Get to the Root!

We have just completed our 3 week series, "Healed to Minister". It has truly been a powerful, life changing series. God has begun a great work of inner healing and deliverance in the lives of our people. As we continue in this process, people will be loosed into their destiny and purpose.

This past Sunday, I preached a message called, "Get to the Root". Many people do things that are self-destructive, selfish, and and flat out wrong. But I believe that is important not just to identify what they do, but to identify why they do it. Often we busy ourselves addressing and dealing with the fruit of our actions, instead of uncovering the root that feeds these actions. There is a cause for every effect. In order to put an end to these actions and areas of dysfunctions, we must get to the root.

Our text scripture was Mark 10:46-52. We discover a man named Bartimaeus, who was a blind beggar. He spent his days begging for money that he may buy food in order to survive. This was an ongoing cycle. The alms that he collected lasted only for a moment, then he was back into the same position, asking again for relief. As Bartimaeus, we often find ourselves seeking temporary relief instead of a permanent solution. His problem was not the lack of money. His problem was that he was blind. This condition kept him form working like a normal person, who would have the ability to earn wages and provide for themselves. So in looking at this story, we discover that the root was not the lack of money, but the condition of blindness.

When Jesus comes onto the scene, He asks Bartimaeus a question. "What do you want me to do for you?" Instead of asking for money or temporary relief, he asks for the ultimate solution. He asked the Lord to restore his sight. He asked for the root of his problems to be healed. Without hesitation, Jesus responded and brought the healing that this man so desperately needed.

We need to ask the Lord for the right thing. Instead of seeking relief in the form of success, more friends, and better paying jobs, we need to seek to be filled with His love and security. Only Jesus can truly satisfy and fill the void that is deep within. As we ask of Him and seek Him, He will respond and meet the need!

1 Year Anniversary!

This past Sunday, New Beginnings celebrated our 1 year anniversary of being in Orlando! Looking back over the past year, I stand amazed at all that God has done. I remember how it felt moving here all the way from a little town in Ohio. We had no guarantees. Would we have any people show up at our first service? Would we have a place to meet? Would we survive financially?

It was obvious God was sending us by faith. We came with no guarantees, just the promise of His faithful word. That was more than enough! After stepping out into unfamiliar water, we have seen God's faithfulness demonstrated in everything that we have done. We have had a people, a place to meet, and our needs have been met. The Lord never fails to provide where He guides.

Over this past year, we have seen a gathering of hundreds of people who now call New Beginnings their home church. The majority of these are now active in various ministries of the church. I believe this is a sign of a healthy church. People are being activated and mobilized to advance the Kingdom by tapping into their potential and using the gifts that God has uniquely placed in them. As a pastor, I could have no greater joy, than to see people propelled into their destiny and purpose!

Cristina and I are so thankful that the Lord called us to Orlando. As I have said before, it was the biggest and most difficult decision of our lives, but we have never looked back. Our destiny and purpose was waiting for us here. And now we too are enjoying the blessing of fulfilling God's ultimate purpose for our lives.

We are ever thankful to all who have prayed, supported, and connected with New Beginnings. We have the best group of people on the planet. They are faithful, committed, and have a mind to work. With this kind of army, there can be no limit to what we can accomplish for the Kingdom of God!

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written:
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." NKJV

Irritating Your Infirmity

In John 9:6, we read of a blind man who went to Jesus for healing. Jesus responded by spitting on the sand, making a paste out of it, and then applying it to this man's eyes. Besides this method sounding unpractical, it can be assumed that this method must have been painful. Having sand in your eyes could not be a comfortable or pleasant experience. Why would Jesus do this? What possible reason would He have had to irritate this man's infirmity?

I believe that He did this to show us a powerful truth and revelation. Sometimes the things in life that hurt us the most, are the very things that lead us to our healing and deliverance. The irritation of impossible circumstance, can be the motivation for true and divine freedom. Fiery trials are not comfortable, however, they have a way of bringing stuff to the surface that we may not even know is in us. It is not in the midst of comfort that God begins to heal and deliver, it is in moments of pain and great irritation. It is in the fire of affliction.

As we look at Dan. 3, we see the story of three Hebrew men who would not obey the king's order to worship the golden image. They would only worship the true and only God. The king, in his anger, ordered them to be bound hand and foot, and then tossed into a fiery furnace. After they were thrown in, the king looked down to observe them. Much to his surprise, he saw 4 men walking around in the midst of the fire. We know through the scripture, that the 4th man was the Son of God! But what I find interesting, is the state that Nebuchadnezzar found them in while they were in the fire. He saw them walking loosed! They were thrown in bound, but got free in the fire. I believe that if we can get free IN the fire, that God will set us free FROM the fire. This freedom only comes through a revelation of Christ.

Season of Miracles!

2 weeks ago on a Sunday night, the Lord spoke prophetically to our congregation that a season of miracles was upon us. I was preaching from the text in John 2:11 where the miracle of turning the water into wine was recorded as the "beginning of miracles" that Jesus performed. 2,000 years later, that season which began that day continues to pour out on all who call on His name. It just takes one major breakthrough to start the overwhelming perpetual flood of God's sovereignty.

Last night during our evening service we continued on in this theme. I was teaching about the virtue that flowed from Christ in Mark 5:30 and Luke 6:17-18. The word virtue is synonymous with the Greek word dunamis, which means; power, force, miracle power, God's ability and life. The woman with the issue of blood literally received a download of Christ's ability, power, and life. No wonder she was instantly healed! The same is true for the many that touched Him in Luke 6. As they touched Him, they plugged into the download.

The word touch in this text means to "attach oneself to". But it comes from the Greek word hapto, which means; to set on fire, kindle or light. This explains why so many people who have received prayer for healing, feel extreme heat all over their body, as God manifests His healing power. It is just confirmation that they have made the connection for the download! We see throughout the scripture that God's Glory is usually accompanied by the presence of fire.

Last night as this word was being preached, people's faith was quickened to get connected and receive the download. Starting last week and continuing on through last night, it is clear that God truly has released us into a season of miracles. Over the last 2 weeks we have seen incredible miracles take place. For instance, a mother carrying twins was told by her doctor that one of the children had not formed valves in their heart. He also said that the baby had no heart beat. After receiving prayer the mother went back to the doctor. The baby's heart is now beating perfectly, even though the valves have not formed! What a miracle working God!

I anticipate even more miraculous things to happen as we continue on in this season. I pray that all reading this become partakers of this precious and powerful anointing that is being released upon the body of New Beginnings!

A Mind to Work

As we approach our 1st year anniversary of being in Orlando, it is clear that God has assembled a people with a mind to work. I am amazed by the enthusiasm and involvement of the members of New Beginnings. People are getting involved in various aspects of ministry to see the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

We have close to 70 people who went through four weeks of training to participate in the visitation ministries. From hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons, New Beginnings has representatives bringing hope and encouragement everywhere. We truly are taking the church outside the four walls.

Before the end of this year, we will doing community food outreaches, street ministry, and getting into local schools. Nearly every member of our church will be involved in these different outreaches. In all these things, the message of Jesus Christ will be shared. I am looking forward to a great harvest of souls through these various means of evangelistic outreaches.

We also have a group of 7 interns coming from Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge. They will be arriving October 14th. This group is comprised of hard working soul winners. Their addition to our ministry will be an incredible blessing. I know they will play a vital role in the direction and purpose of New Beginnings.

God is beginning to lay out a strategic plan for multiplication and growth. He has also assembled the right people to work and put these plans into action. I believe that we are going to impact our community and make a positive difference in central Florida.

I am thankful for the body of believers that God has entrusted us to lead. Together we will build up the desolate places and see the Kingdom of God established everywhere we go.

Neh 4:6

So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. NKJV

Scare in the Air!

This weekend my wife and I were out of town. We were scheduled to fly back to Orlando early Sunday morning in order to make the morning service. After a slight delay, we began our departure. Within moments, Cristina and I began to smell a weird smelling smoke. The alarms began ringing. The flight attendant came on the intercom and informed us that there was a fire on board and to remain calm while she checked it out.

Things then got worse. The pilot announced that we were to prepare for an emergency landing. The flight crew was not even sure if we could make it back to the airport in time. The flight attendant came to me and asked if I was prepared to remove the exit row doors, as I was seated there. I told her that I was ready to assist and prepared to do whatever I could to help evacuate the other passengers. The reality of this moment began to set in. It looked as if we were going down.

The good news is that both engines were still intact. As we began to prepare for the landing, all assumed the brace position. While some were crying, others panicking, Cristina and I held hands and prayed in the Spirit. Moments later, we were on the ground being escorted off the plane by fireman and emergency workers. We were safe!

In light of this situation, I am ever grateful for the covenant that we have with God our Father. We had peace through this frightening moment, because the covenant of the Lord, will always protect His people. God has spoken many words of destiny and promise over our lives. Nothing can by any means harm us, because the Word of the Lord must come to pass! Not one day of our lives can be cut short, until the precious work of God through our lives is completed.

I want to encourage you in this for your lives today. You have a covenant with God. He will protect you and sustain you til your all days have been fulfilled! The Word of God will preserve you always!

Ps 91:9-11
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you;no plague will come near your dwelling. 11 For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. NLT

Crazy!

Only one word can describe what happened last night in our evening miracle service, "CRAZY!"

In the beginning of the service, there was such an awesome and heavy presence of God's Glory. It was the kind of experience where all you could do is stand still with tears falling from your face. God's presence was so tangible and real. As we ended our worship service, I stood speechless. I did not know what to say or which direction to go. So, I remained silent before the Lord, not daring to move on before Him or without Him.

Then, it happened. A crazy, ear-piercing, radical praise began to break out in the congregation. It was as like a bomb went off spontaneously in each individual . People began dancing, shouting, and spinning violently. This went on for over an hour! You could sense that miracles were taking place throughout the congregation. Liberty showed up and nothing could stop it!

As I reflect on what happened last night and how it happened, I am reminded that waiting on the Lord is one of the most essential keys in effective ministry. We cannot move on without Him. Last night, it was clear that God wanted to do something that did not involve me or need my assistance. All He needed from me was to keep my mouth shut and get out of the way. He desired to touch and move upon His people. I am glad that I did not insist on making something happen on my own, or we would not have seen this mighty demonstration. God is God all by Himself. He is looking for yielded vessels that are willing to loose control and just "let go".

2 Cor 3:17- Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NKJV