The Word on Unbelief!

Current mood: Full of Faith!
Category: Life

Faith is the key element of walking in victory as a believer in Jesus. It is what undergirds and supports everything we believe and all that we do as sons and daughters of God. There is an enemy that threatens your success, your usefulness and your victory in Christ... it is the enemy of "Unbelief."

Here is the definition of "Unbelief" - Unfaithfulness, disobedience, lack of confidence and conviction. In the Amplified Bible, unbelief is the unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God.

In Heb 3:19 we read, "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." In other words, the children of God that were in the wilderness with Moses were kept out of their destiny and their promised land because of unbelief.

Now, if unbelief caused a generation of God's people to be destroyed and miss their opportunity to receive God's promises, then what does that say to us, when we walk in unbelief (unwillingness to adhere to, trust in and rely on God.)?

Unraveling Unbelief

1. Become a Word Glutton! - There are seasons of "necessary imbalance." This is a time when you step over the line and dive in to God's Word. Perhaps you need to put down some other books (they may be great books) for a season and immerse yourself into God's Word.

Rom 10:17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2. Listen to Word/Faith Teaching! - When I'm up against a mountain that challenges my faith I go back to my roots of word/faith teachers like Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Jerry Savelle and Duane Sheriff. It may be "Old School" and even cliched but something happens on the inside of me when I listen to these great faith teachers! It stirs up my faith and belief!

1 Cor 1:21 "...it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."

3. Filter All Outside Input! - When I was a youth minister, I often told our young people "Garbage In Garbage Out!" In other words, whatever you put in is what you're going to get out. You may need to be more selective about what you are listening to, watching and embracing with your heart.

Ps 101:3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.

The enemy of unbelief will keep you from walking in confidence, faith, boldness and courage. It will hinder your ability to see the activity of God. It will allow the Enemy to have free reign in your business.

My desire for you is to win in life! You can do it! Don't allow unbelief to hinder your growth and progress. You're stronger than you think you are!

Blessings,
Pastor J

Today Matters!

Current mood: Inspired
Category: Life

Bloom Where You're Planted, Because Today Matters!

It's amazing to me how many people live chained to yesterday and in great fear of tomorrow, when the truth is you only have TODAY. I want to remind you that all you have to manage and work with is TODAY... not yesterday, not tomorrow. I know people who are paralyzed by anxiety and fear over tomorrow.

I want to share some insights with you today on how to bloom where you're planted, because Today Matters!

1. Let Go of Yesterday - most people cannot "live well" today because they are still chained to yesterday. Our past successes and failures often look bigger to us in hindsight than they really were. Yesterday ended last night! See Is 43:18-19. God is doing a new thing today!

2. Don't Worry about Tomorrow... Plan for it! - many live with anxiety over that which has not even happened! Fear is negative faith. Don't have a lottery mind-set about tomorrow, "Well, I just think it's going to get better." Why? It will ony get better tomorrow because you have sown for a harvest today! See Phil 4:6-8. "...think on these things."

3. Live Well Today - Today. This moment. NOW. It is God's gift to me and it is all that I have. If I live this day well for the glory of God, not worrying about tomorrow or living bound to yesterday, then I will have sown the seeds of a life well lived today. See Matt 6:33-34 "But seek first the Kingdom of God..."

Here is an excerpt from Dale Witherington entitled The Lifebuilder's Creed:

"Today is what God has entrusted to me. It is all that I have. I will do my best in it. I will demonstrate the best of me in it - my character, giftedness, and abilities - to my family and friends, clients and associates. I will identify those things that are most important to do Today, and those things I will do until they are done. And when this day is done I will look back with satisfaction at that which I have accomplished. Then, and only then, will I plan my tomorrow, looking to improve upon Today, with God's help. Then shall I go to sleep in peace... content."

May this both bless and encourge you to make the most of Today!

Blessings,
Pastor J

On a Mission!

Current mood: Inspired!
Category: Life

I'm writing from a motel in South Texas just across the border from Mexico. I just spent the last two days in Mexico visiting families and children in the dump grounds... yes, literally in the city dumps!

Why am I here? I'm on a mission to change the way the Mexican government views caring for their hurting and abused children. Many are forsaken and forgotten. To be truthful, we don't like to hear about this in America. It's disturbing and it compels us to want to "do" something about it.

My heart is wrenched, my spirit is broken and yet it is nothing compared to what these precious people will experience in the time it takes for me to write this blog.

I'm asking for one thing from you... To simply pray. Pray that me and my staff will tap into the wisdom of God for strategies to connect with key people in the Mexican Government and the DIF (Mexico's Child Protective Services). Pray that God's timing and resources will be released in due season.

Thanks for reading this and thanks for your prayers... "With God all things are possible!"

Blessings and Love,
Pastor J

Take the Lead and Deposit a Seed - Adding Value to Others!

Current mood: determined
Category: Life

Making Deposits by Adding Value to Others

Here's a factoid: 80 % our waking life will be lived outside of your home... that's the "marketplace" (i.e. grocery store, office, school, job site, etc.). Of 132 public appearances that Jesus made, 122 were in the marketplace...that's right, not church.

Listen, I'm "Pro-Church" as it relates to equipping the saints to "do something" i.e. the work of ministry. However, that's on Wed's and Sun's, the rest of our lives are lived out in the marketplace... you know, where people really live.

In Romans 12:10, Paul states, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." NIV

A marketplace term coined by John Maxwell for this principle is "Adding Value." We are to "Take the lead and deposit a seed" by "adding value" to everyone we meet.

Here are some steps to Adding Value to others:

1. Value People - Every person is a soul for whom Christ died and has intrinsic value because they were created in the "Imago De" (image of God). They have value because God values them, not because we assign them a particular value. (see Rm 12:10)

2. Know and relate to what they value - To do this you must be willing to become what Tim Sanders calls a "deep and powerless" listener. We must learn to value what others value. (see Mk 12:29-31)

3. Make yourself more valuable - You increase your value by valuing others over yourself. Help others to succeed and prosper and you will add value to yourself. Don't keep what you're learning to yourself, share resources, skills and insights with others to help them along. (see Gal 5:13-14)

4. Do the things that God values - Honor authority (oh yeah, you're boss!) bear the burdens and carry the armor of those around you. Serve them selflessly. (see Gal 6:2)

Success is when I add value to myself. Significance is when I add value to others. Whatever seeds you sow into the lives of others will come back to you in a harvest. You can't lose! It's a win-win deal!

Toolbox: Here's a couple of good resources I would recommend if you want to learn how to integrate your faith in the workplace by "leaking out not freaking out."

1. The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell
2. Website: www.lifeatwork.com

Blessings to each of you as we learn how to take our Faith outside of our churches and truly become influencers and catalysts in our world!

Blessings,
Pastor J

PS If you're interested in hearing this message as taught at my church then check out our website at www.morningstarabilene.com and click on "listen to messages." It should be up by Tues the 16th

The Power of Connection

The Power of Connection
Current mood: rejuvenated
Category: Life

It's so easy to just cruise through life disconnected and doing your own thing. As for me... I need to be "connected" with the right things and the right people. I work hard at connecting with key people who can draw me up to the next level professionally, personally and spiritually.

It's like the old saying goes... if you want to learn to be an eagle, then start hanging with eagles... however, if you want to be a turkey, then stay on the ground with the turkeys. It's your choice... turkey or eagle?

Who are you connected to that brings out the best in you? What cause, church or movement are you connected to that draws out the leader and visionary in you? It's critical that you "connect" with that which brings out the greatness God has placed in you.

Staying Connected,
Pastor J

Leak Out Don't Freak Out!

Leak Out Don't Freak Out!
Category: Life

Have you ever met anyone on the job, at the office or on the campus that acted like the "Evangelism Linebacker?" You know the type... they feel "called of God" to bust you up with the Gospel in order to "witness" for Jesus.

Today's "Phrase that Pays" is: Leak Out Don't Freak Out!

Here are some "Marketplace Facts:"

-Of Jesus' 132 public appearances, 122 were in the marketplace.
-Of 52 parables Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context.
-Of 40 divine interventions recorded in Acts, 39 were in the marketplace.
-Jesus called 12 workplace individuals, not clergy, to build His church.

It's so tempting to wear our Christian T-shirts to work... you know the one that says, "Lord's Gym" on it! Or the 1997 4 Him concert tour t-shirt. Here's my deal, if you're going to dress the part, then BE the part. If you're going to wear the What Would Jesus Do bracelet, then perhaps you should Do What Jesus Did!

Okay... I'm off the soapbox for now...

Here are some tips on How To "Leak Your Faith" in the Marketplace:

1. Fill Up When You Get Up! - sharing your faith is 90% preparation and 10 persperation. You should start your day in God's Word and spend some time saying what God says about you. Whatever you're full of you will leak out onto others... good or bad.
2. Pray this Prayer - "Father, how can I "Add Value" to everyone I meet today? Adding Value to another's life is what Jesus called us to do. To encourage, to build up, to exhort and to edify.
3. Live Your Life on Purpose - be quick to Repent, quick to Forgive and quick to Love.

I hope this helps as we seek to "lead" people to Jesus and not "drag" them kicking and screaming. I say, "No more Evangelism Linebackers!"

To hear this message on mp3, go to www.morningstarabilene.com, scroll down and then click on "Listen" at the bottom of the page. It should by up sometime on Monday the 8th.

Blessings,
Pastor J

Busy but Blessed!

Busy but Blessed!
Current mood: full
Category: Life

Have you ever heard the saying, "I'm meeting myself coming and going!" Yeah, that's me lately... but it's all been for the best reasons. We sometimes go through "Seasons of Necessary Imbalance."

It's when the calendar lines up and converges on you. It's like "the perfect storm." You didn't intentionally plan it that way... Life just happens that way. At least it's for the best reasons i.e. Advancing the Kingdom!

I participated in the National Day of Prayer service in our communty yesterday... it was very encouraging! Our mayor opened the service and really set the tone for the whole event. It's good knowing your mayor is a strong follower of Jesus!

Today, I will be attending a John Maxwell seminar on 360 degree leadership. It's learning how to lead from the middle of an organization. I've been reading the book and it's amazing! I will definitely be lacing my messages and teachings with these principles.

I tried to mow my lawn (or should I say weed patch!) last night. I only got stuck once! We've had so much rain that the ground was really soft... but like a good neighbor Wesley was there and I was up and running in no time.

I know I usually do some kind of lesson or teaching, but I just felt like rambling this morning. The loves of my life are still sleeping but I'm off to the shower... have an amazing day and always keep seeking the Son and reflecting His Glory!

Blessings,
Pastor J