We Are The Reason For The Season

As we look around us this time of year, we are more than likely going to run into some bumper stickers, T-shirts or signs that say "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". While this goes a long way to keep us focused on the true meaning of Christmas, something is missing. Let's go a little deeper in thought.



At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In order for Him to Die as a man, He first had to Born as one. So basically, His birth is the beginning of His plan to bring us salvation. If Christmas is a celebration of this time, the true reason for Christmas must be the same as the reason that He came - US.


While we celebrate the birth of our Lord this year, I ask that you take time to think about all that Christ gave up and took upon Himself as HE came to to save US.



Have a great Christmas.



~ Shawn

Fruits of the Spirit

Galations 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is:

LOVE (Agape) unconditional love, forgiving love, heart of giving, serving and helping.

JOY the word this comes from “Carav” (almost implies a joy that is contagious)

PEACE tranquility, exemption from rage & war, harmony, the tranquil state of a soul assured of salvation, Content with the lot or calling God has given you in life

LONGSUFFERING patience, endurance, perseverance, slow to avenge

GENTLENESS moral goodness, integrity, kindnessgoodness

GOODNESS uprightness of heart and mind faith

FAITH conviction of the truth, trusting God, the ability to be relied on by God

MEEKNESS the act of being gentle

TEMPERANCE self control

against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified (driven stakes into) the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

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It all falls back on the basics. If you really want to get closer to God, this is where it begins:

PRAY
Luke 11:1 (and following)
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

We have a bad habit of just handing God our wish list. Give me this, give me that, take care of this, etc. we have forgotten the basics of prayerWorship & acknowledge Him

Ask for his leadership and guidance in life.

Ask Him to meet your personal needs

Pray for others

Worship & acknowledge Him

Luke 11
10 For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

1. You should set aside a special time and place to pray
2. You should also live in a state of prayer

1 Thes 5
17 Pray without ceasing
To me, this verse makes me think of internet connections. Some of you may have a dialup account. This means you must connect every time you want to get online. Others of you have DSL or broadband. With broadband, you are always connected. You may not always be using the connection, but the channel is always open.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURES
2 Timothy 2
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
shamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1. Set aside a time and place
2. Decide how much you are going to read (Angela and I read 1 chapter together nightly)
3. Study to understand, don’t just read throughUse Bible study tools
a. Parallel Bible
b. Matthew Henry’s Commentary
c. Strong’s Concordance
d. Josephus
e. Internet

REGULARLY ATTEND CHURCH
Hebrews 10: 23-25
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1. Make yourself be faithful to attend worship services
a. Learn about God
b. Learn about yourself
c. Build on your relationship with God
2. Be involved
a. Establish a support system (Look back at vs. 25)
b. EXORT - ParakaLEo (same root as Paraclete/a common reference to the Holy Spirit)
- Admonish (gently express warning or disapproval)
- Instruct
- Encourage
- Comfort
- Console
- Receive the same from others

SERVE
1. Find your talents and gifts and use them (spiritual gift survey) - 1 Cor 12:12
2. Serve sacrificially (other areas as needed)

GIVE
Lev. 27:30-32
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
Tithes Giving by obligation
Offerings Giving out of love

Characteristics (fruit) of carnality

As we continue to search our hearts in an effort to understand and find ourselves, let's take a look in the book of Galations.

Galations 5 (KJV)

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Basically, if you keep yourself occupied with spiritual things, it will keep you out of trouble. The more you stick to the basics of your spiritual life, the stronger your faith will become. The stronger your faith, the weaker the lure of sin will become in your life. A former Pastor of mine once put it this way. "When the desires of your heart become the desires of HIS heart, they will be fulfilled.". What an awesome statement.

Before we go on, lets look at this in a couple of other versions.

Amplified Version

16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).Complete Jewish Bible16 What I am saying is this: run your lives by the Spirit. Then you will not do what your old nature wants.

This clarifies the meaning of this scripture a great deal more to me by expanding it to it's fullest. . a habitual walk in the spirit - constantly seeking his will, allowing him to control us, allowing him to guide us. .

The Complete Jewish Bible is another version that stuck out to me on this verse. This time, not by expanding, but by simply making a blunt statement.

Complete Jewish Bible
16 What I am saying is this: run your lives by the Spirit. Then you will not do what your old nature wants.

Let's go on.

Gal. 5 (KJV)
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

I'm going to break these down by the meaning of their original root word. It really brings the scripture to life.

Adultery
Sexual activity between a married person with someone other than their spouse.

Fornication
From "Porneiva” meaning illicit sex, fornication, homosexuality, beastiality, incest, and even intercourse with a divorced person

Uncleanness
Lustful, luxurious, shamelessly immoral or extravagant (loss of modesty)

Lasciviousnes
Knowing no boundries, usually with a sexual overtone, but can be broadened to other areas of life

Idolatry
The worship of false gods, however, it can be broadened to cover anything in your life that you put before God (family, job, hobbies, even church duties).

Witchcraft
From ”Farmekia” meaning the use or the administering of drugs or poisons. Also can be applied to but is not limited to the use of drugs and poisons in sorcery, magical arts, etc.

Hatred
This pretty much speaks for itself.

Variance
Contention or strife

Emulations
Jealousy

Wrath
Outbursts of anger

Strife
Selfish ambition

Seditions
Divisions (I wonder if this covers denominational boundries. . .)

Heresies
Believing that no one elses thoughts are equal to the caliber of your “group” or “cliché”

Envyings
The desire to have the physical belongings of others

Murders

Drunkenness

Revellings
Partying (whew, who knew this was in here??)

and such like:
Just in case anything was left out, scripture has a way of saying "Use your common sense!"

of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Getting deep, isn't it? Stew on this a bit and we'll look at the rest of this verse in our next edition.

See you next time,

Shawn

Who are you?

Many years ago, my family befriended a seasoned Evangelist that used to talk about how every church has the same people in it. They have different faces and different names, but they are the same people. As I began traveling as a preacher/singer, I noticed just how true this was. After a while, I could walk into a church and immediately tell who the trouble maker was, who the spiritual leader was, the prayer warrior, the hypocrite, etc.

As time passed and I became more seasoned of a minister (whether through music or scripture), I learned that these roles didn’t always remain the same. I’ve seen prayer warriors turn into gossips and spiritual leaders turn into pew sitters. Unfortunately, sometimes this results in churches who were once a beacon in their community becoming nearly desolate and definitely ineffective for God.

My challenge for you this week is to evaluate who you are in the church. What role are you playing?

• Lost Person
• New Convert
• Backslider
• Repentant Prodigal
• Pew Sitter
• Servant Leader
• Gossip
• Prayer Warrior
• Defeated Christian
• Victorious Overcomer
• Trouble Maker
• Peace Maker
• Brown-noser
• Encourager
• Proud Snob
• Joyful Greeter
• Religious Hypocrite
• Humble Servant

For each negative, there is a positive.You may have amazing talents that are being used in selfish ways. Who are you in the church, and what can you do to improve your relationship your relationship with God? Stay tuned as we look a little deeper at this next week.

Shawn

OVM Breaks the Barrier

One Voice Ministries is excited to announce that we have reached a milestone in our online ministry. Over the past 12 months we have had over 50,000 visitors (51,161). For the past several months we have watched as our annual total stayed in the 49,000 visitor range, but we just couldn't make it over the edge. This month we had nearly 4,300 visitors, which threw us over the barrier.

Thanks to everyone who helped us reach this goal. Now, let's see how quick we can hit 60k.

Shawn Howell
Director
One Voice Ministries/OVM Online

Make Up Your Mind

Several years ago as I was traveling home from a business trip, I somehow ended up behind an elderly gentleman in a small yellow car. The reason this man stood out to me was not because how he looked or what kind of car he drove, It wasn’t even the fact that he was 20 mph in an area that is usually going between 70 -80mph. This man stuck in my head because he was driving back and forth between the entire Interstate.

For those of you who have never traveled on I75 N out of Atlanta on a Friday at 4pm, let me just explain that this man was destined to be shot or shoved off the road by another car. Words and fingers were flying everywhere. It wasn’t pretty.

As I later thought back on the incident, I realized his problem wasn’t that he didn’t know where he came from or probably even where he was going. His problem was the he hadn’t made up his mind how he was going to get to his destination.

Just as this poor old man, you may also know where you came from and know where you are going. . .you may be able to point to the day and hour you got saved. You may have the certainty of eternal life, but have you decided how you are going to spend your journey.

SLOW LANE
Many folks in today’s church are traveling in the slow lane. They have asked Jesus to come into their heart, but that’s about it. They don’t do anything for the kingdom. They are safe and that’s about it.

MIDDLE LANE
I know allot of “Middle Lane” Christians. They usually attend church and pray, they may even serve in a position at church, but they lack passion. They just don’t have the personal intimate relationship with God that He so desires.

FAST LANE
“Fast Laners” are getting harder and harder to come by. These folks are on fire for God. They are saved, serving and have a relationship with God that other folks around them envy. It seems that they can talk to God just like He is sitting on their bed – an old friend. I’m not saying they are perfect, but they are very special and very rare in today’s society.

HOV LANE
For those of you who aren’t familiar with city driving, there is another lane. It’s called H.O. V. or High Occupancy Vehicle Lane. Basically it is a lane dedicated to folks who travel in groups. These are the soulwinners in our midst. These are the people that are always inviting people to Christ and to church with them. Unfortunately, HOV lanes are only faster because they have so few people that travel on them.

UNDECIDED
Some of you, like the man we talked about earlier, just hop around. You run in the fast lane for a little bit and then decide it’s too much commitment, so then you try the slow lane. The preacher says something that convicts you and you get back over in the fast lane for a little while, but it just doesn’t last.

As sad as it is to see Christian’s wasting their potential in the slow lane, God would rather you be in the slow lane than weaving.

Rev. 3:16 (KJV)
Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.

Look at how The Message reads on this verse

You’re not cold, you’re not hot - far better to be either cold or hot! You are stale. You are stagnant. You make me want to vomit.

I am just on the healing end of a virus that seemed to last forever. At the tail end of it came a big wave of nausea. You know, there is nothing that is quiet as bad as nausea. It is the most miserable state you can be in. It's hard to believe that our lifestyle can actually make God feel this way.

As a Christian, we are seen as representatives of Christ. You are an Ambassador - like it or not. Every single action you take reflects on all of the body of Christ, influences the work of Christ and is seen by the lost.

Make up your mind and pick a lane.

Christians and Oprah

The power that Oprah Winfrey has on the women of American (even Christian women) has scared me for years. She has between 15-20 million viewers every day in 132 countries, slowly converting her viewers to her strong new age views. What scares me most about this, is that she has more influence over these women than their Pastors, Christian friends or even the Bible. Many ASSUME that she is a Christian (and boldy defend her), but I strongly question how anyone who calls themself a Christian can support her in any way - and yet they do time and time again. One of the most revealing examples of Oprah's false religion was a recent show with guests Betty Eadie, (new age/Mormon author of Embraced By The Light and The Awakening Heart), Dannion Brinkley (new age author of near death experience books Saved By The Light, and At Peace With in the Light) and Sophy Burnham (new age author of A Book of Angels and Angel Letters). During the show Oprah related, "I was raised a Baptist and we were too hung up on traditional ways. I was sitting in church and heard that God is a jealous God. I asked 'Why?' Come on-let's get over it!" She related a "jealous God" to an insecure God. In the program Oprah revealed that she doesn't think God is hung up on what you believe about God-whatever that "force" is, it doesn't care what you call it. He doesn't have an ego problem. She states, "I believe in the FORCE-I call it God." She also said if you believe in a rhythm of nature and in love, then you believe in God. On another show, a Christian in the audience challenged Oprah about being a "New Ager." Oprah responded, "I am not new age anything and I resent being called that. I am just trying to open a door so that people can see themselves more clearly and perhaps be the light to get them to God, whatever they may call that. I don't see spirits in the trees and I don't sit in the room with crystals." Oprah's close friend and sometimes guest, Shirley MacLaine described on a show how to meditate, going inside yourself, asking your own "intuitive Self" to seek answers to life's questions. Oprah responds, "You know, that is the same as the Bible says, 'Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find'." Shirley confirms. Oprah then asks Shirley, "When you connected to the higher Self...knowing that you can do anything that you want to do-is it what other people describe as being 'born again'?" Shirley nods, "Yes, probably." Oprah, as with other New Agers, is not in pursuit and in communion with God but is in pursuit with the "image of God"-by elevating man to Divinity. The problem with this is the God of the universe has not called us to join ourselves to the creation but to Himself, "the Creator who is blessed forever". How can any Christian justify watching the Oprah Winfrey Show? I can't answer that. Anyone who can almost magically control massive numbers of women, and calls Jesus an "egotist" with nearly no publicity, should raise a flag as an instrument of Satan. Be careful who you idolize.

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2007.

Several years ago a dear friend of mine released an album entitled "New Road, Different Season". She had recently left the Mike Speck Quartet and taken a job as a Music Associate/Pianist of a church & she was at a new and uncharted point in her life. Her album touched me in a way that I cannot explain, and eventually, her prayerful decision led her to begin working with another friend of mine in an awesome music ministry. God has blessed her so greatly because of her obedience and faith in him since she took that initial move to leave the life she loved as a professional artist.

It often amazes me how God leads and directs our paths when we put our trust in Him. I've been in the same situation time and time again - and at every point, He shows that He is in complete control.

After years of working in retail, I followed God at the age of 23. I didn't know where I was going or what I was going to do, but I followed God. This move led to my employment with the Community Action Program in TN. This was the best move I had ever made in my life. I had been terrified of the change, but when I let go and followed God, everything worked out wonderfully.

Over a period of time we felt God's call on us to move to Georgia. Reluctant to leave a job I loved, but not wanting to disobey God, Angela and I followed - and now I work for an even better agency under the same program. It's amazing how God will work out the details in our lives if we will just step out in faith. We actually are not in control of as much as we think we are.

Why do I look back at these turning points in my life? Well, once again, we are facing another "season" in our lives. After much prayer and stress, we feel it is time for Angela to leave the world of employment to stay at home with our children. We are facing a great deal of change in our lives. Tremendous budget cuts, changes in our lifestyle and spending habits, etc. - but we know that these changes are for the spiritual well being of our children. Are we worried? I have to be honest, I'm human and I worry about these things, but I know God won't let us down. We are stepping out on faith into this new "uncharted season" as we face a new year. What is God dealing with you about this year? What "uncharted territory" has he been calling you to? Are you following? My challenge to you this year is to take the plunge. Go for the gold, and follow God.

Thank you for the nearly 50,000 hits we received in 2006. It is encouraging to see that this simple ministry is reaching folks.

I love you all,

Shawn