Eyes On Him

been awhile…

janitorcap — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:20:20 +0000

yep, it’s been awhile. I’m sorry. It’s been a tough journey the last year or so. I wish I could come back with stories of redemption and happiness, but there are none.

On the positive side, I am hanging in there. Trusting God but not turning to Him all the time (not trusting enough I guess).

My family and I left our Church shortly after my last post. We had been there short of 5 years. It was a horrible, painful decision. Hardly anyone has spoken to us since we left. We were there when it had over 200 people and a powerful annointing. We were there when people began to leave. We were there when our Pastor decided to leave.We stepped up into leadership roles to help out. At one time, it was I and 2 other Elders running things. No denomination…no Pastor. I was handling the services solo. I was instrumental in bringing in our new Pastor. I spoke to the congregation and told them it would be a mistake on our part, if we did not make this man our new Pastor. And yet, he was part of the reason we left. We left our church with little fanfare. We did this because we did not want to be a distraction. Our grievance was with him, not the church body. Hurtful things were said by our Pastor to us in a letter. It is hard to get by this. But somehow we must.

So now we are still searching for a home church. It has been difficult. At times, I have become “spiritually lazy” and causing harm to my family in doing so. Hopefully soon, we will find one.

I am still confident that God has me on a path to a ministry that will bring Glory to His name and show what a great God He is, so I can rest in that.

janitorcap — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:49:34 +0000

There will come a day, when EVERY EYE will see Jesus. They will have NO choice but to look into His eyes…

Revelation 1:7a (New King James Version)

⁷ “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him…”

I have always moved forward in my walk w/ God, knowing that one day my “ministry” would evolve, and define itself further. I have slowly been “crawling” as of late, and am seeking the Lord on what “our’ next move is.

My wife and I felt Eyes On Him was a great name for a ministry that would be twofold with the same end goal…to bring glory to Gods holy name. The ministry would be for encouraging those who do not know why they are going through “trials and tribulations”, and also for those who have a special needs child and do not understand Gods plan for them or their child.

I feel I am closer to Eyes On Him Ministries then ever before. So now, I will spend time with God, concentrate on Him, and see our next move. But I can say from a human standpoint, I am very excited!

Accept no substitutes!

janitorcap — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:49:51 +0000

Yeah, we all know the truth. Substitutes don’t do as well. Margarine ain’t butter. Sam’s Choice Cola aint’ Coca Cola.

I learned this the hard way today. My Dad was in town this weekend and my Dad decided to by a LARGE 6lb. stick of Pork Roll. I believe the brand was Case. Now, I grew up in New Jersey and I know what Pork Roll is. (not exactly what it is made of, I just know what it taste like). And, I REALLY appreciate my Dad buying it for me, but………It was not Taylor Pork Roll.

It was good, it fed the hunger, but it wasn’t Taylor Pork Roll.

Taylor is the premium brand. Kinda like Heinz Ketchup. You can’t go cheap and get the other stuff w/ pork roll. You have to get the best.

Accept no substitutes!

There is NO substitute for God. Moses asked God, “‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

Exodus 3:14God said to Moses, “I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ “

Don’t accept others…whether they are a philosopher, teacher,prophet, and even a religion or church.

God is the one!

Books will compete with Him. Preachers will ‘tickle” your ears and make you believe you have the answers (or they do). Don’t fall with it.

God is the one!!!

Do you know where your loved ones are going?

janitorcap — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:42:53 +0000

This e-mail was sent to me a few years ago. It is from the mother of a young girl (16?) who died from brain cancer….(names and dates changed to protect the family)

Dear Everyone,

Several people have asked me if I am doing anything for the 2nd anniversary after losing ”SALLY”from our world. Quite honestly, it is such a difficult time that I have two requests. On October12th, I would like you to take time out from your day or evening and stop and think about a happy memory you shared with “SALLY”and light a candle. You know wherever ”SALLY” is, she will know and I think it would be a special moment for all of us. Thank you so much for caring and continuing to be part of our lives. Please stay in touch with us. Your support makes a difference.

Love, “BETSY”

My heart goes out to this family. They have been grieving for a long time now. But especially, I am sad for their not knowing “where” there daughter is.

Christ came to this earth, and offered us assurance of our salvation. We need only turn to Him.

It is sad to see those who are perishing in this world. If we have the opportunity to tell them the wonderful news of the gospel, we need to make that effort. After all, we are commanded to do so.

John 3:16 (New King James Version)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Desperate times,… calls for desperate measures

janitorcap — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:08:32 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, an airplane w/ 150+ people on it “crashed” into the Hudson River in New York.

Its a miracle that all people on board are alive and well.

I heard one of the survivors on T.V. last night and here is the exchange he had with the reporter…

“Were people praying?”

“Yes.”

“Were you praying?”

“Yes.”

“Are you a religious man?”

“I am…I am trying to be.”

Now, this man was probably still in shock and amazed he was alive. And if he didn’t know the Lord prior to yesterday, theres a good chance he knows Him today.

Don’t wait for disaster to enter your life. Don’t try to be a good, ‘religious” person. Get to know Him today.

Now.

Immediately.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

If you don’t know Him …seek Him.

janitorcap — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:16:30 +0000

Psalm 55 (New King James Version)

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplationof David.

1 Give ear to my prayer, O God,
         And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
2 Attend to me, and hear me;
         I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
3 Because of the voice of the enemy,
         Because of the oppression of the wicked;
         For they bring down trouble upon me,
         And in wrath they hate me.

4 My heart is severely pained within me,
         And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me,
         And horror has overwhelmed me.
6 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
         I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Indeed, I would wander far off,
         And remain in the wilderness.  Selah
8 I would hasten my escape
         From the windy storm and tempest.”

9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues,
         For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls;
         Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.
11 Destruction is in its midst;
         Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.

12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
         Then I could bear it.
         Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
         Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal,
         My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together,
         And walked to the house of God in the throng.

15 Let death seize them;
         Let them go down alive into hell,
         For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.

16 As for me, I will call upon God,
         And the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon
         I will pray, and cry aloud,
         And He shall hear my voice.
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,
         For there were many against me.
19 God will hear, and afflict them,
         Even He who abides from of old.  Selah
         Because they do not change,
         Therefore they do not fear God.

20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him;
         He has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter,
         But war was in his heart;
         His words were softer than oil,
         Yet they were drawn swords.

22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
         And He shall sustain you;
         He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction;
         Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days;
         But I will trust in You.

Empty lives…

janitorcap — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:53:06 +0000

Driving home the other day, I noticed I was low on gas so I stopped at a local gas station. It was $1.45 a gallon, which is a lot better than the $4 I was paying not that long ago. (especially since I travel 400 miles a week to and from work) Now, when my gas gauge says I am low on fuel, I make it a point to get gas as soon as possible. I don’t want to run out cause’ then I am in trouble. I don’t fill the car up with water because obviously, the car won’t run. Likewise, I don’t fill it with milk, juice, sand, oil, or even oil. They all may go down the tank, but they won’t keep my car running. Nope…my car needs regular-unleaded gasoline. Not diesel….GASOLINE. I am sure by now, you have gotten the point here. (yes, I’m going somewhere with this!)

Our bodies are so similiar to this point. When we are empty and need “filled” up, we eat food or drink liquids. That is fine in the “physical realm”. But what about our “SPIRITUAL” side? If our bodies are empty, what can we do to be “full” again?

John 10:10 (New King James Version) says….

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (or the NIV says…..I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.) FULL LIFE !!!

Or the MESSAGE bible….A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of…

Today’s world, concentrates so much on the material things in life. We are constantly told by the media and friends that we must have the very latest and very best. Check out what Psychology Today said more than a decade ago…

Compared to 1960, the America of today has doubled spending power (thanks partly to the great increase in women’s employment). We also have twice as many cars per person, color TVs, VCRs, microwaves, answering machines, computers, and $12 billion a year worth of brand-name athletic shoes.

But what has this economic growth meant for morale? Over the same period, depression rates have soared. Teen suicide has tripled. Divorce rates have doubled. The percentage of children born to single parents has sextupled (pun intended). The violent crime rate has boomed. Surely Al Gore was correct when he wrote that “the accumulation of material goods is at an all-time high, but so is the number of people who feel an emptiness in their lives.”

We’ve not only come to place greater emphasis on money and possessions, but also on the pursuit of individual self-realization. The pop psychology of our age urges us to “get in touch with yourself. Accept yourself. Be true to yourself. Assert your individual rights.” Carl Rogers expressed our individualism: “The only question which matters is, ‘Am I living in a way which…truly expresses me?’”

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=19940701-000025&page=1

Now, I am not one who normally quotes Al Gore, but if he truly said that, he was dead on. Many experience an emptiness in their lives. Their lives are empty. And when they are empty, they need to stop and fill up their lives.(long ago, gas stations were called “filling stations!). The emptiness we have in our lives, can only, truly, be filled by God. Sure, we may substitute other things (money, addictions, work, relationships etc.), but only God can fill that void. If we chose other things over God, that can only lead us to death….

Matthew 16:26 (NIV)

26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Worldly items = DEATH

GOD = LIFE……FULL LIFE!!!!

So, when you stop for gas some time in the near future, think about it…

What are YOU filling your soul with?

Expectations

janitorcap — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:23:08 +0000

My pastor wrote this a few days ago and it really struck home with me.

God has a great plan for all of us. But sometimes, we act as if WE have a great plan for HIM!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!!!!!

John

Have you ever opened a big boxed
gift only to find a small one inside?

Have you ever saw a gift that was
small, thought it to be simple, and
when you opened it you were shocked
at how expensive it was?

Have you ever hoped and dreamed
for a particular gift, really thought you
were going to get it, only to be disappointed
Christmas morning?

I am sure we all know what these feel like.
When reality does not measure up to our
expectations. Life has a way of surprising
us that way, even shocking us. Often we
are left frustrated. The expectation of the
gift was greater than the gift! We liked it
better when we were hoping, wishing for
the gift, than when we finally opened it.

Expectations. We all have them. Somewhere
in the corners of our mind we create these
preferred scenarios of what, how, who, why,
when, and where. It happens in marriage, with
our kids, in our families, at work, and even in
the church. It never ceases to amaze me how
many expectations are placed on the church.
People want the church to be perfect and never
fail them, yet they can use every excuse in the
book to validate their thoughts and behavior.

Expectations. When they are not met feelings
are hurt, grudges are held, and relationships
fade. Instead of honest and sincere communication
seeking to clear up any misunderstandings, there
is a gray area of unanswered questions and assumed
motives. From hurt feelings and held grudges come
distancing and deceit. Finally, the relationship dies
an often slow and painful death. All because there
was no willingness to confront the ever real chasm
between our expectations and reality. Reasonable
expectations are fine, but too often our expectations
run into the unrealistic and absurd.

For hundreds, even thousands of years, the Jews
awaited their Messiah. They prayed for Him to come.
They sang for Him to come. They spoke daily of His
soon coming. Yet when He came…He was not Who
they wanted Him to be…He did not do the things they
wanted Him to do…so they refused to accept Him.
The gospel of John 1:1-14 reminds us of this. He came
to His own and they did not receive Him. Why? He did
not meet their expectations! Their view of God was
wrong, so when God showed up they missed Him. Angels
announced Him….The Star highlighted Him….yet the world
yawned at His appearing because He did not meet their
expectations.

I have found that most of the wrinkles in my marriage,
my parenting, my pastoring is usually in the area of
expectations. I expected a certain response and it did
not happen. I expected a particular result and it did
not turn out that way. Disappoint….hurt….anger…pride…
wounded….bitter….you know the journey. This is why
the people crucified Jesus…they did not get what they
expected out of Him so they chose to try and eliminate
Him! If Jesus won’t comply…crucify Him!

This Christmas, let’s work just a bit harder on having
realistic expectations. But beyond that, let’s work at
not being so offended, so hurt, so upset when others
or life do not live up to our expectations. More often
than not our expectations are unrealistic. Christmas
is about reality…God coming in the flesh…simply….
lowly….truthfully. The truth is…God has never failed
me, even when He has not met my expectations. He
is faithful…He is truth….He is life.

Merry Christmas,

Rev. Scott T. Reiman, Pastor
River Of God Fellowship

Todd Bentley and Lakeland…

janitorcap — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:07:43 +0000

I realize that the Florida Lakeland Revival is over but thought that this summary by J. Lee Grady was really good. We ALL desire revival, but must be careful what we end up getting…..

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

20/20 Hindsight: What I Hope We Learned From the Lakeland Revival

Looking back at what happened in Lakeland, I wonder if we can agree on what went wrong.

It has been four months since Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley fled the scene of Florida’s Lakeland Revival amid rumors of a moral failure. When Bentley vanished in August, the crowds thinned, God TV stopped broadcasting services, the meetings eventually shut down and Bentley’s worship leader took the popular music of the revival on the road.

Meanwhile, many people were left scratching their heads. Some were angry with Bentley for leaving his wife. Some were confused because their faith had been energized during the six-monthlong experience. Many charismatic ministry leaders defended the revival, saying that it was never supposed to focus on a man. Others blamed Bentley’s critics for the revival’s demise.

“Ministers of the gospel need both godly character and powerful anointing. Why did we ever settle for the idea that we should have one without the other.”

Late last week the board of directors of Fresh Fire Ministries—which Bentley resigned from in August—released a lengthy statement to update its supporters on Bentley’s condition. The letter confirmed that (1) Bentley is “resolute in his intentions” to divorce his wife, Shonnah—and that “he admits to being 100% responsible for the divorce”; (2) his relationship with his former intern is ongoing; (3) the evangelist drank inappropriately during the revival; and (4) he has yet to enter into a clear system of accountability with Christian leaders who have offered to help him.

The six-page statement, which defended the impact of the Lakeland Revival, did not excuse Bentley’s behavior. “We believe there are currently no biblical grounds for Todd to leave his wife and children,” the board members said. They added: “The nature of the present relationship between Todd and his former staff member is that of adultery.”

Lakeland was a painful chapter in the history of our movement, not just because such a highly visible preacher made such embarrassing moral choices but also because Christian leaders never agreed on what went wrong or how it could have been avoided. Now that the accident scene is in our rearview mirror, I wonder if we can agree on at least some points. Here are some lessons I hope we have learned by now:

Lesson #1: Accountability. Accountability. Accountability. I wish just saying the word over and over could impress the concept in our minds. Leaders must live according to biblical standards. Period. Bentley’s board admitted in their statement that after the Lakeland meetings went into full swing, Bentley developed troubling behavior patterns. That would have been the right time for someone with apostolic courage to demand that Bentley step down for a season until he got his spiritual life in order. If we really want New Testament miracles and New Testament impact, maybe we should embrace New Testament discipline.

Lesson #2: The one-man show is over. New Testament ministry is about teams, not hotshots. Paul shared the workload with Barnabas, Phoebe, Clement, Priscilla, Aquilla and many others. And he protested when people tried to make him out to be a god. When will we learn that the superstar syndrome actually thwarts genuine revival because it causes audiences to focus on man instead of Jesus?

I know there are those who insist that Bentley didn’t want people to notice him. But if that’s true, why did he cover himself with tattoos a few years ago, when he was in the ministry? I’m not a stickler about tattoos, but in Bentley’s case they definitely should have been a red flag. Anyone who craves that much attention needs counseling before they get on a stage.

Lesson #3: Chill out. The Fresh Fire board, in last week’s statement, admitted that one of their biggest mistakes was allowing Bentley’s meetings to go on week after week without a break. Bentley tried to preach continually without rest, and as a result he burned out. Most likely his staff burned out too. No Sabbath, no time for family, no time to unwind. No human being can keep such a schedule without imploding.

Isn’t this also true for the American church scene? Our rule has become, “The show must go on.” We are driven to keep the seats full and the money coming in. The more we work, the more we grow—so we have to work harder to maintain the growth and pay the bills. The pace becomes more and more frantic until the engines fail and the wheels fall off. Building God’s way requires patience, pacing, regular maintenance and plenty of downtime to receive His ongoing guidance and grace.

Lesson #4: Character is more important than anointing. Some revival groupies disagree with me on this. They’re so desperate for a display of miracles that they’ll take a zap from someone who has questionable morals or shoddy values. They don’t mind who lays hands on them as long as they are thrown to the floor while the crowd cheers.

I love revival too, and I’ve spent time on the floor soaking in God’s presence. I love the anointing. But please: Can you show me in the Word of God that character is not required of leaders? The Bible says imposters who work miracles will spend eternity in hell. Working miracles does not win anyone brownie points with God. Ministers of the gospel need both godly character and powerful anointing. Why did we ever settle for the idea that we should have one without the other?

Lesson #5: Lay hands on no man quickly. Many of us are still grieving over the fact that a large number of charismatic leaders stood on a stage in Lakeland in June and publicly commissioned Bentley. Some praised him for his integrity and humility while others prophesied about the nations he will evangelize and the increased spiritual influence he will wield. Today those proclamations (readily available on You Tube) seem hollow and embarrassing.

Some who stood on that stage insist that God told them to do a public commissioning service. One recently hinted to me that it was a mistake. I’ll let them sort that out. Personally, it saddens me that our movement has been tarnished by what appears to be a serious lack of discernment. In the crazy world of independent ministries—which already lack proper accountability—leaders should take the time to investigate a preacher before commending him on international television.

Lesson #6: You can’t have revival without repentance. The word “revival” is thrown around loosely these days. If a few people fall on the floor, get goose bumps or see gold dust, we are ready to christen it a revival and put it on television as soon as possible. After all, if large crowds gather, it must be God!

I’m tired of imitations. History shows that genuine revival is more than a bunch of blessed bodies in a pile. We need more than angel feathers, emotional euphoria and limp pep talks about getting high on Jesus. We need the strong Word of God that convicts hearts, demands repentance, slays sin and has the power to produce converts who will withstand temptation.

With Lakeland behind us, let’s celebrate the testimonies that came out of it, enjoy the songs we sang during it and pray for the restoration of the man God used to start it. Then, let’s learn from our mistakes and press on to better things.

J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma. To read the full version of the Fresh Fire board of director’s statement, released Nov. 28, click here.

He is life

janitorcap — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:33:15 +0000

John 14:6 (New King James Version)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

This appeared in my newspaper today. It was written by a Rabbi, who in my opinion, did not answer this correctly. I do not know the man, or wish ill towards him…I only know how I would have answered. Jesus is life. Without Him, we persih. With Him, we have life. This is why, as Christians, we must stand up for the truth and spread the gospel. there are alot of hurting people out here who need Jesus…and need our help in finding Him. And Christmas is a perfect season for that. the whole reason that jesus was born, was to give us life. thats what i would have told this woman.

Only you can decide if this life has meaning

December 6, 2008

Question: My father-in-law is in a nursing home, and after visiting him today I told my husband that life makes no sense to me. I’m skeptical when people talk about faith or life after death or reuniting with a loved one when we’re gone. What is real to me is seeing my father-in-law in that nursing home wasting away, watching my own father suffer with Alzheimer’s, watching the people around me growing old and dying. These things make no sense to me.

What I can’t understand is why we’re here in the first place. I sometimes feel like we live our lives just to suffer and die and make our families suffer, too. Yes, there are good times in life, but there are so many bad times, struggles, emotions. My husband and I have both lived through cancer, but the rollercoaster ride our families had to endure was unfair and cruel.

We form loving bonds with our families and children, then lose them or they lose us. We bring children into the world to face so much hardship (wars, health issues, etc.). What’s the point?

Answer: Meaning-of-life questions are not like questions about how to get to Cleveland or which Swiss cheese is the best. Your question refers to a mystery, while the Cleveland/cheese questions pose problems. Problems have nothing to do with us, but relate instead to the world around us and outside of us. Mysteries are about us and about matters that can never be resolved with certainty or absolute clarity.

Problems go away when they’re solved. Mysteries remain with us our entire life. You know the difference between problems and mysteries already; I don’t need to teach you this. You know that questions like yours about the meaning of life, questions about why good people suffer, questions about whether there is justice for the wicked, questions about life after death, or why people fall in love, or who put the bop in the bop-shuwop-shuwop, can’t be answered.

Your question about the meaning of life will never go away. The answer is a mystery and the response to that mystery is your choice. You must decide if life has meaning, and if you decide it does, then your life will change because of your choice.

If you decide that life has no meaning and that your father’s disease was just a symbol of the meaningless suffering that awaits us all until death ends everything, that choice will also change your life. The point is, neither choice can be refuted by the kind of certain evidence that solves problems and makes them go away.

Whatever choice you make, the mystery of life’s meaning will remain. Your choice is your life. I think this is what God meant when God set before us life and death and urged us to choose life that we might live. The choice to embrace meaning in the chaos of existence is the single most important reason why faith endures. God bless you in your choosing.

Send questions only to The God Squad, c/o Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207, or e-mail them to godsquadquestion@aol.com…. Rabbi Marc Gellman (The Morning Call newspaper)

Eyes On Him

been awhile…

Revelation 1:7a (New King James Version)

Accept no substitutes!

Do you know where your loved ones are going?

John 3:16 (New King James Version)

Desperate times,… calls for desperate measures

Psalm 55 (New King James Version)

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David.

Empty lives…

John 10:10 (New King James Version) says….

Expectations

Todd Bentley and Lakeland…

20/20 Hindsight: What I Hope We Learned From the Lakeland Revival

He is life

John 14:6 (New King James Version)

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplationof David.