The Promises of God are Sure – Part 1

This message was preached yesterday at Liberty Lighthouse Church of God in two parts, morning and evening services. In these times of uncertainty, it is comforting to know God’s promises are sure; he will not fail to provide for those who put their trust in him.

Foundational Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (ESV)

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, [2] of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Paul addresses this letter to the church of God in Corinth, along with all the saints in Achaia. Timothy is his traveling companion on this trip, and the Apostle Paul wants the church to realize the tremendous blessings awaiting them as they labor for Christ. In fact Paul declared that as they shared in his sufferings, they would also share in the comfort the Lord would grant them. What wonderful promises God has for us.

Look at three important aspects of this amazing ministry:

Burdened beyond their strength: Troubles were so many and the burdens were so severe, there was not enough strength in themselves to handle them. Have you ever been under such heavy burdens you felt there was no use going on? It’s as if they saw what was ahead of them, but there was no more strength left to complete the task. In other words, you go as far as you can go, yet there’s still more awaiting you, even after you’ve put everything you had into the battle. Life is not always easy, and some of you reading this need to understand how much the Lord wants to help you.

They despaired even of life: I’ve been there, too. There have been times in my life I just wanted to throw my hands in the air and quit. I’ll just wave the white flag of surrender and get it over with, but that’s not the answer. Life comes at us hard most of the time, and it can get to be quite overwhelming. Many think the best way is to run off into a corner and hide from everything; it just doesn’t work that way. The Apostle Paul faced more storms in his life than most, and one in particular ought to encourage us to see hope is near.

Paul was on his way to Rome to appear before Caesar, when the ship he and other prisoners were in sailed into a great storm called the northeaster. The storm was so bad, the captain decided to allow the ship to be driven by the strong winds. It was a terrible situation, but Paul had been assured by the Spirit of God he would testify about the Lord Jesus Christ before the seat of Caesar. What God promises, he is well able to fulfill. Look, though, at Acts 27:13-20 to see despair that troubled this mighty man of God:

The Storm at Sea

13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, [2] we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, [3] and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

Sentence of death on them: Thirdly, they felt as though a death sentence had been imposed on them. Can you imagine trials so hard you felt as though you were going to die? Surely, we have all faced things in our lives which were so overwhelming, we didn’t know whether or not we could make it another day.  How dreadful that feeling must have been for Paul and Timothy. Knowing their work was over and their lives were going to end must have been incredibly painful for them, but all was not lost.

Paul wrote something we all must realize, if we are in Christ. God is working on our behalf, and allows us to go through trials and temptations in order to strengthen our walk with him that we might grow into mature Christians. Paul declared the sentence of death came in order for he and Timothy to quit relying on themselves. What they needed to do, and what we must do, is quit thinking we can live our lives by ouselves – we need to put our trust and confidence on our heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 1:9 declares: Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

Did you really see what Paul said? He called what most of us do when we leave God out of our plans a deadly peril. I don’t know about you, but that’s a pretty serious claim on Paul’s part. Let me put this in language that should hit us where the rubber meets the road: if is death to us when we depend on ourselves instead of being led by the Spirit of God. I realize many people don’t want to acknowledge that, or give God that much room in their lives, but I believe Paul was right on in this statement.  If we only rely on ourselves, we will surely be disappointed. Look at the parable Jesus told in Luke 18:9-14:

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed [1] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

We must set our hope in God, depending on him to take care of all our need:

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:25-34 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [7] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

God’s answer to those who ask in faith believing is not yes, no, maybe or possibly. It is an emphatic “Yes!” For the Christian whose faith rests in the Lord, for those who ask in faith believing God’s promises, the answer is nothing but “Yes, child, I will.” Oh, the riches of being a child of God. My father knows my need and supplies according to his great grace and power.

Trust in him today, and know what he promised he is well able to perform.

Pastoral Covenant Group Retreat – 2008

My Pastoral Covenant Group met for our annual retreat earlier this week. What a time we had! We came away with a renewed purpose and tools to effectively lead our congregations in developing ministry in a new and exciting way. According to Dr. James P. Bowers, Executive Director, Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care, this is part of the process that brings “pastors, congregations, and denominational leaders together to support pastoral excellence.”

There are about twenty covenant groups here in Florida, each led by a facilitator chosen by Church of God state staff. Each group consists of between 6 to 10 pastors who are invited to be a part of this phenomenal process. This journey is strictly voluntary; those who choose to participate have found fellowship, training and a sense of belonging many have never experienced.

Our group is beginning Phase 3, Developing Congregational Ministry. It is vitally important to lead our congregations into not only a deeper walk with God, but also direct them in the process of reaching out beyond the walls of the local church. This phase in Pastoral Leadership Development concentrates on bringing each pastor’s church into a covenant relationship and stresses congregational excellence.

The goal of this post is not to give details about the process or journey; rather, it is meant to express the pastors’ enthusiasm about our retreat. Each of us left renewed and filled with high expectations regarding this phase of our journey with the Lord and each other. Our retreat would have just been another few days away from home and sitting around the table without God being in the center of our efforts. Without God directing us, it would be a fruitless endeavor, and would only serve to take up time.

We are determined to help our respective congregations begin to focus on missional needs in our communities and beyond. Each pastor is committed to the prospect of pulling in key leaders in order to facilitate changes which will surely begin to take place. There is an excitement in the air!

Why would we care about developing congregational ministry? Here is a quote from noted author, pastor and teacher Bill Hybels:

There is nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the context of community. It builds bridges to seekers and offers truth to the confused. It provides resources for those in need and opens its arms to the forgotten, the downtrodden, the disillusioned. It breaks the chains of addictions, frees the oppressed and offers belonging to the marginalized of this world. Whatever the capacity for human suffering, the church has a greater capacity for healing and wholeness. No other organization on earth is like the church. Nothing even comes close.

Source: Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels, Zondervan 2002.

Yes, we had a great time. How was your week?

The Seed Sowers

Hunger is very real, and people by the millions are adversely affected by it everyday. We have all seen images of starving children crying for a small morsel of food. If you are like most people, those pictures bring both a sense of urgency and sadness to our eyes.

It is my firm belief we, the most affluent nation on the planet, are to be at the forefront helping those who are not in the position to help themselves. Our nation is very giving in what it does to provide comfort and food to hurting people all over the world. I realize those in our own country feel we are a wretched nation that never does enough, but there will be people like that for a long time to come.

I want to write about a powerful ministry located here in Florida that has a positive impact on hurting people around the state. Bishop Richard L. Bender, Jr. founded The Seed Sowers Evangelistic Association in 1982. Brother Rick Bender is an ordained bishop with the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee, and member of Operation Compassion International, which is the national benevolence organization of the Church of God.

My wife and I have known Brother Rick and his wife Kris for a number of years, and see in them a real heart for ministry. Brother Rick is an anointed minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, preaching revivals and evangelistic meetings under the powerful anointing of the Holy Ghost. Sister Kris’s anointing is evident as she ministers to the hearts of people in genuine love and care. The Benders are real people with a real desire to minister to the hurting and wounded.

Here are some facts taken from the Seed Sowers web site:

• IN THE WORLD’S RICHEST NATION, MORE THAN 36 MILLION PEOPLE, INCLUDING 14 MILLION CHILDREN, EXPERIENCE HUNGER !!!!!!
• IN 2005, REQUESTS FOR EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE INCREASED 12 PERCENT.
• 54 PERCENT WERE MEMBERS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
• 40 PERCENT OF ADULTS REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WERE EMPLOYED
• APPROXIMATELY 7 MILLION DIFFERENT PEOPLE RECEIVE ASSISTANCE IN ANY GIVEN WEEK !!!
• Seed Sowers is reaching 37% of the poverty, disabled,
  elderly, and 36% of the unemployed through its 30 county network of
  compassion centers in Florida.

If you would like to contribute to this worthy organization, here is some pertinent information:

The Seed Sowers

You may write us at:

The Seed Sowers Evangelistic Association
1745 Olive Street
Lakeland, Florida 33815

You may call us at: (863) 688-3200
You may fax us at: (863) 688-3206

You may e-mail directly to:
Rick Bender-Founder: rick@theseedsowers.org
General Office: info@theseedsowers.org
Kris Bender – Vice President: kris@theseedsowers.org
Wendell Smith – Compassion Director: wgsmith7@verizon.net

Forty Nights of Prayer

There is no doubt in my mind that prayer and faith in God changes things. There is a post on my blog entitled Prayer for Today in which I write about the necessity of prayer in today’s world. It is unusual for churches to come together on a routine basis to seek the face of God, but in our case, that’s exactly what the Lord has put in our spirits to do. We knew from the outset this would be a great challenge, and many obstacles would appear in order for prayer to be hindered.

Each night has been different, but all filled with anticipation. We began this journey as a cry to God for answers. Our church has been facing some tough times lately, and we know God is aware of our situation. We are fully aware many churches are facing challenging times and going through difficult changes. There is no doubt God is our only hope.

Let me make one thing very clear. This journey is strictly voluntary; I have not put out an edict forcing our people to lay aside their lives for the sake of the church. No, this journey began as an offer for God’s people to gather in the name of the Lord, to seek His face at the urging of the Spirit of God. Sadly, many of our people have not gotten the vision, and would rather stay home – it is their loss, and we miss them each night. Understand, too, there is a sense of urgency, and we are not looking at who didn’t show up; rather, we are thankful for those who do, and press on in faith.

Something is happening in our spirits. God is changing us through our nightly encounters. He is helping us build stronger relationships in the church. It is my firm opinion the Lord is preparing us to receive scores of new people into this local assembly of believers. In order for a church to minister, it needs to be ready, equipped with God’s matchless power. Were we totally lacking before this prayer journey began? Absolutely not! God is tweaking us, adjusting here and there so we can fulfill the call of Christ.

Some amazing things have already happened, and we fully expect more. Within one week, there have been three people who walked into the church from off the streets around our church facilities. In Babbie Mason’s excellent CD entitled heritage of faith, Babbie and her mother sing a song which talks about what is happening here – “Stop By the Church.” That’s exactly what is happening around here. People who are hurting and in need of help are stopping by the church, and we have been there to show God’s love to them.

The first one came on a Monday night. One of the men reminded me how it happened. He heard me as I walked up and down the aisle crying out to God, “send those people the world has thrown away to us, the downcast, the hookers, drug addicts, the ones who have no hope.” It wasn’t five minutes later a young woman stuck her head in the door as we were closing our prayer meeting. She said she didn’t want to disturb us, so I told her I walked outside to talk with her. My wife brought her inside and talked with me for a moment about the situation.

In just a few moments we asked her to come around and let us pray with her. This was not something new to her: unknown to us, she has a connection to this church. Her aunts faithfully attend here, and she used to come here as she was growing up. We prayed with her, believing the Lord would make a change in her life, and after wards, she and my wife talked for a long time. This young woman has a lot going on, but we believe the Lord brought her to us for a purpose.

During the Sunday night service of the same week, my wife had stepped out of the building for a moment. When she came back in, there was someone with her I had never seen before. The Spirit of the Lord was strong during that meeting, and there was a strong anointing as I preached the Word. I can still remember the outpouring of love our church showed this woman as we ministered to her. As pastor, it did my heart good to see my people reach out to someone in need. God is testing and preparing us as we strive to become the church He wants us to be.

Last night was such a powerful meeting, it is difficult to describe. We began the night with the story of Hannah and her son, Samuel. This woman wanted a child, and prayed with her heart in the presence of Eli, the priest of God. She was accused of being drunk, but she explained her grief to the man of God. He then blessed her and sent her away. Now, here’s faith: she left the temple, ate and wasn’t sad any more. She knew God was going to help!

There was prayer for healing and deliverance all during the night. One of the brothers read from a book about the Azusa Street Revival. The Lord did mighty things then, and will again. We also talked about the fact ten years before that great revival on Azusa Street, people met in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, calling on God with all their hearts. Out of those meetings came what is now called the Church of God with international headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee.

One of the sisters asked the church to pray for my right eye, which has been virtually unusable for over four years. As they gathered around and prayed, faith began to rise in me, and I began walking around the building with my left eye shut. I began seeing things with my right eye that had not happened in several years. Stripes on the American flag, the word TAMA on the bass drum, and Clavinova on the electric piano. Now, my eye isn’t completely healed, but I have faith in God it will be. God takes the impossible and does the miraculous.

Near the end of last night’s service, a young man stepped inside the building and I talked with him for a moment. He’s come to the parsonage several times before, always looking for a handout. He has always been polite, and this time was no different. He asked for some money to buy a loaf of bread; I gave him all I had in my pocket and sent him on his way. My people immediately gathered to pray for him, asking God to lift him out of bondage and to set his feet on the right path. I am going to attempt to contact his pastor in the next day or so in order to get him some more help.

Personal Goal – Daily Bible Reading

One of the greatest things the Church of God has ever been involved with is called the “Covenant Pastoral Leadership Development Initiative”.  One aspect of the initiative is to form “Pastoral Covenant Groups” (PCG), which are led by designated facilitators.

In my particular group, there are about six other pastors who have joined together in a covenant relationship with each other.  It is not a program handed down from the top brass; rather, according to Dr. James P. Bowers, Executive Director, Center for Pentecostal Leadership, it is a process that brings “pastors, congregations, and denominational leaders together to support pastoral excellence.”

One part of the PCG process is to make and assess personal goals. We help each other to be accountable, and encourage those in covenant to reach their own goals, and even stretch out toward new goals. What a wonderful idea – fellow pastors helping each other, not competing with each other.

A personal goal of mine has been to read God’s Word for me, for my enjoyment and growth. Many of you pastors, teachers and evangelists can relate to the fact that much of your reading is geared toward preparing sermons, messages and teachings. You can’t give out what you don’t have in you!

With the help of one of my facilitator friends, Pastor Jim Hull, I finally took hold of the goal and made it a part of my life. After quite a bit of searching the internet using Google, I came across a Daily Bible Reading Plan, from Homeschool World. It’s a great tool, and stays tucked into one of my Bibles for daily reading.

Because it’s so important, I have really been pushing Bible reading lately at the church I pastor. My people have really taken up the charge, and are doing quite well. It’s especially thrilling to see young people begin a daily reading plan.

What about you? If you are not reading God’s Word regularly, you are missing out on so much the Lord wants to show you. Our strength comes from the Word of God; we are helped and encouraged by it’s glorious pages. Will you read God’s Word today like never before?