(Matthew 22:29)
Growing up as a sports fan, my favorite announcer was Howard Cosell. Howard
was famous for "telling it like it was,", according to Howard, of course.
Because he was bold enough to say what he felt, Cosell was a very
controversial
figure. Throughout the Bible, those who "told it like it was" in regard to
God's Word, were also very controversial. Steven was stoned for telling the
truth of God's Word. Paul went through many of his great trials for telling
the truth of God's Word, no matter how unpopular that was. The Old
Testament
prophets were often killed for telling the truth of God's Word to a society
that wasn't interested in the truth, but only their own pleasures. Today,
many of God's spokesmen are shunned or ignored by much of society for having
the courage to "tell it like it is."
Ten years ago, the first 3 years of my ministry was spent in over 500
churches
of all denominations doing evangelistic meetings. One thing I can say I
have
never done is candy-coat or hold back the truth of God's Word, no matter how
difficult it may be for some people to hear. I have always been a direct
person, and the last place we need political correctness is in the pulpit.
Over the years I have counseled with, and spent endless hours in prayer over
so many of God's people in desperate troubles, simply because they were
ignorant of God's Word. The Bible has direction for every facet of life and
God's plan for how we can live a joyous and victorious life for Him. I am
convinced that a lot of the problem stems from the "soft, warm-fuzzy,
feel-good
non-offensive" teachings so many are exposed to each Sunday. So many of
God's
people are just not prepared to deal with real life in relation to their
faith
in Christ.
Let me say up front that I apologize if from time to time I make statements
that offend you. I try to write each morning under the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit and give you what God has for you that day. If I give my
personal opinion I will always tell you, although I mostly try to give you
what God says from His Word. Because of space, I sometimes don't elaborate
scripturally the way I should at certain times, and I'll try to be more
diligent in that regard. What I can promise you is that each day I will
share what God wants me to say from His Word, and not only challenge you,
but encourage you to be all He wants you to be. Now more than ever, the
Lord
needs strong men and women who are capable of helping Him lead those in the
darkness into His marvelous light.
I love you, I care about you, and I promise that each day I will do my best
to help motivate you to give God your best each and every day. The real
challenge I give you today is to understand that God's Word is not always
pleasant to hear, not always pleasant to follow, and not always what we want to
do. But God knows us, loves us, and has put His Word there as a road map so
that we can know His peace, His joy, and live a productive life of service
for our Lord. Never be afraid to challenge the things I might say or
demand
scriptural back-up, since that is the test of truth. Not did a man say it,
but did God say it. I deeply appreciate the opportunity God has given me to
share His love with you each day. I am more determined than ever to
challenge
and encourage you to surrender your life 100% to Him, so you will know the
ultimate joy of this life that comes from living for the Lord.
May you have a blessed day and may His Word be forever a reminder that there
is right and wrong, that there is ultimate truth, and that we don't have to figure out this journey all by ourselves. Simply follow His precious Word.
