Legacy Of Worship, Int'l Teaching Blog

What Are You Thinking About These Days? (part 2)

2008-03-17T20:14:00.003-05:00

When Philippians 4:8 challenged us to think on the right things, the second subject is "honest". Honest, in this setting, speaks to the heart of ones character. It is also referred to "as what is honorable" and "to be revered".

To do the honorable thing is not always the easiest choice. The word "Honest" is not necessarily about not cheating on your taxes, when, obviously, we should render unto Caesar what is Caesar's. There was a day when being "honorable " was a more plenteous trait. But, because the Lord placed special emphasis here in His Word, we should give extra special care to exhibiting what is "Honest" and what is "Honorable".

Life is a test. Everything we go through will reveal something about our character. Need an example?

As Israel wandered in the desert those forty years, at strategic points and places, God revealed Himself to her. At the place of "bitter waters", He was revealed as "The Healer" and so on. The same, of course, was true on Israel's side of the relationship - meaning - their character was revealed too. When things didn't happen as fast as they wanted, their hearts strayed.

So, life is a test to reveal our hearts and thought processes. To be "Honest" or "Honorable" is not just a matter of "what we do", but also "who we are". Selah. Think on these things...

What Are You Thinking About These Days?

2008-03-10T13:03:00.005-05:00

Beloved, what are you thinking about these days? Philippians 4:7-9 encourages us to think upon the things that will bring the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, and shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The first among the list is: think upon whatsoever is TRUE. Wow! What a dynamic word. Much of the world is seeking for truth and discover what is true. The things that are true and summed up in the following: what is proven to be faithful, consistent, invariable, and rock solid. Sounds like the Lord's character to me!

Not only is He truth, He is true! The Book of Revelation calls the Lord, "Faithful and True." From everlasting to everlasting, our God is dependable and unwavering. "In Him there is no variableness and no shadow of turning" James 1:17 says.

So many things today are undependable. But you and I can depend on the immovable Christ. He is TRUE, and what He says is truth. He, and His Word, has been stood the test of time. His timeless Words are just as true today as it was the day He spoke them. If it's peace you're looking and waiting for, think on these things. Meditate on what is TRUE and Who is TRUE!

Kingdom Relationships (part 5)

2008-03-05T12:56:00.002-06:00

A Kingdom Perspective

What would happen if each one of us had a more biblical, kingdom perspective regarding relationships? You know...it is possible. Don't you? As God's Word becomes our relationship compass, we are promised that our lights will perpetually shine brighter and brighter, until the day Jesus returns. Relationships within the Kingdom of God is somewhat of a barometer of sorts to measure Christ's light, especially in the home.

All of us are capable of allowing emotional buttons to be pushed, thereby displaying flesh against flesh; even though we know that we are not to wrestle against flesh and blood. But you know, we can elect not to go there. We can resist Satan's temptation to bring further ruin to godly relationships by immediately submitting to God. We often forget this and get the cart before the horse. If you re-read the scripture, it says, "Submit yourself to God, then resist the devil". Sometimes it is easier to resist than to submit. Huh?

This is because flesh defends it's rights and justifies its wavering position. Part of submitting to God is yielding our right to argue flesh's case before God. After all, we want immediate justice through "getting even". But, of course, this is not God's way. We are to submit our will to His, and, in doing so, He will defends and bring justice (with grace and mercy in mind) to our situation.

God sees the bigger picture, and, especially where two of His children are involved in a squabble, He has to speak truth into both. God will not be convinced that our way of resolving things is right or fair. He will only respond from His righteous perspective. If we really, really trust Him, we should be able to release relationship difficulties into God's hands without hardly any hesitation. Selah!

Kingdom Relationships Part 4

2008-02-21T20:55:00.003-06:00

Surely you have noticed how the enemy of our souls works overtime, seeking to ensnare us with the things which most often lead into thinking and acting differently than we were born to do and to be. It seems these snare are found early in life by so many, whose hurts and inner pain derails them time and time again. What an aweful secenerio, but their pain is very real and often almost impossible to see beyond.

Those of us who have expereince varied levels of personal freedom in Christ can testify that there is abundant life to be found. Yet we must acknowledge and seek to help others experience the same freedoms we now enjoy. Like when Jesus announced His purpose for being upon the earth (in Luke 4:18) in the synagogue, our ministry was designed by God to accomplish the same: for He came to set the captive free. Jesus said, "For the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me...to bind up the broken hearted...to set at liberty those who are bruised, etc.

Whatever ministry you find yourself serving in these days, let it be that your vision is set on doing the same as Jesus! The vision is all that matters. The vision is like the motor in your vehicle. It is the drive train...the gears that motivate us to fulfill the concerns of God's heart. We must see what He sees...hear what He hears...and feel what He feels. Jesus wept over His city. When is the last time we did that?

When we finally see Jesus, we will discover for real the eternal value of our involvement in ministry. For in serving others, we are, in deed, serving Him. God's Word admonishes us to "do all unto the Lord". When this happens, rewards are layed up like treasure. There is absolutely no room in the Kingdom of God for self-serving attitudes. The selfless attribute Jesus lived by is in our spiritual DNA. But if we do otherwise, "Well done" may not the words we'll hear when we see the Christ face-to-face. Selah...

Kingdom Relationships (Part 3)

2008-02-12T19:21:00.000-06:00

"Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath."

We live in a society where we believe that certain principles within the Word of God are archaic, and therefore we can justify ignoring them. Beneath the surface of Paul's admonition to take special care in family relationships, we'll see a deeper application and consequence. Let me explain.

First of all, there are four (4) stages of anger: anger, wrath, rage and murder. In the Greek language, the phrase "Provoke not your children to wrath", it is explained in the following way: When we push and push and push - to the point of provoking our children, thus cause them to become full of wrath - that level of deep, hurtful emotion causes our children to desire our authority. Why? They think we have the authority to verbally, physically, mentally and abuse them. Our children just don't know that we've actually stepped over the line and violated God's purpose for authority. They want our authority so we'll stop hurting them.

This wrath opens the door for violence, rebellion and the like, because we have overstepped our authority. Rebellion is a sinful, but natural, fight every children will have to conquer. There is certainly no need for us to further complicate matters, by abusing authority. Remember... all authority is delegated. If we violate parameters of authority given to us by the Lord, then we will have to answer to Him for it.

I trust we will reconsider our roles as parents, and find ourselves remaining in the place of correction vs. punishment. If the Lord treated us like some treat their children, none of us would serve Him. The same is true for parenting: our children will not want to follow us if we have presented the wrong picture. Selah!

Kingdom Relationships (pt. 2)

2008-01-14T12:46:00.000-06:00

"Be ye angy and sin not; let not the sun to go down upon your wrath." Ephesians 4:26

Ephesians 4:26 is one of several scriptures we will look at over the next few weeks, as we examine Kingdom relationships. Question: What would cause any Christian to think they could consciously ignore God's Word and still walk in total freedom? But you and I know how easily this can happen. We so easily subdue and suppress anger and other turmoil-like emotions, when God clearly instructs us deal with them before they root in us.

Our expression, "Nip it in the bud", is an horticultural principle. If we "nip it" early on it will be less painful than much later, when there are others roots and feeder branches attached to it. Of course, it is often easy to justify not dealing with uneasy emotions. There can be many reasons why we justify them, but none of them supercede the instructions God gave us in Ephesians 4:26.

Remember this: Whatever we justify, the enemy begins to fortify. Later on, a little thing becomes and giant; a mole hill becomes an mountain. By this time, the enemy has built a strong fortress around our "once little wounded emotion".

Too many walk around injured and in dire need of healing. But the healing cannot begin until after we have asked God to forgive us for any and all willful disobedience. Once this occurs, healing can be ours: sometimes progressively, and occasionally immediate. Whichever the case, let us guard our hearts with all diligence, by not allowing things to go undealt with. You and I will be much better for it. I'd rather see you in the winner's circle, than the wounded circle.

Kingdom Relationships (pt. 1)

2008-01-09T13:01:00.000-06:00

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul propers." III John 1:2

It is no doubt that it is God's will for us to be blessed and enjoy this life. And, in almost every denomination, this is thoroughly covered. However, if you take a closer look at the things Jesus emphasized within the kingdom of God, various subjects surrounding the issue of "relationship" were valued much higher. You see, child of God, some of the most unhappiest people in the Kingdom are those who have discovered this.

I begin this New Year with a re-emphasizing relationship. The biggest reason is what is going on in my family's life right now. Let me explain. A close family member was wounded by a pastor: this pastor made some remarks about our family. My close family member tried to discuss the issue with this pastor but it never really workerd out to do so. Hince, what the scriptures warn us against happened: anger, bitterness and sin that further complicates matters.

Such transparency hyas not been encouraged by the many ministry friends we have, but I have determined that the Body of Christ at-large really needs to hear the truth. We tend to apply the Word of God to others more than ourselves. So much emphasis is placed on being blessed - such little emphasis is being placed on obeying the Word of God in area of relationships.

We simply cannot allow hatred and bitterness to creep into our lives and hearts. The result will be cancerous. Others will be affected by our poison.

Over the next weeks, we will spend some time on this valueable subject. Let us determine in our hearts - no, let us covenant together - that we will pursue relationships rightly in 2008. Otherwise, soldiers will be further wounded; your brothers and sisters will miss out on the greatest blessing of all - you and me!

The First Shall Be Last

2007-12-21T07:50:00.000-06:00

As Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2), Christ was born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem of Judea. Jesus, our Savior, was the first sign of the New Testament. His birth was an answer to many prayers for many years. "But the Messiah will come", must have been the cry of desperation heard by many throughout the land.

Once again - we find ourselves at the crossroads - we are in dire need of the "Anointed One" to re-appear on the scene. Not only was the birth of Jesus the first sign and wonder of the New Testament era, He will also be the last. His "coming" will be as spectacular as His "birth", as Jesus sets His feet upon the Mount of Olives - that place where He was crushed for us. Between these two monumental happenings is where you and I live.

The Christ-child is celebrated all around the world on December 25th. Thank God that we remain in awe at the sign and wonder He was...and still is...and will be.

As we turn the corner into 2008, our sincere prayer is that our God will be all He has declared Himself to be in all of your life, family, ministry and church! God bless you and have wonderful, joyful celebration of Christ, our King! He is coming again. Tell everyone to get ready.

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders

2007-12-11T10:34:00.000-06:00

(Part Eight)

To Strike the "Awe of God" Within Men's Hearts

Isaiah 66:18-19

They will come and see My glory. I will set among them a sign, which becomes a rallying point, saying, "Ascend here." And I will shoot forth some of them as arrows to the nations - to those who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. They will vehemently proclaim My abounding splendor, my prevailing honor, and My weighty magnificence.

"The splendor of the King clothed in majesty - Let all the world rejoice" are the begining words to the first verse of "How Great is Our God", a very popular worship song at the moment. One of the missing elements today is "a church full of believers totally overcome by the awesomeness of God". But how could we ever come to believe that the world will know the "awe of God" before we do? Not only will judgment begin in the house of God, but "the awe of God" must begin with us too.

One of the major differences between a sinner and a saint is what it takes for them to "believe". Typically, a sinner would say, "I'll believe it when I see it". But our lives should say, "I'll believe UNTIL I see it". This was one of the things Jesus was trying to explain to Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus, when He said, "Did I not say that if you believe you would see My glory?"

Signs and Wonders are designed to strike the "awe of God" in our hearts; to awaken the belief system of sinners. As children of God, we must believe...then...signs and wonders will confirm what we've been believing and saying. God promised to confirm His word with signs following. Go figure!

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders

2007-12-03T19:59:00.000-06:00

(part seven)

To illustrate the presence of the prophetic gift in the earth and God's approval of a man/woman and his/her ministry-

ACTS 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.

HEB.2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.

PS.74:9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Israel went through various roller-caster rides in their history with God. When signs and wonders were absent, so were God's prophets. The same is true for every century of Church history since.

There will always be the fluff - those who proclaim their side-show circus act among the kingdom of God - but God knows those who are the real prophets. If you patiently wait it out, this reality will be evident. "A fool's folly will become apparent" are the words of wise Solomon (paraphrased). True signs and wonders will be the fruit of the kingdom in the last days and certainly not by those who are roman-candle ministries - who blow in, blow up and blow out (no pun intended).

Get ready for the greatest reality check to hit the kingdom in a long time. Once again the want-to-be signs and wonder workers will be overcome by luring demoniacs of our time! God will not be up-staged and the real stuff is going to be the difference in the kingdom of God. No more fake...not more fluff...no more blowing smoke. When it's all said and done, our God will show who really walks in His favor and doing the stuff for ALL the right (righteous) reasons! See you at the finish line, fellow believer in the REAL!

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders

2007-11-23T17:10:00.000-06:00

(part six)

The sixth sign of a prophetic church is her willingness to be periodically re-calibrated by the Spirit of God. This is not to be confused with just a willingness to stay “current” or “relevant” to ones generation. If we change for the sake of change or because it is the popular thing to do, we have missed the boat completely. Re-calibration is the result of adjusting to the will of the Spirit of God!

Case in point: While sitting in our living room visiting with a couple from Phoenix, I heard the voice of the Lord speak just one word. The word was re-calibration. I waited for an appropriate moment to speak "the word" I had heard. The dear sister in the Lord immediately responded, “I manage a Star Bucks - that’s a word we use everyday.” She proceeded to explain how the term was used. To condense the explanation, let it suffice to say: espresso machines have to be re-calibrated everyday to present a consistent product to you - the consumer.

Because, for the most part, a prophetic church will have its ear to the heart of God, she will not resist change or re-calibration. Periodically, this recalibration by the Holy Spirit is necessary so that we might present a consistent product to a lost and dying world. What is that product? And what should we, the Body of Christ, be known for? Simply put, we MUST portray and present the true heart of God.

This is most often lost in the mix of Christianity today. How unfortunate, because God has not changed. He cannot change. The scripture says, "...in Whom there is no shadow of turning" and "Behold, I am the Lord and I change not."

It doesn't get more simple than that. But to present the Christ, we must change (or be re-calibrated). A Prophetic Church will not resist such a change and be in a constant state of remaining in the face of God. We will not forget what He looks like nor forget what He has said, if we refuse to walk away from the mirror of His Word.

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders (part 5)

2007-11-12T09:23:00.000-06:00

To Testify of God’s Ability to Deliver His People

Deliverance is most often a scary word. But even though there is the reality of demonic influence in the earth and occasional demonic possession that must be dealt with in the lives of people, deliverance doesn’t have to be feared and certainly must not be ignored.

However, in Daniel’s case, we see an excellent general definition for deliverance worth checking into. It is written, “He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions (Daniel 6:27 KJV). Here we find two words that sum up the work of deliverance, as it relates to be a sign and a wonder: rescue and work. But there is both a “deliverance from” and“deliverance into” that happens in the Kingdom of God.

The scripture speaks of the reality that we have been “delivered out of the kingdom of darkness, and translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son” (Colossians 1:13 KJV). This speaks of the work of grace in our lives, as we are delivered out of Satan’s kingdom into the Kingdom of Christ.

This work of “grace deliverance” is experienced by every truly born again, child of God. This is the “deliverance into” we’re referring to, which is relational and positional. This definition from the Greek language is: to draw to one’s self; and to rescue. So, even within the context of salvation, all of us are signs and wonders of the grace of God!

The “deliverance from” is more related to the demonic influence mentioned at the beginning. This can also be related to the character flaws present within every one of us: some need tweaking, others need crucifying.

But whichever case, every work of deliverance is a sign and a wonder in the believer’s life. What an awesome thought! I am a sign and a wonder…and so are you! We are testimonies of God’s grace in action and His ability to deliver His people.

I close with a song that the Lord gave me when one of our daughters came back to Him:

I Am A Testimony

The path that I chose
Has led me to this place
The only reason I’m alive
Is God’s amazing grace
No more looking left
And no more looking right
I’m looking straight ahead
I’ve got You in my sight
And everything’s gonna be alright

I am a testimony
I am a testimony
I am a testimony
Of the grace of God

©Legacy of Worship, Int'l, 2004

Bill Faught, Jr.

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders

2007-11-05T11:34:00.000-06:00

(part 4)

DEUT.4:35- Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him

According to Paul’s writings, there are arguments swarming all around trying to dispute the truthfulness of God’s Word. We are to take every (argumentative) thought captive…everything that attempt to exalt itself against the knowledge of Christ.

In some circles, knowledge has been viewed as a bad concept; after all, “knowledge puffs up”. I felt it especially needful to share with our local church this past weekend about the balance God has brought us to. Certainly, too much Word can lead to legalism; and too much Spirit can lead to fanaticism. Paul said, “The Word kills, but the Spirit gives life”. This speaks of the balance of both, because both are very much needed.

There is an aspect of the knowledge of God that we must capture. This aspect is what I call a “showing” that proceeds a “knowing”. While great faith demands no physical proof of a spiritual reality, many of those whose faith has been severally injured need a manifestation (such as a sign and a wonder) that becomes the proverbial knot in the rope that helps us hang on until the answer comes.

Our text mentions both the “showing” and “knowing”. God told Moses that the purpose of showing or displaying the signs and wonders of the plagues of Egypt, was that Israel might comes to know “…the LORD, He is God; and there is none beside Him.”

After hundreds of years in slavery, Israel had become convinced by the arguments of the enemy that God was no longer interested in their well being; that some how God had abandoned them. We see this as we try to minister to the abused. The lie or the argument of the enemy has swallowed – hook, line, and sinker – to the point that it almost impossible to see beyond their abuse. Israel was at this point…but God!

It took forty years for Israel to finally be convinced of God’s ability and to KNOW (through signs and wonders) that God was truly big enough the do what he said. The years of seeing themselves as grasshoppers had finally come to can end. Signs and wonders was the convincing argument on God’s side of Israel’s mental struggle.

I believe that a new wave of signs and wonders are on their way…even now! God’s has rolled up His sleeves and gone to work on our behalf. Can you really believe it? “Believing until we see His glory” was the cry from Jesus’ heart before He raised Lazarus from the dead. Can you believe until you see – then in seeing – you will know once and for all – “…there is none beside HIM.”

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders (part 3)

2007-10-30T14:02:00.000-05:00

To reinforce the pattern of God’s ability and faithfulness to His people

EX.10:2- And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and MY signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.

Within the culture of Israel, God built a strong desire for communication. Of course in the Bible days there was no media forms, such as: radio, television, video games, ipods, mp3 players and the like. Theirs was just the simple passing on of stories based upon God's faithfulness to His people. And these stories provided the possibility of a belief system that has stood the test of time.

You and I are no different today. In fact, more than ever, we need this kind of communication passed between the generations. Through signs and wonders, God is interested in every generation being fully aware of His ability to save, heal and deliver His people from every snare of the enemy.

Have you noticed how many times throughout the scripture that you read, "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob"? Yet, have also noticed the lack of confidence believers seem to have in God today? What's wrong with the picture?

One of the purposes for signs and wonders is to secure our faith and cofidence in God's ability. Even though many of Israel's people grumbled about God, there was still the presence of the fear of God. We need a fresh release of signs and wonders today! More than ever, we need to pour out our hearts before God and cry out for Him to move in the earth. Believe me... when God begins to move... the hearts of men will move too! God is interested in displaying the power of His signs and wonders in the heavens above - and the earth too. Get ready for your confidence in God to get boosted, as the increase of signs and wonders head your way. Just don't forget to tell others where they come from.

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders

2007-10-23T15:29:00.000-05:00

(part two)

To Turn the Hearts of Men

Surely, the most dynamic example of signs and wonders is found in the Old Testament, where, through Moses, God’s words were, ¨Let My people go!¨ God gave Moses the call and assignment to be a deliverer to the people of Israel. Of course, Pharaoh opposed God’s words and refused to do so.

The Bible records that God even hardened Pharaoh’s heart in order to prepare Israel for their deliverance. In essence, the hardened heart of Pharaoh was a sign and a wonder: it was to turn his heart and let the people of God from hundreds of years of bondage and slavery.

As Moses announced and Egypt witnessed each sign and wonder, Pharaoh’s heart hardened more and more. But it wasn’t until the first born plague came that the king yielded to God’s words, ¨Let My people go.¨

Even today, God still desires to use signs and wonders to turn the hearts of men and women. We must step into that realm of the miraculous and allow God to use us in whatever capacity He desires in order to fulfill His purposes in the earth. There are too many in bondage and enslaved to sin. They need to hear the message of freedom, but the enemy of their souls does not want to let them go. You and I can respond to the cry of the people as Moses, stepping out of the shoes of our humanity and into the realm of the supernatural.

God is into the mode of revealing the secrets of men’s hearts. He is willing to even harden a few hearts in order to see people walk in freedom. You are a deliverer too! Begin to announce the freedom of those around you, saying, ¨Let God’s people go…in Jesus´ name.¨ I’ll see you around the victory’s circle!

Eight Purposes for Signs and Wonders

2007-10-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

(part one)

To illustrate God’s creative power:

GEN.1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

At creation, God declared through Moses that the lights (and everything else God created) in the heavens were signs to illustrate His creative power!

Jesus made it distinctly clear in Matthew16:4, “A wicked generation seeks after signs...” Like the blessings of God, signs and wonders are to follow us! Jesus also said, “These signs shall follow them that believe”. Our position, however, should never to magnify or make a circus act out of signs and wonders, neither should we discount them. We should, in fact, expect to see them everyday.

Signs and wonders illustrate God's creative power. The creative power of God's spoken word caused the earth to stand at attention: chaos vanished... order came. The water separated itself from the land and light from the darkness. All of this happened as signs and wonders on the earth and in the heavens.

God still uses signs and wonders to illustrate His creative power. Some may call an earthquake and a volcano “a natural disaster”, but truly, they are signs and wonders of God's existence and might. Yes, in some instances, volcanoes are a sign of judgment. But they can also be a beauty to behold.

“With the span of His hand”, the Bible says, “God measured out the waters.” Now, think about it for just a moment: if God can put on a display of signs and wonders of this magnitude at creation, the same hand of God used to measure out the waters is more than capable of handling your dilemma. “His hand is not too short”, God's Word says, “that He cannot save”.

Let faith arise in your heart today, as you meditate upon God's creative ability. He is an awesome God! I'm confident that He would be willing to do just about anything to illustrate how much He loves you. Don't sell out, believing less of God than Who He really is. He established the earth upon the floods, the Bible says. He can establish you, even if you are in the most turbulent of times.

How Does A Nation Find Its Way Into Your Heart?

2007-10-07T19:43:00.000-05:00

(part four)

We must ask the question: Am I in this for the long haul? Most assuredly, the answer will affect the way and to what depth you and I will pray? For some, the strategy for going to a nation is what I would call “wam-bam and thank you mam” or “blow-in, blow-up and blow-out”. But for these, their prayers may lack that one, defining element that would make the most difference.

Are you willing to lie on your face and for hours at a time with tearful intercessions, even before going to the nations? Can you allow a region or nation to swell so big in your chest that it feels like it will consume you?

I’m reminded of the life story of William Carey, now called “The Father of Modern Missions”. He knew at an early age that he was called to go to the nations, but he was not released to go until much later. I believe it was at least ten years before God gave the “green light” to go to India. But during those years, there was one thing that consumed Mr. Carey. It wasn’t “the call” that tormented him (some of us have experienced this in the process of getting there). It wasn’t the feeling of being placed on the “proverbial shelf” while in preparation (and some of us have experienced this too).

For William Carey, one of the most celebrated missionaries throughout the history of the Church, the one, consuming factor was prayer and intercession. He partnered with Jesus. William did not see those ten years as a waste of time. No. He used them wisely to pray for the nations.

Mr. Carey was a cobbler’s helper. He collected scraps of left-over leather and wove a leather globe. He then picked up a fountain pen, dipped it into an ink well, and then commenced to draw the continents and nations upon this leather globe. It is said that, by the time he set sail from England to India, Young William’s leather globe was so tear-stained the continents and nations were beyond recognition. The globe was black with his tears.

Dear brother or sister please let this challenge be as God’s hand to lift you out of any self-indulgence. Hear God’s heart, as it beats for you and the nations! God has already proclaimed, “The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our God.” He wants to use you and me to bring in the families of the nations to worship Him. Close your eyes but for a moment, and begin to see them coming in. They’re coming: one-by-one, two-by-two, ten at a time, hundreds and more to come. Within the myriad of those coming into the Kingdom of God there is a clear representation of every tribe, tongue and nation.

Intercession for a nation can be compared to a pioneering work, where one takes out his or her machete and whacks a trail for others to follow. This is often the case, when one is called to go to a nation. Much work can be accomplished upon our knees, which become the forerunning factor in our ministries.

Remember, John the Baptist helped prepare the way before the Christ. Fulfilling scripture, he helped: make straight the paths, bring down mountains, and bring up valleys.

You and I can be participants in such a ministry through intercession. But it’s the dirty work. It’s the work of the unsung hero. It is to be compared with belonging to a pack of the nameless and faceless, whose goal is the see Jesus lifted high - totally exalted - among the nations.

Remember these things as you go. You are the “GO” in the Gospel. GO for it!

How Does A Nation Get Into Your Heart?

2007-10-02T16:38:00.000-05:00

(Part three)

“…the veil was done away with in Christ.”

II Corinthians 3:15

“But the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not…”

II Corinthians 4:4

“And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the Vail that is spread over all nations.”

Isaiah 26:6

In Isaiah 25: 6, 7, the prophet spoke of two things in particular God wishes to destroy, when He thinks about a people, a nation: one- the Vail (a die cast or mold made); two- the Veil upon their hearts. These two particulars present the two angles from which a nation is viewed: God’s and ours. Mankind has a view, but, of course, God has the better of the two.

The first Vail is not the usual spelling, but its use best describes the way a nation is characterized – referring to the die that has been cast. It is compared to boiling hot, liquid metal poured into a mold that takes on its shape.

When one thinks of Iraq these days, many immediately think of terrorists. That is a sad reality, because that characterization is not really them as a people group; it’s the demonic stronghold they live under because of the gods they serve. Similarly, certain nations are known for their tempers; others for their drinking; some for their womanizing; still others for their pride.

As you seek to take a mission's trip, there is much importance to knowing the dominant sin patterns of the region you are going into. It will be important to know how to build yourself up and guard your heart from the like. Jesus said, “Pray…that you enter not into temptation.” The victory first comes in prayer. Then, you will be a personal witness of seeing it come to pass right before your physical eyes.

While it is a bit unfair to use these stereotypical characterizations, as some would call it, again, they are the result of demonic strongholds in these nations. The enemy has a foothold there. But I declare unto - Jesus will have His way. He will destroy the Vail in the lives of those who turn to Him, and they will begin to take on His nature instead.

This Vail is man’s angle, and the vantage point from which we typically see people. It is life as we see it, but from God comes another perspective. Just like when Jesus died upon the Calvary’s cross, another Veil was torn from the top to the bottom. Man could not fix his own sin and evil characterizations such as described here. So, God ripped apart the veil from His vantage point, not ours.

The second Veil is upon the minds and hearts of entire people groups. This Veil is the thing that keeps people from seeing Jesus Christ as the Messiah – the Savior of the world.

George and Virginia Barney have been missionaries to Spanish-speaking countries for over thirty-five (35) years. They were members of the church I pastored in the Mid-South. On one particular Sunday morning, Virginia shared a vision from the Lord that revolutionized my thought processes concerning “how” God interprets the Veil on the eyes of nations. This seasoned veteran missionary’s vision was:

I saw the nations of the earth from God’s perspective. It was as if the nations were covered with one very large piece of material. One odd detail stood out to me more than anything else: the covering or material over some nations was dense and darkness abounded; still over other nations, the covering was almost sheer and light was able to penetrate further.

This Veil exists today. Jesus is just as stirred today as He was the day Isaiah spoke, “I will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the Vail that is spread over all nations.” Even though His heart is just as stirred today, since His ascension He has functioned from a different position. Now, He is seated on the right hand of God – ever living to make intercession for you and me…and, of course, the nations of the world. From these heavenly places, he now leans over and whispers to you and me, “Will you partner with me in these intercessions?” [Part 4 comes next week]

How Does A Nation Get Into Your Heart?

2007-09-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

(Part two)

Exactly how fast can one build a house? One key answer might be in the form of two additional questions: How strong do you want it to be? How long do you want it to last?

From my vast construction background I can tell you that many excited homeowners exhibit signs of much impatience, because they want to be in that new home…yesterday. Can you blame them? However, if it’s a custom, quality-built home you’re after, impatience becomes the enemy. You’ve heard the expression: “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, such is the case when attempting to build relationships in another country.

Extreme flexibility must be present when on another’s soil. It’s been my experience that “what you planned” seldom works out exactly the way “you planned it”. Frustration will raise its ugly head – and our self-absorbed focuses will be rather quickly exposed.

Be careful not to push too hard – too fast. Building a lasting, eternal work (that will hopefully outlast you) does not happen by simply “snapping a finger”. To say the least, it has been embarrassing at times for my friends to say, “Please, do not bring that person when you return to our country” because of impatience, the lack of preparation, and inflexibility.

There will be much investment to make. Immediate results are not always the “lasting ones”. You’ll be dealing with hundreds or even thousands of years of unrighteous history, culture and taboo.

Please remember, that when controversial questions are asked (and surely they will be asked, just like Jesus), always remain in a biblical position. You are not there to colonize the country and make people conform to the Western Church. That kind of arrogance is often stomach-turning to the other nations of the world. Be careful not to enforce your convictions upon others. You don’t know the entire truth – you just know the One Who is Truth. He has promised to guide us all into the truth…together.

An example of this would be: strong drink. While I could never drink beer or wine because of my personal convictions, in Germany beer is more common than water; even among Christians. In France, wine is the accepted drink at the dinner table, again, even among Christians. I believe that in one of the Scandinavian countries, drinking coffee is considered a sin, but not beer.

If God calls you and me to one of these nations, are we there to “straighten them out”? God forbid! We are not the Kingdom enforcers. Everyone must work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. God desires for us to be an example, not a hindrance.

Do your homework. Do a demographical study. If you do some investigation before going to the nations, some of these potential “cultural traps” can be sprung ahead of time. The Lord can defuse any present indignation beforehand too.

Oh…yeah…eat what’s set before you. My experience has been that people will generally give you their absolute best. It is better to have to suffer regurgitation than risk offending a dear brother or sister in the Lord. If your stomach is just too weak to handle unusual foods, you’re better off to stay in the hotel room or not board the plane. After all, someone has to stay at home and help pray! Right?

While it is often unfair to be categorized as a “rich” person because we live in the Western world, we don’t want to confirm that we were born with a “silver spoon in our mouths”. If we can afford an airplane ticket to their country, they can view us as “rich”. So, if we refuse their food, then their judgments are confirmed. Hearts will be closed to the Gospel. What a sad thought. You don’t want the Lord to remind you of that on the Day of Reckoning.

Simply put, Open Hearts = an Open Gospel. This is why I am so convinced of building relationships. I am building for eternity. How about you? It’s much bigger than you and me. I believe that entire nations will bow their knees before the Christ. Surely, the families of the nations are being gathered to worship Jesus! Shall we build together – with the One who is the Master Architect, Jesus?

How Does A Nation Find Its Way Into Your Heart? (part one)

2007-09-16T18:18:00.000-05:00

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

“…but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13b

Today, it is more popular than ever to take short-term missions trips into so many places around the world. While the potential to win the masses to Christ is great, there is yet another element of missions which should be explored: this is called relationship.

Today, it is popular to go on these short-term missions trips. This has become a viable option for the majority, for most of us cannot commit to living in a foreign country for months or years at a time. The short-term option, though, does not mean we can’t commit to the relationship with those we've been called to for the long-term.

I have traveled to Mexico a total of twelve (12) times since 1999; into some fairly remote places. In the picture above, I hold in my arms a child that had been dedicated to the Lord that Sunday morning. The child is the grandchild of Eva, a restaurant owner, who is deeply offended if we do not have dinner with her on the very night we arrive in Perote, Veracruz.

I have been going to the Philippines since 1978. In my thirteen (13) excursions, I have built long-standing relationships with many pastors, their families and their churches. There is a history. I know their names, their children’s names and can even name some in their congregations. On the flip side, they also have met my wife, Lynda, and most of our five (5) children. The same is true for Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Indonesia. We have played games together; laughed and cried together; prayed together; worshiped together; and built relationship.

The eternal purpose for taking the Gospel to the nations is to: seek and save…that none should perish! But sometimes it takes 2, 3, maybe even 4 trips into a nation just to lay a foundation of relationship for the Gospel message to be maximized. This foundation of relationship largely involves the further building of trust and finding open hearts to you and the Gospel. As this happens, more and more doors will open to meet local, regional and national leaders.

I have experienced the servant position of washing the feet of pastors; I have stood on second-story balconies with mayors of cities to celebrate their national holidays; I have stooped to help the poor, blind and unclothed; I have sat in round-table discussions with educators and decision-makers. This did not happen in one trip to a foreign land. It took a commitment to going once or twice a year for several years to find these relationships and open hearts.

Jesus’ heart was tremendously stirred by the condition of the people and culture of Jerusalem when He said, “O Jerusalem, O Jerusalem, you who kill your prophets”, further stating, “How often I would gather as a hen would gather her chicks, but you would not let Me” and “You are like sheep without a shepherd”.

In essence, Jesus was the first missionary. But the true heart of God delivered through this Missionary was to demonstrate a willingness to identify with those He was called to (you and me… and the rest of the world). I guess identification is a major point to make here.

In my thirty-one years of preaching the Gospel, I have met plenty who use missions’ trips as a means to brag about where they’ve been and what they’ve accomplished. For those, it became a feather in their cap, or, like a gun-slinger for the Old West, notches on the gun barrel. They were not really all that interested in identifying with the people. Someday, I hope, the thought will dawn on them that Jesus was and still is all about relationship. Surely, He did the miracles just to display God’s goodness and to once and for all - capture their hearts.

When you go to these nations, you may experience an array of emotion when presented with issues, like:

Culture shock- unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, food, language, weather, etc.

Atmospheric conditions (both physical and spiritual)- altitude, climate, etc.

Overwhelming Doubts- “Why am I here?” “Do I really have anything to give?”

Please remember the basic premise from which Jesus came: He came to seek, to save and to serve. If service remains your purpose, the other challenges will quickly fade into the distance. Put your heart out there and build relationship with people. This is the beginning of answering the question: How does a Nation find its Way into Your Heart?

Faithfulness: is it "what God does" or "Who He is"?

2007-09-07T16:20:00.000-05:00

It’s great to have friends that daily encourage us in the Lord. One such friend of mine is Josh Lindquist, owner of Quist Design, our ministry’s website designer. Even though Josh lives hundreds of miles away, he chats with me over the internet everyday. Below is one of our most recent chats that spawned this week’s devotional!

Bill: He (God) is faithful....even when things don't seem to be going the way we think they should

Josh: Amen

Bill: The fact that He is faithful is more dependent upon His character and "who He is", instead of "what He does or doesn't do". That would be a distant second

Josh: That is solid

Bill: That is "truth" to live by

Bill: Maybe I should write something about that for the next weekly devotional

Josh: That would be great

Bill: K

Our view of God largely determines how far we’ll walk with Him – especially when the storm is raging all around us! How many people do you know whose confidence and “faith in God” has been severally shaken, only to reveal their theology was based upon “experience” rather than “truth”? Let’s call this “conceptual theology”. The temptation exists to also determine God’s “will” and “heart” according to our circumstances.

The real big problem with a “conceptual theology” is that ones view and opinion of God will be like the wind – constantly changing – dependant upon what they’re going through at the time.

Let’s look at some real, hard-core Bible truths to live by:

1. God cannot change- For I am the LORD, I change not; Malachi 3:6
2. God cannot lie- In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Titus 1:2
3. God cannot fail- He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, Deut. 31:6

If these core beliefs are true (and we know they are), then they are based upon character, not duty. God cannot be sized up by what He “does” or “doesn’t do”. Our concept of God must reflect “Who He is”, not just “His power or ability”. Otherwise, we can be more focused upon seeking His hand, instead of His face. How can we confidently declare His beauty, unless our gaze has been set upon His most holy, lovely face?

We must look at the things that characterize God as “Who He is”. For example:

1. God is LOVE. Therefore, He loves us. (I John 4:8)
2. God is LIGHT. Therefore, He lights up heaven and the earth. (John 8:12; I John 1:5)
3. Jesus is the BREAD OF LIFE. Therefore, He feeds us. (John 6:35)
4. Jesus is the DOOR, the GOOD SHEPHERD, the VINE, and the WAY. Therefore, He shows us the way to the Father. (John 10:4, 7; 14:6)
5. He is the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. Therefore, He brings God’s life to us. (John 11:25)
6. Jesus is TRUTH. Therefore, He teaches and reveals Truth. (John 14:6; Rev. 3:14)
7. God is FAITHFUL. Therefore, He faithfully provides for us. (Deut. 7:9; Rev. 3:14)

There you have it! God’s will and ways are not determined by current circumstances. We mustn’t allow human deduction and earthly wisdom to form our theology. Those that come to God must: first, believe that He is; second, we must believe that He rewards us as we diligently seek Him; third, without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Let us not have faith in our doctrine, but rather, let us place our faith and confidence in our God, Who will do what He said, because He is Who He said. Remember, Truth, Faithful, etc. speak of God, as a person. If you do “think upon these things”, it will influence the platform from which you worship. It will not be just from the position of “what God has done for you”, but your worship will most definitely include: God, I love You, if for no other reason than just because of Who You are. This will begin to change everything, including your theology. Can you handle that? Bet you can…and will!

Enjoying The Process

2007-09-05T12:40:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 5:23

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

While buckling my seat belt, the airplane pilot usually takes advantage of any downtime by giving vital information, like: the weather forecast and gate assignments. However, what he/she probably enjoys the most is saying, “Leave the flying to us, folks. So, just sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.” (Of course, it’s a little more difficult to relax on some of the trans-oceanic flights.)

This “enjoying the ride” is something every believer should take advantage of. We can find joy in the journey – and peace in the process. Herein lays a real challenge for most of us. Some would rather have a “snap your fingers” and “wave your wand” experience with God, but this is not God’s way. He is into “the process”. How? Thanks for asking!

In the natural, we see the four seasons of the year and the cycle of life. If one could snap his fingers and instantly move from season to season, we could not enjoy watching the process of change. Time is also a process: past, present and future.

The “test” in the testimony is the part we like the least. But how could we truly declare the “goodness and ability of God” if God does as suggested – wave a wand and get us out of our stuff? Enjoying the process definitely makes the journey that much sweeter!

(Surely, one of the major disillusions awaiting Christians today is misunderstanding “the process”. However, in this case, disillusionment can actually turn out to be a good thing. In the positive sense of the word, “disillusion” equates to being “free from illusion”. But remember: the truth will set us free!)

Another way of describing “the process” in the life of the Christian is taking a look at three specific words in our opening text: Spirit, Soul and Body. These words suggest that we are part of a Metamorphosis, or in the on-going “process of change”.

Every year the beautiful Monarch Butterfly returns to Michiocan, Mexico. It must be a sight to behold, as millions of these majestic butterflies assemble there. But if the Monarch was to allow its past to predict its future, you and I would not see its beauty. The Monarch Butterfly experiences the process of change, going from an egg, to the larvae, to the pupa, and then to the adult butterfly. 1 There are equally ugly and beautiful stages in its life.

You and I go through a similar metamorphosis, but ours is spiritual. Jeremiah 1:5 helps us to further establish this, saying, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations”.

God foreknew Jeremiah and called him to be a prophet to the nations. So, even as a child, Jeremiah could equally say, “I am a prophet”, “I am being trained to be a prophet”, and “I will be a prophet”. Applying this biblical precedent to our life, we can say, “I am saved (I am perfect, holy, etc.)”, “I am being saved (I am being perfected, made holy, etc.)”, and “I will be saved” (I will be perfect, holy, etc.)

The spiritual life of a Christian is all about the process of “becoming what I already am”, or “I am what I shall be”. The Bible states that we go from: glory to glory, strength to strength, and faith to faith. If we understand it’s all about the process, we won’t totally lose heart when we mess up the next time. Yes, the goodness of God leads to repentance. But God doesn't condemn us. His love understands the process and easily says, I forgive you". This is part of the check and balance system God offers in His kingdom.

One last thought: according to Psalm 1:3, the phrase – “And he shall be like a” – comes from the Hebrew word “Hayah”, meaning “it shall come to pass”. If we can get a vision for where we are going and whom God has called (and declared) us to be, the Lifter of our heads, Jesus, can help us to see the many pitfalls before us. God watches over His Word to perform it. “It shall come to pass”, because He is doing a great work in us, as we are going through "the stuff".

Whatever your “stuff” is, you can go through it much easier when you know God is working His good pleasure in you. Say “Hayah” to your neighbor. He or she might think you’re talking Karate language or something, but them the truth: “It shall come to pass”. See ya 'round the victory circle!

1. http://www.earthlife.net/insects/lifecycles.html

Downloads From Heaven

2007-08-28T12:32:00.000-05:00

Fix My Receiver, Lord (part 2)

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."

Mark 9:24 (NIV)

Have you ever had a message pop up on your computer, saying, “This file is corrupted”? Bad news…isn’t it?

Worse yet, have you ever surfed the world-wide-web and get slammed with an unwanted virus that shut a computer down? Viruses can infiltrate software packages and even shut down a hard drive. Again…it’s bad news.

Sometimes, the answer for corrupted files is to reload the software. The answer for a virus on your computer is “Anti-virus” protection. It is also recommended that you install a “Firewall” for additional protection.

Aren’t we much the same? Our faith can be corrupted, our confidence in God severely shaken. Can you imagine the plight of this father in our text? Some may ignore their lack, but this father did not. He knew where he fell short. Is it a shame to admit your lack? No way!

Would you agree that we need a continual download from heaven? We are not citizens of this earth, but we are often contaminated by its philosophies and ways. God help us to realize our need…just like this father did.

God offers fresh downloads to those who are looking, waiting, and expecting it. A corrupted file can cause our faith to malfunction. A virus can pollute our ability to properly respond to heaven’s invitation. God said, “I WILL pour out My Spirit…” Why would we expect anything less than what He said?

Where are you? Do you have any corrupted messages popping up? Do you have a virus moving around in your belief system? Do you need a serious upgrade? If the answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, don’t waste another moment. Acknowledge your need, just like the father did in our text. This is the first move toward God.

Just like when Elijah was in the cave – hiding in fear from Jezebel – we must first "come out" of the cave to receive further instructions. Get ready, for, as you move toward God, He is moving toward you! See you there!

Downloads From The Heavenly Realm

2007-08-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

Fix My Receiver, Lord

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."

Mark 9:24 (NIV)

I really liked my old computer, but it seemed to be getting slower by the day; it was in dire need of many updates and was severely falling behind in technology. The CD drive would not read, the floppy drive had been long gone, and the network card was sending a wrong IP address. Should I continue? In other words, there were many limits to its ability to perform effectively for the user (me). At times, my computer would make funny noises and freeze up. I was having to shut it down from time to time.

We know heaven continually offers downloads to all believers, and, while some may take more advantage of this than others, ones ability to receive can be lacking. How's your receiver?

In computer terms, one could ask:

"How's your Random Access Memory (RAM)?" Are you slow at responding in obeience to the Christ? Do you get those "error messages", which say, "Program is not responding?"

"How's your graphics card?" Has it become difficult for you see and illustrate Jesus in the reality of who He is?

"What version of software do you have? Are you in need of an upgrade?"

These and other questions are not a matter of ones physical inabilities, but the spiritual. The age of the computer was not the problem, it was the components that needed attention. We are much the same. Like the boy's father in our text, our faith (or receiver) can be lacking. His cry for Jesus' help was to assist, by making up for what was lacking in his faith. While we have all been in this place a few times, we surely do not want to stay there. Our receiver can be fixed, so we can receive the updates and downloads from heaven as quickly as the Father desires to send them!

Over the next couple of weeks, we will take a closer look at some of the things that may be hindering our ability to receive from God what He is pouring out...and sending our way. Between the days these teachings are posted here, begin to ask the Holy Spirit to give insight as to where you are in this process. Please know this, your ability to receive will be upgraded shortly. Get ready for a download from heaven like you've never known!

New Book Nearing Pre-release

2007-08-09T12:32:00.001-05:00

Comments About Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome-

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* “Bill’s book challenged me to re-evaluate my motives in the worship ministry. Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is powerful with great research and revelation. Everyone and anyone involved in the ministry of worship should read this book!”

- Dean Mitchum, Worship Leader
The Worship Leaders Network, Director
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

* “...Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is a historical work - defining the underlying problems facing the worship ministry. Bill has defined the enemy, as well as offered a remedy, and weapons of our warfare to overcome the Lucifer Syndrome. This book is a must-read for all people, but especially those involved in worship ministry.”

- Brian Ming, Worship Leader
Christ for the Nations Institute
Dallas, Texas

* “...is a fascinating work coming from the heart of a true worshiper. Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is thoroughly balanced and is biblically sound, containing wisdom from the author's life experience as one anointed to lead people into God's presence. I highly recommend this book to pastors, leaders, and passionate worshipers.”

- Mickey Keith, Pastor of Life Community Church
President of Independent Assemblies Fellowship
Ada, Oklahoma

* “Bill’s book, Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome, is a wonderful call to examine our motives and search our hearts about our role in the worship ministry.”

- Jairo Carbajal, Pastor of My Father’s House
Maranatha Christian Bookstores, President
Monterey, Mexico

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Jesus said, “The prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on Me” (John 14:30, NIV), but can we profess the same? This in-depth study, Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome, by author Bill Faught, Jr., examines the historical biblical text, bringing forth the flaws of Lucifer’s character; the reasons for his disqualification and banishment from heaven; and the remedy for his infectious disease infiltrating today’s worship and leadership. Informative and insightful, Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is an intriguing and masterful description of eternity’s past, present, and future. This astute look into the Scripture will pull a wide range of believers into the real world of heaven and God’s love-call to the earth. When every believer stands before the judgment seat of Christ, he hopes to hear, “Well done. You have not exemplified the Lucifer syndrome.”

Bill Faught, Jr., is a popular conference speaker in several Latin American countries and the Philippine Islands. As a young teen he began leading worship and preaching, and now has been in the ministry for over thirty years. If asked, Bill would tell you that his greatest joy is worshiping with his wife and five children. Bill’s vision is to see the “glory of the Lord fill the earth,” and his passion is to effectively equip the Body of Christ in worship and leadership all over the world. He is an accomplished song writer, singer and musician, and some of his songs have been sung in the US, Mexico, and Indonesia. This global calling is reflected in both his books and his music. Bill and his wife, Lynda, currently reside in Dallas, Texas.