Trent Griffith

One Final Moment

2012-02-03T15:51:00.001-05:00

The time has come! On February 8, 2009 Harvest Bible Chapel worshipped together for the first time at Northpoint Elementary School. For three years we have transformed a room built for physical education into a place of spiritual transformation. This Sunday, February 9, 2012 (2.12.12) we will worship for the final time at the school.

Many of you can think of specific moments when God met you in a life changing way on that gym floor as you tired to get comfortable in that brown metal folding metal chair. Others have developed impressive biceps from setting up and tearing down those chair each week so others could meet with God too. On Sunday, we will put those chairs away for the final time before moving into our new home on Hickory Road.

One last time, we will stand in worship, celebrate God's goodness, and open our Bibles in the place it all began. I believe it would be appropriate for us to examine the same passage of scripture on our final Sunday at Northpoint that we studied on our first Sunday at Northpoint. In the process we will be reminded of the only thing that our church really can't live without.

Do I have you thinking? Trying to remember? No worries! Just BE THERE...EARLY! Come expectantly and prepared for a meeting with God as we celebrate all that God has done to build his church!

Welcome home Harvest!

Resolved: I'm Starting Over

2012-01-01T21:30:00.002-05:00

Today most of us will make some kind of New Year's resolution as a way of addressing our regret for being too busy, too lazy, or too self-indulgent last year. But Christian resolve ought to be profoundly deeper than dropping a few pounds or spending more time with family and friends.

The most famous list of all resolutions was crafted by a teenager named in 1722 and 1723. There were 70 in all. They were so different than the self-improvement lists we make today in our New Year’s resolutions. They centered on Christ and were fueled not be willpower but by the power of the gospel. They are also distinct in that Jonathan Edwards made them not for a year but for a lifetime.

Edwards recognized his need for gospel empowered resolve,“Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.”

Nathan Busenitz suggests Edwards' seventy resolution into ten general categories. I have listed these categories with at least one of the Edward's resolutions and scripture that supports them.

1. To live for the glory of God.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God;
Rom 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

2. To make the most of this life, in terms of eternal impact.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
Mat 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Luke 9:24-25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
Matt 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

3. To take sin seriously.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119.
Gal 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

4. To become theologically astute.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
2Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Col 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
2Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

5. To be humble.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
Prov 8:13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

6. To exhibit self-control in all things.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking.
1Cor 9:25, 27 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

7. To always speak with grace and truth.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
Eph 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

8. To constantly develop an eternal focus.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
Col 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

9. To be a faithful Christian, in prayer and dedication.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God
44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions;
Rom 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2Pe 1:10-11 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

10. To daily pursue a fervent love for Christ.

53. Resolved,… to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.
Mat 22:37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Eph 3:17-19 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

A Vacuum of Virtue

2011-12-19T08:02:00.001-05:00

This week I celebrated my 17th wedding anniversary. When I proposed to Andrea I did not give her an engagement ring with diamonds. I gave her a ring with rubies. As I placed it on her finger I quoted Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” I wanted her and everyone who saw the ring to know that I believed she was a woman with a rare quality--virtue.

I define virtue as the internal moral character that fuels right choices and empowers uncompromising integrity. Virtue is a moral compass that always points the way we ought to live. Virtue is the strength to stand when the winds of compromise are blowing against you. It is not a sissy word. The root of the word conveys heroic courage to stand strong especially in the face of moral relativism. For Christians it is the first thing we are commanded to add to our faith. (2Peter 1:5).

Virtue is rare these days. In fact, the news headlines declare America is becoming a vacuum of virtue. Whether it is a child-sex scandal at Penn State or voyeurism in the boys locker room at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, it is obvious that we are in a moral free-fall. As a result, 1 in every 18 men in the United States is a convicted criminal. A number that has quadrupled since 1980. (Reported in this NY Times article)

Even the 2008 financial collapse was a collapse of virtue. A federal commission cited the government's “pivotal failure to stem the flow of toxic mortgages, which it could have done by setting prudent mortgage-lending standards.” Prudence is an issue of virtue. Wall Street firms were criticized for not telling investors the true state of their finances—an obvious absence of virtue. And too many Americans abandoned principles of virtue by borrowing excessively to finance houses they knew they couldn’t afford. They wound up owing more on their homes than they were worth. An absence of virtue resulted in an absence of restraint in spending. (Cited in this article from the NY Times.)

The bottom line is that too many people failed to do the right thing because virtue was missing. And we are all paying the price.

Virtue cannot exist in a vacuum of Truth.

America is a vacuum of virtue because our educational system, political system, family systems, and now many churches have embraced a philosophy of moral relativism. When this happens virtue becomes a matter of opinion.

A nation that loses virtue creates angry people. There has never been more polarization in our politics. There has never been more protest against business practices. There has never been more distrust of Christians. There has never been less interest in marriage.

People are looking for a political solution but it will not come because it is not a political problem. People are looking to Wall-street and banks for a financial solution but it will not come because it is not a financial problem. It is a spiritual problem.

Why are people so angry? Deep down they know things are not the way they are supposed to be. We know there is something missing in our government, families, and churches. What is missing is virtue.

Virtue is simply the way things ought to be. But that definition assumes that there is an absolute standard by which we should govern ourselves. It assumes that truth is defined by someone or something outside of popular opinion. It assumes truth and virtue are transcendent--that it exists outside of the human experience. It assumes there is a God of all virtue that we should seek to imitate. It assumes that God and His virtues are knowable. It assumes that God has taken the initiative to reveal his virtue to us. It assumes that we will be accountable for living virtuously. But most Americans refuse to allow God to govern them.

Freedom cannot exist in a vacuum of virtue.

When people will not allow God to govern them through virtue, then Government has to expand its power. It should come as no surprise that we have recently seen the greatest expansion of government in generations as a result of our vacuum of virtue. Freedoms are taken away. When we cannot govern ourselves others step in to regulate behavior by force.

What America needs is a resurgence of virtue. But who will supply it? There are two remaining incubators of virtue in our culture. First, is the Church. We are the only ones who have access to God's virtue. Christians aren’t manufacturers of virtue. They are just distributors.

The second incubator of virtue is marriage and family. Virtue fuels the honor and nobility of keeping ou promise as higher than pursuing our freedom and escape my pain when relationships are hard. Virtue informs our sexuality. Virtue calls us to see our bodies as God’s temple. Virtue causes us to see sex as a gift from God as an instrument for exclusive love between one man and one woman. Virtue says, “In faithfulness and trustworthiness I will protect my marriage and children from the destructive forces of sexuality that undermine trust and commitment in my family.” But without virtue our sexual appetites cannibalize marriages and families and nations.

The more rare a jewel, the higher its value. Who can find a virtuous people? for their value is far above rubies. We live in a vacuum of virtue. If you have it, your value is priceless.

Spiritual Promptings

2011-11-14T09:28:00.000-05:00

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is the agent of change in every believer’s life. In fact those who are indwelled by the Spirit of God are guaranteed to change as He prompts them. The Holy Spirit draws, convicts, seals, teaches, reminds, fellowships with, imparts gifts to, helps, comforts, prays for, empowers, fills, and sanctifies every child of God.

Many people mistake their own fleshly desires for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Those who often say, “God told me…” are susceptible to subjects feelings and emotions. And the only guy more dangerous in the church than the guy who says, “God told me…” is the guy who says, “God told me to tell you…”.

Do I believe God still speaks? Absolutely! But not in a revelatory sense. God is not giving special revelation to special spiritual people. Those who think they have special revelation are trying to use spiritual intimidation to gain power. The Spirit of God simply prompts us to obey what God has already revealed in His written Word.

How can you be certain that you are being prompted by the Holy Spirit? The best way is to confirm it with a passage from the Word of God. The Spirit of God never conflicts with the Word of God. In fact, the Spirit of God inspired the Word of God and illuminates the Word of God to our minds as we read it. The further you move from the Word of God the less certain you can be you have been prompted by the Spirit of God.

I made a quick list of all the spiritual promptings I could remember receiving from God’s Spirit last week. After I made the list I realized that every one of them could be confirm by something I had previously read in Scripture.

Get out of bed. Psalm 127:2
Go to bed. Proverbs 6:9-10, 20:13
Make the bed. Matthew 23:11
Write that “Thank you” note. Phil. 1:3
Tell your wife you love her. Eph. 5:33
Snuggle with your kids. Eph. 6:4
Pray for your mom. James 5:15
Slow down. 1Peter 2:13-16
Don’t eat that. Proverbs 23:21
Don’t buy that. Luke 14:28
Turn that off. Psalm. 46:10
Read this book. Proverbs 9:9
Pay for his lunch. Acts 20:35
Ask his forgiveness. Matthew 5:23-24
Text your friend. Proverbs 27:10
Confront your friend. Proverbs 27:5-6
Relax. Matthew 6:34
Read your Bible. Psalm 119:97
Ask for help. James 4:6
Provide help. 1Cor. 15:1-3

What is the Spirit of God prompting you to do today?

My Love/Hate Relationship with Words

2011-11-08T09:18:00.000-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with words.

I love words because they are God’s chosen vehicle to deliver His truth to the human race. Words convey the gospel. In fact, Jesus is called the living Word of God and the Bible is the written Word of God. Everything in creation exists because God spoke words. God’s words are true. God’s words are clear. God’s words are revealing. God’s words are sharp.

I love God’s words and I love speaking and writing words about God’s Word.

I am humbled when someone says, “You are a gifted speaker” after I deliver a message. But then I wonder, “It may be a gift, but it sure feels like work!” What takes me 45 minutes to say on Sunday often takes 15 to 20 hours to prepare Monday through Saturday.

And that is why I sometimes hate the excruciating pain it takes to craft the message with precision. As a preacher, I take very seriously my responsibility is to handle accurately the word of truth. The most often used key on my keyboard is the delete key, not because my words are misspelled, but because they miss the impact I want to make and misrepresent the power of the message.

I recently saw a tweet from John Piper that made me realize I’m not the only preacher with this love/hate relationship with preparing words worthy of the gospel…“Tears, I feel you. You make me want to quit life. But excuse me, the Master has given me work to do. I must prepare a sermon.”

So, on this Tuesday morning, the countdown to Sunday has begun. Five days and counting…

How do we KNOW we should begin an expansion project for our church?

2011-06-05T17:47:00.000-04:00

Honestly, we have no special revelation from God indicating the exact dimensions, cost, or timing of the expansion project for our property on Hickory Road. We have the Word of God to give us principles. We have the Spirit of God to guide us into truth. We have God-called men of God giving leadership to the church of God. Knowing if, when, and how to shape an expansion project is an application of wisdom and an act of faith. But what do we KNOW that gives us confidence that our faith is moving us in the right direction?

We know that 180,000 people live within a 10 mile radius of the Hickory Road property.
We know that God wants all of them passionately worshipping Jesus in spirit and truth. John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
We know God is glorified by much fruit. John 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
We know God wants to build His Church. Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
We know God’s gives a church growth when it holds on to Jesus as its head and holds together in unity. Colossians 2:19 holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
We know God has made the fields ready for harvest. John 4:35 Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.
We know God loves it when his people are generous. 2Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
We know God has more than enough to meet every need. Malachi 3:10 put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
We know that horizontal giving produces vertical worship. 2Corinthians 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
We know that God is please when people far from God draw near to God in faith. Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Conclusion: God’s character, God’s ability, God’s worship, and our urgency compel us to seize the opportunity to move our church forward in faith by making room for more worshippers to gather together at our property on Hickory Road.

The Truth Behind the Tithe

2011-06-04T13:14:00.001-04:00

Tithing is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the bible. Giving ten percent of your income is certainly noble and would be a worthy goal for every Christian. But if you think 10% is God's and 90% is yours, you've missed the truth behind the tithe.

The Old Testament teaching on tithing was more akin to our modern tax code than generosity. There were actually 3 different tithes required in the Old Testament to fund the theocratic government. One was to be paid every third year. So if you follow the pattern of the Old Testament tithe you would actually be paying 23.3%. But remember it was more like paying your taxes. What is the biblical teaching on giving? Pay your taxes AND give generously to the Lord from your heart.

I believe the Old Testament teaching on the tithe reveals 10 truths BEHIND the tithe that every New Testament Christian must embrace BEFORE he can consider himself an obedient giver.

1) Give with pre-determination. Rather than asking, “What should I give?” every time God gives to you, decide now. Just like you budget for recurring expenses, predetermine where and how much you’re going to invest in funding ministry before it comes in.

2) Give as a priority. God’s priority is always give, save, spend NOT spend, save, give. When you have the right priority your giving will determine your spending. When you have the wrong priority, your spending will determine your giving.

3) Give a percentage. Don’t get hung up on 10%. Some can’t give 10% but can still give generously in faith. Others can give 10% without exercising faith. Generosity is not determined by what you give. Generosity is determined by what is left over after you give. Whether you give 10%, 11% or 1%, give something that stretches your faith. Giving a percentage of your income forces you to look at all of your income and expenses from God’s perspective. Do you know what you make? Spend? Give? If not, how can you determine if you are being generous?

4) Give the first and best of what God provides. Quit feeling so generous when you drop off your old underwear at Goodwill. God doesn’t want your leftovers. Give God your best stuff. Give off the top of everything you take in. Write the check for ministry before you write the check for the mortgage and groceries.

5) Withholding what belongs to God forfeits God’s presence. In Malachi 3:6-9 God tells his people why He had left them. They had stolen what rightfully belonged to God. If God seems distant to you, you might to see if you have His money in your bank account.

6) Bring what you give to the place of worship. In the Old Testament, God’s people brought the tithe to the place where they worshipped. Today, God’s people should bring their gifts to the local church where they worship. The local church is God’s plan to reach the world. Other ministry giving should be above and beyond your responsibility to fund the ministries of your local church.

7) Giving is a test God loves to prove He can pass. In Malachi 3:10 God invites you to test him in your giving. Leonard Ravenhill said, “You have an incredible opportunity to be the first person in the history of the world whom God has every failed. So test Him.”

8) Giving acts on the promise that God has plenty. Only when you believe that God can open the windows of Heaven to supply all your need will you give at a level that demonstrates faith.

9) Giving invites God’s protection. Malachi 3:11 promises God will “rebuke the devourer” for those who honor God in their giving. Times of economic hardship are the worst time to hold out on God. You can’t afford to go without God’s protection during difficult times. Get God’s money where it belongs now, before God sends the devourer to collect it!

10) God delights in blessing people who give in faith. Do you want God to bless the things you care about most? When you give God’s way He will ensure that you become the object of His blessing so others will take note of His ability to provide. God has no greater delight than showing off His glory in those who trust him with their finances.

Signature Course

2011-05-24T10:31:00.002-04:00

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

A few miles from my house they built a new golf course. Not just any golf course. A golf course design by Jack Nichlaus, one of the greatest golfers ever. It is not an easy course. It was design so that the even the best would have a hard time staying out of the water and avoid the sand. It is a signature course.

I, however, will have no trouble avoiding the sand and surf of Harbor Shores. I am committed to avoiding the course! You see, I have trouble negotiating the miniature windmill on course B at the local Putt-Putt with my pink golf ball. I have no interest in playing a course that Jack signed his name to.

God has a signature course designed specifically for you. It is different than the one he has designed for me. It is “set before us.” At times God sets a Putt-Putt course before you. At other times God pairs you up with Jack facing challenges you would rather avoid.

Like me, you may have no interested in playing a course God has designed with the hazards of job loss, health concerns, or difficult relationships. But no matter how hard the course God has set before you, keep moving forward. Stop wondering if you are on the right course. Stop asking for mulligans. Stop wishing God would set you on an easier course like the one he assigned to you neighbor. God uses the difficulty to strengthen your faith and prepare you for what’s ahead.

If you aren’t facing any challenges or trials on your course you may need to ask God if you are on the course he designed for you. Quit patting yourself on the back for your victories on the course that your 10-year-old makes hole-in-ones on. Join the rest of us who are negotiating the hard stuff. Take a risk. Try something challenging for God.

Remember Jesus had a course set before him too. It was infinitely harder than the one set before you. How did he finish his course? He kept his eyes on the joy that was set before him. We all have a different course but we all have the same motivation to finish; the joy of looking to Jesus standing at the final hole ready to receive you as one of His own.

Keep your eyes on the prize. Today are playing is His signature course.

Ghetto Heaven

2011-05-24T09:09:00.002-04:00

Revelation 21:3-4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

According to a survey in the L.A. times, for every American who believes he is going to hell, 120 believe they are going to Heaven. Everybody wants to go to heaven. Who wouldn’t want to escape the difficulty of this world and live in a place of perfection? But not everyone who wants to go to Heaven is going. Only those who chose to worship Jesus here will be allowed to worship him there.

To be sure, heaven is a place where God will wipe away every tear. No more pain. No more sorrow. No more cancer. No more heart disease. No more still births. No Alzheimers’s, No depression or anti-depressants. No loneliness. No fear of devastating tornados or earthquakes. No terrorists. No fat grams in Krispy Kremes. No polarizing politics. There certainly won’t be any politicians because there will be no liars in Heaven. There won’t even be any preachers in heaven because there won’t be any sin to preach against. We will all be worship leaders.

But why? When we think of heaven we tend to think of all the benefits to enjoy for ourselves in heaven. But in heaven you will not have a single thought of yourself. That’s what got Lucifer and one third of the angels kicked out of heaven! You see, in heaven every thought you have will be of God.

The removal of sin, pain, and heartache is for the purpose of freeing you to worship God without distraction. Heaven exists for the unhindered worship of God by his completely perfected creation. In Heaven God receives unhindered worship from us while we receive unhindered joy in Him.

Maybe you aren’t really that passionate about worshipping Jesus here on earth but think that God has a special “scratch and dent isle” in heaven for remedial, sub-par worshippers like you. You think, “I would be happy if Jesus would just let me live my life on earth without radical abandon to His Lordship then just let me live in ghetto heaven for eternity.”

You don’t get it! Heaven is not a place where God makes much of you. Heaven is a place where you will make much of God. If you haven’t found the joy of making much of him here on earth what makes you think you will enjoy heaven where unhindered worship will be our eternal job description. Why wait? Give yourself to the worship of Jesus in preparation for heaven.

Don’t be content with ghetto worship as a ghetto Christian in ghetto heaven.

Choosing Hell

2011-05-23T23:08:00.000-04:00

2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. God is not willing than any should perish.

How could a loving God send a person to hell? The answer lies in how seriously God takes sin. You cannot comprehend in your finite mind how infinitely offensive your sin is to an infinitely holy God.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to lead an all-day parenting seminar at a local church. I spent hours pouring out everything I had learned from God’s Word about how to motivate children to obey with a right attitude every time. The attendees listened eagerly as I shared proven techniques of imparting wisdom through patient instruction and extracting foolishness through loving correction. I shared personal examples of how my 3-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son had become so compliant and obedient in response to my tireless investment in their lives.

When the seminar was over, I walk out of the church to find my 2 precious angels having the most wonderful time in the parking lot throwing large rocks onto the hood of a beautiful new Buick owned by one of attendees.

The innocent smiles on their faces revealed they had no comprehension of how much damage they were doing. Apart from the cost to repair the paint they had scratched, they had just undone everything I was attempting to communicate about parenting. What they thought was a fun way to spend afternoon was actually invalidating my message and compromising my character as a father.

Like my children, we are clueless as to how offensive our sin is to God. By our hypocrisy we can invalidate the message those far from God need to hear and believe. What we consider playing around, God views as a compromise of his infinite holiness. And infinite holiness has an infinite price tag when violated.

So how do you suppose I should deal with my little Buick terrorists? I could demand justice from my children. “New paint job…$1000! Pay up! Now!” But they have no ability to pay. I could extend mercy, “At least you weren’t throwing hand grenades. I’ll delay payment. But you are going to work it off.” That would take too long. Or I could give grace. “You are broke, but loved. The damage you’ve caused will cost me but I will pay your debt out of my own resources.” They would be wise to receive the grace freely offered by a loving father.

Hell is reserved for those who reject God’s infinite grace to pay the infinite price for infinitely offensive sin.

A better question than the one we started with is, “Why would a person choose to pay the price for sin in Hell when grace is freely offered by a loving God?”

The Fourth Nail

2011-04-16T17:11:00.000-04:00

Colossians 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

How many nails were driven into the cross when Jesus was crucified? You probably answered, “Three...two through his hands and one through his feet.” But have you heard about the fourth nail? John 19:19 tells us, “Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

The fourth nail attached a sign to the cross to make it clear what legal demands had been violated requiring the criminal’s death. The sign was hung not to announce who was being crucified but rather to announce why he was being crucified. Pilate’s inscription falsely accused Jesus of challenging the authority of the king.

But Jesus, of course, was not guilty of any crime. He had no criminal record. But you and I did! By our sin we have failed to meet the legal demands of God’s law. Not only have we broken God’s law but sin within us actually makes us haters of God’s law. In our humanity we want to be the ultimate lawgivers. We don’t want anyone ruling us. We want to be king! That makes us guilty of challenging the King’s authority to rule us. The sign that should hang over my heads is, “Trent Griffith, the King of Himself.” That is the crime before God for which I should be crucified.

But when Jesus was nailed to the cross so was the record of your sin debt that stood against you with its legal demands. For those who have received Christ, we have assurance that our criminal record has been nailed to the cross. Every legal demand has been paid. Every crime has been pardoned. Our sin no longer stands against us. The debt has been canceled and God will never require more payment than the one Jesus paid.

What should you do when you are plagued with guilt over you sin? What should you do when you believe you have to do something to pay God back for the things you’ve done? What should you do when the devil accuses you of being unworthy of forgiveness? What should you do when you are tempted to dishonor God and willfully sin presuming on his grace that God will forgive you anyway?

Look at the cross. Remember the fourth nail. Jesus nailed your record of debt to the cross with him forever announcing to you and any accuser that you will never be treated as a guilty criminal. “This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Grab and Release

2011-04-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

Col 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Everything I ever needed to know about parenting I learned when I took the training wheels off Leah’s bike. At four years old she begged me to release her from the enslavement of those extra wheels that were slowing her down. I tried to convince her they needed to stay on for her protection but she persisted in demanding her freedom.

So one day I removed them and began the process of helping her gain her balance on two wheels. With one hand I grabbed the handle bar. With the other hand I grabbed under her seat while I ran beside her as she tried her best to multitask peddling, steering, and balancing. Occasionally, I would let go until she started to wobble. That’s when I knew it was time to grab. Finally, after multiple grabs and releases, I let go and she took off.

The secret to being a great dad is knowing when to grab and when to release. Dads who won’t grab discourage their children because they just are too busy grabbing other things. Their kids need the protection of a dad who is engaged in their lives. These dads have made the mistake of letting go way too soon. As a result, some kids end up in a ditch with some pretty nasty scars. Dad, if you won’t grab you can be sure there will be plenty of others standing in line waiting for the opportunity to grab hold of our kid’s hearts and steer them in a wrong direction.

Other dads won’t release. Overprotective dads provoke their children by controlling the choices of their kids. The older a child gets the less a dad can expect to control their behavior from the outside in. Many teenagers push back even harder against rigid rules. Dad, are you forcing compliance when you should be cheering from a healthy distance as a coach would from the sidelines watching his team execute the game plan they have practiced all week?

Wise fathers know it is the heart that controls behavior. You regulate behavior in your children by making continual investments in your child’s heart. You should ask your children to give you their heart as God’s Word shows us in Proverbs 23:26. “Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways.”

By the way, I forgot to teach Leah how to brake so if you happen to see a fatigued little girl circling your neighborhood, send her home, would you?

Grand Openings

2011-04-16T16:43:00.001-04:00

Colossians 4:3-5 Praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Imagine yourself standing in a long hallway with doors on either side. Some of the doors are closed and locked. Others are cracked. Others are wide open.

In a very real sense today you will walk down this hallway as you encounter people who need to know the mystery of Christ. For those of us who have received the message of the gospel the mystery of Christ is not mysterious. Colossians 1:26 tells us Jesus is “the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints.” As His saints it is our job to deliver the message of salvation by grace through faith to those who have yet to believe.

Some of our unbelieving friends are behind doors that are slammed shut and locked. Our job is not to kick down the doors with our persuasive arguments or winsome personality but to deliver the message to those who are open to hearing it. Only God can “open up to us a door for the word.” Our job is to pray that God would open the door by warming hearts, overcoming doubt, and creating a sense of need in our unbelieving friends.

But after we have prayed, “God, Open the doors!” God commands, “Open your mouth!” Our job is to make it clear to outsiders what God has done to purchase redemption and what he requires of those whom he will save. Some people are so concerned with getting the gospel out that they fail to get the gospel right. Others are so consumed with getting the gospel right that they fail to get the gospel out.

Ask God today to open a door for you to deliver the good news that salvation is available to all who will repent and believe. After you have prayed don’t be surprised to see a crack in a door that was previously shut. Don’t walk past it! Make the most of the opportunity that God has provided.

First get the gospel right. Then get the gospel out!

What has God been doing in your church lately?

2011-03-07T17:24:00.001-05:00

I spent 15 years in the ministry of revival and spiritual awakening in over 300 churches in North America. My longing was to see the tide of sin swept back by a movement of the spirit of God that turned the hearts of God's people back to holiness, surrender, and worship. My desire for revival in the local church has not diminished even though I now a pastor one,

The last two years I have spent myself planting the seeds of revival deep into one local church. Through the unapologetic preaching of God's Word and crying out to God to do something which can't be explained by marketing strategy or creative engineering, I have watched God bring spiritual awakening in the lives of individuals and families who previously were unimpressed with the massive weight of God's glory.

I feel totally inadequate to lead the organizational challenges of launching a new church. I rarely know what the next step should be in building the programming required to minister to the people that God is bringing to our church. But I delight in (and labor tenaciously at) simply opening God's Word, explaining its message, and calling people to surrender themselves to it without reservation.

I have spent 18 weeks walking our congregation verse-by-verse through the book of Colossians (which takes about 11 minutes to read). I still have about 5 weeks before I finish preaching through the book but I regularly hear people in my church tell me, "You are going to fast."

During those weeks I have seen God rescue people from the debt of their sin and publicly proclaim their new life in Christ. I have heard a 7 year-old tell me how God gave him a new love for His Word in the middle of a worship song sung with passion by our congregation. I have seen God turn the heart of a drug addict back to the lordship of Christ and to his 4 year-old daughter. I have met with a man who spent 17 years serving in a well-respected church who admitted he had never been challenged to believe the gospel. His heart is now exploding with faith and he is sharing it with everyone in his circle of influence. An engaged couple who began attending our church surrendered their relationship to Christ to ensure purity and begin their marriage on the solid foundation of God's plan. In the process they have been new life in Christ. I had the privilege of officiating their wedding two weeks ago.

God continues to weave people of all generations and backgrounds into one body unified around the urgency of worship and witness. And to humble surprise, the Lord has just graciously given us 10 acres of property and a facility positioned for unlimited growth for gospel-driven ministry.

God is doing so much I had to take a day just to step away from it all and say with the psalmist, "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" (Psalm 96:3)

The spiritual awakening that I am seeing in the lives of a few is just a tasted of what I want to feast on in the days ahead as God's glory penetrates the darkness in our community of Granger, Indiana (South Bend, Notre Dame). Could this be the beginning of a revival among God's people resulting in a spiritual awakening in a community saturated with the glory God!

Last year I had the opportunity to lead a Revival Conference at The Moody Church in downtown Chicago. Pastor Erwin Lutzer kindly recounted what God did in the 4 days we met together. As you listen, Join me in believing God for something bigger than we can imagine as He awakens a people longing for his glory.

A Message From Dr. Erwin Lutzer from Life Action Ministries on Vimeo.

Two Thoughts on the Rob Bell Brouhaha

2011-03-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

Two Thoughts on the Rob Bell Brouhaha

A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.

2011-02-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I will be speaking to over 100 pastors, ministry leaders and their wives at FamilyLife Weekend to Remember in Hershey, Pennsylvania. One of the quotes I will be sharing is from Charles Spurgeon, in the first of his Lectures to My Students. He charges pastors and ministry leaders to remember where the power come from in ministry.

EVERY workman knows the necessity of keeping his tools in a good state of repair, for "if the iron be blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put more strength to it." If the workman lose the edge from his [axe], he knows that there will be a greater stress upon his energies, or his work will be badly done.
Michael Angelo, the elect of the fine arts, understood so well the importance of his tools, that he always made his own brushes with his own hands, and in this he gives us an illustration of the God of grace, who with special care fashions for himself all true ministers.

We are, in a certain sense, our own tools, and therefore must keep ourselves in order. If I want to preach the gospel, I can only use my own voice; therefore I must train my vocal powers. I can only think with my own brains, and feel with my own heart, and therefore I must educate my intellectual and emotional faculties.

I can only weep and agonize for souls in my own renewed nature, therefore must I watchfully maintain the tenderness which was in Christ Jesus. It will be in vain for me to stock my library, or organize societies, or project schemes, if I neglect the culture of myself; for books, and agencies, and systems, are only remotely the instruments of my holy calling; my own spirit, soul, and body, are my nearest machinery for sacred service; my spiritual faculties, and my inner life, are my battle axe and weapons of war.

M'Cheyne, writing to a ministerial friend… “Remember you are God's sword, his instrument- I trust, a chosen vessel unto him to bear his name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfection of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.”

A Special Meeting with God

2011-02-16T09:54:00.005-05:00

Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 was a day of confession and celebration for Harvest Granger. Sunday morning we contemplated the fight we are in with indwelling sin. We walked though a list of 78 overflowing sins in order to put off that which God hates.

Then Sunday night we gathered again to celebrate the second anniversary of our church and worship for the first time in the new facility God has given us on Hickory road. We filled the place with our worship and God inhabited our praises!

After a fantastic time of lifting our voice and making music fitting for our Savior we read from Joshua 1:2, "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them." We broke into small groups to thank God for the 10 acres of land he has given to His people as a place where the gospel can go out into our community.

We then entered into a time of praying Psalm 32 back to the Lord. We confessed our sin to him and rejoiced in the truth that "Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity."

Then, one by one, people stood to confess sin and acknowledge their dependence on Christ....

A 10 year old boy confessed God had convicted him of greed.
A man confessed God had convicted him he needed to write a letter to his former spouse seeking forgiveness for his part in their divorce.
A man confessed after spending 17 years in another church and serving as a deacon for 7 years his life had been dramatically altered after attending Harvest for 6 months. He admitted he had been in the "shallow end of the pool" for too long. For the first time he has found assurance of salvation in response to the gospel. As a result of attending our Foundations class he has learned to follow Christ. In the last two months he has shared the gospel with two friends who need Christ.
A young man also shared how his family's prayer had brought him to Christ. After ten years of addiction to drugs, losing his wife and daughter, and spending time in jail, God had changed his life. He has been clean for 6 months and is seeking to obey the Lord.

After two hours we all sensed that we had been in the presence of God. We are grateful for a place to meet but the new facility is of no value unless it is a place where we meet God and lives are changed by His power.

"Lord, may what I saw at 'Harvest on Hickory' Sunday night be the first fruits of lives that are changed all for your glory!"

Harvest Granger Adopts Cornerstone Community Church

2011-01-24T20:05:00.001-05:00

It is my joy to let you know that God has given Harvest Bible Chapel a gracious gift and an exciting opportunity. Cornerstone Community Church has approved a proposal to be adopted by our church.

This is an act of incredible humility and vision for the leadership of Cornerstone. They sense God’s leading to embrace the mission, values, pillars and direction of Harvest Granger and offer their resources as gifts to continue to build God’s church under our current church leadership.

This is also humbling for those of us at Harvest Granger who have prayed that God would supply two things: people who love God and His church and a facility for worship and ministry. With the adoption of Cornerstone God has supplied both! God has faithfully provided every need in his timing from our church’s inception two years ago. We stand in awe of His grace to us and must never take for granted his provision.

The process of integrating two churches into one will require much wisdom over the coming weeks. Please know YOU ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS! Here are some things you will want you to know.

Those who made up the congregation of Cornerstone will begin plugging into Harvest just as you did when you began coming to Harvest. They will hold their final worship service this Sunday then begin worshipping with Harvest on Feb. 6. They will be looking to us to welcome them with love and acceptance.

The former Cornerstone facility on Hickory Road will soon become the central location for offices and ministries of Harvest Bible Chapel. Our Sunday morning services will continue to be held at Northpoint Elementary School until we properly assess how best to do worship and children’s ministry in our new facility on Hickory Road. Stay tuned…

This Sunday, Jan. 30, at 3:00 the leadership of Harvest will be hosting a meeting at the Hickory Road location to give you more details regarding the work that needs to be done through this transition. I invite you to attend and find out how God can use your gifts to help.

As we approach our 2nd anniversary as a church, we stand on the brink of a wonderful season of growth. This is not a time to get comfortable. Don’t sit on the sidelines as God grows His church. Take advantage of every opportunity to worship, walk, and work for Christ in a church that is receiving the blessing of God. If Harvest is your church home, then make sure you do your part to make it a place that is properly supplied. Let’s make Harvest a place of hospitality where we can introduce others to Christ as the object of our worship.

Why I Don't Believe in Santa Claus

2010-12-04T10:34:00.003-05:00

I don’t believe in Santa Claus. I wish he did exist. It sure would help my budget in December. But every parent knows that if there are going to presents for the kids to rip into on Christmas morning, mom and dad are going to have to shell out some serious cash at Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, or Amazon.com. Explorers have reported the retail options at the North Pole are quite limited and elves are nowhere to be found.

When I say I don’t believe in Santa I’m not just saying I deny his existence. I mean he doesn’t inspire me to believe in him. I’m not inclined to follow him. I’ve got no love for Santa.

Why? I just can’t get over what I learned about the mythical Santa in the classic Christmas song, Santa Clause is Comin’ to Town. The song was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, and was first sung on Eddie Cantor's radio show in November 1934. It became an instant hit with orders for 100,000 copies of sheet music the next day and more than 400,000 copies sold by Christmas. It has been recorded by hundreds of artists including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Aerosmyth, Lynard Skynard, George Strait, Lonestar, Miley Cirus, and maybe most famously by the young Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5.

In the song we learn if you want gifts from Santa….
You better watch out.
You better not cry.
Better not pout.
I'm telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.
He's making a list,
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
He sees you when you're sleeping.
He knows when you're awake,
He knows if you've been bad or good.
So be good for goodness sake!

Apparently Santa’s got no love for you if you’re crying, pouting, naughty, or bad. Santa love is reserved for those who made the nice list and he’s so afraid that one of the naughty kids might get something good from him that he’s checking that list twice! Do I really have to look over my shoulder every second I’m awake and even be paranoid while I’m sleeping that my performance is being evaluated and my Christmas presents are in danger of being given to the nicer, smarter, prettier, more athletic kids?

Santa love is performance based. You see, even if Santa did exist, Santa love would only result in my shame or pride: shame over my poor performance when I’ve been naughty, pride when I’ve been nice. If I underperform I live with a sense of guilt. If I overperform I live with a sense of entitlement. Where’s the compassion, mercy, and grace for the kids whose performance has been less than stellar? Maybe the best thing I can say for Santa is that he is fair. Fair? Yes. Good? No. Sorry, Santa, your love doesn’t inspire me to get excited when you come to town.

Unfortunately, most people don't believe in Jesus for the same reason I don't believe in Santa. In fact in their minds Jesus is just another mythical Christmas fixture like Santa. They can't bring themselves to believe that he has compassion for the bad kids. They think they have to be good for goodness sake in order to get him to deliver the goods. They know they have been naughty so they aren't real excited about him coming to town.

What they need to know is that Jesus' love and Santa's love couldn't be more different. Santa has love for those who are good. Jesus has love for those who are bad. Santa comes to town motivated by our goodness. Jesus comes to town motivated by His goodness.

I believe in Jesus because he has love for the crying, pouting, naughty, and bad. When Jesus comes to town he has gifts of grace for those who are on the wrong side the list. In fact, the only thing preventing me from receiving his good gifts is the belief that I can be good for goodness sake. I can’t. Because I’m pouting I need His joy. Because I’m naughty I need him to make me nice. Because I’m bad I need his goodness.

1John 4:9-10 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

That is a love that inspires me to believe and it’s changing my performance too.

A Beautiful Bride

2010-11-08T14:20:00.002-05:00

I have a very close friend with whom I enjoy an uncommon loyalty. I love spending time with him because every time I do he encourages me. I regularly tell him how much I appreciate his character and admire his wisdom. I want to be like him is so many ways.

But I recently told him, “I can’t stand being around your wife! I don’t know why you love her. She is ugly, selfish, lazy, even unfaithful at times. I love you, but I refuse to meet with you if she is in the room. Can’t we get together without having her around?”

In reality, I would NEVER say such things about my friend’s wife. But today there are many who have this kind of attitude toward Christ and His bride—the Church. Today It has become cool to bash the church. Spirituality is hot; church is not. Community is cool; but church is lame. Some might lead you to believe that the church is actually detrimental to a growing relationship with Christ. To hear some tell it, you must leave the church in order to be the church. Do you claim to love Christ but are really disgusted with His church?

It is no secret that the church that Jesus died to redeem has its imperfections. There is no such thing as a perfect church. Someone has rightly said, “If you find a perfect church, don’t join it. You will mess it up.”

But you cannot claim to love Christ while refusing to love his bride, the church. To love Jesus is to love his bride. To accept Jesus is to accept the church. You cannot receive Jesus and reject his church. He loves it and if you love Him you will love what he loves. You cannot practice a churchless Christianity.

If you have become disgruntled, suspicious, wounded, or disconnected with the church you should reengage. Walking with Christ demands walking together with others who walk with Him. You need the friendship, encouragement, and accountability of a community of believers. And other believers need you.

Don’t let a bad experience in your past keep you from seeing the beauty of the bride of Christ. Find a local church where the Bible is preached and fellowship is a priority for God’s people then commit yourself them. If you are connected to a local church demonstrate uncommon loyalty to Jesus by loving his bride.

Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;
Rev 19:8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Proud to be a Harvest Bible Chapel Senior Pastor

2010-04-28T18:12:00.007-04:00

Do You Know God?

2010-03-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

Rom 11:33-34 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"

Do you know God? I don’t mean knowing God like you know your phone number or the recipe for grandma’s double-layer chocolate fudge cake. Nobody gets very excited about recipe but everyone wants to taste the cake.

You probably have been told some facts about God. You know he is Creator and that he sent His son, Jesus, to die on a cross for sin. Those truths are not to be diminished. In fact, believing them is essential to salvation. But do you have more than head knowledge about God? I mean, “Have you tasted how good he is?”

I have a wife whom I have known for over 15 years. I also know the guy who changes the oil in my car. But I know my wife in a way that I do not know Mr. Goodwrench. What’s the difference? When I think of what I know about my wife I feel something in my heart. Not a syrupy emotionalism. But a motivation to be with her, share life with her, and even learn more about her. I’m always wondering what she is thinking and often ask to find out.

The knowledge of God is inexhaustible. When you initially come to know God through Christ, you begin a quest for more of the knowledge of God that goes beyond the facts and acts of God. But when we stop seeking knowledge we stop growing in our faith. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you.” God knows our first step toward destruction is failing to seek knowledge of him.

God longs to reveal more of Himself to you. Psalm 103:7 says, “He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.” Don’t you want to be like Moses? Don’t just be content to know his “acts.” Seek to know his “ways.” You can know God on an experiential level. As you take your life and all its heartaches and joys to God you will begin to see how God works and why he is doing what he is doing.

Don’t be content knowing recipes about God. He wants you to know the taste of how good He is.

I'm Thirsty

2010-03-28T14:57:00.001-04:00

Jeremiah 2:13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Like a vast desert, your heart is thirsty. Yet it’s dryness is only slightly moistened by the trickle of a thousand worldly streams. Just like physical thirst in your body motivates you to seek out water, your heart has a spiritual thirst that motivates you to pursue ultimate satisfaction. Whatever you seek when you sense your thirst indicates what you believe will ultimately satisfy.

Both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament God uses the analogy of living water to show that He alone can quench thirst. In John 4:14, Jesus told a very thirsty woman, “whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Sadly, most people gulp gallon after gallon out of the world’s sewer pursuing money, power, and mindless entertainment never realizing that Jesus holds out living water as the only thing that can quench the thirst of their soul.

My 2 year-old daughter came to me one day holding up her empty sippy cup. She had just downed about 6 ounces of grape juice in a matter of minutes. As she held it up to me, she said, “I’m thirsty.” Suspiciously, I began to fill it with water but then she said, “Daddy...I want juice.” I said, “This time you only get water.” She frowned, and then said, “Never mind, I’m not thirsty.”

As I thought about what had changed, I realized that she was really not dehydrated. The juice had quenched her thirst. So why did she want more? She wanted to taste the sweetness of the juice again.

When you first come to Jesus you come with a thirst that is the result of complete spiritual dehydration. But after He quenches your initial thirst, you will continue to come to Him because you want to taste the sweetness of his satisfying grace and love. Don’t waste your time drinking out of the sewer. Hold your cup out to Jesus and tell him, “I’m thirsty!” He will quench your thirst with the sweetness of His living water.

Just Jesus

2010-03-28T14:51:00.003-04:00

Beginning Easter Sunday, I will be preaching a new series of messages called "Just Jesus." We will ask Jesus the question, "Who are you?" then listens as He answers seven times, "I am..."

What is Revival?

2010-03-27T08:31:00.000-04:00

What is personal revival? A sovereign work of God to awaken his people to a fresh intensity to the truth and glory of God, the ugliness of sin, the horror of hell, the preciousness of Christ’s atoning work, the wonder of salvation by grace through faith, the urgency of holiness and witness, and the sweetness of worship with God’s people.

D.L. Moody's final call for revival

2010-03-18T16:43:00.001-04:00

I found a letter that D.L. Moody sent out to his constituents calling them to a revival gathering at the Northfield Campus, August 1st to 20th, 1899. The letter is dated June 1, 1899. It would be Moody’s last call of his people to revival. He died in December of that year.

“The seventeenth General Conference of Christian Workers will be held at Northfield, August 1st to 20th, and all of God’s people who are interested in the study of His Word, in the development of their own Christian lives, in a revival of the spiritual life of the Church, in the conversion of sinners, and in the evangelization of the world, are cordially invited to be present.

I am glad to send out this invitation to my fellow-workers because I believe that such a gathering was never more needed than this year. Many thoughtful men have come to feel strongly that the hope of the Church to-day is in a deep and wide-spread revival. The enemy has come in like a flood—it is time for those who believe in a supernatural religion to look to God to lift up a standard against him. Oh, for a revival of such power that the tide of unbelief and worldliness that is sweeping in upon us shall be beaten back; that every Christian shall be lifted to a higher level of life and power, and multitudes of perishing souls be converted to God! Why not? God’s arm is not shortened, nor His ear heavy. I believe the sound of the going in the tops of the mulberry trees may already be heard.

The history of revivals proves that such a work must begin at the house of God. Who can doubt that if somehow the Church could be thoroughly aroused—not a mere scratching of the surface of our emotions, but a deep heart-work that shall makes us right with God and clothe us with power in prayer and service—the last months of this century would witness the mightiest movements of the Holy Spirit since Pentecost? The whole aim of this conference is to help bring this about.

Why need any pastor or church fail to share in the blessing? How sad the experience of that worker who sees others greatly used in such a movement and himself passed by—other fields rejoicing with the joy of harvest while his still lies barren and unfruitful! Its need not be so. Let us break up our fallow ground, seek a fresh anointing of the Spirit, and then move forward, expecting great things of God…May I not ask Christian people to begin now to pray for a special outpouring of the Spirit upon every meeting of the Conference?”

In, not of

2010-03-18T14:27:00.004-04:00

John 17:16-18 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

“Come quick, Dad! You have to change the radio station. Their singing about dancing naked!” That was the exclamation of my six-year old daughter who recognized our home was being invaded by an influence that was not consistent with the values we hold as family.

The Bible has a very specific name for that influence—“the world.” What is “the world”? It is a prevailing system of beliefs that stands in opposition to the authority and of God and His word, which reduces life to the reason and impulses of the human mind yet fueled by demonic spiritual forces. Jesus used the word 18 times in his prayer for his followers recorded in John 17. He knew the influence of the world would tempt us to stray into unbelief and disobedience. Knowing this, Jesus prayed for our protection before he departed physically from the earth.

Christians are those who have been called out of the world to live a life distinct from the world. Our values, attitudes, and lifestyle should stand in contrast to the world. We are continually being sanctified (or set apart) from a world that doesn’t understand why we live to please a God we cannot see with our eyes. As we are sanctified by his world we should expect the world to hate us just like it hated Him.

But sanctification is not so much about getting out of the world as much as God getting the world out of us. Jesus specifically says “I do not ask that you take them out of the world.” (John 17:15) In fact, he prays, “I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18) Why? Those whom Jesus has called out of the world are sent back in for the purpose of calling more out…to be sent back in. There is a cyclical balance to living as a “called out”, “sent in” follower of Jesus.

We are not to be of the world but we are to be in the world. We are to separate, but also penetrate. We to should spend time alone with God but also spend time conversing with godless people about God.

Why does God leave us in the world? He has sent us in to a world to show them that knowing Jesus is more fulfilling and brings more joy than anything the world has to offer…even dancing naked.

• Does the world hate you? If not, why not?
• In what practical ways do you need to separate yourself form the world?
• In what practical ways do you need to embrace the call to be sent in to the world?

Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of Harvest Bible Chapel Granger

2010-03-17T15:23:00.000-04:00

Harvest Granger 1 Year from Micah Klutinoty on Vimeo.

Out

2010-02-06T09:47:00.001-05:00

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Andrea is out of surgery and doing well. Cancer is out of Andrea and doing nothing. Jesus is lifed high and doing much in answer to prayer.

You're Here

2010-02-04T20:21:00.002-05:00

The week before Christmas Andrea and Brooke sang together at church. The truth that Mary realized in the presense of Jesus as he was laying in a manager is just as true today when we are laying in the Hospital.

Dance?

2010-02-04T19:08:00.002-05:00

As we have tried to prepare the children for what Andrea will and will not be able to do after surgery our youngest, Leah just had one question: "Will she still be able to dance?"

Out of the Game

2010-02-04T13:50:00.002-05:00

We are about 24 hours from Andrea's surgery. Andrea is wiped out because of the nasty pre-surgery concoction she had to drink in preparation. But, as I listen from another room, that doesn't prevent her from instructing Zac about God's love as she rests on the couch.

Andrea's sister, Robin, and neice, Hanah, are driving up right now from Alabama to keep our Brooke, Zac, Alli, and Leah while we are in the hospital. Andrea will probably stay in the hospital through the weekend.

On Monday, the baton will be handed to our close freinds, Mark and Amy Bearden and their kids to help us care for Andrea and keep the kids occupied. The Bearden's love us so much they are driving from Texas at their own expense to help us. The great thing about having the Bearden's here is that they have four kids too, so everyone has a freind. Our kids are so excited to see their friends who they've known all their lives. I'm praying the Beardens will leave next week with more money than they spent to come minister to us.

Today, we are scrambling to get everyone in the right place before life changes for a while. Homeschool, eye doctor appointment, band practice, gymnastics, laundry. Thanks to everyone who is pitching. When the most awesome wife, mom, school teacher, cook, worship leader, conference speaker, counselor is out of the game the team suffers no matter how great the second string is.

Update on Andrea

2010-02-01T21:14:00.002-05:00

If you have not yet heard the news, I announced at church on Sunday that Andrea has been diagnosed with cancer. I realize that generates a million questions related to the type and severity. It’s hard to know how much to communicate. We really believe this is just a bump in the road but it’s hard to downplay any type of cancer.

We have been reassured by our Oncologist that Andrea’s cancer has a “high cure rate.” If percentages mean anything, Andrea will be cancer-free after her surgery on Friday. The surgery itself will require several weeks of recovery which may be the biggest challenge.

But it would be foolish to place our security even in the highest of percentages. We gave our lives to the Lord many years ago. Whatever he wants to do with them is his business. That’s not to say we haven’t dealt with fear and doubt. We have. But we are confident that “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who take refuge in Him.” Nahum 1:7

We are so grateful for all the prayer support and offers of help. We have heard from literally hundreds of people all over the country praying for us. Natalee and Paulette are coordinating a relief effort on par with the aid going to Haiti! If you have further questions about our situation you can email natalee@harvestgragner.org.

And, by the way, if you still haven’t gotten my point over the last three weeks of sermons as to why you really ought to have a church home…don’t wait until you hear a doctor tell you that you have cancer and wonder “Who is going to take care of me?” Don’t be a “rolling stone” Christian! We are “living stones being built up as a spiritual house”. (1Peter 2:5) Get connected to other stones! Let’s let God stick us together as he builds his “spiritual house.”

Thank's for messing up my life!

2009-10-09T16:51:00.002-04:00

Today I found a letter that I saved in an old file from someone who sat under myministry years ago. Here's what it says...

"Thank you for messing up my life! I mean it's messed up that I'm getting up an hour earlier every morning to pray and read God's Word. Today, I even ran out fo time, so I'll probably have to start extending this to 2 hours. That's messed up!

It's messed up that I've found that disciplining our children causes them to crawl up in my lap a half an hour later to tell me they love me. That's messed up!

I also want to say we've already cancelled our satellite subscription...and I love ESPN. Now that's messed up!

I've also been struggling with giving in obedience to God. I came close to giving away my 1966 Mustang to the point where I talked with many people one day about it. The crazy thing was they all encouraged me to do it. That's messed up!

Finally, you have messed up my life when it comes to relationships with other. I love people now. That's messed up!"

Of I don't have the power to "mess up" anyone's life. But the application of God's word does! It's not about he messenger but he message. What a beautiful mess God makes when we obey His message in the most practical areas of our lives.

Don't be surprized if God starts to mess up your life too if you receive God's message.

Don't Fix It

2009-10-05T13:47:00.002-04:00

For the first decade of my marriage Andrea and I would continually have conflict anytime she would begin to express her frustrations, pressures, or problems. My response to her was to deal with her problem like I would deal with one of my problems--FIX IT! I would treat it as a home repair project. I would lay it out on my mental workbench, pull out all my available intellectually tools, and offer what I considered helpful step-by-step solutions to her problems.

But while I was communicating my insight she would start shaking her head. She would say, "I don't want you to FIX IT." I just want you to UNDERSTAND IT." I couldn't believe why listening, empathizing, understanding my wife's pressures communicated more love than removing her pressures.

Finally it began to click for me when I read For Men Only by Jeff and Shaunti Feldhaun. I know I would have to retrain my brain to respond differently to my wife so I posted the following adaptation from their book above my desk for a year...I must resist the temptation to want to fix it. When there is a problem she needs to express it. (I need to think about it). What she is feeling about the problem is more important than the problem itself. What she is feeling IS the real problem. Therefore, listening to her feelings actually fixes the problem. Instead of filtering out her emotions to focus on the problem, I must learn to filter out the problem to focus on her feelings. Only after she feels like I have understood her feelings is she ready to solve the problem.

This confirms what Peter said in 1Peter 3:7. "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way."

That was a turning point in our marriage. Pressure and problems still arise and we usually find a solution. But the connecting with my wife emotionally before I try to fix it has eliminated many potential blow ups. Now I attempt to understand before I attempt to fix.

Holding Hands

2009-10-01T08:41:00.001-04:00

Rev 2:4-5 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

God demands a love from us that is exclusive.

While in college a friend of mine went to a movie theater by himself to blow off some steam. As the movie rolled, a drama played out in the row of seats in front of him by three teenagers that was even more intriguing than the one on the screen. The seats were occupied by three teenagers. A guy sat beside a girl to his right and another girl to her right. The guy was holding hands with the girl to his right but with his left hand stretched across his body. Half way through the movie he extended his right arm behind her seat. Then the second girl reached her left arm behind the first girl’s seat until eventually she was holding his hand too. This creeping guy was holding hands with two girls at the same time while the first had no idea what was going on behind her back.

As much as you would want to wring this guy’s neck for cheating on his girlfriend you might want to ask yourself if you have ever done the same thing in your love relationship with Jesus. Upfront where everyone can see you go to church, wear your Christian t-shirts, and use the approved language all for Jesus. But behind his back” (you think) you give your affection to competing loves. Your heart is embracing things or activities that are contrary to his will. You are as guilty as the guy holding hands with two girls at the same time.

The only remedy for leaving your first love with Jesus is to remember how sweet your love for Jesus was in the early days of your relationship with Him. It requires repenting of giving your heart to competing love and returning to the works we did out of the overflow of our love for him.

Stop holding hands with the world and give Jesus your exclusive love.

Make a list of things you are giving your affection to that is competing with your love for Jesus.
Take time to remember something you did in the early days of your walk with God and then make a point to do one of them this week.

Happy Birthday Harvest!

2009-02-13T13:17:00.003-05:00

February 8, 2009 was a historic day - The birthday of Harvest Bible Chapel Granger. On this day, 250 people came together at Northpointe Elementary School to worship at our first service.If God gives us His favor, we will often look back to this day in the years to come to celebrate the birthday of a healthy, growing, maturing church. Those of us on the launch team have given countless hours, thousands of dollars, and shed many tears in preparation for this day. Our motivation is not to promote ourselves, our opinions, or our creative ability. We live with a very sobering sense that we have been sent to communicate a timeless message in a timely fashion preserved forever in God’s Word.We will not measure our success by attendance, dollars, or meeting felt needs. We believe the world has seen enough of the church’s human efforts to impress them or convince them that Jesus is still relevant or cool.Our measure of success will be obedience to God resulting in the transformation of self-focused lives to Christ-centered lives. We simply want to be a church God can trust with his glory. When the world sees God’s glory in the church some will be drawn to it, others will be repelled, but let it be known that God’s glory is the one thing the church cannot live without.

Trent Griffith: Join us at Harvest Bible Chapel Granger

2009-01-27T11:46:00.000-05:00

Trent Griffith: Join us at Harvest Bible Chapel Granger

Join us at Harvest Bible Chapel Granger

2009-01-26T13:26:00.001-05:00

So, what kind of church is Harvest Bible Chapel?

2009-01-25T16:21:00.006-05:00

The landscape of American churches is diverse. Today, it seems many churches are going through an identity crisis. Many traditional churches are trying to become more contemporary while many of the most cutting edge, innovative churches are discovering cool methodology is not resulting in quality discipleship.Church labels abound. "Purpose driven...Emergent...Missional...Seeker-Sensitive."

So, what kind of church is Harvest? We like to say, "First Vertical, Then Missional." We recognize that God is the Seeker and what he is seeking is true worshippers--those whose heart and mind are sensitive to Him and His truth. (John 4:24)

But we also embrace the mission Jesus has given us in John 17:17-18. "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. As a church, we are called by God to separate from the world while simultaneously being sent by God to penetrate the world with the good news of Jesus.

How can we do both? Here is a summary of our dual responsibility.

Separate!...Penetrate!
Called out of the World...Sent in to the World
Value Discipleship...Value Evangelism
Embrace Fellowship...Embrace Missions
Sanctified...Surrounded
Visible Demonstration...Verbal Declaration
Live Authenticity...Speak Authoritatively
Be Biblically Faithful to the Text...Be Culturally Fruitful in the Context
Listen to Word of God...Speak the Language of the People
Love God...Love your neighbor
Spend Time alone with God...Spend Time Together With Godless People
Danger of Separating: Seclusion...Danger of Penetrating: Syncretism
Not Isolation...But Insulation
Not Of the world...But In the world
Not A Friend of the world (James 4:4)...But A Friend of sinners (Luke 7:34)
Not Seclusion or Syncretism...But Subversion

May Harvest Bible Chapel be a church that is distinguished from the world by the prensence of God and impacting the world around us with His life changing truth.

http://www.harvestgranger.org/

Generosity Feeds the Church Underground

2008-10-29T09:33:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday night was a great meeting for the Launch Team of Harvest Bible Chapel. The food was good but the fellowship was so much better. We were joined by new friends who, I trust, found out why we are so excited about what God is doing with Harvest. We now have about 80 people committed to our vision of Harvest Bible Chapel Granger!

Please keep in mind two very important items.

1. Weekly Meetings. Beginning this week, we will be meeting every Saturday night. We will continue to meet at North Pointe Bible Church on SR 23 in Granger at 6:30pm. Invite your friends to come worship with us and learn more about what we are all about.

2. Generosity feeds the church underground. Our regular offerings are necessary to meet expenses as we continue to build infrastructure for the church. Soon we will be incurring rent for facilities and office space.

This week, I introduced the opportunity to give toward our Launch Fund. In order to acquire equipment and purchase advertising we will need approximately $75,000 before our launch in January. I asked us all to take home the commitment card and bring it back this week indicating our level of involvement for October, November, and December.

Please be in prayer about our need and what part God wants you to play. I was encouraged to receive the first gift of $2,500 within 24 hours of sharing the need!

Remember the Church Underground principle we found in 2 Corinthians 9:6. "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

Looking forward to a bountiful harvest.

A Parent's Proper Perspective Pardons Poor Performance

2008-10-19T14:57:00.007-04:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Since I have been away at college I have been remiss in writing and I am sorry thoughtlessness in not having written before. I will bring you up to date but before I do please sit down. Are you sitting down? It is very important that you sit down before you continue reading this letter.

I am getting along pretty well now that the skull fracture and concussion have healed. I got them when I jumped out of my dormitory window when my dormitory caught on fire shortly after my arrival. I only get those sick headaches a couple of times a day. Fortunately, the fire in my dorm and my jump was witnessed by an attendant at a gas station. He ran over, took me to the hospital, and continued to visit me there.

When I got out of the hospital, I had no place to live because of the burnt out condition of my room. So he was kind enough to let me share his basement bedroom apartment with him. It's sort of small but very cute. He's a very fine young man and we have fallen deeply in love. We are planning to get married. We haven't set the exact date yet but it will be before my pregnancy begins to show.

Yes, mom and dad, I'm pregnant. I know how much you are looking forward to being grandparents and I know you will welcome the baby and give it the same tender love and care that you gave me when I was a child. The reason for the delay is that my boyfriend has an infection that I carelessly caught from him. I know, however, that you will welcome him into our family with open arms. He is kind and thought not well educated, he is ambitious. Although he is of a different race and religion than ours I know that your often expressed tolerance will not allow you to be bothered by that.

In conclusion, now that I have brought you up to date, I want to tell you that there was no dorm fire. I did not have a concussion or skull fracture. I was not in the hospital. I am not pregnant. I do not have infection. There is no boyfriend in my life. However, I have failed history and science. I wanted you to see these facts in proper perspective. Proper perspective changes everything.

--I heard this story from C.J. Mahaney at the 2008 Straight Up Conference at Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin, IL.

Why Don’t You Grow Up?

2008-10-19T13:05:00.001-04:00

One of these days you'll shout, "Why don't you kids grow up and act your age?" And they will.

Or you'll say, "Kids get outside and find something to do, and don't slam the door!" And they won't.

You'll straighten the boy's bedroom neat and tidy -- bumper stickers discarded, bedspread tucked and smooth, toys displayed on the shelves, hangers in the closet with clothes attached, animals caged -- and you'll say out loud, "Now I want it to stay just like this!" And it will.

You'll prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn't been picked to death and cake with no finger traces in the icing, and you'll say, "Now there's a meal fit for company!" And you will eat alone.

You'll say, "I want complete privacy while I'm on the phone. No dancing. No pantomime. No demolition crews. Silence. Do you hear me?" And you will have it.

No more plastic place mats stained with spaghetti. No more spreads to protect sofas from damp bottoms and dusty shoes. No more gates to stumble over in the doorway of the baby's room. No more Hot Wheels or baby dolls under the couch. No more playpens to arrange a room around.

No more anxious nights under vaporizer tents. No more cracker crumbs on the sheets. No more wall-to-wall water in the bathroom. No more iron-on patches. No wet, knotted shoelaces, pants with knees out, or rubber bands for pony tails.

Imagine a lipstick with a point on it, not having to get a baby-sitter for New Year's Eve, washing clothes only once a week, seeing a steak that isn't ground, shopping with only groceries in the basket.. No more P.T.A. meetings. No more car pools. No blaring radios, or Blue Clues three times a day. No more washing hair at 9 o'clock at night. And no more wondering, "Where is the family car?" Imagine having your own roll of scotch tape!

Think about it. No more Christmas presents made out of construction paper and Elmer's glue. No more sloppy oatmeal kisses. No more tooth fairy. No more giggles in the dark. No scraped knees to bandage. No responsibility! Only a voice crying, "Why don't you grow up!" And the silence echoing, "I did!"

--Annonymous

You're Spouse is Not Your Enemy

2008-10-18T11:42:00.003-04:00

Satan concentrates his greatest attacks on those committed to pursuing oneness in their marriage. Satan's attacks on marriage can be seen from opening pages of history.
In Genesis 3, we find the first passive husband.
In Genesis 3, the first indededent wife.
In Genesis 4, polygamy and multiple marriages.
In Genesis 9, pornography.
In Genesis 16, adultery.
In Genesis 19, homosexuality.
In Genesis 34, uncontrolled lust and unequal marriages.
In Genesis 38, incest & prostitution.
In Genesis 39, the original desperate housewife.
Satan's battle plan to destroy your marriage hasn't changed. The next time you sense an attack on your marriage remember, your spouse is not your enemy!

2008-09-29T21:41:00.002-04:00

At this phase of our church plant, I want to call us to become a CHURCH UNDERGROUND. One day we hope to have an incredibly fruitful church in our community. If this happens, our church will become somewhat visible. But right now we must chose to embrace invisibility. By this I mean we must choose the way of humility and brokenness.

We must recognize that we do not have the resources, abilities, or knowledge to build the church God wants. All we have is Him. But do we act like it? Do we think that that if we just had the money, the staff, the programs, the music, or the preaching we will have the church God desires?
What we need is a heart of desperation that embraces the position of lowliness and humility and surrenders all desires for prominence, position, and power. Before we will see God produce the fruit of the Harvest we must allow him to plant us deeply underground.

From John 12:20-26 we learned that GOING UNDERGROUND means…

• Glorifying Jesus
• Becoming Invisible – Let them see Jesus!
• Getting Dirty
• Choosing Death
• Gaining Security
• Multiplying Fruit
In short, HUMILITY is a key nutrient that will nourish the seed resulting in anticipated fruit.
Will you meditate on these two scriptures as we go deeper in becoming the CHURCH UNDERGROUND…

Isa 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isa 66:1-2 Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Watch Harvest Bible Chapel Plant and Grow Healthy Churches

2008-07-27T20:42:00.000-04:00

Why Harvest Bible Chapel Plants Churches

2008-07-27T20:37:00.000-04:00

God's New Assignment for the Griffiths

2008-06-15T21:28:00.002-04:00

This month Andrea and I will complete our 15th year in Life Action Ministries. During this time, we have traveled countless miles to minister in over 250 local church revival oriented events that have impacted thousands of lives. We are grateful for the friends we have made along the way and want to share some exciting news with you.

This summer I will be transitioning from Life Action to become the lead pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel of Granger, Indiana. This is a church that does not yet exist. A core group of people have been meeting, praying, and planning for over a year for this church to become a reality. We will be planting this brand new church this fall with the help of Harvest Bible Chapel of Chicago. This will be the 25th church that Harvest has planted in the last seven years. You may be familiar with Harvest’s pastor, James MacDonald who is heard on the daily radio program, Walk in the Word.

Granger, Indiana is just 25 minutes from our home in Buchanan, Michigan and just 15 minutes from Life Action National Ministry Center. We will continue a close relationship with Life Action and our Life Action friends. Our Life Action Thirst conference team will continue in good hands. Many of us in Life Action have longed for a new church in our community that is committed to the unapologetic proclamation of God’s Truth to reach a community that desperately needs to hear it.

Though we may eventually move closer to Granger, we will not have to relocate immediately (except from our trailer into our home without wheels). Obviously, our family will be making major adjustments related to school and domestic life. From Aug. 24 through Oct. 12 our family will live in Chicago while I attending a residency program at harvest. We certainly would appreciate your prayers!

You will want to update our contact information…

Trent & Andrea Griffith
2294 E. Clear Lake Road
Buchanan, Michigan 49107

Trent’s email: trent@harvestgranger.org
Andrea’s email: andrea@harvestgranger.org

We would love to hear from you to know your thoughts!

CIA Purpose Statement

2008-05-18T14:42:00.003-04:00

See if you can find parallels between the purpose statement of the Central Intelligence Agency and the responsiblities of man as leaders of their families.

We will provide knowledge and take action to ensure the national security of the United States.
In pursuit of our country's interests, we put Nation before Agency, Agency before unit, and all before self. What we do matters.
Our mission requires complete personal integrity and personal courage.
We accomplish things others cannot, often at great risk. When the stakes are highest and the dangers greatest, we are there and there first.

The Case for Marriage

2008-05-18T14:36:00.001-04:00

Married people…

Live longer
Physically healthier
Fewer signs of mental illness
Make more money
Build more wealth
Have better sex, more often than those who are single or divorced.
Divorced men are twice as likely as married men to die from heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and cancer.
David Larson, President of the National Institute for Healthcare Research says, “The impact of divorce on your health is like starting to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day.”
The chance of a middle aged married man making it to his 65th birthday is 9 out of 10.
But the chances of a middle aged single or divorced man making it to his 65th birthday are only 6 in 10.

Rules of Engagement

2008-04-01T17:04:00.005-04:00

Conflict in marriage can be ugly. Unless couples learn to resolve conflict through godly confrontation and forgiveness, marriage will desolve into something that may look more like the World of Warcraft.

I recently discovered what the Marine Corps Close Combat Manual (MCRP 3-02B) calls the “Continuum of Force.” It outlines rules of engagement. See if you find any paralles in your marriage.

Level 1: When the Enemy is Cooperative. The enemy responds and complies to verbal commands. Close combat techniques do not apply.

Level 2: When the Enemy is Passively Resistant. The enemy resists verbal commands but complies immediately to any contact controls. Close combat techniques do not apply.

Level 3: When the Enemy is Actively Resistant. The subject initially demonstrates physical resistance. Use compliance techniques to control the enemy. This incorporates close combat techniques to force a subject to comply. Techniques include: Come-along holds, Soft-handed stunning blows, Pain compliance through the use of joint manipulation and the use of pressure points.

Level 4: When the enemy is Assaultive (Bodily Harm). The subject may physically attack, but does not use a weapon. Use defensive tactics to neutralize the threat. Defensive tactics include: Blocks, Strikes, Kicks, Enhanced pain compliance procedures.

Level 5: When the enemy is Assaultive (Lethal Force). The subject usually has a weapon and will either kill or injure someone if he/she is not stopped immediately and brought under control. The subject must be controlled by the use of deadly force with or without a weapon.

Recording Thirst Worship

2008-03-26T19:10:00.002-04:00

This week I am with the band in the recording studio in Abilene, Texas. What a privilege to work with such a talent group of guys and girls!

My Tribute at Dad's Funeral

2008-02-23T15:57:00.011-05:00

My comments delivered at my dad’s funeral on February 22 at Cameron Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma in front of 1,000 people

I am the only begotten son of Tommy Griffith. I was born on Father’s Day 1967. I often joked with Dad that I never had to buy him a Father’s Day present because I WAS the present. I was the gift that kept on giving. And I would be expecting lots of presents for my birthday.

In the Galatians 5:22-23, there is a list of 9 qualities of a man filled with the Spirit of God. See if this list reminds you of anyone you know.

1) Love – Mom, Me, People. He was a one man Hug Distribution Center. Raise your hand if you ever got a hug from Dad.

2) Joy – When you think of him do you see a smile on his face?

3) Peace – Did you ever remember seeing dad stressed out about anything?

4) Patience – Can you imagine the patience it took be the Service Manager at Howard Smith Ford for 25 years? Listening to some of you complain about how your Ford didn’t get fixed right the first time? I would ask him at times how his day was and he would say with a smile, “I’ve been wrestling with alligators all day.”

5) Kindness – My dad was a giver of kindness. He gave kind words of encouragement. Over the years He generously gave tens of thousands of dollars to this church.

6) Gentleness – Dad was a tough dude. No one ever mistook Dad for a sissy. But if you ever saw him try to pray in public, it was pitiful. He would just cry all the way through it. His heart was so tender to the Lord and overwhelmed that God would love him.

7) Faithfulness – He never could find a reason to miss a service at church or a day at work.

8) Self Control – He wasn’t addicted to anything. In my lifetime, I saw him give up drinking, smoking, cussing, losing his temper.

9) If you familiar with this passage you recognize that I skipped one….GOODNESS - There is one statement that we have heard at least a hundred times in the last two days. “Tommy was a good man!”

But, what made Him good?

He wasn’t good in school. Mom said he would have never graduated high school if she hadn’t started doing his Engilsh homework for him his senior year.

He wasn’t a good businessman. He never made more than $40,000 a year.

He wasn’t a good singer. He would have had a better shot at hitting the right note in a song if he would have thrown rocks at the piano keyboard hoping to strike the right key. But that never prevented him from being the loudest singer in the church!

We all know he wasn’t that good looking…except to Tootie. She thought he was cute.

From what I hear, He didn’t start out being very good. In fact, he was pretty rotten. When he was a teenager in Snyder, Texas, he and his buddies would tie a rope around an outhouse and drag it through town behind his truck. No word on if anyone was in them at the time. I’m sure his brothers and sister could share more stories of his rottenness. But before you do you might want to know he told me some about you that you might not want to get out.

He often told mom if he had not met her, he would have been a juvenile delinquent at best and in prison at worst.

Did you know the Bible says in Romans 3:10 “There is no one GOOD, no not one?” So how can hundreds of us believe him to be so GOOD and yet the Bible claim he is not? I believe it means this. He was not GOOD ENOUGH. He wasn’t. I am not. And neither are you GOOD ENOUGH. None of us are GOOD ENOUGH to win God’s favor or earn a place with him in Heaven forever. The gap between our GOODNESS and His GREATNESS separates us by vast measure. Sin has made us all rotten.

In 1982, as a 15 year old boy, I realized I was not GOOD ENOUGH. I came to Jesus for forgiveness of sin and He radically changed my life. I began to pray for my dad that he would trust Christ as I had. Dad began to notice this change in me and began to wonder what had happened to me.

Curious, he started coming to church with me. But coming to church still didn’t make him GOOD ENOUGH. He began soaking up everything Bro. Bob and Mike preached. Do you know what they preached? “You’re not GOOD ENOUGH! There is only one who is GOOD ENOUGH to satisfy the requirements of God—His only begotten Son, Jesus.”

Two things are required by God if you want to be GOOD ENOUGH. 1) Your sin penalty must be paid. Christ did that with his death on the cross. 2) Your perfection has to be performed. Christ did that with his life. God treated Jesus as if he committed the every sin of every person who would ever believe so that he could treat every person who would ever believe as if they were as perfect as Jesus Christ.

One night in 1985, someone came to get me out of a Wednesday night youth Bible Study. They said I needed to come see my dad in the church auditorium. When I got in there I learned that Dad had become convinced he was not GOOD ENOUGH. He had rejected his own GOODNESS and trusted the superior GOODNESS of Christ. As a 45 year-old man, He had repented of sin and trusted Christ. I came just in time to see him baptized. His life was never the same. Mom did the same thing about a year later.

June 17th of last year was Dad’s 40th Fathers Day. I didn’t get him a present but I did buy him a plane ticket to come to Michigan to celebrate my 40th birthday. The NASCAR race just happened to be in Michigan on that day so I thought it would be fun for him, me, and Zachary to go together. The night before the race I gathered some friends together at our house. During that time I read him a tribute. Here is part of what I said to Him…

Dad,

It is appropriate that we are celebrating my 40th birthday and your 40th Father’s Day by going to a NASCAR race. So many of my memories of you revolve around cars. Just hours before I was born, you were driving the wrecker in the infield of Muskogee Speedway. Some of my earliest memories are of going to the races with you. I remember you taking me to your shop and letting me sit in the race cars and pretend I was racing while you and others were working on them.

When it came time for my first car there was no question what it would be. I’ll never forget coming home one day to see a 1967 mustang (the same year model as me) sitting in the driveway. It was a complete wreck that you had purchased for $400. But over the next year you transformed it into the coolest hot rod in town.

It was about that same time that the Lord began to transform our family as well. By his mercy, Christ purchased us, rolled us into His garage and began a complete overhaul. After that, racing seemed very trivial. We stopped going to the races on Saturday night because being in church on Sunday morning to hear God’s Word and worship Christ was so much more appealing. As a result, the qualities of Christ soon became evident in you.

HUMILITY. I’ve never seen you claim your rights but rather live like others were more important than yourself.

SERVICE. You made “Service Manager” not just your occupation but your purpose for living. You are always looking for someone at church, in the neighborhood, or at work you can help.

EXCELLENCE. Your shop, garage, and cars were always the cleanest and best maintained of anyone I know.

DILIGENCE. The only time I can remember you sitting still was when you were recovering from hard work or preparing for hard work. I have tried to motivate myself and Zachary by saying, “How hard would Dad (or Granddad) work at this?” As a result, Zachary has heard me tell him countless times “diligence is accepting each job as an assignment from the Lord and using all of my energy to do it quickly and skillfully—like granddad!”

These qualities have made you a man of integrity and influence. Your legacy will be one that outlives you. I am so grateful to God for your consistent, simple faithfulness and desire to invest in others. Thank you for being a winner in the biggest race of all.

Please understand, if you saw in GOODNESS in Tommy Griffith, it was the GOODNESS of Jesus.

I know there are many people here today my Dad invited to come to church with him. Many of you never came. You finally came today. But today Tommy is not here.

This is what he wanted you to hear if you came…

1) You’re not GOOD ENOUGH. Sin has made you rotten. You’re separated from God.
2) The only way you will ever see God or Tommy in Heaven is to repent and believe the gospel. Jesus is GOOD ENOUGH.
3) Trust Jesus today you may not wake up in the morning. Dad needed Jesus because he didn’t wake up Tuesday morning.
4) Trust Jesus today you may have to wake up in the morning. Mom and I needed Jesus because we DID wake up Tuesday morning.

Jesus is not a superior therapy for hurting people. He is the only way of salvation from sin.

Tommy believed this and he would have given you a hug if you would believe it today too.

God's Word Creates God's People

2008-02-12T14:06:00.000-05:00

Since we hit the road in January, we have already held THIRST revival conferences in the following locations…
· Douglas, Georgia
· Keystone Heights, Florida
· Saint Cloud, Florida
· Gulf, Shores, Alabama…(Good places to be in January and February!)

These four churches had four distinct approaches to ministry. In each church we opened the Word of God and called people to its standard for God’s people. In each church some ignored God’s Word and in each church some responded in life changing faith and repentance.

We found people thirsty for the Word of God in the spiritual drought that exists in our culture. God’s Word has always drought life to God’s people. From the time God spoke the first man into existence to Ezekiel 37 said where God’s word brought life to a valley full of dry bones, God’s Word brings life where we can only see death.

Listen to how one person saw God do this in her marriage in our THIRST conference in Keystone Heights, Florida...

“If I had not attended, especially Tuesday, I would be divorced. I truly took a good look at myself. I was guilty of all. I had no respect for this man or anyone. I was up all night asking the Lord to forgive me for hurting him. I also spoke to my husband the following day and admitted my guilt. I asked for forgiveness. Both he and the Lord Jesus are very patient."

Our team is in Phenix City, Alabama now. Our family is taking a one week break in Huntsville, Alabama before we catch back up with them in Charlotte, NC.

What Dad's Can Learn From Bloody Noses

2008-01-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

There was bloodshed in our home last night. The scene of the crime was in the living room and the DNA evidence was scattered from the sofa, through the kitchen, into the bathroom in a trail of bright red blood drops. There would be no hung jury here. Two eyewitnesses had seen the whole thing and were horrified at the violent act. They rushed to aid the victim who was simultaneously screaming and choking, as he tried to deal with the blood flowing out of his nose and into his mouth. Finally the trauma was more than his stomach could take. It erupted with the recently consumed church supper favorite, Sam’s lasagna. After a few minutes of first aid and immobilizing the fallen victim, calm had been restored and it was time to clean up the mess and apprehend the suspect.

Up until that time, we had been enjoying a few intimate moments after the crusade service in family worship, story telling, giggling and snuggling on the couch. Sixty seconds later and the loving father would be tucking the children in bed and praying a prayer of thanksgiving for such sweet family. But in one finally burst of testosterone-induced energy Zachary decided to jump on his sister Brooke in a show of affection (and masculinity). Out of the corner of her eye she saw him coming and was not going to be assailed without mounting a defense. After all, it won’t be too many more years she is bigger and stronger than he is. Instinctively, she raised her foot just in time to catch Zachary’s scrunched-up-raptor-simulating-scary-face speeding toward her as his prey. Contact made. Raptor transformed back into fragile little boy. It was all over but the crying…just hours after the hospital bills arrived to repair this same child’s broken arm earlier this year.

The perpetrator knew she was guilty, so she did what she could to hide her shame. We found her on the couch curled up in a ball under a blanket. She was arrested under Family Criminal Code Section 98 which clearly states, “Self-Control is keeping the members of my body still and obedient to my brain.” Her victim was also guilty, violating Section 99 which states, “You shall treat the ladies in our family like a special treasure.” After a speedy trial, the two were sentence to a formal apology, a promise to be more careful next time, and a good night’s sleep.

As usual, my initial response was not to “count it all joy” but rather a well-concealed anger at my children’s clumsiness ruining my Norman Rockwell moment. I would have responded better if I had only remembered one of God’s most vivid word pictures in Proverbs 30:33. “Pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.” And I should have seen it coming. God certainly was not surprised at the outbreak of chaos. Why else would He have warned me in His word early that morning in Proverbs 10? “A wise son makes a glad father but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.” And I should have warned my son, “Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” I even asked for it in my prayers when I requested “Grace for what you have called us to.” So why was I taken off guard? God was just being faithful to honor His Word and answer my prayer. God has used the shedding of a Son’s blood before to prove his faithfulness. He was giving this daddy one more practical illustration to teach his children the destructive consequences of unrestrained, foolish behavior versus the blessing and protection God gives to the heads of those who act righteously.

The next morning revealed no permanent damage…strait noses, smiling faces, and children proud to tell everyone they saw the story of the blood that was shed to learn an unforgettable lesson.

Don't Send Me An Invitation!

2008-01-05T13:44:00.000-05:00

If I remember right, the year was 1985. As a pimple-faced high-school senior, I attended a Christian youth convention along with 7000 other bundles of exploding hormones (otherwise known as teenagers). The keynote speaker was a young and impressive black preacher who held us on the edge of our seats with his high energy, constant motion, and vivid word pictures. His assignment that day was to call us to a life of moral purity. His passion for the subject was evidenced by the fact that with each point, his voice would raise an octave. At the climax of his message, he turned his attention toward the girls among us. Unhindered by what seemed like gravel on his vocal chords and sweat beads on his forehead, his voice crescendoed with a plea I will never forget: “IF YOU DON’T WANT ME TO COME TO YOUR PARTY, THEN DON’T SEND ME AN INVITATION!”

The phenomenon produced by that statement was amazing. Hundreds of young ladies began crossing their arms and tugging at their skirts to try to conceal something that was exposed by immodest clothing.

Proverbs 7 introduces us to what the King James Version calls a “strange woman.” The first characteristic identified in her is that she was “dressed as a harlot.” Whatever that means, it is certainly something no parent wants his daughter to be characterized by. So why are parents so reluctant to prevent their daughters from “dressing as harlots”?

1. Many parents are using the wrong standard of comparison. Paul warns us of this when he says, “When they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (2 Corinthians 10:12b, ESV). Some parents honestly feel that their daughters are modest compared to what they see in the world. And compared to the immorality they could be involved in, the way they dress seems pretty innocuous. What they fail to understand is that immodest apparel now could be the door to immoral behavior down the road.

2. Moms may have seen their daughters wrongly in competition with other girls, and they may actually be encouraging their daughters not to be outdone by the external appearance of their peers. They may have fallen for the lie that external beauty is of supreme value. They have mistakenly communicated to their daughters, “Pursue all the attention you can get through the way you dress.” Proverbs contrasts the value that God places on internal beauty versus external beauty: “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion” (11:22, NASB).

3. Dads are usually depending on their wives to regulate their daughters’ apparel. However, as sincere as a mom may be in helping her daughter dress appropriately, she simply cannot see through the eyes of a man. Dads understand in a way moms can’t how the slightest indiscretion in a woman’s dress can place impure thoughts in a man’s mind. Therefore, Dad must get involved.

4. Some dads have such a fragile relationship with their daughters that they are afraid to risk a confrontation that may widen the gap in their relationship. They don’t want to be accused of being the “fashion police” or be viewed as the “bad guy.” Many dads have neglected to invest “parental capital” they can spend when they need to speak the truth in love to their daughters. Girls whose dads who have not given them proper amounts of attention may try to seek the attention of other guys through the way they dress. Dads must recognize how this can set up a young lady for moral impurity.

5. Other dads tragically have been desensitized to the way their daughters dress because of a stronghold of pornography in their life. They simply fail to notice seductive clothing on their daughters because they have so often let their eyes feast on impure images.

Now, as the father of three pre-adolescent girls, I have been convicted by God of my responsibility to prevent the invitations from going out with my return address on them. So I’m starting early! I have established the Daddy-Gets-To-See-It-First policy. Every time one of my girls gets a new outfit, we have a little fashion show. You should see how they gleefully eat up the attention of their daddy as I tell them how elegant and beautiful they are, strolling down the runway. But my purpose is not to see if they are in fashion. That’s Mom’s expertise. I am looking to see if they are wearing anything in a way that would cause rounds of hormones to explode in a guy as he looks at my daughters. I ask myself, “Is it too low, too high, too tight, or otherwise too revealing? Would what they are wearing cause the eye of a man to be drawn to any part of their body he has no business dwelling on, thereby sending an invitation to a guy I don’t want at their party?” If an article of clothing doesn’t pass the test, it finds a new home.

The “Why, Daddy?” questions are answered with a simple, “It’s just not best,” usually followed by an, “Okay, Daddy.” Frankly, I have found little that would fall into the “not best” category on my one, four, and eight year olds, but I realize that if I try to implement my policy when they are eleven, fourteen, or eighteen, I will probably have difficulty coaxing them down the runway. I figure starting now will ensure they still value my input when “Okay, Daddy” is harder to get!

Recently I was asked to address the issue of modesty at a local Christian school board meeting. Several parents had been pressing the school to enforce its dress code. In the midst of the meeting, one man threw up his hands in frustration that the local churches had not addressed the issue in their youth groups. That same week I had a discussion with pastors who were appalled at how parents could allow their children to dress so immodestly when they came to church. It was a cycle of irresponsibility. The parents pointed their finger at the school; the school blamed the church; the church leadership pointed their finger (and rightly so) at the parents.

Let’s break the cycle! Otherwise, Dads, don’t be surprise when unwanted guys start showing up at your daughter’s party!

This Little Boy's Dad

2008-01-05T12:32:00.003-05:00

I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street,
I may never be as wealthy as some other men that I'll meet,
I may never have the fame that other men have had,
But I've got to be successful as this little boy's Dad!

There are certain dreams I cherish, I'd like to see come true,
There are things I'd like to accomplish before my working days are through,
But the task my heart is set on, is no mere passing fad,
You see, I've got to be successful as this little boy's Dad!

It’s the one job that I dream of. It’s the task I think of most.
For if I fail this little one, I have nothing else to boast.
For all the wealth I’d gather, my fortune would be sad
If I fail to be successful as this little boy’s Dad!

I may never come to glory, I may never gather gold,
Men may count me as a failure when my business life is told.
But if he that follows me shall be godly, then I'll be glad.
For I'll know I've been successful as this little boy's Dad!

I don't know who the author of this poem is. I've been sharing it for over 15 years.

Pictures from Mackinaw, IL THIRST Conference

2007-12-31T22:06:00.000-05:00

Do You Know Who I Am?

2007-12-03T07:13:00.000-05:00

As a Christmas present, I took my parents to see one of their favorite pop music icons from the 60s and 70s, Andy Williams. During his show Andy told about taking a trip with a friend to a retirement home where his friend's father was a resident. While his friend visited with his father, Andy struck up a conversation with a charming elderly woman. They enjoyed a delightful talk for over an hour. Toward the end of their time together Andy curiously asked, "Do you know who I am?" The woman quickly replied, "No. But if you will ask at the front desk, they will tell you!" Apparently, people who have forgotten who they are appreciate those who will remind them of their true identity.

Today the American Church is having an identity crisis. Church leaders, especially those of the next generation (of which I consider myself to be a part), are flooding conferences and websites in search of an identity for their churches. They are engaging in a nation-wide "conversation" on what a healthy church should look and feel like. Should it be purpose-driven, seeker-friendly, culturally-relevant, emerging, missional, fundamental, traditional, contemporary, or blended? Should the church feel like a classroom, concert, campaign rally, coffee House, or a family reunion?

Could I offer a suggestion? If you have forgotten who you are, you should check at the front desk with someone who knows. The Bible is full of reminders for a church who has forgotten who she is.

The church is the bride of Christ. Revelation 19:7
The church is the body of Christ. 1Corinthians 12:27
The church is made up of the children of God. 1John 3:1
The church is a holy nation. 1Peter 2:9
The church is a chosen generation.1Peter 2:9
The church is a royal priesthood.1Peter 2:9
The church is a people of God's possession.1Peter 2:9
The church is the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13
The church is the light to the world. Matthew 5:14
the church is a city set on a hill. Matthew 5:14

Of course these descriptions of the church don't answer every methodological question a church will face. But before a church can determine its methodology it must be fully convinced of its theology. Otherwise, it will sacrifice its own identity in an attempt to be culturally relevant.

We in Life Action will embrace our role by staffing the front desk by reminding the church who she is and how she is supposed to behave in a culture desperately in need of healthy churches.

Changed Lives from the THIRST Conference 2

2007-11-22T21:11:00.000-05:00

I was humbled with the fact that I had so many substitutes for God; approval, sports, competition, friends, but mainly PRIDE. Unfortunately so many negatives stem off of that one awful word.

Every day, and especially during Andrea's luncheon, God revealed to me more of what I needed to sift from my life. I made amends with friends I had let bitterness or just “busyness” separate us. God dealt with my selfishness over money and my unwillingness to let it go. Worst of all I had bitterness towards myself, which was a strange new concept, but I realized I was beating myself up over and over for things I had done that Jesus Himself was nailed to the cross for. Thank you for your faithfulness and love for our church and God for selflessly serving us.

One of my biggest lessons from God this week came through your treasure principles. You wouldn’t believe the shopping list I had before I was confronted with the earthly vs. heavenly treasure issue. I am now challenged to store up more of the latter. . .

I am a full-time homeschooling mom of our soon to be 17 year old autistic son. I shared with Trent Tuesday that I got “beeped out” of the service as our son was in the chapel for adult special needs “TV revival” with a buddy. It’s where he worships and can be himself. It was his first revival, four days in a row, out of routine, etc. and I found him agitated and crying. I sat with him, he calmed down, and when Trent started with the sin topic again, he began crying again. Our son, Carl-Morgan, was saved at age 7 and knows all about sin and the consequences of it. I knew right away he was under conviction of the Holy Spirit. I took him out to another quiet room with a TV, just us two, and when he heard Trent teach more on sin and areas God is revealing, he wept again. I confessed my sin areas to him and as best he could he told me his. You see I had asked God to reveal Himself to our son this week. I just needed to know God was still working in his heart. I was encouraged, blessed and my hope continues. Thank you, Jesus!

I strongly feel you are being used by God. I’ve been married for nine years. Before marriage, God and my relationship was very intimate then in my life, God was the first. Sometimes I wrote a letter to my husband (before marriage), “You will always be the second in my life.” My husband was happy to hear that. But after marriage, my priority changed. I didn’t love my husband any more; I just loved his fame and money. But during the conference, I knew what the problem is; I am thirsty to go back to nine years ago. God is the first and my husband is the second. There will be no third… thank you so much, praise the Lord!

Thank you for Wednesday night. My husband prayed with me for the first time in a LONG time! I praise God for His gift of repentance. He alone convicts the heart and then with deliverance, His blessings flow! I will be praying for your team!

God has used you to stir my heart and caused me to re-examine many issues. After hearing Andrea, I purposed to call a brother and ask forgiveness for wronging him when we were children (years ago I had a long list of people to go through and ask forgiveness – eating humble pie!). But God used Andrea to show me that even secret sin needed confessing to the one we wronged. My brother graciously forgave me.

What a blessing you’ve been to my hardened heart, bound by chains, but no longer. I am free. Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your life with me. It has made all the difference. I have finally realized I needed to submit from “head to toe” and “in and out”; all of me and dare to be vulnerable and let God in. I have realized how I’ve wounded my husband and family by not surrendering, but no more. I will believe by being obedient, not just words. Praise be to God, glory in the highest!

I am blown away by what you have helped me experience with the Lord. The freedom I have from the love of money is something I haven’t experienced since being a missionary in Russia four years ago. Somehow the love of money crept into my life without my realizing it. But I’m free! Additionally, I have seen how I have been using such things as shopping, food, fun times, etc. to fill needs in my life; needs that only Jesus was meant to meet in my life. Praise the Lord! No more! Additionally, the luncheon where Andrea spoke was life changing for me.

Before you came my dryness about my faith was overwhelming. I felt Christ had turned His face so far away that I would never see Him again in my heart. During the week I understood my anger over hurt was separating me from Christ. I cleansed my heart of hurt and now I am free and the thirst is alive and well!

Changed Lives from the THIRST Conference

2007-10-13T15:41:00.000-04:00

Trent, you really spoke to us in words that our own pastors may not use, to help us see what our “gods” are, and they need to be deleted, so we have total room for God. We needed to be reminded that “church” can become a “god” and that is true of “fun, food, and fellowship” (the new trinity). I feel convicted that we will be new after this week, that FBC will be renewed and remember it’s about God, not gods.

On Tuesday, my day was not going well…I was ready to give up on everything. I reluctantly went to the Ladies’ luncheon as my daily tasks at work seemed to be multiplying out of control. Andrea’s message at the luncheon was surely an inspiration from God to speak directly to me. And it did…on the return to work, I prayed about my grievances, to rid myself of this “fleshly” world. When I returned to work my day completely turned around. My prayers were answered and my faith restored within hours. Thank you all for reviving my heart for Jesus!

My son has Tourettes and ADHD. His father committed suicide 6 years ago when he was 7. Dealing with his moods and blending a new family is a challenge. Your talk about hurt and forgiveness made me really think about the tone of voice I use when talking to him (or repeating something for the 5th time!). I asked him for his forgiveness that night because I know you can’t take back words and they can cut deep. Thank you for your dedication to your belief in helping us come closer to the Lord.

I praise God for bringing you to First Baptist Church in Boone! Your team is awesome! We prayed for you for weeks before your arrival that God would bring you here safely (He did!) and that God would open our hearts to your message (He did!). I have received so many blessings during each session, and I attended every one of them. Thank you, each one of you, for your faithfulness and dedication and commitment to share the Good News of our savior in such a wonderful, meaningful way! I will continue to pray for you as I hope you will for our church.

The Lord has renewed my spirit, opened my eyes to my thirst and my substitutions to quench my thirst, and given me a renewed desire to change parts of my life that are keeping me from surrendering all for my wonderful God!

Wow! Lord, send a revival and let it begin in me! I have never believed that anymore than I do right now. The blessings that I received these past four days are amazing. I have a renewed spirit in me individually, my marriage, my relationships with friends, co-workers, family, and the list goes on and on. Praise God. Thank you, God! You have quenched my thirst… I will pray to be a stronger Christian and walk closer with Thee…

I was so skeptical about coming every night to the services at first, but then after Sunday morning’s service, I knew I had to come back for more. My soul and spirit craved more with every passing day. Trent is an amazing speaker for Jesus! His love and passion for Christ shines through in his sermons. Before coming to these services, I was so enslaved by materialistic things. I truly feel now that I’ve been set free of trying to accumulate materialistic treasures. I want to store up my spiritual treasures for heaven. I now have a new passion for Christ. I know that He loves me and accepts me for what I am. My “filthy rags” have been washed away and the love of Jesus has made me new again. Thank you for helping me rediscover my love of Christ. I want to live my life for Him. You all have given me the greatest gift ever, a renewed personal relationship with God. Thank you for touching my children’s lives also. They didn’t want to miss one minute of their time with you!! Thank you for all that you do. Please keep up the good work for Christ. You were able to reach a wretch like me. I know you will reach many more.

What a blessing you are! God has put His gifts in you and you use them in His glory. You have made me question my life. God has worked through you to show me the life that I want to live and the changes I must make in my life. I want to give it all to Him.

You helped clarify for me the nature and seriousness of sin. As sin is a serious matter, so are comparison, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Thank you for the care and precision of the work you do. It is refreshing and encouraging to see God’s work done deliberately, methodically, and effectively. I have some idea how hard you have to work to make it look easy and natural.

Wow! What can I say? You have truly been a tremendous blessing this week in Boone, NC. Each service has been special in its own way. I honestly can say that God spoke to my heart through Trent and his message referring to FORGIVENESS. A special friendship had been suffering without knowing how to handle it… my heart knew how God wanted me to handle it. So I did. Thank you.

This has been a wonderful four days for our family. It has been a long time since I have felt this close to the Lord, probably five years or so. Having my husband hold me in church and profess his love took me back 13 years when we were married. And, apologizing for treating him disrespectfully was exactly what I needed to be the wife God would have me be and that he needs. The crowning moment was having my five year old daughter cry when she saw the picture of Christ on the cross saying, “Mommy, I don’t want Jesus to have to die on the cross!” Your youth leaders have planted a seed that will grow, guide, and protect our children. I will be forever grateful.

Unexpected Victory

2007-09-23T16:21:00.001-04:00

I can see the football stadium from where my trailer is setting in the parking lot of First Baptist Church in Boone, North Carolina. It is home to the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team. Three weeks ago few people outside of the Carolinas had heard of this small university, it's football team, or Boone. But then something unexpected took place that people have yet to stop talking about. Appalachian State, a David in the world of big time college football traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan where it defeated the traditional football Goliath, Michigan Wolverines, in what has been called the biggest upset in college football history.

This morning when I mentioned the victory in my Sunday Morning message at First Baptist Church people broke into spontaneous applause. I'm genuinely happy for them. The impact that the little team from Boone had in Michigan has sent reverberated across the nation. The attention that they received is well-deserved.

We will be in two different churches in Boone the next two weeks. My prayer is that the impact that our little revival team from Michigan would have in Boone would make the football achievement seem insignificant. We trust that God will be the talk of the town by the time we leave.

Today, September 23, on the 150^th anniversary of the great 1857 prayer revival, another nationwide, sin-defeating, Christ-exalting, revival that would produce a victorious church would be totally unexpected. How we need God to move as he did in 1857 to set people to prayer, purge sin, reduce crime, and bring religious and non-religious people to genuine conversion.

Could it happen again? The president has been set. The unexpected really does happen. David does beat Goliath. And God does send revival in the darkest, most unexpected times!