Pacific Missionary

Keep Looking Forward!

2011-11-26T11:43:00.001-08:00

Life is full of change. No two days are the same. Here in the islands we see change daily just watching the tide changes. They are never exactly on time, constantly changing with the moon. One minute you can be looking at a calm lagoon and the next minute a rain storm and high winds. Even shopping here in the islands is an adventure, just ask Shawn. There is no one stop get everything place and many times what was there last week is not there this week. As a missionary I have learned and continue to learn that being flexible is a must serving the Lord.
We as members of the body of Christ must learn to be flexible and accept change. The Bible says that we are changed from glory to glory,(2 Cor 3:18). As we go further with the Lord in prayer and in the Word He continues to change us into what He wants us to be. All of us want to be more like Him in the Spirit but so many are held back by their flesh and desires of this world.
In this time of economic challenges we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We must remember that our eternal life is more precious then the earthly things that we possess. Many are preaching restoration messages everywhere. Get your car back, your house back, your job back and so on. What is this message doing? It is keeping us focused on our past and not on the future that God has for us. You can not move forward with God keeping your eyes on what once was.
Lot's wife, Genesis 19, was not willing to let go of the past and move on with the plan of God. Because she looked back, destruction came upon her. It is the same with our walk with the Lord we must keep our eyes on Jesus and keep moving forward. The blessings that God has for you is in front of you and not in your past.

We need to get Lot's wife out of our pulpits and get back to preaching a Gospel that builds the Kingdom of God!

Restoration messages should be focused on restoring passion for the lost, righteousness, holiness, and following Jesus with all of our heart. If we place the kingdom of God first in our lives everything that we need will follow.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

You can not seek the Kingdom of God looking at your past. You must face forward and move forward with God. Let go of your past, trust God with your future and you will live in peace and victory in the present.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Keep your eyes on Jesus and run with the vision!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

I love serving the Lord!

2011-10-09T18:09:00.001-07:00

Being a missionary is many things and words can not say it all. You learn to live by faith everyday, share Jesus everywhere, and give the gift of eternal life to those in need. But there are days that your heart is pulled because you can not do enough for those around you. Yesterday I sat with someone who had given up on life, ready to die. As I shared with him I could see life returning to his eyes. As we prayed we felt the anointing of God touch him. I knew that he and his wife had been touched by the Spirit!

It is in those moments, that the long hours mean nothing. The numerous times of salvaging parts for buses, running out of water, power outages, tears, pain and the trials of life do not matter any more. So many times we feel overwhelmed by circumstances but in the end it is only what we do for jesus that matters. When missionaires return home and they look tired and broken. It is not because they do not have the victory. It is because their heart is burning with a passion to do more to build the kingdom of God. They are fueled by the desire to change nations one person at a time. The vision is ever before them and their hearts filled with faith knowing that God will provide what they need to accomplish the vision!

As long as there is one lost soul, we the people of God should not stop until it is over. When we reach heaven that will be the time to rest. The joy is in serving Him and giving your all to HIm. Too many are just sitting around waiting to recieve! It is those who are on their feet and doing the work with Him that are truly walking in joy!

I LOVE SERVING THE LORD!

Brother Steve

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Matthew 11:28: ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:30: For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Gospel!

2011-10-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Gospel is timeless and is still impacting people around the world today! It's simple message of love is one that resonates with the hardest of hearts. Here in the Marshall Islands the Gospel is still being preached in it's fullness to the lost who need Jesus! When the Jesus film came here in Marshallese I was reminded at just how simple the Gospel is! So many around the world have tried to dress it up. Churches are continually trying to bring more people in by building bigger buildings and adding more technology!

It is not flashy technology that brings people to Jesus it is the personal touch of the Gospel. That personal touch is delivered by you and I! We have become too reliant on media, reactionary witnessing and the silent witness in the body of Christ! Jesus never told us to sit around, advertise and wait on them to come in! Nope He did not! As a matter of fact He said, GO!

Matthew 28:19: ¶Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We need to stop making excuses about why we can not share the Gospel and just do it! As I am writing this people are dying without Jesus! The message of Jesus is simple and can change the lives of the hurting and lost! All it takes is you and I to take the message to the world. People are hungry and looking for answers! You have the answer that they need! Go today and share the Gospel with the lost! You can do it!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Rejoice at all Times!

2011-09-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Last week here in the islands was one of challenges. Have you ever had a day when it just seems like everything was going against you? We all have! It is part of living in the this world and it is challenges that make us stronger in our walk with Jesus! Without challenges we would be weak and unable to walk as overcomers in this life. Jesus has called us to be overcomers in every situation. Here are two of my favorite scriptures that help me when challenges come!

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. No matter what happens in life I have peace that Jesus has given me!Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
There is nothing that I can not do through Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Ghost!

Praise the Lord! That does not just apply to me but it applies to everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord! So we have peace, we can do all things, and we have the victory in the name of Jesus. So what do we do in the middle of the challenges and trials of life? We rejoice, that is what we do! We give God the glory knowing that he has a plan! We might not see the end of the tunnel, but praise God when we walk with Him victory is always on the other side!

Let me give you an example. Last week was one of those weeks. Tuesday I get up to find out that two of my wind generators are down. One a total loss the other repairable. I get ready to get in the bus to go and pick up students, bus is broke down. Finally get on the road to pick up students with the other bus to find out that two of our main teachers are sick and can not come in! It seems like everything is going crazy. It is at that time that we must make a decision! We can crash, get mad, cry, be depressed or we can rejoice in the fact that we are on our way to heaven. We choose to rejoice! No matter what is going on right now in your life, now is the right time to rejoice and give Him praise!

We all want to rejoice at the end of the battle and that is our favorite way. Remember Moses standing at the Red Sea, he has the only one standing in faith. The enemy was coming nobody was rejoicing they were mad with the man of God! But we see in Exodus chapter 15 that after they crossed the red sea Moses and the children of Israel began to sing unto the Lord! They were giving God glory after the battle. But what I want to tell you today is to rejoice no matter what is going on!

In II Chronicles chapter 20 we read about King Jehoshaphat. A multitude of armies was coming against him and he was afraid. What did he do? Did he run away and hide? NO, he proclaimed a fast and sought the Lord for help! The Lord answered him and said:

2Ch 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

The Lord goes on to tell him to go down to the battle field tomorrow and to stand and see the salvation of the Lord! Wow, the king knew that God was on his side and had promised him the victory. However, he did not know how God was going to do it. He did not see vast armies of angels getting ready to do battle. He had to make a decision to believe the Word of the Lord and live by faith! Trusting that God was in control. The next day instead of having the army lead the way, the king sent the worship team out front! What were they doing? They were rejoicing in the victory even though they did not see it yet! Faith and rejoicing working hand in hand! Praise the Lord! When they got there the enemies were defeated and it took them three days to take away the spoil. They were rejoice before the battle!

Look at Paul and Silas in the book of Acts! In Acts chapter 16 Paul and Silas are in prison. They are in the middle of the battle. What did they do? They began to sing praise unto God! They were not crying, weeping or begging! Why because they knew that God was in control. They were in faith and they trusted Him to deliver them. As they were praise the rejoicing in the Lord the earthquake came and set them free. Praise the Lord!

What am I saying? We rejoice before the battle, we rejoice in the battle and we rejoice after the battle. It is in rejoicing and praising the Lord that peace comes! Why? Because people of faith know that God is in control and that it is His desire to give us the victory! So many things are going on around the world! It is real easy to get caught up in all the bad things that are going on! If we are not careful these things can cause us to be in fear! I want to encourage you today, that no matter what you are going through to rejoice. Make a decision today to walk in peace and joy! Do not let the devil steal your joy. You can do it and Christ in you gives you the ability to overcome! Blessings to you in the name of Jesus!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Be a Loser!

2011-06-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

Here in the Marshall Islands we have a major problem with diabetes and high blood pressure. Much of this is brought on by eating the wrong things. Because of not eating the right way many become overweight! The results of this diet manifest as high blood pressure and diabetes. They become tired easily and are not very active. They are also more prone to infections and other medical problems. Many people end up with an amputation of a limb, or in the worst case death. In Majuro we have what is called the diabetes wellness center. Here, the people are taught to eat the right things and to exercise. Those participating in the program have seen their lives changed by losing weight and exercise.

For many people the change in lifestyle is radical and is hard to do. Not everyone who starts the program is able to stick with it. Why, because they are required to deny themselves certain foods, and are required to exercise. This is so hard for many people to do! They must break habits that they have had for a life time. It is not easy. For the ones that do though, the changes are amazing. Their loss in weight lowers their blood pressure and their sugar levels. By denying themselves and giving up these things they gain life.

The writer of Hebrews cautions us about carrying too much weight in our lives.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

We all know what sin is and how it can stop the plan of God in our lives. But what about the weight? Weights are not sin but things that hold you back from running your race for the Lord! We live in the culture that is pleasure oriented and about how much stuff you have. Unfortunately this attitude has gotten into the church. We have become so preoccupied with being blessed that we have forgotten the mission of the church! Jesus did not come to raise your standard of living but He came to seek and save that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

Certainly, many have compromised the Gospel and every message is on being blessed and getting more! There are few now who are sharing a balanced message with the church. Where are the messages on giving to others and denying ourselves to build the kingdom of God? God wants you blessed and all that He has promised is yours by faith. I believe that and preach that! However, if we spend all of our time acquiring things and stuff we will never do what we are supposed to do! It is time for us to check out our spiritual weight. Are there things in our lives that hold us back? What is our attitude when it comes to the things of God!

Recently I saw someone ask this question, “what would you give up for Jesus”? I was interested in the answers but one struck me that was common to all. The person said, “whatever He asks me to”! The answer is a good answer and nothing wrong with it. However Jesus has already asked us to do something. He said:

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Now there is a word you do not hear from many preachers any more. Deny yourself! It is a phrase that brings fear to many who read it. Why the fear? If we are in faith there is no fear! Why are we afraid of denying ourselves and giving it all over to God. Denying yourself and losing the weights of life will bring more blessings than you can contain! Just ask yourself this question, what keeps you out of the church and meeting with God’s people? What stops you from sharing the Gospel with others? These could be weights. I encourage today do a self inspection and see if there are any weights in your life. If they are weights, lose them. It is time to be a loser for Jesus! Lose the weight and run with all your might!

Running with the Vision,

Brother Steve

Embracing the Truth!

2011-05-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

Jesus said: John 8:31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.

Joh 8:32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

That of course is the amplified bible translation. It is holding on to the Word, and

living by it that sets us free. As we read it and apply it in our lives, the Truth

becomes real to us, and with that comes freedom. You know, when we were

children, there were people in our lives that taught us things.

Eat this, do not eat that. That is poison, and if you eat that it will kill you.

We learned by reading, and by what others have taught us throughout our lives.

These teachings took all of us different directions, and not all of us had great

examples in our lives. The point is, now that we have accepted Jesus as our Lord

and Savoir we have in our hands God’s Word. Contained within the Bible, is

everything we need to live.

The question is, are we really embracing and holding on to the truth. Every day it

seems like someone is trying to change what God’s Word says. There are those

who say, there is no hell. Others say there is no need to repent again once you are

saved, and there so many other twisted doctrines going around. The bottom line is,

they are all trying to make it easier to get into heaven. God does not change and

neither does His Word! So why are so many trying to change who God is? I for

one think that this perversion is motivated by the enemy to lead them down the

wide road to destruction.

Number two, it is not good business to offend your followers or church members.

This business mindset that has infiltrated the church has stalled many faith based

churches. It is no longer about the truth and flowing in the Holy Ghost, it has

become what brings in the crowd and increases the cash flow. Not all are walking

down this path. I thank God for the men and women who are still preaching to

please God and not men. Those who are willing to preach the truth no matter the

cost. I thank God for my pastor and other men in my life who preach the

unwavering truth of God’s Word.

For you and I, in these last days we must KNOW the truth and not be swayed

by the sweet words and promises of the wide road! For these are the doctrines of

devils!

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Arm yourself and get into God’s Word and find out what He really says. Get into

a Bible believing church that preaches the truth and allows the Holy Ghost to

move.

You see many churches caught up in false doctrine try to hamper or stop the Spirit

of God from moving. So how do you know if you are in a Holy Ghost led

church.? You will know you are in the right place by following things that the

Holy Spirit was sent to do.

Jesus said :

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of

righteousness, and of judgment:

John16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

John 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

He will convict or point out sin in the sinner because they do not believe the Truth

He will convict us of righteousness, in other words will point to righteousness and

convicts us of sin to help us live in the truth.

He will remind the devil that he is judged, and remind him of his fate through

demonstration of the Spirit, and setting the captive free!

Good Holy Ghost preaching covers all of these areas! Churches that are preaching

the truth, and are radical and bold will have all of these things happening in them. Stand on what you believe and do not be swayed. Jesus is coming soon.

Running with the Vision,

Brother Steve

The Door!

2011-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

The last two weeks we have focused on the last two weeks of Jesus’ life here on earth. It is so important that we remember the greatest event to ever come to the earth! Jesus is alive and risen from the dead! Praise His wonderful name. Do you believe in the resurrection? I am sure that many reading this will say yes and if you do not believe I encourage you to find out for yourself!

Many things are remembered during this time, but I want to bring your attention to something that many times we take for granted. You know everywhere we go we use doors. Doors to find food, medicine, entertainment, rest and everything else we need in life we have to go through a door. In John 10 Jesus said,

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Here Jesus points out that He is the door. During the last few days of His life Jesus had the last supper with His disciples. He was celebrating Passover, the time when the death angel passed over house of those who had the blood of the lamb painted on the lintel of the door. Anyone who had entered the house through the door was protected by the blood. You can read about this in Genesis chapter 12. It was by passing through the door covered with blood that the people found safety and protection from that last plague. There is life in the blood.

We see in that scripture that we enter in through Him and are saved. Then we go in and out to find pasture, provision, everything that we need. It is through that door that we find salvation. It is through that door that we find eternal life! Praise the Lord! Jesus, in chapter 14, would go on to emphasize that He is the only way.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

He is the only way to the Father! There is no other door, no other way to receive eternal life! It is not an easy way, and the gate is narrow! There are so many now claiming to have the right door. These other doors lead to destruction. Many are teaching that there is no hell and no need for repentance. They are changing the very Words of Jesus to fit their doctrine promising an easy way. These people are those who are deceiving the people. They are no longer preaching the truth that Jesus is the only way. They are teaching a broad and easy way that ultimately leads to destruction. Read what Jesus had to say about the gate.

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at:

Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The gate is narrow because it is only through Him that we can come to the Father. Be careful not to be deceived into taking the wrong door. Stand on the Word of God and do not be swayed in these last days. The broad doors look so tempting and inviting. They are all promising the easy way into heaven. They overlook the standards and precepts laid out in God’s Word. They deny truth laid out in the Word of God promising another way. Remember only Jesus is the resurrection and the life!

As you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and savior remember that He is the only door. It is through Him the living door that we can come before the Father in prayer!

Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

On that first Passover the children of Israel entered through the blood covered door to safety and salvation! We now come through Jesus the door, through His blood to receive eternal life. You see the Passover was an example of how Jesus the Lamb of God would become our door to eternal life! Do not be deceived He is the only true and living way. We give Him all of the glory and honor to Him. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the only risen Savior. He is the resurrection and the life! Today lift Him up and celebrate Jesus for He has risen from the dead and He is alive.

Blessings to you and your family as you celebrate Resurrection Day from all of us here in the Marshall Islands.

Running with the Vision,

Brother Steve

The One!

2010-11-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

Many times I am asked why are you there in the Marshall Islands? Why are you and the family so far from home? It is because of the one! Many years ago there was a song called “One is the loneliest number”. Some of you may remember that song. “One” in the world is the loneliest number. However, in the Word of God “one” is the most important number. One is a number that we so many times overlook as we study the Word! We are automatically drawn to ministries or people who talk about sharing the Gospel with thousands or millions of people. We rejoice over this and even send support to those ministries. However, after seeing these great successes many will say “I will never be able to do anything like that!” Let me tell you something, you may not be called to reach huge numbers, but you are called to reach the one!

We must remember the fact that the “ One” true and living God sent His only “One” begotten son. It is the “One” begotten son (Jesus) who came to be the “One” sacrifice so that anyone who calls on His name would be saved. Jesus is the “One” way, the “One” truth, and the “One” life. The “One” and only way to the Father! It is the “One” who gave His life for the world and for you!

We certainly see so many times that Jesus ministered to the one. In John chapter 3 after Jesus had ministered all day, Nicodemus came to see him. He did not turn Nicodemus away and tell him to come back tomorrow. He sat down with him and explained salvation to him. Why, because one, is important to Jesus. In John chapter 4 we see in verses 3 and 4 that He left Galilee and Judea because He must go to Samaria. He travels to the city of Sychar and outside of the city sits down at the well.

As we read, He begins to talk to the one woman that was there. He shares with her salvation, and because of His meeting with her, the entire city comes out to see Him. You see, Jesus traveled to Samaria to meet the one woman who would bring an entire city to meet the One! It was this one encounter that brought change to the city of Sychar. All, because Jesus needed to go to Samaria for the one.

Then, in Luke chapter 15, we see three different parables. For a long time, I had heard messages about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. One morning as I was with the Lord , meditating on those scriptures, the Lord showed me something unique about each parable. In verses 3 through 7 He tells the story of the shepherd who leaves the 99 for go and find the one lost sheep. He goes on to tell us how he rejoiced and told everyone he had found the sheep. Jesus then tells how all of heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. Then the woman who lost the coin, how she searched the house until she found it. She then rejoices and tells everyone that she has found it. Again Jesus says all of heaven rejoices over one who repents.

Finally, in chapter 15 of Luke, the story of the prodigal son who returns to the father. When he returns the father and the whole house rejoices over his return. There is great joy because the one who was dead is alive again. All three of the parables have a common theme, they are all about one lost person. The one lost sinner, the one lost in the house, and the one lost prodigal son. You see all of these ones are important to the Father. We understand the sinner and many understand the prodigal but what about the coin?

We are the bride of Christ and just like this one woman we long to be complete. As long as one is missing, we still have a search to do. In the parable of the woman, notice she searched the house. She used the lamp until she found the lost coin. The lamp represents the Holy Ghost. We need to be led by the Spirit and searched for the lost ones in the house. In every church there are people who are there every service who still need salvation. We must everyday be on the lookout for the one!

All of these three parables focus on the One. What do I want you to see? As long as there is one lost one, one prodigal son or daughter,or one who is calling out in prayer for help, we have a job to do. We are all commissioned to find the one! One day we will all stand before the Lord and give our account to the One! On that day, I believe we will hear Him say one of two things:

1. My good and faithful servant thank you for finding the one!

2. Why did you not go and find the one?

What will Jesus say to you? Be blessed and may you prosper in all that you do as you follow the One, Jesus, and in your search for the One (those who need Him). You can do this because He has given you everything you need to accomplish the mission. You may not reach thousands of people, or be a preacher, but you can reach the “one” that needs Jesus.

Brother Steve

Are We Truly Following Him?

2010-10-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

We as believers every once in a while need to examine ourselves to make sure we are truly following Jesus! A few weeks ago I preached a message called “Three things Jesus came to do”! There are so many things we could talk about in this area but the Holy Ghost had me focused on three points!

One, in John 10:10, Jesus said that I have come that they may have life and life more abundantly. Over the years this scripture has been used over and over again. I thank God every day that He sent His son so that all that come to Him may have an abundant life. Praise the Lord! I am so thankful that I have been set free to live a life for Him! However, many of the church are stuck on this one scripture. We are focusing on one third of the abundant life. Now you might be saying what do you mean? Let’s look at the other two things Jesus came to do!

Two, Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost, Luke 19:10! He was here to find the lost and bring salvation to them. The parable of the lost sheep is a great example of seeking the lost; the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one lost sheep. Notice that He left the 99. He went out to look for the lost one. He did not stay in the house. More and more as we look around we see that churches as well as the individual Christians have stopped looking for the lost. As the church has become modernized we are starting to rely more on advertising and marketing! The Gospel is to be delivered personally, and to do that, we must seek out the lost!

Three, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, 1 John 3:8! He came to set the captive free. Everywhere He went, he cast out devils, healed the sick, and raise the dead. Everything He did showed the devil that he was defeated. We are called to do the same things that he did. It is not just for the preacher it is for every believer in the body of Christ.

Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

All of the things that Jesus did we are called to do. I heard someone say the other
Day “I cast out devils everyday”! I thought to myself this is going to be a great
testimony of people getting delivered by the power of God. Instead he went on to
say “I cast the devils out of my money, my car, my house and my children
everyday”. I thought to myself “what about the lost”? We are called to go and
destroy the works of the devil in other people’s lives. We are set free to set other
people free!

I believe to live a truly abundant life that is satisfying we need to change the order
of things.
1. Go and seek that which is lost and bring salvation to them.

2. Destroy the works of the devil, cast those devils out in the name of Jesus

When you do those two things you will find that the third one comes. You will then find yourself living a truly abundant life for Jesus!

Brother Steve

Interfaith Dialogue or Compromise of the Truth?

2010-10-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Lately it seems like the media is filled with people calling for an “interfaith dialogue”. The push is for everyone to pat each other on the back and say I am ok and you’re okay. On September 11th we had a group of catholics organize a meeting with Druids, B’hai, muslims and other religions to bless the Qu’ran (Koran). Together, all of them proclaiming, we are all on our way to God! How deceived can you get?

We are not called to compromise our faith and tell others that they are okay in their beliefs. We are called and given the commission to share the truth with them and the truth is:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Yet there are churches that are inviting other religions into their services, not to tell them the truth but to “find common ground”. We can certainly see the setup beginning for the one world religion. More and more so called leaders are calling for interfaith meetings. One denomination even has a Imman (muslim holy man) on staff. It is time for us to wake up and take the truth to them in love. I have no problem respecting a person for their choices. That is between them and the Lord. However, I will make every effort to ensure that they hear the truth before it is too late.

There is an example in the word of God of interfaith dialogue and the results of it. In Ezekiel chapter 8 we see an example of what happens when you bring other religions/idols into the house of God. In this chapter there were idols in the temple, women were worshiping Tammuz in the court and the men outside had their backs to the temple worshiping the sun. They were really practicing acceptance of other religions alright. The result as we find out later in the book is that the glory of the Lord leaves the temple. The result of interfaith dialogue? The anointing leaves the house.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

It is time for the church to stand up for what is right. We must be bold, and take a stand for the truth. We must not be moved by the world’s opinion! I will agree on one thing with them. Every man, woman and child will see God! But only those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior will have eternal life. Be blessed in the name of Jesus!

Brother Steve

Hungry Like a Wolf!

2010-09-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was our 23rd wedding anniversary. We celebrated throughout the weekend. On Saturday night we decided to splurge and have steak together with the entire family. Shawn and I did our normal shopping that day and brought home the steaks. The boys were really excited about it and were looking forward to a great meal. Now just to let you know, we have steak maybe every six months. It is very expensive here but it was for our anniversary.

As Stephen got ready to start the fire I could see a storm moving in across the lagoon! Shawn and I agreed that we should cook them indoors instead over the fire. Travis and Stephen did not agree to that plan. They were determined those steaks were going to be cooked over the fire. As the wind began to blow Stephen got the fire started. Then the downpour started! Travis and Stephen started to scramble in the dark looking for plywood. Out of the dark they came carrying pieces of plywood. Soon a shelter was formed and blocked the rain.

The fire was ready! Then they realized they did not have a grill and in the dark they could not find ours. They both ran down the road to a neighbor’s house to borrow the grill. They now had everything they needed. In the rain and in the dark they cooked those steaks and might I say they were awesome. These young men were hungry like wolves and were not going to be denied.

I believe that is how we are to be about the things of God! Hungry like a wolf! Once a wolf begins to stalk his prey he stays after it until he gets it. We should have that same passion. The question is what are you hungry for? Jesus said:

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

I hear many preachers talk about pursuing God and the Holy Spirit. Others spend most of their time talking about chasing after blessings. Nothing wrong with those things, we should always be hungry for the things of God. But few of them talk about hungering and thirsting after righteousness. It is amazing to me that we have
forgotten how important righteousness is. Righteousness is simply being in a state of uprightness and right standing with God! That means forsaking sin and learning to hate sin the way that God does. Do we really hunger to be righteous and holy before God or are we more concerned about being blessed!

1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy.

Are we seeking holiness and right standing with God? Our main concern should be what can I do to live a righteous and holy life before God? How can I please Him! It is time that we ask ourselves in these last days, am I doing what pleases God or what please me. Many are not satisfied in the house of God, because we are focused on our stuff and not on righteousness. What are you truly hungry for?

It is time to get into the Word of God and find out what sin is and what righteousness is. It will spell it out for you in black and white. People that are seeking righteousness are filled with the Spirit and full of joy. They talk about the things of God and stay away from sin. When you can talk more about the things of the world than you do God you are hungry for the wrong thing!

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

If you hunger and thirst for righteousness everything you need will come. You will be filled! Be blessed and have an awesome day in the name of Jesus!

Brother Steve

Walking in Love!

2010-09-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have been watching the news as we approach 9/11. A day of remembrance for those who were taken on that day. However in the midst of this I must ask the question, "are we truly walking in love"? I am well aware of the Pastor in Florida who was planning on burning the Qu'ran (Koran). There are others who have talked about doing it as well, he is getting the best press. I must say that this is not forwarding the Gospel but it is promoting hate. Those who are doing this are placing themselves among the ranks of the Nazis, communists and others who sought to further their cause by burning books. All it did was incite anger and violence among the people.
Jesus' approach was totally opposite. The Word of God teaches us to walk in love with all men. We are to show God's love and not promote violence or use man's tactics to build the kingdom. I am amazed and saddened by anyone who thinks that this is the way to spread the love of God!

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself!
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Love your neighbor as you love yourself. That says a lot by it self. Then Hebrews says to provoke each other to love and good works. We are not called to burn books we are called to love and demonstrate the Love of God to all men. While we were still sinners Christ died for us! He did not come burning books, destroying the property of those religious people. He came in love to seek and save that which was lost! We can not lose touch with that fact. We are called to love and walk in love at any cost.
Those of you who know me, know that I have confronted Islam, B'hai, mormons and other cults. I do not back down but speak the truth in love. It is through speaking the unchanging truth in love that people are changed, not by burning there books. Over the years many have tried to stop the church. They have burned Bibles, destroyed building, and martyred christians. Yet in the middle of this the church has moved forward and grown. Love started the church, love builds the church and it is the unchanging love of God that leads men to Christ.
I will leave you with this thought. Do I believe in burning ungodly books? Yes, but I am not the one doing the burning. I leave you with this example from the Word of God!

Act 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Act 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
Act 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

In Ephesus those who were saved brought their books and burned them. When we preach and teach the Word of God people are changed by the Spirit. They will then get rid of those things which hold them back. You see, this is the proper way to burn books. Be blessed today and remember you are in our prayers! Tell someone about Jesus today!

Brother Steve

News From a Far Country!

2010-08-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here in the Marshalls islands there are no telephones on the outer islands. That means no way to communicate what is going on. There are radios that they use to talk to other atolls but not everyone has that convenience. So when someone comes from another atoll they bring news. They are welcomed by food and drink, everyone wanting to know what is happening. Hours, sometimes are spent sharing about births, deaths and news about family members. It is a time of finding out about what is going on around the Marshalls.

I love this verse from the book of Proverbs:

Pro 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

I saw this in action in our home a couple weeks ago. It has been a long summer with many challenges in our ministry. We are used to the challenges, but there had been no break at all this summer. Shawn was feeling the pressure and mentioned to our sister in law that she should come and visit. Next thing we know, Shelly Clark and Brenda Coffer made the trip to the Marshall Islands. Shelly stepped up to the challenge and came. Brenda came with her so that she would not travel alone. They traveled 8000 miles one way to see Shawn and help.

During the eight days they were here stories were told, news from home, and laughter filled the air. Shawn was refreshed by good news from a far country. All of us were blessed, but Shawn certainly received a boost that took her over the top. As I began to think about this, I realized that there are many in the body of Christ who need to hear good news.

Most of the messages we hear these days are focused on the individual and very little is about the body of Christ. Are we missing something? In our quest for the individual are we overlooking the importance of the body as a whole? Paul the apostle said:

1Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

He is reminding the church to comfort yourselves together and edify each other. In this day and age we try to do it all electronically. Have we lost the human touch? Have we become impersonal even in the body of Christ? Instead of going to the hospital, going to someone’s home or giving them a call do we just facebook them or send them an email? The body is meant to be connected by personal relationships not by a computer or a cell phone. You cannot just separate your arm from your body, place it in the corner of your room, and expect it to live. It must be connected to the body to have life! So it is in the body of Christ!

Eph 4:15 But we shall lovingly hold to the truth, and shall in all respects grow up into union with Him who is our Head, even Christ.

Eph 4:16 Dependent on Him, the whole body--its various parts closely fitting and firmly adhering to one another-- grows by the aid of every contributory link, with power proportioned to the need of each individual part, so as to build itself up in a spirit of love. Weymouth’s New Testament Translation

We, as the body, are to be connected, closely joined together. Think of it this way. Right now there is someone in your church or someone you know who needs to hear some good news. They need you to come and sit with them! Take time today;be a part of the body that supplies love to someone in need. You do not need to travel 8000 miles to bless someone. You can be a huge blessing to someone right where you are. I challenge you to stop texting, emailing and using a social network to connect. Get up and go to the one in need! We, together are the body of Christ! Together we are strong and together we can change the world! Be blessed in the name of Jesus!

Brother Steve
rikakisteve@gmail.com

Standing in the Middle!

2010-06-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, on the way into town, I was going over the only bridge here in the islands. Standing on the bridge was a group of about ten Marshallese boys. I pulled over to watch what they were about to do. You see they had walked all the way to the bridge to jump into the water. It is the highest point here on Majuro; there are no hills or mountains here. As I watched they began to jump one by one. Laughing, screaming and having a great time jumping into the water.

As I watched, I noticed that there was young boy who was not jumping. He stood in the middle and laughed as his friends jumped into the water below. It was a very hot day and the boys were being refreshed by the cool water. This young man, however, had yet to take the plunge. I could see his friends talking to him and encouraging him to make the jump.

I came a little closer to watch and listen in. From what I could understand, he was not quite sure how safe it was. Looking down he could see the rocks on both sides and he knew that boats passed under the bridge. He saw the danger! At the same time he saw all of his friends having a great time. Jump after jump, no one was injured. He was still not convinced that he could do it.

He was in doubt, not sure what would happen if he jumped! He was stuck in the middle. About that time, the oldest boy came over and began to talk to him. He was not making fun of him or putting him down. He was encouraging him to make the jump. Telling him how much fun it was. The young man was still hesitant. Just then, the older boy told him, I will go with you! He was saying we will do the jump together. The young smiled and took off his shirt. Slowly, together they climbed up on the rail and in just a moment they jumped. I saw them hit the water with a big splash. A couple of seconds later, they both came to the surface laughing and smiling. He had done it. He immediately rushed back to the top of the bridge and jumped again by himself. Doubt was gone and he was not longer stuck in the middle!

There was a man who was stuck in the middle in the Bible. It was the man who brought his son to be delivered from an evil spirit. The disciples could not do it. He then goes to Jesus and tells him what happened and that he needs the master. Read what follows:
Mar 9:23 Jesus, said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Mar 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Jesus tells him if you can believe it is possible. The man then says I believe, but help my unbelief! The man was stuck in the middle, a place between faith and unbelief. He was in doubt. Jesus did not send him away, but cast the demon out of the boy. He helped establish the man’s faith by demonstrating the power of God! He did not put him down or tell him to go away. He helped him and his son. Just like the young man on the bridge. He did not look down on the other boy but helped him.

I have heard people put others down because they are in doubt. This is certainly not the attitude we should take with those in doubt. It is our job to take them from doubt to faith! We do this, by setting the right example and encouraging others that they can do it. You see, we are to lift each other up not put each other down. Not everyone is at the same place in their walk with God. It is as we lift each other up that we grow stronger in our faith.

Rom 15:1 WE WHO are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves.

Rom 15:2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].

That is the amplified translation. Paul really spells out how that we who are stronger are to help those who are weaker and have doubts. We are not to criticize them but lift them up and edify them. It is not enough to quote scripture to those in doubt we must demonstrate how the Word works in our lives. We do this through practical demonstration, teaching, preaching and testifying of what God has done in our lives.

1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

We are surrounded by people who are in doubt. They are stuck in the middle. A place, that is between unbelief and faith. We as believers have the answer to this problem. For our fellow believers, we need to walk in love and encourage each other in the Word of God! It is not enough to give them a pat on the back and say it is okay. Sometimes we need to be with them and walk them through whatever they are going through! We need to help them go from doubt to faith! For the world we need to show them the way to life. Many are in the middle needing and wanting to know the truth. It is our job to take them from doubt to faith in Jesus! You are the key to taking someone from doubt to faith!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Seeking the Lord!

2010-04-25T17:15:00.001-07:00

As I sat by the lagoon one day, I watched two men make their way out into the water. It was a day filled with clouds and overcast. It was raining at times and was not what we would call a great day to go fishing. For me, I like the days when the wind is calm, the sun is shining and the water is a deep crystal blue. This day ,however, was one of the rare gray days here in the islands. There was a slight chill in the air for me and I know for the Marshallese it would be considered a cold day.
Yet, these men with their spears moved out into the water. I knew that they were going fishing to feed their families. Soon, they were deep enough to start looking for fish. I watched them slip on their masks and begin moving along the surface looking for fish. Back and forth along the reef they glided on top of the water. After a while, they began to dive down and bring up fish. It always amazes me how long they stay under the water. I knew that while I could not see them, that they were seeking and searching for the right fish.
In a little while, by my count, they had between fifteen and twenty nice fish. I thought to myself they are finished but then I saw one man stop the other. They were at the edge of the reef where the water changes from light blue to a much darker blue. In a flash the man slipped under the water. It seemed to me like he was down there for a long time. Soon he surfaced and on the end of his spear was a huge red fish. What a time not to have a camera. When telling a story it is hard to convey time, but all of this happened over a couple of hours. The search was not quick and easy but it took time to locate the fish. Once they found the right spot, they took their harvest from the sea.
As I watched these two men I was reminded of Matthew 6:33, here is the verse from the amplified Bible:
Mat 6:33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

In my own life just like the fishermen I have found that in seeking the Lord what I need comes! Praise the Lord! I have found that seeking Him cannot be casual or approached lightly. The fishermen were searching through the reef and the rocks to find the harvest. It is the same with seeking the Kingdom of God. It takes time in prayer, in the Word, and in listening to the Holy Ghost. Trust me, this time is not a waste because just like the fishermen if you are persistent the reward will come.
The Word of God is full of scriptures about seeking Him and I just wanted to share a few of them with you today.

Rejoicing and Gladness comes from seeking the Lord!
Psa 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

Understanding comes when you seek Him!
Pro 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

When you seek Him there is no Lack!
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those
who seek the Lord lack no good thing” Psalm 34:10.

When you seek Him you are blessed!
Psa 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the
whole heart.

Finally those who seek Him always have His presence. He will never leave them alone!
Psa 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

There are so many benefits from seeking the Lord. You can see just from these few verses that all of the things you need will come if you seek Him first in your daily life. Come to Him in faith, not waivering, and what you need will come!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Be blessed and have an awesome day in Jesus!
Brother Steve

We Must Gather Together!

2010-03-03T19:16:00.001-08:00

Good day from the islands. As I was sitting in a Marshallese church one morning preparing to speak I began to think about the church. You see Marshallese are really never on time. When the singing starts there may only be one third of the church there but by the third song everyone is there. They begin to worship and enter into the presence of the Lord. Sweat running down their face but their hands lifted up in praise and worship to the Lord. During the preaching of the Word no matter how long the message they do not move, hanging on every word. Then ministry time comes, praying and ministering to the people and still no one has left. After the service, they gather together breaking bread together and sharing what is going on in their lives. They are truly following the new testament model as shown in Acts 2:42-47. In these verses we see that the church was one, working in unity and daily meeting together. They had all things in common and they took care of each other.
Over time we have seen this change in the church. We went from daily to Sunday and Wednesday. Now many churches have one service on Sunday morning and social gatherings during the week. On top of that those services are timed as to not interfere with the schedules of those who attend. What has caused this trend? Are we obeying the Word of God and following the Holy Spirit? Where is the hunger of the church for the things of God. Why have we made church just another check on our schedule? As I asked myself these questions I began to examine our culture. There are so many ways I could go with this but two areas stood out.
One is the “have it your way” mentality! Our whole culture has become geared to having it our way. Unfortunately this attitude has gotten into the church. Pastors see it all the time with members and other trying to tell them how to run the church. 12 pm comes and those around us begin to grumble that the pastor better not go over time. On top of that if we do not like how it is going we just up and change churches. What happened to the Holy Ghost placing you in a church to be a blessing? Some “members” go as far as boycotting services. If the member does not like the speaker or if the pastor is out of town they just decide to stay home. Is this what pleases the Lord? As members of the body of Christ we should come together to build each other up. We should come prepared to give as much as we are ready to receive. I am not talking about money here. Paul tells us that when we come together we should: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs , singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord” Col 3:16.
We come together to make each other stronger, to reinforce foundations, encourage and comfort each other. The sad thing about the “have it your way” attitude is that you only come to get and not to give. Secondly, we want “fast food church”. We want to come in get it and get out on time. The only time we stay longer is when someone special comes in. We want everything in our lives to be compressed into a single moment of time so that we have more time for ourselves. Football season, American Idol, baseball, Nascar, Facebook, just to name a few all compete for our time. The sad thing is, most of us prefer that time over time with the Lord! Have those things become idols in our lives?
Now I am not talking to those who have to get to work, or have something really pressing that they must do. I certainly understand in this day and time that many have to work but what about those that are free on Sunday? This has become a trend in our churches today. The new man coming on staff telling the seasoned pastor, “you know if you want to reach the younger generation you have to do this”. He then begins to name the ways to have a “quick, to the point, timely, efficient service”. Now I am not against progressive tools to share the Gospel. We need to use every tool we have to reach the lost. However the leading of the Holy Ghost has to be number one priority. Pastor Jeff Connor says “what you win them to you will keep them with”. If we began in Pentecost and following the Holy Ghost we had better stay there and not be swayed by opinion polls.
What we are seeing though, is that we are continuing to shorten our time together for the sake of pleasing people! Who are we following, God or the opinion’s of men. Some may be saying right now Brother Steve you are just old fashioned. I am not old fashioned! I am just asking how hungry are you for God? In our desire for having it our way and having it fast we are forsaking not only the Lord but the body of Christ. The Song of Solomon 2:4 says that He has prepared a banqueting table for me and His banner over me is love. We must be careful that we have not turned the banqueting table into a drive through window. Drive through windows do not build relationships. There is nothing intimate about getting it and driving away. We never see the other diners. We cannot let that happen in the body of Christ.
The book of Hebrews tell us:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
The author is telling us that we should be getting together even more in the last days than ever before. Look around, all of the signs are pointing to the soon return of Jesus! Praise the Lord! To stand strong now the body of Christ needs to come together as one. We should be encouraging one another, comforting one another, and working together to bring in the lost at any cost. I certainly love each and every one of you. Today take time and check your heart. Are you really giving Him your all? Are you a blessing to the body of Christ? Make sure there are no idols keeping you away from the house of God! Be blessed.

Brother Steve

The Start of a New Decade!

2010-01-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

As we start into 2010, many ministries around the world take this time to renew the vision. All of us spend time with the Lord to make sure that we are on track with the plan. As I was spending time with the Lord, the Spirit spoke to me that this year is to be one of harvest. It is time to cast the net in all directions, sparing no effort in reaching those who are lost and dying. We have spent many years preparing for this moment, this time. The time is fast approaching when the Lord will come for His church and the tribulation will come. Cast the net, for there are many yet to be touched by the power of the Spirit.
There is urgency in the Spirit to reach the lost. Many men and women of God that I have spoken to, feel the same way. It is time to get out of the bless me field, and into the harvest field. It is white with harvest as never before, we must do our part to bring it in. What will the Lord find us doing when He comes again? Will we be looking for the next revelation, the next blessing, the next new thing, or will we be busy reaping the harvest!
Because of this leading we are stressing three things this year.
Say no to sin! “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1. 2010 is the year to get rid of the things that have held us back. The weight of habits and things that just do not matter, and most of all, the sin that so easily keeps us from running. Verse two tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. This is not the time to be looking at the world and the things of it, but to keep our eyes on Him. In these last days we must stay true to the race. We are called to be a holy and righteous people. This year shed the weight and run like you have never run before declaring the Gospel to all you meet!
Bring them in! We have sat on our rears to long expecting the harvest to walk in the door. We have been passive and not active. We must enter the field of harvest to reap it. It is not about advertising, multimedia, radio or television, those are methods and tools! The Gospel has always been personal and is best shared one on one! Jesus told us to “GO” into the entire world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15). He did not say go into a building and wait for the harvest to come to you! He told us to go into the world. In Romans 10:14-15, Paul asks the question. How can they know, how can they hear, how can they call on Him without a preacher. You and I are preachers of the good news; we are called to declare the good news to those who have not heard. We must go into the harvest field declaring the good news and bring in the harvest.
Psalms 126:6 “He that goes forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him”.
Finally, we are called to win! We are not called to be losers we are called to be winners. Winners have an attitude of victory no matter what the game looks like. They do not quit until the game is over. Even though they are staring at what looks like defeat in the eye they do not back down, they do not give up! In this case, I am talking about the natural. We have an edge! We know what happens when everything is said and done. If we remain true, do not waver, stand on the solid rock of God’s Word and do not compromise, we win! We walk by faith and not by sight. We are not looking at the world but looking at Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one who wrote the book, and He says that we win. Praise the Lord! The just shall live by faith! Remember, “this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our Faith” 1 John 5:4.
So this year, say no to sin, bring them in, and win! It is time to reap a great harvest and the Lord wants you and is calling you to the work! Get on your work clothes and bring them in! Be blessed!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve
Rikakisteve@gmail.com

Change is Good!

2009-10-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last post on this BLOG. Since that last post things continue to change as the kingdom is moving forward in the Marshall Islands. Here in Majuro, like it is all around the world, things are always in a constant state of change. People, children weather, politics it seems like everywhere you look there is change. Even as you watch the sunset, everyday it is different. The colors are always different. Some evenings it can be beautiful shades of orange. The very next day it could be purples and blues. God is so wonderful that you cannot look two days in a row and see the same thing in the sky.

Think about this, the sky never fights the plan for the sunrise or sunset. The sea never stops moving and the wind can change in a moment. It is the same even in our own lives. As we go through life things change from day to day. We are always in a constant state of change. How we accept that change can determine what God can do with us. Yet unlike the world around us we have an active part in how we change. We can choose to fight change or we can flow with the change. God’s desire is to change us daily so that we can be more like Him. He does not want us to stay the same but He desires to bring about change that glorifies Him.

Without change we cannot effectively reach a world with the gospel. The bible says that:

"But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord"! 2 Corinthians 3:18

We are being transformed into the image of Jesus from glory to glory. The Lord’s desire is for us to be like him, changed by the Spirit. Praise the Lord! We are changed by the Spirit and by the Word. Romans 12:2 tells us to renew our mind with the Word of God and not to be like the world. We are called to be different, to be a special people (1Peter 2:9). He needs us to be totally changed into His image so that we may bring about change in the lives of those who do not know Him. How can we change those around us if we are not different? If they do not see something different about us they will not desire to change. His Spirit lives within us and we need to let that Spirit show! We have to make sure every day that we let Him change us and that those around us see that change.

Some of us though still fight change in our life. We refuse to allow God to have the areas that we think are important. In these last days it is so important that we give it all to him. Change from the Lord is good and only brings us closer to Him. The pain that we feel when we let go of habits and weights is only temporary. Remember, pain is temporary but joy is everlasting. I encourage you to embrace change and to seek change from the Lord. It will take you into a closer relationship with Him and you will see more and more of His glory. Remember, change that comes from the Lord only makes you stronger. Be blessed!

Brother Steve
Rikakisteve@gmail.com

Healing Praise Report!

2009-07-09T16:00:00.001-07:00

In this post, I want to tell you about a miracle in my life. For the last few years, I have dealt with diabetes in my life. I have been on medication and have been doing well. What I love about God is that no matter what I feel like God’s Word always works. During this time, I have seen cancer healed, the lame walk, eyes healed, and the oppressed set free by the power of God. You see, His Word is not dependant on my physical condition, but God is moved by faith. Praise the Lord! When you pray, and believe, God always performs His Word. God is faithful and always willing and able to heal us!

It is God's will for you to be healed in your body! Healing is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord and believe! It is not just for a select few!

All of this time I would give God praise everyday for my healing. Speaking the Word over my condition no matter what I felt like. In January, I started feeling changes in my body. I had started to exercise and thought maybe this was the cause. It seemed like my energy would go very quickly, and I could not understand why. In May, things began to get worse. I would have up times and down times physically. I told Shawn that maybe the medicine is having an effect on me. I think I am healed, but I continued to take my medicine. My regular doctor was off island and was not here to consult. After Shawn left, things became worse. Then my doctor returned from the Philippines, and I told him what was happening. He immediately said, “Your medicine is poisoning you! Stop taking it now!” I stopped, and he changed my medication. I then began having a reaction from that medication! I went back, and he had a blood test done. When the results came back, my blood was normal! Praise the Lord! He then said, “Stop taking all medication and come back in two weeks for another test.” When I came back, my blood sugar levels again were perfect! Praise the Lord!
So today, I am diabetes free by the power of God! I will also say this, I had to do my part in the natural as well. First, I had to believe what the Word said no matter what I saw or felt. Number two, I had to change my eating habits and exercise my physical body. When we believe God, walk by faith, and do our part, a miracle will always come! Be blessed and have an awesome day in Jesus!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Are you a Picky Eater?

2009-05-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

As I travel around the islands, I see many children like those you see in these pictures. Many of them are hungry or have very little to eat every day. Certainly, in many places, they are starving because they do not have the right kinds of food. In Langnaar, the pastor and his family had been living on coconut, breadfruit and whatever fish they could catch. For over a month there was no rice, vegetables, or other basic food needs on this small atoll. No boats have come or left that island for over a month. There are people like this all over the world. I am not seeing anything that other missionaries, pastors, and Christians do not see all over the world. As they began to prepare the food that we had brought, we saw the eyes of the children light up. They did not care what it was they were hungry for what we had brought. As I watched these children and their families eat, the Holy Spirit taught me a simple lesson. Are we eating what we should eat?
Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled”! I love that scripture! When Shawn and I first heard the good news, we began to the hunger for righteousness. We knew that we were starving and dying in our sin. Jesus came as the bread of life, and brought the water of life. When we accepted Jesus into our life, everything changed. We could not get enough of the Word and the Spirit. We hungered for the things of God! The more we prayed, read the Word, and obeyed the more we changed and grew. Things in our lives began to change as we were transformed by the Word and Spirit. Change many times is painful, but is necessary if we want to grow! Old habits had to be given up, lifestyles had to change, and priorities rearranged. In some cases, changes were radical, but had to be done to continue growing in the Lord. It is the whole Word of God that changes us into what God wants us to be. God’s Word is a complete package, and not a supermarket where we pick and choose what we want.
I bring this up because even as the children on Langnaar were eating good food and enjoying it as soon as one of the team members brought out some candy their appetite changed. In a moment, I saw the children run from their plates to the one who had candy. They wanted the sweets more than the food that was good for them. We immediately put up the candy away so they would finish eating. They continued to eat, but they knew that the sweets were coming. You could see it in their eyes! In many ways, some in the church are like these children. They prefer the sweets and milk over the meat. To the point, that all they want are the blessings from God. Now there is nothing wrong with blessings, and God wants us to be blessed. To stay balanced though, we have to eat and obey the whole Word of God.
Many Christians today have become picky eaters. They pick and choose what they want to obey in the Word, and leave the rest out. Even ministries have compromised the Word to draw the crowd. They never talk about sin, holiness or walking righteously before a Holy God. Every message is you can be blessed, how to be blessed, and if you give to me you will be blessed. What has this done to the church? Many have eaten the blessing diet so long that when a message is preached about repentance and change they get mad. Why, because they have become picky eaters. Picky eaters never do anything for the Lord! They never change, and they murmur and complain about how their lives are up and down. They are up and down because they have not been eating a balanced diet!
Here we are in the last days. The entire world is racing for eternity whether they are ready for Christ return or not, and we are surrounded by spiritually overweight Christians sitting around waiting on the end. Since the problems in the world’s financial markets have escalated, we have seen a one hundred percent increase on prosperity teaching. There is nothing wrong with teaching us about the blessings of God. Perhaps these ministers feel that it is bringing peace of mind to their members by preaching steadfastly on the blessings. Why are we not teaching about the coming of Jesus, repentance, or the last days? Instead of motivating people to win people to Jesus, we still feeding them sweets and not the meat of the Word. Jesus is coming sooner than we think, and yet we are still seeking the blessing. All we want is sweets! We have even become so blessing oriented that we want forgiveness for sins without repentance!
When we sin and make a mistake we know that God forgives us, 1 John 1:9. However, we continue down the same path with no change. Why? We want forgiveness without change. People always say “Love covers a multitude of sins”! Amen, you are correct. However trying to obtain forgiveness without true repentance is worthless. It is an exercise in foolishness. The world’s way says you can be sorry without changing. The world’s way brings death. The Bible in 2 Corinthians 7:10 says “For Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation; not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world works death”. True repentance means that you completely change your ways, never to return to that sin again. Unfortunately there are those in adultery, pornography, lust, and other sins who ask for forgiveness, but instead of turning from it they continue on as if God overlooks it because they say sorry. We want blessings and forgiveness without standards. We ask for forgiveness on Sunday and then on Monday we are back into our sin without repentance. We overlook the fact that God has called us to be Holy even as He is holy, in all manner of life (1 Peter 1:15). Are we so deceived to believe God lowers His standards for our sin?
How have many come to this place in their lives? They have spent more time looking for sweets than they have the meat. On top of that, we have been taught that the sweets are the meat. Jesus, in John 4, was talking to the woman at the well. When His disciples returned, they wanted him to eat. Jesus said to them “I have food to eat that you know not of” (John 4:32). The disciples then questioned this, and Jesus said in 4:34 “My food is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work”. Our food is the same! We should be doing the will of Him that sent us. Jesus sent us all into the world to preach the gospel, not to look for blessings, (Mark 16:15). We need to get back on a balanced diet. It is never too late to change how you eat. Some of us need to hunger and thirst for all of God’s Word once again. If you hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God the sweet things will come! “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6: 33. Are you a picky eater? Watch what you are eating; for you are what you eat! Be blessed.

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

The Path to Victory!

2009-04-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

I sometimes am amazed out how the Marshallese navigate the ocean. In a place so vast and with no road signs they go from place to place. They have learned the way the current flows and use the currents to navigate from atoll to atoll. Sometimes they travel hundreds of miles to get to the next atoll. Now most of them use boats with motors but in the northern atolls they still use the outrigger. Many of them use a simple stick chart. Navigating without a compass or GPS they always get where they are going. How do they do this? It is very simple they have learned the ways of the sea. They have learned how the ocean flows and moves. The captain works with the flow of the ocean to travel and not against it. It is simply a matter of knowing. Over the years this has been handed down from father to son. It has been carried on because in the middle of the pacific it can mean life or death.
The key to victory in our lives is very much the same thing. When we know the ways of God we can stay in the place of victory. When I read through the Bible I see many examples of those who followed the ways of God. I also see those who started off well but ended up on the wrong path. Psalms 103:7 says “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel”. Here is where we should really look at who had the victory. In the case of Moses he led the children of Israel out of Egypt. God spoke to him through the burning bush. He saw miracles, signs and wonders. What made him different? The children of Israel certainly saw signs, wonders and miracles.
They are the children of God. Yet over and over again we see that they kept falling away and into sin. Over and over again they saw the hand of God deliver them. The difference is simple. Moses knew the ways of God. Moses spent time with God and heard his voice. He obeyed what God told him to do. Did Moses make mistakes? Yes! He was not perfect but his batting average was better than the people. Moses prayed in Exodus 33:13 “ Now therefore I pray, if I have found favor in your sight, show me now your way, that that I may know thee, that I might find grace in your sight: and consider that this nation is your people”. Here is his cry. He wants to know the ways of God so that he can know God and find grace. You see he knew that if he knew the ways of God he could lead the people of God.
Miracles, signs and wonders are great and still being done in the church today. Every New Testament believer should be seeing the power of God every day. Yet on every side we see those who are struggling in their walk with the Lord. They seem to be on a roller coaster, up and down and all around, never seeming to stay steady. When a revival is in town or a great speaker visits the church they are on top of the world. However, in everyday life they seem to struggle at every turn. The key to victory is very simple, learn the ways of God! Do not focus on the power of God but spend your time learning His ways and knowing Him. I see the power of God here every day. Faith still moves mountains. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. The church started off in the fire and is still burning bright! Miracles are for today. The church is to be filled with the power of God! Those who live and walk by faith will see the hand of God move. Praise the Lord.
Let me tell you this though, miracles do not get me through the day! I do not spend my time looking for the latest miracle so that I can have a praise fest. I have found that what gets me through the day is following the ways of the Lord! The more time we spend with Him the more we are confident that we hear His voice. The more time we spend in His Word the more our faith grows and our confidence increases. The more we pray and listen to the Spirit of God the easier it is to stay on the paths of righteousness. There are ministries now that are majoring on the miracles and minoring on the Word of God. There is more flash and hype than there is Spirit. The Word has become a minor part of their whole program. Does the Spirit sometimes take over and we have a miracle services? Yes, of course. However, when we study the Word of God we see that miracles always pointed to Jesus and the preaching of the Gospel. They never focused on a man but always brought glory to Jesus! Beware of ministries that tell you that miracles are the priority and the Word is secondary.
The great commission has not changed, we are to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. Disciples are not made by signs and wonders. They are made through the teaching of God’s Word followed by the demonstration of His power that brings faith in God’s power and not man’s ability. In this day where everything is changing, God never changes. His Word is true and still stands. He is not a God of compromise but a just God who loves us and cares for us. All He asks is that we obey His Word and follow Jesus! Do you want true victory in your life? Are you tired of the ups and downs of a roller coaster life. Stop chasing miracle services, special speakers and start chasing God! Learn and obey His ways. If you do that miracles will come! Your life will change and so will the lives of others. Will we make mistakes? Yes but the more we learn His ways the better our batting average will get. Paul said in one of his letters “That I may know him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death”. Here is Paul, apostle, teacher, church planter, missionary and pastor saying that he may know Him. After all of these years Paul was still learning the ways of God. His first desire was to know him, and then the power of His resurrection. Sounds like Moses. Let me know you first and then see your power. I encourage you today to spend time in prayer, in the Word and following the Holy Spirit. The path to victory is in learning His ways as written in His Word. Be blessed and may your prosper even as your soul prospers!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Revival Starts with You!

2009-03-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

I was just on the atoll of Wotje for eleven days. During that time we certainly saw the power of God move. The Holy Ghost was focusing on “Change’ in people’s lives. During the Sunday night service something happened that I had never seen before. As the service started, the worship was awesome and the people were really seeking the Lord. I felt the anointing come in and the Spirit began to move. It is always amazing to me to see the Lord move, and this evening was no exception. No multi-media, lights, or a great building. All we had was just a rock floor, one keyboard, and a simple sound system. What made it special? The people were hungry for God! They had a passion to serve him and to know Him! Let me tell you, God showed up by the power of the Holy Ghost!
We then were led to pray for the sick, and the healing power of God was there. People were being healed and set free. Then I suddenly felt the need to call for the lost and for those who need to repent before the Lord. The Holy Ghost was convicting people all over the congregation. Right then and there, before preaching, I called for those who needed Jesus. At least fifteen people answered the call, and other young people began to repent of secret sins. You see that week we had been ministering on change, and a call to true holiness. 1 Peter 1: 16 says, “Because it is written, be ye holy; for I am Holy”. God has a called a people to be holy and to walk in righteousness.
That night I began to think about what we call revival! What is true revival? Revival is for the Christian, and resurrection life is for the sinner. Think about it, without Jesus we are dead in sins on our way to hell. Once we accept Jesus, we are resurrected, we are now a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). We are alive because we have accepted Jesus as our savior. So what about revival? What is it really? Revival is built on repentance and a return to holiness. Many have forgotten what revival really is, and some have never experienced true revival. We in the church are so overwhelmed with seminars, self help sessions, prosperity teaching, and healing services that our focus is not on holiness and servanthood anymore, but we are focused on what is in it for me? Holiness is something we do not like to talk about! Why? It is simple, holiness requires us to change our ways and be different from the world around us. When we pursue righteousness and holiness we get rid of the things that do not please God. We become focused on pleasing and serving our heavenly Father. We stop going places to be blessed and we become a blessing to those around us in everything we do.
Yet many in the church today are chasing so called revivalists. If we hear of someone who is seeing miracles in their services we run to them. We place them on a rock star type pedestal and call all of our friends to come with us. People start to cry “he has the spirit of Elijah” and many run to see him. Even when we find out that the man or woman has fallen into sin, people start to cry out “restore that person they have the spirit of revival!” Even ministers get behind the individual and support their restoration. Even though they admitted sin these ministers are willing to compromise the Word of God in the name of “revival”. They have perverted the Gospel and used grace as a license to sin in the name of revival. They overlook holiness because they believe that a man or a woman brings revival. That is not revival. Beware those who are willing to compromise the Word of God to cover those who have fallen.
Revival is not dependant on a special man or woman. Any man or woman of God who is following holiness, righteousness and the leading of the Holy Ghost can spark revival. You can be that spark that turns your local church upside down. All you have to do is to be willing to pray the price. Revival starts with you, not your pastor. It starts within your own heart. Change starts with you! Instead of talking about your pastor, start praying for your pastor and helping your pastor. Instead of talking about the latest miracle you saw, lay hands on the sick. Pray and see God heal the sick yourself! Just believe the Word and do what it says! Change! Instead of sitting back and being a spectator type of Christian, become one who is on the front line. It is time for the Kingdom of God to move forward in these last days. Jesus is coming again!
So if we want to see true revival what do we need to do? We need to do two things. One we need to search our hearts. David asks God in Psalms 139:23,24 to search him, know his heart, try him and know his thoughts. He asks God to show him if there is anything wicked or wrong in him. Why did David ask this? Why did King David a man after God’s own heart ask God to do this? David knew the importance of being holy and righteous before God. True revival starts when we examine ourselves and get rid of the sin and weights that so easily hold us back. Throw off the things that keep us from following close after God. When we clean our house it is easy for God to use us. Paul told Timothy “if a man purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel for honor, sanctified and ready for the master’s use, and prepared for every good work”, 2 Timothy 2:21. Paul is saying that if we clean up our lives, God can use us. When we are clean revival can start within us!
Number two, we need to consider our ways and our motivation. Why do we do what we do? What do I expect when I go to church? What do I expect for God to do? Many go to church looking for God to do something for them. We have become great receivers but poor blessers. There is nothing wrong with receiving from or being blessed! God wants you to be blessed and in health. The Word teaches us that favor and blessing belongs to those who live by faith and obey God’s Word! It is good to be blessed and blessings come from God! The problem is that we have focused on the blessing and not on the purpose of the blessing. We are blessed to bless others and change the world for Jesus.
The prophet Haggai dealt with an interesting situation in Israel. They had returned to Israel and rebuilt the city. They had luxurious houses but the house of God was lying in waste. It was neglected. The most important thing to the people was their house and their stuff. They had neglected the house of God. In Haggai 1: 4-7 the prophet lays it on the line. He says is it time for you to live in paneled houses and this house lie in waste? In other words, is it time for you to lay around and take it easy while the house of God is not finished! In verse 5 the Lord says “consider your ways”! In verse 6 the prophet goes on saying you have sown but brought in little, you eat but not enough, you drink and you are not full and you earn money but you put it in a bag with holes.
The prophet is telling the people you are doing everything but taking care of the house of God. You are taking care of yourselves and not the house of the Lord. In verse 7 again the Lord says consider your ways. In this time, the last days, what are we doing. True revival means working for the kingdom and not for ourselves. To have true revival we must consider our ways. Are we truly giving our all to the Master’s work or are we in it for the blessing? Our call is do obey the Word of God and build the kingdom of God. That is the number one purpose of the church. If we do that the blessings will follow (see Matthew 6:33). True revival starts with you. Today take time and ask God to search your heart, and consider your ways! Purge out those things that are not holy and get rid of the weights that hold you back and run (Hebrews 12:1,2). The revival is in you! You carry the fire it is now time for you to spread the fire! Be blessed!

Brother Steve
Running with the Vision!

Have You Inspected Your Foundation Lately?

2009-01-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of weeks we have had to rebuild part of the school. It has been a challenge but the Lord as always provided exactly what we needed to get the job done. As I examined the damage I learned a valuable lesson about taking care of a building. Here in the Marshalls islands we have a major problem with termites. They are everywhere. Sometimes at night you can see them swarming around the lights. It is something that we are very aware of here in the islands.
Most of our damage to the school was caused by termites. Because of their work we had a structural failure. As I considered this the Holy Ghost prompted me to think about the termite. The termite is a very small bug. They swarm like bees and when they find a new home they shed their wings. After they find a new place they begin to eat and lay eggs. Over time this small bug can totally destroy wood to the point of structural failure. They can come into your house by the swarm or when we use wood that has termites already in it. They even like to eat cardboard and can get into your house traveling on a cardboard box.
I thought about this and began to think about our walk with the Lord. How some people who we have looked up to have fallen. How problems in our own lives seem to come out of nowhere. Some call it a faith failure! I now know it to be a structural failure, a flawed foundation. So how does this happen? It happens when we compromise the Word of God to make our flesh happy. Sin is just like the termites it starts very small and slowly erodes away our foundation. The more we overlook the small sins and ignore them the bigger they grow. Soon they cause us to make compromises in other areas of our life. Just like the termite, when left unchecked it can totally destroy our foundation.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 5:6 “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven , leaveneth the whole lump”. We know that leaven (yeast) here represents sin. Just a little bit of yeast changes the whole lump. Just like sin in our lives keeps us from being Holy. We are called to be Holy, the bible says “be you holy even for I am holy”, 1 Peter 1:16. God calls us to holiness and requires that of His people. To give Him anything less is unacceptable. For example, if I give you a glass of water that is 98 percent pure and 2 percent sewage would you drink it? I do not think so! One, it is digusting, number two it would make you really sick. Just based on that why do we think we are Holy if we are allowing small sins in our life. Daily we should be searching our heart to make sure that there is nothing there that is not pleasing to God. David said “search me, o God and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of the everlasting” Psalms 139:23,24.
David knew from experience that things can sometimes creep into our lives things that are not pleasing to God. The cry of his heart was for the Lord to expose the things that are not pleasing or acceptable unto the Lord. There are times that we make mistakes and do not even realize what we have done. That is why daily we inspect our lives to ensure that nothing has gotten in that is not supposed to be there. Daily reading the Word, praying and following the leading of the Holy Ghost will keep our house clean.
Seeking Him and following His Spirit will keep us in the ways of the righteous. Once the infection is exposed we have to deal with it. There is no getting around that and sometimes it is very painful. Trust me when we saw the damage to the school we knew what we had to do. We had to rip out the bad and replace it with the good. That is what we have to do when the Holy Spirit exposes things that need to change in our lives. The answer is to get rid of the bad and replace it with the good. Change our habits, stop doing things that we know are wrong and fill our heart with the good things of God. Psalms 119:11 says “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God”. Once the bad is exposed replace it, rebuild it using the Word! That way your house will be firm, solid, unmovable, built on the solid rock!
1 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about building on our foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and stubble. The Word tells us that all of this in the day of judgment will be tried by fire. Only the gold, silver, and precious stones will survive. The wood, hay and stubble will all be burned away. Many will waste their lives building with things that will not last. Paul is encouraging us to build with things that will last. These things are all in the Word of God. Reading this again I thought of something else. Building with wood, hay and stubble attracts termites. Building with anything other than the Word of God weakens us and opens the door for a structural failure. Be blessed and build your house God’s way!

Deaf, Dumb and Clueless in the House of God!

2008-12-14T11:52:00.001-08:00

Good morning from the islands. This may seem like a pretty strange title, but this has really been on my heart this week. Why is it that the people of God have a problem doing what it says in God’s Word? Now, in the last days more than ever, we have to be about the Father’s business. That business is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Over and over again, I hear people say, “Oh, I am waiting to hear from the Lord.” What are they waiting for, an audible voice?

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27). So why have we become deaf in the house of God? Why are we not hearing the voice of God? Could it be that we are pulled by other voices who are motivated by their own desires? It amazes me that so many people want to work for the Lord, but all of them have excuses. Some go to Bible school knowing that God has called them, yet when they graduate, they go home and do nothing. I’m just waiting on the next Word from the Lord.

Some are listening, but are not busy doing God’s work or declaring the Word of God. They have become dumb like sheep. They are silent as the world goes by. As the last days are upon us, now more than ever, we should speak up on issues. We can not let ourselves become complacent as issues come up. We must speak the Word of God with boldness, and demonstrating the power of God. Everyday, more and more people are seeking the answers to life. As I have said before, we have the answer! The only way people can get the right answers, is if we give it. We have to declare His Word with boldness. We need to pray like the early church did in Acts 4:29 after they had been threatened not to preach the Gospel. They did not pray for blessings, prosperity, or for protection. They asked the Lord to give them boldness to speak the Word of God.

Finally, there are the clueless in the house of God. Those that can quote every blessing, faith, and prosperity scripture in the Bible. However, when trial and tests come they are clueless on how to overcome. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation (test and trials), but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” A couple years ago, Pastor Jeff Connor, said in a message that we need to learn the Word of God. He was emphasizing the fact that we need to study the whole counsel of God’s Word. In many ways, some people have become unbalanced, and they are clueless when things begin to happen. The clueless are those who have neglected the Word in their lives. The just shall live by faith is our cry, but what do you have faith in? A man, or the Word of God.

Now, more than ever, we see the signs of the end coming. The world economy is down, and many leaders are crying for a one world currency. Plagues and other epidemics are sweeping the world. The upsurge of cults and false teachers are on the rise. Wars and rumours of wars are in every newspaper. All of these things are prophesied in the Word of God. None of these things should catch us by surprise. It is all laid out in the Word of God! God has a plan, and His plan is always on time. He will take care of His own. Jesus is coming again soon for His church, what will He find us doing? Jesus said, “When you see these things, lift up your head, because your redemption draweth nigh (near) (Luke 21:28). So why are we in fear? Christians of every denomination are running around looking for a new revelation, a new plan, and praying for God to delay His plan?

If we are doing our part, there is no fear. Those who are preaching the Gospel and have a passion for the lost, I know why they are praying for more time. They want to bring in every soul they can for the Kingdom. For those who are not doing anything, those who are deaf, dumb and clueless why are you asking for more time? I am not trying to put you down, I am writing to stir you up. It is time that the church listens to the Holy Ghost, speaks the Word of God with boldness and walks with no fear because we know the plan of God for us. Read the end of the book. We win! Many of us can quote 2 Timothy 2:17, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. We quote this all the time. We always seem to focus on the Power and the Love, but I want you to think about the sound mind. A sound mind comes from knowing the Word of God. When you know the Word of God, you will hear His Voice and you will declare His Word. You will not be clueless about the things of God!

Be Blessed,
Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

The Revival of Fear! Do not Join It!

2008-11-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
A powerful scripture that lets us know that fear is not from God. In the last few weeks, before and now after the election, it seems like fear is on the rise in the church. Ministers proclaiming that we have missed God’s will for America. Others preaching a wilderness doctrine, that we must go through hard times. Many people are withdrawing and letting the spirit of fear keep them from living life and life more abundantly. Jesus came and gave His life that we might live an abundant life! Now, people are pulling back just like a hermit crab. When the hermit crab senses danger, he pulls into his shell until it passes over.
We cannot have this mentality in the church. We have to keep pushing forward knowing that God is on our side. Those who live by faith and follow the Spirit of God will never be defeated. So many times we preach this scripture and most of the sermon is focused on love and power. Power of the Spirit and loving all men but it is the sound mind that keeps fear away. It is the sound mind that helps us keep the victory in our lives. A sound mind comes from knowing the Word of God and obeying it by faith. Praise the Lord! The Word changes me into an overcomer, not a hermit crab hiding from challenges.
Jesus did not promise us a perfect world. He did not promise that America would be the ultimate safe haven and never go through challenges. We must remember that authority and powers are put in place by God. Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1,2 to pray for kings and all of those in authority. He did not say rebel against the evil one in power, we are told to pray. We are also told to fear God and honor the king (the one in power) 2 Peter 2:17. So no matter what we feel about what is happening, we are told to pray for them and honor those in authority.
I am not talking about compromising the Word of God. No matter what happens we should obey God and the Word of God. Around the world the persecuted church is growing in the midst of adversity. They have not stopped preaching the Gospel they are obeying what God has told them to do. Why do they do this? Why do they continue to preach? They are obeying what God has told them to do. They have a sound mind that does not allow fear to deter the plan God has commanded them to do. They know what the Word of God says and they obey it.
How much easier is it for us who have yet to endure persecution to share Jesus with those who have never heard. One thing I learned as a soldier, the better I knew the plan, the more confident I became. As I practiced the plan, and studied the plan, it built within me the confidence to know that we would win. It is the same with the Word of God. The more we put it inside, the more our faith will grow, and fear will shrink. I know that we are truly in the last days. As I study the Word of God, I see that everything is in place for the return of Jesus for the church. The world is setting up for the man of sin (the antichrist) to be revealed. For him to come the church must be gone (raptured) and then he will step on to the scene to begin the tribulation.
This plan is laid out in the Word of God. As I see things happening around the world, two things rise up in me. First, the need to tell everyone I can about Jesus. Secondly, joy, as I know that Jesus is coming soon. Many people are looking for a new strategy to save the nation. Many are fasting forty days for forty years, others are claiming there is no rapture and the church will go through the tribulation. We do not need to look for a new strategy or a new way. The bottom line is we just need to do what we have been commanded to do, pray for laborers (Matt 9:37,38) and to preach the Gospel making disciples of all nations (Matt 28:18-20). We do not need a new plan we just need to follow the plan we have been given!
I want to encourage you today. Have no fear, the Word of God is true. God has a plan for you, me, our family members, and the world. His plan will happen, His timing is perfect, and He will never break any promises He has made to His people. Let Faith arise in you today, get out of that shell and do not join the revival of fear. Be blessed in all that you do. We are praying for you.

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

What do we do now?

2008-11-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

Thinking over the last couple of weeks and watching world events many people are saying, “What do we do”? Interesting enough it is sinners and believers both asking the same question. We have the answer to the world’s problems, but are we telling them the answer. Why do we as Christians stand around saying, “I am waiting on direction from the Lord?” You know, the Bible certainly tells us what we as the body of Christ should be doing. Jesus told us to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel. He was not just talking to pastors, evangelists, teachers, apostles and prophets. He was talking to the entire body of Christ! We are to share the good news to everyone in the world (Mark 16:15-18).
As times changed throughout the book of Acts, the apostles continued to preach the Gospel. Peter and Paul set the example of what it meant to live in times of adversity. In jail, shipwrecked, stoned and many other troubles happened to these men of God! Yet in the midst of these trials, they continued to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. They were continuing to obey what Jesus had commanded to them to do, “Preach the Gospel and make disciples”, (Matthew 28:19). They were not deterred or swayed from doing what Jesus had told them to do. Souls were and still are the priority in the Kingdom of God. Yet in the church today, we have become focused on everything but preaching simple Gospel truth, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). The message has not changed. Now more than ever, we should be preaching “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” because we are closer than ever to our Lord Jesus’s return. The question is what will He find us doing upon His return.
It seems that now, many churches have gotten away from preaching the Gospel and focus on self help messages. We are worried about our retirement, our way of life, and will we be able to maintain our current standard of living. Now we have events for Christians hoping that sinners will come. What are they coming for, to watch Christians get healed and blessed? We have conferences on how to be blessed, how to prosper, how to pray, how to succeed all of them geared toward the Christian. If we study the Bible we see a totally different picture. They had events for sinners to hear the Gospel and get saved. I read nowhere that it should be different now. Miracles are to demonstrate the power of God so the door will be open to preach the Gospel to SINNERS! In these last days we should get back to basics and start preaching the Gospel to every creature.
Jesus did not come to hold seminars, He came to preach the Gospel. It was a simple message, and it still works today. Why have we changed our approach? Have we become so politically correct that we are willing to compromise the message? Why are we having conferences on rethinking the Gospel? Does man now have a better way? I am not saying anything about methods, music or dress. What I am talking about is a watering down of the message. Men and women of God no longer talking about sin, the penalty of sin, or even the resurrection power of Jesus Christ! Why? They are afraid of offending people! Sinners need to know they are sinners and that they need a savior. If we do not tell them, who will! Are you willing to obey the Word and just do it! Time is winding down, we must be about the Father’s business.
Think about this, Jesus was anointed to do three things according to Luke 4:18. He was anointed to preach the Gospel to the poor, preach deliverance to the captives and preach the acceptable year of the Lord. He was anointed to preach and you are anointed to preach. We were commanded to preach the Gospel to every creature all over the world. Preach salvation to the poor, preach deliverance to the captive and preach the soon coming of our King Jesus Christ! We are anointed to preach the Gospel. Ask yourself this question, what will He find me doing when He comes. Will I be at another revival for Christians, another financial seminar, another meeting on how to be blessed, what will I be doing? We all have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). We are to take the Gospel everywhere to share the good news of Jesus wherever we go. You can do it, and you are commanded to do it! Be blessed in all that you do and may you prosper even as your soul prospers!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

The Word Never Fails

2008-09-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

You know, there is one thing that you can always count on, the Word of God. God's Word is true and always comes through. All we have to do is to stand in faith and it always works. Even when we do not know what is going on God's Word is still working. Today I just wanted to share a testimony with all of you. Many of us preach Mark 16:15-18, you know it, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel". It says to cast out devils and lay hands on the sick in His name. The oppressed are set free and the sick recover. Praise God! On top of that we shall speak with other tongues. These signs follow all of us who believe. Many preachers quote this verse all the time but I have a testimony to tell. The story of the preacher and the fish.

Here in the Marshalls, we cast out devils, lay hands on the sick and we speak with other tongues. We have seen people all over set free by the power of God and many baptized in the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues. However on a recent trip something totally different happened. We were on Ebeye with a team preaching the Gospel and flowing in the Holy Ghost. As many of you know I like to eat. I have ate everything that has ever been put before me wherever I go. I have enjoyed everything, somethings better than others but with that said it is all good. One thing I certainly love is fish. I like it raw, boiled, fried, stewed, you name it I like it.

One night before the service they had prepared a wonderful meal. I was not preaching that night so I dove in and ate before the service. I had a wonderful piece of boiled fish. It was great! Afterwards I began to feel a little strange. My face was tingling and I did not feel quite right, but I went on to the service. I just prayed and asked for healing in the name of Jesus and went to the service. It was a great night and the Holy Ghost moved in an exciting way.

When we returned back to the house that evening. The others were begininning to eat and a pastor looked at me and asked, did you eat this fish. I of course replied yes and it was very good. He then asked me did I feel strange. I told him how I had felt before the service and he got a strange look on his face. He told me that the fish that I had eaten was prepared wrong and it was poision. He then said how do you feel now. I said fine! I asked how long does it take to make one really sick, he said about thirty minutes. I just said praise the Lord I am fine, it has been three hours since I ate that fish. I went home that night and slept fine no problems.

Today I praise God that no deadly thing will hurt me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper for I am a child of the king. Now I did not know that was a poison fish, I did not tempt God. I just am thankful that the Word always works and will never fail! Only believe, have faith, God always performs His Word!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Ministries that Impact Nations!

2008-09-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

Do not let the title mislead you this post is not what you think. This is the week of my anniversary to my wonderful wife of 21 years. We celebrate our life together everyday because what God has put together let no man break apart (Matt 19:6). Shawn and I are together forever! Divorce is not an option. So why the strange title of this post? To tell the truth I have been wrestling with posting this for sometime but now like Elihu in the book of Job I am about to explode. My anniversary convinced me to make this post.

There are ministries in the world who are truly impact nations and are building the kingdom of God! However, there are others who have become huge stumbling blocks. During our leadership conference with Marshallese Pastors and leaders from the islands and the US an issue developed that had to be addressed. Divorce in the leadership of the church. Young pastors wanted to know what God's Word said on the subject. The reason, mega ministries in the US who openly divorce, split their ministry and then continue to preach/teach. This really opened my eyes to how ministries affect whole nations.

After dividing the Word of God nothing has changed in the Word. Divorce is not the plan of God for His people. It never has and it never will be acceptable in the house of God! We do have people who get divorced and things do happen in peoples lives. That does not make it right though. What do we do with them? We restore them, love them and take care of them. We do not kick them out of the house of God. While we all agree that it is not God's plan we do know it happens. So what to do? We take a stand and teach on marriage and family strengthing the family through the Word of God. From the pulpit we need to declare that divorce in the house of God is wrong. For those that have already divorced we let them know that God still can use them and has a plan for their lives. Everyone us agreed on that. So what was the issue? The issue was leaders/minsters who openly declare divorce and then continue to minister.

These mega ministries consider themselves about the Word and that is acceptable for them to divorce. They violate the marriage covenant and God's Word and say it is okay. Think about this, there are no exceptions to the standards set forth in the Word of God. I do not care how big your ministry is you need to step down, get counseling and reconcile your family. That is the priority. Paul set the standards by the Holy Ghost for leaders in I Timothy chapter 3 and for everyone in I Corinthians 7. Who is above these standards? No one! This is certainly a case of the new type of Pharisee, who preaches real good but does not obey what he is teaching. Some of these ministries are now even sending letters to justify their divorce and why they are still in ministry. What a shame to try and justify your own lack of integrity for your marriage and the Word of God.

So the conclusion of the matter. The enemy is trying to destroy the family in the house of God. We must guard against it. We must teach the right thing and do what we preach. In these last days the enemy is doing what he can to destroy the house of God. The family and marriage is the target. Guard your marriage, talk with your spouse, pray for each other and be one! Our prayer today for you is that God by His Spirit will make your marriage stronger and stronger each day. Be blessed and have an awesome day in Jesus!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

In The Quiet Times

2008-08-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

One evening as the day was coming to an end I was sitting and just taking in the view. This time of year the lagoon becomes very calm and still. The wind has stopped and the water looks like a mirror. Small ripples cover the surface the only indication that the tide is changing. It is such an awesome sight to behold. Most of the year the wind is constant and the breeze is always blowing. In the months of August and September things are radically different. The surface of the water is still and the leaves of the trees. It is almost as though the wind stops and takes a rest before it starts to blow again. This time of year the rains are very sporadic but when they come they stay for awhile soaking the ground and filling the catchments with water. It is a different time here in the Marshalls for these short two months.
I began to think about the lagoon. It is never really still. On the surface it seems like nothing is happening but below the surface, things are moving. The tide is either coming in or going out. Just over the reef edge and down just a few feet the current can be felt moving in an out with the tide. It never stops. It is constantly flowing and changing things underneath the surface, just out of sight. Fish are moving and sharks patrol their territory looking for food. Life underneath the surface is very busy, but to those of us who are on the outside it seems as if nothing is going on. The surface is quiet, still and it seems to the casual observer that nothing is going on.
It is very much like the Holy Ghost in our lives. When we accept Jesus into our lives the Holy Ghost comes and lives inside of us. He is our comforter and counselor. He lives inside us forever and He is always with us. We read so much about Him in John chapters 14 through 17. It is so amazing that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. As we spend time in the Word and prayer He is constantly changing us. Our minds are conforming to the Word of God, we are being transformed (Romans 12:2)! So even when we think nothing is happening, the Holy Ghost is working on the inside. Praise the Lord. What an awesome God we serve!
Take time and think about that today and remember that rivers of living water flow out of you to change a world. We need to take time to remember who God is and what He has done and is doing in our lives. There are some people who have forgotten that He lives on the inside of us. They have become addicted to the outward manifestation of the Spirit. The only time they think about the Holy Spirit is when they get that special feeling or when the Holy Ghost is moving in a service. That is why people camp out at revivals. They are so addicted to seeing, feeling and watching they have forgotten that the Holy Spirit lives inside of them. They become addicted to the anointing for service and forget about the daily indwelling of the Spirit. Ask yourself this question, when all is quiet, no music, no one else is around, can I hear His voice? Do I need my flesh to feel something to know that God is with me? Take time everyday to know that He is always with you and lives inside of you. “Be still and know that I am God”(Ps 46:10)!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve
Rikakisteve@gmail.com

The Kingdom is Moving Forward!

2008-08-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

I love the Lord and everything He is doing around the world. Two weeks ago the Marshall Islands declared a national state of emergency. Living on an atoll in the middle of the pacific makes the nation unique. Majuro itself is only thirty miles long and only a few hundred yards wide in most places. The nation itself is made up of one thousand of these small atolls. Only thirty five of them are inhabited by some type of population. There are no natural resources and no sustainable national income. The nation is entirely dependent on foreign aid. Gas, oil, food and all supplies are brought in by ship or air. With the global economy changing and prices around the world rising we certainly feel the impact. Because everything is shipped in prices are already high but now prices have sky rocketed. In the case of the emergency we expect fuel resources to be depleted in late October to early November. What does that mean? It is simple, no fuel, no electricity, no phone/internet, no refrigeration and no way to sustain hospital operations.
You see for us it is not about driving cars and luxuries it is about basic life needs. Let me tell you something though. In the middle of all this the kingdom of God is moving forward. The people of God are not in fear but living in Victory. They know that our God will supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). One thing that they really understand is that in whatever state that they are in, “be content”. Paul says in Philippians 4:11 “not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, in this to be content”. Paul had an understanding of life and certainly went through many trials and tribulations. Did that make him any less a man of faith? No! Paul knew that whatever he went through that God would take care of him and see him through.
For years people have taught that if you are not living like a king. If you do not have three cars, two house and many possessions that you are not truly blessed. They claim that you have had a “faith failure”. Let me clue you in, faith cannot fail! When we have faith in God’s Word and follow the Spirit, God will never let us down. That is a fact. The problem is that we have been taught the Word of God out of context so long that we have a warped perception of what it really means.
Jesus said trials and tribulations will come but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Things come and things happen but we have the victory in Jesus. We are not losers but we are winners. As long as we obey the Word of God and follow the Holy Spirit we will never go wrong.
These are the last days before Jesus comes. Soon He will come for His church to take us home to be with Him forever. Praise the Lord. Until then we live by faith and walk in victory in the name of Jesus. We are to preach the Gospel to every person and make disciples of all nations, that is what Jesus told us to do. It does not take money to preach the Gospel, it takes Faith in God’s Word! Only believe, all things are possible to those that believe. In the middle of changing world conditions, man’s system is having failures, markets are tumbling, but the kingdom of God is moving forward.
There is no lack of healing, provision, supply, salvation or power as long as there is Faith. The Kingdom of God is never short of anything that we need to preach the Gospel. As long as we pray, study God’s Word and have Faith we will never lack anything in life no matter what happens in the World. So no matter what is happening in your life, be content in whatever state that you are in! True prosperity starts in your heart, knowing that God will take care of you! Be blessed and may you prosper as your soul prospers.

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

How is your relationship with Him?

2008-07-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks we have seen the Spirit move in so many ways. In CTC the Holy Ghost has been changing lives and exposing areas that need to be changed. Change is a good thing and not a bad thing in the Kingdom of God. When we are changed by the Holy Ghost is only makes us mature in so many ways. The week before the youth conference the Holy Spirit took me to this scripture that Monday morning.
Matthew 7: 21-23
21 Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name we have cast out demons? And in your name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess to them I never knew you, depart from me you that work iniquity.
As I read that verse 23 just jumped out at me. Jesus says, “I Never Knew You”! Here is a group of people who thought they were doing the right thing. They were making all of the right motions and saying the right things but they did not know Jesus and He did not know them. I meditated on that verse and just let the Holy Ghost speak to me. He began to point out to me that there are three types of people in the church. Emotional people, intellectual people, and relationship people all of them different. There are people who cannot worship the Lord unless they have three hours of worship, the music is just right and they feel the tingles on their flesh. They yell out oh I feel the Holy Spirit. The question is, you feel Him but do you know Him?
Then there are the intellectual people who are searching the scriptures. Chasing the latest blessing, revelation or dividing the Word down to the last letter to see if they have it all. When they talk about the Word it is mechanical and automatic no passion behind what they believe. It is like they approach the Spirit and the Word like a computer. Punch in the question, get the answer and follow the instructions. Sounds like the Pharisees and the scribes to me! They certainly knew the Word of God down to the jot and tittle but when the Messiah came they did not know him.
Both of these types of Christians are passionate but driven by two different things. One driven by their flesh and the other by their mind, the question still remains, do they really know Him. The emotional Christian if the music/worship is not perfect they criticize the pastor and run to another church with a great worship team, big screen TVs and a fog machine to enhance the mood! All for their flesh. On the other side of the coin is the intellectual people who if everything is not done they way they see it, it is not God. They have come to the point that if the man of God makes a mistake they question his authority and are ready to crucify him. Their attitude is everything must be perfect in every way and then it will work. Do it this way or it will not work. Everything is a formula a method to get to the goal, of prosperity, blessing or some type of revelation. If you do it this way it will work. All brain and no Spirit.
Finally there are those who have relationship with Him. They walk with Him and talk with Him. They search the scriptures; they enjoy His presence and are led by the Holy Spirit. They have the intellectual side and the emotional side but they are not driven by them. They are led by the Holy Spirit and hear his voice. Jesus said “my sheep know my voice and they will not follow a stranger”. People that have a relationship with the Lord know Him and follow Him. With relationship, comes intimacy. There are so many Christians today with itching ears, running to and fro to the latest revival to get revived. How many times do you need to get revived before you obey the Word of God and be led by the Spirit?
I hear people say, “oh I have been to the revival for 80 days now” and it is going strong. How long does it take you to get revived? Are you going there to meet the Lord or to hear the great worship and watch what goes on? When you are revived and your needs are met what do you do with it. Why are you still camped out at the revival? Do you think you get more just by spending more time watching and enjoying the “awesome” praise and Worship?
People with relationship know that they can touch God when they are alone with Him. They know when all is quiet the voice of the Lord. Adam did not have a worship team and he walked with God. Abraham did not have a worship team to warm things up for God. In the upper room they all were in one accord praying and seeking God. I did not see any mention of the worship team. I never hear Paul talk about the awesome worship before he preached the Gospel. The prophet Elijah heard the voice of the Lord in the still small voice. It was not in the wind, the fire or the earthquake it was in the still small voice that the Lord spoke. In a true show of relationship after all of the noise in that still small the Lord simple said “Elijah, what are you doing here”? The Father wants relationship with Him so that He can talk to you and use you in a mighty way. Worship is important, I love to worship and sing praises unto Him. I love to study the Word and find the hidden jewels that are there that help me to mature. It requires a balance though that is maintained by being Spirit led!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Bring it on!

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

A couple of days ago early in the morning I was sitting and watching the lagoon. It was quiet and I was enjoying praying and spending time with the Lord. As I watched, a storm started approaching from the north. Here in the Marshall Islands you can see storms and weather change as it happens. As I watched it began to form and the wind began to change. It got cooler and began to blow a little stronger. My first thought was to go inside and seek shelter but this morning I decided to watch.
As it started to cross the lagoon it gradually blocked out the sunrise. Rain was falling and the wind began to pick up speed as it crossed the lagoon. The waves began to white cap and the waves slapped against the shore. My reaction was to run and get away but I wanted to see what would happen. I felt the Holy Ghost wanted to teach me something from the storm.
As it made landfall on my side of the lagoon, the trees began to sway and limbs began to fall. Old coconuts that were high up in the trees fell to the ground. All around me it seemed like chaos has struck my peaceful place. Then the rain came in a downpour and I could barely see a few feet in front of me. During all of this I could hear the sounds of the wind blowing, rain falling, limbs breaking and things hitting the ground. Everything around me was involved in the storm. Then as soon as it came it was gone. Everything was peaceful once again and the clouds began to break. The sun was shining again. It was over.
I then began to walk and to look at what the storm had done. I saw the broken branches and things that had fallen to the ground. There was a lot to clean up but it would not take long. There was no damage to the house or to any other property. As I looked around the Holy Ghost began to speak to me. Look closer. As I looked closer I began to notice that things had changed. The branches that had blown down were old and dead. The coconuts that had fallen were dried up and no longer growing. I began to look at the vans, house and the road, I saw that they had been cleaned by the rain.
The dust and dirt had been washed away. The air was fresh and clean smelling. The wind and rain had washed away the smell of smoke and ash. The storm had accomplished more than what I had thought. I was looking for damage and destruction but what I really saw was life. The rain brought life to the dry soil, the wind had cleaned the dead branches and fruit from the trees. The storm brought change that was good not bad!
I then began to think about our walk with the Lord. Why do we always run when the storms of life come? Do not get me wrong. I am not a wilderness believer. I do not believe that God beats you up to make you better. No no, we serve a good God, every good and perfect thing comes from Him. The enemy, the devil, comes to kill, steal and destroy. Jesus says in John 16:33 “that in the world tribulation will come”. He did not say we would go through life on easy street. He told us we would go through things here in the world. He continues on and says “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. We win because Jesus lives in us and has given us the victory! Praise the Lord.
Storms in life will come but we need to make a stand and see them for what they are, life changing events! Paul would say in Romans that we should glory in our tribulations (Romans 5:3-4). Those tribulations would build patience, experience and hope. It changes us for the good! The amplified bible says in those verses that trials build unswerving endurance. This is an endurance that does not waver in the middle of the circumstances but stays the course. A storm of life builds character in Jesus and makes us stronger in our Faith.
Paul says in Ephesians Chapter Six and verse eleven, “put on the whole amour of God that you may be able to stand against all the schemes of the devil”. God has not left us weak and unequipped. He has given us the Word of God, the armor of God and the Holy Ghost to face the attacks and storms of life. So the next time you see a storm coming stand your ground and see God work in your life. Do not run away and hide for the Lord is on your side. Just look at the storm and say “bring it on”! Be blessed and may you prosper even as your soul prospers!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve
Majuro, Marshall Islands

Danger Danger Will Robinson

2008-05-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

When I was young my favorite television show was “Lost in Space.” They had a character named Will Robinson and he had many adventures. His constant companion though was a robot, whose was name Robot. Robot was always there for Will to protect him from danger. Whenever danger was close or coming, the robot would say “Danger Danger Will Robinson”! This morning I want to say, “Danger, danger church, beware!” Now some of you are saying, “Wow, that is really strange! What are you talking about?”
Well here it is. The danger is, if you stop giving to the Kingdom of God. Uh oh, someone is saying, “Here comes the pitch for money!” NO, THIS IS NOT A MESSAGE FOR YOU TO SEND MONEY TO OUR MISSION! This is a simple wake up call to remind you that you are in God’s economy and not mans. With the economy having troubles, job market is down, mortgages are in trouble, prices of goods and services are rising, and many are tempted to stop giving. Some have already stopped supporting the building funds, and have even stopped tithing!
Wake up, danger danger!!!!! Remember the promises of God! Malachi 3:8-12 tells us to bring all of the tithes into the storehouse. God says, “Test me and see if I will not pour out a blessing upon you!” If you give to God, He gives back to you. What you have comes from God. He only asks for ten percent and gives you ninety! What a way to go! He promises to rebuke the devil for you when you give! Read those scriptures and stir yourself up. Do not back down, move forward with God!
II Corinthians 9:6-11, is talking about offerings tells us whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly but whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Praise the Lord, what a great word. In verse 10, it tells us that He gives seed to the sower! To get more seed you have to sow what you have! He even tells us that He will give us bread for food. Wow, what does that tell me! That when I sow he not only gives me more seed to sow, but he makes sure I have food to eat.
Praise God, He is so good! Rethink about what you are doing! Some have three houses, three cars, five cell phones and many luxuries. Before you stop giving to the Lord, you better get rid of some of those things! Some of what you are calling a blessing of the Lord is the result of good credit. Ouch! Now that the economy is changing you want to keep those things and cut your giving? What I want you to think about is, do I really need those extra things? Is it better to move the kingdom of God forward or keep my three houses, four cars, cell phones etc! You can only live in one house at a time, drive one car at a time and do you really need a cell phone by your side twenty four/ seven.
I am not saying you have to give those things up. I am warning you! That to stop giving to keep those things can cause danger. Remember God wants you to have good things but He wants you to seek the Kingdom first and not the things (Matthew 6:33)! Obey the Word of God and you will always have more than enough. Remember you are part of God’s economy and not man’s!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

The New Pharisee

2008-05-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Where are the men and women of God reaching out to a dead a dying world? Where are the ministers of the Gospel who talk about sin and judgment, warning a world that without Jesus there is no hope. .
Thinking about that, a scripture came to my mind, “Beware the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy”, Luke 12:1b. Jesus was warning the disciples not to be like those who are religious. Paul would later say in 1 Corinthians 5:6, “a little leaven, leavens the whole lump”. Paul of course was a saying a little sin will affect everything. So I began to go over what I knew about Pharisees.
In the Gospels we see that they were the enemy of Jesus. They were looking for ways to get rid of him. Why? He taught from the Word of God. He had put it in His heart and lived by it. Check out the book of Matthew, Jesus continually quoted the Old Testament, especially Deuteronomy! Jesus lived a sinless life obeying what was said in the Word of God. He prayed and lived by Faith! He was filled with the Holy Ghost and power. He brought healing, and set the captive free. He was going against everything that the Pharisees taught. He was breaking tradition. He taught with simplicity and authority!
The Pharisees were a very proud sect but yet they were not living by what they taught! Jesus told them “you place heavy burdens upon men but you do not follow what you teach”(Matthew 23:1-4)! They blessed each other and kept to themselves. If you were not a Pharisee they did not associate with you! You might contaminate them with sin! They wore great flowing robes and tied the scripture to the arms and head so that everyone would see and know who they were! They had the best seats in the synagogue and at weddings and feasts. They did not associate with anyone that was not part of their sect.
So here comes Jesus, He spent time with the people. He ate with tax collectors and publicans. He forgave the adulteress, healed the leper, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, and went to the outcast! He went everywhere the Pharisees would not go, because the Pharisee thought they were too Holy to do that! Because of the Pharisees and the Sadducees the people were in ignorance.
We always talk about leaven as sin, but never about the attitude of the Pharisees. You see, there were good Pharisees who meant well and were trying to do the right thing. They were just following tradition. Others however, did not want anything to upset their system. They had position and they had everything they needed! They were too holy to serve! Throughout Jesus’ ministry He taught the disciples to be servants. To serve not only each other but the entire body of Christ.
Where has the attitude of servant hood gone? Have we become infected with the leaven of the Pharisees? Ministries have elevated themselves to the point that they are giving gifts worth millions of dollars to other mega ministries. Why are we blessing those who can bless us back? Jesus said do not give to those who can bless you, but give to those who cannot give back to you. Ministries and ministers are teaching us from the Word of God how to have a great marriage, yet they themselves divorce and say it is okay. Sounds like a Pharisee to me!
We have gotten to the point that if you are not from “OUR” school, in “our” circle, or part of “our” denomination then you cannot minister with us! We have become like the Corinthians, “We all say we are part of someone’s ministry.” What about just being part of Jesus? What about serving the Kingdom of God? We have become so specialized; we are in danger of becoming the New Pharisees! We all need to take time today to search our hearts, check our motivation, and see if it is pure. David, said search my heart oh Lord, check and see if there is anything wrong within me. Check yourself and see if you are clean from the leaven of the Pharisees.
Be blessed,
Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve

Standing without Compromise

2008-01-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it seems like we are alone in a huge ocean with no one else around. I praise God today that no matter where we are, He is there. I am so thankful that we serve a God who is more than enough and cares about His people. Today I thank God for faithful men and women around the world who are committed to sharing the Gospel to a lost a dying world. Many of them on the edge daily for the sake of the Gospel, living without compromise for the King.

This week I was asked why am I calling those in CTC (Christian Training Center) disciples. Well, for one reason, Jesus in Matthew 28:19, told us to go into all the world and make disciples of all men. Pretty simple to me. Another reason to add, is that disciples are a cut above students. Students take what they want and forget the rest many times. Disciples learn all they can and then put it into practice without compromise. Many with degrees and certificates on the wall do not use half of what they have learned.

You see a disciple is one who wants to move forward and use what he has been taught. The disciples I am working with now in CTC are a cut above the rest. They are standing against the cults and against those practicing magic again here in the islands. Many are the only Christian in their family, yet they have taken a stand, firm in what they believe.

They have put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6) that they may stand against all the schemes of the devil. Let me tell you something, I am not asking you to feel sorry for them but to praise God with me for them. They are a shining light, full of the Holy Ghost and power, walking in victory. They are truly becoming an example to other believers in the body of Christ. Not because of me, or another man's wisdom, but because they are standing on the Word of God. They are living by faith and trusting God at His Word.

Even when the odds seem stacked against them they realize that they are not alone. The Lord God is with them, their strong helper. Praise God for His faithfullness, my prayer today is that we all walk before Him without compromise. Be blessed and have an awesome day in Jesus.

Brother Steve

Rikakisteve@gmail.com

Do You Know?

2008-01-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

Good morning from the islands. I have been reading and watching all of the political debate going on and it concerns me. What concerns me is the lack of knowledge about different cults that operate within America. We, of course, are Bible believing Christians, taking the whole Word and what it says as true. I want to take a moment to try and impart a little knowledge to you. I want to give you a little insight about what is on my heart. The Bible says:

Hosea 4:6 (KJV) 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
The Lord is talking to the priests, but what I want you to see is that the people are being destroyed because of their lack of knowledge. Ignorance can cause people to walk down the wrong path to destruction, not knowing right from wrong. In the case of one of our political candidates, there seems to be a lack of knowledge, even by some of our own ministers. Mormonism is not even close to what is set forth in the Bible. In its basic doctrines it says that God was a man who became a God. It also teaches that God became a man and came to Mary to conceive Jesus (Naturally). They also believe that Jesus was born in Jerusalem, and that Satan is Jesus’ brother. They also believe that the book of Mormon is superior and replaces the Bible. They also have two other books that are considered doctrine and superior to what is taught in the Bible. Just based on those beliefs alone, shows just how different Mormon doctrine is from the Word of God.
Interesting huh! The Bible says, “God is a Spirit, and we that worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” The Bible says, “The Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary and Jesus was conceived.” In the Old and the New Testament it says, “ Jesus is born in Bethlehem. We also know that Jesus is God’s only begotten son, there is not another son. From the Old Testament we know that Satan is a fallen angel. To top it all off, Mormonism teaches that we must believe in God, Jesus, Joseph Smith, and all of the prophets in order to be saved. Jesus said:
John 3:36 (KJV) 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 14:6 (KJV) 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
So where is the problem? The problem is a lack of knowledge on what other religions believe. Muslims believe in Jesus, but not as the son of God. Hindus, Buddhists, Ba’hai and other cults acknowledge Jesus as a great man and philosopher. Many people believe that Jesus lived on this earth and was a great man. That does not make them Christians or part of the body of Christ. To become and a Christian we must confess Jesus as our Lord and savior. Christians pray to the Father in Jesus’ name, walk by Faith and live by what is taught in God’s Word.
So why is this so heavy on my heart? Here, in the time of elections, we do not know anything about what our candidates believe. There is also a lot of new buzz words in the church like “inter faith dialogue”. Let me make a statement here, the inter faith dialogue seeks to combine all religions into a unified group. That means faiths that are not Christian also. There is only one way to God the Father and that is Jesus Christ. There is only one Faith and that Faith comes from the Word of God and no where else. Cults now are seeking to draw leadership away from our churches and into their fold, using retreats and special events. They are giving leadership positions and status in groups other than the body of Christ.
The hook they use is, “We have something better and we can use you.” They prey on our people, and our people go there because of the lack of knowledge. We have to check out what is going on, and see what they really believe. What are they basing their group on? For the record, anything that takes you away from your local church, and requires you to be faithful to them in all they believe, is not right! God has planted you in a local body, and wants to use you there. He will never ask you to have split loyalties to other groups. He wants you to be a vital part of what He has for your life in your local church. Remember, anything with two heads is a freak! You can not serve in two places at the same time. Where is your heart? So today, take time to check out what others believe, and above all stay true to the Word of God. He will never violate His Word!
Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve
Rikakisteve@gmail.com

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
As I reflect back on 2007 I can certainly see the hand of God here in the Marshall Islands. It has been a great year in the Spirit. Many people have to come to know Jesus, have been healed and set free by the power of God. We give God all of the praise and the glory for what He has done this year. Taking all of that into consideration we look forward to 2008 and the new things that God will do here in the islands.
Looking at the vision that God has set before us, I am excited about the future. This time of year I go to Hebrews 12:1,2 and remind myself that I am in a race. At the start of this year we all need to see if there is anything holding us back from running the race. In Psalms 139:23,24 the psalmist asks God to search his heart and see if there is anything wicked there. He wanted to know if anything was wrong so that he could get rid of it and walk holy before the Lord. Ask the Lord and He will show you and then correct it or get rid of what is holding you back. This year is just beginning and is so full of potential. This is a time to make a decision here and now, will you be a runner or a spectator?
Will we run the race that is set before us or will we follow a path other than what is set forth in the Word of God? Jesus said: Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV) 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Thinking about running the race I thought about the cartoon of the road runner and coyote. The coyote was always trying to get the road runner to go down the wrong path to destruction. Every time the road runner got away. Now that was a cartoon. In real life we have a real enemy who is trying to get us to run the wrong way. He does this by false doctrines and by tempting us with things of this world. It is very easy to run down the wrong path. Jesus even warns us in the last days (Matthew 24 and 25) to be aware of deception.
As you follow the Holy Ghost and the Word of God make sure that you are a running down the right path. The path you are running will never violate the Word of God. When someone tells you to do this or do that check it out with the Word of God and your spirit. Be wise in 2008 and run! These are the final days and we are in the time of the great harvest. Now more than ever the enemy is trying to get us off the path of God. He is trying to get us to compromise who we are in Christ. He wants us to water down the standards of the Word of God to be politically correct!
In 2008 determine to throw off the weights and sin that holds you back and run with all of your might. This year do not be a spectator but jump in and run! Be blessed in all that you do and may you prosper even as your soul prospers. Remember "The Just shall live by Faith"! Faith is the key to victory!
Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve
Rikakisteve@gmail.com

Whose Word Are You Standing On?

2007-11-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

What do you believe?

Good morning. Today I want to write about something that has been on my heart for a couple of weeks now. I may make some of you mad, but that’s okay this is something that I must get off my chest. The question is what do you believe, better yet do you know what you believe. There are many Christians around the world who do not even understand the basics of the Word of God. Yet they have been in church for many years. Why do they not understand the basics. It boils down to one thing. They do not study the Word of God on their own. They have not taken time to read it and understand it for themselves. You can see this from what is happening in the church today. Many people hear a preacher or teacher say it on TV and they take it as doctrine and start doing it. They never take time to see if what they are being told is true.
Interesting isn’t it? There are two groups in the bible who deserve some attention, the Bereans (Acts 17:10,11) and the church as Ephesus (Rev 2:2,3). Both of these churches searched the scriptures and checked the doctrines that were taught. They wanted to make sure that everything lined up with the Word of God and was not man’s wisdom. Even Paul told Timothy to study and show yourself approved (2Tim 2:15). Why would Paul tell Timothy to study. Timothy had been under Paul for years. Paul knew that there would be those who followed later that would pervert the Gospel changing it to fit their wants and desires. He is encouraging Timothy to study so that he can spot the lies and the deception.
Pastor Jeff Connor said recently to his church, that every Christian needs to get into the Word of God and find out what it says for themselves. Faith comes from the Word of God and it is up to us to put it inside and know what we believe! We can not take every man’s word without checking it out ourselves and making sure it lines up with the Word of God. We need to be diligent about studying the Word, spending time in prayer and letting the Holy Ghost speak to each and every one of us.
In Matthew 24 and 25 Jesus cautions us not to be deceived, that those will come who will deceive the very elect of God. Read it for yourself. Why am I writing about this today. I have this heavy on my heart because of what I see going on in the church. Two major ministries in divorce. One beating his wife in a hotel parking lot but a couple weeks later giving advice on marriage relationships. She is still on tour selling books, tapes and ministering. The other couple announce their divorce and that weekend are giving seminars in separate locations going right on like everything is okay.
What does that say to the church? What does it say to the world? Divorce is okay, we can go on because we are ministers. We are above the Word of God! Study the Word for yourselves God never intended for there to be divorce. Check it out for yourselves. Divorce does happen and I understand that but in the case of leaders there is a different accountability. Paul tells Timothy that leaders must be the husband of one wife, and also have their house in order. Obviously in these cases that is not the case. So why did they not step down? God would not violate His Word for anyone. Are they saying we are special or different or is something else at the root. In one case it has been noted that the ministry has been split down the middle one going one way and one going the other. What is up with that, whatever happened to turning it over to someone else and letting the ministry go on?
There are so many things that are now coming to light and in the middle of this where are the prophets? Where are the Nathans, Elijahs, Paul the apostle, Leonard Ravenhills, and Kenneth Hagins who are willing to stand up and bring correction in the church. Have we become so politically correct that we do not even comment on sin in the church anymore? We just say, it will be okay, it will all work out. We have to take a stand in the church based on the Word of God and be willing to say what is right and what is wrong. If it wrong say it is, do not go with the flow of the politically correct. Be a man or a woman of God who is willing to take a stand for what is right. Be willing to stand up for Holiness and Righteousness in the house of God! Study the Word of God, know what it says and stand on it, not the word of a man.

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve
Rikakisteve@Gmail.com

Men of God

2007-10-19T20:24:00.001-07:00

On Sunday 7 October I had the priviledge of commisioning the leadership of the Full Gospel Churches. It is a great honor to be the one to speak into these men's lives. Ministers that have preached the Gospel and continue to push forward with what God has told them to do. Not for money or fame but for the Kingdom. I am so blessed that God has given me an opportunity to work with these men and all of the pastors of the Marshall Islands. As I prepared for that night this scripture dropped into my heart.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8 (KJV) 6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

As I spoke to them that night I encouraged them to keep pressing on that God is always with them. Trust me their hearts are to share the Gospel throughout the Marshall Islands. As you read this today, I encourage you to remember that God is with you. He will never leave or forsake you as long as you walk with Him. No weapon formed against us shall ever prosper as long as we are true to Him. Be blessed and remember the pastor of the Marshall Islands in your prayers.

Until next time, be blessed,

Brother Steve

Rikakisteve@gmail.com

What do you want more of ???

2007-09-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

This week I have been thinking about the word more. How do we as Christians view that Word? In talking to Christians, Pastors and sinners here in the islands I find the answers very simple. When it comes to material things, food, then shelter for all of them. When I talk to the Christians and pastors they need material for the roof of the church and other building supplies. Food to help the hungry, bibles and other Christian materials. Most of all they want more of God, not in the material sense but in the spiritual. To know His voice and His Word. They want to not only win souls to Jesus but also to disciple them. What really struck me is, they are not looking for some new revelation. Their desire is to see His Word in action as it is written in the Word of God. They want to see signs, wonders and miracles and believe me they see them. More than that though they want to know God and see His plan fulfilled in the earth. Why, so that Jesus can come back again for the church that is ready.

So the question comes up, why is most of the church seeking the blessing and not His face? Why are we looking for new revelation when we have not obeyed what is written in the Word of God? Interesting questions that beg to be answered. I am asked many times by believers here why, is the prosperity message taught so much in the US? Is it that important that it takes the place of evangelism? I was stunned by the question and I asked them to go on. One student responded with this verse:

(Mat 6:31 KJV) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(Mat 6:32 KJV) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

(Mat 6:33 KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Good verse. We know that if we seek the Kingdom of God then everything we need shall be added. In the outer islands and even here on Majuro, we see pastors that are living by faith everyday have all of their needs met. Why, because they are seeking the Kingdom first and obeying the Word of God and God takes care of them. If God does that here in the middle of the pacific to people who live from day to day then why churches are teaching everyday on how to get more material blessings from God. Are we seeking the gift or the giver?

Really the point that they were making is that with all of the television dedicated to Christian programming why is so little of it given over to evangelism? Such a great tool is being wasted that could be reaching untold millions for Jesus. Now of course there are ministries who do preach the Gospel and use TV to evangelize. They are not taking away from that, but should not all of our services, programs and conferences end with a call to the lost? Interesting question. It also brought to my mind a ministry in California who teaches that you should be a prince or a princess. You should live and have the attitude of royalty and if you do not have that attitude you are not what God made you to be.

They even have a test you can take to see if you are a prince or a pauper. Where did that come from? Do not get me wrong, I believe we should be blessed but just because you do not have three cars and two houses (paid for) does not make you any less of a son or daughter of God. Some of these people need to look at what they are doing for God. Signs and wonders mean nothing if you are not winning the lost. Signs and wonders are signs for the unbeliever not for the church.

(Mat 16:1 NASB) And the Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Him asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.

(Mat 16:2 NASB) But He answered and said to them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.'

(Mat 16:3 NASB) "And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?

(Mat 16:4 NASB) "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah." And He left them, and went away.

These are the last days and many of us still can not read or see the signs of the end. What good will it do if we have many possesions here on earth but none in heaven. Many people are dying around the world and the church is watching them die (not all churches). There are sinners in darkness, blind and needing the light of the Gospel. The sad thing is that many Christians are sleeping in the light and not obeying the Word of God. In the parable Jesus told about the wedding feast where none of the master's invited guests would come. So he sent his servants into the highways and hedges inviting everyone to come. Not all of us are called to be missionaries or evangelists to go around the world the preach the Gospel. I know that, but you can help send others. Many ministries around the world need help to spread the Gospel but we have forgotten them. We give our tithe grudgingly, but when a multi million dollar minstry asks for money and promises a hundred fold return we are quick to give. When the pastor asks for help on the building fund it is like pulling teeth. Why? Because he did not promise a hundred fold return on our gift! What a shame that the Gospel is being slowed down around the world by people seeking a blessing. We should be sharing the Gospel by any means necessary! That means using every asset and tool available to us. Jesus told us to share the Gospel with every creature, that command was for the whole church.

Think about this, with Jesus coming very soon are you sleeping in the light? Are you on a quest for more of the world or for more of God? Are you looking for signs, wonders, a new revelation or are you seeking to obey the Word that has already been given to you? What are you doing with your time and your possesions? Are you truly using everything you have to further the kingdom?

We have been given the Word of God, the baptism in the Holy Ghost, the gifts of the Spirit and prayer not to get more things but to win a world for Jesus.

Running with the vision,
Brother Steve
Majuro, Marshall Islands

Preach, Warn and Teach

2007-09-16T13:41:00.001-07:00

Good day from the islands. Wow, there are a lot of things going on around the world. God is certainly moving by His Spirit. It is some awesome to live in this time and to see the great harvest coming in around the world. As I was studying this week I came across a passage in Colossians that really stirred my spirit.

Colossians 1:28 (KJV) 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Paul speaking to the church says he is doing three things so that he may present every man perfect in Jesus. He says I preach, I warn every man and teach every man. Here in the last days, days of the harvest, are we doing these things. The preaching is not just the pastor's job but it is the job of every believer. I am finding more and more that we are becoming so timid in what we believe that we no longer preach or share the Word of God with others.
Sure we can quote the scripture:

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
We have applied to it not being afraid of the devil and his armies but have we truly applied it in the way Paul intended it?

Remember that Paul is talking to Timothy here to be a faithful minister. He was encouraging him to stand up for what he believed. To stand for the Gospel and to continue witnessing and sharing no matter what happens. Have we lost that focus? We sing the song the devil is under our feet. So if he is there why are we not sharing the Gospel with our neighbors, friends and co workers? What are we afraid of, it is time not to politically correct, but to be biblically correct. In the last days there are many who are teaching a passive Gospel. They are saying it is old fashion to go out and share the Gospel. Let's just stay in the church until we get a word to go.

Where did that come from? Where did this teaching come that says we sit around until we have a Word and then we go out? Jesus simply said go and preach the Gospel to every creature. Have we bypassed this command because of someone's "special revelation" on how to do it? Become seeker friendly and they will come. Sure, we need to use progressive methods to reach the lost but waiting on them to come is not the answer. The Word of God is clear, go out and get them.

So Paul says he preached but also warned. What was he warning everyman about? He was preaching the same message that Jesus Preached "repent for the kingdom of God is at hand"! He was warning every man of the coming kingdom and when the kingdom comes there will be judgement. Revelation chapter 20 tells us that those whose names are not in the lambs book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. Are we afraid to talk about Hell and Judgement? We must remember there is a penalty for sin even for the Christian. Are we building with hay and stubble or with things that really matter. Jesus said we will be judged for every idle word we speak. What are we speaking? Are we preaching and warning or looking for the next blessing while sinners go into eternity without Jesus.

Finally Paul says he is teaching every man. He reminds us that it is our responsiblity to teach everyman the ways of God. How to live a Godly life, a life following the Spirit, flowing in the Holy Ghost, based on the Word of God and hearing the voice of the Lord. Paul reminds Timothy to study the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:14-15 (KJV) 14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We must teach and study the Word so that we can follow Him that has called us. Too many people are following different doctrines that are not based on God's Word. They have itching ears and are searching for a sign. Why do people do this? We need to be like the Bereans searching the Word of God for ourselves. Proving the Word that is preached and not jumping on the latest new revelation that sounds good, looks good but has no basis on God's Word. We as the church must teach our people and show them how to study God's Word.

When we preach, warn and teach we will see the church grow in all areas. If we follow Paul's example, we will be able to stand before our Lord and hear Him say "Well done my good and faithful servant". I want to hear Him say that, don't you! So let us today renew our hearts and our vision. Let us no longer be quiet but let us preach, warn and teach every man so that we may present them perfect to our Lord. Be blessed and remember follow the Spirit He will never lead you wrong.

Running with the Vision,

Brother Steve

RikakiSteve@gmail.com

Working for the Lord!

2007-08-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Good day from the islands. This is the first post on my new BLOG. On this BLOG, I will be sharing what is on my heart, and what the Lord is speaking to me. It will be a mixture of what we are doing here in the Marshalls, and how the vision expanding here in the Pacific. At the time of this post, many of you are getting ready for Labor Day weekend. A time to rest and spend time with the family. Here in the Marshall Islands ,we have the same holiday it is called Ri-Jerbal day. It is basically the same holiday as we have in the US. You will be celebrating the holiday this weekend, and we will celebrate with our government holiday next weekend.

With that said, I have been focusing here on the subject “working for the Lord”. It is a subject that is very near and dear to my heart, and I believe the heart of God. I have been working on this subject for sometime. It came about because of some terms I keep hearing coming up, and I began asking what does this mean.? The terms “Seeker Friendly Church” and “The Emerging Church” really jumped out at me. I began to read about what they were saying and doing. It really amazed me because while there are many good things attached to them there are many things to be avoided.

The emerging church is relying on a marketing strategy to preach the Gospel. In other words, they do a market survey, and tailor there church to the area they are in. There is nothing wrong with understanding the people that you are working with, Paul said “ I become all things to all men”. This tells me that Paul was sensitive to his enviroment, but he was still led by the Holy Ghost on what to teach and preach. One leader of the emerging church group says “we must stop shotgunning the Gospel ,and after a market research study, preach on what comes out of that study”. Hmmm, what happened to being led by the Holy Ghost? Certainly we must teach doctrine ,but we must also be led by the Holy Spirit. Are we in this movement leaning on the wisdom of man or the wisdom of God? What happened to the pastor hearing from God and moving by the Holy Spirit? Is it now that we should listen to humanistic, worldly market research teams to tell us how to preach the Gospel. What are they emerging from? The church has been here since the day of Pentecost. Peter is the first sermon did not wait on a market survey, he preached the Gospel as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. Is it a case of emerging or merging with the world? That is certainly something to think about.

The Seeker Friendly church is very similar to the emerging church. They are setting themselves up to appeal to the world. Using different kinds of music, building and other cutting edge tools. Now there is nothing wrong with using new ways to spread the Gospel. I believe in being progressive and using new tools that have been brought on the scene. It is all good as long as it does not comprimise the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the middle of the seeker friendy move is something that really catches my eye. It is very hard to tell the difference between the world and the church. It is blurred. It is so busy being appealing that it is forgotten what she is supposed to be doing. It is amazing that both of these have had pro abortion people, muslims and anti Israel people speak in their pulpits. They say “oh we are appealing to what the people want”. No they are becoming part of the world system.

Both of these groups have one central thing in common, they are hoping to win the lost by being appealing. It is like, if we look good, they will come. If we sound like them, they will come. If we advertise like them, they will come. If we can just be like them. They will come. Wake up!
Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15). He also told us to go and make disciples of all men (Matt 28:18-20). Why did Jesus tell us to go? Did the Word of God change in the 21st century? Did Jesus say in the 21st century to become appealing and like the world? Does any where in the Word tell us to stop going out and reaching the lost. On top of we are not to love the world or the things in it (1John 2:15). John goes on to say in verse 17 that “he that does the will of God will live forever”. What is the will of God? It is for us to reach the lost at any cost and make disciples of all men.

The Gospel is not weak, it is powerful. Paul said “ I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation” (Rom 1:16). Have we become ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we afraid of what people will say. One of the leaders of a large church when interviewed on national television could not even say what the Word of God said. When asked about certain people groups he said basically “ I do not know what will happen to them”. Have we become worried about what people think? What a chance was missed to preach the Gospel and to tell the nation the truth of God’s Word. Have we forgotten what Jesus said?

(Mat 10:34 NASB) "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

(Mat 10:35 NASB) "For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;

(Mat 10:36 NASB) and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.

Jesus was not saying that He was coming to destroy the family and the people. He was teaching the disciples that the Gospel will divide families, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. When we are truly doing what the Word of God tells us to do there will be people who do not like us but that is okay. Jesus said:

(John 16:33 KJV) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We must be aware of the times and of these movements. We have to know that we believe and stand on the firm foundation of God’s Word. Preaching the Gospel and doing what the church is called to do. These are the last days and the time is coming to a close. Paul says in Romans chapter 13 it is time to wake up out of sleep for our salvation is nearer than we think. As I look out over the Marshall Island and the pacific there is so much to do. The day is getting shorter and we must bring in the harvest while there is still time. Will you work with me to bring in the harvest in these final days before the Lord comes?

Remember “The Just Shall Live by Faith” and we have been give the baptism in the Holy Spirit (the power to witness). We are not weak, we have the power of God living within us and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Be blessed and may you prosper even as your soul prospers!

Running with the Vision,
Brother Steve
RikakiSteve@gmail.com