Pray for rain! We need rainfall here in the normally humid Gulf Coast, but the situation is desperate in other regions. The governor has officially requested federal emergency assistance to help fight the wildfires that threaten the more arid regions of our state. Unless the weather changes significantly, the fire situation will only worsen. High temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds, and already dry terrain have created an outdoor incinerator. Texas wildfires have burned at least 65,000 acres although firefighters are working hard to contain the flames. Showers have been forecast and might lessen the threat, but the real need is an end to the drought. Indeed, it is appropriate to pray for rain in our state!
God’s Word often describes spiritual truths through nature. For example, James illustrates the power of words spoken by the tongue as a wildfire. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself James 3:5-6 NLT Wildfires are a serious threat to communities in Texas, and wildfires of the tongue are also a threat to homes, families, churches, and in all interpersonal relationships. Spiritual drought conditions can erupt into out of control behavior analogous to this current weather drought. Similar to fires in Texas that will be extinguished as the rains fall; the devastation of sin is overpowered through the “rainfall” of the refreshing Presence of the Holy Spirit. Overcome all the fires that threaten you by His rain of living water for you! He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive… John 7:38-39

An adequate energy supply is absolutely essential. Although alternative energy sources continue to be developed, America and indeed the world are still dependent on fossil fuels. The oil and gas industry literally drives all the developed and developing nations on the planet. For that reason, oil-rich countries in the Middle East demand the attention of the international community. These countries are insignificant when measured by land mass, but have great clout because of the riches underground.
The Middle East fuels much of the infrastructure and commerce in America and other industrialized nations. Escalating oil prices and continued political unrest are current event reminders of the volatility of this power source. By contrast, another Power Source also has history in a small Middle Eastern nation. This Power is not a resource to be consumed, but is the Source to be shared. When tapped, this Power unifies nations instead of dividing them. Oil is a product of nature that is drilled from underground, but this Power is Supernatural as Jesus that came to life from underground by His own strength.
News of political unrest and rising gas prices at the pump offer a reminder not just of the limited energy needed for our cars and homes and commerce. The Resurrection Power Source from an empty tomb near the ancient city of Jerusalem also preaches to the 21st century world. This message is that there is an Unlimited Power available to everyone through the Resurrected Jesus. Easter is the gospel of life and energy to all those who choose to depend on God’s Holy Spirit through a faith in Jesus Christ. This Easter, live in the Power Source, Jesus Christ as did Paul the Apostle. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes Romans 1:16 NASV I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. Philippians 3:10NLT

Nations have struggled for control of the city of Jerusalem for centuries. Although the very name of the city is a derivative of the Hebrew word for peace, (shalom), violence has been a way of life in this city since ancient times. Unrest in the Holy City has certainly not abated in modern times. The struggle for control is not only political but also religious. Christians around the world again recognize Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday April 17th.Almost two millennia ago, Jesus entered Jerusalem to fulfill Messianic prophecy on the Sunday prior to Passover. The crowd cheered for Him as if He was an earthly king for Israel, but Jesus’ purpose was the establishing of God’s Kingdom of Heaven. It is evident that the world still does not truly understand the nature of the Kingdom of God. On this Palm Sunday, follow Christ as your King. Jesus is Master of all the Universe and Lord in your own life as you submit to Him in faith. Ultimately the entire world will recognize Jesus as King. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11 The good news is that each person now has the privilege of choice in your relationship with Jesus. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation the news that the God of Israel reigns! The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem. Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song, for the Lord has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has demonstrated his holy power before the eyes of all the nations. Isaiah 52:7 Proclaim Jesus is Lord as we celebrate that He is now the victorious King

April is the month for TAKS in public schools in Texas, and it is also the month for TAX nationwide. Both are “taxing” realities as personal success is demanded and this demand can prove stressful. Students taking a math/reading test or legislators debating the budget or citizens writing April 15th checks to the IRS are all living under the pressure to perform. Satisfaction in life is not, however, achieved through balanced budgets or exemplary school status. Tax and TAKS do indeed have significance in building the infrastructure of our community. Although fiscal, financial, and educational standards are essential, life’s greater purpose is not realized through any circumstances. Instead, Christ-followers must live in a dependence on God. The Holy Spirit inspired letter to the 1st century church gives insight for living with joy, peace, and hope in the 21st century. Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, & those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you…So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law…These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. Romans 13:1-1

More than Conquerors!

Elite athletes in two major sports are in Houston this weekend. As you follow the media coverage, remember this analogy…the PGA and the NCAA preaches a sermon by contrast. The pool of potential golfers is huge, but the field for the Shell Houston Open is only a select few of the very best professionals. The NCAA began March Madness with 68 teams invited to participate, but only 4 teams will be at the “Big Dance” at Reliant Stadium this weekend. Golfers on the links and players on the hardwood earned the right to their respective events by their performance. While the Houston Open and the Final Four are foundationally sports competitions, the PGA and the NCAA are also multi-million dollar businesses. Every aspect of these events is performance driven. By contrast, the choice to serve God is grace oriented. The performance is God’s work for us, especially in Christ’s atonement for our sin on the cross. Our choice is to receive His grace or to participate in His “tournament”. Spiritual victory is not reserved for only a few elite world-class athletes. Triumph over the enemy, Satan, is in your personal relationship with Christ. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 The victor in any sporting event is unknown until after earned by performance. The winning team will cut down the nets and celebrate only after the horn sounds at the end of the game. It is only after the 18th hole that a champion is crowned. The victory for you spiritually is already assured. Choose today to be on Christ’s triumphant team!