DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE IN

And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites,... Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron [and several cities]. Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, or Zidon (Jdg 1:28-31),

This is a story of an incomplete victory. God had commanded them..."When you come into the land, you're to utterly drive out the inhabitants thereof. You're not to make any covenant of peace with them. You're not to dwell together and try to coexist with them in peaceful terms."

It is also the story of many of our lives.  We get a little taste of freedom or we experience some minor victories and then we give up and fail to push through for total victory.

I know for myself (and I probably speak for many of you) - that has been the case many times over.  Our lives would all be so different had we just made the extra effort to do what God has laid out before us and not give in.

We must not "stop" or "give in" ever.  We cannot make peace treaties with "sin" (the different cities) rather than to eradicate them as God commanded them to do.

I see so many Christians start off well only to cave in when things get a little difficulty.

Mickey Rooney once said - "You always pass failure on your way to success." That is so true.  There will be failure along the way but don't give up.

Until we understand and fully surrender to Christ - we cannot or will not be able to secure a full victory.

In one of his meetings, D.L. Moody was explaining to his audience the truth that we cannot bring about spiritual changes in our lives by our own strength. He demonstrated the principal like this: “Tell me,” he said to his audience, “how can I get the air out of the tumbler I have in my hand?” One man said, “Suck it out with a pump.” But Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter it.” Finally after many suggestions, he picked up a pitcher and quietly filled the glass with water. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come by working hard to eliminate sinful habits, but rather by allowing Christ to take full possession.

The only way that we are going to experience "full" and "complete" victories is to empty ourselves of ourselves and then to allow Christ to fill us up with Him.  Without Him I have failed and will continue to fail.

I like what Hebrews 12:1-3 says...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1-3‬ NIV)

We must "press on" with "endurance" in this race that is before us.

I'm always amazed at the endurance athletes go through to win a race.  I once read a story about American Gail Devers won the 100-meter dash by only 6/100 of a second over her four top competitors in 1992.

The back story is this: Gail suffers from Grave’s disease. Just one year before she won the Olympic gold, Gail came within two days of having both feet amputated. After surviving that scare, she began to train and push herself toward her goal. Her determination and persistence won the day. Who would have thought the fastest woman in the world was the same woman who almost lost her feet.

She did not give up or give in - she pressed through for the complete victory.

It the same for you and I - that we must "endure to the end" and allow Christ to fill us us with Him that our strength is not in ourselves but totally dependent on Him who died for each of us.  Press in for your victory is just around the corner!

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”” Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the Book of Jeremiah we see that God sends Israel warnings and then ultimately judgments for their sins.  In the end, God allows the Babylonians to conquer their land and take the people into captivity.

Lamentation, the Book that immediately follows the Book of Jeremiah, is a book of weeping and grief by the people of Israel over the losses that they had experienced.  It is a funeral dirge.

As Jeremiah trudged through the ruined city, he smelled destruction everywhere.  He knew the invading Babylonians had destroyed the city because the people had forsaken their God. He knew that the Lord's people had brought misery upon themselves - yet his heart still broke.

For two whole chapters Jeremiah laments the calamity.  He recognizes the chastening hand of God.

“Does not the Most High send both calamity and good?” Lamentations‬ ‭3:38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Right in the middle of this dirge he stops to express one of the most hopeful pronouncements in the Old Testament... "The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”” Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the midst of the carnage, in the midst of his own wailing, the prophet finds hope in knowing that God still reigns.  He knows that restoration and repentance can occur - God's anger will not burn against His people forever.

Jeremiah can go on - with hope. So can we.

Even though there are more tears as you read through the last two chapters of Jeremiah, there is this small light in the midst of the darkness - Because God lives - so can we!

No matter how dark things might look right now, now matter how hard life is and can be - don't give up, give in or quit.  Don't give up on hope! We can move forward because He lives and is going to reward those who remain faithful to Him.

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD...” Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

HOW TO SUSTAIN THE BLESSING OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE

“In the midst of her sadness and wandering, Jerusalem remembers her ancient splendor. But now she has fallen to her enemy, and there is no one to help her. Her enemy struck her down and laughed as she fell. Jerusalem has sinned greatly, so she has been tossed away like a filthy rag. All who once honored her now despise her, for they have seen her stripped naked and humiliated. All she can do is groan and hide her face.” Lamentations‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We've all been given so much in life, blessings upon blessings.  If one would stop and count the blessings, they would be innumerable.  I know that is true for my life and it is true for many of you.

In the Bible, God gave His people every blessing imaginable, even the Promised Land of abundance.  But then they lost it because of their sin.

My contention is this, great conquest must be supported by great character.  Whatever gains any of us make can also be lost in a heartbeat, unless they develop the character to support those gains.

Over my years of ministry I've watched many leader come and go because their "charisma" (gifts) exceeded their character (moral infrastructure).  The gift grew bigger than the person.

I've sat with many leaders who have wept in my office over the moral decline in their lives which disqualified them for ministry.

Even now I am shocked by today's headlines that states that there are thousands of people from the High Desert (not counting across our country) who are part of a website seeking to have an affair in their life.

What's wrong with this picture?  Where is our moral compass?

It has been said, "Nothing is so hard to gain, and so easy to lose, as our reputation."  We must all recognize how fleeting is fame or popularity.

- We usually recognize talents and gifts.  We should equally recognize solid character and integrity.

- We usually recognize the superb product.  We should equally recognize the process that develops on the way.

- We usually recognize evidence in performance.  We should equally recognize excellence in discipline.

- We usually recognize external appearances.  We should equally recognize stability and obedience.

The only way to sustain the gifts and blessings that God has endowed to us is to go deep and develop the character to sustain those blessings.  We must align our moral compass in regards to our integrity and holiness in life.

Others can.  I cannot.  I must make life decisions that are sustainable for the long haul and not for the short term pleasures they might bring.

Our vessels must be worthy to hold the anointing that God has placed upon us.  We must constantly guard our lives that holes and cracks don't disturb the foundation.  It is then that our blessing our sustainable for years to come.  May God help each of us in this regard!

SEASON OF WAITING

“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint. Then the LORD said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk‬ ‭2:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is something that I'm not good at in life - that is "waiting."  The irony is this: It seems though that I've spent a lot of my life waiting for things to happen and come my way.

I have hung on to this promise more than once...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We may be waiting for specific fulfillment of God’s plan in our lives which God promised to us during our prayer.

•    It might be your job promotion
•    Salary increase
•    Dream house
•    Spouse (for single)
•    Healing
•    Salvation of loved ones

Waiting is not an easy job.  It is difficult and hard and even annoying.

This passage teaches us Three Ways To Wait:

1. Wait Prayerfully (Build Up Your Faith)

“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint.” Habakkuk‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”” Luke‬ ‭21:36‬ ‭NLT

•    Pray expectantly (Faith)
•    Pray consistently (Effort)
•    Pray accordingly (Base on God’s Word)

2. Wait Actively (Build Up Others)

“Then the LORD said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.”Habakkuk‬ ‭2:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

•    Read God’s Word
•    Meditate God’s Word
•    Spread God’s Word (tell everyone else)

“Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.””
‭‭Job‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

3. Wait Patiently (Build Up Your Character)

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

•    God’s plan may come slowly
•    God’s plan will come steadily
•    God’s plan will come surely

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

•    Noah waited 120 years until it began to rain
•    Abraham waited 99 years before the promised son (Isaac) came
•    Moses waited 40 years in the desert before the promise deliverance of Israel from Egypt took place
•    Joseph spent several years in prison before he became 
ruler of Egypt
•    David waited until the death of Saul before he became king

Even Jesus waited for 30 years before He started His ministry.

I like the attitude of Prophet Habakkuk when he said:

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Perhaps you are in a season of waiting right now.  Don't give up.  Hang in there.  Keep your eyes on Jesus and ask Him to give you the needed patience to get through this.

May God give you much grace today.  Remember that God's delay and is not necessarily denial. It's just "not now."

JUDGMENT FOR OUR SINS

““Now prophesy all these things, and say to them, “‘The LORD will roar against his own land from his holy dwelling in heaven. He will shout like those who tread grapes; he will shout against everyone on earth. His cry of judgment will reach the ends of the earth, for the LORD will bring his case against all the nations. He will judge all the people of the earth, slaughtering the wicked with the sword. I, the LORD, have spoken!’”” Jeremiah‬ ‭25:30-31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I read a quote this last week by Francis Chan that makes a lot of sense - "People don't want to be saved from their sin, they just want to be saved from the penalty of their sin."

That is so true - especially in today's society.  People enjoy their sin - they just don't want the penalty of sin later.

Earlier in this chapter we see the warnings of  impending judgment that was coming upon Israel because of their flagrant sin.  In fact, God tells them...““Again and again the LORD has sent you his servants, the prophets, but you have not listened or even paid attention.” Jeremiah‬ ‭25:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This reminds me of a story I once heard about a very religious man who was once caught in rising floodwaters. He climbed onto the roof of his house and trusted God to rescue him. A neighbor came by in a canoe and said, “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll paddle to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” A short time later the police came by in a boat. “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll take you to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me." A little time later a rescue services helicopter hovered overhead, let down a rope ladder and said. “The waters will soon be above your house. Climb the ladder and we’ll fly you to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me." All this time the floodwaters continued to rise, until soon they reached above the roof and the religious man drowned. When he arrived at heaven he demanded an audience with God. Ushered into God’s throne room he said, “Lord, why am I here in heaven? I prayed for you to save me, I trusted you to save me from that flood.” “Yes you did my child” replied the Lord. “And I sent you a canoe, a boat and a helicopter. But you never got in."

Listen to me today, (This is not just me speaking but prophets and pastors across America are hearing and saying the same thing) - that  judgment is coming soon to America for its sins.  Judgment is coming to the House of God.  Judgment is coming to individuals who continue to walk flagrantly in their sins of pride and arrogance.  Someday soon, we will all have to stand in accountability for our sins.  It's time for us to wake up and heed the voice of God which is coming more and more frequent to turn and repent of whatever sin besets us.

“...be sure that your sin will find you out.” Numbers‬ ‭32:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

SUBMITTED TO THE POTTER'S HAND

““O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.”‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever watched a potter make a clay vessel? To me it is one of the most fascinating things to watch as he shapes the clay with his hands - sometimes over and over on the potter's wheel.

Let's talk about the potter’s wheel for a bit... It consisted of two wheels, one large wheel and one small wheel. The wheels were on a vertical axis and they were connected by a wooden rod. The large wheel was on the bottom and the small wheel was on the top. The large wheel was turned by the feet that would in turn spin the upper wheel. 

To us this wheel represents the circumstances of life that are used by God to the mold the believer, but in order for there to be a work on the wheel there was some things the potter had to have before he could mold us.

Clay is basically useless when it is dug out of the ground. It is shapeless, has no purpose, no beauty, it is no good and is of basically no good to anyone.

This is a picture of us when we were in our depraved state. We were sinners and a like a piece clay we were shapeless and had no purpose. There was no beauty in our life. But the potter put us on the wheel and we became a work on the wheels and the circumstances of life started us spinning

We didn’t end up on the potter’s wheel by mistake. There is a motive behind everything the potter is doing.  When he is forming that vessel he already has something in mind as to his will for us. He knows what kind of vessel he wants to make. A potter doesn’t sit down to make a vase and by chance make a bowl.

“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.” Romans‬ ‭8:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is a perfect Will of God for each and everyone of us but it is up to us to find it.

The wheel begins to spin starting to work. The ugly piece of clay is on the wheel. The potter has kneaded it out like dough so he could have something to work with. He got some water just in case the clay gets a little dry or to hot. It doesn’t have any form. It’s just laying there helpless. It can't stand on it’s on.

The potter begins to apply a little friction causing the clay to stand upright giving it a little power to stand on its own. He then applies some pressure. This pressure was applied to get out some the small stones and burrs out that cause imperfections. Then the potter trims the clay. He cuts all of the excess away

Finally, he uses the heat to purify his work. He puts it in a kiln and covers it up. Nobody can see what is going on inside that kiln and it is hot and that vessel is being tried and tempered to see if is worthy to be used as a vessel of honor.

There has been many vessels gone in but some of them came out bent or broke and couldn’t be used.  But this time the potter pulls the vessel out of the kiln and to his delight he sees that piece of clay that was without shape and it was ugly and useless now it shape and is beautiful. 

But he wants to see if it is useful. So he takes it and gives it the ultimate test. He pours oil in it.

Oil represents the Holy Spirit and if the vessel can hold the oil it is a vessel of honor.

The question for you right now is this. Have you become a broken or bent vessel? Are you unable to hold oil anymore? 

If you hesitate or question yourself at these questions - do yourself, do your church and more than anything do God a favor and come back to the potter and let him put you back on the potter's wheel to become everything that God intends for you to be.

GIVE YOUR WORRIES TO GOD

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

Do you ever worry? I know I do - too much.  I think and rethink things over and over in my mind.  I rehash conversations and events until it wears me down.  I toss and turn in my sleep trying to figure things out.  

I know I'm not alone.

The truth is this... It takes more than will power to stop worrying. You already know that, because you’ve already tried it. You’ve thought, “I shouldn’t worry about this,” and yet you just keep on worrying about it.

It’s going to take more than your willpower to stop worrying. Basically, it's going to take four things to overcome worry.

1. Get To Know God. 

Jesus says in Matthew 6:32, “People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things” (MSG). 

If you don’t have a relationship with God, you have every reason to worry. You’ve got to get to know God! As a believer, you have a heavenly Father who has promised to take care of you. You are God’s child, and children get special privileges. When you worry, God says, “You’re my child. Why are you acting like an orphan?”

2. Put God First In Every Area Of Your Life. 

Matthew 6:31-33 says, “Don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing …. Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to” (TLB). 

Any time you take God out of the center of your life and put anything else there — no matter how good it is — you’re going to worry.

3. Live One Day At A Time. 

The Bible says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NCV). 

If you’re worrying about tomorrow, you can’t enjoy today. You miss today’s blessings. It’s OK to plan for tomorrow, but you have to live for today. Also, when you’re always worried about tomorrow, the future gets overwhelming. But God will give you the grace and strength you need when you get there. Right now, you only need enough power for today.

4. Trust God To Care. 

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). 

How do you do that? One way is to memorize God’s promises in the Bible. 

They’re like an insurance policy for believers. When you know something’s covered, you don’t worry about it anymore. Another way is to pray. If you prayed as much as you worried, you’d have a lot less to worry about.

What’s the result of taking these four steps? Incredible peace of mind: “You will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand” (Philippians 4:7a TLB).

Pray this prayer today: “Dear Father, I admit that I often forget that you are with me. I often forget what you’re like. Would you please forgive me for that? I need to get to know you better. I need to get to know your Word and your promises better. Help me to put you first in every area of my life. Help me to live one day at a time. Help me to not worry about tomorrow but instead focus on what you’re doing in my life right now. I want to trust in your promise to take care of every one of my needs — financial, relational, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional. Help me to trust you more and worry less. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

WHAT ARE THE IDOLS IN YOUR LIFE?

“But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including Israel, his own special possession. The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is his name!”  Jeremiah‬ ‭10:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I remember one time telling a Hindu person about Christ and what He could do for them, and without hesitation they said yes to Jesus.  But I soon realized that they didn't quite understand the message that I was presenting.  To them, he was just another "god" to be placed upon their mantle.  In their thinking - the more gods they had, the more they would be protected, the more they would prosper.  It wasn't about exclusivity, but it was about about accumulating as many gods as they could just in case one was weaker than the other.

Chapter 10 of Jeremiah is a message to people about the "idols" in their lives.  God refers to them as decorated pieces of wood that couldn't talk or walk.  He compares their power to His power and He questions why people would choose to follow such "stupid" things.

Since the beginning of time the devil has been trying to get man’s allegiance diverted from Almighty God to whomever or to whatever he could. That was really the problem in the Garden of Eden as his ploy to Eve was that if she would eat then she too would be like God, thus taking away from God’s supremacy.

God knows that man is easily distracted by the things that surround him and especially those things involving his fleshly nature. Self-indulgence has always had a stronger pull than self-discipline for mankind.

I suppose that is why when God gave the Ten Commandments He listed as Number One –
“You shall have no other gods before me.”Exodus 20:3 NLT

He then followed that with the Second one which clarified the prohibition of the first -
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”Exodus‬ ‭20:4-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you are going to put God first in your heart, soul and mind, you do not have any “wiggle room” for anything or anyone else to supplant the place of God in your life or actions. But we know it isn’t that simple for we are bombarded with conflicting allegiances and through the ages man has succumbed to some form of idolatry.

Idolatry has reared its ugly head in every generation because, as I said in the beginning, the devil wants to divert attention away from God Almighty, the true creator of mankind.

Although we may not have idols and images such as they had in years past, we still have those things or practices that are every bit a form of idolatry as they had. We abound in things which would and do push aside our allegiance to God in some form or another.

Our nation is on a fast track to destruction because it has forgotten its roots in the things of God.

George Washington in his farewell address said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who would labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens…” “Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”

One does not have to look too far to see that many of our political leaders have moved far away from the thinking of George Washington and other such leaders that were a part of the founding of this nation.

Jeremiah in our text clearly points out that God will eventually destroy all idolatry. Whether they be the idols – graven images of the past or the indulgences of the present – all are worthless and the objects of mockery. When judgment comes all forms of idolatry will perish.

One might ask about idols in today's world.  The truth is that they are all around us.  We put many things in front of God - TV, money, people, prestige, pride, and the list could go on and on.  It is time for us to let go of those useless idols and truly become a people that is putting God first in everything in our lives.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

WHAT IS A PASTOR?

“ And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I've been pastoring for 40+ years and have seen many leaders come and go. I've sat under some very anointed men of God who have taught me and led me and have ministered to my soul when I was in great need.

There are many types of ministers out there today.  There are the sprinters who come in for a season and are gone and then there are the plodders that faithfully pastor and lead the people God has given them day by day.

I hope that I am the latter and have proven that I am in this for the long haul.  These are the guys who end up doing marriages and baby dedications and funerals and minister from God's word to generations of families.

According to the dictionary, a pastor is a noun and it is defined as a Christian minister or a priest who is a leader of a congregation. But according to the word of God, a pastor is a shepherd, a under shepherd who leads God’s people, which is the church. The pastor is one who oversees, he leads, he guides, he protects, he teaches, he trains, he counsels, he preaches to, he prays with and for it, and He feeds the church with spiritual food which is the Word of God.

In Jeremiah 3:15, the Lord says, And I will give you pastors according to my heart, which will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” The knowledge and understanding that the pastors are to feed us with is the Word of God.

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood —over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭20:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, the pastor is to feed the church through preaching and teaching the Word of God but what is a pastor after "God's own heart?"  Here are a few thoughts.

A pastor according to God’s heart is someone who is:

1. Called by God.

“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:8-9 NLT

2. Chosen by God.

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” John‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

3. Anointed and Appointed by God.

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood —over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭20:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

4. Sent by God.

“For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”” Romans‬ ‭10:13-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

5. Given to the church by God.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:11-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

7. A man of prayer, not just for himself, but for his family, and for the church.

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”” Matthew‬ ‭26:41‬ ‭NLT‬‬

8. A man who studies the Word of God that he may present Jesus Christ in his preaching and teaching as the central theme of the gospel message, and that his preaching and his teaching will be considered sound doctrine.

“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

9. A man who patterns his life after the life of Jesus Christ so he may be example of Jesus Christ before his congregation.

“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

10. A man who rules and leads well, not just in the church house, but also in his own house..

“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

11. A man who loves God and who loves God’s people.

“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.”1 Peter‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

12. A man who cares for people.  A man who is patient with people. A man who is kind and gentle with people.  A man who is humble. A man who is unselfish. A man who is peaceable. A man who has the joy of the Lord as his strength.  A man who loves praising and worshipping God and leading his people to worship God. A man who is willing and loves to serve God. A man who loves working with the youth as well as the senior citizens. A man who loves ministering to singles, as well as the married couples. A man who ministers to those in prisons as well as those in the hospitals. A man who believes in doing the right thing and being holy. A man who is courageous and strong in the Lord. A man who will stand up for righteousness, and speak out against sin. A man who is honest and truthful.  A man who doesn’t sleep with every woman in town, or steal money from the church. A man with a vision from the Lord.

“When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” Proverbs‬ ‭29:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

13. Last but not least, it must be understood that a pastor according to God’s heart is not a perfect pastor. King David was a man who was after God’s heart, but he was not perfect. But yet God used him mightily to be one of the most powerful kings of Israel, and God used him to write most of the Book of Psalms that we have in our Bibles today. And like wise pastors who are according to God’s heart are not perfect, but God uses them anyway. That is why as church we should pray for our pastors, support our pastors, honor our pastors, love our pastors, take care of our pastors, obey our pastors so they can do the job that they have been called to do without the unnecessary trouble, and to do the job as a pastor with joy and not with grief.

MY GOD HAS GOT THIS!

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) 17 For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."

There is an old chorus that we once sang in our worship services when I was growing up that went like this:

What a mighty God we serve
What a mighty God we serve
Angels bow before Him
Heaven and Earth adore Him
What a mighty God we serve

We sometimes forget just how mighty our God really is.

Exodus 15:3, "The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name."

Hebrews 12:29, "For our God is a consuming fire."

We are not serving a dead God who cowers in fear or refuses to answer. Our God fights for what is right and holy and just. He does not fear and He is not shaken by our circumstances and troubles. His battle plans are already completed and the victory is won before the battle begins.

What do we have to fear? Surely Satan goes around like a roaring lion, but He cannot destroy anything that God has under His protection.

I believe that the church, and each of us as individuals, who are saved and sanctified, and living for God cannot be defeated by the devil unless we throw up our hands in surrender. Let the battles come! Let the devil roar! Let the heathen rage!

My God is powerful and I will not fear for He is my shelter and my tower of defense!

When the storm is raging around us; when the waves tower over us; and when it seems that there is no more hope – run to Jesus! He is not shaken by those storms. He has the power to calm them and deliver you through them and even make you stronger because of them. 

Exodus 15:11, "Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?"

There is no other power that can compare to the Mighty God that I serve. No other god can stand before Him! He defeated the Isis, Horeb and Saab of Egypt! He defeated the pharaohs, the Caesars, and every other man who dared exalt himself above God! My God defeated Baal, He defeated Buddha, Mohammed and every other god you can name. There is none who can stand before Him! What have we to fear? Why do we feed defeated? Why do we shrink from the battle? Why do we turn tail and run from the enemy? OUR GOD IS THE MIGHTY ONE OF ISRAEL! WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR!

How mighty do YOU see God in your life?

• Is your God someone who stands afar and just watches what happens to you without any concern? 
• Is your God sleeping and hard to awaken? 
• Is your God too concerned with matters of His own to be concerned with event the smallest problems in your life? 
• Is your God too weak to supply your every need; to heal even your head colds; to give you food, clothing, or to enable you to pay your bills? 

If that’s your picture of God, no wonder we have so much fear!

I don’t know about you, but MY GOD IS MIGHTY enough to handle every situation that faces me! Not only that, but He is also mighty enough to turn it to my good!

My God has arms of strength that are everlasting. He will cast out from me those enemies of my soul and of my life that would attempt to destroy me! 

He has given His angles charge over me with orders from God to destroy all who would come against me! WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

The Mighty God that I serve has all things under His control! 

He is the Giver and Taker of Life by His sovereign will and power. He controls the wealth of Heaven and of Earth to accomplish those things for me that are necessary!  He reigns in the affairs of men to raise leaders who will do His will and brings down those who will not! 

God lifts us up from our life of sin, stuck in the miry clay of despair – He lifts us up, washes off the filth of sin with His own blood that will never lose its power to cleanse. He gives us His undying love and compassion. He fills us with His mercy. 

2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"

THE MIGHTY GOD THAT WE SERVE IS ABLE!

He is able to bring every good and perfect gift to you. He is able to meet your every need. He is able to give you life and that much more abundantly!

My God is a mighty God and He always gives us the victory.  Give God praise today and thank Him for being the strong God He is on your behalf.

ARE YOU A PRISONER TO YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES?

“So they lifted Josiah out of his chariot and placed him in another chariot. Then they brought him back to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried there in the royal cemetery. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭35:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One of the greatest kings ever recorded in the Bible is a man named Josiah.  I've always liked this story, even as a young boy because he became king at the age of 8 years old and changed a nation.

Before we can study the significance of Josiah's life and how he affected his country, we need to first look at a little history of his great grandfather, Hezekiah.  His grandfather, Manasseh.  And finally his father, Amon.
  
Hezekiah - His name means "Jehovah does strengthen."  He was a man of God.  He served on this earth as a prophet, preacher, and King.  He is sometimes best remembered for his petition to the Lord when he was sick unto death.  The Lord heard his prayer and granted him a lease of life for another 15 years.  

Hezekiah was a devout servant of Jehovah.  He commenced his reign by repairing and cleansing the temple, reorganizing its religious services and its officers.  Hezekiah removed the high places, cast down the brazen serpent which Moses had made, but which had become an object of idolatrous worship.  Hezekiah was also a contemporary with the prophet Isaiah.

Manasseh - His name means "making to forget."

He became King at 12 years old in 698 B.C.  He ruled until 642 B.C. of which time he died.  56 years was he King of Judah.  History tells us that he did more evil and sin then even the wicked evil kings before.  He undid everything that his father stood up for.  He brought back high places, altars to baal and other gods.  He was so wicked that he used his own son as a sacrifice of fire.  The prophets warned against him and Isaiah warned against him.  

History tells us that Manasseh murdered Isaiah by standing him in  the temple courtyard on his head, he then stretched his legs apart and sawed him in two.

Amon - His name is derivative of the Chief sun god who the Egyptians served.  

He followed the footsteps of his father.  Sources say that he was more wicked than his father even.  He became king at the age of 22 and was murdered within two years by some servants in his palace.

There is now 58 years without God.  Think about that. Ponder it.  There was now 58 years without God's presence!

Josiah - His name means "Jehovah Heals."  

Josiah served as king from 8 years old to 39.  The greatest spiritual awakening took placed under his reign.  It didn't matter to him that he was only 8 years old.  It didn't matter to him that there was now 58 years of idol worship to other gods.  It only mattered to him that he was going to serve God and use his influence to help others find God also.

Two things were evident when Josiah became King:  1) idols were everywhere, 2) sin was everywhere.  

5 Things That Made Josiah Prosperous In His Circumstances

1) Josiah Despised Sin - (34:1-7)  

“During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images.” 2 Chronicles 34:3 NLT
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2) Josiah Loved God's House - (34:8-18) - when Josiah came to the throne it had been 66 years since there had been a service in the temple.  He started services in the house of the Lord again.

“In the eighteenth year of his reign, after he had purified the land and the Temple, Josiah appointed Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of Jerusalem, and Joah son of Joahaz, the royal historian, to repair the Temple of the LORD his God.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭34:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 3) Josiah Loved God's Word - (34:19-30)  The Word became central in Josiah's life.  Manassah made it law that no one could have a book of the law.  This went on for 58 years. 

“Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king went up to the Temple of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the Levites—all the people from the greatest to the least. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the LORD’s Temple.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34:29-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

4) Josiah Loved God With All His Heart - (34:31) Josiah made a covenant that he would serve God all the days of his life.  

“The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

5) Josiah Possessed A Mighty Influence - (34:32-33) 

“And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. The people of Jerusalem did so, renewing their covenant with God, the God of their ancestors. So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land of Israel and required everyone to worship the LORD their God. And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the LORD, the God of their ancestors.
2 Chronicles‬ ‭34:32-33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

His youth directors name was Hilkiah (he was a high priest) and Josiah listened to him.  In the eighth year of his reign he began the attempt to change his own conduct as King, and the life of the court to the laws of God.  In his twelfth  year he commenced to suppress idolatry and other unlawful worship.  In his sixteenth year he began to seek after the Lord.  It is at this time that he becomes close friends with  Zephaniah. In his eighteenth year he took steps to repair and fix up  the temple;   While the temple  was being built, Hilkiah, (Josiah's youth pastor) found the book of the law in the house of the Lord, and handed it over to Shaphan, who read it to Josiah.  

Josiah was impressed that if the people departed from God then dreadful consequences would follow.  He tore his clothes and humbled himself before God, who assured him that the disaster would not come in his time.  (II Kings 22:8-20)  

The king and his and his people then decided to worship God only.  They then took all their idols and burned them and through them in the brook of Kidron.

He killed the evil priest upon the altar.  Then he concluded by holding a Passover (church service).  It had the best attendance since Samuel was prophet.

Josiah died in battle by an arrow wound.  Great lamentations were made for him by Jeremiah.  The people felt his loss was something that would be hard to overcome.

In a short lived life he changed a nation.  He wasn't a prisoner to his circumstances.  He didn't care what other people thought.  He was unimpressed about what others thought.  He stood above them and declared his loyalty to God.

No matter what is happening to you right now - God is still on the throne and His promises do not change or waver.  You can be influenced by men or you can be an influencer of men.  The choice is yours to make.  What will you do?

CAN YOU SAY GOD IS GOOD?

“The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” Nahum‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I read a story recently that spoke to my heart of a missionary named Allen Gardiner. Allen experienced many physical difficulties and hardships throughout his service as a missionary. Despite his troubles, he said, "While God gives me strength, failure will not daunt me." In 1851, at the age of 57, he died of disease and starvation while serving on Picton Island at the southern tip of South America. When his body was found, his diary lay nearby. It bore the record of hunger, thirst, wounds, and loneliness. The last entry in his little book showed the struggle of his shaking hand as he tried to write legibly. It read, "I am overwhelmed with a sense of the goodness of God." Allen Gardiner.

Can you say that today - GOD IS GOOD?  

I know that my journey in life has taught me this lesson over and over. I sometimes see things so narrowly and small that I often don't see the big picture that God has laid out before me.  He has brought me through every trial and every difficulty and I can honestly say emphatically - GOD IS GOOD!

I have been blessed with so much over my lifetime and have been blessed to find favor with many people across the world.

I know that life throws curveballs that there are obstacles along the way.  I know that there will be days and seasons that literally make you want to quit and throw in the towel.  I know that tragedy happens to all of us and difficulty makes it hard to go forward.

I know this from personal experience. 

But through it all, I know this - GOD IS GOOD!

A little boy is telling his grandma how "everything" in his life is going wrong. He’s telling his grandma about his problems with school, family & friends, etc. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which of course he does. "Here, have some cooking oil," grandma offers. "Yuck" says the boy. "How about a couple raw eggs?" Grandma asks him. "That’s gross, Grandma!" he says. "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Grandma, those things are all yucky!" the boy says. To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all these things seem bad by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But as we trust in Him despite the circumstances, Eventually, together all things will make something wonderful!"

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Hebrews 13:5 which tells us that God will never leave us or forsake us.

Every day this world around us changes. Sometimes for the good. Sometimes for the bad. But we serve an unchanging God that loves us and embraces us in all times.

Here's the thing: God knows us.  He knows our every weakness and He still loves us.  He knows our every strength and and He still wants to use us.

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

No matter what you are facing today I pray that you can stop and remind yourself that GOD IS GOOD - ALWAYS.  Remind yourself of the places where God picked you up and carried through the storm and through the difficulty.  

Perhaps you might be facing a looming trial right now.  Stop and give thanks to God for His provision and His blessing that is coming your way and remember always that GOD IS GOOD!

What are you thankful for today?