Faithful on Fridays Blog

When I was growing up it was never questioned if I would go to church or Sunday School. It was assumed. I received every badge and every prize offered for attendance, yet I didn’t know God personally. Oh, I knew about Him but I didn’t KNOW Him. There is a difference. I was 30 yrs. old before I realized that God was calling me and finally responded.

In this third message on Leadership Lessons I want to discuss our calling. To be called is to be chosen and invited into relationship by God. We can experience several callings in our life but the first must be our calling to salvation. See how Peter responded,

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8 NKJV)

However, that was only the beginning. He had so much more for Peter and He has so much more for you! He has placed within you a destiny, a plan to participate with Him, to help and serve others. Do you know that?

Peter was called to be a disciple, a learner, first. He spent over three years learning from Jesus. We also have a calling to be a disciple. Are you consistently learning and growing in faith? Yet Peter was also called to be an apostle. This word has been confusing in the Christian world but I see it very simply. It means to be sent. An apostle is a ‘sent one’. You can be sent to the nations, to your community, or even the grocery store! God sends you where He wants you to represent Him. It’s not complicated. Did you ever have someone tell you that what you said was just what they needed to hear? That’s God. Were you ever at the right place, at the precise moment, and experience a ‘God moment’ with someone? He is sending you. Now, don’t go around calling yourself an apostle, you’ll confuse people. Stay humble. It’s not about you, it’s about Him. Ministry is about serving, not about titles.

When you are involved in leadership of any kind it’s important to spend time with God. He will reveal to you where He wants you to serve. Yes, I said serve. Ministry is serving others and there is great reward. Spending time with God allows Him to encourage you, to give you direction, and develop your calling. You can’t do it alone. To know God is to know His heart and that only comes by spending quality time together. Ask Him about your calling, it can change over time. Ask Him about His plan for you at this time in your life, and discuss it with Him. Accept your calling, it is a privilege.

Read the full chapter by clicking on the link, www.thecourseoflife.com and go to Resources. The ebook is titled Leadership Lessons Captured from the Life of Simon Peter, I think you and those you serve with will benefit from it.

Word of God, Speak

Sometimes I feel like a song on my iPod that keeps repeating itself. I often tell people the same thing when they share their life with me. My answer is consistently, “Get into God’s Word. Your answer is there.” This is one of many weeks that I’ve been led by God to speak to you about His Word. I can’t seem to get off the subject, but I’m OK with that.

I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. (Philippians 3:1 NLT)

1 Tim. 2:14-16 tells me to “keep reminding God’s people of these things …” You know, repetition is the key to learning, God designed us in that way. I want to be someone in your life who plants the Word of God in you (Jms. 1). When you need help, it’ll be there for you to bring comfort, wisdom, and insight.

Some women who were following Jesus and listening to His words realized that He was speaking words of life to them and one cried out, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed.” But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Luke 11:27, 28 NASB)

You are blessed every time you read His Word; you may not realize it at the moment but you are. It would be easy to forget that second part though, observe it. One translation reads ‘keep it’, another reads ‘puts it into practice’, and yet another says ‘obey it’. That pretty much sums it up, don’t you think? So this week hear God’s Word to you as you read it and reflect on an area of need. Allow God to breathe life into it and bless you with His wisdom, His guidance, His strength, and His help. Whatever you need, He is able and loves you enough to have men of God, whom you can trust, write down His words for Him. It can’t get any easier to study scripture with our amazing technology. Simply google ‘Bible Passages that speak about …’ For example: anger, fear, lust, pride, money, you name it. Look up the passages that speak to your heart and allow Him to give you the strength to overcome anything; that’s how you put it into practice.

A good website to check out is www.biblehub.com. It gives you an opportunity to study a passage using a variety of sources that you probably don’t have laying around the house. Spend some time there, read the commentaries, check the concordance, and study God’s Word. You won’t be sorry you did.

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)

This fall I am planning a trip to the Rock of Gibraltar. That’s important to today’s message because I want to talk about Peter’s name change from ‘hearer’ to ‘rock’ in this second part of Leadership Lessons.

First of all, God has attributes of a rock. He is immovable, unchangeable, impenetrable, and He is our Protector. When things aren’t going well in our lives we need to be able to trust those characteristics about Him.

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. (Psalms 61:2, 3 NLT)

Secondly, Jesus strategically changed Simon’s name to Peter which means ‘rock’. That is significant because this impulsive young follower would be transformed into the leader of the Twelve Apostles and ultimately of the newly formed Church. Jesus knew His name needed to reflect a new characteristic: rock-like faith.

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Matthew 16:15-18 NLT)

The reason why Jesus changed Simon’s name was that he had received a personal revelation from God that would forever transform him. It was the Rock of Salvation Who spoke to Simon’s heart and revealed Himself in Christ. That same divine revelation reveals God to an individual today. No person can give revelation; it is only God who removes the blinders from people’s hearts so they can hear and understand Him.

Leaders, we need to receive divine revelation from God and declare it into our lives and ministries in order to create life. Words have power and Jesus blessed Peter for using them correctly. Peter, later on in his life, preached the gospel and used more inspired words to convince Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

Finally, the Church that was being formed would need this revelation of the impenetrable, immovable, unchangeable Rock in order to endure. The gates of Hell and it’s power will not prevail over this global community of believers who have rock-like faith. When I stand on the Rock of Gibraltar I hope to declare the wonderful scriptures describing God as the Rock and stand before Him in faith, no matter the circumstances.

For more detail on Peter, the rock, go to my website: www.thecourseoflife.com and click on Resources. My ebook is free and downloadable.

If I were a betting woman, which I’m not, I’m betting that some of you share similar childhood experiences regarding Sunday School and church with me. I went every Sunday because that’s what we did; my mother, bless her heart, insisted that I attend even when I didn’t want to go. But I went; I didn’t have a choice. The Word of God speaks to that in 2 Tim. 3:14-17. I’d like to summarize those verses by giving you six things that happen when you read or listen to God’s Word, even at an early age:

• First of all and most importantly, it gives you the wisdom you need to respond to the gospel and be saved. You begin a new life in Christ, you are reborn in the Spirit, and trust in Jesus to be your Lord.

• Secondly, it says that God’s Word is inspired by Him. Those who wrote it were given His words to pen and that’s why they can speak to each of us individually and personally for our entire life. Every time we open His Word that promise is there for wisdom, rescue, deliverance, healing, and any other help you need.

• Thirdly, the Word of God teaches us what’s true. Sometimes we can believe a lie, about ourselves and about others. Believe it or not, His Word can help you distinguish what’s true. I didn’t make this up and I don’t know how He does it, but He does!

• Fourthly, the scriptures help us to realize what is wrong in our life. I don’t know about you but when things begin to go wrong I wonder why. What am I doing wrong? As I ask that question in my heart and then open the Bible, He is faithful to show me. Now, it’s not always something I’m doing wrong but anything that IS wrong in my life is exposed so I can deal with it.

• Fifthly, it will correct you and teach you how to turn things around and do it right. I said that I ask God, “What am I doing wrong?” I pray that because I often am. As I search the scriptures He will correct me as a good Father corrects his child and show me how to change. Does it hurt? Sometimes, but usually its just my pride.

• Lastly, it prepares and equips you for the good works God has planned for your life. Without His direction you can live aimlessly but with His early preparation He will give you the necessary equipment you need. It may be financial, or emotional, maybe creativity or intelligence, but whatever He gives you use, it to benefit others. God likes that.

This week I am beginning a series on Leadership. You may think, well, I’m not a leader. Yes, you are. Everyone leads someone, even if it’s just your dog! As Christians we are all role models and re-present Christ in our lives. That requires leadership training. I will be focusing on the Apostle Peter and his life as a follower of Jesus and an eventual leader. It was necessary for him to be trained by the Master and to learn how to be effective. He will be our example for the next eight weeks.

Simon Peter’s name means ‘he who hears’. That’s so interesting because listening is the first leadership trait we see developed in his life. Jesus obviously deemed listening a necessary character trait for Simon Peter yet it needed some ‘tweaking’. Let’s think about some aspects of listening.

How about listening to God? Before his name change, Simon (later called Peter) was an impulsive spewer. He reacted with his mouth often before he took the time to think. Simon was rebuked by Jesus but eventually matured into a seasoned listener. He sat at the feet of Christ and listened to Him for three years. He allowed God to speak into his life. How about you? Are you listening to God or just constantly talking? Scripture is clear that we need to develop our listening skills when we spend time with Him.

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart. (Proverbs 4:20, 21 NLT)

What about listening to others? Would people say that you’re a good listener? Do you give them eye contact? Do you listen while checking email or reading something? Do you put people on speakerphone so you can do other things? People need you to listen with your ears but also your heart. They need you to listen without responding, without giving advice, and without drawing attention away from them and to yourself.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (James 1:19 NLT)

Who are you listening to? Leaders should not be afraid to take advantage of good counsel. Moses listened to Jethro and David listened to Nathan; both made good choices. Listening to the ‘right voice’ will keep you on the right path in leadership.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. (Proverbs 12:15 NLT)

I have written a book on Leadership which is published only on my website. It goes into more detail in all of these areas and more. It is downloadable for free at www.thecourseoflife.com under Resources. You can click on each chapter individually. I hope you will take advantage of the insights God has given me in the life of Simon Peter and my own years of Christian leadership.

OK, you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, you’ve been reminded of some vital truths for your life, and you’ve even heard some good Christian doctrine. How do you make it real in your life? How do you make it work for you?

I think a good place to start is your understanding of the influence of what you read or listen to on a daily basis. Some of you may remember the Sunday School song, “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see…” Well, it’s true. Because of the power of this influence I take writing very seriously. I’ve developed each message around several scripture passages so that I was assured you’d be reading, not just my words but His Words. I pray over each message that it would minister to my readers.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote (23:29) that God’s Word was like fire in his bones, purifying him. He said it was like a hammer breaking the rocks in his life that may cause him to stumble (my interpretation). Do you have any rocks or obstacles trying to trip you up in your walk with Christ? Reading His Word and taking that influence seriously is your answer. He will speak you and begin to break those rocks up into gravel.

Moses wrote that we need His Word in order to be alive every day (Dt. 8:3). He compared it to the necessity of food. Our bodies were created with that need to be revitalized several times a day. God’s Word has the same principal. It’s influence in your life will be strengthening and life-giving.

Stephen, the first martyr for Christ, repeated that same passage from Moses and God’s Word (Acts 7:37&38) shortly before his execution. He understood the power of that influence to strengthen him as he went to his death. The writer of the book of Hebrews explains it this way,

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (Hebrews 4:12, 13 NLT)

Don’t let that verse scare you. He not only knows you on your worst day but He loves you enough to expose your sin and forgive you when you repent. He is a good God and not a taskmaster. Do you want the good life? Do you want to go the next level of kingdom living? Get a contemporary version of the Bible, sit down with God, and let His Word gain influence in your life. His words will throw out a lifeline and give you the energy, just like your breakfast this morning, to live closer to Him. The power of the Word of God is waiting for you like a delectable meal prepared by your heavenly Father. Bon Appetit!

Prayer is a mystery to me. I can pray about an issue in my life, or someone else’s, and get an immediate response from God. It’s a ‘suddenly’ that builds my faith tremendously. There are other times when I pray about a matter that seems to me to require that sudden answer but the heavens seem silent. God isn’t moving. Although that way is hard and I don’t like it, my faith is being strengthened.

There is an interesting account of Jesus healing a blind man in Mark 8:22-26. This man had friends who cared about him enough to beg Jesus to heal him. Oh, to have friends like that. People in our lives who will stand with us and pray with such fervency. They were passionate and would undoubtedly have followed Him around until He acknowledged them. They wouldn’t give up. Prayer should be like that.

What was the result of such fervency? Jesus took the man outside the village, away from the crowds, even away from his friends, and did something very interesting. He used spit as a healing agent, the only time in scripture, and with interesting results. Jesus asked him one question, “Can you see anything now?” The blind man answered, “Yes, I see people but I can’t see them clearly. They look like trees walking.”

Often our mindset in prayer is like this. We are fervent, we are passionate, and we expect the answer immediately, as if Jesus is a Coke machine. I have to admit, I have seen many prayers answered that way. I praise God for those quick answers, they built my faith. But other times He makes me wait. Oh, I’ll get a sliver of light now and then to remind me that He’s working on my behalf but no total answer. I feel like telling God, “I only see trees walking.” I don’t see clearly but I do see something. There a hints of Him aligning some things but they are unclear, like shadows. I am like the blind man though; I want total restoration.

Do you see trees walking? Are there fervent prayers that you’ve been praying, possibly for years, and you only see vague indications that God has heard you? Let me be a word of encouragement to you today. He has heard you. You will see a clear answer in His time. Be patient and don’t give up! The answer is worth it. Jesus chose to lay hands on this man twice. Why? We don’t know why but after the second time the blind man’s eyes were opened and he was restored. This is a great example of a progressive answer to prayer. Jesus is asking you today, “Can you see anything now?” Acknowledge to Him that you do see some trees walking. Praise Him for every glimmer of light toward that restoration you are hoping for. He desires it more passionately than you and His timing is always perfect.

People Who Need Us

Have you ever felt like you’re continually serving people? Maybe your family, your job, or your church and now you’re just spent? You feel like you can’t do one more thing! You’re just exhausted. Well, imagine this with me, Jesus’ disciples sometimes felt the same way.

Mark 6:30-44 tells a story of the disciples returning from a ministry tour and they were also ready for some downtime. Jesus reassured them that they would go and rest so they proceeded to get in a boat. Hopefully to get away from the ‘needy’ people. I have come to learn that everyone has needy people in their lives. We can get pretty frustrated and exhausted from their constant demands, however, Jesus looked with compassion on his tribe. He considered them like sheep without a shepherd.

Do you know what delayed the well-deserved rest that the disciples had earned? Jesus’ love for those needy people. He began to teach again, having them sit and listen. He undoubtedly reassured them of His Father’s love and continued to explain how to live a victorious life in the Kingdom of God. Don’t forget, on the sidelines were twelve disciples who were already fatigued; they wanted this day to be over! Can you identify?

What keeps you going? What keeps you serving? What keeps you pressing in? Hopefully it’s your love for the people in your life and your desire to please God. At the end of that day the disciples found a way out. “The people are hungry, Jesus, can you send them away to get food?” That wasn’t the Savior’s plan though. “You feed them.” Really Jesus? Do you know what we’ve been doing the last few days? Ministry! Your ministry! Now we should feed them? They should feed us!

So they did, 5,000 men and their families, possibly 20,000 people. OK, that beats my 13 for dinner or my 24 for brunch. Good story, but what happened at the end? Get this, there were twelve baskets of leftovers to divide up for each disciple. Everyone was fed to their heart’s content. Clearly, Jesus provided more than enough for all.

He’s like that you know. When you’re feeling depleted He has more than enough of what you need to satisfy you to your heart’s content. Let’s not forget that this week as we go about serving the people who need us.