Be Encouraged

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforteth us is all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Some people act as if they have an answer or solution to any situation others are going through. I call that presumption. How can someone assume they have an answer for everything? Usually it’s rooted in pride or arrogance. If you have never driven to California, how can you tell me how to get there? We have all faced situations needing an answer. Just be careful who you ask for help or advice.

I have dealt with depression for a number of years. Reflecting back, before I was faced with it, I use to tell people, ” Get over it, Shake it off. It’s not that bad”. If you have never suffered with depression, you just don’t know. We should pray and ask for the Lord’s help before speaking.

The scripture I wrote at the beginning of this article means a lot to me. God is my Father. He is the God of all comfort. He is able to comfort your mind when turmoil and anxiety are raging. He is the Peace Speaker when the storms of life are blowing. He is that small, still voice when anxious thoughts are bombarding your mind. He is a friend who will never leave or forsake you. He is that abundant, available help in the time of our need.

I find strength, hope, and comfort in reading and meditating in His word. “Heaviness or anxiety in the heart of man causes depression; but a good word maketh it glad.” ~ Proverb 12:25

God’s Word will get you through it.

~Ricky Robinson

Image Credit: Fire in the Sky © Brett Theriault via freeimages.com

Sharp and Ready

 

I read something in a book called God Calling a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share it with you. This book is written as if God is talking to you, so keep that in mind while reading.

It says, “You must pray. The way will open. God cares and His plans unfold. Just love and wait.

Love is the key. No door is too difficult for it to open.

What cause have you to fear? Has He not cared for and protected you? Hope on. Hope gladly. Hope with certainty. Be calm. Calm in My Power.

Never neglect these times, pray and read your Bible and train and discipline yourself. That is your work—Mine to use you. But My instruments must be sharp and ready. Then I use them.

Discipline and perfect yourselves at all costs. Do this for soon every fleeting thought will be answered, every wish gratified, every deed used. It is a fearful Power, a mighty Power. Oh! Be careful that you ask nothing amiss—nothing that is not according to My Spirit.

All thoughts harmful must be turned out. Miracle-working power can become witchery in wrong hands. See how necessary I have made the purity of your own lives to you. That is why. Soon, very soon, you shall ask and at once it will come. Welcome the training. Without it I dare not give you this Power. It would do harm.”

Preparation time is not wasted time. We have heard that phrase, but help it sink deep into our hearts. Lord, help us to not neglect spending time in Your Word. Purify our mouths. Cleanse us from all filth. We admit we have let other things take priority over you. Help us to put everything else aside because we know You have need of us. Help us remember that it is a process – one that can’t be hurried. The pain is a necessary part of the sharpening.  We want to be sharp and ready so we can be used effectively for Your Kingdom. A dull knife never did anyone any good.

~ Madison Sanders

Image Credit Carving Knife © Bob Knight via free images.com

– See more at: http://www.gatewaybelievers.com/articles/sharp-and-ready#sthash.yzSjImys.dpuf

 

One More Time

I remember as a teenager we would all go to the lake to go boating and skiing. I watched as the grownups learned to ski, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do, too.

My day finally came to learn to ski and daddy told me to hold on and pull up when the rope got tight. I tried and wasn’t successful.

My daddy would always just laugh every time I fell. It made me so mad! I cried each and every time that I failed.

Every time he would laugh it just spurred me on to keep getting up. On the inside of me I was saying, “I will get up.” All along I was getting stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically.

One day, I finally got up on my skis for a few minutes.

Deep inside of me I knew if I could get up once it was just a matter of time before I stood up and mastered the art of skiing.

In our everyday battles we must keeping getting up one more time. In due season we will reap if we faint not. When it seems like you’ve lost all hope, you are getting stronger. When it seems like your circumstances aren’t changing, they will because you are trusting in God’s grace to continue the fight.

The enemy of the world would like to keep us down, but he can’t. God is bigger. He can and will do more than we could ask or think according to His Word.

~Isaiah 40:31 “But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will be able to rise up as an eagle in the sky. They will run without needing rest. They will walk without becoming tired.”

Get up one more time and watch God show out on your behalf!

~Tammy Sanders

Image Credit  Water Skiing © Maree Waldhuter Via freeimages.com

– See more at: http://www.gatewaybelievers.com/articles/one-more-time#sthash.i3EO0JpN.dpuf

What Does it Mean?

What does it mean to be on fire for Jesus? This is a phrase we hear a lot in Christian circles. While playing “Soul on Fire” by Third Day, I found myself having a conversation about this very thing with my oldest nephew, who is almost four.

I decided to look up the definition of burn. Some of my favorite definitions are: “To emit heat or light by fire or energy.  To cause a strong impression, especially by emotional intensity.

To be consumed with strong emotion, especially:

To be very eager.”

I told my nephew that burning for Jesus had nothing to do with actual fire. It really means that we should be excited to tell others about Jesus. In a typical toddler fashion, he asked, “Why?”

I said, “We are supposed to be a light to everyone whether we are at school or church.”

“Why?”

“Because there are some kids who only know meanness and bad things. They never see anything good. That’s why we have to be that light to them and burn bright for Jesus.”

Now is not the time for catchy phrases. If you are saying, “I want to be on fire for Jesus” just to say it, just stop. Like the definitions say, we need people who are eager. We need people who have something to give. We need people who recognize the seriousness of this hour. We need people who are consumed by Jesus, letting Him direct their path.

The words to Third Day’s song are still echoing in my heart.

“Lord, restore the joy I had
I have wandered, bring me back
In this darkness, lead me through
Until all I see is You

Lord, let me burn for You again
Let me return to You again
And Lord, let me burn for You again
And let me return to You again.” 

We all have wandered away from Jesus at sometime or another. I want to burn for Jesus again, again, and again. I don’t want my flame to go out. People are counting on us. Right this moment, there are thousands of people who have no hope. Their light has been snuffed out. They have no joy. They don’t think they can make it another day.

What will you do? Will you take time to pray? Will you ask God to give you His heart?

Is your fire bright enough that it leads others to Jesus? If not, take time right now to do a self-evaluation. In order to burn for Jesus, you have to do something different. One way to stir up your fire is by praying in tongues. Prayer helps you to know God’s heart and prepare you to help other people. God will give you the words to say. Get ready to burn for Jesus like never before!

~Madison Sanders

Image Credit: Mr CoolGuy © Crystal Fithen via freeimages.com

He Was Raised

 

That fateful day came

When the weight of  humanity fell on His shoulders

They all trembled at the sight

He said don’t worry, my child, for you are mine

I can carry this pain, it is mine

 

Go on don’t weep for Me

This has to be done for humanity

I will be raised in a few days

 

I will be raised for the hurting

I will be raised for the unlovable

I will be raised to bring peace

I will be raised for you

 

It will be worth it, My child

Leave all your burdens at My feet

My blood will erase the pain

Cause it’s a covering

 

I was raised for the hurting

I was raised for the unlovable

I was raised to bring peace

I was raised for you

 

So, go on to the Father,

He’s waiting with open arms

He died on that Cross for all of us

He died to deliver you

So what are you waiting for?

 

~Madison Sanders

Image Credit © Tomb Garden of Jesus 5 M Nota via free images.com

There are Giants in the Sky

“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” – Num 13:33

My kids and I went to see Into the Woods last night (smash Broadway hit turned blockbuster film that pokes fun at fairy tales and happily ever afters), and I have the song “Giants in the Sky” stuck in my head now. Before I drifted off to sleep last night, I found myself thinking about “giants” in general. Giants in every movie I can think of are either big, scary, horrifying and dumb or big, scary, endearing and dumb. Either way, they are killed, driven off or tamed by some very small, seemingly powerless hero who just chops down a beanstalk or picks up a slingshot. When it comes down to it, giants are never really what they seem, are they?

Think about it…when it came time for the children of Israel to possess the land of promise, a group of 12 spies snuck into the land to scout it out for 40 days. For 40 days, they travelled, ate, slept and took some “spoils” as part of their scouting mission. In the end, ten of the spies claimed the land could not be taken because of the giants who lived there. I think what Joshua and Caleb really meant to say to those spies was this…

“Wait a minute… we just lived there for 40 days. We snuck around camping and chopping down grapes right under those giants’ noses for 40 days and they didn’t do anything to us! They couldn’t stop 12 of us, and you think they can stop millions? The only power those giants have over us is the perception we have of them…otherwise, they can’t stop us from our mission unless YOU decide not to try it. We can do this thing!”

Joshua and Caleb knew that, even though giants were present, the mission could still succeed.

Whoa. What about the giants in my life? Fear of failure, hopelessness, worry, doubt, stress…What about all of those things that have been intimidating me, stomping around in my emotions crying, “Fee, fi, fo, fum!” I’ve let those giants stop me from possessing my land, just because they look big and scary. They only have the power over me that I give them. They are not what they appear!

Where’s my slingshot? It’s here: the confession of my faith that comes from God’s Word…

Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world…zing!

My God always leads me in triumph through Christ Jesus…zing!

Christ has made me more than a conqueror…zing!

He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the Day of Jesus Christ…zing!

I am well able to go up and take this land at once…zing! 

What giant are you letting stop you? You can borrow my slingshot anytime!

~Linda Frederick

Do You Need Some Help?

While driving to church, my mom suddenly turned the car around and said, “Whoa! A lady fell. It doesn’t matter if I’m late or not, I have to go back and help her.”

I was a little confused, but I saw a hint of her sweatshirt. As we got closer, she was hunched over near a stop sign. A runner ran right past her without a second thought.

A young boy was with her. My mom pulled close and said, “Do you need some help?” No response from the woman. I don’t even think she moved. The boy said, “My aunt is right there.”

Indeed she was, but she was still in her car and hadn’t gotten to where they were.

“Well, I will come back and see if she needs help,” Mama said. So, she turned around on that little side road and waited just a minute.

By that time the boy’s aunt had gotten to the woman and was getting out of her car.

“Do you need some help?” Mama asked.

The woman gave a swipe of her hand and walked towards the woman. Mama got out and went to help them. The woman was now standing, but it was obvious from the way she was walking that she was in pain. All three of them helped her into the vehicle.

Finally, the boy’s aunt recognized my mom. “You’re Madison’s mom,” she said.

“Yes,” Mama replied.

The boy’s aunt said the woman had some health problems. Mama was talking to her, but said she didn’t really listen until she said, “I have a daughter who is in a wheelchair and she has to fight everyday.”

She told me the woman started listening then. Mama said, “Don’t you give up.” The woman nodded her head.

I just can’t get her face out of my mind. Seeing her slumped down on the sidewalk clinging to the sign reminded me of how lots of people are. You are so beaten down by life you don’t even respond to offers of help. You are just there.

And in that place, many people ignore you. They don’t say anything. And you stay fixed in that defeated position.

Just when you think you are going to stay in that place forever, someone comes along and says, “Do you need some help?”

You think your mind is playing tricks on you, so you continue to sit in silence. Afraid to hope for something better.

That voice is persistent. And now, there are actually people who prove they care by doing something. People forget about the clock and where they have to be. The only thing that matters is the broken person on the sidewalk.

~Madison Sanders

Image Credit © gesture 1 Martina Rehberg via free image.com

– See more at: http://www.gatewaybelievers.com/articles/do-you-need-some-help#sthash.oZWJwMPx.dpuf

G.O. Ministry Report

May 17, 2014

 

10 people prayed for

1 salvation

Knocked on 26 doors

11 door knockers left for those not at home

20 bags of food given out

2 adults and 1 child interested in Oasis

3 people needing transportation to Oasis

3 wrist bands explaining salvation given to children

Candy given to 19 children

One person needing a Bible

15 attended this week’s Bible study

 

May 24, 2014

 

5 people prayed for

13 salvations

Knocked on 20 doors

13 door knockers left for those not at home

6 bags of food given out

1 potential hot spot

7 people interested in Oasis

4 people needing transportation to Oasis

12 wrist bands explaining salvation given to children

Candy given to 11 children

One person interested in the weekly Bible study

 

May 31, 2014

 

11 people prayed for

1 salvation

Knocked on 41 doors

14 door knockers left for those not at home

25 bags of food given out

9 people interested in Oasis

7 people needing transportation to Oasis

1 wrist bands explaining salvation given to children

Candy given to 11 children

6 people interested in the weekly Bible study

17 attended this week’s Bible Study

– See more at: http://www.gatewaybelievers.com/blog/go-ministry-report-2#sthash.zwUtKdjc.dpuf

He Was Raised

 

That fateful day came

When the weight of  humanity fell on His shoulders

They all trembled at the sight

He said don’t worry, my child, for you are mine

I can carry this pain, it is mine

 

Go on don’t weep for Me

This has to be done for humanity

I will be raised in a few days

 

I will be raised for the hurting

I will be raised for the unlovable

I will be raised to bring peace

I will be raised for you

 

It will be worth it, My child

Leave all your burdens at My feet

My blood will erase the pain

Cause it’s a covering

 

I was raised for the hurting

I was raised for the unlovable

I was raised to bring peace

I was raised for you

 

So, go on to the Father,

He’s waiting with open arms

He died on that Cross for all of us

He died to deliver you

So what are you waiting for?

 

~Madison Sanders

Image Credit © Tomb Garden of Jesus 5 M Nota via free images.com

Walking Contagion!

 

Thank God for infections! Yes, you heard me correctly. Did you know that living on and in you are more bacteria than you have cells in your entire body? (Pause) Okay, now that you are recovering from the nausea of such an idea, let me explain. On your skin and lining your respiratory and gastrointestinal tract are millions of bacteria, without which you would be severely sick. Research has shown that if certain bacteria are not present in certain areas of the skin, specific diseases can occur.

In the intestinal tract, normal flora bacteria produce growth factors and nutrients which allow your cells to function, not only normally, but at a higher level than they ever could without the bacteria. Another way bacteria benefit you is by providing a competitive environment, where harmful and deadly bacteria can be hindered from causing disease.

Now think about the promises, dreams and hopes that God has given you as bacteria! You see, God’s principles are always revealed through His Word, and all of creation is literally His words manifested (Gen. 1-2). God desires for you to be “infected” with His plans and dreams for you and His Kingdom.

For example, when we hear from God concerning our purpose and destiny, a hope arises within us. This hope gives rise to faith and acts as a protective covering, much like bacteria on your skin, to help fight the lies and frustrations of circumstances from consuming God’s Word concerning you.

The Bible also says that God’s Word is the bread of life. Each time you allow a dream or prophetic word to grow and multiply within your spirit, you allow God’s Word over you to supply the “nutrients” needed for you to rise above the circumstances and ultimately walk into the manifestation of your dream.

You see, when we meditate on God’s Word, be it the scriptures or personal words from God, we allow God’s Word to be established as the “normal flora” of our lives. God’s Word now fights off the “evil bacteria” that come to try and steal our confession, our faith, our hope and our joy.

Now for the fun part! Do you know what is so great about bacteria? They can’t just stop by infecting one host! They are always looking for opportunities to infect and reproduce themselves in as many individuals as possible. Why? Because the more they spread, the greater they become (number-wise that is). So I ask you this question: What have you been doing to grow and reproduce God’s Word in you? Have others been infected with your dreams, your passion for God and His Kingdom?

If your answer is no, then stop being sterile! Throw away your spiritual antibiotic scrub-brush and embrace, cultivate, and spread the infectious words of God in your life. And soon, you will be a walking contagion for the Kingdom of God!

~Dr. Matt

Image Credit  © Johanna Goodyear | Dreamstime Stock Photos