In the Midst of Adversity

It's hard in our current economic climate and "news" environment not to be consumed by the adversity that so many are facing. The things we see can be a powerful influence if we allow them to be. But adversity also weeds out fair weather friends and helps put our priorities back in focus. Adversity is not something we desire, but it also is something that is common to mankind. Handling it properly is critical to achieving our destiny.

There are some real keys to not just surviving adversity, but to thriving in the midst of adversity. First, and foremost, is focus. Your focus will set your direction.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (Hebrews 12:2-3 ~ The Message)

We need, too, to always remember that faith, the force that allows us to put more stock in the unseen than we do in the seen, is the product of our receiving anointed impartation of the Word of God regarding our circumstance. (Rom. 10:17) A battle with sickness and disease demands a Word for healing. A war against poverty requires a Word on prosperity. And standing in the face of temptation, tests and trials is the time we need to hear a Word on faithfulness. It is not enough to study, you need to let those who have been victorious and overcome your kind of adversity speak into your life.

When we look at what it takes to overcome adversity, I think we would be remiss if we didn't address the need to surround ourselves with those who encourage us rather than enable us through commiseration. We have lot's of little adages we could quote that shows even those without Christ recognize this.^

^23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ^24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ^25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb 10:23-25 ~ NKJV)

Having trouble, pray, snuggle up to the Father's heart and let Him encourage you to the place where you are again free from adversity. Give His Word place, the Word that produces life, health, and prosperity for you. And through it all, get yourself in fellowship with those who will champion your success, who will cheer you on to victory. Adversity will come, but you can overcome and be an example to others around you how its done.

What About Me?

So much of what goes on in ministry goes without detection by the church in general. The pastor of the Local Church can live in virtual isolation, without someone to encourage him or speak into his life. It isn't necessarily by design, but the thing that happens by default as they seek to protect and serve the sheep of their fold.

We seek, as pastors, to serve our parishioners and meet them in their need with answers to their problems. In the process, how do we deal with our own issues? You know as well as I do that we are just like our people, have all the same challenges, all the same kinds of problems and are subjected to all the same kinds of temptations. They have us, but who do we have?

In ministry, we who are leaders must have people who speak into our lives, leaders we can turn to for encouragement, and counselors we can look to for sound, biblical advice as we seek to do the will of God in our lives and in service to our congregations. All of us, no matter how high in the food chain, need these key elements to healthy Christian living. We need each other!

It isn't always easy. Sometimes those we serve cause us great pain as they reject our counsel, fail to heed the Word, and seek their own agenda. We cry over them, lose sleep over them, and cry out to God on their behalf, but we cannot change their course. When I see this, I have to ask myself, "Do I do this to my pastor, my overseer, my Lord?" It is sobering to think that we could be the cause of such heart ache.

As a pastor, I want God's best for every member of my congregation. My heart's cry is to see them rise to the full potential of all God has for them. I thank God for those who have sown into my life, have given me the leadership that has led me to this path toward my destiny, and who never give up on me. They answer when I call, help when they can, and pray for me continually. They are my heroes.

I trust that you are seeking to be a hero to those who follow you, but also that you have heroes you look to who will be a great resource in the actualization of the pursuit of the will of God for your life. I leave you with the passage below.

"Obey your leaders and follow their orders. They watch over your souls without resting, since they must give an account of their service. If you obey them, they will do their work gladly; if not, they will do it with sadness, and that would be of no help to you." (Hebrews 13:17 TEV)

Take time to meditate on this passage, and see what the Father shares with you. Don't focus on just those who you serve, but look also at those to whom you submit yourself. Are you a source of joy? Are you a living example of what God desires? Let's rise to God's standard and see His best in our lives and in the lives of those we serve. Let's be a source of joy to our leaders.

Looking to the Future

Life has a way of making you revisit your priorities and perspective on things. As Pastor Steve Kelly of the Wave Church has often said, "It is not about where we've been, but it is about where we're going." Too often we get caught up in the affairs of daily living and forget about the plan and purpose God has ordained. This loss of the big picture can leave us feeling like we are treading water.

Let me be clear, we need to keep the present in focus, the past in perspective, and the future in clear view to stay on track in our adventures in God.

^12–14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

^15–16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. - The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Philippians 3:12-16).

Our past is an important part of who we are, after all, it is what got us here. But the past can be either an anchor or a launchpad, and that is up to you. If you are constantly rehearsing past events, bitter over past hurts, or only able to revel over past victories, the past is your anchor. If, however, you look to the past for the testimony to the faithfulness of God, are spurred to compassion in the lives of others because of the hurt you have experienced, or take comfort from the blessings God has poured out on you knowing that it pales in comparison to what He has ahead of you, then the past can be your launchpad. It is your choice. Choose well. Choose life!

Our present can often be a distraction to mire us in cares and worries and deter our destiny. Bills, health problems, relationship issues, and such can steal our time, our motivation, and our resources. Whether it is nagging, chronic problems, looming, major challenges, or just the test of the mundane, we must not allow ourselves the luxury of getting caught up and entangled in the things that will deter our destiny. We can do anything, with the help of the Holy Ghost. Let's commit ourselves to living in such a way that the Father is proud to call us His children, focused and driven by His agenda, His dreams, and His plan for our lives.

Above all, we must never loose sight of the very reason for our being here in the first place - intimate, personal fellowship with the Father. No matter what our vision or dream, it is only as we are in all out pursuit of the Father that we will find fulfillment and satisfaction. No amount of money is enough to bring that, no amount of possessions, no career path, and certainly no earthly relationship apart from Christ can offer what it is that makes us feel like life is worth living in the long run. It is the hope that is before us, that we can have this relationship here and now and grow into an ever deepening, ever increasing, ever intensifying relationship with the Father that gives us hope for the future and a reason for getting up in the morning.

With the Father is all that we need. He has promised us abundant life. It is up to us to pursue Him with all that we are, shedding the things that hinder us along the way, and, as Paul so aptly says, "press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Run! Run like you have never run before! Run, and with every step know that around the next bend is a blessing waiting, over the next hill He has prepared a rest for you, and at the end is a prize that will cause all of the run to fade into the mist of the past as we revel in the reward of our destiny.

Well Said

Each week I get an e-newsletter from a cherished friend in ministry.  Pastors Virgil and Judy Stokes pastor Faith Christian Fellowship in Tucson, AZ.  They have a real heart for missions that has resulted in an international impact that is worth emulating.  Please take a minute to hear this word of encouragement.

Posted: Saturday, November 22, 2008

Building People of Substance for Works of Power

Thank God for you! 

 

I went in for breakfast this morning and found Doña Maria Inez cooking eggs and chiles.  The odor of fresh tortillas was in the air.  We are in Nezahualcoyotl beginning the third day of a Bible School class: Sanidad Divina.  It is normal for her to be preparing breakfast, but what made this morning different was she was wearing an overcoat and head scarf because of the cold.  It has been chilly this trip, and in this humble Mexican home, there is no heat.  Last night, shortly before class started at 6, I was about to open my mouth to complain about my numbed extremities when I looked up and saw the room filling with students.  They were young and old, male and female, and all bundled up as they found seats in the stark concrete garage with double doors wide open for the cold breeze to blow in. Little kids played indoors dressed as if for a snowball fight.  I had to shut my mouth and marvel that 20 to 30 precious people were coming to sit for 2-4 hours a day on hard wooden benches in the dimly lit cold because they want to grasp a Message of faith that has the promise of freedom to them and the ones they love.

 

There is the pastor from Guerrero who rides a donkey up a mountain to preach, then walks to a bus, then a train to get here. Once here he sleeps in an unheated room with no door because he wants to be a better shepherd. There are the pastors of 2 churches where we will speak tomorrow.  There is 63 year old Don Roberto who will take us in the morning on his weekly 2 hour ride to another country church that he has started, and that is waiting for us to train a pastor for them.  There are teens preparing for ministry, children’s teachers, evangelists, musicians, and youth leaders, all striving to grow.  As we sit in our mostly padded pews this Sunday and enjoy the teaching of the Word over sound equipment oh-so-fine in auditoriums warm and comfy, it would be a good idea to utter a word of thanksgiving to the God who has entrusted us with such a precious commodity as this Word.  Never forget the high value that others place on the Message we so frequently take for granted.

 

Scripture Reading:  "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV)

 

Somebody Said:  "Some people are born on third base and go through life thinking they hit a triple." - Barry Switzer

 

It is a privilege to be able to work with you in finding ways to get this Message to places and people that otherwise could not hope to receive it.  The sense of gratitude I have for what I have been given includes gratitude for each one who has teamed with us in the quest.  

Happy Thanksgiving.

Pastor Virgil Stokes

www.fcftucson.org

Christopher Laurie Moved to Heaven

Please pray for the family of Christopher Laurie, son of Pastor Greg Laurie. Christopher died in an auto accident leaving a pregnant wife, Brittany, and beautiful little girl, Stella. Oh that the Father would be their comfort and strength.

2008 has been a very tough year for us and for those who are our friends in ministry. I have lost so many friends and family that I don't want to go to one more funeral or memorial service this year.

How does one justify the losses of those who are righteous, those who are innocent, those with so much life to look forward to, and those who are taken from us far too soon? Teh reality is, you cannot. A beautiful, vibrant, and dedicated young woman taken on a country road in the dark of night, why? A darling and precious little girl taken in the middle of the night, how could this happen? A dear friend lost to us at the tender age of sixty-something, how could he go so young? Babies lost, friends passing, loved ones ... how can we make sense of it all? The reality is, you cannot. We have such a fragile existence, and it can so quickly gone, but we do not always keep the reality in perspective.

Two things stand out as I pray over such events, asking God for the insight and wisdom to deal with these tragedies. First, life happens. So much of what goes on is not a product of God's actions or the devil's diabolic plots. It is just life. We make bad decisions, take bad actions, and leave so much open to failure, all because we just didn't think or listen or obey like we should. Additionally, we have a real enemy who is out to steal from us, to kill us, and to wipe all memory of us out of existence. If we give him an opening, he'll exploit it. Don't let this be true of you.

Together we press on and get through the hard times, thank God. This is what the family of God is for, why we meet together, pledge ourselves to one another, and stand in intercession for our brothers and sisters. We need each other.

Building the Kingdom, One Friend at a Time

I spend lots of time on the road traveling to meet with those who are on the front lines of ministry. Some of those who I meet are purely by divine appointment are the most wonderful stories to hear. That was the case with my recent trip to Tulsa, OK.

Ministers all start somewhere, and Dave is just at the entrance ramp to ministry. As a student in his second year of bible school, Dave is learning what it means to flow in the gifting God has put on his life. I love talking to those whose level of anticipation and excitement about ministry is so fresh and encouraging.

Dave is experiencing the tangible leading and empowerment of the Spirit of God. He sees the vision of the ministry ahead of him and cannot wait to get going. He is investing himself in school, learning all he can. He has his values and priorities in order and will be a great man of God.

As one committed to the success of those in ministry, I love meeting people like Dave. They remind me of why the call of God is so powerful. They renew in me the excitement of following God in the course of daily life and ministry.

Those of you who have proteges coming up under your ministry, do all that you can to foster their excitement and encourage their vocation. The Father is seeking to use them, and your investment in them will not be in vain.

As for Dave, we will be praying for him on a regular basis, encouraging him every chance we get, and tracking his progress in ministry. What a great opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in the earth.

The Value of a Local Church

Since I got saved I have always been part of a Local Church. I haven't always appreciated the value of these relationships, but I have always valued them.

So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out.
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his
word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not
avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially
as we see the big Day approaching.
Peterson, E. H. (2003). The Message : The Bible in contemporary
language (Heb 10:22-25). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.

You see, we need each other. We have so much that is of value to one another, so much to make our brothers and sisters a success in living the Christian life. We need those who come along side to cheer us on, to encourage us, to build one another up, and to help each other realize our destiny together. We need to be speaking into one another's lives, sharing the truth that produces faith, and letting God speak through us. No, we are not all called to pulpit ministry, but Jesus did call us all to preach.

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature."
The New King James Version. 1982 (Mk 16:15). Nashville: Thomas
Nelson.

As we think about this we are often intimidated, but the truth is we don't need to come up with some rehearsed speech or clever argument, but rather, we need do nothing more than share the reality of what the Lord has done in our lives. We are here to share the Good News!

1. Good news, the healing God promised is real, I know because He has healed me of my sickness and disease.
2. Good news, God answers prayer, I know because He answers my prayers.
3. Good news, you can have peace in the midst of your turmoil, I know because He has given me the peace that passes all understanding.
4. Good news, God will set you free, I know you can have it, because I have been set free.
5. Good news, I know how you can have a sense of security that will keep you on top of any and every situation, I know because He has given me the safety and security that has changed my world.
6. Good news, God has a plan for your life, a plan to give you so much blessing, so many good things that you haven't even begun to imagine, I know because I am walking out HIs plan for me and am overwhelmed by His goodness.
7. God loves you, God wants to have an intimate personal friendship with you, to make you part of His family, and that is the best news of all.

Let us not forget how we got into the kingdom. Someone cared enough to tell us about the good news, to share with us what had become reality to them. As a result of what they "preached" to us, we joined God's family and now have a life that we could only have dreamed about before we met Christ.

This is what we, the Local Church, do. Then we join as members of the same family, gather to encourage one another, gather to disciple one another, and gather to make one another a success in following after God with all our hearts.

Wonderful Inroduction to TNT Church, NJ

We had the wonderful experience of meeting another part of the church family this week as we visited the New Testament Church of Mt. Olive, NJ. Pastors Bonnie and Arlo made us feel welcome and at home, and Rev. Phil Richiuso brought a message of hope and encouragement entitled "So You Want To Go Fishing."

New Testament Church (http://www.tntchurchnj.com/) is a Four Square Church. (http://www.foursquare.org/) This local church is very much in touch with their local community and ready to walk into a strong future. They have a great facility, an anointed worship team, and a committed staff. The congregation welcomes visitors with warm open arms and let's you know how valuable they feel you are.

TNTC has a contemporary worship style and Pastor Bonnie preaches the Word without apology.

If you are in the Mt. Olive area and looking for a church home, check out TNTC, you may find it to be all that you are looking for.

AFCM Overnighter

April 24/25 we had the joy of gathering with other members of AFCM for the Northeast Regional Overnighter with our founders, Jim and Kathleen Kaseman. (http://afcminternational.org/) It was a refreshing time of fellowship and impartation as we spent precious time together in fellowship around the Word. Br. Kaseman not only shared his heart for the future of AFCM, but he also brought some clear direction from the heart of God about dealing with false doctrine and regarding the next move of God that has already begun. While some people would shy away from "controversy" our leadership has met it head on and given us solid biblical counsel on each and every issue.

During this gathering we were able to renew old friendships, catch up with distant friends, and meet new folks. The Lord said, "It isn't good for man to be alone," and it is so easy to see the value of our friendship. We are not alone in our challenges and should not celebrate our victories alone either. We need each other.

Let me give a shout out for our Regional Director, Pastor Lowell MacDonald. He and his lovely wife Joan have done a great job of leading our region and give us a wonderful example of how to live with integrity and honor as ministers. We love you guys and pray for you daily.

Our thanks to Dr. and Kathleen Kaseman. Without your vision and encouragement we would truly be adrift. Thanks for being consistent and stable in your leadership, committed in the value you place on the Word, and your example of generosity to which we can rise in faith. You are in our hearts and prayers as you go forward in what God has called you to do.

Think About It

Have you ever thought about what you would change about how someone else does things? I think we all do that. But as we go through life, we should be sensitive to the things other people see in our lives. We should be open to the things in our lives that might need to change. As pastors we should be aware of the truth of an old adage, "As goes the head, so goes the body."

Where are you leading your flock? Are you so tied to the past that your still only singing stuff from the 70's? You see, if you aren't able to change with the times, neither will your church. How often have I heard pastors complain that their young people are leaving in droves, but is that because we are anchored to the past and can't find a way to relate to them?

I am amazed by the Hillsongs Church and how well they do church. Their congregation is huge and has a wonderful cross-section of age groups. It is nothing to see senior citizens worshiping side-by-side with teens, to see singles and marrieds shoulder to shoulder. Their worship is so rich and moving, and not at the expense of the past, to the contrary, you'll hear hymns and old choruses mixed with brand new expressions of worship. True, the older stuff may have a new arrangement, but you know all the words. And they are changing their world.

I'm not here to dictate how you should do church, but let me encourage you to be courageous in the face of change. Let your past be a launchpad for the ministry you have today. Remember, were are enjoined to hold fast to the good, and just because it provokes a memory or a feeling doesn't make it good. What God is doing, that is what is good. Get in there and do it with Him.

What is a friend worth?

Life has a way of teaching us things that we might miss otherwise.

This past weekend we had the chance to visit with friends who pastor St. John's Church (http://www.saintjohnschurch.us/) in Grantsville, MD. St Johns is a traditional church with some contemporary crossover elements. The pastors, Jerry and Judi Rogers, have been dear friends of ours for years and have served in three different pastorates since we have known them.

I am reminded by my visit of how vitally important these two precious people have been to our lives. At a time when I was ready to leave the ministry it was Jerry who came along side and encouraged me in my calling and vision. Where we were hurting, they brought healing, and I couldn't be more grateful. After their ministry to us we went on to pioneer Household of Faith and saw 16 wonderful years of success.

Jerry and Judi are great pastors. You cannot be in their presence without knowing that you are loved and that they place a high value on you. No matter where you fit in the body, they always have a place for you. It is obvious that they have what it takes to build a strong church, look at what they have accomplished.

Jerry comes from a sordid and corrupt past, no stranger to the vices of men. Judi's background is as pure as Jerry's is corrupt. It took a miracle to bring them together and make them the successful team that today set such a wonderful example for the flock they lead and the ministers around them. It isn't that they don't have problems, flaws, or failings, it is just that they have shown how to handle them with God. These two are in my book of heroes, and I encourage you to let them be an example of what it means to follow God.

The life lesson here: friends are of inestimable value, cherish them.

If you are in the Grantsville area stop by St. Johns and enjoy the worship, the solid biblical teaching, and inspiring leadership of Jerry and Judi Rogers. You will be blessed.

You Are Not Alone

From the insightful pen of my friend, Pastor Virgil Stokes:

"I thank God that I am not alone in this world. I am hopelessly unqualified to survive without help. Last week I was in Panama City. While there, I rented a car and drove to various destinations. Left to my own devices, the only place I know how to find is Pastor Vicente’s house and that is only if I start from the airport. Fortunately, Vicente was with me everywhere else I had to go. We are a team. I let him know that I was totally lost, so he had to let me know what lane to get in and warn me ahead of time if I needed to turn. We negotiated many fascinating situations. Going over one bridge, we came to a traffic circle. Vicente warned that I needed to turn right at the third opportunity. He let me know that drivers from the first 2 entrances would be barging in, and then at the last minute I should watch my left side, as others would be swerving in front of me to make the same turn I was going for. He described the situation very accurately, and with great fear, trembling, and angelic intervention we negotiated the turn - vehicles parting before us just like the sea in Exodus. Arriving downtown, we drove down a relatively calm 2-way street. “Turn left here,” he said. I did so, then was admonished, “Stay to the left, stay to the left. This street you drive on the left.” “Oh, a one-way, I suppose.” “No. For this one block, all traffic drives on the left.” To confirm this I looked up and noted oncoming traffic passing to my right. Question: Did I miss a sign. Answer: No. This is the only drive-to-the-left street in Panama. It lasts only one block, and there is no sign. You just have to know. Thank God for a friend in the car who knows!

"As we proceed through life and ministry, we need a friend who knows - one who can foresee difficulties and warn us of odd situations coming up. As ministers, we know some things about the Word. We may have some training or background in business, or administration, or whatever. Doing the daily work of ministry, however, requires more than knowing some information, or even than having great skills and talents. Real life is full of interesting problems and pitfalls, not just unforeseen, but unforeseeable. For this reason, our education must include the opportunity to get some real experience, to get dirty, to make mistakes, and to hear God in the trenches. Every real-life project has adjustments to be made on the move. We need to know how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit who is always with us. He knows the plans and devices of our enemy. He goes before us in both time and space to spy out the landscape and warn us if the road changes. Our job is to stay alert, keep our ears open, and trust the direction we receive. If I had to give one word of advice to those starting out in ministry it would have to be, 'You are not alone. Don’t try to do it alone. Learn to slow down and pay attention to the oh-so-quiet direction of the Spirit in your heart.'”

Scripture Reading: Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV)

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Said: People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,but when the darkness sets in,their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

"In the midst of every situation, be it the crush of apparent failure, the condemnation of friends, or just good old self-flagellation and self-centered fear, we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Hearing and obeying God separate success from failure, deliverance from disaster, and joy from despair. We are not alone."

Good Word, brother!