find me finding You

Trust, love, encouragement, promise, answer, joy, safety, protection are just a few of the words which describe our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He made the way a real path of possibility for you and me. There's no need to doubt or question because what Jesus has promised He has provided. What Jesus announced He assured. What Jesus came to do He did! Jesus! The name above all names!

My prayer for you and me is "Find me finding You" Lord Jesus. You are the One proclaimed as the Wonderful One! Glory to the Lamb! Amen!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. "And where I go you know, and the way you know." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
(John 14:1-6 NKJV)

Snowy Heaven alert!

Well, the weather man got it right this time. His persistence has finally paid off. The snow is really coming down. As I look out my window my thoughts are, the preacher man's persistence in sharing the Gospel of Jesus is paying off greatly too. Keep tell the Good news; the Son has come and Heaven will soon be coming down!

Praise and Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Come quickly Lord, come quickly! Amen..

John 6:51, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

Last night during the Lady Bulldogs basketball game Faith stole the ball, ran down the court, and made a picture perfect lay-up scoring two points for the team. Pride was heavy on Dad's face! It just proves that "practice makes perfect." I can't help but think that when Christ's team gets one from the enemy and scores points for the team that our Heavenly Father has a sense of pride. A love and victory pride!

Great game Faith and great glory for those of the faith!

Amen Lord! Amen. Awesome! AMEN!

Philippians 3:8, "...I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (KJV)

Trusting In Him

It's 10:19 pm Tuesday night in Tennessee. I am trying to get to everyone in bed because tomorrow is Aprille's Spinal procedure at Vanderbilt. We have to be there at 6:45 am and will probably be there most of the day. Keep Aprille in your thoughts and prayers. She is leaning on Jesus with all her faith. It has been my prayer to God that if He is allowing us to walk this path again that He will walk close with us. Our trust is in Jesus completely. May God be glorified!

In His Care,
Paul

Refreshing...

Ministry with “The Preacher Boys”…How I see it.

Reflecting on the past ministry team trip, there’s one word I would use to describe the experience; refreshing. It is amazing how God knows just what I need and just when I need it. The day began early, but not quite as early as I had intended. I overslept and fourteen young men waited patiently for me to arrive at the campus. When I finally arrived no one said anything rude or cutting to me, they welcomed me. Now that was refreshing for the last man in line. As we drove toward our destination, I listened to young men share life experiences. There was laughter and praise and promise in our vehicle. It is refreshing to see God at work in lives. Although the church eluded us (Thanks’ MapQuest), when we filed into its open doors I was refreshed yet again. The music, the drama, the message, the meal, and the fellowship gave me a sense of what Heaven will be. Heaven will be refreshment to all who enter. Sitting alone with my pastor in his home, I listened to his wisdom and felt his heart and compassion. His wife made their team complete! To witness such love for Jesus and each other is refreshing to my soul. Standing in the midst of the congregation sharing God’s Word and Truth to a sin-challenged people not only charged their hearts, but refreshed my heart too. Life is tough but God is tougher. God is a refreshing reality! The trip home was long but our spirits were lifted, refreshed as I see it!

Lord Jesus, thank you for all your refreshing people and for your refreshing love. Amen.

Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (RSV)

Surfing

I've been surfing God's Word and several other sources today. The sea has been somewhat calm. Still waiting on a curl to tuck in. I know the perfect wave will soon rush over me.

Speak Lord! Open my eyes and heart! Rush over me! Amen.

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32 KJV)

What Lord!

1Kings 19:9, "And there he [Elijah] went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He [God] said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

May our question be, "Jesus, What do You want me to do here?"

Show us Lord Jesus what to do next. Help us to trust and not to fear. Help us to know You are near. Help us to listen for Your whisper. Amen

Victory!

I watched the DuPont Tyler Bulldogs basketball team come from behind in the last quarter and win their game. At half-time I almost went home. At the end of the third quarter I re-considered going home again. But in the last quarter, when all seemed hopeless, the young men amazed their fans. It was their determination and teamwork which brought them victory. They executed play after play according to how their coach had taught them. They had confident in their coach and the strength to win the battle. Awesome game guys!

As believers, we have to follow the guidance of our Coach, Jesus Christ. When we find ourselves in the last quarter, He will lead us to victory. When we execute our faith as He has trained us, we will find that we have the strength to win the battle by His Spirit. Even when those around us doubt our purpose, our determination, teamwork, trust, and faithfulness will be rewarded with the prize of Glory! The Coach will say "Awesome guys!"

Lord Jesus, You are our victory today and for all eternity. Help us to wave the victory banner high! Amen.

I Corinthians 15:57, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ."

From me to you....

I'm called to help you. Sometimes I might have to ask the hard questions, give the tough answers, cut you deep, push you in the right direction, show my disapproval, disagree with your decisions, say "No," demand truth, and hold you accountable.... But don't run away. God has sent me here for you to help you. I will hold your hand, share your joys, wipe your tears, laugh and cry with you, be your friend, believe in you, stand with you, fight for you, seek God with you, love you, and pray with you...for you...to the One who knows and loves you. That's what I'll do!

Lord Jesus, give me your compassion for the hurting, lost and friendless. Strengthen me for the duty for which you have called me into. In Your Name, Amen.

Heb 10:37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry."

Until then, look for me!

Pain

Does Jesus understand our pain?

P: ...Peace in the midst
A: ...Ables us to make it through
I: ....Inspires us through His Holy Word
N: ...Never leaves us

Yes, Jesus understands!!

Lord, comfort the hurting today with You peace. Help us to be able to make it through. Inspire us through Your Word and help us to know that You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. In Your name and by your promise I pray. Amen.

Ps 34:17, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles."

It's okay to cry.........Jesus comforts!

Amen

Serving the Master who restores disasters! Be glorified today Lord Jesus! Be glorified! Amen! Amen!

Matthew 19:26, "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Lord Jesus, thank you for restoring the disasters of my life. Thanks you for my secondchances! Amen.

Fruit

In desperate times enjoy delicious fruit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)

Lord, create within me the fruits of your spirit. May my life reflect You. May my life flow your life. Amen.

Designated

Has anyone ever designated something to you? Clothes, time, money? For those who have experienced this blessing no words can really explain the gratitude. I have found that a prayer of thanksgiving offered to God pleading blessing for the giver represents my heart and thanks and love best. I never know who you are, but our Savior does! Thanks again!

Lord, bless them with heavenly blessings supplying all their needs and desire according to your perfect will. Amen.

Php 4:10, "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again..."

Stronghold

Remembering Haiti.

Father You tell us in your Word to cast our cares on You. I ask that your very real presence be felt and realized among the people in Haiti now captive in this tragedy. Their lives are forever changed. Glorify Yourself in this moment of time and space. Glorify Yourself I pray. May the world see Your power! May the living know You through Jesus Christ! Help them I pray. Amen.

Ps 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God..."

Stronghold

People have a tendency to give up too quickly. When life gets tough or unfair we quit our jobs, doubt our own abilities, end our marriage, change churches, change friends, break promises, tell lies, and turn on God. What's up with that? Well that's how the enemy works. He will use dissatisfaction, personal deficiencies, broken-hearts, confusion, attitudes, disappointment, deception, and even create a false understanding about God to destroy lives and opportunities. The battle is real. Evil is real. The only answer is anchoring your life in Christ. He is your stronghold!

Lord Jesus, You are our strong tower in this tough world. You are our Rock and Salvation. Help us and strengthen us as we cling to You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Nahum 1:7, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

Graduation Day

If anyone wants to know what it is like to be a college student in the "prime" of your life (late 40's), then call me! Today was the first day of my final semester at FWBBC. When God called me into ministry and then led me to this college, I was humbled and overwhelmed. I well remember the emotions of the first few days. But I knew that I was in His will and although its been a little awkward at times, come May 7, 2010 I will complete this portion of my journey. I refer to it as training, but it has really been ministry. God has used me here and I have made many new friends. The experiences and relationships I will forever treasure. The lesson which I've learned through this experience is do not question God. A Divine appointment is a direct order. The key is obedience. Even through my failures my Savior has been faithful. I'm trusting the One who knows everyone and continuing on to that final Graduation Day!

Lord Jesus, only You know what is planned for me. Help me to accomplish your plans by continuing to walk with me, live in me, and work through me. May I be found Your faithful servant. Praise to the One called Wonderful! Amen.

Philippians 3:12, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." (NKJV)

Beans

Since New Years I have been into beans. I cooked the traditional black-eyed-peas for the first day of the year (good-luck food), then I cooked a pot of navy beans with ham (wonderful snow day food), and today, on our Lord's Day, I cooked red beans with onion (not too bad if I say so myself). I'm already thinking about what bean is next on my grocery list!

I know this bean blog is kinda simple, maybe you don't even like beans (Faith doesn't!), but I am amazed how God knew and knows all our needs and that He created beans of various size and flavor to fulfill our nutritional needs. So friend, be thankful for God's gift of beans. Try them...you might just like them! A most of all, thank God for all of His provisions!

Father, thank you for supplying our food and for the many varieties of food to satisfy our tastes and needs. I don't know if I've every thanked you for beans, so Lord Jesus let me thank you now. Your beans are a true blessing and a little wonder. I love Your creativity! Thanks again and I say...Amen.

Psalm 136:25, "He who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures for ever" (RSV).

Roads

With soft snow flurries and extremely cold temps, I decided to take a ride to Walmart for some supplies. If the road leaving my subdivision was any indication of what's ahead, the drive would require some careful maneuvering. As I reached the main highway, I realized that my little road was most definitely the one less traveled. The main street was much easier to drive down. Is that not like the Christian walk? We often travel down roads less traveled. Sometimes if not most of the time, these paths can be more challenging and require greater faith. Jesus walked the less traveled, so why should you and I expect anything less of our journey. So as we walk along know that Jesus has been there and done that before us and He goes with us today.

Jesus, hold my hand and walk beside me today down the path You have chosen for me. I'm trusting in You! Amen!

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Ps 119:35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

Pr 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

My War Analysis.

I heard it with my own ears. “America is at war.” The truth is, Christianity is at war. The battle rages from within and without, home and abroad, family and foe. The enemy knows no boundaries. His battle plan takes no prisoners. His cry is for death. Christians, stand firm in Jesus Christ! Be bold in your witness. Radical extremists cannot defeat Him! Pagan principles cannot over-power Him. Ungodly leadership cannot dethrone Him. Evil will be extinguished!

Victory is ours! Prayer is our weapon. Obedience is our mission. Christ is our stronghold. Suit up in the whole armor of God. Do not fear failure! Jesus denounced failure. Remember His life, death, and resurrection; it is your proof, peace and promise. He and we shall not be moved!

Lord, we stand firm on your promise of victory to those who know You. Protect us from the evil that seeks to cut us down. Shield and cover us on all sides. Lead us through the battle to victory. Make us to be strong soldiers. In Your Name I pray. Amen

Psalm 62:6, "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved."

Simple challenge?

I read a statistic which said 25% of the church are saving 75% of the lost. In my experience, only about 10% of believers do all the work for the Kingdom of God. I've been thinking this thought recently. Be the one to bring one to the ONE. Sound simple? Just think of the possibilities. If everyone of Christ's church would guide just one lost soul to the Savior, the church would reach more, teach more, comfort more, help more, love more, and glorify God more than ever before. My simple challenge...Be the one to bring one to the One!

Lord Jesus, You gave me a mission which I have failed many times over. Forgive me. Today I stand ready for the challenge but I cannot do this work alone. Go with me Jesus and help me to bring the lost to You, one soul at a time. In Your strength I pray. Amen.

Matthew 9:37, "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few."

Bearing fruit

I recently began reading from Spurgeon’s The Treasury of David and I am already challenged by the commentary and insights. I can’t wait to dive in again today and to meditate on God’s Holy Word. Life has a sense of uncertainty for me right now; I feel somewhat lost in my understanding of what to do next in ministry. But even with my uneasiness, I am certain of my Savior and know without one shadow of doubt that He is in complete control. Spurgeon records a reference to Psalm 1:3 “His fruit in his season” the following words by Adam Clarke. “…he who reads, prays, and meditates will ever see the work which God has given him to do; the power by which he is to perform it; and the times, places, and opportunities for doing those things by which God can obtain most glory…” This I know! When I seek Him I will find him!


Lord Jesus, be very real today in my life. Speak through my confusion your words of peace and security. Find me finding You. Amen.

Ps 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Chambers, January 4

Canceled, filled, wait, finish...were just a few of the words that crossed my ears and clouded my thoughts yesterday. Plans change and doors open & close and I find myself trying to take the lead, trying to determine the next step. Oswald Chambers says, "never run before God's guidance." But it's hard to wait Mr. Chambers! Everything points to this being what God wants me to do! Don't I need to be proactive? Don't I need to help God out? Chambers says, "When God brings a blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait." Waiting is hard Mr. Chambers, but I'll follow your advice."Whenever there is doubt ---don't."

Lord, help me to wait upon You and to know Your will for my life. Lord direct me to the place You want me to be. Lord, hold my hand as we go. Amen.

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God"

Monday Morning Joys

Well, it's Monday morning, 18 degrees and snow flurries. The whole family was up early to take Aprille for an MRI. We were first on the schedule. No sooner than we had arrived for the appointment the fire-alarm went off at Vanderbilt. People were leaving the building but we were escorted to the patient holding area to proceed with the MRI. But the MRI machine didn't get the memo that we were coming early and during a fire-alarm. It would not work. It's Monday! A wasted morning...not really. I sat with Faith and we laughed together at FRESH PRINCE on the flat screen TV. I read some funny girl quotes out of a magazine. Faith said "Like really dad, will you shut-up!" I almost went back to sleep in the waiting room recliner. Although the MRI had to be rescheduled, the morning wasn't that bad. I found it to be somewhat joyful!

Lord, You have a way of making a upside-down morning right-side up. Thank you for the joy of the moment. Amen.

Remember

Worship is a privilege. Ministry is an opportunity. Grace is free? Remember the cross!

Jesus, thank you for offering yourself for me. Amen

On the team

It has been a quiet day at the Gillikin homestead. The girls have been sleeping most of the day. I've kept the fireplace burning and I've been studying and seeking and listening. I really needed to take down our Christmas tree (fire hazard by now) but it has brought us much joy through this holiday season. More than in years past as I recall. I think it helped Aprille the most.

Although I do not always understand God's ways, I know that He knows everything concerning my life. God is never surprised or caught off-guard. That's reassuring to me. This morning in my quiet time, I was reminded that a right relationship with Jesus means victory. Not just a future victory but victory for today. My life is a victory in Christ. I have already won because Christ won. Christ and me on the winning team! Amazing truth!

Lord Jesus, You picked me to be on Your team. Me! I am honored and blessed. Call the plays Lord! Amen.

Like I said....it's been quiet today. "Speak loudly Lord so I can hear You clearly. Amen"

I will...

I sat on my couch with my wife on one side and my daughter on the other (both held tightly in my arms) as the New Year approached. We counted down with excitement and celebrated together with hugs and kisses and laughter. I called out to God for His continued blessing. I told my girls that "we only need to trust Jesus." His mercies are new every morning. It's a new morning, a new day, a new year, and a new decade! I will hold to His promise and trust in His word. I will trust when I do not understand. I will seek His strength. I will be still and listen for His voice. I will honor Him. I will by His power!

Lord Jesus, thank you for your mercies and your love and your strength and your promises. Thank you for your forgiveness and for healing, for second chances, and for your Holy Spirit; my Comforter. Guide me and my family in the direction you have planned for us. Help us to know your will and to know You much deeper. Praise Your Wonderful Name! Amen.