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THE STANDARD FOR KINGDOM KIDS

I have spent the last several mornings in Matthew 5:33-48. Wow! There is so much to unpack here, so here goes!

This is the ultimate of "easier said than done". In fact, it doesn't even make that much sense. The last person I would want to be a servant to is the guy next door who constantly takes advantage of me. What is Jesus talking about here?

My first reaction is...ok, so obviously Jesus was willing to practice what he preached, but why? Why ask us to do this? Part of the answer lingers deep in my gut. My actions toward this kind of person may just be enough to be the tipping point of a conversion experience.

Alright, so what if a fellow believer takes advantage of me? Well I suppose I would need to talk to them about that and express my concern that they are not themselves demonstrating Christ-likeness. But I should look at the text. What does the text tell me?

Verse 45 explains it in a better way. It says, "in that way you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven."

The truth is that children of the Kingdom, those who belong in Christ as children of the King, are held to a higher standard. Throughout this chapter Jesus is constantly contrasting what has always been understood to be the norm to that "higher standard" of living as Kingdom Kids. "You've heard it said...but I tell you..." live this way. If I consider myself to be a child of God than I will be willing to reflect His character and live according to His own standards.

This is further explained in the rest of verse 45. "For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike."

Ok. So if my aim is to be Christlike and live a godly life, then this standard, this kind of living is simply expected. Period. No buts...period. If someone takes advantage of me, I should use it as an opportunity to SERVE and LOVE and BE HUMBLE -- demonstrating certain attributes of my Father in Heaven.

Verse 48 explains that I should be perfect (greek word telios meaning complete and is connected to the word telos which means to set out as in a goal) just as God is perfect (complete). My life should be lived in such a way that I aim for completeness in moral character - like that of my Father's.

When I am faced with the "opportunity to serve and love someone that takes advantage of me, I am also using the opportunity to live out perfection or completeness. I don't need to keep score or track of what he or she has or hasn't done for me. That's not the idea. Besides, as Jesus points out in the next couple verses, where would the reward be in that?

And this leads into the rest of the why question/answer; why ask us to do this? Well there's a reward. What's the reward? I can't say exactly. Part of that may be found as I live here on earth and I think much of that will be revealed to me when I get to Heaven.

So what is the lesson here? I think it's obedience = reward.

TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK? Hmmm?

This morning I was reading Matthew chapter five in my devotions and I ran across verse 39 which reads:

“But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39b)

As I read this verse the Lord stroked my heart string.  I then posted on my Twitter and FaceBook this statement: Seems like I've been living in this verse too long!  There have been a number of comments to that post. So I thought I would construct a small post pertaining to this particular verse. Let's begin:

John MacArthur says of this verse that we as human beings have the right to be treated with basic dignity, respect, and consideration. Because every person is created in His image, God demands that we treat one another with respect. But he knows that we will not always be so treated. Often for the very reason that we belong to God and go by the name of His Son, we will be mistreated, ridiculed, and held in contempt (see Matt. 10:16-23; John 15:18-16:3; 1 Pet. 2:20-21; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 2 Tim. 3:12). It is the way we react to mistreatment and insult that Jesus is talking about here.

Among Jews, a slap or other striking in the face was among the most demeaning and contemptuous of acts (Matt. 26:67-68; Mark 14:65; John 18:22). To strike someone elsewhere on the body might cause more physical harm, but a slap in the face was an attack on one's honor and was considered to be a terrible indignity. It was to be treated with disdain, as being less than a human. Even a slave would rather have been stuck across the back with a whip than be slapped in the face by his master's hand.

To strike someone on the right cheek would then be a vicious angry reaction, indicating an act of insult. Yet when we are insulted, maligned, and treated with contempt—literally or figuratively struck on the cheek by someone—we are to turn to him the other also.

According to Jewish law, the one who slapped another faced punishment and a heavy fine. Thus, the law was on the side of the victim, and the victim would have every right to take this offense to court. But, Jesus said not to take the legal channels, however, but to offer the other cheek for a slap as well.

Jesus' point pertains more to what we are not to do than what we are to do.

Turning the other cheek symbolizes the nonavenging, nonretaliatory, humble, and gentle spirit that is to characterize kingdom citizens (Matthew 5:3, 5).

Jesus strongly resisted evil that was directed against others, especially His Father—as when He cleansed the Temple of those who defiled His Father's house. But He did not resist by personal vengeance any evil directed at Himself. 

When the leaders of the Sanhedrin, and later the soldiers, physically abused Him and mocked Him, He did not retaliate either in words or in actions (Matt. 26:67-68). As Isaiah had predicted of Him, Christ gave His back to those who struck Him and His cheeks to those who plucked out His beard (Isa. 50:6). As Jesus hung from the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Peter sums up our Lord's example:

"But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pet. 2:20-23).

When someone attacks our right to dignity, we too are not to defend that right by retaliation. We are to leave the protection and defense of our dignity in God's hands, knowing that one day we will live and reign with Him in His kingdom in great glory.

Jesus suggested a new, radical response to injustice:

Instead of demanding rights, give them up freely! According to Jesus, it is more important to give justice and mercy than to receive it.

Warren Wiersbe sums it up this way:

In order to "turn the other cheek," we must stay where we are and not run away. This demands both faith and love. It also means that we will be hurt, but it is better to be hurt on the outside than to be harmed on the inside.

But it further means that we should try to help the sinner. We are vulnerable, because he may attack us anew; but we are also victorious, because Jesus is on our side, helping us and building our characters.

Psychologists tell us that violence is born of weakness, not strength. It is the strong man who can love and suffer hurt; it is the weak man who thinks only of himself and hurts others to protect himself. He hurts others then runs away to protect himself.

In the face of this human dilemma, Jesus proposed a better way—the radical response of love.

His standard was not an attack on the necessity for justice. Rather, Jesus was presenting a practical, rational, and holy way to deal with personal conflict and offense. The apparent impossibility of our generating love and concern for our enemies on our own directs us to God for help.

Therefore, the lesson is to rely on Him for strength to give the appropriate response when we are attacked.

THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need. . .  (Philippians 2:25)

Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving.

These people are sensitive to God's voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us.

Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others.

• When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exod. 18:1–27).
• When Paul was imprisoned far from those who loved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Phil. 2:25–30).
• Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Tim. 4:9; Phil. 2:19–20).
• Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also. Mark was 
  the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship (2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24).
• Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul (2 Tim. 4:11).

Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing Godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways. God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others.

The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers. Think of someone in your circle of influence and search for a way to encourage them this week.

BIBLICAL LESSONS ON GIVING

Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. - I Corinthians 16:1-3 (NIV)

I have done some figuring.  If I had in my pocket what I have given to the Lord’s work over the years I could:

• Pay cash for a nice piece of property.
• Pay cash for new car, truck, boat or even that Honda Gold Wing motorcycle that I have had my eye on for some time!
• Pay cash for both of my children’s college and buy them a new car to drive off to school.

But, I don’t do those things.  Why?  Because my wife Debbie and I have learned over the years a few things about giving to the Lord’s work:

• We can live much better on 90% than we can on 100%!
• Then we learned we could live better on 85% than we can on 100%!
• Then we learned we could live better on 80% than we can on 100%!
• We have also learned the joy of making an eternal investment by giving to the Lord's work!

There is one Biblical principle that is often overlooked in our materialistic world today:  we, as Christians, are “stewards!”

That’s a Biblical word that means “caretaker.” A steward does not own a thing; he simply manages the possessions of another.  In our case as Christians, we simply understand that God owns it all and we are simply caring for His possessions!  All that we have: our possessions, our abilities, our energy, our time and our talents belong to the Lord!  Therefore, we should not be offended when He directs us on how to use what is His.

God’s Word, the Bible, has a lot to say about money.

• In Matthew, Mark, and Luke one out of every six verses deals with money.
• Of the twenty-nine parables told by Christ, sixteen of them deal with a person and his money.
• The Bible has a lot to say about generous giving as well.

Allow me to share with you six biblical lessons about giving:

 

1. Giving is a universal practice.

Paul said this was not just for the believers in Corinth, but for the churches of Galatia also!  Jesus said in Matthew 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give.” Because every believer has received so much from the Lord, every believer should give back to the work of the Lord.

2. Giving is to be a weekly practice.

Paul said that we are to give on the “first day of the week.” Early Jewish believers moved their day of worship from Saturday to Sunday to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord.  Therefore, Paul said to give on that day of the week.  We are not to give spasmodically, or when we feel that we can afford to give.  The bible indicates that giving is to be a part of our weekly worship!

 

3. Giving is to be a personal act.

I Corinthians 16:2 says, "Let each one of you…” Giving is not just for the comfortable and the wealthy—everyone should give—even kids!  Why? Because giving is part of our worship to God.

 

4. Giving is to be a predetermined plan.

I Corinthians 16:2 says, " Set aside a sum of money.” There are many people that give because of emotional appeals or special needs.  There are many that give a little week-by-week, almost like tipping the waitress at a restaurant.  But God wants us to have a predetermined systematic amount that we intentionally bring to worship to give to the Lord.  Waiting until Sunday to see what is left over IS NOT taught in the bible.

 

5. Giving is to be a proportioned amount.

I Corinthians 16:2 says, " Set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income.” We are to give in proportion to what we receive.  We are never to give equal gifts, but we are told in Scripture to make equal sacrifices!

 

6. Giving is to be handled responsibly.

I Corinthians 16:3, Paul says, “I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. The church at Corinth was to certify trustworthy people to handle the money.  We are to give sacrificially, then we are to handle God’s money responsibly and efficiently.

In closing, let us evaluate our lives in the area of our “giving.” Ask yourself these question:

• Is my giving pleasing to the Lord?
• Is He being honored and glorified with my management of His finances?
• Do I really believe that God owns it all?
• Am I being a good and faithful steward in the areas of my finances?

ARE YOU FREE TO EXPERIENCE THE ABUNDANT LIFE?

What should we say then? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? — Romans 6:1–2 (NIV)

A Christian has died to sin. Sin has no control over a corpse. Temptation can present itself enticingly and persistently, yet a corpse will not succumb! Before you were a Christian you were keenly susceptible to sin. Sin held you in its grip.

When you became a Christian, your old self died (Gal. 2:20). Sin now has no more control over you than temptation has over a corpse. You have died to sin. You can still sin, but you are no longer in sin's power. If you choose to succumb to temptation, you are rejecting the freedom from sin that Christ gained for you by His death.

God's grace is a further motivation for us to resist sin. It was God's grace that enabled Jesus to endure mocking, beating, and crucifixion at the hands of those whom He had come to save. It was grace that led God to forgive our sin despite our rebellion against Him.

It is this same grace that God expresses toward us each time we sin against Him. Knowing this grace, we cannot continue to practice sin (Rom. 6:1–2). We cannot presume upon God's forgiveness by committing further offenses.

You are no longer the helpless victim of your sin. The victory has already been won. God does not have to win a victory over your sin; He already has! You only need to apply His victory to each area of your life.

If there is a sinful habit, an ungodly attitude, or an unrighteous relationship that you need to put to death, claim the victory of Christ's resurrection today. Then you will be free to experience the abundant life that God intends for you.

VIDEO: D6 CONFERENCE 2009 HIGHLIGHTS

D6 Conference 2009 Highlights from D6 Conference on Vimeo.

NOT ONE WORD HAS FAILED!

“. . . and you know with all your heart and all your soul that none of the good promises the Lord your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.”—Joshua 23:14

Near the end of his life, Joshua took time with the Israelites to review all that God had done for them since they first began following Him. God had given them an impossible assignment: to conquer a foreign and hostile land with fortified cities and armies more powerful than their own. The Israelites were to go forward with nothing more than God's promise that He would go with them and take care of them. Now Joshua looked back over their experience and reminded the Israelites that God had kept every promise. They had experienced numerous victories and had enjoyed God's provision for every need.

Sometimes hindsight gives us a clear picture of how faithful God has been. We are tempted during a crisis to wonder if God will be faithful to His promises. We focus on our problems, and our trust in God begins to waver.

Twenty-four years after God promised Abraham and Sarah a son, they were still waiting on God to fulfill His promise. But in the twenty-fifth year, Abraham and Sarah could look back and see that God had been faithful. As David was fleeing for his life, he may have been uncertain how God would keep His promise to make him a king. But at the end of his long and prosperous reign, David could review how God had kept every promise.

You, too, can rely on God's faithfulness.

Are you in a crisis? Hold to the promises of your Lord! He will not forget His promises to you. Look back over your Christian life and recount the many ways in which God has been faithful to His Word.

D6 - The Shema - Deuteronomy 6:4-9

What is the most-often quoted passage of Scripture in the world?

John 3:16? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Psalm 23? The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

What about the shortest verse in the Bible? John 11:35 - Jesus wept.

These are all great passages of Scripture which many down through the generations have put to memory.  But, the distinction of being the most-often quoted passage of Scripture in the world goes to Deuteronomy 6:4-9! This is the section of Scriture the Jewish people call the Shema.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NKJV) "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

The word Shema literally means "to listen" or "to hear" in the Hebrew language. Each day in Orthodox Jewish homes, usually in the morning and evening the Shema is recited. It's used as a morning blessing, a bedtime prayer and in special dedications such as "home blessings." Traditionally the Shema was quoted every Sabbath, and the congregation would stand to recite these most holy words. Even today, the Shema is quoted at every deathbed, and is part of the mojor feasts and celebrations of the Jewish people.

The Shema is so important that most Bible scholars believe it is the first Scripture Jesus learned as a child. Before He could speak, walk or read He heard it everyday in His home. In fact, when Jesus was asked what is the most important commandment, He quoted part of the Shema (Matt 22:36-40).

The Shema is central to all the teachings in the Bible and shows us how to build a legacy of faith from generation to generation.

The Shema provides three foundational lessons for the home:

1. Loyalty to God
2. Tranmission of our faith to our children
3. Keeping constant mindfulness of the teachings of God

The home is where children must be taught faithfulness and fidelity to God. They must hear it taught and see it lived out authentically in their parents. No one is perfect, but the intentional nature of faithful living is critical.

Unfortunately, in our culture, we have "outsourced" the spiritual discipleship of our children to the church.  We send them to the "professional discipleship makers" (the pastor, youth pastor, children's pastor, and Sunday school teacher) and we think we are doing our part, but that is not the command of Scripture.

Don't get me wrong, the church plays a vital role in the life of Christians, but the first layer of spiritual influence is the parent, not the church!

Action Steps:

1. Pray the Shema as a family.
2. Teach this passage of Scripture to your children
3. Daily live by Biblical principles and be an example for your children

Remember, more is "caught" than is "taught!"

CLEAN HANDS; A PURE HEART

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. — Psalm 24:3–4a

God has rigid requirements for those who want to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him. There is no easy access to God for those with unclean hands or an impure heart. It is an affront to holy God to assume that we can indulge in our sin and blatantly disobey His word, then brazenly enter the holy of holies.

In Old Testament times, one's hands represented one's activities. Clean hands symbolized pure activities. Priests washed their hands before serving in the temple to symbolize that only those who were cleansed could worship holy God.

There are levels of intimacy with God. The moment you become a Christian you begin a relationship with the Lord. However, if you persist in your sin, sin will separate you from God and keep you from enjoying close fellowship with Him. If you follow only God's basic commandments but resist every time God gives you specific, personal directions, you will never fully experience the depths of God's Person. If, however, you are like the psalmist and understand the holiness of God, you will adjust your life to His standards and respond to His prompting so that you may have deeper fellowship with Him.

The closer you get to holy God, the more obvious even your smallest sins become. The more you know of God's character, the more you will realize the need to wash your hands and purify your heart before you can get close to Him.

Are you willing for almighty God to make you absolutely pure before Him so that you can enjoy the maximum possible relationship with Him?

VIDEO: CAME TO MY RESCUE

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE FAMILY PATTERNS

Sunday morning at Victory Church I spoke on the subject of becoming a "Transitional Generation Parent." Even if you grew up in a dysfunctional family, you can be the “transitional generation.” With the help of the Lord, you can break the chain of dysfunction from your past and help your children move beyond negative family patterns. Below are four steps to help you overcome negative family patterns:

 

     1.  ADMIT YOUR BROKENNESS  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The first step to overcoming unhealthy family patterns is to examine the problems plaguing your life and bring that brokenness to God. Awareness often starts by looking at the past.
Ask yourself, “Why did I act (or react) the way I just did?”  When we slow down we almost always find the answer.

We have to see our brokenness as a sign of strength, not weakness! When a person is truly broken of ego and can look at personal issues with a healthy perspective, he or she is ready to be a transitional generation parent. By facing your brokenness you have a better chance to bring a brighter future to your family.

So many people have the opportunity to the transitional generation parents because of their messy childhoods. 

ACTION STEPS:

• I can’t do it on my own.  I am broken.
• Christ can and will help me as I call upon Him.
• I must relinquish my will to the will of God.

 

2. DEVELOP THE COURAGE TO MAKE CHANGE (Luke 6:12)

I’m sure you have experienced that it is easy to get weary and lose heart when it comes to making the right parenting and relational choices. Life-change first requires what Gary Smalley calls “self-care” and Bill Hybels calls “self-leadership.” These great leaders challenge us to make sure we leave enough room in the margins of our overcrowded lives to pay attention to our own soul so that we have something left for our families.  (i.e. Jesus - Luke 6:12)

For any parent, our ministry is to raise our children. The problem is we tend to neglect our own need for solitude and replenishing relationships, then wonder why we are so burnt out. We will do so much better making healthy changes when we take the time to nurture our souls. 

ACTION STEPS:

• What areas of your life do you need the courage to change?
• Have you built “margin” into your life to work on your own soul? (i.e. prayer, reading God’s word, etc.)
• Remember, you can’t help your kids come to a place you haven’t been. 

 

3. ESTABLISH REPLENISHING RELATIONSHIPS (Galatians 6:2)

Too many people are trying to go at it alone. We are not meant to handle heartache, sickness, andbroken relationships by ourselves. We were made for community!

There are 2 types of people in your life:

VDP’s - very draining persons - (don’t ignore - minister to these)
VIP’s - very inspiring persons - (needed for replenishment)

We all need to be intentional about establishing replenishing relationships! Do you invest in replenishing relationships at least once a week?

 

4. KEEP THE ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE (2 Corinthians 4:17)

The secret to perseverance in parenting and being the transitional generation is not creating a plan for the next 3 moths or 3 years or even 30 years - but realizing that our efforts will establish a legacy for eternity! The Apostle Paul had an eternal perspective which kept him moving in the right direction.

When we are focused on an everlasting, eternal legacy, we naturally will...

#1 - Put first things first and choose right priorities
#2 - Admit our brokenness
#3 - Develop the courage to make changes
#4 - Establish those replenishing relationships

We MUST keep an eternal perspective!

All our struggles will not disappear as we adjust to a more eternal view of life, but our life will be focused on the right priority - and that is to - “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Jim Burns says, “You Can Choose to RECOVER From Your Family’s Past Or REPEAT It.”

KEEP THE PROJECT ALIVE WITH "ACTION STEPS"

I just read a great article on "Action Steps" at www.the99percent.com website. As pastors, we need to bring this management tool into the DNA of our churches. 

Action Steps are the most important components of any project.  It's the oxygen for keeping projects alive.

No Action Steps = No Action = No Results!

The actual outcome of any idea is dependent on the Actions Steps that are captured and then completed by you or delegated to someone else. Action Steps are to be revered and treated as sacred in any project.

The more clear and concrete an Action Step is, the less friction you will encounter trying to do it. If an Action Step is vague or complicated, you will probably skip over it to others on your list that are more straightforward.

To avoid this, start each Action Step with a verb:

• Call programmer to discuss . . .
• Install new software for . . .
• Research the possibility of . . .
• Mock up a sample of the . . .
• Update XYZ document for . . .

Verbs help pull us into our Action Steps at first glance, efficiently indicating what type of action is required. For similar reasons, Action Steps should be kept short.

The more clear and concrete an Action Step is,

the less friction you will encounter trying to do it!

To read the entire article on "Action Steps" visit www.the99percent.com.

HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND

I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

What does it mean to set the Lord always before you?

It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in God. What you choose to focus on becomes the dominant influence in your life. You may be a Christian, but if your focus is always on your problems, your problems will determine the direction of your life. If your focus is on people, then people will determine what you think and do.

In biblical times, the right hand was the most distinguished position, reserved for one's chief adviser and supporter. When you choose to focus on Christ, you invite Him to take the most important position in your life as Counselor and Defender.

Every time you face a new experience, you should turn to Christ for His interpretation and strength.

• When people insult you and mistreat you, you should seek direction from your Counselor regarding the right response.
• When you face a crisis, you should receive strength from the One at your right hand.
• When you experience need, you should consult your Counselor before you react. 
• When you face a fearful situation, you should take courage from the Advocate at your right hand.

Everything you do is in the context of your relationship to Christ.

What an incredible act of God's grace that Christ should stand beside you to guide you and counsel you and defend you!

How could you ever become dismayed over your situation with Christ at your right hand? What confidence this should give you!

"KINGDOM ATTITUDES" - Ed Stetzer

Uncool - Kingdom Attitudes from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Go10 Walk Comes To An End

Well, my 5 days as Regional Coordinator for Go10 Walk has come to an end. Kudos to my 5 Day Coordinators: Darrell Renfro, Daniel Renfro, Matt Lappin, Josh Ham and Troy Beringer - you guys did an amazing job! Thanks for all your hard work!

Also, let me give a shout-out to our Illinois FWB churches, you guys showed up in an amazing way! Thanks to all of you who participated in Go10 during the last 5 days.

One last thanks to Joe Wilson, Bill Ezell, and Jim Daniels - the Go10 team traveling the country - you guys are amazing! Keep it up and stay strong.

Now, I'm headed home to my family!

Blog posted here.

MY GO10 WALK EXPERIENCE

Well, I did it! I walked the last segment of Day 61 of the Go10 Walk for the World.  Immediately after my 10 mile walk Go10 Project Manager, Joe Wilson stood in front of me with a video camera and asked for my thoughts concerning this walk and how I felt.  For one of the first times in my life I was speechless.  There were many reasons why: walking 10 miles, heat exhaustion, fatigue, not to mention my mind was flooded with thoughts concerning this huge endeavor for Free Will Baptist called the Go10 Walk.

Therefore, in this post I would like to answer Joe's question, "Jon, as the Regional Coordinator for Go10, after working with the first two 10 mile segments in a support vehicle, and now after actually having walked a 10 mile segment, what does this mean to you and what are your thoughts?"

Well Joe, and others who may be curious to the answer to the question, I will attempt to share my thoughts.

The first thought which kept running through my mind is, "Why are we doing this?  Why am I doing this?  Why did I just challenge myself physically to walk 10 miles?"

It all begins with the purpose of Go10.  The purpose is to challenge young people to consider their role in reaching the nations with the gospel in their generation. The year 2010 is the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of our modern missions program. Laura Belle Barnard was sent out as our first missionary to India in 1935. To commemorate this event, we are walking a 10-mile segment of a 2,500-mile course. 

Why 2,500 miles? Laura Belle Barnard traveled nearly 10,000 miles on her entire journey to India! Since the walk calls for at least four participants to walk each 10-mile segment, the total miles walked will be a symbolic equivalent of her sacrificial journey to the people of India (2,500 x 4 = 10,000).

As I was walking, my mind kept racing back to what I have read of Laura Belle Barnard.  I kept thinking of the sacrifice she made, and was willing to make, just to carry the Gospel to the people of South India. How she, in the dark, walking out on Pier 58 in New York City, climbed a rope ladder to board a cargo ship only to discover she was on the wrong ship.  She then climbed back down, picked up her luggage and proceeded to the next cargo ship. While still in the dark, she climbed another rope ladder to board another ship to discover this was the one sailing to India. She then gathered her luggage on board and set sail to share the wonderful story of Christ with a people in which she did not know, in a land which was not her own.

As I was walking this portion of Laura Belle's life kept flooding my mind.  I told myself, if Laura Belle had that much determination and was willing to sacrifice everything to share the love of Christ with the people of India, then surely I could and must walk this 10 mile segment!

The second thought which came to my mind was the Tamil Bible I carried.

Tamil is the language of the people of South India.  This Bible you see pictured has been carried every mile thus far, and will be carried for the entire 2500 mile walk.  I thought that was amazing! 

As I was carrying the Bible during my segment of the walk there were a couple thoughts racing through my mind:

1. The Tamil language.  As I was walking, I opened and browsed through the pages of this Bible.  Then I thought about Laura Belle. She had to learn to speak and read this new language in order to share Christ.  I thought of the countless hours she must have spent just learning this new language; the many prayers she must have prayed asking the Lord to help her with this new language.

Then, I imagined Laura Belle opening a Tamil Bible, just like this one, and sharing the wonderful stories of our great God. Oh, the sacrifices, commitment, and dedication Laura Belle made just to be a faithful servant of Christ.

As I was carrying the Tamil Bible, I prayed and asked the Lord to help me be that sacrificial, committed, and dedicated servant of His.  I must tell you, it was a very spiritually moving time for me.

2. Then I thought about all the Go10 participants which have actually carried the same Tamil Bible I was carrying. As I was walking, carrying this Bible, I began to wonder, "What did they experience while carrying this same Bible in the Go10 Walk? Why were they even walking? What personal struggles are they facing? What spiritual experience did they have? How did it impact their life? What will change for them as a result of carrying this Bible?"  Therefore, while carrying the Tamil Bible during my walk I entered into a season of intercessory prayer for those individuals.

Another thought that came to my mind was the vision of our International Missions Director, James Forlines.

Wow! What a great visionary!  As I walked I spent time praying for Brother James and thinking about the passage of Scripture in Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish." James has tremendous vision and passion.  As a Free Will Baptist minister I have never been more proud of our denomination as I am today. As I thought of the International Missions Department and what they (we) have going on this summer: Go10 Walk, E-Teams literally around the world serving, and many more ministry projects, it lifted my spirits.  Thank you Brother James for having great vision and being a great leader!

As participants of the Go10 Walk we are given prayer cards for our missionaries and are encouraged to pray for them while we walk.  I spent some time interceding for a missionary couple, whose name I'm not free to share because they are serving in a very dangerous part of the world. Once again this was a blessing to partner with them in prayer ministry.

Another thought I had was of the dedicated workers like Joe Wilson, Jim Daniels, Bill Ezell, the Regional and Day Coordinators, and hundreds of others working together.

As I was walking - especially as they would pass by in their support vehicles, pull off on the side of the road a little ahead of us, then cheer us on as we walked by - I thought of Joe, Jim, and Bill doing this everyday, except Sunday since April!  Guys, I commend you!  You have done and are doing a great job. So, as I was walking I prayed for them individually.  I know they miss their families and their families miss them.  Guys once again, thank you!

Then I thought of all the Go10 Regional Coordinators.  I could picture them in my mind as we sat around U-shaped tables in Nashville, TN for Go10 training last fall. I thought of the challenges each of them have had in their particular areas.  I thought of the RC's yet to be involved.  Then I spent some time praying for them.  Thanks to the RC's of Go10!

Then my mind went to my Day Coordinator, Darrell Renfro and his wife Linda.  Now Darrell not only was a DC for the day, but he also walked the last segment with me. I watched throughout the day as they worked with the walkers of Go10.  They shuttled people, water, Gatorade, ice-soaked towels, snacks and gave smiles and encouragement as each walker passed by.  Therefore, as I was walking I prayed for Darrell and Linda, and I also prayed for my other Day Coordinators: Daniel Renfro, Matt Lappin, Josh Ham, and Troy Beringer.  Thanks guys for all you have done and are doing!

I believe the Go10 Walk for the World project is a great example of what we as FWB can accomplish IF we would all work together. It troubles me so very much to see all the "little, non-essentials" divide us into this group, that group and the other.  May the Lord speak to our hearts and lead us toward standing shoulder-to-shoulder, side-by-side, heart-to-heart, servant-to-servant, brother-to-brother, and sister-to-sister as we serve our Lord together as a Free Will Baptist Denomination.

Well, Joe, these are just a few of my thoughts after walking my 10 mile segment.  I wish I could have just said all this immediately after my walk, while the camera was in my face, but all I could say at that time was, "It's long!"

Let's continue raising money for our missionaries! Please visit my Go10 Walk for the World page and help me raise $500.00 for missions!

A FAITH WORTH PASSING DOWN

The word "inherit" may bring to mind cash and possessions, or even genetic and personality traits.  Yet the Bible talks about something else that can be passed down to the next generation, and it is the most precious thing we have: our faith!

In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, Paul writes to Timothy about faith worth passing down, namely, that which is based on the truth of God's Word.  It is the confident conviction that God is who He says He is and will do everything He says He will do.  The apostle notes that the younger man's sincere faith did not materialize out of thin air, but in fact was evident in his lineage (vs.5).

There are many ways to hand down a rich legacy of faith to the next generation:

1. SHARE BASIC BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

Kids must be taught the proper attitude about money (Ps. 24:1), how needs are fulfilled (Phil. 4:19), and direction in life (Pro.3:5-6).

2. MODEL THROUGH LIFESTYLE

How we live - with transparency, peace, and persistence or fear, doubt, and frustration - sends a loud message about whether God can be trusted.

3. SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS

If we act on our faith, we show it is real (James 2:26).

4. PRAY AND PRAISE

Children won't forget hearing us speak their names in prayer.  And when we praise them for trusting the Lord, they will be motivated to do so again.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

1. Do you know the basic Biblical principles for life?
2. Are you teaching the basic Biblical principles to your children?
3. Does your life and lifestyle model your faith in Christ?
4. Are you a person who likes to be served or serve?
5. Do you serve others together as a family?
6. Do you have a daily prayer time?
7. Do you pray with your family?

SUNDAY MESSAGE: DUCT TAPE DADS!

This Sunday at Victory Church I will be preaching a message titled "Duct Tape Dads!"  In preparation for this message I ran across this "Duct Tape - MythBuster" video.  Enjoy!

MY DAUGHTER, KRISTEN ON MISSION TRIP TO BRAZIL

Pictured is my daughter, Kristen pointing to Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.  She is traveling there with the Free Will Baptist E-Team.

Her mother and I left her on Tuesday at the Free Will Baptist Bible College for a week of training.  She will then be in Brazil until the end of June. We are anticipating the Lord to do great things in her life!

Free Will Baptist have had a ministry presence in Brazil since the mid 1950's when pioneer missionary Thomas Willey visited Brazil. His findings prompted the FWB Board of Foreign Missions to send missionaries to share the good news with Brazilians.

Click here to read the history of FWB ministering in Brazil.

FILL THIS PLACE - Ken Reynolds - mp3

To listen to the mp3 of "Fill This Place" by Ken Reynolds - click here

ARE YOU A FRIEND OF GOD?

“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”—John 15:15

You do not choose to be a friend of God. That is by invitation only. Only two people in the Old Testament were specifically described as “friends of God.” Abraham walked with the Lord so closely that God referred to him as His friend (Isa. 41:8). Moses spoke to God face to face as a man speaks with his friend (Exod. 33:11).

By His very nature God is a friend to us. He loves us with a perfect love and reaches out to us with salvation when we can offer Him nothing in return. It is quite another thing when someone has a heart so devoted to Him that God initiates a special friendship. David's heart was totally devoted to God (1 Kings 11:4). Although David was not sinless, he loved God. David hated sin (Ps. 103:3); he loved to worship God (Ps. 122:1); he took genuine delight in God's presence (2 Sam. 6:14); he loved to speak about God (Ps. 34:1); he was keenly aware of his transgressions (Ps. 51:3–4); and he delighted in offering gifts of song, thanksgiving, and praise, asking for nothing in return (Ps. 100). So closely did David walk with God that his words were on Jesus' mind as He hung upon the cross (Matt. 27:46).

Jesus called His disciples friends. He said He would disclose to them things that the Father had shared with Him, because they were His friends. There developed such an intimate friendship between them that He would share what was on His heart with His friends.

If you cannot describe yourself as a friend of God, commit yourself to seek after God with all your heart.

MANY RELIGIONS, ONE WAY!

Jesus: The Only Way to Heaven
John 10:1-11

While there are many religions, there is only one way to heaven. Jesus clearly states that "no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). He used several picturesque descriptions to emphasize this point—He called Himself the way (14:6), the door (10:9), the living bread (6:51), and the good shepherd (10:11).

God does not expect people to follow a ritual to make Jesus Lord of their lives—you can use any words you'd like. However, some biblical elements are essential when beginning a relationship with Him:

1) Confess your sin and admit your need for a Savior (1 John 1:9).

2) Place your trust in Jesus Christ as the only possible Savior, acknowledging that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-4).

3) Believe that your sins are forgiven and your name is written in the Lamb's book of life (1 John 5:11-13).

Every person has a choice to make. Death is inevitable, but we can decide whether, on exiting this world, we will enter God's presence or eternal torment. Let me make this very clear: What a person believes about heaven and hell won't influence God in the slightest. People will be judged not by their attitudes but by the truth of His Word.

The Bible declares that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. His gospel is a straight path from the pit of sin to the glory of heaven—with the promise of an abundant life in between. What we must do is go through the Door and follow the Way to taste the Living Bread!

MUSIC FOR THE DANCE

I recently read "Gentle Thunder" by Max Lucado and thought this segment was worth sharing:

Let's imagine that you want to learn to dance. Being the rational, cerebral person you are, you go to a bookstore and buy a book on dancing.

You take the book home and get to work. You do everything it says. The book says sway; you sway. The book says shuffle; you shuffle. The book says spin; you spin.

Finally, you think you've got it, and you invite your wife to come in and watch. You hold the book open and follow the instructions step by step.

You continue to read, then dance, read, then dance, until the dance is completed. You plop exhausted on the couch, look at your wife, and proclaim, "I executed it perfectly."

"You executed it, all right," she sighs. "You killed it."

"What?"

"You forgot the most important part. Where is the music?"

Music?

We Christians are prone to follow the book while ignoring the music. We master the doctrine, outline the chapters, memorize the dispensations, debate the rules, and stiffly step down the dance floor of life with no music in our hearts. We measure each step, calibrate each turn, and flop into bed each night exhausted from another day of dancing by the book.

Dancing with no music is tough stuff.

Jesus knew that. For that reason, on the night before his death he introduced the disciples to the song maker of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. (John 16:7-9).

Of the three persons of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is the one we understand the least. Perhaps the most common mistake made regarding the Spirit is perceiving him as a power but not a person, a force with no identity. Such is not true.

The Holy Spirit is not an "it." He is a person. He has knowledge (1 Cor. 2:11). He has a will (1 Cor. 12:11). He has a mind (Rom. 8:27). He has affections (Rom. 15:30). You can lie to him (Acts 5:3-4). You can insult him (Heb. 10:29). You can grieve him (Eph. 4:30).

The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force. He is not Popeye's spinach or the surfer's wave. He is God within you to help you. In fact John calls him the Helper.

Envision a father helping his son learn to ride a bicycle, and you will have a partial picture of the Holy Spirit. The father stays at the son's side. He pushes the bike and steadies it if the boy starts to tumble. The Spirit does that for us; he stays our step and strengthens our stride. Unlike the father, however, he never leaves. He is with us to the end of the age.

What does the Spirit do?
He comforts the saved. (John 16:7).
He convicts the lost. (John 16:8).
He conveys the truth. (John 16:12).

Is John saying we don't need the book in order to dance? Of course not; he helped write it. Emotion without knowledge is as dangerous as knowledge without emotion. God seeks a balance. "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).

What is essential is that you know the music is in you. "If Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life" (Rom. 8:10). You don't need a formula to hear it. I don't have a four-step plan to help you know it. What I do have is his promise that the helper would come to comfort, convict, and convey.

So think about it; have you ever been comforted? Has God ever brought you peace when the world brought you pain? Then you heard the music.

Have you ever been convicted? Have you ever sensed a stab of sorrow for your actions? Then you've been touched by the Holy Spirit.

Or have you ever understood a new truth? Or seen an old principle in a new way? The light comes on. Your eyes pop open. "Aha, now I understand." Ever happen to you? If so, that was the Holy Spirit conveying to you a new truth.

What do you know? He's been working in your life already.

By the way, for those of us who spent years trying to do God's job, that is great news. It's much easier to raise the sail than row the boat. And it's a lot easier getting people to join the dance when God is playing the music.

That's what makes God, God.

KNOW GOD, NO WORRIES - NO GOD, KNOW WORRY

Would you agree with me and say that people live with a lot of stress these days?  There are a million reasons to be anxious: the economy, pressures at home and workplace, criticisms or hurtful actions, failing health or ruined relationships.  Maybe you can't clearly identify the source of anxiety in your life, but you strive every day to pursue your own agenda without God blessing - this is the worst stress inducer of them all!

Whatever your situation, Psalm 46 holds the key to dealing with demanding situations:

"God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.² Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas,³ though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil." Psalm 46:1-3 (HCSB)

The Psalm concludes with these words:

"Stop [your fighting]—and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth." ¹¹ The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:10-11 (HCSB)

The Amplified translations reads like this:

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (Amp)

The New international Version reads like this:

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

How can you do this when things are falling apart all around you?  To "stop fighting," to "cease striving," to "be still," you must REST in the Lord.  To rest in the Lord, you must TRUST Him completely. And, to trust Him completely, you must KNOW Him!

So, how do you get to know God?  The process begins when you place your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.  Then develop the relationship as you would with a good friend:

1. Spend time alone with Him. You have to make an effort to meet with Him regularly.
2. Get to know what He thinks. Read the Bible, pray, and listen to sermons.  There are some great "free" sermon podcasts on the internet.  For starters, listen to the Victory Podcast.  There are years of sermons in the archive; just scroll down and find the one which you believe will speak to your situation.  Click here to visit the Victory Podcast page.
3. Observe what God does in other people's lives and also in your life.
4. Tell Him honestly what you are thinking and feeling.  It is important to be open and transparent.
5. Be still and listen to Him.  He will speak straight from His Spirit to your spirit and quiet your troubled heart.

Once you understand that God loves you unconditionally (Romans 8:38-39) and forgives completely (Ephesians 1:7), you will be able to let go of guilt.  When you realize that He has a will and a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), you can stop worrying about the future.  And when you see how He turns suffering into something good, your fear will be replaced by a growing confidence and inner joy.

Do you need someone to talk to?  Do you need help praying?  If so, please send me an email (click here) and I will do all I can to assist you in this time of need.  

Remember, be still, KNOW God and have NO worries! 

DECLARING A CONGREGATIONAL FAST @ VICTORY CHURCH

As Senior Pastor of Victory Church, today I am declaring a "Congregational Fast" for the approval of a $1.3 million loan for phase one of our building project.

Joel 2:12-13, 15-16 (HCSB) Even now- [this is] the Lord's declaration- turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. Blow the horn in Zion! Announce a sacred fast; proclaim an assembly. Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even those nursing at the breast.

Below is a study on "Prayer and Fasting" I taught at Victory:

BREAKING STRONGHOLDS THROUGH FASTING

Matthew 6:16-18 (HCSB) “Whenever you fast, don’t be sad-faced like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face, so that you don’t show your fasting to people but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

For many of you this is a new “subject/experience” in your Christian life, but it’s a very biblical practice.

John Wesley said about fasting, “Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason; and others have utterly disregarded it altogether.”

We live in a world obsessed with food.

• It is almost impossible to drive a city block without passing a local pizza parlor or fast-food restaurant.
• Some would argue that we have a national addiction to food.
• There are support groups for people who cannot control their eating habits.
• It is natural to eat! That’s why the subject of fasting is something that appears unnatural or strange.

What is fasting? It is the biblical discipline from food for spiritual purposes.

Fasting must always be for spiritual purposes, not for public attention! The Sermon on the Mount is best known for the “Beatitudes” or the “Blessed are…” statements.

• Because we have focused so much of our attention on the beatitudes, we have inadvertently missed what Jesus said about certain activities that should be done in privacy away from neighbors and friends.
• He admonished the crown to be careful about what they did in public because of the tendency to do it out of misguided motivation.

Jesus talked about three things we should refrain from doing in public:

1. We should refrain from public notoriety. (Matthew 6:2)
2. We are admonished to pray in private. (Matthew 6:5)
3. We should fast in private. (Matthew 6:16)

Nothing is fundamentally wrong with doing these things in public, but Jesus understood the tendency of people to do things for admiration of their peers instead than for the glory of God. Therefore, to keep our hearts pure, Jesus thought it best for us to do these things in private.

THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT FASTS WRITTEN ABOUT IN THE BIBLE:

1. NORMAL FAST

• Involves abstaining from all food, but not from water. Matthew 4:2 (HCSB) After He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 (HCSB) Then Jesus returned from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, He was hungry.
• Now it did not say anything about Him being thirsty.
• Since the body can normally survive no longer than 3 days without water, we assume that He drank water during the 40 day fast.
• The most common Christian fast is to abstain from food and drink water or fruit juices. 

2. PARTIAL FAST

• This is a limited diet but not total abstinence from food and water.
• This fast is demonstrated in Daniel 1:12 where we are told that Daniel and his friends had only “vegetables to eat and water to drink.”

3. ABSOLUTE FAST

• This means to abstain from both water and food.
• There are several references in Scripture regarding an absolute fast. Ezra 10:6 (HCSB) Ezra then went from the house of God, walked to the chamber…where he spent the night. He did not eat food or drink water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.
• This type of fast is recorded when Esther requested the Jews fast and pray on her behalf. Esther 4:16 (HCSB) “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” 

4. PRIVATE FAST

• This fast is referred to in Matthew 6:16-18.
• Jesus spoke about fasting in a way not to be noticed by others.
• Fasting for public attention or political power was not an acceptable reason to fast.

 5. CONGREGATIONAL FAST

• This is where the prophet Joel proclaimed a fast… Joel 2:15-16 (HCSB) Blow the horn in Zion! Announce a sacred fast; proclaim an assembly. 16 Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber.
• The congregation at Antioch was involved in a fast… Acts 13:2 (HCSB) As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to.” 

6. NATIONAL FAST

• The response of King Jehoshaphat to an invasion was to call a national fast… 2 Chronicles 20:3 (HCSB) Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he resolved to seek the Lord. So he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
• Other references of a nation fasting is found in Neh. 9:1; Esther 4:16; Jonah 3:5-8 • In the early days of our nation, Congress proclaimed 3 national fasts.
• Three presidents (John Adams, James Madison, and Abraham Lincoln) called the nation into fasts.
• Abraham Lincoln called for a fast 3 times during the War Between the States. 

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT FASTING IS NOT INTENDED TO DO:

1. FASTING IS NOT INTENDED TO PERSUADE GOD TO CHANGE HIS MIND. 

• Some have the mistaken idea that fasting is a sure way to get God on their team; therefore, they learn the hard way that fasting was never intended to be a tool to manipulate God!
  

2. FASTING WILL NOT MAKE YOU MORE ACCEPTABLE IN GOD’S EYES.

• It is not another item on the “to-do-list” in order to be accepted by God!

3. FASTING IS NOT DONE TO LOSE WEIGHT.

• That’s the way the world thinks! Our world has become obsessed with the outward appearance—fasting was never to be intended to be a diet plan!

SPECIFIC REASONS FOR FASTING PRESENTED IN SCRIPTURE:

1. FASTING PREPARES US.

• Fasting puts us in a proper attitude for God to is calling us to do and be.
• Fasting provides an opportunity to get away from the negative impact of the world and provides a time to really listen to the Voice of God.
  

2. FASTING CLEANSES US.

• Fasting is a means of personal cleansing for the physical body, ridding it of impurities.
• Not only our physical bodies are cleansed, but our “soul” is cleansed as well. 

3. FASTING EQUIPS US.

• Fasting equips us for the battle we wage against Satan!
• There is a powerful verse that deals with fasting and the way it is connected to our victory over the strongholds in our lives is found in Isaiah. Isaiah 58:6 (HCSB) Isn’t the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke?
• When Satan gains a foothold in our lives, we usually try everything except fasting! • When Satan did his very best to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, it was a fasting Messiah that triumphed over the evil one! 

Conclusion:

• The more you know about what the Bible has to say about fasting, the better equipped you will be when God leads you.
• Never fast out of pride or in an effort to draw attention to yourself. Scripture says that will be your only reward!
• The bottom line in fasting is to be done to honor and glorify the Lord.
• This is a limited diet but not total abstinence from food and water.
• This fast is demonstrated in Daniel 1:12 where we are told that Daniel and his friends had only “vegetables to eat and water to drink.”

VIDEO: Easter Is Just the Beginning!

GOD'S WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS - Isaiah 55:8-9

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” [This is] the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”—Isaiah 55:8–9

Rarely does God do something exactly as we think He will. Our problem is that we try to second-guess God, saying, “Oh, now I know what God is planning to do!” Moses experienced this as he learned how God was going to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. God told him He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Yet, the result was not what Moses anticipated. Rather than allowing the Hebrews to leave, Pharaoh increased their hardship. Rather than becoming a hero among the Hebrews, Moses was despised by them for bringing greater suffering. Moses returned to the Lord and asked, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?”(Exod. 5:22).

Much of the frustration we experience as Christians has nothing to do with what God does or doesn't do. It has everything to do, rather, with the false assumptions we make about how we think God will and should act.

Have you ever done the will of God and then things seemed to become worse? Moses completely misunderstood what the results of His obedience to God would be. When things did not turn out as he anticipated, Moses became discouraged. God had told Moses what to do, but He had not told Moses what the consequences would be.

It is foolish to attempt to do God's work using your own “common sense.” God does not eliminate your common sense, He consecrates it. He gives you His wisdom so you can understand His ways.

As you look back on God's activity in your life, you will recognize the supreme wisdom in how He has led you. As you look forward to what God may do, be careful you do not try to predict what He will do next. You may find yourself completely off the mark.

PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY

This is the response to why I don’t drink alcohol, gamble, smoke or any other questionable social practice.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (HCSB) “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be brought under the control of anything. 13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,” but God will do away with both of them. The body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 15 Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? So should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! 16 Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh. 17 But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Run from sexual immorality! “Every sin a person can commit is outside the body.” On the contrary, the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. 19 Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.

To help make the moral decisions of your life we must use biblical principles.

There are some great eternal standards of right and wrong that have been set and settled by the Word of God. We call these the 10 commandments:

1. 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
2. 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.' 
3. 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.' 
4. 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.' 
5. 'Honor your father and your mother.' 
6. 'You shall not murder.' 
7. 'You shall not commit adultery.' 
8. 'You shall not steal.' 
9. 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.' 
10. 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'

However, there are a lot of issues that are not settled by the 10 commandments.  Why is this?  Well, first of all, we must be reminded that the bible is not primarily a rule book, it is primarily a guide book. The bible is not a book of minute laws, but a book of many principles. 

I’m personally glad it’s not a book of laws, but a book of principles.  Let me give you an example: if the bible were a book of laws and rules, what would relate to one age would not relate to another age.  Let’s consider obeying the laws of the land.  Driving 65 on interstates and 35 on any road not posted makes perfect since to us in the 21st century.  But, to the people of Corinth in the 1st century this would have been completely ludicrous!  However principles can apply to the 1st and 21st century.  Also, there are loop-holes in laws and rules, but not in principles.

One last thought about rules verses principles; rules are for children, principles are for those who are mature.  Let me illustrate.  When my children were young I had to specifically communicate to them to “stay out of the road” and “stay in the yard!”  I was very specific with my instructions and/or rules.  But, as they matured I no longer had to tell them to “stay out of the road.”  Why? Because they grew to know and understand the danger of playing in the road.

How do you make up your mind what is right and wrong for you?

Allow me to share with you six principles which should come into play as we make our moral decision of what is right and wrong for us to indulge in.

1. EXPEDIENCY (I Cor. 6:12a)

Number one is the Principle of Expediency.  Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Corinthians from three different translations:

I Corinthians 6:12a (HCSB) “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is helpful.”

1 Corinthians 6:12a (KJV) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient:

1 Corinthians 6:12a (AMP) Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things).

How do I make up my mind what is right and wrong for me?  Don’t ask yourself this question, “Is it lawful?” Rather ask yourself this question, “Is it expedient?”

What does expedient mean?  The root word is expedition, which means to be on a journey.  Therefore, we need to ask, “Will doing this thing, whatever it may be, bring me to my appointed destination or goal?  Will it help me in reaching my destination?”

Let me ask you a question, “Do you have some God-given ambitions and goals for your life?”  If yes, then a lot of things will be settled for you.

2. ENSLAVEMENT (I Cor 6:12)

Number two is the Principle of Enslavement.  Once again, listen to what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth.

I Cor. 6:12 (HCSB) “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be brought under the control of anything.

Friends, do you realize that Jesus came to set you free! 

John 8:31-32 (HCSB) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Therefore, you should not be “enslaved” to anything.  Are you a free person or is there something that has enslaved you?  Review the list below (realize this is not an exhaustive list, but there is enough here to get us thinking in the right direction):

• Pornography
• Lust
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Caffeine
• Music
• Television
• Sports

All of these are habit forming vices which can enslave you and bring you under bondage.  It has been said of old, “No man is fully free who drags his chain with him!” 

3. EXAMPLE (I Cor 8:8-13)

Number three is the Principle of Example.  Once again, listen to what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth.

1 Corinthians 8:8-13 (HCSB) Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. 9 But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone sees you, the one who has this knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? 11 Then the weak person, the brother for whom Christ died, is ruined by your knowledge. 12 Now when you sin like this against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won’t cause my brother to fall.

Wow!  There is so very much to be pondered in these verses, but the bottom line is this:

If what I am partaking in or of causes somebody else to stumble, then DON’T do it!

Notice with me, if you will, the later part of the very first verse in this chapter:

1 Corinthians 8:1b (HCSB) Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up.

I believe what the Apostle Paul is trying to convey is this, “As you go through life, don’t let your head run away with your heart.”  Listen, we are to operate by love! There are some things I don’t do because somebody else may stumble.

It is very selfish to say, “How will this hurt me?!”  The far greater and bigger question is to ask, “Will this hurt somebody else?”

Listen to what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome:

Romans 14:19-21 (HCSB) So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. 20 Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong for a man to cause stumbling by what he eats. 21 It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble.

This is the key verse for why I don’t drink, gamble, smoke cigarettes or cigars, and a number of other practices which I may be able to handle! 

It’s the Principle of Example!

In the area of alcohol, many will say that “moderation” is the answer.  Just don’t get drunk!  Well, I have counseled with a number of alcoholics and every one I have spoken with, counseled, and consoled all believed in drinking in moderation!  However, it took hold of them and destroyed their homes and families.   

Here’s something else to remember about moderation. “What you do in moderation, your children will do in excess!”  This is true in every area of your life, including the questionable areas.  I love my children too much not to strive to set a Godly example for them to follow.  I would hate to think that one day my son or daughters life would be destroyed by alcohol because they watched dad indulge in “social drinking.”  I’m not sure I could live with myself. 

Oh yeah, by the way, it’s foolish to say that will never happen to me or my family.  Listen to what the Scripture says about that mindset:

Proverbs 20:1 (KJV) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

The bottom line is that nobody knows whose going to become an alcoholic! Everybody who drinks in “moderation” thinks someone else will!

Once again, it has been said of old, “First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man!”


4. EDIFICATION (I Cor 10:23)

Number four is the Principle of Edification.

1 Corinthians 10:23 (HCSB) “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up.

Listen, everything you do is either building you up or tearing you down.  We must stop long enough, before making a decision to indulge in a questionable practice and ask the question, “Will this build me up, will it build others up, will it build Christ up? Or, will it tear me, others, and the cause of Christ down?”

In verses 23-24 two basic principles are given to guide us in using our Christian liberty for God's glory:

    A. Edification over Gratification (vs. 23)
 
Paul’s use of “all things are lawful” always refers to questionable practices, the gray areas of Christian living that are not specifically forbidden in the Bible.

The basic meaning of edify is "to build a house," and, by extension, the term refers to the literal or figurative building of anything. It is often used in the New Testament to describe the spiritual growth, or upbuilding, of believers. Whatever contributes to spiritual growth constitutes what is profitable, or beneficial, helpful, advantageous, or useful. Only things that are profitable are able to edify.

When we are faced with a decision about a practice, we should first ask if we have a right to do it. If it is not forbidden in Scripture the answer is yes. But our next question should be, “Is it profitable, edifying, and upbuilding for ourselves and for others?” If the answer to both questions is yes, then we can do it to God's glory. If the answer to either question is no, we cannot do it to His glory.

    B. Others over Self (vs. 24)

The second principle for using Christian freedom for the glory of God is even more demanding. Even if something will build us up we should not do it if it is not also for the good of others. Our primary concern should be for the good of our neighbor, a principle contrary to basic human nature.

Philippians 2:3-4 (HCSB) Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Once again, ask, “Will I be built up and matured in Christ; will I become spiritually stronger?” If not, then it’s wrong.


5. EXALTATION (I Cor 10:31)

Number five is the Principle of Exalation.   We need to ask, “Does this thing I’m about to partake in exalt the Lord Jesus Christ?”  If yes, then do it, if you have to pause for a split second and ponder that question, then don’t do it!

Everything you do in life either honors or dishonors the Lord.  Therefore, we need to ask, “Is God glorified in what I’m doing?”

Can you honestly say, “Lord Jesus, this thing I’m partaking in or of, is what I’m doing for Your glory.”


6. EVANGELISM (I Cor 10:32-33)

Number six is the Principle of Evangelism.

Once again, when deciding on what is right or wrong for you to do, ask this question, “Is what I’m doing keeping me, or hindering me from bringing someone to Christ”   If it does, then it’s wrong.

The most important thing on earth for me is for others to know that I love the Lord Jesus Christ and I have a desire to introduce Him to them!  Therefore, I do not do a lot of things that may be lawful for me to do..

Conclusion: 

In deciding about whether or not to participate in any behavior that is questionable or doubtful, the following principles make a good checklist to follow.

1. Expediency. "All things are lawful for me," Paul says, "but not all things are profitable," or expedient (1 Cor. 6:12). Is what I want to do helpful and useful, or only desirable?

2. Enslavement. I Cor. 6:12b (HCSB) “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be brought under the control of anything.”  Is the activity or habit necessary, or is it merely an extra that is not really important?  Could I possibly become “enslaved” or is this activity “addictive” in nature?  If so, run from it!  (Ref.Hebrews 12:1)

3. Example. Are we setting the right example for others, especially for weaker brothers and sisters? If we emulate Christ, others will be able to emulate us, to follow our example (1 Tim. 4:12).

4. Edification. Will I be built up and matured in Christ; will I become spiritually stronger? "All things are lawful, but not all things edify" (1 Cor. 10:23).

5. Exaltation. Will the Lord be lifted up and glorified in what I do? God's glory and exaltation should be the supreme purpose behind everything we do. "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

6. Evangelism. Is my testimony going to be helped or hindered? Will unbelievers be drawn to Christ or turned away from Him by what I am doing? Will it help me conduct myself "with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity" (Col. 4:5)?

THIS WEEK'S PARENTAL PRAYER OF BLESSING AT VICTORY - Repentance

Weekly Scriptural Parental Prayer of Blessing For Our Children:

REPENTANCE

Prayer: "Father, when my children sin, quickly lead them to confess and repent so they might enjoy a clear conscience and unbroken fellowship with You, Amen."

Psalms 32:1-2 (HCSB) How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 2 How joyful is the man the LORD does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!

1 John 1:5-9 (HCSB) Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with Him” and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

THIS WEEK'S PARENTAL PRAYER OF BLESSING AT VICTORY - Spiritual Blessings

Last week at Victory Church was a powerful moving experience as the "blessing" was prayed over our children.  It was a very emotional and spiritually moving time as parents, with one hand raised toward Heaven and the other hand placed upon their children, prayed for God's blessing to rest upon them.  Wow!  What a powerful scene!   

The prayer of blessing we will pray over our children this week at Victory Church are for "Spiritual Blessings" to be bestowed upon our children.  Below is the prayer of the week:

"Father, remind my children that You have adopted them in love. Enable them to experience all the spiritual blessings they have in Christ Jesus, especially Your measureless love. May they act, speak, and think in ways fitting for a child of God."

I would encourage all parents to pray this prayer aloud over your children this week as the Old Testament parents did.  As your children hear you claim God’s blessing on them, several things will happen:

1. It will build their faith
2. It will remind them of their true God-given identity
3. It will reinforce your—and their Heavenly Father’s—great love for them.

Below are the Scripture references closely related to the "Spiritual Blessing" being prayed this week.

Ephesians 1:3-14 (HCSB) Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.  For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved. We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.  He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He planned in Him for the administration of the days of fulfillment—to bring everything together in the Messiah, both things in heaven and things on earth in Him. We have also received an inheritance in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will, so that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory. When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 3:14-19 (HCSB) For this reason...I pray that...the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know the Messiah’s love...

Ephesians 5:8-10 (HCSB) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth— discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.

"THE BLESSING" - PART OF VICTORY'S D6 STRUCTURE

Beginning this Sunday at Victory Church, I am going to lead and assist our parents in a prayer of blessing over our children!

Blessing our children is part of a rich biblical heritage.

In the Old Testament, fathers regularly pronounced blessings on their children (Gen. 27:26-29,39-40, 49:1-28).

As New Testament believers and priests of God (1 Pet. 2:9), one of our privileges is to bless others. When we invoke God’s name over His people, God blesses them  (Num. 6:22-27).

Each week I will post on this blog a prayer of blessing for our children.  As you pray these blessings for your children, consider pronouncing them aloud, as Old Testament parents did. Hearing you claim God’s blessing on your children will do several things for them.  It will...

1. Build their faith
2. Remind them of their true God-given identity
3. Reinforce your—and their Heavenly Father’s—great love for them.

I'm sure many of you have read the book by Dr. John Trent and Gary Smalley titled: The Blessing.  The blessing is the unconditional love and approval bestowed upon a child and are related in five elements:

1. Meaningful touch
2. A spoken message
3. Attaching high value
4. Picturing a special future
5. An active commitment

The family blessing begins with "meaningful touching."  It continues with a "spoken message" of high value, a message that pictures a "special future" for the individual being blessed, and one that is based on an "active commitment" to see the blessing come to pass.

The prayer of blessing this week will be for the assurance of our children's salvation: Parents, I would like to encourage you to begin praying this prayer over your children:

Lord, lead my children to trust only in Jesus’ sacrifice for their eternal salvation; assure them that their souls are secure in Your hands.

Following are some Scripture verses for this particular prayer:

John 3:16 (HCSB) “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 10:28-29 (HCSB) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 

1 John 5:13 (HCSB) I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Join us at Victory Church this Sunday to experience this powerful experience!  Also, be sure to check back each week as I post another weekly "prayer of blessing" for our children.

Video - D6 Conference 2010 - September 15-17

D6 Conference 2010 Promo (Short Version) from D6 Conference on Vimeo.

"Prioritize Your Life, Then Walk In God's Favor!"

I recently began a new ministry called "PRIORITIES MATTER MINISTRIES (PMM)."

I am a Free Will Baptist pastor and former church planter, and one of my greatest desires is to be an encouragement to the local church pastor and congregation.  The purpose of PMM is to first and foremost assist the local church in fulfilling their God-given mission.

Through PMM, I am able to come along side the local church and minister in a variety of ways:

    * Revivals / Camp Meetings / Bible Conferences / Mission Conferences
    * Stewardship Seminars / Discipleship Training Seminars
    * Marriage Retreats or Seminars
    * Men’s and Ladies’ Retreats
    * Youth Camps, Retreats or Rally’s
    * Parenting Conferences or Seminars
    * Leadership Seminars, Conferences or Retreats
    * Local Church Leadership Team Strategic Planning Retreats

To learn more about me personally and PMM, please take time to visit www.PrioritiesMatterMinistries.org.

If you have questions about this ministry please email me; I would love to correspond with you about ways I can serve you and your church.

May God richly bless you and your ministry!

Video: Fred Factor - "Fear Nothing But To Waste The Present Moment"

Video: iCare - There Are No Lone Rangers In the Family of God

All of God's Promises Are "Yes, In Christ!"

For every one of God’s promises is “Yes” in Him. Therefore the “Amen” is also through Him for God’s glory through us.—2 Corinthians 1:20

God keeps every promise He makes. When we walk in intimate fellowship with Christ, we have the assurance that every promise God has made in Scripture is available to us. This truth should motivate us to search the Scriptures for each promise in order to meditate upon its potential for our life.

Jesus promised that when you ask for something in His will, He will give you what you ask (John 16:23b). This promise is available to every Christian. If you ask God if this promise applies to your life, His answer is yes. If you are not now experiencing this promise, it does not change the fact that God has said it. You may need to seek God's answer for why His promise has not yet reached maturity in you.

Paul claimed he had tested each of these promises in his own life and found them all to be abundantly true. That's why he could speak of the “exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7b) and the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8b). Paul had found a wealth of God's promises and enjoyed them all in abundance.

Don't become discouraged or impatient if you are not experiencing to the fullest all of God's promises in your life. God may want to prepare you to receive some of the great truths He has made available to you.

Walk closely with your Lord and, in time, you will see Him bring His promises to fruition in your life.

Video: We Are The Church!