And Be Thankful

A while back I had an experience that was at the same time both distressing and profound. Let me tell you the story.

First thing in the morning I launched out for a day fishing in the Back Bay. Excitement and anticipation were in my heart and soul, and I could hardly wait to wet a line and see what I could catch. About half way to "my spot" something happened and I lost propulsion. The outboard was still running, but I wasn't going anywhere. It was broken. I did not get discouraged, because I had my electric trolling motor to fall back on.

I lowered the ever dependable Minn-Kota into the water and turned it on. Once again I was on my way and ready to get to the business at hand. I got maybe another hundred yards and the trolling motor stopped; the battery was dead. Now, let me tell you, I was moved to prayer, and I don't mean rejoicing and praising. God was about to deal with my heart and paint a picture that is still giving me revelation today.

I got to a spot where I could pull my outboard and see what the trouble might be. I broke out my tools, did some troubleshooting, and found that the shear pin for the propeller was broken. What was a sailor to do? I decided to fish a while and then go home. As you might have figured out, nary a bite was to be had.

Now, I was not without propulsion. Being an experienced sailor, I had oars to get me home. I got them out, put them into the locks, and started making my way back, and the wind began to rise. Yes, I had to row into the wind.

All the way back I heard bubbling up out of my inner man, "In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thes. 5:18) With each stroke of the oars I said it. Over and over again I spoke it out as I rowed against the wind. For more than 30 minutes I rowed and spoke, rowed and gave thanks, rowed and saw God as faithful in the midst of my situation. Instead of getting angry, frustrated and discouraged, I just let the reality of the Word rise up within my spirit and spill out of my mouth.

As I reached the open water, where the wind would be an even greater trial, the wind quieted. It died down until I turned into the canal we were living on where I was sheltered and protected. I rowed back to the house, pulled the equipment and battery, and called my resident expert for counsel and guidance. Before the day was out I had the outboard back together and running.

God has really used this to teach me a great deal about dealing with trials. The lessons learned included:

• Your success in facing trials will be a function of how well you have prepared for your journey.
• You cannot let your circumstance dictate your course.
• If you really believe that God is with you, you have no reason to get discouraged.
• If you cannot give thanks in the midst of your trial, you really are not trusting God.
• When you face challenges, there is no shame in asking for help.
• Only ask help from people who have something to offer.
• In everything give thanks! Thanksgiving is your key to victory.

I could fill pages with the details of this story and how it has impacted my walk, but let it suffice to say, I am going to be thankful in every situation, in the midst of every trial, and with the certain knowledge that God is on my side, pulling for me, and more interested on my victory and success than I am.

^15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ^16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ^17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:15-17)

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.

Not The Way I Had It Planned

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11 NIV)

Ever have one of those days when you think that things are just not going the way YOU had planned. It can be frustrating, discouraging, and even depressing. You may find yourself scratching your head, trying to figure out what was going wrong, or even wondering what you have done to make God mad at you. Me, I take those times to go to prayer and find out what is going on from Someone who actually knows.

Knowing the Father's will is not an automatic peace generator. As a matter of fact, when I see the image of Jesus in Gethsemane I am reminded that submitting to the Father's will can be very painful. What are your options?

I love to counsel God about how things should be done, when they should be done, and how I think we could best use His power and influence. I must come across as a precocious little brat sometimes, God forgive me. Imagine, me, a speck, on a dot, on a spot in the Universe thinking I can tell God the best way to do things!

I have learned, be it the longest of learning curves, that Father actually does know best.

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: ..." (Jer. 1:5 The Message)

Now, don't misunderstand what I am saying, you can miss God's plan by your own actions, and the enemy, Satan, is going to do everything in his power to keep you from seeing your destiny. You better know how to handle both problems. But that isn't what I am trying to address here.

God has a plan for you, tailor made with YOU in mind. Side tracks, delays, and catastrophes do not change His plan for your life. When things are not going as you plan, ask, are they going according to His plan? Don't ask yourself, don't ask a friend, no, ask the Father. He is not trying to keep His will a secret from you.

The Father's plan is a plan that leads to increase, to growth, to promotion, and to destiny. You cannot measure it by what you see, after all, Joseph didn't always look like he was in the will of God, but he was. Once you are confident you are in the Father's will, you can take on all the world and the devil have to offer without fear.

There is a declarative phrase in the Lord's Prayer that says it all. It is an expression that only those who are confident of the Father's will, a plan birthed out of His love for us, only when we have an assurance that is supernatural can we pray, ...

"COME! Your kingdom. BE DONE! Your will." (Matt. 6:10a Literal)

Today, in spite of facts that say otherwise, I know I am smack in the middle of the Father's will for me. I know it because I have been in His presence, sitting on His lap, listening to His heart speak to me, "I love you, and I have a wonderful plan for your life."

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.

Stepping Up to the Plate

Step Up ... Step Out!

I had a wonderful visit by phone with a friend down south. I was thrilled with his excitement, exhuberance, and abandon in celebrating what God is doing in his part of the world. He has seen that numbers are no indication of success, but rather, it is when the people we serve are inspired to a greater hunger, a deeper intimacy for the Father that we are truly successful. He is seeing his church rise to a desire to see the manifest presence of God in every service, not so they can get their goosebumps going, but so that the needs of people can be met. What a wonderful spirit has descended on the house and God is getting all the glory.

Shortly we will be making our move south, finally. I am excited as we move to see the level of expectation and ministry for the area we are moving to. I miss preaching, but I love being part of what God is doing through the Local Church.

What about you? Are you excited to be part of what God is doing in your community? Are you willing to be the vehicle of His anointing that breaks every yoke? Will you be the Father's point of contact here on the earth for those who desperately need His touch? Rise up! Be what He has made you to be in the first place, the expression of His image and likeness. Go out where the people are and make a difference. Let those who know you see Him. They are waiting for you!

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.

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!