Who Am I? I Am Persevering God's Way.

What is perseverance?

Perseverance defined means a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. (Merriam-Webster online dictionary)

Why do we need perseverance?

Jesus told the disciples they should always pray, and not faint. (Luke 19:1) 

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:16

These are just a few examples in the Bible where we are instructed to persevere (or continue) for various reasons.  

My personal favorite passage regarding perseverance is: 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:37-39

How do we persevere God's way? 

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.   Hebrews 11:6

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

Perseverance to the believer does not require making something happen.  It means knowing who you are IN CHRIST and firmly standing in it!  It means not believing what you see with your eyes, but what you know to be true in your life as a child of God.  

We do not have to fight to stay in the love of God in Christ Jesus.  As Christians we are God's Children, nothing in all creation can separate us from that if we "believe that he is".  We have been given the authority to stay in His Love.  

How can you know who you are, your authority in Christ Jesus?  Diligently seek him.  Get to know what He has done for you in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Know who He tells you He is in His Word.  And, get to know who He says you are in Christ.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  1 John 4:17

Reflect on the words of Muller: 

  "Over the years the Lord has faithfully taken care of us financially in our work of caring for the orphans by constantly raising up new supporters. God's promise is that they that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded. . . for one reason or another were we to lean upon man we would inevitably be disappointed; but, in leaning upon the living God alone, moment by moment, we are beyond disappointment and beyond being forsaken because of death, or of not having enough to live on or enough love or because of the needs of other works also requiring support. How precious to have learned to stand with God alone in the world, and yet to be happy and confident, and to know that 'no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.' "

Some who read or hear of Muller's adventures of faith say, "Oh, he had a very special gift of faith, but I couldn't live like that!" Muller argues, "It is the selfsame faith which is found in every believer ... Oh, I plead with you, do not think me an extraordinary believer, having privileges above others of God's dear children, which they cannot have, nor look on my way of acting as something that would not do for other believers ... Do but stand still in the hour of trial, and you will see the help of God if you trust in Him."

Who Am I? I Am Choosing His Perspective.

When we see a photo image, we are looking at a 2-dimensional representation of a real 3-dimensional scene. And, that is what photography is all about – capturing a 3D scene onto a 2D image. I used to wonder how do photographers demonstrate “depth” or sense of “scale” in a (good) photograph. They use the concept of Perspective.

photo credit:  http://www.mymodernmet.com/
profiles/blogs/10-cool-force-perspective

In photography, powerful compositions can be created by applying the concepts of perspective, effectively converting a 3D scene into a 2D image.
The same is true with how we choose to walk each and everyday through situations and circumstances, beyond our shortcomings and our mistakes,  going around the obstacles and hindrances in our daily path or moving the obstacles and hindrances out of our daily path.  As believers we have the opportunity to choose the perspective in which we walk each and everyday.

First, the day Jesus died on the cross, he paid the price for you and your sins.  When he rose again in heaven and we were sealed with the Holy Spirit, he gave us all the authority we need in His name to choose:  "...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life..." (Deuteronomy 30: 15, 19)

http://christiandevotions.us/2010/04/
making-right-choices-phoebe-leggett.html

There are really only two perspectives.  Do you choose to walk in that which Jesus has provided you, a child of God (Abundant life - John 10:10)?  Or, do you choose the life the enemy has laid out on this earth deceiving those who do not know who they are in Christ Jesus (the thief came to kill, steal, and destroy - John 10:10)?  

One can see when a photographer has an understanding the depth is created through perspective in an photo.  The same is true with the Word of God.  Through the perspective (the daily choices one chooses to make in their Christian walk) those around can see the resulting depth (spiritual maturity) develop.  

Simply put, the more a person knows His Word, the more a person can Walk in the LIGHT of that Word.  And this is reflected in every decision, great or small, a person makes everyday.  

Your perspective as a believer, will directly reflect to those around you, what is truly on the inside of you.  

Am I saying we do not make mistakes, or that these decisions are cookie cutter decisions for everyone?  No.  However, the Christ within you can only provide you LIFE and BLESSING if you choose to walk in it (Deuteronomy 28).  
Not walking in WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS is making the choice to walk in death and curse (Deuteronomy 28).

Who Am I? I Am a Walking Reflection.

How to share the Gospel Message at Work?

Photo credit:  www.mosaicnashville.us

Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.  (6)  Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].  Colossians 4:5-6  Amplified

Sharing the Gospel message at work begins with demonstrating the Gospel in our daily walk, how we conduct ourselves in everyday situations at work.  

People are watching.  They take notice of what we do in the little things. 

Are you prompt arriving to work and meetings or do you drag in ten minutes late?   


Do you respect your boss and coworkers, or does the gossip corner at work begin at your desk?  


Do you show a level of excellence in daily tasks, regardless of what they are, or do you complain and do just enough to get the job done?


Do your coworkers and your boss see in you that which reflect who you are, a follower of Christ, a believer of the Gospel, a Christian?  

Does who you are at work reflect God's Words in everything you do at work?

If your life at work reflects the God within you, others will take notice and begin to ask what is different?  They will know something is different about you, but they cannot put a finger on it.  They will begin to ask.  

This is your opportunity to share with them, simply the Word of God regarding what God has done for you, and ultimately what Jesus did on the cross.  

Remember, however, to continue to respect your boss and the business in which you work.  They are not paying you to preach the Gospel message, even if the business is a Christian business.  Respect the time that is their time, and preach the Gospel message on your time.  

Invite the person question to a meal.  Food, fellowship, and the Word of God go very well together.  And, it does not interfere with the time you are paid to work.  

Who Am I? I am knowing and understanding the unlimited greatness of His power.

Miracles, are they rare?  Why do miracles not happen all the time?

Many believers consider miracles to be rare and precious commodities, much like diamonds and other precious stones.  

What is a miracle?  

According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary, a miracle is an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.

Many deny the existence of miracles because they violate natural law.  This is true.  A miracle by definition does defy natural law.   Why?  Because miracles are in accordance with God's Laws, the supernatural, not man made laws.  

As believers, God's laws can work everyday in our lives.  

What does this mean?  

• It means being aware with renewed minds to what God's Word says is ours to have, to be, and to do everyday.  
• It means knowing what Jesus did on the cross and when he rose again, and how that our lives can reflect who He is within us here on earth.  
• It  means as Ephesians 1:17-23 (Amplified Bible) says:   [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,  (18)  By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),  (19)  And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,  (20)  Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],  (21)  Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.  (22)  And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], [Ps. 8:6.]  (23)  Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].

Believers can know and understand what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power.

Can you imagine knowing and understanding HIS GREAT POWER?

We must learn to match our own thinking with God's will for us in order to expect and experience the miraculous (extraordinary events manifesting divine intervention in human affairs) in our everyday lives.  "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..."  Proverbs 23:7.  

What are your expectations today?  Do you think you can know and understand the unlimited greatness of His power?  Miracles (and so much more) can be the norm, not the exception in your life here on earth.

Faith Creates Change.

Here is a true story I heard this past weekend.* 

A young mother just under three months pregnant went to her ultrasound appointment.  During the appointment the doctor noticed the baby's head was twice the size it should have been.  Usually when a baby is born like this, it has a condition known at that time as mongoloid (this is an old term no longer in use, referring to a person afflicted with Down Syndrome).  

The doctor ran the necessary tests to determine if this was the case here.  The tests showed it was indeed Down Syndrome.  The young mother was given just two weeks to decide whether to keep the child or abort the baby, before the state law at that time required she keep the child.  

Confused and not knowing what to do, this young believer, sought a mature Christian woman she knew for godly advice.  The woman boldly asked her, "Do you believe God can change things?  Do you believe in the name of Jesus?  Do you believe we have authority over all the sickness and disease?"

The young soon-to-be mother, confused and not sure, did say, "Yes."  

The mature believer began to pray and speak the Word of God in the situation.  "Jesus is more than enough. He is Jehovah Rapha, the God our healer.  I believe the healing power of God flows into your body.  Let's get in agreement with the Word of God right now."

With boldness and authority, she continued to pray and speak Gods Word into the situation, "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I command this body to respond....  I declare...."  The mature woman prayed God's Word and spoke out to the young mother's body to obey that Word.  

Upon returning to the doctor the fourth month and the fifth month of pregnancy, the ultrasounds to hear the babies head was still enlarged, characteristic of Down Syndrome.  

photo credits: unknown

The mature woman continued to stand with the young mother in agreement, having confidence in God over doubt and unbelief.  She chose to believe the report of the Lord over the report of the doctors.  She was not denying what the doctors said.  Rather, she chose to believe to walk by faith, not by sight.  God said, "The baby is healed by the stripes of Jesus. (Is 53:4-5, 1 Pet. 2:24).  God has also said, "He has blessed the fruit of our womb. (Deut 28:4, Ps. 127:3, Lk 1:42).  They declared God's Word is true.

The ultrasound in the seventh month said the head had become smaller, but still enlarged.  The eighth month revealed the same results - the head was smaller, but still out of proportion.  Then the baby was born with her head still larger than proportion, and other features characteristic of Down Syndrome were present.  The young mother, and the mature believer continued to stand and speak God's Word boldly into the situation.  They were not moved by what they saw.  God's Word said otherwise, and they were only believing what God had to say about the situation, not the doctors, and not what they saw with their eyes.  

Within three months the baby grew out of it.  Her head become normally proportionate to the remainder of her body.  The other features disappeared.  By three months old, she was a normal and healthy baby!  As she aged, no signs of Down Syndrome physically or mentally appeared.  Today the little girl that was on the verge of being aborted, is a healthy 20 year old young woman herself.  

How often to believers pray, expecting God to speak?  It is God's Word in our mouths that moves mountains.  We must speak God's Word.  He has already spoken. Find out what He has said regarding the circumstances in your life and speak it.  

Faith says that if there is something wrong, we can change it by the authority given to us in the name of Jesus.

*Testimony retold from a message given by Pastor Dale Durant.

Who Am I? I Am Rejoicing in the Blood Everyday!

"If believers only know about the power of the precious blood of Jesus Christ, they would no longer have a guilty conscience."  Kenneth E. Hagin

Old Covenant Law in the Old Testament brought to light sin.  Old Covenant Law showed the people their sin, and they without God's Grace they cannot obtain it on their own. 

This is why they had Old Covenant sacrifices, and even these were not effective in keeping people from experiencing guilt from being aware of sin in their lives.  (Hebrews 10:3-22)

Believers in Christ Jesus, by His blood sacrificed for us, are brought into right relationship with God, and do not have to feel guilt and shame once we have confessed our sin.

But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were [so] far away, through (by, in) the blood of Christ have been brought near.  Ephesians 2:13 AMP

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].   1John 1:9 AMP

Because of the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we can boldly come before God in the name of Jesus Christ, knowing that not of ourselves, but in Christ we are righteous. 

Life changes, and freedom grows as the Light of what we walk in within Christ Jesus grows, and we begin to understand and believe in not only Jesus, but also His blood, His precious blood and what it does for us daily.  

"It's ALL by the blood!"  Kenneth E. Hagin

Come to God boldly by the blood of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 10:19)  He made the sacrifice, bought and paid for us, sealed us with the Holy Spirit, and gave us authority in His name.  

We have boldness to come before the throne of God, to walk with our head held high every day, because we KNOW about the blood of Jesus.  

 I, even I, am He Who blots out and cancels your transgressions, for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.  Isa 43:25 AMP

If God does not remember our sins, our failures, and our shortcomings; why should we beat ourselves up in guilt and shame over them?

Rejoice and Thank God for "The Blood of Jesus!"

"And they overcame him (the devil) BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death." Revelation 12:11

This is life in the precious blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus!  This is the life believers are to live EVERYDAY!

Who Am I? I Am Forgiving, Forgiven, and in Right Relationship.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  1 John 1:7

How many times have we heard this verse quoted to a sinner (someone who does not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior)?  

John is writing this book to believers, Christians, not to the world.  He wrote the book of 1 John to the Church.  

How do I know this?  

1 John 1:7 begins "if we walk in the light".  A nonbeliever cannot walk in something they do not have.  As believers we have the choice to walk in the Light.  

The focus of the verse and the ones that follow is the Church, the believer.  IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light.....  THEN what happens?  We have fellowship with one another.  (the believers, the Church).  

What else does this verse say?  

It implies that if you are not walking in the light, then you do not have fellowship with one another, the Body of Christ.  

Why is this?  

If a Christian, a believer, is not walking in the light they are not in "right relationship" with God.  They are out of fellowship with God, and in need of getting right with God.  

"Walking in the light, as he is in the light" means we have fellowship with ONE ANOTHER, the whole Body of Christ.  It is in this light, and this fellowship, that the BLOOD of Jesus Christ His Son CLEANSETH us from all sin.

Our Spirit Man has been renewed at our birth in Christ Jesus.  Our mind is being renewed as we continue to hear the Word of God and commune with Him.  Our bodies, however, are not yet redeemed.  We must keep it under subjection to our spirits.  As a result, we all make mistakes.  

However, as we continue to "walk in the light, as he is in the light", then even though we make a mistake, we are assured of continual cleansing of sin.  

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

When we know we have made a mistake.  1 John 1:9 tells us what to do:  Confess our sin, and he will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (sin).  

"Walking in the light" to a believer means we are cleaned by the Blood of Jesus Christ from all mistakes, intentional or unintentional.  

Maybe you are walking in hurt, guilt, or shame because of a mistake you made.  It seems to keep coming back and biting you in the butt.  You can choose to walk in the light, and know God has forgiven you because of what Jesus has done on the cross.  

The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  Once way of doing this is with your thoughts.  Do not entertain thoughts of shame and doubt.  

Entertain thoughts based on what God has said!  What has he said?  You are forgiven and cleansed by the BLOOD of Jesus Christ that was shed when he died on the cross and rose again. 

Walk in the "right relationship" that you have KNOW by the Word of God, you have with Him.

Who Am I? I Am Standing Firm, Walking by Faith, Not by Sight!

Here is a true story I heard this past weekend.*  

A young mother just under three months pregnant went to her ultrasound appointment.  During the appointment the doctor noticed the baby's head was twice the size it should have been.  Usually when a baby is born like this, it has a condition known at that time as mongoloid (this is an old term no longer in use, referring to a person afflicted with Down Syndrome).  

The doctor ran the necessary tests to determine if this was the case here.  The tests showed it was indeed Down Syndrome.  The young mother was given just two weeks to decide whether to keep the child or abort the baby, before the state law at that time required she keep the child.  

Confused and not knowing what to do, this young believer, sought a mature Christian woman she knew for godly advice.  The woman boldly asked her, "Do you believe God can change things?  Do you believe in the name of Jesus?  Do you believe we have authority over all the sickness and disease?"

The young soon-to-be mother, confused and not sure, did say, "Yes."  

The mature believer began to pray and speak the Word of God in the situation.  "Jesus is more than enough. He is Jehovah Rapha, the God our healer.  I believe the healing power of God flows into your body.  Let's get in agreement with the Word of God right now."

With boldness and authority, she continued to pray and speak Gods Word into the situation, "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I command this body to respond....  I declare...."  The mature woman prayed God's Word and spoke out to the young mother's body to obey that Word.  

Upon returning to the doctor the fourth month and the fifth month of pregnancy, the ultrasounds to hear the babies head was still enlarged, characteristic of Down Syndrome.  

The mature woman continued to stand with the young mother in agreement, having confidence in God over doubt and unbelief.  She chose to believe the report of the Lord over the report of the doctors.  She was not denying what the doctors said.  Rather, she chose to believe to walk by faith, not by sight.  God said, "The baby is healed by the stripes of Jesus. (Is 53:4-5, 1 Pet. 2:24).  God has also said, "He has blessed the fruit of our womb. (Deut 28:4, Ps. 127:3, Lk 1:42).  They declared God's Word is true.

The ultrasound in the seventh month said the head had become smaller, but still enlarged.  The eighth month revealed the same results - the head was smaller, but still out of proportion.  Then the baby was born with her head still larger than proportion, and other features characteristic of Down Syndrome were present.  The young mother, and the mature believer continued to stand and speak God's Word boldly into the situation.  They were not moved by what they saw.  God's Word said otherwise, and they were only believing what God had to say about the situation, not the doctors, and not what they saw with their eyes.  

Within three months the baby grew out of it.  Her head become normally proportionate to the remainder of her body.  The other features disappeared.  By three months old, she was a normal and healthy baby!  As she aged, no signs of Down Syndrome physically or mentally appeared.  Today the little girl that was on the verge of being aborted, is a healthy 20 year old young woman herself.  

How often to believers pray, expecting God to speak?  It is God's Word in our mouths that moves mountains.  We must speak God's Word.  He has already spoken.  Find out what He has said regarding the circumstances in your life and speak it.  Faith says that if there is something wrong, we can change it by the authority given to us in the name of Jesus.

*Testimony retold from a message given by Pastor Dale Durant.

How To Choose A Children's Pastor/Leader.

http://www.ctwinnipeg.com/
?i=8354&mid=1000&id=185760

There is no one right way in children's ministry.  In fact, what works in the children's ministry within your church today, will evolve and change every year.  When working with children, what remains the same each year is the primary vision, the mission of children's ministry flowing with the vision of the church.  

Regardless of the primary mission of your church children's ministry, choosing the right leaders is essential.  This person, or team, will direct the program to fulfill it's mission, and make the major decisions beginning and putting together the church children's ministry.  

The heart of the children's ministry is reflected of the children's pastor/leader.  A leader who desires to reach children and their families is a direct mirror of the heart of the leader directing the ministry.  This person determines the value the ministry team, heads over other areas of the church, the Senior Pastors, the parents, and ultimately the whole congregation envision for reaching children.  This person is key to the way others respond and support the children's ministry.  

With this said, it is important to know two things when searching for an effective Children's Minister.  

1.  What to look for in a children's ministry leader.

2.  What to not look for in a children's ministry leader.

Today, we will begin to address:  What to look for in a children's ministry leader.

The following article found at Enrichment Journal provides insights to what kind of person should the children's pastor/leader possess to lead an exciting, spiritually alive children's ministry.  

When looking at choosing a children's ministry leader, begin by evalutating the persons spiritual qualities, personality and character traits, and leadership skills.

Spiritual qualities:The children’s pastor should be a person:

• who loves Jesus and is filled with the Holy Spirit.

• whom God has called and anointed to minister to children.

• who is submissive to spiritual authority.

• who has a burning passion to see children saved and discipled.

• with a Christlike servant’s heart–that is, a person who is not looking for a position of ministry but an opportunity to minister.

Personality and character traits:  The children’s pastor should be a person:

• who loves children and enjoys being with them.

• whom children love and are drawn toward.

• with integrity.

• who has high energy and a contagious passion.

• with a good sense of humor.

• who has the capacity and desire to continue to grow.

• who can effectively communicate with children and adults.

• who is creative.

Leadership skills:  The children’s pastor should be a person with the ability to:

• connect with and encourage people.

• understand and motivate people.

• gather and recruit people.

• equip and empower people.

• develop and multiply people.

While all of the above qualities, traits, and skills are important, few people possess all of them. With the Spirit’s anointing, incredible things happen in our ministry, even when we are inadequate. The apostle Paul believed and taught: "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:4,5*).You can have an effective children’s ministry if your children’s ministry leader(s) embodies the spiritual qualities and personality/character traits identified above. However, if you desire to have a cutting-edge, growing children’s ministry and one that effectively reaches and disciples a larger number of children, it is essential that you prayerfully seek someone who also possesses or can develop the five leadership skills listed above. Without these skills, an individual, no matter how Christlike and committed, can only minister to a limited number of children. But when a person with the spiritual qualities and the personality/character traits also has these leadership skills, there is no limit to how many children he or she can influence with the love of Jesus.Finding the Right PersonWhether in a smaller church or a larger one, here are some practical things a pastor-coach can do to find the right person to lead the children’s ministry.

• Pray that God will raise up someone in your congregation who already possesses the gifts and passion for children’s ministry.

• Pray that God will help you disciple and mentor someone who has the potential gifts and passion for children’s ministry.

• Pray that God will help you lead someone to Christ who eventually could minister to children. (Several of our most effective children’s ministry leaders have been individuals whom we led to Christ and discipled.)

• Share your heart with your deacons and other ministry leaders in your church. Ask them to pray with you.

• Ask a neighboring pastor to assist you in identifying and developing leaders in your church. Others are willing to help if we are not too proud to ask.

• Ask help from your district office. Your district leadership will consult with you about your situation. They love you and want to help.

• Call the student ministries office at one or more of our colleges. They will provide names of graduating seniors or recent graduates who have a passion for children’s ministry.

• Because leaders attract leaders, develop your own leadership gifts. As you do, you’ll find that young leaders will ask if you have a place for them.

Next posting:    What to not look for in a children's ministry leader.

Who Am I? I Am Pushing and Shoving, Pressing and Touching Him!

Moved By Faith - Not Circumstances!

Jesus, in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, sees a man with a withered hand. After healing this man, knowing the Pharisees were plotting to against him, withdrew to the sea with His disciples.  

A great multitude, a huge crowd from cities all around, followed after him.  They had heard the testimonies, reports, of Jesus and they wanted to see for themselves.  Testimonies of healing by Jesus had spread and now everyone who needed healing and deliverance was pushing and shoving, pressing in, to get near enough to Jesus to touch him for healing.  Jesus cured all of them.

(Read the account in Mark 3:7-10 and Matthew 12:14-15)

*What can we glean from this account?  

Following Jesus is not enough. Coming into the presence of Jesus is not enough.  We must press in and touch Him.

How many believers attend church several times a month?  They are believers,  Christians, following Jesus.  This is not in question.  However, they have not moved beyond following Him.


How many Christians attend church every Sunday?  Maybe the even read a daily devotional centering around a scripture or two with an tidbit of life application for 10 minutes a day, and say their prayers before going to bed at night.  They go to Him and see Him.  Yet, they still have not moved beyond standing in the crowd and watching Jesus.  

We must PRESS IN AND TOUCH HIM.  When this happens faith is put into action, mountains move, and lives are changed.  

Followers can attend church for 20 years and remain sick or poor.  Watching on the sidelines places the blessing and all that is yours before you, making you aware of what you can have.  But, it is pressing in and touching him, the action of taking what is yours that will make real changes in your life.  It is putting your faith to work.  

God is moved by your faith in action, not by your circumstances.  

Once you are in love with Jesus so much, that you are truly focused on Him, and Him alone.  Through that love, your faith begins to move and take action.

Begin to press in, pushing and shoving to reach Jesus and touch Him.  

In this place mountains move, and all that He did on the cross for you, and all that follows the cross, after He rose again, becomes reality in your life.

* Today's posting was inspired by Rachele Coello.

Moved By Faith - Not Circumstances!

Jesus, in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, sees a man with a withered hand. After healing this man, knowing the Pharisees were plotting to against him, withdrew to the sea with His disciples.  

A great multitude, a huge crowd from cities all around, followed after him.  They had heard the testimonies, reports, of Jesus and they wanted to see for themselves.  Testimonies of healing by Jesus had spread and now everyone who needed healing and deliverance was pushing and shoving, pressing in, to get near enough to Jesus to touch him for healing.  Jesus cured all of them.

(Read the account in Mark 3:7-10 and Matthew 12:14-15)

*What can we glean from this account?  

Following Jesus is not enough. Coming into the presence of Jesus is not enough.  We must press in and touch Him.

How many believers attend church several times a month?  They are believers,  Christians, following Jesus.  This is not in question.  However, they have not moved beyond following Him.


How many Christians attend church every Sunday?  Maybe the even read a daily devotional centering around a scripture or two with an tidbit of life application for 10 minutes a day, and say their prayers before going to bed at night.  They go to Him and see Him.  Yet, they still have not moved beyond standing in the crowd and watching Jesus.  

We must PRESS IN AND TOUCH HIM.  When this happens faith is put into action, mountains move, and lives are changed.  

Followers can attend church for 20 years and remain sick or poor.  Watching on the sidelines places the blessing and all that is yours before you, making you aware of what you can have.  But, it is pressing in and touching him, the action of taking what is yours that will make real changes in your life.  It is putting your faith to work.  

God is moved by your faith in action, not by your circumstances.  

Once you are in love with Jesus so much, that you are truly focused on Him, and Him alone.  Through that love, your faith begins to move and take action.

Begin to press in, pushing and shoving to reach Jesus and touch Him.  

In this place mountains move, and all that He did on the cross for you, and all that follows the cross, after He rose again, becomes reality in your life.

* Today's posting was inspired by Rachele Coello.

Who Am I? I Am Thankful.

Excitement has filled my spring season this year, and continues into the summer as JoyfulWorks International Ministries continues expanding on the web with a new website, blogs, Facebook fan pages, and more.  

Why am I so excited about this?

Each advancement made this year has expanded ministry beyond the walls of missions work in Asia.  Web expansion created an effective outreach to those partnering and supporting this ministry.  We are now able to communicate via contact forms on the web, converse through blogs, share testimonies with each other, pray and move mountains together by prayer request forms, give you insights to my person life in a foreign country through blogs and Facebook, and much much more.  The most important goal of this expansion makes you (partners, prayer partners, supporters, those interested in the work in Asia) more accessible to me, and me to you.  I love it.  

http://xoombi.com/how-to-give-a-meaningful-thank-you/

Yes, I have dedicated my life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.  This includes those around the world that I have come to know as my ministry and support family.  God is very good and gracious.  He has enable us to break through barriers both in ministry here, and through  websites like this one here.  Reaching people in Christ is what I do, and now we have a more effective means of doing just that.

Everything JoyfulWorks International Ministries is doing advances and grows because of PEOPLE, partners, like you.  You are the backbone of the ministry pushing us forward with your love and faith.  JoyfulWorks International Ministries is determined to continue to move full force ahead as directed to fulfill the Great Commission, "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16:15)

lifechurchmakati.com

As you read the blog entries from the website (Who Am I? DailyDevo, Discovered Treasures Bible Study, L.I.F.E., Tales of a Modern-Day Missionary, Empowering Children, and others), I pray an increase within you regarding the knowledge and wisdom of the Word of God, to get to know Him, and an increase in your faith to believe Him through the course of every situation and circumstance in your life.

Thank you for being a crucial part of JoyfulWorks International Ministries.  You are blessing to me and all the people this ministry touches, both in missions work throughout Asia and through the website reaching people internationally.  Because of what you do, I am able to do what I do,  REACH PEOPLE.

Thank you.  ---joy neasley

Who Am I? I Am Focused on Victory.

"When you focus on the “ifs” in your life, you hinder your own success. Instead of looking constantly at your negative circumstances, why not focus on the positive ones? I’m not talking about ignoring the facts. I am encouraging you to realize that although the facts are real, the Word of God is more real!

Faith sees every situation as a victory, not a defeat (2 Cor. 2:14). Faith in the Word of God takes contrary circumstances and negative facts and turns them around so you come out the victor every single time. The Word reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Christ (Rom. 8:37). It tells us all of our needs are met according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). We are promised that we can do all things through Christ Who gives us strength (Phil. 4:13). And we are convinced that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isa. 54:17). 

You see, the eye of faith always declares the Word and sees the victory!"*  

The word "focus" is defined as the center of interest or activity.  

We choose our focus.  Circumstances and situations do not choose our focus for us.

*Today's post is a quote from one of my own mentors while I attended RBTC, Kenneth W. Hagin.  I could not have said better.  

Who Am I? I Am Bought and Paid For.

In Christian circles we often hear the phrase "the precious blood of Jesus".  What does it mean?  

This phrase can be found in 1 Peter 1:18-19, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

"The precious blood of Jesus" refers to what Jesus did for us in the act of choosing to give his life (the shedding of His blood as a sacrifice made without blemish and without spot) as payment to recover ownership of man.  

Once sin entered into the world through Adam, Satan became the father of our  spirit - the spirit man within you (this is another teaching for a later time).  Jesus shed His blood the day he died on the cross to pay the sin of man, before His death, during the time of His death, and for all time after his death.  He recovered ownership of man from Satan through the shedding of his blood.  We have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ.  

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  Acts 20:28

Sin was removed the day Jesus redeemed us (purchased us).  When this happened man is able to walk in fellowship (a right relationship) with God once again.  The laws of Moses that had to be kept in order to have a right relationship with God, became obsolete.  

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.   1John 1:7 

The "precious blood of Jesus" made it possible for us to choose life over death, and blessing over curses.  (Deut 30:19)

Even though the price was paid, the decision is ours to accept it.   Each man can choose to receive it what is already theirs, or to reject it.  

How do we receive it?

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Rom 10:9-10

Maybe you attend church each week.  Maybe you watch services on t.v. Maybe this is your first time hearing what Jesus did for you.  If you would like to choose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and choose LIFE  follow the instructions God gave us in Romans 10:9-10.  

Here is a prayer you can pray to do just that and begin a new life in Christ.

God, I do not have a right relationship with you.  I want to have that relationship.  Jesus Christ paid for my sins on the cross.  I ask you to forgive me of all my sins.  I choose you.  The bible tells me to confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe with my heart that God raised Him from the dead.  Then I will be saved.   I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for the precious blood of Jesus.  I am saved.  In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

If this is the first time you prayed this prayer, please send an email using the contact form on the JoyfulWorks website and share it with us.