Daily Archives: May 7, 2012

God’s Timing – May 7, 2012 — by Dave Branon

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Read: Exodus 13:17-22

Key Verse:  For every matter there is a time and judgment. —Ecclesiastes 8:6

God’s timetable may move slowly, but it does move surely.

It’s of no surprise to me that on a day when I’ve decided to shut off some of the things that have become more important to me than God’s presence the very first message back into my daily series of messages that come from the Our Daily Bread Devotional Publication is on God’s Timing.  It’s clear to me that the timing of the latest series introduced to us by Pastor Cass Hill of New Life Christian Center in Centerton, Arkansas has issued a personal challenge to me about what I place a premium on.  The new series is titled “Family Ties”, but in the process of introducing the series to us with the first message from it came the questions that challenged my heart.  How important to me is the presence of God?  How much of a premium do I place on spending time with God?  I had to honestly answer those questions with not enough.

At the beginning of the year, the Lord gave me my theme for this year, and it was Being Serious About Being Serious With God.  The whole point of that theme for 2012 in my life is that it’s time to grow up, and be serious about my relationship with God.  It’s also time for me to be serious about being in fellowship with God, seeking His face, being in His presence, and learning how to be a more effective minister, pastor, husband, and leader of my family.

Pastor Audley Black’s church near the south coast of Jamaica has been in a building program since at least 2005. That was the first time I visited his church and saw that they were expanding. The last time I was there—in the spring of 2011—some of the walls were up. By that summer, they had started on the roof. When I suggested to Pastor Black that perhaps the church would be done by 2013 when I thought I might return, he said it was a possibility.

There was no hint of disappointment that this project could take 8 years or longer! No, Pastor Black and his people are excited about what God is doing, and they’re patient with His timing.

We are often not that patient. We want our church to grow quickly, our young people to mature right away, and our problems to be fixed today. – by Dave Branon

Waiting on God’s timing isn’t always easy is it?  I don’t know maybe I’m just not as super spiritual as you are, but as far as I’m concerned waiting on God is often more trying then some of the trials I’ve gone through.  I just wrote a message yesterday about not growing weary, and in it explaining the age-old principle that works in all walks of life.  This principle is always present whether you’re a Christian or an atheist or an agnostic.  What is this principle?  Seed…Time…Harvest.

Seed…Time…Harvest

When you think of farming.  I’ve yet to ever see a farmer who plants a seed for corn one day, and the next he harvests a corn-stalk full of ears of corn.  Have you ever seen that?  If you have let me know because I’d like to witness that for myself.  What’s my point?  Usually after the ground thaws from winter the farmer goes out to  till his fields.  Then he goes out to plant the seeds for whatever crop he wants to harvest.  Then he spends months cultivating the seeds he’s planted by weeding, watering, and fertilizing his seeds.  Then just before fall it’s time to harvest the crops.  However, the seeds he planted take about 6 months or so to fully produce.  What do you suppose would happen if it’s May and he has yet to see anything even coming up out of the ground.  So, he gets angry and impatient, and goes and pulls up all the seeds he’s planted.

First of all, all he’s going to harvest are weeds, barely grown seeds, and all that time he spent tilling the ground and planting those seeds is going to be wasted.  Secondly, if he’d have just waited until about July he would’ve seen the growth of his crops not only starting, but maturing.  Finally, had he waited all the way to September he would’ve been able to harvest a fully mature crop.

What’s my point?  This is how we treat God.  We ask Him for something, and if we don’t see results the next day we get all upset and disappointed and quit on God saying that this God stuff just doesn’t work.  The biggest area that people fail in is time.  It’s easy to plant the seed of faith, and ask God for something.  It’s easy to reap the harvest, and be grateful that you’ve received a reward from the seed you’ve planted, but it’s not so easy to wait on God especially if He doesn’t give you what you want right away…is it?

I’ve been praying for years that my mom would accept Christ as her savior.  I’m 38 years old, and she’s 63.  I’ve been praying for her for most of my life.  She’s still not quite willing to accept that she’s valuable to God, and that she’s under no condemnation from Him.  She still has yet to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  It’s very easy to get discouraged sometimes, and wonder if God’s ever going to answer that prayer…but I don’t.  I have the faith that some day she’s going to accept Christ into her heart.  That is seed…time…and harvest.  There’s no harvest on my seed now, but that doesn’t mean I give up…it means I keep on cultivating the seed.  I continue to water it, I continue to pull the weeds, and I continue to be patient, and wait for the God’s Timing.

If I get upset with God, get impatient, and decide I’m just not going to pray for my mom anymore…than I’m going to reap a harvest of impatience and all that time I’ve spent cultivating the seed of prayer that my mom will accept Christ as her Savior is going to amount to nothing.  I don’t want that to happen…so I’m going to continue to be patient and wait for the day that she accepts Christ as her Savior.

Maybe we need to be reminded that some things take time—God’s time. For instance, when the Israelites first left Egypt, God sent them on the long route to the Promised Land (Ex. 13:17-18). During that time He prepared them, taught them, and challenged them. – by Dave Branon

God is not obligated or limited to our time frame.  In fact, God is not even able to be boxed in by time because He created it.  He is Alpha and Omega, He’s the beginning and the end, and therefore when we talk about waiting on God’s timing really we have no bearing or influence upon how quickly or how long it take Him to answer a prayer of our.  We have no influence upon how long it takes Him to help us to grow or mature in areas because He knows how long it’s going to take for things to be absolutely perfect…and only He knows that.

In our microwave world, we want everything done instantaneously. But sometimes that’s not God’s plan. Let’s seek God’s help and learn to accept His timing. – by Dave Branon

I can be honest and admit that I have to ask God all the time to help me to be patient, and to help me to wait on His timing for certain things.  I had to do that while I was unemployed.  I knew that God had an open door waiting for me, and it was always easy to get discouraged.  God’s timing may move much more slowly than I’d like, but the truth is He is always on time.  Everything that happens on His timing is always perfect, it’s always right, and it’s never too late or too early…God is always on time.

New Day, New You – Day 1 of 14 – Willpower: The Fair-weather Friend

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Today‘s Scripture(s):  “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

Introduction:

I thought I was done writing for the day, but the Holy Spirit has been gentle and methodical about keeping the thought on my heart that there was more for me to do today.  So, when I started writing messages I started by writing message not just for my ministry page, but taking time to do my own personal devotion…and writing messages on my own personal Facebook account about my own personal devotional…and I have a sense that the Lord wants me to go back to doing just that.

So, as I searched YouVersion for something else to do in addition to what I’m posting on Christlike Ministries Arkansas…I found another two-week mini-series from one of Joyce Meyer‘s devotional books.  So, I thought since I was doing one for Christlike Ministries Arkansas I could do a different one here.  After all, I need to spend time in God‘s Word, and be fed just like anyone else.

So, I hope you’ll follow along with me as I attempt to draw closer to God, and like I did with the other devotional I’m going to allow Joyce to introduce this devotional that I’m about to begin.

It’s so important how you spend those first thoughts of your day – spending just even a few minutes every morning with God is your opportunity to get off on the right foot and set a positive tone. New Day, New You gives you that opportunity. In this exciting devotional, compiled from several of Joyce’s most popular books, you’ll experience a fresh word from God for each day of the year. Before you take on the challenges that life may bring, start each day with encouragement and strength, reminders of God’s mercies, and God’s perspective. Become the new you that each new day can bring! – From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2007 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved

Today’s Message:

Now, I know what you’re going to say already.  How come your writing this closer to the end of the day than the beginning, and to that the only answer I can give is that I just now came to the understanding that I had more to write about, and while I realize this is a devotion for the start of a day…this is actually more about returning to the theme for this year that God gave me…Being Serious About Being Serious With God…and I think what this is really about is that it’s a new month, and it’s full of new opportunities for me to be renewed, transformed, and be ministered to while I minister God’s Word.

So, let’s look at today’s message.  The title of it is; “Willpower: The Fair-Weathered Friend”.  As a diehard sports fan of the Chicago White Sox, and the writer of a Facebook page that’s dedicated to White Sox fans…one of the biggest pet peeves I have are the people who I like to call Fair-Weather, Bandwagon Riding fans.  But don’t you know that when it comes to walking with God our own personal Willpower is just the same?  Our own willpower can be a strange thing can’t it.  Some days it seems like we do really well with the things we struggle with, and then there are other days where we just can’t seem to do anything right of our own strength.  Anyone other than myself ever been here?

Well, the reason for that is that we’re not meant to do things of our own power.  We’re meant to rely and be totally submitted, surrendered, and dependent upon God in every area of our lives.  However, if we’re honest…most of you are a lot like me.  Give me some time, and maybe I can prove that we’re more alike than you think.

Willpower sure sounds like a great thing. We are led to believe that we have enough of it to fight off every temptation that comes our way. And sometimes it works. But let me tell you a little secret about willpower. Willpower is your best friend when things go well, but it’s the first friend to check out when you get weary. I have found that if I really don’t want to do something, my mind gives me plenty of reasons why I don’t have to. My emotions even join in, saying, “I agree because I don’t feel like doing it anyway.” – From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2007 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Okay, let’s see how super spiritual, or honest you guys are.  Has anyone other than me ever had the thought that we really “just don’t want to go into work today”?  Come on, let’s be real.  I know I’m not the only one who desires to play hooky from work once in a while.  We know we’re not sick, but what happens when we come up with that thought is sort of good way to illustrate what happens when our willpower checks out.

Since I’m the only one who’s ever done something like this let me give you an idea of how this scenario plays out.  It’s the first thing in the morning, and you wake up a little more groggy than you’d have liked to.  You haven’t prayed yet, you haven’t even had your first cup of coffee yet…so in pops this thought of…I’d really just like to stay home today, but you get up and half heartedly begin to go about your routine of getting ready for work, but maybe a bit slower than usual.  You still haven’t prayed, you still haven’t had your first cup of coffee, and your just kind of going through the motions.  That’s when other thoughts start to come in, and you begin to have an emotional connection to those thoughts.  Thoughts like: “I really could go back to sleep now.”, “There really isn’t much to do today.”, or “I have a few things that I could get done if I were at home instead of at work.” or “It was sure nice to be cuddled up next to my wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend this morning…sure wouldn’t mind going back to bed for a while.”

Is anyone with me yet, or am I the only one who’s ever been here?  What starts to happen is amazing isn’t it?  Based on those few thoughts, and emotions that connect with those thoughts…eventually that willpower that usually gets you through the morning, and on your way to work isn’t quite as strong.  More thoughts begin to come to talk you into calling in sick, and before you know it your rehearsing an excuse to miss work, your on the phone calling in with the excuse you rehearsed, and your back in bed.  Like I said, since I’m the only one who has ever done this…I guess I’m the only one who really understands the dynamic of how this works.

However, this is exactly what happens to us on a deeper level.  Obviously playing hooky from work isn’t as serious when you think about the fact that sin works in our lives the same way.  All sin starts with a thought that comes into our minds that’s planted there by satan, and goes unchallenged.  Here’s a really good example of something that you can’t do on your own, but people try to do anyways…on their own willpower.  Quitting smoking.

I’ve known many people who have tried time and again unsuccessfully to “kick the habit”, and they all say the same thing when they go back to smoking.  I thought I could do it, but the urge was just too strong.  I didn’t have enough willpower to quit.  And most will tell you that they didn’t start going back to smoking two packs a day.  At first, they were out at a party or bar, and they were having a pretty good time.  Drinking and smoking went hand in hand, and eventually they were having a really good night…after all it’d been a few weeks (maybe even months) since their last cigarette.  So, in the name of willpower they decide that just one would be okay.  Then they have another one, and before you know it they buy a pack…and they’re back to smoking again.

What happened?  The decided to quit on their own willpower, and not rely upon God for the strength to help them quit.  I also submit that the degree of difficulty in overcoming something like smoking is linked to the amount of time you have spent smoking.  If you’ve smoked for 10 years…your going to need a lot more than a couple of weeks or so to be strong enough to not want a cigarette.  Now, I know that there are many people who asked God to deliver them of the desire to smoke, and were delivered instantly…but that’s exactly the key point.  Asking God to deliver you…not relying upon your own strength.

Our soul (mind, will, emotions) would love to run our lives, but the Bible says we are to be led by God’s Spirit. We are never instructed to be willpower-led, we are told to be Spirit-led. Willpower and discipline are important and vitally necessary to a successful life, but willpower alone won’t be enough. Determination gets you started and keeps you going for a while, but it is never enough to bring you across the finish line. Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV) says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” – From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2007 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

You know something.  When I read about people in the Bible, and their struggles I find that I am encouraged to know that I’m not the only one who has issues.  Think about Paul for a moment.  Paul was in my mind the Christian of all Christians.  I’m talking more than Smith Wigglesworth, Martin Luther, Calvin, Charles Spurgeon…they are all mighty men of God, but Paul I believe was the Christian that we should all aspire to be like.  He knew all the law, all the commandments, and he got to see and know things that no one before or since got to know.  He had the mystery of the gospel revealed to him.  Yet, he writes a few things that I relate to.  In Romans 7 we see Paul write that he had a war in his flesh, and that he didn’t understand why he didn’t do the things he should and did the things he shouldn’t…if you have opportunity…you should read Romans 7.  In one of his letters to the Corinthians he writes that he prayed over and over that God would remove a thorn in his flesh, and that the only thing God would say to him is…”My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”

What was God saying?  He’s saying that His strength is far superior to our willpower.  He’s also saying that when we reach the end of ourselves, our strength, and our abilities…then and only then can He step in…and can we be helped through HIS strength.  See, at the end of ourselves is where God begins…and that’s why you can see people who were hopelessly addicted to all sorts of things who have been delivered…and we’ll all tell you that it wasn’t our strength that helped us to overcome…it wasn’t our willpower that made us successful…it was God’s strength.  I said “we” and “our” because I know what it’s like to try to stop something under my willpower, and not be successful at it until I realized that I couldn’t do it without God’s strength.  Not really to my surprise…once I stopped trying to rely upon my strength, and surrendered my will to God…He helped me to stop.

What happens if, instead of turning first to willpower in your time of need, you turn to God instead? God releases His power into your willpower and energizes it to bring you across the finish line. Willpower does not get the credit for our success, God does. – From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2007 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Here lies the real reason behind us not wanting to give up our willpower.  We want the credit.  In other words, the reason we don’t want to surrender, and admit that we cannot do something in our own strength is because we’re too prideful to get out-of-the-way.  We want to get the credit for stopping on our own, but the truth is that God shares His glory with no one.

Jesus said in John 15:5 (AMP), “Apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” This is one of the most important and most difficult lessons we must learn if we want to enjoy the life Jesus died to give us. – From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2007 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

And here it is.  Jesus said in His own words:  “Apart from Me you can do nothing”, but He also said:  “With God all things are possible.”  There’s a reason He said this…because it’s true.  I know the illustration about playing hooky from work is silly, but do you know that I’ve actually had to ask God to help me overcome thoughts like that sometimes?  The point is that if I need God’s help to overcome something silly like getting up and going to work…even when I don’t feel like it…then when it comes to bigger matters…then there’s no way that under my willpower I can do things without Him…and just like Joyce writes.  The key to overcoming things in life is not just coming to realize that, but when things arise instead of relying upon willpower…getting out of the way, and surrendering to God’s.

Willpower is no match or substitute for God’s power.

Battlefield of the Mind Devotional – Day 5 of 14 – "I Can’t Help It!"

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Study Scripture:  “ I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” – Deuteronomy 30:19

Introduction:

We’re now 5 days into this 14 day trial of Joyce Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind Devotional book, and I have to say that I’ve really enjoyed this series.   I hope that you have enjoyed it, and learned from these messages like I have.  So, today’s message is titled “I Can’t Help It”, and I’m really interested to find out what this one is all about, and how I can apply it to my life.   So, let’s see what we can learn today about winning the fight on the Battlefield of The Mind.

Today’s Message

When God begins to deal with us about wrong behavior, it’s easy enough to say, “I can’t help it,” but it takes real courage and faith to say, “I’m ready to take responsibility and get my life straightened out.” – Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2005 by Joyce Meyer

Sometimes it’s a joy to know that God is dealing with us about stuff, and sometimes it’s not so much of a joy is it?  It kind of depends on what God’s dealing with us about isn’t it?  If He’s dealing with us on something that we dislike about ourselves it’s a lot easier to agree with God that we need to get rid of what He’s dealing with us about.  However, if it’s something that we’re comfortable with, and something that appeals to our flesh it’s much harder to agree with God that it needs to go…isn’t it?  I know, you’re probably super spiritual, and no matter what God is dealing with you over you agree with God 100% of the time.  Well, if that’s you, then I’m assuming this message isn’t going to be for you.  However, if you’re like me, and you don’t always agree with God about things He’s wanting to remove then this message is probably going to be for us.

“Much of our thinking is habitual. If we regularly think about God and good things, godly thoughts become natural. Thousands of thoughts flow through our minds every day. We may feel we have no control, but we do. Although we don’t have to use any effort to think wrong thoughts, we have to use much effort to think good thoughts. As we begin to make changes, we will have to fight a battle.

Our mind is the battlefield, and Satan‘s primary way of initiating his evil plan for us is through our thoughts. If we feel we have no power over our thoughts, Satan will entrap and defeat us. Instead, we can determine to think in godly ways.” – Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2005 by Joyce Meyer

I’m going back in time today for a moment when I was part of the Living-free Program when I was a resident at the Kenosha County Detention Center.  Don’t judge.  I’m sure none of you found the Lord while you were in jail, or some other kind of institution right?  Anyways, the main program facilitator used to always say; “Thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions, and actions lead to consequences.”  It’s a program way of saying the same thing that Jesus says when He tells us what’s in our hearts will come forth from our mouths.  It’s the same thing the writer of the Proverb; “As a man thinks in his heart…so is he.”.  It is also a way to remind us that we reap what we sow.

When we allow thoughts to go unchallenged by the Word of God that’s when our troubles begin.  Our thoughts are going to go through one of two filters.  It’s either going to be filtered by the Word of God, or it’s going to be filtered through the flesh.  What happens to our thoughts depends upon which filter our thoughts go through.  If most of our thoughts are filtered by the flesh…then we’re most likely going to do something carnal because our flesh is at war with our spirit.  Our flesh doesn’t want to do anything according to the will or Word of God.  So, when thoughts and feelings are filtered through the flesh…the end result is something pleasing to our flesh.  If our thoughts are filtered through the Word of God…the end result is something pleasing to God.

Remember Paul’s battle in Romans 7?  That’s really what today’s message is about.  It’s about helping us to find victory like Paul did when he was at war between his flesh, and his spirit.  It’s worth pointing out here that this battle isn’t an external battle (remember Ephesians 6:10-18), but it’s very much an internal battle…and the winner of that battle is going to be what ever is strongest.  If you feed your flesh more than your flesh is more likely to win the battle.  If you feed your spirit more than your spirit is more likely to win the battle…so which one are you feeding?

God has given us the power to decide–to choose right thinking over wrong. But once we make that choice, we must continue to choose right thoughts. It’s not a once-and-for-all decision, but it does get easier. The more we fill our lives with reading the Bible, prayer, praise, and fellowship with other believers, the easier it is for us to continue choosing right thoughts. – Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2005 by Joyce Meyer

It’s of vital importance today to shut off ESPN, and turn on TBN or Daystar or The Word Network.  It is of vital importance that we put down the daily newspaper, and pick up our dusty Bibles to start meditating upon God’s Word.  It’s of vital importance sometimes to turn off secular music, and turn on worship music or radio sermons.  It’s of vital importance to get rid of all the distractions, and take time to fellowship with God.  All of these things are of vital importance to us as believers…especially in today’s world.

I’m guilty as anyone of wanting to watch ESPN, and not the latest message by Charles Stanley.  It’s easy to want to listen to sports talk, and not listen to worship music or a good sermon.  It’s easy to get busy, and lessen the premium of spending time in fellowship with God.  I am guilty of doing all of this as recently as the last couple of weeks.  It’s very easy to get sidetracked, distracted, and bombarded by the cares of the world.  That’s exactly what satan wants…he wants our focus and attention divided, and he certainly doesn’t want it to be on godly things.

There is a decision-making process here like Joyce says.  The decision about what is more important the stuff you like, or spending time with the Lord.  Can I tell you that I don’t always make the right decision either?  I just told you that there are times I’m more interested in what’s on CBS.  There are times that I’d rather be lazy and watch television.  However, when I choose to do those things I’m feeding my flesh, and I’m neglecting the thing that’s really of utmost importance…fellowship with God…and more specifically God’s presence.

I was challenged in my spirit yesterday as my pastor taught the first message in a new series, and the question that challenged me is am I placing enough importance on being in the presence of God.  I had to answer no.  I had to be honest to admit that I was in one of those lulls where watching television was more important that studying the Word of God.  So, I was faced with a choice, and the one I made was to fast from television, sports radio, and secular music for 21 days…and replace all of it with spending more time in the presence of God.

Conclusion & Prayer:

Today, I am beginning a 21 day fast from all the stuff I just mentioned, and replacing it with things that will enable me to have a deeper relationship with God.  I’m turning off the television, and turning on God.  I’m turning off sports talk, and turning on sermons and worship music.  I’m turning off the meaningless games on Facebook, and writing more messages.  I would like to invite you to join me in shutting off the worldly distractions, and replacing it with things that are going to strengthen our walk with God…and more importantly keep us in His presence.

I’m certainly not going to judge you whether you do this or not.  I’m just inviting you to do this along with me if you feel like I do that you’ve placed worldly stuff before the Lord, and it’s distracting you from having the kind of relationship with God that you’d like to have.  I know that it’s impacting my ability to make decisions, and have right thoughts of my own.  It’s time to shut out the garbage, and allow the things of God to cleanse my system.

It takes time to learn to choose good and push away evil. It won’t be easy, but we’re moving in the right direction every time we take responsibility and make the right choices. Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2005 by Joyce Meyer

I don’t know about you, but I want to make sure that I’m not placing more of an emphasis on the world than the presence of God.  That’s the reason for this fast from television, sports talk, and the games on Facebook.  I don’t want anything to be more important to me than my relationship with the Lord, and when I notice that things are more important…I need to set those things aside…and get back to the basics of life.

Pray: Powerful God, remind me that I can and do make choices every day. Please help me to monitor my thoughts, choosing only those that will help me overcome the devil and win the battle for my mind. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.