The Miracle of Faith

I had the privilege of speaking at a Christian school today at their chapel. There verse for the month is Hebrews 11:7:

By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God. (The Message)

I was blessed to speak to wide range of ages and encourage them to trust God even when they can't see what is promised. As we do, we become more intimate with God!

An invitation to receive Jesus for eternity had crossed my mind, because even at a Christian school there are those who play "Christian" but it doesn't mean anything in their lives. So, I took a chance... and wouldn't you know God was at work. At least 4 kids chose to put their trust in Jesus this morning! I am truly humbled and blessed to be a vessel that God would choose to bring some kids into His Kingdom.

Long live the KING!!!

A Timely Poem

After the post from earlier this week, this poem came to my inbox from JesusLifeTogether.com

I refuse to be discouraged,

To be sad, or to cry;

I refuse to be downhearted,

And here’s the reason why:

I have a God who’s mighty,

Who’s sovereign and supreme;

I have a God who loves me,

And I am on His team.

He is all-wise and powerful.

Jesus is His name;

Though everything is changeable,

My God remains the same.

My God knows all that’s happening;

Beginning to the end;

His presence is my comfort;

He is my dearest Friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,

To bring my head down low,

I call upon my mighty God;

Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten

To rob me of my peace;

He draws me close unto His breast,

Where all my strivings cease.

When my heart melts within me,

And weakness takes control;

He gathers me into His arms,

He soothes my heart and soul.

The great “I AM” is with me,

My life is in His hand;

The “Son of the Lord” is my hope,

It’s in His strength I stand.
 

I refuse to be defeated,

My eyes are on my God;

He has promised to be with me,

As through this life I trod.

I’m looking past all my circumstances,

To Heaven’s throne above;

My prayers have reached the heart of God,

I’m resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything.

My eyes are on His face;

The battle’s His, the victory mine;

He’ll help me win the race.

Fighting Discouragement

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just keeps on giving? You know the kind that seems continue to kick you in the backside? I feel like I've had one of those weeks (or two, or three). 

The good thing is that my faith is unshaken, but I have just been feeling beat up. Pummeled by my failures as a husband, father and pastor.

All of my efforts in these areas seem to be producing no immediate fruit. And for a man who likes instant gratification, it's difficult to wait it out. I want to see results!

But another power is at work too... that is the powers in the unseen world. The powers that battle to see discouragement in the lives of those doing, praying and serving in God's Kingdom...

And, yet, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous... do not fear for I will be with you wherever you go. I will go before you into the promised land...

What's interesting is that military campaign took a lot of time. It didn't happen overnight... it happened over time.

So I had a good gut check this week... although I felt sorry for myself, God reminded me that He is for me. He is going before me. He is fighting the battles. He's the one that is able.

So what am I worried about? What am I discouraged about? Is my strength dependent on the circumstances around me or the God who fights for me?

Thank you, Lord for the reminder that you are big enough to handle my discouragement. Forgive me for putting myself in a place where I think I can do it all. Thank you for helping me see the big picture and that you do care. Thank you that you are fighting for me, my family, my church and my community. Forgive be for being arrogant to think that I could produce results. You are the only one who can produce the results I am looking for. May I submit to your leadership, your wisdom, and your strength. And, thank you for the things you ARE doing in my family, in my church and in my community. And, thank you for breaking this spirit of discouragement. You are conquering the places in my heart that I haven't surrendered. May I have a willing spirit to let you continue.

Participate on Our Knees

Here is a post I thought worth posting found at Jesuslifetogether:
http://textmessages.jesuslifetogether.com/Participate-on-Our-Knees

2/27/2004

“Very little is going to happen in our generation without a lot of prayer. If we’re casual in our prayer and foolish and sloppy in our time with God and our discussions with Him about things like this, then He’ll take the Kingdom away from us and give it to those that will bear its fruit. He really wants us to participate on our knees with Him, literally on our knees with Him, urging Him and begging Him to advance His purpose in men’s hearts and to show us how we can serve Him. And if we don’t even think about it that way, and don’t even do it, if we don’t discuss it and discourse and plead with Him personally about things, then He’ll take the opportunities away from us and give it to those that will personally dialog with Him about it and plead with Him about it. So let me beg you to not only pray for one another in a personal by name sort of way, but also to pray for saints and opportunities for people around the world. This is God’s will for you...”

A New Years Post

Ok, so one of my new years resolution is to get better at blogging! There are days that I have no idea what to write about, but I wanted to let you know that this is something that I believe will help be become a better writer and hopefully, let you into my life as a pastor too.

The first series that we will be taking a look at this year is going to be "Covenant Community" and what a Christ-centered community looks like in this present age. I would love to hear your feedback as I preach too.

I believe there is much to be thankful for and that God desperately wants to use Living Hope in a powerful way this year for His Kingdom. It won't be by our own efforts or power, but as we let the Holy Spirit work in us, I believe that the God WILL USE us to impact our community and be a blessing to those around us.

Will you join me in this adventure? Let's pursue our most magnificent God together this year!

Blessing to you and yours.
- Pastor Jess