The News You Never Expected To Hear: Allowing God To Walk You Through The Devastation!

The News You Never Expected To Hear:  Allowing God To Walk

You Through The Devastation!

(Part Two of Two)

 

Facing devastation, tragedy, catastrophic situations of any kind, can be extremely difficult. But in the midst of heartache and pain, you can find the hope and courage to go on. With God’s help, and the encouragement found in the Bible, you will receive the necessary strength to overcome.

You may be thinking, I just do not believe that I can get through this. How will I be able to possibly face this devastation?  This can trigger a series of emotions fear, depression, even feelings of despair. 

Questions may inevitably begin racing through your mind.  Why me God?  God why has this happened to me?  To my Family?  Why at this time of our lives?  God, will I die from this?  Is there any possible way that we can recover from this grave set of circumstances?  What will happen to my family if I do die?  How will they be cared for?  

Each one of these questions were honest questions that my wife Cathy and I had to ask during the early days of our hearing the news that we never thought that we would ever hear.  As I said before, she never once complained about what God allowed to come into her life for her, her concern was always for me and the three children.  

God Never does anything TO us; God Always did things FOR us

 Cathy knew that God Never did anything TO us; God was Always doing things FOR us.  She knew that God would have a clear purpose in allowing cancer to strike her body.  She refused to resist and fight God.  II Corinthians 4:8-9 was a great comfort to her.  “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

Her faith was completely in the one that able to deliver her if it would His will, yet she had the attitude of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:20-21. “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  She wanted to live, as we all do.  Yet she was focused on her eternal life with Jesus Christ.  No, you could not threaten her with heaven! 

You must focus on God’s Promises rather than Man’s Explanations

No one really knows why God has allowed this tragedy to enter into your life. Like Job’s friends some might say it is because of some sin that you are being punished for.

I have learned in my nearly 45 years of being a Christian that I cannot live by mere explanations, I must have Promises from God’s Word to comfort and encourage me as I pass through the deep waters of life. Explanations have little value by way of satisfying the soul, yet promises are what will sustain you you’re your darkest moments. Let us take note of some precious, yet very powerful promises from God’s Word.

1.  You must understand that nothing takes God by surprise. He Sees and Understands Your Pain.   

•  Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” If God’s eye is on the sparrow, He’s most certainly watching you, watching your every step, feeling your deep hurt, ready to walk you through the devastation.

• Isaiah 43:2-3 reminds us, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.”

2.  You must understand that God invites you to pour out your heart and soul unto Him.

• Hebrews 4:16; “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  God invites you to approach Him boldly, or confidently.  He promised that at his throne of Grace that he will provide you with the grace you need to help in your time of need.

• Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry , and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

• Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

• Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

What wonderful and precious promises we have before us. As someone once said, “God’s Word provides a soft pillow for our troubled hearts.” You’re probably hurting so badly that all you really want to do is cry. And that’s okay! Even the Lord Jesus Christ wept when faced with the tragedy and sorrow of death (John 11:35). He was so deeply moved within because of the sorrow resulting from Lazarus’ death that He began to weep.

3. You must understand that while friends and family may Help, you must recognize that God is Your Real Hope.     Psalm 73:26 reminds us, “My flesh and my heart faileth : but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.”

When you consider all that you are facing, ask yourself, “Is there anything too hard for God?” (Jeremiah 32:17). Absolutely nothing! No matter what is going on in your life, you can trust that He is in control, and is working everything out for your good (Romans 8:28).

When you wake up in the morning and wonder how you will face the day, God is working it out. When you wonder how you can get through and overcome this difficult time, God is working it out. And when you lay down at night, wondering how you will face the challenges of tomorrow, whatever they may be, God is already working it out. God knows intimately the concerns of your heart (Psalm 139:1-3), and can provide all the peace, strength, and courage you need. So don’t give up! Confidently hope in Him. Hope … and persevere!

You must focus on asking the Right Questions of God

 1. God, how can I use these devastating circumstances to truly Glorify you? Matthew 5:16 exhorts us to, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” I Corinthians 10:31 states, “Whether therefore ye eat , or drink , or whatsoever ye do , do all to the glory of God.”       This takes the focus off of us and places our focus where it rightly belongs, focusing on God.

2. God, what are you trying to teach me from this adversity?

3. God, how can I use this these upsetting circumstances to become a blessing to others? A song I often sing as I face dark dismal days is the hymn, “Others.”

Others, Lord, yes others,
Let this my motto be,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee.

4. God, are you trying to provide me with a new ministry?  In 1939, Dr. Bill Rice and his wife Cathy had their baby girl, Betty, became gravely ill with spinal meningitis. Betty survived a close call but lost her hearing as a result of the high fever.

In the following years, Dr. Bill preached the gospel across the country, but even his own daughter could not hear it. The Rices were dismayed that they could find no one who could help them communicate the gospel to Betty. So, with the aid of pictures and a black board, Cathy Rice began to teach her daughter the Bible, beginning with the creation story and culminating with the gift of God’s Son.

God used Betty’s salvation to open their eyes to the great need of unreached deaf people across the country. The Lord convinced them that if they had a burden to reach deaf people, they should do something about it. They would reach out to the Deaf as they “did the work of an evangelist” in churches across the country.

This is a great example of allowing God to use your devastation for HIS glory. God does have His reasons for allowing adversity in our lives (Romans 8:28-29). Our role is to work with God rather than against his plan in our problems.

Many years ago a little girl was totally blind. She was blinded as an infant as the result of an accident. She lived to be over 90 years old. She became well-known in the American church. She wrote many popular Christian songs and choruses. Her name was Fanny Crosby. When she was only eight years old, she wrote:

Oh, what a happy child I am, although I cannot see.
I am resolved that in this world, contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t.
To weep and sigh because I’m blind–I cannot and I won’t.

Now that I have Failed, What is Next?

Now that I have Failed, What is Next?

Jim Kilgore,  www.JimKilgoreMinistries.com

We have all failed at something in our lives, perhaps many times.   There is such pressure for us to “succeed” that we often ‘fail’ to realize there are some benefits to failing.  

Some people are so fearful of failing that they simply will not try a different course of action; will not take a calculated risk; will not attempt something new. Many people are plagued by something the experts have called, ‘Atychiphobia’. 

Atychiphobia is the abnormal, unwarranted and persistent fear of failure.   However, you don’t have to suffer from Atychiphobia, as this is a choice.   The fear of failing is an obsession that develops in the subconscious mind.  It has been transported into a person’s mind by some distress or traumatic situation.  This has caused the person fail to see any options to move forward.  Therefore, they lose confidence.  They fear making decisions.  They see little or no hope of ever succeeding.  

To this I desire to encourage you today.      Did you know that some very famous and highly successful had failed frequently in their road to success?   This should encourage you to realize that we can benefit from what the world calls failure.  

 

Did You Know That…?

 

Thomas Edison ‘failed’ over 10,000 times before he successfully invented the light bulb.

Babe Ruth, who held both the single season and career home-run records also ‘failed’ 1,330 times by striking out! 

Michael Jordan said, “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”  In spite of all his failings, he is still considered to be the best basketball player of all time by many people.

Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States failed in many endeavors during his life.   Abraham Lincoln Simply Refused To Quit!    Probably the greatest example of persistence is Abraham Lincoln. Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.   He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of our country.

 

Listed below is a sketch of his path to the White House:

 

• 1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
• 1818 His mother died.
• 1831 Failed in business.
• 1832 Ran for state legislature – lost.
• 1832 Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
• 1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
• 1834 Ran for state legislature again – won.
• 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
• 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
• 1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.
• 1840 Sought to become elector – defeated.
• 1843 Ran for Congress – lost.
• 1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good job.
• 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – lost.
• 1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.
• 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States – lost.
• 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – get less than 100 votes.
• 1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost.
• 1860 Elected president of the United States.

 

 

 

Please understand that I am dealing with a wide range of failings.   Therefore, I am going to write a series of articles on various ‘failings.’      My thesis is simple:  How can we come back after a ‘failing’ and ensure that we will do a better job the next time?   What safeguards can we put into place to prevent this from happening again?  What can we learn to make us wiser, better, stronger?  How can I be restored to a place of usefulness and productivity for God after a failing?

 

Some Preliminary Thoughts On ‘Failing”

 

• ·         Sometimes we must actually fail in order to succeed.  This will be a separate article.

• ·         To a great degree, how we deal with our present failings will determine our future success.     A person that achieves any measure of success understands that a person may fail without ever being a failure.  Failings are often the steps upon which one must climb in order to bring the previously hidden knowledge into their lives.  It was Albert Einstein who said, “Insanity consists of doing the same thing over and over and hoping for different results.”  One of the most treasured characteristics we have is the ability to learn how to evaluate our experiences.  Simply failing brings no value into our lives. However, successfully evaluating our experiences will add enormous value to our lives.   During the teaching in this series I will teach the process that I use to evaluate my experiences, in anticipation that it will add value to your life as it has mine.  

 

• ·         One only becomes a failure when they make the failing the final chapter in their book of life.

 

It was Dr. Jack Hyles, who shared a great Biblical principle when he said that a person could “Fail without being a Failure.”  This is what we will be writing about in future articles.

 

 

You Can Fail Without Being A Failure

No One Can Make You Feel Like a Loser Without Your Personal Permission

No One Can Make You Feel Like a Loser Without Your Personal Permission

                            Jim  Kilgore,  Missionary Evangelist

     Years ago, Olympic diver Greg Louganis was asked “How do you deal with all the pressure and stress that comes from competing at such a high level?” He simply said, “When I get up on the platform the second before I dive I say to myself ‘Even if I blow this dive my mother will still love me.”

     Much of my life as a young person was spent feeling inferior to nearly every other person.  I was reminded by the “in- crowd” that I just didn’t fit in with them.  I was laughed at, ridiculed, left alone.  Then it happened, I began to excel at sports and suddenly I had “friends.”    My self-esteem began to rise, yet even today at times I am haunted by feelings of inadequacy.

    What I am about to share is what I read when the serpent of inadequacy visits me.  I do not know whom to credit, but I thank God for the paper I have read for at least 35 years.  It has encouraged me; inspired me; and provided hope to me.   This true story reminds me to take my eyes off of the negative and disparaging remarks of others.  It reminds me that I have been created in the very mage of God (Genesis 1:26).

From a “DUNCE to a GENIUS

     When Victor Seribriakoff was 15, his teacher told him he would never finish school and that he should drop out and learn a trade.  Victor took the advice and for the next 17 years he was doing a variety of jobs.  He had been told he wasn’t very smart, and guess what?  He lived down to this belief others had of him. 

An Incredible Transformation was about to Take place

     When he was 32 years old, an amazing transformation took place in Victor’s life.  He was required to take an evaluation at work.  The evaluation revealed that he WAS a Genius with an IQ of 161.  Guess what happened next?   Since he learned of his “Genius Status” he began writing books, secured a number of patents and became a very successful businessman!

     Perhaps the most significant event for this former high school drop-out was his election as the Chairman of the International Mensa Society!   The Mensa Society has only one membership qualification.  You must have a minimum IQ of 140.

           

How Many Other Victors are Living DOWN to the Expectations of Other People?

     The story of Victor Seribriakoff truly makes me wonder how many geniuses we have walking around feeling like a loser because of any of the following:

•       Sin(s) that has been committed, confessed, and cast-a-way. 
•       Social Standing.   From a lower income group.  
•       Struggling with a new task or job.

 

I had a man tell me DAILY the following phrases when I was in construction at the age of 19.

•       You are Dumber than Dirt
•       You will NEVER amount to anything
•       You are so Stupid

     I have learned not to pay much attention to the Critics (they can reveal blind-spots to me).     I have learned not to pay much attention to the Compliments either.  Both can affect me adversely.   I simply remind myself that “I am what I am by the Grace of God.”

     Once Victor started listening to the correct choices around him, his life completely changed!  When he saw himself differently, he started living differently.    Proverbs 23:7 says: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

 

What about you?  What is your story?   How have you dealt with feelings of Inadequacy?

COURAGEOUS: Living your Life without Fear

 

 

Fears, we all have them.   Some are beneficial; many are crippling.  I am not referring to the type of fear which prevents you from walking up to the Lion’s cage in order to pet it; or to walk in the middle of your major interstate during rush hour.   Those fears are beneficial.

I am Focusing on the Fear of Failure!   If it were not for God using Brother Dave Hyles, I might never of answered the call to preach.  I listened to his message over 30 years ago entitled:  “We must have Revival in America.”  I listened to that message 25 times in a six day stretch.   I had such a fear of failure, that God spoke a different truth to my heart each time I listened.   I finally answered the call in spite of my fear of public speaking.

 

God is Aware of our Fears and has provided the Answer as we Face it

Many are asking silently right now, “Can God REALLY help me?  Will God help me as I Face and Fight my Fears?”   The solution is found in the Bible and in our total submission to doing whatever He wants us to do!  You may be thinking, “I am not ready for this kind of commitment.”  Can you not see that everything you have tried has failed to remove the fears, or even allowed you to operate successfully up to this point?

 

 

 

1.      Revelation of your Fears to God.     The disciples, as we, were commanded by God to spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  However, they faced a real problem, they were frightened.   Just as millions of Christians have this fear of sharing the Gospel, these men, who wanted to, simply could not due to their fear.       Acts 4:29, 31:    And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.    Prayer changed Everything for them!

 

2.      Responsibilities neglected because of your fear.  What responsibilities have you neglected because of the destructive power of fear?   Go ahead and list them.

            a)      I will not teach or preach because of my fear of public speaking.

            b)     I will not attend Church because of my fear of crowds.   My own Mother had a fear of crowds which prevented her from enjoying many people and events.

            c)      I will not share my faith because I am afraid that I will not know what to say or that they may wish to argue with me.  The list could go on, but be specific.

 

3.      Recognition of the power of Love.   I John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casteth our fear.”   What does this mean?   Love is a far greater emotion than fear!    Consider the story I have shared hundreds of times to help people overcome fear.   Love will lead a hundred and something lady, who only days earlier stood on her table-top because she saw a mouse ; will stand between her son or daughter and a pack of ravenous wolves.   Love is the emotion which leads us to do the right thing in spite of our fears. 

 

4.      Review Scriptures on fear to provide you the courage to act in spite of you fears. 

Psalms 56:4;    64:1;     78:53;    115:  11, 13

 

If we will do that which we fear most,  we will have conquered fear!

God’s Plea to the Christian: Let’s Get Better Acquainted

 

Colossians 1:10:  “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

II Peter 3:18:   “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. “

Both of the above verses speaks of growing in the Knowledge of God!!

 

Psalm 46:10:   “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

• In December 2012, God had burdened my heart to something truly spectacular for Him in this season of life.   One of those requests was to win at least two people to Christ EVERY week of the year.
• Another request was to get to Know God on a much deeper level than ever before.

            A lot us know ABOUT God, but do we REALLY know God?  Are we close to Him?  Is He near to our hearts?  Are we living each day with the complete awareness that God is living within us, and Sees; Knows; and is Aware of all that we Think, Say, or Do?

 

What is your desire in the “Relationship” you have with God?

 

Yes, we know ABOUT God, but this is not enough this year—for this is only INTELLECTUAL!

I want to Really Know God Intimately!!

Please turn to Psalm 42: 1:  This year, as I am nearer Heaven I find a yearning deep in my soul!!  I not only want to know God; but I desperately want people to truly see what a life spent with Jesus really looks like!!

 

Romans 8:29: “.. to be conformed to the image of his Son…”

 

•   Eph.  5: 1:  “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.”

 

How does Scripture DESCRIBE Intimacy with God?

 

1.      John 10:11 describes one way:  A Shepherd with his Sheep.  So close to his sheep, he would be willing to die for them!

 

2.      Isaiah 54:5  &  Jer. 31:32 mentions God as The Husband  & Ephesians 5: speaks of Jesus being the Bridegroom with the Church as His Bride!!   A good husband will do anything for his wife and Family!!   There is a closeness in my marriage that no one else even comes close to Bonnie!

 

 

3.      A Parent-Child relationship. Any of us would do ANYTHING for our Children.    We love them;  want to spend time with them; 

                         Romans 8:15:     Abba lit.  “Daddy”    Do you see God as your Father?  

 Think of all He does for us as His Children.   

 

Intimacy with God WILL lead you to the place where you become known in Heaven as:

 

1. A Friend of God as Abraham.   Turn to James 2:23 please.     Class:  What was there in Abraham’s life that led God to call him His friend?      His Obedience:  Gen. 11:31;  Ur was highly advanced; well ahead of its time.  He ‘Willingly’ left a Beautiful and modern city in order to obey God.    

Gen. 12: 1-4;   Later, was willing to obey even though it meant the sacrifice of his Son.

 John 15:12-14. 

 

2.     To be known in Heaven as one : ”Who Walked with God”    

 Only two people in the Bible is it said of, that he walked with God!

Read  Genesis 5:22 & 24  and Genesis 6:9: 

Why do you suppose that it was only said of two men out of the 1,181 men mentioned in the Bible that Scripture says, “They walked with God?”      In a future article, we will Search the Scriptures to see what is involved in Walking with God!!

3.      To be known in Heaven as:   “A Man after God’s own Heart!”   Acts 13:32.   

Today has just been the beginning to what I believe will be a Life-Changing study in ALL our lives.  

• God desires us to walk with Him intimately;
• God desires us to yearn and long to spend time with Him;
• God desires us to become His close Friend as was Abraham.

It is Possible to be known in these ways, but it will not be easy!!  Will you take this journey with me this year?

Perhaps you can share with us the struggles you face in walking with God.

Four Principles to Use Against the Enemies of our Victory (Principle One)

The Christian Life is not a Playground; the Christian Life is a Battleground
As a Christian, you MUST understand that the Christian life is not a Playground, rather it is a Battleground!  The earth is the battleground for the souls of men.   Like it or not, you have an enemy.  I Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 
Satan knows that he cannot take away our salvation, for salvation is an eternal transaction.          I John 5:11-13 states:  11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.  Since Satan cannot take away our salvation, he uses what I believe to be his most effective weapon, “Discouragement.”  Discouragement often leads to a loss of joy and  of victory.  Any military person understands that to be successful against your enemy, you must understand that enemy.  We had previously studied the four enemies of victory; today let us learn how to fight the first of those enemies.
How Can I Battle Against the Four Main Enemies of Victory?.

In Philippians 1:12-14 Paul reminds us that our enemy often uses adverse circumstances to attack us.    What were Paul’s circumstances during the time he is writing about victory?  Paul was sitting in a Roman prison.    He was uncertain as to whether he would be set free or be put to death.  Yet his attitude was: “It really does not make any difference what happens to me as long as Jesus is glorified and I have another opportunity to present the Gospel.”   Amazing!  We must understand that this man truly lived to honor Jesus Christ and to win every unsaved person he could to the Lord.  Philippians 1:21 Paul said, which I believe was not a flippant comment, but one born out of the depth of his soul: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  You could not threaten Paul with Heaven!  His focus was not on the Problems, rather in the Possibilities which Presented themselves through the Problems. 

To win the war against unfavorable circumstances, we to must focus on the Purpose and Plan of God in our lives.  We must truly accept Romans 8:28 as an unshakable truth in our lives.  It reminds us: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”  Once you accept this verse as a promise that God uses EVERY adverse circumstance in your life for your good and His glory, you will begin asking  4 critical questions which will lift you above the adversity.

The Four Crucial Questions to Ask Your Father During Adversity

1. What are you trying to Teach me through this situation?

2. How can I use this adversity to Glorify Jesus Christ?

3. How can I use my Situation to Encourage others?

4. Are you Opening a door of Ministry for me?  (Many of the great ministries were born out of adversity).

I honestly believe that the possibilities are numerous once we decide to act Spiritually and not react Emotionally.”

Someone has well said, “Your Outlook WILL determine your Outcome.”   Our outlook on the adversity must be one of: “I will Glorify Jesus through this situation, and I will search for people whom I can share the Gospel with. 

We want God to change our circumstances, but God wants to use our circumstances to change us!     Romans 8:29.

Will You Get Back Up?

A football coach was showing a film to his team in which a player was being tackled again and again.    Each time the football player would get back  up and try again. Yet the opponent would tackle him yet again.    This went on until he had been knocked down nine or ten times. 

The coach suddenly stopped the film and asked his players, “You have all seen what happened.    Which player would we want on our team?”  “The one that keeps knocking the player down,” the players all agreed.   

“No,” said the coach, “we want the one who keeps getting up!”

 

This player represents what we Christians must learn to do.  That is, we MUST get back up once we have experienced a difficult issue, or, perhaps a series of setbacks.

 

The Bible says in II Corinthians 4:8-9:   “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;   ⁹Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” This passage of Scripture is most certainly a Soft Pillow for a Troubled Heart!

 

The words Paul used are Quite Interesting

 

Troubled means, “to press.”  The idea is that our troubles are pressing in on us; squeezing the hope, the very spirit out of us.

Distressed means:” to cramp; to pin.”  The meaning of these two words are, “we are pressed, but we have not been pinned.”

Perplexed means: “to be without resources; to have no place to go;  no place to turn to.”

Not in Despair means, “Not without resources; “The meaning is this.  I have nowhere to turn;

my situation is very bleak at best.  Yet Paul said, that as a Christian, you ALWAYS have a place

to turn.   There are always options in the life of a Believer.   God’s Word provides this hope!

Persecuted means, “to fall behind.”   It carries the idea of a runner who is running in a race and yet for one reason or another has fallen behind.

Forsaken means “not abandoned.”    Again, the teaching is simple.  Paul said that you may be

running the race of life and have fallen behind, perhaps through wasted years; missed

opportunities; or even fallen behind because of sin.  Yet, he said, you have not been abandoned

by God!    God is where he has always been.  He is still sitting on His throne.

Cast Down means, “To be knocked down; to be cast down.”  It carries the idea of being knocked

down with a great deal of force.

But not Destroyed means   “to lose; to die; to be rendered useless.”  The meaning is that we

may be knocked down, but we are not knocked out!

 

Scripture Provides Hope when there Appears to be NO Hope

I love this passage as it provides hope to those who have lost hope.  There are some right now who feel as though there is no hope for a better tomorrow, due to the complications of life.

This could be as a result of poor choices or circumstances.  You are on the canvass about to be

counted out.  Yet this passage reminds us that we can be knocked down, without being knocked

out; that we can be pressed, without being pinned; that there may “appear” to be nowhere to

turn for both Hope and Help; that you may have fallen behind in the race of life, but you have

not been left behind by God!    These verses should remind us that we can ‘Fail without being a

Failure!’    Failure ONLY happens when we give up.

 

How to View Your Problem

 A problem is merely a GAP between where you are and where you want to be, with obstacles

existing which prevent EASY movement to close the gap. Problem solving involves discovering

new ways of dealing with the obstacles in our lives.

What tangible steps can you take today that would close the Gap?

What Difference Does a Day Make?

What difference does a day make?  None you might think.  Britain’s King George III obviously felt this way as he wrote the day’s activities in his diary: “July 4, 1776–Nothing happened today.”

Nothing happened?   Really?  Are you kidding me?  That day  my country  was born.   America’s birth marked an epoch in history for the cause of human freedom.  Yet King George despised the day of small beginnings. He failed to realize the importance of that day.  He obviously viewed it as insignificant.  Perhaps he thought,  as a trend which would, as a vapor, soon  vanish away.

We have no idea what seeds of greatness the African prayer chain, which currently stands at exactly 250 godly Pastors and their  praying  will do for “ALL” of Africa. 

After visiting Africa and witnessing the mighty hand of God in saving 152 souls in such a short period of time, through preaching and street soul-winning, Mufokase now  has many people going out evangelizing and soul winning.  Please, do not despise the days of small beginnings!   God  IS  at work in Africa. I have been communicating with Pastors all over Africa and learning of their intense desire and earnest prayer for revival.  Yes God is starting a movement in Africa which can only be quenched by our sin, unbelief, and casual approach to Christianity.

Don’t underestimate the power of one or two godly men and women begging Heaven for a spiritual movement which can change the course of a Nation! 

II Chronicles 7:14 says: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven. And forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

As we look into God’s Promise for Revival,  let us take notice of the times in which this Revival promise was written.

The book begins with Solomon’s plans to build the temple in Jerusalem and ends with its destruction. Between the dedication and destruction of Solomon’s temple is about 384 years.

King Solomon heard these words at the dedication of the temple. He is told by God that disobedience and rebellion will result in judgment upon the nation of Israel. This verse is God’s promise that those who turn from their sins; call on Him and walk in His ways will experience a revival of the presence and blessing of the Lord.   Now, this is a verse to Israel, but it speaks to every generation as well. Those who meet the conditions detailed in this verse will experience the promises mentioned in this verse.

Dear Pastor, dear Christian, we need revival!  We need Revival!  We MUST HAVE A Revival!   It is not even an option anymore.  It has to happen!

We Believers love our meetings; but we need more than a meeting, we need a revival.    We need something that we cannot produce by our ownefforts. Revival is a supernatural event. It comes only by the sovereign decree of the Lord.

We can have a “meeting” where we show up and sing beautiful songs;  we can have a “meeting” where the Evangelist shows up;  we can have a “meeting” where visitors show up.  However,  what every  Country, Continent, and Church needs is for God to show up and meet with His Church!!         All is in vain until the Holy One of God descends down to meet with the Believer.  When God shows up, then things begin to happen!  Souls will be saved;  sins in the Church will be confessed and forsaken; the believer will see God in His glory!

No,  we cannot have a revival unless the Lord gives it! We can only meet the requirements set forth in the above verse, and that will make revival much more likely.

During the next few days, please get alone with God and  express your desire to have God show up in your life, your Church, your Country, and yes—Your Continent!!  Remind God of your intense desire to Pay whatever Price is necessary to change the course of a Continent for His glory.

The Psalmist, in Psalm 85:6 prayed to His Father, “wilt thou not revive “US” again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”

Please feel free to contact me at: JimKilgoreMinistries@gmail.com if you wish prayer for revival or to make certain you are going to Heaven when you die.

Your Personal Vision: This WILL be the Difference Maker

by Pastor Jim Kilgore

In a recent leadership survey 72% of people who answered the survey, indicated they were looking for  a leader who was forward-looking.  That is, 72% were saying they wanted to follow a leader that could provide hope of a better tomorrow than what they were experiencing today!  Someone once said, that the best way  to lead people in the future is to connect with them in the present.   People naturally want to accomplish some special and significant.  It is the job of the leader to provide that hope of a much better tomorrow through the achievement of the dream.

A Man Walking on the Moon:  Are you Serious?

I remember, as a young person when former President, John F. Kennedy cast an amazing vision that captivated our entire nation on May 25, 1960 by articulating a vision which remains an example of how to excite and to enlist people for your cause. I quote him, “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.”

No one in America could have dared dream of watching a man walk around on the moon dust during that era. What was so remarkable about this vision was that a mere 50 years earlier, almost all Americans were traveling by horse and buggy!  Yet by July of 1969, men were actually walking on the moon! They had a Vision, they had a Strategy, and ultimately, they experienced great deal of success!

What made this “Miracle”  even  Possible ?

How could this happen so quickly? To begin with, the Leadership painted a picture of what success would look like for them. This vision was specific and crystal clear.  To American, success was found in placing a man on the moon and then returning him home safely. This vision was big enough to inspire an entire nation. I know, because I was an older teenager when man walked on the moon’s surface, and I can vividly remember the excitement which swept across America.

IMPLEMENTING  the  VISION

I cannot even imagine the action steps which were required for the “Team to achieve the Dream.”     This is where so many people and their Teams seem to stumble and falter with their dream. For creating actionable steps requires an enormous amount of time and thought. Then you must place the steps in sequential order.

On top of the above planning steps, Leadership must now decide “How” to communicate the vision. A critical principle I have learned over the years in communicating the that this communication must be continual!    Some leaders mistakenly believe they can communicate the Dream to the Team,  once,  or possibly even twice and expect the dream “to take off.”   This, quite frankly,  is not going to happen in most cases! All of Leadership must  continually communicate the same message often in order to keep the dream ever before the people.

Again, this is where even good Leaders fail. Thinking it is enough to communicate the vision one time and that the team will stay focused on it is rather ludicrous. People lose focus by nature. Their minds shift. Their daily priorities begin to shift. Keeping the Dream before the Team will keep everyone calibrated toward what is really most important.

In closing, let me provide the outline I have used many time in dealing with the subject of Creating your Vision.

1)   Create the Vision.  Draw a portrait  with words and pictures, of what success will look like for you.

2)  Be Clear and Specific.  What steps are needed, and in what precise order, will lead me to the accomplishment of the dream?

3)  The vision must be Compelling.  A small dream never excites anyone.  Dream big!!

What is your BIG “Man on the Moon” Idea?   What would you do if you “KNEW” that you could not fail?  To know that all you had to do was to execute the plan and success would be certain?

4)  The vision must be Calibrated.   There will be times in which you will need to tweak the action steps.

5) There must be a time of Celebration.  Take time to celebrate success along the way with the team.  This creates momentum.

Remember, Dream Big Dreams, for Small dreams inspire no one.

The Importance of “Being” a Friend

More important than “having” a friend is that of “being” a friend. The Bible speaks of having a friend that sticks closer than a brother.. Driving to work today, I had been thinking about Leadership and Friendship.  I had been meditating on how vital it is that a leader focus on the encouragement of his team, family, followers, and one’s friends.

The leader must provide HOPE!  Why?  Because a Leader cannot lead others to rise to the Top while they are living on the Bottom of life! People need Hope! They need to know there is going to be a better tomorrow!  A word of encouragement from a friend, or one that is greatly respected can make all the difference in the world, to a person who is clinging to very little hope! The best way in which I provide encouragement to those who are discouraged is to remind them of God’s promises.

• I love to remind people that God STILL loves them.  God said in Jeremiah 31:3: I have loved thee with an everlasting love.  This simply means that there is no circumstance that would cause YOUR Heavenly Father to withdrawal His love from you.  His love is everlasting!

• I love to remind people of how much God cares about them!   Peter reminds us of God’s “personal interest” in us as he penned these words, divinely inspired by God Himself, “Casting ALL your care upon Him, (why) for He (God) careth for (who) YOU.”  I Peter 5:7.   Dear Reader, God not only loves you, but He cares deeply about the things which you are going through.   This is why God has invited YOU to cast (to toss or to throw) ALL of your cares, concerns, fears, hurts, loneliness, upon Him.  But why should you?  Because God careth for YOU!!

• I love to remind people that God has sent a personal invitation for each Believer to come boldly into His throne of Grace.    Hebrews 4: 16 says:  “Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, (why should we) that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

• I love to remind people that God is Omnipotent, which means that our God is All-Powerful.    There is nothing too hard for our God to do on our behalf!!  Matthew 19:26 states, “But Jesus beheld (means to turn one’s eyes upon to look at) them (you) and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God ALL things are possible.”  The question was raised in Genesis 18:14, and again in Jeremiah 32:27 the following:  “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?  Jeremiah 32:17 provides us with the answer to this crucial question, “Ah Lord God!  behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is NOTHING too hard for thee.

Aren’t you grateful to share in the promises which God has made to those of us who are Believers?   But you may be reading this article and are uncertain as to where you might spend eternity.   I would like to remind you of a few promises about eternity.

In Titus 1:2, the Bible, speaking about eternal life, makes the following promise to you. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that CANNOT lie, promised before the world began.”  God has made a commitment to man, that He would never deceive us in any way,

God made another promise to those earnestly seeking Him for eternal life, which means living with Him in Heaven.  In Romans 10:13:  “For whosoever (this means ANYONE and EVERYONE) shall call upon the name of the Lord, SHALL be saved:

Thank God for His promises which become a soft pillow for the troubled heart.

Whom do you know that needs your encouragement today?  Will you help encourage them in the Lord today?  Will you commit to focus more on “Being a Friend, than in Having a friend?   It will become a life-changing decision for you.  There are so many hurting hearts in this world.   We must be used of God to encourage and help our friends, and yes, even strangers.

Note:  Should you desire to learn more on how you can know you will go to Heaven when you die, please email me at:  JimKilgoreMinistries@gmail.com.   I will personally call you on your phone and help you settle this matter today!!