Author: Rob Collins

The Christmas Story

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. -Luke 1:18-25

The people of God had great hope and expectation for the promised prophecy for a Savior. For God to come and redeem mankind back to Himself. However, in all of their expectation, I can’t help but think that they didn’t expect this promise to be fulfilled in and through the baby Jesus.

God sent an Angel to speak to Mary, the virgin who was engaged to Joseph. She surrendered to the words of the messenger without hesitation, but she still had very little understanding on how this would all be accomplished. Nonetheless, her obedience accomplished God’s plan. The seed form the Holy Spirit was planted and her womb was now alive with the promised possibilities of God and His love for His creation.

Joseph was a righteous man who honored Mary and trusted God. He took in to consideration what would be best for his fiancé, while being obedient to the words of the angel who had appeared to him. The angel told him that what was conceived in Mary was of the Holy Spirit. He told Joseph, “Do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife.” Joseph named the baby as the angel of the Lord instructed him to do.

Jesus would be His name and He would save His people from their sin. Jesus, born of a virgin would be the Savoir of the world and fulfill God’s redemptive plans for mankind. He is also Emanuel, which is translated, “God with us.” God’s promise was fulfilled. Angels sang, shepherds saw and a Savior was born. God became flesh and we beheld His glory full of grace and truth!

Merry Christmas,
Rob – Kelly – Megan – Madison
merry-christmas-eve-feature

Why the Grinch Couldn’t Steal Christmas

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

And the Grinch raised his glass and led the Who’s in a toast, “To kindness and love, the things we need most!”

the Grinch *2018

Maybe Christmas is a Little Bit More

Every year in elementary school before our Christmas break they would roll a tv that was strapped to the top of a cart into our classroom and connect it to the small cable box in the corner of the room. We would watch that little square box that was strapped on that stand- intently. We watched Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and my favorite, Santa Clause is Comin’ to Town! And of course, we would watch the Grinch, that’s right, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” However, it was the original cartoon, with little Cindy Lou Who and the animated Grinch himself. This was before Jim Carey did his incredible rendition and before the new animated version that came out in 2018 from Universal. Nonetheless, I have felt like for years that the Grinch has been given a bad rap. As a matter of fact, I actually believe in many aspects that he actually nails the consumerism mentality of humankind. Nonetheless, I also realize that although the story was entitled, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”– he could never truly steal Christmas itself. The Grinch stole the people of Whoville’s stuff, but he never actually could and he never truly did steal Christmas. He stole their stuff, but not Christmas or the spirit that was in their hearts. And, as we all know, Christmas is not about stuff!  Therefore, no one could ever actually ever steal Christmas! That’s because it’s about a person, not presents. And, it’s a matter of the heart, not a matter of getting more stuff. It’s about love and hope and giving and sharing and caring! The Grinch took their stuff, but he couldn’t take what was in their hearts. Therefore, the people of Whoville forgave the Grinch for what he had done. And it was their joyful, grateful singing and the spirit of Christmas that made the Grinch’s heart grow that day. He had a change of heart and returned their gifts. He was then invited to dinner by those whom he had done wrong. It was a glorious day of reconciliation and the Grinch’s heart grew and he became a different person, all because of joy, love, forgiveness and generosity. Here’s the truth of the story for us: We’ve all done wrong. We’ve all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yet, God pursues us like Cindy Lou Who pursued the Grinch! He pursues us and He loves us! And, He forgave us through Christ Jesus and by grace through faith He made a way that we could be made right with Him. Then He invites us to the table to sit with him and to be part of the family, just like the people of Whoville invited the Grinch to eat with them on Christmas Day. So with all of that being said, the Grinch couldn’t steal Christmas, he could only steal their stuff. He couldn’t steal what was truly in their hearts and he couldn’t change his own heart, only love and God can do that. The Grinch had a heart problem and in all actuality, it’s always a heart problem when you’re dealing with things like: greed, anger, jealousy, resentment and unforgiveness. A heart that contains these attributes in reality is limited and small. The Good News is- God and His love can change a heart and make it grow! God gave us the greatest gift of all, Jesus. And that’s what Christmas is all about and that’s “Why the Grinch Couldn’t Steal Christmas.” So, I end with the words of the “How the Grinch’s Stole Christmas” narrator’s words: “It came without ribbons- it came without bows. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store- maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more.” So, no one could ever actually ever steal Christmas! Not even the Grinch! That’s because it’s about a person, not presents. And, it’s a matter of the heart, not a matter of getting more stuff. It’s about love and hope and giving and sharing and caring! Christmas is about Christ! It’s about God giving us the greatest gift of all, His Love and our salvation through Christ. Maybe Christmas is a little bit more…

*[Below is a link to a message I did back in 2018 after our family went to see the new Universal animated version of the Grinch- click the link if you would like to see the message]  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMtEtBoTSoQ  

Problems and Promises

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. Matthew 5:8 MSG

Mindsets either minimize or maximize our potential. They either limit potential or they cause the potential to be limitless. Mindsets are powerful and they control so many aspects of our lives. Mindsets either restrict or expand our opportunities to become better and to experience more. And before anything really ever changes in our lives- our mind has to change first. Your mindset in many cases determines what you see, how you think, what you hear and how you respond. Your mindset also determines how you see scenarios and handle problems. Mindsets are powerful! They are limiting or they are liberating. When adjusting your mindset to believe, receive or achieve what you desire, you must realize that most things of value are usually met with problems. For example, in most cases there will usually be a problem that needs to be solved, surrounding a promise from God. However, your mindset will determine what you see and how you respond to that problem. And, your mindset toward that problem will determine the peace of mind that you have and it may also determine the promises that you obtain.

However, when you are pursuing a new way of thinking, you must remember that old mindsets can’t be carried into new territories, that is, if you desire to experience something to be better or different. Don’t miss what God might be wanting to do in your life, just because you can’t wrap your mind around something different or new. The children of Israel had to be delivered from Egypt (a place of bondage). But, they had to die in the desert (a place of letting go of the past), before they could ever dominate in the promised land (a place of taking new territory). There’s always a sequence when it comes to your destiny. The children of Israel left Egypt, but they wandered in the desert before they possessed the original plan of the promised land. I’m seeing in my own life that the desert is the most significant place on the way to a destiny or in obtaining the promised things of God. The desert is a place where things die! And some things may have to die before you possess what you desire! Mindsets have to change before new things can become obtainable. The dessert is a place of limited resources. A place where relying on the things that we are used to, that bring us comfort, are scarce. It’s a place where we have to think differently. It’s a place where we have to think strategically. And most of all, it’s a place where we to learn to totally rely on God!

God’s plan was to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, but the desert was necessary so that Egypt’s mindset (a place bondage) wouldn’t be brought in to the promised land. Mindsets matter! They affect us and they in turn, affect others around us. Mindsets affect the atmosphere that surrounds us as well. Mindsets that are set in the wrong direction will produce the wrong results. 1. The children of Israel FLED Egypt. This was something that happened in a quick manner. 2. They DWELT in the desert. This is something that took more time and process. 3. They POSSESSED the promised land. This is where they began to receive and dwell in the promised things of God. T.D. Jakes says, “It took 40 days to get the Children of Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to  get Egypt out of the children of Israel.” What did he mean? I believe that what he was saying is, the dessert is where their mindsets had to change. The old way of thinking had to go. The identities of the past had to change. Their mindsets (the old way of thinking) had to die in order for them to possess the promise land and the promised things of God. Some things have to die in order to experience something new and most of the time it is our mindsets (the old way of thinking) that must die first!

The way that we think about ourselves, others and even God may need to change in order for us to experience more or for things to ever be different. Most of us have a thinking problem. That’s right, we don’t think properly. We think too much. We think too little. We think the worst. We think about the wrong things. We need a new soundtrack in our mind. We need a new mindset! We need to begin to think differently. I will admit to you that the biggest problem that I have is not with you, the devil or someone else- the biggest problem that I have is with my mouth and my mind! My mindset is how I think, but many times it also determines what I say. My mindset always has to change first, before my situation ever does. Mindsets are important and when I think about mindsets I usually think about the story of Lazarus- Mary and Martha’s brother that had physically and literally died. And, when Jesus arrived 4 days late, but right on time, He called Lazarus forth and he came forth bound hand and foot with a grave cloth around his eyes. Was he still dead? No! But, was he stilled clothed with the grave clothes. Yes! Sometimes we are alive, but still bound.

Nonetheless, Jesus spoke to the grave clothes that bound Lazarus and said, “Loose him and let him go!” And the grave clothes- those things that were put on by someone else. The grave clothes- those things that went on one way, they had to come off the opposite way. You see, sometimes what you have learned or what you have believed- those “mindsets” that hinder you and keep you bound, those things that people have put on you with their words or expectations, they have to be unlearned and disbelieved in order for you to be completely freed. They have to be taken off in a way that is opposite of the way that they were received or put on you, so that you can experience the promised things of God. You have to think differently. You have to establish different patterns. You have to think, do and say the opposite of what you have learned and rehearsed for so long! Just like the grave clothes came off of Lazarus the opposite way that they were put on- so does your thinking! It has to be the opposite of your existing negative mindset. You can’t think, do or say the same things that you always have and expect different results! You must think differently in order to have peace and in order to receive what God has in store for you. 

To repent means to turn. It means to go a completely different direction. It means to say what God and His Word says about you. It means having a change of heart that creates a change of mind that produces a change of direction. It means to think, say and do the opposite of what you’ve been thinking, saying and doing. Jesus shed His blood, tasted of death and came out of the tomb- providing a way for you to be in right standing with God. He provided a way for you to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. He made a way for you to be different and to also think differently. The Bible says, “Let this mind that is in Christ Jesus- be in you.” It says that we are a new creation in Christ- the old has passed away and we have been made new. Many reading this have become new creations- but you have the same old mindsets. You still think the same way. Like Lazarus you are alive, but you are not free! You are bound by negative thoughts and debilitating mindsets that hinder you and limit you in so many ways. I want to see you set free to think differently. I don’t want to see you miss out on anything- because your mindset limited you.

I don’t want to see you limited like Lazarus was when he came forth from the tomb of death. Just like Jesus spoke to the grave clothes of Lazarus, I believe that He wants to speak to your mindset and say, “Loose them and set them free!” Jesus, like Lazarus was wrapped in grave clothes. But, the Gospel of John tells us that the grave clothes that clothed Him were lying in a pile, while the cloth that was around His head was folded. Here’s the passage from John 20:1-7: 20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.

Life had conquered death and Jesus had been freed from the grave clothes and the cloth that was around His head had been folded and He came out of the tomb victorious! He didn’t come out bound, like Lazarus. He had left the grave clothes behind and came out of the tomb victorious. He made a way so that we may be set free. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Now, it’s interesting that the the cloth that was around His head had been folded. It was separate from the other grave clothes. He had conquered the things of the mind. He had made a way to be set free from the old ways of thinking and from the patterns of the mind that will lead to bondage and destruction. It’s time to think differently! It’s time to embrace a new way of thinking. The children of Israel had to be set free from a bondage mindset and from a slave mentality. What do you need to be set free from? What mindset do you need to change? What has been put on you by people’s opinions or your own insecure thoughts or perceptions that needs to change? Here are some mindsets that will hinder you and hold you back in life and in your spiritual journey with God if not dealt with in a proper and timely manner:

1. The mindset of unworthiness.

2. The mindset that says, “Things will never be any different.”

3. The mindset that says, “I can’t and I won’t.”

4. The mindset of being the victim.

5. The mindset of doubt.

6. The mindset of pride.

7. The mindset of stubbornness.    

Prayer: Lord, let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Heal me and help me to be set free from my own debilitating thoughts and from those mindsets that hinder me and that keep me bound. I believe that I am healed and whole in Jesus name! Give me the grace, the desire and the strength to maximize my thoughts and to think in a way that is pleasing to you and a blessing to others. I believe that I can be set free from those negative thoughts and debilitating mindsets that keep me from experiencing all that you have for me. I believe that whom the Son sets free is free indeed- I believe it and I receive it now, in Jesus name, amen. 

Conflict Resolution

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

This verse in Romans 12:18 has always been intriguing to me. However, I feel that it is very appropriate to share today since we are just a week out from having celebrated Thanksgiving in the United States and, just a few weeks away from celebrating Christmas and New Year’s. The reason that I feel that this verse is appropriate, especially for this time of year, is because this is the time of year when we are around people that we may never be around any other time of the year, except for these special occasions that we celebrate together as family and friends. This verse is intriguing to me because if you break it down, it’s obviously about living at peace with everyone! But, it doesn’t start out with that declaration. It starts out by saying, if it is possible. And then it says, as much as it depends on you! So is Paul saying that it may not be possible? And is he also saying, but if it is possible, then do everything that you can that is dependent upon you to live at at peace with everyone and for it to actually happen. Therefore, if you can, do everything that you can, that is dependent upon you to live at peace with everyone!

Also notice that he says, everyone! Not just those people that you like or that you get along with naturally, but everyone. That means even those difficult, antagonizing and challenging people in your life. Anyway, part of the equation of living at peace with everyone will be navigating through being offended, being disappointed, being frustrated, mutual disagreements with one another and dealing with strong opinions and condescending comments. And, another part of making it possible and doing everything that you can to live at peace with everyone will be- engaging in loving, constructive conversations, while learning the art of conflict resolution. Conflict Resolution is defined as: a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among themselves. The disagreement may be personal, financial, political, relational or emotional. When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is negotiation to resolve the disagreement. However, this takes love, courage and wisdom to navigate through the process, while coming to a successful and peaceful resolve for everyone involved. So, if it is possible and as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone!

Here Are 10 Ways to Know That You Desire Conflict Resolution:

  1. When you want to resolve the issue of conflict more than you want to prove your point or be right.
  2.  When you want to hear what’s being said- more than you want to be heard.
  3. When you are more concerned with bringing a resolution to the conflict, than you are with being right or winning the argument.
  4. When the other person’s need is greater than your ego.
  5. When you listen, and truly hear what the other person is saying.
  6. When you’re wrong, and you recognize it. 
  7. When you’re in the wrong and you admit it.
  8. When you stop saying the wrong thing, at the wrong time, in the wrong way, for the wrong reason just to prove a point.
  9. When you don’t talk until you have something that is worth hearing.
  10. When you consider how the other person feels,  above how you may be feeling.

Thankful

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

Thankful

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭

What Is Your Being Thankful Based On?  

1. Being thankful is not based on how I feel; it’s based on what I know.

2. Being thankful is not based on what happens; it’s based on knowing God works all things for my good.

3. Being thankful is not based on where I am; it’s based on where I’m going.

4. Being thankful is not based on the possessions I have; it’s based on the person of Jesus Christ and the promise of salvation that I possess.

5. Being thankful is not about the absence of problems; it’s about the presence of God in my life.

6. Being thankful is not about the temporal things that surround me; it’s about being thankful for the everlasting promises of God’s word and the eternal promise that awaits me in Heaven.

7. Being thankful is not about being thankful for the problems of life; it’s about being thankful for the promises of God that get me through the problems of life.  

The Greater Purpose

Posted on by Rob Collins in blog

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. -Acts 16:25-34

When you look at the story of Paul and Silas in the book of Acts chapter sixteen there is so much to be seen. However, one of the first things that we notice of course is that they prayed and sang praises to God at midnight and that there was an earthquake which caused all the prison doors to be opened. I believe that they prayed and sang praises from a posture of being free, not from a stance of trying to obtain freedom. That’s right! They were already free in their hearts and in their spirits- that’s why they could pray and praise God in the midst of tragedy and misfortune. Nonetheless, I want to also pose to you the possibility that Paul and Silas were also able to pray and sing praises to God at midnight because they realized that there was a greater purpose for them being imprisoned. And I believe the greater purpose was for the Philippian jailer and his entire family to be saved. There is always a greater purpose! The scripture tells us that they prayed and sang praises to God at midnight and that there was a great earthquake that shook the foundation of the prison and all of the prison doors were opened and all of the prisoners chains were loosed. Sometimes the foundation has to be shaken to truly affect things. Sometimes things have to be shaken from the ground up to make us realize what truly matters. Moments like these should cause us to realign our perspectives and to readjust our priorities. I believe that  in this moment Paul realized that there was a greater purpose in him being at this prison- confined in a situation that was undeserved. And when the earthquake came and the prison doors were opened and the prisoners chains were loosed- the Philippian jailer realizing what had happened assumed that the prisoners had fled, so he drew a sword and was about to harm to himself. But Paul yelled with a loud voice and said, “Do yourself no harm for we are all here!” The prison guard then ran in with a light and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So Paul and Silas said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your household will be saved.” Thus, the greater purpose is now revealed.

For the jailer to ask this question, I believe that three things had to have happened: First of all, I believe that Paul had a divine revelation that there was a greater purpose to what he was going through- and that the greater purpose was for the Philippian jailer and his family’s salvation. That’s why I believe Paul and Silas remained in their cell even after the doors were opened and their chains had fallen off. Secondly, I believe that because they sang and prayed the place was now full of God’s presence. When we pray and sing praises- God inhabits our praises and where the presence of the Lord is there is freedom and liberty. And, in His presence there is fullness of joy! Nonetheless, It is also the presence of the Holy Spirit that convicts our hearts and leads us to repentance, giving us the ability through grace by faith, to receive salvation. And thirdly, I believe that the jailer had a revelation that caused him to remember Paul and Silas’ public beating and the unfair trial in the town square that led to their less than fortunate incarceration. They had been falsely accused, their backs had been beaten publicly, they were bound hand and foot by chains- now imprisoned behind closed doors and the jailer had witnessed it all! So, when the doors were opened and no one fled- the witness of these men’s actions and the presence of the Holy Spirit caused the Philippian Jailer to realize that he needed what they had, and what Paul and Silas had was Jesus! Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, but they also had an awareness that there was a greater purpose in what they were going through and why they were in that Philippian jail that night. There is always a greater purpose! I don’t know what you may be going through, but I believe that there is always a greater purpose and I pray that you will have a revelation of what that purpose is and I pray that you will see the divine results of that greater purpose come to pass. As you read this scripture today in Acts 16:25-34, ponder on the thoughts below in regard to there being a greater purpose in what you are going through or in what you may be facing.

Here Are 7 Things to Consider When You Realize That There is a Greater Purpose to What You May be Facing or Going Through:

1. Be careful what you say and how you say it.

2. Don’t complain about what God may be using.

3. Your response could be a key to someone else’s future and freedom.

4. Pray and sing God’s praises, but don’t magnify the circumstance or situation.

5. Remember, God can use the natural to produce the supernatural.

6. Don’t allow your response to be based on assumptions.

7. The trial ends when God’s purpose is accomplished.

Freedom

Posted on by Rob Collins in blog

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. -Acts 16:25-26

“Paul and Silas didn’t sing praises and pray to be freed, they sang praises and prayed because they were free!” And, their freedom produced freedom for the others as well.

Anytime the people of God would “praise” in the Old Testament during a battle it caused confusion in the enemy’s camp. That’s because there was no logical reason to praise. Therefore, it was confusing as to why they were praising God, in spite of the circumstances that they were facing. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas went though it, but they still prayed and they still praised God. It didn’t make sense. They had no logical reason to do so. However, they prayed and praised in spite of their unfortunate circumstances. We all go through things, we all experience difficult times- those things that we wouldn’t choose! The issue is not that! The issue is how do you respond during these difficult and trying times? Do you praise or pout? Do you pray or plead your case? Do you talk to God and ask for peace or do talk to others and expect pity? Do you sing a sad song for others to hear or do you sing praises to God- in spite of how may you feel or what you may be facing. You see, when people go through tough times they tend to blame, regret or complain. And, when people go through good times they tend to rejoice, praise and celebrate. The opposite was true for Paul and Silas, they prayed and praised in spite of their less than fortunate circumstances. They rejoiced when they had no reason to rejoice. But, their praying and praise, soon gave them reason to rejoice. Praise changes the environment! Prayer brings God into your situation and into your circumstances- a God who sees everything, knows everything and a God who can do anything! Ask God for the grace to praise Him in spite of what you may be feeling or facing and see what He does.

*Remember this: Your response to what has happened may determine the outcome of what happens next. Paul and Silas prayed and praised God in spite of their problems and pain. Paul and Silas did the opposite of what most of us would probably do in that same situation. They looked up and brought God into their situation, circumstances and surroundings. The prayed to God and praised God and God heard them. God hears your prayers and He inhabits your praises! Their decision shifted their atmosphere and changed their circumstances and yours can too. Paul and Silas chose to pray and praise in a painful and pivotal moment and you can too.  You have a choice! You will go through some things. Isaiah says, that *when you pass through the waters that God will be with you and the waters will not overtake you. And, *when you go through the fire it will not burn you. *When denotes that you will go through it, but the Word also declares that He will go with you as you are going through it! Through means just that, it means through! You don’t live there, you don’t set up camp, you travel through- on the way to what’s next! You keep going! You will experience less than desirable moments in this life. But, Jesus said, “In this life you will experience tribulation, but take courage for I have overcome the world.” You are an overcomer through Christ Jesus and the battle has already been won- in Him, by Him and through Him. When you and I face trials, tests and tribulations it should prove 2 things: (1) Your faith in God. (2) And Gods faithfulness towards you. I can tell you today, that God is faithful!

The key to overcoming any trial is to get through it, and to get on with it! That is, without letting it affect you in a negative way. Paul and Silas did just that! Don’t let what you go through get on you or in you. It took 40 days to get the children of Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to Egypt of out the children of Israel. There are numerous Bible stories where people have endured hardships, but didn’t look like it, smell like it, sound like it, talk like it or act like it! For example: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came through the fire and didn’t even smell like smoke! And, the only thing that was burnt up was what bound them and what bound them was put on by man! You may have been through it, or you may be going through it right now. But, you don’t have to smell like it! *”It” could be a divorce, a bad home life, a difficult marriage, a betrayal, a bad church history or a difficult work setting. Paul and Silas didn’t smell like misfortune and you don’t have to either. But, the reason they didn’t is because they chose to pray and praise, instead of pouting or complaining. Don’t just go through what your going through- grow through it and learn from it!

Paul and Silas were in a hinge moment- they were in a pivotal position. Verse twenty-five of Acts chapter sixteen says, “But at Midnight Paul and Silas began to pray and sing.” Midnight signifies a new day. It signifies new mercies, new beginnings, new opportunities! Noon and midnight are hinge moments- they are unique segments of time. When it strikes noon it switches from am to pm and when it strikes midnight it switches from pm to am. However, the reason we call them noon and midnight is because they are segues of time. It’s not quite afternoon and it’s not quite past midnight. However, at midnight, the day changes! And it’s a new day… Midnight is the transition time from one day to the next – the moment when the date and day actually change. Paul and Silas began to pray and sing praises at midnight. It was new day! They didn’t let what they went through yesterday- get on them or in them today. Some things need to stay in the past. They need to stay in yesterday! They declared, “This is a new day!” What happened yesterday was yesterday! At midnight the day changes and it becomes a new day, with new opportunities, new mercies, new grace and new hope for whatever you may have to face! Therefore, you can say with Paul and Silas- that was yesterday!

You can say:

I may have been done wrong, but that was yesterday!

I may have been falsely accused, but that was yesterday!

I may have been overlooked, but that was yesterday!

I may have been disappointed and become frustrated, but that was yesterday!

I may have felt like giving up and quitting, but that was yesterday!

I may have got fed up and messed up, but that was yesterday!

Today is a new day and I will declare the goodness of the Lord!

I don’t understand everything that happens or why, but I trust God and I will praise Him!

I realize everything that happens is not God, sometimes it’s people, sometimes it’s the devil, and sometimes it’s my own foolishness! I also know everything that happens is not good. However, I do believe that God is good and I know that He will work all things for my good! *(Gen. 50:20 / Rom. 8:28)

When you are faced with a less than favorable circumstance, begin to praise God in that  pivotal moment!

Praise Him because He’s worthy!

Praise Him because He’s good!

Praise Him because He’s faithful!

Praise Him because He’s working all things for your good!

Praise Him because He is a God of new beginnings!

Throw your hands up in the midnight hour and declare over yourself… that was yesterday!

I pray chains fall off – doors open up and things unlock and change for you right now- I pray FREEDOM, in Jesus name! Amen

Peace

Posted on by Rob Collins in blog

Peace

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.” As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” -John 20:19

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” -John 20:24-28

Peace is what every person longs for, especially in the midst of tragedy, doubt or uncertainty. And most psychologists would tell you that mankind’s greatest desire is to have peace. I believe that the most important areas in regard to having peace in our lives exist in these three categories: (1) Peace with God. (2) Peace with one’s self. (3) And peace with others. I also believe that no one will ever truly experience real peace, that is, until they truly have peace with God! Jesu made this possible! He came to restore our relationship with God and to reveal His heart and character to us, His beloved creation. So, if Jesus came to reveal the character and heart of God to us, it’s interesting then that in the passage above found in John chapter twenty when Jesus appears to His disciples, the first thing that He does is speak peace. It would appear than that God’s heart and desire is for us to have peace. Peace in the midst of doubt, fear and uncertainty, because in the midst of the disciples doubt, fear and uncertainty- Jesus offers peace and reveals the heart of God for us! This is the first time that He has seen them since the crucifixion and resurrection. And, the first thing that He says is, “Peace be with you.” I believe that in this moment He is revealing the character and heart of God to His followers and to us. And that is, that in the midst of doubt, fear and uncertainty- He wants us to have peace. Jesus came to bring us peace! Peace with God, peace with ourselves and peace with others. And remember, this scene in John chapter twenty is right after the crucifixion, while His disciples are still trying to wrap their minds around the resurrection- locked in a room fearful of what may happen next! That’s right, Jesus appears to them and offers peace! He says, “Peace be with you!” Of all of the things that He could have done, or might have done, or could have said, in that moment- He offers them peace!

We must remember that God is peace and we must believe that He desires for us to have peace. In John 14, before He was betrayed, beaten and crucified, Jesus tells these same disciples, “If you believe in God- believe also in me, for in my Father’s house are many mansions and I go away to prepare a place so that you may be with me.” God’s desire is for us to be with Him. I believe that He also desires for us to have peace in the midst of the doubt, fear and uncertainty that we will experience in this life down here. Jesus was getting ready to go through a time where He would no longer be with His disciples and they didn’t understand. So, again, in the midst of doubt, fear and uncertainty- He leaves them with peace. Peace of mind. Peace of heart. And, peace of assurance in knowing that what He was saying was true, although they didn’t fully understand at the time. Then He not only tells them that He is leaving them peace- He defines it for them by saying that He doesn’t give the kind of peace that the world gives and then He concludes by telling them to not be troubled and to not be afraid. When we are troubled or afraid, or when we doubt God, He still shows up! He shows up and He offers us His peace! He meets us right where we are and His presence brings His peace! God is peace. Jesus is peace. And, Holy Spirit is peace. I like to say it this way: “Peace is a person!” And, when the presence of that Person shows up, there is peace! Jesus showed up to His disciples who were troubled, doubtful and afraid and He said to them, “Peace be with you!” He could have said anything, but He comforted them by offering them peace. Peace in the midst of uncertainty, doubt and fear. And, His presence brought them peace. I don’t know what you may be experiencing today, I don’t know what you may be going through and I don’t what you may have to face tomorrow. Nonetheless, I leave with the words of Jesus- “Peace be with you and receive the Help and comfort of the Holy Spirit.”  

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!” -John 14:27 TPT