Vision 2021 - Nehemiah's Strategy for Rebuilding

 

Last Sunday, I used the story of Nehemiah to cast the 2021 vision for our church. Nehemiah saw the need and motivated the people to “rebuild.”  Rebuilding is exactly what pastors and local churches will be doing in 2021.  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges and difficulties to the Church world-wide; BUT God is faithful and will reward the efforts of HIS people.

Consider the story of Nehemiah as an example for rebuilding in 2021.

 First, Nehemiah went to the people & was moved with compassion (1:2-4).  We cannot know the personal needs of people, unless we spend time with them. In the post-COVID era, pastors will find it essential to move away from the CEO model and return to a pastoral care model.  The pandemic has left people anxious, with both general and spiritual questions. In a time of uncertainty, people need stability and pastors (and all believers) have a great opportunity to meet this need.

Second, Nehemiah went to God in prayer seeking direction and blessing (1:4-11). Too often, we act first then pray later. Nehemiah took time to seek God’s heart, before he started. Too often, ministries and ministers find themselves in trouble because they did not seek the Lord. In a rush to meet physical needs, spiritual needs are often overlooked. With God’s help and guidance, we can make an eternal impact, rather than just a temporary one.

Third, Nehemiah went to the King (his boss) for help with the mission (2:1-3). His testimony and relationship with the King made it possible for him to ask his employer for help and to receive even more than he asked for. Christians should always be the hardest working, most ethical and most reliable employees! I guarantee you that others are watching.

Fourth, Nehemiah went to the local authorities where he encountered opposition (2:9-10). Jews have always been a target for the opposition and now Christian churches are experiencing some of that same resistance and opposition.  Our local & state leaders here in South Florida have been wonderful to work with and they have been very supportive of the faith community.  Other states & countries have not experienced such good leadership, so we need to keep them in prayer.

Fifth, Nehemiah went back to the drawing board (Chap 3).  COVID-19 has caused ministries to evaluate budgets and spending. It has also caused churches to evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency.  As a result of the pandemic, ministries are reshaping their organization chart and restructuring for success.  Many ministry teams are being down-sized and dead limbs are being pruned.  Lazy preachers (a pet peeve of mine) will be applying to work at local retailers, rather than living lazily from the financial gifts of God’s people.  Many ministries will be restructuring and adding new positions to meet the needs of online audiences and creative teams to help recreate the “look” of the church in a post-COVID era.  Thank God that the Gospel is once again the focal point for most churches!

Finally, Nehemiah went for deeper commitment and got people personally involved (3:23-24). Nehemiah assigned people the task of rebuilding the section of wall nearest their homes. Nehemiah knew that people work best when they are personally invested. Over the last 30 years, the Church has lost its moorings. We forgot that we don’t go to church… we are the church!  We are engaged in a spiritual war and we must put on the armor of God, just as those building the wall worked with a sword near their side. Christianity is not about comfort… it is about commitment!

I see the Church of 2021 returning to its God-given mission. Here at Grace we have and will continue to Exalt the Lord… to Equip the saints (Eph. 4:12)… and to Evangelize the world.  The souls of men are hanging in the balance and the day of Christ’s return has never been closer!

As I close, please realize that I do NOT believe a magical switch will be flipped at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2021 and Coronavirus, racism, rioting, political differences, and the other nonsense of 2020 will magically disappear. I do, however, believe that 2021 will bring great opportunities to advance the Gospel and will be a great year to do ministry! I hope you will join me and let’s do all we can to IMPACT ETERNITY in 2021.

 

Nov.-Dec. Celebration & Praise Report

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! While so many people set their focus on the difficulties of 2020, it takes only a little effort to see God’s blessings. The blessings have been flowing here at Grace Church and Highlands Christian Academy, so we felt it would be good to share some of them with you. As you read the items below, take a moment to thank God for continuing to use this ministry as a funnel of blessing to serve our church & school families, as well as, our surrounding communities.

I’ll start by listing the blessings chronologically, BUT the biggest blessings are found toward the end – so don’t stop reading…

1. On November 1, we were blessed to welcome our new Youth Pastor, Craig Stephens. Craig & Shannon are both native Floridians, have family in Davie & Cooper City, and they both love and understand the SoFlo culture. Craig has 10 years of ministry experience and is already connecting well with our students.
   
   
2. Another November blessing was to see our church family engage in Operation Christmas Child in spite of COVID-19. The Grace & Highlands family packed a total of 1277 shoeboxes this year, and hats-off to our Brazilian Ministry which packed 300 shoeboxes! They held yard sales to help raise money for supplies and to cover the shipping costs. Thank you, Pastor Alex, for your leadership! We also want to thank Cami Peek for her continued leadership and passion for the OCC ministry. Finally, thank you to all of our volunteers, as we could not have done it without you!
   
   
3. In November, the long-awaited S.T.E.M. building was complete and the Certificate of Occupancy granted. If you have not seen it, look for Building “H,” just west of the gym.
   
   
4. In Nov. & Dec., our Grace family has been blessed to celebrate 3 baby dedications! Continue to pray for the Seagrave’s, Taylor’s and Ingraham’s. Thank God for continuing to bring young families into our church and filling our nursery!
   
   
5. December has looked a little different this year. We’ve missed the BIG school Christmas programs, but our HCA Band and Choir did kick-off the Christmas season on Sunday, Dec. 6. The concert was a way to highlight the students and a great way to invite HCA families to hear the Gospel. Grace Church is thankful to God for allowing us the blessing of having a Christian School as part of our ministry!
   
   
6. December 10 was the 3^rd anniversary of our service in Kreyòl (Creole). The Haitian ministry was very strong pre-COVID, and the weekly attendance continues to increase and move back toward normal. Pray for this wonderful ministry and join me in thanking God for bringing Pastor Jean-Marc Desire’ to us!
   
   
7. The Grace Spanish Ministry continues to flourish and is the only service back to pre-COVID attendance numbers. Pastor Samuel is excited about the renovations that will soon begin in the Upper Room and he continues to take a group to help feed the homeless on the last Saturday of each month at The Lord’s Gift House, and everyone is invited to join in.
   
   
8. The biggest blessings of all have been the salvation decisions! We have seen people saved in every language service here at Grace during Nov. & Dec. In addition, Coach Pridemore informed me that 4 of his HCA basketball players placed their faith in Jesus! In chapel, 6 students were saved recently when our SCORE missionary, John Zoeller, spoke to our students. Mr. Smith shared in Prayer Meeting of a young lady who was saved. Finally, we received a letter in the mail from a lady named Ivory, telling us that she placed her faith in Jesus after reading a Gospel tract that had Grace’s contact information on it.
   
   
9. There have also been other spiritual decisions, including baptisms in the English, Spanish and Portuguese services; as well as, 2 new church members from the Brazilian ministry and 15 new members in the English services.
   
   
10. Finally, we have been blessed to be meeting in-person since May. Thanks to all who have put their personal preferences aside and complied with the COVID-19 safety precautions for the sake of others. Making people feel safe & comfortable is a key in helping to get people back into our services.
    

We are so blessed and say “thank you” for the continued, faithful support of our members, attendees and those joining us online. Your financial gifts made possible the blessings you just read about and your investment has impacted eternity! Thank you for your faithfulness.

Yes… 2020 has brought new challenges and a world-wide pandemic; but as Ed Stetzer stated, “The moment we are in does not pause the mission we are on.”  Join us in asking God to use the ministries of Grace & Highlands in ways beyond what we can even imagine in 2021.

The Faithfulness of God

"Great is Thy Faithfulness," "Your Love Never Fails," "Faithful One," "What a Faithful God," "He is Faithful" are just a few of the many, many songs about God's faithfulness. We sing them, but do we really stop to ponder them. When things are good, we quickly close our eyes and raise our hands as we tout God's faithfulness; but what about in the valley? Do we sing about God's faithfulness when life seemingly turns on us... when we are faced with a pandemic, lose a job, are betrayed by a friend, hit rock bottom, receive a poor diagnosis, or any of thousands of other issues that people encounter each day? The truth is that God IS faithful and His promises are everlasting. It's so easy to walk away from a church, to turn our back on God, or to return to our old ways when things don't go our way; but remember that God is faithful. Remember that HE promised never to leave us, nor forsake us. I'm reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." What a great reminder that God is still in control, He is present with us, and He has a plan for each of us.

One of my favorite hymn stories is associated with the hymn "It is Well With My Soul." Horatio Spafford penned the words to this hymn after several traumatic events in his life. Spafford was a very successful lawyer who had made substantial real estate investments in Chicago. The first tragedy was the death of his two year old, followed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of his real estate and ruined him financially. In 1873, he planned a boat trip to Europe for a much needed vacation with his wife and four daughters. Spafford sent the family ahead while he stayed behind to finish some last minute business. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after colliding with another vessel and all four of Spafford's daughters died. Only his wife, Anna, survived and sent him a telegram, "Saved alone …". Shortly thereafter, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to pen the words to "It is Well With My Soul" as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

We will all encounter difficulties in this life... in fact, Jesus predicted it in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It is in the times of danger that the chicks run to gather under the mother hen's wings. Likewise, it is in life's difficulties that we are drawn back into the arms of our Heavenly Father. So, whatever comes your way, remember that God is faithful! You can count on Him to fulfill the dreams and the plan He has for you!

I Don't Want to Go Back to Pre-COVID "Normal"

Following is a letter I wrote to our 90+ church/school employees that I wanted to share with our Church family (and beyond).  Let's see COVID-19 as a great opportunity to move forward, not backward.

COVID-19 caught the world by surprise and resulted in death and destruction globally.  The closing of businesses, mandated quarantines and shortage of toilet paper wreaked havoc, created anxiety and increased depression.  Like so many others, I have found myself occasionally on the roller coaster of emotions; until I embraced the perspective that God is still in control and “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Believing that God is completely in control, I have to tell you how excited I am about the opportunities COVID-19 is giving our church & school ministry. While some are discouraged, I am truly giddy over this God-given opportunity for enhancement and improvement. I see COVID-19 as an opportunity to hit the “reset” button across this ministry. God is giving us a blank canvas or clean slate by which to throw-off the old and embrace new ideas for effectively reaching and impacting people with the Gospel. 

I often hear people say they want to “return to normal,” but let me remind you what pre-COVID “normal” looked like: 

• In January 2018, Thom Rainer – CEO of LifeWay Resources stated – “Between 6,000 and 10,000 churches in the U.S. are dying each year. That means around 100-200 churches will close this week. The pace will accelerate unless our congregations make some dramatic changes.”
• In April 2019, Jeffrey M. Jones with Gallup reported that church membership in America has declined 20% since 1999.
• In Monroe, Dade & Broward counties, multiple Christian schools closed and enrollment was declining in many others.

Wanting to go back to that “normal” is like wanting to go back to the “good ol’ days” of no electricity; no indoor plumbing; a lack of education in the 1940’s; violence of the 1950’s; sex, drugs & rock-n-roll of the 1960’s; the energy crisis of the 1970’s; the recession of the 1980’s; and so on. It’s like the Israelites wanting to return to Egypt. Too often, we only remember the good things, the comfortable things and we forget the rest. 

So, rather than looking backward, I want to ask you to join me in focusing on the future.  Will you dream with me?  Will you have the courage to launch out as Abram did, not knowing where he was going; but trusting God to lead him?  Will you trust God’s plans for you as Jeremiah described them, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Will you pray the prayer of Jabez, asking God to “…bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory…”?

Returning to “normal” is merely going back to what is comfortable, to a place you have already been, and to things you have already done. I hope that you, like me, want to see God do something new and miraculous through Grace & Highlands in the days ahead.

I am inviting you to trust God and see if COVID-19 is the start of something fresh and new!  Be encouraged by Isaiah 43:19 – “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Our senior staff is meeting weekly to evaluate and dream about the future of our church and school ministry. I will be meeting with Department Heads in the weeks ahead to hear the vision God is giving them regarding how to reach and minister to those He has placed in their care. All employees are invited to share ideas with me via email or come by and let’s discuss them. I also ask everyone to pray… pray… pray!  We want to hear God’s heart and follow His leading.  I am claiming the promise of Psalm 37:23 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…”

I am truly excited about the opportunities that this season of COVID-19 will present us moving forward… although I am also looking forward to the day it passes and we can enjoy whatever the “new normal" might be. :)

The Church - Post-Pandemic

Here at Grace Church in Pompano Beach, FL we are searching and praying for God’s direction regarding how to grow this local church in the post-pandemic world. Some estimate that 20% of the world's churches that existed pre-COVID will close as a result of the pandemic. Some estimate that church attendance will never be what it was pre-COVID. Most agree that church giving will see somewhere around a 20% average decrease.  Certainly there will be some changes and “yes” the church will look different, BUT I am trusting that God knows exactly how to build and bless HIS Church, regardless of the difficulties.

When you look back through history, you see that the early church faced many hardships and extreme opposition from the Jewish establishment, as well as, the Roman empire. That persecution drove the Church at Jerusalem to scatter, thus resulting in the Gospel being carried around the world. History records Christ-followers beheaded and tortured as martyrs for their faith. For centuries, missionaries have sacrificed their lives to share the Gospel with unreached people groups. Many believers have and continue to risk their lives meeting in underground churches, while others are being killed under the guise of ethnic cleansing. When the world was not busy opposing the Church, denominations launched attacks against one another leading to persecution and sectarian violence. The truth is that the Church has faced opposition and hardship since her inception, but God has always protected HIS Church.  Historically, the Church has flourished in the face of adversity and I believe it is going to happen, again!

Strength and unity are often the result of hardship. No doubt that this pandemic has presented a great hardship for the Church around the world. In a post-COVID world, the result may be that churches will return to being laser-focused on their purpose for existence. Seeker-sensitive will be replaced by disciple-driven strategies. Attractional methods of church growth will be replaced by a return to one-on-one evangelism. Theatrical performances and Sunday sermonettes will be replaced by authentic worship, powerful sermons and strategic disciple-making. The vertical church or Sunday experience will be replaced by the horizontal church, made-up of various teaching opportunities all week long. Online church experiences are here to stay and must be embraced.  Sadly, physical attendance will probably be seen as optional for many, but the fellowship of saints gathering in worship will grow sweeter and sweeter. The rush to end services "on-time" so people can get to the restaurants will be replaced by saints hanging-out and savoring their time together.  These are just a few of the changes I see coming and I believe there will be many, many more... and not all bad.

So, let me encourage you not to be overcome by changes resulting from COVID-19. Instead, be encouraged. I believe these changes can be opportunities for the post-pandemic church to flourish. The fluff and fillers that many have relied on to draw crowds and the shows that have lined the pockets of far too many false prophets, will be replaced by people seeking to dig deeper and find real meaning in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Change is not always a bad thing, and in this case, it could be one of the greatest things that helps bring the Church back to what God designed her to be.

Remembering 9/11 & Prayer for Our Nation

 

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001?  I remember it like it happened yesterday. I was in my office at Grace Fellowship Church in West Palm Beach, FL and heard a lady named MaryAnn running down the hall and shouting, “A plane just hit the World Trade Center.” People left their offices and gathered in front of the TV located in our preschool courtyard to watch the reports and witness the next plane hitting the second of the twin towers. Then came the report of the plane hitting the Pentagon… then of United flight #93 crash landing in the field.  We knew that our nation was under attack!  A sense of panic could be seen on the faces of those present. It was not long, before parents arrived to pull their children out of school, just to hold them close and retreat to the safety of their home. Fear was moving quickly across our nation.

I remember in the days immediately following the attack that patriotism was at an all-time high. American flags could be seen flying on houses, businesses, vehicles and almost anywhere they could be mounted. Demand was high and it was difficult to find an American flag in any store -- and God help the person who would dare to disrespect our flag in public! Red, white and blue colors were seen everywhere and on everything. When the National Anthem was played, it was as though every American would stand tall, puff out his chest and feel that sense of being proud to be an American.  Americans laid aside their differences and stood united against the cowardly enemy that had attacked our great nation. The enemy did not attack white lives, black lives, brown lives, Republicans or Democrats; they attacked the United States of America!

In the weeks that followed the attack, churches were full of people seeking answers and comfort to the senseless attacks.  The recruiting offices were full of people enlisting to defend our freedoms. Patriotic songs were being written, patriotic concerts were being sponsored, people were hailing the first responders (including police) as heroes, and funds were being raised for the families of the victims. There was a spirit of unity and patriotism like I had never witnessed in my lifetime.

Today, we remember the 19^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks; but what a difference nineteen years can make!  Today, patriotism seems at an all-time low, our flag is being burned, overpaid athletes kneel during our National Anthem, the NFL promotes segregation by playing 2 national anthems; the divide of racism is growing wider by the day; anarchist thugs are rioting, looting and murdering;  politics are fueling hatred (both parties); and our nation is more divided than I could have ever imagined.  

The United States of America is not black, white, brown, blue, red or any other color – it includes people of every color! America is a nation of diversity. That diversity includes skin colors, languages, ethnicities, nationalities, political parties and so much more. We are not a 3^rd world nation nor a Communist regime that makes changes through coups, revolutions, anarchy or any other primitive means. We are a sophisticated nation with rules, laws and a proven political system that gives each citizen a voice/vote in the direction of our nation.

Today, America finds herself in a much different place than we were on the weeks after 9.11.01, but the of strife and disunity did not happen overnight. Many college professors have been indoctrinating students with Marxism for decades. Many educators have been rewriting history to suit their slant or agenda. Pro-death groups have devalued the sanctity of human life from the womb to the tomb. Helicopter parents have proclaimed their children perfect and have embraced the art of blame shifting. Authorities have been deemed evil and unworthy of respect. The welfare system has created the socialist distribution mentality. People now choose to sue, rather than resolve. The point is that we are simply reaping what we have been sowing for decades and our country is at a point of crisis.

So what is the answer? I suggest there are two, 1) the American Church must humble itself, pray, seek God’s face and turn from her wicked way (2 Chronicles 7:14). Only God can bring peace to our nation, as no political party is going to make that happen. 2) Americans must stop fighting over differences, find unity in our diversity, and rekindle our national pride. The United States of America is still the greatest nation on earth, as proven by those who sacrifice everything to come here.

Today, let us take a few moments to remember the victims, families and heroes of September 11, 2001. Let us also take a few minutes to pray for our nation, citizens, leaders and future.

God bless America!

Choosing to Find Joy in Your Circumstances

In the midst of the world’s chaos, I sensed God’s leading to preach expositionally through the Book of Philippians, also known as the Epistle of Joy.  The title of the sermon series is, “Finding Joy in Your Circumstances.” I have preached through Philippians before; but this time through, the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment and intentional CHOICE to encourage others through his suffering, has been jumping off the pages! Paul made it clear that he desired to go to Rome in...

Acts 19:21 – “…after I have been there (Jerusalem), I must also see Rome.”

Romans 1:15 – “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”

BUT when Paul finally arrived in Rome, it was not the way he planned. Paul desired to preach to the Romans, but instead he was there as a prisoner.   

Just imagine if this would have occurred in today’s world and Paul was the average "Christian"... he probably would have tried to solicit sympathy when things did not go his way.  He may have attempted to divide his church by sending a letter to the members or by making phone calls in an effort to win people to his side. No doubt that today, a disgruntled “Christian” would be posting his grievance on social media or publishing a book in an effort to polish his halo, while attempting to tarnish someone else’s.  He may have even started a "gofundme" account to support his cause. Well, those things might happen with today's average “Christian," but never with the Apostle Paul.

Paul’s spiritual maturity and single-minded focus on Christ, gave him a different perspective. Paul loved God and His Church too much to cause division in the Body of Christ... even in the midst of his suffering.  Certainly, Paul suffered far more than most of us ever will and a summary of Paul’s sufferings can be found in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. In spite of the difficulties, he refused to give place to Satan! Instead, Paul simply summarized all of his sufferings in one sentence, “…the things which happened to me…”

He realized that life was not about him and he trusted that whatever came his way was part of God’s plan. Rather than bellyaching or trashing others, Paul CHOSE to praise God for his circumstances and to minister through them.  The Book of Philippians is a letter written to a church that Paul started just over a decade earlier. Rather than asking those people to feel sorry for him, the Apostle Paul CHOSE to edify and encourage those Philippian believers -- even from his prison cell. He thanked them for their generosity, he encouraged them to endure suffering, he warned them against false teachers who preached heresy, and he told two feuding women to “knock it off.”  Even during his time of suffering, Paul’s CHOICES proved that he trusted God with his circumstances.

Two of my favorite verses are found in Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Could it be that someone reading this devotion needs to stop looking backwards, forget what happened in the past, and press toward the bright future that God desires?  To look backwards, to blame others, to seek revenge and to allow bitterness -- is a CHOICE -- and not a good one. To thank God for the trials, to trust that HE is working through them, and to seek what God has in store for your future is a much BETTER CHOICE!

So, which CHOICE will you make today? What hurt, offense, or event do you need to forget, to let go of, and to leave it in the past? Maybe a divorce, bankruptcy, job loss, neighborhood squabble, coach that that cut you from the team, best friend who double-crossed you, church quarrel or one of many other possibilities. Looking backward is like making a CHOICE to be locked inside the prison of your own making. Today, CHOOSE JOY – let go of the past, fix your eyes on Jesus and pursue the plans God has for you! 

Let’s CHOOSE joy in spite of our circumstances and let the light of the Gospel shine for all the world to see!

Knocking Down Sandcastles to build the Kingdom

A few weeks ago, my wife and I had the privilege of spending a couple of days on New Smyrna Beach, which is one of our favorite beaches. NSB still has the “old Florida” feel, as people drive their cars onto the sand and it does not get too crowded. The very gradual descent of the sand makes for shallow water and a large beach area when the tide goes out. 

Flora and I enjoy getting up early to walk and we certainly enjoy a walk on the beach at sunrise. In the mornings, the beach sand is smooth and beautiful after having been groomed overnight by the rising tide. On the pristine surface of the sand, beach-goers can easily spot sea shells and watch the crabs scurry to and from their holes.That smooth surface does not last for long! 

As the day progresses, you see parents digging holes in the sand with their children; you see siblings burying each other up to the neck; and we even saw one man who dug a hole deep enough and wide enough to set his entire beach chair into. Through the day, you also notice many sandcastles being built up and down the shoreline. Some are elaborate sand sculptures, but most are just simple sandcastles. As you can imagine, wherever there are sandcastles, there is usually “that kid” who enjoys demolishing every sand sculpture he can leap onto! By the end of the day, the sand that was pristine in the morning has been littered with holes, as well as, the remains of many conquered sandcastles. 

I’ve noticed that Churches are often filled with figurative "sandcastles." Too often, good and well-meaning people will build castles within the church. No one does this intentionally; but over time "sandcastles" are built, the boundaries are defined, the walls are fortified, and personal kingdoms are established. The once beautiful church that used to be unified and focused on Jesus, slowly begins to take her eyes off of Jesus. Frequently, God will have to topple the sandcastles in order to restore beauty to the church -- just as the nightly tidal waves do to the shoreline. The process is painful, as the churning waters break the shells, carry off the debris and levels the sand; but the end result is that beauty is restored.

As I look at the year 2020 and COVID-19, I have to stop to wonder if God is using this pandemic to tear-down a few personal sandcastles within the churches across our nation. A paraphrase of Romans 8:28 says that not all things are good, but God can work good from all things. Maybe through this pandemic, God is hitting the "reset" button for the Church and restoring her beauty. Maybe pastors will return to the basics of evangelism and discipleship. Maybe church members will turn their eyes toward reaching the lost in their communities. Maybe the stains of sin will be removed and the light of the Gospel will shine through God's Church once again! 

Having the right perspective can make all the difference, so I ask you to consider that while many are fearing the pandemic, will you consider that God could be using it to revive His Church! It could be that in order to build His Kingdom, God had to remove some personal kingdoms (sandcastles) that were stifling local churches. It could be that by shifting our focus away from Sunday crowds & attendance numbers, pastors will return their focus toward ministering to individuals & making disciples. No doubt that the Church will look different post-COVID, but that it will most likely look more like God originally intended for it to look. It could be that through the pounding and churning of the 2020 "waves" that God is restoring the beauty of His Church.

So, let’s pray that God will allow us to see the current events through His eyes and to walk by faith rather than sight. Let's pray that the uncertainties of this world will cause us to yearn for heaven and become more passionate about telling others of the hope found in Jesus Christ. Rather than being distraught over the current circumstances, let's get excited about the new possibilities that God may have in store for HIS Church!

"Perception is Reality" is a Very Foolish Statement

How many times have you heard someone say "perception is reality?" The fact is that "perception" is merely a lens through which we see the world, ourselves and others; BUT "reality" is the true state of things. The statement "perception is reality" is just NOT true and is actually very foolish! Truth is truth, no matter what one's perception may be!

Consider a few examples: A building may be perceived as structurally sound; but in reality, it may have a weak foundation. A sports car may be perceived as fast, but what if there were no engine under the hood? A stone may be perceived as a diamond, but it may be a cubic zirconia. Handguns are often perceived to empty, but there is often a round in the chamber. On April 10, 1912, the Titanic was perceived to be unsinkable; but on April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank! A person may be perceived as religious, but his heart may be wicked. There is no question that perception is NOT always the reality, unless the truth has been properly perceived.

Consider these biblical illustrations: Perception initially kept the Israelites from conquering the Promised Land, because they didn't believe the reality (truth) that God would defeat the giants. Perception could have kept David from battling Goliath, but he knew the reality; that God gives the victory. Perception caused Gideon to want a big army, but the reality; was that that his small army easily defeated the Midianites. Perception almost kept Jesse from presenting David to be anointed King, but Samuel made clear the reality that...man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7.

Jesus also addressed this idea of "perception vs. reality" as He called-out the Pharisees in Matthew 23,"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." My wife and I have seen those huge, ornate sepulchers (tombs) in Israel. They perception is that they are ornate and beautiful; but the reality is they are filled with the stench of death!

The concept of "real vs. fake" or "perception vs. reality" was a lesson that Jesus drove home repeatedly. In Matt. 13:24-30, He taught this lesson with the parable of the Wheat and the Tares. In Matt. 7:15, He said, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." In Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira lied and they died. They wanted people to believe something about them that was not true... they were giving a false perception. The culmination of Jesus' warnings of "real vs. fake" comes in Matt. 7:21-23. "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” The Bible warns over and over and over again, that many are not what they seem to be on the outside. Take comfort or warning that the day of judgment is coming and the truth will be revealed.

If these passages haven't convinced you that "perception is NOT reality," then let me close with a few final thoughts. The religious crowds (the church folks of the day), perceived Jesus to be the son of Mary & Joseph, but Jesus was the Son of God. They perceived Jesus to be a knowledgeable religious teacher; but He was omniscient. They perceived Jesus to be a simple human, but He was the Creator Who took on the form of His creation. They perceived Jesus to be a blasphemer, but He was the Great I AM! They perceived there are many ways to heaven; but Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father except through Me."

So, is your relationship with Jesus Christ merely a perception, or a reality? Man may look on the outward appearance, but God knows our true heart. Let's make sure our heart is right with God.

Rejoice When Your Faith is Tested

I love the Book of James, and especially the first chapter.  Everyone will experience trials of some kind during their lifetime. For some, the trials will knock them out of church and sideline them from serving. For others, they will use the trial as a stepping stone to help them reach the greater things that God is trying to prepare them for.  James instructs us to "...count it all joy when we fall into various trials." That statement sounds ridiculous; but James realized that trials strengthen our dependence upon the Lord. Someone once said that "Without a great test, there can never be a great testimony." The key word here is "test." It is important to realize that God will test our faith, but God will never tempt us to sin as James explains in James 1:13.

James also teaches us that the testing of our faith works patience or endurance. It is through these times of growth that our faith matures and we see God in a whole different perspective. It's one thing to trust God when everything is going well; but it's another to trust Him on our difficult days and in the middle of difficult circumstances. Bible stories like Joseph, who was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten; will bring great joy when we see that it was through his testing that God positioned and prepared him to be a great leader. Abraham's faith was tested when he laid Isaac on the altar and raised the dagger. Job's faith was tested when he lost all that he had, but he refused to curse God. Daniel's faith was tested when he refused to bow down and was tossed into the lions' den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had their faith tested when the door of the furnace was opened and the guards prepared to throw them into the fire. In each of these tests, the individuals passed the test and God poured out His blessings upon them. 

I will quickly admit that I've not passed every test. In fact, no one has. Life is full of adversity and we can either quit when we fail or learn from, rise up and build after a failure.  John Maxwell appropriately titled one of his books, "Failing Forward."  I encourage you to begin recognizing life's trials as tests of your faith. In addition, begin to realize that others are watching how you respond and your response will reveal what you really believe about Christ. My goal is to continue growing and maturing to the point that when others see me, they see a clear representation of Jesus in both the good times and in the difficult times. I don't like to be tested, but I sure do like to know God is pleased with me when I pass the test!

One of my favorite "old" songs about trials and times of testing is titled "REJOICE IN THE LORD" by Ron Hamilton. If you did not initially recognize the name, Ron Hamilton, you may recognize his alias - "Patch the Pirate." It was through the trial of losing his eye to cancer that God tested Ron and prepared him for an amazing ministry that would be launched by using his new eye patch. Click to hear Ron's testimony & the song. "REJOICE IN THE LORD" by Ron Hamilton. 

Don't Let Past Mistakes Define You

I am a guy who always pulls for the "underdog" and I believe in second chances. Recently, my heart just about came out of my chest as I had a conversation with a man who many "wrote-off," but God did not. The man is a good man, a godly man, a family man, and a humbled man. He was the rising star in two previous church settings, before he made a mistake that nearly cost him his family. He stepped out of ministry for a few years in order to regroup, and then God opened the door for him to serve as a pastor, again. He is doing a great job revitalizing a church, his marriage is strong, his children are serving the Lord and he is a trophy of God's grace! My heart goes out to people like this, because "Christians" can be so critical and judgmental. I remember meeting with this man several years ago for breakfast at the local Shoney's. I wanted to encourage him, but instead he encouraged me.  He made a statement that I think might be an encouragement to you. He said, "I can't let a mistake in my past define who I am or the future I will have." What a great thought!

What about you, are you allowing your past mistakes to define you? Are you still believing the cruel father who called you "stupid?" Are you allowing yourself to be defined by a past addiction? Are you going to quit, because someone says you're finished? Well, if so, you haven't read the Bible. God is the God of the second chance! David had an affair with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, but God calls him a man after his own heart. Rahab was a prostitute, but she also saved the spies and had a rich lineage. Samson spilled his guts to Delilah, but he also spilled the guts of many Philistines.

We will all make mistakes, but what will we do with our mistakes? Some fools will choose to repeat their mistakes (2nd time it is a choice!). Some will use their mistake as their "excuse" for the rest of their lives. Others will get up, dust themselves off, learn from the mistakes, and go make a difference that will impact eternity. So, what about you? Don't let your mistakes define who you are, or limit the future God wants you to have. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I leave you with the promise found in 1 John 1:9 - " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Ask God to forgive your past mistakes... forgive yourself for your past mistakes... and get moving toward the plans and dreams God has in store for your future.

Are We In the Last Days?

So many questions are being asked as a result of the world being flipped upside-down by COVID-19. Some of the most common questions include: “Is COVID-19 the result of biological warfare?” “ Is this the beginning of the end?”  “Are these the last days before Christ’s return?” “Will this crisis commence use of a universal currency, a one-world government or the mark of the beast?”

My answer to these sorts of questions has been and will continue to be, “I don’t think so;” but it does set in perspective just how easy it will be for those events predicted in the Book of Revelation to come to fruition. Just consider that the world’s economy crumbled in a matter of weeks; businesses shuttered their doors; grocery store shelves emptied; people world-wide were confined to home; and oil traded in the negative! The interdependence of world markets, supply chains and data sharing is a topic of discussion in the daily press briefings.

For the first time, we are hearing terms like:
- “Immunity Passport” (certificate/card) to restrict travel and access, unless a person has been vaccinated or identified to have the antibodies.
- “Contact tracking,” which is being “sold” as a way to see if those infected with COVID-19 stay home or who they have contact with. Many smartphone apps, along with the new 5G network, already make this possible. Apple and Google are joining efforts to release a new COVID-19 tracking option built into the operating system for everyone with an iOS or Android phone. By the way, it was announced yesterday that the states of NY, CA & WA are building "armies of contact tracers" raising civil liberties & privacy concerns.

We are seeing individuals and businesses embracing “touchless” currency:
- Touchless payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap to pay, mobile payment apps, and mobile banking are now being embraced by those who shunned it only months ago.
- Distribution of Government funds is being done via direct deposit, by accessing people’s personal bank accounts.
- Conversations about improving cyber security and guarding against identity theft are including thoughts of microchip technology, retina scans, finger prints, etc. 

Revelation 13:17 tells us that no one will be able to buy or sell goods, without the mark (of the beast). You can see it coming!

We are seeing an increase in data gathering:
- Saudi Arabia, India and even the USA are now using or planning to use drones to monitor people’s body temperatures, coughing and even to measure social distancing.
- A forehead scan is being used to measure body temperature as employees check-in to work, tourists enter our state and in many other capacities. It would be easy to implant a micro-chip under the skin or a tattooed barcode to retrieve personal data, medical records, travel records, employee information, etc. all in one quick scan.
- You discuss a product in the privacy of your home and the product shows up on your feed in Facebook or on the web, the next time you open your browser.
- Dr. Stephen Hahn, FDA Commissioner, told Maria Bartiromo. “Really good thing that is going to come out of this, that we are going to be able to expand our capacity to collect data and analyze it.” Collecting data is becoming a Government specialty!

We are hearing new Government rhetoric against religious entities:
- NYC Mayor, Bill DeBlasio, on March 27 ordered police to shut-down church services consisting of more than 10 people; he promised fines for violators, and threatened to shut down churches permanently.
- Gov. Cuomo’s statement about the number of COVID-19 cases decreasing, “God did not do that. Faith did not do that…It’s math.”
- Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne of the River Church in Tampa, FL was arrested for holding church services, in spite of witness testimony and pictures showing that they encouraged social distancing. Similar situations have taken place with other pastors and churches.
- KS Gov. Laura Kelly ordered that churches limit all worship gatherings to 10 or less.
- Liberty University is now pressing charges against journalists who allegedly printed  inaccurate stories about LU reopening to students in spite of Coronavirus cases reported on the campus.
- The list of allegations, charges, challenges, and threats toward religious institutions is growing at an unprecedented rate; as "some" Government agencies are beginning to overreach into the Church. (I will pause here to thank the POTUS and Gov. DeSantis for their support for freedom of worship.) 

So, whether you believe we are in the last days or not, we are definitely in different days that reveal just how easy it will be for the events of Revelation to come to fruition. Data collection, immunity certificates, tracking devices, touchless currency, media influence and Government reach into churches are just a few things that align us closer to the events described in Revelation.

As I close, let me be very clear; I write this article not to “scare” anyone, but rather to raise awareness to the events of our day. We live in a time where there should be an excitement about Christ’s return, not a fear of a virus!  These events should raise an urgency in our soul to share the Gospel with others! Finally, these events should cause us to make sure that we are prepared for eternity and to echo the words of John in Revelation 22:20, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

Look to Jesus for Healing

This whole situation with COVID-19, the Coronavirus, reminds me of the story told in Numbers 21:4-9. "Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” 6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived."

What a story! I am NOT in any way suggesting that COVID-19 is God's judgment on the world, but I do see some similarities between modern culture and the Children of Israel:

1) Europe was the birthplace to some of the world's greatest revivals, but now is a post-Christian society;

2) I believe the USA is moving toward, if not already become a "post-Christian" society;

3) A nation founded on Christianity (that was the religion of the Pilgrims & forefathers) is now accepting worship to any god;

4) Americans have pushed God to #2 position, and replaced Him with other gods (i.e. - the stock market, sports, shopping, work, electronics, etc.);

5) Many Americans have placed their trust in big government to supply their needs, rather than depending on God;

6) Americans have become self-absorbed, while Jesus was others-oriented (consider the TP & hand sanitizer hoarders during this crisis);

7) Many have come to see God as a cosmic vending machine and will quickly turn against Him, if they do not get their way;

8) Many have replaced Sunday, the Lord's Day, with the worship of recreational hobbies;

9) Many have deteriorated to the place at which they consider God as an option, as long as He does not impose on their schedule or lifestyle;

10) Too many proclaim to know God; but in their works, they deny Him.

So what is the answer to stop this spiritual decline and departure from the only true God, Jehovah? Where can we find real healing? We must follow the example found in Numbers 21 and exalt the Lord, fix our eyes on Jesus, repent of our sin, and live in light of eternity! As a nation, we are praying for healing from a disease and God does want to heal our land, but He also desires to heal our soul. Healing will come when the Church gets back to basics, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

I am sure that you (like me) are being inundated with information regarding COVID-19. I can only put-up with hearing this stuff and the apocalyptic comments for so long, and then I start hitting "delete" whenever I see an email that starts with "Coronavirus." Below, I have tried to sort through the clutter and provide resources that you might find helpful:

1) FLORIDA CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE & WEBSITE - 24-hour hotline that is dedicated to answer your questions or concerns. The number is 1-866-779-6121. The call center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Florida Health website can be found at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

2) SoFlo TESTING SITE LOCATIONS:
A. As of today, 3/20/20, Coronavirus screeing is now available in Pompano Beach. To schedule a time, Broward Health asks that patients first get a written prescription from a physician and then call (954) 320-5730 to register. Those who qualify will be required to present a photo ID, the written prescription and the registration confirmation number
B. In Weston, Cleveland Clinic Florida is scheduling appointments for drive-through testing at their Weston Krupa Center, located at 3250 Meridian Parkway.
C. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. is testing its patients through a drive-through set-up at the Doris Ison Health Center, located at 10300 SW 216 Street, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
D. CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, also has a drive-through test site. Testing is limited to healthcare workers & those age 65+ with obvious signs. Be prepared for a wait time of 2 hours and to be asked to exit, if you do not meet the criteria for testing.

3) BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA
- Baptist Health is making Care on Demand available through a phone app. Download the app and use the the code CARE19 for free access.

4) CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL - CDC Website

5) GRACECHURCHSFL.COM - We will try to keep our website updated whenever useful information is available.

Using Technology to Share the Never Changing Message with an Ever Changing World

Last month, the stock market was enjoy an 11 year bull market, housing prices were trending up, families were planning spring break, workers were considering retirement, workers were enjoying their jobs, and churches were doing business as usual. (I am not implying that "business as usual" is a good thing at any time for any church.) Everyone was enjoying life and saw only blue skies on the horizon... then entered COVID-19 / Coronavirus.

The world changed seemingly overnight; paralyzed with fear due to uncertainty. Where do people go when then are afraid? Often, they seek solace in God and return to the Church. For example, immediately following the attacks of 9-11, church attendance increased drastically. But, this time it is different. We are being told not to gather in groups of more than 10, so where do people go this time to seek God?

The answer is - they go to the Church. The Church has never been a building, although many mistakenly call it such. The Church is a "called out assembly" of those people who have accepted God's gift of salvation through the sacrificial and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. The Church spans the globe! It includes people of all nations, tribes, and tongues. We meet at various times, speak different languages, worship according to our culture, and meet in different places. Some services are held outside; others inside. Some in beautiful buildings; some in huts. Some in houses, basements, coffee shops, hotels, public schools, and so forth. The place of gathering does not matter, but obedience to the command found in Hebrews 10:25, "...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...;" that does matter!

With the recent precautionary efforts to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, the Church is using a new method to meet - online. This method certainly should not replace the physical gathering of worshipers, after this health threat is over; but it is a good option for now. People will be able to worship together (virtually) from the safety of their own homes, until this pandemic passes. Technology can be a great tool, when used properly.

I can hear the critics now, "Bless God, that's not church!" They are right, the Church is not limited to a service (physical or virtual), the Church is the people... the called out assembly.

For the sake of protecting those in our congregation who are at high risk, as well as, letting our community know that we care about them enough to help protect them; Grace Church is moving our services online-only this week. Our method is changing, BUT our message is NOT! This cutting edge technology will allow us to continue to deliver the message of the Gospel and I am excited about that! We get to proclaim Christ to the nations as quarantined people tune in from around the world. That's exciting! So, if you do not usally attend a worship service, I invite you to join with us this Sunday at 10:45am via Facebook Live. Yep, we're using new technology to worship together, learn from the Scriptures, and introduce people to an "ALL IN" faith in Jesus Christ.

2020 Vision

Have you ever left for a trip and not known your destination? Have you ever tried to put together a jig-saw puzzle without ever having looked at the picture on the box? Have you ever tried to assemble a piece of Sauderwood furniture without glancing at the instructions? Packing for a trip is easier when we know where we are going. Puzzles & projects are easier, when we know what we are assembling. The same is true for the local church.

At Grace, we want people to see the big picture and know where we are going as a church. We've found that people often do not "buy-in," until they understand the goal and objectives. Well, we want total buy-in, so we are repeating and focusing on several specific things this year:

1) Our Mission is to "Exalt the Lord, Equip Believers & Evangelize the World."
2) Our Vision is focused on evangelistic growth. We are not interested in growing our congregation by stealing sheep; rather we want to see people experience new birth through salvation and follow in baptism.
3) Our Strategy is to engage in a variety of efforts to help our people discover forms of evangelism that fit their individual personalities. (i.e. - Hanging info bags on doors, feeding the homeless, participating in crusades, hosting block parties, servant evangelism, special days, hobbies, hanging-out evangelism, and so forth.)

The bottom-line is that we want our church family to engage in the Great Commission! We feel that having a clear understanding of our mission, vision and strategy will draw people together and help us stay on track. We want our church family to know why we exist and where we are going in 2020. We pray that by clarifying and explaining these things, that people will more willingly "buy-in" and embrace the vision. To this point, we are celebrating the response of our church family and what God is doing through them. There is a renewed excitement as individuals are participating and seeing God use them to accomplish HIS purpose.

So, pray for our Grace family as we strive to stay focused on our mission to fulfill the Great Commission this year!