CalvaryAG

Self-esteem-Built on God's Esteem!

2012-02-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

'You are precious to Me. You are honored, and I love you.' Isaiah 43:4 NLT

Good Morning,

Are you able to look in the mirror today and say, 'Thank You Lord, You did a good job?' If you can't, you're in danger of settling for anyone who can give you what you're incapable of giving yourself-a sense of worth! You've got to find a healthy balance somewhere between martyrdom and narcissism. Until you do, everybody else's needs and opinions will be more important than yours. When that happens, you end up resentful and living without things you don't have enough self-esteem to ask for, because you don't think you deserve them. Early in life I struggled with self-esteem. I didn't believe that I was worth anything or did I believe that anyone thought I was worth while. Ever feel that way? I know you have but If you don't believe in yourself and respect your own opinions, you'll finish up living to please everyone else. One wrong look or one critical word from them and you'll say, 'I'll never do that, say that, or wear that again.' Talk about feeling worthless and insecure! Thank God you don't have to live that way. Peter writes, 'The God of all grace...[will make you]...perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.' (1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) God wants to give you a sense of self-esteem-built on His esteem. Will you let Him? When I came to that place and allowed God's esteem to fill me...it changed who I was. I began to sound differently, and once others have heard you sing confidently, they'll want to hum along. Just make sure they're in harmony when they do. You train others to treat you by how you treat yourself. The buyer will pay no more than the seller demands. So go to God today, ask Him to tell you who you are and what you're worth. He will say, 'You are precious to Me. You are honored, and I love you.' That's God's opinion-make it yours! You are loved,

Stop Waiting For Perfect Conditions (3)

2012-02-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

'...He kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.' Hebrews 11:27 NLT

Good Morning,

Finishing up on the thoughts of following through in ministry. There is a strong relationship between our movement toward our dreams, and the resources we need becoming available to us. Too often we want to see the resources, or have them in hand before we start moving forward. When we do that, we have neither the resources nor the movement. We need to be like the snail that started climbing up the apple tree one cold day in August. As he inched his way upward, a worm stuck his head out from a crevice in the tree and said, 'You're wasting your energy. There isn't a single apple up there.' The snail kept on climbing, and replied, 'No, but there will be by the time I get up there!' Over and over in Scripture God sent people out with what seemed like inadequate resources. But when they got to where God wanted them to be, the resources needed to get the job done were in place waiting for them. Vision doesn't follow resources, it happens the other way around. First we have a dream, then we have to move forward. Then-and only then-do people and resources follow. Then the plan God has given to us begins to fall into place. A wise man once said, 'Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.' People who succeed 'see' what others don't. It's what keeps them moving forward. 'It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king's anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.' Keep your eyes on the supply and watch what God will do...

You are loved,

Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions (2)

2012-02-07T09:22:00.001-08:00

'Faith is being sure of what we hope for.' Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Good Morning,
If you didn't know my youngest son is 22 today. Give him a call or text or email and wish him the best. Happy Birthday Zachary!

I never thought so long ago when I was young that today would be here, but it is. It was over 30 years ago that God gave me a vision for ministry. Amy and I didn't wait for the conditions to be right, we just trusted God and moved forward. We signed up for Bible college and went for it without a penny in our pockets. Successful people do not spend the majority of their time thinking about what must be done. Instead, they spend twice as much time reflecting on what they have already accomplished, and on how they are capable of accomplishing what they set out to do. Football coach John Wooden said, 'Things turn out best, for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.' Pursuing a God-given dream is a bumpy ride, as every leader in the Bible found out. And only those who think right succeed. The greatest gap between successful people and unsuccessful people is the thinking gap. This is especially so when it comes to failure. Successful people see failure as a regular part of success, and they get over it. Jonah Salk, the developer of the polio vaccine, said: 'As I look upon the experience of an experimentalist, everything that you do is, in a sense, succeeding. It's telling you what not to do, as well as what to do. Not infrequently, I go into the laboratory, and people would say something didn't work. And I say, Great, we've made a great discovery! If you thought it was going to work, and it didn't work, that tells you as much as if it did. So my attitude is not one of pitfalls; my attitude is one of challenges and what is nature telling me?' Such tenacity only comes from right thinking, and it is the hallmark of all successful people. They keep trying, keep learning and keep moving forward. They win the battle in their minds, and then it overflows into what they do. So lets go team Calvary...God has some great things instore for us!
You are loved...

Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions (1)

2012-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

'He who observes the wind will not sow.' Ecclesiastes 11:4 NKJV

Good Morning,
Wonderful service yesterday as we continue the series "Renewing Your Vision". I hope you injoy these series as I believe they help us to grow spiritually. For the next couple of days we will be looking at moving forward in our lives; Trusting God when we aren't sure if we should move forward or not. Too many of us stand on the dock waiting. We want the ship in place, the gangplank perfectly positioned, the weather right and an engraved invitation before we're willing to launch out. It will never happen! Dreams don't move toward us, we have to move toward them. It's time to quit waiting for the ideal circumstances, perfect timing and hundred percent guarantees. John Maxwell suggests that instead of saying, 'We've never done it before,' say, 'We have the opportunity to be first.' Instead of saying, 'We don't have the resources,' say, 'Necessity fuels invention.' Instead of saying, 'There's not enough time,' say, 'We'll change how we work.' Instead of saying, 'We've already tried that,' say, 'We learned from experience.' Instead of saying, 'We don't have the expertise,' say, 'Let's network with those who do.' Instead of saying, 'Our vendors and customers won't go for it,' say, 'Let's show them the opportunities.' Instead of saying, 'We don't have enough money,' say, 'Maybe there's something we can cut.' Instead of saying, 'We're understaffed,' say, 'We're a lean, hungry team.' Instead of saying, 'It'll never get any better,' say, 'We'll try one more time.' Instead of saying, 'Let somebody else deal with it,' say, 'I'm ready to learn something new.' Instead of saying, 'It's not my job,' say, 'I'll be glad to take the responsibility.' Instead of saying, 'I can't,' say, 'By God's grace I can!' Are you ready to tell God you can?
You are Loved!

What Stinks?

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

'Lord, by this time he Stinketh.' John 11:39 KJV

Good Morning,

Sounds funny doesn't it, "What Stinks". I think that's the question God asks sometimes. I've done this myself and I know you have too; when we have a problem we do what Mary and Martha did with their deceased brother Lazarus. We bury it and roll a stone in front of it. Then Jesus comes along and tells us to roll the stone away so He can deal with it and make us whole again. It takes honesty, humility and courage to roll away the stone on a stubborn or shaming issue. But you will never become healthy and whole until you are willing to do that. Can you imagine the state Lazarus was in after four days in the grave? Martha said, 'He stinketh.' Yet Jesus said, '...If you [will] believe you [will] see the glory of God.' (John 11:40 NKJV) The great thing about this story is that no matter how far gone your situation may be or how unpleasant it is, Jesus can turn it around for you. But you must be willing to roll the stone away and allow Him to work. If you'll let Him, He can give you back what life has taken from you. People may give up on you but Jesus won't. Have you ever changed a baby's diaper? If anything else smelled that bad you would throw it in the trash, right? But not your child; you love them and you know that with a little help they are capable of outgrowing it and becoming something good. Like Mary and Martha, you may think it's too late for a miracle, but it's not. Your finances may stink, your relationship may stink, your prospects for the future may stink but, if you will believe, you will 'see the glory of God.' So let's believe together asking God for His very best in our lives...

You are loved!

Showing Honest Emotion

2012-02-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

'Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, See how He loved him!' John 11:35-36 NIV

Good Morning,

It's hard to be open and honest ...Some of us are like a closed book; people never get to know what's on the inside of us. I know how that is because as a pastor I'm supposed to be under control and not let my emotions sway me one way or the other. We only have to look to Jesus who was not afraid to be vulnerable. He wept openly at the grave of His friend Lazarus. So, can you show honest emotion? We must to build connection with each other. Do you talk of the trophies you have won but not the tears you have shed? When you speak only of your success but fail to share what you went through to achieve it, you leave people feeling like they'll never be able to rise as high as you have. Is that what you want? Jesus was infuriated when the strong took advantage of the weak; it's why He threw the moneychangers out of the temple. Yet He wept over the people of Jerusalem because He knew what the consequences of their rejection of Him would be. Now we're not talking about displays of uncontrolled temper, or dissolving into tears each time trouble comes. But unless you have the ability to show an appropriate level of empathy and transparency, you will have no credibility. The Bible says: 'For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under Heaven...A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.' (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 NLT) If you are able to be tough but not tender, people may admire your achievements and comply with your instructions, but they will keep you at a distance. I've had to learn over the years that it's ok to be me and show other that I care. We celebrate when we need to and we cry when we must. Follow Christ's example, it will take you to great places...

You are loved!

Before You Can Move Ahead

2012-02-01T12:21:00.001-08:00

'Arise...go...to the land which I am giving to [you].' Joshua 1:2 NKJV

Good Morning,
We are home! Amy and I made it back safely yesterday and as par for the course, things are stacked up for us to do. So what is the first thing to happen? My computer won't start up...I'm going ok Lord really, I just fixed this two weeks ago. So I prayed and it was a simple fix, a screw came out and the hard drive came out of its slot. Pushed it back in and put a screw to hold it in place; started it up and I sighed thanks Lord. Sometimes we have a hard time when things don't go our way. There are something's we must do in our spiritual lives before we can move ahead as well. Joshua had already tasted the joys of the Promised Land. But then he had to go back and wait until Moses died and every doubter in Israel was buried. Observe: (1) Some of our old ways must die. Moses represented the old system. It was good for then, but not now. When you align yourself with what was, instead of what is, you're not ready. There are still too many people you need to impress. You're so bound by certain philosophies that, when God says it's time to move, you have to consult somebody else. When God told Joshua, 'Moses My servant is dead...arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them,' there was only one correct response: 'Yes, Lord!' You must honor the past, but not get stuck in it. You must stand on the truth, but seek God for fresh instructions and insights if you're to reach your destiny. (2) Your doubts must be buried. Only two out of the twelve spies who went into the Promised Land believed God would give it to them. The other ten saw giants, caved in to doubt, died and were buried in the wilderness. And every doubt that's holding you back has got to die and be buried too, including the voice of your low self-esteem, your childhood fears, your anxieties and your critics. Gather them up, put them in a box, bury it, stand on top of it and say, 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' Before you can move ahead you must understand and live by these principles.
You are loved!

Henry John Heinz

2012-01-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

'Her children rise up and call her blessed...' Proverbs 31:28 NKJV

Good Morning Everyone,
One more day here in the sun. It has been a nice vacation and time of rest but God has also given us opportunity to rise up and witness. As I read today's scripture it reminded me of all those women in my life who pushed me to Godly values. At age six, Henry John Heinz began helping his mother tend the small garden behind their family home. At twelve, he was working one and a half hectares of garden, using a horse and cart for his three-times-a-week deliveries to grocery stores throughout the city of Pittsburg. He went on to found his own company and named it 57 Varieties. The Henry John Heinz Company was incorporated in 1905, and today, over one hundred years later, it sells more than thirteen hundred products worldwide, ranging from tomato sauce to baby food. But there are other things you need to know: Henry John Heinz loved Jesus and was deeply involved in the promotion of Sunday school in Pittsburg and around the world. His company was noted for pioneering safe and sanitary food preparation and for being ahead of its time in employee relations. He provided free medical benefits, swimming and gymnasium facilities, and promoted women to positions of greater responsibility, making them supervisors. He earned a reputation for enhancing the working and living conditions of his workers. In his will, Henry John Heinz said: 'I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will, as the most important item in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I also desire to bear witness to the fact that throughout my life, in which there were unusual joys and sorrows, I have been wonderfully sustained by my faith in God through Jesus Christ. This legacy was left to me by my consecrated mother, a woman of strong faith, and to it I attribute any success I have attained.' Moms are you doing your part with your Kids? Amy and I been praying for all of you that God will rise up our moms at Calvary so you may be called Blessed! If you read the rest of this verse, it says and "there husbands praise them." Lets be a church that is raising up people who raise up others to love Jesus Christ like Henry John Heinz...

Why You Need Courage

2012-01-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

'Be strong and of good courage...' Joshua 1:6 NKJV

Good Morning,
Some days you need courage as I did yesterday. I started to feel some discomfort in my leg thinking what's this? I'm on vacation. I looked down to find a redness on my leg. I thought not this again. So we headed to the doc in the box. Seems I have a infection in my leg vain. Its not like the time I was in the hospital so I was prescribed some antibiotics and told to check in with my doc when we get back home so I could use your prayers. Why do we need courage when things in life scare us? Or when we feel like failures? God said to Joshua, 'Be strong and of good courage'? Four reasons why we must trust God: (1) For Joshua's own sake. God had a lot invested in Joshua; the future of an entire nation rested on his shoulders. And since God has a lot invested in you too, you must believe that it's His will for you to succeed. If you grew up in a family or church where you felt unworthy of God's favor and unentitled to His blessing, you must reprogram your mind with the Scriptures. '...then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.' (Joshua 1:8 NKJV) (2) For the Lord's sake. God told Joshua, '...do not be afraid...for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:9 NKJV) God's reputation was on the line. The nations in Canaan had heard how He delivered the Israelites from slavery, drowned the Egyptian army in the Red Sea and fed His people with food from Heaven every day. Had Joshua failed to conquer the Promised Land it would have brought reproach to God's name and made His people a laughing stock. The Lord had a bigger stake in Israel's success than anyone else. His plan to bring forth the Messiah depended on their success. His desire was to turn a bunch of slaves into the greatest nation on earth-one that served the true and living God. And Joshua had a big part to play in it. Where did Joshua's strength come from? This promise: '...the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:9 NIV) Start believing...Your God is with you as well!

Stay Focused on What's Important

2012-01-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

'...he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.' Hebrews 11:27 NIV

Good Morning,

Its 8:00am and I'm sitting here with Amy listening to worship music. It is nice to sit and stay focused on what is important; Our relationship with Jesus. When you have a relationship you can dream big things because God is showing you amazing things you never thought possible. That's were Amy and I find ourselves today; dreaming the impossible for ministry @Calvary. As we've pondered what is important there are certain things we must be willing to give up to make it happen. We can't keep all our options open; we have to narrow our focus to what's most important. John Maxwell says: 'Many people do the opposite. Rather than focus on their dream and let go of less important things, they want to keep every option open. But when they do, they actually face more problems because decision-making becomes overly complicated...at first it's fun to have so many possibilities...But as time goes by, you can't make progress because you spend all your time preserving options rather than moving forward...When you expend your time and energy on the few things that make a difference...tasks that aren't exciting or immediately rewarding take on added value. Each activity becomes an important piece in that bigger picture.' When God gives you a vision He doesn't show you the whole picture up front. He does it in stages so you won't get overwhelmed. For example, when He shared with Moses His vision for delivering Israel, Moses had to wait for each part to download. By faith he left Egypt. By faith he kept the Passover so the enemy wouldn't touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the Israelites walked through the Red Sea and their enemies drowned trying to pursue them. By faith he kept the Israelites moving for forty years through the wilderness until he stood, an old man, overlooking the Promised Land. What kept Moses going even after God told him he'd never enter the Promised Land? Simply this: he stayed focused on doing the will of 'Him who is invisible.' As we enter the 8th year of ministry Amy and I are more excited about the possibilities then ever before. That's because we know that together as (team Calvary) there's nothing we can't do in Christ Jesus! Let's dream team, because we believe God has given us the best in you...

You are loved,

Get Going!

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

'Why are you crying out...Tell the Israelites to move on.' Exodus 14:15 NIV

Good Morning,
This is what I kept crying out to my favorite airline...Get Going! I know I don't have control of the weather but I kept looking out the airport window seeing clear runway and yet the planes weren't flying. People were blaming the airline for this and that, and yes I had my moments. Imagine yourself undertaking an important assignment. Things go well and God blesses your efforts. Maybe your in your job things go crazy good. Then circumstances change, you face difficulties, discouragement sets in, those you counted on start blaming you, and now you wish you'd never undertaken the project. Welcome to Moses' world! (vv10-20) God told him to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery into the land He promised them four hundred years earlier. But faith gave way to fear when they were stuck between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army. So they turned on Moses, blamed him for their dilemma and wanted to return to Egypt. What was Moses' reaction? Whatever he felt, he still believed what God had promised. So to calm the people he said to them, 'Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.' (v13 NKJV) That's good counsel. But God had more to say. 'Tell the Israelites to move on.' Instead of allowing them to rest, God redirected their energy by calling them to action. Anybody attempting an assignment for God encounters similar challenges. So what should you do? Ask God for directions, and don't consult anxiety-driven people. Have you been standing still, waiting for improved circumstances when God wants you to move on? Get going! While you are walking God will be working. He will neutralize the enemy without and the 'white-ants' within. Refuse to be depressed, deflected or derailed. The Red Sea will part, the enemy will be defeated, and you will sing the new song in the new land. Sometimes God has to get our attention. Sing the new song by faith and move on....
You are loved!

Conformed or Transformed? (1)

2012-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:00


'Do not be conformed...but be transformed...' Romans 12:2
Good Morning, Well our flight is cancelled again. I'm Sitting here waiting to talk to someone about our flight out of here. The lines are jammed and I'm a little bummed. I've joked about how snow is of the devil, it sure feels like it today LOL. I know our little worries can't be compared to what others are going through especially since there are more terrible things than a canceled flight. So we must chose to be transformed even in times of stress or grief. Chuck Swindoll said, 'We like to imagine ourselves a race of rugged individuals - the Patrick Henrys, Davy Crockett's and Lone Rangers. The truth is, we hate to appear different lest we be ostracized, branded fanatics and rejected. So, we conform. You'll see it in the child eager to please; the adolescent aligning with peer pressure; the adult breaking their back to keep up with the Joneses.' Just being different for its own sake is likely to be worthless, even counterproductive. What God wants from us is our willingness to be radically transformed. 'Therefore, I urge you...to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind' (vv.1-2 NIV). Here are two important observations to help you reach that goal: First: Transformation belongs to believers. The unbeliever can't break the world's control over them without Christ, but believers are promised: '...the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world' (1 John 4:4 NLT). God's indwelling Spirit enables you to resist the world's pressure to conform you to its ways. Second: God's appeal is urgent. 'I urge you, brothers.' Words like beg, plead, beseech are used in some translations because the appeal isn't secondary or optional. It's vital, a divine imperative! God is seeking for surrendered vessels that are ready to be transformed for His use. Are you willing to say, 'Yes, Lord, use me'? Even when it seems we can't....

Grace

2012-01-18T06:59:00.000-08:00


'...we have all received...one grace after another...' John 1:16 Good Morning, As I sit here 5:30am thanking God for all the things he has done in my life; (Our flights are on time for our vacation). I'm reminded that there is so much more to be thankful for. I had a rough day yesterday with my computer not being fixed right to the the thought that we might not get out of here. How is that it's been so nice until I want to leave to rest? Ever ask those questions? Well Gods grace is there for whatever we do.
His grace comes to us free and clear, with no strings attached. In fact, He's more tolerant and less judgmental than many of us are. We weren't worthy and didn't deserve it but because we belong to Christ, 'Out of His...(abundance) we have all received...one grace after another...spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing...favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.' Richard J. Neuhaus said, 'The moralizing and legalizing of the Gospel of God's grace is a dull heresy peddled to disappointed people who are angry because they have not received what they had no good reason to expect.' When you truly grasp the concept of grace: 1) You will gain a fresh appreciation for God's gifts to you - things like salvation and forgiveness, the gift of life, health, laughter, music, beauty and friendship. 2) You will be less critical and less concerned with what other people do. Ever heard the saying, 'I'm okay with me. I don't need to make you wrong?' When you operate in the freedom that comes with grace, you're okay letting other people chart their own course and make decisions you may not make. 3) You will become more tolerant and less judgmental. Instead of focusing on appearance based on religious performance, you will look for authenticity and a genuine love for God. 4) You will grow spiritually. David said, 'He brought me out into a spacious place...' (Psalm 18:19 NIV). Grace expands your horizons so you can never go back to where you once were. So give Him thanks today for what He deserves!

Pray for Your Pastor

2012-01-17T09:23:00.000-08:00


'Pray...that...words may be given me...' Ephesians 6:19
Good Morning, Amy and I are taking a some much needed vacation time and we would appreciate your prayers. We haven't taken a real vacation in several years so we are looking forward to getting some rest. Pastor Zach & Pastor Josh along with our team leaders have great services planned out just for you. Tim Armstrong and Jake Rochek will be speaking so be prepared for a mighty move of God. With the weather doing its best to keep us in the TriCities please pray for a safe trip out of here tomorrow and Seattle. Please pray for us that God will refreash us during this time. Paul always asked his churches to pray for him. Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus: 'Pray...that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me...that I will fearlessly make known...the gospel.' Can I ask you...Do you pray for your pastors? You should! After Wilbur Chapman's first sermon at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, a man said, 'You're pretty young to be pastor of this great church. We've always had older men. I'm afraid you won't succeed, but since you preach the gospel I'm going to help you all I can.' Chapman thought, 'What a crank.' But the man continued, 'I'm going to pray for you, and a few others have covenanted to join me.' Later, Chapman wrote, 'I didn't feel so bad when I learned that they were going to pray for me. Soon the three became fifty, and the fifty became two hundred who met before every service to pray for me. In another room eighteen elders knelt so closely around me that I could put out my hand and touch them. I always went into my pulpit confident that I would have God's anointing in answer to the prayers of those people. It was easy to preach, a real joy. And what was the result? Eleven hundred people were saved and joined the church in the next three years, and six hundred of them were men. It was the fruit of the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer. Church members have much more to do than go to church as curious, idle spectators to be amused and entertained. It is their business to pray mightily that the Holy Spirit will clothe the preacher with power and make his words like dynamite.' What would happen if you showed up every Sunday to pray for your Pastors? Not only would they become filled with power but so would you. Together we could make a lasting impact that would change our community forever!

What God Expects of You - Faith

2012-01-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

'Without faith it is impossible to please Him...' Hebrews 11:6

Good Morning,

It was such an incredible day yesterday. The Holy Spirit touched many through healings and answered prayer. Amy and I appreciate all of you as you come with a heart of expectation in worship and the word. We believe together that our God is a big God who takes care of His kids. That's why we must live the word in our lives. The Bible says, 'But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.'

Do you know what God expects of you? Faith! He wants you to trust His Word, His character and His track record of faithfulness. It is impossible to please Him if you don't. The difficulty you're dealing with right now may have to do with where you are in your faith walk with God. That doesn't mean if you're going through trouble, you don't have faith. But while it may not be a lack of faith that got you into trouble, it's the strength of your faith that will bring you through it. You say, 'But shouldn't I be rational?' Yes, but don't be so rational that you fail to leave room for the supernatural. Narcissism is the worship of our own intellect. We say, 'If I don't understand it, I don't believe it.' Then, in essence, you are your own god! You don't really believe in God, you believe in you. What are you going to do when life hands you a problem you can't solve? Before Christ raised Lazarus from the dead He asked Mary and Martha to take Him back to the grave, the place where they stopped believing, the point at which they gave up because of human limitation. Why? Because only when you reach that point, do you discover that God '...is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that [you] ask or think...' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

Don't Be Afraid (2)

2012-01-13T08:49:00.001-08:00

'The word of the Lord came to Abram...saying, "Do not be afraid."' Genesis 15:1 NKJV

Good Morning,
Continuing with the thought on not being afraid...Researchers have found that about forty percent of the things we worry about never happen. Thirty percent are in the past and can't be helped. Twelve percent involve the affairs of others that are not even our business. Ten percent relate to sickness, real or imagined. That means only eight percent of the things we worry about are even likely to happen! Scientists at Yale University have actually identified a 'worry gene'. But they say that while you may have inherited it, you can overcome it. Somebody has said that 'worry is just interest paid on trouble before it comes due.' And in most cases it never comes due. Think; when you worry, there's a ninety-two percent chance you're paying interest on a debt that's not even yours! How foolish is that? Take the fear of flying, for example. You would have to fly every day for nineteen thousand years before the probability of being in a plane crash approaches 100%. Yet it is one of the six most feared causes of death. Someone has said that there are three hundred and sixty-five 'fear nots' in the Bible-one for every day of the year. When you worry, you doubt God and give the devil an entry point into your life. How long have you been doing this? When are you going to stop it? Knowing that Abraham was leaving his comfort zone and his security base, God said, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.' (Genesis 15:1 NIV) And today God's saying the same to you.

Don't Be Afraid (1)

2012-01-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

'The word of the Lord came to Abram...saying, "Do not be afraid."' Genesis 15:1 NKJV

What a beautiful day today...Have you ever been afraid? Something new is happening in your life or changes you weren't sure of has brought some fear? God asked Abraham to do a very difficult thing: '..."Leave your country...and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing..." So Abram left, as the Lord had told him.' (Genesis 12:1-4 NIV) If you're afraid of changing jobs, houses or locations, stand on this Scripture because as a redeemed child of God you are entitled to the blessing of Abraham. All our fears basically come down to these two questions: First: 'Lord, will You protect me?' Secondly: 'Lord, will You provide for me?' With Abraham, God addresses both: 'Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward.' (Genesis 15:1 NIV) The words, 'very great reward,' literally mean, 'I am your unfailing, inexhaustible, ever increasing source of supply.' Awesome! You don't have to go to anybody else for protection or provision; God's got you covered! And notice what happened next. God entered into a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18); He said to him: 'I'll take care of you and your descendants as long as you live.' But there was a problem. 'Then birds of prey came down on the [sacrifice], but Abram drove them away.' (Genesis 15:11 NIV) There's a lesson here. Even though God has promised to take care of you, you must drive away the worries Satan sends to prey on your mind. How do you do that? By standing squarely on the promises God has made to you in His Word. If your worries are overwhelming; the place to start is by admitting that it is through Christ and Christ only do you get your strength!

What Paul Prayed For

2012-01-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

'...we have not stopped praying for you...' Colossians 1:9 NIV

Good Morning,
Ever wonder about prayer? In life we move from season to season and so goes our prayer life if we don't stay connected. The word tells us to pray for one another. Paul tells the Colossians in Colossians 1:9 that he loved them so much he would "not stop praying for them". Sunday I shared a message on how to stay connected in love. Prayer is one way. For Paul when it came to those he loved he prayed: (1) That they would understand the will of God. 'Asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.' Rome was not an easy place to be a Christian, yet Paul wrote: 'Everyone has heard about your obedience...' (Romans 16:19 NIV) Obedience to God's will should be your number one priority. When your name is mentioned, no one should have any doubt as to the level of your commitment to Jesus. (2) That their lives would be pleasing to God. 'That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way...' (Colossians 1:10 NIV) When you stand before God to be rewarded you won't hear the words 'well said' or 'well planned' but, 'Well done, good and faithful servant...' (Matthew 25:21 NKJV) (3) That they would prosper in the work God had given them. '...bearing fruit in every good work...' (Colossians 1:10 NIV) Nothing brings joy to the heart of a parent like seeing their child succeed. And God feels the same way about you. (4) That they would persevere by drawing on His strength. 'Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance...' (Colossians 1:11 NIV) Like a light bulb, you depend on power from another source. So unless you stay connected to God you'll be spiritually weak. (5) That they would praise God. 'Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints...' (Colossians 1:12 NIV) In other words, live with an attitude of gratitude, a heart of praise, and one who always prays.

When You're Under Attack

2012-01-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

'The name of the Lord is a strong tower...' Proverbs 18:10 NKJV

Good Morning,
Thanks to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday yesterday. Had a wonderful day with family and friends topped off by a fine meal @Texas Roadhouse. I wanted to share how awesome service was Sunday! The exclamation point being how marvolus was the moving of God's Spirit in our midst. We saw God touch many lives that brought about Spiritual break through. Our God is incredible...

Today we look at what happens when we come under attack?
Martin Niemoller, a former U-boat captain, was among those in Germany who spoke out against Hitler. Predictably, he was arrested and imprisoned. En route to face his accusers in court he was walking through an underground tunnel when he heard these words: 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.' Niemoller was shocked. There was nobody around who could have said them. Had God spoken to him audibly? In the end it didn't matter because God used His Word to strengthen and encourage one of His own. Apparently a Christian guard, who knew the acoustics inside the tunnel would allow somebody to whisper into the wall and be heard up ahead, had quoted the verse. Niemoller was acquitted but he was still imprisoned for another seven years. When the prosecutor asked, 'How can we imprison a man who's been acquitted?' Hitler replied, 'Because he's my personal prisoner!' Jesus said, '...when people...persecute you and falsely say...evil against you because of Me, rejoice...great is your reward in Heaven...' (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV) Charles Swindoll writes: 'When you're punished for doing the right thing, you've a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounding you (Hebrews 12:1)...faithful men and women who extended the Kingdom and made the world a better place...at great personal cost...Take courage...you fight for the winning side.' The Bible says: '...everyone who wants to live a godly life...will suffer...' (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT) The second that prison-cell door slammed shut, Niemoller joined a distinguished league of saints willing to endure hardship in this life in order to reign with Christ in the next one. How about you? "The name of the Lord is a strong Tower"

Change Can Happen for You!

2012-01-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

'And He...said, "Behold, I make all things new..."' Revelation 21:5 KJV

Good Morning,

Thanks to those who took part in the week of Prayer @CFW. We had some amazing times in the evenings praying with one another. Prayer is the catalyst for relationship with God and allows God to make changes in your life and give you the push we sometimes need in this life. Observe: (1) Change means accepting risk. Your anxiety will kick in and say, 'What if I don't get the job? What if the economy fails? What if I make the effort to change but they don't?' We like ironclad guarantees. The predictable feels less threatening than sticking our necks out. But the price of our security often means remaining stuck with the status quo. Sometimes your greatest risk is taking no risk at all! God often requires you to leave the path that feels and looks safe, for the one that feels and looks risky. 'Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for...the proof of things [we] do not see...' (Hebrews 11:1 AMP) Your faith is foolproof assurance, God's confirmation, the title deed guaranteeing that the change you want will take place if you act on it. (2) Change will happen if failure is not allowed to stop you. Fear of failing often stops us from trying, yet many of God's best people experienced failure on their way to success. Consider Abraham, Moses, Elijah, David etc. All of them succeeded only after dealing with personal failure. Indeed, the richest, most profound change often happens after we've tasted failure. Until then we tend to be cocky and of not much use to God. Peter failed the Lord miserably, and at the most crucial moment. (Matthew 26:72) But he grew, becoming Christ's choice to lead His newly empowered church on the Day of Pentecost, winning three thousand souls. (Acts 2) Don't let anything stop you with God, "behold I make all things new."

This year 'launch out'

2012-01-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' Luke 5:4 NKJV

Good Morning,
Tonight is the last night in our week of Prayer and Amy has setup a special prayer walk in the fellowship hall that is an amazing journey of self introspection with God. Please take the time tonight to come and pray for not only your needs but of those in the body. We start @7 and when you are done you can leave or worship with the worship team while they practice, it's up to you? Sometimes you just have to launch out into new areas of your life that God is challenging you in. Let's take the step together:

Someone has said that mediocrity is just the best of the worst and the worst of the best. Is that what you want this year? If not, you must be willing to leave the safety of where you are, and go where God wants to take you. After fishing all night and catching nothing Jesus told His disciples, 'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' In other words, leave the safety of the shoreline and be willing to face the fury of the storm, knowing that God is with you. Helen Keller, who overcame incredible challenges, reportedly said, 'Security is a myth. The reason we don't experience it is because it doesn't exist. Avoiding danger or failure is no safer in the long run than out-right risk. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.' Launching out means setting goals, establishing a plan to reach them, and becoming accountable. It requires staying in sync with God's will, confronting your fears and discovering the rewards that lie on the other side of them. It demands looking in the mirror, and respecting or correcting what you're becoming. It calls for devoting your life to something greater than yourself, even when others don't understand. It's having an 'I will fear no evil for You are with me' attitude, and attempting great things for God. As you enter this New Year, stop and recall God's goodness. Check the price tag on His will for your life against what you're already paying, and compare the rewards of both. Then, 'launch out' and don't look back!

Who Is Influencing You?

2012-01-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

'...But who do you say I am?' Matthew 16:15 NLT

Good Morning,

Wonderful time of prayer last night as we prayed for needs of many and believe our God will move on our behalf. It's wonderful to have a confidence in prayer that leads to answers. I hope you will join us again tonight as we meet @7pm here @CFW. This morning let's look at who's influencing your life...Matthew writes: 'One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that He show them a miraculous sign from Heaven to prove His authority.' (Matthew 16:1 NLT) The Pharisees were bound by tradition, so they opposed anything new. The Sadducees were bound by reason, so they opposed anything supernatural. Since Christ brought a new revelation of God and a new dimension of His power, both the Pharisees and Sadducees opposed Him. So Jesus warned His disciples: 'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' (v6 NLT) In a culture where people used yeast to make bread, Christ's point came through loud and clear. Just as yeast works silently and spreads slowly, so doubt and unbelief work the same way in our hearts and minds. Then Christ asked His disciples two questions. First: 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' (v13 NLT) He wanted them to know when their thinking was being negatively influenced by those around them so that they would be on guard against it. Secondly: 'Who do you say I am?' Immediately Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' (v16 NLT) Jesus replied, 'You are blessed, Simon son of John, because My Father in Heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.' (v17 NLT) There are things that people can teach you and if you're wise you will listen. But there are things that only the Lord can reveal to you and if you're wise you'll listen and do what He says.

You are loved!

Pray Every Day

2012-01-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

'Devote yourselves to prayer...' Colossians 4:2 NAS
Good Morning,
This week we begin our week of prayer. This focused prayer time is set aside once a year for our church body to come together and pray for the needs of our church, community, and nation. Many of you signed up to pray for an hour a day and I pray that you will keep that commitment. Each night this week the church will be open for corporate prayer @7pm. On Thursday we will have a special prayer walk set-up for personal interspection. I hope that you can take sometime from your busy schedules to be a part of this incredible time. The bible tells us "to devote ourselves to Prayer". How do we do that?

One little girl threw one of her shoes under the bed before going to sleep. When her mom asked why, she replied, 'My Sunday school teacher said if I have to get down by my bed in the morning and look for my shoe, it'll remind me to say my prayers while I'm there.' If it helps, throw your shoe's under the bed! Prayer is the life force that sustains us spiritually. David wrote and we sang this song Sunday: 'As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You...My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?' (Psalm 42:1-2 NIV) In his book, The Power and Blessing, Pastor Jack Hayford writes: 'I had gone on vacation, and I needed it! It was delightful to get to the beach. But about the fourth day...I found I was feeling empty inside. Then it occurred to me that for four days I hadn't read a word of Scripture, prayed a prayer or sung a song of praise. It was just kind of 'Let's get away from it all.' We were so involved with church that we didn't want to do anything 'godly' for a while. But suddenly I was called back by the inner hollowness I felt. Through that experience I learned that I can't recover at a physical or emotional level, if I neglect the spiritual level.' The Bible says: 'Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.' Only when you've spent time in God's presence and drawn strength from Him, will you be equal to the challenges you face on any given day.

Put Your Faith to Work (3)

2011-12-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

'...Your faith has made you well.' Luke 17:19 NKJV

Good Morning,
It doesn't get any better than 50 some degrees in December. I was reading out Psalms this morning in 130:5 "I wait for the Lord my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope". That reading so encouraged me and lifted my faith today. It is through His word that we see the promises He has for us to believe, to lift our faith. Luke records something special about faith: 'As He...passed through...Samaria...there met Him ten...lepers, who... lifted up their voices and said, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!' So when He saw them, He said...'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.' (Luke 17:11-14 NKJV) In Christ's day lepers were social outcasts, so they lived together in a colony. But the problem is, you can't get well hanging around people who are as messed up as you are. That's why you need to bring the problem to Jesus. Notice the words, 'He passed through.' Jesus didn't go to the leper colony, He was just passing through. What do you do when you're losing your life, your family, your joy, your finances etc, and Jesus doesn't seem to be looking in your direction? You can get frustrated when it feels like He's blessing everybody but you, and wonder, 'Lord, when is my turn coming? I've served You faithfully, yet it seems like everybody else is the object of Your attention.' It's time to cry out, 'Jesus, have mercy on me!' Away with dignity and decorum, desperate people pray desperate prayers and God responds to their prayers. Notice, when Jesus was passing by these lepers they did not shout, 'Unclean,' as the law required. No, they broke protocol. When you're in a bad situation, sometimes you have to break out in order to break through. You've got to do what David did: 'I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.' (Psalm 3:4 NJKV) Come on, if you want an answer, put your faith to work!

Put Your Faith to Work (2)

2011-12-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

'...Your faith has made you well.' Luke 17:19 NKJV

Good Morning,
You get the two for one deal today. I make up these devotions for future use and grabbed the wrong one. Oh well I know you'll enjoy one from the past. Maybe one of you needed to hear that today and if that's so...please e-mail me and let me know. I pray that these touch you're lives everyday they are sent. Not enough coffee in the system but here we go again. The Syrian army had surrounded the city of Samaria and its population was dying of starvation. Having lived off scraps of bread that folks threw over the wall each day, four lepers quickly assessed that they were in trouble. They said, 'Why sit here until we die?' (2 Kings 7:3 TLB) So they went into the enemy's camp, only to discover God had worked a miracle, causing the Syrians to flee in terror, leaving behind them food, water and riches. What do we learn from these four lepers? When you put your faith into action, God will go to work on your behalf. But you have to rise up and say, 'If I'm going to die, I'm going to do it reaching for something, building something, going after something.' When it feels like you are down for the count of ten, you have to rise up and say, 'I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.' (Psalm 118:17 NKJV) That kind of faith gets God's attention every time.When you get desperate enough you won't care who God uses, you'll be willing to receive any help He sends your way. Naaman the leper, a five-star general in the Syrian army, humbled himself and became willing to listen to a girl who washed dishes and made beds in his house. (That's because she had an answer from God!) He was even willing to dip seven times in the dirtiest river around, in order to come up clean. (2 Kings 5:1-19) Faith says, 'I don't care where I have to go, what I have to do or who I have to listen to, whatever God says, I'll do it.'

Put Your Faith to Work (1)

2011-12-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

'...Your faith has made you well.' Luke 17:19 NKJV

Good morning,
Amy and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Back to work for many of you and the team at CFW as well. Next week we start our week of prayer and I hope that you will sign up to pray this Sunday for the various needs of the church and those in your lives. We will have the church open each night for one hour for you to come and pray with Thursdays time a special prayer walk setup in the fellowship hall that will help you reflect even further with God. This morning we look at how to put your faith to work.

We become so engrossed in what we see, feel and hear, that we operate within our natural senses rather than our spiritual ones. 'Through your faith, God is protecting you by His power.' (1 Peter 1:5 NLT) Your 'faith' is what activates the power of God. Before a stone becomes a diamond it's just carbon put under extremely high pressure. The Bible says, 'These trials will show that your faith is genuine.' (v7 NLT) Trouble not only places a demand on your faith, but reveals the depth of it. You don't really know much about your faith when your bills are paid, your body is healthy, your children are acting right and your marriage is intact. But when all hell is breaking loose and you trust God to bring you through it, you know you've got faith. Sometimes we think we're doing better spiritually than we are. But often the enemy has not ceased to attack, he's just moved from doing it in the natural realm to doing it in the spiritual realm. He's attacking your mind, your rest, your peace, your emotions and your thought life. So what can you do? Lift up the shield of faith and stop his flaming arrows. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and use it to drive him back. (See Ephesians 6:17.) Put your faith to work. Say, 'Enough is enough,' and begin to take back what the enemy has stolen from you. For that's your right as a child of God!

The truth of the Virgin Birth

2011-12-23T08:45:00.001-08:00

'The virgin will...give birth to a son...' Matthew 1:23 NIV

Good Morning and Merry Christmas!

I hope you will join us this Sunday as we celebrate together this Christmas season...There will be fellowship after service so please bring some Christmas cookies to share. My message Sunday is out of Isaiah 9 looking at the names given to Christ that were fortold 700 years before His birth. In Matthew 1:23 Heaven announced the birth of Jesus in these words: 'The virgin will...give birth to a son, and...call Him Immanuel-which means, 'God with us.' Isn't it ironic that the first people to question the miracle of the virgin birth were religious leaders? The Pharisees said to Jesus, 'We were not born of fornication...' (John 8:41 NKJV) Their insinuation was clear and cruel. After all, Jesus couldn't point to Joseph and say, 'He's my father.' Understand this: Jesus had to be man in order to die, and He had to be God in order to save. You are the child of an earthly father, so you were 'born in sin'. But Jesus was the child of a heavenly Father, so He broke the genetic cycle of sin before He was born. In the Old Testament a sacrificial lamb had to be without blemish (birth defect) or spot (something picked up along the way). Since Jesus had neither inherited sin nor practiced sin, He qualifies as '...the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.' (John 1:29 NAS) The virgin birth is true because: (a) The angel of the Lord announced it (Matthew 1:20); (b) Mary's husband-to-be accepted it (Matthew 1:24); (c) Elizabeth, her cousin, received it by divine revelation (Luke 1:41-42); (d) The story was written by a well-respected medical doctor who knew the character of all concerned: '...since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you...that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.' (Luke 1:3-4 NIV) Christmas is a fact, not a feeling....Merry Christmas to all!

Don't Be Afraid of Failure (3)

2011-12-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

'A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again...' Proverbs 24:16 NKJV

Good Morning,
Its getting close to Christmas. Can you hear the sounds of those who are in Need? I hope you can and will make someones Christmas a awesome one...
The Psalmist wrote: 'Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your Word.' (Psalm 119:67 NKJV) By doing it the wrong way, he eventually learned to do it the right way. The truth is, when you fail in one area, it can drive you to explore other areas. Most of life's successes are based on the principle of trial and error. Often failure is not falling short of your goal, it's simply not making the effort. Failure can actually help you discover your area of success. For example, when you hate your job you will likely fail in it. Yet it's in losing that hated position that you may be pressed to pursue what you really like to do, and are called to do. Another benefit of failure is that it makes you less judgmental of others. When you've experienced failure you become more sympathetic. Instead of pointing an accusing finger, you see the need to extend a helping hand. Instead of saying foolish things like, 'I can't believe you did that,' you remember the pit God dug you out of and say with gratitude and humility, 'Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.' You know how it hurts to fail, and you feel their pain because of what you've been through. This makes you a better friend, a better mentor and a better example of grace. Jesus told Peter: '...Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.' (Luke 22:31-32 NKJV)

Don't Be Afraid of Failure (2)

2011-12-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

'A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again...' Proverbs 24:16 NKJV

Good Morning,
Continuing in Proverbs 24; Star baseball players only hit the ball about three out of every ten times. How do they live with such a high failure rate? By focusing on the law of averages. They know that if they just keep swinging the bat, they'll get on base. In 1952 Roger Bannister ran in the Olympics and finished in fourth place, failing to win any kind of medal. But he refused to quit. Up until this time many experts considered it humanly impossible to run the mile in under four minutes. Yet that was Bannister's goal. And on 6 May 1954, he became the first man to do it. Now runners do it regularly. What's the point? If you refuse to quit when you fail, you'll ultimately succeed. You just have to be willing to get back up and keep moving forward. In 1832 Abraham Lincoln was defeated for the State Legislature. In 1833 he failed in business. In 1835 his sweetheart died. In 1836 he had a nervous breakdown. In 1838 he was defeated for Illinois House Speaker. In 1843 he was defeated for nomination to Congress. In 1854 he was defeated for the US Senate. In 1856 he was defeated for nomination for Vice President. In 1858 he was defeated again in a US Senate race. But today he is considered one of America's greatest presidents. A wise man concluded: 'It's a mistake to suppose that people succeed only through success; they often succeed through failures.' And you're not defeated until the past takes your focus off the future. So don't be afraid of failure. Jesus was considered a failure and yet the greatest gift ever given was through Him!

Trials

2011-12-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

''Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials.'' James 1:2

Good Morning,
Many of us have things happen to us every day or every week that challenges our faith. James shows us how to overcome the challenge when he writes: 'Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance...that you may be perfect and complete' (vv. 2-4 NAS). Peter writes: '...don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you' (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). Trials are the common thread that unites us. When you get through with one, chances are there's another one coming up the road. That's why James didn't say, 'if,' but 'when you encounter...trials.' Observe: 1) Trials come in various categories. They're physical, emotional, financial, and relational; it's not a one-size-fits-all deal. Some are shocking, like the unexpected loss of a loved one; others are more drawn out, like an acrimonious divorce or a prolonged illness. Some play out in public while others take place in your own private hell. Some are due to your own, or other people's mistakes; others have nothing whatsoever to do with human shortcomings. 2) Trials test our faith. They bring us back to basics and remind us where our priorities should lie. One Bible teacher says, 'During...intense trials I go back to...what I really believe...elementals such as prayer and dependence...getting quiet and waiting on God. Trials...force us back to the bedrock of faith upon which our foundation rests, and this becomes a refining and necessary process.' 3) Trialsmature us. When we're suffering there's a tendency to try to look for the quick way out. Don't do that. Trials are designed to make us 'complete.' By letting them do their work, you end up stronger.

Moving On to Maturity (1)

2011-12-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

'Let us go on...and become mature...' Hebrews 6:1 TLB
Good Morning,

Amy & I made it back safely from our trip to Seattle yesterday. Thanks for all your prayers. As we get older we begin to mature and catch ourselves sometimes thinking job well done or I might need work in that area. Spiritually, some of us haven't grown up. 'You...ought to be teaching others, but instead you...need someone to teach you...until you become...mature...' (Hebrews 5:12-6:1 TLB) Just as there are signs of physical growth, there are hallmarks of spiritual maturity like the ones mentioned in 1 Peter 3:8 AMP: (1) 'Be...united in spirit.' Now unity isn't the same as uniformity where everybody has to think alike or even unanimity where we have to agree about everything. Unity is focusing on what unites us, instead of the petty issues that divide us. (2) 'Sympathising with one another.' The Greek interpretation of the word sympathy is 'to feel for' others. 'When [they're] happy, be happy with them...when they are sad, be sad.' (Romans 12:15 CEV) When you become more concerned about others than you are about yourself, you're starting to mature. (3) 'Loving each other.' We all need friends to love and support us. The president of Taylor University said one of his greatest hopes is to end up with eight friends who'll attend his funeral without once checking their watches! (4) 'Be...compassionate.' In a high-tech age it's easy to tune out those in need. When Jesus saw people, '...He felt compassion...because they were distressed and dispirited...' (Matthew 9:36 NAS) Hurting people touched His heart, and they should touch ours too. (5) 'Be...humble.' Charles Swindoll says, 'Look for opportunities to give...to build up rather than tearing down, to serve rather than being served, to learn from others rather than clamoring for the teaching stand.' So, how are you doing so far?

Learn to Delegate

2011-12-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

'This job is too heavy...to handle all by yourself.' Exodus 18:18 NLT
Good Morning,
I hope and pray that as your day goes on God gives you directed opportunites to minister in His name. This morning we are looking at Delegating. President Reagan said, 'Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere.' Yet in our eagerness to please God we take on responsibilities that are 'too heavy...to handle all by [ourselves].' Moses was spending every waking minute listening to complaints from long lines of people. Finally his father-in-law said, 'You're going to wear yourself out-and the people, too,' and advised him to appoint capable leaders to 'help...carry the load.' (Exodus 18:22 NLT) It was a win-win solution; the people got help faster, and Moses became a better leader. Henry and Richard Blackaby write: 'One of our greatest challenges...is determining what God doesn't want us to do! We love God, we love His people, and we see many needs. But sometimes good intentions cause more harm than good...When you become aware of a need, don't automatically assume God wants you to meet it. The only reason to perform ministry is when God clearly tells you it's His will. If you're overwhelmed...you're probably doing more than God asked. Pray about the assignments you take on, so you don't rob yourself and others of God's best.' Jon Walker adds: 'Imagine if God created you to be the Michelangelo of this age but you stayed so busy doing all kinds of things-good things-that you never got around to painting and sculpting. You'd end up missing the best because you got distracted chasing the good. What a disappointment...for God...and all the people who would have been blessed if you'd stayed focused on your original purpose.' Learn to delegate. But never use this as a exuse to do nothing. Release the burdens God never meant you to carry, and focus on what He called you to do.

Three Rules for Living

2011-12-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

'For the Lord gives wisdom...' Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
Good Morning,
What a awesome day yesterday. Christmas songs, the word on Wise Men still Seek Him, touched hearts, and all of you just sticking around to fellowship with each other was so wonderful to see. I asked my self the question how do we succed in life? To succeed in life you must do these three things: (1) Decide what's important. The story's told of a family who moved to the country to get away from the city. They decided to raise cattle so they bought a ranch. One day a friend visited them and asked what they'd named it. Dad said, 'I wanted to call it The Flying-W, but Mom wanted to call it The Suzy-Q. One of our sons liked The Bar-J, but our daughter preferred The Lazy-Y. So we compromised and called it The Flying-W, Suzy-Q, Bar-J, Lazy-Y Ranch.' The friend asked, 'How are your cattle doing?' Dad replied, 'We don't have any. They didn't survive the branding.' Come on, decide what's important to you! (2) Prioritize your time. Too many of us are like the store owner who got so busy trying to keep the place clean that he forgot to open the front door. The reason you're in business is to serve customers and make a profit, not get distracted by secondary things. Base your life's decisions on your priorities. And if you need help figuring out what they are, ask God: 'For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.' (3) Learn to motivate yourself. Most times, nobody else will. When tragedy struck his life, we read: 'David encouraged himself in the Lord...' (1 Samuel 30:6 KJV) You need to learn how to do that too. Jude writes: '...building up yourselves...praying in the Holy Ghost.' (Jude 1:20 KJV) To succeed in life you must learn to encourage yourself, pray and build yourself up in what God has for you...

Change Can Happen for You! (2)

2011-12-09T07:55:00.001-08:00

'And He...said, "Behold, I make all things new..."' Revelation 21:5 KJV

Good Morning,

When asking God about helping you make the right choices, here are two more life-changing principles: (1) You must be willing to change unconditionally. In the early stage of therapy counselors bump into the 'change-if' syndrome. The client sees change as a strategy of give-to-get: 'I'll change if they are willing to do... If not, I won't.' With God, your reward for changing is intrinsic. You get the joy of His approval, plus all the benefits that follow from being a changed person. This includes God's gift of '...salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.' (Revelation 3:18 NIV) The ability to see things clearly will enable you to understand the problem and deal with it effectively, regardless of what someone else does or doesn't do. (2) You must accept the truth that change means letting go of the past. Whatever you cling to ultimately controls you. If the offence resulted from your actions, or the loss from your poor judgment, confess it to God, receive forgiveness and leave it at the cross. If it was the other person's fault but you've held onto it because you think you're the innocent party and 'deserve your pound of flesh', the freedom you forfeit and the options you miss are too high a price for the false comfort of being right. 'Forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you' (Ephesians 4:32 NIV) will release you from the chains of resentment, giving you back your future. If you're bound by chains of regret over 'coulda, woulda', shoulda' God stands ready to make your future better than your past could ever have been.(Joel 2:25)

Change Can Happen for You! (1)

2011-12-08T09:33:00.001-08:00

'And He...said, "Behold, I make all things new..."' Revelation 21:5 KJV

Good Morning,

On Tuesday in our Fuel Group we had the opportunity to see how God can move and change our lives; but it means we must do something? Expect Gods help because the Bible's story is one of change from Genesis, the book of 'beginnings', to Revelation, where God says: 'Behold, I make all things new.' Whatever your situation today, change is possible through Him. However often you've repented, confessed and tried changing, God can change what you can't-and make it last. But change requires understanding certain principles. Let's look at them: (1) You don't need to change others in order to change your life. 'I'd be happier if he'd stop...' 'Things won't improve for me till she...' Such beliefs make you focus on the problem and not the solution, makes us ignore realistic options and feed depression instead. 'Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others.' (Galatians 6:4 NCV) Instead of trying to change others, which only produces resistance and resentment, let God show you what you need to do differently to improve your handling of the problem. When you stop doing what doesn't work and change your reactions to the problem, others often change spontaneously. (2) True change begins by addressing your relationship with God. Bitterness and frustration over problems just result in distancing from God, leaving you to handle the issue in your own strength. Surrendering to Him changes you fundamentally, challenging pride, envy, resentment, fear, dishonesty etc-characteristics of poor change management. 'Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord.' (Lamentations 3:40 NKJV) With 'our lives under God', we're more honest, self-aware, able to perceive realistically; we're respectful, and prepared to become God's change agents.

Just Enough

2011-12-07T09:05:00.001-08:00

'...Each family had just what it needed.' Exodus 16:18 NLT
Good Morning,

I love how God supplies to each of us just when we need it. Exodus gives us a glimpse how God works on our behalf. In the wilderness God provided His people with manna so that they wouldn't go hungry. It appeared miraculously each morning: 'Everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered...a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.' Ever notice there are times in life when God's blessings seem to '...overtake you...'? (Deuteronomy 28:2 NAS) Your prayers are getting answered, the doctor's report is good, the bills are paid, your job is going great and your children are finally on the right track. When that happens, rejoice and thank God for His goodness. Then there are other times when He gives you 'just enough' light to take one more step. That's when He's teaching you to trust Him on a daily (or sometimes hourly) basis; to test His Word and see for yourself that '...His mercies...are new every morning...' (Lamentations 3:22-23 NCV) Bottom line: God never lets us gather tomorrow's manna today. The Bible says He will '...supply all your need according to His riches in glory.' (Philippians 4:19 KJV) He wants you to rely on the Giver and not the gift, to trust Him to meet all your needs, and to expect that He will bring good things out of bad situations. Instead of getting stressed out, He wants you to '...let [all] your requests be made known to God' (Philippians 4:6 NKJV), to stop fretting when you're alone because He will '...never leave you nor forsake you' (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV); to realize that no matter what life throws at you, you never have to question His love because it's '...everlasting...' (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV) So stop and think before you fret...who's your Daddy?

When Nobody's Looking

2011-12-06T10:34:00.001-08:00

'Glancing this way and that and seeing no one...' Exodus 2:12 NIV

Good Morning,

Amy & I took yesterday off so sorry you didn't get a devotional. Thanks to God and John Shane for a great message Sunday, and to our team for being faithful. What happens in your life when no one else is looking? When Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand, he looked around to make sure no one was watching. Ever done something wrong when nobody was watching? We all have! Mark Roberts says he counseled people whose business travel made them vulnerable. 'An executive found that...away from home, she was inappropriately flirtatious, even though she loved her husband and wanted to remain faithful to him. A high-powered professional struggled not to watch pornography in hotel rooms even though he was not tempted...at home. The internet sets innumerable ethical traps... By frequenting an online chat room, a wife became entangled in an emotional relationship with a man who was not her husband. In all of these cases, the sense that "no one was watching" allowed people to sin in ways they would never have done in ordinary, observed life.' Here's what you need to realize: (1) God sees you when nobody else does. When you couple that with a desire to please Him and not grieve Him, it makes a difference in how you act. (2) 'The godly offer good counsel...' (Psalm 37:30 NLT) If you know you're vulnerable in a certain area, share it with someone who will pray for you and hold you accountable. (Nowadays there are even computer programs that will monitor your Internet activity and send a report to others). (3) Avoid situations that afford you too much privacy. One woman closed her personal bank account and opened a joint account with her husband because her spending was out of control. God created you to live in relationship with others, and the more open and honest you are, the less likely you'll be to stray.

Stop Hiding!

2011-12-02T08:08:00.001-08:00

'The Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?"' Genesis 3:9 NIV

Good Morning,
Thanks to all those who helped out last night with the Christmas Decorating, the church looks amazing! Todays devotional asks the question; are you hiding? The first recorded question God ever asked was, '[Adam]...Where are you?' And it's a question you need to stop and ask yourself today: 'Where am I-really?' If you don't know the answer, or you do but you don't like it, then today's devotion is for you. When God asked Adam, 'Where are you?' he responded by saying, 'I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.' (Genesis 3:10 NIV) It's amazing the lengths we will go to in order to hide. We'll bury ourselves in work or get involved in an affair or build a wall around our hearts-anything but face the truth. God wasn't trying to find Adam; He just wanted Adam to find himself. Until you do that, you're truly lost. And the problem is, when you hide you become a phony. Have you any idea how much emotional energy it requires to keep up a charade for others? Only two things are worse: being a phony with yourself and being a phony with God. Furthermore, you'll find it difficult to be honest with others or look them in the eye. Why? Because you'll be afraid they might look into your heart and see the real you. Is that where you are today? Afraid to look into your own heart? The good news is, Adam was naked but God clothed him; he was guilty but God cleansed him; he was anxious but God comforted him. And if you come to Him today God will cleanse you, clothe you and comfort you. He's just waiting for the opportunity to do it!

Gods Grace

2011-12-01T10:37:00.001-08:00

'If by grace, then it is no longer by works...' Romans 11:6 NIV

Good Morning,

I love the scripture in Romans 11:6 where Paul writes: 'And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.' Dr. Gerald Mann tells the fascinating story of how he got his doctorate in Greek. There were only six students in his class. The professor had never given anyone an A. On the first day he held up a Greek textbook and to their amazement he announced, 'I have already written your grades and no matter how much you study or what you score, I have given every one of you an A!' Dr. Mann said, 'Out of six students, five of us learned more Greek in that class than we ever thought possible. The other fellow just got by and never really applied himself.' Understand this: Grace is the power to excel or license to just get by. Either way, you're accepted and considered righteous in God's eyes the moment you trust in Christ. Why would God arrange it that way? Because the love He gives us is unconditional, and only a response of love can satisfy Him. What an amazing truth; God makes Himself vulnerable to the rejection of people like us! Perhaps you're wondering, 'How can I prove that I truly love God?' That's easy: you'll love your brother and sister. (1 John 4:21) You'll love God's Word. (Psalm 119:97) You'll love spending time in prayer. (Jeremiah 29:12) Grace, rightly understood, doesn't prevent holiness, it produces it. 'The grace of God that brings salvation...teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives...' (Titus 2:11-12 NIV)

How's Your Relationship with God? (3)

2011-11-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

'...I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.' John 5:30 NKJV

Good Morning,

I pray God has been speaking to your hearts about your relationship. It's hard walking this life without doubt and worry sometimes. But the biggest thing to keeping us on track is our daily relationship with Him. This morning we examine the third thing that describes Christ's relationship with the Father, that is obedience. Jesus said: 'As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.' Jesus neither considered nor consulted His own will in the matter. Instead He focused like a laser on one thing-doing the will of God, no more and no less. Note the words, 'As I hear.' When you have heard from God the discussion is over; it's time to act. God's not going to change His mind, so you need to start changing yours and 'get with the program.' When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, you give up three basic rights: (a) What it will cost you; (b) Where it will take you; (c) The extent to which it will change you. In order to enjoy a relationship with Jesus similar to the one which He had with His Father, that's the price tag! You say, 'That sounds very demanding.' Yes, but it's also very protective. When God told His people to do something, He also told them why: '...that it might go well with you...' (Deuteronomy 5:33, 6:3, 12:28) God's not trying to cramp your style, make your life hard or put you in a straitjacket. He's a Father who wants only the best for His children. Isn't that what every good parent wants? So when you walk in obedience, God's best is what you will get.

How's Your Relationship with God? (2)

2011-11-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

'...I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.' John 5:30 NKJV

Good Morning,
Continuing this morning with the question: "How's your relationship with God". There are three things that describe Christ's relationship with His Father: intimacy, dependency and obedience. Today let's look at His dependency on God. 'The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.' (John 5:19 NKJV) Jesus knew He couldn't do anything without His Father, so He didn't bother to try. We, on the other hand, sing, 'Without Him I can do nothing,' then go out and act like it all depends on us. If we succeed, we often become so conceited that nobody can stand us. And if we fail, it's usually because we collapsed under the weight of an assignment God didn't give us in the first place. Have you ever wondered why Jesus never struggled with insecurity or battled the fear of failure like we do? Because it never even occurred to Him that He couldn't do something which His Father had already assured Him He could do. When you know you have heard from God you can face any obstacle or enemy with confidence. God will never give you an assignment that does not require His wisdom and undergirding strength. Indeed, every act of God in your life is designed to increase, not decrease, your dependence on Him. You say, 'But I have talent. I can do a lot of things!' Yes, but you can do nothing that matters in God's eyes. So before you begin your day, kneel and pray, 'Lord, I'm counting on You, and I don't have a backup plan!' Have a great day!

How's Your Relationship with God? (1)

2011-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

'...I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.' John 5:30 NKJV

Good Morning,

What a awesome service yesterday! Thanks for responding to the spirits touch. I hope and pray that through this series on Stewardship you will chose to make your life count for Christ in every area, Time, Talent, Spiritual Gifts, and Finances. It will change your life...So how's your relationship with God? The relationship Jesus had with His Father is the kind of relationship that He wants you to have with Him. Three things describe that relationship. For the next few days let's look at each of them: First: Intimacy. Jesus said, 'The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does...' (John 5:20 NIV) You interact with many people throughout the day, but you only share your heart with those you trust, and with whom you have a close relationship. So, how close are you to God right now? Close enough to hear when He speaks to you? Close enough to know when you've said or done something which has grieved Him? Close enough to feel the warmth of His presence? The truth is, you are as close to God right now as you desire to be, decide to be, and discipline yourself to be. Nothing is born unless there is first an act of intimacy between two people, and intimacy is based on one word: 'desire'. How much do you desire God? David said, 'O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You...' (Psalm 63:1 NIV) Do you desire His house? 'They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights.' (Psalm 36:8 NIV) Do you desire His Word? 'I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.' (Job 23:12 NIV) I hope you are chosing Intimacy its always the first step....

More Than Conquerors (2)

2011-11-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

'...who always leads us in triumph in Christ...' 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

Good Morning,

We are continuing on with being more than conquerors. In life there many things we will have to overcome and one of these your family environment. None of us come from an ideal family. Many will experience things like rejection; physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse; poverty; rage; drug addiction; alcoholism; divorce etc. Years later we still struggle with things like low self-worth, marital failure, loneliness, depression, addiction, anxiety, anger control and dysfunctional parenting. But having a bad start doesn't mean you can't have a great finish. Your life today is more than what happened yesterday; it's about what you do with what happened yesterday. Consider Jephthah's family background. He was born to a prostitute, kicked out of the house by his brothers, robbed of his rightful inheritance, disappointed in religious leaders, a refugee and rebel living in a cave (Judges 11). But unbowed, he defied defeat, trained a motley militia of rejects, delivered Israel from their enemies, and made it into faith's hall of fame with Abraham, Moses and David (Hebrews 11). How did he do it? He started where he was, he took what he had, and he did what he could. By faith he seized his God-given opportunity. You are more than the product of your environment. Whatever happened back then, you're now '...a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!' (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) Live in the new and renounce the old! 'He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.' (1 John 4:4 NKJV)

More Than Conquerors (1)

2011-11-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

'...who always leads us in triumph in Christ...' 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

Good Morning,

It's always a great day when we wake up and feel like we can conqueror the world. Jesus said, '...Here on earth you will have many trials...' (John 16:33 NLT) Having problems doesn't mean you're a fake, a failure or the focus of God's displeasure. The storm tested both the believer's and the unbeliever's house. (Matthew 7:24-27) But the believer overcame it. So what's God's goal? To make you an over comer, not an escape artist! 'Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.' Yes, God will deliver you but first He will develop you. There are problems you can't avoid and must deal with, such as: Your physical heredity. In a society obsessed with 'looks,' are you unhappy about yours? Feel too tall, too short, unattractive, not athletic; you're apple-shaped, pear-shaped, your nose is all wrong? Got freckles, double chin, protruding ears? Tried to darken it, lighten it, accentuate it, hide it, reduce it, enlarge it, but it never looks the way you wish? Beware of our culture's carnal norms. '...They measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another...without understanding.' (2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV) The Bible points out that 'sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator...[who say], "Stop, You're doing it wrong!"' (Isaiah 45:9 NLT) Look your best, but accept what you can't change. God doesn't make mistakes. Don't be like those 'without understanding.' 'People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT) Adopt God's standard, not man's. Start appreciating yourself. Then you can appreciate others.

Faith and Fantasy (2)

2011-11-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

'...They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.' Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV

Good Morning,
Thanks team for a wonderful day of Thanksgiving yesterday. The spirit's presence was so sweet. So was the meal we shared after service. Thanks to the Hospitality team and Melissa who made it happen.

Continuing from Friday's devotional Jesus said, 'Ask, and it will be given to you...' (Matthew 7:7 NKJV) But that promise is qualified by this condition: what you're asking for must be in harmony with God's will. (1 John 5:14) When you sign a legal contract you cannot afford to overlook the fine print. And as someone with a dream, you can't afford to overlook reality. If you do, reality will stop you cold in your tracks. When God gives you a dream, He gives you all that's needed to fulfill it. The more unrealistic your dream, the more you'll be tempted to depend upon things you cannot control (such as luck). You must balance the boldness of dreaming with the reality of your situation. Yes, you need to reach far beyond what you think you're capable of, but at the same time base what you do on your strengths and other factors within your control. The more concerned you become with things you can't control, the less you will do to improve the things you can control. And when you do that, you start living in a fantasy world. When God gives you a dream it will play to your strengths. Catherine B. Ahles observed: 'We spend most of our twenties discovering all of the hundreds of things we can be. But as we mature into our thirties, we begin to discover all of the things we will never be. The challenge for us is to reach our forties and beyond and put it all together-to know our capabilities and recognize our limitations-and become the best we can be.' That's all God is asking us to be for HIm...The best we can be!

Faith and Fantasy (1)

2011-11-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

'...They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.' Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV

Just a reminder that tonight 11.18 @7pm is our Family Connection @Calvary. Worship, the word, and a special time to give thanks to God for what he's done in your life this year.

Many people have been sold a bill of goods when it comes to dreams. The saying, 'If you believe it, you can achieve it,' is simply not true. Just about every child dreams of being able to fly like a bird but it's not going to happen, no matter how much they imagine it. Ever watch AmericanIdol? Some of the contestants are clueless when it comes to their ability. They sing off key, they screech, they bellow and they howl. And when they're told that they're not good enough by the judges, these wannabe stars throw tantrums and say, 'That's just your opinion. I'm great.' We all need a reality check. Faith is not fantasy. It's not mind over matter. It's not having a lottery mindset. People who think this way believe that if they somehow show up at the right place at the right time and make the right connections, then presto, their fantasy will come true! Wouldn't it be nice if it were that easy? But it isn't. Ralph Waldo Emerson observed: 'Shallow men believe in luck...strong men believe in cause and effect.' When God gives you a dream you need faith to bring it to pass. So the question you need to ask yourself is, 'Is my dream from God?' When it is, you'll have the necessary gifts and talents to fulfill it. And what you lack, God will provide in additional relationships and resources. The trouble with chasing a fantasy is that while you're doing it you're not fulfilling the dream God has given you for your life.

Confront Your Fears (2)

2011-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

'God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Continuing this morning with Confronting your Fears....A tourist was driving through the countryside when he saw an old farmer sitting in a rocking chair on his porch. Behind his farmhouse was seventy-five acres of land. The tourist asked, 'Is that your land?' 'Yep,' he replied. 'Well, what are you doing with it? Thinking of growing cotton?' the tourist asked. 'Nope, I'm afraid the boll weevils will get it,' said the farmer. 'What about corn?' the tourist asked. 'No, I'm afraid the locusts will eat it,' he replied. 'Well,' the tourist asked, 'What about raising cattle?' The farmer said, 'I'm afraid the price of beef might go down.' 'So, what are you going to do with all that prime farmland?' the tourist asked. 'Nothing. I'm just going to play it safe.'

Is that how you feel? When you choose to play it safe in life, your potential for success is like that barren wasteland. As long as fear rules your life you won't step out in faith and fulfill your destiny. The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Isn't it better to risk failure and do what God wants, than risk displeasing Him? We've all experienced the fear that makes us want to pull back. Only those who overcome it go far in life. '...Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.' (Psalm 35:27 NKJV) Conquering the fear of failure begins with believing: 'God wants me to succeed.' Undergirded by that truth you cannot only defy your fears but defeat them.

Confront Your Fears (1)

2011-11-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

'God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Good Morning,
I love the scripture this morning out of 2nd Timothy. Paul is addressing a real feeling of Timothy's. Timothy was in the midst of pastoring his first church something he had never done before. We too can be overcome with fear when we are experienceing something new, like a new job or a new relationship or a new investment strategy. You will never succeed as long as you keep giving in to fear. The corporate world risks failure every time they launch another product. The fashion world risks failure with each new clothing line. Yet they're willing to take multimillion-dollar risks to improve their merchandise and boost their sales. Do they always win? No, but without taking a risk they've no chance of succeeding at all. A poet wrote: 'There was a very cautious man who never laughed or played; he never risked, he never tried, he never sang or prayed. And when one day he passed away, his insurance was denied; for since he never really lived, they claimed he never died!' The fact is, we all fail! The failure rate of the human race is one hundred percent, and everyone (you included) qualifies for membership in this club. But that doesn't mean you have to live in the fear of failure. Faith in God is what gives you the courage to confront your fears and live the life He meant you to live. If you don't, you'll suffer the regret of 'what could have been.' You'll never be perfect, so you'll never be perfectly successful. That doesn't mean you will not succeed in life but you must try. Fear is a 'spirit' and, if you let it, it will control you. God offers you three better options: 'Power...love...a sound mind.' You are loved!

Preparing Them (2)

2011-11-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

'...well-nurtured plants...pillars...to adorn a palace.' Psalm 144:12 NIV

Good Morning,
We are continuing today with building character within our children. Character and maturity aren't qualities we normally expect to find in our children. We assume that these things come later-an assumption that hinders their growth potential. God's got higher expectations for your children! In His Word we read: (1) 'Our sons...will be like well-nurtured plants.' Not in their forties, fifties or sixties but 'grown up in their youth' (KJV). They needn't waste their youth; they can grow now. Why does God liken them to plants? Because they have spiritual roots capable of drawing in His nurture, ways and strength, and are born with the potential for success. '...I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.' (1 John 2:14 NIV) Hello, that's your child He is talking about! (2) 'Our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.' Why would God equate your daughters with pillars? First, because they're designed to be upright and support-giving; they're indispensable to the building's structural integrity. Secondly, because they 'adorn' the building, making it attractive, drawing attention to its grandeur and causing us to admire the architect and owner. Palace pillars glorify the King, making Him, and them, look good. Your children need you to believe in their God-given potential. Do you remember what Jesus said about our children? '...of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' (Matthew 19:14 NKJV) His faith in their potential is great. Yours must be too.

Preparing Them (1)

2011-11-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

'It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.' Lamentations 3:27 NIV

Good Morning,

For those of you who are the curious type, the next series that God has me working on is the Christian family. Here are some thoughts on raising children in today's world: Thinking maturity and spiritual growth will suddenly 'happen' to your children is like expecting an acorn to suddenly become an oak tree. Time, development and nurture are required to produce an oak tree-the same goes for raising children. And the earlier you start the better your results will be. 'It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.' Otherwise the passage of time will just produce unprepared children with habits and attitudes that are hard to shake later on when life requires them to take on responsibility. In the 'yoke' metaphor the untrained ox learns by being yoked to the well-trained one, sharing the workload and following its example. Parents tend to make two mistakes with their children. First, they over-function. They do everything for them, then blame the child for being lazy. Secondly, they under-function. They demand too much of the child, frustrating them and making them feel incompetent. The key to building character and confidence is not to do it for them but with them, teaching them responsibility. The yoke principle offers two great advantages: (a) It provides the role-model advantage. 'Apprentice' your children by patiently, lovingly using on-the-job training to demonstrate and impart skills and competence. They'll appreciate you when the tools you provide them lead to a lifetime of natural and spiritual success; (b) It provides the relationship advantage. Those training times and shared work leave space projects are great opportunities to develop and deepen an enduring and precious bond with your children.

You're Called to Be a Servant

2011-11-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

'Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus...' Romans 1:1 NAS
Hope each of you are having a blessed day today. Just a reminder ladies that tonight at 6pm @The Armstrongs is WM's connection night. If you are interested in becoming a member @Calvary we are having a New Member class tonight @7pm. Youth Connection starts @6:45pm...

When Paul called himself 'a bond-servant' of Christ he was referring to an Old Testament law under which you served your master faithfully for six years. However, in the seventh year the law said that you had to be set free. But if you turned back when you were released and said, 'Master, I'm not serving you because I have to but because I want to,' then your master took you before a judge and pierced your ear, signifying that you belonged to him forever; that you were committed to listening to him and obeying him. (Exodus 21:6) Today pray, 'Lord, I'm not serving You because I have to but because I want to. Pierce my ear, mark me as Yours, bond me together with You so that I can never belong to another.' When ministry loses its passion it becomes an empty profession. The very word 'minister' is a verb, not just a noun. It's what you do, not what you claim to be. The word 'servant' also referred to a third-level galley slave chained to an oar on a Roman ship. Day and night you rowed to the drumbeat of the ship's master, whether you were in battle or in merchant service. And you expected to die chained to that oar. What a picture! It's what Paul had in mind when he wrote: 'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.' (Romans 12:1 NKJV) When you think of what Christ has done for you, is it too much to ask?

It Happens in Stages

2011-11-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

'...first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain...' Mark 4:28 NKJV

Good Morning,

Just a reminder that we have four awesome connections for you and your family this week. Tonight 7pm @the Clarks is our "Bondage Breakers" fuel group. Wednesday there are two connections: WM's connection @the Armstongs @6pm; Youth connection 6:45pm @Calvary. Friday 6am Men's connection Prayer @Calvary. I hope you will make it a priority in your familys life. For info call the office @967-2447.

Life just happens goes the saying. If you're waiting for a promise God has given you to be fulfilled, observe the words of Jesus: 'The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.' (Mark 4:26-29 NKJV) Before you receive what God has promised, you often go through certain stages. Let's look at them:

First there's the 'I don't know' stage. Your seed is in the ground; when it will produce a harvest is entirely up to God. But His Word assures you it will. Next comes 'the blade' stage. It's just a tiny blade blowing in the breeze but it's enough to encourage you and let you know that the answer is on the way. Next comes 'the head' stage. Now it's starting to look like what you prayed for. Hopefully you've been watering it with prayer, fertilizing it with God's Word and protecting it from any negative force that would try to uproot it. Finally you enter 'the full grain' stage. This is when God says: 'Put in the sickle, because your harvest has come.' At this point it's crucial to recognize your harvest and begin to reap it. Whatever stage you're at today, stand on God's promise and keep trusting Him. He will not disappoint you.

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

2011-11-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

'I will give them an undivided heart...' Ezekiel 11:19 NIV

Good Morning,

What a great service yesterday with Missionary Steve Shoop. I pray you heard the call of his heart to raise up a generation of young people to missions. This mornings thought has a lot to do with what was shared yesterday. Do what you love, love what you do....Successful people allow their God-given passion and talent to guide them in life. They have a single focus and an undivided heart. God doesn't create you to be talented in an area, then ask you to give yourself to some unrelated area. There's always a potential alignment of talent and passion, if you have the courage to pursue your life's purpose and take risks. Po Bronson, author of What Should I Do With My Life? writes, 'I'm convinced that business success in the future starts with the question, "What should I do with my life?" Yes, that's right...people don't succeed by migrating to a "hot" industry or by adopting a particular career-guiding [motto]. They thrive by focusing on the question of who they really are and connecting to work they truly love (and, in so doing, unleashing a productive and creative power they never imagined).' Carly Fiorina said, 'Love what you do, or don't do it...Make the choice to do something because it engages your heart as well as your mind. Make the choice because it engages all of you.' Don't unwittingly become a slave to someone else's dream because once you own a dream that dream can also own you. Being a slave to someone else's dream could quickly become a nightmare. Paul writes: '...But they are only comparing themselves with each other...How ignorant...We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us...' (2 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT) If you are confused, out of focus or going in circles, pray, 'Lord, give me a clear vision and an undivided heart.' That's a prayer God will answer. So whatever stage in life you are, trust God to help love what you do!

How to Become 'Righteous'

2011-11-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

'With the heart one believes unto righteousness...' Romans 10:10 NKJV

Good Morning,
How does one become righteous? To be 'saved' you must put your trust in Christ, and nothing else. You say, 'But what if I clean up my act?' No, there are people who live better by accident than you do on purpose. Our distinction as Christians is that we have placed our trust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and nothing else. Paul lays it clearly on the line: 'If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.' (Romans 10:9-10 NKJV) Salvation is the result of what you believe in your heart about the finished work of Christ, and what you confess with your lips. Those two elements, believing and confessing, bring you into a state of 'righteousness' in the eyes of God. Have you ever gone to a grocery store with a coupon cut out from a newspaper? You want a bag of flour or sugar, but you've no money. Yet they give it to you. Why? Because with the coupon, they give you credit as though you had the money. Getting the idea? You have no righteousness to bring before God in exchange for salvation, but He has set up a coupon system called redemption and said, 'Once you place your trust in Christ, I will view you as righteous from that moment on.' The word 'righteous' simply means 'to be in right standing with God.' What a way to live! What a well of joy! What a source of confidence! Next time Satan tells you that you're not up to God's standards, tell him differently...

What's Your Excuse?

2011-11-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

'But they all...began to make excuses...' Luke 14:18 NKJV

I love a good dream especially when I come out on top. But what if the dream needs something of you? God lays on many of our hearts dreams to do small and great things for Him. But we have a choice to go for it or make excuses. Let's look at some of the excuses we offer for not pursuing the dream God has given us. First-'Dreams don't come true for ordinary people like me.' The Wright brothers wanted to fly. Winston Churchill envisioned a free Europe. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of racial equality. But you don't have to be a world figure to have a dream. No, the pursuit of a dream is what makes the difference between ordinary and extraordinary people. Ordinary people live extraordinary lives when they follow their dream. Why do we say that? Because a God-given dream will motivate you to make important changes in your life. You won't just change who you are in order to live out your dream; you pursue your dream, and the process changes who you are and what you can accomplish. In other words, your dream is both your goal and your change-agent. Secondly-'If the dream isn't big it's not worth pursuing.' Size doesn't determine significance. Your dream doesn't have to be big; it just has to be bigger than you. Mother Teresa said, 'We can't all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.' Thirdly-'Now is not the right time to pursue my dream.' Permission to pursue your dream comes from two sources: God and yourself. Novelist George Eliot said, 'It's never too late to become what you might have been.' The timing will never be perfect for you to pursue your dream so you might as well start now. If you don't, next year you'll be one year older and not a step closer to it. So let's dream together!

Don't Worry About It

2011-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

'Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.' 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

Good Morning,

Thanks to all who helped out with the Trunk or Treat Outreach last night. It was a huge success with double the kids as last year. Thanks to those who donated candy you are loved a whole bunch & a Special thanks to one family who went above and beyond. We have been looking at stewardship the last 4 weeks; Jesus said, 'Do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For [non-believers] run after all these things...' (Matthew 6:31-32 NIV) One author writes: 'The other day I was worrying about something when I heard a minister say, "Worry is a lack of trust in God." So then I began to worry over the fact that I was worrying. Then someone else said, "Just don't worry about it." Sounds simple enough, but I come from a line of people who speak faith, but act out of fear. Then a friend came up with this novel idea: "Why don't you try this worry coupon. It entitles you to worry as much as you like, but only if: (a) it will feed and clothe you; (b) it will add to your life instead of taking from it; (c) it will make tomorrow better; (d) you don't mind acting like a non-believer!" Then he said, "If that doesn't work make a list of all the things you're worrying about, place it in a box and put it up on a shelf where you can't see it. If God is either unwilling or unable to take care of it, you can always go get the box and start worrying again but at least give Him a chance. And while you are waiting for Him to answer, pray, stand on His Word and don't give your worries a voice."' The Amplified Bible says: 'Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you.' Let's trust Him Together!

Ask God to Give You a Dream

2011-10-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

'...Your old men shall dream dreams...' Joel 2:28 NKJV

Good Morning,

Have you ever had a dream and wondered what it meant? The Bible says, 'Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.' When God gives you a dream, He gives you the resources and relationships needed to fulfill it. Not everybody will believe in your dream. Paul writes, 'What if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar...' (Romans 3:3-4 NKJV) If your dream is from God, disregard the naysayers and give yourself fully to it. Just be sure your dream is from God. It can't be born out of somebody else's wishes. Sometimes your dream is actually somebody else's desire for you. Parents do this. They want to relive some part of their life through you, so they push you to do something they themselves always wanted to do. That sets you up for a lifetime of trying to please your father and mother, to get their approval even though you're now an adult. Then one day you wake up and realize you're trying to live somebody else's dream. It may actually have been God's plan for your mother or father, but now you're stuck with it. Get unstuck! Ask God for your own dream! Your dream can't be born out of wrong motives such as pride, jealousy, anger, rejection or competitiveness. Are you trying to prove something to somebody? Are you trying to win their admiration and respect? Are you trying to make up for being rejected? Acknowledge your motives, ask God to heal your heart, then ask Him for a dream that He will back up! When you do that, you've just opened the door for a powerful ministry that was developed because God gave it to....

Heart Revelations

2011-10-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

'...try me, and know my thoughts.' Psalm 139:23 KJV

Good Morning,
As I was praying this morning God just tugged at me and said try me. I thought ok what does that mean? Then Psalm 139 came to mind where it says
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts" Our character is not revealed just by our actions, but by our reactions. Actions can be planned, but reactions are spontaneous. They give us a glimpse of what's really in our heart. At that point we can look at it and deal with it. Who among us would readily admit that at times we're greedy, lustful, controlling or insecure? Or resentful of the blessing of God that's evident in the lives of others? When the Psalmist prayed, 'Try me, and know my thoughts', he was inviting God to create the circumstances that would bring to the surface in him all the 'junk' at the bottom of the lake of his subconscious, hidden from view-not only from the eyes of other people but also from his own eyes. Paul writes to the believers in Galatia and says, 'My dear children! I feel as if I'm going through labor pains for you...and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.' (Galatians 4:19 NLT) Note the words 'until Christ is fully developed in your lives'. That calls for a re-sensitized conscience and a redirected will. During the reign of Oliver Cromwell the English government ran low on the silver it needed to make coins. So Cromwell sent his men into the cathedrals to search for some. They reported back that the only silver they could find was in the statues of the saints standing in the corners. 'Good,' Cromwell reportedly said, 'let's melt down the saints and put them into circulation.' That's what we need, isn't it? To be melted by God, filled with His Spirit, and put into circulation.

Your Breakthrough!

2011-10-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

'[The] One who breaks open the way will go up before [you]...' Micah 2:13 NIV

Are you thinking, 'If I don't get a breakthrough, I'm not going to make it?' Try to understand these two things. First, your problem is just an opportunity for God to work on your behalf. You are positioned to experience the truth of these words: '[The] One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head.' By God's grace you can prevail over your circumstances. You can rise above discouragement and the self-defeating mentality that says: 'Nothing's going to change for the better'. You say, 'But I tried and failed!' Fine, mark that off your list and say, 'Now I know what doesn't work.' Rejoice, God knows the way, and He's going before you! Second, before you experience a breakthrough there's usually a shake-up. Chuck Yeager, the World War II hero who broke the sound barrier, fractured his ribs in a horse-riding accident the day before he hopped into the cockpit and attempted to do what had never been done with a plane before. His friends said, 'You're in too much pain. Don't do it.' His fears told him, 'Nobody's ever done it before. You won't either.' At 1100 m/hr the plane began to shake violently. Then suddenly he broke through into what he described as 'a great calm'. That's how it is when you're about to experience a breakthrough. When everything around you starts to shake and your fear level skyrockets, you're not about to crash and burn, you're on the threshold of a breakthrough!

Commit Yourself!

2011-10-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

'...all forsook me... But the Lord stood with me...' 2 Timothy 4:16-17 NKJV

Good Morning,

Sorry I missed yesterday's devotional but I haven't taken a Monday off in a while and needed too. So I'm back in the saddle so to say ready and committed. Read these words slowly and carefully: 'Until I am committed there is a hesitancy, a chance to draw back. But the moment I definitely commit myself, then God moves also and a whole stream of events begin. All manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, people, and material assistance of which I never dreamed, begin to move towards me.' So commit yourself! When others refuse to go with you, commitment means going on alone. Daniel dined and prayed alone. Elijah sacrificed and witnessed alone. Jeremiah prophesied and wept alone. Paul said, 'No one stood with me, but all forsook me... But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me... and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.' It's at the point of commitment, and not before, that God intervenes on our behalf. When the three Hebrew children made a commitment not to bow to the king's idols, God brought them out of the fiery furnace without even the smell of smoke. Indeed, King Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed that he said, '...there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.' (Daniel 3:29 NAS) What do you believe God has called you to do with your life? Obey Him. Step out in faith and do it. If you're afraid, read these words: 'I'd rather be ashes than dust. I'd rather my spark burn out than that it should be stifled by dry rot. The proper function of my life is to live, not exist. So I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use every moment.'

Grow Up

2011-10-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

'Let us cross over to the other side' Mark 4:35

Good morning,

Thank you for your prayers as Amy and made it safely back from Seattle yesterday after her doctors appt. Please continue to pray for health and healing.There are times when Jesus just tells us to grow up! Jesus gave His disciples special inside knowledge and understanding on stuff He was saying, which gave them a buzz of excitement or a headache, like their brain couldn't develop fast enough to fit the information in. Then they had experiences like the day Jesus said to them, 'Let's cross over to the other side..' so off they sailed, but it was no easy trip: 'A fierce storm arose. High waves began to break into the boat until it was nearly full of water' (Mark 4:37). They were petrified, their short lives flashing before their eyes. Jesus wasn't at all scared though - they had to wake Him up before He saw the commotion. Then they watched in amazement as Jesus told the weather to 'pack it in' and it did! But then Jesus made them all realize that they needed to grow up, 'Why are you so afraid?' He said. 'Do you still not have faith in me?' What God wants for us all is that we, 'no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead ... grow up' (Eph 4:14). Jesus wants you to grow up, trusting Him in every situation no matter how stormy life gets, trusting His words no matter how many people rock the boat with their untruths, trusting Him no matter how many people try to blow us off course. Thats true trust in Christ...

Doing What You're Supposed to Do

2011-10-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

'...everyone's work will be put through the fire...' 1 Corinthians 3:13 TLB
Good morning,

We've been talking about stewardship on Sunday's, and one of the questions I've asked is what are you doing with what Gods given you? I love jokes so here we go...One day an ox said to a mule, 'Let's pretend to be sick.' The mule said, 'No, we need to get this work done.' The ox feigned illness, and the farmer brought him fresh hay. When the mule came in from ploughing, the ox asked how things went and the mule said, 'All right.' The ox asked, 'What did the farmer say about me?' The mule replied, 'Nothing.' The next day the ox pretended to be ill again. When the mule came home the ox asked, 'How did it go?' The mule said, 'All right.' After a week of this, the ox asked, 'Did the farmer say anything about me today?' The mule replied, 'Well, he said nothing to me personally, but he stopped and had a long talk with the butcher!' Understand this: you were born to fulfill a divine purpose. When you don't, there are consequences, both here and in eternity. Paul focused on his calling. Shortly before he was executed he wrote, 'I have finished the race...' (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV) Notice, Paul didn't retire, he 'finished'! In the parable of the talents, the man who buried his talent paid a high price. That's because in God's eyes the greatest failure of all is failure to invest the time, talent and treasure He's given you into His purposes. One day your life will be audited. It's called 'the judgment seat of Christ'. Paul writes, everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). So let's give everything we have to Him...you won't regret it!

Don't Jump to Conclusions

2011-10-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

'I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue...' Psalm 39:1 NAS
Yesterday we looked at Philippians 2 were Paul asked the Philippians to watch what they said. He told them to "Do everything without grumbling and complaining." Psalm 39: 1 says to "guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue" We all fail from time to time in this, even the best of us. When John D. Rockefeller ran the Standard Oil Company one of his senior executives made a mistake that cost over $2 million. The other executives thought Rockefeller would come down heavy on him and probably fire him. But he didn't. Before he called the man in, he sat down, took a notepad and wrote across the top of it: 'Points in favor of this man'. Then he listed the man's strengths, including how he'd once helped the company make the right decision and earn them millions of dollars. One of the senior executives who witnessed it later said, 'Whenever I am tempted to rip into someone, I force myself to sit down and compile a list of the good qualities they have. By the time I have finished, I have the right perspective. And best of all, my anger is under control. I can't tell you how many times this habit has prevented me from committing one of life's costliest mistakes-losing my temper. I recommend it to anyone who must deal with people.' So before you jump to conclusions about someone, stop and ask God for wisdom, then sit down and make a list of their best qualities. If you do you'll often come to a different conclusion. One thing is for sure, you'll approach them with the right attitude and you won't say things you'll later regret. Obviously the Psalmist had learned that lesson: 'I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue.'

If You Love Them, Level with Them (3)

2011-10-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

'...each part...helps the other parts grow...' Ephesians 4:16 NLT

Good morning,

If you love them.....A good mentor will affirm in public, and correct in private. Your goal should be to help, not hurt. When you rebuke someone in public you humiliate them, destroying their self-esteem. But when you affirm them in public you build their self-esteem, confidence and incentive. Of course, your praise should be genuine, not just empty words. By affirming sincerely and publicly, you plant the seeds of growth and greatness in the learner. A good mentor will also build an allegiance to relationships, not issues. We tend to build an allegiance either to relationships, or to issues. We become primarily concerned about other people, their feelings, and the relationship, or we become focused on rules, agendas, quotas, tasks and results. A good mentor always puts relationships ahead of issues. In his book Mentoring: The Strategy of the Master, Ron Lee Davis writes, 'My father was that kind of mentor, both in his own family and in the church he pastored for twenty-five years. Many times I heard him say, The individual is always more important than the issue.' He lived this principle daily and he built it into my life. Today, I try to pass on this principle to others.' God has called each of us to run our race and finish it successfully. He has also called us to keep the torch lit and hand it over to the next runner. Don't merely be satisfied with doing the job, make sure the job keeps getting done by teaching and training someone else. Jesus, the Master-mentor, said, '...the works that I do [you] will do also; and greater works than these will [you] do...' (John 14:12 NKJV)

If You Love Them, Level with Them (2)

2011-10-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

'...each part...helps the other parts grow...' Ephesians 4:16 NLT

I'm continuing on with Ephesians 4 today. I started this on Tuesday but took I detour yesterday at the Lords direction. It's each of our job to help one another grow in a positive way. When you confront somebody, be specific, and don't generalize. For example, don't say, 'You're always abrupt and unfriendly.' Instead, being specific, say, 'I feel you were rather abrupt with Mrs. Jones yesterday.' Generalizations sound and feel like an attack on who the person is, instead of constructive reproof on what the person does. Plus, the vagueness of such generalizations doesn't give the learner a clue what he or she should do to grow and change. Remember to show empathy. An effective mentor always tries to put themselves in the learner's place. Novelist John Erskine observed, 'We have not really budged a step...until we've taken up residence in someone else's point of view.' Assure them that you're their advocate, not their adversary, and that your only desire is to see them succeed. Why do people have such a hard time accepting and processing criticism? Because they get caught up in a shame spiral, going all the way back to their childhood. They never felt valued, they felt like they were always being criticized and told how useless and stupid they were, and now they instinctively give too much power to criticism. Only when you understand that will you be able to approach them the right way. Build on their strengths, gifts and character through encouragement. Earn the right to confront. Make sure you affirm 97 per cent of the time, so that when it's time to be tough in the remaining 3 per cent, your love and encouragement will be credible. How will a person know you're on his or her side if the only evaluation you ever pass on is a negative one?

Coming Alive Means Dying to Self

2011-10-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

'I have been crucified with Christ...' Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Good morning,
Something I've had to learn in my life is this concept of dying to self. When we are under attack our survival instincts come out. We are fighters! But that creates a problem, for Paul says, 'I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.' If your number one goal is self-preservation, you are no longer free to make the right decisions. You'll keep doing things based on what feels good, and what's acceptable to others, rather than what God wants you to do. You'll talk a lot about being faithful, but very little about being fruitful. You can only bear fruit if you are willing to die to self: '...unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies [to self], it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.' (John 12:24 NAS) The 'survival seekers' in the Bible forfeited God's best by looking out for their own interests rather than God's. Without considering Abraham, Lot chose the well-watered plains of Jordan, and lost his family (Genesis 13:10-11). The rich young ruler could have been numbered among Christ's disciples, but he'd too much to lose (Mark 10:22). Often, the more we have, the tighter we hold on. Jesus said, 'Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses [invests] his life for My sake...will save it.' (Luke 9:24 NAS) Paul wrote, 'I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...' (Acts 20:24 NIV). The safest place to be-the only place to be-is in the will of God!

If You Love Them, Level with Them (1)

2011-10-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

'...each part...helps the other parts grow...' Ephesians 4:16 NLT

Good morning everyone,
It has been said that love is a tricky thing. Loving one another as the Bible says is more than tricky, its hard yet a command. If we want to be apart of a growing community we sometimes have to level with one another. Really, none of us enjoys confronting others, but sometimes it must be done. So be honest and direct. Tenderness is not a matter of being diplomatic or tactful, or using euphemistic language, or 'beating around the bush' and softening the blow. Don't do that. Weigh what needs to be said in clear and unmistakable terms, then lay it squarely on the line. If you love them, level with them! But a word of caution here: don't use words such as 'love' and 'transparency' to disguise a judgmental attitude. People get screamed at, chewed out and verbally abused in the name of love. Don't vent your anger at someone in the name of honesty. Not one of us is qualified to confront the other until we have carefully examined our motivations for doing so-including, as much as humanly possible, those motives that evade our conscious minds. You should always confront with reluctance, never with eagerness. You should confront directly, yet gently, and always with a desire to bring about God's best in the other person's life. It is far more Christ-like to confront another person through tears than with a voice raised in anger. At all points, the listener should never be in doubt as to your love and acceptance. Genuine love says, 'I've got something to tell you. I know this won't be easy for either of us, but I respect you enough to give it to you straight. I care about you, I'm committed to our relationship, and I want you to be the best you can be.'

How to Build Good Relationships

2011-10-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

'...Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud...' 1 Corinthians 13:4 NCV

Thank you everyone for your love and kind words of affection. It meant alot to Amy and I that you choose to bless us and rebuild our hearts with your love and gratitude for Pastor Appreciation. My prayer this year is that God will continue to open the door for ministry and blessings to each of you as you are obedient ot the Spirit's leading. How do we learn to build good relationships? Do you remember the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son? He wanted the privileges of being a son, but not the obligations that came with being a brother. And because he couldn't celebrate his brother's return, it cost him his joy. Contrary to what you may have heard, speaking critical words doesn't make you feel better, it just makes you more miserable and keeps the issue alive. The Bible says, 'Pleasant words are...healing to the body.' (Proverbs 16:24 AMP) If you value your opinions more than your friends, you'll defend your opinions and destroy your friendships. When conflicts arise, step back and look at what's really important. Give others the benefit of the doubt. When working with yourself, use your head; when working with others, use your heart. Learn to be flexible. Thomas Jefferson said, 'In matters of principle stand like a rock; in matters of taste swim with the current.' Don't major in minors, and stop fighting over things that ultimately make no difference. Be gracious with others in the same way God is gracious with you. Mature love allows someone who has failed to ease out of the situation with their dignity intact. Once you've made your point, back off! In life, you're always going to have disagreements. They'll either give you ulcers or give you understanding-the choice is yours. Don't over-react. When conflict arises make it a time to learn, not lose. If you're serious about building good relationships, live by the words, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'

You Are Blessed for a Reason

2011-10-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

'...in all things at all times, having all that you need...' 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

This morning I want to get you fired up for Sunday's message on "What is a Steward?" A good steward is one who desire's to promote God's Kingdom, because the word says He will teach you to profit (Isaiah 48:17 NKJV). Paul writes, 'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.' (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV) Beware of those who manipulate your giving for their own end. But also beware of those who cripple your faith and leave you wondering if it's all right to give, expecting God's blessing. The Bible says, 'Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.' (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV) Just replace the words 'barns' and 'vats' with 'savings' and 'investments'. Here's the question: do you want to be a burden, or a burden-bearer? God wants you to have enough to fulfill His plan for your life, and enough left over to help others. Do you want just enough to take your family out to dinner, or enough to feed hungry children, print Bibles, and help your church fulfill its vision? Paul emphasizes the purpose behind our increase: 'He has dispersed abroad [missions]; He has given to the poor [charity]...' (2 Corinthians 9:9 NKJV) Your prayer should be, 'Lord, bless me so that I can be a blessing in Your kingdom!'

Be Careful What You Say

2011-10-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

'He who guards his...tongue keeps himself from calamity.' Proverbs 21:23 NIV

If you don't want people to remember something, don't talk about it. If you don't want to hear about it later, don't sow the seeds of it into their minds. Arguments would cease and stress decrease if only we had the wisdom to know when to be quiet. In order to know what to say, when to say it, and whoto say it to, try to be guided by these Scriptures: 'The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts' (Proverbs 18:8 KJV); 'A wholesome tongue is a tree of life...' (Proverbs 15:4 KJV); 'He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.' (Proverbs 21:23 NIV) Be careful about confessing your mistakes to others. You may be sincere, but when you're hurting, vulnerable and in need of support, you can raise issues that live longer than the explanations you give. You can't stop people from shooting at you, but you don't have to give them ammunition. Certainly there are times when public disclosure is right and wise. Jesus said when someone sins against you, you should do these three things. First, go to them privately. If that doesn't work, take two or three mature people with you. If that doesn't work, bring it to the church leadership (Matthew 18:15-17). If you have sinned, ask God to forgive you and He will. Then focus on the future and put everything else into God's hands. If He can deliver you, He can also defend you. If He doesn't choose to do either, He will use it to develop you.

God Is Doing a Work in You

2011-10-04T09:42:00.001-07:00

'...grace in which we stand, and...tribulation [that] produces perseverance.' Romans 5:2-3 NKJV

Good morning,

As I asked God what I should share today. He brought to mind that we must believe together that He is doing a good work in all of us here at Calvary. Remember the scripture Sunday...where Paul says, "fix your eyes on what is not seen, not on the seen". Believe with me today that God is doing a good work in you! So there are two things you can count on as you walk with God: tribulation that works for you; and grace that enables you to stand while you're going through it. Have you been praying for patience? Get ready for tribulation; there's no other way to get it! Patience grows only in the soil of adversity. The truth is, some of the people you can't stand right now are the very ones who'll mature you spiritually and get you to your destiny. God said, 'Moab is my washbasin...' (Psalm 60:8 NIV) The Moabites were Israel's troublesome next-door neighbors who drove them crazy. But such people can also drive us closer to God! So, who's your washbasin? Who brings out the worst in you? Who drives you to your knees? Who stretches your faith? Who develops your character? The problem is, we pray for certain things but God has a process; only as we get to know Him better do we begin to recognize it. Here's how it works: you ask God for strength and He allows you to go through struggles that develop you. You ask Him for wisdom and you get to deal with messy situations that have no easy solutions. You ask Him for success and He gives you ability to work and wisdom to produce. You ask Him for favor and you get responsibility. (Then you want to run from it.) There's a work going on in you right now! You may not be fully aware of it, but without it you'll never be qualified to handle what God has in mind.

Good Morning Everyone,

2011-10-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks for allowing Amy and I the opportunity to take a week off and relax with friends last week. It was good for us physically and spiritually. We appreciate your prayers and love. I hope you will begin your week with God's word planted in your heart. So learn to Memorize the Scriptures the bible says '...The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.' Romans 10:8 NKJV Nothing pays greater spiritual dividends than memorizing Scripture. Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be more effective. Your counseling will be in demand. Your outlook will change. Your mind will become more alert. Your confidence will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified. Even if you've tried memorizing Scripture and given up, try again using these seven simple steps. (1) Choose a time when your mind is free from outside distractions. (2) Learn the reference by repeating it every time you say the verse. Numbers are more difficult to remember than words. (3) Read each verse through several times-both in a whisper and aloud. Hearing yourself say the words helps cement them in your mind. (4) Break the passage into its natural phrases. Learn the reference, then the first phrase. Then repeat the reference and the first phrase as you go to the second phrase. Continue adding phrases one by one. (5) Learn a little bit perfectly, rather than a great deal poorly. Don't go on to the next verse until you can say the previous one perfectly. (6) Review the verse immediately. About 20 to 30 minutes later repeat what you've memorized. Before the day has ended, firmly fix the verse in your mind by going over it 15 to 20 times. (You can do this as you drive or do your job.) (7) Use the verse orally as soon as possible. The purpose of Scripture memorization is a practical one, not academic. Use the verse in conversation, in correspondence, in everyday opportunities. Relate what you've learned to your daily situation. You'll be thrilled with the results!

Finding the Right Person for the Job

2011-09-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

'...To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer.' Philemon 1:1 NKJV

Paul called Philemon 'our beloved friend and fellow labourer'. Obviously Paul had found the right person for the job. How do you do that? Perhaps by enjoying their uniqueness. Fred Smith says, 'One young woman worked for me matching colors of ink. She could get tears in her eyes over certain shades of blue. Isn't this a beautiful match? she'd ask. I could never figure out what went on in her head to make matching blue such a remarkable occurrence. But all I needed to do to keep her motivated was to share her excitement and appreciate her work.' We can find the right person by knowing their capabilities. If a musician has limited talent, it's a mistake and a disservice to talk to them about the joys of being a Mozart. In motivation, desire must be matched with ability. Then: by knowing how much responsibility they can handle. Some people can take on full-sized responsibility but not sole responsibility. Something in their psyche says, 'I don't want the whole load. I want somebody to lean on, to report to.' We can find the right person by giving them a reputation to uphold. One leader writes, 'One of my bosses had a way of saying nice things about his workers that got back to them...and we couldn't keep from trying to do more things he could tell. People will work hard to uphold a good reputation.' Finally, by knowing what they thirst for. People have different thirsts. One of the secrets of identifying a person's thirst is seeing what motivated them in the past. People rarely outlive their basic thirst. When we satisfy that, we motivate them.

Learning from the Prodigal Son

2011-09-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

'When he came to his senses...' Luke 15:17 NIV

Do you have a prodigal heart? The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that by listening to God we can avoid tragedy; that by living under His rule we're saved from our misguided tendencies. Jesus said, 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said...Father, give me my share... Not long after...[he]...set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine...and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out...to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.' (Luke 15:11-16 NIV) When God says no, heed Him. When He pulls back on the reins, thank Him. It's better to be alone and walk with God than be surrounded by those who'll hurt you. Prodigal, things won't improve until you start doing things God's way! Are you willing to repent and come back home? In three back-to-back parables, in Luke 15, Jesus pointed out that the shepherd went looking for his lost sheep, the woman went looking for her lost silver, but nobody went looking for the lost son. That's because he knew the way back. And it happened when 'he came to his senses'. The rebel who left home saying, 'Give me,' humbled himself and came back saying, 'Forgive me.' When he did, his father embraced him and said, 'This son of mine was...lost and is found...' (Luke 15:24 NIV) Today your Heavenly Father is waiting to welcome you home. He loves you...

Life Stabilizers (2)

2011-09-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

'...like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.' James 1:6 CEV

Here are two more life-stabilizers. First, submission. Our ego always wants to 'do it our way', for our purposes and our pleasure. The result is a hardening of the attitudes-a dangerous resistance to God. So His Word says, '...warn each other every day...that none ...will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.' (Hebrews 3:13 NLT) Like a pond gradually freezing in winter, our self-will slowly rigidifies, destroying our spiritual sensitivity. The Spirit's gentle influence no longer moves us; we're left feeling content and justified doing our own thing, to our own demise. It's not wrong to have our own will, and God won't 'cure' or 'deliver' us from it. But He intends us to line our will up with His. A good racehorse must have a will in order to win, but its will must be submitted to the rider's directions or winning will be impossible. 'The sacrifices of God are a broken [submitted] spirit [will]: a broken...heart...God...will not despise.' (Psalm 51:17 NKJV) Secondly, self-sacrifice. The world's philosophy is 'Get and keep all you can!' Few things sabotage our peace and stability like this philosophy. 'Take care of yourself' isn't a Kingdom principle. 'If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for Me, you will find true life.' (Matthew 16:25 NLT) Psychologists say that grasping, and holding on to things and people only makes us anxious, possessive, controlling and difficult to live with! That's why Jesus said, 'Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses [invests] his life will preserve it.' (Luke 17:33 NIV) You've tried everything else-now try giving yourself fully to God!

Life Stabilizers (1)

2011-09-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

'...like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.' James 1:6 CEV
Are you winning or losing most of your spiritual battles? Are you down more than up? Do you feel frustrated? Are you going in circles? Is your experience full of stops and starts, a constant guilt-failure cycle? That's not God's plan for you. You can live a stable, consistent life! But it will require life stabilizers such as decisiveness. Israel wanted to have it both ways: God's blessing, yet the right to disregard His Word; freedom to live like heathen nations, yet be His special people. But Joshua declared it unacceptable. '...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...' (Joshua 24:15 NIV) The church at Laodicea also wanted it both ways, but God pressed them: '...You are...neither cold nor hot...make up your minds...' (Revelation 3:16,19 CEV) God requires a direction chosen, a goal set, and a mind made up. Wavering classifies you as double-minded and Scripture says That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.' (James 1:7 NIV) To live a stable life, you need faith. You are called a 'believer' because faith must characterize not just some, but every area of your life. 'Without faith it is impossible...' (Impossible! Not unlikely, improbable or difficult) 'to please God...' (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) Faith is not what you study on Sunday morning, it's what you do 24/7! The Bible says, 'My righteous [ones] will live by faith.' (Hebrews 10:38 NIV) You say, 'Where do I get faith?' By meditating on, and living in God's Word (Romans 10:17). Who possesses faith? The spiritually exceptional? No, '...God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.' (Romans 12:3 NKJV) That includes you! Faith, not feelings or circumstances, is what makes your life stable!

God Will Bring You Through

2011-09-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

'...I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.' Acts 27:25 NIV

On his way to Rome, Paul-and 275 others-were shipwrecked. We can learn three important lessons from their story that will give a look at radical faith. First, that we must listen to God. If we don't, we'll experience heartache and loss: '...Paul warned them, Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss... But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and...the majority decided that we should sail on...' (Acts 27:9-12 NIV) Notice, being in the majority doesn't make somebody right. Who are we listening to? Do they know God? Are they walking by faith or by human reasoning? Jesus said, '...he who receives whomever I send receives Me.' (John 13:20 NKJV) Secondly, the purposes of God will always overcome the plans of men and women. God can actually make mistakes work for our good. Through this shipwreck Paul landed on Malta and introduced the Gospel to its people. Instead of beating ourselves up over mistakes or arguing about who's right and who's wrong, try to see the hand of God in it. Finally, whatever we've lost, God can restore it. '[The people of Malta] honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.' (Acts 28:10 NIV) Don't limit God. He will use people to bless us-people we haven't even met yet. Jesus said, 'Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.' (Luke 6:38 NAS) Let's be encouraged; God will bring us through!

Start Praying!

2011-09-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

'...Noah...warned by God...[saved] his household...' Hebrews 11:7 RSVAre you close enough to God to hear His warnings when danger approaches? Noah was, and he saved his family. Are you close enough to your family for them to have confidence in what God has spoken to you? You can change the direction of your family without argument or discussion. How? Through prayer. Your loved ones need to be sheltered under the covering of your prayer life. If you don't have one, get down on your knees and say, '...Lord, teach me to pray...' (Luke 11:1) We are emotionally overwhelmed and spiritually depleted because we haven't learned the power of prayer. The lack of it has left us weak and anxious. We blindly make decisions for our businesses, our relationships and our ministries without taking time to talk it over with the Lord. The story of Noah teaches that you can't prepare for trouble without a warning from God. That means staying close to Him and hearing what He has to say. You can do great things after you've prayed, but you can do nothing of eternal value until you've prayed. 'If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.' (2 Chronicles 7:14 RSV) God promises to intervene on behalf of the person who prays in His will. '...if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of Him.' (1 John 5:14-15 NIV)

God Is Getting You Ready

2011-09-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

'...first sit down and estimate the cost...' Luke 14:28 NIV

Before God gives you more, He observes you with what you already have. Furthermore, when He speaks a word over your life it's like a seed; it needs time to take root and sprout. If God has planned it for you, don't be impatient; '...wait for it; because it will surely come...' (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV) Patience develops in us the ability to stand up to the pressures that accompany blessing. Look back; aren't some of the things you've been through the very things that have equipped you to handle what you have now? Had God given them to you sooner you couldn't have handled them, and He loves you too much to let that happen. Think: if you're having difficulty handling criticism from a few people, how would you cope if God made you pastor or company president? Are you ready to pay the price? And, more importantly, are you able to pay it? The more God gives you, the more He holds you responsible for. Jesus said, 'No man builds without counting the cost.' Sometimes we want things because others have them. You say you want a husband and children, for example-but are you ready to start living sacrificially? You say you need a wife, but are you ready to give yourself for her? (Ephesians 5:25) Whatever you're going through today, there's great peace in knowing that nothing the enemy does can pre-empt God's plan. So, 'Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep travelling steadily along His pathway and in due season He will honor you with every blessing.' (Psalm 37:34 TLB) Rejoice; God is getting you ready.

Don't Be a Woodpecker

2011-09-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

'Love is patient and kind...' 1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
The space shuttle Discovery was once grounded-not by technical difficulties or lack of funding, but by woodpeckers! The birds found the insulating foam on the shuttle's external fuel tank irresistible. The foam is critical to the shuttle's performance. Without it, ice forms on the tank when it's filled with super-cold fuel; ice that can break free during lift-off and damage it. There's a lesson here. Often, our marriages are damaged not by big things such as infidelity, abuse or abandonment, but little things such as criticism, lack of respect, and taking each other for granted. Pecking away at your relationship keeps it from reaching the heights of happiness God has planned for you. Someone wisely observed, 'Before you criticize your spouse's taste, remember, they chose you.' You say, 'But I'm just stating the facts.' Oswald Chambers said, 'God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize one another, but that we may intercede [pray] for one another.' Nagging doesn't work; it only tears down your spouse's self-worth and security. People change only when they feel validated and understood. The Bible says, 'Love is patient and kind.' Instead of 'pecking', recall the qualities that attracted you to your spouse, build on them, and bring out the best in them. If you don't, who will? Paul writes, '...Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.' (Philippians 4:8 NLT) If you plan to stay married and be happy, these are time-tested principles.

'Teacher, Are You Motivated?'

2011-09-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

'God has appointed...teachers...' 1 Corinthians 12:28 NKJV

I enjoyed this I hope you do to....Howard Hendricks points out that good teaching involves giving people responsibility with accountability: 'Our problem in the churches is that we don't do that. The United States government takes multi-million-dollar planes and puts them in the hands of kids nineteen years old; and when those same kids come to church we don't even let them take up the offering... Ever been in a courtroom where a will is being read? The reader is mumbling his way over the legal jargon, and everyone else in the room is half asleep-everyone, that is, except the person named in the will as the beneficiary... When your teaching has the learner's name written all over it-when he sees that, in effect, his name occurs throughout the book-it will make a big difference in his level of motivation... I am convinced that everyone-no exception-can be motivated to learn. But not at the same time, and by the same person, and not in the same way. The timing is crucial. Teaching is the assembling of a time bomb...marked for explosion at a later date and at a different location. That is why you need to walk by faith to be a good teacher, and you need a lot of patience. And you aren't God's answer to every individual. That is what the body of Christ is all about... I'm asked over and over again, How do I get a person motivated? I answer, When you sock someone with twenty thousand volts of electricity, they don't turn to you and ask, 'Did you say something?' No, they move!' The question is, 'Teacher, are you motivated?'

Teacher are You Motivated

2011-09-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Knowing Your True Identity

2011-09-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

'...his father called him Benjamin.' Genesis 35:18 KJV

When people label you, those labels can cause you to shrink instead of to stretch you to your full potential. But the God who gave Jacob a new identity can give you one too. Are you struggling with the old names people called you and the old images you have of yourself? Nothing will change in your life until it first changes in your mind. Jacob's wife Rachel died in the desert in childbirth. Just before she died she named her son Ben-Oni, which means 'son of my sorrow'. When the midwife handed him to his father Jacob, he said that he should not be called Ben-Oni, the son of my sorrow, but Benjamin, the son of the right hand (that is, son of power). Guess which name prevailed? Benjamin! Hear this: you are who God says you are, not who others say you are! If God didn't give you the name, it's not yours. Only believe what God says about you. Nobody understood better than Jacob the power of a name change. It was in God's presence that Jacob the trickster was re-named Israel, '...a prince...with God...' (Genesis 32:28 KJV) Christ breaks the power of every negative thing that attaches itself to you. 'You're a saint, not a sinner; not a loser but a winner.' When people try to label you, tell them you don't answer to that name any more. Tell them the person they're talking about died, was buried, and rose brand new in Christ. God sees you as a new creation, so start thinking, talking and acting like one!

Give it All You've Got!

2011-09-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

'...this one thing I do...' Philippians 3:13 KJV

Ask yourself two questions. First, do I want God's best? It's not easy to rise up early while others sleep, and prepare for the challenge. Like Jesus in Gethsemane, you'll discover it's hard to find people who will stand with you while you're in preparation. But there can be no celebration without preparation. Not everybody can handle success. Some would rather have tranquility; they don't like criticism and they can't take the pressure. But if you want God's best you can have it. If you've the passion, the price won't stop you! You'll be drawn and driven toward the goal. Secondly, ask yourself: how strong is my desire? If you don't have the passion for it, you'll never overcome the obstacles. Real power comes from desire kindled in the furnace of unfilled longing. Long-distance runners take steady strides and focus on endurance, not just speed. They run each lap, stretch to their limits and give themselves to one thing-winning. Perspiration pours out of them. The taste of exhaustion is in their mouths. As they near the finishing line a final burst of energy kicks in. It's the last lap. No excuses; it's now or never! At least one time before they lay you in your casket, you owe it to God and yourself to experience that last-lap feeling of giving it all you've got. Victory doesn't come cheap. Paul writes, '...resist the enemy... Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness... be fully prepared... Pray at all times.' (Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT)

'Thank God for My Freedom'

2011-09-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

'Christ has made us free...' Galatians 5:1 NKJV

History records dark chapters when godless tyrants ruled and religious dictators made it a crime to read the Bible or worship God according to the dictates of your conscience. In 1945, Martin Niemoeller said, 'When the Nazis came for the communists, I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. When they came for the Jews, I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. When they came for the trade unionists, I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. When they came for the Catholics, I didn't speak up because I was Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for anybody.' On the top of the Capitol Dome in Washington DC is a statue of Lady Freedom. Her face is framed in a crest of stars and she's holding a shield of stars and stripes in her hand. She was shipped from Rome, and during a fierce storm the captain ordered some cargo thrown overboard. The sailors wanted to ditch Lady Freedom, but the captain is said to have refused, shouting above the wind, 'Never! We'll founder before we throw freedom away!' Benjamin Franklin said that those who give up liberty for safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety! Speaking to the believers in Galatia, Paul addresses the legalists who wanted to force them to go back and live under the impossible standards of the old law. He writes, '...Christ made us free. So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law.' (Galatians 5:1 NCV) Today you need to stop, look up and say, 'Thank God for my freedom!'

Anonymous, but Indispensable

2011-08-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

In his book Encourage Me, Charles Swindoll asks the following questions: 'Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament? Who visited Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ?... Who financed William Carey's ministry in India? Who refreshed the Apostle Paul in that Roman dungeon as he wrote his last letter to Timothy?... Who followed Hudson Taylor and gave the China Inland Mission its remarkable vision and direction?... What was it Jim Elliot, the martyred messenger of the Gospel to the Aucas in Ecuador, once called the missionaries? Something like "a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody". But don't mistake anonymous for unnecessary. Otherwise, the whole body gets crippled... even paralyzed... or, at best, terribly dizzy as the majority of the members... become diseased with self-pity and discouragement. Face it, friend, the head of the body calls the shots. It is His prerogative to publicize some and hide others. Don't ask me why He chooses whom He uses. If it's His desire to use you as a Melanchthon rather than a Luther... or a Kimball rather than a Moody... or an Onesiphorus rather than a Paul... or a Hoste rather than a Taylor, relax! Better than that, give God praise! You're among that elite group mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. '"God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that might otherwise seem less important"' (vv. 22-24 TLB). So be encouraged: you may be anonymous, but you're indispensable!

It's Time to Move On!

2011-08-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

'Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea.' Exodus 15:4 NKJV

For 400 years the Egyptians had enslaved the Israelites. Then just when they thought they'd escaped Pharaoh, he showed up at the Red Sea. And that's when God intervened, causing them to sing, 'Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea'. And God wants to do the same for you. Regardless of what has happened, He can bring you through it and give you a new song. Will it happen quickly or easily? No, we get through it in different ways and at different rates. How did the Israelites get through the Red Sea? One step at a time! But when they got to the other side that body of water became the dividing line between their past and their future. But to get beyond your past you must forgive, and keep on forgiving until the past loses its hold over you. You must rise up and declare by faith that the power those old issues had over you is broken. Jesus promised that when His word on the issue becomes your word on it, your circumstances will begin to change (Mark 11:23-26). So make God's Word the final word! But look out, old memories will try to negotiate another deal to see if you're serious about moving on. Paul writes, 'Reckon yourselves to be dead.' (Romans 6:11 NKJV) Now, death alone doesn't bring closure; you need burial. So establish a time, a place and an epitaph that reads, 'The past ends right here!' Tell Pharaoh, 'Your hosts and your ghosts can't hurt me any more', and move on!

Looking Forward to Better Days

2011-08-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

'I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord...' Psalm 27:13 NIV

When a player begins to score, the opposing team assigns their best players to block him. So the attack you're experiencing right now could be an indication of your value to God. Paul wrote, 'I have...been in danger from rivers, thieves, my own people, the Jews, and those who are not Jews. I have been in danger in cities...and on the sea and...with false Christians. I have done hard and tiring work, and many times I did not sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty...cold and without clothes. Besides all this, there is on me every day the load of my concern for all the churches.' (2 Corinthians 11:26-28 NCV) How did Paul handle these experiences? By 'forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.' (Philippians 3:13 NLT) Now, Paul didn't forget any of it; he could remember names, places, faces, and even record it. But here's the difference: he refused to let what was done to him affect his outlook. That's the attitude you need! When your desire to go forward becomes greater than the memories of your past, you'll begin to live again. 'Where there is no vision, the people perish...' (Proverbs 29:18 KJV) Until you have a vision of tomorrow, you'll live in yesterday's struggles. The very fact that God is putting desire back into your spirit means that better days are coming! So rise up and say with the Psalmist, 'I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.'

Don't Worry, You Will Have Enough!

2011-08-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

'My God shall supply all your need...' Philippians 4:19 NKJV

Are you afraid you won't have enough to meet your needs? Let's read the story of the feeding of the 5000 and observe three things about the disciples. First, they tried to escape the problem. They told Jesus, 'Send them away, that they may go...and buy themselves bread.' (Mark 6:36 NKJV) But He said no. Jesus understood that you grow by dealing with problems, not avoiding them. Your faith increases only as you place a demand on it. Lazy, inactive faith will fail you in the hour of need, so you must feed on God's Word and exercise your faith regularly. Secondly, the disciples thought what they had wasn't enough: 'There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?' (John 6:9 NKJV) God will ask you to look at what you've got because even though it doesn't look like much, when you factor Him in, it'll be more than enough to meet the need. In the disciples' hands it was just lunch for one, but in Christ's hands it became dinner for 5000. So put what you have into God's hands and let Him work. Thirdly, only when the disciples obeyed His plan was their need met. When you ask God for a miracle He will often give you a plan with a set of instructions. At that point your obedience sets the timer, activates the plan and determines the results. With God, there's no lack and no limit. When it was over, '...they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish.' (Mark 6:43 NKJV) Don't worry, you will have enough!

Knowing Where You Stand with God

2011-08-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

'But Christ gave Himself...one sacrifice for all time.' Hebrews 10:12 TLB

Notice how God dealt with sin in the Old Testament. The priest took a lamb, shed its blood and offered it on the altar. As the sacrificial smoke went up, the priest would sprinkle the ashes on the ground, then stand on them. At that moment the person's sin was atoned for and their guilt removed. What a beautiful picture of your salvation! At Calvary, the fires of God's wrath were fully expended on Christ. In that moment, He was both your High Priest and your sacrificial lamb. When He cried, 'It is finished,' (John 19:30 NIV), your sins were paid for-from the cradle to the grave. And the minute you trust in Christ as your Savior, your standing before God is altered; you are made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). In the early days of the American West one of the greatest fears the wagon train masters had was prairie fires. The hot sun could start them, and before you knew it you were engulfed in flames. But a wise wagon train master would immediately give the order to back up the horses and wagons on to the ground that had already been burned. Why? Because the fire could not come where the fire had already been! Augustus Toplady wrote, 'Payment God will not twice demand; first at my bleeding Surety's hand, and then again at mine.' Jesus 'took the heat' for every one of us. 'He...bore our sins in His body on the tree...' (1 Peter 2:24 NIV) So today, if the devil is beating you up because of your faults and failures, tell him: 'I may not be perfect, but I'm redeemed, loved and accepted by God!'

You Can Get Beyond the Past

2011-08-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

'...you shall remember it as waters that pass away.' Job 11:16 AMP
Tamar experienced the terrible trauma of rejection. But her future was greater than her past: she gave birth to a child who became a progenitor of our Lord Jesus. What an honor! Wounded one, you can come through this painful experience and sing the song of the overcomer. By God's grace you can learn to live in the present and let go of the past. How? By spending time in God's presence and allowing His love to touch the hurting places within you. Give all your secrets to God-and leave them there. He can take the misery out of the memory like you take the poison out of an insect bite; then your healing will begin. Job, who lost his health, his wealth and his family, lived to see these words fulfilled: 'You shall forget your misery; you shall remember it as waters that pass away.' Go ahead, stand in the stream of God's grace and release it. Let it all go. It was night, but now it's day! Let God hold you safely in His arms. There, you can allow the past to fall from you like a garment. You may remember it, but you won't have to wear it any more: 'You shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.' (Job 11:19 AMP) No more pacing the floor, no more bad dreams, no more fear of tomorrow. Shame has been removed and grace enthroned. Rise up in Christ's name and take authority over every memory that keeps you linked to the past. Allow God to heal your scars, break your chains and set you free.

There's a Place at the Table for All of Us

2011-08-18T09:17:00.001-07:00

'...they made Him a supper; Martha served...Lazarus...sat at the table with Him.' John 12:2 NKJV

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we read: 'a dinner was given in Jesus' honor.' (John 12:2 NIV) Martha served, Mary sat listening to what Jesus had to say, and Lazarus talked to the guests. So, there's room at God's table for all kinds of people. Let's take a closer look at Martha. Martha's are generally in the background with their sleeves rolled up, making sure everybody's fed and watered. They rarely seek the spotlight, and often we don't appreciate them until they're missing. The problem with Martha's is that they're inclined to make the mission more important than the Master. They need to remember that worship is also service. Mary's tend to forget there are bills to be paid and meals to be cooked. Sometimes they act so heavenly-minded, they're no earthly use. They need to realize that service is worship too. But we need Mary's; they bring passion to our worship, and you can always count on them to intercede with God on behalf of others. '...they flocked to see...the man Jesus had raised from the dead...because of him...many...believed in Jesus.' (John 12:9-11 NLT) Lazarus had a story so amazing that those who heard it became instant converts. He reminds us that we each have a story to share about God's grace and mercy. When was the last time you shared yours? So, if you're a Martha, God sees your labor of love. If you're a Mary, He delights in your worship. If you're a Lazarus, He promises to honor your testimony. There's a place at the table for all of us!

According to Fred Smith (2)

2011-08-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.' 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

Here are some more Scriptures Brenda Smith learned from her dad: '...a real friend will be more loyal than a brother...' (Proverbs 18:24 NCV) When Fred was initially hospitalized, a host of well-wishers came by to visit, but eventually dropped off when they didn't know what to say. It was friends who stood by them over the long haul who sustained them. 'The Lord sees the good people and listens to their prayers.' (Psalm 34:15 NCV) The Psalmist said, 'I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry...He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.' (Psalm 40:1-2 NIV) Fred Smith said, 'Many nights I lay awake unable to move or sleep, but...when I was tempted to lose hope, prayer renewed my strength.' A psychiatrist who interviewed aspiring astronauts reported that, faced with total isolation, many candidates became frustrated, whereas those who knew how to pray and sense God's presence had fewer problems. Prayer works when all else fails-but don't wait till things reach that stage. 'When you are old...I will take care of you...' (Isaiah 46:4 NCV) Someone said, 'Old age isn't for sissies.' While you are getting older physically, you don't have to get old in your outlook. We live in a 'disposable' culture that dismisses senior citizens as set in their ways and out of touch. Fred Smith proved otherwise. He demonstrated that while aging isn't convenient or comfortable, it can be productive. By focusing on the 'can do's' instead of the 'used to do's', you not only follow the example of Christ, you also create a blueprint for the next generation.

According to Fred Smith (1)

2011-08-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.' 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

Ralph Waldo Emerson usually greeted Henry David Thoreau by asking, 'What has become clearer since last we met?' The late Fred Smith liked to ask that question too. A lifelong friend of Billy Graham and Zig Ziglar, Smith mentored a generation of leaders. But, more importantly, he was the real deal at home. He believed the words: 'Tell your children and grandchildren...the incredible things I am doing.' (Exodus 10:2 TLB) Fred's daughter Brenda shares some Scriptures she learned from her dad. Let's look at them: 'Love never fails...' (1 Corinthians 13:8 NAS) When Fred's doctors said he was dying, Brenda said, 'No, I'll take him home and he'll live.' She did, and he did. Many older people who die of 'natural causes' actually die of loneliness. Love is still our healthiest environment; it's God's greatest gift to us, and ours to one another. '...tribulation produces perseverance.' (Romans 5:3 NKJV) Don't miss the good in the bad. Trials can be negative or positive, depending on how you use them. Type A people expect life to run on their schedule, but tribulation has its own agenda and pace, and patience is the only antidote. 'Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.' (Romans 12:11 GW T) The director of a big company confirms that engineers who retire without a plan to stay busy often die within 16 months. By not staying involved in life you are subconsciously giving yourself permission to die. Fred Smith's philosophy was: you can't let up, and keep up. Paul said, 'If I continue to live...my work will produce more results.' (Philippians 1:22 GW T) And the same is true for you too.