Roadblocks for Your Success

Have you ever found yourself up against a roadblock in life? Maybe you are there right now? Everything was going great when all of a sudden the road you were travelling had been all washed out—end of the road, which way do you go? What do you do now?

I found myself confronted by a roadblock a while back—a very difficult situation at the time. I had been serving within God’s plan but His time had arrived for me to move on to new horizons—to step into a new plan—to follow a new road.

His means of getting me into that new plan was not something that I enjoyed at the time as it meant going through a season of financial distress. It meant having to trust God to help us through. It was a tough time and we could’ve stepped completely away from God but chose to stay the course and discover what God had in store.

Within a few weeks, doors of ministry opportunities began to swing open and before long a local church had called me to be their pastor—not the road I would’ve followed on my own but the road God had planned for my wife and I—not an easy road but a road that has taught me a great deal about trusting God in all things; always knowing He has His path for us to follow if we will simply listen and obey.

In Acts 15 and 16, we find Paul heading out from Jerusalem on another missionary excursion. He had plotted his course. His intentions were set—but God had something different in mind—a new adventure was in the making. Acts 15:6-7 tells us: “They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in the province of Asia. When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them” (HCSB).

I imagine Paul was a bit bewildered by the roadblocks. Why was God thwarting his plans? He thought he was following God’s will—but it wasn’t working out for him. Have you ever been there? You know what I am talking about? Maybe you are trapped in situations right now that God is using to change your course? Are you listening to Him? Are you seeking His direction or do you just continue bumping against the roadblocks?

The Scripture goes on to tell us why God put up the roadblocks. It says that “during the night a vision appeared to Paul: a Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, ‘Cross over to Macedonia and help us!’ After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to evangelize them” (Acts 16:9-10). God had a new adventure for Paul that would be used to expand the kingdom of God—reaching new people with the message of salvation! And Paul’s obedience allowed this to happen.

The roadblocks in your path are not there to discourage you. God uses them to guide you down His chosen path for your life. He places them at intersections where you must choose between His path of new adventures or continue treading down a dead-end road. You won’t necessarily see where He is taking you but when you get there, it will be fantastic!

Scripture Reading: “My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being. Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe His discipline; for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:1-12 HCSB).

Prayer: Father, I find myself discouraged at times as I try to move forward only to discover my path has been blocked. Help me to realize that You often have other, better, plans for my life. You see the whole picture and guide me in the direction that is most beneficial to the cause of building Your kingdom. I pray You would give me patience to endure what may at times appear to be hardship when it is truly just You making the necessary adjustments in me necessary to prepare me for the road You want me to follow. I love You and thank You for always guiding and directing my life…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!  

Called to be God’s Hand!

Have you ever felt GOD directing you to do something that seemed absolutely impossible? Has He ever prompted you to take a step of faith wherein you had no idea where your next foot would land? What did you do? Did you trust Him and step out or did doubt overwhelm you and you simply sat back down?  

One night, the disciples were out on the sea in their little boat. The winds were blowing hard and the waves were buffeting their little craft. Fear had settled in on them all. Then, all of a sudden, through the fog, they see an image of a man approaching. Fearing it to be a ghost, their level of anxiety increased greatly.

But Peter recognized something different about the image. He spoke out to the image: “Lord, if it’s You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28-29 HCSB). Faith began to kick in and Peter uttered words of the impossible.

Peter could’ve said, “Lord, if that’s really You, please hurry over here and rescue us.” But he wanted more. He knew there was so much more to the Christian life than he had yet to discover. He was not content to just sit back and wait for the Lord to intervene in his life. He desired to step out and discover for himself all that GOD had for him.

Today, our churches are filled with people who are content to just sit back and see what happens next. The church is hurting because so many parts of the body have ceased to function. It has become crippled and lacks the ability to make a difference in its world as it should.

Christian, you need to step to the side of the boat and by faith step out into new horizons, new worlds, new experiences. The only way your church can make a difference in its world is for you to take that step. Discover GOD has so much more for you than simply sitting on a pew for an hour.

GOD is calling you to be His hand today—His hand reaching out to help someone in need—His hand touching a life like it has never been touched before—His hand bringing peace to someone’s personal storm. GOD is calling you to be His hand extended today.  

Jesus could’ve told Peter “Just stay right there or you’ll drown. I’m on my way, just wait for Me.” But, He didn’t! He told Peter: “COME!” “Peter, step out of your comfort zone and discover what it really means to live by faith. Step out and realize I have so much more in store for you; if you will only learn to trust Me and to believe in the impossible!”

Church member, step out of your comfort zone today! Step over the side into the storms of this world and discover that GOD can use you to calm the storms that are buffeting people all around you. Pray for sensitivity to the hurts and needs of those around you. Pray that GOD will lead you to people that you can personally touch and watch GOD do great and mighty miracles in the lives of people all around. You have been called to be His hand—are you willing to step into the unknown today and make it happen?

Scripture Reading: “Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession” (Psalm 2:8 HCSB).

Prayer: Father in heaven, I know You have so much more for me than I have yet to discover. I have sat by and waited for something to happen in my church. I have gotten really comfortable but at the same time I am beginning to realize that comfort is not what the Christian life is all about. I want more. I want to step out into the unknown and see Your hand work miracles, change lives, help those in need around about me. I want to get involved. I want to be what You have called me to be—Your hand extended! Help me to do just that, Lord! I desire to be used greatly by You for the sake of the Kingdom of GOD!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Life Can Be Tough!

Life can be tough, even on a good day! The path of life you find yourself walking, does it seem overbearing at times? Do you stop and question why you have been dealt such a difficult trail to follow?  Do you find yourself so overwhelmed by life you just wish you could trade it in on a new one?

A young lady recently came to an altar call overwhelmed by her life. Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong for her from an early age. The pain flowing out from her heart in gushes of tears revealed the deep pain that she was experiencing. As she and I talked, I could see her pain intensifying. She simply could not understand why she had been forced to endure all the trauma life had thrown at her.

She needed answers. I assured her of God’s love and presence. I was able to show her that in the midst of her pain, she knew right where to run. Her response to the altar call revealed she was following the right path. After a time of prayer and counseling, the Spirit began to bring peace to her shattered life. Waves of peace began to flow over her as she began to release all the pent-up hurt.

The Psalmist said: “Our hearts have not deserted you. We have not strayed from your path” (Psalm 44:18 NLT). In the midst of the hard times, you can easily choose to run the other way. When life’s problems overwhelm you, you can turn away from God and His path and run the way of the world. But, true peace and comfort will only be found by staying the path of the Lord; allowing His Spirit to initiate peace and comfort.

When your problems seem to have you defeated, you must learn to “keep your eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2 HCSB). He is your Champion! He is the One who will guide you through to victory. Walk the path that leads to Him. Follow the trail that His Spirit continues to guide you down and you will discover His peace.

Oswald Chambers wrote: “Since mine eyes have looked on Jesus, I’ve lost sight of all beside, so enticed my spirit’s vision, gazing on the Crucified!” Don’t lose focus today. In the midst of all your life’s problems, you will discover Jesus is right there with you.

Scripture Reading: “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27 NIV).

Prayer: Father in heaven, my troubles and problems often overwhelm me. The hardships of life that roll over me with are often more than I can bear. I find myself struggling to stay afloat. I need Your help right now! You have a path for me to follow. You have charted out the course for my life. I must simply learn to trust You even when trust is so hard to find. May I understand that faith in You will guide me to the place You have called me to be. The road to that place may not always be a great one but as long as I stay by Your side, I will find victory! Help me today, Lord. Build my faith and trust. I give my life wholly over to You!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

GOD Has Left the Building?

In 1956, the phrase, “Elvis has left the building!” was coined as a signal to the crowd that Elvis’ concert had come to an end; it was time to clear the building. The crowds would leave; the lights would soon go down and out; leaving the building quiet, dark and lifeless—similar to many churches across America today.

Certainly, there are people gathering there. The pastor is serving up a little sermonette. The entertainment isn’t bad; in fact, some of it is really good. The light shows can be phenomenal. The band and singers know just the right songs to sing to keep you coming back for more. They have great fellowships, good food and drink. But, something is seriously missing!

King Solomon had just completed what was, perhaps, the most beautiful building ever created by the hand of man. The gold and jewels that had gone into the structure were magnificent. The attire of the priests and musicians were fabulous; the musical instruments were the greatest the artisans of the time could create. It was a sight to behold that drew dignitaries from around the globe to come and behold its magnificence.

But, there was something missing! In all its own glory, it still remained lifeless! It needed something more—something man is incapable of providing in and of himself. The Bible says: “When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple” (2 Chronicles 7:1 NLT). GOD showed up! The fire of GOD flashed down from heaven and the presence of GOD filled the house!

The condition of many churches today seems to reveal that GOD has left the building! Something is desperately missing. The presence and power of GOD have been replaced by loud music, bright lights, and great entertainers! There is no power coming from the pulpit. There is no power coming from the leadership. The power of GOD has been shunned by the spirit of man that desires to be served rather than to serve.

CHURCH, we must wake-up to the reality of the situation. Little hope exists for America today because the church has dried up and become only a memorial to what once was. It is time for men of GOD with a message from the throne of GOD to step up to the plate and proclaim “This is what the LORD says…” while there is still an opportunity. It is time for GOD to show up in a flash of lightening in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, but that church must be pure, holy and separated unto the LORD!

Scripture Reading: “Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God-the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God-and My new name” (Revelation 3:10-12 HCSB).

Prayer: Father in heaven, cleanse my heart, cleanse my mind, cleanse my motives that I may be found pure and holy in Your sight. I pray that the power of Your Spirit would be turned loose upon me, upon my church, upon my pastor. May Your Spirit empower us for Your service in order that many others may come to know You and Your free gift of salvation. I praise You because of Who You are and all that You have done and continue to do…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

An Idol Unto Yourself!

I look around at America today and I find myself overwhelmed by sadness at her condition. It wasn’t that long ago that GOD and the church were central figures in the lives of most Americans. But, today, we find the majority of people have absolutely no concern about either. The church is in its steepest decline ever and most Christians are oblivious to this as long as the church keeps meeting their personal needs. Americans became self-worshippers; they became an idol unto themselves.

America’s move to remove GOD and anything associated with GOD from society has sickened and weakened our nation. We see our streets ravaged by savages intent upon destroying human lives through violent actions. Pedophiles are wreaking havoc on our children’s lives. Unborn babies are being ripped from their place of security and offered up to Satan on the altar of convenience. There is no safety or security left; our nation has commanded GOD to get out and leave us alone and the consequences we are now left with are atrocious.

I’ve always wondered how Israel could go from being abundantly blessed by GOD to overtly rejecting GOD in a very short time, but as I look at America, I see we have taken the same detour. The Israelites had settled in and gotten comfortable in the Promised Land when Judges 3:7 suddenly rings out: “The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; they forgot the Lord their God and worshiped the Baals and the Asherahs” (HCSB).

Americans have become comfortable with life, with church, with all they have accumulated and in the process turned away from GOD. Certainly, most didn’t acquire idols as the Israelites did but in a way, they did. They began to put their own desires and actions ahead of GOD and today we have a nation filled with people who know no other GOD but themselves! America’s is sick today because we have turned our backs on GOD.

Paul warned of this happening. He said: “in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT).

As you read those verses, you see Americans today. The consequences are being witnessed by the drastic changes in lifestyles and the acceptance of all that is bad as being okay. Church, Jesus is coming back! The only hope for America today is for the church to rise up, stand up, and to proclaim the unadulterated truth of the Gospel.

Scripture Reading: “if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, our nation is sick today. This sickness is critical and will soon destroy our nation. I pray, LORD, that You will cleanse my heart and mind that I might draw closer to You. I pray for our churches and church leaders that they will turn from anything that displeases You and begin to rise up and speak out against the evil that has overcome us. I pray for our government and leaders that Your Spirit would soften their hearts and open their eyes to the damage that has already been done and seek to reverse it by turning back to You. I love You and thank You for loving me and loving America even when we fail You as we have…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!