POP QUIZ

This past week was wild! In just over a week, I was blessed to speak at two funerals, tape two TV shows, speak in two states and preached 11 times. The movie: “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” comes to mind and the one thing I’m never at a shortage of in my line of work as an evangelist is PEOPLE. Not talking the magazine but mankind. Just last weekend, I was with my college buddy, Billy Griffin walking in gorgeous Fort Myers, Florida while in town preaching in the Sunshine State and two people stopped me on the street to tell me that we’re friends on FACEBOOK and they’ve been blessed by the ministry. PRAISE THE LORD!

Recently, while back at home in Maryland my wife, Ruth and kids dined out at one of our favorite places in Southern Maryland on a Friday night. I won’t name the place because everyone is entitled to a bad outing periodically. Typically, the service is first class and the food – First Rate! It took us over two hours to get seated. Thirty minutes LATER the waitress finally came over and took our drink orders. Firfteen minutes after that we finally got our drinks. Now exceeding the three hour mark, when the meal finally came, my wife, Ruth's food was cold. Baby Andrew began to cry, Ruth began to sigh and I thought I was going to die. The SNICKERS commercial danced in my head: “Not going anywhere for awhile?” It has been said: “If Momma ain’t happy……..” you get the point.

The kids were getting restless and I have the patience of Job but was tempted to get weary. I was immediately reminded of Gal 6:9 "And let us not be WEARY in WELL doing for in DUE season we shall reap IF we faint not." What was supposed to be a “perfect evening” with the family dining at one of our favorite places to eat was turning into anything but the ideal dinner date. Ruth took Andrew outside to calm him down because he was “running on empty.” My daughter, Hannah said: “Daddy, why don’t you complain to the waitress when she comes back out.” The fact is the service was super slow that night, the food was late and now my wife didn’t even feel like eating. We were in Maryland but all I could think of was Texas with the words: "HOUSTON, we have a problem."

I had two options: “Make a scene” or take the high road. My daughter who turns 13 this week and an angel was whispering for me to "GIVE IT TO HER!" With the clock ticking, late in the game (dinner) and running on fumes emotionally our waitress came back and I thought WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? She knew the evening was not the best and her eyes were hesitant to look at me as she brought the bill. Some customers may have been tempted to demand not to pay for some of the food or get a FREE apetizer but tapping into God’s grace I said to the young woman: “I realize tonight was not a usual evening for either one of us and it was just one of those rare evenings where everything that could go wrong did. However, it is not your fault. I could tell you guys were slammed tonight the moment we walked in and I admire you working hard and pray the rest of your evening is much better for you as you continue to serve your customers.” From there, I proceeded to give her my debit card to pay for the bill and she walked away. My daughter said: “Dad, why didn’t you let her have it?? The truth is the service stinked tonight!“

Literally, less than two minutes later the waitress comes back with my bill to sign and had this HUGE smile on her face. She said: “First of all, thanks for not yelling at me tonight. Second, I thought that was you when you came in but wasn’t sure and when I saw your name on your card I knew it was you! She then screams “You’re FRANK SHELTON!! Now she has my and everyone else’s attention in a six booth radius. She said: “You spoke at my church over ten years ago and signed my Bible and I wanted to thank you for the IMPACT you have had on my life! I still read from that Bible on a daily basis!!” She walked away, my daughter’s eyes were bigger than the plate on our table and my heart skipped not once but twice.

My same daughter who was demanding that I make a scene, speak up for ourselves and DEMAND an apolgy or apetizer then with her mouth on the table said "WHEW!! Dad, you just dodged a bullet!! I am so glad you didn't listen to me!!" By God’s grace, we encountered a POP QUIZ that evening and didn’t even know it. Thanks to tapping into the Holy Spirit “by faith” and not acting in the flesh we PASSED THAT TEST. Can you imagine how I would have felt if on that one instance (when the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak) would have belittled that little lady? My testimony would have suffered and worse may have hindered her walk with the Lord. In this journey with Jesus we don’t have to be famous but FAITHFUL. Friends, when the Trumpet sounds we will not stand before crowds, critics or even Christians but CHRIST alone.

The next time you are hit with a “pop quiz” may you too dig deep and press into God to give Him Glory in both your victories and valleys. We just never know when someone is watching but rest assured, The One whom matters most is watching (God) and may we be found faithful. In school we got grades but in life we need GRACE. Everyone has a bad day (even preachers) but may we be a blessing to others because we represent Jesus all the time (not just part of the time). Our testimony is more important than our titles but “to whom much is given much is required.” The word TESTimony has “test” in it and a pop quiz is a mini-test to gauge how we are doing at the time. Plus, pop quizes can come at a moment’s notice. When I was in grade school the teacher issued them when I least expected it or least prepared. However, our Teacher has not left us ill-prepared. We have a helper in the Holy Spirit. We need to stay PRAYED UP in order to promote out the love of Jesus in our daily lives. May we acquire to have more of a heart knowledge to go with our head knowledge and graduate from Sunday saints to every day evangelizers. Some preach, others teach but all of us are called to REACH the hurting with the Hope of Heaven.

** This post was originally written in 2011

Our Dissapointment = Divine Appointments

• 

  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!!

  

TARGET

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 it's a privilege to glean from Gospel gladiators. 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.

PROMOTION PRINCIPLE

  In 1981, while making the major motion picture “E.T.” the directors of the movie contacted the candy M&M’s and politely asked if they could use their candy in the film. M&M’s responded with a resounding “No!” Perhaps their established “brand” didn’t need help from an unknown, un-tried, in-experienced sci fi flick. The producers (Spielberg) then asked Reese’s Pieces and they had nothing to lose and everything to gain and said: “Yes!!”

Who knew that the movie: “E.T. – The Extra Terrestial” would become the highest grossing film of its time!! M&M’s missed out on free publicity and it resurrected the franchise for Reese’s. Ironically, today one cannot seperate Reese’s Pieces from the alien itself.  

The best way to get promoted professionally is to be humble enough to promote others personally.

Jesus taught us that he that desires to be first must become last. We are never more like Christ when we give and forGIVE. It is not found in Scripture but I wouldn’t surprised if a close third is to PROMOTE OTHERS!

Artists, bands and fellow ministers are coming to me more than ever and asking me for an endorsement. I vowed to the Lord years ago if I could ever help someone else I would. Plus, it has been said: “greatness” is stopping to do something for others that they can do very little (if anything) for you. The key is being willing to “give” not get. But the beauty is by giving you actually gain. It is my pleasure to bless others and attempt to encourage them in their walk and inspire them to get to the next level. Sadly, I am learning a disturbing trend that many of these same bands are not even getting the endorsement from their pastor. It’s not that they have dark secrets in their closet but many in ministry are either too busy or too insecure to promote someone else. Hello!

Personally, to me promoting others is now second nature and it resembles tithing. First of all, “to whom much is given much is required.” When God gives you a platform it is not for you to say “look at me” but we need to be pointing folks to God and saying how can we help you? Secondly, you cannot out give God. Third, when you invest in others you actually are investing in yourself. Lastly, when you pause to promote someone else you are not only displaying Christ-like character but the folks you are helping will respect you more than ever. We all know that being called of God is more important than man’s endorsement but the best way to get blessed is honor God and be a blessing to others.

Dr. Johnny Hunt – former SBC President is one of my heroes. He has un-selfishly promoted literally thousands of ministers and ministries. He took time to endorse folks when if anyone could hide behind the excuse: “I am too busy” he would get a free pass. However, he is both accessible and approachable and like our Lord is a true leader. Throughout his entire ministry, Dr Hunt constantly elevated others and you could find his endorsement all over the Country for various preachers, evangelists, musicians, etc. For those of us that are blessed to know him and been endorsed by him is both precious and priceless. The irony is when he ran for Southern Baptist President five years ago; he was so loved by countless Christians, clergy and musicians across America that he won hands down and was in charge of overseeing some 16 Million members. I have never heard anyone else say this but the observation is true. Dr Johnny Hunt promoted others and God promoted him.

“The Prayer of Jabez” talks about enlarging our tent and/or territory. Without question, what you do for others God will do for you. Ministry is about Jesus and others. We need to get back to the basics but the fact is when we promote the Lord and others – God will promote you. Zig Ziglar was right when he said: “You can get whatever you want out of life as long as you help others get what they want first.”

Outside of God’s grace one reason I am having the time of my life ministering across the Country at churches, conferences, cruises, camps, concerts and now with COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL is in part because I have done my best to promote others. One of my favorite movies is “Brian’s Song” and it was based on the book: “I AM THIRD.” It’s amazing at how succesful folks can become when we are willing to die to self, live for the Lord and promote others. Who dreamt you could come in first when willing to be last. Today, promote someone else (even if it hurts in the flesh but do it by faith) and watch both parties involved win! Without question, PROMOTION comes from the Lord but you cannot go wrong when you bless others, lend a hand, endorse others or mentor someone coming from behind. Seminary teaches us to promote Christ but Christ reminds all to promote others. Never let your insecurity hinder you from helping others reach their Divine Destiny!! He that hath ears – let them hear. It worked for E.T. and it is still gets results “out of this world.”

Want to get ahead? Put God first and let others go ahead! Pray, Prepare & PROMOTE God and others. We all win in the end as kids of The King.

WEIGHT on the LORD

Two years ago, on 1/1/11 I wrote a post "NO MORE EXCUSES." It was theraputic for me and helpful to others. Make no mistake, all of us are a WORK IN PROGRESS. I have come to the conclusion that folks are not inspired by excuses but execution. The Lord told me that it is better to be a good example than a poor excuse. The first quarter century of my life - I had some issues (we all do) but weight was not one of my problems. However, the pounds creeped in and the scale begin to tip and like "Apollo 13" I could attest: "Houston, we have a problem!" One of the things, I knew deep down I had to change was weight. Yes, I had "waiting on the Lord" down but my extra weight was hindering my walk with God up.

Yes, traveling the country is not easy to eat healthy and I could give you other reasons for putting on the pounds but that would just be more excuses. In regards to eating healthy and excercise it has been said: "You can pay me now or pay me later." An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Initially, I was even hesitant to share my journey because a Pharisee is around every corner, cubicle and computer but the Bible reminds "fear of man brings a snare." However, I also knew we would help more than offend some. Some teaching I heard early in my Christian walk was that if I did anything for "me" it was either selfish or sin. I'm not sure if it was intentional or subliminal but it seemed that the lie I was buying was that in order to be a good Christian we should be broke, over-weight and borderline depressed. Yes, some of God's most dedicated children had no homes or money but that is not the only pre-requisite to be a commited Christian. Our body is the Temple of the Living God and I needed to honor Him with my lips and hips. 

While on an airplane a few years ago, I was shocked and borderline mad when the stewardess told us "In case of a decline in cabin pressure grab the air mask above and put it on YOU first and then assist small children next to you." That was so contrary to my Christian upbringing! I was told to die to self, let others go first, etc. However, it dawned on me that we will not be much good for God and others if we consistently neglect ourselves. When the Bible finally mentions excercise one of the references is that it is of "little value." Then I realized that I had to get a check up from the neck up and "little value" was still a BIG impact that I desperately needed in my life. Perhaps, this post on my progress will somehow serve as a springboard for you to bounce back in tip top shape. If not tip top possibly at least turn the corner.

Four years ago, I had Elvis Presley's step-brother in my car and I was taking him to the airport in Washington, D.C. Rick Stanley is also an evangelist and we were talking about Elvis. Ironically, Elvis (like me) was also 6'1, wore a size 12 tennis shoe and loved Jesus. Those three traits are probably the only thing else I had in common. He was "King of Rock N Roll" and I was cut from the fourth grade choir. However, I also had something more in common that I cared to admit. The discussion turned to Elvis' weight and we all have heard the cruel jokes (The skinny Elvis or "Big" Elvis). First of all, most folks don't wear all white jumpsuits (especially as adults). Dark makes one look trim but anyone (and almost everyone) looks bigger wearing white. Secondly, when you are the most photographed human in history at that time it is easy to be an arm chair quarterback on Monday but never played in the game Sunday and throw callous comments. Third, everyone ages differently.

Before dropping him off at Reagan National Airport, I recall asking Rick how much Elvis weighed at death and it startled me, scared me and saddened me. I had friends who bragged as children that they wanted to be "bigger than Elvis" but now as an adult I just realized I was "bigger than Elvis!" I am not talking fame or fortune but carrying the extra weight. On the dawn of turning 41 next month (February 20, 2012) and Elvis was 42 when he died I realized that the internal light on my dashboard was blinking and I was running low emotionally and physically. Honestly, I could also hear Elvis song "It's Now Or Never" dance in my mind. No joke and I knew if I didn't change it could lead to a stroke (or worse). Just because we are doing good things or God's Work doesn't immune us from heartache or heart-attack.

In my spirit, I am convinced when one part of the body suffers ultimately it creeps into other areas as well. When the R.M.S. Titanic hit the iceberg four compartments of that vessel were torn open ultimately damaging other sections of the ship to its demise.  It is crucial that we address an issue at the start or we will fail in the end. FULL DISCLOSURE: For me, carrying the extra weight hindered me as a child of God, father, husband and friend. My three year old son, Andrew is faster than a Ferrari and if I was going to not only keep up with him but be a blessing to him and our family I had to make some changes. God couldn't love me any more but I was starting to appreciate life less.

I am also thankful for dear friends who loved me enough to tell me the truth that I was struggling and for others whom held me accountable. Truth at first may hurt but it ultimately helps and heals. Last year, I was at a board meeting in Tuscaloosa, AL for Praisefest Ministries "Cruise With A Cause." I was sitting at the early morning session and while some were drinking coffee or orange juice I had a 44oz Coke from McDonald's. My friends and former Wrestling Champs NIKITA KOLOFF - "The Russian Nightmare" and LEX LUGER - "The Total Package" walked into the meeting and as they walked past me to get a seat if looks could kill I just got murdered. They didn't have to say anything but the twin poster boys for health and nutrition took one look at me with the soda in my hand and they were dissapointed. They were not judging me but they knew I could do better. Much better! Truth be told, I was already dissapointed in me but its worse when you dissapoint others (much less heroes). It also dawned on me that I had to make a change. How many other people had encouragers in their life; much less world-class athletes that actually care enough to call on the phone to say: "Frank, I love you. I am concerned for you and together we can do better." I had the encouragement from both "The King of Kings" and "Kings of the Ring" (wrestling) and I knew I had NO MORE EXCUSES.

Yes, the day I graduated from high school (and playing on three basketball teams in one season) I was 6"1 and weighed 156 lbs with FOUR PERCENT BODY FAT! I could have auditioned to play "GUMBY" in a movie and got the part! Not because I was green but super lean!! However, those days are gone. For years, I had watched P90x infomercials and thought "maybe one day." So after getting sick and tired of being sick and tired I ordered the program and began to turn the corner personally.

Initially, I was tempted to tell the world on DAY ONE that I started and I totally believe in accountability but I also know that its better to say nothing and accomplish something than say something and accomplish nothing. With Christmas around the corner, I wanted to do something creative that money couldn't buy and quite honestly as a itenerant speaker living completely "on faith" I'm reminded of my Dad's words from my childhood "Frank, money doesn't grow on trees." With God's help and some sweat and hard work we (team effort) made the change! Officially, on September 24, 2012 I started my lifestyle change and knew that 90 days later on the calendar would end on December 24 (CHRISTmas Eve)! It dawned on me that one of the best gifts I could give my family, friends and myself was discipline and dedication to drop the weight.

On December 5, 2012 I had the pleasure to be a guest on JC-TV in Santa Ana, California at TBN studios. My college friend, Clayton King preached that Monday (Dec 3) and Matt Pitt preached Tuesday and I was Wed night. It is true that television makes you look bigger already and I posted this pic of me the night of the taping for my appearance to preach on LIVE television and received countless comments about losing weight. PRAISE THE LORD! At one time I resembled GUMBY but as of late I was looking more like BARNEY! In 90 days, I had dropped 27 lbs and a couple sizes in my waist but I also know that diets are disatrous if our new discipline and labors don't continue to a LIFESTYLE. My initial desire was to share on Facebook and with friends that I dropped weight on December 24, 2012 but being Christmas Eve I didn't want anything to take away the focus of Christ and celebration of His birth. Now as we enter a new year, I humbly ask for your prayers to continue and if the Lord leads you to make a change in your life we can do it together. For some it may be omiting alcohol, others to cease cigarettes for another it could be to excercise or read the Bible or write that book that has been burning in you since Reagan was president. Perhaps going to bed before midnight! Rest is crucial in healthy living. I don't know what you need but God does and deep inside you do as well.

Today, is a new day and a New Year! With God's help we can live at a higher level and I found that less really is more. I love Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" and I had to make a change but I'm also thankful for Elvis' brother that reminded me that bigger is not better. As a minister of the Gospel I knew what it was like to "WAIT ON THE LORD" but despite me "WEIGHTing on the Lord" He could carry me but deep inside I knew God was actually waiting on me to turn the corner with my improved health. On Christmas Eve 2012, I completed my first round of P90x but begin again in this New Year. Today, I am starting round two! PRAISE THE LORD

IMPROVED LIVING:

1) Admit That You Are Weak
2) Ask God for Help
3) Consult With Others (Knowledge is Power)
5) Find an accountability group
6) Dare to Do it Different (Insanity is repeating same thing & expecting different results)
7) Take It a Step at a time (Rome wasn't built in a day)
8) Celebrate small victories (enjoy in moderation - less is more)
9) Life is a SINCH by INCH but HARD by YARD
10) JESUS is our SUCCESS