Doug Reed Ministries Blog

Fears Dominance

I think we underestimate the impact and reach of fear.  It is easy to justify fears magnitude because it is so simple to make the emotional effect of fear go away.  We just avoid conflict and courage all together and our lack of action becomes a sanctuary to hide in. 

Fear is so common because it is so effective.  Being stranded where we are may be boring but it is also strangely comforting, because at least there is no surprises there.  The children of Israel are a great example of our fondness of the perverted benefits of fear.  They longed for the food of Egypt while lost in the desert of God's will.  Even though that life was a slave life, it was a known commodity and that is the comfort the sinful nature longs for.

Max Lucado wrote: "Fear deaden's our recall, it creates spiritual amnesia, it dulls our miracle memory."

Fear is a dominating enemy because it is an enemy we invite.  We love God's miracles but our memories have a way of highlighting the conflict over the rescue.  The truth is that we struggle with trust and we want control, we want to be our own providers, our own rescuers. 

The only real way to break the control of fear is to truly trust God.  Trust comes from knowing that we are deeply loved by God.  Our key verse here:  1 John 4:18 (CEV) - "Where God's love is, there is no fear, because perfect love drives out fear."  The first thing God's love does is remove fear.  It takes over every inch of your spiritual and emotional environment and leaves fear with no place to stay.  Fear hides the real you - God's love reveals the real you.  Brennon Manning once said: "We risk for Him to the degree that we know that we are loved by Him."  That is the transfer of power we all long for, the freedom that Christ died to give you.

Scary Choices

This month the Lord has reminded me several times about the value of obedience.  We often avoid the tough choices - the obvious points of obedience that could propel us to a higher level. I think there are several reasons for this.

• Fear of confrontation
• Fear of consequence
• Fear of the Unknown
• Fear of losing the security of the present
• Fear of failure

The theme here is fear and fear is the opposite of faith.

Question: What would you attempt for God if you knew that you would not fail?  The right answer comes when you re-define failure.  It is not about results, its about obedience.  The only real failure is the failure to try.  You are probably only one scary choice from a whole new world of unseen options. 

Blessing and obedience are inseparable. 

I like this quote from Joseph Cambell: 

"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek"  

The Key is courage and courage comes from God. 

Fear paralyzes but courage mobilizes.  

Here is a modern day parallel to help make my point:  

"Steve & John's Story"

Steve always dreamed of owning his own business, but more than that, Steve truly believed in his dream to put affordable computers in every home and office. He really believed that it would revolutionize the world. So he took the plunge and started his own computer company. The only problem was that he knew computers; he didn't know business. He needed the best CEO he could get, and that meant John Sculley, CEO of Pepsi-Cola. Somehow Steve had to convince Sculley to leave his prominent position at one of the most prestigious and profitable companies in the world and run Steve's fledgling company.

Somehow, some way, Steve managed to schedule a meeting with John Sculley. Mr. Sculley listened patiently to the young man's presentation. He even allowed Steve to schedule another meeting. Finally, after several appointments, Sculley introduced Steve to reality: "You'd have to give me a million-dollar salary, a million-dollar signing bonus and a million-dollar severance package."

Steve was shocked. He couldn't afford anything close to those figures. Still, his boldness and passion blurted words out of his mouth: "You've got it. Even if I have to pay for it out of my own pocket."

Sculley didn't become CEO of a multi-national corporation by being foolish. He knew a bluff when he heard one. "Steve, I'd love to be an adviser, but I don't think I can come."

Steve dropped his head, took a long breath and issued a challenge that pierced Sculley to the core. Looking him right in the eye, Steve simply asked, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?" John Sculley resigned from Pepsi-Cola and took Steve Jobs up on his offer to lead a fledgling computer company called Apple. And together they really did change the world.

Reject fear today.  

"Fearless" messages can be found at our website:

Englewood Ministries

Get Lost

I have spent most of my Christian life looking toward the next thing, being visionary.  It is something God put in me early and He has continued to grow me in Vision.  However, about five years ago God began to shift me into a new focus.  At first it seemed counter productive to the pursuit of vision but it has actually been a huge asset.  God simply spoke to me and told me to "get lost" in what was in front of me.  To live in the moment and to serve him with a self abandonment.  In doing so, excellence was raised and divine set-ups materialized. This one thing has taken the pressure off me and put it on God, which is where it belongs.

Most people fail to maximize this moment because they are too busy looking for the next one. You see, vision is a gift but it is really only an elementary beginning.  I have come to believe that a Christian should resembles more of a "guided wanderer" than a confident captain following a course.  He/she is less interested in arriving at a destination and more concerned with the companionship of Jesus on the journey. Others beg for promotions and try to find an angle but the faithful get lost in the story and they let God turn the page to the next chapter. 

*Daily Execution:

• Stop begging for more visionary details
• Live in the revelation you have been given
• Let God set all time lines through the leadership of the Holy Spirit
• Bloom where you are planted,  obey the parable of the talents
• Grow relationally because true Kingdom advancement flows relationally
• Develop your gifts because your going to need them

What a week it has been.  A great mission conference in Miami followed by one of the best Sundays of the year at Englewood.  I am so thankful to be involved in kingdom work and to be in the center of God's will.  Thanks for your prayers and interest. 

Prove It

*Erwin Mcmanus : "God does not even desire to prove Himself to you... His real heart is to reveal Himself." 

The above sentiment is contradictory to the the way that so many of us approach our faith.  We want to see up front, to obey because of blessing thereby avoiding a blind and faithful submission.  Prove it God,  then I will serve you.  This is a game that God refuses to play,  a strategy to move His hand that will never work.  Real faith requires trust.  No formula or struggle or even prayer can make God prove something to you.  He is un-apologetically relational,  He is always teaching us and revealing Himself in the midst of our circumstances.  The miracles He brings are inconsistent but His ability to sustain you and even surprise you is always there.  God is faithful in the best possible way, a Father like way. 

My tendencies:

• To want proof before I will believe
• To ask for more assurance before I obey
• To obey in stages to try and stay in control
• To experience a drop in faith when conflict comes
• To forget how consistently God has sustained me
• To expect God to come through the same way each time

"God, reveal yourself to me and to your people.  Help me to get out of my own way, to submit to you faster and read your ways more accurately.  Grow me up in the things of faith"

Friend Day was awesome today!  A lot of visitors,  especially in the second service.  Several responded for the altar call and the people seemed to be energized. 

I have a plan

Few phrases in life are more powerful than " I have a plan ."  It immediately creates wonder and can even generate hope.  The problem is that so few of us really have enough information to form an efficacious plan for life or ministry.  The key is to spend time with the one who has an "ariel view" of your circumstance and who knows the future.  God can see where we have been and he knows where we need to be.  Most of us get lost in the confusing details and quick moving nature of our own lives and callings.  Need direction?  Discouraged?  I see in scripture that often God energized a servant by giving them a plan.  Waiting seasons end when God sets a plan ablaze in our hearts.  Obedience simply defined is " Something to do " ,  a task given,  involvement in God's process.  That is the Father's heart coming out and it is a great gift.

Three signs that a plan is from God:

1. It is consistent with Scripture and enforced by a peace from the Holy Spirit.
2. It is a repeating theme of personal desire,  it won't go away.
3. Your gifts and talents fit and therefor the possibility of success is imaginable. 

Step back and listen today.  God is both in and above yours situation and that qualifies Him to direct you.

Don't forget that Sunday is Friend day at Englewood.  Invite someone and stay for a phenomenal reception with our staff!

Process

In staff meeting today we were talking about process.  I shared with the staff that every significant ministry or personal spiritual development in my life has followed five basic steps.  I think positive patterns are extremely important to recognize.  They speak of the way God moves us to higher levels and help us to make a map for others. 

My pattern almost always follows a 5 step path.  

• God will deal with me and creates a philosophy that I believe in.  This usually includes frustration about something that needs change.                                                                            
• I am prompted to action in that area.  Often this is not a fully conscious thing but it is accompanied by strong feelings and the need to lead.

• Conflict begins to surface. This happens from both the inside and outside.  In me, questions are birthed and an inward spiritual and philosophical struggle is there.  Other may begin to question and struggle around me as leadership in a direction is enforced.

• The Holy Spirit convicts and the philosophy becomes a conviction.  I become strong in my belief and it is now a point of obedience to God.

• Strategic planning happens as God helps me to live out what He has dealt with me about.  The conflicts within are gone and I can lead and live with purpose.

It is worthy to note that God's word is the tool that the Spirit uses to move us through His patterns. 
I love the fact that God is always working in our lives.  Finding the repetitions can help us rejoice at His consistency that flows out His faithfulness.

I preach the 3rd message in our purity series tomorrow night.  Masquerades that lead to a lack of authenticity will be the headline subject of the night.

Together Series

I am discovering that God will consistently put me in a position where I cannot accomplish goals without the help of others.  He loves for us to surround ourselves with a "cluster of comrades" and to fight for change in a spirit of unity.  I am reminded that if I have dreams that are big,  it will demand that I trust other people.  I can over-lead or I can release others into a place of vulnerable fullness that pushes them to trust God and recruit others. This is the cycle of the kingdom that all are called to participate in.       

  several observations here:

• Trusting others speaks of my limitations and glorifies God
  
• Comradery of Cause opens up the chance for the deepest friendships
• My gifts can only be full-filled in an atmosphere of relational integrity
• God loves it when we trust the system that He created
• I am built for connection and isolationism is poison

The loneliest place on earth is an unshared moment of victory.  

A shout out to my many great friends... love you guys.

Your Story - Part 2 - "Your Popular Story"

Your Popular Story :  What Others Say about You

Robert McKee Said that "Stories are the currency of human contact".  In context,  this quote is a sentiment toward a more meaningful experience with each other.   As much as I appreciate that thought,  I have found that most of us misinterpret, misunderstand and misuse each others stories.  We are usually not evaluated by those around us with an accurate assessment of who we really are.  This can work in a both directions;  We generally either glamorize of minimize one another.  Like most relationally destructive behaviors,  the root of this issue is usually insecurity.  Once again,  this travels in both directions;  The insecure project false images of themselves and they also think falsely about others.

A great example of this is found in Numbers 13 and 14.  This is the story of the spies who explored the promise land an their reaction to the challenges.  Eleven of the thirteen spies were incredibly fearful (insecure) and they gave this blunt report:  Numbers 13:33b - "We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes and we looked the same to them.  This is a very telling sentence in that it decides both sides of the story.  It says that we are inadequate (we seemed like grasshoppers) and that others see us that way as well (we looked the same to them).  You see, the insecure always underestimate their own value and they often decide for themselves what others must think.  When we do this,  we do not give our story a chance at an accurate representation.  Other forms of this come the way of false fronts and even out right lies about personal condition.  This is an epidemic among people of faith as we try to impress each other and stay on par with false images of growth and success.

The answer to this dilemma is found in rejecting the ways of Egypt (your past) and moving on to the next chapter of the story.  God is still writing in your life and He deserves for you to not edit the work that He is is creating.  Let him heal hurts and speak to your fears so you can act out your story with confidence.  I want to be like Calob and Joshua in Numbers 13 who interpreted the information gathered in the best possible way.  They exuded faith and optimism and this was not just in God or themselves,  they actually believed in those around them.  How others perceive your story probably has a lot to do with whether or not you believe in theirs. 


This weekend I am doing a 3 service life conference in Appleton WI.  I will report on this and my other busy travels for next week in a couple of days.  Thanks so much for your interest and prayers. 

Pray for our Teams!

You Story - Part 1 - "Your Past Story"

Your Past:  What has happened to you

The story of my life came alive at the age of 16 when I accepted Christ into my heart.  That was the moment I became consciously aware of purpose and a my place in a bigger plan.  However,  My story did not begin in that moment,  it was being written long before that.  The Bible says that God formed me and knew me even when I was in the womb (Psalms 139).  My past,  good, bad and ugly past is and was an integral part of my story.  God, the author of my story,  (Hebrews 12:2) had been taking notes and forming me as a character, setting up my future narrative.  I may have felt as if the events of my existence were random but the Author saw connection. 

I can think of at least two major examples:  First,  I had speech issues as a kid and as a result I had to take special therapy classes just to learn how to properly verbalize words.  Amazingly enough,  as I reached my early teens, I began to discover a speaking gift.  I accelerated in creative communication and English came extremely easy to me.  Writing and forming outlines as well as the delivery of material and story telling was a natural and effortless experience.  With this being said,  I also awkwardly struggled with a lack of confidence.  There were massive self doubts in me that haunted my days and tortured me in my private moments.  Now,  on the the other side of restoration,  I make a living by speaking and have helped thousands to find their true worth in Christ.  The author new that a broken past could be a weapon used in chapters to come. 

We like to say that your past does not disqualify your future.  I would turn that around and declare that your past can actually be a very important part of your future.  I believe that the Holy Spirit is constantly trying to help us see the strategic purpose behind what has happened to us.  Donald miller said: "I am a character in a story that has yet to be written.  Random events are just noise, but a story is engaging, a story is music."   The promise of scripture is purpose from pain and progress from choosing to grow.  Your past is about your development,  not your definition.  The author gets to decide how to use the material.  Your writer has promised to always script the story for your good and your destiny. 

This weekend I am at Riverside A/G in Hutchinson MN for a one day life conference.  They are turning the Sunday night service into a banquet,  it should be a lot of fun.  I will blog this weekend about the trip.   Thanks for your prayers and support!

An Unconditional Surrender

On September 2, 1945 at precisely 9:04 am aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay WW2 officially ended.  Signing on behalf of the Emperor,  the representatives (pictured above) inked a signature that offered a full and unconditional surrender.  General Douglas MacArthur,  the Supreme Allied Commander, conducted the ceremony.  He stated at the event these immortal words:  "It is my earnest hope - indeed the hope of all mankind - that from this solemn occasion a better world would emerge out of the carnage of the past."   If you follow history, you know that Japan would arise to new,  unimaginable heights of prosperity in the next few decades.  Their surrender made possible a better life of freedom for all of us. 

I am using this incredible story as an introduction to a purity teaching I will do for a group of men tonight.  A pure life begins with a moment of true and unconditional surrender to Christ.  Most of us practice some form of false surrender.  We hold on to the battle of self effort and refuse to submitt to the power of God.

Here are 3 examples of false surrender... this is a part of my introduction for tonight.

• Partial Surrender - Our issues of sin are usually a replacement for true fulfillment,  which makes them difficult to fully forsake.  We cannot keep our strength in ourselves and surrender at the same time... He is made strong in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10).

• Conditional Surrender - To forsake our issues but keep access to their benefits is the most common form of false surrender.  "You cannot harbor an enemy inside of your walls of protection and not expect that he will not kill you in your sleep."

• Counterfeit Surrender -  This is about going through the motions but not really giving up.  Our surrender has to be willful with brokenness at its core. 
  

The addictive behavior that we face can only truly be conquered by a submission to the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 7 and 8 really outline this truth and this struggle in amazing detail.  Even the great Apostle Paul had to surrender because he could not do this on his own.

More on "Your Story" later this week. 

I am in Minnesota this weekend....

Your Story (introduction)

I have been thinking about and researching the idea of the "value of individual stories". The Bible tells us that we overcome the enemy by the "blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony."  The crux of that truth is that God gets involved in our story.  He steps right into the middle of our struggle and our conflict and changes everything.  In this,  there is a power that comes by way of proclamation and overcomes even the very forces of hell.  Our story with God becomes a weapon that He uses to set the stage for others to be free.  All this is only made possible by the ultimate completed story,  the Son of God and His death and resurrection.  This ancient truth has modern day implication that may surprise you.  

Steven Spielberg said "People have forgotten how to tell a story.  Stories don't have a middle or an end any more.  They usually have a beginning that never stops beginning."  I think that this director extraordinaire make a good point. Real life and good stories for that matter should have progression.   A trend has developed in that most people seem to want to avoid conflict of any kind,  and the real process of life has plummeted in value.  When we avoid struggle and serve selfish wants,  it does not make for an interesting story.  Movie producers would reject that narrative and writers would not consider it worth their time.  Simply put, the life without conflict is boring on screen, in print and in reality.

The Bible is full of stories.  I love the fact that the Scripture is so raw and real when it relays the life of a character.  David was seen as the ultimate worshiper and warrior and yet his failure is unveiled without restraint.  His struggles and his victories are seen and the time-line speaks of the grueling nature of life.  That is just one story and in the Scripture there are hundreds.  This is the way the Holy Spirit chose to inspire truth in its authors. It is no wonder that Jesus uses stories so often in His own teachings. Stories are the language of life and they are truly the language of the soul.  

Our next 3 teaching blogs will explore this from 3 distinct angels.  

Check out the new category down the right in-titled "teaching Blogs"....

Mediocrity Final - Percentages

In My Humble opinion,  the best commercials on TV right now are the Sonic Drive INN advertisements featuring TJ and Pete.  If you do not get these in your part of the country or have had a Cherry Lime Aid from Sonic then I truly feel for you.  In their latest simple parity TJ admits that unlike the Sonic 100% Angus Beef burgers,  he rarely gives 100% at anything.  He guesstimates maybe 20% as a personal high point when it comes to living out his potential.  Good comedy that like all funny stuff has a major element of truth.  This will not be a smooth segway so I will just say it...  There is no way we can calculate the value of losses to the kingdom of God and his purposes when it comes to a simple lack of effort. 

There is lot of Statistical information available to help us figure out this type of loss.  It is actually an endless sea of information that is impossible to boil down but I think the Sonic Guys have made a decent guess.  The best sources out there say that about 20% of the congregation in an average church carry the giving and service burden.  The stats in the secular workplace seem to be similar when it comes to productivity and effort.  What we cannot really equate is the issue of character, the small omissions highlighted by the truth of what we know we are capable of.  In other words,  you know and God knows what your "true best" is,  even if everybody else is fooled. 

I have found that although the impact of mediocrity can be easily seen in a slothful person, its effects are recognizable inside of all of us.  We just have to become better at picking up on its subtle realities.  You see, Satan is always about taking whatever we will give and he knows that if you cannot be easily defeated then maybe you can be easily minimized.  The point here is that like all sinful tendencies,  it is the truth that will set you and I free.  Are we afraid of the responsibility that would ensue if we allowed God to confirm our potential?   Do we fully realize what He is capable of if we would crucify the flesh and truly submit to His greatness?  These questions may not be welcome to many of us that are already so weary from the pursuit of advancement.  Let me encourage in two ways... First,  it is not about your effort,  it is actually about your weakness and His strength.  Second, only those who who truly live at God's best ever really know the gratification of divine rest.

I'm hungry...

A new blog teaching series will begin soon.

 

Mediocrity 1 - The need for Change

The desire for change is a popular and powerful theme these days.  It is found in politics, business, culture, the church and in the heart declaration of individuals.  What we want is stop carting around things that are useless for present health or future advancement.  To empty ourselves of out-dated philosophy and to rid ourselves of corruption is an invigorating concept.  What is so relentless about mediocrity is that carries with it a historical baggage filled with the acceptance of things that stopped working years ago.   To change requires a rejection of things and thought patterns that we have become comfortable with.  That is not an easy thing to for anyone to do. 

In one of my sermons I talk about the children of Israel and their dramatic entrance into the promise land at Gilgal.  The comforts and excuses of the old life were generationally bound to them but now they had arrived to a new place.  This 3rd generation since the slavery of Egypt were standing on the land that their Grandparents had dreamed about and their Parents had talked about.  This arrival was met by offers of peace by dozens of surrounding Kings but God was not in those offers.  They represented a compromise,  a mediocre version of what God had promised.  The entire land was to be theirs in victory but they would have to live on a higher level.  In the next 13 chapters 31 Kings would meet their demise at the hands of a people who obeyed their way past the defeated attitudes of those who had blazed a circular trail in th desert.  Forty years of mediocre wandering would end and at least for a time they would walk in a better way. 

To break the patterns of the past you must first have a revelation that the past has invaded the present and it is killing you future.  Change cannot just be a rebellious idea that is designed to counter tradition.  You must be willing to do what previous dreamers only dreamed about.  Vision is the easy part of all this,  obedience and a lifestyle of excellence is what is hard.  Success is synonymous with change but change is always synonymous with obedience to God.  The walls of Jericho will fall in front of us if we truly stop questioning and start obeying without question.  This is the "rub" of faith that the mediocre never get past...

A great day today at East-side Tab in NY, NY...  Thanks so much to Pastor Abner and his dear wife for being such great hosts to me.  God has big things for this church on the lower east side!  The hundreds of thousands that live around the church are going to impacted in ways we cannot even imagine.  More later this week!

Mediocrity - Introduction - The Prolification

The greatest enemy facing our nation and culture today is the practice and ultimate prolification of mediocrity.  It is everywhere we look and even though it is often called by other names,  it is really just plain old mediocrity.  We see it in the lack of vision that has caused our energy crisis and in our out of control debt which has been caused by a lack of restraint.  I (and all of us) could go on and on about the rapid and now consequential rise of the mediocre.  What is sad is that when less than average behavior and thinking invades leadership, it is passed on to the masses.  To prolificate is to reproduce at levels that involve DNA and genetics with generational reprocution's.  Spiritually, this is deeper than just procreation, it is the influence of character that changes everything.  It carries the impact of the original source from the old to the young and from the leader to the follower.  Prolification is about the authentic transfer of who we really are from one generation to the next. 

To battle this epidemic of mediocrity we need examples of sacrificial excellence.  Revolutionary change is needed in this war for our future and it is time that the church recognizes its place in the battle.  Many are involved in sin because of dissatisfaction that flows out of a boring lifestyle that they were taught by their parents and leaders.  This issue is the real enemy among us because so many other things grow from its roots.  When we stop progessing, the influence of our lives does not stop but it does change.  We can unconsciously teach others that "position" is everything because there you can rest on your past and simply enjoy life.   We must not allow weariness to stop us from paying the price of greatness.  Meticulous and childlike obedience and even curiosity should exist in the hearts and minds of us who are influencer's.  This is in full recognition that the transfer of what we represent will happen faithfully even if we are not faithful. 

My son is reading a book called "Do the hard things" (see on list to the right) that was written by a teenager.  It is a cry against the prolification of mediocrity that that has created such low expectation in our youth.  He recently shared with me that he was tired of being celebrated by others for being such a good student/person.  He talked about the low "bars" that he so easily jumps over and how God has been pushing him to raise the standard.  Many Christian adults do not even process themselves this way and I believe thier lack of desire for growth is totally against Christ-like thinking.  My 16 year old is setting short and long term goals and challenging the insecurities of his young life.  This teaching series is meant confirm that same looming desire in each of us for something more, something better.....

This weekend I am at 1ST A/G church in Iolo KS.  This is a little out of the way town in south east Kansas that Jesus loves.  I have a long friendship with their great young Pastor and I am enjoying spending time with my good friend.  We have had two powerful services and we run through Monday night.  This next weekend I speak at the Southern Idaho District Christan Workers conference.  I will also be with two great Churches on Sunday morning and Sunday night.  More reports on my travels in the next few days. 

Emotions - Final

What is truly worthy of your emotional energy?  When I first saw this picture I was reminded of this question from one of my previous teachings.  It is a profound assertion that could change your life forever.  Emotion is energy and the strength that is in you is weakened when you waste that energy on things that do not have significant long term value.  Many people waste their life by giving their "best strength" to things that are not worthy of the effort.  Jesus did not live this way,  He never wasted emotional strength on the many injustices that came His way.  I think this was a part of how He maximized the divine moments of His life.   The change He brought to His world and to eternity was in part due to the fact that He was a phenomenal manager of His emotions. 

These past few months I have pondered and studied the idea that God who is omniscient (all knowing) allows Himself to experience emotions.  Everything from love to anger, even surprise and disappointment is found in the scripture.  God chose this as a part of His nature even though He could easily override or even veto the process.  This fact is expressed in the Father and in the Son without a protective barrier from the negative. To live in the open expanse of possibility takes courage and self control but the payoff is worth it. 

My challenge to you and to myself from these teachings on emotions is to stay in thick of life.  Allow yourself to feel without taking the bait and selling out on a single emotion.  You can manage your reactions so that they become Spirit led responses.   Just like God,  we can temper our actions with grace and also know when aggression is called for.  God would not have us to live on the roller coaster ride that tosses us whatever direction it desires.  With His help we can turn daily victories into a lifestyle of balance and true Spiritual growth. 

Emotions 2 - Our Example

Oscar Wilde once wrote:  "The man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure.  I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions.  I want to use them, to enjoy them and to dominate them."  I am not sure of the faith of Oscar but do really like the sentiment behind this quote.  Far too many of us live in a viscous cycle of out of control emotions.  It is a real weapon that Satan can use to manipulate every area of our lives.

The true master of emotions is the one who mastered every area of His life, Christ Himself.  No one has faced circumstances that were more overwhelming, chaotic and ultimately lonely than Jesus.  His earthly support structure was sketchy and inconsistent and His mission was overwhelming.  In the end even His heavenly council would have to leave him to do what He alone could do.  His own Father would turn His head as Christ became our sacrifice for our sin.  Opportunities for frustration flowed out out of legitimate moments of victimization and betrayal.  Yet,  Christ would never took the bait and ultimately would be the greatest example we will ever have of emotional control.

This aspect of Jesus character would culminate in the Garden of Gethsemane.  His supporters and closest friends were sleeping when he needed them the most.  His betrayer (one of the 12) was on his way with religious murderers following eagerly behind.  The church, his friends, society and governmental justice would all let Jesus down.  In the Garden the pressure of His mission would come out and He would actually sweat drops of blood.  It is a medical possibility that under extreme distress the body will actually detox in the most literal way.  Emotionally induced poisonous chemicals were coursed through Him as the weight of the world crushed in.  His emotions were screaming out and yet His prayer was one of submission to the will of the Father.  We have a truly great example.... especially if we are willing to follow it. 

Our next teaching blog will look deeper into the emotional expressions of Christ. 

Logan and I arrived in New Mexico tonight.  Get this... they lost the luggage of our entire plane!  You explain that one to me!  I actually had to buy clothes so I could do the service tomorrow.  Pray for my lost bags.  More on the New Mexico trip on the next blog.

Emotions 1 - Generational Issues

Emotional control should be a skill that is passed down from those who influence us the most.  Unfortunately this seems to be a rare event for most of people.  I meet individuals of all ages that have no knowledge of the true peace that flows from the ultimate earmark of maturity.  I am of course speaking about the control of ones emotions.  The ultimate expression of underdeveloped character is a life directed and driven by feelings.

A child is the greatest example of both my stated point and the perfect argument against it.  We all know that children lack the growth internally that is required to combat negative emotions.  They are truly a victim of circumstance in this arena as they simply lack the weapons to mount a defense.  On the other hand,  no one can celebrate with more purity the joy of emotions than a child.  We see in children two powerful lessons of the emotional life that come from opposite perspectives.  The key is control and this key will open up a world of both opportunity and blessing. 

These are big issues that involve how we were raised and ultimately how we learned to cope and comfort ourselves.  I am convinced that the worst sins are connected to the worst emotions.  I am equally convinced that God cares deeply about how we feel and wants to help us.  In fact, the best tools of our Christian walk (worship, fellowship, prayer, preaching and the written word)  - all drastically affect our emotions.  The next few teaching blogs will look at how we can gain the ability to both overcome and celebrate our emotions.   Jesus actually lived out the principles that we will look at.... so the illustrations will be obvious and powerful. 


This past week I was at Arizona District Youth Camp and I ministered at Prescott 1st A/G.  These nights were some of the more powerful of the year so far.  I am amazed at the depth of hurt in so many youth these days.  Self worth is a massive issue here and God really seems to use my own story in such a big way.  Issues such as lust and addiction are almost always accelerated and promoted by the lack of self esteem.  What thrills me though is how quickly our Youth respond when God reveals true destiny.  This week was one where the heavens were truly open and God's heart was obviously moved.  A special thanks to Tim Black who is the DYD of AZ and one of my best friends.  I also want to thank Pastor Steve and Brenda for Hosting Jeanne and I on Fathers Day.  We love you guys.... our picnic was a lot of fun!

More on my summer schedule in a couple of days...

The Faces of Failue - Part 2 (final)

I know that in a motivational sense we can learn from the routine (I would even say normal) failures of our lives.  This is a popular subject for those of us who speak to leaders....  it is very legitimate to say that we can learn from our failures.  However, this takes for granted the idea that one has the ability to recover.  Some personally induced moral tragedies are so extreme and devastating that a "come-back" would be rare (only by grace).  In fact, there are several examples in scripture of personal spiritual catastrophe that ended with permanent consequences. 

Two particular characters come to mind: 

First, and perhaps the most obvious is the story of Judas.  Judas took what was once a common and proud name in Jewish history and turned it into the very definition of betrayal.  No parent in almost any culture would name their child Judas.  However, he was not always a betrayer.  Like all tales of this type,  it was a series of choices and subsequent events changed his identity.  He was exposed 3 times by Christ to be the betrayer and yet he continued on his path.  After being invaded by Satan and used up by the religious crowd,  his life ended in a bitter remorse.  This was and still is the "standard" when it comes to stories of devastating failure.

Second,  we have the unlikely life and tragic death of King Saul.  He begins his rise with reluctance and a certain humility but that does not last long.  His deeper issue is fear,  fear of man, failure and fear of his own inadequacies.  Insecurity is his trigger mechanism that would fire ammo laced with jealousy and pride.  He would disobey God twice and then go on a 9 year rampage that would end his own legacy and that of his entire family.  We never pay the price of failure alone... it always costs those closest to us. 

The post-failure reaction of both of these iconic characters actually caused more horrific results than their actual failure's.  Judas would hang himself and Saul would fall on his own sword as his three sons laid dead nearby.  This primarily was the difference between the results of Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow.  2 Corinthians 7:10 tells us that one leads to repentance and the other leads to death.  We see in each of these stories a shining example of this truth in the life of Peter and David.  Both failed God in similar circumstances, but both came to God with a repentant heart. 

My advice to anyone who finds themself at the end of a long road of bad choices is to choose the path of Godly sorrow.  Do not try to hide, but come into the light and trade the lesser consequence of exposure. This will open up the door to the presence of the only one who can truly restore.

This weekend I began 5 days at a phenomenal church in Casper, Wyoming.  This one will be hard to get to, but I believe will be well worth the effort.  I have not worked with this particular pastor for a few years and I am looking forward to renewing our great friendship.  Things around our house and office have been insanely busy.... I promise to be at least a twice a week blogger from here on out.  Thanks again for your prayers and interest,

The Face of Failure - Part 1

There is a process of moral and spiritual erosion that is possible for any believer.   As 2 Corinthians 11:3 (amp) would teach us... we can be "corrupted and seduced" from a pure devotion to Christ.  That word "seduction" is one that exposes the common tactical behavior of Satan.  I have dealt with dozens of catastrophic cases of failure in recent years and ultimately I have concluded that the Devil loves the dark.  His greatest fear is expositor that comes with an understanding of his ways. 

Here is a simple acronym to the word "failure" that outlines the regressive pattern of his completed plans. 

• Famailure - The enemy always uses something to destroy us that we have repeatedly welcomed into our lives.   We should be very careful about what we become familiar with.
• Addicting -  Extreme danger is fostered when we control our emotions in a destructive way.  We must never develop desires that are unquenchable. 
  
• Ignorance - Simply put, what you do not know can kill you.  Satan is counting on your lack of knowledge of his ways and how to fight against them.   Basic competence about Spiritual warfare is a must.
• Lingering -  Gaining strongholds and taking beachheads are the small defeats that lose big wars.  Never doubt the danger of something that refuses to leave.
• Unfolding - The final stages of a failure are tied to the beginning by an unbroken continuation.  These horrific losses occur over a long period of time.  The enemy is patient and willing to sacrifice as long as he gets to destroy a life in the end.
• Reason - The real battles for the souls of God's people are won and lost in the mind.  This is the fiercest territory for real Spiritual warfare (Romans 12:2 amp).  The battle for your failure is almost over when you begin to justify evil.
• Enduring - Ultimately the failed life is a trade-off of the eternal for the temporary. Once your eyes are off the eternal then you are vulnerable to the temptations of this temporary world we live in.

Remember this.... the day you think your history guarantees your future is the day your destiny is in jeopardy.  Galatians 6:1 would implore you to "take heed lest you fall"..... great advice for anyone who wants to finish strong.

Great morning here in Oklahoma.  I spoke on relationships today and God moved in such a tender way.  He wants to restore us back to His original intention when it comes to loving relationship.  More to come...

The Long Obedience - Final

I recently experienced some issues in the land of computers and warranties.   I was lied to, shaken down and mistreated but I finally got my new machine.  I ultimately had to upgrade and  pay about $600.00 more but in the long run I got a good deal.   This whole experience once again taught me a familiar lessen about sticking to something.   I kept my cool and rode out this 7 week process.  Here is the deal though...I had no choice, I had to have a new computer.   Bigger issues in life are not always that way,  and without forced discipline we often choose shortcuts that are detrimental to our growth and character. 

The long obedience is spiritual for sure but it is also about grit,  guts and choosing to ignore your emotions for the sake of consistency.  I have found that the biggest advancements in my walk with God have come in the midst of options that could ease the pain.  What I mean is that there is always easier pathways available but  know this:  All roads do not lead do the same place.  Choosing to stick something out is a child-hood lesson that has adult implications.

Jesus is our greatest example of this truth in way of an extreme application.  His body had a physical response to emotional stress when he sweated great drops of blood in the garden.  He ignored His emotions and obeyed the will of His Father (Hebrews 12:1-3).  His life was an illustration of steadfast determination even when circumstance and inner feelings were screaming out the directions to easier pathways.  The long obedience usually does not provide simple clear strategies that clear the muddy waters of life.  Rather,  it is a compass of truth in the midst of all the lies and confusion.  Take the longer-road....you will be glad that you did.

Last week I was in a great church in TN for easter Sunday.  A special thanks to Brother Greathouse for being such a wonderful host.  This weekend I am with Full Faith Church in Carthage MO....more info later.  

Please note the new Picture Albums to the right.   I will try and increase this category even more to give you a look at the ministry in another form.  Thanks again for your interest and prayers. 

The long Obedience - Part 2 - Promotions

The long Obedience is a commitment to a lack of self promotion.  When I think of this, I cannot help but think of the story of David's call to be King.  Saul was angry and extremely insecure, plus he was a lousy king. Yet, David never once allowed even a hint of justification that would have allowed personal advancement.  Saul tried to kill David but He was never able to draw him into that game of "position" or the fight to control.  David could have killed Saul but he refused,  he even honored him after his death.  God had spoken and Saul was in His hands...David had been anointed as King but the timing was not his to decide.  A great allegorical book on these epic events is the Gene Edwards classic - "A Tale of Three Kings"....a must read!!!

The struggle for placement and position begins when we are little.  It is in our twisted nature to want the best toy or the highest flying swing.  I have seen kids hoard the whole room of toys just to keep their options open.  There is good reason to act with viciousness when you live in the jungle.  The world we grew up in is such a place but that is not where we reside today.  If you know Christ then you must operate by the rules of the kingdom.  In our new home,  all that matters is the will of the King and this King knows and loves all his subjects.  His pureness of heart has removed the need to fight for your place.

David had found God's heart in the wilderness while he was alone.  His own dad had undervalued him and his only real responsibility was the lowly-est of all jobs...a herder of sheep.  In these lonely times of no position when no one was watching and the stage was nonexistent,  David was faithful.  I believe that this nobody who had come out of nowhere had trained himself to not value ambition.  This is not to say that he lacked vision or drive.  He had simply allowed the true thrills of his heart to be acts of service and worship for an audience of one.  That is something you can do from a cave or a palace. 

Today,  I am traveling to Maine for my conference.  I will get into Portend late and to my hotel even later.  Please pray for strength and anointing as I have a deep burden for the upcoming services. 

The Long Obedience - 1 (God as Father)

The Long Obedience is sewn into the fabric of the biblical mandate for close relationship with God.   He is not the boss of a company who is evaluating the skills and achievements of the workers.   The "ladder" of the Kingdom of God is a fairy tale that those who are self-deceived try to climb.  God advances those he wills to, and this cannot be understood properly outside of the context of relationship.  Most specifically,  (as in scripture) - the best illustration for us is that of the father son/daughter context. 

Hebrews 12:7 says that (paraphrase) "God disciplines those he loves...He is treating them like His dear children". You see our heavenly father will never play the role of an absentee step dad who just mails in the check or gives the occasional instruction.  That type of dad is really creating feel-good moments for himself to ease the guilt that flows from a lack of responsibility.  No, our God is meticulous and fully present...He is not limited like an earthly father's by personal maturity or past hurts.   There is no insecurity in God and He is therefore amazingly confident in His active process for us. 

We can struggle and be frustrated by the present circumstances of our lives....or, we can embrace God as Father.  Jesus said in Mathew that God would never give His children bad things.  In fact His direct implication is that this relationship would cause worry to cease (Mathew 5).  I want my father to be proud of my faithfulness and for my achievement's to flow from His graceful hand.   In this attitude you will discover the "natural ease" that comes from living out the Long Obedience.

Today I am in Tamarac Idaho at a gorgeous resort.  There is 8-10 foot of snow outside and it is truly a winter wonder land....especially for the skiers and snow boarders.  Tonight I speak again for this great retreat with about 70 of us.  I miss the family even more than usual today.  I think it is the whole idea of seeing this cool place without them.  I love my job and calling but this part (being away) can really be tough.   Thanks for your prayers.

The Long Obedience - Intro

I met with one of my friend/mentor's recently and we updated one another on our individual journey's.   We both spoke about following God and the amazement that is felt when His advancements touch your life.  My mentor rejoiced with me as I spoke of the faithfulness of God and the new dreams He has birthed inside of His servant.  Then he said it;  A phrase came out of my friend's mouth that brought a rare and powerful clarity to me.   He said...."Doug, I am proud of you because you have been participating in "the long obedience".   Our next 30-40 minutes were spent unpacking that profound phrase and it's deep application. 

I love to talk about dreaming and destiny but I think that it has become an overworked subject.  Let me explain and illustrate:  We all know that Hollywood is incredible at taking a life and compressing it into a two hour event.  In great contrast....if growth  is the goal, we must fully exist in every brutal and boring moment of our lives.   Too many want the dream without the development, the arrival without the journey.  The long obedience is about a commitment to detail and follow through.  Those who live this way know that predicting the future is almost always driven by personal agenda and impatience.   They love vision but for them, it simply triggered the journey...the vision is not the "carrot" that makes them take another step.  The joy is in the daily experience of following the one who planned the trip and is leading the way.   

In my own life, God has positioned me and promoted me as I have walked out His plan.  What I am talking about is the practical side of faith that is unpopular because it is does not fix things quickly.  You see, opportunity is not accidental in the experience of those who practice the long obedience.  They do not beg for a chance, but instead they simply and literally  "arrive on time" to the key moment's of their lives.  My mentor spoke to me that day with the wisdom of someone who had never skipped a step of his journey.   His yesterday's had set up his today and I have a feeling that his "present"  will give way to a bright future.  I want to live in that level of connectivity...how about you?

A special thanks to Ed Sattason of Gateway church for a beautiful morning with his people.  God moved in such a sweet and tender way. 

I speak to the college group at Faith A/G in Orlando tonight and then I am back home on an early flight tomorrow.   

How to Know if You are Lost - 2

Once lostness has been confirmed and accepted, it is time to find your way out.  You need a road that will take you from the wilderness and lead you to a better place.  A road is hopeful in an obvious way but it can be daunting at the same time. It is one thing to find a road, it is quite another to be motivated enough to walk that road to safety.  The mental dangers of lostness can be as severe as the physical ones.  Every survival expert knows that confusion and hopelessness can easily lead to a permanent stay in the wild.

Here are four tips on how to keep motivated on the journey back home. 

• 1. Realize that you are loved and connected -  Many survivor's grip a picture of their kids or find other ways to keep focused on loved ones.  There is great power in plugging  your hope for the future into the circuitry of loving relationships.  > The kingdom of God needs you, a healthy version of you.  Coming home is not just for comforts sake, there are issues of eternal significance at play here.

• 2. Pace yourself on the journey -  To get home, you must survive.  Stop often and evaluate, stay energized mentally and spiritually, make choices intelligently and strategically.  Progress is the accumulation of small victories. > God celebrates your right steps like an earthly father is proud of character in a child.  He is motivated to bless consistent effort with divine momentum.  Never despise the day of small beginnings.

• 3. Learn from the example of others - I am a huge fan of survival stories.  There is nothing more educational to me than the authentic incites of someone who beat the odds.   Principles are trues that work for every one in every culture or time period.  > God is no respecter of persons as He loves all of His children equally.  You must deal ruthlessly with the tendency to apply  "uniqueness" to your struggle.  Similarities from Bible characters and other saints should be studied and applied....you are not the first to walk this road.
  

• 4. Dream about the benefits of being found -  An orphan should never stop thinking about being a part of a family.   To find your way out,  you must know that the journey is worth the price.  One does not hang pictures on a the walls of a temporary shelter. Keep your eyes on the prize,  even if the prize cannot be readily seen.  > The dream of a healthy life is a God given right to every person.  His will is for the "state of found-ness" to be your permanent residence.

God's wise counsel is like a road found in the middle of a vast wilderness...take the journey.  Just a few more steps and your move in the right direction could become the success story that encourages another. 

This morning at Faith A/G in Joplin was great.  I preached on vision and was obvious that it was the right word for the hour.  Tonight I will talk about God's will and probably will drive home after that..about 2 hours.  Thanks for your prayers.