JESUS & me
This blog post really could be a book and Lord willing, it may be one day but I wanted to just share a snapshot, mini chapter and a run on sentence of what Jesus means to me. First, He is everything! Second, apart from Him - I’m NOTHING! It is a fact that FAVOR comes after faith in the dictionary and travelling hundreds upon hundreds of miles I cannot help but ponder, pray and praise (not so much in that order).
A verse that has touched me for years is the passage Luke 17:11-19 when Jesus met ten lepers. They screamed: “Jesus have pity (mercy) on us.” The Lord told them: “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” The next line notes: “As they went, they were cleansed (healed).” Time won’t enable me to break this down but with the valuable moments of your time I would like to lift Jesus UP. At times, the Lord did touch folks and they were instantly healed. Others, He spoke the Word and they were delivered (even resurrected)! Friends, work the Word because the Word works! Sometimes, the Lord spoke a healing but others had to “walk it out” to benefit from it.
Years ago, I heard a story of a sophmore in college who begged his father for a Mustang. The story goes that the father was a Christian and the boy resembled the prodigal but knew his dad had the means to pay for it. After asking again, the boy was dismayed when he received a Bible instead. The boy became bitter and resented his father for trying to shove “Christianity down his throat.” The boy would write on ocassion: “Send me the car!” The Dad would reply: “Son, did you ever read the Bible?” The boy thought in his mind: “I want a car NOT Christ!” This went on for his junior year and senior year. After graduation, the boy (now young man) so upset at his father that he cut off all communication. It pained his father to see the way his son had isolated himself from him. The father died two years later. The funeral was packed and the son still couldn’t comprehend why the father never answered his request. After the wake, the friends left and the food was gone the young man saw the Bible on his bookshelf. He opened it finally for the first time and in the middle of that sacred Book was a check dated five years earlier for the exact amount at the time for a brand new, red Mustang. The note attached to the check said: “Son, you asked for a car and your Momma and I, are sure proud of you. We have been blessed by God to buy you this but our prayer for you is that you will realize the true treasure is not in a car but Christ. Drive the car but read the Bible. Enjoy! Love, Dad.”
Tears rolled down the cheeks of this ungrateful son who learned only after his father’s passing that he had provided for his request all along but pride kept him from missing out not only on his car but relationship with his now deceased dad. When Jesus speaks the wind, waves and weather listen. Christ calmed Tsunami’s at sea, raised the dead to life and even rocks worship THE ROCK but we as humans should take Him at His Word. Why? For starters, He is The Word!
In a nutshell, when God says “go” we must be gone! My pastor told me I should drive to a preachers’ conference in 1994 (age 22). Ironically, I had $72 to my name and the conference was booked months in advance. I didn’t have a reservation and plus it was for three nights. Financially, we had enough gas for the seven hour trip down and back and maybe McDonald’s once per day. I had more “sense” than cents (dollars) but had a hunger in my heart to hear God’s Word. My buddy, Tim Heddings and I, drove “by faith” for the four day conference. We get to the hotel and it was crowded! We entered this elaborate four star hotel in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and found out the rooms were SOLD OUT. We told the manager running the register that we drove seven hours to attend the conference. He replied: “You didn’t make any reservations?” Now, I felt like I was letting God down and the poster boy for being unprepared. We humbly walked away and he called us back. He said: “I shouldn’t tell you this but we keep a room ready at all times in case staff or visiting family of staff need a room.” Here is what I am going to do. I will give you a room for three nights for $52! I almost fainted. Three nights in a four star hotel for $52 total! We took the glass “see-through” elevator of this fancy hotel and entered our room and shut the door and the room rate on the back said: “$169 per night!” HOLY SMOKES!! That is over $500 for three nights for 1/10th the price ($52)!!
After high-fiving each other; we threw on our suit for the conference that evening (we had been in car for 7 hours) and rushed down the elevator and to my right is a man in his early 80’s, dressed in a navy double-breasted suit and looked like a U.S. Senator. God told me to invite him to the preachers’ conference and so I did and he gladly accepted. We jumped in my 1983 280ZX and my tags were Z U L8R. My 6″4 buddy is now sitting in the back of my 2+2 Z with our new senior citizen friend in the front seat and when we pull up to the massive Gospel Light Baptist Church in Walkertown, NC a huge circle enveloped my car. My first thought was “my car is clean but NOT this clean!” We get out and everyone hands their Bible to the man in my passenger seat but the funny thing is I have no idea who was in my car! We walk towards the church (already 20 minutes late) and when we enter it was as if the RED SEA parted. I’m starting to think I got Moses with me - LOL The church was packed and the 2,400 seat sanctuary was standing room only. Picture this, we are 20 minutes late, not a place to sit but when the people see us for some strange reason they placed us not up front but VERY FRONT and seated us on the front row! I have always said: “Those that come the furthest go the farthest.” This is not just some bumper-sticker but been a reality in my life. Go God!!! Immediately, I thought of the theme song from the Jefferson’s - “Moving on UP - to a deluxe apartment in the sky!” I am a tad slow but started to think the guy I drove may be someone “pretty big.” Five minutes later, the moderator from the platform said: “Our keynote speaker tonight has baptized over 63,000 people in his 65 year ministry. Please give a warm welcome to Dr Lee Roberson.” The next thing I know the place errupts in applause and my new (unknown) friend sitting next to me (who I drove to the event) stands up, walks towards the stage and preaches to the packed crowd. I about lost it at that point - my buddy’s mouth fell to the floor and then in front of thousands the saintly senior said these words I will never forget: “I want to thank the two young men who drove me here tonight. If it were not for them, I wouldn’t be here tonight.”
Tears welled up in my eyes and I thought WOW! This man is just like Jesus. Why? In the midst of thousands He still saw individuals. Keep in mind, we had a hotel (by God’s grace) for three nights but no food. However, at this juncture, I knew what the Lord meant when He said: “I have food that you know not of.” I also love the Bible notes: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” I was so high at this point I would have fasted for a month and not even realized I was hungry. After the event, the legendary preacher came up to me and said: “Can you kindly drive me for the rest of the conference?” Well, I didn’t have to pray about that and between God’s grace and this famed preacher’s invite (both in their wisdom) knew we were destitute financially for the week and by driving him the next three days the conference had a special “green room” for the keynote speakers to break bread and fellowship with each other. They were granted two meals per day and I’m not talking fast food but like a meal that my mother would make on Thanksgiving with all the trimmings. I love Cracker Barrel but this was as Ed Young, Jr would say: “A WHOLE NUTHA LEVEL!!”
Now we learn that we would eat like princes while worshipping the King (Jesus) at the conference because while driving this preacher we were now invited to eat in the private reception area with them twice daily! Ain’t God good!! We raced back that first night to the hotel and called our pastor, Marvin Harris who told us to go. It was after midnight when we called him but he answered and we were screaming so loud in the phone at first I think he thought someone died! We assured him we were more than fine and thanks to him pleading us to go we were having the time of our young lives and at all places -a pastors’ conference! Friends, those that say Jesus is boring have never STEPPED OUT in faith to follow Christ. Out of 2,400 people we were probably the youngest, drove the farthest and certainly the poorest in the house. On the phone I said: “Pastor Marvin - You gotta come down!” He said: “Frank, its after midnight, its almost a seven hour drive and your in the midst of thousands - how will I find you?” I laughed: “It’s easy - LOOK for the BIG BOYS because we are standing right next to them (since we are now driving them)!! He laughed and to his credit - he and his son, Tommy made the trip and for the next three days we had a time!
God has blessed me like this more than once. Honestly, it would fill a book! Folks that may miscontrue us for “dropping names” didn’t see the faith we had early on to LIFT JESUS UP in our daily lives. God granted me some nuggets when I heard His voice, by His grace - I stood up when many would have sat down, I learned that “obedience was better than sacrifice” and Pentecostal or not - FAVOR comes after FAITH and when God said “go” I was gone. Years later, I was invited to drive Dr Lloyd Ogilvie - Chaplain of the US Senate (and now my dear friend) to meet Mother Teresa and for half a year, every day drove now House Majority Leader in Congress, Steny H. Hoyer to and from his home to Capitol Hill, drove governors of states, Grammy & Dove winners, world champions in my car and the list is almost endless. What is worth mentioning is not who I drove but WHO drives me! It is Jesus who remains the Captain of my ship, the Author of my faith and my Savior who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. You would think my favorite tv show was “TAXI” but actually it resembles “HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN.”
God has been so good to me but He’s dying to not only save us but use us for His Glory. Like the Lepers, the Lord told them: Go and as they went they were healed, delivered but also provided for. God was willing to part the RED SEA in various venues of my life all along but I just had to trust Him at His Word and step out and watch Him SHOW OFF! The first two words of that Scripture I quoted initially was Go, SHOW. You see, when we GO then God SHOWS UP. If you want to know the SECRET of any SUCCESS in my life its God, He gave me amazing parents, a caring family but my child-like faith in Jesus has made me whole. As I went, I was healed. Some suggest that having faith is dangerous - I’m convinced that having no faith is dangerous! It has been said: “Show me your faith and I will show you your future!” Not arrogant but an accurate assessment of “The King & I.” What a ride it has been and remember this great Word my buddy, Tony Nolan told me: “When God guides - He provides.”
Honestly, I never got in it for crowds but Christ. Not fame but faith and not for my pleasure but pleased to do His will for my life. Looking back, regardless if boarding “Air Force One”, meeting influential friends or life experiences that would make Forrest Gump’s head spin to driving ministers to conferences as a young adult and later on preaching at a few myself it was always JESUS & me.
Snowman & Bandit - Bahamas 2010
We got a total of 37 inches of snow and our scheduled flight for Wed, Feb 10 to Orlando, FL was cancelled. In baseball terms: STRIKE ONE! On Tuesday and Wednesday, my father and I, spent (literally) ALL DAY shovelling snow and more came late Wednesday only to repeat our efforts from the day before. We live 1/2 mile from the road and the county doesn’t come down our drive to pave the road. Therefore, to dig our way through three feet of snow was no small task. I kept thinking, if God could come from Heaven to Earth; then I couldn’t let a few feet of snow hold us back from “missing the boat” to the Bahamas to minister to this great group. Well, round two of snow came and our flight to Florida on Thursday night was cancelled too. STRIKE TWO! Satan was tempting me to think of that SNICKERS commercial: Not going anywhere for awhile?” At last minute, we learned Ruth wasn’t able to make the trip, my parents had already drove 150 miles to baby-sit Andrew and bottom of the ninth; the odds were slowly starting to be (like the snow on our window) stacked against us.
My heart dropped and crushed that Ruth couldn’t come but with her blessing to minister I didn’t want the cruise planners or participants to think we didn’t try or love them nor did I want to get accused of false advertising. Then I thought of the powerful Marines commercial with the slogan: “We don’t accept applications - only commitments!” I learned Thursday at 9AM that if I were to make the trip than I would have to drive 1,000 miles (each way) from Maryland to Orlando, FL in less than 24 hours by car. With faith like a Ferrari with no brakes; immediately, the theme song to “SMOKEY IN THE BANDIT” danced in my head and I can still hear Jerry Reed singing: “We Got a Long Way to Go and a Short Time to get there - we’re eastbound now watch that Bandit (evangelist) run!” 
WATCH the video of that classic movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXYBUeiaJcM
Time was ticking, the snow was sticking and this brother had to get his heels clicking. Like Elvis, I left the building (house) drove “by faith” hoping we could just get to Richmond, VA with safer, snow-less streets. My buddy, Randy Collins was able to ride with me and he did the driving and thanks to the great staff at ACC pulling some strings - Randy was able to cruise with us in the process! With not a moment to spare, we arrived in Florida at 2:30 AM on Friday morning only to rush straight to Port Canaveral to board our boat. Burt Reynolds was Bandit and ironically, Jerry Reed in the movie was SNOWMAN. Well, with three of feet of snow - Randy certainly lived up to his name! The irony is our bags were packed, our ticket confirmed, excitement for our temporal vacation and we literally (almost) “Missed the Boat.”
What a weekend we had and it was a JOY to meet new friends and I have always had a heart for students and singles. Sometimes, those that feel “overlooked” matter the most to God. The group was FANTASTIC and the strangers who boarded the ship initially, now left as forever friends because of their faith in Christ. What impressed me most is that the singles had obstacles to get there too and they all came by themselves. They came from Canada, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and what faith they displayed and they ministered to me! Two nights we were up after 2AM talking about life, loss and living for the Lord. We really bonded as a group and I always said: “Ministry is much more than what one says in the pulpit but how they act off the platform is more important.” As servants of Christ it is imperative that we be accessible, approachable and available. It is easy to communicate but it takes practice, patience and perseverance to connect with others. More personal investment is required but the results are ALWAYS far greater! Today, we posted 50 pictures on Facebook from our recent trip!
In my heart, I am convinced that “favor comes after faith.” It is true in the dictionary too (alphabetically). Show me your faith and I will show you your future. I have found in my own life and journey with Jesus that those that come the greatest distance often get the biggest blessing for their efforts. I love that passage in Scripture where Jesus said: “Your faith has made you whole.” He also noted: “As they went they were healed (delivered) and I have found it to mean blessed as well. Yes, when the going gets tough the tough get going and God shows off while you’re gone!
The drive down was a blast and yes, like Salvation it was God’s grace we made it (much less invited to speak at the cruise) but I kept thinking on the drive south how millions of folks around the world really believe they are ready to meet God, their “bags packed” and convinced they have a reserved reservation but could still miss the Boat (Heaven). Some rely, on their “good” works, religion, grandma’s prayers, daddy’s coat tails, etc but the fact is apart from faith in Christ’s sacrificial death as our Savior and Substitute we are “sitting on the dock of the bay - WASTING TIME.”
Life is not fair, Satan throws curveballs and plans can change (like the weather) on a dime. Time is running out but Jesus died not wanting to leave anyone out and it is a travesty to miss a temporal vacation but don’t die missing out on your ETERNAL destination. It is true, we either arrive safely in Heaven or scorched in Hell. We will arrive at the Gates of Pearl or gates of peril; Paradise above or pain below and don’t gamble on God. Make certain of your salvation because why miss Paradise when you are left taking chances as if throwing a pair of dice. Don’t gamble on God, the Lord isn’t a lottery and all the cash in the world couldn’t buy God’s great grace.
The Gaither Vocal Band sings a song that I have loved for two decades called “The Gospel Ship.” Those that put their trust in God’s Gospel Ship of Salvation will find a ship that will not sink but surely SAVE! Take it from my wife, Ruth who (because of the snow and scheduling conflicts) couldn’t make the trip but praise God has her passport stamped, her name in the Book of Life and when the Lord returns she is ready to go! Whatever you do - DON’T MISS THE BOAT!
Anthony, fs & Dr Tony Evans - Bahamas 08
NFL - Not For Long
First, the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE has also been coined “Not For Long” among players and fans. While preaching one year ago today in Ohio; I had the privilege to tour the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I saw the museum the day before the SUPER BOWL but missed the entire game after preaching three times in two days on the flight home. I am certainly not complaining because I know that the BIGGEST GAME is in souls and it’s wise to chase the ETERNAL not temporal.
Secondly, my hat goes off to the New Orleans Saints. One, I almost always root for the underdog and I love the NFC. Peyton Manning is a gifted student of the game and has had an amazing career (even if he elects to call it quits) but I must say that the Colts impressed me but the Saints inspired me. Much has been said the past couple years of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What has been neglected is during that time their stadium housed the homeless while the Saints organization became homeless having to play every single game on the road. This is what we call “CHARACTER BUILDING.”
Talk about courage under fire, these brothers literally dug deep while going out and playing every single game two years ago in an opponents arena. Most would have buckled but some folks break under pressure while others Break Records. In life, some get bitter and others grow BETTER. I have always said: “Those that have come the furthest tend to go the farthest.” What do I mean by that? Consider a rubber band - the stronger the resistance the greater the distance. Perhaps, that is why God uses the BROKEN the most because they don’t rely on self but their Savior. I’m convinced that our adversity today prepares us for God’s Varsity tomorrow. Our mess now becomes one’s message later. The test in the present becomes our TESTimony in the future.
When crisis comes upon us we must get creative and cling to Christ. I shared before the game that Jesus en route to His death rode a Colt but in our lives via His Holy Spirit is present with the Saints. Some suggest that God is not in the affairs of men. I believe He is. It’s not that God isn’t interested in man but sadly, men are not always attuned to the affairs of God. Some suggest that the beer commercials are the best and the one where the people laid down their lives so the truck could deliver the “goods” was interesting. Talk about BEER OVER TROUBLED WATERS.
Its ironic, how Madison Avenue or Hollywood take a Biblical reference and twist it for their benefit. The chasm between man and God is not liquor but the Lord. Some got goods but do we got God? The other beer commercial with the plane wreck basically said “Life is a party” as long as you got beer. Just the Gospel Truth, Heaven NOT hell will be the biggest Party of all time. The Almighty not alcohol is the bridge that closes the gap and because of the cross we can have an eternal encounter with Christ. Nothing wrong with having fun but if we live and die without Faith in Christ as our Savior, Subsitute and Sacrifice we are deceived by the Devil.
Indeed, the football season is too short. Some wives may disagree but the season is over before you know it and many sports fans long to fill the void after the season. “March Madness” starts in less than two weeks and I often wondered if sports weren’t strategically placed to keep our mind off the Biggest Game which is salvation found only in Christ. God gave me a word recently. THE BIGGEST LOSER is not the one who lost the most weight but WAITED TOO LONG to find God. In this tough economy, loss of employment, feelings of fear, many Christians have taken some serious shots. Some are either on the ropes or sitting on the sidelines, wondering if it will pay off in the end? As the Saints had to play in a foreign stadium weekly, consider Christ who Divinity became Humanity. He left the worship of Heaven to come to the rejection of Earth. The Son became sin and tempted without ever sinning. Contradictory no but Champion yes!
Recently, I read where a man paid $14,000 for two tickets to the game and in my spirit I wondered if they would “neglect so great a Salvation” for FREE. 100 years from now even the Super Bowl will resemble the Toilet Bowl if we failed to grab the grace of God. This may sound harsh but Hell is hot, eternity is forever and no one wins if at the end we were not prepared to meet Him. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is in the soul, saving business! Nothing wrong with going to the big game - my parents went to the Super Bowl in 1992, when the Redskins beat the Bills in Minneapolis. But praise God - they got their reservation for Heaven long ago. If you are unsure if you died tonight if you would go to Heaven - CLICK THIS LINK from Billy Graham to show you how you can make Heaven your future home -
http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp
The Saints are living proof, it doesn’t matter where you have been but what matters most is WHERE you are going. Child of God, perhaps you have also taken some hits, dangled on the ropes of romance or just waiting for the Referee (Jesus) to either stop the fight or start fighting for you - rest assured, we win in the end. In closing, I also said that win or lose today I knew that in the end it will not only be worth it but when the Trumpet sounds, the whistle blows, the Game of Life is over and the Lord appears “The Saints Go Marching In.” Yes, this life is NFL (Not For Long) and get God before your Game is Over.
fs & Elvis Presley
A couple years ago he was named ENTERTAINER OF THE CENTURY and worth more dead than alive. I have been to his humble home twice in Tupelo, MS where it all started in that shotgun shack and three times to his home in Tennessee. If anyone lived the “American Dream” it would have been Elvis. From that humble home to magnificent mansion in Memphis sprawled on a Southern Colonial estate named GRACELAND; Elvis lived large. The fact that his twin brother, Jesse dying at birth subconciously made him live a life for two (much less a king).
Elvis had fame, fortune and faith. That is quite a combination and without a strong faith it would cripple most if not all who intertwine them. Regarding FAME, Elvis’ home is the most visited house in the world (second only to The White House) with some 600,000 folks annually paying BIG BUCKS to peek in Presley’s private paradise. Ironically, three decades after his death folks still know him by his first name, album sales are stronger than ever and he recently had a NUMBER ONE HIT overseas two years ago. Not bad, for a man that has been gone for over 30 years.
Regarding FORTUNE, he was the first artist to have a “crib.” His private jets started the trend for musicians to skip commercial flights and he even once attempted to paint one of his planes to resemble “AIR FORCE ONE.” The FAA told him that two birds could not fly in the sky looking alike; the patriotic Presley was dissapointed to say the least.
His FAITH has been talked about for years and ironically, the “King of Rock N Roll” won three Grammy’s but not for his rock, rhythm and blues but Gospel music. I have always said: “Promote the Lord and the Lord will promote you.” Elvis was an avid reader and exhausted books like a muffler to fumes. Sadly, his fame and fortune made it difficult to worship at a church worship service. Even Dr Billy Graham has had a hard time over the years worshipping at the local church. Not because he was “too good” but that his presence may distract others from God.
Elvis like us all had our FAILINGS. This post will not pinpoint or highlight some of his shortcomings because had I inherited a slither of his “success” I am sure I would have failed far worse. Truly, “the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
In closing, I had the opportunity to see Elvis Presley “In Concert” TWICE at age five, in 1977. My parents took me to see him at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD (now demolished) and the Baltimore Civic Center. Some of my earliest memories were impersonating Elvis at concerts in my house and at various shows following my parents bowling outings (age 4-8). I saw Elvis about ten concerts before his last performance and my parents dressed me up in an Elvis jumpsuit and I literally knew almost all the songs. During some of his later shows, he would allow on rare occassions for folks to bring their kids towards the stage. My Dad took me forward in my homemade jumpsuit and we got right in front of the stage. That night, we had dead center seats about ten rows back.
We got to the front and even at age five, I just knew that if Elvis picked me out of the crowd and put me on stage that the packed 17,000 audience at the legendary Capital Centre would go “NUTS.” Not arrogant but just accurate when a kid in a jumpsuit could actually sing “Hound Dog.” Elvis was reaching right towards me and at the absolute last second reached for the young boy slightly older than me to my right (without a jumpsuit). Elvis picked him up and for a brief second hoisted him on stage. Ironically, we learned later that the lad was the son of the late Abe Pollin (owner of the Washington Capitals, Bullets and arena). I guess when your Daddy owns the joint you grab the son
So close but so far away. One of the highlights this past year for me, was growing as friends with Elvis Presley’s step-brother, Evangelist Rick Stanley. Rick wrote a book entitled “THE TOUCH OF TWO KINGS.” Rick worked for several years “On Tour” with EP and accepted Christ weeks after his brother passed. Today, Ricky is a powerful preacher and has travelled the road sharing his experiences with “The King of Rock N Roll” and now serving his Savior - “The King of all kings.” Feel free to click sidebar on the left of my blog and hit “Frank & Friends” and scroll down and find my radio interview with Rick Stanley as he shares his testimony and love for his brother.
Hard to believe that Elvis would have been 75 today and when he passed it seemed time stood still. For some who remember JFK dying in Dallas; I remember learning the news that Elvis had died. Vernon Presley said Elvis looking back would have loved either being a Southern Gospel singer with a group or an evangelist. To Elvis’ credit, he would implement Gospel songs (”He Touched Me, Sweet, Sweet Spirit, How Great Thou Art, Without Him,” etc) occassionally, in his rock concerts. That certainly wasn’t the “politically correct” thing to do but he did it anyways and he exposed millions of fans to Christian Music. For those brief moments, he used his platform at sold out concerts and those stadiums became sanctuaries. In those few numbers, the adulation was no longer on him but he had the attention towards Gods when he sang those spiritual hymns. The late, great JD Sumner who is in the Music Hall of Fame and recorded in Guiness Book of World Records for hitting the lowest bass note said of Elvis: “I have sung Gospel Music for five decades and in my opinion, no one and I repeat NO ONE, sang Gospel like Elvis Presley.” Yes, Elvis LOVED Gospel Music and his step-brother Ricky now shares the Word with the world as an evangelist. Regarding Ricky’s passion for souls; I believe its safe to say that Elvis would have been proud and God is pleased. Rock on Rick!
POINT to PONDER: Should the Lord tarry, what is the one thing you would really like to do or feel called to do? Elvis had a motto: TCB (Taking Care of Business in a Flash). The Lord is coming SOONER rather than later and if we are not in the bottom of the ninth I believe we are in the top of the ninth in the Game of Life. We can no longer sleep or slumber and may we commit our lives to Christ to serve Him like never before. People are watching, souls need saving and God is coming so while we are here lets GIVE GOD ALL WE GOT! In the classic closing comments of almost all his sell out concerts; Elvis would say: “ Until we meet you again, may God bless you. Adios.”
Out on a Limb for the Lord
Initially, I considered naming this post GOING OUT ON A LIMB for the LORD or BRANCHING OUT in 2010. Either way, it reminds us all what happens when we reach out to Jesus. Desperate men must take drastic measures to get to God.
Yes, prayer is a whisper away but obedience outstretched to the Omnipotent is OUTSTANDING! Deity delights in deliberate and obnoxious faith. The Bible in Luke 19:1-10, talks about a man named Zacchaeus. Studying this passage I learned a couple points.
For starters, we “SEE the SINNER” - Zacchaeus was not only short in stature but sophisticated in sinning. This brother was considered the lowest of the low by oppressing folks who were already down. The only folks worse were warped grave robbers but at least their victims couldn’t feel anything. They were dead! He was short in stature. Not just socially or economically but physically. Worse, spiritually! He was a dead man walking. He had money in the bank but no Savior in his tank. David Koresh was known as the Wacko in Waco. Now, we meet Zaccheaus, the “Sicko in the Sycamore.”
The Bible notes he was not only a tax collector but a chief tax collector. When the Lord is not living in us we are tempted to hide behind “titles.” God is not impressed with titles. Why? For one, when you own the cattle on a thousand hills, tossed the stars in their existence and at your Name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that “JESUS CHRIST IS LORD” I am convinced God is not impressed with our “titles” but what catches His attention is our testimony.
We are a sin-sick society in desperate need not of health insurance but Heaven assurance! Ironically, the Sycamore Tree resembled Zaccheaus. How? Both were considered “un-clean.” The Sycamore is never noted as being elegant (not that trees are invited to galas or fashion runways). Despite his errors, to his credit it is evident that Zachaeus had some questions and heard that “The Answer” was coming to town. No, we are not talking about Allen Iverson
Secondly, we “SEE the WINNER”. Christ commanded a crowd wherever He went. This day was no exception, as the Almighty strolled through the street, He (like the Good Shepherd) willing to leave 99 to catch the one that was lost came to stop at this Sycamore tree. Picture this, The Treasure is now at the trunk of the tree and what does He see but a man desiring to encounter Eternity!
The beauty about this passage is that this man who was “short in stature” and soaked in sin scrambled up a Sycamore to see the Savior. Zacheaus did what no one else that day did or dared and ironically, the Lord did what no one thought imaginable. Zacchaeus in his search to see God and perhaps “find God” literally went “out on a limb” to look at the Lord, get a glimpse of God and see the Savior for himself. This is important because we cannot get to Heaven on anyone else’s coat-tails or shoulders but we must have a real relationship with the Redeemer. It has been said: “If you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.” Sometimes we have to BRANCH OUT and like Star Trek, “boldly go where no man has gone before.” Sure, everyone has sin but very few went to such lengths (limbs) to grab God.
The Bible says that Zacchaeus couldn’t see Him because of the “press.” I always thought it fitting the word the King James Version used because it was referring to the crowd but reporters in media (press) don’t want us to see God either these days. It was a disadvantage his whole adult life being short but the blessing about Zacchaeus being “small” is that it forced him to get out of his comfort zone, create a plan and climbed a tree. Call him crazy or creative but he had a crisis and for the first time in his life considered that perhaps Christ not the crowd could satisfy.
Zacchaeus, his entire life felt demoted but with his faith and God’s grace he was about to be PROMOTED. It is true: “The darkest hour of the night is always the hour before dawn.” Sometimes we got to get to the end of self before we can see God. Our “advantages” can make us immune to going to the next level in life and with the Lord. Sometimes, our past successes are more dangerous than future failures. We must come to a point where we are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Bless his heart, Zacchaeus, paraded by day as a winner but hit his pillow at night knowing he was a wannabee. He was a loser in need of a Leader and a lover for his soul. God’s favor is not fair but is forwarded to those with great faith.
Zacheaus, the sinner is now Face to face with “The Winner” and now invited to dinner! The Lord looked, laughed and listened. Thank God for a Savior Who listens. Then God did the un-thinkable. The man who went “out on a limb” was now going to have a meal with the Master. Dinner for two. A sinner seated for supper with the Savior. The crowd would remain outside and for the first time in his life he who only knew of being an outsider looking in would be “in” while everyone else out.
God going to his house showed He was humble. The crowd cried: “Look, He is a friend of sinners.” Jesus knew that sinners need a Savior. Plus, Jesus went to his house on Earth so Zacchaeus could one day go to His Heavenly Home. The crowd was shocked, Christ smiled and this crook is stuffed (not just satisfied in the stomach but the soul). The Master knew that most meals made by man are temporal but breaking bread with the Bread of Life are ETERNAL!
Now, we “SEE the DINNER”. I imagine Jesus delights in “left overs.” Not so much in food but folks who have been “by-passed” for far too long. Regardless, if it was a leper who needed a healing, a woman caught in adultery needing forgiving or a man in a tree that needed a taste of Glory; all of us need the Lord. Jesus loves second chances and He specializes in grace. Everyone knows Him as the Great Physician and Wonderful Counsellor but Christ is also the consummate Chef. The Prince of Peace prepared a meal that no man or woman could make. For starters, it not only satisfied his stomach but saved his sin sick soul. Jesus meets both our outer and inner most needs. He ministers physically, spirtually but also by building community. Lordship loves fellowship!
Just like that Sycamore who’s nature is “unclean” we resemble Zachaeus more than we would like to admit. Our works fall far short of the Kingdom of God. We were “second class” citizens since the fall of Adam and Eve. We sold out in sin before stretching out and standing UP to see God. Jonathan Edwards wrote: “We are sinners in the Hands of an angry God” but this day; once again, we were ALL sinners in the Hands of a Gracious God. Standing at the base of that tree, the Lord could have thrown the book at him, the woman living in sin or you and me but “The Book” gave great grace opposed to grumbling or grief. The answer that day and today, was not the tree but that Zacchaeus met the Trinity.
Christ was looking for Zacchaeus all along and perhaps the reason why He stopped so quickly is because He could relate. How? Perhaps Jesus saw Himself in that tree. Not long after this encounter, Jesus would exit and embrace an old rugged tree. Zacchaeus got down and I am certain Jesus in His mind got up. At this moment, Zacchaeus had supper but Jesus began to suffer.
Trees are important to God. For one, He made them. Two, He used them to redeem us. Adam and Eve failed by eating forbidden fruit on a tree and Jesus won our victory on a tree (cross) at Mount Calvary. The Bible notes: “He that knew no sin became sin.” The unblemished Lamb (Jesus) inherited our shame and sin and like that Sycamore Tree was deduced to become unclean. Today, as you drive home from work or walk to school tomorrow do this homework assignment. STOP and STARE at the trees. Look closely, and if you gaze long enough you will see a man perched in a tree. That is Zacchaeus. Now look closer, and you begin to see me sitting with him. Don’t blink now, I know your eyes may be straining as you squint or tears blurrying your vision but you are in that Sycamore tree too!
We are sinners and here comes The Winner daydreaming about dinner. Skipping down the street we see the Savior, right up the road is the Redeemer and coming over the Hill is Him! The One who would rather die than live without you and He invites you to Dinner (The Marriage Supper of the Lamb). Today, is the day of Salvation and when the Savior speaks we need to listen. Jesus not only cooks but cleans. One AMAZING attribute of God is that He makes the “un-clean” clean.
Millions have been touched by the Master and He could be a “professional Savior” but He elected to be a PERSONAL SAVIOR. Each person comes to Christ one at a time. Zacchaeus was won by One. Today, souls are still won - one at a time. Jesus sole mission was to redeem souls. The Bible is clear: “He that winneth souls is wise.” May we all be willing to “branch out” and dare to be different, risk reaching for the Redeemer, stretch out to the Savior and go out on a limb for the Lord because like that Elvis classic: “Reach Out to Jesus because Jesus is Reaching Out to You.”
This past year has been a whirlwind and the older I get the faster life flies by. The one thing I don’t regret is serving Jesus early in my life. It was 30 years ago this July 2009 (at age seven) that I trusted Jesus as my Lord & Savior. Praise God, I have yet to get “over it.”
The clip above was a promo video that Dr Rick Scarborough’s church in Texas made for my visit this past August with their precious people. Brother Rick is one of my heroes and it was an honor and humbling to preach in his pulpit. He is also founder of VISION AMERICA.
After being bi-vocational in ministry for 17 years, while I worked on Capitol Hill in various capacities my passion was always people and preaching. It has now been two and a half years full-time completely living “by faith” since leaving the salary, benefits, health insurance, 401K, retirement, etc. This past year counting radio, tv, revivals, camps and speaking wherever God opened the door; I was blessed to preach over 200 times in one year. God gets the credit and I say this not to say “look at me” but in the wise words of Tony Nolan: GO GOD!
When I walked away two years ago, I didn’t have a single booking to speak or preach. When God said: “Go” I knew I had to be gone. We are thankful for the invites and open doors to preach and we are already filling up dates into Spring and Summer 2010. We pray daily for open doors and to go wherever, to whomever and whenever God leads. The greatest “high” in life is not alcohol but being used by the Almighty. Its not in crack but Christ, its not mariajuana but knowing the Master, its not playing with PCP but preaching on bahalf of the Prince of Peace. Its not in LSD but the Lord and not heroine but Him!
If you know of a church, camp, conference or concert that could use a glorified goof-ball for your next event - PRAYERFULLY remember my willingness to be a blessing to your church or group. My motto: “Have Bible - will travel.” Stacy at The Robinson Agency in Atlanta, GA helps with my bookings and her e-mail: Stacy@TheRobinsonAgency.com
If you are free in February 12-15, 2010 - JOIN Dr Tony Evan’s son, ANTHONY EVANS and me as we minister together aboard the Royal Caribbean on a Christian Singles Cruise. All Christian Cruises invited Anthony to sing and I have been booked to speak four times leading all devotions on the ship. DON’T MISS THE BOAT and it would be an honor to sail the seas with you into the SON! For more info - www.FrankShelton.com
LOOK OUT next week for my post on “The Little Drummer Boy.” God doesn’t ask that we be the best but DO our best. Lessons we can all learn from this little lad. God bless & go with God.
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!
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!
Most Valuable Player
The same is true in life and ministry. The last 30 days I have been invited to speak in 9 states and I feel like a muffler - EXHAUSTED. Just yesterday I returned from speaking five 40 minute messages in less than 15 hours (only to drive 618 miles in 24 hours round-trip) to pull it off.
For example, just the last two days countless people and factors had to come together to get me to speak to nearly 2,500 students in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. First, it was God’s grace that I am even in the game serving Him. Secondly, I have been blessed with the most supportive spouse this side of the Mississippi. Ruth is awesome and her Daddy was a preacher of the Gospel for nearly 50 years in El Salvador and she understands the pressure but privilege of preaching Christ to a hurting world. Third, Evangelist Randy Hogue graciously extended this invite for me to preach in his absence. Fourth, my mother, Sharon was willing to drive three hours each way to stay two nights at our home to watch baby, Andrew while I was gone.
Last but not least, Pastor Darin is the youth minister at First Baptist Church of Fairlea and he and his church members prayed, prepared and promoted this large youth outreach over six months ago. He got the door open to speak in the public schools. He built the relationship with both teachers and local clergy in his hometown for folks like me to come together to see students IMPACTED with life changing truth. The list is endless but worth mentioning because they are the one’s worthy of recognition.
You see 2,500 students and staff met me yesterday in West Virginia but God saw all the “MVP’s” of my life behind the scenes way before then. Truly, there is no “I” in the word TEAM. Without, the support and “behind the scenes” help of my family this would not be possible. Sadly, too often in sports, business, politics and even ministry we tend to give too much credit on the person “out front” but it is the folks behind the scenes that enable us to be on the scene that are equally if not more important.
Jesus said: “Many who are first will be last and many last will be first.” One element in ministry that the Lord has burned in my heart over the years is to exude class and Christ-like compassion on all whom I meet. Elvis Presley when asked why he would by pass the mayor to say “hi” to the janitor replied: “The big guy doesn’t need me but the little guy does.” God helped me coin a phrase over the years called: “The Greats are Gracious.”
Intentionally, I have gone out of my way to shake the hand of the camera people filming the show, the assistants, secretary, janitorial staff while taping television and radio programs. Why? Because in God’s economy (outside of Jesus) they are the true “star” of the show.
When on the road, I do my best even as an invited guest to pay for the meal of the senior pastor or youth minister to invest into them (even when it is customary for them to pay for the guest). Jesus constantly talked about “going the extra mile” and “honoring those whom honor is due.” Plus, to help dispel the myth that many in ministry are selfish and/or arrogant. I always try to meet folks more than half way and its a JOY to minister to the minister while in town.
Daily I thank God privately for the key players He has strategically placed in my life but I am also over due to share publicly in this blog of what they mean to me, what they bring to the table and how God sees them. Often times, I feel like I already got my reward but those “behind the scenes” now will be ahead of me in line to meet Jesus. I praise the Lord for them now and will even more then. Truly, he that desires to be first must be willing to be last. In order to “get up” we need to get down and by promoting the Lord and others, ironically the Lord actually promotes us in the process.
Praise the Lord! Thank you friends for all the prayers, well-wishes and kind comments regarding my recent appearance on NITELINE TV in Greenville, SC.
It is an honor to share the Word with the world what Jesus means to me. God doesn’t need me but how I need Him. If you missed the two hour program last night as it aired across South Carolina on cable television they just posted a link for you to watch it in its entirety by clicking here - http://www.dovebroadcasting.com/niteline.php
My last post I shared part one of the two part interview on TCT - “REJOICE” in Marion, IL and it aired on DIRECTV earlier last year to some 500 Million homes. The second set was a blessing and its always a JOY to brag on Jesus.
Check back in near future as I post my interview with a SURPRISE Christian artist. My heart beats to promote the Lord and promote others. One of my pet peeves in ministry and in life is that as Christians we promote the Lord but for some reason fail at promoting others without feeling threatened. Zig Ziglar was correct: “What you do for others - God will do for you.” Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Without question, I believe until you can celebrate the success of others personally you will never go or grow to the next level professionally.
Blessings on you as you walk and talk with God. You are never alone when you go with God.