“Champions trust God while others ask for answers. They step forward while everyone else prays for volunteers.” Dr. Lester Sumrall (1913-1996)

One of the great examples and champions of the Old Testament was Nehemiah, the exiled cup bearer of Artaxerxes, King of Persia. Nehemiah had a heart cry for his people being neglected and abused back in Jerusalem. Nehemiah was a prayer warrior, God’s special instrument! Prayer set his faith on fire, helped him to wait patiently, cleared his vision, and confidently quieted his heart. He didn’t pray for volunteers, he stepped out under the cover of God to do a remarkable work he was born to accomplish.

As you read the Book of Nehemiah, you’ll see a person that God had developed as His champion to complete a unique assignment. Balanced in God’s authority, and in spite of relentless opposition, Nehemiah coordinated a major undertaking of rebuilding the wall around the Temple in Jerusalem in only 52 days.

Nehemiah was a man loaded with leadership attributes and so are we if we are true followers of the greatest leader of all time, Jesus Christ. The Bible says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and it’s not by might or power, but by His Spirit. In other words, God’s attributes are available to us if we are open and determined to accomplish the unique assignment He has equipped us to accomplish. Not only that, we can rely on continuous communication with Him like Nehemiah through prayer; a foolproof weapon available to us all.

Please be clear. There is nothing wrong with praying in general, even for volunteers to emerge for specific purposes. Today’s message is more of a focus or personal challenge, summed up in this probing question: Are we a champion that steps forward to accomplish what God wants us to do, or are we one who only looks for answers and/or prays for others to volunteer?

Family and friends, this week, let’s take a page out of the prayer and play book of Nehemiah. Let’s look to our future like a pioneer of destiny. We have the potential to trust God, to do His will, and to step out personally in Kingdom-building significance as His champions too!

Book of Neh; Phil 4:13; James 1:22; Eph 4; James 5:16b; Ps 127:1; Isaiah 6:8

Editor’s Note:  In the same way that we must pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers, we must also stand before Him and say, “Here am I Lord. Send me.”

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil 4:13

In some ways, we are always living in perilous times.  George Müeller was no exception.  German born, George Müeller (9/27/1805 – 3/10/1898) was a Christian evangelist and Director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England.  He cared for over 10,000 orphans in his life. He was well known for providing an education to the children under his care, to the point where he was accused of raising the poor above their natural station in life. He also established 117 schools which offered Christian education to over 120,000 children, many of them being orphans.

Mr. Müeller’s purpose (call) was to be father to the fatherless and to prove God’s faithfulness to those watching. Most amazingly, Mr. Müeller never asked anyone, but God, for provision.  He functioned in that miraculous faithful atmosphere for over sixty years.

I remember my Senior Pastor striking a vital chord when he addressed a men’s group with a theme of what it takes to lead in perilous times.  He insightfully identified several attributes that especially resound in the testimonial life of George Müeller. They also apply to each of us, if we care to lead during the perilous times of today.  May we prayerfully share those attributes in today’s message. To lead in perilous times one must:

•  Accept God’s call,
•  Keep a proper perspective,
•  Be courageous,
  
•  Keep one’s eye on the Lord,
  
•  Live right before God,
  
• Be disciplined,
  
• Walk by faith.

George Müeller’s life is worth reading more in depth and his legacy continues to echo these serious attributes.  Our hope is God is not finished building His team of Kingdom conductors.  Whoever reads this is capable of providing a future story of their own; one that highlights balanced leadership in the perilous times of this hour.

Family and friends, by His grace, and the fire power of His Holy Spirit, let’s go for it!!

1 Tim 3:1-7; John 20:21; Matt 28:18-19; Eph 4:10-14

(Ref: Wikipedia)

Romans 8:32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?

Someone sent me this statement, “What you are is God’s gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.”  At first, it was like any other series of words, until my conscience nudged me to think more deeply on its meaning and direction…

If we believe our trillion plus cell organism came into being by accident, through a big bang, or as a result of “favorable conditions” within the primordial soup of evolutionary doctrine, then the notion of gifts coming and going to God is simply foolishness.  If, on the other hand, God made man in His image–with potential and a purpose to please Him–then what an incredible opportunity we all possess! Have we ever seriously considered that our responsibility and accountability are divinely generated?

With an accidental beginning, all things are inherently out of control; no matter what transpires….it shouldn’t matter or be a surprise.  The bumper sticker that proclaims WHATEVER! covers this theory well.  Conversely, with faith in a Holy Almighty Creator, all things are inherently in His control.  The Bible declares that man is presented overwhelming evidence to the truth of supernatural design by what can be observed within the creation itself as well as the conscience that accompanies him from birth (Romans 1:19-20).  Just as an aside, when was the last time you ever observed a primate say “I’m sorry” or hold court for a sociopathic banana-stealing chimp?

To help focus on how to please God by developing as His gift, may I suggest an approach.  If we are open to regarding the Bible as God’s “owner’s manual” for man, then it would behoove us to know its content or promises.  If we know the promises, then we can pray or communicate with God relative to His promises.  If we believe that God is real and will respond to our prayer based on His promises, then we can tap into His power that transcends all natural energy sources.  Finally, if we pray in line to God’s will or promises, and He has the power to respond to us, then there would be ultimate proof that He really exists by the changes in our lives or circumstances.

Have we ever given an accidental gift to somebody by accident?  Of course not!! Fortunately, God is not like that with us, either.  He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die specifically for us as His greatest gift, and there’s even more…. So if we care to Please Him at this point and beyond, then…

Know His Promises,
Pray in line to His promises,
Tap into His Power,
And Look for His Proof.

Let’s crave to grow and develop as God’s pleasing gift.  We are not the hopeless embodiment of a Whatever! life philosophy.  Our destiny is to one day face the One who gifted us with life–the only One capable of heralding eternity. His words to those who appreciate and build upon what they have been especially given… “WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!”

Matt 25:23; 1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 64:8; Jer 1:4-5; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ps 139:13-14; Eph 1:11

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. Prov 3:5-6

There’s a familiar Biblical story in chapter 2 of Luke where Joseph and Mary, the parents of young Jesus, had to return to Jerusalem to collect Him after He was inadvertently left behind.  They found Him in the Temple, not only listening to the local religious elders, but dazzling them with questions and insights of His own.  It was also during this occasion, that this supernatural 12 year old directed His first recorded words to His earthly parents who were pleased to locate Him: “Didn’t you know I was about My Father’s business?” echoes to this very day.

May we take a closer look at the essence of what Jesus was saying. Simply put, and to our eternal advantage, God (Jesus’ Loving Father) is in the business of restoring people to Himself. That’s right… By the power of His Holy Spirit, He’s all about establishing the best care and wellness in you and me!  Jesus, our example at such an early age, not only knew His intimate family-business relationship, but His identity, purpose, and specific role that went with it.  

Tony Cooke helps us understand our Father’s divine incorporation in chapter 24 of his book “Grace: The DNA of God.”  He shares the following:  “When God created Adam and Eve, He didn’t create them as “worms of the dust.”  He made them just a little lower than Himself and He crowned them with glory and honor!  Of course, mankind lost much in the fall, but Jesus came to deliver us from sin and restore us to God (The Father).  When we are personally reunited with God, we are once again partakers of His Holy family and glory; His good opinion of us was restored in Christ’s assignment and in the transforming action of His Holy Spirit.”

Isn’t it amazing that the God of Creation, the Father of all, has never given up on any of us? His nature of love is in constant pursuit. The greatest proof of this was in the dedicated activity of that pre-teen boy.  Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, was crucified for the corrupting sin of mankind, and will soon return for us.  Why? Because the souls of all of us (Joseph, Mary, the religious elders, and you and me included) are His highest treasure. Full restoration back to Him and His eternal family is the business of The Father, Jesus and His Holy Spirit too. Wouldn’t it be something if we could share in so great a purpose and pursuit? I’m willing and determined to set my heart in doing just that.  How about you?

1 Thes 5:23; Jer 29:11; Josh 24:15

There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.  Prov 18:24

Have you ever thought about what real friendship is?  I’m sure most of us have used the term friend to describe a variety of people; even some we barely know.  Let me qualify.  I’m referring here to an honest-to-goodness friend; someone you can count on–even when everyone else hightails it in the opposite direction.

I came across a simple definition of a friend years ago that continues to  inspire me with a contagious joy.  How’s this?  A friend is a well spring in the wilderness.  Please think about it for a second.  A well spring in the wilderness…

Do you have any well springs in your life?  Is there a rare someone in your life who can come along during your dark, dry, lonely, and fearful times to serve as a cool and never-ending refreshment?  Are you a well spring for someone else?

There are friends, and then… there are friends!  At this point in our lives, my wife Cynthia and I desire to have and be “well-spring” friends.  In countless ways, our desire is being fulfilled. We’re fortunate to count several in the category of “well-spring” friends.  In addition, we celebrate each other as closest “well-spring” friends (that’s right – even in spite of our being married).  More amazing is our deep trust that, as important as others may be to us and us to each other, there’s one well spring of refreshment in our life that stands alone.

We thank and glorify Almighty God, the highest “well-spring” friend of all, for creating and redeeming us, bringing us together as husband and wife, and providing an opportunity for us to connect with other people as “well-spring” friends.

So, from one potential well spring to another, have a blessed day and a real-friend-filled week!!

 Matthew 22:35-40; Isaiah 58:8; Song of Solomon 4:15; Ecc 4:11; Prov 17:17

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.  Ecc 3:1

There was a shuttle service named “Just in Time” in our area several years ago.  I may be wrong in the case of this person’s commercial shuttle service, but I have lived long enough and have been tardy enough times to cringe in knowing that external circumstances and factors influence the “just in time” agenda.  I am convinced that people who are consistently late to critical events are those either trapped in selfish concerns, caught in the routines or habits of life, or those who actually choose to be “just in time.”  My focus is to address this latter group of “just in timers” and encourage them to join me in changing their choice making for at least one unique destination.

Too many things go wrong when we gamble and refuse to anticipate and schedule our travel arrangements wisely.  The “just in time” strategy, complete with sprint to the flight gate, luggage in hand, resulting in the predictable surprise (the plane “just left”) must be eliminated.  This careless pattern can have the ultimate consequence if it’s used in planning our final and most important destination– to our place in Heaven after death.  Again, as far as Heaven’s gates are concerned, we can cling to being selfish, trapped in rituals, or risk being “just in time.”  All three of these approaches could land one in the same place– eternal separation from God, something He desperately wants us to avoid.

Please consider… our Creator offers us a transition opportunity that is not only free– it is available to each of us – now – and it lasts forever!  As a brief reminder, here is why and how it works….

God created man in His image and in a relationship of love.  Man’s original makeup was a perfect spirit, with a soul, and a physical body.  Damaged by original man’s falling for sin, mankind not only lost the pure spiritual connection with God, but the consequence of eternal separation from God unfolded.  Because of our resulting unholy nature, no human effort could satisfy this outstanding sin debt.  In His grace and mercy, to reconcile His creations back with Himself, He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sins and die, sacrificing Himself for us on the cross at Calvary (John 3:16).  In His substitutionary work, through the redeeming power of His Holy Spirit, we are now offered a renewed relationship with God.  It was God’s problem, His solution, and our opportunity.

If we accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior right now, God immediately guarantees our life to continue with Him in Heaven.  What a gift of salvation that is — no ifs, ands, or “just in times.”  If we make our appointment like God says for us to do, then no matter when our individualized death flight is scheduled, amazingly, God’s Holy Shuttle will “always be in time.”

Is 40:31; 2 Pet 3:8; Acts 1:7; Gal 4:4

Editor’s Note: Make your reservations early and make them in the non-smoking section!

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

As a younger person, I watched my share of professional wrestling on TV.  In that theater of make believe, one particular tasteless and dark-side wrestler named Hans Schmidt comes to mind.  His character suggested a Nazi-type personality ready and willing to annihilate all adversaries.  His signature was to get his opponent weakened to the point of pinning. He would then slam whoever it was to the mat and the referee would start to count… ONE, TWO…and before the count of three, the huge and fiendish Hans would pull his opponent’s shoulders off the mat for the joy of punishing him further. In my naiveté, I knew one thing for certain back then: Hans Schmidt was mean and I rooted against him because he acted like the devil.

Deeper revelation helps us move beyond the make-believe theater to realize that life itself is a spiritual battle; a “believe and make” place complete with behind the scenes operatives.  In Eph. 6:10-18, the Bible admonishes us to be strong in the power of God’s might; that we are to put on the whole armor of His, in order to stand against the wiles of the devil; that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  The passage goes on to speak of the elements of spiritual armor and the one power connection necessary for us to win- Intimate conversation or PRAYER with the Ultimate Promoter!

This brings me to a Bible study I once had as a volunteer in our local prison. I met a giant of a man who had spent the past 30 years of his life in and out of jail.  Standing more than 6′6″ tall and weighing over 300 pounds and with feet the size of small sleds, the man on the surface was intimidating.  In spite of his size, he revealed a tender side. His admission to me of living a wasted life and existing as a big-time loser was evidence and a sad confession indeed.  In a twisted way, he reminded me of an unsuspecting opponent of the fiendish wrestler Hans Schmidt… pinned and punished over and over again.  Only in his case, the situation was real and the “behind the scenes” influence of evil or the devil himself was to this point successful in demoting and disorganizing his entire life.

So how do any of us, including my big inmate friend, step into the ring of life and take on the devil, daunting circumstances, ineffective religious traditions, or the Hans Schmidt’s of this world?  The size of the problem or the size of the person is entirely irrelevant, when the size of God is considered. If God can create things from nothing and speak things into existence, He can take on an assignment of divine restoration, no matter the challenge. So, wrestling fan or not, catch this scenario for our new perspective:

ONE… In His strength, we’re off the mat; TWO… we’re on our knees in grateful prayer; and THREE… we’re up and in Him. There is no chance of us being pinned or made a loser… With the power of Christ in us, we become the shining light and the flavoring salt God has called us to be — A loyal heart, a willing mind, and with action that glorifies God, we become His OVERCOMER. That family and friends….is a title worth pursuing!

 Rom 8:37; Jn 16:33; 1 Jn 2:13; Rev. 2:25; 1 Jn 4:4

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. PROVERBS 12:4

In Biblical times, names were taken seriously.  There was a special thought and meaning that went into naming a child just entering into the world.  For examples, the root name Moses means to pull or draw out,  David means beloved or favorite, and Nehemiah means God comforts.

Have you ever researched your own name and the meaning that goes with it.  After researching my own, I was more than pleasantly surprised.  As a matter of fact, I strutted around with the knowledge that my name, Steven, meant “Crowned One”.  Afterall, to be a crowned one suggested some type of royalty and the special favor that went with it.  I was pridefully content with being that special until I read this article of Neil Kennedy’s Daily Champion.  My frail pride bubble blew up and a new truth shed light on the real reason I’ve been blessed by my parents to be named Steven.  I’ll explain why in my summary, First, here is Neil’s article:

Your Wife is Your Crown

PRINCIPLE: Draw strength from your wife.

There is no greater asset for a man than a strong wife beside him. There is no greater weakness for a man than to have a shameful wife.

Job’s wife is an example of a woman who shamed her husband at a time when he needed her most. Job was suffering from a series of satanic attacks—thieves, fire, raiding parties, tornadoes, and disease—disaster upon disaster. And his wife prodded him to curse God and die (Job 2:9).

You can imagine Job’s disappointment with the mother of his ten children. Job languished that his “crown was removed from his head” (Job 19:9). His wife was a disgrace.

As men who are striving to be authentic, there are some who are struggling. You may be going through something disastrous or facing tragic events. You may have even suffered betrayal by your wife. If that is the case, don’t give up. Keep your integrity, and God will see you through.

And if you do have a strong wife with noble character, celebrate her. The fact that she will endure hardship with you makes her a prized possession—a crown to adorn your head.

REMEMBER:  When disaster strikes, draw strength from one another.

In summary, my wife Cynthia has and is the most noble character I have ever met.  I can’t imagine another woman who could stand beside me through thick and thin for over twenty years with the strength, grace, forgiveness, and resilience that she has.  Thankfully, strutting around in my self-absorbed kingly cloud is over.  With new revelation, I joyfully celebrate God’s gift and prize possession in my wife Cynthia; the true crown that adorns my head and helps us both be a Daily Champion.  

“O Lord, I know the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

If we can agree that life throws more challenges than solutions, then let’s look together at what Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, suggested as a way to proceed, progress, and persevere in the best of winning ways.

His first order is for us to enjoy life because it’s a gift from God. “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God” (Ecc 3:13). Critically then, do we personally appreciate life as a gift of God to enjoy or not?

In addition to enjoying life as a gift, Solomon offers a second element. Though much of life is frustrating and futile, there are opportunities we must take advantage of when they come along. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecc 9:10). In other words, we are to fully exercise our gifts in life and leave no room for regret, recess, or retreat when our time comes to depart from this Earth.

Thirdly, because we live in a world that presses us from every side, it’s incumbent upon us to rely on an unyielding support. Under these and all conditions, Solomon admonishes us to be right with none other than—God Himself. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13).

Fourth, and perhaps foremost, is the importance of possessing awareness that one day we will all be judged. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil” (Ecc 12:14). Hearing, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” rather than, “I never knew you,” must always be our heart’s desire and divine influence behind the choices we make.

As people with flesh to satisfy and thoughts to filter, we will never live a perfect life. Fortunately, Jesus is our Creator, model, and comforting friend in any time of need. At the behest of His Father and for our benefit, He was and is the only One able to perfectly and lovingly face and overcome a world system with occupants laced with sin-fired hatred and wickedness.

So family and friends, in the midst of our lives, let’s rely on Christ (The Word) and God’s Holy Spirit 1) to appreciate and enjoy life as His gift, 2) to help us grow to our full potential, 3) to reverence Him and obey His commandments, and 4) to know that one day, based on honoring God’s standards and divine guidance, we choose to leave this life to be with Him, forever!

Matt 25:21; Psalm 37:23; John 10:27; Psalm 25;4; Psalm 48:14

Teach me to do Your will, For You  are my God; Let Your  good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

Suppose you were told you were a major heir in a wealthy relative’s will.  Would you be content to simply believe it, or would you make a move to know it for sure? Wouldn’t reading and understanding the specific details of what was in it for you be the best way to satisfy the curiosity?

By faith, as Christians, we believe that God’s Word is His will for us.  Almighty God, the One responsible for all wealth, has offered us an opportunity to become heirs of His immeasurable grace, love, and mercy.  Scripture says it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  If we are committed to reading and/or listening to God’s Word every day, then we can better understand God’s plan for our lives.

As part of that critical process, we find we are able to change our thinking by renewing our mind to what God says about us.  We are no longer trapped by what the world says about our identity, what we should value, or what to accept.  If we purpose to seek God with all our heart, then God’s influence becomes our top priority. He promises to direct and guide us when we trust and involve Him in our daily lives. Scripture says the beginning of real knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is respecting and honoring God for who He is. What’s more, God rewards people who have faith in Him—who believe He really exists and diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6).

The Bible reminds us that God loves us so much that we can bask in His love on a personal basis and still have enough to share with others; we can walk in His love, be a blessing to those around us, and live our life to its fullest. Taking time and effort to draw us near to God is the best move we can make.  He will never run from us, but draw near to us in return. We are on the right path when we resist the devil and his evil intentions and draw near to God.

Family and friends, believing, receiving and acting as if we are heirs to God’s will changes everything. In His Word, we get our real identity, a wholesome sense of worth, and a renewed and hopeful acceptance and destiny.  Let’s join together and run to His Word to see for ourselves what His will for each of us really declares.  As we learn and grow in His authority, a divine balance leads us to be fully persuaded that we have far more than just a Happy New Year ahead of us!

 Psalm 119:105; Rom 12:2; Heb 6:33; Eph 5:2a; James 4:7-8; Prov 3:5-6; Prov 19:20