The family was designed and ordained by God (even before His church). With that being said, I believe the family is very, very close to the heart of God. The Bible says, "If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?" (I. Timothy 3:5) This verse is addressed to fathers who are to be leaders of the church and it also demonstrates how very important the family is to God! Giving vital attention to the family even comes before "ministry" in God's church! If we fail to have effective relationships in the family we can hurt our ability to be effective when we reach out to others.
We live in a society where the family picture has been tainted! Divorce is rampant in America, even amongst the church. We are now seeing "Holy Matrimony" being legalized for homosexual partners. We are seeing these unordained events take place while innocent children are being adopted into these situations. How will this effect these children, our society, our future?
The word of God says, "A house divided will not stand." I believe there has been an all out assualt from Hell on the family. Why? Because Satan knows strong families build strong churches and he doesn't want that to happen! He has been attacking the family since Genesis, "the beginning!
I encourage you to take your "small group" or "family" very seriously. Pray over them, spend time with them, love them. God has ordained the family!
Be blessed,
Beck
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Family Bonds
We will be ministering to high school, junior high, and college age students on March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in Hodge, Louisiana.
The entire weekend will be focused on and around family relationships. The next few days we will be taking a peak into some of the topics we will be covering during the event.
Some of the topics will include:
1) The most important "small group" you will ever be apart of-God ordained the family.
2) Strained Family Relationships-The Story of Joseph
3) You are apart of a family-The Church
Have a great weekend!
Beck
The entire weekend will be focused on and around family relationships. The next few days we will be taking a peak into some of the topics we will be covering during the event.
Some of the topics will include:
1) The most important "small group" you will ever be apart of-God ordained the family.
2) Strained Family Relationships-The Story of Joseph
3) You are apart of a family-The Church
Have a great weekend!
Beck
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Dear Friends of Life Church West Monroe
Dear Friends,
As I’m sure you are now aware, Jodi and I have resigned from the Student Ministry at Life Church West Monroe, which became effective February 16, 2007.
Jodi and I have put in countless hours and even years of prayer into the direction of our lives, ministry, etc. One of the main prayer focuses during “Life Church’s 21 Day Fast” was for the direction of our lives and ministry. We believe God has made His answer very clear to us during the last week of the fast. We now know and believe the Lord is leading us into a different direction for our lives and ministry.
We can’t even begin to explain to you how thankful we are to have formed so many wonderful relationships during our time at Life Church West Monroe. We have laughed with you, cried with you, prayed with you, and had wonderful fellowship with each of you. Because we love you this decision was very difficult, but we still must be obedient to the Lord’s leading.
We are very thankful to Pastor Joel and Angel for the opportunity to serve alongside them and also for giving us the opportunity to found the student ministry. We are grateful for the hours they’ve invested into our lives upon our arrival in 2003. For almost four years Pastor Joel has been a mentor to me personally and has become a wonderful friend in my life.
We are very thankful to the eldership and leadership that Life Church West Monroe has provided for us and the opportunity to be ordained in December of last year.
We believe the Student Ministry is healthy and we pray the ministry will be able to continue to grow spiritually under new leadership.
On a personal note, Jodi and I are stronger in the Lord now than we’ve ever been. Our marriage is also stronger and more unified than ever.
With that being said, we do ask that you please continue to pray for the direction and guidance of the Lord as he leads us in our lives. We are very excited for the opportunities that await us.
We love each of you very, very much.
His Bondservants,
Beck and Jodi Payne
As I’m sure you are now aware, Jodi and I have resigned from the Student Ministry at Life Church West Monroe, which became effective February 16, 2007.
Jodi and I have put in countless hours and even years of prayer into the direction of our lives, ministry, etc. One of the main prayer focuses during “Life Church’s 21 Day Fast” was for the direction of our lives and ministry. We believe God has made His answer very clear to us during the last week of the fast. We now know and believe the Lord is leading us into a different direction for our lives and ministry.
We can’t even begin to explain to you how thankful we are to have formed so many wonderful relationships during our time at Life Church West Monroe. We have laughed with you, cried with you, prayed with you, and had wonderful fellowship with each of you. Because we love you this decision was very difficult, but we still must be obedient to the Lord’s leading.
We are very thankful to Pastor Joel and Angel for the opportunity to serve alongside them and also for giving us the opportunity to found the student ministry. We are grateful for the hours they’ve invested into our lives upon our arrival in 2003. For almost four years Pastor Joel has been a mentor to me personally and has become a wonderful friend in my life.
We are very thankful to the eldership and leadership that Life Church West Monroe has provided for us and the opportunity to be ordained in December of last year.
We believe the Student Ministry is healthy and we pray the ministry will be able to continue to grow spiritually under new leadership.
On a personal note, Jodi and I are stronger in the Lord now than we’ve ever been. Our marriage is also stronger and more unified than ever.
With that being said, we do ask that you please continue to pray for the direction and guidance of the Lord as he leads us in our lives. We are very excited for the opportunities that await us.
We love each of you very, very much.
His Bondservants,
Beck and Jodi Payne
Monday, February 19, 2007
Street Ministry
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me..." (Matthew 25:35-36)
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18)
It was an honor to be back with Hope Steet Ministries this past Sunday afternoon. This ministry has faithfully preached the gospel and fed the homeless for 20 straight years now on the corner of Desiard and 6th Street in downtown Monroe, Louisiana. As I awaited the arrival of the man that heads this ministry up, you could see the people start coming out like deer do right before dark. (They have a tremendous amount of respect for this man. I can see why, he hasn't abandoned them in over 20 years.) They came out of abandoned houses, down the railroad tracks, on foot, on bikes, and from all across the downtown area. They come for a hot, fresh meal but they get much more than that; a hot, fresh word! It's challenging trying to preach over a train whistle and cop sirens!
What touches my heart more than anything is to see all the little children that come down to the streets. Instead of getting involved with the preaching or the handouts yesterday, I decided to visit with the little children. We prayed over a grandmother in a wheelchair that had about 3 of her grandchildren down there. As we prayed tears rolled down her cheeks. You could see the weariness in her face. Shes trying to raise these kids right, but it's tough in the year 2007.
After the preaching we prayed for several people, blessed the food, and fed them. This work is costly but the rewards are eternal! It's not popular, it's not flashy, but if Jesus were here in the flesh, I believe you would see him there.
Think we have it tough? All you have to do is go to downtown Monroe on a Sunday afternoon and think again! Have a great day!
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18)
It was an honor to be back with Hope Steet Ministries this past Sunday afternoon. This ministry has faithfully preached the gospel and fed the homeless for 20 straight years now on the corner of Desiard and 6th Street in downtown Monroe, Louisiana. As I awaited the arrival of the man that heads this ministry up, you could see the people start coming out like deer do right before dark. (They have a tremendous amount of respect for this man. I can see why, he hasn't abandoned them in over 20 years.) They came out of abandoned houses, down the railroad tracks, on foot, on bikes, and from all across the downtown area. They come for a hot, fresh meal but they get much more than that; a hot, fresh word! It's challenging trying to preach over a train whistle and cop sirens!
What touches my heart more than anything is to see all the little children that come down to the streets. Instead of getting involved with the preaching or the handouts yesterday, I decided to visit with the little children. We prayed over a grandmother in a wheelchair that had about 3 of her grandchildren down there. As we prayed tears rolled down her cheeks. You could see the weariness in her face. Shes trying to raise these kids right, but it's tough in the year 2007.
After the preaching we prayed for several people, blessed the food, and fed them. This work is costly but the rewards are eternal! It's not popular, it's not flashy, but if Jesus were here in the flesh, I believe you would see him there.
Think we have it tough? All you have to do is go to downtown Monroe on a Sunday afternoon and think again! Have a great day!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Student Ministry Pics
As I promised I got some pics up...well, one pic. This is a pic of some of the 'gals' who are apart of X.L. (Xtreme Life not Extra Large).
We had some food and fun following this past Wednesday night's service
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Student Ministry Meeting
After waking up at 3:30 A.M. and spending all day in Lafayette on business, I'm pooped!
Last night we had a big crowd of teenagers and a room filled with Valentine galore thanks to Hannah and Bekah Dyke who did the decorating.
We continued on our current series, "Love" with a message entitled, "Three Area's of Love." They were: Love for God, Love for people, and Love for truth. We had three teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!!! This is the third Wednesday in a row where we had teenagers saved by the love of Jesus!
We did take a couple of pictures of last nights event and I hoped to get them posted tomorrow.
Until then, have a great weekend!
Last night we had a big crowd of teenagers and a room filled with Valentine galore thanks to Hannah and Bekah Dyke who did the decorating.
We continued on our current series, "Love" with a message entitled, "Three Area's of Love." They were: Love for God, Love for people, and Love for truth. We had three teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!!! This is the third Wednesday in a row where we had teenagers saved by the love of Jesus!
We did take a couple of pictures of last nights event and I hoped to get them posted tomorrow.
Until then, have a great weekend!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
"I was in prison and you came to visit me."
These were the words of our Savior from the 25th chapter of the gospel according to Matthew. Some people have a hard time getting to Jesus so we have to bring Jesus to those people! They are: the lost, the hurting, the poor, the captives and those imprisoned.
I have had the wonderful opportunity the past several years to minister with Ricky Nolan who is the founder of Hope Street Ministries. Last night we ministered to a room full of people most of which were hanging on to our every word.
I opened up out of Ephesians 6 and spoke to them about the full armor of God. You know although we all are different in many ways, including some of our backgrounds, race, denominations, or various other things, we all have one thing in common;we are all in a spiritual battle! After I spent 15-20 minutes ministering Bro.Rick came in behind and wrapped up. It was a great meeting!
We had anywhere between 20-30 inmates respond to the word of the Lord. I had one young man come forward weeping over his life and how it has been shattered. His words were, "My heart is hurting." My prayer was that Jesus would begin to heal him, pick up the pieces, and give him a new heart!
One of the most common prayer requests we hear involves many of the inmates families. My heart goes out to them as I can't imagine starring at a bland ceiling every night wondering how my family is doing while I was locked up.
It is so important that we listen very closely to what the Lord is saying. Sometimes, our lives could depend on it! My heart rejoices for those that listen and respond but breaks for those we saw that sat back and spent their time doing other things. Nevertheless, we have to keep going and reaching out because one day, they just might respond!
For example, several years ago Bro.Rick was ministering and every time he would go he would see a young man starring at him through the thick glass window in a cell waving for him to come over. The young man was going to serve life in prison but had given his heart to Christ while incarcerated. One night Bro.Rick gave an altar call and this young man came forward for prayer. Rick said in all his years ministering at this facility he's never given a word quite like this nor has he since. He prayed for this young man and said, "Thus says the Lord God, "Son, they've laid a trap for you and if you accept any of the deals you will spend life in prison." Walking away almost puzzled the young man didn't quite understand but knew somehow it was true. As time passed, it was time for the young man to go before the judge. They offered him...5 deals and he declined them all. People told him that he was a fool for not accepting any of these deals! After 24 months of time served the judge spoke, "I believe your life is changed...you are free to go on time served." His father who was convicted of the very same thing...received a life sentence. He had accepted one of the deals.
Point being, what if he had not responded that night? What if he would have thrown the word of the Lord to the side? What if Rick would have not been obedient to bring forth the word God had given him? I believe it changed this young mans destiny! He is now serving God full-time in the ministry at a local church!
I encourage you to remember those who are incarcerated. Jesus loves them and died for them as he did for any of us. He still has a plan for their lives! To Him be the glory!
I have had the wonderful opportunity the past several years to minister with Ricky Nolan who is the founder of Hope Street Ministries. Last night we ministered to a room full of people most of which were hanging on to our every word.
I opened up out of Ephesians 6 and spoke to them about the full armor of God. You know although we all are different in many ways, including some of our backgrounds, race, denominations, or various other things, we all have one thing in common;we are all in a spiritual battle! After I spent 15-20 minutes ministering Bro.Rick came in behind and wrapped up. It was a great meeting!
We had anywhere between 20-30 inmates respond to the word of the Lord. I had one young man come forward weeping over his life and how it has been shattered. His words were, "My heart is hurting." My prayer was that Jesus would begin to heal him, pick up the pieces, and give him a new heart!
One of the most common prayer requests we hear involves many of the inmates families. My heart goes out to them as I can't imagine starring at a bland ceiling every night wondering how my family is doing while I was locked up.
It is so important that we listen very closely to what the Lord is saying. Sometimes, our lives could depend on it! My heart rejoices for those that listen and respond but breaks for those we saw that sat back and spent their time doing other things. Nevertheless, we have to keep going and reaching out because one day, they just might respond!
For example, several years ago Bro.Rick was ministering and every time he would go he would see a young man starring at him through the thick glass window in a cell waving for him to come over. The young man was going to serve life in prison but had given his heart to Christ while incarcerated. One night Bro.Rick gave an altar call and this young man came forward for prayer. Rick said in all his years ministering at this facility he's never given a word quite like this nor has he since. He prayed for this young man and said, "Thus says the Lord God, "Son, they've laid a trap for you and if you accept any of the deals you will spend life in prison." Walking away almost puzzled the young man didn't quite understand but knew somehow it was true. As time passed, it was time for the young man to go before the judge. They offered him...5 deals and he declined them all. People told him that he was a fool for not accepting any of these deals! After 24 months of time served the judge spoke, "I believe your life is changed...you are free to go on time served." His father who was convicted of the very same thing...received a life sentence. He had accepted one of the deals.
Point being, what if he had not responded that night? What if he would have thrown the word of the Lord to the side? What if Rick would have not been obedient to bring forth the word God had given him? I believe it changed this young mans destiny! He is now serving God full-time in the ministry at a local church!
I encourage you to remember those who are incarcerated. Jesus loves them and died for them as he did for any of us. He still has a plan for their lives! To Him be the glory!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Fast Completed...
Well last night we broke our "21 Day Fast" over a meal together at Genusa's Restaurant in Monroe. Laney White and Stacie Watts did a great job orchastrating the event although we had to jet out a few minutes early to pick up our 7th month old at her Granny's.
Pastor Joel did a great job in our new series for the month of February on relationships. He communicated the message in a funny yet powerful way. He and his wife Angel have done so much for Jodi and I in our marriage relationship.
These past 21 days have been some of the best days spiritually that I've personally experienced in about the past five or six years of my life. I plan with the help of the Holy Spirit to make this much more...no let me rephrase that...I plan to MAKE this a lifestyle from here on out. With that being said, the past 21 days I've experienced trials and attacks that I have not gone through in a very, very long time. Satan tempts you to want to "back off" or to "let up just a hair" so his forces will let up but you must not. The past 21 days, I've learned many, many things. The fast was also more than just seeking God about answering your prayers, it was about what He wanted to do in your life, how He wanted to purify your heart so that you can grow closer to Him and be used for His kingdom. The last day of the fast I've learned one thing...You must obey the word of God and the Holy Spirit regardless of the price or the cost. He will always and I do mean always reward those who are obedient.
My prayer is for all of those who stayed commited to this church-wide fast and to encourage those who did not participate to join in during the next fast and experienced the blessing of denying self and following Christ.
Have a great week!
Pastor Joel did a great job in our new series for the month of February on relationships. He communicated the message in a funny yet powerful way. He and his wife Angel have done so much for Jodi and I in our marriage relationship.
These past 21 days have been some of the best days spiritually that I've personally experienced in about the past five or six years of my life. I plan with the help of the Holy Spirit to make this much more...no let me rephrase that...I plan to MAKE this a lifestyle from here on out. With that being said, the past 21 days I've experienced trials and attacks that I have not gone through in a very, very long time. Satan tempts you to want to "back off" or to "let up just a hair" so his forces will let up but you must not. The past 21 days, I've learned many, many things. The fast was also more than just seeking God about answering your prayers, it was about what He wanted to do in your life, how He wanted to purify your heart so that you can grow closer to Him and be used for His kingdom. The last day of the fast I've learned one thing...You must obey the word of God and the Holy Spirit regardless of the price or the cost. He will always and I do mean always reward those who are obedient.
My prayer is for all of those who stayed commited to this church-wide fast and to encourage those who did not participate to join in during the next fast and experienced the blessing of denying self and following Christ.
Have a great week!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Looking for love in all the wrong places
"Looking for love in all the wrong places." Wasn't that a country song? Well, that was too many beers and moons ago. Thank goodness for Jesus.
We are already almost half way into the month of February and what does that mean? Valentine's Day! This whole month is known for that day...the day of love. Love is a word that has been misused, abused, and thrown around so we wanted to go to the true source of love...God. He is love.
Last night in our student ministry we started a series on love with the first message entitled, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." We had 4 teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."(Mark 5:24-25)
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years..."
In Mark 5 we read about a lady who was bleeding and had been for 12 long, hard years. Now I'm not sure what caused the bleeding but 12 years prior in her life something happened and she was now suffering from that. There is alot of people in life that are "bleeding." It may not show from the outside but they are bleeding from the inside. They are bleeding in their heart or maybe emotionally or mentally but they are bleeding. Maybe they are bleeding from an abusive relationship from a prior marriage. Maybe they are bleeding from the neglect of a mother or father. Maybe they are bleeding from abusive words spoken by someone. Maybe they are bleeding from sexual abuse they've been hiding for years. Maybe it's been a day, maybe it's been a week, or maybe it's been along time...12 years even.
"She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse."
Its says in the verse above that "she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors...but instead of getting better she got worse." So many times people who are hurting or "bleeding" look for healing or love in all the wrong places. They think a new relationship will heal the pain. They think making money or earning prestige will give them a sense of completion. They think a drug, a pill, or a bottle will take away the pain but instead of getting better they get worse!
" When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."
It's says in the verse above, "when she heard about Jesus." Hallelujah! Do you remember when you first heard of Jesus? Here was a lady that had looked for love and healing in all the wrong places and I believe she had finally gotten sick of it. Doesn't say how but it says, "she heard about Jesus." Maybe someone who had been hurting themselves confronted her and told her, "I know where you can go for love and for healing and He want let you down, His name is Jesus!
It says when she "touched" him "she was freed from her suffering." Let me tell you if you have been "bleeding", hurting, or in bondage you don't have to go looking in all the wrong places! You don't have to go looking in the bar! You don't have to go looking in the club! You don't have to go looking for the pill! You don't have to go looking for a one night stand! You don't have to go looking for some late night web-site for temporary fulfillment! All you have to do is going looking for the King! The Great Physician! The Healer! The lover of your soul!
We are already almost half way into the month of February and what does that mean? Valentine's Day! This whole month is known for that day...the day of love. Love is a word that has been misused, abused, and thrown around so we wanted to go to the true source of love...God. He is love.
Last night in our student ministry we started a series on love with the first message entitled, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." We had 4 teenagers give their hearts to Jesus Christ!
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."(Mark 5:24-25)
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years..."
In Mark 5 we read about a lady who was bleeding and had been for 12 long, hard years. Now I'm not sure what caused the bleeding but 12 years prior in her life something happened and she was now suffering from that. There is alot of people in life that are "bleeding." It may not show from the outside but they are bleeding from the inside. They are bleeding in their heart or maybe emotionally or mentally but they are bleeding. Maybe they are bleeding from an abusive relationship from a prior marriage. Maybe they are bleeding from the neglect of a mother or father. Maybe they are bleeding from abusive words spoken by someone. Maybe they are bleeding from sexual abuse they've been hiding for years. Maybe it's been a day, maybe it's been a week, or maybe it's been along time...12 years even.
"She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse."
Its says in the verse above that "she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors...but instead of getting better she got worse." So many times people who are hurting or "bleeding" look for healing or love in all the wrong places. They think a new relationship will heal the pain. They think making money or earning prestige will give them a sense of completion. They think a drug, a pill, or a bottle will take away the pain but instead of getting better they get worse!
" When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."
It's says in the verse above, "when she heard about Jesus." Hallelujah! Do you remember when you first heard of Jesus? Here was a lady that had looked for love and healing in all the wrong places and I believe she had finally gotten sick of it. Doesn't say how but it says, "she heard about Jesus." Maybe someone who had been hurting themselves confronted her and told her, "I know where you can go for love and for healing and He want let you down, His name is Jesus!
It says when she "touched" him "she was freed from her suffering." Let me tell you if you have been "bleeding", hurting, or in bondage you don't have to go looking in all the wrong places! You don't have to go looking in the bar! You don't have to go looking in the club! You don't have to go looking for the pill! You don't have to go looking for a one night stand! You don't have to go looking for some late night web-site for temporary fulfillment! All you have to do is going looking for the King! The Great Physician! The Healer! The lover of your soul!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Delight yourself in God
Day 18
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)
I encourage you this last week of our "21 Day Fast" to do this...Delight yourself in the Lord. Delight yourself in God. We have bombarded heaven with requests, prayers, petetions, and concerns. We have fought the evil forces of Satan and his demons that would come against our lives, families, and other things.
Now is the time to not give up, give in, or quit, but to simply delight yourself in God. Spend time with Him for who His is...not just for what He can do. Spend time in His presence thanking Him for his goodness and mercy. We spend so much time delighting ourselves in other things, so why not delight ourselves in God?
I pray that as we delight ourselves in Him, He will give you the desires (that He placed there) of your heart.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)
I encourage you this last week of our "21 Day Fast" to do this...Delight yourself in the Lord. Delight yourself in God. We have bombarded heaven with requests, prayers, petetions, and concerns. We have fought the evil forces of Satan and his demons that would come against our lives, families, and other things.
Now is the time to not give up, give in, or quit, but to simply delight yourself in God. Spend time with Him for who His is...not just for what He can do. Spend time in His presence thanking Him for his goodness and mercy. We spend so much time delighting ourselves in other things, so why not delight ourselves in God?
I pray that as we delight ourselves in Him, He will give you the desires (that He placed there) of your heart.
Days 16, 17, and 18
Day 18
As we are finishing up our "21 Day Fast", I encourage you not to let up, give up, or give in.
God has great plans in store but we always have to remember, "each new level brings a new devil." As you sacrifice, be obedient, are challenged in your faith, you may find the battle intensify. But with that comes growth,maturity, and ultimately, victory.
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (I. John 3:8b)
The Bible says Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) It also tells us He has plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) What we also have to rememeber is that, for every move of the spirit there is also always a counter attack from the enemy. Although Jesus has plans for us we have to remember we have an enemy who has plans for us as well...destruction.
I John 3:8b tells us that was the reason Jesus Christ came was to destroy the works of the devil. So I pray this week, the Lord Jesus would destroy the works of the enemy in your life, your ministry, your family, and your finances. May you have the complete victory in Christ alone!
Let me encourage you keep going, press in because He really is a "rewarder of those who diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
As we are finishing up our "21 Day Fast", I encourage you not to let up, give up, or give in.
God has great plans in store but we always have to remember, "each new level brings a new devil." As you sacrifice, be obedient, are challenged in your faith, you may find the battle intensify. But with that comes growth,maturity, and ultimately, victory.
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (I. John 3:8b)
The Bible says Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) It also tells us He has plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) What we also have to rememeber is that, for every move of the spirit there is also always a counter attack from the enemy. Although Jesus has plans for us we have to remember we have an enemy who has plans for us as well...destruction.
I John 3:8b tells us that was the reason Jesus Christ came was to destroy the works of the devil. So I pray this week, the Lord Jesus would destroy the works of the enemy in your life, your ministry, your family, and your finances. May you have the complete victory in Christ alone!
Let me encourage you keep going, press in because He really is a "rewarder of those who diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Monday, February 05, 2007
Day 15...six days left.
Day 15
We are coming into the "home stretch" of the "21 Day Fast" God has called us to. I encourage you to throw yourself at the feet of Jesus these last six days. This is a spiritual battle we are in. You have to fight spiritual warfare with spiritual tools..Prayer and Fasting.
I pray the "walls of Jericho" in your life will come crashing down! Saddle up and fight! Praise him til the walls fall down!
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men…On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (Joshua 6:2; 4-5)
“When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed…” (Joshua 6:20)
We are coming into the "home stretch" of the "21 Day Fast" God has called us to. I encourage you to throw yourself at the feet of Jesus these last six days. This is a spiritual battle we are in. You have to fight spiritual warfare with spiritual tools..Prayer and Fasting.
I pray the "walls of Jericho" in your life will come crashing down! Saddle up and fight! Praise him til the walls fall down!
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men…On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (Joshua 6:2; 4-5)
“When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed…” (Joshua 6:20)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Day 15
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made - I'm a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by His patience, I'm uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companion are few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be brought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I wont give up, shut up, and let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach all I know, and work till he stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, my banner will be clear."
(This is a copy of a note found written in the office of a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, following his martyrdom for his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ)
May his heart continue through our lives and ministries.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by His patience, I'm uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companion are few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be brought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I wont give up, shut up, and let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach all I know, and work till he stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, my banner will be clear."
(This is a copy of a note found written in the office of a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, following his martyrdom for his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ)
May his heart continue through our lives and ministries.
Love
Day 14
Love Day 14 (Something God’s been dealing with me about)
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I. Cor. 13:13)
Love…Do I truly love people? How can I say I love Jesus and not love people? You can’t love God without loving people and you can’t truly love people without loving God.
Love. What the gospel was birthed out of. (John 3:16) I believe it is the most neglected message preached and least lived virtue out there. Why is that? It is a lot easier to judge, miss mercy, or be “hard” isn’t it? But love? That can be tough. Loving people. Loving enemies. We would much rather attack people with truth. You see although the “truth will set you free,” (John 8:32) truth alone, without being rooted in love, can hurt people. The Law kills but the Spirit gives life. (II. Cor.3:6) There has to be a balance. If you have truth alone but no love you become legalistic. If you have love but no truth, then it really isn’t love.” Speaking the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15) I believe one of the greatest things that grieves the heart of God is to see the church attack each other and rip each other apart and Christians to attack and rip each other apart. Ignorantly, we don’t even realize Satan himself is using believers to kill each other with their mouths. Galations 5 says, If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
As believers/ministers we like to be told we are anointed, and we did great, and we sang great but one of the best compliments we could ever receive is “you are the most loving person I know.” The Bible says the greatest sign that you can tell that someone is a believer is not that you can speak in tongues, or prophesy, or speak an anointed message but it is that you can walk in the love of Christ. "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35). I don’t believe it is by accident that the “Love Chapter” I. Cor. 13 is placed right in between two chapters (I. Cor. 12 speaks of spiritual gifts and chapter 13 speaks of tongues and prophecy) that speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is important because if we don’t operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in love we can misuse them.They are to be used very carefully.
Years ago, the Lord began to deal with me about love. I had fasted and prayed about the Lord increasing the anointing in my life and the Lord giving me gifts, until one day he asked me, “When was the last time you fasted and prayed for the love of Christ?” You see I could preach an anointed message, flow in some of the gifts of the Spirit, say I was full of the Holy Ghost, but where was the love of Christ in all that? Was I ministering out of envy, jealousy, anger, flesh? If I wasn’t operating out of love I was operating out of the flesh.
My prayer is that my life, my ministry, and my family will be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. That everything we do will flow from that. My hope is that one day the church will lay aside all the pride, egos, and reputations and truly be “unified in the faith.” When that day comes, the church will be a force to recon with and the world will see the manifested love of Christ.
Love Day 14 (Something God’s been dealing with me about)
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I. Cor. 13:13)
Love…Do I truly love people? How can I say I love Jesus and not love people? You can’t love God without loving people and you can’t truly love people without loving God.
Love. What the gospel was birthed out of. (John 3:16) I believe it is the most neglected message preached and least lived virtue out there. Why is that? It is a lot easier to judge, miss mercy, or be “hard” isn’t it? But love? That can be tough. Loving people. Loving enemies. We would much rather attack people with truth. You see although the “truth will set you free,” (John 8:32) truth alone, without being rooted in love, can hurt people. The Law kills but the Spirit gives life. (II. Cor.3:6) There has to be a balance. If you have truth alone but no love you become legalistic. If you have love but no truth, then it really isn’t love.” Speaking the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15) I believe one of the greatest things that grieves the heart of God is to see the church attack each other and rip each other apart and Christians to attack and rip each other apart. Ignorantly, we don’t even realize Satan himself is using believers to kill each other with their mouths. Galations 5 says, If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
As believers/ministers we like to be told we are anointed, and we did great, and we sang great but one of the best compliments we could ever receive is “you are the most loving person I know.” The Bible says the greatest sign that you can tell that someone is a believer is not that you can speak in tongues, or prophesy, or speak an anointed message but it is that you can walk in the love of Christ. "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35). I don’t believe it is by accident that the “Love Chapter” I. Cor. 13 is placed right in between two chapters (I. Cor. 12 speaks of spiritual gifts and chapter 13 speaks of tongues and prophecy) that speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is important because if we don’t operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in love we can misuse them.They are to be used very carefully.
Years ago, the Lord began to deal with me about love. I had fasted and prayed about the Lord increasing the anointing in my life and the Lord giving me gifts, until one day he asked me, “When was the last time you fasted and prayed for the love of Christ?” You see I could preach an anointed message, flow in some of the gifts of the Spirit, say I was full of the Holy Ghost, but where was the love of Christ in all that? Was I ministering out of envy, jealousy, anger, flesh? If I wasn’t operating out of love I was operating out of the flesh.
My prayer is that my life, my ministry, and my family will be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. That everything we do will flow from that. My hope is that one day the church will lay aside all the pride, egos, and reputations and truly be “unified in the faith.” When that day comes, the church will be a force to recon with and the world will see the manifested love of Christ.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Persistence in Prayer
Day 13
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying,
"There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’" (Luke 18:1-8)
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Hebrews 4:16 tells us to "come boldly with confidence in approaching the throne of grace." Not proudly. Not self-righteously. Boldly and with confidence.
The widow lady we read about in Luke 18:1-8 continued with persistency to come before an unjust judge to have her request granted. After she "wore him out" with her unwavered persistence he finally granted her justice.
The parable was to teach us that we as believers are to always pray and to never give up! Always pray! Never give up! If an unjust judge granted the widow her request with her persistence then how much more will our righteous judge grant His people justice with their persistence?
So what is it you have been bombarding heaven about? Strongholds? Situations? Family? Finances? Opportunities? Healing? Let us boldly with persistence continue to pray and not even think about giving up!
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying,
"There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’" (Luke 18:1-8)
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Hebrews 4:16 tells us to "come boldly with confidence in approaching the throne of grace." Not proudly. Not self-righteously. Boldly and with confidence.
The widow lady we read about in Luke 18:1-8 continued with persistency to come before an unjust judge to have her request granted. After she "wore him out" with her unwavered persistence he finally granted her justice.
The parable was to teach us that we as believers are to always pray and to never give up! Always pray! Never give up! If an unjust judge granted the widow her request with her persistence then how much more will our righteous judge grant His people justice with their persistence?
So what is it you have been bombarding heaven about? Strongholds? Situations? Family? Finances? Opportunities? Healing? Let us boldly with persistence continue to pray and not even think about giving up!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Desperation
Day 12
What people will do when they are desperate. Steal? Kill? Lie? How about...seek the Lord like a wild man or woman? Desperate times call for desperate measures! So what measures will you take in seeking God?
A story in Mark 5:25-34 tells us a wonderful story of desperation.
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
This woman had a tremendous need in her life. She had gone to many people and to many places to fill that need but she always came up, "empty handed". She finally realized where her source was and she would stop at nothing to get to it. Remember? She was desperate! She fought through the enourmous, pushy crowd, because she had to...touch Jesus. As you notice in the verse above Jesus said, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered," and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" Many people were crowded around Jesus touching him but only one trully, "touched" him. Touched his heart! You see many people go through the motions religiously. They go to church. They sing songs. They read the Bible. But just going through the motions. This womans heart was after God's! She wanted not just to be around him, she wanted to "touch him." She HAD to get the Savior's attention! So are you desperate? Are you desperate to see God move? What are you willing to do? Go after him? Even if people laugh? Even if people make fun? Even if people say you are wasting your time? Are you willing to pray like you've never prayed? Worship like you've never worshiped? Fast until you turn into a bone? Are you desperate for him to move in your life? Finances? Family? Ministry? Rise up! Get through the crowds! Desperate times call for desperate measures! "Touch" the Savior!
What people will do when they are desperate. Steal? Kill? Lie? How about...seek the Lord like a wild man or woman? Desperate times call for desperate measures! So what measures will you take in seeking God?
A story in Mark 5:25-34 tells us a wonderful story of desperation.
"And woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
This woman had a tremendous need in her life. She had gone to many people and to many places to fill that need but she always came up, "empty handed". She finally realized where her source was and she would stop at nothing to get to it. Remember? She was desperate! She fought through the enourmous, pushy crowd, because she had to...touch Jesus. As you notice in the verse above Jesus said, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you, "his disciples answered," and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?" Many people were crowded around Jesus touching him but only one trully, "touched" him. Touched his heart! You see many people go through the motions religiously. They go to church. They sing songs. They read the Bible. But just going through the motions. This womans heart was after God's! She wanted not just to be around him, she wanted to "touch him." She HAD to get the Savior's attention! So are you desperate? Are you desperate to see God move? What are you willing to do? Go after him? Even if people laugh? Even if people make fun? Even if people say you are wasting your time? Are you willing to pray like you've never prayed? Worship like you've never worshiped? Fast until you turn into a bone? Are you desperate for him to move in your life? Finances? Family? Ministry? Rise up! Get through the crowds! Desperate times call for desperate measures! "Touch" the Savior!
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