In alert expectancy such as this...

2011 is coming to a close.

I need not leave it behind without blogging at least 1 more time.

Romans :1-5 The Message (MSG)  

^1-2By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
 ^3-5There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! 

In the NKJV verse 5 starts off by saying... Now hope does not disappoint...

God is so FAITHFUL.

He has given us HOPE. 

And Jesus is daily birthing His VISION for our life and things that are to come.

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful



You are loved, valued and God has a destiny for your life.

To all of our friends and family we just want to say we love and appreciate you!

Be blessed and encouraged.

The best is yet to come...

What would happen if we did?

Have you ever felt like a jacked up hamster stuck in a noisy spinning wheel that gives the illusion that if you move faster you will actually go somewhere?

Are you tired of being stuck on repeat? 

This morning the Holy Spirit reminded me of this text.
The excuses may change... but our response often stays the same.
Jesus is still asking us to follow him.
He's got us.
We just have to drop our (But First's)...
What would happen if we did?
Entertaining this question may cause a fire to stir in your heart.
Do something with it!

Luke 9:57-62 - ⁵⁷ Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” ⁵⁸ And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” ⁵⁹ Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” ⁶⁰ Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” ⁶¹ And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” ⁶² But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to  the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

-p.jimmy

what do you see?

In Mark 8:22-25 there is a story of Jesus Healing a man that was blind. It is an awesome story and I recommend you check it out. God brought me to this passage while reflecting on all God has done in me and my wife's life while on a plane from Baltimore back to Florida. We have some Incredible stories, testimonies and experiences to say the least!

A few weeks back I was really struggling with stuff and a conversation with Jesus via my wife changed everything! She challenged me not to forget Psalms 84:10 ..a scripture I often quote. My focus was off and I did not even realize that God was trying to speak to me and teach me in my struggle! Sometimes we need to change our perspective... and I thank God for His mercy and grace as I worked through those tough few weeks. And no doubt I will have to revisit these scriptures many times to remind myself of His goodness.

So many times we settle for what we have in front of us instead of resting in His promises.

We easily default to walking in the flesh instead of walking by faith.

We've all done it.. but I believe He is still asking... 'what do you see?'

He is not asking because he does not know. He does not want us to walk in confusion. He wants us to pray and live by faith.

But we have to take our focus off of our circumstances and struggles and stay focused on Jesus! I know it is easier said then done... remember my 2nd paragraph above referenced a struggle in my life... so I am there. I have been there. But God is still with us! He has not forgotten about us... He is beyond mindful but we have to from time to time take a moment and respond to this question....

'what do you see?'

Lastly... I would also encourage you to not stop seeking Him. I am not going to argue about the theology or symbolism that can be found in Mark 8:22-25... but if you just take the word for what it says.. Jesus touched the man a 2nd time before His vision was completely restored. Not that He had to... but Jesus chose to heal him in this manner. Gods ways are higher than our ways. All I know is I need Him... You need Him... and if you are not seeing clearly...

don't. quit. seeking. Jesus.

Your best days are ahead of you! Greater things are yet to come! Be encouraged friends! You are not alone!

-p.jimmy

Provision comes after obedience...

a few weeks ago we were faced with many needs in our life. Some that we shared with people...some we didn't. Some were tangible needs...some were so overwhelming we didn't really know how to share them. Regardless... God came through as usual. Something I learn more and more every single day...

God...

Is...

Faithful!

That Sunday, the day after I preached my grandmothers funeral I sat in the office at my grandparents house in Bel Air, MD and just started to thank God for all He had done! He has blessed us so much... and we (just like the children of Israel) too quickly forget about all of the blessings in our life that are clearly from God alone. Sometimes we hear someone share salvation in a alter call and we grow anxious because we know what they are going to say...

but have we to easily forgotten that the greatest miracle that we could ever see takes place the day someone surrenders their life to a Jesus that died on the cross for their sins! He died for us... but we forget what redemption feels like because our relationship with him sometimes grow routine... when every day he calls us to draw nearer still... nearer still...

God reminded me of one of my favorite passages in the Bible... Joshua 3:1-17. He reminded me that 'Provision comes after Obedience'. I felt like he wanted me to share that with you today. He reminds us in John 14:15 that if we love him...we will be obedient.

Be encouraged today! God is more mindful of you than you realize friend! Be blessed...and check out Joshua 3!

-p.jimmy

this could change your life...

Check out Dave Ramsey at www.thegreatrecovery.com/live/

Clara Akers

Yesterday my incredible grandmother went home to be with the Lord! Her whole life literally shouted the love of God! My family appreciates all the love, prayers and support. Her viewing/funeral info is as follows:

Mccomas Funeral Home
1317 Cokesbury Road
Abingdon, MD 21009

Viewing friday July 1st 7-9pm

Viewing Saturday July 2nd 10-11am

Funeral Saturday July 2nd 11am

Burial will be @ Bel Air Memorial Gardens

Thanks again friends!

-jimmy


 'Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!' -Psalm 34:8

What are you doing with your open door?

Revelation 3:8 (Msg) 8"I see what you've done. Now see what I've done. I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don't have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn't deny me when times were rough.

This scripture has always intrigued me. I recently heard it again and I have not been able to get it out of my head.

Many times in my life I have prayed and asked God to give me direction and when he didn't respond the way I wanted or expected...I hesitated or even at times missed an opportunity that he had right in front of me...but I did not have the eyes to see what he had opened up in front of me.

The last few years I have sought God more and prayed for wisdom and direction more than ever before...and something I am learning is that an open door that God opens needs to be walked through! I am learning so much about my faith in this beyond amazing Jesus. Our Pastor recently has been talking about us understanding our place in the Kingdom and having the faith to believe that anything really is possible...but we gotta do something with the door he has in front of us.

1 more thing...

Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

I heard Dave Annasco a missionary to the Philippines several years ago share about this Scripture. He reminded us that they didn't have LED's or Mag lights back in the day...they had a candle or oil lamp at best. And in order for their path to be illuminated..they had to keep walking...because without moving forward...the throw of the light only went so far..and so did they!
Friends...if he is opening a door or has an open door in front of you...trust him to walk it out! Stay faithful to him...he won't lead you wrong! He knows our strength is limited...but His has no limit! What are you doing with the open door or doors he has placed in front of you?? Jesus is coming back...and we need to make the most of the time and the door we have been given!

Be blessed and encouraged friends!

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

-p.jimmy

It is about way more...

after a great work out this morning...we are currently hanging out with good friends. Earlier we were watching a movie and I was texting a friend and God dropped some revelation on me. A little background before I share it with you.

I was raised in church. I have always known that God had a great plan for my life. In fact...I believe God has a destiny for everyone! So...as God has blessed me and my wife and challenged us time and time again to step out in faith...there has always been this sense of purpose behind what he was calling us too. A few months ago...God did it again. We were serving in Delaware and God challenged us to trust him and migrate south to Clermont, Florida! A big step for a whole bunch of reasons but God has never let us down...that is how he rolls! Florida is our new home!

When we arrived we were told by multiple people that they had been praying for God to send someone here...and that we were answers to prayer. As humbling and as appreciative as I am that people have prayed for us...and for the affirmation...God is saying even more! The Bible reminds us in Psalm 37:23 that God orders our steps. We have fully embraced the fact that God has brought us to Florida to do a great work for His glory...but he is showing me that there is even more!

It is not just about what he is doing THROUGH us...more importantly...he wants to do a great work IN us!

To frequently we (christian folk) are so busy trying to do the good stuff that we neglect the God stuff...the stuff God is trying to do in us!

I remember when I was a teenager my Pastor, Chris Dutruch shared several times that God was not as concerned with our comfort as he was with our character. Even though the process is tough sometimes...how incredible is it that our God cares about us THAT MUCH!

Anyways friends...It is not just about what he is doing THROUGH you...more importantly...he wants to do a great work IN you! So...be encouraged!! Jesus did not die on a cross for you and I to just barely get by... John 10:10 clearly shows us God has incredible things planned for us...and we need not be deceived with the comfort blanket of Apathy or Settling! God wants to continue to use you...but he also wants to grow you! It may be tough, it may not always feel good...but it is gonna be worth it.

Philippians 1:6 (Amplified Bible)

6And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

-p.jimmy

PS. testimonies...God is blessing us so much! And even though it has only been 2 months...we have already seen fruit and blessings in our time here! And the best is yet to come. In the health department...we just completed our 2nd week back in the gym. Our goal is to work out 5 days a week mixing it up between cardio and strength training. God has given us the strength and grace to make some changes in our eating habits..and honestly we feel incredible. A little tired and sore...but we know it is gonna be worth it! Not Settling!! Just know...you can do it too!

Don't lose heart!!

The last few months of our lives have been an incredible whirl-wind of crazy, busy, worn out and amazing all rolled into one...

Sometimes we forget simple truth's that God has already spoken through his word!

Galatians 6:7-9-⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

So many times I have found myself discouraged or distracted because stuff that is happening...even though it may be good or even incredible stuff when combined with other stuff can be a little overwhelming...but if we will just hold on...the blessing is coming over the horizon!!

Sometimes I need this reminder because of ministry, sometimes trying to work through our finances, sometimes trying hard to get healthier...but what ever it is...this scripture is still true!

So whatever you are carrying today...maybe it is stuff you have been carrying for a while...let me encourage you to turn it over to the one who won't struggle picking it up for you! If you are tired, discouraged, hurt, or overwhelmed...let me encourage you to focus or re-focus on Christ...don't lose heart...cause it's gonna be worth it all!

Lastly...let me share a note that a girl from our church wrote today and shared on her facebook.

by Elizabeth Rivera on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 2:14pm

God has placed this on my heart and I hope and pray it blesses you.

Focus. I know when I think about that word, I always think of a camera. If the camera isn't focused, then the picture doesn't turn out too well. We have to focus on schoolwork, when we are driving we have to focus on ten million things so we don't get hurt. If you realize it or not, we have to focus.

Lately, God has been gently correcting me on where my focus is. Christ needs to be our #1 focus. Not the boy or girl who thinks we're cute, not the bills that need to be paid, or what the hottest trends are but Him. When we take our focus off our Christ, things get bumpy. While God wants us to be blessed and have nice things, that should not be our#1 focus. While God wants us to be happy and have a cute little love story, that shouldn't be our focus. When we put God first, those things fall into place so easily and beautifully you have no choice but to stand back and thank God.

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."-Hebrews 12:2
Focus and surrender to Him and you will be amazed! 


I am proud of Elizabeth and for her sharing what the Lord put on her heart!

Be blessed and encouraged friends! Don't lose heart!

-p.jimmy

 PS. What God is doing in our lives and in our church and in our youth ministry is stupidly-off the boat incredible! Wanted to share that because I am pretty sure...he is just getting started! The best is yet to come!

Thank YOU Jesus!

This Easter weekend, people all over the world will be Celebrating the life, death & resurrection of Jesus Christ! We have so much to be thankful for...but what he did way, way back in the day on this weekend...a thank you barely seems like it is enough.

One month ago today we flew into Florida to begin our new season...in a new state, a new apartment, in need of a vehicle...and super excited and blessed to start serving at our new church home. In the last month God has blessed us in our new apartment, with the vehicle and $$ needed to buy it, and the last month with our church and our youth ministry has been rid-unc-u-lously amazing! And tonight we will be leading worship with friends at our church for our Good Friday service.

As a kid I used to wonder why they called it good Friday. Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross on 'Good Friday'...I always thought it should be called sad Friday...but as I have grown in my faith...I have come to realize why it is so Good. Because of what Jesus did...I am redeemed! I am forgiven! He paid the price for US! Even though the pain he took that day is beyond anything I can even compare it too...I am healed because of it! It is a sobering Friday...a Friday to reflect...but yes...because of Jesus...it is a Good Friday!

...and don't forget...Sunday is coming!

Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me."-John 14:6
 
Thank YOU Jesus for dieing for me! Thank you for being the way! Thank YOU Jesus!

-jimmy

follow me...

¹⁸ And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ²⁰ They immediately left their nets and followed Him. -Matthew 4:18-20

When I was 16...I rededicated my life to Christ at an old fashioned tent revival outside of a christian coffee house in Baltimore and I decided that I was finished going through the motions of calling myself a christian but living contrary. It was time to really follow Jesus!

August 20th, 2004 I married my beautiful wife and we made a decision that we would not only be committed to each other in everything...but that our marriage was a covenant between us and the Lord and that we would surrender our will to his will and that our home would honor him and that together we would follow Jesus!

March 2005 We were called into full time Student ministry at New Covenant Church of God (my home church for 13 years) and we served there with all of our hearts! We experienced the blessings of God and the struggles that life and ministry presented...but through it all...we pushed through to follow Jesus!

February 2009 We felt God calling us to the eastern shore. Some ministry opportunities were presented..but none were his will. We couldn't sell our house but we stepped out in faith...moved to the shore and began working...a lot! Amber work 50+ hrs a week apprenticing at a salon and I work 70-80hrs a week at Wawa and Chick fil a. We did that for 7 months...and in march we found an incredible church...Dagsboro Church of God!

They had a youth pastor, the worship team was full and there seemed to be no need for me and amber. But after 3 weeks of visiting...we knew God called us here...regardless of where we fit...we knew....we.were.following.Jesus.

August 2009 we were brought on staff part time to serve the students of this great church and community. Eventually coming on full time staff...God continued to bless us. And since coming to DCOG God has blessed us with amazing opportunities including:

Becoming a part of an amazing staff and leadership team whom we will always respect and thank the Lord for, being a part of the worship team, serving students - attending their sporting and school events, getting to know their families and serving this community as youth pastors, connecting and working together with other student ministries in our community, working with LCS students, speaking in their chapel and other christian schools in the area, teaching purity classes for LCS 7th and 8th grade boys, working with our B&G club and trying to be a positive influence in kids lives as well as helping the club move forward, being a part of the amazing changes made in our kids ministry including leading live worship for the kids each week, leading worship and speaking at the Stockley center...and being a part of an amazing church family who we love dearly!

A few months ago...we felt God stirring us to seek him. Once again...he is calling us to follow him...and we are.

We have 2 more weeks left as of the date of this Blog to serve DCOG and this community. We have been blessed and honored to be here and to be embraced into this great family...but we are all part of an even bigger family...the Body of Christ!

God has presented us with the opportunity to go and serve the community of Clermont Florida with Pastor Chris & Julie Dutruch at Celebration of Praise Church of God. God has had his hand on our lives and we are so excited for all he has in store. There is much work to be done...and we all need to be doing what he is calling us to.

I have recently shared James 2:20 with people...

²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

The last 6 years we have preached the gospel and shared our faith! Since I was a young boy I have been singing and writing music about my faith and now I get to sing with Amber. Since I was 16, my goal in life has been to follow Jesus and to walk by faith...not by sight, and if we are not willing to follow him when he calls...if we are not willing to step out and trust him even when we don't have it all figured out...my friends...all of these things have been done in vain.

But...

we have heard Him...

we have peace that He has got us...

we are walking by faith...

and once again following Jesus!

God is so incredible! He is literally beyond amazing...and to think...for even one second that we get to follow Jesus...

We will!

We love you all and I want to tell you...God has called you to also do something great for him and for the Kingdom of God! He loves you! He has an incredible plan for your life. If you haven't yet...choose to follow Jesus. Accept him as your savior and start experiencing the abundant life...and eternity that John 10:10 promises.

And if Jesus is calling you to do something...will you answer his call? Will you follow him?

-jimmy akers

I can play the background...

Yesterday I was driving our church van full of teens home from our snow tubing trip. We listened to a good selection of music from my ipod but when we got about 45 minutes from home...a song from Lecrae played through the speakers and I instantly felt the presence of the Lord.

I don't know if you have ever had that experience before but the words rang out...

I could play the background
I could play the background
'Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

...I started to reflect on 3 things: what God has done, the times I tried to be 'the man' and run the show and the area's God is challenging me to trust him in right now!

John 3:30 says...He must increase, but I must decrease.

 

This passage is so opposite of how we think. We wanna shine, we want credit, we want to show people how great we are...but we forget that there is one much greater...and HE alone is Worthy to play the lead role!

 

I don't want to fumble through life trying to find my way when all I gotta do is seek him...cause he is the way! I want him to lead the way...I want to follow! I want to play the background!

 

Tears almost came because I was so overwhelmed with the love, peace and joy that only comes from God. Nothing can replace those moments! I want to find myself there more often for sure!

 

We will never be satisfied if we take the lead. In fact...eventually our fun and good feelings will fade away...and if we don't have him...one day we will be eternally separated from him. 

 

But what if we allowed him to take the Lead?

 

How would our life change if we chose to play the background?

 

-jimmy 

PS. Be encouraged friend...and if you have not already...I strongly encourage you to allow Christ into your life! Recognize and accept him as your savior, repent and surrender your life to the Lord and allow him to take the lead! The background is the best seat in the house!

thank you...

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.-1 Thessalonians 5:18

so...the CD release weekend has come and gone. It was an incredible weekend! We kicked off Saturday 1/8/11 in Dagsboro, DE with close to 70 friends and family hanging out with us. The weather was a little shady with snow early in the day...but we still had a great night! We packed up Sunday morning after church and headed north to Bel Air, MD. About 140-ish friends and family joined us there for a night of worship and a celebration of all that God has done! Many have asked how many CD's we sold. Well..we sold/gave away 111 CD's as of yesterday. I said sold/gave away because before we even recorded the disc God put it on my heart that we needed to trust him to provide and not limit someone from getting a CD if they did not have the money. God proved himself this weekend for sure. Many gave way more than a CD would typically cost...and truth be told (quoting my friend Corey's awesome song), that not only blessed us...but it makes it possible to bless those that may need to hear something on the CD even when they don't have the money to afford it!

So...there are so many thank you's to throw out and I do not want to miss anybody but there are a few that I wanted to list here for sure...thank you:

1st- Jesus for everything! You are the reason why we sing! I love you so much! Surrendering my life to you is the greatest decision I have ever made! To you alone be the Glory!

2nd- Amber...it is hard to describe how amazing it is to have you as a wife. Together we live, love, worship and serve God!

3rd-Corey, Jeremy, Brad, Adam, Willet and Garrett for blessing us and making this recording possible! Thank you so much!

4th-Amber, Derrick, Jeremy, Wayne, Marvin, Keina and Don...it was incredible to worship with you this weekend! You guys are incredibly talented and a huge blessing! Thank you for serving with me!

5th-Everyone else that has been there, supported or prayed for us, those that have purchased CD's, guitar picks or Amber's earrings and those that came out this weekend...thank you is hardly enough...but we are so grateful and blessed to have so many people that love and support us in our lives! Also thank you to our DCOG family and Pastor Kim and our New Cov. family and Pastor Cliff for hosting the CD release nights!

WOW! That is a great word to describe our weekend...but it is even beyond that...because we sing and play for more than just a good time! The hope that we have in Christ is the greatest reason to live a thankful life! Our hope and trust is in him alone...and all good things come from him!

A few more things...several people have asked about buying the CD online. I am working on this and hope to have it available via itunes and a few other outlets asap. For the time being...go to the contact tab at the top right corner of this page and you will find my email address there. Email me your name, phone number, and mailing address and in the subject of the email write: I want to buy (CD, guitar pick or Amber's hand-made earrings), and I will follow up with you via email and give you the address to send a check to and then get your order out right away.

We are in the process of booking a few places to play in the near future so keep checking back for more info. Last but not least...be encouraged! You are not alone! I heard it for almost 7 years at Joes Place from brother Shannon and I will say it again...you are loved, valued and God has a destiny for your life!

Thank You!

-jimmy and amber akers

PS. if you're going through some junk...just hold on...cause Daybreak is upon us!

Opportunity!

I have heard that word many times in the last few days. Maybe it is because it is the 1st couple days of the new year...but for some reason the word opportunity keeps coming up. And today this verse came to my memory. At the end of Esther 4:14 Mordecai shares this statement with Esther...

...And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

For such a time as this! Opportunity!

Some think they are alive by chance or accident...but I believe that God brought us into this world for a reason! We are here on purpose, called to live a life of purpose on purpose! And I believe that he has called us all...to live for such a time as this!

The question is...will we respond to the God Ordained Opportunities?


They will come...will we trust him enough to say yes...whether it makes sense or not?

This week I want to Love God more than last week! I want to bless and love my wife beyond just words! At 24-7 this week I want the Holy Spirit to speak through me without any hindrance as I share Gods word! This weekend at the CD release nights of worship I want to sing and share the hope I have in Christ clearer than ever before! I want to seek, grow, live, give and love like Jesus in 2011 louder and more effectively than I ever have before!

And I believe...that if we trust God...with the opportunities he gives us...He will get the Glory and lives will be changed! May we follow him! May we respond to God Ordained Opportunities for such a time as this! Hallelujah!

New Tomlin Chorus...

Where you go, I’ll go. Where you stay, I’ll stay.
When you move, I’ll move. I will follow you.
Who you love, I’ll love. How you serve, I’ll serve.
If this life I lose, I will follow you


...um yes!