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The Laws of Stewardship are rooted in the immovable ground of God's promises. They are sure and certain, truths that we can count on. They are the absolutely positive teaching of Jesus, such as the Law of Guaranteed Return that He stated like this: "Give, and it will be given to you," He said, "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." [Luke 6:38].
The purpose behind this promise is that we be motivated to give because it's a sensible investment. Spiritually speaking, there's virtually no risk but all reward. Any gift given for God's glory is backed by the infinite resources of the Bank of Heaven. There is no doubt about it, no cause for concern, no conditions under which the return is held back or held up. It will come.
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Enrolling this Spring of 2009 |
| Would you be interested in having either Pastor Tommy or Kim Morgan minister at your church or conference? |
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Tommy and Kim Morgan are the senior pastor's and co-founders of Potter's Wheel Ministries.
Tommy and Kim have a heart to see God's people change from the power of God's Word from within.
Therefore, they are devoted to lead by example as Jesus did, and through their life changing messages they will show you the practical side of the Gospel that reveals how much God loves you.
You will have the opportunity to empower your life for success through the many applicable tools that Tommy and Kim will offer through their hands-on style of ministry.
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| Support an Inter-City Ministry that is making a solid difference in the lives of people that are often forgotten! |
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For more information please call:
(817)882-8005
Pastor Kevin Alexander | |
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"Grace Enables Us To Go Through Our Difficulties:
(Not Arrive to a Place Where we Have no More of Them)
There seems to be the idea in the church that we can eventually become so spiritual that we can eliminate all our problems of life; especially if we consume God's Word each day and put it into practice. Whereas, I strongly believe speaking the right things can change situations if it is based from the Word of God. Which of course I teach without reservation. Yet, it does not necessarily remove many of these trials from unfolding in our lives. It just prepares our heart to endure and surpass their intended goal which is to hurt us. Again, I strongly believe we can avoid a great many things that trouble us today simply by renewing our minds in the Word of God; but I am sure of this one thing: that troubles will not be completely removed from touching our lives just because we are believers in Christ. In fact, the Bible teaches us that this world will remain hostile towards those of us who put their trust and faith in Jesus so long as we are here on this earth.
John 16:33 (AMP)
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Matthew 10:22 (KJV)
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
John 15:18-20 (KJV)
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
So, as you can see it is very clear from Scripture that this place is very hostile towards the disciples of Christ. We as leaders set a false impression in the hearts and minds of people when we teach that becoming a strong believer will keep all trouble at bay. Nowhere in Scripture does it say or teach this untouchable place from all the difficulties of life. However, it does teach that we can overcome our troubles through putting our faith and trust in Christ our Lord. Think about it: we are connected to many people who bring their troubles to our lives through the associations we have with them. Difficulty can also show up in our lives when we make wrong decisions that are contrary to God's Word and therefore, we reap the harvest of those misguided attempts without His leadership. Again, you can be doing everything right as a believer and trouble will still find its way into your life. Let's look at something found in Proverbs.
Proverbs 16:1-4 (AMP)
1 THE PLANS of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).
3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.
4 The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose-even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil.
Proverbs 16:9 (AMP)
9 A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
Let me paraphrase a couple of stories to help establish some truths that we are attempting to touch on today. The first one can be referenced from 2 Chronicles the eighteenth chapter. Here we find King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah linking up to go to battle together as allies against Ramoth-gilead. It was King Ahab who did not find favor with the Lord because he did evil in all His sight and therefore, God was displeased with him. Our story finds King Jehoshaphat asking king Ahab to inquire of the Lord before they went into battle to see what His wisdom would reveal whether they would fair or not. King Ahab called for his 400 prophets to come and speak what they feel God is saying about this venture that these two kings were about to enter into. Without fail they each began to prophesy favorably that it would go well in battle and the king would win soundly. Now king Jehoshaphat replied, "Is there not at least one prophet that speaks for the Lord besides these?" King Ahab responded, "There is one, but I hate him; for he never prophesies anything but evil concerning me."
Our second story is referenced from the book of Acts in the 28th chapter. Here we find that the apostle Paul who was a prisoner for preaching Christ, had just survived being shipwrecked at sea along with others. Before all of this went down Paul perceived that there would be hurt and damage and even the loss of lives if they sailed out to sea. Nevertheless, the centurion believed the captain and owner of the ship, more than the things that Paul had spoken. Needless to say, the perception of Paul was correct and they found that particular place at sea where destiny would meet them with a tragedy revealed by the apostle before it happened. In addition, an angel appeared before the destruction of the ship to Paul and told him not to fear; that all that were with him would be saved, for he was destined to be brought before Caesar for the purposes of God. Now when the ship had come apart by crashing against the rocks they swam to shore on the nearby island of Malta. Here they were met by the inhabitants of the island who were noted as barbarians. However, these islanders treated all of those who were shipwrecked with kindness by building a fire to warm them from the cold weather. It so happens that while Paul was carrying a bundle of sticks for the fire a poisonous viper attached itself to his hand and deeply bit him. The islanders knew that this snake was very poisonous and believed Paul to have been a murderer who was being repaid for his crime though he had escaped the sea. But to their surprise after Paul shook it off he remained perfectly fine and then they changed their opinion about him and thought Paul to be a god. The story goes on to say how Paul had opportunity to raise the father of the chief man of the island from a bloody flux disease. When this news went out of what Paul had done, the islanders brought those who had various diseases and they were healed also. Think about it: from a seemingly tragedy episode of life for the apostle Paul, it triumphantly turned to a revival.
The reason I used these two stories in comparison to each other is that I want you to learn how they explain that troubles do not leave our lives just because we serve the Lord. [Note: Please let the reader understand completely that I am not referring that God creates these difficulties of life to teach us something. They come about through our associations, rebellion to God's Word, and our adversary the devil]. There are those much like our first story that will always assemble around them people who will always tell them what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear. Thus, they continue to do the same old foolish things over and over again. These kind of folks usually hate [much like King Ahab hated the real prophet of God] and stay clear of those who speak the truth. They don't want to do the things that God promotes. They would rather do the things that they prefer, therefore, not regarding God in their decisions they make sure that they keep around them people who will always agree with their ideas so that it creates in them a sense of I am going in the right direction. Whereas, the Bible teaches there is safety in the multitude of counselors [and this does not mean yes, men]. Again the Word of God tells us that faithful is the wounds of a real friend.
Proverbs 27:5-6 (KJV)
5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
If you are in the habit of always needing to keep people around you that will always tell you what you want to hear, you may find yourself getting into some real hardships of life that finds no remedies for its many struggles. On the other hand, our second story reveals how that many of our troubles are actually in the direct path of where God is taking us for His greater purposes. I know this is contrary to many of the beliefs that are out there teaching life as a utopia when you serve God and when you mature nothing bad can happen to you or someone that you love. They persistently teach that you will always be prosperous, always be healthy: so they rally around every Scripture that can be used to reinforce this idea. But I wonder truthfully how many people in their flocks that have sat under their teachings had to be buried prematurely; or maybe lost their wealth or jobs this year because of a failed economy?
My friends in Christ, we are not exempt of trials and tribulations just because we are born again. Consider the stories regarding God's people that are written about throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament; and you will discover that they all walked through difficulty in this life to fulfill their calling. And just because they were spiritual giants who possibly walked and witnessed what Jesus did; were not exempted from this hostile world and its attacks on the Christian life. This world hated them just like it did their Savior. But here's the difference maker. The apostle Paul shook off the viper of adversity through his faith in Christ. Paul knew that he was to go before Caesar and be a witness for God, therefore, there was no way he would die from a snake bite. He shook off the viper just like the many times he shook off the beatings, shipwrecks, stoning and other trials and tribulations of life. Paul knew to follow Christ would have its disadvantages of comforts in this life and yet, he gladly reserved a front row seat.
There are way too many believers that never pursue the deeper things of God because they are afraid that there will be a great on going assault of the devils attacks if they do. Therefore, they cleave to as little responsibility and commitment to the things of God as they can get by with, thinking it will limit their possibilities for being at fault at anything. But, to ignore doing something that is right according to the Word of God is to violate the principles altogether. In addition, these types of procrastnators keep folks around them that will agree to their point of view for living life. The result: a life that is filled with dissatisfaction, lack of fulfillment, and hardships and without ever having the confidence that God will help them, because they know deep down that they selfishly did things their own way without the counsel of God. Secondly, there are those who pursue the things of God, but are totally blown away when they are afflicted with trials and tribulations of all sorts. They sit around and just scratch their heads in disbelief of how this can be possible since they are such strong believers in Christ. Yet, notice how this next Scripture points out how life can rudely and unmercifully hit all of us no matter your status as a believer or not. Death will come knocking at every person's door at some point, but we don't have to be afraid when comes, our Lord overcame it, and so will we that believe. The main point here is that you become born again; but the uncertainties of life affect us all just the same.
Luke 13:1-5 (KJV)
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Grace is the ability of God in us to fulfill our purpose, no matter what tries to stand in the way of it. Our adversary will not leave you alone just because you know a lot about the Bible. Jesus was the Word, and the devil agitated and tried to frustrate the work He was sent to accomplish just like those who followed the Lord in the Bible times. Our Lord Jesus Christ endured much affliction to His physical, spiritual and mental parts just like His followers did then as well as they do today in our times. Even being the Son of God would not exempt you from being hated and assaulted in this world filled with evil influences. Why on earth would you ever think that the devil and his agents would leave you alone when you are claiming to be one His disciples?
Hebrews 4:15-16 (AMP)
15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.
16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Let me close this devotional on this positive note for those who may be feeling a bit weak in their stomach over this teaching today; especially as you consider the possibility that maybe all our troubles are not taken out of the way after all, simply because we happen to be a Christian and know the Bible frontward and backwards. We have all received a measure of grace according to the gift of Christ. This gift of grace is for perfecting the saints to do the work of the ministry, and for the edifying the body of Christ as we make this journey through life no matter what it serves us. This gift of grace is for bringing the whole body into the unity of faith unto a perfect man [Christ-like] which can be measured by the stature of the fullness of Christ formed in us. This stature of Christ in us will walk through the struggles of life no matter what they are with a victors crown. Therefore, we all have a role in this process of supplying the body through the effectual working measure of grace that we have now received from Christ. For this purpose through love we are to share with others and encourage them on in their faith as they witness it effectually working in us (Ephesians 4:16).
Like the apostle Paul we must learn from the Word of God that we can shake off the poisonous vipers of adversity from off our lives just as he did. We can face our difficulties without fearing something has gone wrong on our part with our walk in Christ. There is an adversary who looks for opportunities to disrupt our peaceful perspectives in Christ. The devil wants you to second guess your position in Christ based on the troubles that he brings into your life. Therefore, this is why he keeps bring them in hopes that you will conclude that you are missing something somewhere about your position in Christ. However, I would not have you be ignorant brethren, in the words of our Lord. In this life you will have trials and tribulation. But be of good cheer! I have overcome by going through them unto victory, and so shall it be for my followers who do it my way. Don't think for one moment that some strange thing has suddenly happened to you just because of some fiery trial. Stay the course, and when you have done all to stand, STAND!
1 Peter 4:13-19 (KJV)
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
The grace of God [His ability in you], will carry you through anything and everything that life can throw at you; and you will still be the winner when the dust settles. Our responsibility to walk in the spirit and not by the flesh is to shake off every poisonous viper of life that should bite us, and proceed upwardly to the high calling of God knowing full well we are destined to reach it despite the opposition. I watched a movie titled, "The Last Samurai," and recalled the impacting line that was spoken at the end that impressed me tremendously. The actor Tom Cruse had befriended and fought along side of a renown Samurai leader who had died in battle defending his Emperors providence against outsiders that wished to takeover the kingdom and even control the Emperor himself. When Tom Cruse [the Samurais' comrade and friend in battle] approached the Emperor afterwards to give him the sword of this honorable Samurai who had given his life for him, the Emperor asked for the details of how he had died? Tom Cruse looked up at the Emperor with glorious honor and said, "I will not tell you how he died, I will tell you how he lived!" May it be that we will quit sitting around talking about how this person happen to die or fail; or speaking about how we keep suffering such great loss in some horrible and difficult battle of life. Consider this: Though Christ suffered and died by such diabolical means at the hands of His enemies, it is His life that empowers us to keep going in His stead even today.
There is just too many people focused on the cowards legacy [those who crumble under adversities], with all its troubles and even its eventual death; rather than reveling in those honorable men and women in Christ who march right through these same troubles and difficulties of life without ever complaining, triumphing over them with their perseverance to overcome it at the Word of their Lord. Will you be one of those believers that finishes their course on this earth that empowers others to draw strength from when they are faced with the same opposition? When you are dead and gone will others look to your life as an inspiration that speaks of how you lived with strength against your enemies, or will it speak of how horribly you died? Will they pity you and become sadden at the thought of how tragic your life was here on earth; or will they be greatly honored to have known you and inspired with joy at your display of strenghth and courage to make the stand against all odds? My friends, life is not going to be nice to you just because you belong to Christ. You will have to bury people that you greatly love before their time. You will experience the betrayal of a friend or loved one. You will feel the grinding pain of a body that grows older with time and loses its strength. You will eventually have an appointment with death that you must keep. These things are along the pathway of the living and all of us will encounter their difficulties. But we can walk through them gloriously for our Lord!
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 (KJV)
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Be of good cheer is what the Word of God continues to communicate to our hearing within every page of the holy Bible! Even as our Lord overcame the raging torrents of life even unto death for our sakes, so shall we that are just like Him in spirit. Much so, that others will glorify Him as they watch us live in this world keeping the faith in face of all adversity, yet not shrinking back to the beggarly things of this life. We have something divine inside of us that can rest in the finished work of Christ that cannot be quenched by our enemy, though it may try to do so. Why? Because that life that lives in us, it is eternal and without end. It is of God the Creator of all things, and who can therefore, oppose Him who gives it? Oh how silent it is in the realm of the spirit world: for there is none who can champion the Son of God that also promised to infuse us with the same victors crown. Amen! |
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"I Shall not Want"
by: Kim Morgan
Psalms 23:1-6 (KJV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
The word tells us that David was a man after God's own heart; even though his life was never perfect he had an incredible passion for God. David discovered that in his relationship with God he did not have to worry or fret over the things in this world. He writes in this particular Psalm that because the Lord is his Shepherd he did not want for anything. A shepherd looks after his sheep and they are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the good shepherd, the great Shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd. As the Lord is the good Shepherd, so we are his sheep not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and in the right path.
David had an understanding that no matter where he walked he did not fear because he knew God was with him. He wrote that even in the presence of his enemies that God had a prepared a table for him. I believe that David came to know the rest, peace and assurance that only God can give. There is a place in God that he wants you and me to find, a place where there is no want. It is a place where your desires change to only want the things that will help you to grow spiritually. Remember the end of this Psalm reminds us that his goodness and mercy follow after us each every day, and we are to dwell in the house of the Lord "FOREVER." | |
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