March 2019

Dear Friend,

I pray you are enjoying the last few days of winter. Here at the Jersey Shore, we have had a very mild winter. The temps have been 8-10 degrees below normal for most of the winter, and we have had a lot of rain, but almost no snow. In fact, we have not used our snow shovel at all this winter.

They tell us it is going to be 65 degrees by Friday, which will be really nice. Kim has been able to snow ski about once a week for a while, but knows her ski season is winding down.

Focus Your Faith

Last month I shared with you about Dreams. This month I want to speak to you about how to focus your faith so what God has shown you can come to pass. It is one thing for God to place something in your heart, move you to a place of receiving His Word, but is another thing to step out and see it come to pass.

Over the years, when God has shown me something to do, He always brings me to a place of having to really focus my faith to bring it to pass. That usually means, He has me so thoroughly convinced of what I am to do, that I know that I have to step out in faith and just do it! Against all odds, I just believe God and step out on His Word and nothing else matters.

No matter what my mind tries to tell me, no matter what the world tells me, no matter what family or friends tell me, I know that I have to obey God! This is a great place to be, because as long as you have heard from God correctly, you are about to see miracle after miracle take place in your life!

God’s instructions always put us in a position to say either yes or no to Him! It is always better to say yes to God than to disobey Him! Isaiah 1:19 says, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” That means, as long as you obey God, you will accomplish what He wants you to do here in the earth. Your success is guaranteed by someone who has never made a mistake! Awesome!!

This takes the fear out of the picture and puts you in a position to be extremely focused on His plan. The word focused, according to Webster means: a center of activity, attraction, or attention, a point of concentration, directed attention, a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding, the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image.
So we see, to be focused on what God wants us to do, means we will do the following:

1. Increase our activity (shows movement)
2. Have our attention directed by Him
3. Be attracted to what God wants
4. Concentrate on His plan
5. Have clear perceptions
6. Have a clear understanding (knowing what God wants)
7. See a clear image-we can see exactly what God sees

This means there is no guess work in what we are to do! We have specific, focused details and a specific plan put in our hearts by God that we are to follow! If we follow the focus of God in our lives, then we will be successful!

Zoom in Like a Camera

Most cameras these days have a feature on them that lets us zoom in with the focus (getting closer to our image or picture without moving in closer physically). As we zoom in, the picture gets bigger and bigger in the frame we are looking at!

God is the same way! As we focus on His plan and directives, He brings a clearer picture for us to see, so our faith can grab it and say this is possible, I can do this! Concentrate on what He has shown you, zoom in for the details, and then just go do it!

As you do it, keep your eyes on God, make any adjustments He shows you, and continue to obey Him. If you make a mistake, remember He is the “greatest fixer” of all times! He will guide you back on the right path, and lead you once again to the fulfillment of what He wants you to do!

Allow God to take you to the greatest life you will ever experience! There is nothing quite like living a life that is impossible, in a way that testifies to the greatness of God! This is what Jesus died and was raised from the dead for, so you could have access to God our Father 24/7!

Focus, focus, focus on God and watch your life grow! You have faith, now like a laser beam, focus that faith on the one and only true God! Your life will never be the same!

February 2019

Dear Friend,

It is starting to act a little bit like winter around here. We had two inches of snow this morning, with more coming tomorrow.

This weekend we had the NJ grandkids down here at the beach. We were able to walk on our new, longer beach with them, which is always a good time! Even our dog Spencer got to go and really enjoyed himself.

A Word from God for 2019

Every year in December, I spend some time alone with God to receive a word from Him about the upcoming year. This year as I did that, no word came to me. Last month, no word really came, until just before the month was over.

Then I heard Him say that 2019 would be a year where two things would happen: Number one, this would be a year were former dreams would be fulfilled. Number two, this would be a year when new dreams would be given by God to some of His people! I don’t know about you, but both of these have my excited!

What Dreams are You Holding on To?

Is there a dream from God that has not happened yet? If there is, 2019 could be the year it comes to pass. Last month I spoke about “The Path of a Dream” and “God’s Dream.” This month I want to encourage you, start believing that those things God gave you as a dream are going to come to pass this year!

You may say, but how can I know it will happen now? Or what can I do to ensure God’s dream for my life happens this year? Glad you asked, here is how: activate your faith, start believing God for it to happen this year, and take action that corresponds to your faith. It is that easy! It is not hard! Believe God!

Activate your faith by speaking the dream to yourself and back to God Himself! Remind Him what He said to you! Remember how excited you got when He spoke to you and you started thinking (dreaming) about it?

Start believing for your dream to be fulfilled this year! How? Make this a focus of faith believing prayer! Pray strongly in the Holy Ghost, declare the dream as He declared it to you! Put your faith in this, that in 2019 it will be fulfilled! Stand strong in your faith in God! Believe! What if it does happen?

Take actions that corresponds to your faith! Faith without works is dead, which means that faith with works is alive! Your actions should line up with His Word and with what He spoke to you! If it is not working, maybe it is time to adjust your actions!

New Dreams from God

Keep your spirit open to God’s Spirit! Expect Him to give you new dreams about aspects of your life and ministry. Let Him know, you are open for whatever He has for you! Let Him know you are available and that you only desire to please Him!

Remember, you and God are a majority! No one else matters! Get alone and seek Him until you find out what He has for you in 2019! You might be surprised at what He shows you and speaks to you! As you obey God in this, other people’s lives will be changed and enriched forever! Earthly obedience brings heavenly results!

Obey what He speaks and shows to you! God is a God of order, take it one step at a time! Keep taking another step after you complete your last step! You can do this! He would never have you start something you could not finish! So be encouraged, if He starts you on something, He is seeing it as being successful or He would never have had you start! Have faith that God has faith in you!

January 2019

Dear Friend,

Kim and I pray you had a great Christmas and wonderful New Year’s. Ours was wonderful, as we spent time with family and then spent a week at Virginia Beach, VA together for a week of relaxation and great food! Getting away and just basically having no schedule was so relaxing. From walks on the boardwalk, driving our car through the Christmas lights (on the boardwalk), and great seafood every day, we were blessed!

What’s Your Dream?

If money, time, and people were not a problem, what would you do? If you could do anything you want to here and now, what would you do? Would this be something, God would want you to do?

Some very interesting questions. Our own dreams may or may not be funded, provided for, or successful. But God’s dream for our lives, will be fully funded, provided for, and successful if we follow His instructions.

The Path of a Dream

1. Starts with a Thought-small beginning, will not go away, Gets larger.
2. Meditate on the Thought-Joshua 1:8, success will come.
3. Revelation comes about the Thought-gives you insight.
4. Details come-specific actions to take.
5. Actions on Thought-a to do list. Getting started.
6. Dream Expands-more insight, spreads out, bigger than you think.
7. Becomes Real-things are starting to happen, it takes shape, you can see it.
8. Eternal Value- helps others.
9. A Knowing-I must do this.
10. Quality Decision-I will do this, no turning back. Cut off the old to get to the new.

Mary-God’s assignment/birth of Jesus/Raise Jesus/Release Jesus
Jesus-Born/Grow/Wisdom beyond His years/Teaches those older than He/Preach/Heal/Die
Us-Seek/Shown God’s assignment/Seeing & Hearing/Obey/Move/School or Training/Ministry/Final Work.

Notice how simple Mary’s path was. Look at how the path Jesus took was not hard until the end. And look at the path you and I are to take, simple, powerful, exciting, and includes the same walk of obedience as Mary’s.

God’s Dream

1. Impossible-cannot do on your own, takes God to complete the dream.
2. Benefits Others-not for you, but you will be blessed for obeying.
3. Beyond Your Resources-you don’t have enough (money, land, buildings, equipment, etc.) to do this. Where God guides, He provides!
4. Put’s you in Motion/Action-things you must do now.
5. Partners-come to help you. Let them use their gifts.
6. Eternal Value-fruit remains forever. Fireproof!
7. Faith to Start-you have enough. What if this does work?
8. Strength to Endure-critical words from others will not stop you.
9. Wisdom to Overcome-any obstacle thrown at you.
10. Favor to Compete-all the way to the finish line.
11. Direction to Fulfill-step by step instructions.
12. Faith to Expand-go past what you have seen or heard.
13. Determination to Multiply-find one product or service that one person needs and multiply that.

Key Scriptures & Thoughts

Matthew 6:33, seek God first, live according to God’s Word, God will add what you need.
“Never make a major move in your personal or ministry life, until you know that you know times 100, that you have heard from God. Once you have this type of knowing, do not confer with flesh and blood, just go do it,” Oral Roberts.
Ephesians 3:20, God will do bigger than you ever could ask or think. Think Big with God!!
Luke 1:37-all things are possible, every impossibility to you is an opportunity for God!
Seek, Knock-you will find, doors will open, success will come.
What if it does work?
Mark 11:22-26-have faith in God, believe, speak, remove obstacles, believe in your own words. Desires are birthed through prayer.
Hang with people who have done Greater things than you-let them inspire you!
Follow Jesus!
Be led by His Spirit-Romans 8:14
Everything is working for your good-Romans 8:28

You can do this!!!
Step out and obey God!!
There is nothing as exciting as knowing you are doing what you were created to do!!

January 2018

Dear Friend,

Happy New Year! No matter how 2017 was for you, I am expecting God to give you a even better 2018. Yes, I said an even better 2018, let that sink in. Say it to yourself, I will have an even better 2018! So, no matter where you are today, this place is not where you will be at the end of this year. You will be in an even better place than you are now!

With this in mind, let me share with you a Word, God put in my spirit the other day. This is a Word for all of us for 2018. Are you ready? Here it is!

The Year of the Impossible Becoming Possible:
Miracles Start Now

No matter where you are now, no matter how 2017 treated you, this year, 2018 is The Year of the Impossible Becoming Possible and Miracles Start Now! This means that starting right now, God is willing, able, and desiring to take you to a better place. A place that will enrich you, prosper you, heal you, restore you, save you, and deliver you. For that to happen, Miracles Start Now for you!

The Word of God is full of stories where God intervened and brought about miracles in the lives of people, just like you and me. He did not pick and chose, but He sought out those who had a heart for Him. He looked in to the lives of those people, who were using their faith and believed God, whenever everything else said not to.

Where ever you are at today, this year is for you! It is the year of impossibilities becoming not only possible, but seeing them manifest in your life, starting today! Are you ready to receive what you have been waiting for? Are you believing for a miracle today? Today is your day! Say this, today I receive my miracle from God!

How do I Receive a Miracle From God?

To receive a miracle from God is not hard, in fact, God had made it easy for us. Here is all we need to do to see God bring a miracle into full manifestation in our lives:

1. Hear a Word from God-this can be a direct Word from the Spirit of God, it can be a Word from us reading the Bible, or a Word that comes through someone or something else. God can speak to us in a variety of ways, but we must hear when He speaks to us. Study John 10:1-20 and you will be encouraged to position yourself to hear a Word from God.

2. Believe the Word You Hear from God-this is not hard, you will either believe or not believe what God speaks to you. If you are struggling with this, then read the Bible, specifically those scriptures that speak to your situation. When you believe with a child like faith, miracles will happen quickly. Why is a child like faith important, because there is no unbelief in a child’s faith. Get rid of your doubts and believe God!

3. Have actions that show your faith-some call these corresponding actions. Your actions, once you hear and obey the Word God speaks to you, determines your outcome. So, no matter what God speaks, hear and obey! If you are believing, then your faith will be tested by the enemy, and you will get to show God and those around you, who you choose to believe! Believe God now, and watch your miracle come now! Let your actions speak to the world, that you chose to believe God. Start praising Him that it is finished, that your faith possesses what He said, so since He said it, it is settled, the Word is true, God cannot lie, so shout out some praise, thanking Him for the miracle you need now! Praise Him and enter into His rest!!!

Once you have done these 3 things, and have entered into His rest through praising Him, it will not take long to see the full manifested miracle from God! Do not let anyone or anything tell you it cannot or will not happen. Instead, step out on the water as God directs, and let Him walk you down a path full of miracles! Remember, every impossibility to you, is an opportunity for God!

December 2017

Dear Friend,

We are only 8 days away from Christmas! Wow, so hard to believe we are so close to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The weather here in NJ has made it seem more like Christmas, as we have had a couple of days of snow this month. So, get that last minute shopping done and keep smiling! God is about to show up BIG on the 25th!

The Day that Changed the World

Have you ever wondered, is there more for me out there? Do you need a change in your life? Are you tired of waiting? What if God did reveal or birthed a new plan for your life, would you obey Him? What will be your legacy?

Almost 2,000 years ago, a simple woman was minding her own business, when God interrupted her life, and turned her world upside down. In the process of changing her life, He changed the world! And the world is still being changed today, because of this one woman, who dared to believe God!

How about you? Are you ready for a change? Is it possible your life, could be used to change the lives of many other people?

You may ask, but what does God want from me? The better question might be, what does God want for me? Once you find out the plan He has for you, then you can make a decision whether or not you are going to obey Him!

In the Luke 2:4-22, we read about the journey Mary was on with her husband Joseph. On this journey, she gives birth to the Son of God, His name is Jesus! And did her life change forever because of this child!

God has Some Good in Store for You!

Mary had a very simple start with God! A simple, amazing, fearful, and strong Word from God, changed the course of her life! Most miracles start off with a very simple start! When there was no room in the inn, a manager would do! A place where no one would be looking for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Yet in this manager, God provided everything Mary and her family needed. He will do the same for you!

Shepherds, Kings, onlookers, family, and others were there to witness a “simple birth.” But this was not just another birth, this birth changed everything. This birth would change the hearts of men and women, boys and girls! This birth would reunite man with God! What was lost by Adam in the Garden, was restored back by this one birth!

Never under estimate the will of God for your life! Your obedience will allow others to experience the same love you receive from Jesus! Allow God to use you and watch your world get turned upside down! There are a lot of great things ahead of you! Keep your eyes on Jesus and obey what He tells you to do! You will not be disappointed!

Help Will Come

Mary learned the following as she went on this journey with God:

1. Others were told to come help bless her (wise men, 3 Kings, shepherds)
2. Heaven stands up and praises you for saying yes to God (angel comes to
give direction, clarity)
3. A normal start to obedience brings God on the scene
4. Supernatural encounters become a way of life (birth was supernatural, a
miracle of God)
5. God declares His will to Mary
6. A Word from God (settles Mary’s fears and nerves)

God will do the same for and with you. This Christmas give Jesus the greatest gift possible, say yes to His will for your life! Get on with the plan He has for you! Prepare for the greatest life you could ever live! Just say yes to Jesus!

November 2017

Dear Friend,

It is hard to believe this is the middle of November already! Where did October go? Thanksgiving is quickly coming upon us. Please take time to enjoy your family, friends, and of course let the Lord know how thankful you are for all He has done for you! Jesus thankful for you, and we are thankful for Him.

Inherit the Promises

God wants you to inherit the promises He has put in His Word! You and I have the opportunity to be receives of His goodness every day of our lives, if we will believe His Word! There is nothing that can overtake you in the realm of darkness if you are standing on the promises of His Word.

Hebrews 6:12-15 says, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

God is saying to find a mentor. Find someone who is following God and imitate them. Find people who are using their faith to obtain God’s promises. Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Pattern your life from the Word of God they have followed. Remember, the Word works for those who work the Word.

Be patient. God is with you, gone before you, and is watching over you! Hang in there. You will obtain the promise you are believing for. Trust God!

James 1:3-4 says, “3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Your faith will be tested and challenged by the devil and his kingdom! Don’t flinch! God is faithful, so keep believing God, do not let go! Speak over your seed and what you are believing God for, this is the watering process! Say no to the opposition! Mark 11:24 says, “24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” You can have what you say!!

1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

The devil is not a roaring lion, he tries to act like one. Remember, Jesus already defeated him. All we have to do is enforce the victory Jesus has already won for us. You are not the only one going through this. Others before you have gone through the same thing, and those that continued to obey the Word of God, came out on top. Those who quit, were defeated! Chose to be a winner and not a loser. Be the head and not the tail, be above and not beneath! You can do this, simply keep believing God!
James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Give yourself to God, then resist the devil, and he will leave. You have to enforce this, no one else can do it for you! Once you do, your patience will grow, you will inherit the promise of God, you will rejoice, you will tell others, and you will start believing God for your next faith project! Stay true to God’s Word.

Ephesians 3:20 says,” 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” When God blesses your life is multiplied. He adds to your life, you grow and are enlarged! You are able to help others, because you have more than enough! His blessings are greater than anything you can imagine! Believe God!

You were created to inherit the promises of God! There is a fight of faith, but Jesus already defeated the devil! All you have to do is enforce that defeat! Keep your faith strong, speak the Word, praise
Him for the answer, and expect the overflow of His blessings! God is building your life into a greater testimony so others can see and be encouraged in their life! God is faithful!!

September 2017

Dear Friend,

It is hard to believe that the summer is coming to a close! Wow! We have enjoyed great weather here at the Shore since our return from our ministry trip to MN, OK, and AR. Kim and I have enjoyed some beach, bicycle, and walking time in this wonderful weather. It has also been great, sitting outside at some of our favorite water front restaurants as well. We pray your summer has been good as well.

Learn How to Trust God

With all that is going on in the world, the earthquakes, the floods, the hurricanes, wildfires, etc. we must determine in our hearts that no matter what happens in the world, we will trust God!

This may sound simple, but I have learned that many people, including Christians, do not know how to trust God! That may sound impossible, but if I was to ask you, how do you trust God, what would be your answer?

The word trust according to Webster means: “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; one is which confidence is placed; a dependence on something future or contingent, hope.”

So what do you have your hope in? What is your hope tied to? Who do you have your hope in? Is it in a family member, a close friend, a co-worker, etc? You decide who your hope is in, nobody else does!

Let me float this idea to you: what if I told you there is someone Who can always be with you, He will never leave you, He will also comfort you, He will provide for you, He will be whatever you need Him to be, He will heal you when you are sick, He will deliver you from your addictions, and He wants to live with you forever. Would that be a good thing for you?

You Can Trust Jesus!

I am here to tell you, you can rely on, place confidence in, be assured, be dependent on, and have your trust, hope, and faith in Jesus! The Bible tells us, He will never leave us or forsake us. He will understand when no one else understands.

How can I trust someone I cannot see? By believing the Word of God! It is that simple! God’s Word is His bond to us here in the earth. He must uphold His Word and watch over it! His Words are truth and can be trusted.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says,”Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV) All you have to do, is give Him your heart and trust Him. You can trust Him when you know He will not hurt you. We only trust those who we know will not hurt us. Let Him direct your steps, your life, and your work! He will not disappoint you! He will protect you, He will keep you from danger, and yes He will deliver you when evil approaches. He is Almighty God! Start trusting Him today! Your life will change for the better!