I returned home a few days ago from a 12 day mission’s trip to Mexico. Although Paul was speaking of the churches in Macedonia, what he says here is equally applicable to many of the churches and people in Mexico. I saw that generosity does not necessarily flow out of the abundance of material possessions, but instead it flows out of hearts that are filled with abundant joy.

Faith is a difficult thing to quantify. Jesus said that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed that you would be able to command a mountain to be moved from here to there. 

Whether we are blessed by trials and adversity or we are tested by prosperity and abundance, we should not be deterred from always pursuing the one who is the Truth, the Life and the Way. God may bless us with material possessions, He may bring us through the fire or, most likely, at one time or another we will experience both blessing and trial.

Last week I had the privilege of participating in a Mission’s Conference at Phoenix Christian Assembly hosted by Pastor Don Grosvenor. On behalf of the AGIF I made some comments to the conference regarding the importance of missions and the honor that we should bestow upon those who are serving the cause of the gospel on the front lines and working diligently to fulfill the great commission.

The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines endurance as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially: the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.”

What does it mean to “take up our cross?” Some take it to mean a burden such as a physical challenge or a relationship that is difficult. People would describe something in their life and they will tell you that it is “their cross to bear.” But does that have any bearing on Jesus’ call for us to take up our cross and follow him?

The Board of Elders of the Assemblies of God International Fellowship (AGIF) has selected me to serve as president. It is an honor and yet at the same time it is a humbling experience as I think about the greatness of those who have served before me. I excited by the prospects and opportunities that lay ahead while at the same time I’m aware of just how much we are all dependent upon one another for success. I know that I do not have all of the answers to address all of the challenges before us and I not only welcome, but I need input and counsel from those with whom I serve.

There are Scriptures which call us to “Prepare a way for the Lord.” However, our text clearly directs us to rebuild the road so that His people can return.  We know that there are people all around us who are trapped in the wilderness.  God wants us to rebuild the way so that they can find their way home to Him.  The highway to God is often littered with obstacles that are in the way and make it difficult for those in captivity to find their way home to God.

The account of Caleb’s life in the Promised Land is found in Joshua 14:6-15 and there are four lessons from his life as we begin this New Year. “I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out, and I am just as ready to fight now as I was then. So give me the mountain country the LORD promised me that day long ago.”  Joshua 14:11–12a (NCV)

My blog post is a day late this week because I was preoccupied with a more pressing issue. On Sunday around midnight, the AGIF website stopped working after an automated system upgrade. (Continue Reading)