Isa 40:4
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: valley shall be exalted and every mountain and every hill shall be made low:
Every Valley
I had occasion this week to fly over the rocky mountains on may way to a conference. It was a beautiful day for flying, the skies were clear and I could see out, down and up for miles. I was over Lake Meade when the Holy Spirit dropped this verse in my heart.
Every valley shall be exalted. Even the vast depths of Lake Meade will be made table flat because God said so. In addition to what happens to the earth, the Holy Spirit had me consider my own personal valleys.
I have lived life long enough to have a collection of memories and experiences that I'm not proud of. Bless the Lord, the guilt is gone, but there are some real results, real harvests from seed I am sorry I sowed. Some of it, everyone can see. Some of it is in the valley.
We all have valleys in our lives. They are places that don't always get a lot of light. They are the areas we don't like to deal with because they don't fit real well in our new, born again image of ourselves. Sometimes we visit this characteristics we left in the valley, but we don't drag those things up to the top of the mountain where the light is, cause, you know, the Lord might want us to do something with it.
Loved ones, the Father said EVERY valley would be exalted. That's not just the lowly being lifted, that is also a warning call to those of us who need to clean out our valleys. That thing you try to ignore is the very thing Jesus wants to deal with. He said that He is strong where we are weak. And He loves us. He is ready to work that thing out, lovingly and finally IF we'll let Him.
Your valley will be exalted. The time to start cleaning it out is now. Fill your valley instead with the water of the Word. That way, when the ground comes up, the Word will go out, like water from a dam.
Jesus wants the whole you...not just the you that goes to church.
Peace.
Isa 40:10-11
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
What Is Love?
John 15:12-13
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.
What is Love?
I had an excellent converstation with some friends a couple weeks ago. Actually, it was Valentine's Day and we were talking about love. The conversation centered around the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemming. We were debating if what was between them was really love. One of my friends made a statement that stuck in my spirit when she said "love is subjective."
Is it? Is love subjective or is it an absolute? That's a hard question when you think about it. Websters' and every other dictionary defines 'love' but is love really left up to the individual to define?
You may not see making dinner as an act of love, but of obligation. But, if you are the recipient of a home cooked meal after you've worked hard all day, it may well be the highest expression of love at that moment.
So, maybe love is even beyond subjection, but can be conditional too. See, it can get really complicated if you start analyzing it too much.
So I asked the Holy Spirit, what is love? The Word defines greater love, it tells us how Jesus define's love (John 14:15 - keep my commandments, John 21 16-17 - feed my sheep), and even gives a whole chapter on what love in action looks like (I Corinthians 11).
So, what is love?
Love denies self in the preference of others. The others may be closely related or completely unknown, but its a forward moving thing. In it's purest form, it is that which is done solely for the benefit of someone else.
You can define love by a personal standard. You can limit it to just how you feel towards the people close to you and everything in your daily life can be just fine.
But, if you hunger for the real, pure essence of love, I challenge you to define it by the standard Jesus set through His life. Can you love enough to keep His commandments? Can you love enough to feed His sheep, not yours? Can you love enough to deny your own desires and plans in order to enhance the life of those around you? The ones who love you and the ones who do not?
There is love, there is greater love and then there is SO love.
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. (John 3:16)
Maybe you don't subscribe to this email. Maybe you receive if from someone who's been trying to get you to go to church. Maybe you're one of my friends on Facebook who do not believe in Christ as the Son of God. Perhaps you read this message and choose to think I and the person who sent this to you, are just a couple of crazy fanatics who need to get a real world view of life. And that's just fine.
Love is subjective. So, I subject my love for you to Christ. I choose to love according to His standard.
There is no greater love than the love of Christ because He laid down His life for friends. There is no real life outside of Christ. Everything else is just a counterfiet. Everything else is a poor imitation of the real and the true essense and expression of love. This is the love I want for you. And this is the love I'll keep preaching about and writing about and sharing as long as I have breath available.
Do you know Him? Oh, taste! You'll see that the Lord is good.
You already know Him? Then show Him how much. Feed His sheep.
Looking for a pasture to work? Look around. Need some sheep feeding instructions? Come to Fellowship. We hold classes weekly.
I John 3:1, 16-18
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Love.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.
You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
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.
What is Love?
I had an excellent converstation with some friends a couple weeks ago. Actually, it was Valentine's Day and we were talking about love. The conversation centered around the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemming. We were debating if what was between them was really love. One of my friends made a statement that stuck in my spirit when she said "love is subjective."
Is it? Is love subjective or is it an absolute? That's a hard question when you think about it. Websters' and every other dictionary defines 'love' but is love really left up to the individual to define?
You may not see making dinner as an act of love, but of obligation. But, if you are the recipient of a home cooked meal after you've worked hard all day, it may well be the highest expression of love at that moment.
So, maybe love is even beyond subjection, but can be conditional too. See, it can get really complicated if you start analyzing it too much.
So I asked the Holy Spirit, what is love? The Word defines greater love, it tells us how Jesus define's love (John 14:15 - keep my commandments, John 21 16-17 - feed my sheep), and even gives a whole chapter on what love in action looks like (I Corinthians 11).
So, what is love?
Love denies self in the preference of others. The others may be closely related or completely unknown, but its a forward moving thing. In it's purest form, it is that which is done solely for the benefit of someone else.
You can define love by a personal standard. You can limit it to just how you feel towards the people close to you and everything in your daily life can be just fine.
But, if you hunger for the real, pure essence of love, I challenge you to define it by the standard Jesus set through His life. Can you love enough to keep His commandments? Can you love enough to feed His sheep, not yours? Can you love enough to deny your own desires and plans in order to enhance the life of those around you? The ones who love you and the ones who do not?
There is love, there is greater love and then there is SO love.
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. (John 3:16)
Maybe you don't subscribe to this email. Maybe you receive if from someone who's been trying to get you to go to church. Maybe you're one of my friends on Facebook who do not believe in Christ as the Son of God. Perhaps you read this message and choose to think I and the person who sent this to you, are just a couple of crazy fanatics who need to get a real world view of life. And that's just fine.
Love is subjective. So, I subject my love for you to Christ. I choose to love according to His standard.
There is no greater love than the love of Christ because He laid down His life for friends. There is no real life outside of Christ. Everything else is just a counterfiet. Everything else is a poor imitation of the real and the true essense and expression of love. This is the love I want for you. And this is the love I'll keep preaching about and writing about and sharing as long as I have breath available.
Do you know Him? Oh, taste! You'll see that the Lord is good.
You already know Him? Then show Him how much. Feed His sheep.
Looking for a pasture to work? Look around. Need some sheep feeding instructions? Come to Fellowship. We hold classes weekly.
I John 3:1, 16-18
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Love.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.
You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Monday, February 14, 2011
Who's After Your Heart?
Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
Who's After Your Heart?
Ah, it's Valentine's Day. The office is full of candy and flowers. Different people are walking around wearing red and sharing cheerful greetings. It's actually one of my favorite holidays. What's not to like? Chocolate! Flowers! People in good moods, talking about love!
And with all this excitement about hearts, the Holy Spirit made it clear that even in this commercial holiday, it still comes back to Jesus.
David was not only a descendant of Christ, but a forerunner. He was not a perfect man. He stole a man's wife. When he was old, they put a young woman in his bed to make sure he was dying. No, he wasn't Jesus, but they held a similar character trait...they were both after the heart of God.
How did they demonstrate this longing? They sought to do the Father's will in its entirity...the things they should do and the things they shouldn't.
What a testimony! What a compliment! To be known to God, the Creator of all things as someone who is after His heart! That's an amazing thing and a blessing that you cannot earn. It has to be given. You can strive to work for someone's affection, but THEY have to be the one to acknowlege it as sincere.
Sound like a bad love story. I encourage you to look around. There is Someone of pure heart, with motivations only to your benefit Who is longing for you. Yes, dear ones, Jesus, the very Son of God, His Beloved is seeking your heart. And what He wants to do with your heart is even more amazing. He wants to give your back to your Father, your Creator, your very Source.
He doesn't have flowers for you. There's no candy. No, His gifts are more precious...His very blood. His entire life and everything He had available in an earthly body. He gave all He had, for your heart.
He's after your heart. Are you after His?
Romans 10:6-9
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For Valentine's Day, I pray that you received the very love of Christ.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link.
For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.
You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
Who's After Your Heart?
Ah, it's Valentine's Day. The office is full of candy and flowers. Different people are walking around wearing red and sharing cheerful greetings. It's actually one of my favorite holidays. What's not to like? Chocolate! Flowers! People in good moods, talking about love!
And with all this excitement about hearts, the Holy Spirit made it clear that even in this commercial holiday, it still comes back to Jesus.
David was not only a descendant of Christ, but a forerunner. He was not a perfect man. He stole a man's wife. When he was old, they put a young woman in his bed to make sure he was dying. No, he wasn't Jesus, but they held a similar character trait...they were both after the heart of God.
How did they demonstrate this longing? They sought to do the Father's will in its entirity...the things they should do and the things they shouldn't.
What a testimony! What a compliment! To be known to God, the Creator of all things as someone who is after His heart! That's an amazing thing and a blessing that you cannot earn. It has to be given. You can strive to work for someone's affection, but THEY have to be the one to acknowlege it as sincere.
Sound like a bad love story. I encourage you to look around. There is Someone of pure heart, with motivations only to your benefit Who is longing for you. Yes, dear ones, Jesus, the very Son of God, His Beloved is seeking your heart. And what He wants to do with your heart is even more amazing. He wants to give your back to your Father, your Creator, your very Source.
He doesn't have flowers for you. There's no candy. No, His gifts are more precious...His very blood. His entire life and everything He had available in an earthly body. He gave all He had, for your heart.
He's after your heart. Are you after His?
Romans 10:6-9
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For Valentine's Day, I pray that you received the very love of Christ.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link.
For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.
You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Monday, February 7, 2011
Have a Worthy House
Matthew 10:11-14 (King James Version)
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Have a Worthy House
In today's passage, Jesus sent his disciples out on a mission. He sent them to the 'lost sheep of Isreal' to tell them that the kingdom of Heaven was at hand (Matthew 10:5-8). He instructed them to take nothing and to stay only where they were welcomed in 'worthy' houses.
He gave the disciples a test to identify these worthy houses. He told them to use their peace as the standard...if their peace came upon the house, stay. If not, leave and don't think anymore of it.
Have you ever been in a peaceful house? You know...those friends or family you visit and you instantly feel at home. The physical place may be disheveled and noisy, but there is a sense of acceptance and peace as soon as you walk in the door. Then there are those houses you can walk into that are finely appointed, and well ordered but you find yourself anxious to leave. There's no peace in that house.
Beloved, we are challenged today to consider our houses. Not just the place of our addresses, but a more personal house. Paul shared in his first letter to the Corinthians that our bodies are the 'temple of the Holy Spirit' and reminded us that we have been bought with a price and are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). So the question remains, is there peace in the house?
John recorded in his 14th chapter that Jesus left His peace with us. His peace. The very peace of God.
Jesus didn't get nervous when there were thousands to feed. He didn't lose sleep over people needing healing. He didn't even worry when Satan himself was among the disciples. Judas' disobedience was necessary for Him to complete His work.
This peace Jesus left us is perfect peace because it isn't dependent on the behavior of man. It rests in God Himself. By being a willing vessel, Jesus placed his complete dependence in God. God, therefore, was responsible for all Jesus' earthly needs including encouragement when He needed it.
By being totally yeilded to God, we, like the children we care for, become totally dependent on God. He, in turn, has the responsibility to meet all our needs. If I depend totally on God, then my coming, my going, my mission, where I sleep, eat, it all becomes God's business to handle. This is the peace Jesus left for us.
How wonderful is that? To be in the complete care of the Most High God. THE Creator of the universe; HE who spoke into nothing and created everything; HE who after giving man a free will created a perfect path to redeption through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, His own Son. This is who cares for you. This is who knows the number of hairs on your head, who puts breath in your lungs, food on your table, a song in your heart, and peace in your house.
I bid you peace worthy of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:23-27
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.
You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Have a Worthy House
In today's passage, Jesus sent his disciples out on a mission. He sent them to the 'lost sheep of Isreal' to tell them that the kingdom of Heaven was at hand (Matthew 10:5-8). He instructed them to take nothing and to stay only where they were welcomed in 'worthy' houses.
He gave the disciples a test to identify these worthy houses. He told them to use their peace as the standard...if their peace came upon the house, stay. If not, leave and don't think anymore of it.
Have you ever been in a peaceful house? You know...those friends or family you visit and you instantly feel at home. The physical place may be disheveled and noisy, but there is a sense of acceptance and peace as soon as you walk in the door. Then there are those houses you can walk into that are finely appointed, and well ordered but you find yourself anxious to leave. There's no peace in that house.
Beloved, we are challenged today to consider our houses. Not just the place of our addresses, but a more personal house. Paul shared in his first letter to the Corinthians that our bodies are the 'temple of the Holy Spirit' and reminded us that we have been bought with a price and are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). So the question remains, is there peace in the house?
John recorded in his 14th chapter that Jesus left His peace with us. His peace. The very peace of God.
Jesus didn't get nervous when there were thousands to feed. He didn't lose sleep over people needing healing. He didn't even worry when Satan himself was among the disciples. Judas' disobedience was necessary for Him to complete His work.
This peace Jesus left us is perfect peace because it isn't dependent on the behavior of man. It rests in God Himself. By being a willing vessel, Jesus placed his complete dependence in God. God, therefore, was responsible for all Jesus' earthly needs including encouragement when He needed it.
By being totally yeilded to God, we, like the children we care for, become totally dependent on God. He, in turn, has the responsibility to meet all our needs. If I depend totally on God, then my coming, my going, my mission, where I sleep, eat, it all becomes God's business to handle. This is the peace Jesus left for us.
How wonderful is that? To be in the complete care of the Most High God. THE Creator of the universe; HE who spoke into nothing and created everything; HE who after giving man a free will created a perfect path to redeption through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, His own Son. This is who cares for you. This is who knows the number of hairs on your head, who puts breath in your lungs, food on your table, a song in your heart, and peace in your house.
I bid you peace worthy of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:23-27
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.
You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Monday, January 24, 2011
I Don't Speak Mayan
Matthew 24:3-4
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
I Don't Speak Mayan
As my son and I rode home from worship service, he informed me that the end of days was coming next year. We talked about what the phrase 'end of days' meant to him and I asked him where he got his date information. I knew he was refering to the billboards proclaiming a certain date as the end of time or the resurgent interest in the Mayan calendar predictions, thanks to that movie that came out a while back.
Dear ones, I don't own a Mayan calendar. I don't speak Mayan and I can't read Mayan. I have read about the Mayans and frankly, the world ended for many of their enemies when the Mayans invaded. There were people offered in sacrafices who's worlds ended pretty abruptly. And, if I remember my history correctly, there were probably some Mayan people who thought the world ended when their empires started collapsing in the 7th and 8th centuries.
I also know that every era of time has had people who called for the end of the world and yet, we're still here.
Jesus said no man nor angel knows the end. Only the Father (Matthew 24:36) knows for sure. Our real point of focus, according to Jesus, should not be on how or when the world will end, but on what we do while we're here.
Two encouragements: First, read all of Matthew 24 especially with your young people. You might be ignoring it, but they are being bombarded with 'evidence' that the world is ending somwhere between May 21st this year and December 31, 2012. When you're young, this can be the cause of alot of unnecessary anxiety. As Jesus taught, there will be definite signs prior to His arrival, which could be at anytime, but not one moment before His Bride (the Church) is prepared.
Second, consider your life and the lives of those you love. Are you prepared? Are they? Do you know Christ as Savior and Lord? Have you believed in your heart and confessed with your mouth? Have you been bold about your beliefs or ashamed? Will you be found wanting or working if He comes today? Tomorrow? In a century?
We are not supposed to shirk our responsibilities and act as though tomorrow is the end. We are also not supposed to carry on riotously as if the end will never come. As in all things created by God, there is a balance. There's an old saying: Plan like you'll live forever; Love like you'll die tomorrow. It carries some wisdom. Plan for your future with your health, your wealth and most importantly your soul. Set an inheritance for your children's children that gives them food and shelter, no doubt, but also a legacy of Christian service and life in Christ. Let those you love know it daily. Never leave them in doubt about your depth of feeling.
Follow hard after the leading of the Holy Spirit in all that you do and say. His leading will result in an incredible inheritance for your children's children and will lead you squarely into your eternal destiny in Christ. Following Him fulfills the other.
I don't own a Mayan calendar, but the Julian one I follow says today is January 24th, so this is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessings and peace.
Psalm 118:21-29
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Monday, January 17, 2011
Promises, Promises...
Joel 2:21-26
21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Promises, Promises...
The promises of God are yea and amen to the glory of God in us, according to 2 Corinthians 1:20. That means He means what He says.
Take a close look at the promises laid out in Joel 2. I especially want to highlight verse 25...."and I will restore to your the years that the locust hath eaten".
I am a biologist by training. I spent a year in college studying bugs. Locusts are strange creatures. They start out as harmless grasshoppers and then after some environmental or chemical trigger, their whole body and social structure changes. They go from being harmless, solitary creatures that children like to catch to a highly destructive swarm. They move as an army, eating everything in site. They eat any organic thing. Old stuff, new stuff, dead stuff. They don't care. They just eat and eat and eat, leaving only the dust of the ground.
Sometimes, in the winter months, its easy to feel like a swarm of locusts has just plowed through your life. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season gives way to blasts of cold, rain, snow and ice. Two weeks ago you might have been surrounded by family and friends. Now you find yourself alone, in an empty house with only the bills from overspending during the holidays to keep you company. Its not a pretty picture, but...
Oh, but the promises of God.
He didn't just say he would bring new crops or just offer us the promise of spring, but that He would RESTORE the years that the locust had eaten. See, when the swarms invade, they eat the plant that's growing as well as the seed it carries. All the prosperity that was held in the seed gets destroyed. But yourFather in Heaven gave His Word that He would not only restore the plant, but the YEARS that the locusts ate. The years behind in starting the plant, and THE YEARS AHEAD that were contained in the seed.
You have complete and total promises from God. He cares about your past and your future. Because that's what its like to be in relationship with someone...they care about all of you, who you are, and who you'll be.
Shake off the cold, loved ones. Set aside your regrets and your disappointments from the past. You Father has promised to restore the years that were stolen. Take a cue from David, who, upon hearing that his son had died, got up, washed his face and moved on in his calling as a King. Choose not to wallow in the pain, but instead, start right where you are and move in your calling, your assignment, your life in Christ.
All that lies ahead for your is restoration, plenty, abundance, peace like a river, joy unspeakable, love, mercy, longsuffering,....
He promises.
2 Corinthians 1:13-20
13 For we write none other things unto you, that what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
For a full list of the promises of God, consult your Bible, and then join us at Fellowship. We'd love to explore and realize them with you.
Peace and restoration.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
Feel free to share this message. Visit our church website at
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Monday, January 3, 2011
A Fresh Start
Acts 9:10-15
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
A Fresh Start
Happy New Year! I mentioned last time about the significance of beginnings and endings. We ended a year last week. Let's begin with a fresh start.
Ananias had good reason to question the directions the Lord passed through this vision. Saul was ruthless in his quest to stamp out this heritic belief in Christ that threatened the established order. He was focused, disciplined and committed to his work. Futhermore, he wasn't just acting in his own sense of morality, he was endorsed by the chief priests to carry out his work. But, the Lord confirmed His direction and gave Saul the strongest endorsement any of us can hope for. He called Saul 'a chosen vessel unto me' and stated his purpose and calling.
In this passage, Ananias and Saul both are showing great faith in their vunerability. Saul, blinded from an encounter that literally changed his whole life's mission, found himself surrounded by the very people he had been hunting, inprisoning and killing. He was fully dependent on them for all necessities while he was in this state of complete subjection. Ananias, who was not present at the conversion, received a vision, like Abraham, like Mary, like Joseph, like Zachariah, and had to take the Lord at His direct word that in coming into contact with this killer Ananias would not only be safe, but would minister and share the Holy Spirit with this man and he would be receptive.
Two men, mortal enemies brought together by God to forge the instrument that would lead to you and I hearing the salvation message. Both men needed and received a fresh start.
It's a new year. A new decade. Have you given yourself a fresh start? My meaning in that question isn't just for salvation. That is a the necessary start in all of this. But, those of you who have already accepted that Christ is Lord and Savior, have YOU given yourself a fresh start?
Are you still holding on to things that keep you from being who you really are now that you've been born again? Has your encounter with Christ actually changed you, or do you still do the same things in the same ways you did before? You are a chosen vessel, just like Saul. You have been set aside by Christ for a particular purpose and calling, just like Saul. And, just like Saul, you have to start moving in it to realize the fulness of it.
Forget about the past hurts and failures. Learn the lessons of the falls, but get up and walk in newness of life, mercy and forgiveness. As followers of Christ, we do not have license to sin, and we are not excused from reaping what we sow, but we do have expectation of forgiveness and favor, coupled with the responsibilities of a calling and work to do. If we define our humility by how guilty we feel about the wrong we did, we decive ourselves and we will never be able to show true humility through being obediant to our callings, no matter what.
Friends, give yourself a fresh start. Let go of any unforgiveness, guilt, anything that didn't come right from the throne of God. If you've done something wrong, do your best to make it right, confess, ask forgiveness and move on. If you've had wrong done to you, forgive the offender and move on. In every failing, every victory, give yourself a fresh start. Move into obediance and leave the guilt, shame, fear, hurt, offense and other ungodly principles behind. They are stale remainders that obscure and hinder you from the sweet smell, taste and reality of a fresh start.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
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.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Here's a formula to help with starting fresh: Reflect. Repent. Renew. Respond. Rejoice.
Evangelist Robinson
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. - Psalm 100:2
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Previous mailings are available on this blog and can also be reached through the Lifeline link on the church webpage, www.fcchosengeneration.com. Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
A Fresh Start
Happy New Year! I mentioned last time about the significance of beginnings and endings. We ended a year last week. Let's begin with a fresh start.
Ananias had good reason to question the directions the Lord passed through this vision. Saul was ruthless in his quest to stamp out this heritic belief in Christ that threatened the established order. He was focused, disciplined and committed to his work. Futhermore, he wasn't just acting in his own sense of morality, he was endorsed by the chief priests to carry out his work. But, the Lord confirmed His direction and gave Saul the strongest endorsement any of us can hope for. He called Saul 'a chosen vessel unto me' and stated his purpose and calling.
In this passage, Ananias and Saul both are showing great faith in their vunerability. Saul, blinded from an encounter that literally changed his whole life's mission, found himself surrounded by the very people he had been hunting, inprisoning and killing. He was fully dependent on them for all necessities while he was in this state of complete subjection. Ananias, who was not present at the conversion, received a vision, like Abraham, like Mary, like Joseph, like Zachariah, and had to take the Lord at His direct word that in coming into contact with this killer Ananias would not only be safe, but would minister and share the Holy Spirit with this man and he would be receptive.
Two men, mortal enemies brought together by God to forge the instrument that would lead to you and I hearing the salvation message. Both men needed and received a fresh start.
It's a new year. A new decade. Have you given yourself a fresh start? My meaning in that question isn't just for salvation. That is a the necessary start in all of this. But, those of you who have already accepted that Christ is Lord and Savior, have YOU given yourself a fresh start?
Are you still holding on to things that keep you from being who you really are now that you've been born again? Has your encounter with Christ actually changed you, or do you still do the same things in the same ways you did before? You are a chosen vessel, just like Saul. You have been set aside by Christ for a particular purpose and calling, just like Saul. And, just like Saul, you have to start moving in it to realize the fulness of it.
Forget about the past hurts and failures. Learn the lessons of the falls, but get up and walk in newness of life, mercy and forgiveness. As followers of Christ, we do not have license to sin, and we are not excused from reaping what we sow, but we do have expectation of forgiveness and favor, coupled with the responsibilities of a calling and work to do. If we define our humility by how guilty we feel about the wrong we did, we decive ourselves and we will never be able to show true humility through being obediant to our callings, no matter what.
Friends, give yourself a fresh start. Let go of any unforgiveness, guilt, anything that didn't come right from the throne of God. If you've done something wrong, do your best to make it right, confess, ask forgiveness and move on. If you've had wrong done to you, forgive the offender and move on. In every failing, every victory, give yourself a fresh start. Move into obediance and leave the guilt, shame, fear, hurt, offense and other ungodly principles behind. They are stale remainders that obscure and hinder you from the sweet smell, taste and reality of a fresh start.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
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.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Here's a formula to help with starting fresh: Reflect. Repent. Renew. Respond. Rejoice.
Evangelist Robinson
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. - Psalm 100:2
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Previous mailings are available on this blog and can also be reached through the Lifeline link on the church webpage, www.fcchosengeneration.com. Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
