Tony Nolan is one of the most gifted preachers of the Gospel that I know. He is former Student Minister at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA and he stepped out “by faith” to speak to hundreds of thousands of people annually. The beauty about that transition is that Tony didn’t see all those open doors when he jumped. He just heard the voice of God and when the Lord told him to “go” - Tony was gone!
Today, Tony loves the Lord and lives faith as much as anyone I know. He is a dear friend, brother in Christ, captivating communicator and has taken the time to invest in me and countless others lives and ministries. When I first left my Capitol Hill job after 17 years “by faith” to enter evangelism full-time the first person I called to ask for counsel, prayer and guidance was Tony Nolan. By God’s grace, Tony answered his cell phone and encouraged me to trust the Lord and take comfort - “When God guides - He provides!”
What I love about Tony is that he is accessible, approachable and available to share the Gospel of Jesus with anyone willing to listen. In love, he also shares with folks who could care less. Ministry is not easy but it has been easier for God putting folks like Tony Nolan in my life. He is real, relevant and rolls on all cylinders for Jesus! He is humorous, humble and Heaven-bound.
Tony is the tour pastor for countless Christian Contemporary Music Artists and he speaks annually at WINTER JAM and other concerts. He was tour pastor for a couple years with Grammy Winners - CASTING CROWNS and his testimony is AMAZING. Tony is on fire for the Lord because he doesn’t take for granted God’s great grace.
This interview aired earlier in the year on my radio program ‘FRANKLY SPEAKING’ on American Family Radio on 89.7 FM in Richmond, VA and it talks about evangelism, serving the Lord and living a life bigger than self. Tony is quick to build people UP and slow to negativity and I have been blessed to meet a few folks in life but Brother Tony is a special brother and one of those I admire most. Recently, he and his wife, Tammy adopted a precious girl from China and to learn more about Tony’s AWESOME ministry visit - www.TonyNolan.org
Tony Nolan & Frank - Indianapolis, IN
Evangelist Billy Graham praying for souls at invitation
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, the famed scientist reached in his vest pocket. He couldn’t find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it.
The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are! I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.” Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.” Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going??’”
Having said that Billy Graham continued, “See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? In his deep baritone, southern drawl he said: “This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing. I want you to remember this: “I not only know who I am…….I also know where I’m going!”
Friends, one day you will read in the local paper that “Billy Graham is dead.” Don’t believe it for one second because I will be more alive then than anytime in my life when I stand before Jesus.” Friend, do you know where your going when you die? Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and click below to learn more about how to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior http://frankshelton.com/christian.html
Frank & Grammy Winner Andrae Crouch
Since the passing of Michael Jackson last week countless stories have broke and been broadcasted around the Globe. Some true, others speculation, most exaggeration but God only knows what is fact and reality. One story that has surfaced is that Grammy Winner Andrae Crouch met Michael weeks before his death in his rented mansion in California. It is true that they met, talked about Gospel songs and Michael was curious to learn of the Holy Spirit and anointing that comes from folks that have a personal relationship with the Lord. Recently, I read in several accounts that they prayed together but God only knows if Michael trusted Christ as his personal Savior before breathing his last.
From my last post, it is evident that my prayer along with multiplied millions of others hope that Michael Jackson accepted Jesus before departing Earth. It has been said: BIBLE is “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” May we all ponder with greater clarity and urgency that the world is watching our every move for those of us who are Christ followers (Christians). No one knows when those in our presence will die. The fact is we don’t even know when our time is up to stand before Almighty God. One thing that has haunted the beloved Evangelist Billy Graham for nearly five decades is when President John F. Kennedy phoned Dr Graham and asked him to come to the White House. The President (whom was Catholic) had some questions about the “Second Coming” for the Protestant Preacher and renown evangelist.
Dr Graham had been struggling with a bad cold and kindly asked the “Commander in Chief” if it would be possible to reschedule and they talk about spiritual matters at another time. Dr. Graham never dreamt that it would be his last chance to speak with the world’s most powerful person on the planet because shortly after JFK, was shot to death in downtown Dallas. As Christians, I agree that we need to “sow seeds” and be “salt and light” while walking out our Christian faith daily for a lost and dying world whom is watching our every move. However, it is imperative that we be cognizant of the fact that since the world needs Jesus, we must be mindful that we just may be the only Bible that some will ever “read,” the only Jesus some will ever “see” and like never before we must do our best to lead the lost to the Lord.
It was said by a wise farmer: “You will never see a Harvest until you water your crops.” Sadly, the reason countless churches and Christians have seen very little fruit in leading their friends to Christ is because they haven’t lost sleep over the souls of their friends en route to Hell without Jesus. Question: When was the last time you lost sleep, crying and petitioning God in Heaven for the salvation of your lost friends souls?
The legendary General Booth, founder of the SALVATION ARMY had a passion to see souls saved. In its conception, the Salvation Army lived up to its name. It provided food, shelter and clothing to the destitute and its officers were in the “Lord’s Army” leading the “lost” to the Lord. A friendly reminder is that one is “lost” who has never trusted Christ to be their Sacrifice for sin and their Lord and Savior. Christ alone is the only way to eternal life and it is because of His death on the cross and His bodily resurrection that we have access to know Him intimately and as our Substitute. Because He died we can live for those trusting in Him.
Some of the younger officers employed with the Salvation Army were doing their best to win souls for Christ but with very little results. They wrote to their general at the national headquarters and asked him how he effortlessly saw scores come to the Savior. They asked his secret hoping to apply it in their personal lives. The General wrote back two words: “TRY TEARS.” Again, until we weep for lost souls we will never see the Harvest or “revival” we all say we want and need.
Friends, may we take our faith in Christ seriously. May we be about our “Father’s Business.” God had but one Son and He was an evangelist. The Bible is clear: “He that winneth souls is wise.” In sports circles, many believe “defense wins championships.” But in larger matters, I am convinced that “Offense builds the Kingdom.” As kids of the King, children of God and disciples of our Lord; may we die trying and live crying for the lost to be found in Christ before its eternally too late. No, we cannot reach everyone but each one can reach one. Souls are won - one at a time and for those of us in ministry, I rather be a “used car salesman” than a preacher who closes a sermon without inviting folks to trust Christ as Savior. Why? At least the salesman cares enough to ask you for the sale before you walk off his lot. Keep in mind, I am don’t evangelize because I am an evangelist but because Christ commands and compels all born-again believers to get off the sidelines and into the game for God’s glory. Evangelism is not a spectator sport but required for those whom call themselves saints. Evangelism is everything in ministry. When the Lord comes or calls us Home; may we all be busy “leading the lost to the Lord.”
The passing of Michael Jackson reminds me more than ever why I am an evangelist. This will not be a post to illuminate his mistakes (because that is God’s job and one has to look very little to find mine). However, it will touch briefly on his success and remind all the importance of salvation. Since childhood, he was an amazing presence, a tornado of talent and a combination of charisma and charm that the world has rarely seen.
From his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana to his massive mansions in California and around the Globe; this brother from another mother truly lived the “American Dream.” I have always said: “Those whom come the farthest tend to go the furthest.” Without question, his childhood was not normal, he had a parent that even in striving for perfection never brought the approval from his Father that he desperately desired. Michael’s life and death parallel the passing of Elvis Presley. Both died nearly broke, both died alone at home, both had personal doctors that did more to hurt them than help them. Both needed more of the Great Physician than a primary physician. Both became recluses due to their super stardom and what looked lovely initially became lonely eventually. Both despite world-wide acclaim, power and prestige and having the luxury of living near a local hospital; all human efforts were in vain when they needed saving the most. The irony is both gave so much joy and hope to multiplied millions but died alone.
Michael’s songs “ABC” and “Got To Be There” with the Jackson 5 endeared me to him and his brothers. Born in 1972, I was on the scene for almost of all his ride to super stardom. When his “Off the Wall” album came out he was really catapulted to another level but it was “Thriller” in 1982, that put him at number one for 37 consecutive weeks on the billboard charts and he was truly in a league of his own. My father, Frank Shelton, Sr in 1984, came home from work while employed with the United States Capitol Police and told me and my two siblings that he met Michael Jackson’s promoter during the day. He then had our attention. Dad then told us he gave Michael Jackson’s entourage a VIP tour of Congress and the U.S. Capitol Building. Our eyes were now as big as saucers. Michael’s agent asked my father if he wanted five tickets, dead center in the tenth row of their now lengendary “VICTORY” Tour at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. It was the first time that all the Jackson brothers were reuniting for a tour with Michael since disbanding. Dad, really had us in the palm of his hand now and then he said something that devastated us kids. He said: “My children would love to go to the concert but I have to honor a policy here with the police department that I cannot accept gifts while on the job. It was my honor to tour your distringuished group around the Capitol; but thanks for the gracious offer but we will not be able to attend this week’s concert.”
We almost died when Dad told us that. It was the talk of the town, that Michael Jackson was coming to town and we could have seen him but didn’t. So close, yet so far away. Looking back, Dad honored us by honoring his job and he taught me more by declining those golden tickets by honoring God and the Golden Rule. In 1990, I graduated from Thomas Stone High School and I had such a burden for Michael Jackson that I wrote a letter to NEVERLAND RANCH to his attention praying he would get it. In the letter, I congratulated him on his success and I shared with him that Jesus was the only way to Heaven. Despite my summer internships on Capitol Hill, that I loved and was so blessed to have; I wrote I was willing to forfeit that for the summer and work on his ranch as a hired helper. The Bible says: “The greatest among you are the servants” and I just knew that God would eventually enable me to cross paths with Michael and I daydreamed for months about sharing the love of Jesus with him praying he would accept Christ before it was eternally too late.
Early in life, God began to super-naturally and strategically place people in my life. The Lord gave me a hunger to see souls saved and I had a intense burden for all walks of life to know Christ as Savior. Celebrities always intrigued me but despite their amazing success I knew most resembled a hollow, chocolate Easter Bunny inside (they were empty). In 1991, I almost moved to Hollywood, CA with a desire to start a Bible study for celebrities. God showed me that the answers to life are not found in “Hollywood’s Stars” but “Heaven’s Son (Jesus)!”
This weeks funeral, no doubt will resemble his life - a media circus. One statement that has been repeated a zillion times in the first 24 hours of his passing is something that has haunted me and just doesn’t sit well in my stomach and soul. It has been said: “Michael is gone but his music will live on forever.” That cliche could be said at many funerals but the problem with that more than ever is the coming of the Lord Jesus is closer than ever before. Soon, Christ will split the Sky and “The King of ALL kings” will come in great power, majesty and splendor and retreive those that have followed and loved Him.
When CNN and FOX NEWS showed the helicopter taking the life-less body of the most dynamic entertainer of our generation; it reminded me immediately of OJ’s white surburban dodging cars on the Los Angeles Freeway like he did opponents as a running back in the NFL. It also reminded me of “Air Force One” carrying the remains of our former Commander in Chief, Ronald Reagan for his last flight to California. Much like when those white motorcade of Cadillac’s carried Elvis Presley down the Boulevard bearing his name en route to his final resting place. In case you forgot, death comes to us all. Michael despite his lavish customes, colorful clothes, captivating charisma and credentials, massive mansions and a name known around the Globe, when death called his number he was reduced to being hauled away in a plain, white ambulance. It has been said: “When God gets ready for you - you better be ready for Him.” Without question, Michael was a musical phenomenon and a marketing guru but the verse that danced through my head all day was the Scripture: “What would it profit a man to gain the WHOLE WORLD and LOSE HIS OWN SOUL.” God only knows the heart of Michael Jackson and I pray that the “King of Pop” had a relationship with the “King of Kings.” The world looks at the outside appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. Society craves “titles” but the Savior counts testimonies.
Respectfully, only what is done for Christ will last. The Bible says: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” When one slips into eternity the Bible is clear that purgatory is not an option. We are either “saved” or “lost.” Michael sang “You Are Not Alone” but tragically, one will be alone for those that die without faith in Jesus. All the gold albums, glittered glove and socks in the world cannot change things once our life is over. Today, my heart is heavy for the entire Jackson Family and they are one of the most gifted musical family’s of all time. Jermaine Jackson said on tv during his remarks: “May Allah always be with Michael.” Sadly, Allah will be no where to be found for those that put their trust in a false god. The answer is not in Allah but Almighty God. Not in Mohammed but the Mighty Messiah and Son of the Living God.
In closing, everyone talks about his “star” never fading. The Bible says in Daniel: “That those whom pointed people to a personal relationship with Jesus while shine forever and ever as the brightest stars.” That is the type of star I want to be. No longer, do I long for a “star” on a street but a shinning star that points people to the Son (who made the stars). No longer content with celebrating the creature but my Creator and Michael’s passing reminds me more than ever why evangelism is crucial, neccessary and needed like never before. For those that miss the Gates of Heaven, community with Christians and a eternal reservation with Jesus; trust me - NO ONE will remember the hit songs from today and yesterday. The Bible calls Hell a “place of torment, a bottom-less pit, a place of darkness, fire and wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Hell will be no joke and no party. We will be isolated, damned and can only concentrate on what “might have been” and could have been if one elected eternal salvation more than ephermal success. If we take one thing from the life of Michael Jackson is that we may take a long look at “The Man in the Mirror” and remember what really matters: Faith, Family, Friends and a Future because of Forgiveness found in God the Father.
This video was aired in mid 1990’s and I recall watching it “LIVE.” In front of 100,000 screaming fans he adorned a jet, power pack and literally “left the building” and flew out. Amazing! When he died this week, he was air lifted in a Los Angeles helicopter to the coroner’s office. The tragic truth is his soul had already been ushered into the Presence of Almighty God. The Bible notes: “To whom much is given, much is required.” God is not impressed with record sales but a relationship. Honestly, I am a fan of Michael’s music and he had a God given gift. Tragically, Michael never found acceptance from his earthly Father but my prayer is that he made peace with the Heavenly Father.
God bless Michael Jackson.
COWBOYS STADIUM - $1.1 Billion
It is always fun to visit Dallas, TX
. We just got home at midnight (last night) and I am feeling this morning like a muffler - EXHAUSTED. It was a wonderful trip and it was great reuniting with family and friends. Ruth’s brothers and sisters live in Irving (just outside of the old COWBOYS Stadium). Baby Andrew was a hit with everyone and he didn’t even cry on his first airplane flight - PRAISE THE LORD!While in town, we were blessed to attend the Inaugural event held at the brand new $1.1 Billion dollar COWBOYS STADIUM that Jerry Jones built. Over 100,000 folks showed up to attend the George Strait, Reba, Blake Shelton & Lee Ann Womack Concert! It was AWESOME and half way through George’s set he had Jerry Jones open the retractable roof and we enjoyed the rest of the show under the Texas stars. It was impressive to say the least.
Two things really hit me during the concert this past Saturday, in Texas while at the new stadium with my bride, Ruth. The TWO themes that kept coming to my mind were both SALVATION and SIMPLICITY. For those that know me, you realize I am not a “hater” but a helper. I try to celebrate other’s success as much as humanly possible. It has been said: “It is a small person who cannot celebrate the success of others without feeling threatened.” Sadly, many in ministry fail this test. Yes, the new COWBOYS STADIUM literally could be tapped the Ninth “Wonder of the World.” For brevity sake, I will talk about SALVATION on this post and “Simplicity” the next.
On one hand, my heart was happy for Jerry Jones to see his “baby” and dream become a reality. Hands down (even as a Redskins fan) I can attest that the new stadium is not only the nicest stadium in the NFL but arguably anywhere in the world. It boasts the largest HD TV in the world, largest roof in the world, largest square footage of any stadium in the world with now the most expensive price tag in the whole wide world. They always do things “BIG” in Texas. Very few human beings can enjoy the type of “success” that Jerry Jones has enjoyed personally and the Dallas Cowboys as an entity professionally. It has been said that the “STAR” in the middle of the field of that legendary team is now worth more than the New York Yankees.
In closing, the reason my heart was both happy and burdened is during the concert all I could think of was that verse: “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” This post is not to be harsh, jealous or even envious at another’s accomplishments. Quite the contrary (during the concert) and it was an indeed an honor to be present at this historic venue and incredible concert. However, as they would often show Jerry Jones on the massive jumbo tron (biggest in the world) I just kept praying privately to God that even Jerry would know Jesus as Savior (if he already doesn’t).
In life, one can be a “success in the world” and still a failure with the Lord. Success begins and ends with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Apparently, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, favorite line is “at the end of the day” during all of his press conferences. He repeats it so frequently that it has become a staple in his interviews and almost laughable by journalists because they mimmick him as he says it so often. However, if I may borrow his quote: “At the end of the day” the fact is we can have success, wealth and prestige and even, technological power but we are still bankrupt and skating on thin ice for those whom don’t know Jesus as Lord & Savior.
This Redskin fan would love to CHEER like never before for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the entire Dallas Cowboys to get “saved” before its eternally too late. Then and only then, will they really have “home field advantage” with God at the helm. Their logo of the Texas “Star” is known world-wide. Talk about “branding.” However, the answer in life is not found in their big, blue Star but the Son of God (Jesus) who bled red.
Go Cowboys and go God!
Stranded Starfish
On the beach, a retired senior citizen every day in the summer can be found collecting stranded starfish along the shoreline. For years, his routine consists of picking up the starfish and tossing them back into the sea. Day after day, month after month, year after year. A teenager on vacation with his parents one week watched four consecutive days as this man with nothing better to do was found tossing them in the ocean. On his last day of vacation, the teen took off his headset from his iPod and finally got the nerve and approached the senior with this question: “Mister, what are you doing? I have watched you the past week throw countless starfish into the ocean, what is your story?”
The senior replied: “Son, if I don’t throw these starfish back into the ocean by noon, the intense rays of the summer Sun will bake them on the beach and they will die.” The teen paused and opposed to being compassionate said: “Old man, there must be over a billion stranded starfish around the World and hundreds if not thousands of beaches around the Globe. Do you really think you are making a difference?”
With tears in his eyes, the senior picked up another stranded starfish and walked toward the teenager. He said: “Young man, you are absolutely correct. They’re millions of stranded starfish around the World and hundreds and hundreds of beaches around the Globe and no I cannot reach them all.” At that very moment the senior tossed the starfish as far as he could back into the sea and as it was twirling in mid air in a perfect spiral right before it hit the water he replied: “No, I cannot reach them all but to that stranded starfish I can assure you it will make ALL the difference!”
Friends, we cannot reach everyone with the match-less message of God’s Gospel but we can ALL reach someone and the ones that we reach will make ALL the difference! You will reach people I will never be able to reach. One preacher preached a great message called: “God needs your personality!” Your life and lips will touch people and can make a eternal difference when we tell them of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. The world needs Jesus! Each one of us can reach one for God’s Kingdom! If McDonald’s boasts that over 99 million burgers have been sold; too bad we as Christians and the Body of Christ don’t attempt to reach more souls for Heaven’s sake. It has been said: “Whatever we do for self will pass. What we did for Christ will last.”
Today, millions of stranded starfish souls are stuck in society’s sin-sick shore waiting for a caring Christian to pick them up, dust them off and toss them into our Savior’s saving sea. Will you care enough for their eternal fate to point them to Jesus?
Friend, do you know where your going when you die? Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and click below to learn more about how to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior http://www.frankshelton.com/mnjesus.htm