Shifting Focus

Psalm 121

121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

² My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

³ He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

⁴ Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

⁶ The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

⁸ The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Shifting Focus

There is a tenet about the Christian walk that is true whether we met Jesus for the first time yesterday or if we've been walking in 'The Way' for decades...there is an enemy and it is his job to keep us distracted from our work in Christ. If he can't keep us from restoration, he wants to make sure that we are as ineffective as possible in our callings.  That's his job.  It's his only job and he's dedicated to it.

We can spend alot of energy battling the imps and demons that are put in our path.  What we have to realize is that engaging in the battle can be as destructive as the arrows and fiery darts he throws.  Truth is, regardless if the battle is something from the outside, or something from within, that's not our battle.  That's the Lord's.

Too often, we can get caught up on the wrong side of wanting to be righteous.  It is important to recognize that we have shortcomings in our walk in Christ and that we will live down to those shortcomings from time to time.  But as tempting as it is to wallow in the self pity that often follows one of those experiences, we have to resist and focus back on Christ.  I know if feels like humility, but more times than not its just plain old guilt that we're really feeling.  And guilt can be just as distracting as an unplanned attack.

Regardless the circumstance, we need to focus on Christ.  Not our own abilities, or inabilities...not our situation...not even the facts of the matter.  We need to focus on truth and the truth of God.  This is how we resist the enemy and this is how we transform by renewing our mind.  It isn't always easy, but it is always fruitful.

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, Peter asked if he could come out.  Jesus told him to come and Peter stepped out of the boat on to the water.  The storm didn't change.  The water didn't change.  But Peter was focused on the Master and was overcoming the 'facts' that were all around him.  When he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the 'facts', Peter changed.  He stopped overcoming and became overcome.

Bills, children, parents, jobs, sicknesses, bad habits, co-workers; there are many different things in our daily lives that can give us a whole litany of facts that should set our heads spinning.  The truth however is calming and will keep us at perfect peace.

I'm not suggesting that we ignore what's going on.  Only that in the midst of it all, focus on Christ.  That's where the peace is.  That's the answer to the question. He is the path away from what's destructive in our lives and the path to provision.

Let the fire rage.  Keep your eyes, your mind, your focus on Christ.  He'll either squelch it, lead you out of it, or join you in it.  Regardless, it will not consume you as long as you let Him consume you first.

Matthew 14:25-31

²⁵ And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

²⁶ And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

²⁷ But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

²⁸ And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

²⁹ And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

³⁰ But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Philippians 4:8

⁸ 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.

Peace.

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.fcchosengeneration.com) 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 email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Hwy 138 W. Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Between GA Hwy 85 and US 19/41

Across from EJ Swint Elementary School

Church Website - http://www.fcchosengeneration.com

Don't Worry About It

Psalm 37:34

³⁴ Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Don't Worry About It

There are medicines and self-help books and retreats and countless other ways the world has provided to deal with stress.  Stress management is a multimillion dollar industry, at least in this country and probably in many places around the world.  And for good reason - stress can kill a body.  From high blood pressure to heart attacks to systemic pain, stress is often at the bottom of many chronic diagnosis.  The added burden of paying for relief can often add more stress.

As children of God, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are supposed to take a different tack.  Over and over again in the Word of God, we're told, often commanded, on what to do with worry.  From 'wait' to 'cast' to 'fret not, fear not', we are openly compelled to dismiss the concerns and focus on who God is.  Why?  Because our Father knows what worry can do to our physical beings.  Also, because our Father has already worked out the resolution.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God's thoughts toward us are "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end."  He literally always has our best interest at hand.  Regardless of what we bring to Him, regardless of the condition we present, His desired outcome for us is for peace and not evil.  Hallelujah!

So why worry?  That's what the Holy Spirit asks us all the time.  Why do we worry with the things of the world?  Actually, the real question should be, Am I in the will of God?  Are we doing what we were designed to do?  Are we pursuing the plans that He has laid out for us or are we doing everything in our power to be contrary? 

Living contrary to the will of God?  Now that's cause for stress.  Psalm 50 outlines that with the same energy that Psalm 37 comforts.

Regardless of the obstacle, there is a way out.  It starts at the feet of Jesus and is accomplished in the shadow of the Holy Spirit.  Yielding to the Father's will will lead us not only out of trouble, but will keep us in the midst. 

Dear ones, take the time today to just give up.  Give up worry.  Give up disobedience.  Give in to the compelling call of the Savior.  Then watch how things change around you.  Some will be fast.  Some will take time.  Some may resolve in ways that you never imagined.  It won't always be easy, but it will always result in peace and not evil.

And as far as the details, don't worry about it.  God's got you.

Psalm 37:3-7

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

⁵ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

⁶ And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Peace.

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.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. 

To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

 

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Hwy 138 W. Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Between GA Hwy 85 and US 19/41

Across from EJ Swint Elementary School

Church Website - http://www.fcchosengeneration.com/

Gratitude

Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19

¹¹ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
¹² And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
¹³ And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
¹⁴ And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
¹⁵ And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
¹⁶ And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
¹⁷ And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
¹⁸ There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
¹⁹ And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

As I was driving in this morning, I saw a car with GIVETHX on the license plate.  I started humming the song by the same title (give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One...).  It got me thinking about how I say thank you to the Father.

We've been hearing alot at Fellowship about doing things from the heart.  Sunday school lessons, sermons and disciples studies of  late have had a definite focus on sincerity and fellowship with the Father.  We've talked about sincerity in action, sincerity in praise and worship, so I wasn't surprised when the Holy Spirit dropped a nugget about sincerity in thanks this morning.

I love this passage in Christ's walk.  Ten people, all with the same issue take it to the Master for a change.  All ten get their issue resolved but only one turns back to offer thanks.  What's the result?  The one was made whole.  Everyone got healed, but this one was made whole.

Its sad sometimes how we'll enter into worship, do the works, go through the process of walking in faith, but we'll settle for the least amount of relationship. Salvation is good enough for far too many of us.

Don't get me wrong; salvation is AWESOME!  But there's so much more available in this relationship with Christ.  And its on the other side of our willingness to be open and sincere before Him.  It's on the other side of our choice to be in fellowship with Him.

Give thanks.  Just let what's in your heart pour out before the Savior.  We are safe in His hands.  He will handle our openness and our humility with loving arms and tenderness.  Correction and conviction come from a heart that was willing to suffer and die just to have the relationship.  We are safe with Him, not just saved by Him.

Psalm 8

1 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

² Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
³ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
⁴ What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
⁵ For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
⁶ Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
⁷ All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
⁸ The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
⁹ O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Known by God

(Week 13)

Jeremiah 1

4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I

sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Here we find one of the most hidden truths in the Bible. The truth that we are not only known by God, but there is a very real truth to the fact that God birthed us into this world, at this appointed time for a reason.

Luke 12:7 tells us that God know the very smallest of details about us.

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

This week let us spend time with our Lord, so that we can uncover the true purpose of our time here on earth.  Each of us are here for God’s will.  Jesus himself had a reason and time of purpose for being here on earth.

Luke 4:

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Where would we be if Jesus had not known, and most importantly lived out His reason for being here. Who will not be impacted by our not knowing and again most importantly, living out (Following Christ) our reason for being here.

God is no respect of person, (Romans 2:11).  If  Jeremiah had a reason, so do you, so do I.

Now let us live out our reason.

For the next few weeks we are sharing all of the feasting scriptures Fellowship is enjoying this year. Previous feasts are available at the Fellowship website (http://www.fcchosengeneration.com/).

The Cost of Love

(Week 12)

John 3:16-17

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.

Someone once said that “love don’t cost a thing.” Well tell that to those who have given up so much for those they love. Many parents have given up on their dreams to help a child fulfill their's. Many soldiers have given up their freedom and yes, life for the country they love.

Here in this set of scriptures we see how God Himself gave His only begotten Son; to a world and a people that He loves.Yes, love costs; in most cases it costs a great deal more than what it receives back in return. This week take some time to reflect on what was truly given for you and I. How great that love truly is. Not only did God the Father give in His love toward us, but so did God the Son.

John 15:9-13

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Yes love costs, but it’s free to receive. But it cost to give. How much are you and I willing to receive the love of God - When it cost Him so much to give?

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.fcchosengeneration.com) 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 email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Hwy 138 W. Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Between GA Hwy 85 and US 19/41

Across from EJ Swint Elementary School

Church Website - http://www.fcchosengeneration.com/

Weekly Feast - Believing

Those of you familiar with this blog who attend Fellowship know that we are involved in a 52 week feast.  There are meditations available for every week of the year to study and review.  As the Lord leads, I will be sending these out each week to further encourage everyone to feast on the Word of God this year.  These scriptures meditations are also available on the Fellowship Website, www.fcchosengeneration.com.

May the Lord bless you.

Believing (Week 6)

Believing is an act that can only be enforced by you.  There will be many people who come across your path that will try to have you doubt what you believe in, but you have to be strong and use the faith that God have given you to endure.  Sometimes you will have to put people off from around you that doubt your belief as Jesus has done in the scriptures Luke 8:50-54 ⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.⁵¹ And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.⁵² And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.⁵³ And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.⁵⁴ And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

As we know Jesus was all about God’s business.  He did not let anything get in his way.  We should be of the same mind.  When God has placed something in your heart to do, we just have to do it.  We have to get past trying to convince others and put them out and be about God’s business.  When God has a plan there is no room for distractions.  Even during this feast you are going to come across people and not necessarily strangers, but family and friends that will try to take you off track of your purpose, but you have to press on as Paul did in Philippians 3:14  press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

This week we want you to believe what God has told you in his word, a vision, or a dream.  As it is written in1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  So whatever God gives you or show you there should not be any confusion about it, but peace.  However, He will at times send someone to confirm what he has given you especially, I believe, if you are new in your walk to help you become a more mature believer.  Also, always seek wise counseling Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.  God never leaves us alone, he will always have a ram in the bush for those who believe and love Him.

This week let’s work on believing God’s word.  Where there is any doubt remember this  scripture,  Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

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.fcchosengeneration.com) 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 email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Hwy 138 W. Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Between GA Hwy 85 and US 19/41

Across from EJ Swint Elementary School

Church Website - www.fcchosengeneration.com

The Assembled Number

Matthew 10:2-7

King James Version (KJV)

² Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

³ Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

⁴ Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

⁵ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

⁶ But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

⁷ And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The Assembled Number

I want to share one of my favorite English words with you - triskaidekaphobia (pronounced tricks-a-deck-a-fobia in case it's a new word for someone).   I'm a word nerd and that is definitely a nerd's word.  

The word refers to the fear of the number 13 and it seems appropriate given our new year.

It's interesting how we fixate on things in life...assigning luck, both good and bad to numbers and things, labeling things as our songs, our jams.  But this one, this fixation on the number 13 is of special interest.  There are buildings all over the world that don't have a 13th floor.  There are people who will do everything they can to avoid the number.  

There are good 13's though.  A 'baker's dozen' usually means 13 and who doesn't want an extra cupcake?  And there's this group that started with Jesus.  Everywhere they went together, it was a group of 13 when we include our Savior.  It's our habit in the Believer's world to talk about the Twelve...but then as now, what were the disciples without their Teacher?  What are we without our Lord?

Simply put - we're lost.

I'm not superstitious (another favorite word). I don't practice triskaidekaphobia.  I have a black cat at home who crosses my path everyday.  But there are people who put their belief in these things...strongly.  There are people who are paralyzed without guidance from astrological writings or who cannot function without consulting 'the bones'.  

I serve a living Savior.  There are those who would lump this in the category above. The difference is there isn't a chicken foot or a star alignment who willingly left Heaven, allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross, got up from the grave and who sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for me.  Living, breathing intercession on MY behalf.  On your behalf.

Thirteen is a wonderful number.  So is two because the Word testifies where two or more are gathered, Jesus in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).  100 is a favorite number because Psalm 100 calls for a joyful noise that anyone can make.  Three works too for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  One is incredible because there is One Lord, one faith and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).

I could go on.

Loved ones, there will always be people who give more credence to the creation than the Creator.  I cannot, and wouldn't think to, change anyone's belief, but I can share truth.  And when we're each ready, Truth reveals itself to us.

I hope that this is the luckiest year of your life and mine because I pray that this year is the year we all go deeper.  If that means meeting Christ for the first time, then wonderful.  If that means moving from a knowledge of Christ to discipleship, all the better. If it means finally working in that calling that's been assigned, PRAISE GOD!  As long as it means more of Jesus by December 2013 than we know this January, then it's a great year.

The number doesn't matter as long as Christ is the One.

Happy 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.fcchosengeneration.com) 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 email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Hwy 138 W. Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Between GA Hwy 85 and US 19/41

Across from EJ Swint Elementary School

Church Website - www.fcchosengeneration.com