Knowing
Current mood: inspired
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Knowing

John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
NIV

I live in a "religious" community. In our city of 116,000 people we have 3 mainline denominational universities... McMurry (United Methodist), Hardin Simmons (Souther Baptist) and Abilene Christian (Church of Christ). What I have discovered after living here for 6 years is that a lot of people know "about" God, but far less actually "know" Him. It's one thing to have a head knowledge or cognitive understanding of God, but it's quite a different thing to really "know" him.


The New Testament word (Greek) for "Know" is Gnosko and it means to know by experience. In other words it goes beyond head knowledge to the place of experiential knowledge. I don't know you unless we experience life together. I may know about you, but I don't really know you unless we are "doing life" in a relationship. In the same way I cannot truly "know" God unless we are "doing life" together relationally i.e. I must experience Him to know Him.


Auther Henry Blackaby writes, "You will never be satisfied just to know about God. Really knowing God only comes through experience as He reveals Himself to you." Can you honestly say that you know God by experience? Has He revealed Himself to you by experience? Never forget that a real relationship is cultivated by "doing life" and enjoyed shared experiences together. Today, let Abba Father know that you want to know Him not just know about Him.


Much Love!
Pastor J
THS

Confession: "Good things always happen to me because I am a child of the Most High God and His F.
O.G. (Favor of God) surrounds me!"

2:49 PM - 100 Comments - 81 Kudos - Add Comment

Lost in Space
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Lost in Space



Luke 15:4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? NKJV

When I was a kid one of my favorite sci-fi TV shows was Lost in Space! I'm certain that I saw every episode produced. I connected with Will Robinson whose curiousity often got him into precarious and dangerous situations. But not to fear, his trusty robot was always close by, watching out for young Will. The words, "Danger Will Robinson!" will be forever etched in my memory.
Sometimes when the Holy Spirit is bringing a caution to me, He sounds like, "Danger Jim Pruitt! Danger, danger!" Haha!

The premise of the show is that the Robinson family along with the self-serving and cunning Mr. Smith were literally lost in space and were seeking to return to earth. Each show had as it's under lying premise the Robinson family's search for home. I know a lot of Christians that seem to "Lost in Space." They have for one reason or another lost their way. Sin, poor choices, a bad diagnosis, a pink slip at work, an affair, an accident or any number of set backs happened and they somehow lost their bearings as a Child of the Most High God.


Do you feel like you are "Lost in Space?" Have you lost your bearings? The good news is you don't have to remain "Lost in Space!" If you have lost your way home then just know that the Great Shepherd misses you and has NOT given up on you! He loves you so much that He will leave the 99 to come for you! He will not leave you "Lost in Space." Today, you will more than likely encounter others who are lost. They need help to find their way.
Will you be the one whom God uses to guide someone home? Don't allow those around you to remain "Lost in Space!" Have an amazing day!

Much Love!
Pastor J
THS

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A Mile in Our Shoes
Current mood: fabulous
Category: Religion and Philosophy

A Mile in My Shoes

Matt 7:1-5 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your broth
er's eye. NKJV

I'll never forget meeting with a prominent denominational leader in our area. Annette and I were so excited as we entered into his office. We were thrilled about the call of God on our lives to go back into full-time ministry. We had both gone through devastating divorces. We had gone through the shame, rejection, embarrasment and humiliation and had come through it all with our dignity and passion for life intact. We could'nt wait to meet with this man of God and spiritual leader to see what our options were for reentry into the ministry.

It was a bit intim
idating being in the presence of this man who was a leader over so many churches and people in the West TX region. We enthusiastically shared our stories of betrayal, abuse, rejection and pain and our subsequent remarriage and restoratio
n.

He remained quiet and patiently listened to us open our hearts. I will never forget his response. He leaned back in his chair and said, "Well, thanks for coming in today. You need to know that with your past you will never minister in the "Bible Belt" or here in the South. You will have to look for opportunities to minister in a more "unchurched" area, because people will not be able to handle what you've been throu
gh."

We have never felt more broken, rejected and humiliated than we did in the next few moments as we awkwardly stood and walked out of that man's office. Don't ever judge a person if you have never walked a mile in their shoes. That man did not know our hearts, our call, our commitment to the Lord Jesus, or what we had been through. Nor did he realize he had just made it that much more horri
fic.

Today, take notice of the people that God has put in your path. Be careful what you think about them, you haven't walked a mile their shoes.  God bless you as you "Leak Out" the Love and Grace of Jesus today.  Have an amazi
ng day!

Much Love!
Pastor J
THS

7:20 PM - 144 Comments - 114 Kudos - Add Comment

Storm Warning!
Current mood: inspired
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Storm Warning!

Matt 8:24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
  NIV

It's Spring in West Texas! I know this because we are beginning to see severe weather in our area. Happens every year. Most of the time it comes to nothing, but occasionally we hear the familiar "chirp" as the weather service issues a tornado warning. It can really strike fear in the hearts of people. Annette just called a few minutes ago to inform me we are under a tornado warning. I wasn't surprised because the clouds are black and dark green. They just have that "look." I could hear the anxiety in her voice during the call. Storms can do that.


All of us deal with storms at one level or another. The bad thing about storms is that they come... the good thing about storms is that they go. Unfortunatley we can sustain damage in the midst of a storm and after it has passed there is sometimes rebuilding and reconstruction that needs to happen. Are you in a storm right now? I don't mean like a literal bad weather situation. I'm talking about an emotional, spiritual or physical storm. Take heart, this too shall surely pass.


Looking back at our text from Matthew's Gospel, notice that although a dangerous storm came up on the little boat, Jesus was sleeping soundly down below... no fear here. Jesus simply woke up, stretched and then spoke to the storm. Three simple words, "Peace, be still." The good news for you is that Jesus is still in the business of speaking to storms... your storms! So, don't panic, melt down or freak out. Jesus is right there, in your boat.
Your boat is going to float! Don't forget to declare today, "Good things always happen to me!" Have an amazing day!

Much Love!
Pastor J
THS

8:58 PM - 97 Comments - 82 Kudos - Add Comment

Are You Just Makin’ It?
Current mood: giddy
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Just Makin' It?

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.  NKJV

I pastor a wonderful church! Annette and I have been at MSCC for almost 6 years. As in any church we've had our trials and our successes our tests and our victories. One of the things I love about the people of MSCC from our leadership to our regular attenders is that when we come together to praise, celebrate and worship together there is an atmosphere and attitude of overcoming! I have been around enough in my 24 years of ministry to know that not every church family has this "overcomer mentality."

Notice our text for today. John is literally saying that if you are "born again" i.e. a Christ Follower or Disciple of Jesus then you will overcome. Notice the key element to overcoming in the next phrase, "And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." You have a couple of choices here, you can have an attitude of, "Well, I'll do my best, after all I'm just makin' it." Or you can declare, "I am an overcomer because I am born of God and I walk by faith and not by sight!" Notice the difference between those two attitudes? If you don't, then please have someone check your pulse... you may not be alive! Haha!

I want to challenge you to continue to say, "Good things always happen to me!" Then add this tag, "...because according to God's word I overcome the world because I walk by faith and not by sight!" If you will get intentional about this declaration it will, as we say in West TX, "Jerk the slack out of your chain!" You're not just "going" to overcome... you "are" an overcomer! You're not just "makin' it" you're overcoming it! Have an amazing day!

Much Love!
Pastor J
THS

11:22 AM - 91 Comments - 82 Kudos - Add Comment

Smile!!
Current mood: happy
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Smile!

Job 29:24 When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it;
the light of my face was precious to them.  NIV


In 1988 there was a song that hit the airwaves and took pop radio by storm. It was by a singer/songwriter named Bobby McFerrin and the song was titled, "Don't Worry be Happy." It was corny, light, had a great hook and made everyone smile. It carried a message that everyone seemed to connect with. It was simple and it impacted culture. It's been a few years since I've even heard the song and yet it's catchy hook is still stuck in my head... I like it!

There is something powerful about a smile. Research shows two amazing things. One, it actually takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Two, when you smile your body releases hormones or endorphines that actually make you feel better. Hmmm... perhaps if we smiled more we would feel that much better! I'm liking the math on that one! Haha!

I love this verse in Job chapter 29! God smiled and when He did He actually radiated light! Wow! Now that should motivate someone to smile like Daddy! Turn on the light somebody! Here's the challenge for today... SMILE MORE! For some it's been so long since they have smiled they fear their face might crack, but give it your best shot! Smile, laugh, chuckle, bellow, hee haw... let er' rip!!! You've got plenty to smile about! God is still good and good things always come to us! I wish you could see me now... you guessed it... I'm smiling! Have an amazing day!

Much Love!
Pastor J
THS

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Home Towns
Current mood: enthralled
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Home Towns

Matthew 13:54
He returned to Nazareth, his hometown.  When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?" NKJV



Annette, Rachel and I took a little 2 day trip on Fri-Sat to Lubbock, TX, my home town. We visited my family and had a wonderful time driving through the community where we met and where I grew up. It can feel a little odd driving by places where you have made "history." We found ourselves saying things like, "I can't believe they went out of business!" Or, "I can't believe they are still in business!" Haha! It was a great time of reminiscing and sharing memories. It was centering and refreshing.


I saw three of the churches where the foundations of my faith were forged in discipleship and ministry. Bacon Heights Baptist, Southcrest Baptist and Trinity Church. I was reminded of the many spiritual markers in my journey of faith, bible studies, internships, individuals who mentored me, worship leaders that impacted me and pastors that discipled me... pure joy! Out of that I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude to God for His goodness and His hand on my life.


Today, take a moment to travel back down your spiritual path. Pause and give thanks for the many moments and people that have marked your growth in Christ. Remember and give thanks for those who mentored and discipled you.  Pray for those Churches that God has used to shape and define your journey of faith.  Remember, laugh and if need by... cry.
  Have an amazing day and enjoy the stroll down memory lane!

Much Love!
Pastor J
THS

7:35 PM - 86 Comments - 79 Kudos - Add Comment

Stalked!
Current mood: blissful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Stalked!

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
NKJV

Have you ever had the feeling or sense that you were being stalked? Like someone or something is pursuing, following or chasing you? Brace yourself... IT’s TRUE!!! There are two characters that are stalking you even as you read this... they are "Goodness" and "Mercy!"

The word for "Goodness" literally means "good things
." In other word "good things" are coming after you for the rest of your life! Wow! That is ridiculously exciting news! In like manner the word for "Mercy" means "favor, kindness and steadfast love!" Wow again! That is more ridiculously good news!

If I’m going to be stalked the rest of my life I want these two characters, Goodness and Mercy
, pursuing me! I’ve been practicing something lately and it is a simple way to remind myself of this very scripture promise. I have been saying to myself throughout every day, "Good things always happen to me!"

I’ll change it up and add different tags to it like this, "Good things always happen to me because God’s goodness and mercy are pursuing me... because I’m a child of the most high God... because my Abba loves me... because God’s favor surrounds me like a shield..." The list goes on and on!

Add your own scriptural tag line to it! Keep it biblical here... we don’t want to get into any P.M.A. New Age mumbo jumbo! Haha! I’m talking about making a solid biblical confession to encourage yourself in the Lord! Now... give it a try... Loud and proud now!

Much Love!
Pastor J
MSCC

6:24 AM - 101 Comments - 92 Kudos - Add Comment

Tested!
Current mood: rockin
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Tested

Deut 30:19
...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.

I’ll never forget these words, "All right students, put your books away, take out a sheet of paper and number it from one to ten!" All of us knew that tone... it was the dreaded "Pop Quiz!" There was a collective groan from the whole class in that moment. Fear, panic and anxiety filled the atmosphere along with the sound of books being put away and paper being torn out of spiral notebooks. It was ground zero and our ability for recall was about to be put to the test.


On the other hand, how would you feel about a "Pop Quiz" where you were given the question and then the answer in the same sentence? Yes, that’s right! You get a question, then you are given the answer and all you have to do is answer the question! Doesn’t sound too difficult does it? You wouldn’t think so, but I watch people fail this "Pop Quiz" daily.


Here’s the question, "Would you rather life or death?" Here’s the answer, "Choose life and you and your kids will live." Doesn’t sound too hard does it? Yet... many people insist on choosing death instead of life! Hard to believe isn’t it?

I have a question for you today, "Would you rather enjoy life or embrace death?" Now, here’s the answer, "Choose life!" What will you do today? Here’s what "Life" looks like; walking in step with the Spirit (Gal 5), leaking out the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control - it might look like you giving hope to a co-worker or encouragement to a spouse or friend in the name of Jesus. Whatever it looks like I think we can agree on this answer... it brings LIFE to everyone! Pass your "Pop Quiz" today, because tomorrow there will be another one!

NOTE:  I want to thank my good friend Pastor Howie for inspiring this eVotional with his wonderful blog titled, "I HATE Tests!"  Thanks PH!

Much Love!
Pastor J
MSCC

7:41 PM - 106 Comments - 80 Kudos - Add Comment

Habits
Current mood: amused
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Habits

1 Cor 7:23-24 All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. So please don’t, out of old habit, slip back into being or doing what everyone else tells you. Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side. (The Message)


If you are anything like me, you’re a creature of habit. Most of us tend to fall into routines that are repititious and familiar. When I wake up I throw on an old sweatshirt, not just any sweatshirt! This one has been washed so many times that it is as soft as a baby’s behind! Haha! Next I head for the coffee maker. I make my coffee the same every morning. The rest of the morning is the same. I value my routine. It’s comforting. It’s a habit.


There are other habits in our lives that are also familiar and routine, but they are destructive and dangerous. I’ve heard this over the years and it seems to bear out, that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. Three weeks to establish a routine. That’s 504 hours to develop a behavior pattern.
Are there habits that you find yourself struggling to overcome? Are there behaviors that continue to set you back and keep you from walking in victory?

When I am counseling or discipling I often say, "You know if it’s a mile swim out to an island, chances are it’s a mile swim back." In other words you did not get into that habit or "besetting sin" in one moment. It took time to get where you are and you need to give God time to orchestrate the process and coordinate the events that will lead to your freedom. Occasionally God will "deliver" a person in a moment in time and that’s a wonderful thing! But that’s more the exception than the rule.


Would you be willing to commit to the process of retraining your negative habitual behavior into that which would please God, give you confidence and be a witness to those who know you? God is waiting on you. He won’t force you to change, but he will take a willing heart and an obedient attitude and start you down the road to developing healthy habits.
Pray right now and confess those besetting sin habits and tell Abba Father that you are ready to swim the mile back to the shore of freedom, safety and life! Then jump in the water and begin to swim knowing that God is with you!

Much Love!
Pastor J
MSCC

9:28 PM - 65 Comments - 57 Kudos - Add Comment