Going The Distance

Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

 I read the story of a man who ran 5000 miles across America. Would the heat, hills, snakes, dust, cold, or rain stop him? He did become weary with several things but chose to press on. In a moment we’ll see what almost made him stop in his tracks.

Why did Solomon write, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit?” (Eccles 7:8) Patience is better than your pride of understanding stuff.

Recently, two of our members, Ardis Davis and Mayra Lopez at Oceanway Assembly Church ran a marathon of 26.2 miles in Jacksonville Florida. How did they do it? How did they go that far and not quit? Both of them shared the value of preparing for the race.

I love to see people go the distance in their relationship with God. Many don’t really count the cost and prepare themselves for the race. There is more to Salvation in Christ Jesus than just having an emotional high.

Joseph didn’t have a clue what his dream would cost him. I’m convinced that God reveals to you His Plan and Purpose, but He will not reveal to you all the Perplexities that go along with life. Joseph had certainty of his dream but could not understand all the test and trials that would come along with it.

It’s the little things that can throw us off. Joseph’s brothers would throw him into a pit and sell him to some Midianites for 20 pieces of silver. Then he would be sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh down in Egypt. Then Potiphar’s lying wife would falsely accuse him of seducing her. He would spend years in a prison cell for a crime he did not commit. Would he let a little seed of bitterness and the perplexities of life stop him from his dream and finishing the race?

“God balances our lives to give us enough blessings to keep us happy and enough burdens to keep us humble. If all we had were blessings in our hands, we would fall right over. So the Lord balances the blessings in our hands with burdens on our backs that help us stay steady.” Warren Wiersbe.

Why does God say, “We walk not by sight but by faith?” (2Cor 5:7) When a person draws the wrong conclusions from their burdens, it causes them to lose sight of the bigger picture of God’s purpose and plan for their life. Joseph could have easily given up on the Big Dream God placed in his heart but he pressed and persevered through the perplexities of his life and became the Prime Minister of the land of Egypt. It was overcoming the perplexities of understanding all his pain that caused him to save thousands who otherwise would have died in a famine.

What was the little thing that almost stopped the runner from completing his 5000 miles across America? “SAND” in his shoe. Is there something Satan is using to hinder the race that you’re in? Paul said, “I have fought a good fight, kept the faith and finished the course that is set before me.(2 Tim 4:7) It’s worth it to go the distance for God’s Best and refuse to let the little things hinder us in settling for the leftovers. Go for God’s Best and you won’t be disappointed that you did!

I Want That Puppy

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies for Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children and sure enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner’s sign. "How much are you going to sell the puppies for?”, he asked.

The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30 to $50."The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37," he said. "Can I please look at them"?

The store owner smiled and whistled, and out of the kennel came “Lady” she ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur; but one puppy was lagging considerably behind.

Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What’s wrong with that little dog?" The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited, “That is the little puppy I want to buy".

The store owner said, "No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you." The boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said, "I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs, and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for".

The owner countered, "You really don’t want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.” To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well, I don’t run so well myself and the little puppy will need someone who understands! He and I will get along just fine”.

I truly believe that each of us, like that boy have a special passion of mercy when we have been through our own pain. You might have a “limp” because of some hiccup or hang-up through your journey. Refuse to get bitter, friend; allow God to use it to better serve others in their own setbacks in life. Be passionate regardless through the Mercy of God He has put inside your heart!

Back To The Drawing Board

Henry Ford built and sold fifteen million Model T cars across the world from 1908 to 1929. Very few changes were made in those years because he wanted the average American to be able to purchase and own one. By the end of 1913, Ford's application of the moving assembly line improved the production speed from 12 hours to one hour and 33 minutes. In 1929, he went back to the drawing board. Watching an auto race in Florida, he observed the wreckage of a French car that used alloy steel which made the car three times stronger and lighter. He again went back to the drawing board to make changes that would allow the car to be stronger and better.

As each of us develops in our journey with God, we MUST also go back to the drawing board in His Word, and prayer where He gives us hope to make advancements and improvements in our lives.

The Psalmist says; “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of your heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:4, 5) God is the person who births DESIRES in our hearts. Elisha was a young prophet desiring God’s fullness in his life. This desire came from God. It grew to the point that he was determined to stay with his mentor Elijah until he saw the extraordinary take place in his own life. Elijah performed 16 miracles in his ministry while Elisha’s desire and determination went on to see 32 miracles in his ministry! It started with a desire to see a double portion of anointing on his life and ministry. Just how determined are you to see God act and work in your life?

Are you willing to GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD to see God perform His work in your life? Are there changes that you want to see God make in your life this year? Why not ask the Lord to make things STRONGER and BETTER in your own journey. Could God change my sleeping habits, eating habits, reading habits, investing more time with my spouse, kids, and the church?

If you don’t like certain areas in your marriage, finances, relationships, employment, ministry, and dreams, “GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD.”  If you don’t like the DESIGN in those areas in your life, change the drawings!! Von’nell and I bought a home 22 years ago that must have been designed by a bachelor. The master bathroom has one vanity. It’s had its challenges over the years because it wasn’t designed for two people. But why should I complain about something that I allow? Nothing gets better unless I go back to the drawing board and change the design.

Some of us are still complaining about things in our lives that we’re not willing to go back to the drawing board to improve. Are you complaining about your money matters but you’re not willing to change the way you spend money or bring the tithe to the storehouse? Is it time to go back to the drawing board in being the husband, wife, parent, neighbor, God created you to be? God can change anyone, anytime, anywhere if they’re willing to be honest and say,” God, I need Your help NOW.”  Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” (Phil 4:19) Go back to the drawing board and watch God change the design in your life. Now that’s Sweet Living!

New Beginnings, Going up Higher in 2015 #3

On January 14^th, 2014 Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgenson became the first to complete what had long been considered the world's most difficult rock climb, using only their hands, feet and ropes to conquer a 3,000-foot vertical wall on El Capitan in Yosemite State Park.

As a kid, my father took us horseback riding up in the mountains. There were some very intimidating places where I was fearful that the horse was a bit too close to the edge where we might fall off the mountain. Satan has tried to keep many out of the saddle in going higher with God’s will and plan for their lives.

I have learned that Fasting and Praying can give you the courage to take the ride in going HIGHER with the Lord. God can take you places you have never been before, so you will have the courage to do things you have never done before, “IF” you’re willing to take the journey to GO HIGHER.

WHAT KEEPS MOST PEOPLE OFF THE MOUNTAIN TO GO HIGHER?

Overcoming The Risk Factor! You will never see the dream, vision, marriage, having kids, taking a new job, starting a new business, furthering your education, getting engaged in ministry, buying your first home or moving toward your destiny without taking a risk. Fear has hindered many for years from moving forward. God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) When will you move ahead and complete was He has placed in your heart? Seasons of fasting and praying can give you faith, confidence, courage and boldness to move ahead.

Overcoming The Failure Factor! It might come as a shock, but the man who became what many would call the best basketball player of all time didn't make his high school basketball team. Who might that be? “Michael Jordan.” Soichiro was turned down by Toyota Motor Corporation interviewing for a job as an engineer, leaving him jobless for quite some time. He started making scooters of his own at home; spurred on by his neighbors he finally started his own business which we now know as the billion dollar Honda Corporation. Back in 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired a singer after his first performance telling him, “You ain’t going nowhere, son. You ought to go back to driving a truck.” His name was “Elvis Presley.” Friend, just because someone says you don’t have it, think again. Failure is never final until God says it’s over. Moses had failed in Egypt but that didn’t stop him. After God sent a message of fire through a burning bush, it transformed his own future along with millions of Israelites.

Overcoming The Discouragement Factor!   Moses could have said, “I’m finished,” after running from a murder of an Egyptian solider. But he chose to Listen to his God that caused him to be used in the greatest jail-break in history. Two million plus came out from being a slave in Egypt. Later Moses went up to the mountain where God gave him the Ten Commandments, Friend why don’t you listen to what the Lord has to say about your future. Discouragement is one who lacks courage to do what they have been called to do. Today, Take one step higher and let God put fire in your belly, fire in your fight, fire in your drive, fire in your faith, and fire in your feet. It’s not too late to get a fresh Word from Heaven. Start this New Year with Prayer and Fasting and watch God help you overcome any Fears, Failures or Discouragement,

New Beginnings, Go Up Higher In 2015 #2

There’s something majestic and magnificent about going up a mountain to elevations of 10 to 15,000 feet. The air is pure, free of pollutants; on a clear day you can see as much 10 to 12 miles away. In Matthew chapter 17, Jesus took his disciples; Peter James and John UP the mountain. As they went up, Jesus was transfigured before them: His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. A voice came out of a cloud that said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; Listen to him.”

Transforming things can happen in going up higher with Jesus. Later, when coming off the mountain, a man came and knelt before Jesus and said, “Lord have mercy on my son, He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.” Jesus then rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well. The disciples asked, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?” Jesus said, “You don’t have enough faith. Then He goes on to say in verse 17, This kind cometh not but by prayer and fasting.”

In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about three essential things in a Christian’s life. “When you pray, when you give and when you fast!” Could this be a key to unlocking doors for our lives? Could this be the answer to breakthroughs and breaking out of bad habits and chains that seem to hold on to our lives?

In Daniel chapter 10, we learn that Daniel fasted 21 days and the spirit prince of Persia was blocking him from receiving revelation. Then the archangel Michael came to release the answer Daniel had been waiting for. It’s interesting that Michael, the archangel said, “God heard your prayer from the first day and now I am come to reveal or release the vision for the future.” I truly believe that God can show us things we would never see without taking a step up in fasting. Jesus never said, “If you fast but WHEN you fast.”

Are you ready to prepare yourself for New Beginnings in 2015? Why don’t you take a step, along with me and many others across this world who are engaged in a 21-day fast. Let’s see what the Lord will show us in seeing Jesus and His glory like never before. Yes, I believe He will give you Revelation, which ultimately will bring Transformation in your life.

Come on, I challenge you to go up HIGHER and see something Magnificent and Majestic that could bring a 100-fold increase in your life.

New Beginnings In 2015 #!

Each year presents itself with new opportunities to elevate our faith to a higher high. Is there room to increase your faith? What about your Joy, Peace, Courage, Confidence, Kindness, Gentleness, Meekness or Love? Is there a path to move higher in your walk with God?

I have noticed when I go snow skiing that there are challenges in going higher up the mountain. I’m better when I drink more water to overcome the changes in the higher altitude. If I don’t preplan in my moving up to higher elevations, I get light headed, nauseated and sometimes chest pains. God also has plans taking us higher in our journey with Him. Let’s discuss some things that can help you in your trajectory in taking One Step Higher in 2015.

Put Your Past Behind You. Paul said; “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”(Phil 3:13) Paul’s hand was engaged in putting Christians in prison and was there when Stephen was stoned to death. Stephen said; “Lay not this sin to their charge” Paul decided not to look back but press toward the mark God had for him.

Keep Reaching Higher. Paul said, “I have not achieved it.” (Phil 3:13a) He was saying, “I have not arrived, I haven’t done   it all yet, I still have a ways to go.” When you think you’ve learned all you need to learn, you are in TROUBLE. You cannot possess what you do not pursue. Paul went on to say, “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall”. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t need His grace, mercy and courage for the journey.

Stay the Course. It encourages me to watch those who press on beyond and through the bumps, potholes, curves, hills, valleys and storms of life. Nowhere does God say that if you serve Me, it’s all smooth sailing. Jesus says, “In this world you shall have tribulation; be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world”. (John 16:33) You can make it through divorce, cancer, bankruptcy, termination of your job, being falsely accused, going to prison, paying off your college loans, providing for your family in a tough economy, working in a high pressured environment, being abandoned in a relationship, or finding out that your kid is on drugs. Nobody said life would be fair, but He did say; “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. Christ did say; “Nothing shall be able to pluck you out of my hand.” (John 10:29)

Keep your Eyes on the Finish Line I’m excited about the day Christ has prepared for His Church. One day He will come back for those who have prepared themselves like a bride that’s prepared herself for her groom. What a glorious, incredible day of New Beginnings in Heaven. One day we’ll walk on streets of gold, live in a city 1400 miles high, wide and deep. Keep pressing; it’s going to be worth it all, to press beyond anything we’ll ever face on this side of heaven. Could it be 2015?

From the ORDINARY to the EXTRAORDINARY IN 2015

Did you know that 90% of doctor’s visits are stress related? Most heart attacks happen on Mondays because people are stressed out about going to work. There’s no person in life that doesn’t have to fight off doubts, discouragement and dilemmas that come their way. We’re in a battle till the Lord comes back for His Church. Christians, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places,” (Ephesians 6:12) The question is, “Will we fight back or just allow the enemy to run us over and intimidate us with fear?”

The Syrian Army came after the Prophet Elisha. When his servant came out on the front porch that morning drinking his Dunkin Donut coffee, he lost it when he saw the Syrian army that had surrounded him and Elisha. My version is, “Elisha, you better get out here, we’re in BIG Trouble” But Elisha was operating in faith and sees something supernatural and extraordinary. The threat of this army is nothing to his God, He prays; “Lord, open his eyes and let him see what I see.”

The next thing he sees blows him away. “Elisha, in the heavens, I see the chariots and horses of fire around this army. When God takes the scales off of our eyes we begin to see that God is greater than any force out of hell against us.

As you grow in God, you will begin to realize that what you believe doesn’t always line up with what you see. “We walk by faith and not by sight.” Elisha was able to do great things for God because he was operating in the supernatural while walking in the natural.

It didn’t make sense for Jesus to tell the disciples to have the crowd of five thousand people to sit down on the grass preparing to eat with only two fish and five loaves of bread. But Jesus was operating in the supernatural and believed in the extraordinary. That day He fed all five thousand plus and picked up 12 baskets of bread when it was all said and done.

It didn’t make sense for Jesus to spit on the dirt and place mud on the blind man’s eyes. But when the blind man obeyed the Lord and washed the off mud, he could see.

It didn’t make sense for Jesus at the wedding to tell men to fill empty vases with water, but when they obeyed, Jesus turned the water into wine. Walking in the Supernatural is going to be out of your comfort zone, but what have you got to lose but seeing the extraordinary this coming year. “Eye hath not seen nor has ear heard the things that God has prepared for them that love Him.” Are you ready to see the miraculous, remarkable, astonishing, astounding, stunning and  extraordinary in your life this year?  Then, See it, Believe it, and Go for it. “Greater works shall you do because I go to my Father. (John 14:12)

New Beginning's

Genesis 9:1-29

So many in life are overshadowed and are driven by their fears, their hurts, their blunders, their mistakes, their burdens and their hick-ups in life. Noah and his family are now back on dry ground. It's been a rough ride but now God has dried up the waters of the earth. God hangs a rainbow in the sky and says; " Never again will a flood destroy the Earth"

This is a sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you. I'm putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth. (12)

Even God says it's time to move forward. Too many of us in life live in the past instead of our future. None of us can do anything about our mistakes, our failures, our shortcomings, the things we wish we could change in the past. It's time to move ahead.

"Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the ones you did do." Mark Twain

There is a reason that you are still on planet earth. God isn't finished with you. There are still more mountains to climb, valleys to cross, victories to win, storms to overcome, and challenges to conquer. God is taking you and me somewhere. Regardless of the past or the forecast, like Noah; "I have all intention of staying on the boat till I see the sun shine again, and I see the heavens open up over my life and fulfill the mandate and the promises of God in my life.

What are you dealing with today? What keeps lingering in your fuzzy thought life? Allow the Holy Spirit of God to overshadow you with fresh vision, fresh energy and fresh faith to go places you have never been, to do things that you have never done, to become someone that you have never been.

Through the spirit of God within you say; " No longer will I allow my past to overshadow my life, but I will be driven by Christ alone and the faith He has placed in my heart.  He will take the steering wheel of my life, and I will become all that He has created me to become for His honor and glory. In the days He has assigned my life on this earth, "I declare; today is a new day with new beginnings, yes new beginnings."