HARVEST

“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Heaven’s

Abundant 

Restorative

Victorious

Existence 

Supplying

Togetherness 

What is the goal of all the planting, watering, and tending God has called us to accomplish? Simply put, the goal is recognition and acceptance of Heaven’s abundant GRACE. The restorative healing power of God’s forgiveness will advance us into a victorious life. Not just a “pie in the sky” fairytale ending, but a truly VICTORIOUS existence that is marked by blessing and fullness.

Fruit of all spiritual variety, blessings that honor and glorify God will become abundant in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit is often representative of water, and Jesus said, His food was to do the will of His Father. God desires to bring healing to this world through us. Scripture teaches that we are the Temple, and that from within us the “Living Water” will flow when we are filled with the Spirit of God.

“In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. … Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭47:1, 12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ezekiel’s vision may take on a fresh meaning if we look at the symbolism through the focal point of restoration, spiritual growth and healing. The world we live in is READY for a revival. The children of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit gather the harvest. Working in unity is the key that will unlock our success!  For generations the work of planting, watering and tending the crop has been done by others. We are being sent to harvest. 

“You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:37-38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is a blessing to be able to gather the harvest, but we cannot accomplish the task if we are busy chasing our own desires while we put off God’s Kingdom. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve grown tired. I’ve been discouraged and I’ve occasionally taken my eyes off the eternal goal; but God always brings His children back, if we learn the lesson and don’t GIVE UP.

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:7-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Heaven’s Abundant Restorative Victorious Existence is Supplying Togetherness! If I may, I’d like to share an illustration from my life as a public school teacher. This happened pre-pandemic so keep that in mind. It is truly amazing how often I need to be reminded where my attention should be focused. Heaven offers us abundant restoration. God promises all who choose to accept citizenship in His Kingdom a victorious existence. His Spirit is supplying togetherness, even when we feel as if we are falling apart.

Students are always interested in how old I am mostly because my hair is white and in the last few years, getting around has become increasingly difficult. A student asked, “Mr. Garlit, how old are you?”

Not being ashamed of my age, I answered the question. At that point, the student asked, “When are you going to retire?”

Because it was a economics class and I thought the topic could lead into a discussion about making good investments, I answered with, “When I was your age, I thought I’d be retired at 55, but because I didn’t make wise investments, I missed that window and will have to retire at 61 or 62.” I was prepared to talk about investments and retirement savings, but what followed made me laugh so hard I nearly fell out of my chair.

The student responded with, “Mr. Garlit, you should just give up - now. You’re never going to make it.”

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:7-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

No matter how many mistakes we’ve made, no matter how many false starts or do overs we’ve gone through, the harvest is ready. God has a plan and purpose in everything. Nothing will stop God from establishing His victory in our lives.

Love is overcoming hate. Blessings outweigh the adversities of life, and redemption is available. Working side by side and arm in arm, we will bring in a harvest of souls. God has ordained and established His promises in us.

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:35-38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The fields are ready for harvesting. God has given us the message of salvation to share. Nations will hear and believe. Working in the harvest is an act of worship. Not that we are earning our blessings. We are simply and completely honoring God.

There is and will be a noticeable difference between the children of God and the world. Praise, worship, glory and honor belong to the Lord. His children will exhibit those attributes. Working in the harvest field inspires reverence toward God. That fact becomes my challenge. How has my life represented Heaven’s Abundant Restorative Victorious Existence is Supplying Togetherness?

“May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us. Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭67:5-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We may look back at our lives thinking of hardship and difficulties, but God’s promise is not behind us. God’s promise is before us.

“They that sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭126:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

TEND

““The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Timely

Endurance 

Nurtures

Discipleship

Timing is such a difficult thing to master. When is a response timely? It seems that some ministries get promoted and others get neglected. The same seems true for individuals. Years of my life have been spent in the classroom, and in the pulpit. With the current reality, educational pursuits have taken on more and more of a bent toward social work and counseling. Being timely and encouraging will nourish and build resilience in our friends and family. 

There can never be too much honest encouragement, but when it is not honest, based on accomplishments, and truthful, encouragement can do damage to the overall outcome of discipleship. We all need to be lifted up from time to time. We all need to see ourselves through the eyes of others, and we are all our own worst critics.

“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25:11-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When we get the timing right, there is no end to the positive outcomes that will be produced in the lives we are tending. God works in us and we have the awesome ability as well as the responsibility to continually encourage others. What that looks like is different in every situation. God created, appreciates, and honors diversity. The needs we minister to and the encouragement we offer must be crafted by the Holy Spirit to fill individuals with eternal truth. The only non negotiable is sound Kingdom teaching from the word of God.

“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:9-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Faith must be tested. Just like trees and plants need to face pressure and resistance to fully develop, our faith and the seeds of truth planted within us are strengthened by the tests we endure. The line from an old Christian song sums it up like this, “And if I never had a problem, I’d never know my God can solve them.”

As we nurture one another, God’s provision of grace, and deliverance is revealed. Consider it an opportunity for joy, fulfillment, and a step toward perfection. Pressure produces diamonds and extreme heat purifies gold.

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Discipleship is a journey not a destination. Spiritual growth is a process not an instantaneous jump into maturity. Tending to the Spiritual growth in a multi-generational Kingdom oriented family requires patience, persistence, and pruning. Patience is cultivated in adversity. Persistence is rooted in confidence and grounded in God’s promises. Pruning is the work of the Holy Spirit as we follow His leading into ALL truth, and allow that truth working through every generation to shape us into the image of Christ.

“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:14-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Don’t be afraid to tend the patch of ground God has given you. As you plant, water and tend to the needs God has blessed you to notice, He will supply and multiply the harvest. God desires to be seen in the lives of His children.

“Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:52‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 

WATER

 “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” ‭‭John‬ ‭7:38-39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wisdom

Authenticates 

Transformation

Encouraging

Regeneration 

It is so difficult to know what to say and when to say it. Recently I was attending a midweek Bible Study. The presenter was going through the lesson and as she was teaching a thought kept running through my mind. I was concerned about a point that I thought she was missing, but didn’t say anything because, I never want to be seen as “that guy”, you know the one. The know it all that can’t allow others to grow at their own pace.

Keeping my mouth shut was a hard lesson that I didn’t learn until college. My classes at that point were all Theology and Religion, mostly New Testament, Pauline epistles. One afternoon I was half asleep during a presentation, when the professor asked me a question. As I proceeded to answer him and cut through what I considered a waste of time, he took that opportunity to teach me a lesson. He said, “Russ, your mind makes leaps. You cut to the answer before the rest of us are finished discussing the question.”

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. … Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. … The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:1, 4, 7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the case of the midweek Bible Study, the presenter eventually got to the point I thought was being missed. The essential question was, “Who is Jesus, and what are you doing with your relationship to Him?”

“Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land. … For fools speak foolishness and make evil plans. They practice ungodliness and spread false teachings about the Lord. They deprive the hungry of food and give no water to the thirsty. … But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity. … Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field. And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32:1-2, 6, 8, 16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Planting the seed of God’s plan of salvation is a process. Watering that seed with vital refreshment of wisdom brings us into an authentic righteous relationship with Jesus. As we grow in that relationship, there are actions and attitudes we must get rid of in order to serve God’s purpose in our lives. Our natural reactions undergo a transformation.

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. … Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. … Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. … Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:8, 10, 12, 14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Getting rid of our old nature is more difficult than it sounds. Old habits die hard! Just when we think we have everything under control, life brings us back around to the very thing we, moments before, were convinced we had moved past. 

As we plant, water, tend and harvest in God’s garden of individuals we are often reminded of the struggles we have overcome and we realize that the love of God is the only thing holding us together. Don’t be afraid to plant seeds of faith along your journey. Water those seeds with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience! Never forgetting where we have come from or the things we have overcome by the power of God’s love, will strengthen our confidence as well as encourage others to experience the grace of God through the power of regeneration.

“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:3-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lasting growth takes time. The development of spiritual fruit requires submission to the Holy Spirit. Wisdom only comes with experience. Our responsibility is faithfulness to the message of salvation. Planting seeds of faith is hard work, and watering those seeds takes commitment.

When my wife and I moved into our home, there was a budding lemon tree in the backyard. Not having a green thumb, I neglected that poor tree for months. My in-laws came for an extended visit, and my father in-law nursed that tree back to health. By the end of their visit the tree was flourishing, but when they returned the next year the poor little tree was DEAD. 

The world we live in is a desert if we do not intentionally, purposefully, and regularly water those seeds, they will go the way of my little lemon tree. Natural lessons have a spiritual application. We may not have “green thumbs” when it comes to nature, but God has called us all to be workers in His vineyard. The rewards of a job well done will also grow with our faithfulness.

“The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

PLANT

 “This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Primary

Learning

Aligning

New Testament 

Theology

God has revealed His plan for us through many great themes and stages in His word. One such theme is the opposing Kingdoms of Light and Darkness. The Kingdom of Light is holy and righteous, but the Kingdom of Darkness is pure evil in all its forms.

According to scripture, we are born into the kingdom of darkness, but what is the process of transferring our citizenship into the Kingdom of Light?

“There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” …  Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” … Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’” ‭‭John‬ ‭3:1-3, 5, 7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus’ words, “born again” inform us that the Kingdom we are all citizens of from the start is the Kingdom of Darkness, but further into the New Testament we see that a change in citizenship is not only possible, it is preferable.

“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:11-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The question still remains, how do we join the Kingdom of Light?

The answer can be found in the stories Jesus told to illustrate His mission. The parables reveal the plan God has to bring us all into His glorious Kingdom. 

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This should be a familiar parable, so we won’t retell the whole story here. The point of the story is the representative meaning of each image. The farmer, the seeds, and the places the seeds land are paramount to understanding how our citizenship transfers from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light.

“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:14-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These parables were a primary, or first level, training course for the disciples. Jesus told them:

“You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Listening and learning to apply the message, principles, and authority of the Kingdom of God in our daily lives will advance, grow, strengthen and establish God’s purpose in us and on Earth. We study to understand and apply the New Testament theology to every area in every situation we face. Planting is an active process. The soil has to be ready to receive the seed.

In the parable it sounds as if the Farmer just went out and tossed the seed as far as he could throw it, but think about farming. It’s an intentional profession. I can’t think of any farmer wasting seed by just tossing it away. Picture a field in your mind. They are always surrounded by field roads, hard, rocky, unprepared ground, and sure some seed may fall there by accident, but that’s not where the farmer invests the majority of the seed. There is almost always wild growth around the outskirts of the field, but generally the farmer works at keeping those areas cut back, and does not toss his precious seed into those areas.

We need to dig into the primary lessons of Jesus’ bedrock teachings, learn to align our practices with the truth of New Testament theology and expect God to bring growth to His Kingdom. This year’s theme at my current home church is, Back to the Basics. What is more basic to understanding the way God has revealed Himself than the teachings Christ offered His disciples?

Theology is the study of Who God is and what He has done. Before we can learn to PLANT, we must allow God to develop His root system in us. Before we can plant, we must be planted in sound doctrine or correct theology.

“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have we allowed ourselves to be planted in God’s word? Only then will we be given the good seed to plant in the lives of others.

BOLD

 “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Balanced 

Obedience

Leveraging

Destiny

Boldness is a concept we’ve heard a lot about. We hear about bold new flavors. There are bold adventures as we take vacations, and just outrageously bold people we encounter in life. No doubt we all have a picture in our minds that sums up what we think it means to be bold - that in your face over the top, borderline arrogant behavior.

But, is that what God really expects from His people? We are called to be BOLD. What does that look like in the church, our homes, our jobs? What does it look like in our lives?

We’re all hungry for a move of the Holy Spirit. Personally I want to see God move the way He did when I was a child. I grew up in Full Gospel/Pentecostal churches. The Holy Spirit was active. Believers were bold. God did miracles. His presence was awe inspiring! What did they have that seems to be missing in our lives today?

“I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. … For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭11:1-4, 7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What did they have that seems to be missing in our lives today? That question has consumed hours upon hours of my time. Right now, the church I attend is about halfway through a season of fasting, and I am beginning to see boldness in a new light.

“Then he said, “Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages. I am not sending you to a foreign people whose language you cannot understand. No, I am not sending you to people with strange and difficult speech. If I did, they would listen! …  But look, I have made you as obstinate and hard-hearted as they are. I have made your forehead as hard as the hardest rock! So don’t be afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are rebels.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭3:4-6, 8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Being BOLD has more to do with having a balanced perspective of who we are in Christ than it has to do with overcoming fear. In my high school years I was a swing-shift manager for McDonald’s. One night working the closing shift I had an encounter with a person I believe was, if not possessed, at the least, he was influenced by demonic forces. I’ve been thinking about that encounter for a few days now and trust me, I’m a long way from my high school self.

The encounter went like this: The man was harassing customers. As the manager it was my job to get him to leave. I walked over to him and said, “Sir, I’m asking you to leave now.” He turned, looked at me and said, “You’re afraid of me.” I said again “Sir, I’m asking you to leave now.” At that point I was praying inwardly, and he said, “You’re afraid of me, and you don’t even know who you are!” He looked at me, said, “I can’t mess with you.” As he walked out laughing,”You don’t even know who you are!”

Being BOLD begins with balance. Knowing who we are in Christ gives us the sure foundation to stand on in any situation. Balance moves us into obedience. 

“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. … Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. … My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:3-6, 13-15, 21-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Knowing our feet will not stumble gives us the confidence to step out in faith to do whatever God’s Holy Spirit directs. God knows the end from the beginning and He will work out the details. He is calling us into eternal life with Him in glory. We have a destiny.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

From Balance and Obedience we learn to Leverage our Destiny. Invest the time, energy, and spiritual dedication to recognize who we are in Christ. The faith to move mountains comes from the realization that Christ in us is the hope of glory. Our destiny is to share the divine nature of Christ in glory. That knowledge will produce the boldness in us that allows us to move in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Know who you are in Christ. Embrace your destiny. Be BOLD!

DELIGHT

 “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Discover 

Environmental 

Lavishness 

Interlinking

Godly 

Habits

Today

    So, let me tell you a little about the things going on in my life.I don’t often do this but, I feel it is important to give some context to this message. For the past seven months, I’ve been struggling with an identity crisis. Most men in America define themselves by the function they provide in society. I am a Pastor/Teacher, but half my identity was ripped away.

    I’ve been a bivocational Pastor for the last twenty-two years. In August the decision to “Reorganize” the church was made and very abruptly, if not underhandedly, the property and finances were reallocated to another ministry. All this was done without consulting me or the congregation. No option for an alternative placement in ministry was offered. Adding to that stress, think about the conditions of Pandemic that exist in the world - The reality of friends losing the battle with cancer and beloved family members suffering strokes, heart attacks and various surgeries. Those things have shaken my confidence and made me feel as if the heavens have closed up and the blessing of God, were on hold. My reality is that I cannot even focus on the part of my identity that is still intact because I was, and still am so, cut to the core of my being.

    Yet, God holds out hope and purpose. I just need to rediscover it. Probably many others are facing, or have faced, similar situations. Do not give up! God’s promises are true. He will be found when we seek Him wholeheartedly.

“In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:12-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The environment that surrounds us does not define us. We are God’s children and our lives are defined by the LOVE He lavishes upon us. Are we still seeking? Are we still serving? Then we can be full of joy. Which path do we choose, because the choice is ours to make? The ultimate reality is eternity. Our destination is determined by our resistant response to the evil that attempts to overwhelm and overshadow us. God has filled His word with encouragement. He has given us wise counselors - those who are filled with and led by the Holy Spirit. If we walk in that wisdom, we will become wiser.

“Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. … The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. … The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. … Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13:6, 9, 14, 20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Bad things happen to good people. Change is a fact of life. We can either throw up our hands and walk away in defeat or stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord. God does not give up on us even when we temporarily give up on Him. Even King David went through times of doubt and discouragement. God set things right for King David, and God will eventually set things right for us. 

    The world we live in does not accept sound biblical teaching, and the only opinion not readily accepted is the Christian opinion. The Spirit of God cannot be stopped and His message cannot be silenced! The only perspective that offers peace is a Christ-centered life giving perspective. We control by virtue of our attitudes the environmental conditions of our homes, jobs, communities, and churches. God pours out the lavishness of His blessing upon every aspect of our lives. He keeps us safe, even when our cities are under attack.

“Silence their lying lips— those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly. How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:18-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Where are we today? Are we linking arms, hearts and minds with others of faith, or are we walking this road alone?

“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The direction we are headed, as well as the success we are seeking, requires dependence on others to assist, comfort, and strengthen us. God provides everything we need. We, and I mean, I need to take my eyes off the problems distracting me long enough to fully re-establish Godly habits in my life. Turning my focus back toward the needs of others; turning away from my self directed pity-party. Stepping back onto the right path reminds me of something my mother always said, “Well, you have the same clothes to get glad in.” Of course, this was only ever said following her correction after one of my many fits of temper. God is braiding us into an unbreakable cord.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. … A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9, 12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    If any of this message has struck a chord in your life, the invitation is here. Join the search and find your DELIGHT in God’s presence and His plan for your life. Don’t put it off. Take action today.

OUTCOME

 “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:18-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Omnipotent 

Unchanging 

Trinity 

Canceling 

Our

Mortal

Error 

    From the beginning of human history God has been introducing Himself and revealing Himself to us. Who has God shown Himself to be? The way we answer this basic question defines our relationship with Him and sets the course for our lives.

    God is holy, merciful, near to us, compassionate, and mighty in power. He is eternal. He has revealed Himself as both loving and just. The character of God is omnipotent in His power and unchanging in His majesty. God has a plan and it will be completed! The outcome has been established from the beginning.

“Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. … “Listen to this message from the Lord, you nations of the world; proclaim it in distant coastlands: The Lord, who scattered his people, will gather them and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:3, 10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Who has God shown Himself to be? He has shown Himself to be eternally existent as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He has shown Himself to be Creator, Redeemer and Comforter. We can call upon Him and He will answer! As Creator, He reveals the unseen spiritual realm through those things we experience in nature. As Redeemer, He restores and heals our brokenness. As Comforter, He leads, strengthens and teaches us.

“O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭116:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    How are we born into the household of God and adopted into the family of God? We have to accept and experience spiritual rebirth. Jesus said, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.” Being born of water refers to our physical entry into the human race. Being born of the Spirit refers to Salvation through Christ and our subsequent infilling with the Holy Spirit.

“‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. … In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy. … But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2:17-18, 21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The Trinity, Creator, Redeemer and the Comforter, exist and work in perfect unity. God offers us salvation, healing and restoration. He is transforming us in every way - body, soul and spirit. God takes us through the Temporal into the Eternal. 

“All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. … Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! … Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41:7, 10, 13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Our salvation is the act of God canceling the mortal error of our sin. We have been CALLED. Following our calling being led by the Holy Spirit causes us to take TARGETED ACTION. Those actions focus the power of God and address a variety of needs. His power always REACHES the EXPECTED OUTCOME.

“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬