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August 07, 1010 Matthew 10:1 says that Jesus "called to him" his twelve disciples.
I'm called to ministry. When I was a small child I would hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to be that I was to go into fill time Christian service. Originally, I heard the call to help others fulfill their call, then the call to become equipped “formally”, then the call to a specific church to serve the pastor, then a call to a pulpit ministry to “preach the gospel” and now I am in fulfilling my call to pastor.
I’m called to ministry, but that isn't my primary calling. Our primary callings is not to be a doctor or teacher or evangelist or writer or pastor. Yes, you may be called to those things. I believe that God calls Godly men and women to minister in the marketplace and in the pulpit. I hope you're called to those things! But that isn't your primary calling. Nothing has changed in two thousand years. Jesus is still calling people. And He does it now the way He did it then. We are "called to him." It's a relational calling before it's an occupational calling.
Anyone who as ever sat in my counseling sessions knows that I always say that every problem has a “spiritual root”. And part of the solution to every problem is dealt with by spending more time with Jesus. And of course the ultimate solution is spending eternity with him. Why?
Because He is the solution to every problem, the answer to every question, the fulfillment of every hope, and the source of every good thing! All things were created by Him and for Him and He holds all things together! June 12, 2010 Beware of deceptions Acts 5:3 “Then Peter said “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part o the proceeds from the field” This familiar passage is when others in the early church where giving their all to help meet the needs of others. Ananias and Sapphire said they gave there giving their all but really kept back a portion for themselves. There was nothing that mandated they give all the money. It was just what everyone else was doing. Satan can deceive even believers. “Satan filled your heart to lie”. We must guard our hearts to the lies that Satan whispers in our ear. Spirit of competition- “everyone else is, so we need to also”. We can get so caught up in “keeping up with the Jones” that we lose perspective and get caught up in the moment. We must be “led by the spirit” and not driven by competition in our giving. Maybe they “intended to give it all” originally but then changed their minds because of fear. Spirit of fear- If we give it “all” we might need some of it one day. What if we go hungry? What if; times get hard? The “what if’s” bring fear and we decide to “hoard back a portion for a rainy day. Deception of spirit of hoarding- “keep back of the proceeds” We can easily hear the voice of Satan to hold on to part of it. You might need it someday. Even with our tithes we can get this idea that we know what is best and their might be a “pet project” coming that we can finance with our tithes. One of the problems with this is that when the day comes, we need it and many times it is never “let go of” because the spirit of hoarding now has us in his clutches. Deception of human reasoning- it just makes since. It is the “right thing to do at the time”. “We need it more than the other guy”. We use worldly thinking instead of instead of listening to the Holy Spirit. Verse 9 “why did you agree to test the spirit of the Lord”. We won’t get caught, no one will ever know. This deception proved FATAL! May 30, 2010 The marquee outside the church read: “This is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints” Yes, that’s harsh but it is true. The church is for the sinner! It needs to be sinner friendly without allowing sinners to be comfortable in their sin, but drive them to repentance. The church is a hospital!Imagine with me going to a hospital you have never been to before. You are sick and without help will die. People are lined up for treatment. The line is long and the room is crowded. You can see the doctors and staff in the back room. They are not treating patients, they are having what looks like a party. The doctors are reminousing about their former patients and how they had “healed them” “took care of them” all about their great work. As you go down the halls you find meeting rooms filled with people. The signs read:Gallbladder Gladiators Club- first Wednesday. The Ingrown toenail survivors meet on the Second Monday, Tonsillectomy Unlimited: meet on Friday nights. The Hernia Homesteaders gather on the Fourth Thursday. You finally give up and go to the Emergency Room- it is closed for re-decorating. The Operating room is being used for Urma Smiths 45th Childbirth Reunion. Now all this sounds crazy! But it is a picture of the church today. So busy babysitting the saints and living in the past, we do not fulfill the job we are intended to do. God help us to be a hospital to the hurting, the wounded, those dying in their sin. Men and women need to enter the spiritual hospital (the church) find it friendly, helpful and relevant to where the are at in life. There they meet Dr. Jesus and allow Him to perform A HEART TRANSPLANT. Ezek 36:26-27 NIV “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you: I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” The world is dying and desperate. They have a terminal illness called SIN. They will DIE without a heart transplant. We have the only cure- salvation. What are we going to do with the truth we have? Pastor Pearcy April 19, 2010 Five Things We Must Do To Reach People with the GospelLuke 19:1-10
As we look at the story of Zacchaeus we discover five things Jesus teaches us we must do to reach people for Christ.
1) Jesus Sought Him (vv. 1-5) We must go after people because they are looking for hope & answers
Jesus was looking for Zacchaeus more than Zacchaeus was looking for Jesus! Jesus is looking for lost sinners more than lost sinners are look for Jesus! (v. 10)
Paul Harvey said, "Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium."
2) Jesus Cared for Him (v. 5a) We must care enough to find out more about them. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name. If we don’t care for the lost then we are sinning against God.
James 4:17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” The old adage is still true “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” 3) Jesus Fellowshipped with Him (v. vv. 5b-6) – We must be willing to go to them, into their homes, into their culture, into their circles and be a Godly witness. Matt 9:9-13 Notice with whom Jesus would fellowship. · The “haves”- (the religious establishment, the wealthy, the powerful) · And the “have not’s”- (the poor, the sick) Jesus was our example to witness at both ends of the economic spectrum.
4) Jesus Shared the Truth with Him (v. 8-9) We must be willing to say, “Thus saith the Lord!”We are here on planet earth to call People to be followers of Jesus. The truth changed Zacchaeus and the truth will change everyone who comes to the truth of Christ.
We must instill the value of a true born again salvation experience and living a consistent Christian life so our life is not just a “religious” thing but that we model a true “relationship” with the living God.
5) Jesus Taught Him How to Live & Give (8-10) –the gospel is about making disciples that know how to live for Christ obediently and to give in Christ honestly!
We Exist to Disciple People Who Become Followers of Jesus Christ
Jesus taught Zacchaeus how to live honestly and also how to give generously.
We must teach new believers how to live for Christ and to give to Christ. They are just like babies in a new world. They need those who have grown in Christ to show them the way. It is an eternal investment of your life into another. Scripture is clear the older has a responsibility to teach the younger. We teach by what we say but also by what we do. When we don’t show up for Wednesday night Bible Study we are voting to close the service and teaching new believers “that is not important”. When you are a leader in the church and you are not faithful in your (marriage, business dealing and in your relationship to the church) you are a poor model. One new family to the church asked why the church leaders only attend on Sunday morning. I just hung my head and told them to ask you that question. When they do, what will you say? S. Truett Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-a, is quoted as saying:If you wish to enrich days, plant flowers;If you wish to enrich years, plant trees;If you wish to enrich Eternity, plant ideals in the lives of others
If we are going to reach people for Christ, then we must seek out lost people, care for them, fellowship with them, share the truth with them, and teach them how to live and how to give their lives for Christ. Follow the example of Jesus and you will be an effective witness for Christ! RLC report of 2009 Dear Friends, As I reflect over 2009, I am amazed to see what God has done at Radiant Life Church Bentonville, AR. God has put together an awesome team of talented, dedicated, trained professions from many walks of life to begin to fulfill the vision that he has for this church. God’s vision has never been just about a building, it’s always been about building people. Buildings are simply a tool to reach and teach the next generation of believers. In the last few years God has allowed us to expand our ministries to new heights. This is a recap of 2009: Mobile Kidz Blast (Sidewalk Sunday school) now in three low-income government complexes. This last year we have prayed with 350 children and adults, who have made professions of faith. This families are visited each Saturday and given the opportunity to ride the van to church. 1,112 families have been given boxes of groceries. Our weekly attendance average has been 183. Family2Family – a Christmas outreach where we provide the ingredients for a needy family to gather around the table and enjoy an old fashion family Christmas dinner. Last year we provided food boxes, a “book of Hope” and a chicken for 212 families in need for Christmas. Bus Ministry- currently we have one church van and we borrow personal vans just to keep pace with the demands of children wanting to come to church each Sunday. Currently we have 20-28 children regularly riding on Sundays. Our vision is to purchase one or more additional vans in 2010. Bible College Classes- Victory Bible Institute in Tulsa, OK is a well established proven school and we have chosen to affiliate with them instead of “reinventing the wheel”. Last year we had 10 students (from three local churches) enrolled. The new semester has started with 10 students as well enrolled preparing for gospel ministry. Beginning in the fall we plan to open an Hispanic Bible College especially for the 40 Hispanic pastors in our area who have no formal Bible College education. Spanish Language classes – Held on Tuesday and Thursday nights for those desiring to learn Spanish. Last semester we had 17 students, this spring semester we have 12 students. International “small groups”- with the vision to reach the internationals in NWA with the gospel, we have developed “small groups” who meet in homes of unbelievers to build relationship with them and to introduce them to Jesus Christ. Currently we have groups from India and the Marshall Islands. We have seen two Hindu ladies receive Jesus; who are only in the USA for a short time and will be returning to India as born again witnesses for Jesus Christ. With God’s help we will be launching additional: Pilipino, Caribbean, and Native American groups in April 2010. Hispanic Services – On November 8th we started a ministry to Hispanics on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm. Attendance fluctuates between 10-17, with six having made commits to receive Christ as savior. School of Worship- is involved with raising up musicians that will lead a new generation into the very presence of the Lord. Currently we have six students who are learning: drums, guitar and the base. Short term missions- Each year we sponsor one or two mission’s trips, Last year we took eight on a trip to St. Louis Dream Center and then in June took 23 to Winnipeg, Manitoba- Canada to assist Youth With A Mission in intercity ministries. Our next team leaves July 26th for the Atlanta Dream Center. Community Food Pantry and Thrift Store- for the last seven years we have been blessed with the opportunity to sow food, clothing, furniture, household items, personal care products etc into the lives of people through this ministry. Last year we were able to give away over $101,000 in “gift assistance” to families and non-profit ministries in our area and fed 40-50 families a week through the food pantry. For over 58 years Radiant Life has tried to be good stewards of the financial resources sown into the Kingdom. We are so blessed by our faithful 80 registered church members and we believe that God has given us the ability to stretch our few dollars to maximum effectiveness in reaching people with the gospel. We can never allow our physical size to limit us in fulfilling the vision God has placed in our hearts. Today is the day of expanding ministries, expanding our influence, advancing the kingdom. With the economic downturn it has been a struggle to keep these ministries operating but the need for such ministries is growing. We have learned the principle that we must step out in faith and trust that God will provide, and he has never failed. 2010 is going to bring a great harvest! It’s going to be a “bumper crop”! Thank you to those have contributed in 2009, you have been an answer to prayer and we know that everything that has been accomplished will be “credited to your account” in heaven. Thank you for partnering with us as we “reach this generation for Christ Jesus”. Galen Pearcy, Pastor Week of Prayer and Fasting Saturday January 09, 2010 Well our week of fasting and prayer is drawing to a close. It has been an awesome week. I appreciate the team of committed people who have lead our the "prayer watch" communion services: Ken Wagner, Carolyn Roberts, Terry Nalley and Rocco Vanni, you each did served the Lord well. Most of the time (for me) the real demonstration or break through comes after the fast is broken. We have prayed, we have declared with our mouth, we have stood in faith, we have rebuked and exhorted, now is the time to watch and wait for the manifestation of the power of God. I encourage you not to quit fasting just because we are not having a "corporate" fast but to continue an individual fast as the Lord leads you. Maybe one day a week, maybe two or three days. Just let the Lord lead and he will do amazing things amoung us. Blessings- see you tomorrow in the 10:30 am service. Pastor Friday January 08, 2010 Adam and Eve where placed in the garden and instructed to oversee creation. Geneses 2:15 “The Lord God put the man in the garden of Eden to care for it and work it.” When they sinned (disobeyed" they took of the vegetation that they were working caring for and growing. Genesis 2:7 “so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” They worked (sewing) creating something to cover their disobedience. God came and slew an animal to make for them garments of skin- the first blood sacrifice, to cover them. Genesis 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. When their sons Cain and Abel grew up and went to sacrifice to God, Cain followed after his earthly father and sacrificed from the work of their hands, while Abel slew an animal, like his heavenly father had done in setting an example of a blood sacrifice. Genesis 4:3-4 “In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.” When Jesus came to earth and gave his life on the cross it was the perfect sacrifice, a blood sacrifice, for the redemption of sins. Jesus said in Matthew 26:28 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” We receive forgiveness of sin because of the blood of Jesus, that was poured and can now cover our sins. Many today want to remove the blood from the picture. As Carolyn Roberts, our prayer leader today, taught many today what a “fig leaf religion” removing the blood of Jesus. They want to work their way to eternal life and don’t want to deal with the “blood”. But the blood is cornerstone of our standing with God. As we continue in our time of fasting and prayer let’s celebrate the blood that was shed for the remission of our sins. Pastor Pearcy Thursday January 07, 2010 Fasting is recorded many times in the Bible once was shortly after Jesus was born and Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple, Anna a prophetess who scripture says in Luke 2:37 “ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”This woman evidently lived within the temple compound and she served the Lord through worship and fasting and praying. We might relate that today to a person who lives on the church grounds, who served as a worship leader and or a prayer leader. Another scripture in Luke 5:33-35 “They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” Jesus answered, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” Jesus disciples were questioned for not fasting. In which the reply was that explaining that Jesus still with them but after he gone, then they could fast.Many times we only think of fasting from food. When we look at the purpose of fasting it should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God. With that in mind, a person could fast from anything that is important to him. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. I know of people who have fasted from video games, television, soda, coffee, maybe watching sports, even sex. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast.I Corinthians 7:1-5 “Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. 2 But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” We are over the half way mark of our fast. Stay focused and get ready to recieve great insights from the Lord. Pastor Wednesday January 06, 2010 Genesis 26:1-6 and 12-14 (NIV) “Now there was a famine in the land—besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time—and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws." So Isaac stayed in Gerar. Vs 12-14 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. The blessing the Lord spoke over Isaac is a blessing we can receive as well. Here the Lord gave instructions: Stay where I have called you. If you do: · God will pour out his blessing on us · Pour out blessing on our descendants · And through our descendants will bless all the nations of the earth Obedience opens the door to God’s blessing! I especially love vs 12- Even though there were financial hardships in the world, famine (even a recession) and it was tempting to “eat the seed” Isaac was faithful to sow the seed in difficult times. He kept his faith and trust in Jehovah God and began a cycle of sowing and reaping that paved the way through for him to make it through the tough financial times. He kept moving forward and prospering regardless of the economy around him. He even “reaped a hundredfold” that year. The blessing of his God even amazed the unbelievers who lived around him. I pray in Jesus Name, that the blessing Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be upon the family of Radiant Life Church as we walk in obedience to the Word. I pray that even in a recession, as we sow our seed, we will reap THIS YEAR a hundredfold, in Jesus Name. Pastor Pearcy Tuesday January 05, 2010 What is Fasting?: “Abstaining from food for a period of time for spiritual purposes” the period of time can vary from a day or so through to 40 days. Fluids (fruit juice, water) should be taken during the fast. If you feel led to fast for a prolonged period of time you should consult your famliy doctor for his advise. Prolonged fasts require preparation and need some design in terms of the food one eats as the fast is ended. I encourage people to begin with short fasts, a day or two before launching into a prolonged 21 or 40 day fast. Dont' just FAST but you must spend time PRAYING, as you fast. By fasting we are seeking God and communicating with HIM through prayer and the Bible. Some have fasted by eating only the essentials for life like just bread and water. You might choose to do what is called a "Daniel Fast" as recorded in Daniel 10:1-3. Who should fast? The Israelites fasted at least one day annually on the Day of Atonement. That is, this was a national fast – all were involved. Others such as Moses, David, Esther (and the Jews in Susa at the time) fasted for specific purpose. In the New Testament we find Jesus saying “when you fast” not “if you fast”. The early church prayed and fasted when sending out missionaries etc. John and Charles Wesley would only appoint ministers who would fast till 4.00pm Wed and Fri! I believe that fasting is for everyone (except thsoe with a medical condition) should fast and would benefit from the practice of periodic fasting. I believe the Bible clearly instructs us in private personal fasts and also public corporate fasts. More on fasting tomorrow Pastor Pearcy Monday January 04, 2010 Luke 12:29-31 (New International Version) “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ”Luke 12:29-31 (Amplified Bible) “And you, do not seek [by meditating and reasoning to inquire into] what you are to eat and what you are to drink; nor be of anxious (troubled) mind [unsettled, excited, worried, and in suspense]; For all the pagan world is [greedily] seeking these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Only aim at and strive for and seek His kingdom, and all these things shall be supplied to you also” Luke 12:29-31 (New Century Version) “Don't always think about what you will eat or what you will drink, and don't keep worrying.30 All the people in the world are trying to get these things, and your Father knows you need them. 31 But seek God's kingdom, and all your other needs will be met as well” This morning after our team met for our first 6 am time of prayer, the Lord brought this scripture to mind. We get so caught up in "what's for supper", "where are we going to eat at for lunch", "who are we going to eat with". The word for us today is don't get caught up in what we are going to eat, or worried about those thing. This is what the "world" does. Instead lets focus on things that matter "kingdom needs". Let's move our emphasis from the natural to the spiritual- Let's seek HIS kingdom and then the "who, what, where" will be provided. Pastor Pearcy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prov. 11:25 “a generous man will prosper: he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed”Generosity in us breeds generosity in others. It permeates scripture, reflecting the heart of God. It is impossible to prosper in ministry with stingy hearts. Generosity breaks the bondage of poverty. You might not think you have anything to give. When you have a generous heart, love finds ways to be generous. It might be financially, it might be in time, it might be in talent, but love finds a way to be generous. There are two recent stories of generous people in our community who have blessed many through our food ministry. Never in the Eighteen years of this food ministry have we had fresh home grown produce to bless families with on a regular basis. It has been a prayer of ours. A lady who takes her produce to the Bentonville Farmers Market on the square each Saturday but first she brings a tithe (10%) of what the Lord has provided from her garden that week and gives it to the food ministry to feed the hungry. The second story is a man who brings produce from his garden each week. God has provided more vegetables than he and his family can eat so he brings the abundance to the food ministry. Both report how that God has blessed them as they where generous with what God has given them. When you become a giver, you will become a receiver. There is a flow to God economic plan for caring for people. When our children was small and they were outgrowing there clothes quickly. We had a need for clothes for our kids. God spoke so clearly “give the outgrown clothes away to others”. Once we released what we had in our hands, it released God to pour blessing into our hands. It’s hard to receive when your hands are full. But once you release (that means letting go of your security) then you can receive all that the father has for you. Remember everything is HIS anyway.It’s much more than transferring goods, it’s linking lives together, yours and Gods and building “cords which cannot be broken” with other believers on this earth.It shows us that are all part of God’s awesome family. II Corinthians 8:1-4 “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” The Macedonians, who were very poor, understood giving was privilege and there was “cheerfulness” in there giving. “I was young and how I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely, their children will be blessed” Ps 37:25-26 There is a huge key here to prosperity- generosity. The righteous are not forsaken, they do not beg, because they have spent their lifetime being generous and lending to others freely. They have stored up a reservoir of blessings. That blessing goes beyond them but it extends to their children. Our children will receive because of the generational blessings that we have sown. It’s the secret to Kingdom Success! Pastor Pearcy Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked" In the Roman army there were two kinds of shields. One was small and strapped to the left forearm. The other was "the Thureon" made of a plank of wood. In would be covered with metal and sometimes, thick specially treated leather. When the arrows were shot teh fiery pitch would be extinguished.When the Roman army would fight they would form a long line of soldiers and then "plant" these shields in the gound forming a solid wall of total protection from the enemy.We must stay in line with the other brother and sisters in Christ. One person carrying one shield in good but together we make a total wall of protection that combats the army of the enemy. It's called accountability! Teamwork. We must stand together in these last days. Together we can accomplish so much more. The Value of a Good Pruning (9.30.09) ”Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2
A few years ago I read a wonderful book “the secrets of the vine” by Ralph Wilkerson. I learned so much about grapes and vineyards that apply to our lives as believers. Jesus uses vineyards because he used things that were around him to illustrate his teachings. There are several valuable principles that we need to learn about pruning.
Jesus said that His Father prunes His children. The most fruitful lives are the ones that have been strengthened through the painful process of pain and testing. He in His great wisdom has chosen to allow things to be cut away, things that will hinder our growth. What we see as tragedies may be only blessings in disguise, and the very opportunities through which God chooses to exhibit His love and grace.
Has the dearest in life been torn from you? Have all your dreams faded? Remember that if you could see the purpose of these problems from the standpoint of God’s wisdom and of eternity, if you could interpret these trials in their relationship to life’s blessings, you would be able to dry your tears and praise the Lord for them all.
God will not withhold any good thing "from those who walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11). Even in your painful situation, you can trust Him to do what is best.
Christ, the Gardener, cuts away the dead wood to make us fruitful. Here are eleven principles revealing the value of being pruned.
1. Jesus knew that God often uses tragedy to cause people to look to heaven for solutions to their problems. The Savior said, "Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (Jn. 15:2) Thank the Lord to for His pruning of certain habits, thoughts and dependencies enabling you to be more fruitful.
2. Jesus knew that people need to die to themselves and their desires before God can properly use them. The Lord Jesus said, "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24) Ask the Lord for a greater yielding attitude so you can enjoy greater spiritual success.
3. Jesus knew that sometimes we must step aside in order for God’s greater work to be done. The Lord Jesus said, "It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." (Jn. 16:7) Ask the Lord for the wisdom to know when to step aside to allow God to use whomever He wants to get His will accomplished.
4. Jesus knew that persecution is a part of God’s plan to help us mature in all aspects of life. The Lord Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely on account of me." (Matt. 5:13, 14) Ask the Lord for greater endurance to withstand the tests, trials and hardships that are a part of God’s plans.
5. Jesus knew that adversity often happens to the Godly as a means of greater visibility for God’s kingdom and righteousness. The Lord Jesus said, "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me." (Jn. 16:1-3) Ask the Lord to help you see the silver lining behind every dark cloud of adversity.
6. Jesus knew that hardship often happens so that we can see how the Lord turns our grief to joy. The great Shepherd said, "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." (John 16:20) Ask the Lord to give you greater faith enabling you to see how God can turn any grief into greater lasting joy.
7. Jesus knew that things often get worse in minor areas so that we can learn how to assume greater responsibilities. The Master said, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10) Ask the Lord to help you be faithful and effective with your minor duties so God can promote you to greater responsibilities.
8. Jesus knew that the Lord uses difficulties to weed out those who are not fit for leadership. The Lord Jesus said, "They all alike began to make excuses. Please excuse me "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brother and sisters - even his own life - he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:18, 26) Ask the Lord to help you not be disqualified because of unwilling to surrender all for God’s will.
9. Jesus knew that adversity is often used to accomplish the greater purposes of God throughout society. The Lord Jesus said, "Neither this blind man sinned nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." (John 9:4) Ask the Lord for greater insight into how the Lord uses everyone & everything for His sovereign purposes.
10. Jesus knew that God can use politically motivated investigations for greater teaching. The Lord Jesus said, "Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath. But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs? So they were divided. The healed man answered, "You do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does His will." (John 9:16, 30, 31) Ask the Lord to give you the patience to let the Lord use politically motivated investigations to accent God’s truth.
11. Jesus knew that God could even use the betrayal of Judas Iscariot for His glory. Jesus said, "He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me. I am telling you now before it happens so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. Jesus was troubled in spirit and said, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." (John 13:18) Ask the Lord to give you the grace, wisdom and strength to endure betrayals.
These eleven principles are great tools for us to reflect upon and ask God to use the place we are in today to grow us into the “vine” he desires.
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