Russell Hylton

Two Years Ago Today

2012-02-09T11:02:00.000-05:00

Two years ago today our friend, leader and hero when home to be with Jesus. We have missed his presence and his pristine leadership in many ways. Bishop Penny knew how to make everyone feel special with his smile, laugh, handshake and kindness. Last night, I was reminded of him when I shared about the spirit of craftsmanship. Truly, he was a man of polish!

For those reading this who never had the opportunity to meet Bishop Penny...well, you can still feel his presence in the DNA of our church. Along, with Sister Penny, Bishop served with excellence for 11 years at BFWC teaching, preaching, leading, and so much more!

He was infamous for his AMENS and the phrase, "we're going on!" He left us too soon and we miss him dearly. When I reflect on his life, I see a man of integrity, character, discipline and diligence. A true elder statesman, a great preacher and a fantastic man! His example makes me want to be a better Christian, husband, father, pastor and friend.

Let's take a moment today to reflect on Bishop Penny's contributions and rejoice that we are a better church with a richer heritage because of him.

We Cannot Exempt The Spirit of Contempt

2012-02-09T06:35:00.003-05:00

One day, I decided I was going to talk back to my mother. We were sitting at the dinner table...my dad, mom, sister and I...when I spoke very disrespectful to my mother. Without hesitation, my dad reached across the table, lifted me up by the back of my neck and walked me into the living room where he firmly placed me in a chair. He looked in my face and said, "you may think you can talk like that to your mother, but you will not talk like that to my wife." Needless to say, I was shocked and had an immediate wake up call!

THE SPIRIT OF DISRESPECT is running rampant today. It's every where you turn...at home, at school, in public, at church, on the interstate, at the store, etc.

Many people have a problem in showing respect. Not just to one another, but to those whom God has put over them. To lead, take care of and protect them.

In Numbers 12, the Bible speaks of Moses' brother and sister, Miriam and Aaron, who felt that they should be an equal with Moses.

Some Bible scholars say Miriam was a prophetess and that is what her name means. We know by the Scriptures that Aaron was a priest. When you look at the situation, we have two situations going on here. The first, being a prophetess and a priest, Miriam and Aaron would have heard from God and because of this they saw themselves as the same as Moses. But in reality they were not. They did not have the plan and the vision for the promise. God spoke to Moses face to face but to them, He spoke in visions and dreams.

Also being brothers and sisters would mean that they should be equal in the yes of God. Although they were equal, as God is no respecter of persons and loves us all the same, He had given them different functioning's. Moses function was as the overall leader. Miriam and Aaron were his assistant leaders who had their part to play in the fulfilling of the vision.

DISRESPECT HAS A SEED

The spirit of disrespect starts with a seed which then spreads. In this case the seed was sown by Miriam. She sowed the seed by talking about Moses in regards to the wife he had married. This situation in Moses life gave opportunity for Miriam to show up what was in hers and Aaron's hearts. Through jealousy and lack of humility, they began to disrespect Moses by speaking about him behind his back.

This is what happens in the Church today. Many are disrespecting those God has put over them. Those who pray and encourage them to keep on going when the going gets tough. Those who sacrifice their lives and their emotions for the sake of the people.

I have heard many say, we are all equal and that we should not have titles. Yes we are equal, but we do have different giftings and rankings which requires us to have titles to identify who we are. in Ephesians chapter 4 verse 11, it clearly states "it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

God gives gifts and titles for the benefit of the people, the Church. Jealousy is a bad thing. It can kill someone's spirit.

IN YOUR HOUSE

Today we see a reverse in roles in many households. Children are rising up against their parents. They are refusing to submit to their parent's authority due to rebellion. I have noticed that when a child becomes a teenager and begins to learn certain things about adulthood their behavior changes. They have some knowledge of the things we know but not the experiences, yet they refuse to remain humble to their parents and learn to live the right way in order to have a productive life.

This was the case with Moses and the people he was called to deliver. Moses was faced on many occasions with the groaning and moaning of the children of Israel whom he was called to lead from slavery under the yoke of the Egyptians and into the Promised Land. They continually rose up against him and in doing so they did not receive the promise.

Children may well think they know best, but wise counsel from their parents should lead them to a better and healthier life.

GOD IS A GOD OF ORDER

Regarding spiritual gifts and the different functions He has given us, God is a God of order. The anointing comes from the HEAD down...NOT from the BODY up. Order is in place for the benefit of the Church. Not all can be the same. The Bible teaches us 1 Corinthians 12:17 "If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?"

Someone has to lead the way and it is someone who has been given the wisdom, the knowledge and authority from God, to ensure that your best interests are seen to. We are all accountable to carry out the will of God. if those who God has put to care for you mistreats you, God will deal with them accordingly.

King Saul was jealous of David. Although King Saul was in a higher position than David at the time he was king, David showed respect to him even when he tried to kill him. King Saul knew that David was chosen by god and that there was something special about him and especially as King Saul failed in his duty as king. Although David had the opportunity to kill King Saul, he refused to as King Saul was God's chosen king at the time. David respected the authority established by God.

Even if you feel you are in a situation that is tough, it is during this time that God is sharpening those rough edges in your life. God will use people to show up in the areas of your character that need to change in order to have a heart like David who became the next King after King Saul.

CONCLUSION

Malicious gossip spreads like gangrene and God sees all. God summoned Miriam and Aaron to Himself and then punished Miriam for instigating the disrespect. If God had not done so at this point, can you imagine what damage they would have done? I can imagine them going their separate ways after their conversation to put Moses down to many others, causing more rebellion against him. If we are honest we have all been caught up in malicious gossip at some point in our life, especially when we have been hurt. Jesus commanded us to love one another. Let's do just that and watch and see what a better place we will live in.

I've made up my mind, I'm not tolerating the spirit of disrespect any longer. If God thinks it's unacceptable, then so do I.

It is disrespectful to not follow instructions.
It is disrespectful to talk about people behind their back.
It is disrespectful to rebel against your leaders.
It is disrespectful to treat your leaders rudely.
It is disrespectful to take advantage of anyone, especially those who are keeping watch over your soul.
It is disrespectful to continually show up late and leave early.
It is disrespectful to know to do good and do it not. (In fact, it's a sin)

Lord, Bring Back the NEW Again

2012-02-08T06:20:00.000-05:00

I long for a Christianity that is full of VITALITY! Where we're not just going through the motions of attending church, partaking in communion and reading our Bibles...BUT there is no life, no change and no transformation.

When we have real TRANSFORMATION...it will show up in our living, our churches, our communities and our businesses.

Jesus promised that His people would be filled with the Spirit, ambassadors of the Gospel and forerunners of His Kingdom. We are supposed to be God's image bearers in the world, manifesting His glory everywhere. We are supposed to be DIFFERENT.

Our forefathers prayed, preached, worked and hoped for something more. REAL CHANGE. They believed that God would come and transform His people so that they would live in the world as He intended.

I believe every generation longs for an AWAKENING...God's empowering presence to RENEW His people for more vital living and more faithful ministry in the world.

Does God want TEMPORARY or LASTING renewal? Temporary could be described as getting a spurt of transformation during a season of dryness, only to dry up again later. Lasting is a continual renewal that is sustained regardless of dry and barren conditions.

Surely, God must want our renewal to be be LASTING! He longs to send a revival that will provoke us to join His cause and regain our fervor! He longs for His people to receive His divine touch and then do something with it.

Think of it like this...God gives birth to a plant in your garden. We can all agree that this in itself is a miracle from the Lord. But to make the plant grow, the gardener needs to work hard: cultivating, planting, weeding, feeding and watering.

What is REVIVAL? re-viv-al = an improvement in the condition of strength of something; a reawakening of religious fervor; a restoration to bodily or mental vigor, to life or consciousness, or to sporting success.

Perhaps Revival has key elements that we need to consider...

Renewal
When you look at a clock on the wall, you expect it to keep time. However, if the battery is running low, it slows down and will not keep the correct time. The same thing happens to us...we run down spiritually, emotionally, physically and even missionally. We need to be REMINDED and RENEWED so we can be REENGAGED in the work of God.

Renewal happens when we are revitalized. Just like a battery...it cannot recharge on it's own...it has to be plugged in for a charge to take place.

Reformation
Reformation is the ongoing practice of bringing every aspect of life and ministry into a greater conformity with the Gospel. Unlike renewal...God's supernatural gift...reformation takes place when we work faithfully to address our shortcomings and areas of weakness.

We are called to action. Even if God visits us with a supernatural "touch" of renewal...we must still be active in pursuing His will for our lives. Going to church does not make me a Christian. Standing in my garage does not make me a car. Going to church is part of the process God uses to GROW me and RENEW me...therefore it is essential that I do my part.

Revival
God is still reviving His people. We can describe it as a "great awakening" that sweeps through our country or visits a local church...but in essence REVIVAL renews God's people for carrying out God's purposes in God's world.

We see this in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament on the Day of Pentecost...when God poured out His Spirit to INDWELL and EMPOWER His people for ministry!

The Bottom Line
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the GLUE that holds it all together. If we rely simply on reformation, we'll approach our Christian walk as a task and a goal we can achieve if we work hard enough. However, that will lead to pride, frustration and eventually exhaustion. If we simply rely on revival, we'll approach our Christian walk with a heightened excitement, passion and felt empowerment that has to constantly be stirred up or sought after.

True renewal is a gift from God but it is one that involves His empowering Spirit and our faithful response.

Don't Pick Other People's Dandelions

2012-02-07T16:45:00.002-05:00

I attended Smith Elementary in Akron, Ohio. Constructed in 1918, it was named in honor of Fred E. Smith. Mr. Smith was a leader in the early development of the town of Kenmore which was being developed by the Akron Realty Co. The founders of the company laid out the town along the street railway line of the Northern Ohio Traction and Light Co. between Akron and Barberton. In 1908, Fred. E. Smith purchased the entire holdings of the Akron Realty Co. In the same year, Kenmore was incorporated. Mr. Smith donated the land on which the school bearing his name was built.

Since we only lived one block from the grade school, I was allowed to walk to and from school. One day, as I was walking home, I noticed that the dandelions were in full bloom at the house across the street from ours. So, I picked a handful of them and brought them home to my mom and I presented them to her with a big smile!

When I walked in the door and handed them to my mom, she smiled and said, "where did you get those Russell?" I explained to her that I had picked them out of the neighbor's yard.

Before I go any further, allow me to explain that at that particular time, my parents were trying to instill within me the principle of "ask first"...which I was struggling to grasp.

My mom smiled and told me that she thought the flowers were pretty, but then she asked me if I had asked the neighbor if I could pick them? As soon as she said that...I realized I hadn't yet learned the "ask first" principle. So, without hesitation, she sent me back to the neighbors with those "WEEDS" in my hand. (I didn't know they were weeds till later...ha ha ha)

I walked up to the neighbors door and knocked. I had hoped the dear little old lady that lived there wouldn't hear me and I could leave the flowers on the porch. However, she heard the knock and she opened the door with a smile. I timidly handed her the flowers and said, "I picked these out of your yard without permission and my mom said I had to bring them back."

She looked at the flowers, she looked at me and then she looked at the flowers again. She smiled and said, "Russell, thank you for bringing these back." I turned around and ran home as fast as my "bionic" legs could run...all the while, I could hear the theme of the six million dollar man playing in my head.

My mom taught me a valuable lesson that day...DON'T PICK OTHER PEOPLE'S DANDELIONS! Of course, I now know that those dandelions were weeds...but mom was teaching me a lesson about "asking first." (As I reflect on this story today, part of me thinks back and says, "that little old lady should have been thanking me for picking those dandelions out of her yard!!! Ha ha ha...She was getting free labor!)

Another lesson I learned is...STAY OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS! We all have weeds in our life. If we'd spend more time fertilizing the yard of our heart with basic Christian nutrients (spiritual disciplines of prayer, bible reading, fasting, worship, church, etc.) we'd have less time to find fault with other people.

I truly believe that it's impossible to talk about someone you're earnestly praying for.

I've learned quite a few lessons from my parents along the way. God has put wonderful people in my life who have helped shape me and still speak into my life.

Here's some thoughts....

Make full use of your time. Couch potatoes have earned their reputation for a reason. Don't be one of them.

Keep your car clean...both inside and out. It's a reflection of what's in your heart.

Keep your house clean...both inside and out. It's a reflection of what's in your heart.

If you see trash on the floor...pick it up.

Give lots of compliments out. If all you can say is, "I like your eye brows" then say it.

Even if you're late to church...COME ANYWAY...but for goodness sake can you ever show up on time? Punctuality is the practice of princes!

Quit looking like you ate a dill pickle. Smile.

Always root for the underdog.

It's better to empathize than sympathize. Whatever you do...don't enable someone to continue in dysfunction just because you want to be the hero.

You can lie to yourself and others but God knows the truth.

If you make a mistake admit it. Accept responsibility for your actions. Receive correction and restoration no matter how it comes and no matter how long it takes. Lest you end up being a "byword" and a "cast away" people refer to as "Remember them? That's what you don't want to do."

Don't claim disease, dysfunction or labels with your mouth. Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

Steer clear of those who cause division in the body of Christ with their words and actions. Do not stoop to their level with back and forth squabble. Remember who you are in Christ and Who you represent.

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Focus on the vision He has called you to.

When you enter a room, be the first to say hello.

Don't wait to be asked...if something needs done...do it. You will, unless you're lazy and take advantage of everyone. We already have too many takers in the body of Christ. WE NEED SOME MORE GIVERS.

Work with enthusiasm and thank the Lord you have health to even get out of bed. If you call off work every whip stitch...please don't come get in the prayer line asking for a new job when you lost the one you had because of disobedience.

Do what you're going to do for the Lord while you're young and have your energy.

Avoid being braggadocios. If given a compliment, receive it with a "thank you." Don't play off the compliment with false humility.

Be loyal to your leaders at all times. One slip will come back to bite you.

Be truthful and honest. All liars will have their part in the lake of fire.

Grow up. Quit tripping over the same junk. At some point you're going to have to get the victory...why not today?

Love people with a genuine heart. Be concerned about them. However, don't enable them with a co-depency on you or your ministry. If you really love them you'll teach them how to find their own identity in Christ and how to stand on their own two feet.

Do not squabble with people over the internet, emails or text messages. Talk face to face. Anything less is cowardliness.

Be a tither and a giver. Anything less than 10% isn't partial obedience...its disobedience.

You can't lead people where you've never been.

Be faithful to the Lord and the church He died for. Laying out of church when you have the health to be there isn't fooling anyone. How is it we can be all over Indianapolis, playing, running the roads, living the good life but then can't go to church? Your priorities are completely out of order. What kind of example are you setting for your kids and others? The only person you're fooling is yourself.

Speak from practice not from theory.

Preach your heart and passion...even if you've preached it before. Eventually, you'll reach 100% of your audience.

Do not take advantage of people who are generous. Dropping hints and acting desperate is the spirit of witchcraft.

If your leaders correct you...take it like a man or woman of God and thank God He is being merciful to your soul by putting people in your life who love you enough to help you get to your destiny.

You can't receive a promotion if you fail to give 100% where you're already at. This includes your relationship with your leaders, peers and followers. If you can't do it "here"...you'll have a rude awakening "there." What's in you will surface again and again.

Avoid drama with drama queens.

Do not react to negative comments and opinionated people who want to get you to come off the wall. Stay put and work the vision.

Laugh at yourself. It's OK.

Pick yourself up by your boot straps and try again. So what if you failed! Failure isn't final unless you refuse to get back up.

Don't worry about the people who look over their glasses at you funny...they just "hate ya" because they "aint ya!"

You can't add to a glass that is already full.

Stay humble so you don't stumble.

Keep your puppy feet.

I've recently made this vow: I refuse to pray for anyone to get a job...if that job constantly takes them out of church. I've seen the patterns too many times...next thing you hear...they've backslid and are back in the world. Cold and indifferent.

It's the banana that leaves the bunch that gets peeled.

Invest in other people. Find eager hearts and start pouring all your resources (time, teaching and treasure) into them.

If someone isn't willing to give their time...they're not worth the time.

Be kind to everyone.

Be good everywhere you go, you never know who's watching you.

Be a good tipper at a restaurant. Cheap Christians give us all a bad name.

If you don't leave a good tip...don't tell them you know me.

If you're hard to please when you go out to eat and the servers despise you cause you constantly complain every time they see you...PLEASE do not tell them you know me...and whatever you do don't tell them you go to BFWC. What you need to do is "pray through."

Say "please" and "thank you" to everyone.

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Keep your gas tank full.

Cover other people's weaknesses. By all means, don't try to throw them under the bus to make yourself look better. You'll reap that somewhere.

You can see better out of a clean window.

To the pure...all things are pure.

Realize that every leader will have to endure potshots. Leadership places a bulls eye on your back. "Welcome to the ministry."

Blood may be thicker than water...but if that blood is in error...by all means don't ruin your own testimony over it, lest the whole family ends up in the ditch.

The desire to sin comes from within you. Master your flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. Starve your flesh and your spirit will grow.

Never argue with a fool.

Refuse to waste your energy dealing with the same ole' same ole'. There are too many "good things" to devote your energy to. If you're not wise...you'll get DRAINED by dealing with stuff you shouldn't even have entertained.

Pour your life into people who are earnest and show forth fruit.

We are not teaching people to "grow up" in Christ when we continually cater to their flesh. Someone has to say "STOP IT!" (In love of course.)

I'm amazed at the people who say they're called of God and brag about their list of positions but are never faithful. Friends we have to be faithful till we're fruitful. JUST SHOW ME THE FRUIT!

Where you position yourself in the room speaks of where your heart is positioned.

2012 Super Bowl Halftime Devotion

2012-02-05T06:32:00.001-05:00

Dear BFWC Family & Friends,Tonight, so many of you will be planning gatherings with your friends and families for the Super Bowl. We have included a video link to be shared during half-time. I hope you’ll take advantage of this tool and share the Gospel message at your special gathering.

This video is also posted on our website (www.bfwc.net) and will also be posted on various forms of social media. Feel free to share the link/video with anyone who is hosting a gathering in their home/church/etc.

You are the church. Wherever you are…you carry Jesus in you. I remember reading about how Jesus was accused of gathering with sinners in Matthew 9:9-13…the “sinners” came and found Jesus at Matthew’s house and decided to eat with Jesus and His disciples. Of course, the “religious” (Pharisees) saw it and asked Jesus’ disciples why He ate with sinners? Jesus spoke up and said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy , and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Tonight, share this video ON PURPOSE. Use it as a tool to interject the Gospel in an environment where some of your unsaved family & friends are planning to be. Eventually, you may get them to join you at an Encounter service…in the meantime…YOU be the church to them and take full advantage of this resource.

Maturing in Christ; Reaching in Love,

Russell & Beverly Hylton
Senior Pastors

We Need a Vision of Hell

2012-02-02T10:03:00.001-05:00

Hell is real.
Hell is not a figment of your imagination.
Hell is not a scare tactic to get people to live for God.
Hell is a place of torment.
Hell is a place of outer darkness.
Hell is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Hell is a place of isolation and eternal frustration.
Hell has no exits.

What if God offered to let you spend 30 seconds in Heaven or 30 seconds in Hell today? Which one would you choose?

Which location do you think would make you a stronger, more mature follower of Christ?

If God gave me the option of letting every member of our church spend 30 seconds in Heaven or Hell, I think I would ask God to let all of us spend just 30 seconds in Hell. "Pastor, that's mean!" No...I'm not mean...I just think 30 seconds in Hell would CHANGE the rest of our lives!

If we could see the agony and hear those voices we would come back and be the most evangelistic Christians on earth. People in hell are concerned for lost people who are headed for Hell.

If God allowed us to spend 30 seconds in Hell...

We would quit laying out of church.
We would stop gossiping.
We would stop flirting with people we're not married to.
We would stop fornicating.
We would stop watching pornography.
We would quit lying.
We would stop drinking alcohol.
We would quit smoking dope.
We would quit selling drugs.
We would quit popping pills.
We would quit committing adultery.
We would quit stealing.
We would quit being disrespectful.
We would quit blaming other people for our laziness and sin.
We would clean up our mouth.
We would love like Jesus loves.
We would witness to everyone we meet.
We would line up with the Word of God.
We would love our family.
We would worship intensely.
We would give sacrificially.
We would tithe.
We would offer our gifts and talents to others.
We would read the Bible till the cover fell off.
We would volunteer for ministry.
We would serve wherever we're needed.
We would fast willingly.

Friends, 30 seconds in Hell would change us. I can't stress to you enough how important it is we remain SANCTIFIED in our living unto the Lord. Yes, GRACE is a wonderful gift from God...but do not confuse GRACE with MERCY.

Grace is God giving you what you don't deserve.

Mercy is God keeping back what you do deserve.

All of us deserve judgment, punishment and Hell! But God's mercy steps in and gives us GRACE!

I believe if each of us had a vision of Hell we would instantly change for the better! We would instantly change our ways and our thinking.

Hell is real. There are many who are in Hell today who would tell us to avoid going there.

How long are you going to keep playing games with God?
How long are you going to keep living a selfish life?
How long are you going to keep making up your own rules?
How long are you going to try to convince me and others that you're OK?
How long are you going to keep holding grudges?
How long are you going to keep living in sin and trying to justify it?
How long are you going to stay offended because of the Word of God?

If you go to Hell...you'll do so on your own accord. There has been enough Gospel preached in your ears to save the entire nation ten times over.

If you end up in Hell, you'll be haunted by your lack of living a "sold out" life for Jesus.
If you end up in Hell, you'll be haunted by your selfish desire to live for yourself.
If you end up in Hell, you'll be haunted by your stubborn will to submit to God's love.

As your pastor, I will continue to love you, preach to you the truth and train you to fulfill your life call! HOWEVER, I WILL NOT GO TO HELL FOR YOU!

Choose THIS DAY who you're going to serve!
Get in CHURCH and quit playing games!
Get in the ALTAR and CRY OUT to God!
REPENT!
Let His love CONSUME you till you weep all your tears out!

Day Twenty One - January 31, 2012

2012-01-31T08:26:00.000-05:00

John the Baptist was considered the "forerunner" of Jesus. He led a movement of baptism at the Jordan River, challenged sinful rulers, called for repentance and promised God's justice.

John pointed to the "Messiah" who was greater than himself. In essence, he represented Jesus and became a modern day "Public Relations" ambassador.

A true PR person will take on the DNA of the one they represent. Their words and actions will reveal their heart. They will embrace the vision of their leader and cast the vision to others. They will see their leader's mission as their own and will make it the center of their efforts.

When you are called to represent someone else (believe me...we are called to represent Christ, but to also represent a leader(s), group, organization, team, etc. during our lifetime) you must avoid speaking negatively. Negativity will never produce positive results.

Even if you experience the negative, you will only communicate the positive.

Think back to Samson when he passed through the vineyards of Timnath and defeated a lion with his hands. He didn't tell his father and mother about what he had done. After a time, he returned through the same vineyard and found the carcase of the lion and in it was a swarm of bees and honey. Samson ate of it and received enlightenment and then shared the honey with his parents. But notice, he only shared the "honey" not the "lion."

As we represent our leaders, we must do so with positive communication. Even if you don't understand your leader's decisions or actions at the time, you must represent your leader with truth and loyalty.

Each of us will be faced with this test. Whether or not you pass this test will depend entirely upon your ability to remain a pure representation of your leader even in the face of negative circumstances.

I've saved myself from many embarrassing moments and painful failures by simply thinking about a person in whom I greatly admire and saying..."would ___________ do this or say this?" Doing this has kept my feet from wrath and my actions loyal.

The blessing is found in "loyalty" and "right" representation.

Five Rules for Representation

Representatives must always represent the truth. - Ephesians 4:15
Representatives must always speak words that edify.(Build up) - 1 Corinthians 14:26
Representatives must never let their actions betray their words. - Matthew 7:3-5
Representatives must know what to say, how much to say, and when to say it. - 1 Corinthians 3:2
Representatives do not rehearse the failures of the past. They restate the goals of the future. - Philippians 3:13-14

Day Twenty - January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T04:57:00.000-05:00

Ever thought about what the word "anointing" means? In Full Gospel circles we tend to view this word as a "trance-like state" of spiritual power. It is believed by some that to really be "anointed" you'll become more spiritual and empowered beyond your natural abilities.

After hearing someone preach or sing, we're infamous in saying things like, "now, that was anointed" - many times based upon the fact we received a goose bump during their performance or are drawn to their particular "flavor" of ministry performance.

But is that really the anointing?

Are we only anointed when we preach, sing or prophecy? Can we not also be anointed when performing an administrative or operational function? How about when serving another leader? What about cleaning the church?

Are we any "less" anointed in a service role? When I was serving as a youth pastor, a minister whose name I will not mention said to me that "one day I'd have my own church." He made reference that when I stepped "up" into a Sr. Pastor's role I'd experience a "real" anointing.

Honestly, that type of thinking in the body of Christ has put a bad taste in my mouth. As if...serving in a youth pastor's role was not fully anointed or cleaning the church or ushering was only a temporary place to serve on my way to something "bigger" in God's Kingdom.

Friend, I was fully anointed to serve in every role God assigned me to, regardless of what others thought. To this day, I have a toilet brush anointing. I can clean with the best of 'em and I'm not ashamed to play second chair, carry water, clan a toilet, stack chairs or turn out the lights and lock the door.

Wherever you are presently serving, be assured the anointing of God is upon you in full measure irregardless of other people's opinions.

Here's what I believe...we are anointed by God to perform the task He assigns us to do! Whenever God calls you to do something, He'll also empower you to perform that assignment. It doesn't take long to recognize the anointing in someone else. However, can you recognize the anointing in your own life?

The anointing will give you understanding of what needs to be done.
The anointing will direct you to the practical.
The anointing will cause you to do the unexpected.
The anointing will help you speak words to edify.
The anointing will feed you.
The anointing will make you aware of needs.
The anointing will give you endurance.

Rest assured, if God has called you...He will give you what you need to accomplish His work!

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, thank You for your calling in my life. As I look back over my shoulder I see Your hand was guiding me in my fervor to work in Your Kingdom. Even as a child, You placed a desire in me to serve in Your Kingdom. Thank You for not giving up on me, even when I was tempted to go astray. I pray the anointing You give to your people will not be squandered by fleshly practices. I surrender my body, soul and spirit to You afresh. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Nineteen - January 29, 2012

2012-01-29T06:19:00.000-05:00

CHRISTIAN...is that what you're known for? What's your disposition? Are you known as brash, funny or easy going? The way you present yourself to the world is important to God
The reputation you gain with the people who you associate with, and the consistency in which you demonstrate it is addressed inPhilippians 4:5

"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."

What does Paul mean by "Moderation?" The Greek interpretation of this word literally means "fair, mild and gentle." So what is Paul saying? He's reminding us that we should exemplify through our lives the fruit of the Spirit, specifically in this case, gentleness, goodness, meekness and temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)

What does Paul mean by "known unto all men?" This may seem self-explanatory as we come to understand Paul to be saying "to see someone as something and to have knowledge of, or to understand."

As we live our Christian life, there will be some people who willknow us better than others. Some people we see every day and they get to know us as being one kind of person or another. This speaks to the reputation that you earn through your lifestyle and your actions.

Paul is saying that we are to have a reputation of being a gentle and mild person. We ought not to have the reputation of someone who is brash or uncontrolled or someone who cannot control their tongue.

We are to be known as a true Christian, exhibiting the characteristics of Jesus.

There are other people who may see our life, but we don't personally know them. We may be known to them by what they see, in the one time they see us. We ought to make a good impression on everyone, regardless of whether they know us well, or don't know us at all.

Are you exhibiting the characteristics of Jesus?
What comments are you leaving on facebook?
Is Jesus pleased with your conversation?
Are you calling people names?
Are you taking verbal jabs at people?
Are you speaking everything that comes to your mind without regard to the consequences?
Are you claiming to be a Christian but your actions speak of un-Christlike behavior?
Are you claiming to be a Christian but you don't attend church?
Are you claiming to be a Christian and yet you are defiling your body with habits, addictions and questionable practices?

I guess we should take a deeper look at not only how others view us...but also, how our Lord views us. We have His unending love, grace and mercy...but in truth, what is God's opinion of us?

Sure...He loves us unconditionally...however, is what we're"known for" causing Him pain? Are we the "Achin that's breakin' His heart?"

Although we are not perfect people,

we must continually reach forward to a moderate spirit.

We may even take the disposition that "we don't care what people think about us." However, if we are to represent Jesus to a lost and dying world, we must "care" how we're viewed...not only by those in the body of Christ but more so by those who are not.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me! Your name is Holy and You are the love of my life. Thank You for giving me a Holy Ghost check in my spirit that will keep me on my knees in prayer and my heart in tune with You. I do not want to misrepresent You to this world. So, thank You for doing whatever it takes to keep my path free from wrath...and my soul satisfied. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Eighteen - January 28, 2012

2012-01-28T08:53:00.000-05:00

The book of Acts describes the early church and it's challenges. One of those challenges was meeting the needs of a growing church while keeping everyone happy at the same time.

Sound like a challenge?

That church needed a team (staff) to feed all the people who showed up hungry for the church dinner. There were tables and chairs to set up; food to be served; dishes to wash; trash cans to be emptied; floors to be swept, etc.

If you were the leader and knew you needed help...what traits would you look for in a potential member of that team?

Sharp dresser?
Smooth talker?
Clean fingernails?
Charming personality?
Award winning smile?
Hard worker?

Perhaps. Think about it...wouldn't you want someone with those traits to wait on you at your favorite restaurant?

But this is not what the early church based their decision on. InActs 6 we are given the standard for leadership. In fact, we know this particular position to be the role of a deacon (servant).

Acts 6:1-6 1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

God isn't impressed with how you look, how you talk, what you wear, what you can do and where you've been.

Personal integrity is the main issue.

What is integrity?

An adherence to moral and ethical principles; honesty.(Random house dictionary 2011)

Integrity comes from within. It's not something you have to parade around in front of people. It is birthed from right choices, right associations, commitment to truth and unwavering faith. If you have it...it will be good. If you don't...it will be a disaster.

We live in a day and age...even in the church world...where we base our opinions of people by what we see on the outside rather than what's on the inside of an individual.

What do people know you by?

I promise you...in the end you'll only want to be known as a person of integrity. A person who spoke the truth, modeled the truth and embraced the truth.

Integrity will follow you around like a senior yearbook picture.

PRAYER
Lord, I commit to continue to walk in integrity. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for giving Your life so I could have life. Although I'm not perfect, I do not use that as an excuse for a lack of integrity. I invite Your Spirit to invade every part of my being. Mold me and transform me into Your image. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Seventeen - January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T05:10:00.000-05:00

Vision is useless in the hands of someone who lacks the discipline to do what needs to be done to make it happen.

God is large and in charge. We need to dream big dreams because God is able to do "exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or think." Ephesians 3:20

Question: Is God insulted when we dream small?

Jesus said in John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

It's one thing to dream it...it's another to have the DISCIPLINE to see the dream come to pass...through a disciplined life.

When God gives us a vision, He also gives us the GIFTS and TALENTS needed to make that vision come to pass. If we sit back and "wait on the Lord" to do it all for us then we aren't being "spiritual"...we are actually being LAZY.

Why does God give us VISION?

It's not for the purpose of just giving us INFORMATION...but rather TRANSFORMATION. The first person that has to be transformed is the one He gave the vision to. If we're content to sit around and merely dream about it...nothing will happen.

When God gives us vision, He does so knowing that it will LIGHT A FIRE within us that will make us want to do whatever it takes to make that vision a reality.

Many people dream BIG...few people want to pay the price to do whatever it takes to make that dream become a reality. If you are a leader, then understand this...THE BIGGER THE VISION, the HIGHER the PRICE you will have to PAY.

Big Vision requires Big Responsibility!

PRAYER
Dear Lord, You have placed a vision within me that cannot be extinguished by time or temporary set backs. I cannot control other people's behavior, attitudes or laziness...but I can control mine. With Your help, I will put works with my prayers to see the dream come to pass. I'm committed to fulfilling the dream You called me to and not settling for just a portion of it. No matter how long it takes, I will do my part to make that vision become a reality. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Strength of the Local Church (Part 1)

2012-01-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

The local church is still where it's at. I'm passionate about the mission of the local church and it's diversity in ministry. We are indeed called to make "full use" of our ministry...but where does that ministry receive validation? You guessed it...under the covering of the local church.

The local church is still being built by Jesus.
The local church is still reaching out to the broken, forgotten and the poor.
The local church is still making a difference that's going to be seen for eternity.
The local church is still God's plan for reaching the world.
The local church is still necessary for believers.

If the local church is not necessary then why did Jesus say He would BUILD it, DIE for it and will one day REDEEM it? Jesus spent a considerable amount of time talking about the church. Apostle Paul spent a considerable amount of time establishing local churches and the protocol of leadership training, development and missional operations that take place within it and through it.

More and more there is a renegade attempt to establish a credible ministry that resembles a church-like structure...minus the covering, accountability and validity offered by the Biblical pattern offered in the New Testament. (More on this subject next time)

It has become increasingly popular to bash the church for all of it's mistakes or oversights. I've been in the ministry for 25 years and have seen people who have been active in their local church through attendance, service, giving, etc., for years...then ALL OF THE SUDDEN...drop off like flies.

I don't want to diminish anyone's authentic hurt...but its a sad commentary when people bail out because...

Someone didn't call them when they were out for two weeks.
Someone said something hurtful to or about them.
They didn't like what the preacher said.
They didn't like what the youth group was doing.
They didn't like the songs that were being sung.
They didn't like the order of service.

The list goes on and on...but you get the drift. When anyone allows one thing in the church to UNDO the decades of ministry and impact that have taken place through the body of believers in the local church...that's ludicrous.

I agree, the local church isn't perfect. If you stay in a church long enough you are bound to see hypocrisy. Someone will say something to you or about you that will hurt you. Decisions will be made that you do not like. There are going to be sermons that make you mad.

Friend, the enemy loves to play this card on you. He's trying his best to convince you to just walk away...with your hurt feelings. He knows that the first step away from God is usually getting people to step away from the LOCAL CHURCH.

Consider this: If you are a transplant that has recently come to a local church from a previous one...what made you leave the previous one? I'm sure there's a list in your mind...but before we point fingers at the church, we might want to point one at ourselves and ask...

Am I repeating unhealthy patterns that are causing me to constantly be offended or off track?
Do I wear my feelings on my sleeve?
Am I highly opinionated and overly critical?
Do I receive instruction and correction with a "thank you for looking out for me" or do I view it as a challenge?
Do I pout and lay out?

There are times when the Lord may lead you to another local church. However, if it's to be done biblically, it will be done with a blessing, unanimity and seamlessness. God is not the author of confusion and His nature is not seen in laying out, pouting, withdraw or negativity. If these things are taking place...you're probably in the right church but you just don't want to line up. Therefore it's easy to seek refuge in a "new" place where they don't know you or your patterned history.

No, the church is NOT perfect...but neither are you or me. So, when we're tempted to walk away because of the one thing that seems to hurt us or trip us up we should simply ask, "is this constant with this churches character?"

Stay in church long enough and you will have a bad experience...but let that PUSH you closer to Jesus as you recognize that HE uses imperfect people in His plan, which means sometimes they will get it wrong, and then ask the Lord to teach both them and yourself how to best deal with the situation...because, the LOCAL CHURCH is still His bride.

I love the local church. She is still the BEST THING GOING!

Day Sixteen - January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T06:36:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but this who act faithfully are his delight."

God's standard for your life is not as easy as avoiding the "major sins." You will never secure a relationship with God by simply living a good life. His ninth commandment alone is sufficient to keep all of humanity forever separated from Him. If you have ever told a lie, you have fallen short of God's standard of holiness.

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

Having this knowledge, it is amazing that we, as Christians, would continue to lie. Furthermore, we don't only lie, but we dismiss it as if it was not a sin at all. Is this how we should treat the words of God? Why do we approach a sin that is worthy of sending us eternally to Hell with so little thought, confession, and repentance?

Our salvation does not exclude us from the temporal consequences of our sins. We should not assume that God takes lying more lightly because we accepted His Son's death as righteousness counted towards us.

Proverbs 19:5 teaches us that "A false witness will not go unpunished and he who tells lies will not escape."

Those who lie, gossip, and withhold the truth from others are condemned by God in Exodus 20:16. Jesus said that He was the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE! (John 14:6).

It is an offense against the very nature and person of your Savior to embrace a lifestyle of lying and SKEWING the truth. On the other hand, Proverbs 12:22 teaches us that "those who act faithfully are His delight."

Commit to being a delight before the Lord today. Ask Him to convict you of your sinful thoughts before they manifest themselves in the form of lying lips. Confess any sin of lying and thank Christ that He is the Truth.

"White lies are non-existent, for a lie is wholly a lie; falsehood is the personification of evil; Satan has two names; he is called Satan, and he is called the Father of Lies." - Victor Hugo

PRAYER
Dear Lord, You said that all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire. You know the motivation of my heart better than me. Please wash my conscience of any lies and renew a steadfast spirit in me that will cling to truth. Thank You for dying for my sins and giving me new life. Holy Spirit, please sharpen my recognition of any lies I have been blinded to. Help me to tell the truth, even when it hurts. Please strengthen me to walk in purity and in truth from this point forward. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Fifteen - January 25, 2012

2012-01-25T06:52:00.000-05:00

Why are you here? Life is too short to play games and waste time. The church doesn't need any more lazy Christians who are unaware of who JESUS is and what He wants to do with His church. However, the church needs Christians and Leaders who are passionate about His mission and who will stop at nothing to see Jesus change their community!

Where is your passion? Sadly, many are not motivated by passion...they are motivated by POSITION and PAY CHECK. Take away the paycheck and you'll find out if there's any passion for the vision.

Are you lazy? One of the reasons many churches lack passion is because their leaders lack passion. Friends, our job isn't just to maintain the status quo and keep everyone happy...but rather our goal is to hear the voice of Jesus and do what He says to do.

Goals for 2012

Don't give up.
Stand for Godly principles even if others run.
Ask God to do the impossible, unexplainable and undeniable so that the church will become unstoppable.
Trust God regardless of where He leads.
Face your fears.
Stop making excuses for laziness and disconnect.
Trust your brothers and sisters in Christ and learn to pull from their passion.
Be willing to make a sacrifice.
Quit blaming others for your shortcomings.
Live in "the now" while moving toward "the next."
Submit to those who keep watch over your soul.
Give your time and energy to people who position themselves to receive.
Love God, Love others, Love yourself.
Say "no" to dysfunction.
Give without expecting anything in return.
Train, Develop, Mentor, Coach, Father and Invest in others.

Today we must make a choice to free ourselves from the prison of predictability. Today, ask God to consume you with His passion. Today, live for what really matters to God until it really matters to you.

PRAYER

Lord, forgive me for a lack of passion in the things You are passionate about. I continually need Your help to stay in a forward motion to fulfill Your mission. I don't want to become bogged down with the details and miss the dynamic! Fill me with Your passion until my heart beats stronger and my eyes overflow with tears! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Fourteen - January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T05:29:00.000-05:00

Go ahead and admit it! You like to be in control. There are parts of you that love to be in charge and in control of every situation. You like to be in control in the car. You like to be in control of where you're going to eat and what you're going to eat. You DON'T like being told how fast you can drive.

Does that describe you? Don't sweat it...we all have control issues to some degree. What we sometimes fail to realize is how little control we actually have in this universe.

You did not control when you were born.
You did not control who your parents would be.
You did not control who your brothers and sisters would be.
You did not control what color of skin, eyes and hair you'd have.

Although apparently you can alter all of that today with products and surgery.(smile)

You did not control what part of the country you were born in.
You cannot control when you're going to leave this earth.
You cannot control what others think.
You cannot control your children's future.

You can direct...but not control.

You cannot control how other people relate to each other.
You cannot control Indiana weather.
You cannot control slow poke drivers.
You cannot other peoples response to the Gospel message.
You cannot control your age.

Forty's are fabulous...(just had to say that)

You cannot control GOD by your religious performance.

Still yet...we want to be in control. We seem to derive a certain satisfaction by being in control. The truth is, what tiny amount we actually do control pales in comparison to eternity.

This is where FAITH comes in. We actually liberate ourselves when we discover that our fate is in the hands of a God who has NEVER ceased to maintain control over what He created.

So if you feel like you're out of control...YOU ARE! The more we try to control the more likely we are to find ourselves in a place of rebellion to the One Who is in control...Who has all things in His hands and Who constantly calls us to surrender to Him.

God desires us to experience complete JOY living under His sovereignty rather than having to constantly discover that we have none of our own.

Do you have control issues? (Come on...be honest)

Perhaps there are areas where you are feeling completely out of control today. Could it be that the Lord is trying to get your attention and get you to surrender to His control?

Until He is in control...we will be out of control.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for hearing my cry today. Thank You for giving me mercy and grace and steering me through areas where I lack Your wisdom and understanding. I submit to Your control today. I YIELD to YOU! As You continue to direct my path, my earnest cry is that I will be sensitive to follow willingly at all times. I am committed to staying close to Your heartbeat...to knowing Your plan above mine. Thank You for not casting me aside when I've messed up or delayed Your perfect plan in my life. I trust You! In Jesus' name. Amen.

He's Still In The Fire - Rev. Robert Penny Sr.

2012-01-23T10:19:00.002-05:00

Rev. Robert Penny Sr.

He's Still In The Fire

Rev. Robert Penny Sr. has been an ordained minister for the past 33 years. He has served in multiple ministry positions, including Senior Pastor. As a father, grandfather & a great grandfather, his pristine legacy of Christian faith has been imparted to future generations. Rev. Penny went home to be with Jesus on February 9, 2010. His ministry will never be forgotten. He will long be remembered for his preaching, spirit, craftsmanship, his "Amens!" and the phrase, "we're going on!" This sermon contains the voice and spirit of a man who was indeed considered an elder statesman and a highly respected minister of the Gospel.

Bishop Penny will forever be MY HERO!

Respectfully,

Pastor Hylton

Day Thirteen - January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T07:51:00.000-05:00

The men that God had raised up to help Moses helped him best when they stood by his side and held up his arms. That is our responsibility towards those God has placed over us. As a loyal son to my fathers, it is my calling, my responsibility, and my duty to assist my pastor(s) and leader(s). My Bishop is the leader; he is the shepherd whom God has charged with overseeing our ministry. My job is to ease his burden, to make his job lighter, to hold up his arms, to help him in anything that needs done.

My job is to pray for my leader daily, to encourage him if I can, to give him lots of data so he knows everything that's going on, so that he's never surprised by anything, to give him input and opinion, to support him and help him. Bishop doesn't want nor need a yes man that nods dumbly at everything. But on the other hand, he doesn't need some independent cowboy seeking to build his own kingdom.

God has placed somebody over you. Submit to them. Love them. Pray for them. Help them. Above all, always be loyal. Never betray those with whom you minister. Never backbite or criticize publicly. Never gossip or be a talebearer.

If there's something you can't live with in a ministry, quietly leave. Never try to build your own ministry on another man's foundation. Touch not the Lord's anointed. If he's off the wall, God will deal with him; who are we to criticize another man's servant?

Never cause strife or division. Help, encourage, submit, lighten the load, assist. Don't try and be a star. Serve God by serving the leader God has placed you under. If I'm doing my job right, my leader will never have to worry about this part of the ministry because he'll know that it is running just exactly as it would if he had the time to be here and do it all personally. The only reason he needs me is because he doesn't have time to do it all. If he did, he'd do it himself. It is my leader's oversight; I need to guide it just as he would.

If you have a heart for God's people, are a servant, and are willing to put sincere effort into your service, you'll never have trouble with your leader.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, I submit to You and to those You've placed over me. Today, I will check my motives and heart to make sure that all is well and that I'm not conflicted. Thank You for your goodness and thank You for seeing fit to place me in the ministry. You are not a burden! You are not a chore! You are the love of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Long-Suffering Leader (Part 2)

2012-01-22T16:47:00.001-05:00

Sharing the Gospel with an interested person is one thing. Arguing and debating with them is another. Talking out an issue is good. Disagreeing and trying to understand one another is good. However, arguing about the truth is not good and neither is it necessary. The truth (Jesus) stands alone regardless of whether a heretic thinks they get the last word or not. The truth STILL stands. If I spent all my time defending what I believe, I wouldn't have time to do anything else.

If you are a Christian out doing something for Jesus, expect persecution...don't be surprised when it comes. The Bible says that all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. In sharing Christ on the Internet, we've encountered a variety of people...including atheists and liberals...many of them claiming to be Christian who are Buddhists, Mormons and even Satanists. They all have one thing in common...they are false prophets who want to share their bad news and misinformation.

We are commanded NOT to argue with them and I've learned the hard way to obey those commandments. STRIVING with people will certainly "eat you as a canker" as the Scripture says.

2 Timothy 2:14 "Strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers."
2 Timothy 2:16-17 "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker..."
2 Timothy 2:23 "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes."
Proverbs 26:4-5 "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, let he be wise in his own conceit."

In other words, you have to use wisdom to know when to ignore a fool and when to answer a fool.

2 Timothy 2:24 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,"

The Lord's servant must not be an argumentative type of person who is ready to come out with guns blazing. There are many people like that who shoot from the "lip," always ready for an argument. But the Lord's servant is not out to win arguments; he is not out to squash the opposition or silence dissent by overbearing, heavy-handed approaches. Rather, he is there to encourage discussion and examination. He does not put down opponents or resort to name-calling or attacks. He is not argumentative, not contentious.

The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) teaches us to walk with gentleness to all. Steer clear of squabbles.

Day Twelve - January 22, 2012

2012-01-22T06:22:00.001-05:00

The way up is down. If you would stand tall in God's Kingdom, you must learn to be on your face before Him. The Lord's way is exactly the opposite of the world's way. We can have a room full of flow charts...but ultimately...God's way means: The "higher up" you go, the more people you have the opportunity of serving.

The creator of the universe, Almighty God, girded Himself with a towel (John 13), knelt down and did the work of a slave by washing His disciples' feet. Are we greater than our master?

Ministry means service. It means opening your eyes and seeing what needs done and doing it. It means that we consider no task to be too low or common. If it needs doing...do it...don't let others do it...do it yourself. If there's trash, pick it up. If a light's out, change it. If the nursery is short of help, serve!

Motivated by love for God's people, it is our calling to serve them. Some people aspire to ministry but won't lift a finger to help out in practical ways. Others are willing to help if you specifically tell them what to do. Both can be irritating. A true minister is a servant, a voluntary daily slave of the people, he sees what needs done and does it. The fields are white unto harvest, but the laborers are few. The self appointed clergymen who wants prestige are many, but workers, laborers, true servants are few. That's what Jesus said to pray for more of.

You never outgrow service. It's not something you do until the church is big enough to get others to do it. The greatest in the Kingdom is the servant of all.

PRAYER
Lord, I know You have called me to serve. Thank You for calling me and thank You for seeing fit to place me in the ministry. My life is in Your hands. I do not carry an "entitlement spirit." Everything I am and everything I hope to be is in Your hand and at Your discretion. Help me to remain teachable, tender hearted and willing to do Your every wish. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Eleven - January 21, 2012

2012-01-21T05:20:00.000-05:00

Blessed are the FLEXIBLE for they shall be flexed. A lack of flexibility is why we're often attracted to "pre-packaged" ministry. We prefer that our lives have a regimented schedule so we know what to do and when. Just thinking about coming up with a 5-year plan is intimidating.

If you're going to serve in ministry...YOU MUST BE FLEXIBLE. The Scriptures teach us about being "instant in season and out" and ready to be used of God at any time in any way. If you're not flexible...YOU WILL BREAK.

Life is full of interruptions...especially in the ministry. However, interruptions are just OPPORTUNITIES for God to use you to share His love with others. If we live our lives guided by the Holy Spirit, we need to be open to hearing and obeying His voice as He speaks to us from his Word.

I have found that having a schedule is CRUCIAL for my sanity! However, I must be careful not to become a slave to it. I may purpose to take care of administrative details only to have the Lord shift me to minister to someone one-on-one in prayer. When we walk in the Spirit we are open to having our schedule rearranged. Believe me, everything God wants done will get done.

If we're going to see measurable success in our lives and ministry then we must be good stewards of our time. At the same time, we must be flexible and open to change. Being willing to go wherever the Lord leads is essential to the Kingdom of God being shared. Sometimes you'll be called upon at a moments notice to teach a class, pray with someone, counsel another, plunge a toilet and fix the boiler. (All in one service...ha ha ha)

The flexible never break!

PRAYER
It's me Lord. Once again, I'm coming to You with a heart of gratitude. Thank you for loving me, saving me and placing me in the ministry. You're not a burden! Living for You is a privilege and never a chore. Thank You for waking me up today and thank You for leading me in a clear path. Regardless of what happens today, may I respond as You would. May I love as You would. May I give as You would. May I be flexible in all my efforts. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Ten - January 20, 2012

2012-01-20T06:21:00.000-05:00

If we're building our kingdom, we'll find the work strenuous. However, if we can relax, rely on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, with all of His gifts and glory, we'll find ministry to be delightful. We may get tired in the work, but never of it. "Burn out" is unthinkable if we're resting in Jesus.

Friends, God wants INSPIRATION not PERSPIRATION. We will simply become exhausted if we spend all our energy trying to "pump up" ministry with programs, "hyped up" worship or "charged up" emotionalism.

True inspiration comes from a heart yielded fully to God, a life in a state of being continually FILLED with the Holy Ghost, "speaking to ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs."

It's exciting to take steps of FAITH! Stepping out and seeing if God wants to do something is part of the journey. If he doesn't desire to move in that way, that's fine, we withdraw and move on. But sometimes, God will move mightily, He was just waiting for someone to step out of the boat.

When we recognize that God is the one leading and Jesus is building His own church (without our help if need be), we can RELAX, not STRIVE, not PUSH, not WORRY.

Sometimes it will become obvious through the lack of fruit that God's not in a particular venture. If so, fine, if God's not in it...LET IT GO.

Let God be God and go with the flow.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, hallowed be thy name. Thank You for a purpose to live for. Thank You for a hope that fadeth not away. Thank You for a heart that is passionate for Your Kingdom purpose. In all of my endeavors to serve You, live for You and fulfill the mandate You've given me...I don't want to do anything that will take away from what You're blessing just to prop up something I may want to do on my own. Let Your Kingdom come...let Your will be done. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Long-suffering Leader (Part 1)

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Long-suffering is the ability to love people when they act adversely or don't meet up to our expectations.

In every group of people there are some that are chronically "ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7) A long-suffering leader will be patient with these people.
In every group of people there are some who are "weak and feeble-minded" who must be "comforted and supported."
In every group of people there are some who will insult, criticize or misunderstand the leader.

A wise leader must practice the proverb; "A soft answer turneth away wrath." (Proverbs 15:1) He must learn never to strike back, but to fight evil with good.

A "long-suffering" leader is one who is dedicated to people's growth over the "long-term." Of Jesus it is said, "A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (Matthew 12:20)

In other words, "a wounded person He shall not hurt, and a struggling believer He shall not take advantage of."

A long-suffering leader will not give up believing in God's people!

The Bible is full of examples of men and women who served with excellence. King David was one of those leaders. He was a GREAT leader because he was a GENTLE leader. He said, "Thy gentleness has made me great." (Psalms 18:35)

GREATNESS comes from GENTLENESS

If you want to be a great leader, you must let God develop the fruit of gentleness in you. Apostle Paul said: "But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us." (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)

Leaders who think they can get away with treating God's people brutishly are in for a big surprise. God won't tolerate leaders who treat HIS SHEEP wrong. "For pastors are become brutish and have not sought the Lord; therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered." (Jeremiah 10:21)

Wise leaders lead by example. Jesus never requires of us something that He doesn't require of Himself. Paul commanded pastors in 1 Peter 5:3 not to "be lords" (dictators) over god's heritage, but examples of the flock."

The servant leader should always see himself ON THE BOTTOM LIFTING GOD'S PEOPLE UP rather than ON THE TOP BARKING OUT ORDERS TO PEOPLE.

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves our servant for Jesus' sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

A Godly leader will lead by example in...

TITHES, OFFERINGS, CHARACTER, COMMITMENT, SUBMISSION to AUTHORITY, LOVE and FORGIVENESS.

If you want people to follow you in something, simply set the example. "Be an example to the believers..." (1 Timothy 4:11-16)

We cannot LEAD where we've never BEEN.
We cannot teach the 10 Commandments if we aren't living them ourselves.

Day Nine - January 19, 2012

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A life lived in the Spirit makes the law irrelevant. When you walk in the Spirit, the desire to fulfill the lust of the flesh is obsolete. The law is able to point out what I shouldn't do...the Spirit ensures that the desire to sin is starved out of me.

An Eskimo fisherman came to town every Saturday afternoon. He always brought his two dogs with him. He had taught them to fight on command. Every Saturday afternoon, in the town square, the people would gather to watch these two dogs fight and the fisherman would take bets. On one Saturday, one of the dogs would win and on the following Saturday the other dog would win. (The fisherman always won.) His friends began to ask him how he did it. He said, "I starve one and feed the other. The one I feed always wins because he is stronger."

When we are full of the Spirit, the manifestation of the fruit of the spirit will be evidenced in our lives. When these virtues are evident among us...there is no need of law to say to people: Don't gossip...don't lie...don't cheat...don't fornicate...etc.

The fruit of the spirit is evidence of the law being written on the heart. We are people of the Spirit. We must respond to the Spirit. If we respond properly it will be evidenced by fruit.

Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance

At conversion, the goal is for us to bear the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, to be transformed into God's own likeness, the likeness of Christ.

When we receive the Spirit at conversion we do not receive perfection but we do receive a sort of "divine infection." We have been invaded by the living God Himself. The Holy Spirit lives with us, and the goal of the Holy Spirit is to infect us thoroughly with God's own likeness. This infection grows into what the Bible calls the "fruit of the Spirit."

Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I yield my body, soul and spirit to You entirely. Please help me to live a life filled with the Spirit. I realize that it is not anyone else's responsibility to fill me...but mine alone. So I ask You for your help and divine enablement that I may search for every possible means to remain full of You. I realize today, staying full of Your Spirit is not an option if I'm to live the overcoming life of a Jesus follower. Take me, mold me and fill me with Your presence, passion and power! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Eight - January 18, 2012

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Where did your joy go? Did it run out? Is it hiding? How do you find real joy? I still believe that if you take the attention off of yourself and focus on meeting someone else's needs...you'll find joy in it.

To give yourself for the benefit of someone else out of pure joy is not common today. Joy comes when we find a way to make deposits in other people's emotional banks.

Jesus said in John 16:24 "...ask and you will receive, and your JOY will be complete."

"The disciples were filled with JOY and with the Holy Spirit." Acts 13:52

"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"In my prayer for all of you, I always pray with JOY." Philippians 1:4

Share

Are you afraid to give to others for fear you'll end up with nothing in the end? If you maintain that train of thought you'll end up holding to a "what about me" attitude that will ultimately keep you confined to a lifestyle of stinginess. One way to walk in JOY is to consider yourself a "giver," someone who adds value to others.

Pray

A lifestyle of prayer will keep your heart hot! When your heart is hot, there's very little room for pride, envy, jealously and other JOY-killers. When we live in the realm of prayer, the fire of the Holy Spirit will burn within us.

Focus

When we attempt to do too much we can become extremely frustrated. The truth is, you can't be all thing to all people. Rethink your busy schedule and focus on the things that are essential. You'll rediscover your JOY as you major on your strengths and delegate your weaknesses to others.

Smile

Smiles are contagious. If you give one away, it always comes right back. The principle is if you give away JOY you'll receive it back. One way this can happen is when you praise the accomplishments of others. Be quick to offer a smile and a kind word. If you'll become a person who makes others feel good about themselves, they will return the favor.

Recapture your JOY today!

PRAYER

Lord, You are the reason for my joy. You have saved me, delivered me and rescued me from the clinch of sin. The very fact that I can breathe brings me joy. Thank you for giving me a hope beyond this world. I commit myself to sharing Your joy to others today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Seven - January 17, 2012

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The power of the Holy Spirit helps our weakness. We can know what the Word of God says and yet lack the power to fulfill it. But the Spirit of God comes and helps us do what we cannot do. The Spirit of God enables us to serve God.

Often, I've been asked if I ever feel inadequate, and my response is "you'd better believe it!" In fact, I feel inadequate in almost everything I undertake. That is why we must depend upon the Holy Spirit if we are to accomplish anything for God. If I am full of the Holy Spirit I can enjoy the benefits of that fullness. We should saturate ourselves with the Word of God and be filled with the Holy Spirit, together they are an unbeatable combination.

Friends, if we have ALL WORD and no HOLY SPIRIT we will DRY UP. If we have all Holy Spirit and no Word, we will BLOW UP. But when you have a balance of the two, you GROW UP!

God seems to confirm this in His Word...2 Corinthians 3:5-6 "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the later killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

We are weak in the flesh under sin. But we are STRONG in the Spirit having been washed and cleansed. We must be weak in the flesh as to dependence on our own strength. But we must be endued with power and be filled with the Spirit so we can utilize the Spirits gifting and in His presence follow His promptings and enjoy His fellowship.

So you see, the power is to support you in your weakness.

PRAYER
Lord, may my heart be opened to receive the entirety of Your Spirit and all the benefits of Your Spirit's leading in my life. I recognize my weakness today and embrace Your strength. Come Holy Spirit...I need You.

Day Six - January 16, 2012

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One thing most of us have in common at the start of a brand new year is making resolutions.

One young boy asked his father what his new years resolution was, and his father said he was going to do everything possible in the new year to make his mother very happy. The boy asked his mother what hers was and she said, "To do everything possible to make sure your father keeps his resolution."

Why do we make those anyway? We make them because there are areas in our lives we are either unhappy with or areas in our lives we want to be better. They did a survey a few years back and the number one resolution in America was to lose weight.

A wife came into the bathroom to see her husband standing on the scales with his stomach sucked in. She told him that sucking in his stomach wouldn't make in any better. He said it would, because if he didn't pull his stomach in he couldn't read the numbers.

Today, consider what you should leave behind...

#1 Leave it COMPLETELY behind

We are notorious for asking God for help in dealing with our problems...and then what do we do? Instead of leaving them with Him, we take them back with us as we finish praying.
Anything in our lives that keep us from fully focusing on the Lord should be left behind.

#2 Leave RESENTMENT behind

Each of us resent something. We might resent something we have said or done or we might resent what someone else has said and done. But along with resentment comes unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is a very dangerous thing to keep in our lives.
Now understand...to forgive does not mean the same thing as forget. We cannot erase our memories, but we can erase our resentment.
Instead of looking at your resentment from the negative side, start looking at it from the positive side. In other words, when you remember those things, as you surely will, look at them as an example of what not to ever feel again.

#3 Leave WORRY behind

Worries are very much like rocking chars. They give you something to do, but they never take you anywhere while you're doing it. We only worry about two things:

Things we can change and things we cannot change.

Why waste time doing something that not only hurts us and never helps us?
When we worry, it ends up taking over our every thought and it becomes the predominate thought of our lives.
Yet, it is also worry that causes mental illness, stress, and many other things that destroy our lives.
Worry has killed more people than hard work ever did. Worry is the cause of fear.

#4 Leave FAILURE behind

We try so hard to be the best we can be, but we don't always succeed. And it is in those times when we don't succeed, that we get discouraged because we have failed. But what have we failed in? We may not have achieved just what we originally set out to achieve, but we haven't failed.
The only time you fail is when you don't try to do anything! We need to understand that God has called us to have faith long before He ever called us to achieve. We are called to be in Christ, and as long as we are in Him, we are successful.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for a brand new year and a brand new start! During this time of corporate fasting and prayer, I'm asking you to help me focus on the future and release the past. You have a marvelous plan for my life and I'm wide open to receive it in detail. Thank you for keeping watch over my life and for PUSHING me forward toward my destiny. I choose today to leave behind those things that would slow me down. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day Five - January 15, 2012

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In 1 Samuel 1 the bible tells us about a man named Elkanah who had two wives.

Hannah, whose name meant "Grace / Favor" and
Peninnah, whose name meant "Jewel, Ruby, Precious and valuable."

Anytime you have two wives...you know there's going to be trouble.

Hannah was favored by her husband. Although her name meant Grace & Favor - she was unfruitful, barren and her womb was dead.

When Elkanah gave out portions he gave to Penniah and all her sons and daughters portions. But to Hannah he gave a "worthy portion" (DOUBLE PORTION)

Elkanah had come to the conclusion that it didn't matter if Hannah ever bore him any children because Peninnah was very fruitful. So Elkanah was adjusted to the situation and so was Hannah. She was satisfied with the circumstances because she knew she was the FAVORED wife and she had Elkanah's attention and affection.

Everything was FINE.

They had an arrangement; they had it all figured out (ever been there?) You thought you had everything figured out, you had all your ducks in a row, it was perfect but you knew you could make it serve your purposes.
Then out of nowhere (SHAZAM!) something happened that messed everything up! All your plans and schemes and networking and tweaking and playing just "aint" working anymore!
Peninnah starts to PROVOKE HANNAH over her barrenness, her words are harsh and hateful, filled with resentment and jealousy and her words are like arrows that stick in Hannah's heart.
At first they just seem to bounce off and have no effect, but Penniah does not let up and eventually it becomes clear the arrows have hit their mark.
Now we see that Hannah is now disturbed over the fact that she is barren and has not borne any children to Elkanah.
But Elkanah tries to pull her back and get her to settle down...and just enjoy what they have.
In fact, he says "Am I not better to thee than 10 sons?"

But Hannah has been AWAKENED (she has become UNCOMFORTABLE and DISSATISFIED and DISCONTENT with things as they are!

And now DISCONTENT and DISCOMFORT and FRUSTRATION change into a DESIRE and a CRAVING and EXPECTATION and a need for more!
Hannah begins to realize..."there's more than this, I was created for more than this!"
Now she looks past Elkanah, all the love, all the favor, all the material blessings cannot satisfy her, they cannot open her womb, they cannot meet her need!

Friends, inside the womb of every child of God is a cry for the miraculous, for signs and wonders and miracles, a cry from your spiritual womb for the MANIFESTATION of the power of God...to be fruitful, to birth souls into the KINGDOM!

Peninnah provoked Hannah! She was her adversary...her thorn in the side...she made her feel uncomfortable...she irritated her...she couldn't stand her!

Yet, Peninnah provoked Hannah OVER her barrenness! The point is this... Hannah had more in her but she was satisfied to have the love of her husband and be blessed and favored and never reach for more or believe for more to expect more.

UNTIL...SHE WAS PUSHED....UNTIL...SHE WAS PROVOKED!

Friend, the most valuable thing in Hannah's life was the thing that provoked her to CRY out to God for more!

Elkanah loved her but he wouldn't push her...he wouldn't provoke her...he didn't want to upset her. it's nice to be loved and appreciated and pampered...but sometimes you need somebody to PROVOKE you!

Remember...Peninnah's name meant JEWEL. The jewels in your life are the most valuable things in your life...and the people that PUSH you and provoke you to become the best that you can be!

I am what I am by the grace of God. I would not be where I am today if my spiritual leaders and teachers always patted me on the head and agreed with everything I did and never CORRECTED me or REBUKED me.

If it hadn't been for some men and women of God that told me the truth, and corrected me, even when it made me mad, I would have spent my life just going through the motions, holding on and hanging out waiting for the RAPTURE BUS.

But thanks be to God, I had some people that loved me enough to tell me the truth and instruct me in the way of righteousness and PROVOKE me!

Today, there's a SAMUEL in you trying to get out!

There's a prophet in you trying to get out!
There's an apostle in you trying to get out!
There's an evangelist in you trying to get out!
There's a pastor in you trying to get out!
There's a teacher in you trying to get out!
There's a song in you trying to get out!
There's an author in you trying to get out!
There's a deacon in you trying to get out!
There's an elder in you trying to get out!
There's a businessman in you trying to get out!
There's a book in you trying to get out!
There's music in you trying to get out!

PRAYER

Lord, I'm going to thank You for my adversary today! I'm praising You that you allowed me to be provoked...else I'd still be stuck in the land of nowhere! Lord, thank You for believing in me and challenging me to rise above my place of comfort and casualness! Thank you for putting leaders in my life who not only love me but correct me...even when it doesn't feel good. I'm a better person today...because I've been provoked!

Day Four - January 14, 2012

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We read in the Scriptures where Jesus says, "The works I do shall ye do also and greater than these shall ye do. And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name they shall cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them, and they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." (John 14:12; Mark 16:17-18)

We are told to desire spiritual gifts...
We are told to be the salt of the earth...
We are told to be the light of the world...

And yet, we look around us and we see a tremendous lack of DOING the works of Jesus. We look around and see a tremendous absence of Spiritual presence (Spiritual Gifts) and the lack of DESIRE for the gifts of the Spirit to be used to do the WORKS of Jesus.

What we need is a DESPERATION to see at least some measure of God's power manifested today!

It is my heart that everyone reading this would become DESPERATE enough for an encounter with the power of almighty God!

Desperate beyond comfort.
Desperate beyond reputation.
Desperate beyond tradition.
Desperate beyond cosmetics.
Desperate beyond emotions.
Desperate beyond reason.
Desperate beyond good fellowship of friends.
Desperate beyond family who are satisfied to stay in the boat.
Desperate enough to risk ridicule.
Desperate enough to risk failure.

If you haven't risked anything then you have never become desperate.

When you become DESPERATE people will criticize you.
You will lose a certain amount of religious standing.
You will be looked at as OVERBOARD, EXTREME, UNUSUAL and WEIRD.
People will try to hold you down and shut you up.
You may get your fingers stepped on.
You for sure will get your feelings stepped on!

But the bottom line is this...if you truly become DESPERATE then you will get what you are asking for!

BLESSED ARE THE DESPERATE FOR THEY WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED THEM!

PRAYER

Lord, I'm desperate for a move of Your Spirit. Nothing will satisfy me but You! Nothing will fill me up but You! Not entertainment, not friendships, not material possessions, not position, not notoriety! NOTHING BUT YOU! Lord, shake me...shake me...shake me...shake my foundation and release your FIRE in my soul! I give you all praise and all glory! Amen.

Day Three - January 13, 2012

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Are you desperate enough for God?

Desperate people do not care what anyone thinks.
Desperate people do not care what anyone says.
Desperate people will go where no one else will go.
Desperate people won't let anything stop them.
Desperate people will do desperate things.

Emptiness is the prerequisite for desperation. Desperation is the condition that exists when a recognized need is present. All of God's people are needy, but few are willing to acknowledge that need. It is when the need is acknowledged that a condition of desperation begins to be developed in us.

Why desperation?
Desperation only comes when there is a recognized need that is beyond our ability to meet.

Desperation:

Dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair.
Showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken as a last resort.
Showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire.

Contrary to the way we view things, desperation is not a bad thing. We have let the world define things for us and by the worlds definition desperation is a condition to be avoided at all costs. But from a divine perspective there are many blessings and even promises of God that cannot be obtained apart from being desperate.

It would be according to the will of God today that everyone of us should reach some measure of desperation conceding the huge gap between what God has made available to us, and what God expects of us, compared to where we are actually at.

When we see in the Word the life that is available to us, and we see in our own lives and churches the low level of spiritual life and the absence of spiritual power it should create a sense of emptiness within us...a recognition of falling short of the glory that has been prepared for us. This in turn should serve to stir in us a sense of desperation.

Desperation because we have recognized the need of spiritual power to reach the lost, to heal the hurting and to deliver the oppressed. Only God can give us what we are lacking.

Blessed are the desperate...for they will tear the roof off if and when necessary.
Blessed are the desperate...for they will push through the crowd.
Blessed are the desperate...because they won't be offended (even the dogs eat the crumbs.)
Blessed are the desperate...for they will gladly give up dignity for an encounter with deity. (Zacchaeus proved that.)
Blessed are the desperate...for they will break barriers. (lepers, woman with issue of blood.)
Blessed are the desperate...for they will lay in the dirt or climb a tree or jump in a lake.
Blessed are the desperate...for they will not argue about what God does or how He does it. (Jesus put mud and spit into the blind mans eyes.)
Blessed are the desperate...for if it was not for them the presence and the power of God would never be manifested in our churches at all.

It's not religion, ceremony, tradition, methods, programs, preaching or singing that brings the power of God into church...IT'S DESPERATION!

PRAYER

Lord, I'm desperate for You. I desire a move of Your presence more than ANYTHING else! I just want You! I just want You! I just want You! Father, I don't ever want to become numb to Your presence. If You see me growing cold and indifferent, please do whatever it takes to set me on fire again! You are my hope, life, breath and reason for living! I give You my whole heart today...I'm desperate for you! Amen.

Day Two - January 12, 2012

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God desires for His people to grow. We are challenged daily with busy schedules, deadlines to meet, and waves of entertainment that can eat up most of our day. As disciples of Jesus, we must strategically take time, energy, and seasons to seek the face of God and His heartbeat.

Each day we must be advancing, growing, and building our lives to be more like Christ. In 2 Peter 1, the Apostle challenges us with these words,

“5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

There are a few key phrases in the text that challenge us as believers to grow. Apostle Peter shares that we must “add to our faith.” Each day we must strategically set ourselves up to grow in the Spirit. Look at the product of daily adding to our faith. Peter shares that we will neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we focus on adding to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, etc. we will grow and be fruitful believers.

For those who don’t add to their faith according to Apostle Peter will be shortsighted, blind, and will forget that they have been cleansed from their old sins. Today we have a choice to build our lives in Christ and be fruitful or stay “busy” in life and become dull, shortsighted, and stagnant.

Challenge yourself to grow today. Read the Word of God, pray, fast, display kindness and a heart of service to others. You will grow and be strong as you add to your faith!

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for this day that You have given me. I desire to be more like You and to feel Your heartbeat. Today, I choose to strategically set time aside time to seek Your face and build up my faith. Help me to display the Fruit of the Spirit in my conversations, behavior, and attitude. I desire to advance Your Kingdom. Give me wisdom and strength to do so in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Josh Palmer

Day One - January 11, 2012

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Life really is a matter of choices, choices that bring consequences with those choices. They can be choices made by a wise person or choices made by a fool. They can be choices made in the heat of the moment in the flesh, or they can be choices made by the Holy Spirit, as you follow Him to control you.

In 1 Samuel we see choices being made. When you look at Elkanah, the husband of Hannah, who is going to give birth to Samuel, you see that he makes a choice. He makes a choice to go up to Jerusalem; he makes a choice to worship the Lord; he makes a choice to have his family there. You see his choices, and you see God's blessings upon that family.

But you see Peninnah, the second wife, the one that makes a choice to torment Hannah, Elkanah's other wife. You see a woman who is mean, a woman who takes advantage of the situation, and a woman that taunts another woman. She makes a choice. Do you think she's going to get away with that? Do you think there is a God in heaven that is going to hold us accountable? Are there consequences to our choices?

When we look at Hannah, we see that she was favored probably because of her demeanor. We see Hannah making a choice, making a choice to trust the Lord, making a choice to give the Lord her son, the son that the Lord gives her in answer to prayer and she does not withdraw from that commitment. She keeps her vow.

We see Eli the priest, who makes a choice, a choice not to discipline his sons. We see his sons who make a choice, a choice to defy God, a choice to have sexual relations with the women who come to the temple, the choice to take the fat of the sacrifices, a choice to walk against the Word of God, and yet you see the consequences. You see the consequences in Eli's sons' lives, and you see the consequence in Eli's life. You see a man who dies because God has brought judgment upon him, because he did not make the right choice.

Then you see Samuel stepping to the forefront, Samuel the final judge, the prophet. You see Samuel choosing to listen to God, Samuel choosing to believe God, Samuel choosing to stand before the people of God and to call them to accountability, not fearing the face of man, but fearing God.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, without You I have no idea where I am going. The road is dark and I'm uncertain where it will lead. I believe that You can give me the wisdom to make the right choice today. You are the illumination to my path and You are the beam of direction that I need. As I am faced with choices today, I ask for Your divine wisdom and I will follow where You lead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

21 Days of Fasting Information

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Are you ready? As a congregation, we will set aside 21 days in the month of January to fast and pray. By starting each year with a corporate fast, we are sanctifying the remaining eleven months unto the Lord as a "first fruit."

Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. It's not a punishment; it's a privilege! Fasting will draw you closer to God and help you grow spiritually. Fasting is also one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives.

As a congregation, we are fasting and praying for a release from the bondage of sin; restoration in our relationships; financial blessings; spiritual renewal and supernatural healing!

We want to encourage you today to fast for your future and your family. What do you envision yourself doing for God? As you fast, pray for God's direction and guidance. See the dream by faith and trust the Lord to show you how you can turn your vision into a reality.

The hour in which we live is perilous. There are many people experiencing hardship and wrestling with despair. As we come together to fast and pray, we are believing that burdens will be lifted and blessings will be released!

We have included a fasting and prayer calendar as well as a quick tips for fasting guide. Please print out your copies and begin this journey with us on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

We would also like to encourage you to pick up “The Fasting Edge” book by Pastor Jentezen Franklin.

Also, during the fast, we’ll be sharing daily devotions on my blog at www.russellhylton.com.

Who Said Pastoring Would Be Easy?

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I really had no idea what kind of life I would have when my father and mother began to pastor a church in the early 80's. There were a lot of adjustments along the way that included trial and error. In 1999, Beverly and I followed our heart to Indianapolis to serve as lead pastors. We're thankful to be here and believe the Lord's hand sovereignly guided us.

Looking back I wonder why there wasn't a class offered to new pastors that dealt with inevitible experiences new pastors would encounter. Unfortunately, there were some serious situations we would encounter early on that would either make us or break us.

When we came to BFWC I thought everyone would be happy to see us and they would jump on board with the dream. (Ok...go ahead and laugh...get it out of your system...SMILE) Even though we were both preacher's kids and grew up in pastor's homes...that still didn't prepare us for the SPIRITUAL WARFARE we would encounter.

Did I miss this "spiritual warfare" class? I guess I was shielded from the fact that as I grew as a leader, Christian and a pastor, I would become a bigger target for the enemy. Even as a youth pastor, I didn't take into account the full weight of ministry that my senior pastor had on his shoulders.

It's easy to dream about being the senior pastor of your own church when you're serving with someone else who is carrying the full load and shielding you from the real heat of the battle. Transitioning from an associate role to a senior pastor role was definitely an EYE OPENER.

I think the big issue is LACK OF PREPARATION. Don't get me wrong, there are certain things you will definitely learn from your leader but at the end of the day you're still going to have to learn some things through your own trial and error. The good news is...if you pay attention to your leader's instruction and remain teachable no matter where you are...you'll navigate through those difficult challenges with TWICE THE WISDOM.

Thank God today for the men whose feet I sat at. Their insight and example prepared me for my present and future assignment(s). I am so thankful for a Father/Son relationship. Learning how to handle my self with grace while faced with serious issues in the church comes from the example of my leaders whose shoulders I'm privileged to stand on.

Beverly and I look back to those early years when we came to BFWC and wonder "how did we make it?" There were attitudes, personalities, problems, spirits, etc...that all had to be filtered through with finesse and grace. We had prayed about this role for a few years and anticipated the good and the bad. It was in the years of preparation that the Lord was actually testing our sanctification in Him. That process included lots of waiting, learning, growing and trusting Him. Then and only then...did God SET US UP to lead this great church in Indianapolis.

After twelve years, I feel as if we have not only received ministerial training but also ten degree's worth of knowledge and experience. (Smile)

Here are a few lessons I'm still learning...

1. Love your peers. Pray for your pastoral team, elders, deacons, ministry coordinators and volunteers. The people you work with every day are the people you want to make yourself available to as much as possible. They are just as important as members of the congregation.

2. Expect to be misunderstood. Not everyone will receive your ministry. In general, you will be loved, celebrated and appreciated. Your gifts, personality and style of leadership will be a welcomed by most people. However, there will still be some who will respond negatively, some with petty reasons. Some, including leaders, will leave. You cannot control that, but you can shepherd through it. If you will keep your door open to those who are struggling with your leadership, you're more likely to reach a good resolve. Those who don't want to meet with you are beyond your responsibility. Remain open to advice, input and counsel. Determine to grow as a godly pastor and be faithful to the WORD of GOD. Life is different as a senior pastor than an associate pastor - you are now the target of stronger opinions, reactions, criticism and rejection.

3. Your role will afford you new friendships. Even though God uses you to meet people's needs...remember...you are not JESUS. Pastors should do their job well but not become a crutch for their congregation. Believe me...there are better preachers than you and stronger pastors too. Be open to receive positive feedback from your congregation...some of that will include notes, invitations for meals, etc. Your people will seek you out for leadership. DO NOT LET THAT GO TO YOUR HEAD. Keep the cross always before you! Cling to it! Believe me, there will be days when you'll feel like you've been punched in the stomach with criticism or news of another family leaving the church. If you keep the cross before you...you'll have a healthy perspective of who you are in Christ. Defer all the glory to HIM!

4. Be kind and speak well of everyone you have previously served with. Believe me, you'll end up eating crow for all the critical, quickly arrived at, ungracious feelings and words you had toward the upper leadership in your previous church. If we're not careful, we'll end up griping about how we think the elders and senior pastor are missing it. Like children, we end up seconding guessing mom and dad...until, you become one. Once you step into that role as senior pastor you'll soon realize that leading a church is not as easy as you thought...teamwork, meetings, unity, spiritual growth in the congregation, balancing family and ministry, sermon preparation, leadership, administration and personal shepherding. The responsibility is quite demanding and sometimes exhausting. You WILL struggle with regret at some of the ways you reacted to the "upper management" back at the old place. Want some advice? Receive the wisdom from your leaders while you're serving with them. Be a BLESSING to your leaders and fellow laborers, especially those who are over you in the Lord.

5. It may get bumpy. I'll never forget the words of Sister Burke, our previous national Indian Missions Director, who said, "It's not all fried chicken." You will have your "ups" and "downs." You will suffer persecution and a bulls eye will be placed on your head. However, stepping up to fulfill your calling is an OPPORTUNITY for God to show Himself strong in the Kingdom. Think about...you get to preach the Gospel! You get to proclaim the name of Jesus! You get to lead a church forward out of the ash heap of deadness into life! The devil doesn't like you or the work you're doing. You are now threatening his dominion and believe me...he'll attack you! Every leader whose ever done anything GREAT for God has had to deal with the bumpy road. Satan does not give up ground easily, whether within the church or territory your church is about to take for Christ's name. YOU MUST PREPARE yourself by expecting the attack, asking for prayer, holding fast to God's grace and aligning yourself with some GODLY elders around you who will FIGHT with prayer, accountability and common strength!

6. Understand that loneliness is part of leadership. As you lead, you'll be put in a position that may put you at arm's length with those you lead. It's alright to have friends and it's alright to let people in. However, you must still remember that you are their leader. If you lose your ability to lead because of too much familiarity...well, then you've shot yourself in the toe. Don't be reluctant to have friends...but always remember who you are. You're not above anyone...but you are held to a high standard so that your testimony will lead people UP not DOWN. Trust God to provide you with friendships. He will give them to you AS YOU ARE ABLE TO HANDLE THEM.

7. Position your family for this change. Like it or not, your spouse and children will be exposed to the ministry as much as you. They will share in your calling...even if they don't want to. It's quite acceptable to ask them how they feel about being involved in the ministry. If you are mindful of their feelings then you'll more than likely have greater longevity through the rigors of ministry life. Seek out other leaders who can relate to your spouse and children. Their influence and friendship will help you through the rough times. Remember, your ministry belongs to your family as well.

If you are a pastor reading this...my friend...don't give up! God has long range plans for you! Like the energizer bunny...keep GOING and GOING and GOING and GOING and GOING!

Keep Digging (Part 1)

2012-01-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

Water is a necessity of life. It's not an extra or even a luxury...it's necessary to sustain life. Without it you die.

In 2 Kings the bible tells us about King Jehoram, King of Israel, who decided he was going to take down the King of Moab. So, he unites with the King of Edom...and the King of Judah to do just that. However, they find themselves in a DESPERATE SITUATION...no water!

Have you ever been in a dry place?

Have you even blamed God for that dry place?

That's what Jehoram did.

He blamed God for his dilemma. However, it was his fault not Gods.

Jehoram was a bad influence. Sometimes the biggest problem we have is our friendship circle...(wrong associations). In 2012 you've got to REFINE your friendship circle and eliminate all the whiners, complainers, doubters and pouters. Friend, you can't afford to be bogged down with people who have no vision or passion and who spend all their time wallowing in self-pity.

Wrong associations will kill you, they will kill your joy, kill your vision, kill your passion and kill your faith.

If it hadn't been for King Jehoshaphat who knew the power of a WORD from God they would have all died in the wilderness. So, he asks "is there not a prophet here that we may inquire of the Lord?" He knew that ONE WORD from God could change everything!

Elisha gives them a word..."Fill this valley full of ditches!" That's not exactly what you want to hear when you're in the middle of the desert and your dying of thirst!

Digging ditches is HARD work! Especially when the ground is hard and dry. Here they were in the wilderness, a dry, desert valley place, a low place. And in this place, this low dry desert place, the WORD of the LORD says "dig ditches!"

No doubt their hands were bleeding and their backs were sore! Their arms were aching and they shoulders too. To top it all off, their thrust was becoming unbearable!

Is that where you're at? Are you in a low place? Is everything around you hard, difficult and strenuous?

Do you have to force yourself to praise the Lord?

Do you have to force yourself to pray?

Do you have to force yourself to read the Bible?

Do you have to force yourself to go to church?

Do you feel dry, empty and ready to give up?

The devil is telling you it's over, it's dead and it's never going to happen.

He's telling you that your dreams, visions and prophecies are never going to come to pass.

He's telling you you're never going to launch your ministry.

He's telling you you'll never see your kids saved.

He's telling you you'll never get out of debt.

He's telling you you'll never go to the nations.

Perhaps your present circumstances and what you're feeling inside is telling you to agree with him. BUT SOMEBODY NEEDS TO MAKE UP THEIR MIND that they are going to hold on to their promise and hold on to that prophecy and hold on to that dream and that vision and KEEP DIGGING!

I know it's hard work. I know it's difficult. I know sometimes it doesn't make sense. I know sometimes you don't feel like it...but YOU HAVE TO KEEP DIGGING!

With every turn of the shovel...YOU ARE BUILDING A LANDING STRIP for God's blessings in your life!

Some Assembly Required

2011-12-25T06:46:00.006-05:00

I've heard a lot of discussion this Christmas season about "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays!" In an effort to be politically correct, certain corporations are requiring their employees to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."

We were shopping at the mall the other night and received a "Happy Holidays" greetings from the store clerk at the end of the sale. Kaitlyn responded with "Merry Christmas!" The store clerks face lit up as she warmly smiled and whispered "Merry Christmas" back to us. It's almost as if she was afraid her boss would hear her.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We want to place the right emphasis on Christmas...and we want to get it right! It seems our focus can get distorted REAL QUICK if we're not careful. We want the tree, the decorations, the lights, the eggnog and the presents. We want everyone to be happy. We want to be able to get and give plenty. We want peace and joy to abound.

In reality, Christmas often turns into a major hassle. You rush around and are pushed for time...you spend money you don't have for people you don't like to acquire things they don't even want or need. (smile) In our struggle to get it right, we often get it dead wrong and end up making ourselves and others miserable.

I believe God wants us to get it right! I believe that He is not so interested in our having a white Christmas as He is interested in our having a RIGHT Christmas. So, how can we have a right Christmas? What do we need to understand and change in our lives that will allow Christmas to be a time of blessing and wonder instead of being a time of stress and tension? Luke 2:1-20 reveals some components of Christmas that are absolutely essential if we are to have a RIGHT Christmas.

These instructions are like a bag of parts that come with that gift you bought your children. If that gift is going to function in the manner for which it was designed, all of the component parts are going to have to be in the right places. If anything is missing; if anything is left out, that item will not function properly.

1. We need the right MASTER - Christmas can be a boom or a bust and you won't care as long as you know WHO is in control of your life. You can get everything you could possibly want and still be miserable if you don't know Him. Or, you could get nothing at all and experience true joy just because you know the Lord. When you are in a faith relationship with God, and you know He is directing your paths, you can rejoice in the face of whatever life throws at you. When you have the RIGHT MASTER, you are on the road to having a RIGHT CHRISTMAS. Do you have the right master?

2. We need the right MIRACLE - Christmas isn't about tinsel and trees; gifts or glitter; it's not even about family or friends. The true essence of Christmas is about the birth of a baby. Not just any baby, but a baby WHO was and is God in human flesh. When we get a handle on WHO Jesus is, our whole concept of Christmas changes forever. It is about God becoming a man to die for sinners.

3. We need the right MESSAGE - Remember when the angel appeared to the shepherds? The shepherds were afraid, but the angel offered them a message of grace, peace, hope, blessing, joy and salvation.

It was a PERSONAL message, "unto you."
It was a POWERFUL message, "a Savior!"
It was a PROFOUND message, "which is Christ the Lord."
It was a POINTED message, "this shall be a sign unto you..."

That ought to be our message all through the year. God help us to go and tell a lost and dying world about a living, loving Savior WHO can give them grace, peace, hope, blessing, joy and salvation. Do you know the real meaning of Christmas? Is that the message others receive as they watch you live your life? Do you believe the message? Are you sharing the message?

4. We need the right MOTIVE - What a sight it must have been to see a multitude of angels as far as the eye could see...praising God! Their only mission and motive that night was to exalt God Almighty for the great work He had accomplished! When Christmas ceases to be about what you can get or how much you give and it starts being about how you can glorify God, you are on your way to having a right Christmas. What matters most to you at Christmas? Bringing glory to God or keeping all the Christmas traditions? Finding yourself before Him in praise and worship or driving yourself crazy shopping, trying to get it all done? Rejoicing in what He has done for you, or complaining about how hard things are this year?

5. We need the right MINISTRY - The shepherds heard the message and they heeded it. They went to Bethlehem and they found Jesus. They believe what they heard and what they saw and they left Him to share Him with everyone they met. That is a great way to demonstrate how much you love Him at Christmas.

Are you assembling a RIGHT CHRISTMAS? If not, get a hold of the things mentioned above and start right now. Are you saved? If not, come to Jesus and let Him give you the best Christmas you ever had!

Wise Leaders Still Seek Him

2011-12-23T13:42:00.001-05:00

Years ago, one of my spiritual fathers, Leeroy Hill, taught me to ask God for wisdom every day. He said, "if you'll ask God for wisdom everyday, He'll give you what you need in every area of your ministry, marriage and life."

Since that day, I have made that request as part of my daily prayer. The Scriptures teach "if any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5

Wisdom is gained by listening to counsel..."for by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 24:6

Wisdom yields great dividends..."Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7

As a leader, I need wisdom - His wisdom. I don't just need wisdom because of my level of responsibility, but because I have NOTHING unless He gives it to me.

The book of James (chapter 1 to be exact) is loaded with principles regarding LEADERSHIP and WISDOM.

Here's what I'm learning...

Leaders learn from their trials. Just because you're going through a trial doesn't mean God is mad at you or you've made a bad decision. James says to COUNT IT ALL JOY. He didn't say, "consider it a shame" or "consider it an injustice" or "consider that God hates you." He said..."COUNT IT ALL JOY!" Honestly, it's difficult to count it all joy when you're going through the fires of Hell. However, we'll never achieve joy if we approach the trial full of WORRY and ANXIETY. One way to learn from the trial is to ask the Lord, "what are You trying to teach me through this?" I realize that this past year has been extremely difficult for many members in our church. There have been difficult times, including death...but through it all we can find JOY if we approach the trial with a heart to learn.
Leaders ask for wisdom. Now that we know we NEED wisdom...we must also realize WHERE that wisdom comes from. It is God that gives it to us (James 1:5) and He does so GENEROUSLY and without criticism.
Leaders trust God unconditionally. We trust Him regardless of the wind that blows. Trust requires the REMOVAL of doubt!

We trust Him in a down economy.
We trust Him when the cupboards are bare.
We trust Him during sickness and pain.
We trust Him on cloudy days.Remember when Jesus came walking on the water in the middle of the storm? (Matthew 14) The one who was willing to TRUST Him...walked on the water too!

Leaders make a decision. You can have a boatload of trust and a sink full of wisdom but if you don't do anything with it you'll be at a STAND STILL. James 1:8 says that "a man that is indecisive is unstable in all his ways." This is where we MUST TRUST God and ask Him for wisdom. You will be called upon to ACT! You will have to make Godly decisions EVERY DAY! When we seek wisdom from the Lord, He will PREPARE and EMPOWER us to act! As a pastor, I am called upon to make tough decisions. Those decisions have to be FULL of wisdom because they affect so many things. This is where it is VITAL to be surrounded with men and women of strength...whose testimony is sure and wisdom proven. Left to ourselves...we are a train wreck.

You will also be called upon to make some TOUGH DECISIONS. It isn't a matter of "if" but "when." You're going to find yourself under pressure...the issue is how you handle that pressure.

1. Keep your Spiritual Disciplines in tact! I've seen it many times, especially in the ministry, we can get so focused on the work of God that we forget the God of the work. As a result, we neglect our spiritual disciplines. Friend, we cannot afford to stop praying, reading the Bible, fasting, attending church, worship, discipleship, etc. The enemy knows that if he can get you to forsake your spiritual disciplines, you'll end up being a cast away...rusty, crusty, dusty and musty! Your enemy doesn't mind you working for God as long as he can keep you distracted from your disciplines! When this happens, you'll end up being a critical mess...a fault finder...a dysfunctional disciple...a bear to work with. I encourage our leaders at BFWC to keep the main thing, the main thing! Your relationship with Christ comes before your ministry! If you don't maintain that...you'll come up short in every other area...and 9 times out of 10 you'll be miserable rather than motivated!

2. Love your family! When you're passionate about what you do you can easily neglect vital relationships. It's important to work for the Lord in the ministry but it is more important be the right kind of leader in our homes first.

3. Take care of your body! Everyone reading this can do better than what they're doing right now. When we do not take care of our bodies, we end up walking around with that "run down" feeling. Exercise and a proper diet are VITAL if we're going to be able to go the distance! If we are to sustain the energy necessary to cope with the pressures of ministry then we must take care of our bodies.

4. Love people. We all respond differently under pressure. We can be sharp tongued and ill tempered or we can be reasonable and soft spoken. If you don't love people...you'll end up wanting to kill them. If that is the case, you need to question why you're in the ministry. The bottom line is that the work of God is ALL ABOUT PEOPLE! Jesus was a people person and so should we be. Indeed, we aren't really leaders at all unless we demonstrate Christ's love to those who are under our leadership.

5. No Fake and Phony Bologna! Learn to be yourself! If you feel you have to impress people for them to like you then you're basically trying to gain acceptance by your works rather than who you are on the inside. (The real you) Friends, it takes so much more unnecessary energy to be someone we're not. Transparency means we are AUTHENTIC and lead with INTEGRITY.

6. If you mess up...repent quickly! We've all made mistakes. The key is to ADMIT your mistakes and then move forward in freedom. If we postpone tough decisions, or we do not own up to our mistakes, the pressure will only get worse.

7. Stay accountable! We are all accountable to someone. When we submit ourselves to accountability we are giving that person(s) the freedom to check our actions and are motives. When we face external or internal pressure, these are the person(s) that are among the first who can help us.

8. Laugh a little more! Don't take yourself so seriously! Laugh at yourself and lighten up a bit! Laughter makes you feel better physically! A joyful person can handle pressure a whole lot better!

9. Enjoy a hobby! There are certain things I enjoy that help "de-stress" me. I enjoy eating dinner at new restaurants with my family...reading...golf...a good movie...watching football...etc. These are outside interests that help me handle the "pressure" of it all. Spending time with my family and doing these things gives me a healthy perspective to the problems of life.

Friends, we need WISDOM to deal with life's pressures! If we deal with them in healthy ways, we'll end up being healthier in the process.

2011 Pastoral Staff Christmas Video

2011-12-22T06:14:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from BFWC's Pastoral Team!

Surrounded by Excellence

2011-12-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

"The people closest to you determine your level of success." - John Maxwell

I lift my hand to testify of this truth. When a leader leads, he or she needs competent, Godly leaders next to them. They no longer judge themselves solely by what they can do themselves; their value depends mainly on what they can get done with the help of others.

Moses was a man that surrounded himself with people of excellence. His leadership teaches us four things...

Direction - he could clearly see the outcome because God had already showed him. As a leader, he simply reminded everyone of the Lord's faithfulness and the fact that God WOULD fulfill His promise.
Delegation - he made his ego move to the back seat because he preferred a shared responsibility approach. He gave his team both the responsibility and the authority to do the work...in other words, the task became a team effort...not a one-man-show.
Diversity - he chose his inner circle from among the spiritually qualified. He approved and appointed them according to their abilities.
Display - his leaders were given public visibility to listen fairly, minister boldly, make decisions based on principle and refer the most difficult cases to him.

I work with some incredible leaders! I watch them closely, not because I'm looking over their shoulder but because they can teach me. I would much rather learn "on the job" from someone that is doing it...than from a seminar, book or training video.

I love to learn from these people...

Hard workers - these are the people that will do whatever it takes to see that a job is completed with excellence! They have a strong work ethic that is worthy to be emulated.
Positive Perspective - these are the people that look at the glass half FULL and approach each project prophesying "it can be done!"
Intelligent - these are the people that seem to have a "knack" to understand just about any equation thrown at them.
Go Getters! - these are the people that excite me! They pull me out of the pit of slothfulness and start my engine with their energy! When I'm with them, I feel like I can leap tall buildings with a single bound.
Adders & Multipliers - these are the people who "build" up a conversation with meaningfulness because they look for ways to add rather than to take away through negativity.
Realists - these are the people who don't sugar coat. However, their words are carefully selected when dealing with tough issues (and every church has them) because they know that it's not what you say but how you say it.
Relational - these are the people who place value on healthy relationships. They know how to connect with those that may be an extrovert or an introvert regardless of who they are more likely to be drawn to.
Envelope Pushers - these are the people that are not confined to their comfort zone. I'm always challenged for the better when I see them stretch themselves by being willing to get involved in areas that are not their natural strength or area of expertise.
Life Long Learners - these are the people that realize that discipleship is on ongoing process. They motivate me because they talk about what books they're reading, who's been speaking into their life, what they learned at a conference, etc. They continually seek for ways to learn and to be a better leader.
Next Step - these are the people who are always thinking "what is the next step?" They are constantly asking "why", "Why not?", "What's next?", etc.

I'll say it again, I work with some incredible leaders! They challenge me, teach me and help me! They keep me accountable and responsive.

We can learn from anyone as long as we keep a teachable spirit.

Pastors are People Too!

2011-12-20T08:39:00.006-05:00

Being raised in a pastor's home wasn't always easy but the experience and understanding I gained...was priceless. There is a special place in my heart for pastors and church staff. I've had the privilege to associate with some wonderful pastors and church leaders over the years. From those associations, I've gained some precious friends that I've truly come to VALUE.

Honestly, having a friend who is a pastor is a blessing because he can identify with my calling and understand my perspective, both of ministry and life in general. I love and respect the God-called individuals who serve in the local church.

Most pastors, at the least the ones I've met, speak very positive about their congregations. Still, sometimes you hear about HURTS they've encountered along the way.

One pastor told me that he wished he could sit down with his entire congregation, look them in the eye and tell them about all the hurts they'd encountered since being at their place of service. The hope was that if they could express their heart, their church members would have a better understanding of how to help them avoid future hurts.

I met a pastor a few years ago that blessed me with his huge heart. I listened to his hopes, dreams and hurts and it seemed like a few things stood out that I had heard from others pastors too.

Here's a few things pastors wish their members knew...

1. Please wait till after service before you make a request. Most pastors are in prayer and study just prior to service. If they're hearing from the Lord and getting His voice in their spirit it will be distracting listening to your complaint or recommendation before they preach. What happens is considered a "co-mix" of God's voice and your voice. QUESTION: Whose voice do you want speaking to you from the pulpit? Please don't ask your pastor to make last minute announcements or address the toilet issue in the restroom on their way to the platform.

2. Please keep your criticism to yourself until you've had time to pray and think through your criticism. Pastors receive several criticisms each week, via emails, letters (anonymous ones too) and phone calls. If you add that up, that's about 200 a year. Those verbal jabs take their toll. We all make mistakes and none of us are above criticism, however, please be prayerful before you're critical. By the way...anonymous emails, letters and calls...get deleted immediately. If someone isn't man or woman enough to list their name...their criticism isn't worth the time to read. On that note, If a pastor has been face to face with their members while ministering to them, praying for them, counseling them and meeting their needs...it is extremely disrespectful and immature to send an email or a letter to them when you decide you're done with them or the church.

3. Please remember that pastors face spiritual warfare as much as anyone. Pastors and other staff members are on the FRONT LINE of ministry. The attacks from the devil and his imps are relentless. Unfortunately, some of the most painful words come from friendly fire - people who should know better by now, but refuse to mature.

When we remember that pastors are people too...we can alleviate some of the struggles that our leaders have because they're spending too much time dealing with issues (junk) that take their focus off the main tasks to which God has called them.

Friends, I'm convinced that the need for prayer for our pastors and leaders is URGENT! If you have a pastor or leader that you love, then take time to hear their cries and then respond with love, encouragement and above all...PRAYER.

How to PRAY for your pastor

Pray that he/she will have a greater insight of the Word of God and then use that understanding to apply it in their life and ministry.
Pray for their protection from the work of Satan.
Pray that their heart will remain soft in the face of abrasive and abusive people.
Pray for their personal spiritual growth.
Pray for their success...however it would be that God would define it for them.
Pray that they will speak the truth with boldness and humility.
Pray that they will persevere through whatever trial they are facing.
Pray for his children - that they will grow up with a positive impression of church ministry.
Pray that he/she will remain pure, and that their love for their spouse would increase daily.
Pray that you will know how to encourage your pastor.

Pray for Your P-A-S-T-O-R

Here's another way to pray for your pastor - especially if you have trouble remembering what to pray about. Use the letters of the word, P-A-S-T-O-R to remind you of specific prayer requests. For example:

P - Purity

Pray that your pastor will remain pure in the face of constant pressure in an immoral culture.

A - Adversity

Pray for your pastor that he will be able to confront adversity with faith and endurance.

S - Strength

Most pastors work long hours and at least six days a week. Pray that he will have the strength to continue his ministry.

T - Teaching

Pray for your pastor that his teaching and preaching will be effective, powerful and clear.

O - Organization

Your pastor has more to do than any one person can handle. Pray for your pastor that he will be able to prioritize correctly.

R - Rest

Your pastor needs rest. Pray that your pastor will sleep well each night and that he will take enough time away from ministry so that he does not get worn out.

The Hyltons - Your Presence For Christmas

2011-12-19T06:11:00.002-05:00

When God Speaks BLESSING Over You

2011-12-08T05:58:00.000-05:00

God chooses to BLESS you!
Since creation, He has always desired to bless man. Before the fall, man had abundance and NO LACK. God's original intent remains the same...FRUITFULNESS & MULTIPLICATION.

When I KEEP His word I am honoring Him. SIN can block God's blessing in our lives, which is why He does not want us to DISOBEY Him or DISHONOR His Word. Disobedience ROBS us of the blessing...obedience PRODUCES the blessing
Psalms 24:4-5 speaks of a PURE HEART. Not a heart that is flawless...but a heart that is determined to NOT give up on the things of God.
I believe you can have the HEART of God and the MIND of God.
Being in TUNE with the mind of God means you're developing HOLINESS. When you have His MIND...you will operate in the BLESSING of God.

Proverbs 10:22 "The blessing of the Lord - it makes (truly) rich, and He adds no sorrow with it (neither does toiling increase it.)"

To be RICH means there is nothing MISSING or BROKEN in your life. In other words, you are rich when you are WHOLE or COMPLETE in every area of life. The BLESSING is an anointing or an EMPOWERMENT from God that causes us to be successful.
The ANOINTING removes burdens and destroys yokes.

God is still SPEAKING blessing!

Look at this verse...Genesis 1:28 "And God BLESSED them, and God said unto them, be FRUITFUL, and MULTIPLY, and REPLENISH the earth, and SUBDUE it: and have DOMINION over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
Notice that His blessing was RELEASED by the POSITIVE WORDS He spoke! In chapter 2:3 He blessed by speaking "GOOD" of all He created. The Word of God is the origin of the blessing! When we continue living according to the WORD, the blessing will WORK in our lives.
However, if we let our NEGATIVE EMOTIONS push away from the Word, we can FORFEIT His desire to bless us. God intended for us to SPEAK blessings and OPERATE in our God-given DOMINION!

When God spoke...His Words released the following:

FRUITFULNESS (productivity) and MULTIPLICATION of every kind.
DOMINION and AUTHORITY over all the earth and over every creeping thing on the earth.

There is POWER in our words.

Follow this story...
Noah was the authority figure of his household.
He was a good man but he got drunk and laid naked in his tent.
One of his sons, Ham, went and told his brothers, Shem and Japheth about their father's condition, which was dishonorable to Noah.
Shem and Japheth honored their father by covering his nakedness.
Noah cursed Ham, and he released the blessing on his other two sons. (Genesis 9:19-27)

God released His BLESSING upon Abram (Genesis 12:1-3)

Abram was a descendant of SHEM (the son of Noah)
In blessing Abram, God declared that anyone who conferred blessings on him would be blessed, and anyone who conferred curses upon him would be cursed.
THIS STATEMENT IS HELPFUL to understand the POWER OF OUR WORDS. We are constantly INVOKING blessings or curses with our mouth.
We can CONFESS the Word of God to CHANGE our own lives!

Abram OBEYED God, and as a result, he was blessed ABUNDANTLY (Genesis 13:1-5)

Lot, because he was with Abram, also prospered.
By living the manifestation of the blessing, Abram showed us how to KEEP THE BLESSING IN OPERATION!
As long as Abram (later renamed Abraham) obey God, he lived a blessed life.

Everything that is not WHOLE in our lives, the blessing makes WHOLE! It will fix circumstances that seem impossible to fix!

TaRanda Greene "A Night of Worship...Christmas Style"

2011-12-05T06:33:00.001-05:00

Commissioning Ceremony of Family Life Pastors

2011-12-05T06:27:00.001-05:00

When Down Becomes Up

2011-12-02T07:03:00.002-05:00

Joseph remains as one of my favorite Bible heroes. He is taken "down" into Egypt and yet the Lord continues His work in Joseph's life.

The significance of "going down" geographically in Scripture is sometimes considered a signal of "going down" spiritually. However, Joseph may have been brought "down" physically but he stays "up" spiritually.

UP and DOWN...what if down is actually up? What if ADVERSITY was actually PROSPERITY?

JOSEPH PROSPERED because the Lord was with him. The blessing of the Lord is not determined on your geography. Whether in UTOPIA or the UNDERGROUND the blessing of the Lord is tied to His PURPOSE.

The key is being FAITHFUL wherever you are. We've heard the phrase, "bloom where you're planted." It's easy to want to forfeit God's best when we're in a state of DISCONTENT. However, the PROPORTION of God's blessing is PROPORTIONATE to our faithfulness.

God wants to prosper you wherever you are. Prosperity and blessings from the Lord can come in so many different packages. Prosperity is measured by more than just the dollar sign. Joseph was blessed of the Lord because of his relationship to the Lord. He was also under the covenant blessings of the Lord.

The Bible says three times in Genesis 39 that the Lord was PRESENT "WITH" Joseph. No wonder he prospered. God was watching over Joseph even when his family was absent. Think about it...he must have felt ISOLATED...during the 13 years that he was separated from his family. He spent 11 years in Potiphar's house and 2 years in prison before he was promoted at age 30. Yet, he was never out of the WATCHFUL eye of God.

His prosperity also included PROTECTION. When you are fulfilling the purpose of God, you are SAFE in-spite of dangerous surroundings.

God blessed Joseph by POSITIONING him. How does a slave get exalted in a strange land? The answer...GOOD CHARACTER. Joseph was described as being "a goodly person, and well favored." Just like Joseph, we must exercise wisdom in the choices we make which exemplify ongoing spiritual maturity.

He gained his position through SERVING. In God's eyes, the highest honor for a person to obtain is to be a willing servant. Joseph certainly was that. He served with a good spirit as a good person and found much favor in the household of Potiphar.

There is no greater honor than being a servant of Jesus Christ. Of all the titles that could have been bestowed upon MOSES (Joshua 1:2) God calls him "His servant." We should not at all mind being a servant to the One who humbled Himself and went to the cross, serving us as He did. I cannot imaging what it would be like trying to pastor this church without having the faithful servants of God doing the work that YOU DO around here! God bless you all!!!

God blessed him with the position of OVERSEER. Potiphar's house was blessed because of Joseph's sake! He gained the promotion from being faithful.

God desires to honor us to do GREATER things after we have been faithful with the FEW things. The work of the Lord requires a person to be faithful at which every level they are currently working before they are to be promoted to a higher level.

Expecting immediate promotion without going through the UNIVERSITY OF ADVERSITY isn't realistic. As a Christian, you will go through many trials that will serve as proving ground. If one fails with the "few things," he need not expect to rule over "many things."

Joseph prospered everywhere he went because he determined to be FAITHFUL. You can serve ANYWHERE as long as you have a HEART that is willing. A good soldier will take orders from any commander.

The PROCESS of the PIT, POTIPHAR'S house and PRISON PREPARED Joseph for the PALACE.

Down actually becomes UP when you consider that the adversity births prosperity! Whatever you're going through today...God can use it to PROPEL you.

The Key is...

BE FAITHFUL where you're planted.
DO RIGHT at all times.
GUARD your heart from offenses.
SERVE with humility.
LIFT the arms of others.

The Real Deal

2011-11-30T07:00:00.003-05:00

What is real? In a world filled with imitations, sometimes it's difficult to distinguish what is real and what is not.

On my first trip to China I had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong and shop. It was an AMAZING experience to visit a mall that was five stories high! I was bombarded with requests to purchase a "Rolay!" You may ask what is a "Rolay?" Actually, it was an imitation Rolex. The salesmen were relentless to sell us not only one...but several. :-)

The watch looked authentic...but to the trained eye, one could distinguish that it was not a genuine Rolex.

Have you ever had cheap soda? Years ago, Beverly and I bought "Bubba Cola" from Save-A-Lot and immediately knew we had made a huge mistake. Folks...there just "aint" nothing like the REAL THING!

Ladies can distinguish between FAKE and REAL. Don't believe me? Try bringing home a "Goach" purse instead of a real "Coach" purse and you'll find out that imitations just don't cut the mustard.

The same can be said of cologne or perfume. If you shop at flea markets, usually you can find "versions" of the real thing..."Johnny Hilfiger" looks and smells just like the real thing (Tommy Hilfger)...but it's a "knock off."

What does it mean to be AUTHENTIC? Authentic means genuine, real and true...not fake or an imitation.

What does it mean to be CREDIBLE? Credible means believable...your life and words line up together.

Put the words together and a credible, authentic person is someone who can be trusted because they are what they profess to be. They are the REAL DEAL...what you see is what you get.

But which comes first? Authentic must come first. If you are not authentic, you will not be credible.

When it comes to leadership, an authentic leader isn't afraid to be perceived as "imperfect, flawed or penetrable." However, it seems today that many leaders perceive that if they are perceived to be flawed or vulnerable than no one will want to follow them. Unfortunately, leaders can get caught up in the game of "being right" even if they aren't right.

Here are some observations about credibility:

Credibility is earned over a long period of time.
Credibility is not about what you do or what you say. It’s about who you are on the inside.
You cannot demand credibility.
You cannot fool the people closest to you forever.
Your ministry will have lasting impact in direct proportion to the integrity of your own life.
The great enemies of credibility are pride, arrogance, isolation, and excessive self-confidence.
Ironically the more gifted you are and the more successful you are, the easier it becomes to fake your way through life.
Credibility once lost is very difficult to regain.

What qualities mark a person as a credible, authentic leader?

Honesty.
Willing to admit your faults.
Consistency.
Kindness under pressure.
Accountability in the small areas of life
Willing to answer hard questions
Quick to take blame, quick to praise others
Not taking yourself too seriously (lack of self-importance).
Knowing your own limitations
Not blaming others for your own problems
Confrontable.
Approachable.
Handling anger appropriately.
Not offended when others get the credit you deserve (no need to brag)
Keeping your word.

There's another word for living like this...we call it INTEGRITY. What does integrity involve?

Your reputation (What we know you by)
Your commitment to truth (You line up with God's word and aren't swayed by others)
Your consistent lifestyle (You do the same thing over and over)

Jesus was all three of these things...His enemies couldn't get "anything on Him." Jesus walked the same way privately as He did publicly! His life matched His lips...His deeds matched His words...His character backed up His claims.

In a world filled with liars, deceivers, manipulators and fakers...we need to be people of TRUTH.

When you walk in truth, you don't get caught up in lies, junk and a mess.
When you walk in truth, you don't have to remember what lie you told to who.

Jesus said, "I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37)

TRUTH is the HEART and SOUL of INTEGRITY.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture that has come to view truth as a disposable item - we tell the truth when it helps us, we shade the truth when we need to and we lie if we have to.
No wonder confidence in Christians is at an all-time low.

Prayer

Lord, I invite you to shine the light of Your truth into every part of my life. Thank you for knowing me completely and loving me anyway. Search me, try me, test me, and show me what you find. Where I am not honest and true, do whatever it takes to make me credible and authentic so that my life will bring glory to You! Make me like Jesus so that people who follow me become more like Him. Amen.

BFWC Welcomes Family Life Pastors

2011-11-28T07:48:00.000-05:00

Dear BFWC Family & Friends,
It is with great anticipation and joy that we write to you today. After months of prayer, fasting, preparation, strategic planning and consideration, BFWC welcomes Family Life Pastors, Eric & Chassity Scott to our Pastoral Team.

As Family Life Pastors, Eric & Chassity will primarily focus on connecting families to the church through the umbrella of Youth & Children’s Ministries. From a “Family Ministry” approach, they will be strategic in developing leaders and resourcing parents as the church and the family work together to produce a strong “next generation.” The plan will be to instill several basic principles in our children’s lives from the time they enter children’s ministry and exit student ministry. It is also their strategy to disciple the “tweeners” while hitting the gaps of 10-12 and 18-22…helping to close the door of our college age.

Being raised in Pastor’s homes, both Eric & Chassity come to us with ministry experience and with the full blessing of Pastors Andy & Lenora Hunt from New Caney Worship Center in New Caney, Texas where they have served as Youth Pastors for the past 3½ years.

With this announcement, you may wonder about our Youth Pastors, Josh & Jen Palmer. As part of our strategic planning, during the past two years, we’re happy to share their seamless transition into the role of our Discipleship Pastors. Josh & Jen have been serving as Youth Pastors at BFWC for the past ten years and have done an exceptional job pouring into our students and impacting generations! They remain committed to the vision of BFWC, as our Discipleship Pastors, and have had an active part in preparing for this natural “next step” in the life of our church and in their own personal ministry. Together, we are excited about the future of BFWC and our strategic plans for Kingdom expansion in 2012.

On the first weekend of December, BFWC will witness an anticipated “mantle sharing moment,” as two sons in the faith model the seamless garment of ministry exchange. Truly, this will be a reflection of a “blessable” entrance and exit as it pertains to ministerial etiquette in church life and professional progression.

Upon arrival, Eric & Chassity will spend time acclimating to the culture of BFWC while formulating a Family Life Ministry Stratagem with the assistance of our Youth and Children’s Ministry Teams. We encourage you to send welcome regards to Eric & Chassity at pastoreric@bfwc.net.

Sincerely,

Russell & Beverly Hylton
Senior Pastors

Courage to Do the Will of God

2011-11-27T21:08:00.001-05:00

One of the more difficult aspects of God's will is not so much KNOWING as much as it is DOING it!

God's will require some risks. When you look at history some incredible men and women took GREAT RISKS. However, they were CALCULATED risks...not foolish ones.

Great courage has great PAYOFFS...

Christopher Columbus' voyage to the new world...
USA's voyage to the moon...
Paul's ministry to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles...
Jesus' ministry...
Gideon's call to fight with only 300 men against a huge army...

It takes GUTS to do God's will.

It takes COURAGE.

You will never do anything for God if you don't have COURAGE to take some risks.

What is a CALCULATED RISK? Answer: a chance taken after careful estimation of the probable outcome.

Nehemiah was a man who took a CALCULATED RISK. His story is AWESOME!

Nine Steps to Build Courage

Brokenness

Nehemiah's heart is broken as he learns about his beloved city...Jerusalem.
He begins to weep and fast. (The burden was so great...food was unimportant.)
Brokenness is the FOUNDATION to build courage upon.

Humility

His brokenness generates a personal prayer, but not for the release of his pain, but for forgiveness for himself and his nation.
Humility births ownership of ones actions. It would have been easy for Nehemiah to blame his brethren for all the misery...but he starts with himself...he does not blame others.
He prayed until he felt a RESOLVE within his own spirit.
When I was growing up, we called that "praying till you pray through."
He doesn't have an answer to the problem...but he's on track when he begins to pray.
Sometimes prayer is NOT for an answer but to prepare us to BE THE ANSWER.

Trusting Him

Fortunately, Nehemiah knows God's Word and knows the faithfulness of God!
Nehemiah knew God's character and that He was trustworthy.
He reminds God of His promise to restore the remnant of His people.

Hope

After reminding himself of God's faithfulness, Nehemiah feels enough courage to ask of God for an answer. But notice this...his request includes his own willingness to be the CHANNEL used by God.

Availability

While he's asking God for help he is preparing himself to be used if needed.
It's not enough to ask God for help if you are unwilling to be used if He calls you.
Nehemiah was available.
He was in a place of servanthood to the King but he understood REAL KINGDOM AUTHORITY as he functioned in his role as the King's cupbearer.
Although Nehemiah recognized who he was in Christ, he is not disrespectful of the position of the earthly King.
His request was for God to give him favor as a SIMPLE CUPBEARER to an earthly King.

Creative Solutions

When God calls you to minister He often uses you right where you are already, including the skills you already have.
As a servant, he couldn't speak to the King until the King spoke to him.
However, the king had to look him in the eye every time he served him his cup...and one can look very concerned and sad and it would be noticed because this would be the UNUSUAL look of Nehemiah.
Had Nehemiah been like many Christians today who walk around more like the Devil has won most of the time, the King might not of noticed his sadness and said to himself..."Well, I see old Nehemiah is having another one of those pouting spells."
The reason the King would notice is because this sad look was NOT common for Nehemiah.

Honesty with Durability

It's good to know that Nehemiah was a lot like us.
It's OK to be scared and be honest about it...BUT DON'T QUIT!
Nehemiah is given an opportunity to speak directly to the King. This is CRUCIAL...would his courage hold out?
Notice this...Nehemiah is polite...because courage doesn't mean DEMANDING.
Nehemiah explains the honesty of his sadness, his concern over the brokenness of Jerusalem.
He faced his fear honestly, but he didn't give in to it.

Preparedness

The King asks Nehemiah what it was that he wanted...and Nehemiah has a PLANNED RESPONSE.
Nehemiah was planning for SUCCESS not FAILURE...even though he was afraid.
This was the moment he had been waiting for.
Having courage to do something for God does not mean just sitting back and waiting for God to let you know what to do, some people would say this is so much more spiritual, but it can also be very foolish.
Nehemiah had made plans...specific requests...he had thought of everything humanly possible...good plans.
He didn't just respond..."Well, however the Lord leads me"...this can be proper as a response some times, but not always.

Acknowledging God in the Process

Nehemiah doesn't pat himself on the back.
Promotion to leadership comes best through servanthood.
Courage had only gotten Nehemiah past the first stage, he would need to have a great deal of it to finish the course God had called him to.
When you set out to do the will of God in your life don't be shocked by PROBLEMS, they will be right there with you.
If you lose courage you'll QUIT!
Nehemiah refuses to quit even though he encounters SANBALLAT and TOBIAH...both who were a great source of opposition to him.

The bottom line: If you are going to do anything for God you are going to need COURAGE! No one finds GREAT REWARDS that didn't take COURAGE over GREAT RISKS! The first stage of accomplishing the will of God in your life is COURAGE!

It takes GUTS to do God's will!

Get Out of Bed Sleepy Head!

2011-11-18T10:14:00.001-05:00

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
What floats your boat?
What fires you up?
What are you doing here?
What is your purpose?
What steps are you taking to pursue that purpose?

I've been asked many times..."how do you stay so excited about what you do?" Honestly, I can tell you that I don't always wake up "chipper" or ready to jump out of bed. Sometimes I just want to pull the covers over my head and say, "I'm already behind schedule, how am I going to get caught up today?"

However...something in me is PUSHING me. To say that it's "drive" would be saying that it's something I possess in my flesh that I rely on...but the truth be known...it's not anything in me...it's the PASSION of the Holy Spirit that COMPELS me to want to run this race!

You can have the prompting and energy of the Holy Spirit in you but still be lazy. The key is "listening, following and obeying." You must TELL YOUR FLESH..."you will not be lazy...you will follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit...you will do what you're told - without complaining!"

You can increase the PUSH of the Holy Spirit in you by...

1. Spending time with God!

My best time with God is when I'm all alone. No distractions...no cell phone, TV, Internet...etc. Just me and HIM...Isolated from everything and everyone! Sometimes, you'll have to get up extra early so you can have your ALONE time with Him. How is God going to IGNITE our church if I'm not personally ignited first? This requires SACRIFICE! The time we spend in prayer alone with God ... has nothing to do with getting ready for a sermon...it has everything to do with God convicting me, speaking to me, challenging me and leading me in His direction.

2. Getting out of the barnyard

If you cluck with chickens you'll never soar with the eagles. The people you are surrounded by are either ADDING or SUBTRACTING the PUSH out of you! Do inventory right now and ask who is a (minus) in my life and who is a (plus)?

"Minus" people will DRAIN the life right out of you with their defeated spirit and negativity. They are lazy, arrogant, have an entitlement spirit and expect you to CARRY them. They are TAKERS...SELFISH and interested in their own needs first. A "minus" person will take all the heat out of the room with their DEFEATISM spirit. However...
"Plus" people find ways to INCREASE, ADD and MULTIPLY and look for solutions! They show up on time, do their work with EXCELLENCE, speak when spoken to, LIFT the hands of others, OFFER ideas that will ADVANCE the Kingdom of God. They do WHATEVER it takes to get the job done! THOSE ARE THE KIND OF PEOPLE THAT PUSH ME!

3. Relaxing!

Honestly, it's difficult for me to relax. My mind is always moving. It's something I have to really work on...REALLY! Even when we go on vacation...it takes me a couple of days to DETACH from my mental planning and preparing. I will BURN OUT if I don't take a "chill pill!" God did not create me to run 24/7 as fast as the six million dollar man (that's 1970's for you young leaders reading this...google it...ha ha)! The best part about relaxing my mind and resting my body is when I come back...I'm ON FIRE and REFUELED!

4. Toning up!

I feel so much better physically when I work out! It not only affects my body...but my mind and spirit are enhanced as well! There are a lot of Christians who hold to the Scripture, "bodily exercise profiteth little." (1 Timothy 4:8) ... YOU FEEL BETTER when you exercise! Honestly, If I'm to lead a growing church...I have to take care of myself physically. NO...it's not fun...but it's definitely rewarding! I've met a lot of people in the Lord's work that have so much to offer...but they aren't physically able because their bodies restrict them. (Preaching all over myself here)

5. Taking the Garbage out!

If it stinks, it probably needs to be out on the curb. Are there areas that need to be changed in your life? If you are in a RUT...then it might be best to make some changes. Every once in a while I have to clean out my closet and the garage. Things get cluttered there. Clean up the clutter and you'll rediscover where your passion went.

6. Tuning out Negativity!

Don't even waste your time trying to explain yourself to the critics! If you come down off the wall to put out the fires of gossip, they'll light them faster than you can put them out. Your friends don't require an explanation. One thing I've had to SETTLE in my heart is to not become obsessed with what people who don't know me think about me. When you serve in the Kingdom, people will take "pot shots" at you. Expect it, deal with it and move on!

7. Surrendering to His plan!

His plans prevail. His ways are higher! He loves the church more than I do. The world is in His hands...not mine. If He called me to this work...He'll sustain me to do the work regardless of what I go through. He was here long before I was...He's put in more hours than I have. He has greater plans for this ministry than I do! His power is so much greater than my performance! It's His plan...I'm just facilitating what He's orchestrating!

7 Ways to Avoid Defectiveness

2011-11-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Before I leave this earth...I desire to have been effective in every pursuit...whether it's my marriage, family, ministry, career, education, relationships, etc.

Do you share a similar desire?  Are you willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that effectiveness?

Effective = producing a decided, decisive, or desired result; ready for service or action;

Defective = lacking; imperfect in form or function.

I'll never forget the first lawn mower Beverly and I bought. It was a red Murray push mower.   We bought it at Kmart and I was excited about this first "manly" purchase. It was shiny, had a grass catcher attached to it and best of all it wasn't a hand me down.

We got it home, poured gas in the tank and I pulled, pulled and pulled the rope...but it wouldn't start. Talk about disappointing. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person to begin with, so I really didn't know where to begin. I called several people and asked for their advice...but nothing seemed to work. So, we loaded it in the trunk of our car and took it back to the store for an exchange. The good news is, the other one worked without any problem.

I'm not sure what was wrong with that lawn mower. Evidently, something was defective with it.

God wants us to be EFFECTIVE not DEFECTIVE!

In ministry, it's not any different.  We're constantly looking for ways to improve what we do as leaders and what we do as a local church. Through trial, error and counsel, we've discovered ways to avoid defectiveness.

#1 Avoid the "serve me" mindset

In a world saturated with "self" it is very easy to reach back to the nature of the flesh and settle for selfishness. Serving is paramount for any leader and Christian for that matter. We are called to "serve" not "be served." Jesus is our example in this area "...the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28
There are times you will be called out of your comfort zone to serve people in a way you've never served them before.
A couple of years ago, Beverly and I were headed to lunch and witnessed a hit and run car accident. A car hit a mini-van and the van turned over on it's side. We parked our car and ran over to the van where a lady was trapped in the drivers seat. We told her that we were calling 911 and help was on the way. Then I told her we were pastors of a church down the street and begin praying for her protection out loud. (It's as if we received an extra boost of boldness) Immediately a sense of peace came upon her and we sensed the power of God all around. We stayed with her till the emergency vehicles came.
Honestly, we didn't know what to do except PRAY. The need was in front of us and we responded. That's what ministry is...seeing a need and meeting it! If anything is "beneath" us...then we truly are not beneath Christ.

#2 Avoid Squabbles

Jesus said that the world will know we are His by the love we have for one another. The bottom line today is...Christians fight too much!
Love must be the basis in all we do. It's easy to love the people who believe like you, act like you and share similar interests. However, what we need today in the body of Christ is an accepting love towards one another...even if we're different in our beliefs.
Most of my family are Baptist. However, our common denominator is Jesus Christ. We may share different thoughts in our theology regarding the Holy Spirit but that does not prevent us from getting along and treating one another with the utmost respect.
As I grow in the Lord, more and more I'm learning to love my brothers and sisters in Christ without having to agree with everything they say.

#3 Avoid Unbelief

God is in CONTROL! Sometimes, we look at CNN or the nightly news and think, "man...this world is so messed up...what's going to happen next?" If we're not careful, fear will set in and we'll start viewing life through the lens of UNBELIEF.
The good news is that God is still on the throne and He has never lost a battle yet!
If you're a leader reading this, I want to tell you that God wants to see your ministry flourish even more than you do! He is the God that promised ABUNDANCE (John 10:10).
It doesn't matter how many people act GOOFY and ruin their TESTIMONY...at the end of the day, God is still in control!
Turn your eyes on Jesus...He's the one who has the responsibility of seeing the results. We're merely called to walk in obedience...He'll take care of the rest.
By the way, in truth, the world needs to see way less of me and more of Him! (John 3:30)

#4 Avoid Nightmares and focus on Dreams

Jesus said I can have what I ask for...when I ask in prayer & believing! (Matthew 21:22)
Is it OK to ask God for BIG THINGS? Sure it is! Why is it that most Christians feel like they have to be as poor as Job's turkey in order to be humble?
I want to DREAM BIG LOFTY DREAMS! I hope someone will accuse me of dreaming too big! I also hope they're standing nearby when the dream comes to pass!

Some folks don't want your dream to come to pass...cause if it does, all the excuses they've been using for years of "why it can't happen"...suddenly holds no water!
Some folks "hate ya" because they "ain't ya!"

Isn't God the one who said He's able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think? (Ephesians 3:20)
God wants you to dream big and He wants you to ask for more!
You have the POWER already in you!
You have the HOLY SPIRIT!
With Him, you've got some incredible CREATIVITY at work inside of you!

#5 Avoid the "Disconnect"

If we're to stay plugged in to the mind of Christ, than our personal time with Him is essential. However, a busy schedule can prevent you from having the personal time with God that you need.
When we loose our connection with Christ, on a consistent basis, we are more likely to disobey His commands.
My phone gets a lot of use. If I don't plug it in at night, I'll have no charge the next day. That's a lot like our walk with God. If we don't stay plugged in (connected) we'll lose charge and be limited in our ability to function.

#6 Avoid "Sick Days"

If you're working for God...you're going to be attacked on every turn! (Especially if you're seeing results)
Life isn't always easy. There will be ups and downs. You'll be attacked, lied on, discredited, misrepresented, misunderstood, talked about like a dirty dish rag, etc...HOWEVER...you can't give up!
Jesus went to the cross...and He took a beating before He went. The least we can do is endure a little criticism and being kicked out of the social club at work and school!
LEADER...if you're leading...expect to be CRITICIZED and CONDEMNED...move on...stay in the race even if you're wounded!
The devil wants to wound you in the area God wants to use you!
The enemy would love to hear you say, "take me out of the battle for I am wounded."
LEADER...go to God in prayer. Talk to Him about what you're feeling. Be honest with Him.
PASTOR...don't let an anonymous letter, tacky comment or a church member on their 5th church because they "can't find one to meet their needs" take you out of the battle! The reason people hide behind anonymous letters is because they have no GUTS!
PASTOR...you are more valuable to the Kingdom than to let Sister Bucketmouth persuade you otherwise. Sister Bucketmouth isn't called to do what you're called to do...RISE ABOVE the critics and refuse to lower your standards.
Don't call in sick...SHOW UP and you just might meet your Elijah in the field!

#7 Avoid being Flesh Led

The flesh will tell you things like, "I don't feel good, I'm tired, etc." The truth is, none of us "feel good" all the time. However, we do not let our FLESH dictate our SPIRIT MAN.
The Bible tells us four times that "the just shall live by faith."
We walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT.
If we have to "feel" saved to be saved, we won't be saved half the time.
Jesus is with us...when we sleep, wake and walk through this life. We are never alone. He is constantly leading us and speaking to us...if we'll listen.
If we're not careful, we'll make hasty decisions while in an emotional state of mind. When we do this, we usually make the wrong decision.

(i.e., debt, dating, church, ministry, etc.)

I've learned to wait on the Lord in a season of prayer before I make a major decision.
I've also learned to seek the counsel of my spiritual covering in the major decisions of my life. When we seek counsel from those over us in the Lord, we are in a better posture to receive blessings that are SPIRIT BIRTHED not "MAN"UFACTURED.
The Holy Spirit will lead us in a straight and narrow path. I've made a ton of mistakes when I've ignored the Holy Spirit's leadership.