Church

September 20, 2013

Promises Propel Purity

Have you seen the the Sister Carol Style clip (search youtube “Sister Carol Style Josh Laster) that was shown at the Valley Fellowship Christmas 2011 Banquet? Josh, Brock, and Jorge’s parody still makes me smile. At Kimberlyn’s sixteen birthday party, Mom joined in in the Wii room – but I don’t think she thought about all the phones with cameras. Mom is a “holy lady” whose lifestyle was certainly inspired by God’s Word.

God’s Word helped my mom and will help you, too. God’s promises offer you powerful tools to withstand temptation. Read the fourth chapter of Matthew and see how Jesus quoted Scripture – God’s promises – to win over satan’s temptation. In the wilderness, Jesus wasn’t carrying a scroll of the Book of Deuteronomy. How did He know the verses – the promises – that were needed for each challenge?

I bet He spent time memorizing God’s Word. His memorization and meditation before the battle equipped Jesus for victory. Notice that Jesus spoke the promise aloud. There is something significant about speaking God’s Word. We are strengthened by our confession and agreement with God’s promises.

Do you have enough Scripture stored within your heart and mind to be successful in the face of temptation, or fear, or rejection, or persecution, or hardship, or sickness, or what-ever-is-attacking-you? Do you have Scriptures hidden in your heart that bolster your faith to flee from sexual sin? Have you meditated God’s promises of His presence, His protection, and His provision to the point that when you are tested – you ace the test?

The apostle Paul reminds the readers of his letter to Corinth of several promises.

For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 6:16b-7:1 NIV)

God’s wonderful promises should motivate our forward pursuit. As we hold on to His promises, His Word pushes us toward Christlike holiness and purity.

More than three hundred fifty years ago, Puritan pastor Thomas Watson expounded upon 2 Corinthians 7:1 in an afternoon sermon (August 17, 1662), wisely advising believers:

Trade much in the promises. The promises are great supports to faith. Faith lives in a promise, as the fish lives in the water. The promises are both comforting and quickening …. The promises of God are bladders [flotation devices/lifesavers!] to keep us from sinking when we come to the waters of affliction. The promises are sweet clusters of grapes that grow upon Christ the true vine. O! trade much in the promises; there is no condition that you can be in, but you have a promise. (Farewell Sermons, p. 200)

Let God’s promises propel your purity.

September 13, 2013

Healing – God’s Manifestation on Earth

Healing is a gracious manifestation of God’s power restoring a part of the human make-up. Healing may be ministered to a variety of sickness and in a variety of means. Sickness can attack the physical body but also the mind, the spirit, or any area of human life.

Healing could be seen as the realignment of disease with the kingdom of heaven. Jesus teaches His disciples to pray for His kingdom and will to be accomplished on earth as His kingdom and will are already established in heaven (Matt. 6:9-10). There is certainly NO sickness in heaven. Praying for healing is one way of praying in the manner Jesus indicates. The manifestation of healing power demonstrates that the kingdom of God is here. Healings certainly reveal God’s presence, God’s love, and God’s will, while edifying, exhorting, and encouraging (building, stirring and cheering) the body of Christ.

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Our prayers for the Lord to heal an individual are an extension of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Believers are to follow the model and example of Jesus. Compassion and the gifts of the Spirit should flow naturally out of a personal connection with God. Jesus Christ is “God with us,” and Jesus Christ must be with a believer to achieve true, incarnational, healing ministry. The Holy Spirit enables believers for service with all the authority and power necessary to see healing manifested within the body and life of a sick individual or group. Healing miracles should give glory to God, for healing is an expression of His kingdom on earth.

September 12, 2013

Healing is now and sometimes not yet

I am so thankful for my daughter Kimberlyn’s great report from the doctors at St. Jude’s (Memphis). Kimberlyn is cancer-free, and her shoulder has full range of motion. I am still a bit surprised by how emotional I am about her last visit. Talking about it today with staff and students at Valley Fellowship Christian Academy, I can feel the tears rising up in my eyes. At lunch, my wife teased me saying, “You cry after the whole thing is done.” Apparently, Patti is right. At least my tears are happy tears. Thank you, Lord, for carrying us through this struggle.

God is infinite and I am finite. My finite mind will never be able to understand Him completely. God heals, yet I have arduously toiled with the enigma of sickness and disease. The paradox of why all are not instantly healed is beyond the ability of my finite mind. I like to know it all, understand it all, see it all, but healing does not fit into a simple package.

I trust God, but I don’t understand why one person is healed instantly, another progressively, and another not on earth. My younger brother is a great example of God’s continued help, but no instant healing. My mom and dad prayed for brother’s eyes from the time he was a baby. Barry got his first glasses at sixteen months and the doctors said he would be totally blind by the time he was in second grade. Well, Barry is in his forties and is still seeing, but our family continues to pray for his eyes.

Barry’s experience is starkly contrasted with a woman named Georgian for whom my parents prayed after a Friday night Bible study at our house. Earlier on that Friday, the doctors told Georgian that the holes in her retinas would permanently blind her in less than two weeks. Already she was wearing the thickest lenses I had ever seen. Dad and mom laid hands on her, prayed, then Dad paused and asked her how was her sight. Georgian said her limited vision was worse – everything was blurry. Dad suggested taking off the glasses, and BOOM! Georgian’s eyes had been totally healed.

God healed her instantly. My brother continues to walk out his healing day by day. The same couple (my parents) that prayed for years for my brother prayed for just a moment with Georgian. Same God, same faith, same area of the body, same people praying, but different results.

Twenty years ago, I prayed for a man dying of cancer that honestly I didn’t really expect to be healed on earth. I remember leading him to a personal relationship with Christ and praising the Lord that he would likely be seeing Jesus face-to-face pretty quickly. But, God had other plans. A few weeks later, the cancer was gone and the doctors declared him to be in full remission. He still hasn’t had that heavenly face-to-face encounter.

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I am forty-seven years old, have prayed for healing, have seen God heal many people, but there is much about the tension between healing now and sometimes not till heaven that I am still trying to grasp.

Jesus’ earthly ministry is a display of the kingdom of God. The Gospels tell of Jesus teaching with authority (Matt. 7:28-29; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37). His words penetrate truth and His miracles testify of the power of God. His listeners have reason to believe that the kingdom is at hand. Jesus endures the daily challenges and realities of living, yet He reaches out to hurting, harassed, and hungry people.

Jesus causes an intersection between this world and the kingdom of God. Jesus publicly proclaims the establishment of the kingdom (Luke 11:20), yet tension remains. The disparity between the kingdom of God as already here and the kingdom of God not yet manifested, confronts my inadequate human perspective. I am limited and cannot comprehend the mystery of an unlimited God.

However, Scripture contains a clear mandate for me pray for sick people and expect God’s miraculous manifestation. As I survey the healing accounts within the Bible, my faith is stirred to once again allow myself to be a channel for God’s healing power. Even if I never completely understand the “whys” and “how comes,” I will do my best to operate in faith and in the belief that God wants me to expect healing.

Power encounters mixed with public proclamation certainly help to communicate the message of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus combines the proclamation and demonstration of the kingdom of heaven (Mark 1:21-39). Matthew chronicles the extraordinary miraculous power of Jesus Christ the Messiah. After illuminating the astonishment of the crowd (Matt. 7:28-29), Matthew underscores Jesus’ exousia by recounting the cleansing of the man with leprosy, the releasing of the centurion’s servant, the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, and the calming of the Galilean storm (Matthew 8). The teaching ministry of Jesus naturally flows into His healing ministry. Jesus’ example stirs me to step out in faith. I need to preach and minister like Him. Hopefully, my sermons will not only exegete the Scriptures but will also provide opportunities to flow into healing ministry.

September 10, 2013

Nothing is Beyond God’s Healing Strength

My daughter Kimberlyn is about to have a follow-up appointment at St Jude’s in Memphis, TN, and I am praying for a good report. Oral Roberts regularly reminded his listeners that God’s healings can always stand up to a doctor’s review, so we are going into this one in faith. It has been a little over a year since her surgery and so this appointment is the big one that could bring Kimberlyn’s full release from the doctors. Check out what I wrote back in February at “Distressed?“. I am so thankful for God’s healing power. Praise the Lord! Jesus Christ hasn’t changed; He still heals today.

Finite humankind is unable to fully understand the awesome variety with which God operates. In the end the method is not important, but the healer Jesus Christ is!

Consider the variety of ways used by Jesus to administer healing to blind individuals. In Luke 18:35-43, Jesus speaks to the blind man for his sight to be restored. In Matthew 9:27-31, Jesus touches the eyes of two blind men. In John 9:1-7, Jesus makes mud from His own spit and places the mud on a blind man’s eyes. Then, Jesus commands the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. After washing, the man goes home seeing. In most cases there is instant healing, but in Mark 8:22-25, a blind man from Bethsaida is healed gradually. Jesus initially spits on the blind man’s eyes, and then questions him to determine the extent of healing that has occurred. Because the sight is not complete, Jesus once more places His hands on the man’s eyes and the man’s sight is restored.

Often healing follows a “word” or a command. When asking Jesus to heal a servant, the Centurion of Luke 7:1-10 reveals insight into this method of healing and simply asks for Jesus to say the word. Peter speaks to the crippled Aeneas and Aeneas gets up (Acts 9:32-35). To another crippled beggar, Peter and John deliver the word for healing in the Name of Jesus (Acts 3:6-7). Similar miracles occur during Paul’s ministry at Lystra (Acts 14:8-10).

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James 5:14 combines physically touching an individual with the anointing of oil. Oil is often a type or symbol of the Holy Spirit. The oil itself does not heal, but provides an excellent point of contact for an individual to release faith for healing. The anointing with the prayer of faith brings restoration.

Another means of administering healing is through contact with cloth or even a shadow. Touching the edge of Jesus’ garment is enough to bring healing to many formerly sick (Mark 6:56). One woman forces her way through a crowd in order to touch Jesus’ cloak. Following her healing, Jesus gives confidence, “Daughter, your faith has healed you (Mark 5: 28-34 NIV).” Faith is regularly tied to healing accounts in the New Testament. “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them (Acts 19:11-12 NIV).” Evidently, the healing strength of God can be imparted through various physical items but God’s miraculous power is not limited by physical connection. The Bible dramatically shares that as Peter’s shadow crosses over some ill individuals, they are healed (Acts 5:15-16).

Death is conceivably the greatest form of sickness known to man, but even death is no match for God’s healing power. The Gospel writers provide the most memorable example of God’s authority over death when attesting to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrates healing over death by restoring life to a young girl (Mark 5:35-42) and ordering Lazarus’ freedom from death (John 11:38-44). The book of Acts points out three people who are raised in spite of death’s grip. Paul is healed (9:40); Tabitha comes to life (14:20); Eutychus lives once more (20:9-12). Nothing is beyond the healing strength of the Lord.

September 8, 2013

Together

Amazing things happen when Christ-followers pull together to accomplish God’s purposes in the world. “Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, 1978, p. 30)

Coming together is beginning.

Together we receive a sense that God is also with us (2 or 3 gathered Matthew 18:20). Coming together affirms us and fills us with hope. God is good! “God richly gives us everything to enjoy.” (1 Tim 6:17b) The best way to enjoy a good thing is to share it with others.

We must open our hearts and lives to come together beyond social-economic backgrounds, racial stereotypes, political opinions, even favorite teams. Hey, I live in Alabama and understand a little of the grace needed for an Alabama Roll-Tide-r to reach across in love to an Auburn War-Eagle-r.

“I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us.” (2 Corinthians 6:13 CEV)
“Make room for us in your hearts.” (2 Corinthians 7:2a NIV)
“May the Lord make your love grow. May it be like a rising flood. May your love for one another increase. May it also increase for everyone else. May it be just like our love for you.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIRV)

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Staying together is growth.

Small group settings are a great place for growth. Within the context of a group, we get to know each other on a deeper level and do life together. “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8 HCSB) Authentic, healthy relationships not only provide connection into church life, they are a source of strength, encouragement, and joy throughout life’s seasons.

Paul praised the household of Onesiphorus for showing “kindness and ministered to my needs, comforting and reviving and bracing me like fresh air”. (2 Timothy 1:16 AMP) We need to cultivate a life in common with other believers. “I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 MSG)

Together we allow spiritual gifts to be released. “Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” (1 Corinthians 14:26 NLT)

“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.” (Hebrews 13:1 NLT)

Laboring together is advancement.

Service and community small groups provide a place to serve, a place to shoulder Kingdom responsibilities, a place to see lives changed. Great things happen when people have “a heart and mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6 AMP).

“I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.” (Philippians 4:14 MSG)
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 MSG)

Worshipping together is success.

Several times, Scripture calls us to worship. The Psalmist cried out, “Praise the Lord’s greatness with me. Let us highly honor his name together.” (Psalm 34:3 GW) I would say that getting to heaven is the ultimate mark of success. Have you consider what the Book of Revelation reveals about the activity going on in heaven? Worship is a huge part of heaven. When we live such good lives before men and women, that they are inspired to glorify our Father in heaven – we are sharing in a measure of success. We release heaven’s worship on earth.

“We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ. What does this mean? It means, first, that a Christians needs others because of Jesus Christ. It means second, that a Christian comes to others only through Jesus Christ. It means, third, that in Jesus Christ we have been chosen from eternity, accepted in time, and united for eternity.” (Bonhoeffer, Life Together, p. 21)

September 6, 2013

God-Followers Follow His Example

Lift up your foot and look at the bottom of your shoe. Is there a visible pattern? A Nike swoosh? A checkered-design? As you walk in those shoes, the pattern of your sole leaves a mark. You don’t have to be be walking down a sandy beach to leave an impression. I hope you aren’t “walking on” the people in your life, but your walk of life does impact those around you. What impression are you making upon the people in your life?

Scripture calls us to follow God’s example, to be imitators of the Lord. In two verses in Ephesians, Paul mentions three aspects of genuine God-followers.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)

#1 Followers of God’s example are dearly loved children.

God loves me – what-a-concept! “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” God-followers find security in relationship with Him. God changes lives. Even if you are from dysfunctional families or have experienced horrible abuse, God’s love within you can transform the way you view yourself and the way you live your life.

#2 Followers of God’s example are loving people.

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The only way we will ever be able to follow the Lord’s example is by allowing God’s love to fill our hearts. God does flood the hearts of His children. Paul stated, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5b NASB). D.L. Moody (19th-century evangelist and pastor) commented on this verse: “If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do.”

#3 Followers of God’s example are generous givers.

Christ gave Himself as a fragrant offering – a scent pleasing to the Father’s nostrils. God is a giver, a generous giver, and we are to imitate His character. As Jesus willingly gave His life for this world, we must be willing to surrender our own self-interests and give. Are you prepared to sacrifice your comfort, your time, your agenda, and your expectations? Only by giving our time, talent, and treasure will we really be followers of God’s example.

What imprint are you making on the life of someone else? What do the footsteps of your life communicate? What impression is left as you walk away from a person? Are you following God’s example – living as a dearly loved child, walking in love, and practicing generosity?

“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5 NCV)

September 5, 2013

First Generation to . . .

I just received an interesting email from Tim Elmore, author and president of Growing Leaders (You can find out more about the company from their website growingleaders.com). I thought Elmore’s comments fit well with what Dr. Chris Royael shared on Growing Champions (last night at Valley Fellowship). Dr. Elmore has written a lot about the new generation of young adults. Here is the heart of email I got today, September 5, 2013 from Tim Elmore.

Your high school or college students are among a generation who’s the first to experience a number of realities. In fact, because they’re initiating these realities, they may present a challenge to your parents and teachers. Adults are grappling with how to raise this population of kids who grew up on-line, with a screen in their hands. The pixels and format of those screens have re-wired their brains: they think differently, react differently, communicate differently, and process information differently than adults. Some call them “screenagers.” Consider the following “firsts” they represent.

This is the First Generation of Youth Who:

1. Doesn’t need adults to get information.
Consider how this difference changes the role of an adult. Because information is everywhere, we are no longer brokers of data. They don’t need us for information, but for interpretation. We must help them make sense of all they know. Our job isn’t to enable them to access data, but to process data and form good decisions.

2. Can broadcast their every thought or emotion to those who follow them.
You see this every week. Thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, your kids can send messages to huge populations who matter. They are the new PR for your youth department or your school. Some posts actually get famous…good or bad. Most have not been equipped to harness the megaphone in their hands.

3. Has external stimuli at their fingertips 24/7.
Because a portable device is in their hand, they receive outside stimulation any time they’re bored. Many don’t think well on their own. This outside entertainment may have reduced their internal motivation. They’ve never had to motivate themselves. They depend on a screen to push them. We must equip them to find it within.

4. Is socially connected at all times, but often connects in isolation.
This is the most connected generation in history—but perhaps the one who’s experienced the least community. They’re rarely disconnected, but are lonely and often connect virtually, in isolation, on a screen. Their empathy, soft skills and emotional intelligence are lower because of it. They’ll need those skills for life.
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5. Will learn more from a portable device than from a classroom.
This one is a game changer. The portable device they hold in their hand is now the compass that guides them, not their teachers. They’ll consume more data on this device than through any other means. It may be inaccurate or damaging, but it’s available and they are digesting it. They’ll need us to help them navigate this tool.

6. Adults have enabled to be narcissistic instead of valuing a team.
Adults have told them they’re special, gifted and smart. This affirmation was intended to build self-esteem. Sadly, instead of helping their self-esteem, as a whole, it’s produced a high level of narcissism. They’re into themselves not the whole. You may be needed to furnish them with bigger picture perspective.

7. Uses a phone instead of a wristwatch, camera, wall calendar or board game.
Students no longer manage their lives the way we did growing up. Their phone tells time, provides entertainment, takes pictures, gives directions, connects with friends and broadcasts their messages. Designed to make life simpler, this non-stop information center has made them the most stressed out generation to date.

8. Scores lower on global comparisons, but believe they’re “awesome.”
This may be the most notable “first.” American kids continue to score lower on standardized tests than their peers around the world. Despite this fact, the one category they keep scoring highest in is: self-confidence. They’ve been empowered to believe they’re awesome, but not equipped by adults to enter adulthood.

Our Job…
Despite the unintended consequences to this world of “firsts” I continue to believe in the potential of this emerging generation. I pray they truly will transform the world. They can be role models for younger kids—but they will require direction and equipping that earlier young adults may not have needed. They need conversations about how to navigate an overwhelming world of information, and they need help to see they are only part of a much bigger world than themselves. Are you ready to expand your definition of “teacher” or “leader”?

What does this say to us that want to reach this generation for Christ? I encourage you to reread Dr. Elmore’s last paragraph. Are you ready to be a role model for Christ?

September 3, 2013

What does it take to build a House?

“House” is common metaphor for the church, the Body of Christ, or for a local congregation. Here are four components of building a House for God’s glory.

#1 House Building Entails PEOPLE!

People are the instruments God uses to build. God wants to use US to do His work on earth. Every person in a congregation needs to recognize their own individual responsibility to the body. No one is excluded. There is so much that God wants to do. “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NLT)

#2 House Building Entails UNIFIED People!

God wants US to work together in unity. More unity releases more power; more division equals less power.

“Live in harmony with one another.” (Romans 12:16a NIV)
“Live in harmony. Do what I have asked you to do. Agree with each other, and live in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11b NCV)
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Philippians 1:27 NLT)

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#3 House Building Entails Unified People WORKING!

Can you imagine a “help wanted” sign hanging in front of your church building? Maybe the sign should read, “Business Good! Help Wanted.” To accomplish God’s purpose, sweat equity is required. We need people who work – faithfully and diligently – even when it takes time and effort.

House building isn’t easy work, but God’s people don’t need to be afraid of hard work. Should you really call yourself a “lion tamer” if your prerequisites are 1) a tamer lion or 2) an already tamed lion?

Willingness to work is evidence of commitment and not just interest. When you are only interested in doing something, you do it when the task is convenient. When you are committed, you accept no excuse and fulfill the job. Lots of folks are interested in something happening, but not everyone is willing to work to see something happen.

“And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17 AMP)
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NLT)

#3 House Building Entails Unified People Working WITH GOD!

We need the right perspective. We co-labor with Almighty God. We are building what He desires. “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything” (Hebrews 3:4). The secret to success is not self-confidence but God-confidence. We desperately need His strength and grace. We will face difficulties as we build but we can confidently say, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

“If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless.” (Psalm 127:1a GNT)
“Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5 NIV)

September 1, 2013

Vision Motivates Action

Redemptive revelation from God motivates us to significant action. “Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelations of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law of God, which includes that of man, blessed, happy, fortunate and enviable is he” (Proverbs 29:18 AMP).

Have you ever been fired up in the church building, only to lose your victory in the parking lot? Worship services and anointed preaching certainly can motivate, but Christians often lose momentum because of failure to remain focused on God’s vision and purposes. Daily life is drained by the distraction and busyness provided by a thousand good things that sidetrack us. Regularly focusing on vision spurs you to the “God” things to do.

The Lord affirms, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV84). Write it down! Why? First, it allows other people to understand the map of direction, and secondly, writing it down allows other people to join with you.

Once vision is clear, correct decisions seem to be highlighted among the many choices.

I had a vision to be married to a Godly woman of God, and that vision motivated me to action. When I identified Patti as the woman for me, I was spurred to action! I pursued her. I called her. I wrote notes. I got up early in the morning to be able to walk her to her car (for her student teaching assignment). I don’t really enjoy shaving my face, but I remember several days when we were dating that I shaved TWO times. I bet you already know why! Patti didn’t like my stubble, and I wasn’t going to let a little facial hair keep me from possibly being close to her!

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When people really want something, it is amazing what lengths they will go trying to obtain it. Vision will motivate you to action, as well. Vision provides a focus that invigorates, and vision gives persistence to right direction.

Realizing how Valley Fellowship Church has progressed excites me, but seeing unfinished areas also propels me forward. You have not yet seen all that God wants from Valley Fellowship. Keep on watching! God isn’t finished. I believe that God will fulfill His purpose, but I also understand that God’s purposes are always accomplished in God’s time.

The Lord says in Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV), “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay”. The Living Bible paraphrases, “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!”

God-given vision, a redemptive revelation with motivation, provokes Lord’s plans and purpose for your life. Focus on vision and see it fulfilled.

August 30, 2013

HOLD ON

Don’t let go of what God has spoken to your heart. Hold on to God’s promise. Hold on to your vision from God. Don’t surrender your dream just yet – God isn’t finished! Don’t capitulate to the bombardment of noisy negatives.When God reveals His will, His plans, and His purpose to you, hold on to His promise. God does speak and prompt and reveal things to come, but we need to hold on.

Don’t live in a fantasy world, but don’t let go of what God has spoken to you. You can’t just wait and do nothing. You need to do what is required of you in your life – in your work life, in your family life, in your financial life, in every obligation of your daily life. But, don’t give up on the vision God has given you for your life. Don’t let go of what God has revealed to you.

Hold on. I am sure that it was difficult for Mary to understand how she could possibly give birth to the Messiah, but the angel encouraged her, “For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment” (Luke 1:37 AMP).” Mary trusted the word and humbly accepted the assignment. When Mary sought out her cousin, Elizabeth spoke over Mary, “She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!” (Luke 1:35 HCSB) At just the right moment in history, in the “fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4), Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. Mary got to see what God revealed fulfilled.

Don’t quit; don’t you want to see what God revealed to you about your life fulfilled?

I do. I am still holding on for a fresh move of the Lord where I live. I am crying out for revival in my generation, awakening in my time, renewal in my area. I am inviting Holy Spirit outpouring that will make it hard to go to hell from Huntsville, Madison, and the Tennessee Valley. I was part of a group fervently praying this morning. We closed out early corporate prayer today singing the song “Holding On” by Generation Unleashed (Bryan Bettis © 2010 City Bible Music). You can find it online if you are interested. The chorus declares, “Holding on; Standing strong upon Your word. Holding on; All Your promises are sure.” Hold on!

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Your family will be blessed by your faithfulness to the end. Noah trusted the revelation God gave and prepared for a flood despite huge persecution. Noah’s family was saved because he didn’t grow faint halfway through the project and give up. Let’s learn from Noah’s example! “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9 NASB). Hold on.

Joseph went through many years of rejection, mistreatment, slavery, scandal, lies, and prison – BUT he held on to the dream God had given to him as a teenager. Joseph’s persistence open the way for the salvation of his entire family – even the brothers that had so horribly mistreated him. Thirteen plus years of delay and denial surely were not easy for Joseph to endure, but the story wasn’t finished.

It only took the Lord ONE day to move Joseph from an Egyptian prison to a royal palace, from overlooked victim to overseeing Prime Minister. In one day, total transformation occurred. Hold on. When the time of fulfillment arrives – look out! It doesn’t have to take long! It may take a while before you see everything lining up in place, but it really only takes the Lord a moment to change a life.

What God has spoken concerning your life is worth the struggle or delay. God will do what He desires. Even if your battle has been going on for a long, long time, don’t give up. Don’t let go; hold on.