Wednesday, December 30, 2015

What Will You Leave in the Fire?

What Will You Leave in the Fire?


Daniel 3:25King James Version (KJV)

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

This passage out of Daniel is very familiar to those who study the Word.  The three captives of Israel who refused to worship the idol that King Nebuchanezzar made of himself, are faced with capital punishment for their convictions.  They accept with grace and praise and find themselves tossed into a fire expecting death.  Instead, they find life and testimony.
When their sentence was carried out, they were bound, fully clothed.  They were not able to defend themselves in any way other than their faith.  But, the king himself had to testify that when they were in the midst of the fire, they were free.  And, when they came out, not only were they free, but they didn't even have the smell of the fire on them.
What stands out to me today, on this penultimate day of 2015 isn't their escape, but what they left behind. Trials can seem unforgiving and sometimes it's hard to remember that this too shall pass. Sometimes the trial that was designed to destroy us was just the tool to remove our bindings and set us free to worship.
But, when you're a child of the Most High King...when you've been born again, even bad things can be liberating.  When we accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, we were given a promise that He would never leave us or forsake us and that the Father would not leave us comfortless.  We can face the fires, the lions, the storms and everything else life throws at us with these guarantees.  Further, we can expect not only the comfort and company of God Himself, but we can also expect that no matter the situation, it will be to our good (Romans 8:28).  
If 2015 has been a trial, rejoice.  Even what was lost is for your good.  If it was stolen, it will be replaced, many fold.  That's a promise from the Father.  But if it was taken, don't go back looking for it.  It may have been what was holding you back from entering into true worship.
We are about to enter a new year, but today is the new day we've all been given.  Make the most of who you are and who you can be in Christ today.  If you haven't accepted Him, stop fighting and yield.  God loves you too much to give up, so you're going to keep meeting Him, no matter how hard you try to avoid Him.  
If you've accepted Christ but haven't fully given yourself over, stop fighting and yield.  There is so much more available in being sold out in Christ than what you find sitting on the fence being lukewarm.
If you've accepted Christ, are walking in obedience and faith, but still feel like there's something in the way, it's you.  Stop fighting and yield.  God is looking for those who will worship in spirit and in truth...not just in words and deeds.  Quit trying to hold on to the very things that are keeping your worship tied up.  Trust God enough to burn away what's unnecessary so you can dance with Him in the midst of the fire.

Philippians 4:4-13King James Version (KJV)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

New Year's Eve service at Fellowship will be at 8:00 PM on Thursday with breakfast following.  Come join us as we celebrate the goodness of God and thank Him for what He consumed in the fire and for how He polished us up for another year.
God's choicest blessings on you and your family in this new year.  

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.youarechosen.net) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.  

Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.comFellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Be Of Good Courage

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Be of Good Courage

I found the phrase 'good courage' referenced 16 times in a quick search of the Word.  Many of those references were related to Joshua as he was being prepared to take over from Moses.  Transitions can be scary.  But it's interesting to me that we are called to be courageous and not brave.

I would argue that it's easier to be brave than courageous.  Bravery is the strongest demonstration of confidence.  We are brave when we face perilous situations, but we are confident in our ability to handle the peril.  We can prepare to be brave. When you know what to do, you're less likely to be afraid. 

Firefighters are a good example.  They train in live fire exercises, so they know what to do when faced with a burning building. They are brave for going in and doing that job.  They have to be or someone may die needlessly.  Also, soldiers drill and practice their skills constantly so when presented with the task, they just do it.  They train not to be distracted from the mission.  They know what to do and they do it.  In both examples, they have confidence in their training and ability to do the job ahead, regardless of the peril.

Courage, on the other hand, has a different take.  Where the brave prepare and respond, courage happens with little or no preparation.  Courage is being scared, and doing what is needed anyway.   What does it look like?

Courage is seeing the Lord in a storm and stepping out on water anyway.

Courage is looking into a furnace intended for your destruction and choosing to preach about the greatness of God.

Courage is going before a ruthless king to plead for your people when your own survival isn't promised.

Courage is yelling out to a man you cannot see because of what you heard, knowing that he could end your life, or he could give you sight.

Courage is dragging your body, weakened from years of unhealed bleeding through the streets just to touch the hem of a cloak because you might be healed.

Courage is being a military leader, standing before your troops and humbling yourself before a foreign subject to to ask for healing for your loved one.

Courage is pushing your way through a crowd that hates and openly despises you just to worship a man with precious oil.

Courage is taking on the sins of the world, knowing you'll be hated, reviled, beaten, whipped, refused, rejected, unduly convicted, spat on, beard pulled from your face, and nailed to a wooden cross in obedience to the Father.

There is a time for bravery.  As children of God, we are supposed to prepare for situations where we stand on the Word, where we are called to allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us.  We are supposed to study and learn and listen and know and be encouraged and strengthened by the Word.  We are supposed to be prepared, to watch, fight and pray.

And there are times when we are called to be of good courage.  There are times that despite the fear, the likelihood of loss, we are to just stand, and press, and do according to the Word of God, knowing that He is with us always, even unto the end of the earth.

So, no matter what it is, be of good courage.  The Lord is with you.  

Psalm 27

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; 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 enquire 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.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.youarechosen.net) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.  

Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.comFellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Monday, December 14, 2015

An Idle Mind

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
An Idle Mind
December 1st is recognized as World AIDs Day, a day of education and awareness in the ongoing fight against HIV infection and spread.  One of the scientists interviewed during the observance said that 'the virus always takes advantage of apathy'.  I found that quote so powerful because it is true on many different levels, but especially in our spiritual walk.  
There's an old adage that says 'Idle hands are the devil's playground'. The idea behind it is that keeping busy is a virtue but being idle leads to trouble.  I would counter that an idle mind is much more dangerous than idle hands since all action starts in the mind.
The Holy Spirit through Paul reminded us of the same thing in the scripture quoted above.  Renewing our mind is absolutely essential to growth in the Spirit.  When we fall into temptation or find ourselves falling away from God, we have to admit that the fall started not in our actions, but in our mind.  God gave us a free will and He has never taken it away.  Our worship or lack of it is a choice first...a choice in the mind before it becomes an action, or in action.
So, as we come into this season of celebrating the birth of the Savior, if you have received the gift of Salvation, give yourself the next gift of a full relationship with the Father.  It's one thing to have access.  It's something else entirely to enter in and take advantage of the access.  Choose to press in.
Renew the mind.  How?  This way:

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Merry Christmas!
Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.youarechosen.net) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.  

Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.  Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Use The Gift

James 2:14-20

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Use the Gift
My grandmother had quite a number of furs when I was growing up.   I didn't know the origin of them.  I had always assumed they were gifts, but truth is, I never asked.
I can remember how she would sport her stole or her full length mink at holiday time.  Growing up in a cold state, we had a different take on fur coats.  They were as much necessity as fashion, given the brutal winters we experienced.  She always looked stunning in her furs.
After my grandmother passed, many of her furs went to different family members.  I had received one.  I didn't have the full appreciation of the garment.  Fur, for my generation, had fallen out of fashion. One very cold day, however, I went to pull it out of the closet, only to learn that the coat had dry rotted and was no longer of any use.  That was when I learned that not only did the coat require special storage, but it needed to be used to remain useful.  
Its that way for us in the body of Christ.  We are given gifts and talents for use, not hording.  The very gifts we have are designed not only for use, but for use in the body of Christ.  The gifts themselves need to be used in order to stay viable and vibrant.  Otherwise, they become useless, like the body without the soul.
Our gifts and talents matter.  They matter more than we can imagine.  And, with use, they get even more valuable.  Whatever it is that you or I have been uniquely designed to do, it's needed and it matters.  The question is, when challenged, will we have a story of worked faith to share about how those gifts were employed, or will the story be one of excuse, about how they were buried in the ground because we were afraid of getting something wrong?  They are our talents.  It is our story?  How will it all play out?
It's in our hands.

Matthew 25:14-30

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

As we approach the yuletide season, remember, the gift of Salvation has been offered to us all.  Receiving this Gift brings more than other gift can bring.  This Gift brings eternal life.
John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Merry Christmas!

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.youarechosen.net) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.  

Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.

Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.