Our Mission To love all people at all times and lead them into a new life in Christ.
Our Vision To be a church that will be multicultural and generational, having a lasting impact on the people to whom we minister.
To see the gospel extend beyond the walls of our church through various outreaches.
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“Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy will go on forever.” (Isaiah 61:7, The Message Bible)
None of us will get thru life without experiencing some kind of trouble. David in the Bible once confessed, “My soul is full of trouble.” Paul even cried out that Christians are often troubled on every side.
Sickness comes, promises are broken, divorce happens, employment lost, friends forsake us-trouble. But if we stay in faith God promises us, double for our trouble. It is during troubled times that we must hold onto the Word of God which promises us that whatever we lost–whatever the devil may have stole from us–as we remain faithful it shall be restored.
The Biblical definition of restoration: increase, multiplied or improved so that its latter state is significantly better than its original state.
GET READY-GET READY –GET READY FOR YOUR DOUBLE!!!
Numbers 21:16-17 “From there they went to Beer which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, ‘Gather the people together, and I will give them water.’ Then Israel sang this song,’ Spring up, O well! All of you sing it.”
Now is the time more than ever for all of New Life to continue to gather together to praise the Lord and hear His Word. Take note of this important text from New King James Spirit-filled Bible.
PRAISE CURES “DRY TIMES”
Praise is the cure for the “dry times” that come to every believer, for here the praise of God caused water to flow from a well. Note four truths:
1. God’s instruction–“Gather the people together.” There is unity and power in corporate gathering.
2. God’s promise–“I will give them water (life).”
3. The people’s responsibility–They sang “Spring up, O Well, All of you sing it.”
4. Our lesson–In times of pressure, anxiety, or depression, do not stay alone. Gather with God’s people, especially a praising people. Regardless of your personal feelings, join in audible praise, and sing to your well–the living God. Let your song be one of thanksgiving for past blessings and a song of faith in God’s promises for the present and the future!
We are listening to the services and “joining in” with all of you
To all my faithful friends and family and New Life for the Nations:
I have just finished the most trying month of my entire life. I am not going to “faith it”; I am simply going to be honest before God, His Word, and before you.
Every fiber of my being–Spirit, Soul, and Body–has been tested. The awesome thing is that “God is still able!” There have been times when I have felt my will power begin to slip, but through it all, I have never questioned God and His ultimate and decisive purpose in my life.
This has not been a battle about principles but rather a life and death struggle between a shepherd and a thief sent to kill, steal, and destroy. I appreciate the prayers, intercession, and daily battles that you have waged for me. There were those times as the writer said, “that I would have lost hope had it not been for the anchor that I would see the salvation of the Lord in the land of the living.”
These past weeks have not been an inconvenience or a roadside test of what I really believe. These circumstances and situations have literally attempted to strip my life of a sustaining hope. I give credit to everyone of you who have lain yourself on the line to stand in the gap for me. I want you to know “The anchor holds though the ship’s been battered.” I can finally say, “It is well,” and the storm is conquered.
There were times even though I believe the circumstances were defeated that I would not be able to survive the recovery. Saying, “Enough is enough!”seemed easier than declaring and possessing victory.
Regardless of how you feel about me or my ability to stand, please, keep on keeping on, standing and supporting the principles, faith, and people associated with New Life for the Nations. I am planning nothing less than full recovery. I ask you to accept nothing less and remain a support for everything that New Life has and does stand for.
Stand with me and watch a testimony that will blow the enemy’s vessels literally from the waters. Remember, when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him.
My God is neither too small nor His arm too short to bring the enemy down with glowing testimonies. I urge you to not falter now but to keep on keeping on and do not let the enemy discourage you through anything you see in me and and my circumstances.
I have a contract covenant with the Lord God Almighty, and He has promised that we will win. Continue to stand with me until the enemy is completely under our feet. I need you now more than ever.
Pastor Jerry
Rev. 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the Word their testimony…”
As I sit here beside Pastor Jerry in the hospital, sometimes I forget how many days we have been here. I asked the Lord what did I have to say to you, New Life for the Nations, to encourage you as your Pastor.
First let me tell you that we are not discouraged or defeated. We will overcome these circumstances by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Jesus has taken all of our sicknesses and diseases and by His stripes we are healed. We have accepted this for Pastor Jerry’s healing and stand upon it.
Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses)and carried our sorrows and pains (of punishment), yet we ignorantly considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God (as if with leprosy). But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well-being for us was upon Him and with the stripes (that wounded) Him we are healed and made whole.”
We can feel your prayers and know you are standing on the Word with us.
Secondly, keep doing what you are doing until we return. Keep preaching, worshipping God, reading the Word, praying for one another, and giving your tithes and offerings to support the work of New LIFE.
Keep being faithful to support the vision of New Life.
Remember, you are the church. Be the church.
“Dare to Believe” is the challenge we all face. Do I believe what the Word says about my circumstances? Many people read about healing, prosperity, favor, wisdom, and all the other promises. It is another thing to stand on them in face of the adversary. I want to share three definitions of the word, dare.
1. “have courage for something” It takes courage to believe the Word. Sometimes those around you do not believe and really do not think you can believe. You can’t find courage to stand on the Word in your own strength. God gives us the promise and when we trust Him, He gives us the courage to stand. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2. “have audacity to do something” This means to have the courage to do something that angers or outrages somebody. Anytime you begin to believe God, the devil gets mad. John 10:10 “The thief (the devil) comes but to steal, kill, and destroy,” but you resist him with the Word and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
3. “challenge someone” When you dare someone to do something, you challenge them. We dare you to believe the Word. It will change your circumstances.
*”No matter that the doubters tell you; no matter what the devil says; no matter what anybody, anybody else does. You just keep trusting Jesus; you’ll see and it won’t be long, that God is right and the doubters are wrong!’
“Oh, I dare to believe that miracles happen. That mountains still move and demons still flee. For the God that we serve,He is much more than able. So don’t be afraid, just stand up and say, “I dare to believe!” *Ray Boltz
“What does the Bible say about Christian mothers?”
Answer: Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. A Christian mother is told to love her children (Titus 2:4-5), in part so that she does not bring reproach on the Lord and on the Savior whose name she bears.
Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5).
In Titus 2:4; the Greek word philoteknos appears in reference to mothers loving their children. This word represents a special kind of “mother love.” The idea that flows out of this word is that of caring for our children, nurturing them, affectionately embracing them, meeting their needs, and tenderly befriending each one as a unique gift from the hand of God.
Several things are commanded of Christian mothers in God’s Word:
Availability – morning, noon, and night (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Involvement – interacting, discussing, thinking, and processing life together (Ephesians 6:4)
Teaching – the Scriptures and a biblical worldview (Psalm 78:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4)
Training – helping a child to develop skills and discover his/her strengths (Proverbs 22:6) and spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12)
Discipline – teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consistently, lovingly, firmly (Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17)
Nurture – providing an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection, unconditional love (Titus 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:1-2; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:8-9)
Modeling with Integrity – living what you say, being a model from which a child can learn by “catching” the essence of godly living (Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23; Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; Psalm 37:18, 37).
The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.
What has stolen your song?
I believe that God has given us all a song. It is put in our hearts, that place that only God can touch. We all know that life is tough and the road can be rough at times.
I sense in my spirit that many people are tired of fighting the good fight of faith. They are struggling to fight because they have lost their song, their joy.
One of the most popular passages in the Bible is Nehemiah 8:10: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Why is joy important? Because the “joy of the Lord is your strength!” Did you know that joy produces strength and strength is what is needed to fight this good fight of faith.
David in the Bible found himself in the wilderness of Judah but he did not lose his song. He wrote in Psalms 63:3-4 “Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name”
What has caused you to lose your song, your praise? It is time to take it back!
Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord!
Let’s unite in prayer and intercession for our nation during this critical time. The following is a guideline for prayer.
GOVERNMENT–“I urge, then, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I Timothy 2:1-2
CHURCH–“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23
MILITARY–“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whereever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” Psalm 91:5-6
FAMILY–“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25
EDUCATION–“And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search of it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverb 2:3-5 “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.” Psalm 119:66
MEDIA–“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Phil. 4:8
BUSINESS–“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29 “You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.:” Deut. 25:15
PEACE OF JERUSALEM–“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper who love You. Peace be within your walls; prosperity within your palaces. For the sake of my brethern and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.'” Psalm 122:6-8
” He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called THE WORD OF GOD.” Rev. 19:13
Today we are focusing on the power and importance of the Word Of God. The Word of God is the only thing on this earth that is eternal. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away.” The Bible is the Word of God and it declarres that “His Word endures forever”.
The Scripture verse I quoted makes the direct connection between The Word and Jesus, Himself. “He honors His word above His Name.” This concludes the trust we can have in what God has said. God’s “feeling” has no affect on His Word. As a matter of fact, I believe God only “feels” what His Word says. If the Word says it, that is what He feels about it.
On the other hand, we humans can separate truth from feelings with little effort. We can know the truth(the right thing to do) and use our opposing feelings to chose a different course of action. This is why it is so important that our lives are controlled by the Word of God and not by our emotions(how we feel about something).
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
WORSHIP IS WARFARE (from Andrew Womack)
Mark 5:6, “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him.”
MATTHEW 8:28-34; MARK 5:1-17; LUKE 8:27-39
The word “worshipped” is taken from the Greek word “proskuneo” which means “to prostrate oneself in homage to; do reverence to; adore.” The fact that this tormented man ran to Jesus, and not away from Him, indicates that even “demon-possessed” people have a free will and Satan cannot control an individual without his consent.
Many battles have been fought over whether or not a Christian can be demon possessed. The Greek word for “possessed” literally means “to be demonized.” The Bible makes no clear distinction between degrees of demon activity (such as oppressed, depressed, possessed, etc.), but simply refers to people as being “demonized.” All Christians are fighting against spiritual powers. If we don’t put on the whole armor of God, Satan can certainly affect us or even control us.
The best way to administer deliverance is through God’s Word. As a person receives the Word, it will set him free and also help guard against this situation when the demon tries to come back in with seven other spirits. In severe cases of being demonized, the individual clearly needs the help of a believer, and that’s the reason why Jesus equipped all believers with authority over evil spirits.
Anointed praise and worship will also drive off evil spirits. One thing reserved for God alone is worship, and the devil has always sought that. If he can’t be the one to receive worship, then he seeks to turn others away from giving true worship to the most High God. Praise and worship to the Lord is such a powerful tool against Satan. He can’t stand to see God worshipped. Worship God today in spirit and in truth. The Father seeks those who will worship Him this way. He’s waiting for you.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” 2 Tim. 4:3
There is a difference of opinion and there is sound doctrine. God doesn’t operate by our opinion, He operates by His “sound doctrine”. The type of church service one has in form and structure can vary from church to church. One may be very formal, and one may be very casual and relaxed. I cannot see that God prefers one above the other as long as everything is do decently and in order. The real issue is that everything conforms to the truth of the doctrine presented in the Word of God.
Every issue is not clear cut and unmistakable. Doctrines can be subjective. Otherwise we could “all” agree on every issue. Many doctrines arise based on opinion. Therefore, the more we develop doctrine, the more chance we have of having disagreements. Many differences of opinion could be solved if we consider the background of the doctrines involved. Personality and personal agendas can influence ones interpretation of doctrine. Great conflicts can arise from using isolated Scripture as the foundation for our doctrine. Doctrine cannot be established on the basis of one unclear passage. It must be held up by a current of Scripture in keeping with the basic text of the entire Bible. Only then can we rest our belief on “Biblical truth”. Our doctrinal positions must conform to the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This position is witnessed to by the Holy Spirit in our lives. The doctrine of our teaching must conform to the “Spirit of God” as presented in the fullness of Scripture.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15(NKJV)
I do not want to be misunderstood in what I am about to say. It is the responsibility of the Church to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” But we must really examine our methods. We have developed the idea that we must compete with the world for the attention of the people. To do this we sometimes wrap Jesus in the trappings of the world. To get the attention of the world we make Jesus look like the world. We appeal to the natural man by natural means. We entertain them until we have a chance to “slip” Jesus into the conversation. Play with them for two hours and slip ten minutes of “Jesus” in somewhere. It is not Jesus that is being lifted up but worldly behavior. Food, games, sports, and other activities attract people to events, but does it change their lives? It is my opinion that too much nonspiritual activity does not create spiritual change.
The attitude I am talking about is reflected even in our approach to public education. People once went to school to learn in order to prepare for life. That doesn’t seem to be true today. Learning is not the issue. It is keeping the students entertained and slip some education somewhere in that counts. Heaven forbid we suggest that students should just study to learn something. We must use video games or other means to get their attention. I am not saying that we should not make learning fun. But, the issue is not promoting “having fun” and slip in some education when you can.
It is not the mission of the church to attract people to world like activity in order to hit them with the Gospel. The church did not begin by competing on the world’s level. It was birthed in an atmosphere of supernatural faith. God confirmed the word by signs following. Supernatural happenings were what caught the people’s attention. Miracles, healing, casting out demons, and “signs and wonders” promoted the growth of the Church. Jesus said He would draw all men to Himself if “He” were lifted up. He did not say lift up human attractions and “I will slip myself in somewhere.” “I certainly would not want to be too obvious. I might scare them away.” We need to lift up Jesus without dressing Him up in worldly clothes. That is what we are called to do and it will work.
DON’T BE ANXIOUS
Philippians 4:6 (Amp) “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.”
Recently this is the scripture that comes to my mind over and over. God is still trying to teach me to not fret or be anxious about anything. Notice this verse says, “not anything.”
The devil likes to make you think that God doesn’t care about all these small things in your life. Just hand Him the big decisions. This is not what this verse says.
I must remember that God wants to guide everything in my life. I don’t have to stay up all night worrying about anything. I don’t have to get sick because of worry and stress.
Most of the stress in life comes from worry about situations we have no control over. I can’t make other people do what is right. I can only make sure I make right choices and with prayer, and thanksgiving, hand everything and everyone else over to God.
The next verse Philippians 4:7 says that when I refuse to be anxious and give everything to God then, “God’s peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Keep handing everything over to God and you will walk in peace.
Yesterday morning a small group of men and women gathered here at New life and heard eight people share on “Strengthening Family Ties.” What we heard was awesome. I know 10,000 people that needed to hear what we heard. It ranged from expecting more from our children to showing honor to our elderly. You could not have been there and not received something new and thought provoking. I heard things that I had not heard before. I was challenged to increase my own vision of expectation.
Unfortunately, if you missed these talks, you have no way of hearing them. There was no recording available. Only in the hearts and minds of the people that were there do these messages remain. All the modern technology cannot replace the Biblical admonition that was the heart of the spread of the Gospel. It was the way most of our fore-fathers learned about the things of God. It increased the amount of Biblical knowledge and was used for all ages. Through it the church grew to what it is today. Due to time constraints we have substituted other forms of learning like TV, radio, cd, and dvd. We have lost something the early church had. What is it? It is “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, …but exhorting one another, and SO MUCH THE MORE as you see the DAY approaching.” (Heb. 10:25)
Brothers and Sisters the day is approaching NOW!
Let us take seriously the call to assemble together.
MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!
Job 19:25 “For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives…”AMP
I enjoy the song so much that says “I know my Redeemer lives. I know my Redeemer lives. Let all creation testify; this life within me cries,’I know my Redeemer lives!'”
The word, know, is such a postive statement. Job’s words ring out from such a terrible postion of losing everything and suffering such physical and mental pain. Regardless of what his “friends” accused him, despite the suffering, Job looked beyond it all and focused on the fact that he knew–no doubt,not maybe–he knew his Redeemer lived.
What does your life cry out? Regardless of your circumstances and questions, does your life cry out to those around you, “I know my Redeemer lives!” Galations 3:13 reminds us that we have been redeemed from the curse of the law. Jesus took the punishment of my sins once and forever and redeemed or bought me back into the righteousness of God. Now I walk in the blessings of Abraham-peace, prosperity, favor, healing–because my Redeemer lives.
If you can not positively say, “I know my Redeemer lives,” you can know it today by accepting the promise of John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son and whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
Mark 16:1-7 (NKJV)
He Is Risen
16 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”
This is Easter and many people who show little interest most of the year are taking part in the “religion” activities of the day. Programs, plays, sunrise services, and various other special activities are widely being presented today. Is the activity in honor of the resurrection of Jesus or because of man’s natural desire to show himself “religious”?
There is one thing more important than any other Easter activity. It is pronounced by the Angel at the tomb that morning. “He is risen! He is not here.” Nothing else in Christianity is as important as that statement. As a matter of fact, nothing else in Christianity really matters if He is not risen. None of the pomp and circumstance makes any difference if we miss the main point. A well known German liberal Bible scholar once said, “It doesn’t matter whether or not Jesus rose from the dead, as long as you believe He did.” Does that really make sense? Many leaders in Christianity today are doubting the cardinal beliefs of the Church including the resurrection. This is a death sentence for the Church. Paul put it like this. “..if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” I Cor 15:14 “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” I Cor 15:16-17
Whatever is done or not done on Easter, the important thing is that Jesus rose from the dead and is ALIVE! That is the real meaning of Easter. That is what is to be remembered. That is what is to be celebrated!
RENEWING WEDDING VOWS
Some people may wonder why renewing your wedding vows is important. Jerry and I are not the same people who got married nearly 44 years ago. I was 18 and he was 21. We thought we knew what love was all about. We were blessed to be Christians and had the same ideas about marriage being forever and the importance of God and the church to the family. Yet there have been some hard times. It will be good to renew those vows and say to each other, “I may not be the same person but I am a better person who still loves you and wants to marry you all over again!”
Saying these vows can be the beginning of a deeper spiritual walk together in the Lord as you enter a new season in your marriage. It is a serious vow to take as were the original wedding vows.
Some couples may not have been Christians when they first married but now they are and want to really make those spiritual wedding vows to each other.
Invite your family and friends to enjoy this time with you. You must register by April 8 to participate in this ceremony.
Others may want to come to enjoy watching their friends and families take these vows. Please bring snacks,and refreshments for a fellowship time following the ceremony.
P.U.S.H-PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS
As we read through the Bible, we find the most effective prayers are those that were prayed persistently. In the Old Testament Hannah desperately wanted a baby. For many years she prayed and prayed to have a baby. After her prayer was unanswered for years, she did not say, “Well, it must not be God’s will for me to have a baby.” She kept on praying and God gave her a son-Samuel, the mighty prophet.
When Jesus went into the garden of Gethsemane and prayed, “Father I want to do your will, but if it is possible for people to be saved some other way, then let this cup pass from me and let’s do it the other way.” Jesus got off his knees after this prayer only to find he did not have the strength yet to go through it all. So He prayed again. Got up and still found out He did not yet have the strength. So He went back the third time. It was in the third time of P.U.S.H-ing that he received the much needed strength to be able to go thru. He told his disciples, “the hour is near and Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinner, rise for it is time for us to go.”
Praying until something happens is the attitude that says, “No matter how long it takes, or how many times I have to come before God, I will not be denied. I do not believe this is arrogance; it’s Godly hunger. It is about you pushing into God, not about trying to push God into doing something. This is praying to see the hand of God move, not praying for the sake of praying.
Church, are we tempted to give up to soon? What have you given up on because you have not received the answer yet? Now more than ever is it time to-P.U.S.H!!!
A MAN’S GIFT MAKES ROOM FOR HIM
Proverbs 18:16 “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”
NKJV says this about this verse: “Gift makes room: This gift is not a bribe, but an asset or talent which opens the way. “
Whether your talent or gift is singing, preaching, making money, teaching, computers, administrion, and even sports, God wants to use your ability as a platform for Him. When we dedicate our abilities to God and trust His leadership with our lives, we will stand before “great men.” This means to honor and respect those whom God has placed in authority over you, and He will allow your gift to be noticed. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps. 37:3
No man can keep you from becoming what God has called you to be. There may be times when the devil tells you that no one will ever notice your capabilities, but God knows and will put you with people who will see your potential. He will use your gifts as a platform to bring Him honor and glory.
It starts with you. Are you willing to submit and honor those who are in authority and trust God to allow them to utilize your gifts? Let your passion be for God, and concentrate on doing your best, and He will cause you to have your heart’s desires.
“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” James 3:1
One of the things I have noticed during the forty-one years I have been in the ministry is the great number of people “called” to be preachers and teachers.I think there is a vision of a place of recognition and honor associated with presenting the Word of God. Standing in front of people and presenting your ideas has an unquestionable appeal, especially if you enjoy talking.
Sadly, many of the “called” have fallen by the wayside or disappeared into the crowd. The genuine call of God is not measured by “success” (the world’s idea) but by faithfulness. “Be ye faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Jeremiah was not “successful,” but he was faithful. He never changed the message he received from God in order to gain the approval of the people. True success is being faithful to God’s calling on our lives. Whatever you do, do with all your might as unto the Lord. This applies from the least of these to the greatest.
As a “teacher” of God’s Word, I will have to give an account of what I teach people. This is a sobering thought to me. It is a weighty task not to be taken lightly. Fear and trembling accompany every presentation of God’s words that I give.
The most important thing I must ask myself is,”Have I presented the Truth?”
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