Loving the Gift; your Pastor

administrator Uncategorized 0 Comment

To every vision there is a leader appointed to carry out the assignment given by God. With that assignment comes an anointing. Isaiah 10:27 states, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” Every called leader has this anointing on his/or her life to remove burdens and destroy the things that keep people tied to their problems. In the local church, this position is the pastor. Ephesians 4:11 tells us God has given us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the perfecting and edifying of the body of Christ. Jeremiah 3:15 says, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” The pastor is a gift after God’s heart. Think about the last gift you gave to someone special. When we give gifts, we usually do so out of heart-felt love for that individual. Personally, when I give a gift I give for two reasons. One, I give to bring enjoyment to a person. Two, I give when I notice a need that has gone unfulfilled. I’ve been told by several friends the gifts I give minister several layers deeper than what I originally intended in my limited knowledge. I believe God took a look at the church, the body of Christ, and saw the need for a Pastor; one who would bring maturity to his people and enable them to achieve God’s perfect will for their lives. If we closely examine the position of the pastor, we will see that this gift of love from God (the pastor and his role) goes far beyond what we observe on a Sunday morning, in a Bible study, or when fellowshipping with other Christians. The greater impact of this gift is the ability to oversee and lead God’s people.

In verse 9 of Exodus 17 Moses gives instructions to Joshua concerning the direction Israel was to take to defeat Amalek – who had attacked God’s people. Moses knew he held the power to perform miracles with the rod that was anointed by God (Exodus 4:17). He uses this “God rod” to assist him in delivering Israel from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. God instructed Moses to take the rod and use it to show the people that God was, indeed, with him and would deliver them (Exodus 4:1-5). Each Pastor has a similar anointing placed on him or her to change lives. A modern day rod might be Godly wisdom, effective leadership, insightful counseling, or a teaching ability that instructs a congregation towards victory in life through the Word of God. Because pastors are gifts from God, they are equipped with power to get the job done.

I have heard some say, “Well, the pastor is only a man; he puts his pants on one leg at a time just like I do.” Please, please, please don’t view your pastor as just a man! He is called by almighty God to lead your life towards victory. It is not the man I am asking you to honor; it is the office to which he is called that requires reverence. Reginald Ezell, Pastor of World Overcomers Ministries in Conyers, Georgia, is fond of saying, “The man may not be perfect but the gift is always perfect.” In Numbers 12 Aaron and Miriam spoke against a decision Moses made regarding marriage and God came down in a pillar of cloud to speak with them regarding how they did not respect the leadership He assigned. God stated He would speak to Moses mouth to mouth; in others words, directly, regarding any decisions. God is always speaking to your pastor about his assignment which is the oversight and protection of the people he is given to lead.

Moses gave Joshua instructions to go forward with the expectation he would follow the instructions to the letter. Moses now could focus on the power that would allow victory to take place. If Moses had to put time and effort into gathering men together, choosing a weapon and entering into battle, he is now out of the divine plan for victory. Not that I believe Moses wouldn’t swing a sword if he had too, but if he had to operate his position and Joshua’s position simultaneously – defeat was imminent! He is needed in a much more strategic position in order for God’s plan to work successfully.

The pastor’s time is the one of the most valuable things he possesses. When he has great leadership around him that will carry out instructions without questions or rebellion, this allows him the time for study and prayer to hear what is the next move, especially in times of pressure. The anointing in your pastor is strengthened through the study of the Word of God and rest; yes that is right rest. If your pastor is blessed with a family he now holds a couple of extra offices: husband and father. These positions also require the anointing from God to serve and there will be times when he or she is tired and will need to simply rest.

A pastor’s heart is always for the people he is called to. When the pastor is allowed to focus on his position, we can experience the full manifestation of the gift God purposed for His people.

Notes from the Heart of a Servant

administrator Bible, John Stephenson, Overcoming, Uncategorized, victory, Videos, winning , , , , , , 0 Comment

1 Peter 4:10-11 (Amplified) instructs us:

10 As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely Diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].

11 Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).

Every person that is born again is equipped with a spiritual gift to assist the local church and the body of Christ in transforming lives. When a life is changed, a family is changed and ultimately, a community is changed.
In major cities across the United States there can be as many as four to five churches residing on a single city block. Unfortunately, high crime and poverty rates occasionally occupy this same space. People need answers and I wholeheartedly believe the local church has the answers to resolve the trouble we see in these areas.
With so much suffering and pain in the world, if the body of Christ and the local church will demonstrate the powerful deliverance found in Jesus Christ, those who are laboring under the world’s system of poverty, sickness, and utter hopelessness will run to Him.
As people are trained to walk in their God-given gifts and are edified by the Bible, they can be the true ambassadors God has called for such a time as this. This is the time for the local church. If every joint supplies we will see the glory of the Lord manifest around the world.
My heart is to know and bring about the will of God on earth. Notes from the Heart of a Servant gives you my personal insights on how to achieve this, and warn of the hindrances that I have seen to the unity that is required for the church to succeed.

http://www.amazon.com/Notes-Heart-Servant-Volume-1/dp/0986014419/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1379948702&sr=1-5

Daily Prayer for September 13 Overcoming Fear (Germaine Copeland)

administrator Bible 0 Comment

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock. I walk by faith and not by sight. Jesus is Lord of my life. Amen.

Scripture Reading Psalm 27:4-5 2 Corinthians 5:7

Serving is the Key (Article by Kandace Brown)

administrator Uncategorized , , , , 0 Comment

​While a church is filled with pastors, elders, bishops and deacons, Victory Christian Church International in Gaithersburg, Md. has an author among them. Elder John Stephenson of VCCI has recently published a book entitled “Notes From the Heart of a Servant.” This self-help book focuses on the importance of coming together to spread the will of God around the Earth, but also understanding that uniting by serving the local church is necessary to do so.
​Stephenson believes that in order for the word of God to be spread, everyone needs to do their part in the church. He thinks that the best way for it to be spread is people actually living out the will of God, and not just speaking it. “There’s power in the word being preached, and we’ll experience that, but there’s nothing like seeing someone live something out,” he said.
​One of the many issues in the local church is many members attending the church, but not serving in ministry. According to Stephenson, everyone adds to the church, and everyone has a supply. “If I add my part, and you add your part, and other people add their part to the local church, it makes us that much stronger,” he stated. Stephenson discusses how according to the Bible, we are all one body of Christ, but the local church is a small portion of that. In order for it to work, everyone must serve. “It [the local church] is just one fraction of the body of Christ,” he said. One can easily see how strongly he feels about this matter when reading his book. Stephenson has been serving in ministry for over 20 years, so it is definitely safe to say, many people could benefit from what he has to say on this matter.
​Upon discussing this book with Stephenson, it is not hard to quickly discover that this astute man’s heart is filled with the yearning to serve, not just the local church, but everyone. Stephenson is Chief Visionary Officer of John Stephenson Ministries Inc., which he refers to as JSM. The ministry was established in 2010. “The purpose of that ministry [JSM], in short, is to inspire people to serve their gift to the world,” he says. He believes that everyone has something that God has put in them that they can perfect to use it and serve people with it. This, he feels, will help change the world. “Love gives. God so loved the world that he gave, so we’re supposed to give,” he said. Stephenson feels that God loved us so he gave us His son to serve us. He said, “If we look at it from that perspective, we can take on a different outlook to life. I’m not just here for myself, I’m here to love and serve my gift to the world.”
​One project JSM has going on is called the Friends of Ruth project, which was named after his late mother. The program is targeted towards single mothers, and the elderly. The inspiration from this project drew from his mother being a single mom. “It is to encourage single moms that you can make it, and you can do it. Even if you don’t have the father or husband, God has never left you.”
​“Notes From the Heart of a Servant” contains excerpts from his next book entitled “Servability.” Stephenson says that “Notes From the Heart of a Servant” gives an overview of what can happen when everyone comes together in a local church. “Servability will go to the individual and tell you how it can happen,” he said. “Notes From the Heart of a Servant” is directed toward people in ministry although everyone should feel the urge to serve in their local church. Despite the anticipation people are experiencing for the next book to arrive, Stephenson has hopes for this book. “From this particular book, I’m really praying that people can grow away from selfishness, and really focus on their part in the local church.” Everyone who reads this book should feel inspired by Stephenson’s powerful message to serve God, their church, and everyone around them. “My core value is, I love, I serve, I give.”

Fear is not your Friend

administrator Uncategorized 3 Comments

Everyone’s name means something; my name is John, it is defined Grace of God or God is Gracious; I love that! Well I have personally given fear a name just so I can keep it in where it needs to be, away from me. Fear in my shortest definition is worrying/meditating that God can’t or won’t do what He says in the bible. Some have said, “a little fear is healthy”; no fear is healthy because it brings torment (1 John 4:18).

First we really have to see the bible as God speaking to us and make it our friend. The more acquainted you become with God’s Word the less you will be acquainted with fear and will stop allowing fear to speak. The bible is not just “stories” that makes for good reading. These are accounts where people have had encounters with God that ultimately changed their lives and ours. When you can come to this realization, your confidence will begin to grow. I say if he has done it for one, he can and will do it for me; God is no respecter of persons.

This mindset reinforces your faith in God and His Word. This is the start of removing fear. Sometimes sitting around not doing anything but worrying about what can’t or won’t happen is similar to allowing someone negative (fear) to preach to you failure. We need someone to build our confidence. So let’s go to the scriptures (or to our friend the Word) to see what we can come up with.

1 John 4:18-19 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Matthew 22:37-40 says “ Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

So if this is correct (and it is):

1 John says love cast out fear and God is love,

Matthew says I am to love God with all my heart.

John says God and His Word are the same, so loving His Word is loving Him.

Joshua says if I meditate on The Word (God) I can succeed.

Based on the scriptures we just read, if I love (or become more intimately acquainted with) God/The Word with all my heart, mind and soul, it will remove fear from me and I can succeed in the thing I’m afraid of. See how easy that was, we just hung out with God  and now received some new information, you can succeed.

Your consistent scripture meditation and prayer will remove fear and begin to establish your confidence in your friend; God. Meditation on the Word will plant seeds in your heart for success. Hang out with God; He is your friend and He loves you.