Yesterday, my dear friend and fellow Evangelist Randy Hogue texted me the quote below. It touched me so much that immediately I added a picture of Bono and shared it on FB and less than 18 hours it got over 144 shares and scores of comments. Literally, because of friends sharing it with their social network thousands of people read his take on Christ in less than a day. Everyone has a platform and we should use ours to promote Christ.

Ironically, six months ago while preaching on JC-TV @ Trinity Broadcast Network in Santa Ana, CA for the closing night of their telethon on world-wide television I quoted a song title from U2. My text was in Luke 19 preaching on Jesus going through Jericho and He made a Kingdom connection with Zacchaeus. God gave me this but I shared in the sermon that Christ was coming to and through Jericho like U2′s number one hit: “WITH OR WITHOUT YOU.” I love that old hymn: “Pass me not gentle Savior, hear my humble cry, while on Earth thou art calling, DO NOT PASS ME BY.” Jesus said today is the day of salvation and tonight or tomorrow is not guaranteed. Below is Bono on Jesus and because of grace Jesus is IN Bono.

The mega-star frontman of the great rock band, U2, was asked wasn’t it far-fetched to believe Jesus Christ is God? Here’s how he replied:

“No, it’s not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn’t allow you that. He doesn’t let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I’m not saying I’m a teacher, don’t call me teacher. I’m not saying I’m a prophet. I’m saying: “I’m the Messiah.” I’m saying: “I am God incarnate.”

And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet, we can take. You’re a bit eccentric. We’ve had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don’t mention the “M” word! Because, you know, we’re gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no. I know you’re expecting me to come back with an army, and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah.

…So what you’re left with is: either Christ was who He said He was–the Messiah–or a complete nutcase. I mean, we’re talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. … I’m not joking here. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me, that’s farfetched… “

** From Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas (Riverhead Books).

Fortunately, for Bono and me “We found what (Who) we’re looking for.” Have you? Because of God’s grace U2 can meet Christ too! Today, Jesus asks the age old question: “But WHO do you say I AM?” - The Bible

Two weeks ago, I was in a whirl-wind tour of ministering in the Great State of Georgia. I love the South and the last time I was there instead of the trademark Georgia Peach someone after hearing me speak called me “The Georgia Preach.” In just eight days, I drove 3,004 miles (alone), preached eight times, taped two TV shows and it was exciting but exhausting. What a JOY it was to return and preach revival for my good friend, Pastor Dean Knipe at Providence Church in Columbus, GA and stayed four nights at Fort Benning Army Base. Honestly, I hadn’t felt that “safe” sleeping in a long time on the military base surrounded by a bunch of America’s finest and bravest soldiers. On the last night of the revival we had a 76 year old Vietnam Veteran walk the aisle, bend his knee and give his heart to Jesus Christ. It doesn’t get much better than that!

The following day, I raced to tape TWO television shows in Phenix City, AL and what an honor it was to look in the camera and speak LIFE into the audience. The Lord had me preach “Waiting on the Lord” and Christ’s Cross & Coming Again. The Lord showed up on that set! God’s Word never returns void. Pastor Dean hosts a show called “Straight Bible Talk” and he self-lessly invited me to not only be a guest but elected to stay home and gave me two 28 minute time slots to preach whatever God laid on my heart. Pastor Dean is the salt of the earth and you won’t find a more gracious, self-less soldier of Christ. Brother, thank you for your friendship and your reward will be HUGE in Glory!!

That evening I was blessed to catch up with my dear friend, Pastor Chris Dorrity of Grace Pointe Church in Macon, GA and they rolled out the red-carpet and his entire family and pastoral staff took me out to eat at BONEFISH GRILLE. Pastor Steven Furtick is one of his personal mentors and they are doing a great work in Georgia. You cannot beat “Southern Hospitality.” Pastor Chris had me preach twice last year and we are scheduling now to return later this summer. Lord willing, I will not be driving again but on the next flight!

After crashing at Pastor Dorrity’s beautiful home it was off to the races to connect with one of my heroes of the last Quarter Century. My pastor loaned me a video over two decades ago created by Dr. James Dobson on “Focus on the Family” of the true life story of ex convict Harold Morris. The show was called “TWICE PARDONED” and other than Billy Graham and a few other’s I had never seen the POWER of God rest on a man more than on that message Harold gave in 1988. Before or since, I don’t recall an individual connecting with a crowd or teens quite like the way God used Harold speaking that night in San Antonio, TX to over 16,000 souls. I recall watching that video praying that maybe God would use me too as an evangelist to touch others for His Glory. After years of no success obtaining his information, one of my heroes of the faith and mentors, Dr Tim Lee tracked down Harold’s home phone and I called him. Brother Harold returned my call! Today, Harold Morris is 75 years old and resides in Clayton, GA. After scheduling a lunch with him I drove 400 miles out of the way to have lunch with one of the men that God used mightily to encourage me into full-time evangelism. The hour lunch turned into FOUR and we had a time! I would have walked to fellowship with that Gospel Giant.

The next day, I was blessed to reunite with one of America’s choice pastors, Jerry Walls of Southside Baptist in Warner Robbins, GA and he bought me a steak dinner at Outback. God is using that dear man of God POWERFULLY and Brother Jerry is loved by everyone and they are in the middle of a massive building project. It would be hard to find a finer pastor across America than Pastor Jerry Walls. He is a WINNER! I was scheduled to have dinner and stay the night with my buddy, Rick Stanley (Elvis Presley’s step-brother) but our plans got changed at last second. Rick rocks! #Thank ya very much

My dear friend, Bob Lockhart is priceless to our family and ministry. We met several years ago when I was preaching in LaBelle, Florida and almost everytime I came back to preach in the Sunshine State he was there to support us. Bob sinced moved north to Georgia and we reunited on Sat, March 11 and toured Warner Robbins AFB Museum together and took a pic standing next to both the Thunderbirds Jet Plane and a smaller version of “Air Force One.” What is really crazy is in 1995, when I was employed with the United States Senate I recall the photographer of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC coming to the Capitol to take the picture of all 100 Senators at their desk. As if it were yesterday, I recall smiling proudly and was fortunate to be in the picture in the balcony that day before being promoted by the Sergeant at Arms as “floor staff” of Senate. In the Warner Robbins AFB Aviation Museum they have a room dedicated to Senator Sam Nunn and my heart skipped when I saw a massive mural of that same picture of the Senators. I knew the picture looked familiar because 1) I was there 2) I bought the smaller 8×10 as a keepsake at home 3) I AM IN THE PICTURE on the wall in the museum at age 23!! Look out Forest Gump!

The next day, Bob and I drove together to Plains, GA and I wanted to honor him for all he has done for me and I invited him to be my guest at Maranatha Baptist Church. Yes, you guessed it the home church of President Jimmy Carter. Our 39th President was born in Plains, GA and after leaving The White House he elected to return to Plains and waived his right to buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery and going to be buried in Plains, GA. It was my privilege to meet President Carter twice before. The first was in 1997 in Philadelphia, PA and he was leaving a restaurant with his wife and President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara along with General Colin Powell and his wife, Alma and Governor Tom Ridge (R-PA). They were all in town for President Clinton’s “Volunteer Summit” and I recall thinking that was a pretty influential “Party of Eight.” He was walking to the awaiting armored black Suburban and I just outside of the security barrier said: “Mr President” and he stopped on a dime and to his credit came straight over and shook my hand only to head right back to the car. In the words of Forrest “I met the President, again”

The second time was at Maranatha Baptist in June 2000. Ironically, two weeks before I was with President William Jefferson Clinton on the flight line of Andrews Air Force Base and got pics with him, Senator John Glenn (D-OH) and Secretary of Defense William S Cohen (R-ME) moments before POTUS boarded “Air Force One” and flew out to give a speech. During my 17 years on Capitol Hill it was a joy to work in both Presidential Correspondence Office for Clinton and George W Bush, respectively.

Bob and I got to the church early on May 13, 2013 and President Jimmy Carter has taught Sunday School every year (twice per month) since leaving The White House in 1981. After going through the United States Secret Service I was placed on the “front row” and the President spoke from Hebrews and did a fine job talking on leadership. You are probably a Washington “insider” when you actually know some of the names of Special Agents of Secret Service (past and present). President Carter in his lesson said: “Jesus Christ is the greatest leader of all time.” The President asked if any preachers’ were in the audience and my friend, Bob from Florida (now Georgia) hit me in the shoulder and our former Commander in Chief began to ask me questions. President Carter asked me if I would open in prayer for his Sunday School. I have always said: “The Greats are Gracious.” You can see the video below and I didn’t realize that they were filming it but was honored then and humbled to receive it on film.

At the conclusion of the service, I was bombarded with folks whom visited from all over the Country to learn more about our ministry. It was humbling to say the least and en route to the car it was a JOY to re-unite with President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn one last time for a picture. Today, he is 88 years young and he thanked me for my ministry and extended greetings that God would continue to use me. Greater than a MasterCard commerical it was PRICELESS. That afternoon, I drove 15 hours straight alone (except for the Holy Spirit) and arrived back home at 4:45AM only to preach three times in two days at a Men’s Conference in West River, MD for the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship and raced to fly Saturday evening to Music City USA – Nashville, TN to speak on Sunday-Tuesday at Michael W Smith’s legendary ROCKETOWN studios. What a privilege it was to minister and pour into hundreds of Christian artists from around the globe.

In closing, after racking up another 3,000 miles in over a week I could have driven across the Country (literally) and I had Ray Charles “GEORGIA ON MY MIND” while criss-crossing the state. One has a lot of time to think and pray while driving (especially alone) and I am reminded regardless, if homeless or Hollywood, paupers to Presidents everyone needs Jesus and the ground is level at the foot of the cross. What a privilege it was to petition the “King of Kings” in the presence of our 39th President. PRAISE THE LORD and in the words of the late White House reporter, Helen Thomas whom I met in 1999 “Thank you, Mr President.” To God Be The Glory Great Things HE Hath Done.”

WATCH President Carter call on Evangelist Frank Shelton to open in prayer

This has been an AWESOME week! On Sunday, April 21, 2013 it was a JOY to preach @ Streetlite Church in Baltimore, MD for Pastor Brian Zimmerman. They are literally blocks from Camden Yards and Super Bowl Champs Ravens Stadium. We had 18 SOULS SAVED at the morning worship and GOD SHOWED UP! Yesterday, it was my honor to preach the funeral for my dear friend, Michael Cramer’s father. His Daddy, Edgar Cramer, Sr served in United States Marine Corps and he accepted Christ the day he died!! Mike was able to share his faith and lead his father to Christ before he slipped into eternity. The burial was at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery and my grand-father, William “Hop” Lomax is buried there too. At the service, they had a rare F-18 flyover and that was powerful but even greater was the grace of God because THREE souls trusted Christ at the funeral following the message. GO GOD!

Exactly, one month from today on Saturday, May 25, 2013 @ Regency Stadium (Home of So MD Blue Crabs) I have been asked to be one of the closing speakers for the Charles County Revival in their 5,500 seat minor league baseball stadium. It is FREE and open to EVERYONE!! It is an inter-denominational gathering and Ron Strickland is the host and organizer of this wonderful outreach and area local pastors are also participating. The event is from 10AM – 7PM and they will have something for everyone and folks can come and go as they please. BRING SUN BLOCK but be open to the Son coming in For more info contact Ron @ 301-848-4449. Pastor Kevin Holder - Grace Baptist in Bryans Road, MD – Dr Larry Vass, Rev Larry Esteves & others are slated to speak and sing.

Please PRAY for this outreach and share on FB, Twitter and your personal emails to get the word out so we can get the Word into lives who need JESUS! Tell your pastor and encourage them to suport this event. Some preach, others teach but all of us can REACH.

WATCH promo video (below)

GOING YARD FOR GOD! Pointing People HOME!!

It is my honor to serve on the advisory board of Praisefest Ministries God has allowed me to preach on all FIVE of their cruises. We have been to Bahamas, Jamaica and now Haiti in June 2014. Dr Matthew Dunaway asked me to be in a commercial to promote their “WATER & WORD” relief effort. Over 27,000 Haitians die weekly because of E-coli and contaminated bacteria in the water. Newton, CT lost 27 precious children. Picture that classroom times 1,000 dying EVERY SINGLE WEEK!! Praisefest has partnered with Global Effect and they have designed a state of the art filter enabling people to bathe, wash dishes and clothes but most importantly drink worry free from the deadly toxins that have killed so many.

The video will be released in next month and I was asked to film a segment alongside Mark Hall - frontman to CASTING CROWNS, Josh McDowell, Dr Johnny Hunt - FBC Woodstock, Tyler Perry’s hit show “MEET THE BROWNS” with Mr Brown himself, David Mann and a few others! Initially, the plan was to fly me directly to Haiti to film on location earlier this month. However, due to costs and by adding other voices to the project the green screen avenue made much more sense and saved several dollars!

My trip to Texas was around the corner. My dear friends, Pastor Larry & Shannon Baker @ New Hope Church in Baltimore, MD where I have been blessed to preach several times said they had the green screen I needed to shoot the commercial. My four year old, Andrew and I drove the three hour round-trip in rush hour traffic to film. Shannon is a professional and we were out in no time. However, once the film was emailed to the proper media contacts to edit along with the other segments to make it complete opposed to “3-2-1 ACTION” we had HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM! Sharon said in all her years it had never happened before but the audio didn’t record correctly and our efforts were in vain. She got straight “A’s” for graciously willing to help out. It was dissapointing but not her fault and had to reschedule and do it all over again. It wasn’t the end of the world but time was running short. Short on me with a full schedule and shorter for those dying (literally) in Haiti to get help.

Two days later, I had the pleasure to speak at King’s Christian Academy in Callaway, MD for their Spiritual Emphasis and we had 34 students confess sin and profess Christ as Savior! Go God!! On Monday, March 18 it was my privilege to board a plane and fly to Dallas, TX. That evening I was honored by “Olympian of the Century” Carl Lewis, nine time gold medalist and Dr Sam Mings with the “Founder’s Award” from Lay Witnesses For Christ for our recent involvement during the 2012 Olympics Outreach. It was held at the gorgeous Dallas-Fort Worth Marriott in their grand ballroom at a black tie dinner in front of 1,200 at the annual Texas Christian High School Athlete of Year Awards.

The very next day, I had to catch a cab to ride 27 miles to Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas. They have a massive 16,000 member church and graciously agreed to loan me their green screen with their staff to re-tape the Haiti project video. The hotel desk clerk when securing my cab shared on the phone that I am a preacher. I didn’t tell her I was but she said that she could just tell when I initially walked in the lobby to check in. PRAISE THE LORD! The man who picked me up was Muslim. I jumped in the car and as I sat in the back of the taxi I could see the meter on and dying to run. At first he was rude, impolite and even told me the price would be higher than what he agreed to on the phone. I was tempted to bail. In baseball terms, he had three strikes and I was almost out (of the car). However, those who display love least often need it most. God said “stay put” and we were on our way. The first 15 miles, I let him do the talking. We talked about life, sports, business, politics and his family. I really believe when we LOVE folks first we can LEAD them from there.

At the 16 mile marker I asked him of his faith. His reply made me curious. He said “I am not a very good Muslim.” I thanked him for his honesty. We talked some more and on my left side of the interstate was a WHATABURGER hamburger restaurant. If you have not been to Texas you may be unfamiliar with this particular food chain. I said: “Whataburger!!” He said: “Do you want me to pull over so you can get something to eat?” In all my years of trains, planes and automobiles I have never once asked a cab to pull over much less turn around and get me something to eat. For starters, when you live BY FAITH you have to be conscious of the ever turning meter on the taxi dashboard. I have never found one to slow down or stop much less go backwards. Perhaps, I am “Frugal Frank” but he asked me again however we had already flown by the exit. I knew by turning around that was just adding more to the fare. This time, something was different. At this moment, concern for price was out the window. Not because I was starving en route to the video taping but I had a HUNGER to see this man consider Christ as Savior.

In my Spirit, the Lord told me to have him turn around and buy his lunch. So he turned around at another exit and came all the way back and we pull in to the restaurant. He said: “Do you want me to go to the drive thru or eat inside?” I asked him did he have ten extra minutes? He said: “YES!” We walk in and I told him to get whatever he wanted. He ordered a hamburger, large onion rings and Coke. I paid for our meal and now I am sitting across the table from my new friend (and taxi driver) and in between bites allowing him to ask questions. He peppered me with some spiritual questions and began to answer them in love with the help of the Holy Spirit. Talk about “fast food” God was serving up some SOUL FOOD!

We get back in the cab and with just over ten miles to go I gently switched gears. While I was in the back seat staring at his rear view mirror I could read his eyes. It was as if the Lord gave me a window to his world. He looked anxious, tired and running on empty. He was in his mid 50′s and he already told me he had a wife and two children whom were more adults than kids. I asked him if he believed in Heaven? He did and I asked him to describe it to me. He said it was “paradise.” I shared that I could relate. I asked him if he believed in Hell? His eyes got wide and said he did. I asked him to describe how he envisioned Hell? He said “It will be a place of fire and torment.” I told him I agreed completely, it reports that in the Holy Bible and he was surprised. From there I asked him how he could enter Heaven? He told me if he did enough for Allah than he might be accepted in. Politely, I asked if he died before he dropped me off at my destination what were his odds of going to Heaven? He looked down while driving nearly 70 mph and said almost embarrassingly “50/50.”

God spoke to my heart and told me to ask him what did he think of those odds? He said: “Honestly, not very good.” The next thing I said was without a doubt a dialogue between the Holy Spirit and me and His Presence that permeated the cabin of that taxi from then on. Knowing his eyes already looked weary and running on fumes I asked him if he ever lost sleep at night worrying about tomorrow? He said: “Yes.” I asked him if he ever stayed awake at night fearing of dying before the sun rose in the morning? He said “Yes.” I asked him if any of the stress in his life was tied directly to the fact that he was not certain that when he died that he would arrive peacefully at Paradise (Heaven). He said: “Yes! Yes! Yes!” In baseball, three strikes you are out! In wise words of my buddy, Evangelist David Ring in bowling – three strikes and YOU ARE ON A ROLL!!

I shared that every other religious leader was still buried in their respective tomb. I told him in 1995 (age 23) that I paid nearly $3,000 of my own money to go to Jesus’ tomb in the Holy Land knowing I would travel to see absolutely nothing. I told him the plaque on the tomb reads “Why do ye seek the Living among the dead, He is not here but HE IS RISEN (Luke 24:5-6)!” I told him him as Christians’ we don’t serve a dead god but The Living Lord. He liked that!

From there, I went from gradual to Grand Prix and when I saw the opportunity we went into over-drive (God and me). Faster than a Ferrari, I asked him if I could tell you that you could have 100% guarantee of Heaven would you be interested? His eyes while looking in the rear view mirror had me locked in like Tom Cruise in TOP GUN trying to shoot the enemy down. But this gentleman was no longer arrogant but available. He was no longer scheming for money but searching for The Master. He was still driving the car but God was leading the conversation. I shared in love but with Biblical boldness how Christ died on Calvary’s cross not for His sins but our sins (including the driver). I shared how His sacrificial death, shedding of blood and Bodily ressurection paid the SIN DEBT and by faith he could trust Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. He would take our shame and clothe us in His Righteousness. We could graduate from religion to a relationship and according to The Bible in 1 John 5:13 “KNOW that you have everlasting life.” I told him why “hope it” when you can KNOW IT!”

Just as the meter ticked that we had arrived at our destination. He was no longer looking in the rear view mirror but turned his head around to me in the back and said: “Will you pray for me?” I asked him if he were ready to confess his sins and trust Christ as His Savior and to be His Lord and way of life? He couldn’t nod his head fast enough. This 55 year old man acted like a kid and by God’s grace prayed with a child-like faith. In that taxi cab, he became a kid of the King when he trusted Christ. He even offered to knock off $20 from my fare. The irony is 27 miles before he was trying to raise it now he lowered the price. I recall when Jesus dined with Zacchaeus he said: “Lord, I will repay FOUR times for the wrongs he had commited.” That is not only restitution but renewal and revival all in one! Hearing that Christians and clergy are often considered the worse in area of tips I bought him lunch, paid the full fare and still tipped on top. Without question, when we LOVE them and LISTEN we can LEAD. Legalism is attempting to lead with no love. What the LAW couldn’t do GRACE gets done. When we go for the juglar first before getting to the heart of the matter (and stomach) we may miss out more than we connect.

Before flying home, I had the privilege to return for the second time and preach chapel @ First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas to their awesome students. We had three saved but 170 stream to the altar making various commitments to Christ and getting a burden for lost friends. I preached from Hebrews 12:1-3 “The Cost, The Cross & The Christ.” I preached about The Crowd in the Cloud, Christ on a Cross and Christians in a Crisis. God gave me that outline years ago during a season of fasting that will preach ALL day long. The day before I was sharing about Christ, His Cross and Coming again to one individual but very next day at one of the largest churches in the country. They move into their new $130 Million facility on Easter Sunday.

Immediately, after the chapel at First Baptist Academy I was whisked to the airport trying to catch my flight. This time I was not in a taxi but a car and it hit me like a ton of bricks! Looking in my rear view mirror last week I learned two things. What was a setback in Baltimore (driving three hours for a commercial that didn’t have audio) was a SET-UP from God in Dallas. Had the commercial worked in Maryland I wouldn’t have been in a cab in Texas. Our dissapointments are DIVINE APPOINTMENTS.

Plus, if we share our faith when no one is watching we will do it when a few others are watching. Regardless, if on TBN or a taxi it is always an audience of One. On Facebook, in one day I got over 500 likes and comments on this event. It also reveals that it is sincere when we minister not just “on stage” but off camera in daily interactions with others on the road of life. The Great Commission literally means “as you are going preach the Gospel.” No accident, that one of my all-time favorite tv shows is HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN. Every soul is saved one at a time and thank God for imperfections, Whataburger and U-Turns because God truly makes the cloudy – clear. The crooked – straight and gives us double for our trouble. THANK YOU JESUS! WHAT-A-GOD!!

People ask me periodically why I shop at Walmart? With a smile but no less serious I share as a preacher of the Gospel I already have TARGET on my back! The truth is we are marked men (and women) when we live for God. The Bible reminds us “We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.” He is a sick snake and destruction is his game and loser and liar are his names.

The fact is, I frequent both stores (Walmart and Target) but the threats of the enemy are real. Very real. We should not cower in defeat but its imperative to put on the FULL ARMOR of God from the feet up. From head to toe we need to be dressed for both worship and WAR! Many don’t want to hear this or believe it but we are in a fight. Life is a fight. The Apostle Paul reminds us to “fight the good fight.”

Despite having a bullseye on my back and a walking target for Satan’s attacks I must confess that “EVERLAST” is tattooed on my forehead. Some days I feel like a preacher and other times I feel like a punching bag. What was confusing for so long were some of the most insensitive comments come from carnal and complacent Christians. You expect it from the “lost” behind but its dissapointing from believers out front. Too often, I have encountered folks who want to take “cheap shots.” My Uncle Bobby Shelton played three seasons with the Detroit Tigers (AAA) in 1967-1969. The Tigers won the World Series that last year and he just missed out getting a ring. It has been said “the loudest critics come from the cheapest seats.” I have also learned those that bring the least to a meal demand to the eat the most. #Hello

Some Christians actually think that its their duty to be negative all the time. Pharisees actually have their own police force and they are called Sadducees. Its SAD, YOU SEE because they believe they are agents of the Almighty but actually pawns (and punks) being used demonically. The Bible notes: “You were running well – who HINDERED you?” For years, I thought it was the lost but too often its some of the Lord’s own. We can and must do much better.

Pharisees resemble “kit cars.” They are all show but no go! The Bible says “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” We have to be very careful with our comments. A friend once shared with me that “most folks want you to do well but not real well.” Jealousy is LOUSY! Notice the last five letters spell “lousy” in the word jealousy. Dr Johnny Hunt said in a sermon that almost everytime he gets up to preach someone wants to complain or criticize en route to the pulpit. He equated it to someone vomiting all over him and too many people get a “high” taking cheap shots at others. Ironically, most of the hits are not over personal sin but the attacker’s lack of devotion to Christ. Anyone can be a critic but it takes discipline to be creative. Without question, new levels equate to new devils. Don’t be a pawn on Satan’s chess board and used to hurt others not even realizing it. Be a WINNER not a whiner.

So with “Target” on our back and “Everlast” embroidered on our head it is easy to take some serious shots. People see your platform but oblivious to the price or pain it takes to stay there. Joyce Meyer said: “Folks see the hour preaching on stage but not the 23 hours of Hell that come with it.” I am convinced its better to die a compliment than live a complaint. In war, the problem with ENEMY FIRE and FRIENDLY FIRE is that both kills soldiers. Its noble to take a bullet fighting the Taliban but its harder to explain to the parents and spouse of a soldier killed in line of duty that it was from one of our own. The first is a sacrifice but the second is senseless. As kids of the King we must be mindful we are serving in the Army of the Lord.

Insecurity and jealousy are two cancers that are spreading like wild-fire. Some folks couldn’t compliment another if their life depended on it. I have been fortunate to preach several times in Pennsylvania and I have had two dear preacher friends on different ocassions tell me in that region in the mid 1940′s, a young Billy Graham came to town and what he ran into almost halted his ministry. Opposition came out of the woods and some folks didn’t want his crusade or evangelism coming to town! What floored me was that the resistance were not from atheists but believers whom were not walking in the Holy Spirit. A demonic spirit of competition, jealousy, lack of team cohesion, territorialism and down right sin in the camp was trying to stop the evangelistic outreach before it started. Billy Graham was so distraught that he contemplated if he missed the call of God on his life and in his own words “considered throwing in the towel.” Grace, Grace – God’s grace is not only greater than our sin but the shortcomings and cold shoulders of others and fortunately he pressed on. In 1949, God put Dr Billy Graham on the map when his tent revival in Los Angeles exploded and catapaulted him to preach nationally and globally. Two weeks ago, I returned and preached in PA and the pastor told me again that those rare souls still living whom caused the ruckus six decades ago still walk around piously as if with a badge of honor bragging “We almost derailed Billy Graham’s ministry.” What’s worse is they are convinced they were doing the Lord’s Work. God help them!

Satan throws enough at us. Let’s be more careful with our words to each other. After all, we will have to give an account for every idle word that proceeds out of our mouth. My buddy, Tony Nolan said it best “Persecution is a believers perfume. God help me wear it well that others may smell the fragrance of Christ.” Just because Christians or clergy “preach the fruit of the Spirit” on the weekend doesn’t mean they (we) are operating in it during the week. They are human too and its a chance for us to minister to them even when they are dead wrong. Christ even prayed from the cross “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

I had the pleasure to speak with Warren Wiersbe on the phone years ago and I recall a statement “99% of all criticism is rooted in jealousy.” Friends, if we have grace inside we need to grow up and give it out to all whom we meet. PRAY for those around you and speak LIFE into folks not death. Jesus is the giver of life. Let’s walk and talk like it.

Get COURAGEOUS and CRUISE for CHRIST

Perhaps you saw the movie “Courageous” starring Alex Kendrick. Ruth & I have been invited by Gospel Cruise Fest to sail with Alex and minister on an upcoming cruise to Bahamas this November 11-16, 2013! My friend, Arnie Shipp is booking this BOAT (literally) and God is using him to touch many for God’s Glory. Sail with us and watch God “Bring Revival to the Waters.”

ATTN: Father’s - Prayerfully consider inviting your entire family to attend this cruise. Soak up the sun and be saturated by the Son of God with powerful teaching and praise that will minister profoundly to you and your family. PERFECT FOR ALL AGES!
We will be sailing on the CARNIVAL FASCINATION departing Jacksonville, FL and visiting Key West and Nassau, Bahamas! We would LOVE for you to join us. In addition to some FUN in the SON you will have complimentary passes to hear some of Gospel’s finest music. On board will be both worship and the Word and its ideal for all ages.

My friend, Steve Ladd (former tenor to Gold City) and now touring with Michael English solo dates will be leading part of the worship along with countless others. Ideal for singles, students and couples – DON’T MISS THE BOAT! When calling – mention you are with Frank Shelton to receive the most affordable price on your cabin and as November begins to get cool why don’t you make plans to hear some HOT preaching and praise in beautiful Bahamas.

Invite your friends, family and groups from church to sail with us on an unforgettable cruise. Cabins start as low as $599 per person (double occupancy). Don’t delay – BOOK your cabin today! For more info VISIT www.GospelCruiseFest.org

PARTIAL LINE-UP – Click on poster to ENLARGE

COURAGEOUS video by CASTING CROWNS