Blessed

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night

Psalm 1:1-2

Observations

1. Choose godly people to influence your life.
2. True friends will help you draw nearer to God.
3. Those who diligently and intentionally obey God will be blessed.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for blessing my life in so many ways. Thank you for relationships, opportunities and provisions. I pray that you will give me godly friends. I will choose to delight in your Word and to meditate on its truth. I will live according your will and your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

2020 State of the Network

Hope in Him

“Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may. Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him! 

Job 13:13-16

Observations

1. Don’t allow earthly advisers to dampen your desire to know God better.
2. No matter what you are facing, remain confident that God will see you through.
3. In the midst of your difficulties, look for God's redemptive deliverance

Prayer

Almighty God, I thank you that you have your hand on my life. Help me to listen to the gainers and not the drainers. Help me to remain full of faith and expectation. Today, I will face the challenges with hope in you, O Lord. You are my Savior and Deliverer! My hope is in you Lord. Amen! Amen! Amen!

2019: Life, Prosperity, and Honor

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. 

Proverbs 21:21

2019 was a historic year in the Oregon Ministry Network. It was a year of major advancements and minor adjustments. Our theme for the year was PURSUE. The year began with a call to pursue God in praying for a fresh wind and fresh fire of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives, in our churches, in our communities and in our nation. I believe the result was that 2019 was a significant and successful year of ministry for us. It was a year of breakthroughs, stretching and strengthening and glorious victories.       

It is always good to pause to remember that the Oregon Ministry Network was birthed and built on a commitment to pursue God with all of our hearts and use all our abilities for his glory. The pioneers of the Oregon Assemblies of God knew from the beginning that they would need the power and wisdom of the Spirit to face the challenges and fulfill the call. These pioneers were faced with limited resources, but they had enormous faith. With dedication and determination, they went to hard places and established churches, built buildings, supported missionaries and impacted their generation for Christ.   Today we stand on their shoulders and applaud their hard work. It is our time to do the same.  

I am able to report God is raising up a new generation of pioneers, who desire to re:SET churches, plant new churches, serve as world changing missionaries in the US and the world filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.     

It is with great joy that I am able to share that the rewards of Proverbs 21:21 were experienced in 2019.      

  1. Life. It was a year of clear purpose and meaning.
    Numbers of pastors and leaders were engaged in personal coaching, specialized training and various Network events that were designed to bring clarity and vision. Assistance was provided for a number of churches in transition and guidance was offered for the Parent Affiliated Church (PAC) model that is working to bring new life and new effectiveness in communities.  We are on Mission: Developing effective leaders and building healthy churches and ministries. This is a win!   
  2. Prosperity. It was a year of significant increase and growth.
    2019 was year of increase and growth for many. Each major Network event improved in attendance and world missions giving reached an all-time high as we closed out the decade. In addition, moving reports of salvations, water baptisms and Spirit baptisms were reported by pastors throughout the Network. Many churches are working on upgrading buildings and constructing new facilities in preparation for the new generation of believers and seekers.  Prayer groups have been established through social media and an increase of churches are using social media to broadcast services. The influence of a local church is growing. This is a win!
  3. Honor. It was a year of expanding respect and appreciation.
    This was a year when the voice of the righteous and loving pastors was needed more than ever. Godly character has opened the door to influence a current generation. The Z Generation and millennials are looking for mentors, moms and dads are looking for models, and seasoned citizens are looking for ministers who care. With the serious political and moral divide, it is clear the culture is looking for individuals who can be respected and believed. We continue to invest in young leaders. Since 2008, we have involved well over 100 young OMN ministers in our Youth Leaders Initiative. The rewards are many. The medium age of our OMN active ministers is now 53. This is well below the national average. This a win!

In 2019, the Oregon Ministry Network offices relocated to the beautiful new campus in Keizer, Oregon. Thank you for your prayers and patience in this major transition. This move has been a huge blessing. I am also pleased to report that our former Network Office in Bethel Park is now the campus of Northwest University Oregon. This is a win!  

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! 

Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)

Our theme word for 2020 is DREAM.  I am asking you to join me in dreaming about what could be and should be in our beloved Network family. It is a new day, a new year and a new decade.    

It is a tremendous honor of Joy and I to serve as your Network Lead Pastors and Bishop. In just a few weeks we will begin our 14th year in this role. Thank you for your support and encouragement. I also want to thank each of our Executive Team Members, Network Assistants, Regional Presbyters, Area Leaders and Young Leaders for the extraordinary work they do. Together we serve to the glory of God. 

Prosperous Again

After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before… The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first.

Job 42:10, 12

Observations

1. Hold on tight to your faith through all your trials and tests.
2. The Lord’s blessing is without sorrow.
3. Weeping may last for a night, but joy will come in the morning.

Prayer

Gracious Father, I praise you for rescuing and redeeming me. I thank you for keeping me through the most difficult of times. I thank you for giving me a testimony. Smile today on my family and friends. I pray that you will bless the days ahead. I ask your favor in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Statement on Racism and Racial Reconciliation

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

Jeremiah 29:7 NKJV

Earlier this week I met with our General Superintendent, Doug Clay, and the Executive Presbytery to pray and discuss in detail the serious and sober state of affairs of our country. These are not times for us to step away but to step up and call for repentance, reconciliation and righteous response to the injustice and hatred that has captured our society. 

The following is the official statement of the Executive Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God:

“Today, America is in crisis. The death of George Floyd has once again brought us face to face with the sins of racism and injustice that Christians must respond to in word and deed.

In August 1989, The General Council of the Assemblies of God adopted its “Resolution on Racism.” We, the Executive Presbytery of the Assemblies of God, redouble not only our commitment but our Fellowship’s commitment to the course of action laid out by that historic resolution.

Therefore:
• We oppose the sin of racism in any form.
• We call any and all to repentance who have participated in the sin of racism through personal thought or action, or through church and social structures, or through inactivity in addressing racism as individuals or as a church.
• We pray to God to give us the courage to confront the sin of racism where it may be found in our own lives, in our churches, in our social structures, and in our world.
• We resolve to participate with the Holy Spirit in actively working against racism at home and abroad, and we seek the reconciliation of people to God and to one another.

1989 AG Resolution on Racism

George Floyd’s death cannot be just another name added to a list of senseless killings. He was created in the image of God, and his life mattered. As ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we continue to stand with our African American brothers and sisters, committing to use our voices and actions to be agents of reconciliation.”

Let us therefore “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15), let us follow the Messiah who “seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness” (Isaiah 16:5), and let us proclaim Him who “is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14).”

I encourage you to read this official statement to your church family in your weekend gatherings and to take time to pray for the healing of our nation. Here are four responses I urge you to consider, love, listen, lament and lead. Please join me in continuing to build bridges of reconciliation and hope in our communities.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

Lord, Be Praised

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. 

Job 1:20-22

Observations

1. Knowing God is better than knowing answers to problems.
2. Pain is not always punishment.
3. God cares about our suffering and sorrow.

Prayer

Loving Father, I thank you for demonstrating your loving care to me. I praise you for turning my tests into testimonies; turning my messes into messages; turning my trials into triumphs; turning my sorrows into singing; and turning my valleys into victories. I will stand on your promises and trust in your powerful love. In Jesus’ name, amen! Amen

Remember

After I looked things over,
I stood up and said to the nobles,
the officials and the rest of the people,
“Don’t be afraid of them. 
Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,
and the fight for your brothers,
your sons and your daughters,
your wives and your homes.”

Nehemiah 4:14

Observation

1. Be confident when God gives you a mission.
2. When faced with great challenges, remember how great God is.
3. Your family is worth fighting for.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the mission you have given me. I praise you for your greatness and goodness. I pray that you will help me stand tall and firm in the mission you have given me. I pray that I will see greater days ahead. I pray that you will protect and bless my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen! Amen! Amen! 

If I Perish, I Perish

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, And fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. 

Esther 4:15-17

Observations
1. When faced with difficulty, turn to other believers for encouragement and prayer.
2. Pray as if all depends on God and act as if all depends on you.
3. Decide to do what God wants, and trust him for the outcome.

Prayer
Father, I thank you for those who pray for me and encourage me. I thank you for those who have sown good things into my life. I ask that you will bless them and uplift them today. Help me to carry out your will and fulfill your specific plans. Help me to shine where you have placed me. Help me to fulfill your destiny and become all you intended. May I make a difference in someone’s life today. Amen! Amen! Amen!

For Such a Time

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

Observation

1.  God has a remarkable plan for your life.
2.  God will provide for you and protect you in the days ahead.
3.  God has placed you in a significant position to influence others.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for confirming your plan for my life. Help me to not be distracted by fear or uncertainty. Help me to be bold and courageous in serving you. I pray that you will continue to guide me in my decision making. Empower me to be a witness to others and make a difference wherever I go. May my best days be ahead. In Jesus’ name!

COVID-19 Update

Be sure you know the condition of your flock, give careful attention to your herds;

Proverbs 27:23

Thank you for the ongoing efforts you have made in these very challenging times. Please know that your Network Leadership Team has continued to pray for you and are making every effort to provide encouragement and support during this time.

On May 14, 2020, our Governor has announced that 29 of the 36 counties of Oregon are moving into Phase 1 of reopening. Five counties that have not yet received Phase 1 approval: Marion, Polk, Umatilla, Morrow and Jefferson. Three Counties have not applied: Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah. Phase 1 does allow for gatherings up to 25 with some clear health restrictions.

In light of the Phase 1 announcement, here are the guidelines that the OMN strongly recommends:

  1. Gatherings limited to 25. (This will no doubt be increased in the next 21 days). This may require continued multiple gatherings or drive-in church gatherings.
  2. Maintain the Social Distancing 6 Ft. Rule – No physical greetings.
  3. Continue Sanitation Practices – Hand sanitizing stations – wiping down common areas.
  4. Worship – Singing can be offered without masks when following social distancing.
  5. Request those over 60 or with underlining medical conditions or ill, to not attend.
  6. No food or coffee stations and close restrooms.
  7. Rethink and Reset Child-Care. Include children in the main gathering.
  8. No Choirs should meet or perform.
  9. Small Group Ministry – People should stay with the same group – maintaining social distancing.
  10. Continuing On-Line Ministry to those who are reluctant to come or who are unable to come.
  11. Staying Connected with Communities Leaders who are needing help.

The General Council of the Assemblies of God and Oregon Ministry Network leadership continue to direct all Assemblies of God churches to comply with the current health guidelines given by both federal and state leadership. This not only demonstrates honor of leadership based on Romans 13, but it is also an opportunity to display genuine care for the people who live in our communities as stated in Philippians 2:3-4, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

The Joy of the Lord

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all,  “This day is sacred to the LORD your God.  Do not mourn or weep.”  For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.  This day is sacred to our LORD.  Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:9-10

Observation

1.  No matter what your work or role in life,
view it as God’s special calling to serve Him.
2.  Celebrate the opportunities you have to give and bless others. 
3.  It is the joy of the Lord that will bring strength to you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for turning my sorrow into singing
and giving me real joy. I thank you for giving me strength to stay the course and fulfill your will in my life. Today, I will choose to rejoice and look ahead with anticipation I pray that you will help me to keep positive and progressive. I pray that you will help me to see the joy in the journey. In Jesus’ name, amen!