Give Him The Gift of Worship!

 “And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts...” (Matthew 2:11, Amplified Bible)

When the wise men first saw Jesus, they were completely overwhelmed. They fell to their knees and wanted to worship Him with everything they had. Giving was an automatic response. They wanted to pour out to Him their love and gifts because they were thankful and wanted to honor Him.

Think back to your first encounter with Christ. Where did that take place? And who was involved? For me, the message of Jesus came alive when I was 17. A man, who was practicing the message of who Jesus is, sat me down and told me Jesus loved me and the new life we experience after the initial meeting! What I mean by that is, in that moment of giving our lives to Christ, HE launches us into a life so extraordinary because of who HE is.  HE guides our steps and when obedience takes place HE blesses us.

When we give to God our time, talent or treasure, He doesn’t want us to do it just because it looks right or because we feel like we have to. When the wise men came upon our Christ they did what was in their heart and worshipped Him! That really is what I am talking about—worship out of relationship from an overflowing appreciation and value of who Jesus Christ is.  Because there is abundant life changing power in the name of Jesus!  "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11 KJV) Celebrate Jesus!  We can rejoice knowing that the King of kings is on His throne, and He alone deserves all the glory and the honor!

“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” (Psalm 86:12 NIV)  Just in case someone asks you who He is, the answer is simple: “and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6b NIV) How we worship is reflective of what we value! He wants us to give out of a heart filled with genuine honor and faith.

Think about the faithfulness of God today. Think about what He’s done for you — He saved and redeemed you. Think about the fact that He is your provider. As you meditate on His goodness, your heart will overflow with thankfulness. And just like the wise men, giving will be an automatic response!

Blessings for a joyous season,

New Mercy!

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:22–23, NLT)

The year is winding down and we are entering into the Christmas season. During this season a lot of us reflect on what has happened, what we’ve said and what we’ve done over the course of the past year. Some of us use the phrases “if only”, “I should have”, “I could have.” In all that, isn’t it good to know that no matter what happened yesterday, no matter what you said, no matter what you did, God’s mercy is new for you today? Mercy is empowering. It frees us to make the right choices and live in a way that is pleasing to God. We should never forget that God is not condemning us. There may be conviction, but that is what keeps us on the right path. I love reading the stories of Paul, a leader who made some bad choices. Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. We are renewed daily because of His mercy and grace. According to His word, it is clear God wants to love and equip us to overcome in this life and live victorious in freedom.

I’m wondering if you need new mercy today like I do. If you do, I pray that you receive it by faith. You don’t have to beg God to forgive you. He forgives you the first time you ask, but it’s up to you to receive that forgiveness. Open your heart today and receive His mercy. Let Him wash over you with His peace and joy. Then choose to extend that mercy to others. Remember, you are God’s agent in your community and workplace. As you show His love and character to others, He’ll pour out His blessing upon you and use you in ways you never dreamed!

This Christmas season why not choose to be a recipient of mercy and also a giver of mercy to others!

Blessings,

OUR GOD TAKES DELIGHT IN YOU!!

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

In this world I find it interesting how many have actually been discouraged by parents, leaders, friends etc. and never really have felt encouragement from the people closest to them. How difficult it is in life to feel like you are alone with no one standing alongside believing and speaking life into the dreams that God gave you!  I have heard the comment time and time again, “I never heard anyone say they believed in me!” The challenge with that statement is that it becomes an anchor holding back that person’s growth and attempts at moving forward. Friends it is easy for us to get stuck and sometimes we need a gentle push and reminder that God desires relationship. In the quiet times I sense the peace and confidence of God’s love and power in my life which empowers me to move forward.

In our relationship with God we can walk with a limp feeling of never receiving the approval and encouragement we so deeply desired at the point we were beginning this walk of faith to complete and live out this dream God placed in us. We must stand up and proclaim our Father God, creator of all things, finds value in us even to the point He delights in us! Incredible! How can he do that? Simply, He has deposited life in us and put in us a dream to be lived out. Really inside each of us there is a dream that wants to break free. Remember that people around might not encourage but give it to God and watch what He will do.  He delights in us, loves and affirms us. If that’s you today, the good news is that when you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you become His child. You may not have received the blessing from the significant people around you, but your heavenly Father is rejoicing over you! He’s saying, “I’m proud of you. I love you. You are amazing. You are talented. You are beautiful. You’re going to do great things in life!” He’s releasing favor and hope into your future.

Today, no matter what’s happened in our lives, no matter what anybody else has said to us or about us, know that our God loves us with unending love. He’s proud of us, and we must receive His love today. We can receive His approval and hope today. Today, let’s join together to walk thru life with clarity and confidence to pursue the dream God placed in us because we have the blessing of our God!

Blessings,

Yes we can, we must believe!

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Learning to walk in God’s plan that he has designed for you and I best defined as being in process. The first step is to get an understanding, a clear picture of how God sees you and me. The next step is to trust Him—to believe in faith that combining our natural abilities with God‘s super will cause us to live a supernatural life. Boldly, I can say it will happen because it has happened in my life. My wife Terri has some amazing events in her life that attest to this as well. There were times on our journey things were dark but we believed we were in process. We trusted God had an order for us to walk in. We trusted He was capable of doing what He promised. And then finally, you take a step of faith and live out what God has promised no matter what your circumstances or people around you have to say.

“Yes we can, WE must believe” is a motto I chose to live by. Every promise from God’s Word I’ve ever chosen to receive from God has followed this same pattern. We see in scripture that even the great men and women of the Bible walked through this process. They had to overcome doubts, they struggled on their journey, but they held fast to what God said knowing that He is faithful to complete what He started in us!  There is power in understanding that God does His part and expects us to do ours—so it becomes “we”.

Today, if you are having a hard time believing what God has promised will come to pass, understand that you are in a process. Don’t empower doubt with your words. Instead, keep declaring that He who promised is faithful! Keep the vision in front of you knowing that it is for an appointed time. Yes it won’t be long until you are living the life God has prepared for you!

Blessings,

Something Big is Coming Your Way!

Wow. When we hear words like that we tend to disqualify ourselves for this thinking, “God isn’t Santa Clause. I don’t deserve something big.” And in the end we sabotage God’s intention for us.

Look around you! Opportunities are everywhere and this includes growth and movement!

We need to be changing daily and believing the God we serve is capable of fulfilling His word. He orders our steps. “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV)  The next step is an opportunity to do more, be more and serve more!

Winston Churchill noted “Most men stumble over great discoveries, most then pick themselves up and walk away!” How many of us have sleepwalked right past the opportunities of a lifetime! When we see problems we tend to say, “we don’t want that we already have the good stuff!” I am waiting for something that is for sure, a little bit easier, less risky! In my mind, I see God moving towards us inviting us to opportunity but we stand on the shore and miss out unsure if it is God!!

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT)

The God we serve is not a small God. His plan for your life is not for you to reach one level, get stuck and stay there for 30 or 40 years. His plan is to increase you, open new doors before you, and take you places that you’ve never imagined. He has something big in your future! He’s already planned out big breaks, big opportunities and big ideas for you. You may have seen God’s goodness in the past, but you have not touched the surface of what God has in your future! God is about to do a new thing!

And what I sense in my spirit is the new thing is going to be far greater than you’ve ever seen before. It’s going to be bigger than you imagined. It’s going to be more rewarding than you thought possible. Now you’ve got to come into agreement and say, “Yes, God, this is for me today. I’m not going to get stuck where I am. I’m not going to go around with little dreams, little goals. I know you’re a big God, and you have something big coming my way!”

Blessings,

You are in Process...

“You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”   Matthew 5:48 Amplified Bible

One thing I’ve learned is that just because God puts a dream in our hearts doesn’t mean it’s going to come to pass without any opposition. See, God is going to grow us up and take us through process. He’s going to mature us and prepare us to handle the promotion He has in store. It is all about process.

I think about Joseph in the Bible. Starting out, he didn’t have a whole lot of wisdom. He was young and immature, and God had to do a work in his life. Joseph probably should not have told his brothers about his dream that they would one day serve him! As you can imagine, his brothers were not nearly as excited about that as he was. Long story short, Joseph had to go through some things to grow up and be ready for the promotion God had in store.

Personally, I am not really excited about the process, especially if it seems long and is filled with ups and downs. I am extremely task driven. I see the process but I want it completed now! The crazy part is that is what God has designed for us as Christ followers—we are in process constantly! The power of this process is experienced in the battle of the mind as this battle intensifies moving us towards a mind that operates by faith… that ultimately directs us how to overcome the hindrances that slow the process down. Process, process is there not a quicker way to get this done?

Life is about transitions. As the weather has seasons I believe we have seasons. Some of us don’t recognize when the season is changing and get stuck. See there are moments in time that when we catch them they propel us forward into the next season of life. If we miss these moments we get stuck in seasons that don’t necessarily yield us the production we need to move through the process.

Times have not changed. It’s the same way with us today. You may have a dream in your heart that seems a million miles away, but just like Joseph, God can take you through the process. Just like Joseph He will take you from the place of defeat to victory step by step. During the growing process, keep yourself focused on Him and allow Him to do His work in your life.

Keep a humble attitude of faith before Him, trusting that the process is a benefit for you and He will lead you and guide you into the destiny He has prepared for you! This is your story write it well!

Blessings,

Pressed Hard to bring out the Best!

I don’t know if it is me or if life is seemingly a little bit harder and more complicated and the pressures are closing in on us? As we journey this life I notice my words can change and seemingly be filled with fear, doubt and disappointment.  Maybe for you like me  these words sound familiar. “Does this ever let up? Are you kidding me? Is this for real? What is next?” Just to name a few.

There is a sense of vulnerability. Trying to figure it all out does not work! It is time to step back and recognize God has a plan and it will play out. Here is the best way to look at it: God has deposited something valuable in us—new life that when lived out puts us in a different game on a different playing field because we are declared victors!

However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair. We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed.             2 Corinthians 4:7-9 Amplified Bible

I like the power of the word “but” in this instance. Regardless of what is happening there is “but.” I might be roughed up but not beaten! I can reluctantly accept and handle a battle knowing I will not lose! We can rely on the reality that good things can come from being pressed! 

 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."        Romans 8:28 NIV

For me it’s like the story of the olive and how an olive goes through the process of becoming the most desired olive oil.  Not just any old olive is chosen for this process, they have to be selected (them that are called).  Then they are washed to remove the impurities, and then pressed by a large weighted mill stone, to extract the oil. But before it can be used, the water in the liquid must be separated from the pure oil by being basically being spun. What does this have to do with us? Those things or tests that may press us will bring out the strength of God in us!  It will reveal the impurities and cause us to separate from those things that don't mix with what God has for our lives. In that press, our obedience to the Lord's direction is essential!  He won't allow the press to kill us, just to bring out the best. So we can't just focus on the right-now discomfort of the press, we have to visualize the oil. It's On! interesting to know that an olive in itself is only good for food consumption (limited use), but after it's pressed the oil can be used in cooking, medicine, beauty treatments, and many more things! So don't fret the press, look forward to the oil.

Press On!

Blessings,

The Power of Our Words!

What kind of world do we want to live in? In a world of love or anger, hate? In a world of faith or doubt? In a world of peace or heaviness? What about in a world of limitations, lack or abundance? God through His Word has attempted to allow us to know what kind of world that He wants us to live in. It’s our choice. Whether we actually live in that world depends on us! By believing and speaking the Word of God, we can create the world we desire to live in.

I desire to grow up in a world of faith, peace, joy and love. That does not mean I don’t live in reality nor am I free of adversity. The power of how I choose to handle it is what changes. The words we can speak every time we face a problem or crisis is the following “This is just another opportunity to prove that God’s Word works!” God allows opportunities for us to grow. Through those opportunities He wants to see us grow and develop on our journey as we partner with him.

There are many factors in our lives today that try to create our world for us. Physically we are challenged to accept defeat, disappointment with the ultimate of disillusionment. Economic factors try to create a world where there is no hope, no potential to dream of financial advancement. Sometimes our own thoughts hold us captive in a world we do not want to live in. Our negative thoughts put a lid on our lives and keep us from entering into the blessings of God.

What is the world God wants you to have? It’s a world of faith and love that you create with your words (Mark 11:22-24). It’s a world of peace and joy that you create with your mouth, based on what the Word of God says (Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It’s a world where you can take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). It’s a world of abundance and prosperity, healing and health, and protection and safety, according to God’s Word (Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 2:24; Psalms 91). That’s what He has promised! Why don’t you call what God has promised that doesn’t exist yet in your world into existence!

What kind of world do we want to see? Let’s choose to create it with our words (Mark 11:24). Let’s create it in line with the promises of God—with His Word. As we begin this Fall season, don’t

stay where we are. Set our life on a new course! When we discover the world God desires for us to have, we can release His power through our words and watch His promises become realities!

Let’s Speak Boldly!!

Blessings,

Profitable Hearing.

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU HEAR!!!

He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:24 NKJV

This is a very important word. “Take heed what you hear.” The things we hear enter into our hearts and become part of our being; they give form and color to our character. Infinite blessings have come from the printing-press and people who have spoken life into our hearts over our lifetime. For me I can reflect back on the diversity of people that have spoken a good word that I missed because I was too busy talking and explaining rather than listening. In the same way many opportunities come to hear words that are not life giving but rather filled with and anger and with poison and spread like a wild weed attempting to choke off the hope we have. With all this good and bad, it is vitally important that we pay attention to what we hear. We would not eat poisoned food so why should we allow poison words inside of us?

With all the stuff going on around us we must recognize that we must stop and ask God to  weed out those things that have taken root and have dampened our hope. Remember, we were not forced to listen—it is our choice. Our minds are like a computer when virus-free they operate at maximum but once a virus gets in all kinds of difficulties take place. Sometimes those viruses land accidentally, sometimes by choice, and others by entering the wrong places. The same is true for our minds.

My prayer is, “cleanse my mind, Lord.” One of the biggest battlefields we face is our own minds!

Our minds need to be washed clean with the Word of God. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 NKJV Why?  Because if we allow our minds to get cluttered with un-useful junk like an attic or garage, it eventually won't be able to be used for its real purpose! Our eyes and ears take in so much each day, that before we know it, things are getting stored in our minds that we didn't know about.

Many ruined lives can trace their downfall to the moment when an impure word was whispered in a listening ear. On the other hand, every beautiful life has been made beautiful by what it has heard. We are saved by words. Pure, true words are transforming.

The Bible is simply a book of words; but every word contains a revelation of some beautiful thing in character or accomplishment which we should strive to reach. We should always choose to hear the words of God gladly because they are always safe and beneficial to us. We must not forget the Master's other counsel, “Be careful therefore how you hear.” Luke 8:18 NKJV We should hear thoughtfully, respectfully, obediently, letting the good words of God into our heart, that they may transform our lives.

Please let’s you and I apply this to our life today. Is it time to exchange some virus and hopelessness for a healthy mind filled with hope, life and wholeness?

You are a leader and together we are making a difference in the lives of others for the cause of Christ!

Love you and thanks for partnering with Terri and I.

Blessings,

Stand Strong!

Have you ever heard this line “You can experience God’s best in your life”? But you feel like you don’t qualify. I remember going to a game show years ago. I lined up to see if I would be chosen to be on the show. The line was long. I was feeling like I would never get on the show. “I don’t know anybody. It must be fixed. People have been planted to make it look like the line is real…” I thought. Then we apply that thinking to not slight God and him letting us win on a game show.
In life how do you battle through the feelings of inadequacy and insecurity to live in a dimension where there is so much more that God has ordered for you to walk into.

Not just every once in a while.
Not just a few special times a year.
But today and every day moving forward!

Scripture calls it favor, and it belongs to you! But you must decide something first...

Are you going to settle for where you are? Or are you going to stand and believe that His everyday favor can take you places you never dreamed possible? It IS possible to settle for mediocrity, whether your life and circumstances are good OR bad.

Some of you may be going through difficult circumstances. You may be going through financial issues. Or you may have been given a bad report on your health. Or you have been dealing with relational problems that you just can’t seem to fix. No matter what is going on in your life, you can trust God today.

Look at the promise from the Bible in Jeremiah 29:11. I love how it reads in The Message translation. God says, “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”

God’s word promises that He will take care of you, not abandon you, and give you an amazing future. But it requires something from you. You’ve got to decide you’re not going to settle, that you’re going to believe for His best—His favor in your life.

Today, start declaring that you are more than a conqueror and that God will provide for your needs. And remember, nothing is impossible with God.

If you do this, I promise you that you’ll begin to see God change your circumstances. You will see His favor unleashed on your life.

God is going to take you places that you’ve never thought possible.

Remember, we serve a good God — a God who wants you to receive His best for you each and every day. When you believe this and live it out, your life will never be the same and you’ll live at a whole new level of blessing and favor!

Stand strong,
Joel & Terri

Move Forward in Faith!

Your life can change for the better in a single moment. Sounds like a flippant comment but I have found this to be true.

You can be going along, doing your best, living a life that honors God, but feel like you’re getting nowhere. Or you may feel like no one’s noticing. You may be tempted to start giving up on your dreams because at this rate, there’s no way they could possibly come true. That’s where God comes in!

In one moment God can accelerate your life and change everything!

In the Bible in John 2:1-10, Jesus is at the wedding celebration of some friends when the party runs out of wine. Instead of wedding joy and bliss, this setback could have ruined the feast and damaged relationships. And as you know, you can’t make new wine fast. It takes time...a long time.

In fact the process of planting the seed, growing the grapes, harvesting them, producing the wine and then letting it age takes between five and seven years! And for the best wines it can take 30 years. But in one moment Jesus accelerates this process and does in seconds what normally takes 30 years!

This is not merely a story about what happened a long time ago. It’s a picture of God’s love for you and how He wants to accelerate your life today! If you’ll step out in faith, if you’ll believe that God can do anything and stay faithful where you’re at, one day you’ll look up amazed and say, “I can’t believe I got here so fast!”

You may be facing disappointment, pain and setbacks today, or even criticism from those closest to you, but don’t get discouraged. Adversity could be the very thing God uses to take you to new levels.

Remember, God can turn your life around in a moment and move you “further and faster” than you ever dreamed.

Terri and I want you to know that we love you and we are praying that God will accelerate your life today and cause you to see the steps you need to take that the Lord is leading you in. The word says that God orders my steps (Psalms 37:23) and directs my paths (Proverbs 3:6) and he knows what I need more than I do! I find myself having to trust that statement everyday and believe it by my actions and words that I speak!
Please choose to become aware the things you are learning through the waiting time and move forward.

God bless you!
Joel and Terri

Attitude in Adversity

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

When I read this scripture I was extremely challenged thinking how this is even possible. Jesus, a man of grace and mercy, understood His purpose and lived it with passion. The idea of giving grace and mercy when we don’t feel it is deserving and the idea of living with a clear purpose and passion have been replaced with a sense of survival seemingly extremely different from Christ.This is pretty straight forward; but it is reality! I believe that we have the capacity to practice this word but it will take a change of heart and mind within each of us. The reality is we are challenged and have had relationships that were apparently strong at one time and then they went south leaving us asking what happened. One of the most hurtful things is when those held near and dear to our heart turn away. You don't understand why, but they do. The harsh reality is that sometimes people are only around for the sunshine seasons in our life, but when the rains come, they depart. Don't hang your head, or even try to figure it out. Sometimes the Lord will allow those things to happen, so we'll draw closer to Him. When we don't see the big picture, the Lord see's what's best. "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."(Proverbs 18:24 NKJV) Those that don't mean us well, the Lord will weed out and those whom He assigned to our lives will remain. Those who He assigned and those we try to hang onto, may not be the same! We have to be careful, and use wisdom. We can't force relationships. Our friend that sticks closer than a brother will help us heal from the wounds of friends past and help us treasure those that have our best interest at heart. Real friends will tell us when were wrong, and love us through our mistakes. If we fall, they help us up, we'll cry together laugh together, and grow together. "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17a)

"When I looked around in the midst of the storm, that felt like it would never end,
Weakened from waves that rocked my life, I saw the hand of my friend
Without a word they pulled me up and helped me to higher ground
For a friend like that, is heaven sent, and in their hearts real love abounds!"

I think it is time to take a look at life from a different perspective. The next step is realizing our life will cross paths with many people. Some will stay only for a short season; but God has the long-term plan in place. There’s an old saying “attitude determines altitude.” In other words, a positive, faith-filled attitude will cause you to rise higher in life, but a negative, self-critical attitude will only drag you down.
When we face adversity, our attitude affects the outcome. Are we going to treat people right even when we are being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? So many people get all bent out of shape and start complaining when things don’t go their way, but that kind of attitude only closes the door to God’s miracle-working power. The Bible says that faith is what pleases God. Understand that He is trying to work in your life. He is trying to get you prepared for promotion, but you have got to stay on His side. You have got to stand strong and fight that good fight of faith!

If you are going through a difficult time today, I encourage you to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Start thanking God for bringing you through to the other side and for the relationships He has provided. As you stand strong, I believe you’ll rise higher. I believe you’ll come out stronger and wiser, and you will continue moving forward in the abundant life God has for you!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

Blessings,
Pastor Joel and Terri

Put you Trust in God Not Man!!!

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25 NASB

Life deals us unique twists and turns. How we respond to these is paramount in regards to the direction we will wind up heading and for how long. The odd part of that time is people seem to have a multiplicity of opinions and some attempt to challenge our faith. They ask such questions as, “Does being a follower of Christ make you weak?” or, “Is your faith in Christ just a crutch?”

It could be that people have told us that we are foolish for following Christ and that we are foolish for believing the Bible is the Word of God. It could be that they have told us that faith in Christ as your Savior is a crutch and not for people who are self sufficient. They have told us we are weak, and challenge us that shifting some of our commitments towards building our faith is ridiculous.

This is the moment we must ask the question, “Who are we listening to?” My opinion is that living a life of faith is not for the faint of heart. When we become people of faith there is a shifting of what we trust in and how we view life. It will become extremely different—in some cases adversely different. The journey I am on has trials and tests but the promise is that good will come from these experiences. So I must press on, not with natural thinking but believing in the supernatural!

The reality is there will always be people trying to discourage us when we trust Christ. Fact: we know that people who are close to us will try to discourage us the most and might even get to the place where they avoid us and even disown us. That is why God put the encouragement of His words in the Bible saying that though you be called a fool, “…the foolishness of God is wiser than men…” And when they accuse you of weakness by using faith as a crutch, God says to you “…the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Listen. God knew that these discouraging words would come when you follow Him through faith in Christ. So don’t accept them. They are not of God but rather of the evil one who wants to discourage you and make you weak in your faith. Do not believe those discouraging words. Do not confirm nor approve those thoughts in your mind. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2 NASB) Keep following God. Keep going forward in your faith and realize that God has a place of victory in store for you today! You may be facing challenges. You may look around you and see impossible circumstances. In the natural, it may look like things won’t ever change. But God is saying today, “Quit looking at your circumstances. Look up and trust me! Lift up your eyes of faith and look beyond where you are because there is victory as far as the eye can see!” He is the God who spoke the world into existence, and He is the God who set the stars in space. He is more powerful than every obstacle, bigger than any setback, and He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond what you could ever imagine. (See Ephesians 3:20.) Today, look beyond your circumstances and set your focus in the right direction and Believe!.

Blessings,
Joel and Terri

Swim Upstream...

“Cast the net on the right side of the boat …” John 21:6
Times are getting tough and people are looking to make changes but are unsure which direction to go and if God is in this change.

There is a notion amongst those that follow Christ that “if God is in anything then the doors will swing wide open.” Although that is many times true, sometimes it is not. The danger of teaching the saying as if it were hard and fast spiritual truth is that sometimes God’s plan for us does not take the path of least resistance. Remember the path of least resistance is often downhill.

Example: Moses went to Pharaoh seven times in order for the Israelites to go. What if Moses had made one trip and left with the answer no…? We must remember that when God instructs you to do something, you do it whether the doors swing wide open or not. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. When God calls you to faith it will be when doors seem closed.

Believe me I have been on both sides of those doors. It is only through discernment and persistence that you know which door to choose. Discernment comes from knowing the Word and allowing it to be your guide. The Word is your measuring stick to what is right or wrong!

When you consider the words of Jesus, you will be amazed at how often he asked people to swim upstream. Jesus told the fisherman to undo tradition and throw the net on the other side of the boat. Jesus told Peter to take the message of the good news to the Gentiles in a dream that changed the tradition of exclusivity of nearly 3000 years! Jesus tells us to swim upstream to pray for our enemies, not to seek the things of the world but to seek Him first.

You and I can’t stand staring at doors forever wondering what is next. It is time to swim upstream!

Blessings,
Joel and Terri

Trust...

"For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (Psalm 18:28-30 NKJV)

The Psalmist wrote such a powerful confession that is easier said than done. Life throws us challenges and not always accompanied by easy answers or even quick solutions! I am recognizing much of my personal study recently has been focused on this: keep my eyes on Him, trust in His ways, obey His plan, stay focused…

David knew that he had to rely on God for direction, strength and power! He trusted God so that he felt with God leading the way, nothing was impossible for him to accomplish. David made some mistakes along the way because he allowed something else to light his lamp (give him direction). Relying on the Lord isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of wisdom! Will everything be perfect? No. But instead of dreading and getting stuck at some obstacles we encounter in life, the Lord will be our navigator through them!

God's way is perfect because He knows the end from the beginning, so why not trust HIM for the middle too? Fear is the enemy of trust. Fear will say only trust what you see. Faith says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) Trusting God isn't always easy, but it's not His fault. He's not untrustworthy. It’s because we want to work things out for ourselves, our way. Have we ever done things our way, and then had to pray and ask the Lord to help undo what we did? The obvious answer is yes we have!! Don’t beat yourself up—make the choice to be an overcomer. His word has proven itself—how can we afford not to trust in Him?

Blessings,
Joel and Terri

Order My Steps Lord...

Order my steps Lord....


“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

Many of us pray, “order my steps, Lord.” But what happens when our plan conflicts with what the Lord ordered? Will we follow His orders or will we try and force fit His orders into our plan? (This has proven not to work very well.) The challenge we face is, do we trust God? He knows what the future holds, not just our next step but actually where it leads in the long run. I have personally found it’s better to be in God's plan than happy in my plan. If we planned to go east and He sends us west then he has something for us in the west. We can only see so far, while He knows the beginning from the end. If our steps have been ordered, God has prepared the way before we even take a step. Our plan may look good on the surface, but the Lord's plan is what we were created for. We have to learn to trust beyond our control! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

The life lesson that is coming our way is discovering who we really trust? For me, I have recognized that in my past I have wandered in my own direction trusting in what I could see with my eyes. Then I come into road blocks with God asking, “where have you been?” Sound familiar? Then we ask the infamous, “do you not understand what I need and what I am asking God? Why do you take so long to answer? Why can’t it be simple?” Wow sounds pretty strong. However, we tend to lower God in His power and position down to the level that the He is my buddy. God is not my buddy. He is God who created me and loves me and has a master plan for me from the time I was in my mother’s womb to my last breath on earth. Please believe me, I have been a Christ-follower and have observed many lives. This scenario rings true that God has a plan and mine has to become secondary. I pray we can grow in our trust in God and then obey the plan HE has offered us!

God's direction is better researched than our plan. He has known about it since time began!

Blessings,
Joel and Terri

It is Finished!!!

"I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6, NLT)

It's interesting that the last thing Jesus said on the cross was "it is finished." It certainly looked like the end. It looked like it was over. But I believe that wasn't just a statement of fact; it was a statement of faith. He was saying to His Father, "I've done My part. I've fulfilled My destiny. Now I have total trust and confidence in You that You are going to finish what You started." Even though it looked like the end, in reality, it was only the beginning.

When it looks dark in your own life and things aren't going your way, dare to make that declaration of faith just like Jesus. "It is finished." What you're really saying is, "God, I know You are going to turn this situation around. I know You are going to heal my body. I know You are going to restore my family. I know You are going to give me the breaks that I need." Don't go around complaining. Speak victory over your circumstances. Trust that He is faithful and that He will complete what He's started in you!
The words sound good but how can they practically make anything different? Life is full of opportunities, and we often make choices based on perception of our limitations. We fail to see that the possibilities are limitless in God because of his creative power to make a way for us to move forward toward our destiny! A person connected and committed to Christ has the power to live a life that is authentic and not cosmetic!

Why is it that our faith often inhibits us from developing our creative potential? How could your God-given gifts, birthed by God, fueled by a heart for God then rob God of His glory? You and I are at our best when we are not in competition with God but rather in concert with Him!

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'… Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it. Isaiah 46:10-11

Please let us consider together the fact that God never abandons His creation but builds the road for us with steps designed for us! God has designed a role for you and I in creating the future. Every day, whether we recognize it or not, we are affecting the future. Every choice makes momentum long past the action. Good choices create a better world and a better future.

History does not happen to us it happens through us!

Blessings,
Joel and Terri

It's Time to Get Over it!!!

…Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14, NKJV)

There is one thing that gets in the way of your growth—that opponent in your life that you do not deal with… Wow. That hit hard as I wrote this because we all deal with stuff and that stuff, left unaddressed, does not go away. That “stuff” actually grows larger and larger and becomes louder and louder. What begins small and apparently insignificant becomes a giant that potentially can rule us.
Life is about moving forward—not staying stuck—challenging our setbacks and avoiding distractions that prevent our personal growth. There will always be events that take place that are negative. People who have hurt is in the past will reappear forcing us to deal with the past hurt while other people leave us behind as they move forward in their life. We end up distracted and confused attempting to understand what just happened. Circumstances are always changing; people are always changing.

The plot to impede the great things God has planned for us will be challenged with the attempt to try and pull us down or away from a great work! Some students face ridicule daily for trying to do well in school, while friends try and get them to focus on other things. The wrong relationships can bring us down if we let them. We are fine unless we allow the distractions to detour us. Have you ever had someone almost talk you out of applying for a better job, buying a home, starting a business, etc? Think about how much time and work it took Nehemiah to accomplish what he had done. Why throw all of that away and for what? He made up in his mind that nothing would interfere with his great work!

Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages[a] on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6: 2-3, NIV)

What's trying to interfere with your relationship with Jesus? The enemy is trying to get us to come down spiritually and take our eyes off of God's purpose for our life. If Nehemiah had lowered himself to where they were, he would have been destroyed. The enemy’s attempt to distract us will come in many ways, even ones that may seem innocent. Instead, we should choose to celebrate what seem like small victories every day, that are really monumental in overcoming the enemy’s tactics.
To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions. (2 Corinthians 2:11, Amplified Bible)

If we're alert to his tricks, we won't fall into his traps...........!

Blessings,
Joel & Terri

Someday!!

“Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” — Anonymous

Is it just me or does time seem to speed up when you hit middle age? Years begin to pass like days. When I was much younger I remember how time sort of dragged on. I wondered when school would finally get out so I could play and do the things I wanted to do. Now it seems to fly by me so quickly, leaving me wondering what I did with my time. Sounds depressing, almost disappointing doesn’t it? But instead of limiting us, our lifespan can consistently remind us to be all we were made to be.

Often we’re tempted to play it safe and settle for far less than we were made for. I know so many people whose favorite day of the week is “someday.” Countless people in every stage of life say, “Someday I’m going to go for all that life has to offer.” “When I retire, then I’m going to enjoy life.” “Someday I’m really going to live for God and get my act together. I’ll start loving my family better.” “When I make enough money, then I’m really going to spend more time with my kids.” “Someday when my schedule slows down, then I’m going to get involved at church.” “When I have more time, then I’ll focus on being more spiritual.” Unfortunately these have been some of my excuses too. Now that my children are older I have disappointments and regrets because I fell prey to the “Someday Syndrome”.

Someday. One day. When. If…then. When are we going to wake up and realize this is life and it’s happening now?

This is our life, right here, right now. I have talked with many people and they share with me the idea that is inside them—something they want do to make a difference and it sounds right on… But the next step… Please don’t make the mistake I have made of saying not now or as we shared, “someday.” Someday is now. We’ll always be tempted to resort to the Someday Syndrome, but this mind-set robs us. Someday, when whatever we’re looking for happens, then we’ll start living. When everything settles down someday, then we can enjoy life. I won’t be as stressed or busy. But things won’t settle down. Once we attain what we think we want–more money, a less hectic schedule, the right job–we’ll soon realize that it doesn’t fulfill us, and we’ll begin looking for the next big thing.
God didn’t design us simply to stand by and watch life pass us by as we wonder why we aren’t more fulfilled. God created us to take risks in faith and to conquer the giants that paralyze us with fear, and to live a life filled with passion.

The Someday Syndrome says, “Don’t be ridiculous; be reasonable. Don’t stand out. Don’t take risks; play it safe, and make security and comfort your primary goals in life.” However, God calls us to a life of faith, living every moment all out for Him. God didn’t create us to coast along or swim in a wading pool. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” He has promised us an abundant life. But the first part of the verse talks about the thief coming to rob kill and destroy… Someday is a robber, a killer and a destroyer that is the enemy. Maybe this seems far removed from where you see yourself right now. Take heart, as difficult and frightening as your life may be right now, God is still there. He cares about you beyond what you can understand or even imagine. Please learn from my mistakes and choose not be stuck in the Someday Syndrome.
Today let’s accept the challenge’s and face our fears with ridiculous faith and experience the life God intended you to live.

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [b]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Bible

Blessings,
Joel & Terri

Could it be that God Know our Future?...

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Ps.139:13-14 NIV)

Did you know that God has already written out the story of your life? He’s written out plans for your good, plans to prosper you, plans for peace, and allows plans for you to be stretched and challenged.

What ?? You said stretched and challenged with prosper and peace? See our molding does not just happen in the good but also when we go through negative situations. God will use everything you go through to move you forward toward that good plan. But on this path you will see Him growing you through tough times, and you will experience peace beyond words!

When things happen that we don’t understand, it’s easy to think, “Why did this happen? Why did this friend betray me? Why did this company lay me off and finding a new job is impossible? Why didn’t I get that promotion? WHY? WHY? WHY?” But you can’t let the things you don’t understand keep you stuck on the same page in the story of your life. You have to decide to turn the page so that you can see the victory waiting for you in the next chapter.

Life lesson: Many times we are harder on ourselves than anyone else could be. Sometimes we focus more on what's wrong than what's right—the outward things that we aren't satisfied with, the status we have in life, etc. But how often do we remind ourselves that we are God's creation and He said it was good? Even when we may not feel valuable, in His eyes we are valuable. Even when others complain about what we're not, God is saying what we are and what we will be, according to His plan! Even when we stray from His plan, He forgives, corrects and loves on us. What are some of the easiest ways to forget how special God made you? By comparing ourselves with others; by trying to emulate others; or by allowing someone else to make us into something God didn't. Each of us are one of a kind, hand crafted people that fit in a priceless collection called the body of Christ. Along the way we have picked up attributes that aren't His, but He's even willing to help us shed the weight of those. There's no part of us God doesn't know. Every gift, every emotion, every flaw, He knows. So, we must remind ourselves of this fact: God has never created anything worthless or that didn't have a purpose.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Gen 1:27)
If you are facing a difficulty today, know that God’s plan is to turn it around and use it for your good. The story of your life isn’t over! Keep moving forward, keep believing, keep hoping, keep forgiving because your days are written out for good, and it’s time to turn the page and see the blessing He has in store for your life!

Blessings,
Joel & Terri