EDIFY!

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

What can you do to encourage someone today?

In the past weeks I have been in more meetings than I can count;  shelter project meetings, meetings about fundraising for the ministries, meetings about new ministry partnerships and opportunities to expand the brand of FREEDOM RECOVERY and the Jeremiah Tree. The list is seemingly endless. And while a little exhausting, every one of those meetings has been such an encouragement to me.

I love being around passionate and selfless folks; folks designing opportunities to serve the hurting, folks who are tireless in their efforts to bring healing to the addicted and broken, folks who continue to energize our efforts to do the same. 

It fires me up to keep building, keep working, and to keep dreaming.

I am sure I am not alone.

Without encouragement it is very easy to give in to despair. And while we cannot escape times of weariness and discouragement one word of encouragement from a friend can lift us out of a rut and back onto the road.

That is why we all need to be in the business of encouraging one another!

1 Thessalonians 5:11(MSG)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...

It is that important!

So I press you today to engage others in their walk with Christ.  Join with them in prayer and encouragement. Fuel their passions. Ask them to lift yours in prayer. 

Ephesians 5:19 (LB)

Talk with each other much about the Lord…

You see there is a real "churchy" word for this sort of thing; edify.

We are to edify one another.

It means to instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift:

Romans 15:2 (AMP)

Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].

By doing so you too will be encouraged!  Trust me!

That is why I am so grateful for my ever increasing "edifying" team this morning; for Wally, for Jenny, for Kevin, for Tom, for Heidi, for Amy and others who these past weeks have EDIFIED me!

They are energizing me to keep pressing, to keep growing, to keep abiding, to keep learning and growing in faith!

So the question today I ask myself today is who I am encouraging? 

Am I offering edification?  Am I lifting others?  Am I doing what it takes to make others stronger in the faith?  Is there someone to share what the Lord is doing with today?

Maybe you need to ask the same question of yourself.

I am sure someone you encounter today could use a word or random act of encouragement.  Don’t hesitate.

Encourage them!

Edify them!  

Build them up!

“Remember, man does not live on bread alone: sometimes he needs a little buttering up.” ― John C. Maxwell

YOU will be blessed!

 

I love you all

Have a great weekend.

Freedom Church

SAYING GOODBYE TO GOOD FRIENDS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

The definition of bittersweet is a combination of both bitter and sweet, or an emotional feeling that is a mixture of both happy and sad.

It was a bittersweet evening.

It was an evening when I was so happy for three of my favorite people on this big green and blue ball and at the same time sad for me.

It is hard to say goodbye to “good” friends; friends that over time have turned into family. GOD gave me a younger sister, another little brother, and one more daughter.  I am blessed. And I have learned there is always room for more family like these friends.

It has been such a pleasure to laugh and cry with them.  To wade into life and crisis as well as enjoy a lunch as a guest of Belle’s where enchanted castles and magical memories are made.  These three are special.

And while miles will separate us for a season or two, our hearts and spirits will always be as close as next door.  That is how it works with “true” friends.

Proverbs 17:17 (V)

A true friend loves regardless of the situation, and a real brother (sister) exists to share the tough times.

It is hard to say “see you later” to a “best friend”.  It is hard to pack the things of the little sister you never had so she can fulfill GOD’s next chapter in life.  It is never fun to look in the tear-filled eyes of the "kiddingly arranged” bride for your son as she moves to the new school, the new friends, and new opportunities.

It is bittersweet.

But GOD built us for friendships like these.  He blessed relationships at the outset of time.  He knows how they fulfill us, bless us and change us.  He knew that friends would sharpen us, inspire us and energize us. He knew they would be special.

“Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.” ― William Shakespeare

So I embrace the bittersweet taste as I pen this today. 

And I reflect today on just how fortunate I am to have shared some life for this all too brief season with my “Morris-mates.” 

As I have recovered and gotten a little grayer, GOD has changed my heart about things like friends.  For so long I worked so hard to “please people” so they would embrace me as a friend. GOD introduced me to David, Shannan and McKenzie to show me that friends are blessings from Him; things to be cherished like gold and preserved in the heart, not to be won over.  GOD opened my eyes to 3 who reflected Himself and shared His love to me and with me.  For that I have no real words.  For that I have no real prose.

Thankfully GOD does…

Proverbs 27:9

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

These three were and will continue to be refreshment to my soul.

My encouragement to all who read this today is simply this…embrace those “true friends”, “your good friends”.  Thank GOD daily for them.  Praise GOD daily for them.  Encourage them to dream dreams and reach for the impossible even when it may hurt a little to do it or be a little unpopular.  You won't regret it!

So in closing today to my friends David, Shannan and Kenz, I say goodbye tearfully but willingly by being reminded from that wise sage Winnie the Pooh…

“We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet. Even longer,' Pooh answered.”…

…“We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we Morris’?' asked Pastor G. “Even longer” GOD answered.

Even longer.

 

I love you all

Be blessed!

Freedom Church

PERSISTENT PRAYER

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

The greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered because they go unasked. We give up too easily. We give up too soon. We quit praying right before the miracle happens. If you don’t take the risk, you forfeit the miracle. Take a step of faith when God gives you a vision because you trust that the One who gave you the vision is going to make provision. And for the record, if the vision is from God, it will most definitely be beyond your means. – Mark Batterson

Luke 1:37 (ESV)

…nothing will be impossible with God.

Have you given up the “dream”?

Have you thrown in the towel?

Been praying for a job…no job.  Been praying for healing…no healing.  Been praying for a financial breakthrough…no breakthrough.

I have been there.

In fact I am there right now.

“God what I am to be doing with the sudden interest and pressing expansion of FREEDOM RECOVERY MINISTRIES?”

“God what is the plan for our 'Hub of Hope', Simon Kenton?”

“God why are so many of my friends going back to the dope?”

"GOD what is my role with the pending opiate addicted mom's center?"

“God why do I continue to fail you in the same areas of my life?”

To me these things are my “impossibles”.

But like Mark states, I must continue to pray.  An "unuttered" prayer will go unanswered.  GOD wants me to ask.  GOD promises to answer.  And while it may not be the answer I desire, I have full confidence that He hears, He listens and He will respond!

Psalm 38:15

Lord, I wait for you to help me. Lord my God, I know you will answer.

Batterson goes on to say in the same book that PERSISTENT PRAYER is the “magic bullet”.

We tend to be a little "under-persistent" these days.  We have become accustomed to the quick fix and the microwave entree.  

GOD wants passion and persistence in our prayer.  He already knows the desire of our hearts, He already knows our needs, what He requires is our FAITH!  GOD wants us to exercise FAITH, that is what motivates Him, that is what PLEASES Him!

Hebrews 11:6 (LB)

You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.

So today’s question is this.  You have something impossible staring you down too?  Something in your cross-hairs that is bigger than you, intimidating you, or confusing you?

Be bold!  Take a risk!  Utter the prayer! GOD is listening! Be persistent. Pray without ceasing as Paul encourages.

TRUST GOD that HIS GUARANTEED answer WILL BE THE BEST answer.  And never forget…

The impossible is nothing for GOD.

 

I love you all

Be blessed!

Freedom Church

 

STOP BLOWING THINGS UP

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“After the second house blew up and I was on fire”…

Not something you hear at many church services. But at our little FREEDOM gathering last night you did. And for us it really isn’t that crazy.

“Smilin” Mike as I call him shared his story.  But more importantly he shared his heart. 

His was a heart that for years was littered and “bittered” with selfishness, self-seeking and self-destruction.  His was a childhood polluted by addicted surroundings.  His was a journey of self-medication, self-promotion and eventually self-loathing.

He used drugs, sold drugs, made drugs, and almost died from drugs.  He was incarcerated, burned, ill, and broken for 38 years.

But in his corner through all of it was a “believing mom”; a mom who introduced him to Jesus; a praying partner.  And in spite of her personal hell, she maintained hope in her lost boy.  And her prayers and introduction of Christ to her son eventually “took hold" and much like that familiar story we label the “prodigal”, this prodigal Mike found his way home.

And even though the enemy threw the kitchen sink at him there he was last night still standing, praising, and honoring GOD.

What changed?

Instead of continuing to his self-seeking and pleasuring ways, Mike chose to begin to seek and see GOD in ALL things.  And as his mind cleared he began to see GOD’s hand on his life even when he was at his worst. 

But that should come as no surprise.

Romans 5:8 (MSG)

Christ…didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

Mike shared the countless times that GOD’s hand and providence was on his life even as he ignored and rebelled against him.  GOD never left him. GOD never viewed his sins so horrid that he couldn’t be redeemed.  Instead GOD put His love on the line with Christ as Mike was mixing meth and shooting dope.

And GOD continued to chase Mike and when Mike finally stopped running away he found GOD waiting for him.  

He found GOD wanting him.  

He found GOD ready to change him.  

He found GOD accepting him.

I can’t do Mike’s 45 minute story justice in the few paragraphs of the DISPATCH this morning, but I hope you catch this point if nothing else.

GOD pursues us.  GOD has purpose for all of us. GOD always loves us as His own.

Ephesians 1:4-5

Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.

All we need to do is metaphorically “stop blowing things up” and instead seek Him and His way for us.

So seek Him today.  Acknowledge Him as Mike does in all things.

1 John 4:15 (NIV)

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.

And then you too will be “smilin”…

 

I love you all

Be blessed!

Freedom Church

POWER FOR TODAY

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him… ― Gordon B. Hinckley

1 John 5:14

…how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening.

How are you approaching today?

Are you boldly and freely embracing GOD’s presence?  He is listening. He is with you.  He is ready to empower you.

I know you might think He has too much going on.  His agenda packed full of strife intervention and global this and global that.  But don’t be misled.

Right now at this moment, you, your day is the most important thing on His mind.

Luke 12:7

…God never overlooks… he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head!

With that going for you…why be fearful?

Don’t be apprehensive or lack confidence. Whatever is on the horizon, GOD has a full handle on it.  Trust Him.  He will clear the path, open the right doors, and provide the best direction.

So what is yours and my job today?

Trust.

Pray.

Believe.

Obey.

Have faith.

“Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary.” – Rick Warren

So no fear my friends.  Not today.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated...your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.

You have the POWER for today! (right Anna B?)

 

I love you all

Freedom Church

SEEK GOD NOT ANSWERS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

We shouldn’t seek answers as much as we should seek God. If you seek answers you won’t find them, but if you seek God, the answers will find you. – Mark Batterson

Deuteronomy 4:29

…seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

This runs a little counter to what we often do doesn’t it?

We do go to GOD with our needs but more often than not we go to GOD with some “proposed” answers as well.

“GOD I know you know I need so please bless me accordingly with thus and so.”

Or

“GOD I am under the gun here and a ‘quick answer’ would be preferred this time around. I don’t have time for any refining.”

We do this don’t we?

We formulate answers and then go to GOD for a rubber stamp.

We get the sense that since we are close to the issue or the action that we have seen the pros and cons, formulated the risk and have a clear picture as to a preferred result.

But GOD says…

Isaiah 55:8 (LB)

This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours!

Our heavenly Father is far too wise and loves us far too much to give us everything we ask for. Someday we’ll thank God for the prayers He didn’t answer as much or more than the ones He did.

So we need to heed the counsel of Mr. Batterson.  Don’t approach GOD with preconceived notions and suggestions.  Instead approach GOD as GOD, the keeper and holder of all wisdom, providence and provision.  Seek His face.  Seek His direction.  Seek His answer.

Pose the problem.  State the need.  Cast the care.

And then pause.

Listen. 

Crack open the Word and look for HIS nuggets of wisdom; for His plan.

For I heard that when we seek we find. That is truth not hearsay.

And I also believe GOD wants us to let Him show us His best!

“God desires to reveal His heart to us and to build His heart into us as we seek His face.” ― Bill Mills

So just seek today.

No lists.

No suggestions.

No answers.

Just seek.

 

Have a blessed weekend…

I love you all

Freedom Church