“Gone Dark!”
Isaiah 50:10, Matt 3:13-14
Intro- I must admit this particular work/ teaching that I share today came from only recently understanding a place that I have been over the last six weeks. This will be a very transparent and honest teaching. Get ready! So much of what we do centers around a healthy understanding of being a leader who always understands our own barriers and limitations.
Have you ever “Gone Dark?” I have! In the CIA and the FBI when a agent is overexposed they are forced to GO DARK! They have to simply disappeare. In Ministry sometimes we have to go DARK!
Isa 50:10, Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
*We know that God is light!
1 John 1:5, (message) This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there's not a trace of darkness in him.
*We know we are His lamps!
Psalms 18:28-29, You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
*We know we reflect him and have to be free-
1 John 1:6-7, (message) If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth — we're not living what we claim. 7 But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin.
*God maybe the responsible party!
Isaiah 45:7, (message) I form light and create darkness, I make harmonies and create discords. I, God, do all these things.
Opening: I have stated hundreds of times that although I grew up in a home that battled depression, anxiety, and discouragement I had made up my mind to never allow it in me. It sounded really good from a pulpit or podium. It allowed people to look at their speaker as someone that was proof that you could be free of wrong emotions. For the most part this has been true.
However, a few weeks ago I visited my ailing father. My dad is my hero. He took our family out of a life of secularism, drugs, and abuse when I was just a boy. He pastored the churches nobody else wanted. He did everything he could to provide for us whether it was selling his class ring for my sisters Easter dress, or selling flowers to buy groceries he did it all. I love my dad dearly and believe him to be the most passionate for Jesus man I could know. He and mom haven’t been the same since my sister died about 3.5 years ago. Now over time he is having mini strokes and also had one major heart attack while ministering in New Zealand. This has left him bedridden most of the time. The strong man of power and might is very weak and tired.
Back to my visit! I went to see him as I have done as much as possible lately. It was a good visit of about 3 hours. We laughed, talked, and dreamed. He shared his disappointment with not being able to minister, and also of tired of his sickness. I drove home that day only to return in the early hours to see him after being rushed in to the hospital.
Something…. Something…. happened to me that day that was not good. I can only describe it as “Going Dark.” This is the term used by the C.I.A. or maybe some other clandestine organization when an agents identity is exposed or when the agent needs to relocate for a while. They disappear until it is safe. I went Dark! Maybe it was my parent’s mortality, a feeling of helplessness, exhaustion, or simply my own mortality that caused a cloud to rest over me. It was as if life stopped and everything went gray. That is simply the only way to explain it.
If you’re a leader out that has ever faced extreme overwhelming emotions that have defrauded you of life then you probably are one of the best lovers of people, brilliant writer, planner, organizer, developer, and visionary. I say that because you are on the devils radar. I literally felt this for six weeks. I would pray, worship, preach, dance, speak life, and wear a mask, but it was still there.
It wasn’t until last Saturday while ministering outside of Tampa on my way to a morning run that I decided to call my dad. He was awake and cognate. We exchanged pleasantries and updated each other and then like uncapping a high pressured well- I exploded! I said, Dad, help me! I need you to pray over me! I am absolutely overwhelmed!” My dad began to speak life and I can say that Spirit got off of me. I call it a spirit, because that is exactly what it is! A spirit of death! It had attached itself to me while at my parents six weeks before. I had gone Dark! It took the voice of my father to break it! It took my dad telling me I am free to get free. I had prayed, worshiped, and done everything right, but it wouldn’t let go. Now I am free. Thanks dad! And thank you to Karen for helping hold on till I got free!
Matthew 11:28- "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I. 5 Types of darkness a leader may fall prey to:
1. Self depreciation and despair- This is the darkness I will share about ahead.
Psalms 142:3, (message) "As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away,
you know how I'm feeling, Know the danger I'm in, the traps hidden in my path.
2. Secret sin- when a leader begins to believe they can secret sin they lose the
ability know right from wrong. The moment we begin to ignore the inner
Spirit man screaming for us to get free is the moment we begin a slow death.
Psalms 7:14, (Message) Look at that guy! He had sex with sin,
he's pregnant with evil. Oh, look! He's having the baby — a Lie-Baby!
James 1:14-15, but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
3. Wrong motivations- Improper ambitions, desires, and covetous behavior-
Matthew 7:16, (message) Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
4. Offenses that eat away at you from the inside out- hurts caused by others
Proverbs 18:19 - an offended brother is harder and more unyielding to than a fortified city!
5. Pride- when you begin to believe your press! This is what has happened to
so many great leaders!
Proverbs 16:18, (message) First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego,
the harder the fall.
We could all fall prey to all of these, but I must deal with number 1- Self depreciation and despair. Now that I have walked through this I believe I am able to amply speak concerning what I walked through. I felt lost- helpless-overwhelmed- in fear!
When someone is the CIA or FBI must go dark it is to protect them or guard their identity.
I have found that every leader must go dark at times!
II. Most leaders can’t just get OVER it! OVER can cause going dark!
If you get….
• Overexposed! Elijah- Jezebel wanted to kill him! God will hide you!
• Overwhelmed! Romans 8:26- When we don’t know how to pray the Spirit makes intercession-
• Overthrown!- David faced this with Absolom.
• Overcome!- Rev. 12:11- We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.
• Passed-Over! When you feel you have been defrauded. Remember God has the power to promote you! He exalts the humble.
III. 7 Precepts for the Dark Times
1. Leader you will face dark times!
Psalms 107:14, He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.
Proverbs 13:12- Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
• God word explains in depth that many Moses, Elijah, Elisha, David, Jonah, Simon Peter, Paul, and most of all Jesus faced dark times.
•
• Some were not so lucky at getting free. Saul battled depression and discouragement as the king of Israel. I believe it led to his demise. He eventually gave into the evil spirits. Look what the bible says!
1 Samuel 16:23, (message) After that, whenever the bad depression from God tormented Saul, David got out his harp and played. That would calm Saul down, and he would feel better as the moodiness lifted.
• Jesus came to the point of such despair that he begged his father to let the cup pass him.
• Paul in 2 Cor. 1:8- he despaired of life.
• Look at the Psalmist who used to lead worship!
Psalms 42:3-5, My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4. These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and My God.”
• The Psalmist spoke of how he used to be a leader. How he used to lead the procession. Now he lives a life of wondering what happened to him.
• There are tens of thousands of leaders who live their lives remembering what it used to be like.
• Job spoke of darkness!
Job 10:20-22, Are not my few days almost over? Turn away from me so I can have a moment's joy. 21 before I go to the place of no return, to the land of gloom and deep shadow, 22 to the land of deepest night, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness."
• Look at Solomon- The wisest of all men!
Ecclesiastes 11:8, However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all.
But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.
2. Realize darkness is the enemy’s way of keeping you at bay!
Gal. 5:7- You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you
from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one
who calls you.
• The moment you give in to this Spirit you are effectively removed from battles that lead to victories. You have shut the door of opportunity. You have to rise up and declare freedom until it lifts. If you’re battling this Spirit you are a threat. You are dangerous to the enemy.
• The enemy know that if he can get you to “Go Dark” you have removed yourself from being effective.
3. Leaders must be careful to not allow the plight of man or vision to consume them!
Ezra 9:4-6, (Amplified) At the evening sacrifice I arose from my depression, and, having rent my undergarment and my mantle, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God, Saying, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads and our guilt has mounted to the heavens.
• God gives you the vision and burden to do something about it, but not let it kill you.
• The moment you take the burden on as you’re the only one that can fix it you have destined yourself for failure.
• Your dying won’t change them.
• A leader has to know when to shut off the valve of ministry.
• Winning others to heaven will not be nearly as sweet if you are lost in the win!
• Ministry is supposed to be fun. We get to be Gods mouth piece, but we cannot become the atoning sacrifice.
• Your building a great vision will be not be remembered as a victory if you die in the process.
4. Going dark forces others to live through your night season!
• Your loss of self will force others whom love you to debate their own purpose.
Proverbs 14:30, (message) A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
• Your family will begin to long for better days in a short life.
• Your spouse will live their lives tiptoeing around the house of darkness!
•
5. Your destiny is sitting in the balance as you swim in the darkness!
• Don’t allow yourself to become a statistic.
• The sooner you get free the quicker you understand your destiny!
Isaiah 60:1, (Amplified) ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you — rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
6. Realize in the darkness God can speak!
Job 12:22, He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light.
Job 29:2-3, "How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God
watched over me, 3 when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I
walked through darkness!
• The first thing God did in all humanity was speak to the darkness!
Genesis 1:3, (message) God spoke: "Light!" And light appeared. 4 God saw that light was good and separated light from dark.
7. Jesus understood going dark!
• Jesus disappeared from age 12-30 years old
• He was forced to continually disappear when he was with the disciples
• He went dark in the wilderness for 40 days
• He went dark for three days into hell to set you free!
IV. Let the Father tell you who you are!
• The phone call that day to my dad completely freed me of everything! Why? I knew there was an inner cry to hear the voice of the one who made me!
• It is the father that has the power to free you from your drowning situation!
• It is the father who restores hope to the family that seems lost!
• It is the father that quiets voices of failure, despair, and fear!
• There are times when I am the only one that speak peace to Nate and Abby.
• There are times when if I hear my dads voice- I know I am safe.
• Jesus understood this. He lived in anonymity! Nobody knew him. That is until Dad said who he was!
Matthew 3:13-4:1, (message) Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. 14 John objected, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!" 15 But Jesus insisted. "Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it. 16 The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit — it looked like a dove — descending and landing on him. 17 And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."
Jesus had done no miracles. He goes to get baptized. His father showed up.
• In the water Jesus knew that when he came out- out of the very thing that could kill him- out of the darkness of the Jordan- He would hear his dads voice!
• We must get the fathers to declare to this generation- who they are!
• It is the only thing that will break the darkness!
I think today I will take time to tell my kids – They are the delight of my life!
My dad rescued his son! Jesus’ dad ignored his son for me!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My day with Reinhard Bonnke..... Forever Changed!
My day with Reinhard Bonnke:
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend the day with one of my heroes Reinhard Bonnke. I call it “one day in January.” As I flew to spend the day with Pastor Bonnke the Lord impressed upon me to be ready for a shift in my Spirit. I now know the shift was to desire even more of the outpouring of Gods Spirit and the salvation of souls like never before. Here is a man that has led tens of millions to Christ and yet as we sat together I found myself weeping at his humility. It was life changing experience. I sat with Pastor Bonnke and asked simple questions. Here are just a few nuggets of power/ wisdom from Reinhard Bonnke:
1. My heart now is to raise up the sons and daughters.
2. This generation has the most vile vocabulary of any generation in history. Peter prophesied from Joel 2:28 that God would raise up the sons and daughters and they would prophecy. We must get them saved, and filled with the Spirit in order to change their language and fulfill prophecy.
3. Guard your home, heart, and integrity at all times. All of my children love the Lord and are doing ministry. That is a testimony, because I had to be gone so much.
4. Every time I show up to a crusade with hundreds of thousands I understand that God always shows up at his best. Therefore when I show up I should be at my very best. God is always ready to do the supernatural so I must be ready. I never complain and I always expect the supernatural. I live in a state of readiness!
5. I must walk in bold faith always trusting God.
6. When I have a problem I listen for God to give me the solution and he always does. When he gives me the solution I act immediately upon his word.
7. I never run after money, but only after souls.
8. Only what arrives in heaven is what really counts. The real bookkeeping is done in heaven. We must be careful of the numbers we declare. Exaggeration offends God.
9. The only way we will touch Muslim nations is to walk in the miraculous. If we will see blind eyes open and deaf ears healed they will know that our God is real.
10. A leader should always stick with their original call. God doesn’t change his mind, but he will change your course.
11. The body of Christ must stay connected. It doesn’t separate from portions of its body, but only from its waist!
12. We always act like God only shows up in percentages in our services. We say things like “I didn’t feel god today in our service.” This is impossible. He is always there. He doesn’t show up in percentages. He is a whole God. We always invite him in and this is like inviting someone into a place when he is already there. Foolish.
13. Evangelist should be evangelists! They should go for souls. That must be their priority or they are not evangelists.
14. The less Holy Spirit we have in our churches then the more coffee and doughnuts we need.
15. Take steps of faith. I have had crusades that ended not in red ink, but the red sea. God always provides the manna! Your debt to Calvary is always greater than your debt to the bank.
16. Make sure when you are with your family they know that they are all that matters. Magnify your time with them.
17. Paul said he refused to speak about the falling of other ministers. Refuse to even speak of those who do not finish the race. Guard your tongue.
18. Trust God with all you have and he will bless you with all he has.
19. Go to the masses, but first be faithful to the few.
20. It never says to pray for the harvest, but simply pray for the workers. The harvest is ready. Go get the harvest! God will show up!
I wanted to share just a few nuggets from one of God’s generals. My life is forever changed. God is looking for people who will be obedient and simply trust him. Since my meeting I realized that there was so much that I had to change in my own life. I simply want to prove faithful. I pray this blesses you. It is time for a last day harvest like never before. As I headed towards the airport after our time together I could do nothing but weep. I ask that you continue to pray for us as God leads us across the nation and world.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend the day with one of my heroes Reinhard Bonnke. I call it “one day in January.” As I flew to spend the day with Pastor Bonnke the Lord impressed upon me to be ready for a shift in my Spirit. I now know the shift was to desire even more of the outpouring of Gods Spirit and the salvation of souls like never before. Here is a man that has led tens of millions to Christ and yet as we sat together I found myself weeping at his humility. It was life changing experience. I sat with Pastor Bonnke and asked simple questions. Here are just a few nuggets of power/ wisdom from Reinhard Bonnke:
1. My heart now is to raise up the sons and daughters.
2. This generation has the most vile vocabulary of any generation in history. Peter prophesied from Joel 2:28 that God would raise up the sons and daughters and they would prophecy. We must get them saved, and filled with the Spirit in order to change their language and fulfill prophecy.
3. Guard your home, heart, and integrity at all times. All of my children love the Lord and are doing ministry. That is a testimony, because I had to be gone so much.
4. Every time I show up to a crusade with hundreds of thousands I understand that God always shows up at his best. Therefore when I show up I should be at my very best. God is always ready to do the supernatural so I must be ready. I never complain and I always expect the supernatural. I live in a state of readiness!
5. I must walk in bold faith always trusting God.
6. When I have a problem I listen for God to give me the solution and he always does. When he gives me the solution I act immediately upon his word.
7. I never run after money, but only after souls.
8. Only what arrives in heaven is what really counts. The real bookkeeping is done in heaven. We must be careful of the numbers we declare. Exaggeration offends God.
9. The only way we will touch Muslim nations is to walk in the miraculous. If we will see blind eyes open and deaf ears healed they will know that our God is real.
10. A leader should always stick with their original call. God doesn’t change his mind, but he will change your course.
11. The body of Christ must stay connected. It doesn’t separate from portions of its body, but only from its waist!
12. We always act like God only shows up in percentages in our services. We say things like “I didn’t feel god today in our service.” This is impossible. He is always there. He doesn’t show up in percentages. He is a whole God. We always invite him in and this is like inviting someone into a place when he is already there. Foolish.
13. Evangelist should be evangelists! They should go for souls. That must be their priority or they are not evangelists.
14. The less Holy Spirit we have in our churches then the more coffee and doughnuts we need.
15. Take steps of faith. I have had crusades that ended not in red ink, but the red sea. God always provides the manna! Your debt to Calvary is always greater than your debt to the bank.
16. Make sure when you are with your family they know that they are all that matters. Magnify your time with them.
17. Paul said he refused to speak about the falling of other ministers. Refuse to even speak of those who do not finish the race. Guard your tongue.
18. Trust God with all you have and he will bless you with all he has.
19. Go to the masses, but first be faithful to the few.
20. It never says to pray for the harvest, but simply pray for the workers. The harvest is ready. Go get the harvest! God will show up!
I wanted to share just a few nuggets from one of God’s generals. My life is forever changed. God is looking for people who will be obedient and simply trust him. Since my meeting I realized that there was so much that I had to change in my own life. I simply want to prove faithful. I pray this blesses you. It is time for a last day harvest like never before. As I headed towards the airport after our time together I could do nothing but weep. I ask that you continue to pray for us as God leads us across the nation and world.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
They are Hungry!
They are hungry- will you bring them lunch?
John 6:1-9
Intro.- Have you ever gone to a good restaurant and you are about to take the bite of the best meal ever- Then Somebody wants a bite? That is what this story is about!
I. You are ready to share your lunch!
Will you Stand out when people are Hungry!
John 6:1-4, (message) Sometime after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Feast was near.
The Passover feast was drawing near! Jesus new he would eventually be the Passover lamb!
II. The crowd was hungry!
John 6:5, When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
I have learned that hunger and expectation is often dependent upon who draws the crowd!
III. Jesus asks his disciples to see with different eyes!
I love that- he asked the guy with the Faith problem
John 6:6- He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
Jesus knows what he is going to do, but he gives you a chance to buy into the vision!
You have to understand Jesus always gave the disciples opportunities to prove they believe!
TL Osborne- physical eyesight can blind spiritual vision!
IV. The truth and reality are very different!
Look at Philip- he gives the reality answer! He didn’t give the truth!
John 6:7, Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
Reality is People are hurting- truth is Jesus can heal them
Reality is finances can hinder you- truth is Jesus is the banker
Reality is some kids are born into horrible situations- truth is Jesus can take them out
Reality is you may not be a great speaker- truth is when Jesus gets your life he creates a voice
Reality is you may not have very many gifting- Truth is God looks for availability
Psalms 51:6, Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
(Put leaders around me that know the truth and we will change the world and see the supernatural while the reality speakers live the mundane life of the natural!)
The problem in ministry comes when reality is a brighter neon sign than the faith God has placed in you!
Acknowledge reality on every level- but you fight the devil with Truth!
It sets you free!
Psalms 25:5, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
God is looking for people in this room that will defy the odds! The enemy will tell you that you will never change lives, you are never going to be great! But you have the truth!
Psalms 145:18-19, The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
I continually live in a state of reality denial! It is an adventure!
Jesus started so many scriptures with- I tell you the truth!
I heard a song called- “Wait and See” by Brandon Heath- I loved it- it described someone who was told he would never be anything- he made so many mistakes!
Here are some of the Words from the song- “He is not finished with me yet. There is hope for me yet cause God's not finished with me yet.”
They were wrong! Prove the world wrong! And God right!
1 Corinthians 1:19, For it is written:"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
God loves to prove the world wrong!
Romans 3:3-4, What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
V. The pointer and the producer!
John6:8, Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9 "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
Here is Andrew- He points out to Jesus the little boy!
Every leader must have around them someone who points out others gifting! In other words he was the facilitator!
Here was Andrew the brother of Simon Peter! He introduced Peter to Jesus! He knew how to bring people to the master.
What do we know about Andrew? Andrew, disciple of Christ, was from the city of Bethsaida near the region of the Sea of Galilee (John 1:44). He and his brother Peter were a fisherman by trade. In fact, it was Andrew who introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42). According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40) before becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Andrew chased the anointing!
What were some main points in the life of Andrew? We know he pointed out the little boy!
• Andrew (along with Philip) introduced some Greek fellows to Jesus (John 12:20-22).
• Andrew inquired of Jesus regarding the destruction of the temple (Mark 13:3-4).
• He was among the disciples who gathered in the upper room after they had been indwelt by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13).
By studying tradition, we learn that Andrew preached in different regions and started a church in Constantinople. One account states that he refused to make sacrifices to heathen gods and was beaten and crucified at Patrae and Achaia.
****Andrew hung for approximately two days and during this time he praised God. (He was always pointing towards Jesus even in death)
Throughout his life, Andrew was a man with whom many of us can identify. He expressed doubt at times, did not always understand or comprehend the Lord's teaching, and he occasionally lacked faith. However, Andrew persisted.
He would point out the CHOSEN! Be a leader that can see the chosen! He saw the little boy!
Many are called but few are chosen! (Matthew 22:14)
Scene- He chooses a kid- can you see the kid- he is about to eat- then a bully disciple says- Hey kid give me your lunch!
Will you show up ready with a bag full of lunch? What is in your bag?
Five loaves! Two fishes! That meal represented so much!
Bread- 5 loaves- (The number of Grace) You better have the word in you! Be ready to share the bread! Jesus always break the bread!
Fishes! – there were two- (represents the joining of two different ones- You and God) that means each one is called to win more than yourself!
We are fishers of men!
If you come prepared he will pull you out of the crowd! You and God with some Grace!
VI. The field was full of people!
John 6:10, Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
VII. Let nothing go to waste!
When you call something leftover- Jesus calls valuable!
John 6:12, When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
VIII. Make Jesus Famous by your obedience! Learn to hide!
John 6:14, After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Jesus knows how to hide from the peoples desires and requests! He slips away!
Notice the little boy didn’t make the headlines! He wasn’t on the front of Time magazine!
Nope he went home having done his best! The people were fed! Jesus was more famous! Welcome to ministry!
John 6:1-9
Intro.- Have you ever gone to a good restaurant and you are about to take the bite of the best meal ever- Then Somebody wants a bite? That is what this story is about!
I. You are ready to share your lunch!
Will you Stand out when people are Hungry!
John 6:1-4, (message) Sometime after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Feast was near.
The Passover feast was drawing near! Jesus new he would eventually be the Passover lamb!
II. The crowd was hungry!
John 6:5, When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
I have learned that hunger and expectation is often dependent upon who draws the crowd!
III. Jesus asks his disciples to see with different eyes!
I love that- he asked the guy with the Faith problem
John 6:6- He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
Jesus knows what he is going to do, but he gives you a chance to buy into the vision!
You have to understand Jesus always gave the disciples opportunities to prove they believe!
TL Osborne- physical eyesight can blind spiritual vision!
IV. The truth and reality are very different!
Look at Philip- he gives the reality answer! He didn’t give the truth!
John 6:7, Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
Reality is People are hurting- truth is Jesus can heal them
Reality is finances can hinder you- truth is Jesus is the banker
Reality is some kids are born into horrible situations- truth is Jesus can take them out
Reality is you may not be a great speaker- truth is when Jesus gets your life he creates a voice
Reality is you may not have very many gifting- Truth is God looks for availability
Psalms 51:6, Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
(Put leaders around me that know the truth and we will change the world and see the supernatural while the reality speakers live the mundane life of the natural!)
The problem in ministry comes when reality is a brighter neon sign than the faith God has placed in you!
Acknowledge reality on every level- but you fight the devil with Truth!
It sets you free!
Psalms 25:5, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
God is looking for people in this room that will defy the odds! The enemy will tell you that you will never change lives, you are never going to be great! But you have the truth!
Psalms 145:18-19, The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
I continually live in a state of reality denial! It is an adventure!
Jesus started so many scriptures with- I tell you the truth!
I heard a song called- “Wait and See” by Brandon Heath- I loved it- it described someone who was told he would never be anything- he made so many mistakes!
Here are some of the Words from the song- “He is not finished with me yet. There is hope for me yet cause God's not finished with me yet.”
They were wrong! Prove the world wrong! And God right!
1 Corinthians 1:19, For it is written:"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
God loves to prove the world wrong!
Romans 3:3-4, What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
V. The pointer and the producer!
John6:8, Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9 "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
Here is Andrew- He points out to Jesus the little boy!
Every leader must have around them someone who points out others gifting! In other words he was the facilitator!
Here was Andrew the brother of Simon Peter! He introduced Peter to Jesus! He knew how to bring people to the master.
What do we know about Andrew? Andrew, disciple of Christ, was from the city of Bethsaida near the region of the Sea of Galilee (John 1:44). He and his brother Peter were a fisherman by trade. In fact, it was Andrew who introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42). According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40) before becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Andrew chased the anointing!
What were some main points in the life of Andrew? We know he pointed out the little boy!
• Andrew (along with Philip) introduced some Greek fellows to Jesus (John 12:20-22).
• Andrew inquired of Jesus regarding the destruction of the temple (Mark 13:3-4).
• He was among the disciples who gathered in the upper room after they had been indwelt by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13).
By studying tradition, we learn that Andrew preached in different regions and started a church in Constantinople. One account states that he refused to make sacrifices to heathen gods and was beaten and crucified at Patrae and Achaia.
****Andrew hung for approximately two days and during this time he praised God. (He was always pointing towards Jesus even in death)
Throughout his life, Andrew was a man with whom many of us can identify. He expressed doubt at times, did not always understand or comprehend the Lord's teaching, and he occasionally lacked faith. However, Andrew persisted.
He would point out the CHOSEN! Be a leader that can see the chosen! He saw the little boy!
Many are called but few are chosen! (Matthew 22:14)
Scene- He chooses a kid- can you see the kid- he is about to eat- then a bully disciple says- Hey kid give me your lunch!
Will you show up ready with a bag full of lunch? What is in your bag?
Five loaves! Two fishes! That meal represented so much!
Bread- 5 loaves- (The number of Grace) You better have the word in you! Be ready to share the bread! Jesus always break the bread!
Fishes! – there were two- (represents the joining of two different ones- You and God) that means each one is called to win more than yourself!
We are fishers of men!
If you come prepared he will pull you out of the crowd! You and God with some Grace!
VI. The field was full of people!
John 6:10, Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
VII. Let nothing go to waste!
When you call something leftover- Jesus calls valuable!
John 6:12, When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
VIII. Make Jesus Famous by your obedience! Learn to hide!
John 6:14, After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Jesus knows how to hide from the peoples desires and requests! He slips away!
Notice the little boy didn’t make the headlines! He wasn’t on the front of Time magazine!
Nope he went home having done his best! The people were fed! Jesus was more famous! Welcome to ministry!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Awaken the Shepherds!
Dear Friends and Leaders,
I write you tonight after just seeing hundreds of students touched at a University in Texas today. It is hard to believe that six months ago we launched back to the nations. God has been so faithful. We have been able to see tens of thousands saved, healed, and set free by Gods power. We have traveled over 90,000 miles to cities, states and countries. We simply couldn’t have done it without your help, prayers, and support. Karen and I are amazed at the awesome favor of God. The schedule has exploded.
In this holiday season our heart is to see families restored like never before. The enemies goal at the beginning was to destroy the home! How does he do it? Take out the shepherds! Jesus said when he was speaking to Peter and predicting his own death in Mark 14:27- “I will strike the shepherd and scatter the sheep! Today let the shepherds awaken and go tell the world the Savior is Born! We must stand firm! There is a stirring for the shepherds to wake up!
Awakening the Shepherds!
I want to take you back 2000 years ago on a cold dark night. We know that on the night Christ was born it was in the town of Bethlehem (as was prophesied in Micah 5:2). His family had gone up to pay taxes and be a part of the census. What amazes me is that God made sure a public record would be kept of His son’s birth. We know that he would be born in a manger behind an Inn. Paul said this of Jesus in II Corinthians 8:9, “ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” We know that Jesus would become our shepherd! We know that Jesus is our shepherd. Take a look at John chapter 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus would be the shepherd that would protect the flock!
I am reminded on that very special night of the birth of Christ who the angels decided to visit to announce the birth of the savior. It was the shepherds! A night when shepherds were slipping into a time of watchful rest! Then the sky lit up! God always uses the shepherds. Look at Moses and David. They were shepherding when their lives were interrupted. “Shepherds- in the Greek is “poy-mane” meaning a herdsman, overseer to which ones care has been committed.” God wants to interrupt the shepherds! He wants to interrupt the ones He trusts with care of others! I want to look at those special first responders. We are called to shepherd those around us. But first we must awaken in the night! I want to give you four things concerning the shepherds that were interrupted on that glorious night by the song of the angels!
4 things you must understand about this special band of brothers!
#1. The Shepherd is always on duty!- Luke 2:8, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”Here they were living in monotony. They had no idea what was about to happen. They would be a part of the greatest worship service of all time. What made them so special is that God knew they would be obedient. God knew they would handle the message. God knew they were the best ones to interrupt their lives! These were not normal shepherds. These were Near Eastern Shepherds- The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were:- to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep- to defend the sheep from attackers- to heal the wounded and sick sheep- to find and save lost or trapped sheep- to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
I am reminded of during World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.
#2. The Shepherds realized their time had come for their mission! They were awakened from the monotony of life- Peace and favor was here! Luke 2:15-15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” I can see them sharing with each other as they walked along. Dude- nobody is going to believe this. This was an incredible sign of the first church coming together! There was such an excitement- They knew they had been visited by God. They were probably running- They were probably weeping- here these lowly shepherds were the first evangelist! God chooses the simple things to confound the wise. He chose the watchers of the lambs! These shepherds were going to find the Head Shepherd. 1 Peter 2:25- For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Mom and Dad’s, you are the watchers of the lambs! The Shepherds understood they were on a mission. Luke 2:16-18,” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
#3. When the Shepherd shows up everything becomes ok! Luke 2:20, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” I bet when they showed up at the manger scene Mary knew everything was OK. Luke 2:19-“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” We have to have some shepherds show up in this generation-These shepherds were the ones who Mary would sit back and say- “I Think everything is going to be ok.” God proved himself thru the Shepherds-
#4- Today let God awaken the Shepherds to the Great Shepherd! 1 Peter 5:1-4, “ To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”The enemy wants to destroy the shepherds- But the angels will awaken you!
Karen, the Forerunners, and I appreciate you so much. Have an awesome Christmas! Let this year be the best ever! God is going to use you greatly! Please let us know if you need anything at all. We are honored to serve you. Merry Christmas! Pat and Karen Schatzline
I write you tonight after just seeing hundreds of students touched at a University in Texas today. It is hard to believe that six months ago we launched back to the nations. God has been so faithful. We have been able to see tens of thousands saved, healed, and set free by Gods power. We have traveled over 90,000 miles to cities, states and countries. We simply couldn’t have done it without your help, prayers, and support. Karen and I are amazed at the awesome favor of God. The schedule has exploded.
In this holiday season our heart is to see families restored like never before. The enemies goal at the beginning was to destroy the home! How does he do it? Take out the shepherds! Jesus said when he was speaking to Peter and predicting his own death in Mark 14:27- “I will strike the shepherd and scatter the sheep! Today let the shepherds awaken and go tell the world the Savior is Born! We must stand firm! There is a stirring for the shepherds to wake up!
Awakening the Shepherds!
I want to take you back 2000 years ago on a cold dark night. We know that on the night Christ was born it was in the town of Bethlehem (as was prophesied in Micah 5:2). His family had gone up to pay taxes and be a part of the census. What amazes me is that God made sure a public record would be kept of His son’s birth. We know that he would be born in a manger behind an Inn. Paul said this of Jesus in II Corinthians 8:9, “ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” We know that Jesus would become our shepherd! We know that Jesus is our shepherd. Take a look at John chapter 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus would be the shepherd that would protect the flock!
I am reminded on that very special night of the birth of Christ who the angels decided to visit to announce the birth of the savior. It was the shepherds! A night when shepherds were slipping into a time of watchful rest! Then the sky lit up! God always uses the shepherds. Look at Moses and David. They were shepherding when their lives were interrupted. “Shepherds- in the Greek is “poy-mane” meaning a herdsman, overseer to which ones care has been committed.” God wants to interrupt the shepherds! He wants to interrupt the ones He trusts with care of others! I want to look at those special first responders. We are called to shepherd those around us. But first we must awaken in the night! I want to give you four things concerning the shepherds that were interrupted on that glorious night by the song of the angels!
4 things you must understand about this special band of brothers!
#1. The Shepherd is always on duty!- Luke 2:8, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”Here they were living in monotony. They had no idea what was about to happen. They would be a part of the greatest worship service of all time. What made them so special is that God knew they would be obedient. God knew they would handle the message. God knew they were the best ones to interrupt their lives! These were not normal shepherds. These were Near Eastern Shepherds- The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were:- to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep- to defend the sheep from attackers- to heal the wounded and sick sheep- to find and save lost or trapped sheep- to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
I am reminded of during World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.
#2. The Shepherds realized their time had come for their mission! They were awakened from the monotony of life- Peace and favor was here! Luke 2:15-15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” I can see them sharing with each other as they walked along. Dude- nobody is going to believe this. This was an incredible sign of the first church coming together! There was such an excitement- They knew they had been visited by God. They were probably running- They were probably weeping- here these lowly shepherds were the first evangelist! God chooses the simple things to confound the wise. He chose the watchers of the lambs! These shepherds were going to find the Head Shepherd. 1 Peter 2:25- For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Mom and Dad’s, you are the watchers of the lambs! The Shepherds understood they were on a mission. Luke 2:16-18,” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
#3. When the Shepherd shows up everything becomes ok! Luke 2:20, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” I bet when they showed up at the manger scene Mary knew everything was OK. Luke 2:19-“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” We have to have some shepherds show up in this generation-These shepherds were the ones who Mary would sit back and say- “I Think everything is going to be ok.” God proved himself thru the Shepherds-
#4- Today let God awaken the Shepherds to the Great Shepherd! 1 Peter 5:1-4, “ To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”The enemy wants to destroy the shepherds- But the angels will awaken you!
Karen, the Forerunners, and I appreciate you so much. Have an awesome Christmas! Let this year be the best ever! God is going to use you greatly! Please let us know if you need anything at all. We are honored to serve you. Merry Christmas! Pat and Karen Schatzline
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
“Selah”- The Place of Quiet Transition
“Selah”- The Place of Quiet TransitionText: Psalms 71:23
This blog is for everyone that feels their lives are on hold! You are in a Selah moment!
Psalms 71:23, (message) When I open up in song to you, I let out lungsful of praise, my rescued life is a song.
Today there is a sound coming from the throne of heaven! It is a sound of incompleteness!
God began to burn the word “Selah” on my heart over two months ago!! He said son The church is in the place of the “Selah!” What is that?- The place of transition!
I. Your life is a song to God!
Psalms 104:33-34, (message) Oh, let me sing to God all my life long, sing hymns to my God as long as I live! 34 Oh, let my song please him; I'm so pleased to be singing to God.
Psalms 98:1, (message) Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders! He rolled up his sleeves, He set things right.
Ephesians 2:10, For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Workmanship- Greek- poiema (poy'-ay-mah); a poem, a song, a product (literally or figuratively): thing that is made in unique fashion, of the works of God as the creator and author.
Psalms 9:14, (message bible) I'll write the book on Hallelujahs; on the corner of Main and First
I'll hold a street meeting; I'll be the song leader; we'll fill the air with salvation songs.
II. The song isn’t over!
God is a God of completion! Half finished songs equal unfulfilled promises.
Philippians 1:6, (message) There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
In Revelation Jesus says I have not found your deeds complete!
Revelation 3:2, Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
All through the Psalms and Habakkuk the writer used a phrase to force the song to stop. This was called the “SELAH.”
It is the place used to show God isn’t finished with the song! God always finishes what he starts! The problem is we sometimes stop in the middle of the song! You must take time to realize God isn’t done!
Selah, [celah], is from the primary Hebrew root word [calah] which literally means 'to hang,' and by implication to measure (weigh). The place of pausing, reflecting, ponder deeply, valued by weighing, the divide of a time-line, the moment of conjunction, the changing of a point in history. [ Amplified bible: pause, and calmly think of that]
There is a Selah waiting on you. Your song isn’t over! In the bible whether it is urging our meditation upon our sinfulness, declaring God is our refuge, or speaking in 'types' about Christ, this word is an exhortation for us to be wise and measure or weigh what has been said that we understand its true meaning. It is a pause- a changing of course!
It is used in the Psalms seventy-three times, and is also used in Habakkuk three times. Each time it is illustrating that we should measure wisely or 'weigh' solemnly what is said.
Can you imagine listening to music and the song stopping halfway through it?
Imagine if these songs never got finished! (CUE: POINT TO BOARDS)
What about this song…. Blessed Assurance
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. (pause)
…. What if this part was never in the song!
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the daylong; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
What about this song…. Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
…. What if this part was never in the song!
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed.
What about this song…. Blue Suede Shoes
Well its one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat go….
…. What if this part was never in the song!
Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes. You can do anything but don’t you step on my blue suede shoes!
What about this song…. Wind Beneath My Wings
Did you ever know that you're my hero, and everything I would like to be?
…. What if this part was never in the song!
I can fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
There has to be the next part! The part that brings it all together! The part that completes the thought! The part that just makes it work!
It is time to realize there is a quiet moment in the midst of your chaos!
I am here to talk to you about the next part of the song!
The moment in the song where you feel a shift- you feel something has changed- you feel as if we are going to another level- but first there is a pause-
III. The moment when words don’t work!
I have learned that when God gets ready to shift me- everything gets loudly quiet!
It is the quiet transition of seasons! When God begins to take you to the next level!
You can’t describe where you’re at, because words haven’t been created! (frustration)
Romans 8:19-21, For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Psalms 77:11-12, (message) Once again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; 12 I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.
I’m talking to everyone that has been in a quiet place!
Everyone who has no words to completely say where you have been at!
Romans 8:26-27, (message) Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.
God wants you to know he built this into your song! You are a song that hasn’t ended!
Psalms 42:7-8, (message) Chaos calls to chaos, to the tune of whitewater rapids. Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers crash and crush me. 8 Then God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer.
IV. Seven Selah Moments!
#1. The Selah moment forces right emotions!
Psalms 4:4, In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah (think about it, weigh it, then go forward)
Psalms 4:5-8, Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
So in Psalms 4- the Selah- pause- think about your reactions and emotions- then begin the next part of the song- BOOM… The next part of the song says- I will approach God correctly- I will stand in your light! I have your joy in my heart that is more precious than riches and sustenance- and now I will rest in peace and safety!
#2. The Selah Moment establishes Gods sovereignty in your life!
Psalms 62:7-8, My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah (weigh/ scales)
Psalms 62:9-10, Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. 10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
#3. The Selah establishes who you trust in!
Psalms 57:6, They spread a net for my feet — I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path — but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
Psalms 57:7-8, My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
#4. The Selah moment restores hope!
Psalms 77:6-9, I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: 7 "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
Psalms 77:10-15, Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. 13 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
#5. The Selah is the place to realize His favor!
Psalms 67:1, May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
Psalms 67:2-4, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.
#6. The Selah takes your worship to the next level!
Psalms 47:1-4, Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah
Psalms 47:5-8, God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. 8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
#7. God also has Selah moments!
Zephaniah 3:17, The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult [Dance] over you with singing.
V. Your life is a song with many conjunctions and grammar!
***Quit thinking your life ends before the comma and conjunction!
We have all had conjunctions- It is the but, and, or….. (you faced divorce… but, you were wounded but, you faced got into trouble ….and, she could have chosen a rough path …..or
What if your life was half a song? We would be in trouble! Conjunction changes everything
Selah, [celah], the moment of conjunction, the changing of a point in history.
In the Hebrew words are assigned a numeric number- the conjunction is numerically the lowest number zero- any time you see but… it is a zero moment… it literally means everything before the conjunction is cancelled out!
Psalms 49:14-15, 14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah
Psalms 66:18-19, If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
pp. Psalms 73:26, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Don’t confuse the comma with the period. God knows his grammar!
Pick up the pen! Wipe your eyes. You stopped at the end of a stanza- god is still speaking!
There are too many incomplete songs in this room!
VI. Make sure your song doesn’t belong to the world!
The enemy wants your song! He will even get you to use them in the wrong places!
Look at Israel. They are in bondage. They are forced to live by the river. They have masters over them. Then the masters cross a line!
Psalms 137:1-6, Alongside Babylon's rivers we sat on the banks; we cried and cried,
remembering the good old days in Zion. 2 Alongside the quaking aspens we stacked our unplayed harps; 3 That's where our captors demanded songs, sarcastic and mocking:
"Sing us a happy Zion song!" 4 Oh, how could we ever sing God's song in this wasteland?
5 If I ever forget you, Jerusalem, let my fingers wither and fall off like leaves. 6 Let my tongue swell and turn black if I fail to remember you, If I fail, O dear Jerusalem, to honor you as my greatest.
Oral tradition teaches- at night the harpist gagged each other to quiet the noise- then they smashed each other’s fingers- and cut off their index fingers- they understood their gifting were to only be played for the King of Kings.
The enemy wants your song!
VII. There is a choir being assembled!
Psalms 40:2-3, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalms 118:14, The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Read- Revelation 5:5-14…….
This blog is for everyone that feels their lives are on hold! You are in a Selah moment!
Psalms 71:23, (message) When I open up in song to you, I let out lungsful of praise, my rescued life is a song.
Today there is a sound coming from the throne of heaven! It is a sound of incompleteness!
God began to burn the word “Selah” on my heart over two months ago!! He said son The church is in the place of the “Selah!” What is that?- The place of transition!
I. Your life is a song to God!
Psalms 104:33-34, (message) Oh, let me sing to God all my life long, sing hymns to my God as long as I live! 34 Oh, let my song please him; I'm so pleased to be singing to God.
Psalms 98:1, (message) Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders! He rolled up his sleeves, He set things right.
Ephesians 2:10, For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Workmanship- Greek- poiema (poy'-ay-mah); a poem, a song, a product (literally or figuratively): thing that is made in unique fashion, of the works of God as the creator and author.
Psalms 9:14, (message bible) I'll write the book on Hallelujahs; on the corner of Main and First
I'll hold a street meeting; I'll be the song leader; we'll fill the air with salvation songs.
II. The song isn’t over!
God is a God of completion! Half finished songs equal unfulfilled promises.
Philippians 1:6, (message) There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
In Revelation Jesus says I have not found your deeds complete!
Revelation 3:2, Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
All through the Psalms and Habakkuk the writer used a phrase to force the song to stop. This was called the “SELAH.”
It is the place used to show God isn’t finished with the song! God always finishes what he starts! The problem is we sometimes stop in the middle of the song! You must take time to realize God isn’t done!
Selah, [celah], is from the primary Hebrew root word [calah] which literally means 'to hang,' and by implication to measure (weigh). The place of pausing, reflecting, ponder deeply, valued by weighing, the divide of a time-line, the moment of conjunction, the changing of a point in history. [ Amplified bible: pause, and calmly think of that]
There is a Selah waiting on you. Your song isn’t over! In the bible whether it is urging our meditation upon our sinfulness, declaring God is our refuge, or speaking in 'types' about Christ, this word is an exhortation for us to be wise and measure or weigh what has been said that we understand its true meaning. It is a pause- a changing of course!
It is used in the Psalms seventy-three times, and is also used in Habakkuk three times. Each time it is illustrating that we should measure wisely or 'weigh' solemnly what is said.
Can you imagine listening to music and the song stopping halfway through it?
Imagine if these songs never got finished! (CUE: POINT TO BOARDS)
What about this song…. Blessed Assurance
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. (pause)
…. What if this part was never in the song!
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the daylong; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
What about this song…. Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
…. What if this part was never in the song!
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed.
What about this song…. Blue Suede Shoes
Well its one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat go….
…. What if this part was never in the song!
Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes. You can do anything but don’t you step on my blue suede shoes!
What about this song…. Wind Beneath My Wings
Did you ever know that you're my hero, and everything I would like to be?
…. What if this part was never in the song!
I can fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
There has to be the next part! The part that brings it all together! The part that completes the thought! The part that just makes it work!
It is time to realize there is a quiet moment in the midst of your chaos!
I am here to talk to you about the next part of the song!
The moment in the song where you feel a shift- you feel something has changed- you feel as if we are going to another level- but first there is a pause-
III. The moment when words don’t work!
I have learned that when God gets ready to shift me- everything gets loudly quiet!
It is the quiet transition of seasons! When God begins to take you to the next level!
You can’t describe where you’re at, because words haven’t been created! (frustration)
Romans 8:19-21, For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Psalms 77:11-12, (message) Once again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; 12 I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.
I’m talking to everyone that has been in a quiet place!
Everyone who has no words to completely say where you have been at!
Romans 8:26-27, (message) Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.
God wants you to know he built this into your song! You are a song that hasn’t ended!
Psalms 42:7-8, (message) Chaos calls to chaos, to the tune of whitewater rapids. Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers crash and crush me. 8 Then God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer.
IV. Seven Selah Moments!
#1. The Selah moment forces right emotions!
Psalms 4:4, In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah (think about it, weigh it, then go forward)
Psalms 4:5-8, Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
So in Psalms 4- the Selah- pause- think about your reactions and emotions- then begin the next part of the song- BOOM… The next part of the song says- I will approach God correctly- I will stand in your light! I have your joy in my heart that is more precious than riches and sustenance- and now I will rest in peace and safety!
#2. The Selah Moment establishes Gods sovereignty in your life!
Psalms 62:7-8, My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah (weigh/ scales)
Psalms 62:9-10, Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. 10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
#3. The Selah establishes who you trust in!
Psalms 57:6, They spread a net for my feet — I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path — but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
Psalms 57:7-8, My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
#4. The Selah moment restores hope!
Psalms 77:6-9, I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: 7 "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
Psalms 77:10-15, Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. 13 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
#5. The Selah is the place to realize His favor!
Psalms 67:1, May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
Psalms 67:2-4, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.
#6. The Selah takes your worship to the next level!
Psalms 47:1-4, Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah
Psalms 47:5-8, God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. 8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
#7. God also has Selah moments!
Zephaniah 3:17, The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult [Dance] over you with singing.
V. Your life is a song with many conjunctions and grammar!
***Quit thinking your life ends before the comma and conjunction!
We have all had conjunctions- It is the but, and, or….. (you faced divorce… but, you were wounded but, you faced got into trouble ….and, she could have chosen a rough path …..or
What if your life was half a song? We would be in trouble! Conjunction changes everything
Selah, [celah], the moment of conjunction, the changing of a point in history.
In the Hebrew words are assigned a numeric number- the conjunction is numerically the lowest number zero- any time you see but… it is a zero moment… it literally means everything before the conjunction is cancelled out!
Psalms 49:14-15, 14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah
Psalms 66:18-19, If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
pp. Psalms 73:26, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Don’t confuse the comma with the period. God knows his grammar!
Pick up the pen! Wipe your eyes. You stopped at the end of a stanza- god is still speaking!
There are too many incomplete songs in this room!
VI. Make sure your song doesn’t belong to the world!
The enemy wants your song! He will even get you to use them in the wrong places!
Look at Israel. They are in bondage. They are forced to live by the river. They have masters over them. Then the masters cross a line!
Psalms 137:1-6, Alongside Babylon's rivers we sat on the banks; we cried and cried,
remembering the good old days in Zion. 2 Alongside the quaking aspens we stacked our unplayed harps; 3 That's where our captors demanded songs, sarcastic and mocking:
"Sing us a happy Zion song!" 4 Oh, how could we ever sing God's song in this wasteland?
5 If I ever forget you, Jerusalem, let my fingers wither and fall off like leaves. 6 Let my tongue swell and turn black if I fail to remember you, If I fail, O dear Jerusalem, to honor you as my greatest.
Oral tradition teaches- at night the harpist gagged each other to quiet the noise- then they smashed each other’s fingers- and cut off their index fingers- they understood their gifting were to only be played for the King of Kings.
The enemy wants your song!
VII. There is a choir being assembled!
Psalms 40:2-3, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalms 118:14, The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Read- Revelation 5:5-14…….
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Understanding and Prioritizing The Call of God
Why me Lord? I know very few people who have ever felt the call of God when they didn’t first say “WHY ME?” In fact is the healthiest question a leader can ask when they feel the stirring to take up the high call of ministry.
I remember as a teenager questioning the call. I have always said the best way you know your called is “You go to bed thinking about it, You wake up thinking about it, and Everything that happens to you would fit great into a sermon illustration!” Welcome to the call of God. So much has been said about doing ministry, but few write about how to answer the call.
One of my all-time favorite verses can be found in Romans 11:29. It is the verse about Gods guarantee and touch upon a leaders life. The verse refers to Gods continued love for the Jew, but it is also a life verse for the Gentile.
Romans 11:29- (message bible) God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty — never canceled, never rescinded.
What this verse tells me is that regardless of your life decision to take the journey called ministry the “kiss” of God is still upon you. The most miserable people I have ever met are those who ignored the call of God. Maybe it was out of fear, insecurity, or even hurts they ran from Gods plan for them. Here is what you must understand the call of God is not for the faint at heart or the angry in Spirit. The call of God is for those who simply have the never ending desire to minister Gods healing power and deliverance. The call can operate in an office, church, or on the open market.
I want to take a few minutes to answer some questions and give some insight to “The Call.” I believe with all of my heart that everyone is called. I believe that every person can walk under the mantle of Gods hand. I also believe that God take the common, and with one command make them a conqueror! Let me give you some precepts for the call. I may intertwine the precepts with scriptures and concepts.
1. The calling of God is always absolute!
God won’t change his mind about you- so don’t change your mind about him!
Realize on your worst day of ministry you are still called!
Romans 1:5-6, Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Luke 9:1-6, When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: "Take nothing for the journey — no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
If your called to him today then you must lose what you followed yesterday! Hurts, fears, pains, attitudes! He is calling you to him!
God doesn’t make mistakes. He created you for his purpose. He has unbelievable plans for you. He just wants you to step into the great adventure.
2. It started first for me with the mud and the mirror!
It wasn’t till I realized I was nothing without Jesus that I began to question if he could use me. You see it is at the end of yourself that the beginning of God begins.
I am reminded of Saul (later to change his name to Paul) laying in the mud blinded by a light that he had an encounter with Jesus!
Acts 9:3-6, As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked."I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Saul had to go to his kness! He was brought down from his thrown of killing Christians, and suddenly left blinded by Gods power. For three days all he could see was his own life flashing through his mind. He was the most learned of all Roman citizens! He had Government power in his hands. Yet, on that lonely road called Damascus he was interrupted by Gods plan.
He was in the mud and looking at his life in a mirror. That is how God grabs people. He allows them to wonder and then in one moment- He interrupts them.
That is what happened to Elisha when Elijah found him working the fields. It is what Jesus did with the disciples.
3. The call begins to consume the called!
I know what it is like to go to bed hearing the screams of the lost. I know what it is like to walk on a stage in front of thousands and wonder “how did I get to do this?” You see when God calls you there comes a period of time where you begin to realize if I don’t answer- I will just die.
It overwhelms you. Everywhere you look you see desperate man in need. In fact the best thing that could happen to you is realize that God can do it without you, but he chooses not too.
The beating heart screams out like an Edgar Allen Poe story. It becomes intoxicating. In fact I will dare say, it even becomes a cross to bear!
4. Your motives are always the first to be tested.
David understood this as his brother sat next to him at the camp fire questioning him for asking about a giant. Peter was criticized by the religious.
Psalms 78:72- And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
Jesus was asked over and over- who do you say that you are? It is always the enemies plan to question you about the big question of your life. He will always tell you that you don’t belong, or that you will fail, but realize that God started this thing with you. I am reminded as Moses got ready to go meet up with his nemesis and step brother pharaoh. He asked God the powerful question “whom shall I say sent me?” and God said tell him “I AM.” Enough said. I love what Paul said in regards to preaching with the right motives!
Philippians 1:14-18, It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
So if you have accepted the call and your motives are under attack take heart, because you have joined a great fraternity! The fraternity of the Unashamed!
5. The call of God resonates in the lives of those who are broken and desperate.
The call of God is rarely recognizable on the pompous and self consumed. If it is upon such a person then they usually have a longer journey in the first stages of ministry. The touch of God is not indifferent to personalities or even a persons upbringing, but it is manifest most in the broken and desperate. God is simply looking for those who can stay real and walk in continual desperation.
Psalms 51:6-11, (message bible) What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life. 7 Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. 8 Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. 9 Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. 10 God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. 11 Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me.
These are the people whom God can trust to lay down their nets and take up the cross. God doesn’t always use the most talented, but he must use the most broken.
6. The call of God is for those who understand priorities!
John 3:30- I must decrease that he might increase!
Matthew 6:33-But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In other words you must be a leader who maximizes what is important. You make up your mind to pray, study, and pursue destiny. The call of God is for those who understand that it is a continual growth. You never arrive. You have to continually better yourself in every area.
Stay a student! Be willing to pay the price and grow where your planted. You must be willing to serve and stand by those who believe in you! Ministry doesn’t happen overnight! Learn and learn more!
2 Timothy 2:15, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Your walk is your first priority! Everyday pursuing Jesus. Everyday you worship harder than others, pray deeper than most, and you continually crucify your flesh. That is why the bible says in 1 Thes. 5:17, Pray without ceasing.
The called must always be sure that their family is healthy in every area. Your family must know that without the church you are ok. In other words with a job in ministry your ok. That way the church/ or a job doesn’t own you.
Roams 14:12- Everyman will give an account of himself.
The called prioritizes the difference between vision and ambition. Ambition is flesh driven, but vision is God birthed. You must always make sure your priorities are right. Keep Gods plan first in everything. He has plans for you. (Jer. 29:11)
God has secrets he wants to share with you. (Jer. 33:3) Seek out advice of those who have accomplished the great and of those who have accomplished the unseen.
Keep people in your life that can speak into your life, and also have those in your life that are simply there to encourage and be your friend.
7. The called must always be aware of the pitfalls waiting on you!
Paul spoke in Romans of the thorn in his flesh. The moment you accept the call you are now on the enemies radar. You now are a threat.
The list of the fallen are usually more recognizable than the list of the proven.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5, So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
You have to guard your flesh at all times. I heard an old preacher tell me once that many times the devil will leave someone with deep flesh flaws alone until they become popular or big in the church world and their fall effects many more because of their prominence and popularity.
Get dressed correctly ever day!
Ephesians 6:10-14, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Remember if you play with the call of God- he will find someone else to take your place – Saul!
8. The called must always avoid being judgmental or flippant!
It is so easy to become callas in hardened in ministry! Guard your motives and tongue!
I have watched young ministers fall into the pit called judgmental attitude.
2 Timothy 2:16, Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
It is easy to stand on the sidelines and call plays. I challenge every leader to guard that demonic spirit called religion which causes a leader to think to highly of himself.
Matthew 7:1-6 (message bible) "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults — unless, of course, you want the same treatment. 2 That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. 3 It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. 4 Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? 5 It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. 6 "Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege.
9. Realize the called have always faced persecution!
2 Timothy 3:12-17, (message bible) Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there's no getting around it. 13 Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They're as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse. 14 But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers — 15 why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another — showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 17 Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
10. The truly called must live in a constant place of walking in faith!
Hebrews 6:12-15, We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
The call of God is all about believing in something bigger than you. You have to walk in supernatural faith. That means everything will not always make sense.
I heard someone say years ago that where God guides he must always provide.
Walking in two key components at all times is the priority: Wisdom and Faith!
2 Cor. 5:7- We live by faith and not by sight!
Hebrews tells us you can’t please God without Faith. It is about an assuredness that is mind blowing!
Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
o Washington Carver – success is not what you are but what you paid to get there!
Your calling is to build faith in others!
Romans 10:17, Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Quote- CS Lewis- faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.
No one can stand in the way of your faith!
Romans 3:3-4, What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
11. The called have a huge inheritance waiting on them!
Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
We are called to finish- not just start something! You are called to complete your assignment!
History is not made by the starters, but the finishers! Heaven is cheering you!
2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
If I can say anything to you it is this one statement: It will all be worth it! You are not your own- You were bought for the satisfaction of the King!
Heaven is your reward. At the Bemus Seat of Christ they will line up and say thank you. Your called because he called you.
I remember as a teenager questioning the call. I have always said the best way you know your called is “You go to bed thinking about it, You wake up thinking about it, and Everything that happens to you would fit great into a sermon illustration!” Welcome to the call of God. So much has been said about doing ministry, but few write about how to answer the call.
One of my all-time favorite verses can be found in Romans 11:29. It is the verse about Gods guarantee and touch upon a leaders life. The verse refers to Gods continued love for the Jew, but it is also a life verse for the Gentile.
Romans 11:29- (message bible) God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty — never canceled, never rescinded.
What this verse tells me is that regardless of your life decision to take the journey called ministry the “kiss” of God is still upon you. The most miserable people I have ever met are those who ignored the call of God. Maybe it was out of fear, insecurity, or even hurts they ran from Gods plan for them. Here is what you must understand the call of God is not for the faint at heart or the angry in Spirit. The call of God is for those who simply have the never ending desire to minister Gods healing power and deliverance. The call can operate in an office, church, or on the open market.
I want to take a few minutes to answer some questions and give some insight to “The Call.” I believe with all of my heart that everyone is called. I believe that every person can walk under the mantle of Gods hand. I also believe that God take the common, and with one command make them a conqueror! Let me give you some precepts for the call. I may intertwine the precepts with scriptures and concepts.
1. The calling of God is always absolute!
God won’t change his mind about you- so don’t change your mind about him!
Realize on your worst day of ministry you are still called!
Romans 1:5-6, Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Luke 9:1-6, When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: "Take nothing for the journey — no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
If your called to him today then you must lose what you followed yesterday! Hurts, fears, pains, attitudes! He is calling you to him!
God doesn’t make mistakes. He created you for his purpose. He has unbelievable plans for you. He just wants you to step into the great adventure.
2. It started first for me with the mud and the mirror!
It wasn’t till I realized I was nothing without Jesus that I began to question if he could use me. You see it is at the end of yourself that the beginning of God begins.
I am reminded of Saul (later to change his name to Paul) laying in the mud blinded by a light that he had an encounter with Jesus!
Acts 9:3-6, As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked."I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Saul had to go to his kness! He was brought down from his thrown of killing Christians, and suddenly left blinded by Gods power. For three days all he could see was his own life flashing through his mind. He was the most learned of all Roman citizens! He had Government power in his hands. Yet, on that lonely road called Damascus he was interrupted by Gods plan.
He was in the mud and looking at his life in a mirror. That is how God grabs people. He allows them to wonder and then in one moment- He interrupts them.
That is what happened to Elisha when Elijah found him working the fields. It is what Jesus did with the disciples.
3. The call begins to consume the called!
I know what it is like to go to bed hearing the screams of the lost. I know what it is like to walk on a stage in front of thousands and wonder “how did I get to do this?” You see when God calls you there comes a period of time where you begin to realize if I don’t answer- I will just die.
It overwhelms you. Everywhere you look you see desperate man in need. In fact the best thing that could happen to you is realize that God can do it without you, but he chooses not too.
The beating heart screams out like an Edgar Allen Poe story. It becomes intoxicating. In fact I will dare say, it even becomes a cross to bear!
4. Your motives are always the first to be tested.
David understood this as his brother sat next to him at the camp fire questioning him for asking about a giant. Peter was criticized by the religious.
Psalms 78:72- And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
Jesus was asked over and over- who do you say that you are? It is always the enemies plan to question you about the big question of your life. He will always tell you that you don’t belong, or that you will fail, but realize that God started this thing with you. I am reminded as Moses got ready to go meet up with his nemesis and step brother pharaoh. He asked God the powerful question “whom shall I say sent me?” and God said tell him “I AM.” Enough said. I love what Paul said in regards to preaching with the right motives!
Philippians 1:14-18, It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
So if you have accepted the call and your motives are under attack take heart, because you have joined a great fraternity! The fraternity of the Unashamed!
5. The call of God resonates in the lives of those who are broken and desperate.
The call of God is rarely recognizable on the pompous and self consumed. If it is upon such a person then they usually have a longer journey in the first stages of ministry. The touch of God is not indifferent to personalities or even a persons upbringing, but it is manifest most in the broken and desperate. God is simply looking for those who can stay real and walk in continual desperation.
Psalms 51:6-11, (message bible) What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life. 7 Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. 8 Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. 9 Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. 10 God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. 11 Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me.
These are the people whom God can trust to lay down their nets and take up the cross. God doesn’t always use the most talented, but he must use the most broken.
6. The call of God is for those who understand priorities!
John 3:30- I must decrease that he might increase!
Matthew 6:33-But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In other words you must be a leader who maximizes what is important. You make up your mind to pray, study, and pursue destiny. The call of God is for those who understand that it is a continual growth. You never arrive. You have to continually better yourself in every area.
Stay a student! Be willing to pay the price and grow where your planted. You must be willing to serve and stand by those who believe in you! Ministry doesn’t happen overnight! Learn and learn more!
2 Timothy 2:15, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Your walk is your first priority! Everyday pursuing Jesus. Everyday you worship harder than others, pray deeper than most, and you continually crucify your flesh. That is why the bible says in 1 Thes. 5:17, Pray without ceasing.
The called must always be sure that their family is healthy in every area. Your family must know that without the church you are ok. In other words with a job in ministry your ok. That way the church/ or a job doesn’t own you.
Roams 14:12- Everyman will give an account of himself.
The called prioritizes the difference between vision and ambition. Ambition is flesh driven, but vision is God birthed. You must always make sure your priorities are right. Keep Gods plan first in everything. He has plans for you. (Jer. 29:11)
God has secrets he wants to share with you. (Jer. 33:3) Seek out advice of those who have accomplished the great and of those who have accomplished the unseen.
Keep people in your life that can speak into your life, and also have those in your life that are simply there to encourage and be your friend.
7. The called must always be aware of the pitfalls waiting on you!
Paul spoke in Romans of the thorn in his flesh. The moment you accept the call you are now on the enemies radar. You now are a threat.
The list of the fallen are usually more recognizable than the list of the proven.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5, So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
You have to guard your flesh at all times. I heard an old preacher tell me once that many times the devil will leave someone with deep flesh flaws alone until they become popular or big in the church world and their fall effects many more because of their prominence and popularity.
Get dressed correctly ever day!
Ephesians 6:10-14, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Remember if you play with the call of God- he will find someone else to take your place – Saul!
8. The called must always avoid being judgmental or flippant!
It is so easy to become callas in hardened in ministry! Guard your motives and tongue!
I have watched young ministers fall into the pit called judgmental attitude.
2 Timothy 2:16, Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
It is easy to stand on the sidelines and call plays. I challenge every leader to guard that demonic spirit called religion which causes a leader to think to highly of himself.
Matthew 7:1-6 (message bible) "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults — unless, of course, you want the same treatment. 2 That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. 3 It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. 4 Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? 5 It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. 6 "Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege.
9. Realize the called have always faced persecution!
2 Timothy 3:12-17, (message bible) Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there's no getting around it. 13 Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They're as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse. 14 But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers — 15 why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another — showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 17 Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
10. The truly called must live in a constant place of walking in faith!
Hebrews 6:12-15, We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
The call of God is all about believing in something bigger than you. You have to walk in supernatural faith. That means everything will not always make sense.
I heard someone say years ago that where God guides he must always provide.
Walking in two key components at all times is the priority: Wisdom and Faith!
2 Cor. 5:7- We live by faith and not by sight!
Hebrews tells us you can’t please God without Faith. It is about an assuredness that is mind blowing!
Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
o Washington Carver – success is not what you are but what you paid to get there!
Your calling is to build faith in others!
Romans 10:17, Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Quote- CS Lewis- faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods.
No one can stand in the way of your faith!
Romans 3:3-4, What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
11. The called have a huge inheritance waiting on them!
Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
We are called to finish- not just start something! You are called to complete your assignment!
History is not made by the starters, but the finishers! Heaven is cheering you!
2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
If I can say anything to you it is this one statement: It will all be worth it! You are not your own- You were bought for the satisfaction of the King!
Heaven is your reward. At the Bemus Seat of Christ they will line up and say thank you. Your called because he called you.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Running the race together!
Dear leaders,
This wed Sept. 29, 2010 Karen and I will reach the amazing mile stone of 20 years of marriage. Wow! What a truly wonderful journey. In a time when marriages involved in ministry are under an all out assault from the enemy. Believe it or not according to Charisma magazines poll of ministers the divorce rate is 50%. Karen and I have watched several dear couples we were close to walk away from their marriages. Many just allowed ministry to destroy their marriage or they simply grew apart. In honor of 20 years with my sweetheart I wanted to focus this 3M blog on “Running together to the finish line.” You see we believe that we are called to run together!
Our wedding: I will never forget looking to the back of that little church in Eagle Lake, FL upon the most gorgeous woman in the world. As she walked towards me on her father’s arm down that aisle I began to weep. How could this angel be marrying me? Her smile, her beauty, her sophistication, and her grace was overwhelming. Not to mention….. On that day September 29th, 1990 I started a journey with my lady. Twenty years ago I had no idea what it meant to be a husband. I had yet to truly even learn what true love meant. Karen would not only become my best friend, but she would teach me so much about life, God, and love. Karen would be the one that would teach me how to chase Jesus, how to have grace, how to develop a devotional life, and how to establish boundaries. God brought her to me and she has always been way more anointed. Our entire marriage we have been in ministry. In fact while we were dating I accepted my first fulltime position as a youth pastor near Tampa, FL. Due to the fact that the church also had a retirement community for pastors on sight we were continually encouraged (harassed- Lol) to get married. So we moved our date to Sept. We moved into a small and very old house that was owned by the church. Karen made that little house a home. I remember we tried so hard to clean the 30 year old dingy green carpet, and the mildewed walls. HAHA! I remember us asking the church to change the carpet in that old parsonage. One elderly fella (everyone in the church was over 60) on the board told us our carpet in the parsonage was better than his homes carpet, and we could just live with it. Back then I was as green as the carpet and didn’t know how to stand up for issues. Those were the days. We found out six months after we were married that our son had been conceived. I got home from a college class and Karen greeted me at the door with the news. I remember telling her to sit down and not move for 9 months. While those days were tough financially, and also geographically we had fun together. During those early days Karen was very shy in large gatherings and she would force herself to be a public figure. The thought of speaking publicly petrified her, but at the same time she knew God was going to use her. As small child her mother would tell her over and over someday God is going use you greatly. I remember the first few times she spoke she would break out in blotches from her nerves. Yet, she kept pushing forward. She would say to me “the girls must be told that they are all beautiful princesses.” She knew she had a message for a generation of girls that had to be spoken. She knew my secret. While on the outside walking in bold confidence I dealt so strongly with insecurity and fear. She made up her mind to help me get thru that in my life. To this day when I speak at a gathering she is the first to greet me with-“Sweetheart, that was awesome.” I can’t imagine being married to someone who would tell their minister husband or wife- You could have done better, or you went too long. In fact Karen still laughs at jokes she has heard 10,000 times. You see we learned a long time ago that we would be each other’s biggest fan! I still send her roses wherever she speaks and I always have them attach a bottle of Pepto-Bismol for her stomach. Now it has become a small sign of “look where you have come from baby!” That reminds me I need to call the florist today as Karen gets ready to go to Idaho on Thursday to speak. Let me give you 20 rules for marriage in ministry. These all can be applied to marriages, but my main goal today is to speak into the lives of those preparing for ministry.
20 Rules for Marriages in Ministry:
• Remember, that God never asks us to put the call of ministry ahead of our marriage or children. You see Karen and I believe that marriage done right causes the right kind of ministry. We have fun in ministry. The ministry has allowed us to go and see what we could have never done leading a “normal” life. The ministry has allowed us to accomplish dreams and goals. It is a awesome adventure.
• In ministry it is critical that you never allow the ministry to be a mistress. I remember early in years of marriage I would go to the office late at night, study late at night, and many times use the church as an excuse for being less than focused on my family. Over time I began to realize that the ministry is “constant,” and I that I must draw lines to protect my home and marriage.
• Never allow anyone outside your spouse to be your biggest fan. No one gets that spot. That is reserved parking for the love of your life. Make sure to step outside the mirror and keep an eye on your wedding photo. There are two people in that photo- not one! In other words it is your job to see the person who chose to stand with you that day. Make sure you continually take the time to praise your spouse.
• Guard your home from the continual attack of what is aptly called “the tyranny of the urgent.” You see people always need us. Most of the time people forget that you are a normal family. Somewhere in discipleship 101 that chapter gets left out. So it is your job to say “WHOA.” It is your job to turn the phone off. It is your job to guard the special occasions, and also regular days of life. Your spouse doesn’t mind sharing you, but there is a limit! Be the first one to say, “I would love to help you, but I can’t today. My family needs me!”
• Guard your marriage from the “office chatter.” In other words do not always talk about the church or the people. Instead, talk about each other. Remember, shepherds must always guard the sheep door. Learn what it means that when you are home- BE AT HOME!
• Guard your bedroom. You see Karen and I made up our mind early that our bedroom was a place of solitude and rest. We decided early on that no one else belonged in our room. That means we only talk about us, our family, and our dreams.
• Guard intimacy! OK- here we go! Intimacy in marriage must never stop. Your must make sure the flames of romance stay lit. Enjoy each other. That is God’s really cool plan. REALLY COOL! Sex is pure!
• Serve each other! I think in ministry we serve so many that we forget that we must serve each other. I wasn’t very good at this when I first got married. Many times it is what we see modeled by our parents that determines how well we serve. We come home from the office tired and ready to vegetate. Men in ministry especially have a tough time with this. We lead at the church, but we follow at home. Maybe it is because we get tired and for some reason think we have done enough. At some point the light came on for me. I needed to help around the house. I needed to get up early with the kids. It is not only unfair to not serve our spouses and kids, but is also a great romance killer.
• Stay enamored with each other. Have secret moments that take place in public. Karen and I have little signals and sayings that we share with each other in the biggest of crowds. It is our way of saying “we may be among hundreds or thousands, but we are really one and in love with each other in the crowd.” When she walks in the room it catches my breath. My eyes meet hers and I really don’t care who else is there. I am enamored with her.
• Some of the most dysfunctional marriages are in high profile ministries. They have “Image management vs. authentic living.” They put on the masks in public. So we have made up our minds early that we must show honor, love, and respect in public, and in private. We do not ever bring reproach or offense upon each other. We also do not allow people to cross a line in any manor towards our marriage. We believe that we are Christians first before we are ministers. When you are public people for some reason people think they know you and your spouse. They may even think they can speak into your lives from an outsiders point of view. Learn how to keep offense out of your marriage.
• HAVE FUN! Make sure the most fun you could ever have can only be found in the arms of your spouse. Learn how to get off the spinning world and have a vacation. Our spouses must see that when we are together nothing else matters. This is very hard in ministry. That is about setting boundaries. Also, laugh together, dance together, play together, and enjoy your time together. I will cover this more at the end of the blog. Remember, you were created for each other’s pleasure and joy! Go on dates. Use the 7-7-7-7 plan. Every 7 hours connect with each other, Every 7 days have a date, every 7weeks plan a getaway or really long day, and every 7 months take a long vacation!
• Pray together! This took me a long time to truly appreciate. I didn’t understand the power of agreement as a couple. In fact you really don’t understand this until you walk through tough times. Your children must see that you pray together. They must see that you walk as one as believers. When you pray together get real, and be honest. Disciple each other in the things of God. But don’t condemn! Instead push each other towards the savior.
• Never stop believing in each other’s dreams. In fact the more you believe in each other’s dreams the more your dreams will become one.
• As the priest of my house I must always be willing to serve, develop, and minister to my family first. Learn the power of washing each other’s feet. Learn the power of having a family covenant.
• Realize you married to each other and not the ministry. Jesus is married to the church not you. In other words realize “without the ministry- you are ok.”
• Keep the front door locked! In marriage it is absolutely critical that you are givers and great stewards of your finances. You see we believe we do not have to be broke, because we are in ministry. That means we have to plan for the future- use wisdom in spending- and always be tithe payers. This rebukes the enemy from your home. That means also that when it comes to finances make decisions together. Debt is a love killer. That means when spending don’t use the “God Card,” but rather “agreement plan.” Walk in agreement.
• In ministry we must also learn the power of sharing our spouse. This is hard. Above I talked about the importance of separating from people, but we must also realize that in some parts we belong to the people. If there is balance in the marriage then this isn’t usually a problem. Guard jealousy! Guard walking in tension. In fact God wants his best from you on all occasions. That means when things are tough at home take time to fix it. Karen and I have a rule that we never bring an argument into the pulpit. We fix it.
• Train together. Learn how to work out together. This is awesome in every way.
• Guard your tongue- Ok let’s get honest! When you spend your life using words to continually share the message and vision as a professional speaker- you thus can use the same tongue for evil. You’re a trained orator! That means your tongue can be a double edged sword. Be careful how you speak to your spouse. A huge love chiller is to demean, demand, demoralize, or denigrate your spouse! Build each other up. Don’t criticize. Do not allow yourself to become the church member that destroys churches. Guard being negative. Guard against expecting and demanding more from your spouse than they deserve. You don’t own each other! You are called to build each other up at all times.
• Leave the office! Drive home slow! Pull in the driveway! Get out of the car! Be ready to be life to the ones that matter most!
This entire blog was written to encourage you the reader in God’s plan for your marriage. The devil hates healthy marriages. He hates it when you set a pure example. The enemies goal is to destroy your marriage so others will lose hope. Most of all the enemy can’t stand that you like each other. A few months ago Karen and I decided to start a new adventure. We started jogging together. It is one of the coolest things we have ever done together. We talk, laugh, complain, cry, dream, pray, and plan together on the track in the morning time. Not only has it helped us get in shape, but our marriage has gone to a whole other level. I would not give our mornings up for anyone. In fact we are pretty selfish about our mornings. We won’t plan meetings or appointments during our morning runs. It is our time. It is a daily date! There are more mornings where we simply enjoy each other’s company, and other times we do war with the devil. We fight for our children, finances, ministry, and friends. We pray for miracles for upcoming services. We encourage each other. So I challenge you as a couple to find something consistent that the two of you can do together. GUARD IT! You deserve each other. Our goal is at the end of the next 20 years we will be able to say- “the first 20 was incredible, but the last 20 was indescribable.”
So to my gorgeous wife I say, “Thank you baby!” You turned me into a man, and pushed me to understand true love. Thank you Jesus for my bride of my youth that will someday be my bride of my old age! Together we are unstoppable! A part we would just be half of a perfect plan! God Bless you! Pat
This wed Sept. 29, 2010 Karen and I will reach the amazing mile stone of 20 years of marriage. Wow! What a truly wonderful journey. In a time when marriages involved in ministry are under an all out assault from the enemy. Believe it or not according to Charisma magazines poll of ministers the divorce rate is 50%. Karen and I have watched several dear couples we were close to walk away from their marriages. Many just allowed ministry to destroy their marriage or they simply grew apart. In honor of 20 years with my sweetheart I wanted to focus this 3M blog on “Running together to the finish line.” You see we believe that we are called to run together!
Our wedding: I will never forget looking to the back of that little church in Eagle Lake, FL upon the most gorgeous woman in the world. As she walked towards me on her father’s arm down that aisle I began to weep. How could this angel be marrying me? Her smile, her beauty, her sophistication, and her grace was overwhelming. Not to mention….. On that day September 29th, 1990 I started a journey with my lady. Twenty years ago I had no idea what it meant to be a husband. I had yet to truly even learn what true love meant. Karen would not only become my best friend, but she would teach me so much about life, God, and love. Karen would be the one that would teach me how to chase Jesus, how to have grace, how to develop a devotional life, and how to establish boundaries. God brought her to me and she has always been way more anointed. Our entire marriage we have been in ministry. In fact while we were dating I accepted my first fulltime position as a youth pastor near Tampa, FL. Due to the fact that the church also had a retirement community for pastors on sight we were continually encouraged (harassed- Lol) to get married. So we moved our date to Sept. We moved into a small and very old house that was owned by the church. Karen made that little house a home. I remember we tried so hard to clean the 30 year old dingy green carpet, and the mildewed walls. HAHA! I remember us asking the church to change the carpet in that old parsonage. One elderly fella (everyone in the church was over 60) on the board told us our carpet in the parsonage was better than his homes carpet, and we could just live with it. Back then I was as green as the carpet and didn’t know how to stand up for issues. Those were the days. We found out six months after we were married that our son had been conceived. I got home from a college class and Karen greeted me at the door with the news. I remember telling her to sit down and not move for 9 months. While those days were tough financially, and also geographically we had fun together. During those early days Karen was very shy in large gatherings and she would force herself to be a public figure. The thought of speaking publicly petrified her, but at the same time she knew God was going to use her. As small child her mother would tell her over and over someday God is going use you greatly. I remember the first few times she spoke she would break out in blotches from her nerves. Yet, she kept pushing forward. She would say to me “the girls must be told that they are all beautiful princesses.” She knew she had a message for a generation of girls that had to be spoken. She knew my secret. While on the outside walking in bold confidence I dealt so strongly with insecurity and fear. She made up her mind to help me get thru that in my life. To this day when I speak at a gathering she is the first to greet me with-“Sweetheart, that was awesome.” I can’t imagine being married to someone who would tell their minister husband or wife- You could have done better, or you went too long. In fact Karen still laughs at jokes she has heard 10,000 times. You see we learned a long time ago that we would be each other’s biggest fan! I still send her roses wherever she speaks and I always have them attach a bottle of Pepto-Bismol for her stomach. Now it has become a small sign of “look where you have come from baby!” That reminds me I need to call the florist today as Karen gets ready to go to Idaho on Thursday to speak. Let me give you 20 rules for marriage in ministry. These all can be applied to marriages, but my main goal today is to speak into the lives of those preparing for ministry.
20 Rules for Marriages in Ministry:
• Remember, that God never asks us to put the call of ministry ahead of our marriage or children. You see Karen and I believe that marriage done right causes the right kind of ministry. We have fun in ministry. The ministry has allowed us to go and see what we could have never done leading a “normal” life. The ministry has allowed us to accomplish dreams and goals. It is a awesome adventure.
• In ministry it is critical that you never allow the ministry to be a mistress. I remember early in years of marriage I would go to the office late at night, study late at night, and many times use the church as an excuse for being less than focused on my family. Over time I began to realize that the ministry is “constant,” and I that I must draw lines to protect my home and marriage.
• Never allow anyone outside your spouse to be your biggest fan. No one gets that spot. That is reserved parking for the love of your life. Make sure to step outside the mirror and keep an eye on your wedding photo. There are two people in that photo- not one! In other words it is your job to see the person who chose to stand with you that day. Make sure you continually take the time to praise your spouse.
• Guard your home from the continual attack of what is aptly called “the tyranny of the urgent.” You see people always need us. Most of the time people forget that you are a normal family. Somewhere in discipleship 101 that chapter gets left out. So it is your job to say “WHOA.” It is your job to turn the phone off. It is your job to guard the special occasions, and also regular days of life. Your spouse doesn’t mind sharing you, but there is a limit! Be the first one to say, “I would love to help you, but I can’t today. My family needs me!”
• Guard your marriage from the “office chatter.” In other words do not always talk about the church or the people. Instead, talk about each other. Remember, shepherds must always guard the sheep door. Learn what it means that when you are home- BE AT HOME!
• Guard your bedroom. You see Karen and I made up our mind early that our bedroom was a place of solitude and rest. We decided early on that no one else belonged in our room. That means we only talk about us, our family, and our dreams.
• Guard intimacy! OK- here we go! Intimacy in marriage must never stop. Your must make sure the flames of romance stay lit. Enjoy each other. That is God’s really cool plan. REALLY COOL! Sex is pure!
• Serve each other! I think in ministry we serve so many that we forget that we must serve each other. I wasn’t very good at this when I first got married. Many times it is what we see modeled by our parents that determines how well we serve. We come home from the office tired and ready to vegetate. Men in ministry especially have a tough time with this. We lead at the church, but we follow at home. Maybe it is because we get tired and for some reason think we have done enough. At some point the light came on for me. I needed to help around the house. I needed to get up early with the kids. It is not only unfair to not serve our spouses and kids, but is also a great romance killer.
• Stay enamored with each other. Have secret moments that take place in public. Karen and I have little signals and sayings that we share with each other in the biggest of crowds. It is our way of saying “we may be among hundreds or thousands, but we are really one and in love with each other in the crowd.” When she walks in the room it catches my breath. My eyes meet hers and I really don’t care who else is there. I am enamored with her.
• Some of the most dysfunctional marriages are in high profile ministries. They have “Image management vs. authentic living.” They put on the masks in public. So we have made up our minds early that we must show honor, love, and respect in public, and in private. We do not ever bring reproach or offense upon each other. We also do not allow people to cross a line in any manor towards our marriage. We believe that we are Christians first before we are ministers. When you are public people for some reason people think they know you and your spouse. They may even think they can speak into your lives from an outsiders point of view. Learn how to keep offense out of your marriage.
• HAVE FUN! Make sure the most fun you could ever have can only be found in the arms of your spouse. Learn how to get off the spinning world and have a vacation. Our spouses must see that when we are together nothing else matters. This is very hard in ministry. That is about setting boundaries. Also, laugh together, dance together, play together, and enjoy your time together. I will cover this more at the end of the blog. Remember, you were created for each other’s pleasure and joy! Go on dates. Use the 7-7-7-7 plan. Every 7 hours connect with each other, Every 7 days have a date, every 7weeks plan a getaway or really long day, and every 7 months take a long vacation!
• Pray together! This took me a long time to truly appreciate. I didn’t understand the power of agreement as a couple. In fact you really don’t understand this until you walk through tough times. Your children must see that you pray together. They must see that you walk as one as believers. When you pray together get real, and be honest. Disciple each other in the things of God. But don’t condemn! Instead push each other towards the savior.
• Never stop believing in each other’s dreams. In fact the more you believe in each other’s dreams the more your dreams will become one.
• As the priest of my house I must always be willing to serve, develop, and minister to my family first. Learn the power of washing each other’s feet. Learn the power of having a family covenant.
• Realize you married to each other and not the ministry. Jesus is married to the church not you. In other words realize “without the ministry- you are ok.”
• Keep the front door locked! In marriage it is absolutely critical that you are givers and great stewards of your finances. You see we believe we do not have to be broke, because we are in ministry. That means we have to plan for the future- use wisdom in spending- and always be tithe payers. This rebukes the enemy from your home. That means also that when it comes to finances make decisions together. Debt is a love killer. That means when spending don’t use the “God Card,” but rather “agreement plan.” Walk in agreement.
• In ministry we must also learn the power of sharing our spouse. This is hard. Above I talked about the importance of separating from people, but we must also realize that in some parts we belong to the people. If there is balance in the marriage then this isn’t usually a problem. Guard jealousy! Guard walking in tension. In fact God wants his best from you on all occasions. That means when things are tough at home take time to fix it. Karen and I have a rule that we never bring an argument into the pulpit. We fix it.
• Train together. Learn how to work out together. This is awesome in every way.
• Guard your tongue- Ok let’s get honest! When you spend your life using words to continually share the message and vision as a professional speaker- you thus can use the same tongue for evil. You’re a trained orator! That means your tongue can be a double edged sword. Be careful how you speak to your spouse. A huge love chiller is to demean, demand, demoralize, or denigrate your spouse! Build each other up. Don’t criticize. Do not allow yourself to become the church member that destroys churches. Guard being negative. Guard against expecting and demanding more from your spouse than they deserve. You don’t own each other! You are called to build each other up at all times.
• Leave the office! Drive home slow! Pull in the driveway! Get out of the car! Be ready to be life to the ones that matter most!
This entire blog was written to encourage you the reader in God’s plan for your marriage. The devil hates healthy marriages. He hates it when you set a pure example. The enemies goal is to destroy your marriage so others will lose hope. Most of all the enemy can’t stand that you like each other. A few months ago Karen and I decided to start a new adventure. We started jogging together. It is one of the coolest things we have ever done together. We talk, laugh, complain, cry, dream, pray, and plan together on the track in the morning time. Not only has it helped us get in shape, but our marriage has gone to a whole other level. I would not give our mornings up for anyone. In fact we are pretty selfish about our mornings. We won’t plan meetings or appointments during our morning runs. It is our time. It is a daily date! There are more mornings where we simply enjoy each other’s company, and other times we do war with the devil. We fight for our children, finances, ministry, and friends. We pray for miracles for upcoming services. We encourage each other. So I challenge you as a couple to find something consistent that the two of you can do together. GUARD IT! You deserve each other. Our goal is at the end of the next 20 years we will be able to say- “the first 20 was incredible, but the last 20 was indescribable.”
So to my gorgeous wife I say, “Thank you baby!” You turned me into a man, and pushed me to understand true love. Thank you Jesus for my bride of my youth that will someday be my bride of my old age! Together we are unstoppable! A part we would just be half of a perfect plan! God Bless you! Pat
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