GOD’s Not in the Box, Get Outta the Box, Church!

People tend to grow up limited by and to their regular surroundings. Outside of the occasional vacation trip, the only world most tend to recognize as existing is that one which they live in. Because of these limited experiences, the mind tends to be limited creating a limited or “boxed-in” individual.

The same principle applies in the church world. Christians become limited to their “spiritual box” considering the little that happens at their church to be as great as the Kingdom of GOD gets. Unfortunately, the church, in many respects, has become a limiter to its own congregation. The message the pastor preaches; the worship the music leader directs; the curriculum the teaching team chooses all place limits and restrictions on the knowledge and experiences of the congregation. Sadly, many believe this is the best it gets.

“Out-of-the-box” experiences are all too rare in the church-world restricting and confining the people of GOD. These limitations have created an atmosphere of “we’ve never done it like that before and we’re not gonna do it now” mentality limiting the individuals to what that church thinks they need. As pastors and church leaders, we need to recognize our people’s spiritual knowledge and realm needs to expand beyond our four walls. The world out there needs our church out there!

As a point of reference, consider Balaam’s donkey for a moment: “But the donkey said, “Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before? No, he replied. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword in His hand. Balaam knelt and bowed with his face to the ground” (Numbers 22:30-31). Balaam could’ve easily said, “Be quiet, donkey, donkey’s don’t talk” and missed out on seeing the angel of the LORD. Peter could’ve said, “Hurry up, LORD, and get over here and get in the boat” instead he jumped up on the top of the water and experienced a brand new way of looking at things.

GOD’s people need to experience a brand new way of looking at things. GOD’s people need to experience the world around about in the Light of GOD’s Word, truth and message; thus, equipping them to better reach out to and impact the hurting world around about. Otherwise, the view people have of GOD is limited to a small GOD with very limited abilities. Our GOD is a great big GOD with great big abilities. He needs to be released from our limited mindset so we can begin to experience His greatness, magnitude and abilities.

The people of GOD need to be released from the confines of limitation placed on them by a limited church mindset. The people of GOD need to be released to experience GOD’s greatness outside of a “Sunday-church” experience into an every day “What great thing can I expect to see GOD do today” expectation!  GOD’s Not in the Box, Get Outta the Box, Church! LIVE the Christian experience of daily expectation of the greatness of a great big GOD and all He can do when released from our limited mindset!

Gone Too Far for GOD to Care?

Have you ever been at that place in your life where you felt you had gone too far for GOD to care about you any longer? Maybe you are feeling that right now? Maybe your life has taken a detour and the path you are following is far from the path GOD had chosen for you? You may even feel that there is no way GOD would ever receive you back as one of His own?

Many of us have been at that place in our spiritual lives at one time or another. We have allowed worldly ways to invade and take control of our lives. We have wandered far from the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and perhaps even begun to take part in some evil, ungodly practices. Maybe you feel like you’ve crossed that line in your life and there is no turning back? There is hope for you today!

The Spirit of GOD continues tugging at your heart. The Spirit is lovingly nudging you back to the place GOD wants you to be. If you don’t believe me, consider these words of Jesus: “What man among you, who has 100 sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it? When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!” (Luke 15:4-6).

You may be that lost sheep today. You may have yourself convinced that GOD has so many others to care for; He doesn’t have time for a reckless sinner like you? The devil is speaking lies to you! Jesus is telling us that GOD cares enough to leave the others and go searching you out. He sends His Spirit to lovingly, gently nudge you back to His arms of compassion.

It doesn’t matter what sins you may have committed. It doesn’t matter how bad you may have become. “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin“ (1 John 1:7). He wants to clean you up today! He wants to bring you back into His fold. He wants you back in relationship with Himself.

Jesus closed out that passage in Luke with these words: “I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance” (Luke 15:7).You think you have gone too far for GOD to care? Repent today and discover the heavens rejoicing over your return!

Running to Finish!

Marathon running is a rapidly growing event across the US these days. 5K, 13K, 26K—these all instantly generate ideas of long distance running. I see cars with stickers on the back with one of these numners on it—identifying that individual as one who has finished that particular run.

Marathon running is more about finishing the race than the actual win at the end. All finishers are winners in marathon running! All who complete it join in the celebration together and those who don’t are encouraged to give it another try at the next event that comes along.

I have to admit I’ve never been a distance runner and as I get older the short distances I used to run are getting shorter all the time. I doubt I will ever put my own body through the torture of a marathon, but everyday I continue to pursue this marathon of life in Christ Jesus.

As he was nearing his time of departure from this life, Paul encouraged young Timothy with these words: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

Paul had run the distance. He had put in his best efforts to further the name of Jesus, He had suffered; he had gone through horrendous pain, sorrow, abuse, torment—you name it, he’d been there—all for the cause of Christ. But he wasn’t departing this life regretting what he had done; rather, he was acknowledging the fact that he had fought the fight he’d been given and overcome. He had finished the race that had been set before him. And, most importantly, he had hung on to Jesus all the way to the end. He was a finisher!

You may be discouraged today. You may feel like quitting. You may feel like giving up on life—it just isn’t worth all this trouble I’m going through in my life. I want to challenge you to take a fresh gulp of the Living Water today, get a fresh glimpse of all GOD has in store for those who run to the finish and understand GOD is there for you when you feel like its time bail.

Reach out to Him today. Trust in Him. No matter what your hardships in life may be; no matter how difficult everything may seem, GOD is in control today. Today, we are running to finish because every finisher is a winner!

Quit Complaining and Get Busy!

After years in ministry work, I have discovered many Christians are bored in their current situation. The excitement and fulfillment of being a Christian that they assumed would instantly overcome them, hasn’t happened. They continue to wait patiently for it until their patience begins to wear thin and complaining overtakes them. Maybe I am talking to you today?

Maybe your life is not where you think it should be? Maybe you are still waiting patiently for the “right” ministry opportunity to fall into your lap? Maybe you figure when the time is right, your pastor will walk up to you and say I have such and such for you to do—now go for it? Alot of “maybes” but very little action taking place.

The Israelites were no different. They had witnessed the miraculous workings of GOD to release them from Egyptian captivity and soon found themselves wishing they could just go back. The Scripture says: “Then they set out from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea to bypass the land of Edom, but the people became impatient because of the journey. The people spoke against God and Moses: “Why have you led us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” (Numbers 21:4-5). Impatience overwhelmed them and their ability to see anything positive disappeared.

When you fail to discover your place in kingdom work, you will become impatient; you will become discontented and you will soon be trekking back to your Egypt. GOD is calling His children to quit sitting by the wayside waiting for something to happen. Quit complaining about all the negatives you see in your life and discover all the positives GOD is placing along your path.

You encounter ministry opportunities everyday. You encounter opportunities to impact the lives of others through your words of encouragement or simply being His hand extended. GOD has not called any of His children to sit by idly waiting for the “right” opportunity because chances are the “right” opportunity is sitting right in front of you, you simply have the wrong impression or attitude towards it.

Get up; get busy, find your place as you learn to engage every opportunity placed in your path. Your church and pastor may not be encouraging you to step out and discover all GOD has for you; but I am challenging you now to do so. Become a powerhouse of blessing to all the individuals GOD brings into your path everyday. When you do so, you will discover the excitement and fulfillment you have been waiting for all along. Quit complaining and get busy!

Prepared for Cutting-Edge Ministry

Jesus displayed a necessary habit for us if we intend to carry out cutting-edge ministry work. Luke records these words: “During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and He chose 12 of them-He also named them apostles“ (Luke 6:12-13).

Jesus recognized the necessity of a strong relationship with the Father through prayer. He knew His power, strength and abilities rested in GOD showing up. Recognizing the battles, the decisions, the complications that life would throw His way, He spent a tremendous time in communion with the Father.

Perhaps one of the biggest problems the church has in carrying out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment is prayerlessness. We expect to advance onto the spiritual battlefield ill-equipped and unprepared. We expect to face the chaos and confusion of life powerless.

When we do this, the result is far less than excellent. In fact, our lacking in prayer and knowledge of the Word has created a Christianity that is void of any power to tear down the strongholds of the enemy.

Why are churches dying today? Why are the masses leaving and the up and coming generation simply considering themselves “NONES”? Because too many churches have chosen entertainment, worldiness and powerlessness over the infilling power of the Holy Spirit achieved through prayer.

Church, we must get back to the Holy Ghost empowered church of Acts. Acts 4:31 tells us: “When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Our churches need to get back to being shaken up by the moving of the Spirit of GOD, motivating all of us to proclaim the Gospel message with boldness. Cutting-edge ministry and a strong prayer life go hand-in-hand. You simply can’t have one without the other.

Stare Your Fears Down!

Satan often uses fear to overcome and overwhelm people. Certainly, all of us have been fearful at one time or another over something. But, it is our personal response to that fear that makes the difference. Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

Consider what Jesus had to say about fear as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. A ruling leader of the local synogogue approached Jesus with a critical plea—his daughter was at home on her deathbed. He pleads with Jesus to follow him quickly to his home to heal her. At the same moment, a woman approached Jesus desperately in need of a special touch from Jesus. He stopped what He was doing to address her need.

The Scripture tells us: “While He was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader’s house, saying, ‘Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the Teacher anymore.’ When Jesus heard it, He answered him, ‘Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be made well'” (Luke 8:49-50). While He was delayed to help the woman in need, the young girl died. Jesus turned to the distressed father and told him, do not be afraid…only believe! He went to the home and raised the young girl from the dead!

Perhaps you are fearful of something today. Your fears are hindering your forward progression—hindering you from stepping out in faith and moving forward in what GOD has planned for you. It is time to stare your fears in the face and call them the lies they are. It is time to step out in faith and see the giants fall down and the mountains of adversity collapse. You can overcome your fears in the name of Jesus. Step out in faith today and believe in the promises of GOD’s Word to you! Overcoming fear involves staring fear in the face and calling it just what it is—a lie of Satan.

Rise Up Out of the Ash-Pile!

Dave Mirra, 41 years old, dies of apparent suicide. Dave’s life was adventurous and exciting. He had won many medals over the years for his BMX biking skills…well-known and liked by teenagers across the nation who looked up to him and wanted to be like him…married with two kids. What happened?

The truth is, I don’t know for certain. What I do know though is somehow in and through all the fame there had to be feelings of lacking or failure of some kind. His personal and spiritual needs apparently weren’t being fulfilled. Somehow, he was feeling incomplete.

Have you ever felt like a failure? Maybe you’ve felt like everything you do is meaningless and worthless? Who really cares anyway? Does anything I say or do have any bearing whatsoever on anything else in this world? Maybe you are feeling down, depressed, overwhelmed by life today? Maybe you need to hear something positive and promising?

The Scripture tells us about a time when Israel was overwhelmed by their past failures and the situation they were in wasn’t good at all. But the Scripture goes on to say this: “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt” (Jeremiah 31:3-4).

The LORD spoke words of encouragement in the midst of discouragement. The Lord told them He would rebuild what they had messed up so bad. He told them: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” He was there for them in the midst of all their troubles.

In the midst of your discouragement, JESUS loves you and desires to take the brokenness around you and to rebuild it all for His glory. Understand your position in CHRIST today. If you have surrendered your life to JESUS, you are a King’s kid. You have no reason to live in despair. He is calling you to rise up out of the ash-pile and find your place in His love.

Allow Him to step into your brokenness and to bring deliverance, healing, freedom and wellness into your life. Entrust your feelings of inadequacy to Him and find your victory today!

GOD Has a Plan for You!

GOD has a plan for you! You are not here today by accident; you are here by divine appointment. Although your life may not be pleasing to GOD at this moment, He has something far better for you. You may be going through severe trials and troubles in your life, but GOD’s plan is to draw you through those things and bring you out purified and ready to carry out His perfect plan. He has a plan and purpose for your being.

The Jews found themselves in serious trouble. They had been taken captive by the Babylonians. Their temple and royal city lay in ruins. Their situation appeared hopeless. Their future as a nation destroyed. Out of the chaos and destruction, GOD’s voice came to them through the prophet Jeremiah. GOD encouraged them to continue moving forward. Quit looking at your difficulties and troubles and focus upon the greatness GOD has purposed for you.

GOD spoke these words of encouragement and assurance to them: “For I know the plans I have for you-this is the Lord’s declaration-plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

From the Mountain High to the Valley Low!

Elijah, the prophet of GOD, had just witnessed the fire of GOD rain down on and consume 450 false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He was experiencing the mountain high of Almighty GOD. Life was extraordinarily powerful for him as you can read in 1 Kings 18. 

Seeking God’s Kingdom

It is interesting the extent people are willing to go to “make it big.” Whether it be big money, big fame, big house, big car—you name it—as long as it has “big” attached, it is highly sought after.

Reminds me of the steel rabbit on rails used in dog races to keep them running in the right direction. Time and again the same dogs chase after the same steel rabbit, never quite able to catch it, but never ceasing to give up either. It is a futile endeavor to chase after it but one which always entices full participation.

As bystanders, we may even recognize the futility and even laugh a bit about the stupidity of the dogs—but then again, humans have a tendancy to do the very same thing. When you look at the great lengths people will go to in order to gamble on winning a big lottery or the deep debt people will crawl in to in order to up their neighbors one, it is easy to see how many people line up every day to chase the uncatchable steel rabbit.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, recognized after living a futile life how worthless and meaningless it all turns out to be. Ecclesiates 2:26 records his thoughts in this way: “To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (NIV).

People spend their lives chasing the wind—chasing after futile things—only to discover it was all done in vain. When its all said and done, all one has is disappointment. When we place our desires upon the things of this world, we will always end up short-changed and disappointed. The Psalmist encourages us to delight ourselves in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). Jesus tells us to seek after the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

The world’s hope is no hope at all. Focus on Jesus and upon heavenly treasures. Quit seeking after the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and start seeking after the kingdom of GOD and the rewards eternity has in store for the faithful.