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Hope Deferred

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog, Messages

Hope Deferred

Proverbs 13:12

We have all hoped and been disappointed, even if it were for just a moment in time. Our disappointment comes from unmet expectation. It’s those times when we believed or hoped for something that didn’t happen or at least didn’t happen in the time frame we expected it to happen. The Bible gives us examples of stories like Lazarus whom Jesus raised form the dead yet his sisters were disappointed that Jesus didn’t come sooner; their hope was deferred, because their expectation was delayed. Jairus was the ruler of the synagogue that approached Jesus about going to his house to heal his daughter and on the way his hoped was deferred while a woman whose hope had been deferred many times received hope and was healed. However Jesus did go to the house of the ruler, and his daughter was healed. It just didn’t happen in the time frame that was expected, and for a moment Jairus was disappointed. Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” The Message translation says it this way: “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.” I am thankful that my times of disappointments that may only last for a season can be turned around in an instant! We serve a God of the “turn around.” What took a lifetime to create can be changed in an instant. Someone reading this today needs to know your situation is about to turn around! Your heart may have been made sick with disappointment but its about to leap with joy in fulfilled hope. The Bible tells us that weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. When the sun sets on one season it will rise on another season. Your situation is about to turn around!  

WHAT IS HOPE?

*Hope: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
*The Hebrew word simply means hope or expectation. i.e. What you hope or expect to happen.

 

WHAT DOES DEFERRED MEAN?

*Deferred: postponed or delayed, suspended until a certain time or event.
The Hebrew word suggests one who sows and has to wait. It means to be delayed and to continue on without results.

WHAT IS HOPE DEFERRED?

*Hope Deferred is repeated postponement of your expectation.

 

1. What are our Reactions when our hope is deferred?

-We get Angry. (God – self – everyone) -We become Passive-Aggressive. -We Blame everything and everyone. *(Baalam even blamed the donkey) -We want to Quit.

2. What are the Reasons we are disappointed when hope is deferred?

-We serve God Conditionally. (if you do this?) -We put are Agenda ahead of His timing. -We Idolize the wrong things. -We put our faith in what God does but not who He is.

3. What we need to do when our hope is deferred… Repent!

*repentance is simply a change of mind, heart and direction – new focus *(waiting) -Don’t give up hope on what God hasn’t given up on. -Don’t hold onto what God can give you grace to let go of. -Don’t miss what God has done by always looking at what hasn’t happened. -Don’t believe that just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it never will.

7 Things To Do to Change Your Focus When Hope is Deferred:

-Be honest. -Prioritize. -Realize God is your savior and you are His servant; not vice-versa. -Return to your first love (intimacy and passion). -Seek God’s agenda and will not your own. -Focus more on being and less on doing; don’t miss the moment or purpose. -Put God and people ahead of your own dream, vision and goals and trust Him.   Joseph had a dream and that dream wasn’t deterred by the Pit, Potiphar’s house, or the Prison. It wasn’t even deterred by the Palace. He was deserted in the pit; the pit represents those things that others do that we have no control over. Have you ever been disappointed or lost hope in others?  He was betrayed and lied about at Potiphar’s house. Have you ever lost hope or been disappointed because someone believed something about you that wasn’t true? Have you ever had someone take their word over yours? Don’t lose hope God will have the final say! He was put in the prison undeservedly. Have you ever been been disappointed because you received what you felt you didn’t truly deserve? And to make it it worse Joseph met a baker and butler that said they would remember him but they didn’t. Have you ever felt overlooked or forgotten? It’s disappointing to say the least. Joseph made it to the palace and was able to see his dream fulfilled. It probably didn’t happen in the time or the way that he expected, but it did happen. He was able to examine all the circumatnces and look at his brothers and say, “What you meant for harm God has used for good.” In every delay. Through every struggle. With all of the disappointments. God used it “all” for good! Faith is the substance of things HOPED for the evidence of things NOT seen. Don’t lose hope! Keep the faith! Although you may not see it you can still hope. That called faith. There’s a story in the Bible of persistence and faith. It’s about a judge and a persistent lady. Jesus tells the parable to His followers: “The judge had no regard for God or mankind. But this woman kept knocking and asking the judge for justice. Finally the judge says to her because you won’t give up I am going to give you what you are asking for.” Then when Jesus ends the parable He says these words: “when the Son of man appears will He find faith on the earth?” If you have read the story you might have asked the same question I did: “what’s the connection?” I think what Jesus is saying is this: “When I come back will I find faith that won’t give up?” “Will I find people who in spite of their situations and circumstances didn’t quit?” “Will I find people who although they were disappointed, they still hoped?”  Here it is again Proverbs 13:12 in the Message translation: “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.” Galatians 6:9 tells us if we don’t grow weary in well doing we will reap what have sown for; what we have believed for. Don’t quit! Like the rock-band Journey said, “Don’t Stop Believing!” Life and people can disappoint you. Believing and expecting without seeing any tangible results can make your heart sick. But proverbs 13:12 also says a “good break” can turn your life around! As I said before we serve a God of  the “turn around.” You may be down but you are not out. God is able! Your situation is about to turn around, the hope that has been deferred is about to be fulfilled!

I Know “You Are” But What Am I?

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

I know I am but what are you logo

When I was a kid growing up we played this game. Well I’m not even sure if it was a game? Nevertheless this is what we would do; When someone said something that we didn’t like or didn’t know how to respond. We would say, “I know You Are But What Am I? For example if someone would say, “you are ugly.” You would say, “I know You Are But What Am I?” Not always the nicest response but it was a response to defer a negative comment.  This phrase became the title of a message I recently shared at our church. (A message inspired and developed while listening to a message by pastor Steven Furtick). This is a powerful and impacting  message of truth that needs to be both heard and received. The reason I say we need to receive it is because I know how most of us grew up. We were instructed to never think of ourselves more highly than we should. And we still shouldn’t. That is not in arrogance and pride. I believe there is difference in arrogance and confidence. Arrogance points to self and confidence points to God. Someone said, “we need to have GODCONFIDENCE.” Regardless of your view we must all realize that we are part of the equation in regards to the plans of God. God chooses to use people to accomplish His plans. So if we are always looking to self and making excuses for ourselves we will do more debating than doing. We must also remember this is not about “who you are?” or “who I am.” Its about who He is and He is the “I Am.” Let’s pick up the story of Moses in Exodus 3….

God & Moses are having a dialogue & Moses is trying to convince God of why he couldn’t do what it was that God was asking him to do, the very thing that God was sure he could do. Moses was saying, “I Know You Are But Who Am I?” I don’t think we give it much consideration but I believe we often try to persuade the “I Am”  with the “who am I?” When in reality what God wants us to do and expects us to accomplish has more to do with Him than it does us, but we still play a vital part. How we view ourselves determines the outcome of what is to follow. God puts His confidence in us & we put our confidence in Him but very little happens because we spend the rest of time debating what He has put His confidence in, (us). It’s hard to believe isn’t it? God puts His confidence in us. He knows you. He made you. He designed you for a purpose and He is desiring for you to fulfill His plan and accomplish your purpose in life. That’s unbelievable isn’t? Especially knowing yourself the way you do, right? But remember God knows you better than anyone. He created you!

I think we all can relate to Moses on so many different levels. Moses went from saying, “Here am I!” to “Who am I?” in a matter of moments. When Moses felt the weight of who God is, he remembered who he was. And what is so amazing about all of this is in the presence of God Moses opinion of himself changed, however God’s opinion of Moses never changed. Some how we feel we have to change our selves, or be more, or be better than we are, and all the while God is saying, “I know who you are, I made you.” The Bible tells us that we are “fearfully” and “wonderfully” made. Its says that we are made in the image of God. You don’t need to tell God what He already knows. Before you were, He knew you. He knit you together in your mother’s womb. If God is calling you to do something He will equip you. If there is something you don’t have you must not need it! Trust God to do what it is He wants to do through you.

You don’t need to give Him a check list of your shortcomings or a resume of your strengths. He already knows! We spend more time talking about what we are, or what we aren’t then we do talking about who He is. We say, “Yeah but Im shy,” He already knows that. Moses was trying to tell God He wasn’t qualified for the job and why, but God was saying, “I know, but “I Am!” and I will be with you. Its not who you are in and of yourself; it is who you are because he is with you. He knows your capabilities, and short comings. He knows what side of the tracks you grew up on and He know your family’s history. (remember Gideon? Oh yeah, thats another story.) He knows your education level and your communication capabilities. He knows you are not consistent, faithful, patient. He is aware that you are not organized and knows that you are a procrastinator, yet He still chooses to use you, Wow!

Like Moses most of us don’t doubt God. We doubt ourselves. But when we doubt ourselves we are doubting what He created and the purpose He created us for. Most of us would say, I am never ___________ enough. Thats because our confession and God’s *confession are not always the same. God says. “we can.” We say, “we can’t.” Confession means many things, but it also means saying what God is saying. You don’t have to prove or disprove what God has already spoken. You just have to be obedient by believing it and doing it. Moses spent more time convincing God why He couldn’t do it then he did believing that if God was with him he could do it.

Andy Stanley says, “we should be more worried about making a difference then we are about making a point.” We all have a point and we feel it is valid. But the question we should ask is does our point make a difference. What point are you trying to make? Especially to God. We try to make a point that we are inadequate and God is saying, “I know but if you could do it on your own you wouldn’t have to depend on me. And I want you to depend on me to see it accomplished.” What would happen if we would surrender ourselves to God and say, “Maybe I can’t? But you can. And I trust you to be with me, and to accomplish your plan while I fulfill my purpose in you.” God simply told Moses, “I will be with you.” God is saying, “I Am” and Moses is saying, “but who am I?” Creation debating with the creator. The clay questioning the potter. And yet we do the same thing today. And yet like Moses, God chooses to use us.

When God speaks truth He wants us to receive there is always an inner voice that will come against that truth. Moses doesn’t doubt God He doubts himself but in dong so he is doubting the very thing God wanted to use, (himself). The voice of the inner enemy always speaks in 1st person. The devil internalizes the argument so we are saying whatever it is to ourselves. (“I’m so ________.” “I never will _________.”) It’s not just the things in our past that comes up. It’s also the those things in the present that we have never got right or haven’t had the courage to deal with yet. We need to hear God’s voice above all other voices. He knows you, He created you, He loves you! If you needed it to accomplish what it is you need to do then you would have it, if you don’t have it you don’t need it. You need Him. Believe Him and trust Him and see what happens.  Insecurity is the ultimate insult to God. When we debate our short comings with God we are insulting His judgment. *(quit trying to convince God of what He already knows).

Deficiency is lacking something that is needed. Here’s the deal. We are all lacking something in some area of our lives or the other. We are never strong enough, decisive enough, patient enough, loving enough, or good enough. God is saying whatever you don’t have I will give you. (the words, the strength, the courage). God wants you to believe in yourself and lean on Him at the same time! He said to Moses, “I made you.” *(when you doubt the product you insult the manufacturer) God is saying, “I am.” (Moses is Saying I know you are but “who am I?). And God could say, “you are who I created, and you are the one I am putting my confidence in. It’s not about who you are its about who “I am.” You see this passage tells us that God heard the cries of His people and He was now choosing Moses to answer their cry for help. Who needs your help? Who has been crying out for God to send someone or to do something? Quit debating with God and allow Him to use you! Believe in yourself and lean on God.

God tells Moses He will be with him. Moses says, “suppose I do decide to do this who do I say sent me? God answers, “I Am.”  He says, I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the God who was, and is, and who will be. He is the God of your grandparents. He is God in your present state and He will be God in your tomorrow and the next day. He is the God of the past that is full of failures and disappointments. He is the God in the present that is full of difficulties and decisions. and He is the God of the future that is full of the unknown. He is the “I Am.” He has and is, and always will be. And He told Moses, “I will be with you.” And He will be with you too!

It’s not who you are it’s who He is in you… He is “I AM!”

Moses said, “I’m not clever with words” and God said, “I know but I Am!”

We say things like this:

– We say, “I’m not good enough”, and God says, “I know but “I Am.”

– We say, “I’m not patient enough” and God says, “I know but I Am!”

– We say, “I’m not sufficient enough” and God says, “I know but I Am!”

– We say, “I’m not faithful enough” and God says, “I know but I Am!”

– We say I’m not______ enough. But God says, “I know, but I AM!”

He made you! He knows you! He loves you! He is with you! He is “I Am!” And you can. Not because you know you can, but because you know “I Am!”

 

 

Don’t Think About It

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, think about whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things that are worthy of respect, if there is anything good or worthy of praise — meditate on these things. I have read this passage many times but for the first time I am seeing it in a way I’ve not seen it before. What I am seeing is the word “if.” It is almost as if (no pun intended) Paul is saying “if” there is anything that is worth thinking about then think about it; but “if” there is NOT then DON’T think about it. What you think about over time will affect everything eventually. Those things you think about will shape your actions. What you think about others will eventually perceive. And what you think about will determine what you will do. Proverbs 4:23 in the Living Bible says, Be careful what you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

If it is not honorable don’t think about… If it is not right don’t think about it… If it is not pure don’t think about it… If it is not lovely, or worthy of respect, then don’t think about it… But if there is anything good or worthy of praise then think on these things; but if there is not then don’t think about it. This is an simple truth but a difficult task; if it is then do, if it is not, then don’t. Our minds produces turmoil when we think about those things that don’t bring peace. Here are 12 things that can help you with what you should and should not meditate on:

  • Don’t meditate on what you can’t change…
    • meditate on what you have the power to change!
  • Don’t meditate on what you didn’t cause…
    • meditate on what you are responsible for!
  • Don’t meditate on things that cause turmoil or frustration… 
    • meditate on what brings fulfillment and peace!
  • Don’t meditate on what steals your joy or robs your peace…
    • meditate on what produces joy and peace!
  • Don’t meditate on things that don’t truly matter or that aren’t really a big deal…
    • meditate on those things that do matter and are a big deal!
  • Don’t meditate on things that don’t align with God’s Word…
    • meditate on those things that do!
  • Don’t meditate on what brings you down…
    • meditate on what lifts you up!
  • Don’t meditate on fears or failures… 
    • meditate on things of faith and success! 
  • Don’t meditate on past mistakes or regrets…
    • meditate on future opportunities! 
  • Don’t meditate on what might have been…
    • meditate on what can be! 

“I’m Just Sayin”

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

im_just_sayin_saying_meme_funny_tee_retro_long_sle-r2bc06c3710d74a82abe9bcb5d7c74ce2_8nhmv_512“I’m Just Sayin” has become a popular phrase that accents what someone is trying to say, especially when it comes to making a point. For those of you who know me or have heard  me speak know I love to know the meaning and origin of words. I use Google. my dictionary and thesaurus to find those meanings. Here is the Web definition for “Just Sayin”: Sometimes used in place of punctuation; is also used to create emphasis on whatever was just said.

My first thought was,”that will preach!” My second thought was you could say, “I’m just sayin” about most everything in the Bible. Then I thought of a scripture that will be familiar to most. It is found in Romans 8:31 and says, What then shall we “say” to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? I think what Paul might have been trying to say is: “If God be for us then who can be against us? …I’m Just Sayin!” 

When we use the phrase “I’m Just Sayin” we are trying to make a point by reminding someone of what it was that had just been said. When it comes to the promises of God and the reality of His character and faithfulness we may need to remind ourselves and others that God is with us… He is faithful… and He is more than enough… “I’m Just Syain!”

 

I want to remind you of some promises… because sometimes we have to be reminded… I’m Just Sayin!

 

1. Jesus is With You, and He Has All Power.

– He said He will never leave you or forsake you. In Isaiah 43 it says, “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, and who formed you, Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither will the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; you were precious in My sight.” Psalm 139 says, “where can you go that He is not there?” Wherever you are or wherever you go He will be there. Whatever you go through He will be there. When you go through the fire He will be with you. The  story of the 3 Hebrew children reminds us that we don’t go through fires and trails of life alone. They through 3 in the fire but when they looked in there was 4. You have a God who doesn’t stand on the outside looking in, He is in it with you. You have to tell yourself, “He is with me!”… I’m Just Sayin!

 

2. God is Above You and He is Below You.

– God is high above and He sees everything.God is high above but He is also underneath. Duet. 33:26-27 says, “There is none like God, O who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you.” Duet. 31:8 says, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.Do not fear or be dismayed.” When you are the mountain top God is still above you. When you hit rock bottom God is below you. You have to tell yourself, “God is above me watching over me and He is also underneath me holding me up!” … I’m Just Sayin!

 

3. You Have the Faith for Whatever You are faced With. (Romans 12:3)

– There is nothing God will require of you that you don’t have the faith. There is nothing you will face that is greater than God. Is. 46:10 tells us that God has and is establishing you. It says, “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” We start at the beginning and grapple with the end. But this scripture tells us that God establishes our end from our beginning. God has established your end from your beginning. He knows how the story ends and He inviting you through faith to walk with Him and trust Him to accomplish His plan and purpose. God establishes your end and then goes back to your beginning and says to you, “if you stay in faith, you will walk in my plans I for you because it is already established”… He says, “I have established your end from the beginning. You have to tell yourself, “whatever challenge I may be facing I have the faith for this!” (my hope is built on nothing less then Jesus blood and righteousness…) … I’m Just Sayin!

 

God is always with you. He is all powerful and has all authority. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is high above you and He is underneath you. You have to believe it! That’s faith. God has given you the measure of faith you need to make it through whatever you face. He has established your end from your beginning  What can we say of these things? If God is for us then who can be against us? … I’m  Just Sayin!

 

Are Delays Divine?

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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There are not very many people I know who like to wait, myself included. I don’t even like to pull ahead and wait on my order at McDonald’s. I remember my first flight to the Philippines. The flight itself was 24 hours, not including our delays. We were supposed to fly from Chicago to Hong Kong but we were rerouted through San-Fransisco where we ended up spending over an hour on the tarmac without disembarking while they refueled  and restocked the plane with food and necessities for are lengthy flight. Needless to say delays are sometimes inconvenient and frustrating, but nonetheless they are sometimes necessary.

I just recently visited Disney World, Epcot and Animal Kingdom where we had to stand in lines to ride the rides and enjoy the shows and entertainment. Talk about delays. Our trip home was full of delays as well. We had hurricane like weather for most of the southern route home. Many cars were pulled over, while others of us traveled at a snails pace with our flashers on. We spent the night in Columbia South Carolina only to arrive at the Virginia border where we were greeted by snow. Again the cars were traveling very slowly and the daunting delay of our arrival home was being deferred once again. And then to top it off, as we neared the West Virginia border there was a rock slide and we were delayed and detoured once again.

A couple of days ago I came in from a bike ride and Kelly had on Bishop Jakes show “the Potter’s Touch”. In the midst of the show in the middle of his sermon he made a statement that was so powerful. He said, “I’ve never seen anyone receive anything significant that couldn’t withstand delayed gratification.” Wow! The key word in this statement is “SIGNIFICANT.”  You may receive instant gratification but it doesn’t mean that you will receive something that is significant. We all like instant gratification and we all enjoy swift satisfaction. But we also know there are times when that doesn’t always happen.

 It seems it is even more difficult when it comes to delays regarding spiritual matters. Things like: when we pray and don’t feel like God is listening. Or those times when we believe God, but it doesn’t appear like anything is happening. What about those moments when it appears nothing is moving or changing. And then there are those moments when we feel we are being over looked or bypassed by someone else. The Bible is full of stories about the “divine delays” of God. For instance, the story of Lazarus comes to mind. He had died and his sisters Mary and Martha thought Jesus should have been there doing what it was He did. You see in this story Lazarus was raised from the dead it just wasn’t in the time frame that was expected. It happened… but it was delayed. In the process the desired result was the same; Lazarus was raised from the dead. It just didn’t happen in the time from of Mary and Martha’s expectation. It was delayed… but it happened. Lazarus condition changed but more importantly Mary and Martha’s disappointment and disposition changed. And it all happened through a delay!

Another story that comes to mind is the story of Jairus. He was a ruler in the synagogue. His daughter was at the point of death and he came and fell at the feet at Jesus begging Him to come to his home so his daughter would be made well. In Mark’s gospel it tells us that while they were on their way to the ruler’s home a woman touched Jesus and her touch stopped Him and the entire crowd. Meanwhile as Jesus was engaging in a conversation with the woman about what had just happened someone came from Jairus’ house to tell him not to bother Jesus any longer because his daughter who was sick was now dead. But Jesus hearing the conversation turns and says to the ruler, “don’t be troubled, only believe.” And of course we know Jesus journeyed on with Jairus. When they came to the house Jesus put everyone outside other then the few and he healed the little girl, and she raised to life.

But the question is, “what if?” What if, as Jairus was being delayed he gave up? What if he had said to the woman who touched Jesus, “I was here first… this isn’t fair!” What if he had listened to the voice that had came from his house that told him, “don’t bother.” What if the delay would have deterred his faith. Two miracles happened that day. And through a delay God still moved and He did what only He could do. He brought healing and peace. Two things that are needed when we are faced with a delay. Don’t despise a delay… it just might be divine!

7 Things to Consider When it Comes to Delays:

– a delay will help you determine whether you still want what you are waiting on.

– a delay will help prepare you.

– a delay will help protect you.

– a delay will help you prioritize.

– a delay will allow you to arrive at and or receive whatever is being desired, at the proper time.

– a delay can give you the desired result while changing you in the process.

– a delay will give you an opportunity to despise or celebrate others while in the process of waiting.  

Stop the Rhythm of the Rope

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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Nik Wallenda Crosses Arizona Canyon

I watched Sunday night as many of you did. Kelly and I were taking a walk after church when a friend called and said, “When you get back home from your walk you need to turn it on the Discovery Channel, there is a guy on there and he is going to walk a tightrope across the Grand Canyon.” I knew then it had to be the same guy who had recently walked across Niagara Falls. When I got back home from our walk I turned the TV on and it was that guy, it was Nik Wallenda. The same guy who had walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls. I was in. I wanted to see it despite my uneasiness of heights. I watched from my bed as Jack Hanna and Joel Osteen watched live, and in person. As I watched the feat unfold, my hands and feet were sweating from my nerves and fear of heights. But nonetheless, I was amazed by Nik’s audacity and I was captivated by the feat that was being endeavored. As I listened to Nik pray and communicate with God, I remembered his intimacy and dependency on God from the walk across Niagara. It was once again, unbelievable and all inspiring at the same time. Kelly and I had our own opinions and questions as I am sure many of you did as well, but we were still all in when it came to watching this spectacular feat and unbelievable challenge. We weren’t going to turn the channel until he completed this journey of walking on a cable that was stretched across the Grand Canyon. Although there were many times I wanted to stop watching and several times where I found myself praying for him, and with him, we didn’t turn the channel! We watched until the end and rejoiced with him and all who were watching this astounding moment.  

There were several things I noticed in his routine of accomplishing this feat: his praying, his candid conversation with his dad, his confidence in God’s help, and his endurance in the midst of adversity. All while walking on a wire suspended somewhat 1500 feet above the canyon. Things such as the wind blowing both he and the wire and the dust coating his eyes and the cable, just to name a few. There were also many things that I couldn’t believe Nik was doing while on the wire. Things like stopping to wipe off his shoes with the spit from his mouth on the palms of his hands. And then there was the kneeling down to stop and take a break while suspended in the air on a wire still some 1500 feet above the canyon. As Nik neared the end of the cable there was a relief that seemed to come upon everyone, including me. He changed his countenance and procedure as he neared the end. As a matter of fact, he ran the last few feet of the journey, jumped off the cable, and kissed the ground. He then embraced his wife and family, and then talked to the interviewers. Some of the things that he said during his walk really stuck with me. For example, He said, “It was more difficult than I thought  it would be.” He also said, “The wind was very strong, and it created an illusion that was difficult for me to overcome, and made it  a struggle to keep my bearings.” But the thing I was most impacted by him saying is when he explained why he would stop and kneel while still on the rope.

You see I thought he was resting. I also imagined he was focusing, while regaining his bearings and strength. But he explained the reason he would stop and kneel down. He said that as he walked, and the wind blew, the rope would “get a rhythm.” He went on to say, “The only way to break the “rhythm of the rope” was to stop and kneel.” Now if you know me, I was thinking: “That will preach!” What did Nik do to break the rhythm of the rope? He stopped and knelt. Sometimes our lives get a “rhythm” but we don’t even realize it because we don’t stop long enough to notice. If you want to break the negative and hindering rhythms of life, you will need to stop and kneel. When things are falling apart, stop and kneel. When you are angry and frustrated, stop and kneel. When you lose your bearings, stop and kneel. When things don’t seem as they appear, stop and kneel. When people are difficult and life is a struggle, stop and kneel. When you don’t think you have the strength to make it, stop and kneel. Nik conquered the cable and crossed the canyon. He was able to do so because he relied on God and stopped the opposing rhythm of the rope by stopping and kneeling. You too can conquer difficult situations and challenging circumstances by relying on God and by stopping and kneeling, to break “the rhythm of the rope.” When life moves in the wrong direction… Stop and Kneel, it will break the opposing rhythms, while walking the tightrope called life!

Perseverance

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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It is 9:11pm EST. I am watching the beginning of game 7 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio  Spurs. Tuesday night I struggled to stay awake as the Miami Heat took the San Antonio Spurs to overtime, to win, and force a game 7.  But tonight is game 7 and the winner takes it all. As I am writing this I don’t know who will win the final game of the NBA finals or who we will be crowned the world champions. Nonetheless if you enjoy athletics and competition chances are you have enjoyed this series. The games have been close, exciting and somewhat of a battle. But I don’t want to talk so much about the games, the close calls or the blowouts. I don’t even want to focus on the buzzer beater layup by Lebron or the 3 point shot that Ray Allen hit to bring game 6 to an overtime victory and a reality for the Heat that they still have a chance to become world champions.

However the shot that I remember from game 6 was a shot that the camera man captured of Pat Riley as the clock was winding down on the Miami Heat and what looked like “game over” for the Heat and the Spurs would win and the Heat would have to wait until next year. I even thought it was over. But what caught my eye about the camera shot of Riley was the fans that were leaving the arena around him. He was intense. He was showing concern but the fans around had given up and were leaving. They thought it was over; but it wasn’t. As I set and watched the Miami Heat come back and win a game that looked like there was know chance of winning I wondered what the fans who left early were thinking when they got into their cars and turned their radios on, or maybe watched Sports Center when they got home that night or maybe even the next day.

Can you stay too long? Probably. But I also believe there are times in life when we give up before its over and quit before we know the outcome. As humans we have learned the easy way out and if there is any inconvenience we seem to give up under the tension. Perseverance and consistency are 2 words we don’t hear very often and we don’t see them lived out in our culture. Here is a definition for Perseverance: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness.

In America we have lost sight that life is not always easy and in reality for the most part is somewhat difficult. Life is not always pain-free, comfortable and easy. I was listening to a Podcast today that was talking about Job who said, “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, but blessed be the name of the Lord.” I know you and I don’t (sarcasm added) but many complain about a difficult circumstances in life and the presumption of their complaint is that the difficulty their experiencing is unusually abnormal. However, the reality is life is sometimes difficult!

Difficult people are common. People who break commitments are numerous. Not getting your way is not easy. Being frustrated is reality for most. Being misunderstood is going to happen. Things in this world break down. (and by the way it is halftime and the game is tied at 54) It is not unusual to have a piece of equipment or technology fail to function. You will misplace things. You may not always have enough money to buy everything that you want. Relationships are difficult. Extended family problems are normal. Life is sometimes a struggle and people aren’t always kind.

John records Jesus words when He was on the earth.He told His followers this: “I’ve told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. Jesus said, “in this world you will have trouble.” But He said He is saying this so that we might have peace and He tells us to “take heart” because He has overcome the world. Life will be difficult but we can’t give up when it does. We can’t quit before it’s over and we can’t leave before we know the outcome.

The Message version of the Bible says, “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process with glory just around the corner.”  Galatians tells us not to lose heart when it comes to doing good because if we don’t give up we will reap a harvest in due time.

In America we give up way too soon and way too easy. We have learned the easy way out and if it doesn’t go our way we quit!  Most of humanity in our culture today are exceptionally fragile. Most people can’t handle hardships without complaining to someone. We give up way too easy. People give up on their marriages way too soon. Many waiver in their faith with no legitimate reason. We are easily offended. We easily quit. We throw in the towel way too soon. Just think about the people you know who have quit over minor and trivial issues. We as a culture need to learn the art of “perseverance.”

 

What Can Help You Persevere?

 

1. Realize God Honors Perseverance.

– Paul said, “Having done all stand.” God will honor you as you stand in faith. Matt. 24:13 says, “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

 

2. Realize the Only True Way to Persevere is Through the Power of the Holy Spirit. 

– The best of intentions aren’t good enough. You must have the power of the Holy Spirit to empower you. II Cor. says, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life, indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened so that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead.” The arm of the flesh will grow weak but the power of the Holy Spirit always sustains.

 

3. Realize You Must Pray for Perseverance.  

– The Bible teaches us to, “ask, seek and knock.” If we are going to perservere in a world that is full of difficulties, we must receive power from on high and we receive that power though prayer. Our human will will fail. When things look hopeless we tend to quit. Ask God for the grace to Persevere and see what happens.

In game 6 people left before it was over. They left before they knew the outcome. Sometimes you have to “stick it out” to see the outcome and in doing so you might be surprised at what happens. So I admonish you: Don’t give up so easily. Don’t quit too soon, who knows what the outcome will be if you pray for the “power” and “grace” to persevere. You might be like the Miami Heat; playing for it all. And by the way  it is the 4th quarter and the Miami Heat are leading the San Antonio Spurs 88 – 85.

I am done writing now and I still don’t know the outcome of the game. I won’t know until I post this who will be the NBA World Champions. What I do know as Pat Riley and I watched on in game 6 people left the arena thinking it was over and that their team had lost; but that wasn’t the case, they won! Don’t quit too soon! Don’t leave too early! Ask God for the grace and power to persevere and see what happens!

 
*[Update 8:05am EST- the Miami Heat won game 7 and they are the 2013 NBA World Champions]

Blown Away

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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“Blown Away”
Luke 1:5-80

I was sowing grass seed with the wind blowing and the seed was blowing away as I was sowing it. As I was sowing the seed I was hearing in my spirit these words: “Sometimes we are left chasing our blessings because our words are blowing them away.” Our words (breath-wind) blow the seed away before it takes root. Could it be that God has blessings for us that we blow away with the breath of our words of negativity and doubt?

I usually read the passages dealing with the birth of Christ and the “Christmas story” during the season of Christmas. The stories of Mary and Joseph, Zechariah and Elizabeth and so on. However I began to read this story of Zechariah in Luke with a different perspective after hearing the words in my spirit: “Sometimes we are left chasing our blessings because our words are blowing them away.”

In this story the Angel of The Lord comes to Zechariah and tells him that he has came from the presence of God where God has seen he and Elizabeth’s faithfulness and has heard their prayer. And Zechariah doesn’t  say, “wonderful” or “awesome” or “great.” He doesnt even say, “Hallelujah” or “thank you, Jesus.”

Zechariah said, “How can I be sure of this?”

Don’t we all feel like Zechariah sometimes? We cannot always be sure of things. Not even those things we can touch, feel, or measure: emotions, circumstances, situations or feelings. Sometimes we just have to trust that because God said it, it will happen. (That’s the best way anyway, right?)

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” (Luke 1:18-20 NIV)

We look at what we can see, touch and feel. Our assurance comes from what we know and not what we can’t see. In these passage it is interesting because the angel of  The Lord spoke to Mary as well and Mary said, “how can this be, I am a virgin?” And the Angel of the Lord said, “with men things are impossible, but with God all things are possible.” And Mary said, “Let it be so.” Zechariah said, “how can this be?” And Mary said, “how can this be?” It seems human nature is to doubt and to confess our doubt.

Here’s the question: If God can make a woman who’s womb is old bring forth life, and send an Angel to deliver the good news then why can’t He overcome some negative words, and a little unbelief? Because words are powerful and words matter. They are the confession of our faith and the thoughts of our heart. They bring things to pass and they bring matters into reality. Words are powerful and words matter.

Why Do Words Matter?

1. Words matter because they have the power of life and death in them. 

2. Words matter because what you say is heard. (by God, self, the devil & others).

3. Words matter because once you speak them they can’t be taken back.

4. Words matter because what you say someone will believe.

5.Words matter because they can cast doubt.

6. Words matter because they can cause discouragement.

7. Words matter because they can hinder or help someone else.

8. Words matter because what you say can cause things to not happen.

9. Words matter because what you say could, and usually does happen.

10. Words matter because what you say will have to be agreed or disagreed upon. *(God-others – self)

*God is looking for something to come into agreement with and it usually is our confession- the words of our mouth! (faith – belief – confidence – trust)

Don’t allow negative thoughts and words to blow your blessing away, ask God for the grace to be silent when needed; Ask Him for the wisdom to discern when to speak up, and when to be silent because words matter.