Pastor's Blog

In a recent conversation I had with a Mormon, he called himself a Christian, but his belief of salvation is different than mine. When I told him that have accepted Christ as my Lord, he said, "well, you need to join the Mormon church." We live in a world that is subtley influenced by cults. Yoga is based on Hindu worship. Tattoos and body piercings are based on paganism. Easter is the worship of a pagan goddess Ishtar. Halloween is a Satanic celebration of death. Do we realize all the negative influence cults have on our society today? How do you converse with a Mormon, a Jehovah's Witness or a Muslim? What is your response or question to cults and false religions?

Here is my personal Purpose Statement for 2012: "By the grace of God, in 2012, I purpose to spend quality time in the presence of the Lord, give the Lord the best of my time, talents and treasures, pursue higher levels of spiritual growth and lead by example." (I'd love to hear your purpose statement for 2012 as well.)

Have you seen the movie "Courageous"? If you did, you probably laughed, then cried, then laughed, then cried, etc. But most importantly, you were challenged to be committed to Godly family values like never before. Sometimes, God uses unique ways to challenge us. Like a good, Godly movie.

Our 21 Day Spiritual Empahsis, "Honor Begins at Home," begins on Sept. 24th. We have many ministry items scheduled, because we believe in bringing God's presence into our homes. Our Fortress Family Picnic on 9/24 will be a day of fun and fellowship. Our daily devotions will help us focus on the priority of our role as men (and women). The movie "Courageous" will in inspire you - I guarantee it! The "Love and Respect" marriage class will makea a difference in your marriage. The Pastoral Home Blessing will us into agreement for your home. Our daily prayer targets will bring un into prayer agreement. Our Yom Kippur Solemn Assembly will launch us into our 7-Day Daniel Fast. Then, Victory Sunday (Oct. 16th) we will celebrate what God is doing, and then that evening conclude with Resolution Night, where about 100 men will courageously take a stand for being the man that God has called them to be, Wow! Th

I just finished up a great week at the Assembly of God General Council in Phoenix. It is a privilege for me and Fortress Church to be part of such a great organization. Being part of the A/G allows us to network with other churches, tap into great resources, experience God-anointed events (councils, camps, retreats), participate in great programs (i.e., Fine Arts), partner with global missions work, be accountable in ministry and experience the power of agreement. Wow! I'm glad we don't have to do church alone.

As you reflect back on the first half of 2011, what has God done in your life? And what do you believe God to do in the second half of 2011? As for me, I have seen our Fortress worship rise to a whole new level - this is something I've been praying for. Also, God has renewed my vision for missions and discipleship. God is good!

After spending 8 days in Nicaragua, my heart was touched by how we in America are so blessed and how Nicaraguans are so hungry for the Lord. God is stirring my heart to take our World Missions effort to another level. What ideas can you suggest to help us focus more on missions?