Well, ready or not HALLOWEEN is this Saturday. Yes, as a child I recall the great days of this month as we would enjoy hay rides, pick pumpkins, drink cider, go door to door begging for candy, having Mom check for hidden objects when we returned and it never failed. Every year, we would have some “older” actually very immature teens come by and get a kick out of stealing the candy bags of the younger crowd who labored all night to come home with nothing. My heart used to go out to those kids and I can still see them cry all the way home with nothing to show.
In elementary school, we always had HUGE parties for the holidays. Those were good times. I remember when Jason Colegrove in third grade dressed up as a Pittsburgh Steeler football player with the authentic helmet. Dana Walker dressed up like Miss Piggy but actually resembled a princess (she got my vote), Jason Hicks dressed like a Ho-Bo with a big, fat cigar and holes in his shoes. Then we had Shelly Tinsley and Doug Cunningham dressed up as “Donnie & Marie” and I am still 29 years later trying to figure out what my friend, Kenny Baird wore at the third grade party but bless his heart - I don’t think he ever knew what he was wearing either. LOL
The one thing about Halloween that I recall more than the candy and costumes is the “clown-like mask” that many of us wore and sadly, wear today as adults. You heard that classic song: “Bring in the Clowns.” This time last year, my friend and former Wrestling Champ and now Evangelist Nikita Koloff and I, spoke at a YOUTH EXPLOSION at Grace Brethren Church in Waldorf, MD. En route to speak that evening it dawned on me that many of those teens in attendance would be wearing a mask. The key was a “mask” not apparent to the naked eye but seen only by the Spirit of God.
As teens, we hide behind hundred dollar shoes, expensive clothes, designer jeans, pre-marital sex, alcohol abuse, desperately trying to “fit in” with the wrong crowd longing for acceptance, approval and attention at any expense. As teens, many are “looking for love in ALL the wrong places.” Rebelling against authority, disrespect for parents and very little regard to truth and could care less about consequences.
One of the most poignant and memorable scenes in Hollywood history was in “RETURN OF THE JEDI” in 1983, when a dying Darth Vader in his son’s, Luke’s lap removed the infamous jet black helmet. The irony was the badly, beaten Vader knew that if he removed his mask that his breathing would eventually cease. The beauty is that before he died he finally could look on his son with his own eyes before dying. Today, the opposite is true. The longer we as adults and adolescents continue to “wear masks” we elect to exist and not live and ultimately, are en route to a slow death. However, for those whom elect to be liberated, chase freedom and be all that God has created us to be we actually live and not die.
This Halloween, regardless if you promote going “door to door” or go out for pizza with the family and/or turn off all the lights and pray that no one rings your door or eggs your house - Remember this - that God makes no mistakes. He LOVES you and sent His only Son, Jesus to die for your sins. He whom was always King - became a kid. Talk about a costume. He took off His Royal robes and substituted them for your ripped rags. He left the perfect, palatial Palace of Heaven to come to the sin-sick society called Earth. Born of a virgin, placed in a crib and sentenced to die on a cross long after temporarily laying down His Crown. He, whom knew no sin - became sin. That was the costume that Jesus wore for Humanity (not just Halloween).
The King who was celebrated in Heaven knew (at best) mostly toleration on Earth. He was worshipped above and rejected below. The Bible notes: “He came to His own and His own received him not.” He was a Man of Sorrow, Suffering and Shame.” He was the “Rock of Ages” but the builders considered Him a rejected cornerstone. It has been said: “A prophet is with honor everywhere but his own town.” Today, it’s kinda like going to war and leaving “Rambo” out. Playing basketball and picking Michael Jordan last. It’s like promoting evangelism but telling Billy Graham to stay home. Electing to play golf and informing Tiger Woods that he is not that good. Teaching on charisma and stage presence and you tell Elvis Presley that he was not invited to audition. You get the point.
Jesus, was despised by Pharisees, yet, adored by plain-speaking people, made prostitutes know “true love” and constantly built others up privately while “haters” tried to tear Him down publicly. Jesus’ grief became our grace. His mercy became our merits, His death became our life, His sacrifice on the cross became our Subway to the Celestial City and because He was rejected for so long we could be accepted for all eternity. Today, if you are reading this and are still wearing a “mask” of some sort - the beauty is relax, realize who you are in Christ, remember that you don’t have to pretend any longer and “ready or not” the world will be better when the real “YOU” comes out.
BTW - that night that Nikita and I, spoke at the YOUTH EXPLOSION over 70 students got out of the bleachers and publicly made personal commitments to Christ! Go God!! When the mask comes off is the first step when the Master can come in.
Ruth and I, will be leaving this Thursday for the Dominican Republic and since baby Andrew was born in January we have yet to spend an evening away together. We are looking forward to spending a couple days away for some R & R. Without question, we will miss our little munchkin but before we hit the beach I wanted to share with you a post that like coffee has been brewing in me for some time.
Two of my friends, Ken Weikel and John Flatley in my hometown of Waldorf, MD both own and operate Chick-fil-a stores and both are BOOMING in business! But then again, I have yet to hear of one or see a store that the drive thru is not wrapped around the building like a boa around its prey. Most folks know the amazing story how Truett Cathy, a commited Christian started with a humble dream and watched it grow to astronomical heights. We all know that they “didn’t invent the chicken - just the chicken sandwhich.” At least that was a more honest statement than VP Al Gore saying he invented the internet.
“Chick-fil-a” has been heralded as “Christian Chicken.” The food is delicious, the service is priceless, their stores exude cleanliness and their mission is obvious: Honor God by serving quality food with a servant’s heart. Nearly 20 years ago my friend Ken who attends my home church and we met in Sunday School told us that he was starting a restaurant in our local mall. Some even thought he was “out to lunch” but man was that brother from another mother right. Ken knew what most of us didn’t that Chick-fil-a was going to be a household name even in my home state of Maryland. To Ken’s credit he overseas one of the top three stores on the East Coast and unless the Lord comes back they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon! As my buddy, Evangelist Robbie Robison from TN says: “Keep kickin chicken!”
First of all they are successful on several fronts but here are a few “nuggets” in a nutshell. 1) CLOSED on SUNDAY’s. Their competition and customers mocked them at first but they knew their commitment to Christ was more important than critics, crowds or cash! They honored God and God has honored them. Ironically, it is a fact that Chick-fil-a consistently outsells the competition in six days while others are operating seven. One, they get more money and two, they get a day off! God is good like that.
2) COMMITTED to SERVICE: Notice how they respond: “My pleasure.” They grasped the Biblical truth that the greatest among you will be the servants. Plus, in order to get up is to go down and willing to serve. Ironically, their humility and hard work personally has now helped honor them professionally. Wow - applying God’s rules works!
3) CREATED in SIMPLICITY: They don’t serve pizza, lasagna, ribs, steak, sushi or spaghetti. They have stuck with one or two things and hammered it home. You don’t have to be everything to every body to attract anyone to your vision or values. They have built an empire around Christ and chicken but I must admit their seasonal added Peach milkshake is “off the hook.” Less is more and more will flock to you or your outreach if you are known consistently for one (maybe two things) not attempting to be a buffet hoping for a blessing.
4) COST is SATISFACTORY: What I mean by this is that their affordable prices enable almost all walks of life to enjoy their product. Plus, you get plenty of BANG for your buck! Everyone from Hollywood to Harvard to practically homeless can appreciate and afford their food. The beauty is regardless of who walks in the door they are taught to treat everyone the same (regardless of clout, class or cash). Something we all would do well to learn and implement in our lives.
In closing, I have never heard anyone else say this but by remaining closed on Sunday’s not only does it honor God but in sales terms it is called a “take away.” Folks want what they cannot have. Subconciously, all folks realize now that they are closed on Sundays and if you want their chicken you better get it today because they could be closed tomorrow. This is not manipulation but their motivation all along is to honor God and serve society.
This fits in with another powerful point. Over the years, I have learned long ago unless you put a value on you - others won’t value you! ATTN: Young ladies - be a woman with virtue and men will take you seriously. Sadly, too many guys will wait in line to seduce and sleep with you but very few will wait in line to walk the aisle with you if every guy and their brother has been with you. In high school, I lived for God, loved on others and waited for sex until marriage. Ironically, my senior year I was crowned PROM KING at a public school with 1,200 students. Honor God and He will honor you. Dare to be different and do what needs to be done (regardless of the initial cost).
Despite all the obvious, the CHICKEN is SUPER but more importantly, I cannot help but think that CHRIST is SATISFIED with the way this business has been run. They are not perfect but a magnificent model that all of us can learn from in dealing with others, serving society and a daily desire to honor God by the way we walk and talk. Christian or not they got killer chicken but even a better staff, standards and mission statement. For most (if not all) that work there don’t just view it as a job must a ministry to serve God and serve you!
It has been said that those that wait to the 11th hour to make things right with God often die at 10:45. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and the Bible reminds us with great urgency to not neglect so great a salvation. Jesus said: “Today, is the day of salvation.” Christ could come in the middle of the night and it would be too late to make things right in the morning. More than chicken we need to be ready to stand before Christ. Because you never know when that opportunity is gone forever!
It’s not Sunday - so get some of their food TODAY! But more importantly, taste and see that the Lord is good.
Clay Crosse is an amazing man. Not just because he has TEN Number One hits over the years but because he is authentic, transparent and best of all forgiven. His hit songs include: “I Surrender All” and a host of others dominated the radio airwaves during the 1990’s and early 2000.
It was my pleasure to invite Clay to come to Dunkirk Baptist Church in Maryland when I was Minister of Evangelism from 1999-2001. Clay was at the top of the charts professionally but like many struggling personally. As humans, we not only all fall short but each struggle with something. Some deal with it while others pretend it doesn’t exist. Some wrestle with alcohol, drugs, gambling, extortion and the list is endless.
Clay dealt with pornography and this is something that most men have wrestled with at some time or another. For some it is a constant battle and to his credit - Clay confronted it, confessed it and now delivered by God’s great grace. I have learned that we all have a weakness. For Superman it was kyrptonite - what is your weakness. It is so true that unless we deal with it privately it will deal with us publicly.
The church is notorious for sweeping sin under the carpet and the things we need to talk about the most many in ministry want to discuss the least. For those that do discuss it often handle it incorrectly as leaders and often ostracize the offender and if not careful can cripple them opposed to craddle them back to victorious living in Christ.
Earlier this year, Clay graciously accepted my invite to be a guest on my radio program “FRANKLY SPEAKING” that aired on American Family Radio. Future guests will include: Michael Tait from NEWSBOYS, Will Graham (Billy Graham’s grandson), Matthew West among others but this interview with Clay will both bless you and help you or your friend’s find freedom with this important issue.
Clay discusses his days as a former FED EX driver and stepping out in faith to become a household name in Christian music. He shares about his love for the Lord, his intense admiration for his wife and their mutual ministry now both singing and speaking around the world about the importance of holy hearts and homes. He mentions his respect for U2, Michael English and scores of others that inspired him to sing.
This is a no judge zone and what I love about Clay is that he is not only forgiven but a friend to a goof ball like me. Friends, there is VICTORY in God’s grace and freedom in forgiveness. Don’t delay confess today. Visit www.HolyHomes.org
Nikita Koloff, Capt Detellius, fs & Chaplain Lewis
As an evangelist, folks may think we are so global or “national” that we don’t do much ministry locally. Honestly, some of my best moments are one on one when no one was looking but God and the one being ministered to regardless if at a funeral home, hospital, church visitation or prison. Folks are almost always surprised when fellow evangelists walk in because I guess they assume we only work on “stage” or so busy saving the world that how would our schedule make room for them? The fact is we should be careful never to get to busy for “them.” Because Jesus was clear: “When we minister to them we are actually ministering unto Him.”
Just last week, I went to the local prison in my hometown to visit a friend incarcerated and as I was walking into the dentention center it dawned on me that all of us are one wrong decision away from being in a similar place. That is a humbling and sobering thought. I have learned the folks that think they will never fall are the ones that too often do. A special thanks to my friend, Chaplain Lewis who cleared me to enter. He is first class and God uses him in a powerful way on a daily basis to minister to those while in prison. Last year, both former Heavyweight Wrestling Champ and now Evangelist Nikita Koloff and I, had the privilege to preach to those shackled in prison at the very same jail.
As always, the Lord showed up then and again last week when I had the chance to minister one on one with my friend now behind a glass wall talking on a phone. He was crying and I was trying to love on him lavishly like the Lord only could and would. It is easy to get miscontrued in ministry as being so “out there” professionally that we don’t have time for others personally. Honestly, the greatest blessing for me is going “under the radar” and loving on people.
Ironically, I have had various members of other churches contact me because they believed their own pastor would be “too busy” to make house calls, hospital visits and seeing folks in prison. Regardless, if I just spoke in eight states in the past month - the blessing is they know I am both accessible and approachable and when they call I do whatever I can (humanly possible) to make the “un-announced visit.” Folks may see friends like me speak at stadiums, television, radio, church services or publicity in the paper but the behind the scene moments are most special to me.
One, it reminds me why I got in ministry to begin with - to help hurting people find peace in the midst of pain and point them to a personal relationship with Christ. Secondly, it keeps me humble because if I get so “big” that I cannot do this then I am either too busy or borderline in the danger zone - The Bible notes: “Pride goes before the fall.” I love that quote: “If you are too big to do the small things than you will be too small to do the BIG things!”
The blessing is ALL ministry is “BIG” when we have a pure heart and sincere motives. Many want to minister to crowds but unless you are content being a representative of Christ when few are looking you will never amount to much in ministry. God got great JOY speaking to a woman at a well as much as He did feeding five thousand with a little lad’s lunch! As Dr Johnny Hunt says: “Bigger is not better - better is better.” Learn to do the little things BIG and major in the minors. Plus, the one you minister to one on one often values God more and appreciates us for taking the time to love on them in their point of pain. I love that quote: “To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the WORLD.”
The Bible is clear: “True ministry is caring for the widow, orphans, and visiting those in prison.” Man, media and even modern day ministry may not promote it or see it but God does and that is all that matters. Lawyers have to take the “Bar Exam” to practice. As Christians and clergy it is imperative that we too are willing to minister to those that many have forgotten about. Just because they can’t tithe doesn’t mean that God didn’t die to save them, encourage them and bless them.
As I walked up to enter the prison that day I felt like I was taking the Bar Exam myself. The true test is doing what God calls us to do. It’s not to compete with clergy or the church in town but complete the race Christ asked us to run. Lives hang in the balance, real people hurt, souls need saving and ministry can get dirty and ugly at times. The key to passing His Bar exam is not just visiting folks in jail but regardless of the scenario may we all as Christian’s remember to “judge less” and resemble Jesus MORE!
God's Graffiti
Recently, this summer I returned to the beach briefly and I must admit that the beach and mountains sooth my soul like none other. Perhaps because of their sheer size has a calming effect on me. Whether its the crashing waves or the majestic mountains they both put things in their proper prospective. First, they remind me that only my BIG God could create that and secondly, they both remind me how small I really am. Honestly, I struggle with baking a cake, putting together an entertainment center, hooking up Playstation and praying my Redskins win. Who am I to think I bring much value to society. It is true: “Apart from God - I am nothing.”
But the beauty about this lesson is the moment I remember how “small” I am; I immediately recall how great God is. Perhaps like you, growing up I dropped the ball. Without question, I am far less than perfect and despite knowing I am forgiven even I have a hard time forgiving and forgetting some of my less than stellar moments. Yes, God is creative and contagious but He is also convicting. However, He loves me despite my past and reminds me of a future because of forgiveness found in faith in Christ and I can now enjoy peace in the present. How? Because I am walking with the Prince of Peace.
The colors on the trees this time of the year are SPECTACULAR! Ironically, they are never more beautiful than days before they die. It took time, but I am learning the quicker we die to self the faster we begin to live in life. Plus, when folks are selfless, humble and gracious they are also never more beautiful and fun to be around. More than ever, I am longing to emulate the fall foliage and example of Christ desiring to die daily. The Apostle Paul penned it and Ronald Reagan lived it: “I dye daily.” How else could a 70 year old man have dark hair with no hint of grey 
A family friend who served 30 years with the United States Secret Service said: “The reason assassins are so successful is because they are willing to DIE in the process.” You will never be a success in life, business, sports or ministry until we implement on a daily basis the “art of dying.” Just because you are a minister in the ministry doesn’t mean you don’t have to die daily. We need to crucify the flesh so we can be catapulted by faith for God’s Glory. No death = no power.
In closing, people often ask me why I often spell my initials or name in small caps? I have learned the smaller I am the BIGGER God will use my life for His Glory. They say the only person God cannot use is the person full of himself. Today, pick out your spiritual casket, pause and have a mental funeral and die to ego, self and wordly pleasures and choose this day to live for our Lord like never before. Plus, the truth about being dead is you have no more feelings. Therefore, when insults and critics hurl criticism your way you cannot feel it. Why? Because when your dead to self you no longer take inventory of their lifeless remarks. Its amazing that by dying we live. You don’t need a 21 gun salute when all that matters is will the Lord salute you when its your time to come Home.
Fall isn’t about leaves falling but falling in love with God who by His death we live and us dying to self on a daily basis we enable Him to live through our life. Thank God for fall, faith and the foliage to remind this dummy that we are never more wise when we die to live.
Evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon
I have more stories than “Mother Goose” and feel free to check back weekly because on occasion I will be posting illustrations that I have heard and shared for over two decades. Jesus’ favorite teaching method was the parable and its mine too. One of my favorite stories and sermon illustrations deals with an American years ago who was sent overseas on business. His Christian friends heard that he would be within an hour of the late, great Dr Charles Spurgeon’s home church. His friends said: “You absolutely must hear Spurgeon preach.”
He was there for two weeks and on the first Sunday he wasn’t aware that it was mandatory to get a ticket to get inside the massive tabernacle. The tickets were free but needed one none the less to enter because it only seated 5,000 people. Discouraged to come so far and be so close but not allowed to enter he thought no worries I will come back earlier next week to hear the famed British evangelist and preacher of the 19th Century.
The tourist got to the tabernacle the following Sunday extra early and was three people from the door when the head usher said to the crowd: “I am sorry - we are at full capacity - no more seats.” The tourist was crushed. Now he was 0-2 and with a pending boat ride back to America in the morning how could he face his friends and share that he didn’t get to hear Spurgeon preaching while in town. With his head down and spirit sore a deacon saw the stress on his face and asked: “What is wrong?” The American replied: “My friends told me I absolutely had to hear Spurgeon preach and yet I waited in line not once but twice and struck out both times. I return home tomorrow and I will never have the privilege to hear whom many call the “Prince of Preacher’s preach.”
The deacon with a HUGE smile said: “Sir, no problem. It is my high honor to hear Dr. Spurgeon preach every week. He is my pastor and my favorite! I will give you my ticket on one condition. I want you to go inside, enjoy the service and after hearing him all I ask is that you come back out and find me and tell me what you thought of my pastor.” The tourist was thrilled at the generosity of the man to grant him access by sharing his ticket. The service had already started and the massive choir was concluding the last chorus when he finally found a seat in the back of the balcony filled to capacity.
The service started, Spurgeon preached and the service was over. The man following the service came out and true to his word found the deacon to both thank him for the ticket and report what his feelings were on the preaching of Charles Spurgeon. The deacon just as excited now as the tourist was when he entered said with baited breath: “Tell me what did you think of my pastor?” The tourist said this powerful point: “Honestly, when he came out I was not impressed and when he began to speak he said things I already heard. But something happened during the middle of his remarks. Charles Spurgeon disappeared and for the rest of the service all I could see and hear was Jesus!”
The morale of the story is twofold: First, Charles Spurgeon became great because He knew God was greater and he exalted the Lord in public and private. Secondly, he knew that the Lord would not or should not share His stage with anyone. As ministers and musicians in ministry more than ever we need to learn like Houdini to do those “dissapearing acts” so the Lord can have full reign of His service. When we dissapear in the flesh is when the Lord appears by faith to do what only He can do.
Today, tonight and all our tomorrow’s may we learn to fade out so our Lord can get glory front and center because when the Lord shows up He also shows off to bring hope to the hurting, peace to those in pain, and by God’s great grace redeem people far from faith to a personal relationship to Himself. Sometimes we as Christians and clergy get in the way from bringing folks to Christ. In absolute love, if your ministry is lacking power in the pulpit perhaps its because of too much flesh and no faith. Perhaps, too much world and not enough Word. Worse, too much “us” and not enough God. I don’t know about you but I am trying to be more like a Christian Copperfield and “disappear” more than ever. Here today and gone tomorrow. Come Lord Jesus!
In 1981, while making the major motion picture “E.T.” the directors of the movie contacted the candy M&M’s and politely asked if they could use their candy in the film. M&M’s responded with a resounding “No!” They then asked Reese’s Pieces and they had nothing to lose and everything to gain and said: “Yes.”
Who knew that the movie: “E.T. - The Extra Terrestial” would become the highest grossing film of its time. M&M’s missed out on free publicity and it resurrected the franchise for Reese’s. Ironically, today one cannot seperate Reese’s Pieces from the alien itself.
The best way to get promoted professionally is to be humble enough to promote others personally. Jesus taught us that he that desires to be first must become last. We are never more like Christ when we give and forgive. It is not found in Scripture but I wouldn’t surprised if a close third is to PROMOTE OTHERS!
Artists and bands are coming to me more than ever and asking me for an endorsement. I vowed to the Lord years ago if I could ever help someone else I would. Plus, it has been said: “greatness” is stopping to do something for others that they can do very little (if anything) for you. The key is being willing to “give” not out to get. But the beauty is by giving you actually gain. It is my pleasure to bless others and attempt to encourage them in their walk and inspire them to get to the next level. Sadly, I am learning a disturbing trend that many of these same bands are not even getting the endorsement from their pastor. It’s not that they have dark secrets in their closet but many in ministry are either too busy or too insecure to promote someone else.
Personally, to me promoting others is now second nature and it resembles tithing. First of all, “to whom much is given much is required.” When God gives you a platform it is not for you to say “look at me” but we need to be pointing folks to God and saying how can we help you? Secondly, you cannot out give God. Third, when you invest in others you actually are investing in yourself. Lastly, when you pause to promote someone else you are not only displaying Christ-like character but the folks you are helping will respect you more than ever. We all know that being called of God is more important than man’s endorsement but the best way to get blessed is to be a blessing to others.
Dr. Johnny Hunt - SBC President is one of my heroes. He has un-selfishly promoted literally thousands of ministers and ministries. He took time to endorse folks when if anyone could hide behind the excuse: “I am too busy” he would get a free pass. However, he is both accessible and approachable and like our Lord is a true leader. Throughout his entire ministry, Dr Hunt constantly elevated others and you could find his endorsement all over the Country for various preachers, evangelists, musicians, etc. For those of us that are blessed to know him and been endorsed by him is both precious and priceless. The irony is when he ran for Southern Baptist President two years ago; he was so loved by countless Christians, clergy and musicians across America that he won hands down and in charge of overseeing some 16 Million members. I have never heard anyone else say this but the observation is true. Dr Johnny Hunt promoted others and God promoted him.
“The Prayer of Jabez” talks about enlarging our tent and/or territory. Without question, what you do for others God will do for you. Ministry is about Jesus and others. We need to get back to the basics but the fact is when we promote the Lord and others - God will promote you. Zig Ziglar was right when he said: “You can get whatever you want out of life as long as you help others get what they want first.”
Outside of God’s grace one reason I am having the time of my life ministering across the Country at churches, conferences, cruises, camps, concerts and now with COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL is in part because I have done my best to promote others. One of my favorite movies is “Brian’s Song” and it was based on the book: “I AM THIRD.” It’s amazing at how succesful folks can become when we are willing to die to self, live for the Lord and promote others. Who dreamt you could come in first when willing to be last. Today, promote someone else (even if it hurts in the flesh but do it by faith) and watch both parties involved win!