Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is fast approaching. I have
determined not to get involved in the secularization of the season.
There are many who are always in a conflict with everything around us.
My conviction is to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The
world may change the name from Christmas to Holiday, but it does not
affect my joy at the birth of Christ. I will not allow the world to
dictate my joy and refuse to listen to outside voices. Christ was born
and died for our sins. In the fast commercial pace of this month, slow
down and rejoice, singing joy to our "newborn King". Let's pray for His
power to rule over us and use every opportunity to tell someone about
the transforming power of Christ.

I have great
outstanding friends in my life. Many are living in other countries and
states. Over the years, a call, an e-mail, a visit from missing
friends, have brought great joy to my life. I have been thinking about
the real value of friendships. A good friend is one to treasure. During
this Thanksgiving season, I have made a decision: re-connect with as
many of my friends as possible and thank God for each one. This will
include calls to 3 continents! We are now a global family and it is a
thrill to review the journey with friends. How about you? Have you made
that call, sent that e-mail, re-connected? Share your story. It will be
an encouragement to others.

I have been thinking about
the week to come. What can we do to be thankful? Thank God for life,
family and friends. Celebrate the day, our freedom and the land we live
in. Thank God for His love.

It was important to be ready and
evacuate when the fires approached. It is also important for us to
respond and assist those in need. I am grateful to the many from our
churches who are praying, supporting and working in this very difficult
time. What's important? Be ready to assist those in need.

Driving back home on
Sunday we saw the devastation in real color. The fire had jumped the
freeway and 2 other fires were joining together. Chaos all around, and
as I saw the interviews after the destruction, I wondered how I would
respond to such a crisis. Many were saddened by the lost of
possessions, but thankful for their lives. One of the ladies said it
best, "I am alive. The house can be replaced." She had her perspective
in the right place. It is time to review what are the most important
issues in life.

Possessions and families are important, but a
relationship with Christ is best and eternal. I decided that my
possessions would not hinder my daily walk with the Lord. If disaster
comes, I am confident we can weather the storm.

This year was another
banner year of building relationships with our ethnic/language groups.
Richard Vera and Danny Sotelo coordinated multi-ethnic
pastors/leadership conferences which included Hispanics, Koreans,
Chinese and Filipinos. It is a reminder of how Heaven will look like,
when all of God's children gather to worship him.

Dr. David Jeremiah, Senior Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church is
to be commended for the warm and cooperative spirit of his members.
They responded and made us feel "right at home". I look forward to the
new year of exciting ministries in California.

Another indigeneous leader was Urraca, an Indian chief from Panama, who fought against the Spanish army. His passion was the freedom of his tribe. One of my heroes today is Elmer Towns, author and leader at Liberty University. 

I enjoy the way he writes. As a young pastor I read about the greatest Sunday schools and churches he described. It seems like a long time ago, and in reality it is. This year I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Towns, a humble and gracious servant of the Lord. He spoke at our annual ministers conference. After the conference I secured the book he co-authored with Douglas Porter, The Ten Greatest Revivals Ever.

Reading about God’s movement across the world, in amazing ways, has been exciting. Many of the issues we face today can be resolved with a transforming movement from God. A verse keep coming to my mind “Not by might, or by power, but by my spirit said the Lord. Great awakenings happen when God moves in power among the nations. I suggest you secure a copy of the book The Ten Greatest Revivals Ever and pray for God's visitation on our nation and the world.

Monday
night I enjoyed dinner with the Church Planters. You should have heard
their testimonies. Amazing life changing encounters impacting the
unchurched for Christ. I sensed an excitement among the group to do
whatever is necessary to reach the lost and make disciples in Nevada.
The pioneer spirit continue to break down barriers. I have always said,
we need to hear the stories of God amazing grace and what He is doing
in our communities. So often all I hear are the problems, yet, in the
midst of difficulties, you see the hand of God move in a mighty way.
These young couples are a gift from God to NBC. I will be praying for
their continued success. I commend Dr. Thane Barnes and the leadership
of our sister convention on the fine work they are doing.

Where do you go when the river seems to be overflowing its banks? I
go to my Heavenly Father. "Call unto me…", He says. "…The earnest
prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful
results." It is really in moments like these when I find the presence
of God very close. So tonight, late as it is, I prayed for healing,
strength, comfort and His presence in our lives.