Behold I Stand at The Door and Knock!

Revelations 3:20 says, "Behold I stand at the door and Knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." 
I am surprised at how distant some people are from God. I mean they really do not know Him. I'm also surprised at how many people are clueless about what God's desires are for there lives. It's something that every person should consider. 
     In my house, we have a beautiful wall hanging above the fireplace mantle that says,"Christ is the HEAD of this home, the unseen guest in every room." That's it and that's that! that is how we live our lives, God as  the Head. He has lead my family into wonderful places, literally to the other side of the equator.  we've made  wonderful friendships and have experienced exotic cultures.
     When difficult and dark times have come (and they have come) God has never abandon his position as Head and Leader.  He has always lead us through and brought us out on the other side unharmed.  Yes! it has cost us friendships, we've had to say no to things that we've wanted to do. We have made decisions that many haven't understood. For example, packing up the family and leaving the country. well....that's OK, because it's been worth the experience TO KNOW GOD AND HIS WILL!  That has been and always will be the supreme goal of  our lives.
     I know  that one day soon, when this life is over, we will stand before God approved.  And I also know that no matter what dangers lie ahead for my family, God will be there as the Captain and Head of our lives.  And that my Friend brings me Great comfort and joy into  the depth of my soul! 
     Today, if your distant with God, the next time He knocks at the door of your heart, let Him come in. Let Him sit as the Captain of your ship. I promise you this, You will be Glad you did!  Until my next post, listen for His knock. 

In God's Love and Mine - Pastor Rick

Prophetic Insights into Egypt and The Middle East Crisis

When the people of Tunisia broke out into a revolt against the harsh treatment of their government, this had a domino effect throughtout the Middle East and sparked other revolts in Jordan, Libya, Algeria, Yemen, Albania, Lebanon, and most recently Egypt.

The Muslim Brotherhood, a powerful and radical Islamic group, that is highly organized and financed, has capitalized on these “social” revolts and have turned them into “political” revolts.  This has the potential to create government shifts in the entire Middle East region by replacing the older regimes of these nations with much more radical Islamic regimes. 

The Muslim Brotherhood is attempting to install The Sharia Law. This would have devastating implications for Israel and America.  Sharia law states, “ Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold forbidden that which hath been for-bidden by Allah and His Messenger,  (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizyah (holy tax) with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.

"I call you to God and to Islam. If you respond to the call, then you are Muslims: You obtain the benefits they enjoy and take up the responsibilities they bear. If you refuse, then you must pay the jizyah. If you refuse the jizyah, I will bring against you tribes of people who are more eager for death (suicide bombers) than you are for life. We will then fight you until God decides between us." If they refuse this, it is the sword without leniency. Fear God with regard to what you have been entrusted.

Egypt and Jordan both have signed peace treaties with Israel. If Mubarak’s government is overthrown and replaced with Sharia law and if Jordan is also toppled, these treaties will be abolished and the nation of Israel will stand alone.  Plus, It will now be completely surrounded by pro-Palestinian Governments, the West Bank in the North, Jordan in the East, Gaza in the West and Egypt in the South.   

The Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Ashkenazi warned about the growing radicalization in the region. He said today (2/8/11),  “Given the recent changes across the Middle East, Israel must prepare for an all-out war with battles in several theaters.”

My biggest concern is for America. This is the first time in the history of our nation that a U.S. President has taken an anti-Israeli/pro Palestinian stance. President Obama has continued this posturing throughout the Egyptian crisis as well. That to me is mind boggling. Other than maybe Jordan, Egypt is the only true Arab ally Israel has left in the region.

God said, “I will bless those who bless you (Israel) and I will curse those who curse you.”  I fear for the safety of America if we don’t continue to stand with the “Apple of
God’s Eye.”  In studying end time events, we know that the kings of the North (Russia), South (Egypt) and the kings of the East (China) will form an unholy alliance against Israel.  Wow!! We are closer to that possibility than ever!  Let’s obey the scriptural mandate to, “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” She needs it more than ever! These are exciting times for sure, but they are also dangerous times.  Let me encourage you with the last few words of Jesus Christ.  “When you see all these things come to past, look up for your redemption draws nigh.”  The end of all things is truly at hand. And we
who are looking for His appearing will soon be with Him in eternity forever.  Until my next blog, keep praying for Israel.

In God’s Love and Mine – Pastor Rick

Have Faith in God!

"Have faith in God" is one of those phrases like, "Jesus wept."  They are short but incredibly profound. Why is it so hard at times to simply, "have faith in God?" Has he ever failed us?  Has He ever not responded to our cry?  I'm sure you would agree, absolutely not! Then why is it so hard to simply have faith in God?
     I believe it's because it's WE who have let Him down and it's WE who have at times failed Him.  We forget that He knows that we are but mere human. Because of this painful truth, we come under such condemnation and guilt. Those types of  negative feelings are devastating to our faith.  Some how we have bought into the lie that even though salvation is a gift and can't be earned, the "Favor" of God isn't.  We feel like we have to EARN God's favor.  Many feel if we don't read our bibles and pray everyday, have a perfect attitude, or perform many other religious works, God won't be pleased with us.  We only except half of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross, and that's the forgiveness of sins. But the other half, unconditional love, favor, acceptance and divine merit is something we have to earn.  The word says, "don't sin but if we do we have and advocate with the Father.
     Let's be free today!  When you became a Christian, not only did you receive the forgiveness of sins, you also received Kinship.  You became an Heir to the throne!  you have been positioned with Christ and have become children of the Great King!  Let's start acting like it!  Jesus is our righteousness, he paid the debt!
      Therefore, "HAVE FAITH IN GOD!" You will never be more loved and accepted than what you are now.  You can't "earn" anymore favor or love.  So, start praying and believing with an expectancy that God knows how to give GOOOOD Gifts to His children; Believe that He will answer you prayer when you pray it and come to your rescue when you cry. Trust His unchanging Hand.
     I for one am tired of living underneath the blessings of God. I'm also tired of seeing my brothers and sisters live the same way.  It takes faith to move God, in fact, the bible says, "without faith it's impossible to even PLEASE Him."  Join me in a prayer of repentance and let's ask God to help us realize who we truly are in Him. Let's move into the atmosphere of faith. When we do, things will begin to change and God will begin to give us all the bible say we can have, and that my friend is a lot!!  Until my next blog, have faith in God!!

In God's Love and Mine - Pastor Rick

The Law of Sowing and Reaping!

Do you need an encouraging word?  Give an encouraging word.  Do you need prayer? Pray for somebody else. If you need financial assistance, bless somebody with a financial gift.  Beware of the "receive and consume" mentality that is prevalent in the American Culture. 
     There is a powerful law that God has spoken over our world called, "The Law of Sowing and Reaping."  Galatians 6:7 says, "do not be deceived, God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows." the bible also says by the measure you give the same will be measure back to you.
      I remember one time when God was dealing with my heart about this. I had just finished filling my truck with gas and was in line to pay. There was another lady behind me who also was in line to pay .  So, I payed for mine and then told the clerk to include her gas as well. He was shocked! and she was shocked! (thank God it was a small car,Ha!).  I walked away from that experience feeling so blessed.
     There was a time when we were traveling to multiple churches to preach, so we would frequently travel the toll ways.  Several times I would pay for my toll and the vehicle's behind me.  It was so awesome to see there faces as the waived thank you to us.  Let's get out of this, "take, take, take" mentality and lets start "giving, giving, giving."  I guarantee you, before you know it, you will start "receiving!, receiving!, receiving!"    

   You truly will reap what you sow in your life.  So, if your tired of what has been coming to you, then start sending something different. then sit back and watch, in just a little while, blessings will begin to flow your way. Until my next blog, be blessed!

In God's Love and Mine - Pastor Rick

A Sound of High Praise!

Afternoon!

I want to share with you a thought that has been on my heart this morning.  It can be easy to get discouraged  and begin to fret about the conditions of our present day.  There is a real Kingdom of Darkness in this world that is trying to invade and conquer everything that is good, especially the children of God. Instead of complaining and oh yea, "WORRYING!" Let's begin to lift up A MIGHTY SOUND OF PRAISE that shakes the Kingdom of Hell. Let's shake all of the demonic forces assigned to depress and destroy us with A SHOUT OF VICTORY.
     Join with me and let's lift up a Voice of Triumph to our Great King!  Just like the armies of Israel would do when the enemies of God would try to invade Jerusalem. They would gather and begin to beat there war drums, blow the shofars, and shout with loud sounds of praises to there God. Now that is the kind of faith that moves the heart of God. But most of all, I like the thought of the Kingdom of Hell trembling and shaking don't you?
     So, if your Monday is starting of bad, give it a try, shout unto God with a voice of triump and let's walk in faith rather than defeat.   Until next time be blessed and check back frequently. I can feel the Spirit stirring in me, and I am going to WRITE!!!

In His Love and Mine- Pastor Rick

A Great Sunday Service

What a wonderful service we had today (1/16/11). I finished up my series on "Curses" and then we began breaking curses off of our lives and families through the power of prayer!  We had a wonderful crowd, the Presence of God was here and the fellowship of the saints was awesome and full of joy. What more could we have asked for?  God is doing something special here at All Nations' Worship Center and I am glad to be a part of it.  
Next Sunday I will be speaking on "Blessings," and how to release the Blessing of God into our home and lives.  If you need a blessing then you will want to be here next Sunday, because I believe God is going to "BLESS" all of us who are in service in a special way.  There are so many benefits that we have as Christians, and it is time that we learn how to receive them.  Be sure to check back soon to view my new post on what I believe God is speaking to my heart throughout  the week.  

In God's Love and Mine - Pastor Rick

"Curses"- How to identify, renounce and break them

This Sunday- 1/16/11, I will be completing my series on "Curses." Most people don't realize that curses are real and that they can have destructive power over our lives. Often times, curses can even be generational.  There is only one way to truly break a curse and that is through the finished work of the Cross of Jesus Christ. God doesn't want us to be "ignorant" of Satan's schemes.  He wants us to be free. If you feel you may have a curse operating in your life, then feel free to post and contact me for assistance.
In God's Love and Mine- Pastor Rick