Fishing and Temptation

In our series at church called "God Has An App For That" we just finished week number three, talking about "overcoming temptation". In this blog I will post a five minute video clip from that message. This video discusses NOT blaming God for our temptations. And of course if you want to know the number one tool, to help overcome temptation, it's simply reading and studying the word of God.

A great study is to read Psalm 119 and then list on a sheet a paper the number of blessings that result from reading and knowing God's word. If you do a diligent study and list all the blessings of Psalm 119, you would then understand the value and victory that comes from spending time in the greatest book ever written.

So, either start today and immerse yourself in the word or get ready to fail to the temptations that Satan throws your way.

I'll be praying you make the wise choice!

Go to www.GodHasAnApp.com to see the rest of the lessons.

Loving those who serve!

Week after week, at Shepherd of the Hills Church, we hand out over 5 to 6000 bulletins. Someone has to stuff them with the inserts and sermon outlines every week. Most people come to church and grab a bulletin not knowing of the tremendous amount of work needed to provide such bulletins.

Today I was upstairs studying for the sermon this weekend. We are actually starting a new series called "God Has An App For That" based on my new book. So after studying I walked down the hallway to look at the 33 beautiful people that had volunteered their time without fanfare. I had to take their picture and show it to you.

They were a well organized machine working without interruption until I showed up, of course.

Please take a moment and the thank the Lord for all those who serve and volunteer their time in churches across America. And then ask the Lord where he would have you to serve.

If they kept track of the number of bulletins stuffed each week in churches around the world, I'm sure it would outnumber the billions of hamburgers served around the world at McDonald's. Do you agree?

Happy 16th Birthday!!!!!

Justin Bieber who? Today is all about Kerri!

Saw that today was Justin Bieber's birthday and truthfully I really am not concerned.

What I am concerned about is that today is my daughter, Kerri's 16th Birthday.

Sixteen years ago I remember every detail of that special day and with it brings so many mixed emotions.

Primarily, it reminds me that your children grow up way too quickly, as she is the youngest of our three.

But there is something different with this one because with Kerri I know it won't be long before

she, too, like my other children, will be grown and headed off toward full independence. I know that's supposed to happen, but oh does that hurt. Like most parents, I look back over my children's adolescent years with nothing but fond memories and realizing that one can never turn back the hands of time.

Never one day have I ever seen Kerri with a bad attitude.

Never one day have I ever seen Kerri treat someone unfairly.

Never one day have I ever been disappointed in her actions.

Never one day have I ever not seen her honor God.

Never one day have I ever not seen her honor her mother and me.

Never one day have I ever thought she's on the wrong path.

Never one day have I ever seen her not be concerned about helping others.

Never one day have I ever heard her use bad language.

Never one day have I ever not seen her jubilant smile.

Never one day have I ever not been blessed with her life and spirit.

Never one day have I ever seen her not love Jesus.

Never one day have I ever felt worried about how she would turn out. Well, except for one thing!

She told me once when she turned 16 she wanted to start dating boys and I only have ONE THING to say.....

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Well, at least I got that out of my system.

Kerri, Happy Birthday Girl! You are the bright and merry star!

I love you more than all the stars in the sky!

I love you more than all the french fries at McDonald's!

I love you more than all the cars on the freeway!

I love you more than all the birds that chirp!

I love you more than all the sand along the shores.

I love you MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!

Love Dad

Follow up on the TOP TEN list

I had a lot of comments on my top ten list. Just to state again this post was about the 500,000 pastors that show up every week that are not on T.V or Radio or known for their large church. Slot number one actually has 500,000 pastors in in. So.... T.D Jakes is number 500,001. Jeff Walling is 500,002 Andy Stanley is 500,003 and so on! I think you are starting to understand the point now.

Preachers are men who have been called by God to preach. We are NOT all the same. We ourselves have different gifts and different callings. Some lean toward evangelism while others lean toward discipleship. Some read their sermons word for word, some do NOT use notes. Some run around on the stage while others remain motionless. But the one thing we all have in common is the word of God. Trying to use our unique skillset to lift up the name of Jesus.

So often their are a few names that garner a lot of press and attention. The purpose of my list was not to compare or to judge who's good and who's not. The purpose of my list was to draw attention and to thank the 500,000 men and women who preach without any fanfare. I just want to let them know that they are appreciated beyond words!

Blessings to each of you!

Stay tuned this week at Shepherd of the Hills Church www.theshepherd.org as we begin our small group study on the book "God Has An App For That" DVD's and Small Group materials are now ready! see www.GodHasAnApp.com

Top 10 Preachers in America!

I will never forget the time Billy Graham was on T.V and I commented to my son (who was about 9 years of age at the time) that Billy Graham was the greatest preacher ever. And my son started to cry and said "Dad, I thought you were the greatest preacher of all time". Even though I, too, would be partial in feeling that about my own father and even though I was thankful for my son's innocent expression of appreciation towards me, I want to share with you MY LIST of the top ten preachers in America. You'll notice several names like Billy Graham, Francis Chan and others NOT on my list. Because here is the criteria for making my list.

a) You have to be pastoring a local congregation. Writing sermons weekly.
b) You have to be more of a preacher than a teacher. For me... preachers have a tad bit more of emotion and passion with their delivery.
c) You have to have a heart that leans towards evangelism and reaching the lost.
d) These are men that I enjoy hearing. They move me to want to follow Christ and to reach the lost.

Here's the list!

#10) Wayne Cordeiro is the founding pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii with over 14,500 in weekend attendance. New Hope is also listed as one of the top ten most innovative churches in America with Outreach Magazine listing them as one of the "top five churches to learn from." New Hope is known for redeeming the arts and technology. Over 3,000 attending services each week via the Internet. New Hope has seen over 73,000 first time decisions in Hawaii since its inception 27 years ago.

Wayne is a church planter at heart with over 108 churches planted in the Pacific Rim countries of the Philippines, Japan, Australia and Myanmar. Nationally, he has planted churches in Hawaii, California, Montana, Washington, and Nevada. I know he is doing more more with his college than his church, but I love to hear this man preach!

#9) Pastor Ken Whitten of the Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa Florida. Pastor Whitten delivers the word of God in a way that touches the heart. He will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. He will set God's word as the ONLY standard to live by and will walk you through the scriptures verse by verse communicating in such a manner that draws the listener in. He has a true pastoral heart, caring for the many members of his church as a shepherd carefully guards his flock. A friend and mentor of mine and if I lived in the Tampa area I would gladly sit and hear him preach week after week.

#8) Dr David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church near San Diego, California. Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment is to teaching the whole Word of God. His passion for people and his desire to reach the lost are evident in the way he communicates Bible truths and his ability to get right to the important issues. I count his church as one of the most blessed churches in the land in having him be their teaching pastor. He makes me want to be a better student of the word of God.

#7) No list of top preachers can be completed without the name of Dr. John MacArthur. Sr. Pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. John's church is only 20 minutes away but his voice is carried around the world through "Grace to you" ministries. Known as an expository preacher he still delivers God's truth with unmatched passion and energy. Listening to John will leave you wishing for MORE! He is the standard for preaching with conviction.

#6) Greg Laurie of the Harvest Church in Riverside, California and the Harvest Crusades. He was once labeled the "next Billy Graham" and having heard Greg many times on the largest Christian Radio station in the world KKLA 99.5 FM Los Angeles it is easy to see why he makes my list. Greg has a rare gift in taking the word of God and making it relevant to today's modern listener. His heart for the lost and compassion to reach the unsaved is his calling card.

#5) Andy Stanley from North Point Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. Probably more preachers listening to Andy weekly than any other pastor. His messages are current, biblical, insightful and engaging. Chances are your pastor has preached a series or two from North Point Church. He and his father Charles might be the best father/son combo of all time. If you get a chance, go to his website and listen to one of his podcast and you'll know why he is on my top 5 list.

#4) Adrian Rodgers! smile! I hope you don't mind me putting Adrian on the list because I know he has graduated into heaven. Known for his evangelistic zeal and uncompromising commitment to the Word of God, Adrian Rogers was one of the greatest preachers, respected Bible teachers, and Christian leaders of our time. For over fifty years, he consistently presented the Good News of Jesus Christ with strong conviction, compassion, and integrity. Under his pastoral leadership, Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, grew from 9,000 members in 1972 to more than 29,000 at his retirement in 2005. Go to LWF.org to hear a voice and a sermon like no other!

#3) Jeff Walling! I have a host of men that I really could have put in this spot. My own father H. Dean Rutherford, Rick Atchley, David Stone, Don Wilson, Kyle Idleman, my brother David Rutherford, Kerry Shook, John Ortberg, Bill Hybels, Matt Proctor, Jud Wilhite, Jonathan Falwell, Jack Graham, Ronnie Floyd, Miles McPherson, Craig Groeschel, Robert Morris, Rick Warren, Gene Appel, Jentzen Franklin, Philip Wagner, James MacDonald, John Hagee, Chris Siedman, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Mark Scott, Jack Hayford, Tim Spivey, Charles Swindoll, Jim Reeve, and John Piper. But my number 3 slot is the one and only Jeff Walling! Sr Pastor of the Providence Road Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Go to wallingondvd.com and you'll see why he is number 3.

#2) Can only be brother T.D. Jakes of the Potter's House. Time cited Jakes's delivery and his skillful handling of Scripture: "He purrs like Isaac Hayes and screams like Jay Hawkins … And however leisurely Jakes's presentation may seem, each sermon eventually reveals itself as perfectly calibrated and balanced, cohering into an often exquisite extended metaphor." When I hear him preach I wonder why I would ever attempt to even try.

Finally we come to #1 on my list of great preachers!

#1) Are the other 500,000 preachers whose names you'll never know that show up week after week in the pulpits across America and who "rightly divide the word of God". The one's that I most love, that I most appreciate are the local pastors of local churches who are never on the radio. They are never on T.V. They have never written a book. But every week, they study and prepare and then stand in their pulpits and preach their hearts out trying to reach the lost and edify the saved. They are the true hero's. The true soldiers of the cross. I salute every preacher who stands weekly in his pulpit preaching as a dieing man to a dieing crowd. May we forever lift up the Name and Word of Jesus! By his blood we are saved and redeemed! If you are a preacher.... simply write your name here _____________. YOU ARE NUMBER ONE ON MY LIST OF GREAT PREACHERS!

Preach It! Eagles! Preach It!

Spent the month of January coaching the Hillcrest Middle School Boys basketball team. Most of them had never played basketball before and we had a rough start. Our first game we lost by 50 points! Yes, I said 50! Our second game we felt really good because we only lost by 30. Funny how your perspective changes when your expectations are tempered by reality. Our third game we only lost by 4! hahahahaha We're 0-3 and are excited.

After losing several other games by just a few points we then went on a winning streak and "lo and behold" we made the playoffs. Seven teams in our league and we finished third. So yesterday we played the second place team and found ourselves down by 10 points early. But the Hillcrest boys rallied and ended up winning the game by 8 points which means today at 3:00 p.m. we play for the league championship! Who would have thought that was even possible?

What's exciting for me though, far beyond the chance to be league champs is that for the past 6 weeks we have had a chance to mentor these young men spiritually. My assistant coach Mike Johnson, who coached on a D-1 level for 17 years, and I have made sure that at every opportunity we have talked about them becoming Men of God!

About half way through the season I talked to the 12 of them (yes, there are 12) about how Jesus had 12 disciples and that those disciples changed the entire world with the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They then started referring to themselves at "The 12 Disciples" and when we break the huddle after timeouts they like to holler in unison "PREACH IT!"

Yes, I hope we win the game today for a truly amazing basketball season for a bunch of boys who've never played before, but MORE IMPORTANTLY I hope that these 12 boys grow up to be 12 preachers who will help point the world to Jesus!

PREACH IT! Eagles PREACH IT!

It's a bit crazy!

What I've learned so far about having a book published is that the marketing is primarily left up to you as an author. In that process, we need to promote and get the word out ourselves because book publishers are hurting, primarily due to technology. They have told me that there use to be 4000 book stores and now there are around 1500. So, please forgive me for post and pictures of our new book "God Has An App For That".

And just so you know.... No one is getting rich on this book. That is almost impossible. In fact the proceeds from the books I'm selling on our campus is going towards the new building. I love that, but I love more the fact that this book was written to help people discover the wisdom in the word of God. That no matter what you are going through that God has an APPLICATION from his WORD that will help you.

Because THAT Is the goal we will continue to promote and market this book. Hope you come on board with that goal and join us. The above picture was sent to me from a friend who saw it at a Barnes and Noble. If you see it or can take a picture of yourself with the book we will post it as well.

We would love for you to go to the facebook page "God Has An App For That" and LIKE it!

We would love for you to send us funny or unique pictures with you and the book.

We would love for you to post a positive review on amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.

We would love for you to blog about the book.

We would love for you to go into different bookstores and ask if they have the book.

We would love for you to help promote the book and the website www.godhasanapp.com.

Blessings to you...

Keep praying that the book falls into the hands that need to find the Lord and his answers.

You can join the team in promoting this book and leading others to wanting to read the Bible.

Dudley Rutherford

A letter my dad wrote to my mother for their 59th Anniversary

Patsy Lou,

Happy 59th wedding anniversary! That old granddaddy clock has written on its face, “tempus fugit,” which means “time flies.” I knew it was quick, but now it seems like we're having Christmas three times a year. I am not absolutely sure that we will make it to our sixtieth, so I'd better put some words on paper. Looking back, I now wonder why we had any reluctance at all to be married. The deep love I have struggled to define has now defined itself in time. We’ve lived together way too long to not know that we were made to live together. Living out the years with you keeps getting better. Once we figured out that we could not change each other, we became free to celebrate ourselves as we are. So my dear Trish-the-fish, we are gloriously together and it has never been dull company. It's kind of weird that we have been together for eight decades and yet still think of ourselves as young. There are plenty of moments when I find you to be that blushing and shy girl who took my cheap ring and name and then agreed to explore the world with me.

We began to dream and work and love and worship. Sure, we only started with forty dollars and a fistful of promises, but we were wealthy. I can still remember that Georgia wedding 59 years ago today and oh my, how young we both were. We experienced the sweet warmth and love of youth. We felt that God had decorated the night sky with stars just for us. We drove every false and threatening thing out of our lives with simple truth and honesty. We have met 240 changing seasons and met each challenge. I still smile when I think, how wealthy we thought we were when we were really so very poor. And talk about money, those five children came along. I've almost forgotten how they got here or what it took to get them here. You can remind me later. But I've always known that they came from God and belonged to Him. And I remember my promise before they were ever born, that they would never take ‘first place’ in my heart, the ‘first place’ that you have always held. I love those once-upon-a- time “tax deductions,” but I could never love them as much as I have loved you.

The other morning I was leaving the house and I found you in the kitchen, looking out the window while talking to Debbie on the phone. The morning sun fell across your hair and hands. I reached down and touched your hand, a hand made noble by its years of service and duty. I left that morning feeling like a king because you were mine.

I don't mean to sound morose, but I simply bring it to your attention that we will probably both not leave on the same day. The crispness of the fall air reminds us that we cannot have summer forever. Someday, all too soon one of us will be forced to test the shattering emptiness that we have seen transpire in the lives of couples who have gone on before us. One of us will go first but the other will celebrate our treasure, our union and love with a transcending joy. We will not sorrow not as those who have no hope. I walk so much slower now, and a little stooped. It's not because I'm tired or weary, but no one can walk fast, who is weighted down with great dreams and precious memories. My biggest apology is that I was never able to rebuke and turn back the wild, hurried pace of the years. There have been times when I actually dreamed that I might be the one person who could defeat old-age and remain in full health just for you. It was not to be. As I have repeated so many times: “Old “Father Time” is still undefeated.” Darn him!

Come walk with me my love. Just not too fast, we will not hurry, because there are still places to go, people to bless and vistas to see. We will continue to pace ourselves. And can I say it one more time with deep meaning and emphasis? “I love you.” Happy 59^th!!!

KKLA and FRANK PASTORE

Recently, Frank Pastore and KKLA 99.5 FM asked me to guest host for a couple of nights and I anxiously agreed. Many people don't know that I hosted my own radio program during my college days at Ozark Christian College in Joplin MO.

There is something about radio, television and technology and social media that warms my heart in regards to sharing Jesus with the world. You see anyone, at anytime could just happen to tune in and could hear the gospel and be the difference in eternity for that individual. In fact, if you look at the "counter" in the right side of my blog you will see that over 7730 different visitors have logged on to this blog from 92 different countries. AMAZING!

Yes, I still love the proven "old school" technique of sharing one on one with someone but to ignore the potential opportunities that media brings is to ignore the promises and hopes of a great harvest for the Lord. I say..... Let's do BOTH! Let's talk face to face with everyone we know and share our faith daily and then also use our resources of time, talent and treasure to reach the masses through modern technology.

For that purpose I want to continue to ask you to support KKLA 99.5 FM Los Angeles and the Frank Pastore show, heard nightly from 4 to 7 p.m. Who knows but this very night God might touch the heart of someone that you have been witnessing to earlier in the day.

And now "here's Rapid-Traffic from the Azusa Pacific University Traffic Center!"

New Birth

Jesus told Nicodemus in the gospel of John (the 3rd chapter) that he "must be born again". Nothing so depicts that new birth than when someone is baptized into the name of Jesus Christ. I hear so many people today explaining away the importance or necessity of being baptized, while you see just the opposite in scripture. Scriptures are full of accounts of church leaders trying to explain the importance of baptism. I don't see Peter trying to explain away the importance of it in Acts 2:38. I don't see Philip trying to explain how it's not very important in Acts 8:35-39. I don't hear Paul saying anything contrary in Romans 6:3-5. We have become so afraid that someone is going to teach that the 'water' itself is what saves. I don't know anyone who teaches that water saves. We are all in agreement that JESUS SAVES. But even Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 commanded the disciples to baptize EVERYONE in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let's read what the church leaders in the New Testament taught about baptism and then shout a HEARTY AMEN! Don't explain it away... Explain it EXACTLY how the Bible explains!

The picture above was painted by Christina Ramos and is available at our church bookstore. It's her son baptizing her daughter! It's beautiful and I have a copy in my office. May every believer in Jesus Christ be baptized in HIS PRECIOUS NAME!

Does Tim Tebow Walk on Water?

So I am in a spinning class at the LA Fitness in Universal City when I get called out of class by a lady who says there is a phone call for me. She said that it wasn't an emergency, but it was important. Whew, well at least I knew no one died and ran downstairs to take the call. It was one of my assistants, Shalena, who says, "Fred Roggin of NBC Sports wants to interview you about Tim Tebow."

She then explained I had to be back at the church by 8:00 PM, where they would tape the segment. I raced home, changed my clothes, and got back to the church promptly at 8:00 PM. I did NOT know the questions he would ask, but I did have an idea about the direction of the interview.

I had NO idea what the final question would be and was surprised when Fred Roggin asked the following question. He asked me, "If New England and Denver were playing a football game in a river..." Right there, I was thinking, "WHAT?!?!?! In a RIVER?!?!?!" He continued, "If they were playing in a river, WOULD TIM TEBOW WALK ON WATER?"

Watch the video to see my response!!!

Funny God Has An App For That Photos

I had two people send in these photos via Facebook. The first picture was someone named Valerie who said this was her husband's idea of Facebook, and the second photo was of a cat who definitely needs to find Jesus!

Will add more later! Enjoy and go to www.GodHasAnApp.com to read more!

God Has An App For That!

For those who are wondering what they would glean from reading the book, God Has An App For That!, which was released this month, I wanted to explain WHY this book was written.

There are millions of people living in America with no moral absolute. We have bought in completely to the idea that we can live our lives as we please... that we need not worry about anything except what makes us feel good. We have taken God out of the equation of humanity, and we have walked down alleys and roads that lead to depression and unfulfilled lives, not realizing that God's Word has the answers to some of our most difficult issues.

Once we find ourselves burdened by the cares of this world--which often is a result of a life lived in vain--we turn to everything BUT God to help soothe our broken hearts. We will try masking our pain with drugs or alcohol. We will use sex in hopes that momentary pleasure will bring lasting peace. We will spend enormous amounts of time involved in hobbies and recreation to busy ourselves in an attempt to distract ourselves from our problems. We might turn to counseling or search online for a solution to life's dilemmas, all the while NOT RECOGNIZING that God's Word has the solution to all of life's complex issues.

The question at hand then is HOW DO WE GET PEOPLE TO REALIZE THEY NEED TO SEARCH GOD'S WORD to find their help, comfort, wisdom and direction?

So I had this idea to write a book called, God Has An App For That!, in hopes that the title alone would pique their interest, that a little light would come on, so to speak, and that they would then want to pick up a copy and read, God Has An App For That! After reading this book, my hope is that people would reach a couple of monumental conclusions: 1.) That there IS a vast amount of wisdom and help inside the Word of God, and 2.) That they, indeed, NEED to read the Bible--and actually begin reading God's precious word on a daily basis. We are so optimistic about that this that we've placed a Bible Reading Guide at the end of the book.

When a person reads God Has An App For That!, YES they will find unforgettable illustrations; YES they will find steps to upload to help them overcome some of life's great struggles; YES they will find that the book is easy to read; YES they will laugh and be challenged; but hopefully and prayerfully they will sit down at the end of the day and say, "I need to read the Bible because there is some great wisdom and counsel that God wants to share with me."

So, I would encourage a strong believer to read God Has an App for That! to remind them of the importance of the Word of God, and I would encourage someone who had never read the Bible to read this book in hopes that it would lead them down a more intentional spiritual path that can only be gleaned from spending time in the Bible. Hopefully, this book will lead people to that assessment and discipline.

Remember, no matter what problem or struggle you are facing, God not only loves you, but he has provided the answers to all of life's most difficult issues. God Has An App For That! will lead you to those answers. Check out the website: http://www.godhasanapp.com/ to order your copy today and spread the word concerning this exciting new book.

Hosting the Frank Pastore Show KKLA 99.5 FM

It's a good thing KKLA 99.5 is radio and not television or a person might actually confuse me for Frank Pastore as seen in the above picture. One of my dearest friends is the man himself "Frank Pastore" who host the Frank Pastore show as heard daily on KKLA 99.5 FM from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. here in the greater Los Angeles area. Frank has asked me to fill in for him today so he can get a little R&R.

A couple of things about Frank you should know. 1) He has a great barber as you can see in the picture. 2) He used to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds. 3) He loves riding his motorcycle. 4) He has a great sense of humor. 5) At one time he did NOT believe in God! I repeat, he did NOT believe in God and yet God got a hold of his life and now he host the largest Christian Radio station in America and his forte is apologetics and talking to people about faith in God. Read his book entitled "Shattered" for a testimony about his transformed life.

Over the years he has interviewed me many times and I can tell you he is a master at his craft. He knows how to engage and discuss numerous topics ranging from detailed doctrinal issues to covering anything to do with the cultural revolution that our country is facing. Every night, during the drive time hours Frank is the main voice of the airways. I do NOT know of another person in L.A. that has an influential voice for Jesus Christ as Frank Pastore.

Tonight from 4 to 7 p.m he has asked me to host his show and I am honored to do so. We have a wonderful lineup which you can read about in my previous Christmas Eve post. I would invite you to tune in tonight with the hopes that you would see the power and influence of talk radio in L.A. during normal rush hours. I hope you'll make KKLA 99.5 FM and the Frank Pastore show a part of your daily routine. Listen to the rookie tonight and then return soon and hear the genius Frank Pastore at the mic and see what a blessing he is to our city!

Some Christmas News

So often I wish that Christmas was a bit slower for Pastors and staff, because it is always one of the busiest times of the year. Although hectic, I never TIRE of telling the GREATEST story on earth, the night our Savior was born! Where would we be without the love of God who willingly allowed his son to come to earth so that we might one day live with him! It's the life changing message of Salvation!

I wanted to let you know a couple of ways that you can connect with Shepherd this Christmas.

First, all of our Satellite campuses will be conducting their own Christmas eve services and you can locate that information at our church website www.theshepherd.org

On the Porter Ranch Campus we will have 6 Christmas eve services.

Friday night, December 23rd at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Saturday night, December 24th at 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

On Sunday you can stay 4 minutes or 4 hours. Communion will be set up and

you can bring your Bibles, pray and have your own time of study and meditation.

Other Media means in which you can participate:

All services can be viewed live on internet...www.callonjesus.com or www.live.sothc.com

Saturday 5:00 p.m. can be heard live on KKLA 99.5 FM Radio

On Sunday, December 25th at 12 noon

We are excited to announce our first ever.. one hour TV CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL

on KTLA Channel 5 throughout all of Los Angeles!! (Again at 12 noon, Channel 5)

On Monday, December 26th

I will be hosting the Frank Pastore Show on KKLA 99.5 FM Radio from 4 to 7 p.m.

We will be talking with a young man who was sentenced to life without parole who

was miraculously released and is now starting a church in Long Beach, CA.

I will be interviewing David Hernandez who is running for Congress as well as Ralph Drollinger who leads a ministry conducting Bible Studies for members of Congress.

We will talk to 4 different authors about 4 different books that you should read in 2012

I will be interviewing a homeless man that I met at Venice beach and he will explain some

things that you might not know about being homeless in L.A.

Finally, I am going to have Seana Scott come into the studio and pray for people over the

phone who have had some difficult times.

Lastly, I want to remind you to go to www.GodHasAnApp.com and view the new book that is being released next week. I wrote it to let people understand that the Bible has answers to all of our problems. May each of you know that ONLY in CHRIST and through his TRUTH can we truly find PEACE!

Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you!

Blessings

Pastor Dudley

"Famous and Manly" Drew Sherman

I spent this weekend with my dear friend, Drew Sherman, who is the Sr. Pastor of Compass Church in Colleyville, Texas. Drew and his wife, Michelle, served with me at Hillcrest/Shepherd thoughout the 90's. He was just 23 when he joined our staff, and he stayed ten years. Drew has a gift to make people laugh 'til they cry, which he has done to me several hundred times. Drew is in a sermon series looking at the names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 and asked me to preach on the name, "MIGHTY GOD."

The previous week Drew had mentioned that his name meant "famous" and "manly." I looked it up, and that is exactly what I found on my internet search. To be sure, Drew ONLY mentioned that to make us laugh, which I most certainly did, because I know he likes to make people laugh. Although I was there to preach on the "Mighty God" of Isaiah 9:6, I was glad that I was able to spend time with my "famous" and "manly" friend. Drew has done such a wonderful job leading a church in the greater Dallas area.

I was so proud of how far he has come from being a 23 year old rookie to leading one of the best churches in the country. I wish you could see his campus and meet all the sweet people who attend his church. Why, just a few weeks ago, because of their support of the "sanctity" of human life, Drew was able to interview President George W. Bush, and I actually saw a picture of Drew and the President while being interviewed.

When I saw the picture, but more importantly, when I saw all the people's lives that were being changed by the power of the "Mighty One," I thought to myself that his parents named him well.

Just to be sure, the fact that any of us are known, or are brave, or are alive, or are saved is because of the "Mighty One." Thank you, God, for sending the "Mighty One" of Isaiah 9:6, and thank you for my "famous" and "manly" friend, Drew Sherman. May we only be known by what YOU do in and through us. Laughing with joy as I type! :)

The year of the Supernatural-Revival recap 2011

2011 has been an amazing year capped off by our fall Revival. We had an outstanding list of speakers who delivered truly inspired messages. But the revival was a result of people who had been praying for the 6 weeks leading up to the revival. And, without question, each night you could sense the power of God at work in the lives of those who were there. Looking back I am still changed and moved by the events of that week. The preaching, the music, the prayers, the changed lives and the power of the gospel. I pray that this video will serve as a reminder that it's "still not the end" and we have many souls to reach.

Summer Highlight Video for 2011

"Retort To Satan" as read on air (KKLA 99.5 FM)

Prayers to God!

So many things upon my heart today. Just thought I'd list out a few prayers in hopes that you would join me in praying for our world. First, for all our families. Couples struggling, marriages on the brink, children running in rebellion. May the Lord help men to step up and become Godly men who serve Christ, who honor their wives and who lead their family and children. May women reflect the love of Christ in all situations and give them peace and strength for the challenges of each day.

I want to pray for all the single men and woman and ask that they would remain true to God and save themselves for marriage. Lord help them not to compromise their faith or their purity. Help them not to run ahead of what you have planned for them.

I pray for children, specifically that you oh God would watch over them and protect them. So many forces in this world to lead them down the wrong path. My prayer is that you would raise up a generation of young people that would shake this world for Christ.

Next, I want to pray for all the Pastors and Church leaders and ministries in the world. God that our churches would be evangelistic in nature, making disciples of all nations and to not get swept up in majoring in the minors. Help our preachers and teachers to speak God's word in an uncompromising manner. The Word of God never returns void so help us lift high the Lord Jesus Christ and his plan of Salvation for all the world to hear.

Help Christians to get out of their comfort zone and to not worry about the cost, but the call of God upon their life. Give us boldness and faithfulness and give us a burden to become true followers of Jesus Christ. Lord, help us NOT to compromise but to live each day in complete surrender to your will.

I want to also pray for the following things
1. The flooding in Thailand and to help those trying to recover.
2. The turmoil in the Middle East, to protect Israel and bring Salvation to Jews, Arabs and Egyptians.
3. The economic turmoil in Europe and specifically those in Greece.
4. Pray for the underground church in China, for the Lord's protection and mercy.
5. For Christians in India, China, Egypt and others who are being persecuted for their faith.
6. For Americans to care more for the spiritual than the physical. We need a revival in this country.
7. For College Students in USA and abroad to not be swept away by humanism and secularism.
8. Pray for the poor and down trodden in America and around the world. Let your love be known.
9. Pray for our government that they would have a holy fear and reverence for you Lord.
10. Pray for the men and women who serve in our Military. For police officers and firefighters.
11. Pray for Hollywood and those who work in the Entertainment business to use their gifts for God.
12. Praying for Shepherd of the Hills Church, that we would reflect the church that we see in Acts.
13. Pray that every person who reads this blog would hunger and thirst for righteousness that comes from above.
14. Pray for missionaries who serve around the world. Bless them and empower them to lift high Jesus' name.
15. Ask God to provide for those who are hurting financially and help each of us to believe in HIS LAWS of planting and sowing.
16. Pray for the city of Los Angeles. It seems like the entire world lives in this city or is at least represented. From L.A. we can help change the world as we lead others to accepting and following the Lord Jesus Christ.
17. Pray right now for YOURSELF... that the rest of this day and the rest of your life that you would honor and serve Christ with ALL of your HEART.

Lord... Thank you for the power of your love and grace. May your mercy that shines upon us be forever present and may the personal relationship that we have with you be a testimony that YOU DESIRE to have that same relationship with others. Thank you for loving us and never giving up on us. Forgive us whenever we fail you and speak truth into our lives when we take our eyes off of you. Help us to repent, to turn completely to you without hesitation.
May we read the bible with passion and conviction and see our trials as blessings as you shape and mold our lives.

IN JESUS NAME,
Amen.... and Amen!

Travel to Israel in April 2012!!!

We as a church are headed to the Holy Land, Israel, next year! Find out more about this exciting trip and how you can join us by watching the video below:

Israel 2012 from Shepherd Media on Vimeo.

NACC Diversity: "A Giant Leap Forward"

NACC Diversity: ‘A Giant Leap Forward’

President Dudley Rutherford said, “I wanted to show folks around the country how to put on an event and make it diverse without diversity being the theme.”

By Darrel Rowland

Dudley Rutherford admits it’s his biggest fear: That the recent increasing diversity of the NACC will fade away.

“We took a giant leap forward. We cannot afford to take a small step backward. We need to keep pressing the issue,” said Rutherford, who has led the drive to bring more minorities as speakers and to fill other key roles on the platform.

Rutherford said he already has written letters to future NACC presidents urging them to continue the convention’s blend of races and ethnicities.

“Usually we put one African-American on the stage and call it diversity,” he said.

This year’s convention had four blacks in major speaking slots, with Asians and Latinos also playing visible roles in every service.

The second verse to the third song on opening night (“Shout to the Lord”) was sung in Spanish. Before one service, John 3:16 was recited in Korean, Farsi, Hebrew, Spanish, and English. Mixed in with the usual Chris Tomlin songs were some Kirk Franklin and other tunes more familiar to minority audiences.

“I wanted to show folks around the country how to put on an event and make it diverse without diversity being the theme,” Rutherford said. “All it took was a little intentionality and some perseverance. If we succeeded in this, anybody can.”

But he worries that the people who keep the NACC going year to year lack diversity themselves.

“I stood up before the continuation committee and expressed that I have served my term and one of you has to pick up this mantle and carry it,” Rutherford said.

One of this year’s African-American speakers, Daryl Reed, lead minister of DC Regional Christian Church in Washington, D.C., was chosen as vice president of a future NACC.

During his opening-night sermon, Rutherford apologized to African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and other minorities. He traced the lack of integration in Restoration Movement churches to decisions by white-controlled congregations immediately after the Civil War that blacks should leave their fellowship and start their own churches.

Nearly 150 years later, “not much has changed,” he said. “Our lack of diversity is more than a glaring blind spot.”

But without a change in heart—without a commitment from churches across the land to put minorities on their platforms, their staffs, and leadership teams—such apologies mean little, he acknowledged.

Rutherford wasn’t the only speaker to talk about the lack of diversity.

During the convention’s breakfast for Dream of Destiny—a national effort to bring unity through diversity—Scott Williams, author and pastor of LifeChurch.tv, said 93 percent of U.S. churches are still segregated.

During a workshop on growing a diverse leadership, Rob Daniels, executive pastor of Westbrook Christian Church in Bolingbrook, Illinois, pointed out that current minorities will actually make up a majority of Americans in a few decades. That means “the 21st century has to be the century of multiracial congregations” if the church is to survive.

Darrel Rowland is an adult Bible fellowship teacher at Worthington (Ohio) Christian Church and public affairs editor of The Columbus Dispatch.

Ultimate Freedom Conference

Today I was honored to speak at the Ultimate Freedom Conference. A group of guys who have been saved by the grace of almighty God. We went to the front of the church to take a group photo and I wanted to post the picture to let you see some men who are hungry for the word of God. Part of this group comes out of our BREWLINE ministry in the East Valley. I am understanding more and more that if we can get the men in our city living for Christ that we can transform our homes, family and culture. Would you take a moment right now and pray for these men pictured that they would, "before their feet hit the floor" each morning, serve the Lord with ALL of their HEART. I was encouraged to see so many men who had come from such difficult backgrounds to stand and boldly proclaim their intent on making Jesus LORD.

I want to thank all the men who shared today and please know that I am faithfully praying for YOU. In Jesus Name..... AMEN and AMEN!

The Real "MEN IN BLACK"

If I hadn’t seen it myself, I would not have believed it. At first, my reaction was… no way! And then, it quickly changed to… are you kidding?! Then, it was… this is not possible!

For a couple of years now, there has been a group of pastors who lead churches with over 5000 attendees that have joined together to discuss issues that we have in common with leading large churches. Eleven of us gathered in Las Vegas, and our host was Jud Wilhite of Central Christian Church, which averages 18,000 attendees. Dave Stone, who pastors at the fourth largest church in America, Southeast Christian Church, in Louisville, Kentucky was there. Their average attendance is over 22,000. Don Wilson of Christ Church of the Valley in Phoenix (18,000 in attendance), which was just listed as the fasted growing church in America, also joined us. The rest of the men were Cam Huxford from Savannah, Chuck Booher from Corona, Kevin Odor from Las Vegas, Tommy Politz from Amarillo, Tim Harlow from Orland Park, Cal Jernigan from Mesa, George Ross from New Albany, and myself.

The thing that made me laugh was that as everyone showed up, one by one, I noticed that they were all wearing black. Nine of the eleven were wearing black. Tim Harlow and I were the only ones that were not wearing black shirts. I actually took my dress shirt off because I had a black t-shirt on underneath my dress shirt, and so there were now 10 of us… all in black.

It really was quite comical. It was as if someone had sent out a memo, yet we knew that was NOT the case. As we sat around the room, we looked like a strange bunch in contrast to the bright lights of Las Vegas. But we were there to talk shop, not to be influenced by the culture of sin city.

For two days, it was a “yearning to learn” experience. I couldn’t get enough of listening and learning. Each pastor had questions and issues that he needed help with, and each pastor had things to share that blessed the rest of the men in black.

As I sat in that room, I couldn’t help but notice that these men had many things in common besides their black shirts. They all had busy schedules. They all loved the Lord passionately. They are all sold out on supporting and building the local church. They are all blessed with visions and goals. No one thought they had all the answers. They all wanted to be better. They all wanted to reach more lost people. They are all thankful for the Lord’s leading in their life. They all felt called, and they were thankful for the iron sharpening iron experience. They all had their own set of worries and concerns. They all loved their families. They are all looking to be better men of God. And for some strange reason, they all wore black.

Next time you see a group of guys all wearing black, don’t just assume they are on their way to a NFL Raiders game. Who knows, it could be a group of pastors who simply want to be better at leading their congregations and simply looking five pounds thinner during the process. Smile.

Shepherd of the Hills Church REVIVAL 2011 Oct. 22-26