Pastor Deamon's Blog

Ain't No MO Like The Big MO!

2008-06-28T17:02:00.004-05:00

There is NOTHING better than momentum when it's carrying you in the right direction...and NOTHING worse than the lack thereof!

Momentum is God's give of movement, motion, progress...the promise that things - no matter how good or bad - WON'T stay the same. They may get better or worse, but to stay the same is not an option!

Each moment we're given carries with it an opportunity to SEIZE, SQUEEZE, and MAXIMIZE every ounce of life it contains. If we'll harness it and point it in the direction of our dreams, God will use it to catapult us into the future He has for us! WHAT A GIFT!!

As seemingly brief and small as each miniscule moment seems, it carries explosive power if seized! We are in a powerful season for progress, movement, and MOMENTUM. Change is the only constant and momentum is only positive for those who will make the most of each opportunity.

Remember, momentum BEGINS with a MOMENT!! As stalled, stuck, and dead-in-the-water you feel your life, marriage, money, or future may seem, all you need is a MOMENT! A moment to maximize - to recognize it's power and capture it's force - to declare "this moment is the beginning of progress." It's never too late to start fresh! At our worst, GOOD is only one decision away!

We've been told not to "sweat the small stuff." Actually, it's the SMALL STUFF that makes up the BIG STUFF! The smallest moment can make a difference in the BIGGEST WAY! Take it from a man named Zerubbabel! Look what God told him:

"It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in your way...Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."
Zechariah 4: 6-7, 10 NLT

Whether you've got "no mo', slo' mo, or mo mo'," your future is greater than the past IF you'll seize the moment and maximize it for the One who gave it to you!

#1 Dad

2008-06-15T16:01:00.004-05:00

I can remember as a child all of the goofy things we came up with as gifts for Father's Day. Pictures drawn, ugly ties, meaningless objects that Dad "needed"- a few useful things like tools, cufflinks, or gift cards for the local hardware store, but mostly "tokens" to try to put into words that which is really inexpressible - how you feel about your father. I do remember one thing, one gift, one "token" that had simple meaning when given, but today speaks volumes...it was a mug (that's right, pretty useful?)...a coffee mug with a plain cartoon character on it (Ziggy, I think) and it read "#1 DAD."

As a kid, I had no clue how valuable it was to be able to have a #1 DAD! As an adult, I now FULLY REALIZE that I am who I am today...largely in part to my #1 DAD! Dad, today I celebrate you and thank God, my Heavenly Father, for giving me such an incredible earthly father.

Dad...

Thanks for all of the things you taught me...the "How to's" ...how to ride a bike (and take a fall with dignity)... how to mow the grass (with your shirt off...that one didn't stick to well)... how to throw a ball (making a lefty throw right-handed)... how to "do my best" (even to a procrastinating fault :)... treat people with respect...say "yes sir" and "no sir"... mind my manners... eat my green beans (for all the starving kids in Africa?) and say "I love you."

I wish I had a recording of all the things you said growing up and a way to measure their impact, or let you know how they have influenced the most important areas of my life and continue to speak today... Now that I'm older and a Dad of my own...it's amazing how your listening ear, encouragement, belief and advice continue to give me courage and strength, confidence and resolve...

Really, there is no perfect way to measure the impact of a true #1 DAD, except to look inside the heart and watch the expression of the life...of his children! Dad, you have pointed me in the right direction and helped empower me to follow God's purpose for my life. Today, I have the great goal to be a #1 DAD to my children, as you have been...and continue to be...to me!

Happy Father's Day...#1 DAD!

Here's Your Sign!

2008-06-12T12:36:00.011-05:00

Just a couple of weeks into our Summer Of Transformation and without a doubt "something is stirring." As I hear reports of all of those who are participating, I'm constantly in awe of what God is doing in their lives...if you're looking for a sign of God's activity...HERE'S YOUR SIGN!!! There is a tremendous "opportunity" for God's increased activity in your life...here are a couple reports...

Sunday evening at our Transformation Service we had several receive physical healing-

(3) shoulders healed with instant painless mobility, (2) knees with chronic pain healed and as of today still pain-free, and a woman with severe pain preventing her from extending her left foot, restricting movement and use was called out by a Word of Knowledge and instantly healed--she was jumping and running (doing things she hasn't done in over a year!). Six (6) received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; one (1) salvation; and many more received refreshing and freedom from fear, anxiety, and intimidation...and that's just what I witnessed! GOD IS GOOD!

This week we prayed with a man for restored contact with his troubled son. Just a couple of days after, his son showed up on his doorstep, reconciled with his father, attended the youth service last night, committed his life to Christ and got rid of all drug paraphernalia and was TRANSFORMED!

THIS IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG!! God is transforming us Spirit, Soul, AND BODY! God is in a GOOD MOOD!! (in spite of popular opinion that view Him as angry, disinterested, and reluctant) He LONGS to be gracious to us...for in that HE receives glory. Each life touched, body healed, spirit renewed is a CREDIT to HIS goodness and power! Let's work with Him to accomplish His purpose!

Bibles are being read like never before, exercise is being increased, eating habits improved, prayer and fasting is on the rise...what a formula for revival!!

Be encouraged by this incredible scripture from Isaiah 30:15-18...

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, 'No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee...Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"

Remember, God wants us to THRIVE and not STRIVE! He LONGS to answer prayer, demonstrate His power, display His glory and grace...He "stands up" to show Himself strong on our behalf. What a great God we love and serve!

SOT Milestone #2 - Bible in 90 Days

2008-06-08T08:54:00.004-05:00

As we are finishing the first week of our Summer of Transformation, we begin the next milestone in our journey...the Bible in 90 Days!!! Yes, 90 days! Today, we begin reading through the entire scriptures during the summer...what an opportunity for transformation!

In just 12 pages a day, you'll deepen your relationship with God, gain a new knowledge and understanding of scripture and the Bible's BIG PICTURE, build confidence in your ability to understand God's Word, PLUS cultivate relationships as you participate in a Bible in 90 Days group.

42% of Adults say reading the Bible is important to them, but less than 50% of Americans can name the first book of the Bible. Now's your chance...start today! Today's reading is Gen. 1:1 - Gen. 16:16! Check out Biblein90days.org for more details and support!

In the spirit of the season, I'm REPOSTING the famed "I like big Bibles" video...watch and laugh, you 80's Sir-Mix-Alot fans!

Old Habits Die Hard...but they WILL DIE!

2008-06-04T10:33:00.003-05:00

Here on this fourth day into the Summer of Transformation (SOT for short) I'm faced with the fact that while (1) People can change; (2) Change is painful and definitely not easy. I'm pumped, ready to go, making progress, but not without a fight!

Over the last few days, I've had great time with God...meaningful connections with my wife and kids, but MARGINAL success with my health focus! It seems I do ok for the whole day...and then...BLOW IT sometime after 8 p.m. Oh, well...I'm trying to walk out my own sermon...and let God renew my mind so that I THINK from a different reality...His! (I rebuke that sweet spirit of cookies-n-milk @ bedtime)

Here's a great quote from a pretty smart man (Albert Einstien)...

"The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them."

AMEN, Mr. Einstien...you stole that from Jesus (via Paul)!

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Rom 12:2 NLT)

God's will is not a mystery. It is clearly revealed in the person of Jesus! Each day is a new day and begins with inviting the Holy Spirit to empower us to think from God's reality. Remember, the habits we have did not appear overnight...consequently, they won't die easy...BUT THE WILL DIE. With consistent obedience to the voice of God, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and sheer determination...I'm after transformation!

The End of the World...as we know it!

2008-06-02T21:38:00.004-05:00

The year is 1987...the band is R.E.M. (wow...I'm dating myself)...the song..."It's the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine!" (click to hear) Yesterday marks the end of my world AS I KNOW IT! It's time for transformation...and "I feel fine!"

One of God's greatest gifts to us is the ability to START FRESH, make new commitments, changes, and grow in life. That is what this summer is all about! The next 90 days are going to be a time for me to push the limits...challenge myself - spirit, soul, and body. It's an END to one way of living, and a BEGINNING of new habits, decisions, priorities. Romans 12:1-2 encourages us...

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

We present, or offer ourselves, as open, willing, available vessels to God - refusing to conform to an inferior system or pattern of this age, but allowing God to transform us by renewing our mind (through replacement - filling our minds with His Word, principles, thoughts so that we THINK from a different REALITY)...THEN, we will prove God's will (administrating His Kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven").

What this looks like for me now is...reading through the entire Bible in 90 days, connecting with friends, family, and church family at deeper levels, and loosing 10lbs while developing a consistent healthier lifestyle...WHEW! It's a stout order...but with the empowerment of God's Holy Spirit...ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!

It's a new day!! Make it count! Thank God it's never too late to start anew! I invite you to join me, set your course, go to it...and share your story!! Post a comment or send a pic to let me know how your SOT is going!

Get Ready...Every Thing's About to Change

2008-05-27T22:17:00.004-05:00

Ready for a change? Know your purpose? How’s your health? What about your relationships? Are you passionate? Can you handle it? Are you ready? Take it to the next level. You. 90 Days – 1 Goal. Transformation.

Summer Of Transformation is a common people pursuing a common goal of allowing God to transform our lives completely – Spirit, Soul, and Body – in the 90 Days of summer.

Beginning this Sunday, June 1, hundreds of people from all 4 of our Triumph Church congregations will accept the challenge to allow God to transform them as they make three simple, but powerful commitments...

Each day we will spend:

Time with God | Spirit
Time with Others | Soul
Time with Me | Body

It's a challenge to get in shape spiritually, emotionally, and physically individually and as a church family! I can't wait! Beginning on the first, I'm devoting the next 90 days of my blogging efforts to this journey...it's gonna be great!

What are you doing this summer? Consider joining me and accepting the Summer of Transformation challenge...

Look for more details in the coming days...for now, get ready!

Unshakeable Life Declaration #4: I Will Have An Overflowing Heart

2008-05-26T08:19:00.005-05:00

The things that flow out of your heart shape your life, form your boundaries, and define who you are. Your mouth will speak what is in your heart. In Luke 6:45, Jesus said, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good...for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." This is why a secret to an incredible life is to carefully examine with what you fill your heart.

What is the abundance in your heart? What is your heart filled with? Your heart can be filled with your own ways (Prov. 14:14). Your heart can be filled with lies (Acts 5:3). What does your heart say when difficult times come? What does your heart do when God speaks? Does it respond to Him?

Today, I want to challenge you [and me, of course] to begin to fill you heart with the Word of God until it flows out of you. Align your heart with the Word so that its immediate response in any situation is to agree with God. Set your heart to seek God in every circumstance like David in Psalm 27:7-8 when he said..."

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

There are many voices in life that try to get our attention, many voices that seek to shape our life and destiny. But the most important voice in our lives is the voice of God that speaks loudly and clearly in our hearts. The voice of God is heard most distinctly when our hearts are overflowing with the Holy Spirit, overflowing with the things of God.

Make this your declaration...

I will fill my heart with God's Word, prayer and praise. For out of my heart overflow, the inner voice of God is heard clearly, powerfully, and distinctly.

Extras from Sunday

2008-05-20T00:53:00.006-05:00

God is doing something so new and powerful I can hardly wait for it to unfold. I am seeing it personally and corporately in the church...it is like rain! Per a few requests, I thought it might be helpful to share the list of scriptures from Sunday that can be used for private devotions, faith targets etc.

Zechariah 10:1-3; Hosea 2:21-23; Jeremiah 10:13 | 14:22; Psalm 72:6-7 | 115:15-16; Genesis 27:28; Job 14:7-9; 1 Kings 18:41-45

Also, here is the blessing/declaration I made based on the above scriptures and the Word of the Lord:

I declare fruitful seasons; Heaven's response to my petitions; thriving instead of striving; rest instead of stress; increase; more, and more, and more; Dew from Heaven; Divine visitation; Heaven coming to earth; miracles, signs, and wonders; grass in every field; provision; automation; all things new; the rain of His Presence, new wine, corn, and oil...

Hope this is a blessing to you!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2008-05-12T12:40:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was an incredible Mother's Day for me! I enjoyed it with my 2 1/2 beautiful kids - John Deamon, Danielle, and soon-to-be Natalie Elizabeth; my mom - the greatest in the world; and my beautiful wife - who preached the house down for the Mother's Day celebration at Triumph.

Here's a couple of clips of a video I did for her that played in the service yesterday.

Just a final video for fun on Mother's Day...wish I thought of it!

Summer of Transformation - TOP SECRET

2008-05-07T19:40:00.002-05:00

Summer of Transformation is a 90 Day Challenge to allow God to TRANSFORM your entire life - Spirit, Soul, & Body!

Right now preparations are being made to launch this great campaign...here's the first installment of an inside look!

When Worlds Collide...

2008-05-05T13:12:00.004-05:00

What happens when an extra-early Easter and a fixed-date national holiday collide? Well, you might end up with Mother's Day on Pentecost, or Pentecost on Mother's Day, depending upon your perspective. Here is one church's advertisement for this Sunday. It's gonna be a great day!

Declaration #3 - I Will Hold My Head High

2008-05-04T14:50:00.003-05:00

Today, my declaration is "I Will Hold My Head High." An Unshakeable Life is a life of continuous victory through God's power at work within us. David said it like this in Ps 27:6...

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

The lifting of the head has always been synonymous with victory, expectation, living life above the norm and a happy life attitude. Whereas the hanging of the head has symbolized discouragement, loss, defeat, bewilderment, grief, sorrow, embarrassment and giving up.

Our God is the lifter of our head. Our God lifts our whole life up from the pit, lifting up our mind, will, emotions, and spirits. Set your eyes on the greatness of God. Fill your mouth with faith. Declare God's promises over your life. Refuse discouragement, self-pity, worry, and defeat.

Make this declaration...

I will boldly declare the greatness of God and the power of His Word. I will not live in defeat, but will stand my ground and fearlessly praise my God. I know God will lift me up and I will live life with my head held high.

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This...

2008-05-01T21:29:00.008-05:00

MasterCard has it right..."the best things in life are free!" Here is a tribute to some of the VERY BEST things in life with some recent pics!!!

A Beautiful Wife

(loving mother, woman of God, & partner in everything)

Beautiful Children

(full of personality, love, and tons of fun)

The first two with a HOT batch of KRISPY KREME doughnuts

(love that red light flashing)

Life is all about the little things...they really are the big things!

Declaration #2 - I Will Love God's House Passionately

2008-05-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Bill Hybels says it best, "The local church is the hope of the world..." God has chosen to display His glory and demonstrate His kingdom through a people made in His image, called according to His purpose, connected in His family - His body - the Church. It is to this endeavor, community, and family that we are invited - commanded - to participate as a "living stone" building a House for God. WOW!

Loving God and loving God's house are vitally connected and are foundational to fulfilling God's plan and destiny for our life. Every believer must make a choice to serve and love God's house as if they were serving and loving Christ's wife, for that is exactly who the church is. David penned it this way...

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock. (Ps. 27: 4-5)

Make this declaration today...

I will love God's house with a faithful and fervent spirit and a heart of unwavering devotion, service and zeal.

When everything around you is being shaken, when there is confusion and question, find strength in the house of the Lord. Find strength in those who will come around you to bear your burden with you. Find hope and confidence in the presence of God and in the prayers of His body reaching out and holding you firm.

Families are made of people and people definitely aren't perfect...neither is God's family - the church! Even with our challenges, the local church is an amazing community of strength, life, and power!

National Day of Prayer 2008

2008-04-30T11:58:00.006-05:00

The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday,

May 1, 2008. The theme for this year is "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" and is based on the verse from Psalm 28:7 which states: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."

Join thousands of others in prayer for our great nation!

Click HERE for prayer points!

Using Creativity to Change Culture

2008-04-30T11:46:00.002-05:00

If you want to make a powerful and lasting impact on the culture, you’ve got to do more than just consume it, critique it, condemn it, or copy it. The only way to truly change the culture is to create something new for it – something that will inspire people enough to start to reshape their world.

Here's a great article with some pointers...plus a book for more information!

Use Your Creativity to Change Culture

Declaration #1 - I Will Live Strong

2008-04-29T09:56:00.004-05:00

I have a choice. I will choose to live intentionally in the strength of God's power or to become a victim of circumstance, indifference, and other people's decisions. Today, I refuse to live defeated, discouraged, or depressed. I choose to lean into His divine power and purpose for my life. David wrote these words for all who choose to live life strong.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
       whom shall I fear?
       The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
       of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
       to devour my flesh, ^[a]
       when my enemies and my foes attack me,
       they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
       my heart will not fear;
       though war break out against me,
       even then will I be confident. (Psalm 27:1-3)

Make this declaration today...

"I will not faint or be feeble. I will have strength and power greater than average or what is expected. I will be able to stand firm and to sustain any and all attacks. I will endure because I am established and well-fortified in my God."

Promises to claim: 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Eph. 6:10; 1 Jn. 4:4; Rom. 8:31-37; 1 Jn. 5:4

7 Declarations for an Unshakable Life

2008-04-29T09:40:00.002-05:00

For the next few days, I'm going to share some declarations from God's Word that have helped me to encourage, strengthen, and lift my life. A few months ago I read a book by Frank Damazio on the subject and began to make these declarations and get them into my spirit. My outlook changed and I felt momentum beginning to build. However, life happened and I need a refresher...hence our blog series this week :)

An unshakable life is built on the Word of God. It becomes a life that is anchored, immovable and indestructible. The 7 Declarations are out of Psalm 27 from the life of David. Read it, Pray it, Declare it, and believe God for greatness in life!

WELCOME TO TRIUMPH U

2008-04-20T16:43:00.002-05:00

Tonight at 5p all of the coolest leaders in the world...those individuals who are truly "SUPER STARS" in the kingdom are gathering under one roof..."ONE ROOF." We'll share victory reports, create the future, and gather the troops!

WELCOME to all of you who are attending tonight...God has His purpose at work in your life...and we are truly grateful!

Pastor D

WOULD YOU LIKE SOME KIWI?

2008-04-17T21:27:00.006-05:00

YES!! Every pregnancy stereotype has been confirmed!

In case you may not know, we are pregnant (yes, WE...believe me...I'm well in this thing too!). Life is great and pregnancy is hilarious...for me that is! After a long day at the office, doing the family thing, getting kids fed, cleaned, and in bed...finally my lovely and I sit for a break and some "quality time" together.

Moments later, we both have our laptops up, conversation is null, and only the sound of computer keys pattering is heard in the dimly lit living room...THEN...ALL OF A SUDDEN...with a burst of renewed energy, vitality and pure SPUNK that hasn't been heard in AT LEAST the last 4 1/2 hours...an exclamatory question is offered from the mother-with-child... "I want a kiwi...kiwi sounds great...would you like some kiwi?" CLASSIC!!

So, in a tribute to all of the mutha's out there (and the fatha's, too)...here's my Top 5 Random Pregnancy Exclamations...

Is it time for lunch yet? (at approx. 9:52am)
YOU DON'T EVEN CARE ABOUT ME!!! (sob, sob)
Pull over...I have to use the restroom.
Oh! I feel like I'm about to be sick!
Shut up! Until you_______...you'll NEVER know________... (fill in the blanks guys...either way, you loose :))

Please, salute those with child by posting your CLASSIC preggo remarks & comments of love!

Jimmy Buffet and Jesus!

2008-04-16T17:07:00.004-05:00

Well..."it's 5:00p somewhere" in the words of the classic Jimmy Buffet/Alan Jackson song. It's actually 5:27p here and I'm still at work...exhausted after an extremely packed day...trying to keep up with the pace of life...

In the middle of replying to a question via email today...I was encouraged by the unimaginable vastness of the God of the universe...His greatness and awe...sovereignty and omnipotent glory...whew! Big words are due for a big God!

Think about this scripture from Romans 11:33-36 and let it sink in, stack it up next to your problems, weigh it with your worries...

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
       “ For who has known the mind of the LORD?
      Or who has become His counselor?”
       “ Or who has first given to Him
      And it shall be repaid to him?”
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Think about that...in scripture it is designated as a Doxology, meaning a hymn or song of praise to the greatness of God. "His ways are past finding out!" When I come to something I don't understand...something that challenges my rationale...overwhelms, or shakes me...I lean on the reality that God is so far above all human wisdom and understanding. His greatness exceeds anything I could wrap my brain around...His ways are past finding out...but I have no doubt...that He's working it out for me...

It's 5 o'clock somewhere, so I can chill and know He's got it all under control!

In the beginning...a blogger's journey!

2008-04-15T17:15:00.000-05:00

10 Things I Love...on Mondays!

2008-04-14T15:18:00.003-05:00

1. Starbucks (at home brew-your-own)

2. A day off with my wife...by ourselves..a little R & R!

3. Leisurely reading Scripture without getting dressed

4. Email reports of life-change from Sunday's service

5. Honey-do's + me-do's (catching up)

6. Great weather!

7. Picking the kids up from school

8. Starbucks (in the afternoon from your local barista)

9. Daddy time

10. Hilarious YouTube videos like the one below...

Don't let the Door hit ya...

2008-04-13T15:47:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine (Neal) reminded me of a phrase I hadn't heard in a while...maybe ever. "Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!" A great phrase to use in a heated discussion or moment of frustration...(guys, don't try this with your wife) HOWEVER, it has taken on new meaning recently.

At Triumph, we've been doing a great message series entitled Doors. The messages are hitting hard about the many doors of opportunity that God has for each of us. Our key is learning to recognize and seize those opportunities as the Lord brings them our way.

I know deeply that God has destined this year to be an incredible year of greatness! He is giving us significant opportunities individually and corporately...we must take risks, step out, and believe for greater things... It is SOOO easy to live in the comfort of GOOD and miss the opportunity of GREAT! I'm determining now and each day to look for doors of greatness that God sets before me...I WANT those Doors to HIT me...I don't want to miss them!

You can listen to the messages (worship, increase) & take a look at some pics (thanks to John)...Be blessed!