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willingness

When The New Chapter Comes Don’t Be Afraid To Turn The Page

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Most of my life I have had many experiences and emotional peaks that I wish I could go back to. These moments could never seem to last enough time: moments with family that has passed away, services at church with people that have moved on, vacations that had to come to an end, projects at your job that were easy but were done quick, people we have met along the way that we wish we could have done more for; the list truly goes on and on. And while I wish I could have moments like these all the time, I have learned that these are not moments that are just whipped up or easily created. They are natural phases of life, giving us as mankind a peek inside of what true joys and the utmost happiness is supposed to feel like.

On the flip side of the coin I can see many moments in my life that I rarely choose to look back to: times I have failed, times I have failed others, times I gave up too early, other times I simply quit just because my willingness was stubborn, times I should have shown love, times I should have held my ground; trust me, if you look you will find some things you wish you could never remember. And while we try our best to avoid the controllable things we can work to improve there will always be moments where we are tested that present opportunities for our not so good half to show itself in its fullness. These also are the not so glamorous chapters of life that in their own way begin to define who we are and how we learn from our mistakes.

I want to speak to those of us out there who are trying to live stuck in these emotional highs and lows: When the new chapter comes don’t be afraid to turn the page. While I wish that I could hang onto or keep some moments or situations going I now realize that we must learn to handle the good and the bad. For if we only knew of the good things of God we would never realize the power of redemption and resurrection in our trials. Do not be afraid to move forward from those things that have hindered you. Learn to use the good things of God to forgive others and to move on with your head held high. And as you move forward from the present hindrances you will find that out of something bad can come something good. Learn to embrace the things that come to seemingly destroy you; or as the bible tells us to do when it says for us to “rejoice in the midst of our fiery trials”. That is the spirit that comes from the text you read. At first it did not make sense to me but now I understand. Do not live in something that was meant to only be for a season. Shake it off and move forward to the next good thing that is out there for you to experience.

 

Say It Now, Forget It Later, Yet The Impact Stays Forever

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Anytime I have ever began to think about all of the silly/hurtful/irrational/confusing/deceiving/terrible/negative things that have came from my mouth it causes me to have very silent times. Thinking and considering the magnitude of how much my personal actions can have an effect on others leads me to the thought I have in my heart today. Whether you hear it come from your lips, feel them on the page/device, read them words with your eyes, or hear them by your ears words spoken with ill intent always affect people.

By comparison I would like for you to see the power of negative thinking through the means of someone throwing a rock in water. First of all when I think of a rock in this thought I consider that a rock in its intent is meant to be built upon, set in its purpose to provide support and its composition to provide stability. When I consider the water I see something that submerges everything that comes in its path; in fact it not only submerges it but attempts to break the substance of what it has encountered to be more like waters own qualities. The human element causes a rock to be thrown by our own willingness and physical force to take something from its intended position to direct it somewhere else. We as humans tend to use rocks in their advantage of being a weapon to break something. Whether it be to hurt, provoke or to insult words the negative speech that comes from your mouth can only break things when they come by force. In the casting of a rock by the human element to be forced into water, I want to remind us of the “ripple” effect that happens as the words hurt immediately, fade away, and stay rooted in the depths. A rock once it has been thrown must land somewhere. And unless great strides are made to keep the land or object that holds the water clear from obstructions it prevents the use of water being able to produce life.

To put this more simply, every word you exert by your own force without God’s love will only cause unnecessary issues for others. And while we (as well as the other party) can forgive what we have spoken and heard there is an impact that takes a great deal of love to overcome. As with any disease that our human bodies fight today we know that the best means to overcome a detrimental hindrance is to prevent it. Take caution and exercise it when you speak life and death in today’s world. You may say it now and forget it later, but there is an impact as a consequence of the action as well as the ultimate price (answering for our every idle word in the day of judgement).

Pray much, love much, and love others (and talk to them) as you would have them do unto you!

Answering The Hard Questions: Why Is It So Hard For Me To Pray?

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This may not be an everyday question that we are thinking all the time, but it is certainly a stumbling block we have all faced at some point in our walk with God. To keep this short and something we can walk away from after reading, I would like to list 3 key answers:

1) A lack of separation, or being “too close” to what holds you back.

So let us say that I am going to have some prayer time because I want to quick smoking. If I literally just got through having a cigarette and am about to start praying while I am next to the ash tray and can still smell the smoke, the chances are of having a supernatural faith is very small. Why? If I am being hindered literally by the very thing I want victory over, then I must separate myself from it. Smoking is a very physical example as you can touch and feel what is afflicting you. Your situation may be a person, place or emotional object that is getting in the way. Remember before you begin to get yourself as separate from the things that are hindering you as you can. You would be surprised at how much of an effect having a quiet place is. This is not to say that you could not put on some praise and worship music to help you, but please do not be moved by a song: be moved by the faith that is in you to petition to God!

2) Little willingness to be humble or give up pride.

For our second example, let us say that there is a major problem with a person controlling the content of inappropriate language. If this person was asked if they had a problem, the answer can indicate where pride is in two ways. The first way would be to admit there is a problem, or being humble enough to admit that it is something that is a problem to your well-being. The second way is when a person will not admit the problem and to give the paraphrased “I’m fine”. This is a great indicator of having too much pride to be humble to any issue. Victory in God begins when we come and confess. God wants to mold each and every issue you have, and without the acknowledging the failures we have pride always wins over prayer! Be willing to simply admit that, “I need help”. This is a great step in the right direction to start a prayer!

3) Missing a habit or the continuing effort to pray every day.

For my job, I am driving myself back and forth each and every day. Driving is a habit that through continual practice is able to be kept and retained so long as I am willing to do so. However if I just stopped driving all together for great lengths of time I cannot imagine that I would get behind the wheel with the same confidence or willingness to “take off” that I would have when it happened frequently. With that said, there is definitely something to praying every day! Praying every day will keep you from having the “first-time” anxieties each and every time you try. Making it a habit will only build up the faith and confidence in God therefore creating an easier feeling to get the first word out!

There are so many more examples and things to be said here, but I want the mission of this word to be simple: Separate, Be Humble, and Pray Often!

Is The First Step Is Always The Hardest One? I Feel A Poll Coming On…

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One of the most used phrases that I have ever heard in church or for even life in general is that “that first step is always the hardest”. I remember one of the first times that I ever prayed out loud in front of anyone when I was a child. At the time it seemed like the hardest thing in the world to do. What helped me to carry through was the help of hearing the voices of others around me praying. It was truly a great moment to remember. It is always a great thing to remember to be a voice for someone else to follow along to, no matter what medium it is for the Lord!

I also remember one of the first times that I ever stepped out and played and sang a song alone. The first few seconds before I began felt like a million years, yet as I began there was a gentle calm that came over me that helped me through. I attribute the ‘calm’ to the presence of the spirit coming to help me make a difference through the offering of obedience. If there is something that I remember each time I obey God, it is that the spirit of God is always going to meet you in your immediate act! You will not be alone!

One of the toughest first steps I have ever taken was when God was moving me into a new church. It was a brand new environment with new people and very little that I had ever known before. I was afraid at first because I did not want to leave the place I had been my whole life. However God was preparing me for my next work! And as I stepped out more and more and continued to follow the Lord in my calling I have been blessed to see many wonderful things there! The lesson that I learned here is that I would have missed on so much if I had not been listening to the burning call of God that was moving on me. Follow God when He leads you and be surprised at just how much of a blessing you are!

Do I think I have taken my last steps? No way! I think there are many more things and churches ahead! Do I think you have either? Absolutely not! Seek God for the understanding and be willing to follow for the directions for change in your life. Most importantly as I have heard all my days, do not be afraid to take that first step!

You Have To Start Somewhere

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I love the ministry we are in. I cannot express that enough! It is so fulfilling to do and to see the fruit thereof! It’s not always easy to complete every task or to carry through everything that needs to be done when it comes to making life take 2nd place, but I can testify to that it can.

The thought I had on my heart today as I meditated upon the Lord was that “I had to start somewhere”. There had to be a willingness in my heart before the first efforts were ever made to do anything with anyone else. If you have a calling on your life and you know that you do, the first step is to simply make a decision in your mind and set it to doing what is on your heart. Sometimes where we start isn’t where we see ourselves finishing, but that does not mean that you are not capable of getting there.

After beginning to realize that the ministry was not only to reach out to those within the churches we attend but to those we could not even see, there was so much more to be done. I didn’t know where to start, and in fact when thinking about that I saw a huge pile of things before me as if it was almost impossible. The good thing about all of this was the first step to the growth of it (again) was to simply be willing in my heart and to take the next small step forward.

Now that we have began working not only in our local circuit churches and radio, but we are now reaching online through our own web site and through a variety of media to send the message of the gospel to whomsoever needs to hear! And as we stand at the next venture, seeing all the new places to expand to and the new things to come, I simply remind myself (and everyone reading this) to purpose in your heart and believe that through Christ that all things are possible!

Use that gift and take your first step! You have to start somewhere, but you cannot start until you take initiative! Make an effort for God, for you will surely be met as you step out on faith through obedience!

It’s Not About Looks, It’s About Heart

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Some of the hardest struggles of a ministry is not acquiring the resources that you need to do what you need to, but actually doing it. There can be a vast abundance of things available to a person to perform what you need to be done. I have learned in recent months that without the willingness to step out and do it regardless you will find yourself in just as tough of a spot as you would be without the things you think you need.

You could have one, ten, or a hundred people supporting you and that is wonderful as long as you are following the will of God. I say that because there will be times when you follow the will of God that all the support grows silent. I have been there before and stood wondering “what’s going on” and “what did I do wrong”, leaving me at a crossroads. Luckily I came to a great realization through prayer and the word of God! What finally came to me (as led by God’s encouragement) is that it is not about the looks on their faces (their countenance) that we should base the progress or fruition of our ministry, but the condition of the heart that you aim for.

I am reminded today but have forgot so often that I have ministered to smiling faces but inside were broken. I have seen people that looked completely unhappy but needed a word of confirmation or direction from God. Sometimes it’s not easy to deliver to tougher things, ESPECIALLY things that involve the direct changing of our lifestyle! Trust me, it’s hard but when you obey God you will not be forsaken! There has not been a time in the silence that God has not fought the battle (of the condition of the hearts and souls) with me! It’s not yours to fight! If we are trying to fight for approval, we missed it already. It’s not about approval, but faith and belief. It’s about agreement in Him (God)!

So always remember, obedience is greater than sacrifice (both are needed)! You’ve got to sacrifice facing some persecution putting yourself out there to obey God, but people need you to do it! People need need a strong witness of God today. Are we that people? Let’s strive to be! Let’s strive to make a difference!

Find A Good Place Inside And Out

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When it comes to having a fruitful life in God, one of the key pieces is the environment that you are surrounded in. We have wrote about this a lot lately and spoke on this topic it at multiple churches. It’s something we need to do, and do each and every day. I want to expand out on that a little bit to talk about the surroundings of you and your life.

I’ll just be honest with you today. If you are not in a spiritually fruitful church, you will definitely find it harder to grow in your personal life than it should have to be. Having a church with a good spiritual foundation and a willingness to work and reach out will produce a multitude of blessings and impacts upon people’s lives. However, more often than not, we are speaking with people that are in environments that are not providing that fresh spiritual revival that should be happening each and every time the doors open.

I’m not one to recommend that people go “church hopping” to be satisfied, so please let me make this clear. If you find yourself in a church where you are not able to grow due to the environment surrounding you, pray first for another place to go! Don’t just start visiting every church that you know; for sometimes our irrational actions will send the wrong messages to people. Ask yourself first in an honest way if you are doing everything you can to promote growth for yourself and for your church. If we can answer that with certainty and hindrances still prove to be in front of you, seek God for somewhere that you can grow (not somewhere you can go). Find an environment where the love of God is fluent and that you are able to be who God has called you to be.

Don’t let tradition and religion destroy your gifts and callings. Continue to strive to do the best that you can, and seek God in a way that when you feel the call to go and be a help to a new church that you are not going based on your emotions but upon the leadership of the spirit. And when the time is right, God will move for you. It won’t be a forced thing, but something that you know that God has performed. If God opens the door for another place for you to grow, God certainly wouldn’t make it a hard situation from where you are going from.

My whole point is this: Seek God first before we act out of ourselves! Find a place where you can grow and not just exist!

Where You Lay Up Your Treasures

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As we go on in our lives going through the motions week after week, it gets very easy to get lost in the midst of everything that we get involved in. As we continue to do everything over and over again we learn that we must always make ends meet and to be responsible for our business, right?

This sounds like a motivational speaking lecture, but it’s not. I know that if anything. that people understand the concept of responsibility. What I am wanting to talk about today is the treasures and their worth that goes far beyond this earth: the treasures of God.

When we read in the bible, we read references to laying up our treasures in Heaven. As I read that, the words began to jump off of the page. I know that today that I only need to be driven to by my faith and willingness to serve God! Everything else that we fight for each day should be a priority, but not the top one.

Seek the Kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness first, and all the other things in your life will begin to line up for you! Let God be at home, church, and your business!

Processing Conviction

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“Simon” comes from the greek interpretation meaning hearing. “Peter” comes from an Aramaic term for rock.

He was one of the first to confess that Jesus was the Messiah, and was also known to be read as one of the first ones to deny him also. It reminds us that even though we often idolize those we read in the scriptures, that they were indeed human and we are able to begin to obey God just as all did that we read about!

Luke 14:26-27

[26] If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
[27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

There are many times that we think that conviction only bears the purpose of bringing others to Christ; however, it goes much further than that if you allow it to. It can begin to show you every single day things that need to begin to change in your life. The big things, the small things, all the things that are a hindrance in your walk with God!

Psalms 51:4

[4] Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

When we allow it to happen, the spirit of God will begin to produce conviction through our willingness to listen. It allows us to draw closer by removing all the parts of our lives that seem so hard to deal with. It separates us from sin, delivers us from temptations, and doesn’t allow the enemy to win the mental battles that are so often won without as much as a fight!

Luke 22:31

[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

John 15:20

[20] Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

We have to learn to follow the leadership of God when He begins to speak to us, to be careful to hear and follow what is instructed. After hearing what we do, we must BEGIN to follow through on that. We must not wait! We have to begin to move forward and remember that as we read that “If they have persecuted me” (being Jesus) that you will face sufferings, but through Christ you will come out victorious!

Psalms 51:10

[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Conviction should produce contrition. It should make me begin to cry out to God in a brand new way. I should learn to acknowledge my problems and shortcomings, for God knows far more about our lives; the present day and far ahead of what we can even begin to comprehend!

Luke 22:32

[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Conviction should produce confidence to help others! The body of Christ when in a stable established walk with God should get to a place where you are able for people to bear of the fruits of the Spirit of you (peace, joy and love). If we are bringing everything else of the world, they cannot be drawn by that, and people cannot be changed and walk in a new person, a new creature.

Galatians 1:16

[16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

“Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood” tells me not to lean on my own understanding, but to learn to trust the spirit of God. It will not fail you or forsake you. That’s the only thing that will prove to be consistent in your life AND in your churches of today. A spiritual church is an active church. A non-spiritual church is a church not performing in outreach, but simply performing. People need help and need us to follow conviction once more!

Acts 8:22

[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Matthew 19:21

[21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Come and follow me

We have to learn to heed to the voice and command to move to what the spirit would want us to do. People need to hear from our experiences and words that are given, for that is life to others. We often question that, but if we surrender and come willing God will prove Himself true and people will be changed! You can guarantee it!

Luke 22:54-62

[54] Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
[55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
[56] But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
[57] And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
[58] And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
[59] And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
[60] And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
[61] And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
[62] And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

This was a result of conviction in Peter, but this was not the end of Peter. Remember to walk in the confidence that Jesus spoke about that “upon this rock I will build my church”. Jesus was talking about the part of the person that believes. Let that part of you be strong!

Efforts Lost Are People Lost

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This is a short, but sweet reminder that when we do not begin to pose a strong consistent effort within our services for God, that there are people that are slipping through our fingers and falling through the cracks!

We have to begin to always be dependable in the sense that we are going to be obedient vessels in and out of season, or in other words, whether I feel like it or don’t.

This applies to all aspects of ministry and is the hardest to realize when we are down or discouraged about the fruitfulness of what we are doing.

We have to remember that which we put before God is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Just because people don’t receive you in the carnal mind or body does not mean that by your willingness that God has not moved into their heart with conviction!

Help all that you can in the support of God’s church and all the parts that make it!