Joe's Big Adventure

Prayer of the Week

2012-02-06T23:24:00.000-05:00

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you:

Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness

we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your

grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please

you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of the Week-For Epiphany

2011-01-06T20:59:00.000-05:00

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son

to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by

faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to

face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Prayer of the Week

2010-12-20T22:35:00.002-05:00

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,

that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a

mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Goal Setting For 2011

2010-12-14T23:02:00.003-05:00

Hope this is helpful as you are goal setting for 2011.

Advent- The Coming of the Kingdom

2010-12-05T14:05:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday was a very special day on the Church calendar. It was the first Sunday of the Season of Advent and the beginning of the new liturgical year. Happy New Year!

Over the next weeks I will post thoughts about the season of Advent. So, check back from time to time. But there is one truth that we must begin to embrace if we are to have the impact on the world around us.

That truth is that the kingdom of God has already come and it is coming. Now I know that sounds like double talk but it is not. Let me explain. When Jesus came in the first advent his kingdom came to earth. His rule and reign is already established. So as we go about doing good and sharing the Gospel in real ways, His kingdom is expanded.

There is another part of this in that when Christ comes in His second coming it will be the consummation of all things and His kingdom will be made real in its fullness.

One problem that many Christ-followers have is they are just waiting for the second coming. They are ready to escape the world. But that was not the message that Jesus taught. He wants us right in the middle of the world sharing the love of the Father with all those around. So stop just looking for an escape and begin to expand the kingdom of God through your service to others this Advent Season.

Prayer of the Week

2010-12-05T14:01:00.002-05:00

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the HolySpirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer of the Week

2010-10-12T23:13:00.002-04:00

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Evening Prayer

2010-10-12T23:12:00.000-04:00

Prayer of the Week

2010-10-02T23:19:00.002-04:00

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to

hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire

or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy,

forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid,

and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy

to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus

Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Difference In People-Sermon -Joe Butler

2010-08-29T18:07:00.000-04:00

Differences In People-Podcast from whoisjobutler.com

2010-05-30T02:24:00.000-04:00

Focus Isn't Hocus Pocus-Podcast from whoisjoebutler.com

2010-05-30T02:15:00.002-04:00

The Believer's Authority Part 2

2010-05-14T23:31:00.001-04:00

The Believer's Authority Part 1

2010-05-14T23:27:00.004-04:00

Prayer of the Week

2010-05-02T20:31:00.001-04:00

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of the Week

2010-04-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-04-05T15:59:00.004-04:00

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”

As you read these words, I know that you may have some very strong emotions about them. But before you disregard this article, please take a moment and read it in its entirety.

Many Christians are scared to talk about the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many churches do not even speak of her. Think for a moment, when was the last time you heard a sermon on Mary? Many will preach about the Apostles or some other biblical figure but not Mary.

Many of you have barriers that arise when this subject is spoken of. For many the problem is not with Mary herself but with anything that appears to be Roman Catholic. After the time of the Protestant Reformation, anything that appeared to be Roman Catholic was done away with in the Protestant Church. If the Roman Church does it, it can’t be right, was the mindset of the day. But let’s look at a quote from Mark Frank, the 17^th century clergyman, “because they (some) make little less of her than a goddess, Protestants make her not even a good woman; because they bless her too much Protestants will not allow her to be blessed at all. Therefore, there needs to be a balance between the two.”

Many protestants have no problem placing their favorite preacher on a pedestal. This evangelist or preacher is the greatest saint of God that has ever walked on the Earth. But the Mother of Jesus, they give her no place at all.

Mary is an example to every Christ-follower. Mary lived as we do here on Earth. She went through the same trials that we go through. She knew the same pains and joys that we do. Therefore, we must examine how Mary is an example to us.

First, Mary is an example of humility. Mary was a poor humble peasant girl who answered the call of God. She was in awe that God would choose her to bear the Christ child. She did not brag about being the mother of the Messiah. She did not try to tell God how the Babe should be born. She simply said be it unto me as you have said.

What would happen if we had this kind of humility in our lives? Just think about it.

Second, Mary is an example in belief. At the Annunciation of Jesus’ birth, the words troubled her. She could not understand how she was going to give birth to Messiah. She had never been with a man. But even with a troubled spirit, Mary believed that God would perform a miracle and do what He said He would do. This is the same attitude we need. Are there things that God has spoken to you about? Then keep believing and don’t give up.

Third, Mary is an example in the depth of her spiritual life. Unlike many today, she did not grab the newest religious thought or pop doctrine. Instead, Mary pondered and mediated on what God was doing and saying (Luke 2:9 and 2:51). What would happen to Christ–followers if we copied what Mary did? We would be able to know what God is saying.

Fourth, Mary is an example in her life in the Spirit. Mary was one of the first Charisma-tics. Mary prophesied the hymn that is called the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). She was part of the gathering in the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2 states, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues or language they had not learned. Mary received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and her prayer language. If Mary received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, why not ask God for this gift? If it was what the Mother of Jesus did why not us?

Fifth, Mary is an example in her suffering for the Gospel. Christ-followers are never promised a life free from suffering. In fact, the Scripture states that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them. Mary knew suffering. She knew the pain that lay ahead for her and continued anyway. She knew the child that she would give birth to would die for the sins of his people. She knew the pain of accusations of promiscuity and illegitimacy. She knew the pain of watching her son be killed. But even in the midst of suffering, she never gave up. Mary knew what the destiny of her life and her son’s would be. Let us take up this example and be like Mary - never give up when life grows hard and we don’t fully understand it.

Sixth, Mary is an example in her steadfastness. Mary never left Jesus. When most of Jesus’ disciples and followers fled during the events of Good Friday, Mary was there. Even at the cross, the place of ultimate torture, she was a faithful witness. This is the attitude that is needed in every Christ-follower. We must learn that no matter what the cost, we will stand fast.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is a true example to the Church today in the 21^st century. She is not to be worshipped as one would worship Jesus. But she is to be highly honored and extolled. Therefore, let us continue to receive strength and encouragement from her life.

Liquid Love-My First Poem

2010-03-13T22:36:00.003-05:00

Liquid Love

Liquid love poured from his side,

to prove his love is so wide.

Liquid love poured from his hands,

the hands that are still outstretched changing the hearts of men.

Liquid love poured from his feet,

to teach us the way we should walk.

Liquid love that poured from the Master,

that teaches us to master ourselves.

Liquid love poured into the chalice,

so we can drink and live.

2-23-10 Copyright

The Gift Of Miracles-Bishop Philip Weeks

2010-02-28T09:18:00.004-05:00

The Greek word St. Paul uses for the "gift of miracles" in First Corinthians 12 is the same root word from which we get our English word "dynamite". Literally the verse should read "the gift of the operation of powers".

When something unusual happens we call it a "miracle" when it may or may not be in the sense that St Paul refers to this manifestation of the Holy Spirit; it means an act of God in a supernatural and powerful manner. Bishop Ricardo Alcaraz of the Philippines recently posted on Facebook a quote, the source of which we do not know, but a very good definition of what we are talking about. "A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law." Indeed it is in this understanding a miracle when a healing occurs that otherwise in all medical journals a reversal of the disease is unknown. Was the landing of the US Airway jet on the Hudson River an act of God or the skill of Captain Scully? People called it "a miracle". Or when a missionary friend visited refugees from the Mt Pinatubo volcanic eruption prayed over a child she thought was sleeping. After she left the room and went on to other buildings someone came running to tell her the child for whom she prayed was now alive. The child had died shortly before she went into the room and prayed.

There are healing miracles. I remember one night at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Zamboanga (Mindanao) Philippines. Earlier three of our Barnabas team people had gone to Brent Hospital to pray for a paralytic. That night the nurses rolled his gurney to the church next door. During the evening different team people went to the bedside and prayed for the man. The service was ending, and as was my custom, I called the team members together for our personal closing prayers. One of the Americans called my attention to what was taking place at the entrance of the church. The paralytic had rolled off his gurney and was pushing it back to the hospital. He was discharged that night, and later married one of our Barnabas Day Care School teachers. That was a "miracle'.

There are other occurrences equally startling. On my first mission trip to Asia our leader had made confirmed reservations for our flight from Bangkok to Rangoon. However, when we checked in at the airport we were on a wait list with fifty-two people ahead of us. Our leader told us to go aside and pray which we did and ten minutes before the flight was to depart twelve seats opened up. We were on the flight. We arrived in Rangoon and the hotel where reservations had been made was fully booked. Again we withdrew to pray while our leader negotiated with the manager and in time three rooms with four beds in each became available. Strange!

John Sherrill, once senior editor of Guidepost, conducted a teaching mission in my Charleston WV church. When he taught about the gifts of the Spirit he cited the life of Corrie ten Boom (The Hiding Place) who was a prisoner in a Nazi genocide camp. Someone incarcerated brought in a half bottle of vitamins in liquid form. That half bottle lasted for all the women in her barrack throughout the war. Less significant were the times when our daughters, and our extended family, invited other young people home for Sunday dinner, and June had prepared a roast that would normally have fed just the eight of us but lasted through the meal for eighteen people.

On my first trip into Red China we were given on a piece of paper in Chinese the name of a Guangchou hotel. My roommate and I were to deliver four suitcases of Bibles to a contact at that hotel. We had successfully smuggled them in that afternoon, and when we were ready to leave our assigned hotel for the contact place we realized we had a problem. We were not permitted to check out of our assigned hotel, yet to get to the designated location we had to engage a taxi through the concierge desk. How would we explain going to another hotel with four suitcases when we expected to return? When we entered the lobby soldiers were present and watching us. We avoided the concierge desk and exited the front door. As we stood at the entrance a taxi drove up. The driver popped up the trunk. No one was present to take the taxi so we put our suitcases in the trunk, and I handed the driver the note bearing the name of the hotel. We met our contact, delivered the Bibles and tried to get a taxi to return us to our hotel. It was not until we went through the concierge desk that a taxi driver would allow us into his car. It was evident God had ordered the taxi for us and we successfully delivered over five hundred Bibles that night to Chinese Christians. It may have been a Chinese angel driving the taxi.

These may seem insignificant but nonetheless beyond the natural. They are miracles. They are the mighty working of a mighty God, and they happened in my lifetime.

Prayer of the Week

2010-02-28T09:15:00.002-05:00

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious

to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them

again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and

hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ

your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Video: Missionary Cristina Wilkison-Missionary To Peru

2010-02-28T01:37:00.001-05:00

Please watch this and if you can help please do.

Prayer Of The Week

2010-02-06T22:12:00.005-05:00

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us
the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known
to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Pray For Landima-Needs Surgery Now

2010-02-06T22:09:00.002-05:00

Please watch the video and pray for Landima.

The Gift Of Faith - Bishop Philip Weeks

2010-02-03T22:42:00.004-05:00

Today I am posting an article written by

Bishop Philip Weeks. Over the next weeks look of his guest postings.

The author of the Hebrews epistle defined faith as "the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen". This kind of faith might be described as supernatural; beyond the ordinary day in and day out trust in God.

There are several types of Faith. There is the ordinary faith that we all have enabling us to put one foot in front of the other in the certainty that everything is going to be alright. We normally operate with this type of faith without even thinking about it. It is part of daily life. There is the type of faith that prompts us to respond to the Gospel call to believe Jesus is the Savior. There is the type of faith that causes a person to venture into an experience confident that all will come to a satisfactory conclusion. My leaving the parish ministry in1980, a good salary with benefits and church housing, and established Barnabas Ministries, Inc. without any assurance of income or acceptance of ministry is an example of a tremendous step of faith. And there is the type of faith the author of Hebrews describes.

On my first mission trip with another ministry I was ask to give a testimony at a meeting in Rangoon BURMA. I told about a healing in my older daughter. Following the meeting a man came to me and asked for prayer for his heart condition. No problem! You cannot verify the healing immediately. Someone else came asking for healing of an ulcer. Same story! I looked and the first man was working the congregation, finding people he knew needed healing. A line began to form. There was a man with a withered arm. This now was getting to a point where I wanted at least one of the other team men praying with me so I could either rely upon his faith or excuse the failure of healing on his lack of faith. All the other men were busy and I was alone to pray. I mustered up as much hope and faith I could and prayed for him, and to my surprise, he began waving his arm in the air. Healed! After a few other people a young lady who was deaf and mute wanted prayer. She had been given a New Testament in which she read that Jesus was the same today as yesterday, and she read that yesteryear he healed the deaf and mute. Again I looked for assistance and there was none. I thought at least I would be gone from Rangoon the next day and she wouldn't remember me anyway. I prayed in English. I prayed in tongues. I recalled Jesus had said "ephphatha" (Mark 7:34) which meant "be open" when He ministered to a deaf and mute person; so I said it. I tell you the truth; I had no faith this woman was going to be healed, but she did, otherwise she would not have asked for prayer. At last in my spirit I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to do the most unreasonable thing. I obeyed. "If you hear me," I said, "say 'Jesus loves me'." She did!

I stopped praying with any other people. I headed to the door ready to leave the building and on my way I began arguing with God. "Lord, don't you know where we are; in the shadow of the Pagoda, here in a pagan country. I pray for people in my church back in Florida and I am lucky if one out of ten gets healed. Why is it everyone I have prayed for tonight got healed?" He told me! "These people have not been taught how to doubt!"

In the early years of my formation of Barnabas Ministries, Inc. I was invited to speak at a Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship in Raleigh NC. I felt I was to emphasize Faith in the sharing of my testimony. I must admit that my teaching on faith was shallow compared to what I was going to be taught later. Following the meeting the President of the Chapter invited people for ministry. As usual there were three groups; the first for those desiring salvation; the second for those desiring the Baptism in the Holy Spirit; and, the third for those wishing prayers of healing. I had observed a young couple sitting not far from the speaker's table, and when they entered she was walking as if in tremendous pain, taking what might be described as "baby steps". Following the President's invitation I observed they went to the healing area so I went with the President to the group where people were being prayed for salvation. When we finished with that group the President and I went to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit group, and out of the corner of my vision I watched to see if the couple was still in the group. They were. We finished praying for people in the second group, and moved to those desiring prayers for healing. Frankly, I was hoping our delay would tire that couple and they would go home. They waited and they were the last to be prayed for.

The husband explained that his wife had suffered a back injury and her spine was fused. Duke University Hospital said there was nothing could be done other than give her pain medicines. It was painful for her to rise or walk and depended totally on her husband's assistance. She had come to the meeting in hopes of receiving prayer. I had given an emphasis on faith in my testimony and now I was frankly faithless. If Duke said there was nothing could be done, that is gospel. However, they were waiting for prayer and the President and I were expected to respond. I ask the husband to place one hand on the troubled area of her back and the other hand on the corresponding area of her stomach. I anointed her forehead with Holy Oil. We prayed. I thought a long prayer would suffice and then we would send them home and we would leave the restaurant. To my surprise I heard the Holy Spirit say "tell her to stand up quickly". I was certain that was not the Holy Spirit urging me to tell her to do the impossible. I continued to pray words and He continued to speak to my spirit that she was healed. In my mind's eye I could see her doing the impossible. Finally I succumbed to what the Holy Spirit was saying. I stopped praying. I looked at the girl and said, "In the Name of Jesus I want you to stand up quickly". I took her by the hand and she immediately stood up. "I want you to run to the other end of the dining room, in the NAME OF JESUS". She did! She turned around and ran into the arms of her husband He had not been able to hold her or hug her for a long time.

That was the kind of Faith the author of Hebrews is talking about. There is no evidence that something is possible or realized, but confident in the power of God you know it has happened before you have the proof. Shortly after receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit the husband of a cousin came to our Charleston WV church to be prayed for prior to cancer surgery. A dozen of us gathered and in the setting of Eucharist we anointed him and prayed for him. Afterward he, June and I went to lunch. I kept feeling the need to tell him the surgery would be a waste of time, but this was new for me. I said nothing. He had the surgery and the pathologist reported there was no cancer in any of the tissues removed from his body. That night in Raleigh as well as that evening in Rangoon, had a profound impact on me. The Holy Spirit used them to teach me to trust Him. Eventually I reached a place where I do not hesitate if I feel the Holy Spirit is revealing something that in the natural would be impossible. Jesus said the things He did believers would do, and with the Gift of Faith we will see the impossible become reality.

BMI Web: http://www.inet-usa.net/barnabas

See Bishop Weeks' BLOG at http://pepweeks.wordpress.com/

Another Video Of Kevin and Cathy Downes New Son, Benicio

2010-01-24T00:09:00.007-05:00

MIAMI (CBS4) ―

One of the most heartbreaking stories from the devastation in Haiti is the children. Nearly 80 orphans from Haiti arrived in South Florida to meet their adoptive parents for the very first time.

From the chaos of Haiti to the comforting embrace of loved ones, they arrived at Miami International Airport Friday morning to meet the families who have opened up their hearts and their homes. They are from 'God's Littlest Angels', a Christian orphanage outside of Port-au-Prince, which stood through the earthquake.

"Here's my son, right here, he's great," said one proud adoptive father.

These adoptive parents, from all over the country, have waited years in some cases, for this moment and thought it was lost when the earthquake struck.

Tim and Annette Franklin from Vermont are adopting 2-year-old Gedeleine.

"It's amazing. It's an amazing moment," said an emotional Tim Franklin to CBS4's Michael Williams. "We wondered a week ago if this moment would ever come. Now it's here, it's awesome."

Kevin Downes is a California film producer. He and his wife were touched by the plight of Haitian children through a documentary he's working on. Now 21-month old Benicio is an orphan no more.

"It's overwhelming, it's exhausting, it's tiring, it's a long journey but more than anything we're just thankful," said Downes.

The last leg of a long journey included 7 hours of immigration and customs paperwork before happy reunions at the airport early Friday.

Jennifer Ebenhack and her husband, missionaries living in Haiti, have a son and daughter and are adopting three Haitian children who have lived with them for years

"Only God can make something miraculous out of such a horrible nightmare," said Ebenhack.

Her adopted son Justin couldn't be happier to be here.

"I'm very excited because now I get to come here with all of them and see all of my relatives, and I get to see my great grandmother and great grandfather who are too old to see us," exclaimed Justin.

While the earthquake twisted steel and shattered the country, the human spirit has endured. Every reunion that took place this day, and will take place in the future, is testimony to that strength.

"Our hearts break for everyone still in the country, but we're glad that she's here and that she has the opportunity for a future that she didn't have," said Gedeleine's new dad, Tim.

Of the 80 children who arrived Friday, 58 came to the U.S. through the Bethany Christian Services, one of the largest adoption agencies in the country. Right after the earthquake, Bethany worked with its Haitian counterpart God's Littlest Angles to receive clearance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"All of these children escaped from this tragedy unharmed, but it is important to remember that there are millions of others who still remain in Haiti," said Pam Harrington, director of international adoption services for Bethany.

If you're interested in adopting an orphan from Haiti, click here to get more information from the Bethany Christian Services web site.

To watch the video click here: video of Benicio

Good Coming Out Of Haiti

2010-01-24T00:06:00.002-05:00

Please watch the video about our friends Kevin and Cathy Downes.

Prayer of the Week

2010-01-23T23:55:00.003-05:00

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our

Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News

of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive

the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with

you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mass Burials In Haiti - God Have Mercy

2010-01-18T11:51:00.006-05:00

Words can not say what I want to express. Please watch this. My only words are God have mercy. If you pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, please do so for the people of Haiti.

Haiti Field Report from Samaritan's Purse

2010-01-17T23:19:00.001-05:00

Samaritan's Purse is a great way to make sure your donation gets to the people that need it.

Pray For Haiti And Do Something To Help

2010-01-13T21:56:00.006-05:00

Archbishop Dies In Haiti

2010-01-13T21:46:00.003-05:00

From Catholic News Agency

Port au Prince, Haiti, Jan 13, 2010 (CNA).- The earthquake that struck Haiti just before 5 p.m. local time has claimed thousands of lives, according to news reports coming from the island. Among the many lives lost in the catastrophe are those of Catholic clergy and missionaries.

The Italian daily La Repubblica reported the death of Archbishiop Serge Miot, Archbishop of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince at 4:44 a.m. (CDT). According to the brief report, his body was found in the rubble of the archbishop's office. They also reported that the Vicar General, Msgr. Benoit, was still missing.

According to the Vatican's Fides news agency, Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, Archbishop Bernardito Auza was reported as saying:

"Port-au-Prince is totally devastated. The cathedral, the Archbishop's Office, all of the big churches, all of the seminaries have been reduced to rubble. The same luck for the Ministry buildings, the Presidential Palace, the schools. The Parish Priest of the Cathedral, who was spared, told me that the archbishop of Port-au-Prince would have died under the rubble, together with hundreds of seminarians and priests that are under the ruins."

I Want My Name Back Part 3

2010-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

2. We misrepresent the Name of Jesus when we move away from sinners.

The average 'Christian' after one year of being a Christian has no friends outside of the Christian environment. What a sad commentary. How do we reach people with the love of Christ if this is how we act? If we look at Jesus, he was a friend of sinners. It seems that he was more comfortable around sinners than around the "religious" people.

Today we have 'Christian' health clubs, stores, clothing, bowling alleys, and the list goes on and on. In fact, we could go our whole life without being around non-Christians if we really wanted to.

The problem with this is this is not who Jesus is or what he is like. If we are to be like Jesus we must get out among those who do not know him and be with them. It is not a time to judge them, but to share their life and get to know them. Instead of trying to get them to say 'the Prayer', why not ask them how their day was? Why not be their friend? If we would begin to do this and treat people with respect I believe that they would come to faith much quicker.

Lay down your Amway salesman evangelism and begin to be real with people. Get out among those that Jesus misses most. Let us truly become Christ-followers.

I Want My Name Back Part 2

2010-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

1. We misrepresent the name of Jesus when we use Jesus' name apart from His nature and character.

Let me explain. Several years ago a young man was murdered by other young men because he was gay. During the trial, a pastor and his church members were at the courthouse with huge signs saying "God hates fags." As I saw this my blood boiled. God does not hate anyone. That is not His nature or character. But that is all that everyone saw on the evening news.

As you examine Exodus 34 we find God revealing Himself to Moses. In so doing, God reveals Himself first as loving, merciful, full of grace and then as a God of justice. So many times we as "Christians" get it backwards. We want to give out justice first and save the love, grace, and mercy for ourselves. St. Paul says that it is the goodness and mercy of God that leads us to repentance.

So, before we open our mouths and say this is what God is like we better check out His nature and character before we say anything. Let us truly become "Christ followers."

Prayer of the Week

2010-01-10T00:11:00.003-05:00

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River

Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him

with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his

Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly

confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy

Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

I Want My Name Back Part 1

2010-01-09T23:49:00.004-05:00

Sometime ago I was driving down one of the beautiful streets in downtown St. Augustine. As I was driving, I looked to my right and saw a bumper sticker that said, "Jesus save me from your followers." As I looked at this sticker, a wave of emotions flooded over me. I though to myself how can someone put something like that on their car. I got really upset with the gall of this person. As I drove on there was another wave of emotions that flooded over me and questions began to arise in my mind. What has happened to this person that they would put a bumper sticker like that on their car? How did some "Christian" hurt them? Then I began to remember the times that other "Christians" treated me as I me as if I was not a Christian and did not even know that God existed.

I became very sad as I drove to the Post Office, because many times we so-called Christians misrepresent the name of Jesus. Several years ago a friend, Tom Pelton, preached a sermon and said that Christians have so misrepresented the name of Jesus and not acted like Jesus that he believed that Jesus was crying out to reclaim His name. He wants it back!

Have you ever misrepresented Jesus? Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone misrepresenting Jesus? If we were truly honest with ourselves we can all say that at some point in time we have misrepresented the name of Jesus.

Over the neve few days I will explore how we misrepresent His name.

Happy New Year-2010

2010-01-01T21:51:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year - 2010.

I pray that this will be the best year of your life. May you know God's

favor and blessings this year.

The Origin of the Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-28T00:32:00.002-05:00

(Take from http://www.byrum.org/misc/christmas/origin.html )

You're all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I think. To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written.
It is a good deal more than just a repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of strange gifts. Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829, when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith - a memory aid, when to be caught with anything in *writing* indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get you imprisoned, it could get you hanged, or shortened by a head - or hanged, drawn and quartered, a rather peculiar and ghastly punishment I'm not aware was ever practiced anywhere else. Hanging, drawing and quartering involved hanging a person by the neck until they had almost, but not quite, suffocated to death; then the party was taken down from the gallows, and disembowelled while still alive; and while the entrails were still lying on the street, where the executioners stomped all over them, the victim was tied to four large farm horses, and literally torn into five parts - one to each limb and the remaining torso.

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..."

The other symbols mean the following:
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments

8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

I Would Love To Hear From You

2009-12-28T00:23:00.002-05:00

Everyday Joe's Big Adventure Blog is getting hits from all over the world. I am so blown away by the response I have had recently. Now, I would like to hear from you. Please click on the comment section and tell me where you are from and how you heard about this blog. Also, what subjects do you want to hear about.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Prayer of the Week

2009-12-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of
your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our
hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

I Confess

2009-12-19T15:55:00.000-05:00

Fountain of Mercy, sung by Angelina (EWTN)

2009-12-16T00:09:00.000-05:00

Repent For The Kingdom Of God Has Come

2009-12-14T00:11:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? The 3^rd week of Advent has begun. Time is flying by so fast. It seems that we just began Advent. That is one of the problems of our lives. Time goes by in a flash. I remember when I was a kid and the adults told me to be happy being a kid because there would be a time when the days would go by very fast. I always thought they were crazy but I guess they were not.

Today I want to encourage you to slow down and take some time to reflect on our lives. I know in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season it may be hard, but we have to do it.

In Matthew 3 we read these words:

“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 3:1 NLT (The phrase near is translated - the Kingdom of heaven has come.

As we begin to reflect upon this the first thing I think that we must look at is “repent of your sins.” Now you may say I am already born again. I have already done this. But are there any areas of your life that are not being controlled by the Kingdom of God? The writer of Hebrews says that we are to lay aside every weight that ensnares us. What are the things that we fight in our lives? Is it anger, unforgiveness, pornography, or some other thing that entangles you and it seems like you can’t get free of it? Take a few moments of quiet time and ask God to show you what you need to repent of.

The second thing to reflect upon is that repentance is not just asking forgiveness of something but to turn away from it. We need to make the decision to walk away from the stuff that ensnares us. How do we do this? The first thing is desire. You have to desire to change and make the decision to do it. The next thing is you may need someone to help hold you accountable. You may need to go and ask a mature Christ-follower to help you. But one of the most important things you can do is go to confession. GO TO CONFESSION! I can already hear someone screaming this and turning red faced. But yes, I did say go to confession. You see, as you go to confession and confess your sin to God in the presence of a priest, the priest is announcing what God has done in heaven is done on earth. So, maybe you need to go to confession and walk away knowing that God has forgiven you. Not because the priest said so, but because God says so and is using the priest to speak to you.

Take time today for some reflection.

Can The Kingdom Come To Juarez Mexico?

2009-12-11T23:14:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I was surfing the news and came across an article on CNN about “On the front lines of drug war.” It was really sad. On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, seventeen people were killed - gunned down in the drug war. I then watched the video footage of what is going on in Juarez. There have been 2400 murders this year in Juarez, just across the Mexican-American border from El Paso, Texas. In fact, this reporter was on patrol with the police and you could see the lights of the border crossing and El Paso.

The following quote is chilling. "Juarez is the most violent zone in the world outside of declared war zones". That is really scary. As you read this you may be asking, what does this have to do with me? I know it is bad but how does this effect me? Let me tell you. This violence has now begun to come across the border. It is happening right here in the USA. The Los Zetas drug cartel has cells all over the United States. The DEA says that this cartel is one of the most highly technologically advanced and violent cartels. They began from a group of men from the Mexican army that had been trained by the Americans at Ft. Benning in special warfare-Airborne/Green Beret types. Once they got back to Mexico about 50 men defected from the Army and became enforcers for a drug cartel. Now they have started their own cartel and the violence has increased.

If we do nothing this violence is going to spread into our cities and towns all over America.

But what can we do? Do we need a fence or tougher laws? I believe the answer to this problem can be discovered in the message of this Advent Season.

The primary message of Advent is the coming of the Kingdom. What is needed in Juarez, all of Mexico, and the United States is for the Kingdom of God to be made real. The kingdom of darkness is ruling in this region. All you have to do is watch the videos about the Los Zetas and other cartels to know of the darkness and the demonized activity.

What would happen if the Church began a united effort to pray for a true move of God in this region? What if we began to fast and pray for an end to the killing and torture? What would happen if we began to pray for God to raise up godly priests, pastors and lay evangelists to take the message that the Kingdom of God has come to Juarez?

I can tell you what would happen. We would begin to see a change. As we confront the power of Satan and his kingdom and fight for people’s lives, peoples hearts would begin to change. The only way to stop the violence is for men and women’s hearts to be changed. As Paul said, how can they know unless someone tells them?

As we continue in this Season of Advent I call us to pray and fast for Juarez and Mexico. God raise up men and women to make a difference.

Advent- The Coming of the Lord In The Eucharist

2009-12-06T23:35:00.004-05:00

As we move further into this season of Advent we are reminded that it is a time of preparing for the "coming of the Lord."

We remember the coming of the Lord as the babe in the manager, but there is another coming of the Lord that we can prepare for.

This is the "coming of the Lord" in the Eucharist. Every time we come to the Altar to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist we receive Jesus. Jesus said in St. John that this IS my body and blood.

So as we come to the table of the Lord to receive the sacrament, let us come with a renewed sense of meeting Jesus and receiving Him.

Prayer of the Week

2009-12-06T15:39:00.005-05:00

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Are We Really Proclaiming The Gospel

2009-12-02T20:33:00.002-05:00

Now I know that this is a loaded question, but it is one that we must confront and come to terms with.

For far too long I believe the church has proclaimed an incomplete Gospel.

So what do I mean by this? Are we proclaiming the same message that Jesus proclaimed during his time here on earth? What was the message that He proclaimed? Repent for the Kingdom of God is near. He not only told us the Kingdom had come but He demonstrated that the Kingdom had come by healing people and casting out demons.

For far too long the Church has only proclaimed salvation. We have told people that they must be born again or “saved” and have left it there. Yes we have told people how to live but we have only declared part of the Gospel - an incomplete Gospel.

As we celebrate this Advent season, I believe that it is time to reclaim the “full Gospel”. That God has come to save man for his sins but also to declare the Kingdom of God has come among us in healings, miracles, signs and wonders. These were common experiences in the Book of Acts and in the life of the Pre Nicene Fathers.

Advent-The Coming of the Kingdom of God

2009-11-30T22:15:00.006-05:00

This past Sunday was a very special day on the Church calendar. It was the first Sunday of the Season of Advent and the beginning of the new liturgical year. Happy New Year!

I believe that Advent is probably my favorite season of the church year. It is a blended season - a mixture of hope, repentance, and joy. In this season we look back at Jesus' first advent when He came as the babe in the manger. But we also look ahead to His second coming and the establishing of His kingdom in its fullness. Meanwhile, Christ comes to all who are willing to receive Him.

Over the next weeks I will post thoughts about the season of Advent. So, check back from time to time. But there is one truth that we must begin to embrace if we are to have the impact on the world around us.

That truth is that the kingdom of God has already come and it is coming. Now I know that sounds like double talk but it is not. Let me explain. When Jesus came in the first advent his kingdom came to earth. His rule and reign is already established. So as we go about doing good and sharing the Gospel in real ways, His kingdom is expanded.

There is another part of this in that when Christ comes in His second coming it will be the consummation of all things and His kingdom will be made real in its fullness.

One problem that many Christ-followers have is they are just waiting for the second coming. They are ready to escape the world. But that was not the message that Jesus taught. He wants us right in the middle of the world sharing the love of the Father with all those around. So stop just looking for an escape and begin to expand the kingdom of God through your service to others this Advent Season.

Thanksgiving Thoughts 2009

2009-11-30T22:10:00.002-05:00

I am sitting in CiCi’s Pizza waiting for my family to get here so we can eat dinner. As I sit here I am thinking about this past year and all that we have gone through. A lot has happened this year. I will not go into details but in the natural this has been one of the worst years of my life. As I think about it all I am ashamed for all the complaining I have done this year. Ashamed at my lack of faith in facing the many mountains. Ashamed at my lack of prayer and leadership in directing my family through it all.

As I sit here and reflect on this past year, I can now see God’s hand in everything that has happened. So many of the things that have happened have been because of my own mistakes. God has been faithful to be there and lead me out of the stuff that I have done. Even when I was so upset that we only had $1.132in the bank account until payday God was there because we made it until payday.

Yesterday I got a reality check. My only living brother called and told me that this past weekend he was burning trash. He lives in the country. He picked up what he thought was a can of Diesel but it was gasoline. The can exploded in his hand. He was able to drop to the ground and finally put the fire out. He has 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns to his arm and his leg. As we talked I was so thankful that God was watching over him. This could have been so much worse but his life was spared and the damage not as bad as it could have been. Although there are still weeks of skin grafts and therapy ahead he is alive and will recover.

How many times do we forget about the little blessings that God has given to us as we await the large blessing we so desperately need? We get so caught up in the here and now that we forget to look at what he is doing in our lives.

Tomorrow as my family sits down for Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for. It’s not all the big stuff but the small everyday blessings that God has given to us.

My goal for the coming year(s) is to always look for those small blessings and enjoy them while I can. Happy Thanksgiving!

Cuba Government Housing

2009-11-23T22:26:00.001-05:00

Glories of the Revolution in Cuba

Prayer of St. Carlos of Brazil

2009-11-23T22:18:00.002-05:00

My dearest friend St. Carlos, who renounced the power, honor, and riches of this world, you know how iniquity hurts and how hopeless it is, you who were humiliated and misunderstood. For this, I humbly ask you to watch over the homeless, abandoned, and rejected people, and for me also who is seeking for your special help. I confidently ask you for the grace of (say your request) even though it seems to be impossible, I want to count on and await your intercession as the saint of urgent causes. Amen.

Prayer of the Week

2009-11-23T00:42:00.003-05:00

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well‑beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer of the Week

2009-11-09T00:19:00.002-05:00

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might
destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God
and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may
purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again
with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his
eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Patriarch Luis Fernando Castillo Mendez of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church Has Passed

2009-11-09T00:12:00.004-05:00

On October 29, 2009 Patriarch Luis Fernando Castillo Mendez stepped out of this life and into his reward. Below is a post I wrote on October 26, 2007.

The above picture is of Patriarch Luis Mendez of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church. He is now in his 80's. When he was in his 20's and a young Roman Catholic priest in Venezuela he began to proclaim the grace of God and God's love. During the 1940's he even began to celebrate the Mass facing the people instead of having his back to the people. Many of the things he began to teach and practice were later accepted by the Roman Catholic Church.

The day came that the government arrested him, took him to a small room, sat him down at a table and told him to sign the piece of paper on the table . The paper was a statement that he was renouncing what he had done and what he was teaching. When he refused to sign this document, the officials took a hot iron and placed it in his hand - burning his hand. He still bears the scars today. He was given an opportunity to sign again, but again he refused. They hooked him up to electrons and shocked him with electricity. He still bears the scar today. Then they broke his arm before taking him to an island where they left him to die. He had no food, water, or clothing. Some local fisherman discovered him and helped him. Finally, his mother learned of his whereabouts and came to the island.

Word began to get out about what happened and the Mexican ambassador began to negotiate with the government concerning this situation. Eventually a boat showed up and he was told he had to leave the country and would be taken to Panama. He was further told if he ever came back to Venezuela he would be killed.

There was a former Roman Catholic Bishop by the name of Carlos Durate Costa who had been following these events. In the process of time Bishop Costa went to Panama and consecrated this young priest as a Bishop in Christ's one holy catholic and apostolic church. Bishop Mendez moved to Brazil and has been in Brazil ever since.

Bishop John Holloway and Family Needs Your Help

2009-10-27T22:23:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, our home was foreclosed on almost two weeks ago. After much prayer and counsel, it was decided that saving the home was not a viable long-term solution and that we should begin looking for alternative housing. The sale date for the property is presently set at December 1, 2009. We have about 4 weeks, give or take, to find another house and move. We have attempted to negotiate a later sell date with the lender and have thus far been unsuccessful.

We are thankful for your prayers and are now asking for your help. A special bank joint-signature bank account will be opened tomorrow at First Bank of Pike in Zebulon, Georgia. Jacob will be one of the signatories and Jason Brisendine will be the other. All funds raised will be directed towards a “new” residence for our family. Funds will not be used for food, entertainment, or any other non-housing related expense. We are primarily concerned with finding another place to live at the moment. If you need any further information, please contact Jacob (jbh301@gmail.com) directly. He is acting on behalf of the family in this situation and has all of the pertinent information. He asks that you only contact him. We thank you greatly for your willingness to give in any way possible. We understand that this is a difficult time for us all.

Below is information on the situation that was written by Elaine:

“In July 2006, Elaine was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and told there was “no hope”; she had two months to live. She would never get into Emory to get treatment that may help because the Holloway’s had no medical insurance. God opened the door for her to be treated at Emory Hospital and the Winship Clinic. She has now been declared cancer free, but remains under the care of doctors at Emory. Elaine also had to have cataract surgery and remains under the care of a retina specialist in Atlanta for bleeding in her eyes. On June 8, 2007, Bishop John Holloway suffered a massive stroke. He was taken to Emory where they had to remove part of his skull because of swelling of his brain. He has been sent home three times to die, but still gets stronger. He was under Hospice Care until they had to release him because of his improvement. In October 2007, he had to have his left leg amputated above the knee. He still has not had his skull replaced. He is at home, bound to his bed or wheelchair, but always in great humor. Then doctors discovered a quarter-sized hole in Jacob’s heart. In May 2008, he had open-heart surgery to successfully repair his heart. Being the primary caregiver of Bishop John, Elaine also homeschools Josiah and Hannah, who also help with their Dad on a daily basis.
The Holloway family is entirely dependent upon God to meet the overwhelming needs they face every day. Because Bishop John opted out of social security in 1975, they have no government support or income and no medical insurance or assistance. The Charismatic Episcopal Church, where Bishop John is a medically retired bishop, has done over and above what they should have been able to do for this family, but it has not been enough to save their home from foreclosure. Their residence in Thomaston has been home for Bishop John, Elaine, Jacob, Josiah and Hannah for the past 16 years. The Holloways are looking for a new home and are in need of financial support. The Holloway family asks that you help as you can. May God bless your generosity!

Checks from individuals may be made out to: Diocese of the Mid-South andmailed to: 4881 Highway 34 East Sharpsburg, GA 30277. Please include in the memo “Benevolence”.

Checks from churches should be made out to “Holloway Housing Fund”,
and mailed to First Bank of Pike, Attn. Jason Brisendine, PO Box 1028, Zebulon, GA 30295.

Questions? Please call Jacob Holloway, 706-741-0912 (cell).”

Introduction to Missionaries Russell and Wanda Wilkison

2009-10-22T23:16:00.006-04:00

Please watch this video and if you can please help Wilkison complete the project in Mexico. I personally know this family and they the real thing!

2009-10-06T19:16:00.001-04:00

I have begun to read Live Your Dreams by Les Brown. Good read.

2009-05-27T18:54:00.001-04:00

So excited my new site www.whoisjoebutler.com. It's coming along. Thanks Justin & Chaunna Brooke.

Currently Reading

2009-05-11T20:18:00.003-04:00

This book was given to me by Stephen Strang of Strang Communications last Thursday at a luncheon. Good so far.

Answered Prayer Guaranteed!- Frederick K.C. Price

Books I'm Reading

2009-05-11T20:09:00.003-04:00

Just finished these two books. Recommend that you get them and read them.

Trump Think Like A Billionaire-Donald Trump

Trump The Art of the Comeback-Donald Trump

Swine Flu

2009-05-10T01:10:00.001-04:00

Quote of the Day

2009-05-01T19:45:00.002-04:00

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. - Donald Trump

Quote of the Day

2009-05-01T19:23:00.002-04:00

Apprecation authorizes intimacy-Mike Murdock

WARNING: SWINE FLU...

2009-04-28T20:38:00.005-04:00

Over the last few days we have seen and heard the message that Swine Flu is spreading around the world. Words and pictures like pandemic, deaths in Mexico , and school closings have caused fear to grip many peoples hearts. As Christ-followers, what does this all mean to us? First, we should use wisdom and follow the instructions that we are being given at this time.

*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

*Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

*Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Today I was reading an email that Dr. Mike Smalley sent to me. The following are some suggestions from him for this time.

*This is a God given opportunity to proclaim the Gospel of peace in an environment of growing fear and panic.

*An opportunity to take communion regularly with your family as a reminder Jesus' body was broken for your health and healing.

*An opportunity to seek the Holy Spirit for financial wisdom to protect you from possible economic downturns.

*An opportunity to walk in the divine protection promised to those who tithe and plant Seed into the work of God. ". . . and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake." (Mal 3:10)

Quote of the Day

2009-04-21T13:00:00.002-04:00

Learn from mistakes of others; you won't live long enough to make them all yourself.

ML King Museum

2009-04-17T20:11:00.002-04:00

Today we visited the ML King museum. It really hit me to see my city, St. Augustine, on the freedom march display.

New Beginnings TV Launched Today

2009-04-10T23:10:00.001-04:00

Books I'm Reading

2009-03-21T18:29:00.005-04:00

Finished Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin last week. Good book. Read it and begin to examine your organization. I have begun to examine our church and my business.

Just began reading Reposition Yourself-Living a Life Without Limits by T.D. Jakes. Easy to read book.

They Can't Stop You-Steve Furtick

2009-03-21T18:22:00.004-04:00

You probably remember the occasion when Gamaliel told the Sanhedrin to leave the disciples alone because:“If their purpose or activity is of human origin it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”Acts 5:38-39

If you are doing the work of God for the purposes of God in the power of God, you’re unstoppable too. Just like the early church. Just like Jesus Christ.

I don’t remember where I first heard this little quote, but it has enlivened me on many tough days (it’s even posted in one of my assistants’ office):When I want what God wants for the reasons God wants it I’m unbeatable and unstoppable.

Receive that today. Breathe it in. Then walk it out.

Maybe you’re a pastor squaring up with a carnal deacon board, trying to pursue a God given vision in the face of tremendous scrutiny and opposition.Stay on the wall, Nehemiah. That deacon board can’t stop you. God is fighting for you! Dream, implement, preach, evangelize, cast vision.It will come to pass.

Maybe you’re a parent trying to instill godly values into your child, and they’re putting up a hell of a fight every step of the way. Remember, your child isn’t fighting against you. According to Gamaliel, they’re fighting against God!And whether they know it or not, they’ve met their match. It’s just a matter of time ‘til He lands the knockout blow.Keep training, encouraging, correcting, disciplining, praising, mentoring, sowing. It will produce a harvest.

If God is for you, who can be against you?As long as you keep moving forward, you’re unstoppable!

Steve Furtick is the Lead Pastor at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. (This posting was taken from stevefurtick.com)

Not Smart(ies): Doctors Warn of Dangers in Kids 'Smoking' Sugary Candies

2009-03-20T21:20:00.003-04:00

Not Smart(ies): Doctors Warn of Dangers in Kids 'Smoking' Sugary Candies
Friday, March 20, 2009 (Copied from FoxNews.com)

Doctors are warning kids across the country to stop "smoking Smarties" -- a fad they say can lead to infections, chronic coughing, choking and even maggots feeding off sugary dust in your nose.

Adolescents and teens have been crushing and inhaling candy, and then exhaling it, in an effort to look as though they’re smoking cigarettes, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
Countless youths have even posted how-to videos, like this one on YouTube, of themselves engaging in this behavior.

Health experts fear the behavior may lead to harmful conditions. Some kids have already shown signs of developing a “smoker’s cough.” Oren Friedman, a Mayo Clinic nose specialist, cautioned that frequent use could lead to infections or even worse, albeit rare, conditions, such as maggots inside the nose.

The trend came as a surprise to officials at Summit Middle School in Frisco, Colo., in the fall when a clique of sixth graders started “smoking” Smarties -- a popular, disk-shaped sugar candy.

Though they call it “smoking,” the kids aren’t actually lighting a match to the candy. Instead, they crush it into a fine powder in its wrapper, draw it into their mouths and then blow it out in a cloud of dust.

The fad worries Corinne McGrew, the school nurse at Summit School District. "My biggest concern was that they would aspirate the wrapper or a whole Smarties and it would be a choking hazard," she told the Wall Street Journal.

The problem is happening all over the country — and Smarties isn’t the only candy of concern, said Eric Ostrow, vice president of sales and marketing at Ce De Candy Inc., which manufactures Smarties in Union, N.J.

“It can be done with anything made with sugar and compressed — Necco Wafers, Conversation Hearts, SweeTarts, Lik-M-Aid is already pulverized and so is Pixy Styx,” Ostrow told the Journal. “I don’t want to be complimented that we’re the number one choice.”

Have you heard about this? Have you had to deal with this? If so what did you do?

Signs of Burnout

2009-03-16T21:26:00.005-04:00

If you have been in "church work" any amount of time you know what the term burnout means. So many times we begin to experience the beginnings stages of burnout and we miss it until we are into it pretty deep. So over the next couple of postings I want to look at the signs of burnout and the cure for burnout.

A really good example of burnout in the Bible can be found in I Kings 19 and the story of Elijah.

I am not going to go into the details of the story - you can read that. So here are some signs of burnout.

1. We depreciate our worth. We compare ourselves to others and what we expect our lives to be.

2. We devalue our work. We blame ourselves for the results of our work. We must remember that we are only responsible for obedience.

3. We exaggerate our problems. We make them bigger than they really are.

4. We abdicate our dreams. When we stop dreaming we die inside. We quit, or stop, caring or just begin to go through the routine of life.

Do you find yourself feeling burned out? . What are you doing about it? What have you done about it? Comment on it.

Please Pray

2009-03-02T00:27:00.002-05:00

This is a posting from a friend of my wife. Please pray for them. Here is a link to her blog-The Journey for Selah. God's favor, Joe

As you know, we are 1 out of 4 families that have been fighting for our children in Kaz. In the previous post, I had to share the heartbreaking news that 2 of the families were completely denied their adoptions. After years of bonding and loving these children, the court system in Kaz denied the ability for them to be a family.

This week, the 3rd family has their court hearing. Please be in prayer that they can go in peace and have the strength they need. Its going to be a hard week for them. Their hopes aren't too high at this point, given the news the other two families had a couple of weeks ago.

It is very hard to understand WHY these judges are trying to prevent these precious, innocent children from being with their families. And they don't understand that we are already bonded to our children. We have spent time with them, loved them, kissed them, fed them, talked about them, etc... They are OUR children. Not the government. Not anyone else. They are ours. And to strip them from us in this way is.... pure evil.

However, there are things that happen that we may never understand. But, i do know that without the peace, strength, joy, and contentment I have in Christ, I wouldn't be able to do this.

Please say a prayer for all four of us.

Police Resuce Child Prostitutes Around the US

2009-02-23T22:47:00.005-05:00

This past weekend the FBI and local Police rescued 45 suspected teenage prostitutes -age 13-17- in what was called "Operation Cross Country." Along with the rescue, many of their pimps were arrested.

According to FoxNews.com, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Daniel Roberts said, " unfortunately the vast majority of these kids are what they term 'throwaway kids', with no family support, no friends. They're kids that nobody wants, they're loners. Many are runaways."

As I read this quote I became very sad and at the same time upset and mad.

I have a question for the"church" at large, and for me, too.

What are we (and I mean my local church as well) doing about these kids? We see them all the time. There should be no excuse for a "throwaway kid." Are we supporting families and giving them the tools they need to be good parents or are we just focused on the "spiritual stuff"? Well, the kids are the "spiritual stuff"!

God forgive us as individuals and as the church for not becoming a louder voice for our kids and turning a blind eye to them.

More on The Sticks Conference

2009-02-16T23:13:00.000-05:00

The Sticks-Midwest Regional-Speaker Highlights from thesticks.tv on Vimeo.

The Sticks Confernece

2009-02-16T23:09:00.002-05:00

The Sticks Intro from Revolution Church on Vimeo.

Check out the website: www.thesticks.tv

What I Am Reading

2009-02-14T21:11:00.007-05:00

Have a New Kid by Friday, by Dr. Kevin Leman. This is a good read for parents who are trying to come up with a better way of dealing with their kids behavior.

Jack:Straight from the Gut, by Jack Welch. Book written by Jack Welch, former CEO of GE. He shares his experience of taking an organization that was full of bureaucracy and how he turned it around.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:06:00.002-05:00

I hope that you all have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Laughing Gas Kid Video

2009-02-04T00:18:00.001-05:00

Tithe Rap

2009-02-03T22:00:00.001-05:00

Quote

2009-01-28T00:38:00.002-05:00

"What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you." Mike Murdock

Thank You Dr. King

2009-01-19T23:11:00.004-05:00

Today we remember Dr. Matin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for laying your life down that so many could know freedom.

Dr. King in St. Augustine, Florida

Leadership 101 by John Maxwell

2009-01-16T01:34:00.003-05:00

Great little book that every leader should read. Check out the link here.

Video Invite

2009-01-15T21:41:00.003-05:00

My First Article for Serve with Steve Sjogren

2009-01-12T20:09:00.003-05:00

Check out the new issue of Serve with Steve Sjogren.

http://serve-others.com/issue28/

I have my first article for Serve in this issue. It is call the Gift that keep on Giving.

New Series Video

2009-01-11T01:40:00.002-05:00

New Web Address

2009-01-01T23:49:00.002-05:00

We now have a new web address. The new domain is www.joesbigadventureblog.com .

Happy New Year!!!

Sunday Night Reflections (Really Monday Morning 2 AM)

2008-12-29T01:51:00.002-05:00

My topic today was a Year of New Beginnings. I believe that God going to do some amazing things in 2009 in St. Augustine.
This weekend I began to Twitter. (This sounds like it may have hurt.) You can follow-my name is pastorjoeb.
New Series to begin Jan. 18, 2009 called Change... Is it really possible? With all the talk about change coming with the new President we are going to explore where and how real and lasting change happens.
Please pray for us we need to raise $5000 by Jan 2, 2009.

New Logo for New Beginnings Fellowship

2008-12-29T01:03:00.001-05:00

Check Out Shaun King's Blog

2008-12-27T13:45:00.002-05:00

You need to check this guy out. His name is Shaun King and he is the Lead Pastor at The Courageous Church in Atlanta. His blog is shauninthecity.com. The church is launching on Jan. 11, 2009.

For Christmas they raised funds to buy 500 kids uniforms and a toy. They are really touching the lives in their part of Atlanta.

Advent Conspiracy

2008-12-16T00:42:00.001-05:00

Depending on your church tradition you may not know about the Season of Advent. Let me share with you a couple of things about Advent. Many churches celebrate what is known as the season of Advent. It begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. The purpose of this time is to remember that the Kingdom of God is coming. It first came at the advent of Jesus Christ being born and ushering in the Kingdom of God upon the earth. It is also a time to look forward to the coming of the Kingdom in its fullness at Jesus' return. During these four weeks, families are encouraged to have a time of reflection and examine their hearts in preparation of the coming of the King.

Advent may be something new to you. But I believe that the purpose of this time is something every Christ-follower can benefit from. So there are four things I would like to encourage us to do over the next few weeks.

1. Worship Fully - So many of us make a difference between that which is scared and that which is secular. In the Kingdom everything is sacred. It does not matter whether we are praying or playing, fishing for bass or fishing for men, eating, spending time with friends, working, or involved in some form official worship - it is all worship. Everything we do is worship to God.

2. Spend Less - We can get so caught up in the commercialization that we go into debt to keep up with others or just to have the "right" thing. Given the situation we are in as a country, try spending a little less this year. It's not about the gifts that we buy and give, its about the attuide of our hearts.

3. Give More - This is not just about money. We need to give of ourselves during this Christmas Season. Jesus came and He gave. If we are to be Christ-followers, then we too must give. What about the kid in the neighborhood that does not have a father? What about the elderly lady that is all alone? What about the single mom who is having a hard time just to make ends meet? What about the college student that is so far away from home? What would happen if we just began to touch the lives around us?

4. Love All - The greatest gift that we could give this year is love. Real love. A love that gives and ask for nothing in return. Jesus said they will know us by our love. Does our love tell others that we are Christ-followers or just another religious person with no heart?

During this Season, let's reclaim what it's all about and become true Christ-followers.

Thank You Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin

2008-11-28T22:37:00.006-05:00

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I had the privilege of attending a meeting of pastors that Bishop Vaughn McLauglin is mentoring. I was so blessed to be with these men of God. During the meeting Bishop Vaughn spoke into my life and helped to stir up old dreams and visions that had been placed on the back burner.

Thanks Bishop.

Here is a quote from the day.

"What works is not necessarily right, but what is right will work."

Core Values of New Beginnings

2008-11-15T23:21:00.002-05:00

Core Values of New Beginnings Fellowship

We Value People
People matter to God
We believe people matter to God and therefore they matter to us. God demonstrated the high value He places on people when He gave His very best, his Son, to provide the gift of salvation. Our assignment is to get the message of this good news to people so we can help them establish a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and equip them to change their world.

We Value Authencity
People are to be real
We believe that of all people Christ-Followers should be real. We are committed to learning to be honest and real with others and ourselves. We believe that being "super spiritual" is not a godly trait and should be avoided.

We Value A Outward Focus Lifestyle
Our mission is to those outside the four walls of the Church
We believe that as Jesus said the world is the field. We are called not to hide behind the walls of our church building but to go out into the marketplace and present the good news of Jesus in simple practical ways. It is not about the words we say but about the deeds of love we do.

We Value Generosity
Givers instead of takers
We believe that Jesus spoke of the importance of money frequently. About 80% of his parables centered around the need for all of us to have a proper perspective about this area of life. As a church and individuals, we freely give, not out of obligation or guilt or law, but out of excitement, joy and enthusiasm in order to extend the love of God to others.

We Value Relevance
Although our methods will change, our Message will not
We believe the Bible is the most exciting book ever written, and we seek to share its’ good news in relevant environments. We will create appropriate environments for all ages.

We Value Service
Every member is a minister
We believe God has equipped every Christ-Follower with gifts and passions so they can become difference makers for Jesus Christ. We will encourage everyone to use and develop their gifts and talents in service to our church, community, and the world.

Michal Ann Goll Stepped into Heaven Today

2008-09-15T22:31:00.000-04:00

At 7:32 AM Michal Ann Goll Stepped into Heaven

This past weekend I ministered in a conference hosted at Mahesh and Bonnie Chavdas church in North Carolina. It was a powerful time and I was blessed to be a part of it. However I was in contact with Kathy Colbert, who has helped so much with Michal Ann during this season, and she made me aware that Michal Ann's strength was slipping and that I needed to come home. On Sunday night I did return home and my good friend Bill Greenman picked me up at the airport and we began making our way to the house. Earlier that day Mickey and Barbara Robinson had come over and prayed for Michal Ann and as they ministered to her, a big smile came to her face as they prayed. They were still at the house when we arrived; Bill came in with me and as he prayed for her, again a smile came over her face and a peace invaded our bedroom. As I spent the night in the room with her, I knew that she was nearing the end of her journey. The next morning, after I ministered to my wife through the night, Michal Ann breathed her last breath on earth and stepped into Heaven to be with her Lord, her first love! Michal Ann fought harder than anyone could have believed, including the doctors. I was always impressed with her fight to live until the last! Her legacy of Compassion Acts is going to live on in the hearts of many - and the lives that it is changing will help change the world to move in the Compassion of Jesus!We will be having two services for Michal Ann as she is worth the double blessing. HA! One will be in Nashville, TN on Thursday and the other is in the process of being planned in Odessa, MO this weekend (details will be forthcoming). Michal Ann will be buried at the Dover Cemetery in Dover, MO. Donations in lieu of flowers on behalf of Michal Ann may be made to Compassion Acts to support the dream that she carried in her heart for the poor and broken of the earth. The details for all arrangements are below.

Details for the Nashville, TN Celebration service for Michal Ann Goll:Thursday, Sept 18thVisitation @ 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Memorial Service @ 2:00 p.m. Bellmont Church, 68 Music Square East Nashville, TN, 37203

Please feel free to pass this information on to others.

Never, Never quitting!!! James W. Goll with Michal Ann praying me on!

If you would like to give in honor of Michal Ann Goll, checks can be made out to Compassion Acts and sent to PO Box 1653, Franklin, TN 37065, or contributions may be made online as well. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law and a receipt for your donation will be mailed to you. Thank you for your support.

Check Out Serve! with Steve Sjogren

2008-09-13T01:19:00.002-04:00

I want to encourage you to check out this e-zine called Serve! with Steve Sjogren. Just click on this link http://www.serve-others.com/issue21/.

Steve is a pastor, author and one of the great minds on how to reach people that are outside of the "church culture."

Please check it out.

Joseph was a dreamer/visionary

2008-09-13T01:03:00.006-04:00

Joseph was a dreamer and it got him into trouble. In Genesis 37 we read two dreams that God gave to Joseph. The first dream was sheaves bowing down to him and in the second one there was the moon, sun, and eleven stars bowing down and worshipping him.

When Joseph told his brothers these dreams they became angry with him and the hatred they had for him increased. Why? Because they knew what he was telling them - they would bow down to him, their little brother! Although the dreams that he had were true and from God, that did not mean that people would get excited about them.

Have you ever had a dream or vision from God and when you told someone they did not get excited? Did they do just the opposite, and maybe got mad?

Joseph's problem was not the dream, but that he told the dream. We find no where in the passage from Genesis that God told him to tell it. What can we learn form Joseph's situation?

1. Never tell everything to everyone. Some things that God gives to you are for you alone.

2. Only tell those who respect your dream. Do not waste your time on those who disrespect it.

3. Sometimes you are to never tell it. Look at the revelation that God gave to Paul. He said that

there were things God showed him that he could never tell.

Another thing that you must remember is that family, even parents, may not encourage you. Some may even be jealous. It is not important that everyone is happy about what God has spoken to you or called you to accomplish. What is important is that God has spoken and that it has been confirmed and blessed by true spiritual authority.

New Series: How To Dream Again

2008-09-06T16:45:00.002-04:00

Have things occurred in your life that have taken you down a different path than the one you always envisioned for yourself? Do you find yourself just getting through the day? Remember the bumper sticker that was so popular a few years ago, "Stuff Happens"?

If any of these questions have you shaking your head 'yes', then this Sunday is just for you. Pastor Joe Butler will be looking at how we go through life and stuff happens that causes us to give up on our dreams. And you are invited to come and learn to dream again.

Meeting at: The St. Augustine Community Theater
in the Ponce de Leon Mall next to J.C. Penney
For more information call 904-540-1624

Miracle Happens in St. Augustine

2008-08-11T23:48:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday I received a call from a man named Andrew after he read the ad in the newspaper for our Healing and Impartation service. After talking with him for a short time I learned that he has had 3 strokes and had no movement in his left arm for 11 years. I prayed for him and he began to feel his arm tingle. So I encouraged him to come on Sunday to the service.

On Sunday Andrew was there ready for God's healing power to touch him. During the prayer time I prayed for him and commanded his arm to be healed. I asked him what he felt and he said it was like pain. I told him to begin to move his arm or do something that he could not do before. He immediately began to move his arm. He was able to lift it up half way. This was the first time in 11 years that he was able to move his arm. He began to cry and laugh and the place when nuts.

This is just the beginning. The outpouring is going to rock St. Augustine. Believe for more and do not be satisfied!

Great Worship Music

2008-08-11T23:44:00.003-04:00

You should check out this website www.runwithfire.com. Roy Fields is one of the most anointed worship leaders I have ever heard. It would be worth the money to purchase one of his CDs.

Healing Outpourning Continues in St. Augustine

2008-07-18T22:20:00.003-04:00

This Sunday we will continue with a Healing and Impartation Service. If you need a miracle, come and experience the power of God.

We are meeting at the St. Augustine Community Theater inside the Ponce de Leon Mall next to J.C. Penney (2121 US 1 South St. Augustine, FL). The service begins at 10:30 am-doors open at 10:00 am.

Stepping Stone or Tombstone

2008-07-18T22:17:00.003-04:00

During the dark days of World War II, there was a family who rose up and tried to make a difference. This family was the Ten Booms. As the Nazis invaded Holland, bringing terror with them, the Ten Booms began to help the Jewish people. During this time of great persecution, the family began to hide Jews in their home and shuttle them out of the country.

Finally, the dreaded day came for the Ten Booms. Nazi officials entered their home and arrested the entire family. As a result of their resistance to this foreign persecution, they were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. Two of the daughters of the family were placed in the same death camp. Despite the death, pain, persecution and torture they witnessed, these two sisters never lost their faith and love for God. Their belief in God was so strong they even began to minister to others in this camp. But the day finally came that the German officials killed Corrie Ten Boom's sister. Many years later, Corrie was speaking at a church in Europe. When the service had concluded, a young man began to walk toward the lectern. As Corrie saw this man, a flood of emotions washed over her. All the pain and loss resurfaced. For he was the German soldier who helped to kill Corrie's sister. As the young man reached the lectern, he asked for Corrie's forgiveness for his actions during the war. This was one of the hardest requests that she had ever had. As she looked at him, she prayed for God's help.
This experience could have been her stepping stone or her tombstone.

As we travel on this pilgrimage called life, we are faced with many offenses and wrongs. At some point in your life, you will experience a time to become a stepping stone or a tombstone. Even today everyone will have a chance to become offended or to forgive. Your husband or wife may have offended you. The simple truth is, offenses will come! How you deal with them becomes our stepping stone to overcoming or our tombstone on the grave of unforgiveness. As Jesus was teaching on the mount, he gave his disciples instruction on what to do with an offense. Forgive! (Matthew 6:9-15)

But you may say to yourself, "I was offended." Jesus still says to forgive. Jesus' words here are very strong. He stated, "I will forgive you if you forgive others. If you do not forgive others, I will not forgive you." "How do I forgive?" is the question that now arises. It is simply by the grace of God. God is the only one who can give you the power to forgive. So ask him for His strength. There are also some practical things that we can do.

First, do not curse the offense. Thank God that even in the midst of the offense He will use it for your good.

Second, do not nurse it. Many times when the offense comes our way, we have a pity party. We need to stop feeling sorry for ourselves.

Thirdly, do not rehearse it. Usually when we are offended, we will rehearse the events to everyone who listen to us. Yes, you may need to talk to someone about what you have experienced, but do not continue to rehearse it with everyone.

Fourth, disperse it. How? Every day, ask God to take the offense. Ask God for the grace to forgive the one who has offended you. Then pronounce your forgiveness and pray for God's blessings upon the offender.

Fifth, God will reverse it! What was meant for evil against you can be turned around for your good. Jesus simply said to forgive. Call someone or write a letter today and release your forgiveness.

Today, you can have a stepping stone or a tombstone. The choice is yours!

Woman With Clubfoot Healed After 50+ Years

2008-06-24T21:41:00.003-04:00

Linda was born in 1951 with Cerebral Palsy. She was premature, being born at 7 months and weighing approximately 4 lbs., 12 oz. When she was 4 & 1/2 Dr. Richard Walker lengthened her heel cords, but her right leg remained 5/8 " shorter than her left. She wore corrective shoes at night to keep her legs turned out. When she was 7 they turned her hips around. She wore leg braces until Jr. High and then she was put back into corrective shoes with bands. She started to fall again and her leg started to turn in and she has been using a walker for about 5 years. Linda says that God healed her speech and she is able to live on her own. She has been praying and asking God to make her legs the same length. Her friend invited her to the healing meeting and she says she felt the Lord touch her and it has been a very long time since that has happened. Her leg is now straight.

Linda came to the healing meeting on Sunday, June 8th. I had a Word of Knowledge after the worship through music time that someone was there with a knee problem. Linda came forward for prayer and was overcome by the Holy Spirit and fell to the ground. She laid there during the entire sermon and when she got up her right foot, which had been turned in, was straight. That same morning a lady by the name of Ellen came to visit the service. On Tuesday, June 3rd, I received a Word of Knowledge that someone with sleep apnea would be in the service. During the service he called out that someone was there with sleep apnea and Ellen came forward for prayer. Last Sunday, June 22nd, Ellen came back to church and shared with us that she knew God had touched her body. She also said that for four hours after the service, including her stop at Walmart, she felt like she was under a waterfall. She said that she is normally very high strung, and for four hours she had so much peace. She kept saying that she literally felt like she was standing under a waterfall. What she didn't know is that my 6 year old daughter told me after the service that she saw water being poured out over the congregation during the service. She has seen this once before and in that service several people said they felt like they were getting rained on.