universities and colleges don’t major in teaching radical political stances that only forment strife and division, there were no cars set on fire, rioting on campuses, nor fighting in the streets. The people were not interested in violence for violence sake, nor trying to make a statement by acting like thugs or petty criminals. In short, they were marching for a better life for their children and not for anarchy. While groups like Antifa in America and around the world seek anarchy as a means for what who knows, these Brave Young Armenians were looking forward to a future with renewed hope and change and standing up on its behalf!

Finally, it was a historic moment to be part of a Political Awakening that has a purpose, vision, and Goal-and that being to restore such Godly principles as honesty, integrity, morality, and vision to a country desperately in need of every aspect of Bibkical foundations. Prime Minister Nicholai has declared that Jesus is his hero. He will need his strength, anointing, and wisdom to fulfill the expectations now placed directly upon his shoulders!