Truth is timeless

Monday, September 7th, 2009
I stand amazed at how true Solomon's words are.  Everything just repeats (Eccl 1:9).  Each generation seems to make the same mistakes.  Few ever learn from the past, as they will not listen to those who go before them. If they would just learn, they could go far beyond anything their predecessors had ever accomplished.  I see a new generation of young pastors around the world  proclaiming they must reach their generation, so move out of the way all you who come before us, it is our day! I just smile and remember the "Joshua" generation sermons that young preachers preached in my youth. I never joined that chorus as it seemed then (and now) that all they want is someone to pay their bills, and they want the "stage."  We must encourage the pastors in their 40-60's to not give up. These should be the greatest, most productive days in their lives and ministries, but instead they are dropping out by the scores. They have the knowledge, wisdom, and scars to lead and to train a new generation that will follow them. They must resist the discouragement brought on by the "prodigals"  and the "Peter Pans" in the modern church world. They must lead!!

 Contrary to modern myth, seasoned pastors are not "irrelevant." We only become irrelevant if our teaching is devoid of the word and based on modern culture, slogans and marketing. These "fad" teachings do have a very short "shelf life." When we live the word and teach the word , truth is timeless and relevant to all ages and societies.

A Love for the Presence.

Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Multiple services in a local church, once rare, are now common.  I see a great deal of discussion regarding the practical aspects of doing this, but little on what it really takes. It really takes a Pastor and Pastoral staff that love the Presence of God. You cannot  participate in 5  or 6 services a week and really worship, pray and minister properly if you do not enjoy the Presence of God.  Without a love for the Presence it becomes routine and common. Next a disrespect for God will enter and then the end is sealed. The life of a Pastor is completely about His walk with God A Love for the Presence. A Love for the Presence. A Love for the Presence.

The Basics We Believe

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
  Last October, Dr. Cho looked at all of us in a board lunch and said, "You all need to preach healing more and stronger." Every one of us in the room believes in healing, have received miracles of healing and preaches healing. I smiled as I came to understand what he meant. We grow so comfortable with the truth that we walk in that we no longer preach it as strong as is needed for the new ones to also learn it. The basic truths of Salvation, The Holy Spirt,  prayer , healing, etc., need to be emphasized to the new generation. The basics are still the foundation stones that everyone must build upon.

A Pastor’s Life

Monday, February 9th, 2009
I preached the funeral of an old friend a few weeks ago, Ptr. Noli Cadalina.  It was such a surprise to see him called to heaven ahead of us. He was my student and friend for many years.  His laughter and corny jokes will be missed. He built a great church and loved souls. He had faith and was never afraid to follow God.  I was again reminded how different a pastor’s life is than that of a businessman. Here he spent his life building God’s house instead of a business for his family and now in death how easy it would be for his family to be forgotten and nothing for his children.  I was so proud of our pastors stepping up to make sure his kids all finish college.