Talking With Keith

Costa Rica Mission Trip Day 1 and Day 2

2010-07-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with everyone the events of the two days of our Costa Rica Mission Trip.

Yesterday we left Rockingham NC and drove to Ron and Heather Smith's home for the evening. There we met our counterparts from Georgia and had a great cookout. There are 20 of us on the trip. God has shown us much favor. I took the kids to the Mall of Georgia. They couldnt shop for looking at the huge mall. They seemed so amazed.

We got all crocs and business out of way an settled into a wonderful but quick nights sleep. We were up at 4am.

Day 2. This morning we left about 530am for the airport. Security and check in was a breeze. Thank you God. We are now in route to San Jose Costa Ricah. The clouds are so amazing. As I type we are in nothing but clouds. I always stand amazed at this. How great is our God.

We will land in San Jose, then travel three more ours and immediately go into a church service in which I am to preach. Cover me in your prayers this week and the team. As we stand with God and minister for him. Pray for favor.

Until next time... Keith

Just how good is God?

2010-06-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Just how good is God?

We all know His goodness is unmeasureable and unlimited. It is amazing how good our God is to us and to our families. His goodness far reaches more than we can imagine. It is unlimitid and His goodness is a tremendous blessing.

I awoke this morning thinking of the goodness of God. It overwhelmes me how good he is to me, my wife and to our families.

Today think of Goodness and rejoice that God is good all the time.

Until next time.....Keith

What happens when you do right but it is still wrong to everyone else?

2010-06-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

I am learning much over the last few weeks. But one nagging question looms in my mind. What happens when you do right but it is still wrong in everyone elses eyes? I dont even know if there is an answer to this.

We should always do the Bibical thing that is correct. Yet so many do not do it and never condemed. Yet when we do what is biblically correct we are condemed, castigated to the side and trampled on.

Amazing that Jesus had to deal with this too. I guess some lessons are never learned.

Until next time....Keith

Amazed!

2010-05-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

I am simply amazed at several things. The first thing is I am amazed at how Christians can call themselves Christian and yet shun others. They do this despite hearing hundreds of sermons on Love through out their christian walk. It really is true that people who want their way and when the dont get it they dont act like Christians. However, they get their way and they are some of the spirit filled people in this world. Amazing! Scriptures are clear that we love one another despite differences. I wonder how God views our attitudes sometimes.

Second thing I am AMAZED at tonight is the fact the God knows where we are at all times. Even when the enemy comes God always steps up. I am amazed how he renews our strength and when we trust him it will all be okay. I am amazed at his enduring love and forgiveness. Even when our attitudes are bad, good, or just plain ugly, God loves and forgives.

Third thing I am AMAZED at is the fact that God loves me. I know he loves me. Without a doube he loves me. And no one or any thing can take that away. His love is pure and holy. GOd loves us unconditionally.

Until next time.....Keith

Impact!

2010-05-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight I got a surprise phone call that blessed me and humbled me. One of my former youth from my days of youth pastoring at Axson COGOP, in Georgia called and asked me to perform his wedding. I was humbled and honored.

It got me to thinking, after years of service and working with people you wonder if you ever made a difference. You think about kids who you have pastored and others that you have worked with and you wonder what happens to them and how their lives turn out. You also wonder if they remember you. Sometimes you wonder if what you did for them made any difference whatsoever.

That phone call lets me know I touched his life somehow. You just dont have anyone marry you. I dont say that boasting, I say it as a reminder. No matter how long you are in ministry, you make a difference in somebody. You are a blessing to someobody. To somebody you were a life line. As a matter of fact the name of that youth group at Axson at that time was LifeLine Youth ministries. It fits now. Just maybe, just maybe today you will be someones life line. They will be eternally grateful. You make a difference in ministry

Until next time.....Keith

hello there

2010-05-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a few months since I have updated my blog. Lot been going on.

Have you ever had a night when you could not sleep despite knowing you have much to do the next day? Thats me right now. It is 1:09am I am suppose to be up at 4am and at a hospital by 5:15am and i am wide awake. Is it that I just cant sleep? No! It seems the Lord keeps telling me to pray and then pray some more. So I pray. I am up now writing and praying. Praying for the people of our church that I now pastor, families that I know need a move of God, praying for the young lady who is giving birth soon from our church, the man having surgery at 5:15am, the leadership meeting tomorrow night, the budget meeting coming up and on and on. So much to pray for. However in the midst of all those prayers, I stop and ask God, "Who is on your heart for me to pray for?" He always answers. Somewhere in this world right now God is calling your name out through some human being to intercede on your behalf. Jesus is also praying for you right now. What a thought! The very Son of God is praying for me and you at this moment.

Keep that in mind and hopefully before 4am arrives I will have some sleep..............

Until next time.....Keith

The Power of God's Love

2010-01-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about how powerful the love of God is? It is so amazing. His love is something we cannot comprehend in our human mind. Yet, even though we cannot fathom his love, his love is so real. Very real!

The love of God is so amazing and comforting. I have heard it said recently that often times we don't understand why our earthly dad's do what they do, but we trust them. Later on we learn they did what they did because they love us. So does our heavenly father. His love reaches boundaries we cannot see. It extends to the deepest part of our heart and very being.

The Power of God's love is more than what we can comprehend, but it is so real. Live in that love. His love never leaves.

Until next time....Keith

The New Year

2010-01-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

Well 2009 is now past and 2010 is here. So looking forward to another decade of God's faithfullness. This decade and year will be one of many changes. For one within this decade I will turn the big 40. This year will hold changes in a number of areas that will affect us for the rest of our lives.

With all of this coming and the changes we are going to see, it is imperative to stay focused on God. Keep your eyes on him and him alone. Man is not the answer, only Jesus Christ is. So keep your eyes on him.

KB

Long time since I last posted

2009-12-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long since I last posted a blog. Sorry! Been a little busy.

God is so faithful to us. This Christmas, though hetic, has been a good Christmas. I enjoy seeing the lights and decorations. I personally enjoy giving away gifts and doing things for people. It thrills me to see the smiles and happy moments. Someone once said and we have a picture of this saying framed in our bathroom that, "Life is not measured by time but by the moments we share." Such a true and powerful statement. Time can be short, but those moments can last forever.

When is the last time you spent some quality time with the people you love? When is the last time you told them you loved them? How long has it been since you held their hand?

Moments can last forever, your time on earth won't. Merry Christmas

Until Next time....Keith

Anointing this Generation

2009-06-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

I worked NC senior high camp last week at dean and evangelist one night. As the week progressed I have found it critical that we anoint this generation and teach them the power of our God. Of course, that requires us walking in the power and anointing of God. I am not sure how many in my generation and older are doing that.

This young emerging generation is key to revival. They are key to breakthrough. We must teach them the ways of the Lord so that they may rise up and be the energy the church needs. We must fight for them. We must pray over them. We must guard and guide them in the Holy Spirit.

What are you doing to anoint this next generation?

It is time we be about the father's business and part of that business is anointing this next generation for greatness. Not just for tomorrow but for now. They are the key components now.

Until next time....Keith

Wanting to know God

2009-06-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a desire to know God like never before? Just to know him and not to come to him for anything but for HIM? I guess that is where my heart has been for a few days now. The older I get the more "stuff" does not matter. I would rather have HIM, the Lord Strong and mighty. Things et old, God never does. The things of this world will pass away, HE will never be dethroned. I rather have God.

I dont know where to even begin how I feel God drawing. I am getting read for camp and thinking about all these young people makes me long for God even more. How this generation needs to have a longing for the Lord like never before. What is sad the generation before them never had that type of passion.

So do you long for God? For his Glory and Power? His grace? I do!

Until next time....Keith

Deep Impact

2009-05-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking (I know that is dangerous)about some life changes that have deep impact. You know things like graduating High School or college, getting married, having childrent, death, and other things. These and other deep impacting events change our lives forever. Some times our decisions, good or bad, tell us much about ourselves. The change that takes place from those deep impacting decisions or sudden changes that cause deep impact is sometimes challenging.

It is with this thought I wonder how anyone can handle the changes of life without God. Deep Impact moments will come to us all. How we handle them says alot about us and our relationship with God. You see when we are in a vital and intimate relationship with God we can handle all deep impacting moments with His grace. You see God's grace is always sufficient. He is always more than enough. There are times in our lives that we will have Deep Impact. Yet God is so much greater than these deep impacting moments.

Who will you trust when the Deep Impact moment arrives? How will it change you? Will the moment wreck havoc or will you allow the Spirit of God to speak peace and calm?

Deep Impact, those moments will come. When they do, hold on tight to the unchanging hand of God, it is always secure when deep impact occurs.

Until next time....Keith

Been a while

2009-05-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted. Time gets away from us more than we think. So much has happen since the last time I posted a blog it would be hard to catch up.

Since I last posted I have gotten very busy. Extremely busy, but that is a good thing of sorts and bad in others. My pastor has gotten very sick. Bro Norris has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in stage 4. So with that I have taken on more responsibilities to help him with our church.

God has been blessing our church with great attendance of late. We are grateful for that. HE knows what we need.

A lot of people are asking "why" this disease would hit our pastor. The realitiy is that it could hit any of us. It is life. Unfortunately life has it many up and downs. Thank God that he is there for those up and down moments. God's presnece is so powerful and when we walk in the shadow of the valley of death it is really true that we do not have to fear. God is already there.

So I am grateful for his presence. I am grateful for the fact that he holds the future and I am grateful to know He is already in the future.

Until next time...Keith

I haven't posted much lately

2009-04-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

... I think about it but somehow never seem to get to it. So let me catch up on some thoughts.

First, I praise God for protecting my wife and healing here. HE really has touched her knee. Lynda, my wife, has been released by the doctor to take it easy and be cautious but resume her daily life activities. For this we are grateful..

Second, things are hopping. Friday night we had a lock-in which was a blast. This lockin was at Laser Quest in Charlotte. Chasing people with laser tags and stuff really can be fun when you are completely delirious.

Thirdly, we are preparing to start using our new family life center at church. What an exciting time this is. It is noteworthy that this is a critical moment for our church. Will we take the plunge into his grace even more or will we be satisfied with what we got. I say let us dive in. Go deep. God is always there.

And finally from my heart,

Over the last few months God has really burden me with the thoughts and prayers for revival. For the last two Sunday nights that is what I have preached. God wants to bring revival to our area, city, county, church, state, and America. I wonder how many of us really want revival. Are we willing to pay the price for revival? What will it cost us? Are we hungry enough for this revival? These questions keep pounding away in my head. Just how hungry are we for revival? It will mess up our schedules. Revival will keep us on our knees praying. God sent revival will never be contained in the four walls of a church. So are we really ready for revival? For me the answer is yes and if God knowing my heart sees that it is a no, I pray that HE search me and know me and see if there is any wicked way in me. I want revival. I want to see thousands of young people saved. I want to share in the experience of people being healed. My desire is to uplift the name of the Lord and really know him. I want revival. What do you want?

Just some thoughts, simply because I am up at 3:31am because I have been praying and my heart is heavy. I want revival. God sent revival. I am praying for it are you?

Until next time....Keith

In these trying times it is good to know God is More Than Enough

2009-03-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Just thinking some

2009-03-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today has been a great day. This morning we were so blessed to have Russian Missionary Dimitry with us. This missionary was so powerful with his testimony of God's grace and mercy in his life. It was wonderful to hear how God is moving in our brothers and sisters in Siberia. The passion of Dimitry was incredible. And all of this got me to thinking...

Where is the passion for God in our American brother and sisters? We often talk about revival but we don't ever see it. Yet there are some ministries, missionaries and preachers that are changing nations by God's power and grace. It thrills me to hear them and their reports. However, I want to see God move today in our homeland, in America. We need revival.

Lately God has been leading me to pray for revival in my local chuch. It has been a rallying cry in my heart. Souls are lost, so called christians just come bored out fo their mind to church, apathy reigns and passion and prayer are not active. And we wonder why we do not have revival.

From an evangelistic point of view I can tell you why

* We do not pray enough - most are very lax in their prayer - even ministry people
* We do not know enough of the word - most can't quote basic scripture
* We do not have vision for souls - we talk about it, but talking and vision are two seperate things
* We do not worship God like we need too
* We do not have faith to see the mircales that spark revival
* We do not give until hurts
* We are self oriented not God oriented - In some churches it is all about us

These are just a tidbit of what I think is happening to the American church. For us to become a nation of revial we must be come a church that prays. It is the first step. We must repent and as we repent passion will be restored and revival released.

Just some thoughts, more to come

Until next time.... Keith.

Challenges

2009-03-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

We live in a world full of challenges. All of us know that life is full of them. Right now Lynda and I are facing one of those life challenges. I have learned in this past few weeks that God gives us such grace for them. Most challenges come unexpectant. There is never any warning. However when they come so does God's grace. The Lord is so faithful to help us.

So as we meet this challenge with Lynda's injury we meet it prayer, fasting and God's grace. That is how we meet every challenge we ever meet.

Phillipians 4

Until next time....Keith

A devotional by my friend Steve Henry

2009-03-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

My friend and fellow church goer Steve Henry writes a daily devotional that is just powerful. Each day is a devotional that blesses me tremedously.

This is today's devotional

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Rom_8:5-6)

The crucial choice that believers in Christ face day by day is between living by the flesh or living by the Spirit. The difference concerns facing life by our resources and perspectives or by God's. "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." When a Christian deals with life by his flesh, he typically thinks about "what I want out of my life" or "what I can accomplish with my life." Conversely, when a Christian deals with life by the Spirit, he typically thinks about "what GOD wants for my life" or "what GOD can accomplish through my life."

The consequences related to this choice are monumental. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." When a believer allows his mind to be set in a carnal direction, he will be thinking about worldly self-indulgence ("what I can get out of this") or religious self-accomplishment ("what I can do for GOD"). The result of either carnal perspective is "death" (spiritual deadness). On the other hand, when a follower of Jesus sets his mind on heavenly matters, he will be considering issues of humility ("how much I need the Lord") or faith ("how great the Lord is"). The results of such spiritual thoughts are "life and peace" (spiritual vitality and spiritual tranquility).

Another analysis of these two options can be seen in the contrast between the "works of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit." When we put our hope in our own capabilities, our flesh produces deeds such as "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like" (Gal_5:19-21). Contrariwise, when we place our expectations upon the Lord, His Spirit brings forth through us fruit like "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal_5:22-23).

Consider this fundamental truth. These "flesh-Spirit" choices are what all of us will face every day of our lives. The persistency of these issues is inherent in the fact that God only offers two options for every issue of life; namely, "live according to the flesh" or "live according to the Spirit."

O Sovereign Lord, I bow to Your wisdom and authority that offers these two choices alone. Lord, I renounce the natural path of my flesh which brings severe, but deserved, consequences. I gladly embrace the supernatural path of Your Spirit, which brings the undeserved results of Your grace at work in me, Amen.

Stephen J. Henry

Until next time.....Keith

Missions

2009-03-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

From time to time I take mission trips. The last one I went on was to Paraguay. I thought you all would enjoy this you tube video from Missionary Dan Miller. I am in several of the pictures.

Until next time...Keith

Taking care of the wife

2009-02-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

It has been a fun week so far. This past weekend I took 48 people including myself, to ski. God blessed. We did have two accidents though and that was not fun at all. One happens to be my wife. So for the last several days I have been talking care of her.

She always takes care of me, so I guess I am just returning the favor in a sense. Lynda keeps apologizing, but I tell, I signed up for this when I said "I do." Well that got me to thinking. SO many people don't do what they 'sign up for." Things happen in life, sickness come, disease sometimes hit, and sometimes your wife falls down a mountain while skiing. However, for better or worse, us husbands are suppose to be there. I enjoy taking care of her. I do it to honor her and protect her. Also, I am worried sick about her because the swelling has not gone down. Plus we cannot see the specialist until Thursday. However, there is a Great Physician and He has all power to heal. So I pray, and take care of Lynda. I pray some more and when I am done I pray again. God is always faithful and He will guide us through this time.

Until next time....Keith

Just some thoughts

2009-02-18T19:27:00.001-08:00

Why do people doubt God? I know we all have at some point or another. However, it is just amazing that people doubt God so much. We pray prayers yet do not wait for answers. We call for his help but think he is to slow in giving his help. So doubt sets in and we do our own thing only to wind up in more trouble.

Why do people doubt God? Do we really believe He and HE alone can answer any prayer? Matthew 7:7-8 tell us if we "ask, seek and knock, that we will receive, find and it will be open." Somehow though people just don't believe that. Or at least their actions do not show they believe it.

Our God, who the Bible says there is none beside him none above him, the one who put this all together, is the one to whom we pray. He has the power to do all, but He limits himself to our faith. So mighty, so powerful, so gracious and mericful, so loving and caring, so compassionate, yet we live in doubt.

God has such plans for us according to Jeremiah 29:11, yet we do our own planning, instead of waiting. Doubt kills every move of God. Doubt will destroy the plans God has for you.

God desires the best for us. If we will trust him, he will give us the very best. He is a good father who knows how to give good gifts to his kids.

Trust Him!!! With all that is in you, Trust him

Until next time.... Keith

Why not trust God?

2009-02-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Often times I find it a bit amusing that people pray yet do not believe. To me why waist the breath you have in prayer if you are not going to BELIEVE God to answer that prayer? Prayer is the key to seeing miracles and things done. Yet many say a few words and never prevail in prayer to see the answer. They give up, quite, praying or just get frustrated. It does not work like that.

We must pray until we see it happen. You cannot back down or back away. You must pray and then pray some more. God never said it would be easy, but He always promises to answer us. So pray!!! Pray some more! Pray again! Then watch your answer come

Until next time....Keith

Catching up

2009-02-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a while since I have blogged. We have had snow galore over the last few weeks. Not sticking but none the less we had it. Here it wrecks havoc. So much for global warming. School is going very hetic. And I have to get caught up. I have my first test tomorrow. Not looking forward to it.

We had a powerful youth service in January. God brought some deliverences to people and this we are grateful for. I am praying for a tremendous move of the Spirit as we progress toward HIS coming. God is moving and I want to move with him.

Until next time....Keith

Being Blessed

2009-01-08T16:38:00.001-08:00

God's faithfulness flows to us all like rivers that are full and fresh. His grace is never stagant. Likewise, God always supplies our needs according to His riches in glory.

This year, 2009, I have already been blessed beyond measure. He continues to surprise me and bless. I am overwhelmed at the love and grace God extends toward me and it makes me want to work even harder for him.

So let me give you a little testimony. First, God is always good, regardless, God is good. Second, I was able to purchase hearing aids this year. For those of you who know me well know what a blessing this is. Third, I just happen to mention to my pastor on Monday that I needed a truck. Lynda is starting school next week and having only one vehicle will not work now. So she and I have been praying for months. My pastor came to me on Tuesday morning and said "I think I have found you a truck." It is the same truck I have mentioned to Lynda before as we drove by this place. Not only was it way under our price range the, the owner of the place is a member of our church. He so graciously gave us a incredible deal. Exactly what we had prayed for.

I am one to believe God has store house of blessings for his people. At the midnight hour of 2008/2009, Lynda and I prayed that we would be blessed alot, our territory would enlarge, that God would lay his hand upon us and keep us from evil that we may not cause pain. God has done that

I expect even more blessings and I expect to work even harder for God this year

Until Next time.... Keith

Been A While

2009-01-04T20:28:00.001-08:00

It has been a while since I have blogged. So to start the new year off right I am going to get more into my blogging.

The year 2009 has arrived and is already a few days old. It was a busy year for me in 2008. Many changes and adjustments were the norm. We have now been in Rockingham a year. I thank God for all He has done for us. Lynda and I give God praise for a good year and His faithfulness.

The year of 2009 looks good. Lynda will start school soon and I am already in school. Working on two papers tonight and I HAVE TO FINISH THEM. Keep telling me that please.

With every new year I go on a fast. This is no different. This year my prayer is to draw closer to God. To seek him first. Everything else will fall into place. I use to pray to be a powerful minister, have great success in ministry, to walk in anoiting and stuff like that. It is all important. However, hear lately my hearts cry is just to know God. To know him personally. To know his son, Jesus, like never before. Ringing in my ears has been Matt 6:33, to seek HIM first and everything else will be added to you. I sometimes struggle with that. Seems church work often time comes first instead of my relationship with God. I want that to change. So in 2009 I pledge to myself, God and those who read this, that seeking God is first.

I hope you all have a great year.

Keep watching for updates during my fast and I promise to blog more

Until Next Time....Keith

Divine Calculation

2008-11-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

This ministered to me more than you can imagine. I recieved this email from Bill Stockhom right after I just found out how much hearing aids will cost me. God is so faithful to let us know HE is aware of our every need.

Until next time be blessed .........Keith

Divine Calculation
By Lois Spoon

Time was running out. I needed $153.27 by 2 p.m. and it was already 1:30. I was confident that God would meet my need for this amount when the time came, but this was cutting it awfully close.

I sat in my car outside a restaurant where I had just eaten lunch with several ladies from my church. When it came time to pay for the meal, I picked up the tab of a guest missionary from Romania, using my last $20.

God will provide my need, I said confidently to myself. But my certainty began to waver as the breeze blew through my car windows. No one else knew about my dilemma.

What should I do? Keys still clutched in my hand, I laid my head back against the headrest and thought of the verse in Matthew 17:27 that tells how Jesus' disciples needed money to pay their taxes. He told them to go out on the lake and the first fish they caught would have a coin in its mouth that would cover the amount they needed.

"Dear Lord," I prayed. "I need a fish soon. Please show me where to find the lake."

There was no doubt in my mind that God had provided the opportunity I'd been given to fly to Indianapolis, Indiana, with a physical therapist friend. We were to attend a workshop on "lymphodema" open only to doctors and physical therapists. I was neither.

But I suffered from this condition that caused tremendous swelling in my arm, a result of surgery for cancer. Because my physical therapist knew of the great interest I had in the subject, she arranged for me to attend with her. On top of that, every expense would be paid, except my plane fare of $153.27.

I eagerly accepted her invitation and started asking God to help provide the money for me to go. I knew from the start it would take a miracle because our budget was stretched as tight as it could go toward medical bills incurred fighting the cancer. But it wasn't hard for me to believe in miracles—I was living proof!

Since God had chosen to heal me of cancer, I reasoned, but this condition remained, there must be a reason. Maybe he wanted to use me to help find a cure for this problem, which affects millions of people. Before me was a rare opportunity to research and learn more about the condition from a medical point of view.

I was to meet my friend in a half hour at the travel agency to pay for and pick up my plane ticket.

A wrinkled, smudged envelope
I glanced in my rear-view mirror and saw a small black sports car back out, then pull back into its parking space. As I watched, it backed out again and I recognized the driver as Beverly Easton, a lady from my luncheon group.

I wondered if she was having car trouble when she slowly drove out of the parking lot, circled the restaurant, and pulled back in again. This time she stopped in the middle of the lot, got out, and walked toward my car. Maybe she thinks I'm having car trouble. Beverly stuck her head through my open passenger window.

"I know you don't know me very well and I hope you don't think I'm crazy," she said. "I'm so embarrassed. Please don't be offended by this."

My curiosity was stirred. "What's the matter, Beverly?"

"Well," she hesitated. "Several months ago God told me to put change in an envelope for you. I've just carried it around and been adding to it every day till I got the nerve to give it to you. I hope this isn't insulting."

Her face flamed red as she tossed a bulging envelope onto the car seat.

"I just have to obey God," she mumbled, darting to her car before I could respond.

Makeup smudges and ink smears covered the once white envelope. On the front, my name was scribbled in big letters and there was a card inside explaining that she wasn't sure why, but God had told her to give me this money. It was dated several months earlier. With tears in my eyes, I carefully emptied the contents out on the seat and started counting. There were bills of all denominations and lots of change.

The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. If he provided his followers in Bible days with what they needed, he can and will do the same for his followers today. What an awesome God he is.

This time it wasn't a lake he used, but a lady named Beverly. And it wasn't a fish, but an envelope, one that contained exactly $153.27.

My heart..........

2008-11-18T20:32:00.001-08:00

It has been a busy month. We are only 18 days into it and boy has it been an intersting one. I started my masters in education program. Went home to a funeral for one of my former teens, she was 19 and killed in a car wreck, and have played pastor for almost two weeks (my pastor has been sick). It has been busy.

In all of this busyness, though, I have heard God's voice speaking to me. It has been refreshing to hear the still small voice. Likewise, it has been refreshing to feel his presence so near. I enjoy those times when I know HE is right there with me. Those times bring such strength, hope, and fullness to my mind, soul, body and spirit.

Interesting enough is the fact that I believe God has laid something on my heart. Such is the title of this blog. My heart.............That I may know HIM. Nothing else matters, except that I know HIM. Christ, true giver of life, wants us to know him in the power of His Spirit. I want to know HIM. We get so caught up with church work, busyness of our lives, the extra things we do, and our laziness that often times we put our time with Jesus on the back burner. We save that time for another day. However, when that day comes, we don't spend it with him.

I have found that we are teaching this generation coming up that it is okay to put Christ second, third, fourth and even fifth in our lives. This mentality has resulted in dead churches, dead youth groups and dead church goers. Some would not know Jesus if He hit them in his face. Thus, many have failed in knowing Christ, personally.

That I may know him, it was Pual's cry. It has become mine. In years past I would be more concerned about how I looked as a christian, what appointment I wanted, what church I could go to, how good I preached, was I on the big stage; Thankfully those days are far removed. I could careless about them now. My main concern THAT I MAY KNOW HIM.

Hear my heart today..... If you don't know HIM, get too, it will change your life

Until next time .... Keith

A prayer for Election!!!

2008-10-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

This comes from my friend Steve Henry!!!

Christians we MUST pray like never before for our country in these last days before the election. We must humble ourselves in prayer, and allow God to heal our land. I've heard so many people, who are ticked off at both and have decided not to vote for either. It's the old Ross Perot argument. You know, I see these individuals are coming from, but we must realize that either Obama or McCain will be our next president and taking that stance is giving this election over.
I belive between now and this election that something will shift and change. I belive that it is not is not best for this country for Obama to be president. I belive that whatever this thing happens that shifts the tides will be so obvious that the Obama camp will not be able to come back from it. I'm believing the election won't be as close as everyone thinks.
PRAY, people like your country depends on it. PRAY that God's will would come forth in this nation. Pray for strength and health on McCain and Palin. Pray, because the future of this nation and the nation that you're children rests in this election. Pray that the decpetion that's been pulled over so many's eyes would be revelaed. For we declare that the eyes of the people would be opened.

Christians we must humble ourselves and pray.

Stephen J. Henry

Just thinking out loud

2008-10-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted, so I just wanted to catch up a bit.

The election is close. We need God's intervention in this election. Only a week and half before the election. We must see God move and I believe we will. Keep praying. God is listening.

We have already voted and it was a surprise. An Obama surpporter came to us offering democrate canidates choice. When we refused, politely with a "no thank you," he mumbled to the others there "more white racists." Now what little bit of hair I had stood up. We are not racist. Far from it. I have no problem voting for anyone of color or another ethnic group. However, I will not vote for a presidential canidiate who has the values of a snake. Obama has such a shady past and he will bring that into white house.

It is important McCain wins. I pray he does. Sarah Palin would be a the biggest blessing to be in the White House.

KB

A great link.........

2008-10-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the "Let Freedom Ring" website. This is a great site with great commercials that are accurate and true. Check it out.

http://www.neverfindout.org/

Until next time....Keith

Made Me Glad

2008-10-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

I have been up praying and just cannot get this off my mind. God is such a powerful, forgiving, protecting, and merciful God. Watch this and be blessed as you are lost in His presence.

Until next time....Keith

A video from Nation of Islam calling Obama - Messiah

2008-10-09T21:57:00.001-07:00

This is scary. We must reach heaven, people, and ask God for his mercy in this election.

What else can we do..........

2008-10-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

What else can we do.............this election for many is already over. They have claimed that Sen. Obama has already won. I believe Obama thinks he has already won. However, I submit to you that this election is not over. Though only a few weeks away, there are many who are wanting to see God move in this election.

The devil is mad as he can be. You have a muslim, and I really believe Obama is, and a pentecostal in Gov Palin running for offices. Though one is on the top of the ticket the other the bottom on opposite sides. As I have stated in earlier blogs, this is not just a match up electoral proportions. This is a spiritual war going on for the soul of a nation. Believe it or not your vote and prayers will make the differenct. We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. Nor can we give up. We must fight. The book of Nehemiah states in chapter 4:14 that we are to "Fight for our wives, sons, daughters and homes." WE CANNOT STOP FIGHTING.

Our greatest weapon right now is a three-fold attack. Prayer, fasting and voting. Again, we must reach heaven. This is for the soul of this nation. Never has an American election been so important.

I do understand this, God is still God. No matter how it turns out God is still in control. In my spirit, I feel we must fight and win this.

Will you join me in praying for this.

Father we pray right now for this Election on Nov.4, 2008. We need your help. We confess that we have allowed our nation to slip into the hands of the enemy. We repent of this. We repent of the sins of our nation, abortion, laziness, greed, and all that we have done. We have sinned as a nation against You and we repent. God please have mercy on us.

Lord we come before you, humbling, submitting to your divine and perfect will. God draws as a nation back into your presence. Send us revival another great awakening. Come Holy Spirit and touch us again.

We know this election is critical and we need revival. Anoint this election, oh Lord, with your very hand. We pray for this election that you will put who you want into this office. God we are asking you to do it. Do not let this voter fraud or other fraudlent gimmicks work. We bind the hand the enemy in this election and release the hand of God to work. It is in your hands Lord and we believe you will work a miracle. Our country needs revival and we seek your face. We turn from our evil ways and we seek your face. Heal our land, In Jesus name. Amen

Until next time....Keith

This election is SCARY

2008-09-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

UPDATE You Tube has since removed this video. You may find it on Fox News.

I am telling you this election is scary. Obama is convincing people he is "The One."

If you do not believe me, just watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW9b0xr06qA

If Obama is elected you can start looking to the skies, cause Jesus will be returning.

Until next time............Keith

A Call to Prayer

2008-09-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

The United States, land of free and home of the brave. This statement has been coined for many years and spread through out our land and the world. America The Beautiful, we have sang it many times. We cherish our country and we are no doubt very much proud of our country. It is with this that we feel to issue a Call to Prayer.

Last night I was up until 6:30am praying. It was one of those nights where everytime I tried to lay down the Lord would keep me awake with the unction to pray. Prayer is the key to so many things in our walk with Christ. It was a joy to pray.

This Call to Prayer that I felt last night puzzled me. I called out names, our country, and other situations I know of. As you well know I am definetly praying for this election. It is a critical election year.

Prayer can change things and situation. Prayer also changes us. So we pray. We keep praying. We pray until we can see the answer. Prayer must be central once again. I felt this call yesterday as our preacher preached. Then last night I could not sleep, praying.

So I call you to pray with me. Pray for this election. The economy. Souls. Anything you feel led to pray. But whatever you do pray. God is listening. We need to pray. The world is plummeting in a dire state and we need to pray.

Until next time....Keith

More thoughts on this election

2008-09-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

I hope not to bore you with the details of this election, but.............

It seems the tides are turning toward Obama. Yet, here we are at a crucial point in this election and dealing with the economy. Obama does not want to put politics aside and wants to debate. McCain however, suspends his campaign and goes to work on a plan to resolve this crisis.

My thoughts...we need leadership. McCain is showing it. Obama just talks. However, people listen to the rehtoric of Obama and keep singing his praises. I am not saying that Obama is the anti-christ, though, he could be, but the anti-christ will woo people with words and draw them in. Deception. And I believe that is what Obama's camp is about, deception. We are in a critical moment and satan is using one of his greatest devices, decption.

More people fall prey to it than ever. Decieved on every corner. Could it be that the enemy is trying to decieve good hearted people? I submit yes. Is McCain the answer, NO. Is Obama the answer, NO! Neither is Palin or Biden. Jesus Christ and all of His glory is the answer. We must return to him so that we are not decieved.

This election is critical as I said in anothe blog. The answer, Jesus Christ. We must have him. We must return to him with all of our heart.

Until next time.... Keith

Some thoughts......

2008-09-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

God is so good and He has blessed us so much. I thought tonight I would share some of my sermon that I preached just a few hours ago. It was titled Power of His Love. The love of God is so amazing and we surely do not comprehend it all. I honestly believe that His love is beyond our comprehension.

The Bible says in 1 John 4 that God is love. He truly does love us with. More so than what we can think. God's love pours over us in so many ways. I thank God for his love. I thank Him that I can live in that love and my life is centered around His love for me. His love is not fearful but peaceful.

Love can change many things and people. It definetly changed me. For that, I am eternally grateful for the Love of God, that was displayed on a cross in Calvary. Love is amazing.

Until next time.........Keith

The Race Is On

2008-09-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

The race is on. The race for the White House that is. It is an incredible time, of history, as we will elect either our first black president or first female vice president. I can say it is about time. However, there are many variables in this election. Some I would like to discuss here and more on the spiritual side.

First, we have a potential president who has studied in Islamic schools. Then we have a potential vice president who was raised in a pentecostal denomination. It is interesting to me that this is very real in this election. Several months ago, before Barack Obama was the nominated for the Democratice ticket and way before we knew Gov. Sarah Palin would be on the Republican ticket I made a comment at my church. That comment was this "Islam is growing rapidly, pentecostalism is growing rapidly and we are headed for a collision..." Little did I know that it would take place in this presidential election. I submit to you that this is no accident. Heaven knew. This is more than an election it is down right spiritual warfare. Christians need to pray for God's will to be done. I am not telling you who to vote for, that is a God given constitutional right that you have. Neither am I saying that Barack Obama or Sarah Palin are practicing either of their faiths. That I truly don't know. However, I am laying out the facts of their childhood and teenage years. We are in a spiritual war.

Secondly, this election I believe is significant to the end times. Is Jesus coming back? YES!!! A thousand times yes. Might as well get ready. How is this election signifcant to this great and glorious event? Well the Bible clearly states in the last days there will be rumors of wars, famimines, pestilence, earthquakes, perscutions, many anti-christs and so on. We are seeing all of these right now. I do not want to brand any political figure, but at the same time I do want to pose a question; could Barack Obama be the fore-runner of/or the Anti-Christ of Revelations. Please hear me out. The man thinks of himself as a God. Did you see his speech at the Democratic convention? And the backdrop? It was something out of Greek Mythology. It has been called the "chosen-one," and "anointed one." I am telling you this election is critical if nothing else for this reason. We are in a spiritual battle that is pressing.

Thirdly, not only is this about the above, but I believe it poses a great Awakening for America. We must return to God. Could it be that all this transpiring to get people back on their knees, in prayer. We have drifted far away from God and the nation that our founding fathers desired. It is critical that we return to God. The Bible teaches us this "If my people which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven and heal their land." This is a humbling moment and we must pray and seek God. That is the only way he will hear us. We must have revival in this country.

I submit to you tonight, this election is more than just politics. It more than the regular rapport that we see every four years. This is elections for the soul of a nation. Will you fight? Will you pray? Will you awake to what God has for you?

Until next time.....Keith

Ramblings

2008-09-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here in my recliner and I am relaxing. Personally, I thank God for that. There are many other things I could be doing, but it is late and I can sit and relax. Lights off, tv is going and I am typing away. Just relaxation.

I wonder how often people really relax. Tensions are high in most people's lives and they rarely truly relax. I can tell by just talking to some fo them. Everything is chaos for some. Somehow, in my spirit I just hear that we should "relax."

You see when you relax you really can hear from God. There is no pressure. It us who puts pressure on ourselves not God. With Him it is either yes or no. There is not usually a debate. We are the ones that war with what shall we do, or how can I handle this and so on. God wants us to relax. Enjoy life. Not everything has to be done at ligthening or microwaving speed. God likes to marinate things. Relax.

Until next time.... Keith

The Spiritual Battle Ahead....

2008-09-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking alot lately about spiritual battle that we are all involved in. Everyone is involved in spiritual warfare whether we like it or not. Some are engaged and in the heat of the battle, and there are others who are disengaged. The fact remains that it is real.

However, the reason for this blog tonight though, is simply, there is a spiritual battle brewing for the very soul of this nation. We all know this already. America is in decline, morally, spiritually, finanically and politically. The truth is, we have been for years. With the upcoming presidential elections though I can feel the battle brewing. How it will turn out? That is a good question.

We have, for the first time ever, a woman on the presidential ticket of the Republicans. Also, for the first time, a black man on the democratic ticket. Both are historic. Governor Palin, of Alaska, has associations and a upbringing in a pentecostal denomination. Senator Barak Hussein Obama has associations with mulsims. Could this be a clash of spiritual war, more so than a clash of political parties? In a sense, I believe so.

America is in need of a great revival. Desperately in need one. The enemy has come in an, well taken over. Many in the church are spiritually asleep. We must have an awakening of the Spirit of God. I believe we are on the threshold of either a great revival or great misery. Our prayers and fasting will make the difference. In this presidential election, I believe, that we could see a turning of the tide if we pray and fast. This is not just politics as usual. The soul of a nation is at stake. We must fight. The battle is brewing.

I beg you to pray and fast for God to move in this election. Though some think it will work out, I am one to believe that if we do nothing, then it will not work out. We must rise to the occasion and pray for revival in this country. I believe it starts with this election.

Until next time.... Keith

All in a days work!

2008-09-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a few days since I have blogged. So let me catch up. I know you are excited about that.

My dad came up on vacation to see me. It was great. I haven't seen him since we left Georgia and it was great visit. We played some golf, did shopping at golf stores and talked about golf. As you can tell, my dad likes golf.
Church was great on Sunday morning and Sunday night. We are grateful how God is moving in the lives of people. God is so faithful and if you are hungry he will come.
Labor day cookout was great! We had around 45 people. Played some flag football and ate a whole lot.
Republican National Convention is going on and boy what a speech Palin gave last night. It was incredible. I sure pray they win.

Until next time.......Keith

It is COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON BABY!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am little excited. Georgia Bulldawgs are ranked #1. I pray we go undefeated and all the way. It will remain to be seen. Thank God the season has started. NC State and South Carolina are going at as I type.

I get excited about football. It is a great stress relief. So I am looking forward to this season. It could not get here quick enough

Until next time..........Keith

Boy am I tired!!!!!

2008-08-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

This month has been one more busy month: Revival, Assembly, Back to School Bash and upcoming ball game this weekend. I thank God for his grace during this time. God is always faithful and I am thankful for his love and mercy and how he provides for these events.

Our Back to School Bash was this past weekend, ending last night with our anointing service for the kids this year. God ministered through a detective/captain in the law enforcement. God is so faithful to use us. Captain Rob Taylor shared how the internet is wonderful yet a dangerous place. He told of specific stories that I think are just heart wrenching, yet thought provoking of how predators are lurking for our children.

With that said, it leads me to this thought. The enemy is after us and he is lurking around to get us. Like a lion he is hiding in the bushes where we cannot see him always. There he waits for his opportunity to pounce on us. At times tearing us to shreads. With all of that going on I still believe God is still a protecting God and angels are encamped around us. There is no fear in God. Fear is cast out by perfect love. Though the enemy does attack God is greater. God is so great that our minds cannot even comprehend him as one of our concert players said yesterday (Zach Kelly). What a powerful thought, the enemy lurks, God stands in the light. God is never caught off guard by the enemy. God is always prepared and there is nothing you go through that God cannot handle.

May this resinate in your heart. The enemy is out there seeking whom he may devour, but God stands between us and the enemy through his son Jesus. For that, I give God all the glory

Until next time.... Keith

Home at last

2008-08-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

The assembly ended and we were stuck for almost 26 hours in trying to get home. It was very long and drawn out. However, we made it home. The assembly ended and well it is over with. Parts of it were great. The best worship in a long time at an assembly. It was also a privelege to see friends from all over the world. That is one of the things I love about these gatherings, you can see your friends and these friends are really family.

We got home to minister to some of our kids, who lost their grandfather to death. The funeral was today and again it brought out friends. Last night at the memorial viewing there were many there and they were called friends.

I think about all of this. My friendships keep me in COGOP. Though I often disagree with a lot, it is my friendships that keep me in this denomation. I love them and they love me. Friends are friends forever as Micheal W. Smith would sing.

I am also reminded of a friend that is closer than a brother. Jesus! The one true friend who never leaves or forsakes. His friendship is priceless yet worth everything.

Until next time................Keith

Assembly 08'

2008-08-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

This has been a great Assembly. The Lord has blessed tremendously in this assembly. Last night the worship was just overwhelming. I enjoyed Bro. Sherman Allen's sermon.

Looking forward to what God has for us today.

Until later Keith

Ramblings and Blogging the Assembly 08'

2008-08-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well God has been moving in our local church at Rockingham. Though offical services have ended for the revival, the spirit of revival has not stopped. Sunday morning, we had more saved, sanctified, and filled with Holy Spirit. Sunday night same thing. The enemy is attacking, but God is greater an God will prevail do even more. Praise God for what he is doing.

We drove in for the International Assembly in Nashville TN. Thank God for his grace. We are enjoying our time. The worhsip was good last night and we have enjoyed our day of shopping today. Getting ready to go into service tonight now.

I will update as things transpire. I pray for a great service tonight and to see alot of friends as they come in.

Until next time.........Keith

Final Update on Revival and the Spirit of Revival

2008-08-08T21:50:00.001-07:00

I have been wore out and busy so I am just now getting to my last update. We ended up with the following results that we can account for and I am sure many more heaven accounts for.

7 Saved
4 Sanctified
5 Holy Ghost baptized
1 healed
3 called to preach
Many more renewings and people being revived.

God moved every service in a powerful way. It was so amazing. Wednesday night we did not get out of church until after 11. People were hungry for a move of God. I thank God for the opportuntity to be part of such a powerful revival. I praise God for every experience we had and the ones we don't even know about. We prayed for 15 experiences and we got them. God is faithful.

With all of that said, I don't believe the revival is over. The spirit of revival will continue. To much happen for it not too. It will only be maintained by prayer. It was birthed in prayer and it must be sustained in prayer. I look forward to Sunday services as I know God will move.

Until next time.......Keith

Update on Revival

2008-08-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

God is moving so mightly in our church here in Rockingham NC. We have seen 7 souls saved 3 Sanctified, 1 filled with the Holy Spirit one healed and a host of deliverances. God is so amazing. The devil has fought us every step of the way. Yet God keeps proving himself strong. I am looking forward tonight to see what God does.

Just wanted to give a quick update on what God is doing.

Until next time.....Keith

Revival at Rockingham

2008-08-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

Our youth revival started yesterday. Worship was good as we entered into the presence of God. Yesterday morning, I preached on being "Spiritually Possessed." God moved in a mighty way as people began to come to the altar before I was even done.

Last night, we preached on "How Long?" It was very tough, it seemed we were battling demons every where. I know God ministered as it seemed the service would not end. I felt drained afterwards and just simply came home. Was very tired.

I know God has plans for this revival and want to see God move in a mighty way. So for those of you who read this blog, please pray for a move of God. We must have it. This generation must have it. If ever more there is a generation that needs to know the power of God it is this one.

Until the next time..........Keith

A week of prayer..........

2008-08-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

Boy what a week. God has been so faithful as always. This week, several of us have gather at the church to pray from 12-1pm. This prayer time is in reponse to our revival that starts on Sunday morning. We have prayed and then we prayed some more. Matter of fact, we have not only prayed during this hour, but several of us would gather again around 9pm and pray until after ten. God has been with us every step of the way.

We have prayed over youth, our church, community, city, county, state and nation. This little band of prayer warriors have gather this week to anoint and cry out for a mighty revival. God has heard our cry. How do we know this? The devil is upset and he is working trying to distract people from knowing God during this revival.

Our greatest privelege has been to call on God to answer us to move in this revival. There have been times that the intensity of the prayers have been beyond our level of understanding. Yet God has been there. What a great honor it is to pray.

I thank God for this opportunity to seek his face.

I will be blogging the revival starting Sunday. Pray with us for a mighty move of God

Until next time....Keith

Desperate Desire........

2008-07-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

How much do we really want God? I know God is calling us into a deeper relationship with him so deep that is like never before to me. This longing of my heart to know him more has increased over the last few weeks. I just senses that God is calling us. How much do we really want him? What will it cost us?

I have this youth revival coming up next week. Unexpected and just happen, and I believe God has set us up to know him more that week. God is calling me close to him and I know that God is up to something. Getting closer to God comes with a price. I believe God is calling for a deeper commimment and that means some other stuff has to go. So whatever it takes to know him, I hope that my heart wants to do it. I pray so..........

Until next time..........Keith

A summer full of ministry

2008-07-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

My summers are always packed. Mostly with camps and youth ministry. Taking kids to camp, working in camp, bring kids home from camp, youth services, youth Bible studies and the like usually make for an eventful summer. Oh yeah, you can always throw in there conventions or assemblies during the summer. Needless to say this summer has been nothing short of busy. believe it or not I enjoy it all. Tiring, but I really do enjoy it.

This summer I have seen teenagers saved, sanctified and baptized with the Spirit. Some have been delivered, some have been loved like never before and others have been completely changed. It has been amazing. God is so amazing and I love seeing teenagers changed. However, right now it seems God is up to something. In the midst of all of this ministry and all of these sermons and that is upon me to do, God is speaking.

Last night we had our monthly youth service. We sang 'slow' songs, though good it just was slow. However some how it just fit. Our youth, the ones who came, did a drama to the song the Potter's Hand. Then I preached to our teens. Same ole Same ole, right? Wrong, in the midst of all of this God was moving. From the worship to the drama, to the sermon. God spoke and ministered. What I thought was going to be "boring" turned out to be powerful.

So summer is busy. Well after last night it got even buiser. Our pastor came to me crying and said "you have to do this revival the first of August". "You have too, the Lord has spoken to me" he said. My first response is there is not time. The assembly is around the corner, I have got a huge Back to School Bash Weekend Planned, and a football game. There is no time, but when I open my mouth out came yes. Cause I knew God was in it. I expect it to be one of the most powerful weeks of revival ever in the ministry that God has entrusted me with. Our pastor called our whole church to fast for this revival. I know God is going to move.

So I have said all of that to say this....I know you hate it when people say that.... God is moving and your plans may not line up with his plans. However, if you will be available to him, as a vessel, He will use you at any given moment. Even when you don't think you have the time. I can't wait to see what God is going to do.

Until next time...........Keith

Camp, Church and Company

2008-07-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted. I have been at Senior Camp and just trying to get rested up. God has been so amazing. I will update you first on camp, church and well company.

Camp:

Senior Camp 2008 was absolutely incredible. God moved in a mighty way. It was strange for me as it was very hard to preach to this crew. So I mixed it up some. Used video and illustrations. God moved in it. As I watched God moved and ministered through the staff to the campers it moved me to tears. One night we had the dads and moms come up and allowed the campers to hug them. Those campers were the one who needed to feel a Godly love from a mom and dad. It was incredible. Thursday night was powerful as we spoke into these young people life. Friday night, despite all the devil tried to do, God prevailed and moved in a mighty way. I thank God to be part of it.

Church:

We had such a powerful service yesterday morning. God walked into our building. As the choir sang "Let my life Praise You, " the Spirit came. It was wonderful to experience the presence of God. He comes so close. Last night we had our groundbreaking for our new Family Life Center. What a tremendous achievement this is for our local church.

Company:

Do you enjoy having company? I would say for the most part we all do. I certainly do. There are times though they stay over their welcome. I liken this to sin. Most of us enjoy it, but it will always stay over it is welcome. You just have to push it out the door. You also have make sure it does not come back. If you don't it will be there the rest of your life.

Until next time..........Keith

4th of July

2008-07-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July of 2008 was great! Swimming, cookout, homemade Ice Cream and fireworks made for a great holiday. It was great to be with friends and enjoy good company. There is nothing no better than enjoying a stress free day with friends. I thank God for the day. It was great.

Fireworks display in Hamlet was great. People were everywhere. What a pleasure that was. It made me think. Sometimes we get so excited about the fireworks of christianity yet when they have busted it is gone. A lot of noise but no substance. Looks good, but does not last.

Many christians are like that. They get excited but then lose out when the fireworks do not last. Independance day in the Spirit realm can be lasting. If you build your faith you can last past the fireworks.

Until next time.........Keith

Church services today

2008-06-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Church was great today. We had service this morning, despite my voice, I was able to preach and one was saved. PRAISE GOD!!! Then tonight Bishop Norris preached a powerful message. Then we had a baptism service.

I enjoy my church family and friends. The longer we are here the more I love them. They have been great. I am praying God's blessings on their lives.

Well next week seems to be a busy week and it has already got started. God will give us grace to accomplish everything I need too. God has a great plan for all of us. I want to fulfill my destiny in Christ.

Until next time...........Keith

CAMP and more CAMP

2008-06-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Senior High Camp in NC. It was my first time working this camp and my wife and I served as the deans. What a tremendous experience and what a wonderful time we had. The power of God was there and his presence was incredible.

In the staff service on Sunday night we had a tremendous time as we dedicated ourselves to God for this week. God moved in a mighty way. We prayed a prayer that God would start on Monday night and it would not let up. God not only answered our prayer he out done himself. God is so amazing. Monday through Friday were powerful services. Unique and powerful. Worship lead by my new found friend Adam Herrod was incredible. (If I ever start a church I will hire you in a heart beat). It is amazing to see young people worship the way they did. Running, dancing, singing, miming, rejoicing, and loving. They did it all with a pure heart. God is so faithful.

Friday night we anointed them to be a mighty generation. A generation of warriors. We broke a backsliding, divorcing, and a fearful spirit over them. We released them in anointing and power to preach, teach, pastor, prophesy, heal, deliver and change their world. GOD IS GOING TO DO IT THROUGH THEM.

What a week....words are insufficient to tell all God did.

Until next time... Keith

Just some thoughts...

2008-06-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to head to work in Senior High camp in North Carolina. We are looking forward to this. Please be praying for God to do a great work in the youth that will attend. I will be preaching the staff service on Sunday night and the camp service on Friday.

God's grace is so sufficient and I learn that everyday. His grace is just perfect though. I have seen his grace in the face of campers that we have picked up from camp this year. Their smiles and joy shows. It can only come from Jesus.

So it brings me back to several questions I have asked. What are we doing to really change the life of a teenager? It takes more than just planning a service. It takes a relationship with them. Most adults run from those. Don't run from it, run to it. The life of a teen could very well be in your hand

Until next time.......... Keith

Been a few days

2008-06-16T22:15:00.001-07:00

It has been a few days since I last blogged. So I will try to catch up on my thoughts while not boring you to death. So here goes.......

What are we really missing? It seems of late, that often times we just miss something in our walk with Christ. I am not sure when it actually happens but it does. Seems there are dry spells so to speak. I am sure I am not the only one to have these times of "Where are you at God?" moments. This one just seems to come at the wrong time.

It is camp season and well I am involved in camp. Dean next week, evangelist the week after that. So now is a time I really need to be filled up. However, shouldn't I always be filled. God wants me too. However at the same time, how can God fill something that is already filled.

We all have to empty out ourselves and then be refilled. God will pour into you all that you need when you need it. You have what you need when you need it. Right now I need him and He is there. I guess being empty is not always bad when you know you are going to be filled with His presence.

I keep searching, praying, seeking, knocking, looking and I know i will find Him

Until next time..... Keith

Some thoughts........

2008-06-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well today I turned 33 (June 10, 2008). I thank God for everyday I have. God has been so faithful to me over these few short years. I praise him for all He has done.

I am busy getting ready for camp and all the summer stuff. It has been busy and will get even more so. I am excited about what God is doing. Many of us miss out on what God is doing. I, however, do not want to miss what our God is doing. Everyday I pray for more of Him. Let me lose myself and let me be found in Him. It is my honest heart desire.

This Sunday is the monthly youth service. I am praying for a move of God. Please help me pray for God to move in a mighty way.

Until next time...........Keith

Weekend Thoughts

2008-06-08T19:11:00.001-07:00

It has been a busy but great weekend. Lynda and I took our graduating seniors to Atlanta to see the Braves and Georgia Aquarium. The Braves game was HOT. It was awful hot. The Georgia Aquarium was incredible. If you ever get a chance to go you need too.

The services today were very good. Lynda and I lead worship tonight. It always a great honor to lead people into presence of God. What a great privelege it is to go into the presence God. God is so faithful to allow us to come into his presence and worship him.

Which brings me to the point for tonight........Why do we sing songs of victory and then turn around and sing songs that are depressing? Victory in Jesus is a powerful and moving song, yet most christians live far beneath it. However, we will get excited about singing stuff that is depressing. I know we serve a powerful God and we should live like He is powerful. Our God is faithful and true. So we need to rejoice and live in joy. I enjoy the presence of God. I know there are times we are going to have problems. Regardless of our situations we should rejoice. God is good. Choose joy. You will never regret it.

until next time..........Keith

Random Thoughts

2008-06-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a few days since I have blogged. So need to do some catching up to do..........

It has been a full week and a full weekend coming up. Youth Service tonight was great. I taught on carrying baggage around. Loaded up the kids with suitcases and taught how we carry this stuff around and it will destroy them. It was a good lesson.

This weekend I will take my senior graduates to Atlanta to a Braves game and the Georgia Aquarium. We should have a great time. Looking forward to getting away myself.

This week also saw some tragic events. A 15 year old boy died. Not exactly sure how, many speculations, but none the less he is dead. At 15 years old and he is dead. It brings me back to an earlier blog, what am I really doing to reach these kids? I want to win them to the Lord. Impact their lives and help them realize their potential. God give me the grace and anointing to do it.

Until next time ...........Keith

To worship God in EVERYTHING

2008-06-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

One of the things I enjoy doing is worshipping God. Often times I feel I don't do it enough. Lately I have tried to make the effort to do it and often as I can.

Coming home from Family Fest 2008 yesterday I was driving the big bus. Since it is just the drivers seat up front no one was around me. It was a good time to pray and think. In it that time I was grateful to dwell on the presence of God, the joy of the Lord and to pray for several request. My thoughts drifted to the fact that many fail to worship God all the time. The Bible teaches us to worship God at all times and that everything we do let us do it for the Glory of God.

So, with that being said as we were playing yesterday in the volleyball tourney and softball tourney I am glad we could give God the glory. When we are washing dishes and clothes and doing all the house work, I am glad to give God the glory. In times of preparing my classes, my studies, and on my job I am glad to give God the glory. In everything I do I want to praise God. I love the 150th Psalm that says "Everything that has breathe praise the Lord." I never want to cease from Praising God.

Until next time ................Keith

When God is there............

2008-05-29T07:43:00.001-07:00

Often times I have heard people say such things as "When God is not there....". However, we know through scripture that He is always there. So I thought I would just add a few things to help remind us what happens When God is there...

Life Happens - John 10:10b
Healing takes place - 2 Peter 2:24
Love happens - Jer 31:3
Peace happens - Phil 4
Joy happens - Neh 8:10, Psalms 16:11

I enjoy the presence of God. I enjoy being engulfed in His presence. As David Baroni wrote several years ago "I Delight in You Lord, I Delight in Your Presence, There's nothing as sweet as to sit at your feet, nothing that I rather do, than delight myself in you"

What a powerful song.... Delight yourself in God today

Until next time.... Keith

A Buncha Blogging

2008-05-26T20:38:00.001-07:00

It has been a few days since I have really had the time to blog. So let me play catch up.....

The revival at Ghio COGOP ended very good. God blessed every night. On the last night, my youth group was able to go and do a drama to I CAN ONLY IMAGINE by Mercy Me. As always they did a tremendous job. I am very proud of this group.

Thursday was a RUFF, as they would say in South Ga., day. Seemed all day long something was going wrong. The enemy sure was not letting up. However, as days do, they come and go and Thursday did go away. When there are days like that, I am grateful for God's amazing grace. His grace is sufficent and though the stress sometimes is very agonizing, I can go to the ROCK that is higher than I. God is a faithful.

The weekend has been good. Ending today with Memorial day. Services were good on Sunday. We were each blessed as we entered the presence of God to worship HIM. Tonight we had a cookout at the house plus some Flag Football and it was good. I caught 5 touchdowns by the way. Well attended with almost 40 I believe of youth and young adults. I am amazed at how well this group of young people are coming together. God is doing a tremendous work.

I enjoy doing devotions and leaving people with thoughts to think about Christ. Tonight I want to end this daily blog (which I hope to get back to doing) with this thought. Are you where you want to be in Christ? If not, who's fault is it? Something the Lord is teaching me is that HE is always willing and ready to come closer to us. However, we seldom make the effort to come closer to Him. Our lives are busy and we struggle just to manage the schedule. Even in ministry, I find, that it is very difficult to keep a routine of daily time with God. Thank God HE is bringing me back to that. Over the last few weeks God has had me awake early to seek Him. I appreciate HIS prompting, and I am learning this is my time with him. Larnell Harris, use to sing a song called "I Miss My Time With You." God reminded me of that. How often do we neglect our time with God? Probably alot. I hope that God takes you on a journey that is IN HIM and leads to HIM.

Until Tomorrow.... Keith

Second night of Revival

2008-05-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a powerful night of revival at Ghio. God moved in a mighty way. People came for prayer as God brought healing to their mind, spirit and body. I give him praise for this.

The New Beginnings youth group did a worship and dance and it was powerful they put there whole heart in it. I am grateful for what God has done this week during this revival.

God is so faithful. I believe that if we stay faithful toward him He will bless us. God has never let me down and I know he will be faithful until the end.

Until tomorrow... Keith

Revival at Ghio

2008-05-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight's service was pretty good. Worship was wonderful led by Sherry. Lynda and I ministered in song then I preached. Small crowd but God moved in a special way.

After ministering tonight I began to wonder, as I done a lot lately, are we too settled in our ways to allow God freedom to minister? Decades of being taught the samething and never allowed to think for ourselves and allow God to speak to us has caused generational curses. Some want there church to servive but will not allow to be done God' way. We are in trouble if we do not open our hearts and minds to the Spirit of God. Youth are at stake. I honestly believe that most churches are out of date with our culture. Many youth are slipping through the cracks and we are in a desperate situation within the American church.

We must continue to minister none the less in hopes that the decades of bondage will soon be erased.

Until tomorrow..... Keith

Sunday Services

2008-05-18T20:32:00.001-07:00

I hope you have had a great day. We have. It has been busy, but in everthing it has been a blessed day. Service was great as usual this mornign and tonight was youth service. We honored our graduates. We are grateful for them and all that God has done for them. We had a tremendous crowd tonight, I am postive we were well over 100.

Tomorrow night we start a revival at the Ghio COGOP. I have never been to this church preached there, so I will keep you all updated.

I pray that God is speaking to your heart and you are listening

Until tomorrow..... Keith

One more busy week....

2008-05-17T21:37:00.001-07:00

This has been a very busy and hetic week. However, that is the lot of life in ministry sometimes. It has been a good week. As I have prepared for the youth service on Sunday night I have had one constant thought; what are we doing that really matters to see youth saved?

We are busy working, going to ballgames, ministering on Wednesday, during the week if needed, and a whole host of other stuff. However, what are we really doing. It is a thought I continue to ponder.

Friday night we parcitpated in our first Relay For Life event. Our church hosted a team of 70 and it was a tremendous night. The winds were high and it was a little chilly. We had a blast. I would estimate there were at least 4000 people there at the height of the evening. Watch touched me the most was the survivors walk. On the track was a little boy who was less than 2 years old. He had no hair and looked very tired. With all that he had his Survivor shirt on. It moved me to tears. God has such great plans for him. Our team did homemade ice cream which was very good to the stomach. I throughly enjoyed the fellowship.

Back to my orignial start, as I was sitting around the track I watched hundreds of youth go by me. Some with their punk rock thug wanna be style, others with shorts so tight I wondered how they got circulation. Still others were on cells chatting. A few arguing with parents on why they should be able to do whatever they want. And my mind wondered. What are we doing to save these young people? Richmond county, Rockingham and the surrounding area is full of youth dying and going to hell. What are we really doing to see them be touched by God's grace?

Then I asked myself "What are you doing Keith?" I occupy an office, hold a position, even hold a license to preach yet that is not going to mean a hillabeans when I reach heaven. Today is the day I must impact someone. Some youth somewhere needs me to minister the love of Jesus to them. I want to be available to Hear God's Voice so that I can...... do you?

Until tomorrow ........... Keith

God's grace

2008-05-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so busy you never thought you were get done? That has been me over the last week. Swamped is not the word for it.

However, God's grace has been sufficent as it always is. I love God with all my heart. His grace is so amazing to me. God can keep us strengthen with a word, a prayer and breath of fresh air. His grace comes when we need it(boy do I need a lot of it). What would we ever do without God's grace.

I guess this come from my Youth service tonight. I asked the kids to write down a question they would ask Jesus. Then they had to write down a question they would ask satan. The questions were interesting and the responses were very interesting. In all of it, God's grace is amazing.

I pray you are being blessed.....

Until tomorrow ..... Keith

Blogging tonight

2008-05-11T22:21:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while.

I have been very busy, which is good. Tonight I have been looking at pictures from the tornado's in my home state of Georgia. It seems that tornado's have been in abundance this year. I have prayed that God would spare us. His mercy is very powerful.

Today was mother's day and I am missing my grandmother Burch. Her birthday is the 12th. She was such a Godly woman, a prayer warrior and a tremendous inspriation to me and others. She is missed but I am sure she has got her groove going on with Jesus in heaven.

So tonight it is late and I can't sleep. Been up thinking and praying. God is so faithful and I trust him with all my heart. Even when we fail God is there. I praise God for that. That no matter what we go through, in life, God is there.

Until next time......

Busy, Busy, and more Busy

2008-05-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

This past week was hetic. People in the hospital, a funeral, ballgames, and Fun in the Son. We had an awesome time at fun in the son. God really blessed in every way. The kids were great as
usual.

Something dawned on me over the weekend. I have notice how teens do alot of what they learn in church. If we do not worhsip, they will not worship. If we worship then, maybe, they will worship. The way we respond will be the way they respond.

People are watching our every move. Especially teenagers, they love to watch. They will also follow our steps. We must get to a point that we respond to God again.

Until another day....

Keith

Hetic Week.........

2008-04-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a hetic week so far. Staying busy and well keeping busy. Tonight's youth service was good. Played some flag football and I score two touchdowns. One being an interception that Ashley Floyd knocked into my arms, I ran it all the way back. Go figure.

I am enjoying all that God is doing. Tomorrow is the national day of prayer and I am grateful that opportunity to pray with our countrymen. However, everyday should a day of prayer. So tomorrow, I will be at the courthouse, praying with other like minded people.

Friday I am heading out to Wilmington for Fun in the Son. Should be fun. Hetic, hetic and more hetic. That is part of ministry and especially in youth ministry. God is faithful and I am grateful for what He is doing.

Until tomorrow...................

Keith

More thoughts...........

2008-04-24T20:43:00.001-07:00

God is so faithful. I was able to bless our pastor's wife, her son and another member of my youth group with a great supper tonight. It was a joy and I love cooking. So it got me to thinking.... How often do we bless people?

To bless is really to be blessed. I enjoy doing it. I find giving and blessing to be a true blessing to all people and to myself.

Be blessed today.........

Keith

Yesterday

2008-04-23T08:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was, well, a day of counseliing. I lost count how many people I talked to and ministered too. Not complaining at all it was great privelege and I am honored that people would call, text, email, im, and other forms of communication. Last night around 2am is when I finally finished up with the last person. It was all interesting.

It also left me thinking and praying a whole lot. Often times I wonder how many of us are where we need to be with God. Despite our participation in church functions. After preaching and praying Sunday night over people, I really began to feel that God wants more than LIP service, He wants our whole heart. How often do people just play church?

I have been in full time ministry of some sort for a number or years. Honestly, I can say, that I have seen people play church for years. Probably have done it myself. However, lately, all that matters to me is not a big ministry, great preaching, or any other thing of the sort, but to have a pure heart before God. My pastor, said something very similiar several weeks ago and it has resounded in my ears.

Church is great, but most just attend and leave Christ there. I can't do that. I am not perfect by any means. My share of faults are many, but one thing I never want to have is a dirty heart before God where all I do is play church. I want to have a pure heart before God. Matt 5:8

Until tomorrow -

Keith

One of those weeks....

2008-04-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

It seems life, at times, can be very busy. To busy at times. However, busyness can result, in a lot distractions. My life is hetic. Youth pastoring does that to you. It keeps you busy. Ballgames, honor nights, youth services, and host of other things. Not to mention I am working on yards and other things, camps are coming up, Operation In As Much is Saturday, just to name a few things. It is all good. In the end of it all it has been one of those weeks and when it is all said and done God will be glorified. That matters most and I am grateful that I am busy for Him.

What Really Counts!!!

2008-04-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

You know I have time one my hands often. NOT! However, today was one of those rare moments when I had a few minutes to myself. My wife was shopping for music books(she is teaching piano), and I just did not want to go back into the store. So, I am sitting, in our honda, and I am just thinking. I know that is scary. Of the thousands of things I could be doing, at that moment, I was spending time with my wife. Though it was not something I care to do(Shopping is my least favorite thing). Spending time with God and with Lynda are my to favorite things to do. So what really counts when it is all said and done is spending time with them. Those two relationships matter most. My relationship with God first and my relationship with Lynda second. I am grateful that God has given me the time to do both. What really counts are those two relationships.

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers, and more Flowers

2008-04-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well today I took Lynda out to buy some more flowers. Sprucing up the parsonage with flowers. I enjoy planting the flowers and working with Lynda, who, by the way, adores flowers. It gives us time to spend together and we both enjoy that. I enjoy Spring because it means new life. Flowers come alive, people seem to come alive, and it seems everything comes alive. I am grateful that God gives us this time to come alive with Him. I enjoy this time and I enjoy the time with HIM who gives us life.

Starting my blog

2008-04-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well I am catching up with the times and starting a blog. Not many will remember it but it will be something good for me to do. Not like I am busy or anything. Should be fun. Check back often for updates and stuff.