Is it real or is it memorex? October 5, 2010

Memorex, a cassette manufacturer and VHS manufacturing company, had a slogan for their commercials.  The slogan was simply… Is it LIVE or is it MEMOREX?  They were out to prove that the quality of sound that they produced was just as good or BETTER than the real thing.  Hence comes the title of this blog.

Years ago, I believe in the early 90′s, a fresh new group blew up on the music scene.  Their career, however, was short-lived when they were discovered as  lip - syncers instead of singers.  It was Memorex.  They were PERFORMERS.  They could dance and move and groove to the beat, but consumers wanted to know – Can they really sing as well as they do everything else?  When consumers found out that this group’s career was built on duplication of someone else’s vocals rather than their own, the public spoke, reacted, and responded.  The end result was the end of these singers’ career.

I think that is often how we treat Christianity.  Are we PERFORMERS or are we REAL?

Growing up as a PK, I knew how to act the part, look the part, shout when the music got to rocking, lay hands on others, etc.  You name it, I knew how to do it.  It was all HEAD KNOWLEDGE.  It was all MEMOREX. It was reproduced by something I had seen and heard before.  Much of it was DUPLICATED.

 It looked just as good as the real thing, and most people without any discernment couldn’t even tell the difference.

BUT GOD COULD. 

As I have been pondering on this all day, I have come to this realization… God is not looking for PERFORMERS, he is looking for those who are LEGIT, REAL, and people who will just LOVE HIM like he wants to be loved.

His word tells us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

BUT… how often do we fall short in true love and obedience to Him?

When we reach Heaven, those who have made it by trusting Him and keeping the faith, and living for him, God’s not going to say “You PERFORMED well!  No… He will say “WELL DONE!”

He will say… “The battle raged against you, but you fought with my help and you won – WELL DONE!”

He’ll say… Hell raged against your life, but you didn’t bow, bend or break.  You kept on trusting me!” – WELL DONE!

He’ll say… YOU FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND YOU KEPT THE FAITH – WELL DONE!  Hallelujah!

(PERFORMANCE) or better yet, (MEMOREX) Christianity is not the kind of relationship God desires.

God desires True Devotion; Real love;  and Complete surrender.

God has called me to preach the gospel thru the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

He didn’t make me a PERFORMER.

He has given me the ability to play several instruments, but I don’t do it to PERFORM.

I love to sing, but I sing to worship and praise Him, not just because I want to PERFORM.

I am a CHRISTIAN, not an ACTOR.  I don’t ACT like a Christian, I AM A CHRISTIAN.

I am not a PERFORMANCE Christian, I am a REAL Christian.

My relationship with God is REAL and it is LEGIT.

AND… the longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows!

So… the real question that gets to the heart of the matter is simply this…

In thinking about your relationship with God, is your relationship REAL or is it MEMOREX?

As you think about this… have a great day!  God Bless.

Ground Zero… August 25, 2010

Well, as I sit here and ponder over tonight’s message, (Part 3) Holy Ghost Series, I went to sleep last night with this on my mind, and I awoke with it on my mind.  So… I will just blog about it.

I saw the headlines last week, where our President is supporting the building of a mosque at Ground Zero in NYC.

My first thought was… Wow!  Wouldn’t it have been great if there would also be a church sanctuary built there too?

The denomination of the sanctuary built there doesn’t really matter, just something that would represent a place for lives to be rescued by the God that I serve and love so dearly.

Ground zero…

*It was a place where lives were destroyed

*A place where children lost a mom or a dad

*A place where a mom or dad lost a child

*A place where marriages were ended by death

*It was the place where for many, life came tumbling down

*It was a place where what once stood tall and proud was now a pile of rubble

*It was a place of shambles

Ground Zero…  A place where now there is NEW construction!

To me… Ground Zero sounds much like the life of a Christian.

How so, you may ask?

Because, when I came to Jesus, and asked Him into my life, my life was in shambles.

My world, too, had come crashing down.

Sin had held me captive, and I had reached rock bottom, the lowest point that I could go.

There was no where else to go but UP!

So… God, thru the blood of Jesus Christ, picked me up from where I was, and placed me on a higher plane.  He brought me to a new life, and a new level in Him.  He forgave me of my sins, and entered into my broken life.  He saved me!

As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, old things were passed away, and all things have become new.

What was once a life of sin and shambles, is now a life of joy and peace.

To the world, Ground Zero is a monument of where life changed for our country.

As a Christian, I have a Ground Zero, but it is not found in NYC.

No!  My Ground Zero is at the cross of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It was at this spiritual Ground Zero, that life changed for ME!

And… the ground is level at the foot of the cross, for it is a place for whosoever believes!

Ground Zero for the Christian is the Cross!  Thank God for the cross!

There may never be a church standing at Ground Zero in NYC, but for me, there will always be a cross standing at my life’s Ground Zero.

And, to me, that is what means more to me than construction of a building. 

For I know, that God has been constructing a building for me much more elaborate than a mosque.  He has prepared for me a mansion in glory!

My focus is not on the NYC Ground Zero, but I am forever focused on Calvary’s Ground Zero!

Be blessed!

Back again…Whew! It’s been so long! June 26, 2009

Well. what do I say?  It has been months, yes months since I have been here on the blogosphere.  Where do I begin?

Well, next week starts my first official work week of camp as  a YCE Board Member.  Stacia and I will be the Special Ministries Directors.  Bryce starts his first ever week of camp.

Anyway, I am happy to report that I have now lost 65 lbs.  PTL!  Still a long way to go though.  I walk 1  1/2 miles a day, so it is slowly paying off.

I must go, but I must say HELLO again to all my readers.  As I prepare for my Sun. Evening message, Lemme say – God speed to you all.  I will see you next week as I sweat in this unbearable South Georgia heat at YC for all of you who are coming.  Be blessed!

Sunday rewound October 13, 2008

OK so here’s the deal.  I preached two “in your face” sermons today.  This AM, I preached on “Breaking Through to your Breakthrough!  This PM, I preached on “Building Upon What God Has Already Built.” Itwas a message in Ezra 3 on Zerubbabel and Jeshua rebuilding the altar, and the foundation of Jerusalem that had been destroyed by Babylon. I preached like my insides were on fire.  The anointing of God was certainly upon me!  It was truly felt.  It was truly a message for our church. 

See. God has already started the rebuilding, I was just encouraging the people to step up to the plate, and let us carry out God’s master plan for the church, and reminded them that a “plateau” being reached, is a sign of giving up!  I won’t give up or give in to the Devil.  A plateau is just a stepping stone for what God is doing.  I reassured them that the “plateau” will not last, and that God was just revitalizing and rejuvenating us for our journey to “The Next Level.”  Plateaus are temporary, but God is eternal.  By the end of the service the altars were full, and everyone recommitted their lives to God, and agreed to carry God’s vision forward.

As the theme song to the Jefferson’s says…  “Well we’re movin’ on up…!

Good news!  Just before church I had one of our teenagers walk into my office, and without hesitation, said, “Pastor, I wanna get saved!”  Well, I immediately stopped everything I was doing, and prayed the sinner’s prayer right there in my office.  I will delay starting the service anytime for a soul to get saved!  I feel a “whoop glory” comin’ on!

Well, it was a special moment, and I made this young man feel special!  I called him to the front of the church, (with his permission of course), and I had the church extend the right hand of fellowship to him, and we “Welcomed” him to the Family of God!  It was a special time, and God really started to move!  It really set up the atmosphere for my message.

God is awesome!  Devil, take one name out of your book, “cause Jesus just added another name to the Lamb’s Book of Life!  Exciting, exciting, exciting things are happening at “The Green.”  Be blessed!

Forgiveness Is A Wonderful Thing October 10, 2008

OK, long story short!  A little over 3 years ago, I was on staff at another COG in S GA.  The location and whereabouts is unnecessary.  Anywho,  I kinda sorda got off on the wrong foot with a visitor to the church one Sunday.  Something I said, and my actions portrayed an attitude of arrogance.  Lord only knows, I try my very best to treat everyone the same, and not be a snob or snub anyone!  Well, this particular situation got me an all expenses paid trip to the pastor’s office.  See, in small towns, word travels fast.  This particular event had snowballed into something greater than it actually was.  And we all know that’s how the DEVIL works.  BUT.. there I was being confronted about the issue.

So, I gave my side of the story, and really, medical reasons was part of the deal as well, but all was well after that day, as far as my position being intact that is.  At least, I thought everything was well!  Well, for weeks the individuals involved could not seem to let go of the situation, but with prayer, God finally brought things to a rest.

WELL…  As I was studying for last Sunday’s sermon, making my last few sermon preparations, God pricked my heart on something.  He brought to my remembrance this entire scenario again.  The amazing thing is… I remembered the names of both the individuals, who had not been in my sight since that morning 3 years ago it happened.  That was a GOD thing.  So, I called, and wanted to talk to one particular person, who was working that weekend.  I talked to the spouse instead, but really desired to talk to the other individual.  The spouse forgave me, and said that the other person, because of the past issues, would more than likely not ever want to talk to me.  I just accepted that and moved on.  I had done what God impressed upon me to do, and I felt such a peace about it.

WELL… just tonight I received a phone call from the other person, whom the spouse said would probably never talk to me.  We chatted for a minute, and I got right to the point. I offered my sincerest apologies.  There was NO hesitation on the other person’s end, and I was forgiven right then.  The Hatchet was buried so to speak.  To the amazement of this person, I recalled their name and number, and the incident that happened long ago.  No other way that could happen except for GOD!  Tonight my Spirit has just been escorted into the stratosphere, and I am walking around saying “FORGIVENESS IS TRULY A WONDERFUL THING!”  Jesus really nailed it when he talked about forgiveness.  He knew the power of it.  FORGIVENESS truly is a powerful thing.  It is amazing, and wonderful.  Be blessed.  God is Good!

The Road to Freedom October 3, 2008

So, here I am after several months of NO blogging!  What can I say?  TIme just hasn’t allowed it! Anywho, here I am again!  (sounds like a secularsong)  “Here I am again on my own!”  I can hear the music in my head as I write the lyrics.  Nuff a dat!

Well, as the title infers, I am on the long road to wellness.  As an overweight pastor, What began this journey was a visit to the doctor.  He took one look at me and said, “You need to lose weight!”  You are a heart attack or stroke waiting to happen!”  Now, a type 2 diabetic with high cholesterol and High blood pressure, I have started a long journey to wellness and freedom.

4 weeks ago, I started the journey to my freedom from obesity.  As a pastor, I see people bound by many other things, but I, myself, am bound by obesity.  BUT… not for long! So, I am now following Michael Thurmond’s advice and doing a 6 week body makeover.  To date, I have lost a total already of 30 lbs.  YAY!

I feel better.  I eat better.  I walk and exercise, and yes, I even work out with the pretty little PURPLE band that comes with the Makeover plan.  Not to mention, I probably have the cleanest COLON around!  LOL!  I am already 1/3 of the way to my goal weight loss.  You can figure the math as to how much I want to lose.  AND… I have already had to buy a new suit.  (2 sizes smaller!)  Whoo-hoo!  Go me!  Go me!  Go, go, go me!

Enough of that too!  Anyway, pray for me!  I will need the strength and support from each of you!  I have already asked God to help me, and I know He already is.  With the weight loss comes a healing from my diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol! I have started the journey physically already!  I am also making tremendous strides on my Spiritual journey!  When I get hungry, I begin to read the bible, and it takes the edge off my hunger!  I am getting fed, but in a spiritual way!  Isn’t that awesome?  I am just eating from the Master’s Table!  May I tell you, the Master’s Table has everything I could ever want or need, and then some!

I am well on the way to freedom from sickness and health issues.  I will beat this thing called obesity.  I will beat diabetes, high cholesterol, and high BP.  Eventually!  As long as buffets still serve salad, I will be fine! As long as there is water from the tap, and Crystal Light Lemonade, I will make it! God bless you!  And please pray for me!  It has been a difficult journey, but to have traveled 1/3 of the way, is better than having not traveled at all.  Layda on yall!

God still amazes me! September 30, 2008

The bible records in 1 Peter 5:6 these precious words… “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” 

Well, as I write this blog tonight I stand truly humbled.  Humbled that my fellow ministers in this wonderful state would allow me the opportunity to serve on the hardest working state board known to man.  Humbled that my administrative bishop would allow me the opportunity once again to serve on our state music committee.  God truly amazes me!

I write this in the most humble way…  This past Friday afternoon, I was elected to serve South Georgia on the State YCE Board.  Truthfully, when I saw my name go up on the screen, my heart started beating out of my chest!  I still never thought I would get enough votes to be elected, BUT…  I DID!  Words cannot tell you how humbled, but also how overwhelmed I feel at the same time.  My opening scripture in this blogs expresses the way I feel right now!  I realize that now must be “Due Time!”

While at the Min. Mtg., it was confirmed to me that I would be serving on the State Music Committee.  I was removed 5 years ago from the committee because I relocated to Florida.  Now, 5 years later, I am extremely honored to serve again.  Music is my life and passion, and it complements the ministry of preaching very well.

How does one write these things without others seeing nothing but arrogance?  I promise you, I have come to the realization that…God has exalted me!  It is all about Him!  Not about Me!  I want all of my readers to know that I consider these two things an honor, and most of all I give praise to God, who has enough confidence in me that He would allow these things to happen to me.

I love God so much!  I am so very thankful for all He has done for me!

So… thanks to all of you who cast your votes in my direction.  I will work hard, and do my very best to represent this wonderful state in both capacities.  Whether it is leading worship or working Youth Camp, I will do it all for the glory of God!

Humbly and sincerely, and a servant of an amazing God,

Olin

OPERATION RENOVATION June 17, 2008

God is on the move here at WGCOG.  Last night, I had a SS Teacher’s meeting.  It was an awesome meeting. We discussed renovating some SS rooms.  We raised a great deal of money selling chocolate easter eggs at Easter time, and the money raised will fund a renovation project that I have entitled “Operation Renovation.”  All the teachers are in agreement, so here comes the paintbrushes, rollers, linoleum, and carpet.  It is gonna look great.  I am so excited to see a vision of mine come to pass.  To God be the glory!

Donuts for Dad June 17, 2008

Sun. AM at 9:00, we had donuts and coffee for the dads and their kids.  It was a great turnout.   Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and we will do it again next Mother’s Day when we have “Muffins for Mom.”  Then we will again have D F D.  This was a neat idea that was thought up, and it has really been a way to have fellowship with my church members.  Try it sometime.  If anything, you will get a chocolate donut and a bluberry muffin.  Everything goes better with coffee.

Fasting for a Purpose June 17, 2008

Ok, so I start this Daniel fast that Jentezen Franklin has.  For two days, it is nothing but WATER.  I am diabetic, and ate nothing for 2 days, and my blood sugar went crazy – 237 – UGH!  I don’t understand.  Not only that, but the headaches are a real PAIN!  There is a reason for this madness.  Why put myself and my body thru this you ask?  Because I am expecting God to do great things with my obedience to him. 

I am not tellling this story to gain man’s applause, I just ask my fellow brethen to pray for me, and ask God to strengthen me.  It is really a difficult fast for me.  I LOVE meat!  Daniel refused to eat the king’s meat, so I haven’t eaten any since Sun. Nite.  Yes, I broke away for one evening, then started back very strict.  I know that the desires of my heart will be fulfilled at the completion of this fast!  God will come thru for me.  Pray brethren, pray!  I need it!