The Holy Spirit is also part of God's plan. After Jesus returned to Heaven, a special power was given in an outpouring of the Holy Spirit described in Acts 2. This experience is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The power of the Holy Spirit was given to accomplish God's purpose in the world:
Acts 1:8 "But yet shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is so important in accomplishing God's purpose and plan. Holy Spirit power is essential in accomplishing God's plan of spiritual growth and the spreading of the Gospel throughout the world.
In addition to power, the Holy Spirit provides guidance and direction to believers to enable them to fulfill God's purpose and plan. Because the Holy Spirit knows the will of God, and because He searches and understands the spirit of man, He serves as the link between you and God to help you achieve God's purpose and plan:
Romans 8:27 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
The Holy Spirit works in partnership with you in accomplishing God's purpose and plan. As you speak God's Words, He anoints you and convicts unbelievers of sin, leading them to accept the Gospel according to John 16:7-11.
The power of the Holy Spirit was given to all born-again believers who seek his infilling. All true believers are part of the Church, which is now the instrument through which God works to accomplish His purpose and plans:
Ephesians 3:9, 10 "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent [this means it is God's purpose] that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God [God's plan and purpose]."
Friday, July 7, 2017
Purpose and Plan (Part 4)
God not only has an established purpose, He makes and implements plans to achieve that purpose. God uses individuals, nations, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, and the Church as part of His plan.
From the beginning of time as we now know it, God has worked through individuals to accomplish His purpose. The Bible is filled with stories of how God used different men and women.
In Old Testament times God raised up great leaders like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. He also anointed prophets, kings, and judges to accomplish His purposes. In New Testament times, God used individuals like John the Baptist, the disciples of Jesus, Paul, Timothy, Barnabas and many others.
God even took sinful men who would not conform to His plan and reversed their evil plans to accomplish His purposes. God did not cause their sinful actions, but He worked through them and in spite of them to achieve His plan. For example, God said of the wicked Pharaoh in Egypt:
Exodus 9:16 "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."
Life, as well as ministry, is tied to God's purpose. When purpose is completed, life on this earth ends:
Acts 13:36 "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers..."
In Old Testament times God raised up the nation of Israel to accomplish His purpose and plan in the world. As a nation, the purpose of Israel was to reveal God's plan to the heathen nations of the world. Repeatedly, they failed in this responsibility.
Because of this, judgment came upon Israel through the heathen nations which lived around them. God was so determined to accomplish His plan that He even worked through the evil acts of these sinful nations. God did not approve of their actions, but He worked through and in spite of them.
For many years, part of God's plan remained a mystery. Early in history, God promised a Savior through which forgiveness from sin would be available to all mankind.
The promise was first given to Adam and Eve after their sin in the Garden of Eden. God said: Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
This was the beginning of many promises of a Savior. For a long time God did not reveal the details of how He would accomplish this plan. It was a great mystery.
Later, in the time of the Old Testament prophets, God shared more details of His plan. In New Testament times, these details were fulfilled when God sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of all mankind.
No longer was God's plan a mystery. His plan and purpose was revealed openly in Jesus Christ:
Ephesian 1:9, 10 "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him."
From childhood, Jesus knew God's purpose was to provide salvation for all mankind and restore all men and nations into fellowship with Him.
Jesus lived His life on earth to accomplish God's purposes. Even as a child, Jesus was concerned not with His own plans and purposes, but with those of God the Father:
Luke 2:49 "And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"
The life and ministry of Jesus focused on the purpose of God. Every plan, every decision, every act of ministry focused on that purpose:
Luke 4:18, 19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor, He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
Jesus also commissioned His followers, which includes all true believers, to fulfill God's purposes:
Matthew 28:19, 20 "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
From the beginning of time as we now know it, God has worked through individuals to accomplish His purpose. The Bible is filled with stories of how God used different men and women.
In Old Testament times God raised up great leaders like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. He also anointed prophets, kings, and judges to accomplish His purposes. In New Testament times, God used individuals like John the Baptist, the disciples of Jesus, Paul, Timothy, Barnabas and many others.
God even took sinful men who would not conform to His plan and reversed their evil plans to accomplish His purposes. God did not cause their sinful actions, but He worked through them and in spite of them to achieve His plan. For example, God said of the wicked Pharaoh in Egypt:
Exodus 9:16 "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."
Life, as well as ministry, is tied to God's purpose. When purpose is completed, life on this earth ends:
Acts 13:36 "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers..."
In Old Testament times God raised up the nation of Israel to accomplish His purpose and plan in the world. As a nation, the purpose of Israel was to reveal God's plan to the heathen nations of the world. Repeatedly, they failed in this responsibility.
Because of this, judgment came upon Israel through the heathen nations which lived around them. God was so determined to accomplish His plan that He even worked through the evil acts of these sinful nations. God did not approve of their actions, but He worked through and in spite of them.
For many years, part of God's plan remained a mystery. Early in history, God promised a Savior through which forgiveness from sin would be available to all mankind.
The promise was first given to Adam and Eve after their sin in the Garden of Eden. God said: Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
This was the beginning of many promises of a Savior. For a long time God did not reveal the details of how He would accomplish this plan. It was a great mystery.
Later, in the time of the Old Testament prophets, God shared more details of His plan. In New Testament times, these details were fulfilled when God sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of all mankind.
No longer was God's plan a mystery. His plan and purpose was revealed openly in Jesus Christ:
Ephesian 1:9, 10 "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him."
From childhood, Jesus knew God's purpose was to provide salvation for all mankind and restore all men and nations into fellowship with Him.
Jesus lived His life on earth to accomplish God's purposes. Even as a child, Jesus was concerned not with His own plans and purposes, but with those of God the Father:
Luke 2:49 "And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"
The life and ministry of Jesus focused on the purpose of God. Every plan, every decision, every act of ministry focused on that purpose:
Luke 4:18, 19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor, He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
Jesus also commissioned His followers, which includes all true believers, to fulfill God's purposes:
Matthew 28:19, 20 "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Purpose and Plan (Part 3)
All of God's preparations for you have been focused on His purpose. It is not a vague purpose or a "hoped for" purpose. He is working for a specific, settled purpose in your life. The purpose of God is clearly communicated in His Word. Perhaps one of the best summaries of His purpose is given in the book of Ephesians.
Here is God's "statement of purpose":
Ephesians 3:11 "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord..."
Ephesians 3:9, 10 "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him."
Yes, God wants to bring all men into right spiritual relationship with Himself:
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,"
God's purpose is that all people experience forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, be brought into right relationship with Him, and become part of the Kingdom of God as explained in John 3. God prepares men and women and uses them to accomplish this purpose. God especially anoints and uses those who bring their own life purpose and ministry plans in harmony with His purpose and plans. If you do not understand God's purpose, your life and ministry will not be in harmony with His plan.
For example, when Jesus revealed to His disciples that He would suffer and die, Peter rebuked Him. Peter did not yet understand God's purpose. Because of this, He was not in harmony with God's plan. Jesus rebuked him and said:
Mark 8:33 "...Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou savorest [understand] not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men."
King David was a man who was in harmony with God's purpose:
Acts 13:36 "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption."
The Bible assures that God's purposes will be accomplished:
Isaiah 14:24 "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand."
Verses 26, 27 "This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"
Here is God's "statement of purpose":
Ephesians 3:11 "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord..."
Ephesians 3:9, 10 "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him."
Yes, God wants to bring all men into right spiritual relationship with Himself:
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,"
God's purpose is that all people experience forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, be brought into right relationship with Him, and become part of the Kingdom of God as explained in John 3. God prepares men and women and uses them to accomplish this purpose. God especially anoints and uses those who bring their own life purpose and ministry plans in harmony with His purpose and plans. If you do not understand God's purpose, your life and ministry will not be in harmony with His plan.
For example, when Jesus revealed to His disciples that He would suffer and die, Peter rebuked Him. Peter did not yet understand God's purpose. Because of this, He was not in harmony with God's plan. Jesus rebuked him and said:
Mark 8:33 "...Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou savorest [understand] not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men."
King David was a man who was in harmony with God's purpose:
Acts 13:36 "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption."
The Bible assures that God's purposes will be accomplished:
Isaiah 14:24 "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand."
Verses 26, 27 "This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"
Purpose and Plan (Part 2)
As you organize or make plans to fulfill your purpose in ministry, you will face opposition from some members of your church. These are some common reasons why people resist planning and management in ministry:
-Some people do not plan and manage wisely because they do not know how to do it.
Understanding your purpose and having a plan will not only benefit your ministry but it will also equip you to help others in this area. When people do not understand God's purpose or their specific purpose within God's plan, it is difficult to set the course for your future. You must first know your purpose when you make plans to accomplish something. When you understand your goals, you will be able to communicate them to others and help them recognize their part in God's plan for their future and your church.
-Some people believe planning is not Biblical.
The Bible is filled with men and women who made plans under the direction of God. God is a God of purpose and direction. He has used individuals, nations, Israel, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Church in His plan. His purpose was established from the beginning of time, and He is still working out His plan in the world today.
-Some people believe planning and organization hinder the freedom of the Holy Spirit.
This is not true. After the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit recorded in Acts 2, it is only a short time later that planning and organization under the direction of the Spirit begins in Acts 6.
The discipline of organized planning in ministry in no way restricts the freedom of the Holy Spirit. It makes you even more sensitive to the direction of the Lord because you make a conscious decision to seek His purpose and plans. Planning can be a form of worship, a time during which you reflect on God's purpose and plans and open your spirit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit searches your heart and spirit, and because He has the mind of God, He reveals God's plans and purposes to you. When you pray, study God's Word, and plan under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because planning is a spiritual activity. It does not hinder the working of the Holy Spirit.
One good example of this is the story of Joshua at Ai in Joshua 8. Joshua had a plan in Verse 4, but it did not hinder God's miraculous working in Verse 18. Both natural planning and supernatural events worked together in harmony.
Anytime you try to do anything different, you will encounter opposition of those bound in tradition. They do not want to change. They have done things a certain way for many years and it has become a tradition. Jesus had this same problem with the Scribes and Pharisees.
Sometimes you can lead these "traditional" people into positive change. Other times you may not be able to "put the new wine in old wineskins,” as Jesus described it. Then it is necessary to raise up new believers who are willing to enter into God's plan.
It does not mean the people bound by tradition are not saved or a part of the Body of Christ. They are our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and we should love them and help them as much as they permit. But they have chosen to cling to traditions of men rather than moving ahead to accomplish new things under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus and Paul both ministered in the temple and the synagogues as far as they were permitted. These were the "traditional" houses of worship at the time. But because of rejection due to tradition, they were forced to take their message to new believers who were more open to receive the message.
Planning deals with the future. Some people fear the future and do not like to think about it or plan for it. But you do not have to fear because God controls the future. He already knows the plans He has for you. All you are doing in planning is asking God to reveal His plans to you.
Jeremiah 29:11 TLB "For I know the plans I have for you. Says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Some people do not plan and organize because it takes time and it is hard work. They are slothful. Slothfulness is unconcern and laziness. The field work of the slothful is described in Proverbs 24:30-34. It does not bring forth spiritual harvest and growth.
The unfaithful steward in Matthew 25:14-30 feared failure, so he did not even try to use what he had been given by his master.
The Biblical record is filled with stories of great men and women of God who failed, but went on to become successful for God because they did not stop trying.
Actually, when you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!
-Some people do not plan and manage wisely because they do not know how to do it.
Understanding your purpose and having a plan will not only benefit your ministry but it will also equip you to help others in this area. When people do not understand God's purpose or their specific purpose within God's plan, it is difficult to set the course for your future. You must first know your purpose when you make plans to accomplish something. When you understand your goals, you will be able to communicate them to others and help them recognize their part in God's plan for their future and your church.
-Some people believe planning is not Biblical.
The Bible is filled with men and women who made plans under the direction of God. God is a God of purpose and direction. He has used individuals, nations, Israel, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Church in His plan. His purpose was established from the beginning of time, and He is still working out His plan in the world today.
-Some people believe planning and organization hinder the freedom of the Holy Spirit.
This is not true. After the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit recorded in Acts 2, it is only a short time later that planning and organization under the direction of the Spirit begins in Acts 6.
The discipline of organized planning in ministry in no way restricts the freedom of the Holy Spirit. It makes you even more sensitive to the direction of the Lord because you make a conscious decision to seek His purpose and plans. Planning can be a form of worship, a time during which you reflect on God's purpose and plans and open your spirit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit searches your heart and spirit, and because He has the mind of God, He reveals God's plans and purposes to you. When you pray, study God's Word, and plan under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because planning is a spiritual activity. It does not hinder the working of the Holy Spirit.
One good example of this is the story of Joshua at Ai in Joshua 8. Joshua had a plan in Verse 4, but it did not hinder God's miraculous working in Verse 18. Both natural planning and supernatural events worked together in harmony.
Anytime you try to do anything different, you will encounter opposition of those bound in tradition. They do not want to change. They have done things a certain way for many years and it has become a tradition. Jesus had this same problem with the Scribes and Pharisees.
Sometimes you can lead these "traditional" people into positive change. Other times you may not be able to "put the new wine in old wineskins,” as Jesus described it. Then it is necessary to raise up new believers who are willing to enter into God's plan.
It does not mean the people bound by tradition are not saved or a part of the Body of Christ. They are our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and we should love them and help them as much as they permit. But they have chosen to cling to traditions of men rather than moving ahead to accomplish new things under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus and Paul both ministered in the temple and the synagogues as far as they were permitted. These were the "traditional" houses of worship at the time. But because of rejection due to tradition, they were forced to take their message to new believers who were more open to receive the message.
Planning deals with the future. Some people fear the future and do not like to think about it or plan for it. But you do not have to fear because God controls the future. He already knows the plans He has for you. All you are doing in planning is asking God to reveal His plans to you.
Jeremiah 29:11 TLB "For I know the plans I have for you. Says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Some people do not plan and organize because it takes time and it is hard work. They are slothful. Slothfulness is unconcern and laziness. The field work of the slothful is described in Proverbs 24:30-34. It does not bring forth spiritual harvest and growth.
The unfaithful steward in Matthew 25:14-30 feared failure, so he did not even try to use what he had been given by his master.
The Biblical record is filled with stories of great men and women of God who failed, but went on to become successful for God because they did not stop trying.
Actually, when you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Purpose and Plan (Part 1)
If you are to be successful in ministry, then your purpose and plans must be in harmony with those of God. When you know your specific purpose for ministry and make plans to fulfill that purpose, then you can lead others. Good leaders must know where they are going in order to guide followers. Guidance and unity of ministry involves common purpose and direction.
When there is proper direction, confusion is eliminated:
1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace."
Ephesians 5:1 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."
God had a purpose and plan from the beginning of time for you. If God's activities are not characterized by confusion, then the ministries of His servants should not be either.
Decisions determine your destiny. This is true even of salvation. You must make a decision to either accept or reject the Gospel. Your eternal destiny is determined by your own decision.
Your present life and ministry is determined by previous decisions you have made. You either make decisions by thoughtful planning or on the spur of the moment. Planning and management with the guidance of the Lord permit you to make good decisions.
Knowing God's purpose and plan helps you establish proper priorities for your life and ministry. Priorities are activities which are more important than other things you could choose to do.
You have priorities in life whether you consciously determine them or not. You will establish priorities either by drifting into habits that become a way of life, through pressure of circumstances or others around you, or by a definite decision based on God's purposes.
Luke 12:16-20 tells the story of a man with misplaced priorities. This story illustrates that misplaced priorities are always followed by a penalty.
Many people are more occupied with reacting to urgent matters of the present instead of planning for the future. This causes them to react rather than act with wisdom and purpose.
Without a plan, you do not know what you are doing, why you are doing it, or how it is to be done. Because you have no purpose and plan, you have nothing to commit to, no way to evaluate your effectiveness for God, and you are easily persuaded to react by quitting in times of crisis. Planning transforms desire to demonstration and visions to reality. It helps you determine what needs to be done and how to do it in order to fulfill God's purposes.
When you have a plan, people know their responsibilities. This makes them accountable to God, others, and themselves. To be accountable to someone means you have to answer to them for something they have given you to do.
In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 the servants were accountable for talents their master gave them. Their master had a plan, communicated it to his servants, and they were to fulfill it by investing the funds as they had been directed.
You are accountable not only for knowing God's will for your life and ministry, but also for doing it:
Luke 12:47 "And that servant, which knew His Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to His will, shall be beaten with many stripes."
Planning permits evaluation to see if you are fulfilling God's purpose and plans. If you have no plan, how do you know if you are succeeding or failing? If you have no purpose, how will you know if you ever achieve it?
Planning helps you manage spiritual resources properly and make wise use of funds, material possessions, people, spiritual gifts and callings for the work of God's Kingdom.
God opens doors to His people:
Revelation 3:8 "...I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it..."
When God opens doors, you need to be ready to walk though them. This is not possible without advance preparation. Read the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. God opens doors, but they do not stay open forever. They open and wait for your entry. Then they close, sometimes never to open again.
The first question of the Apostle Paul after his conversion was, "What will you have me to do?" He was asking God, "What is your plan for my life and ministry?" When you bring your will in harmony with God's plans, you are on the road to being successful according to Mark 14:36 and Luke 5:11.
When there is proper direction, confusion is eliminated:
1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace."
Ephesians 5:1 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."
God had a purpose and plan from the beginning of time for you. If God's activities are not characterized by confusion, then the ministries of His servants should not be either.
Decisions determine your destiny. This is true even of salvation. You must make a decision to either accept or reject the Gospel. Your eternal destiny is determined by your own decision.
Your present life and ministry is determined by previous decisions you have made. You either make decisions by thoughtful planning or on the spur of the moment. Planning and management with the guidance of the Lord permit you to make good decisions.
Knowing God's purpose and plan helps you establish proper priorities for your life and ministry. Priorities are activities which are more important than other things you could choose to do.
You have priorities in life whether you consciously determine them or not. You will establish priorities either by drifting into habits that become a way of life, through pressure of circumstances or others around you, or by a definite decision based on God's purposes.
Luke 12:16-20 tells the story of a man with misplaced priorities. This story illustrates that misplaced priorities are always followed by a penalty.
Many people are more occupied with reacting to urgent matters of the present instead of planning for the future. This causes them to react rather than act with wisdom and purpose.
Without a plan, you do not know what you are doing, why you are doing it, or how it is to be done. Because you have no purpose and plan, you have nothing to commit to, no way to evaluate your effectiveness for God, and you are easily persuaded to react by quitting in times of crisis. Planning transforms desire to demonstration and visions to reality. It helps you determine what needs to be done and how to do it in order to fulfill God's purposes.
When you have a plan, people know their responsibilities. This makes them accountable to God, others, and themselves. To be accountable to someone means you have to answer to them for something they have given you to do.
In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 the servants were accountable for talents their master gave them. Their master had a plan, communicated it to his servants, and they were to fulfill it by investing the funds as they had been directed.
You are accountable not only for knowing God's will for your life and ministry, but also for doing it:
Luke 12:47 "And that servant, which knew His Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to His will, shall be beaten with many stripes."
Planning permits evaluation to see if you are fulfilling God's purpose and plans. If you have no plan, how do you know if you are succeeding or failing? If you have no purpose, how will you know if you ever achieve it?
Planning helps you manage spiritual resources properly and make wise use of funds, material possessions, people, spiritual gifts and callings for the work of God's Kingdom.
God opens doors to His people:
Revelation 3:8 "...I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it..."
When God opens doors, you need to be ready to walk though them. This is not possible without advance preparation. Read the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. God opens doors, but they do not stay open forever. They open and wait for your entry. Then they close, sometimes never to open again.
The first question of the Apostle Paul after his conversion was, "What will you have me to do?" He was asking God, "What is your plan for my life and ministry?" When you bring your will in harmony with God's plans, you are on the road to being successful according to Mark 14:36 and Luke 5:11.
Failure or Finish (Part 5)
After you have taken these steps, put your failure behind you and go on to success. Jonah put his failure behind Him. The Lord spoke unto him a second time and said, "Arise, and go to Ninevah" in Jonah 3. This time he quickly obeyed. In Ninevah, Jonah led one of the greatest revivals in history. The whole city repented. By following the steps of revealing, repenting, returning, and restoring, his failure was turned to success.
The Bible contains many stories of men like Jonah. These men failed but admitted their failure and asked forgiveness of God. When they did, God never failed to forgive and provide new direction. This is the Biblical pattern for turning failure into success.
God can do the same for you! He is not looking at your past failures. He is not looking at you as you are today. He is seeing the man or woman...the leader you can be if you only walk in obedience to Him.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10:
"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in the God which raiseth the dead; Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us."
Paul explained that problems in Asia taught him an important lesson..."we should not trust in ourselves, but in God." This is a great lesson to learn from failure. You cannot trust in yourself. Your power, your authority, your success as a leader is assured only in Christ Jesus. Paul looked beyond the natural world to see the spiritual benefits of problems, temptations, trials, and failures:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 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."
Paul had learned that even though the outward man perished, the inward man was being renewed. Instead of giving up, Paul learned from failure and went on to success. In 2 Corinthians 1:10 he indicated that God:
1. "Delivered" (In the past) "Does deliver" (In the present) "Will yet deliver" (In the future)
.2...us from all of our problems, trials, temptations, and failures. He said we were..
3. Troubled....BUT NOT DISTRESSED. Perplexed...BUT NOT IN DESPAIR. Persecuted...BUT NOT FORSAKEN. Cast down...BUT NOT DESTROYED! in 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9.
In spite of all the perplexities, persecution, trouble, and despair, Paul was able to say in the closing days of his life:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." You must make the choice-fail or finish. It's all up to you!
The Bible contains many stories of men like Jonah. These men failed but admitted their failure and asked forgiveness of God. When they did, God never failed to forgive and provide new direction. This is the Biblical pattern for turning failure into success.
God can do the same for you! He is not looking at your past failures. He is not looking at you as you are today. He is seeing the man or woman...the leader you can be if you only walk in obedience to Him.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10:
"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in the God which raiseth the dead; Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us."
Paul explained that problems in Asia taught him an important lesson..."we should not trust in ourselves, but in God." This is a great lesson to learn from failure. You cannot trust in yourself. Your power, your authority, your success as a leader is assured only in Christ Jesus. Paul looked beyond the natural world to see the spiritual benefits of problems, temptations, trials, and failures:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 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."
Paul had learned that even though the outward man perished, the inward man was being renewed. Instead of giving up, Paul learned from failure and went on to success. In 2 Corinthians 1:10 he indicated that God:
1. "Delivered" (In the past) "Does deliver" (In the present) "Will yet deliver" (In the future)
.2...us from all of our problems, trials, temptations, and failures. He said we were..
3. Troubled....BUT NOT DISTRESSED. Perplexed...BUT NOT IN DESPAIR. Persecuted...BUT NOT FORSAKEN. Cast down...BUT NOT DESTROYED! in 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9.
In spite of all the perplexities, persecution, trouble, and despair, Paul was able to say in the closing days of his life:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." You must make the choice-fail or finish. It's all up to you!
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Failure or Finish (Part 4)
When you fail there are Biblical guidelines which, if you follow them, can turn failure into success. To study these guidelines read the book of of Jonah.
Jonah was commanded by the Lord to go and preach repentance to the sinful nation of Ninevah. Instead of obeying God's voice, he headed in the opposite direction. Jonah took the following steps to correct his failure. These are steps you can take when you experience failure:
-When you fail, ask God to reveal the cause of that failure.
Be assured that God has ways of letting you know when you have failed. A great storm at sea revealed Jonah was out of the will of God. Jonah admitted his guilt after this revelation in Jonah 1:12. As long as you do not acknowledge your failure you will remain a failure:
Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Do not let any excuse prevent you from admitting failure. Here are some common ones:
-"People will lose confidence in me."
-"If I admit failure it is admitting I was wrong."
-"I already failed. I might as well give up."
-"It's too late."
-"I am a bad example, so I should just quit."
-"I am too far out of God's will to get things right."
It is not necessary to reveal your failure publicly unless it has affected the lives of others and you must seek their forgiveness. But you must always admit your failure to yourself and to God. This is the first step to change failure to success: The sin must be revealed. You must confront it.
After the cause of your failure is revealed, you must repent:
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Jonah's great prayer of repentance is recorded in Jonah chapter 2. Jonah acknowledged his sin before God, repented, and asked forgiveness. When you fail, come before the Lord in repentance. Ask God to forgive you for your failure. Be sure to forgive yourself, too!
Through prayer, the written Word of God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God will reveal to you the point at which your failure began. You must then return to that point and reverse your direction.
In the case of Jonah, he realized his failure began when he went the opposite direction from Ninevah. He had to return to this point of failure and reverse his direction. True repentance involves a change in direction. When you return to a point of failure you go back to where you first sinned and correct your error. This is done by restoration.
In the case of Jonah it began by heading the opposite direction from Ninevah. However, he reversed directions and he went towards Ninevah as he corrected his failure in Jonah 3:3. He did what he could to make things right. This is called "restoring.”
Sometimes you can do nothing to correct your failure except repent. In the example of David which we discussed, he could do nothing about his sin with Bathsheba after it was committed. The mistake was already made. The adultery was committed and her husband was dead. There was nothing he could do to correct it except repent.
But in situations where you can return to the point of failure and make restitution, you must do so. You may have to apologize to someone. You may have to return something you have stolen or admit you told a lie. These are all examples of restoration.
You also need time to restore yourself and rebuild your spiritual strength after failure. You may need to temporarily step down from ministry responsibilities. You will definitely need time alone with God.
Here are some ways to restore your spiritual strength:
-Study God's Word.
-Spend time in prayer and fasting.
-Review the basic causes for failure so you will be able to avoid future failures. Ask God to reveal and help you correct any problem areas in your life.
-Rest physically. Man is body, soul, and spirit. When your physical body is exhausted, Satan can take advantage and affect your soul and spirit and cause you to fail.
You can finish-just believe it and do it!
Jonah was commanded by the Lord to go and preach repentance to the sinful nation of Ninevah. Instead of obeying God's voice, he headed in the opposite direction. Jonah took the following steps to correct his failure. These are steps you can take when you experience failure:
-When you fail, ask God to reveal the cause of that failure.
Be assured that God has ways of letting you know when you have failed. A great storm at sea revealed Jonah was out of the will of God. Jonah admitted his guilt after this revelation in Jonah 1:12. As long as you do not acknowledge your failure you will remain a failure:
Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Do not let any excuse prevent you from admitting failure. Here are some common ones:
-"People will lose confidence in me."
-"If I admit failure it is admitting I was wrong."
-"I already failed. I might as well give up."
-"It's too late."
-"I am a bad example, so I should just quit."
-"I am too far out of God's will to get things right."
It is not necessary to reveal your failure publicly unless it has affected the lives of others and you must seek their forgiveness. But you must always admit your failure to yourself and to God. This is the first step to change failure to success: The sin must be revealed. You must confront it.
After the cause of your failure is revealed, you must repent:
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Jonah's great prayer of repentance is recorded in Jonah chapter 2. Jonah acknowledged his sin before God, repented, and asked forgiveness. When you fail, come before the Lord in repentance. Ask God to forgive you for your failure. Be sure to forgive yourself, too!
Through prayer, the written Word of God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God will reveal to you the point at which your failure began. You must then return to that point and reverse your direction.
In the case of Jonah, he realized his failure began when he went the opposite direction from Ninevah. He had to return to this point of failure and reverse his direction. True repentance involves a change in direction. When you return to a point of failure you go back to where you first sinned and correct your error. This is done by restoration.
In the case of Jonah it began by heading the opposite direction from Ninevah. However, he reversed directions and he went towards Ninevah as he corrected his failure in Jonah 3:3. He did what he could to make things right. This is called "restoring.”
Sometimes you can do nothing to correct your failure except repent. In the example of David which we discussed, he could do nothing about his sin with Bathsheba after it was committed. The mistake was already made. The adultery was committed and her husband was dead. There was nothing he could do to correct it except repent.
But in situations where you can return to the point of failure and make restitution, you must do so. You may have to apologize to someone. You may have to return something you have stolen or admit you told a lie. These are all examples of restoration.
You also need time to restore yourself and rebuild your spiritual strength after failure. You may need to temporarily step down from ministry responsibilities. You will definitely need time alone with God.
Here are some ways to restore your spiritual strength:
-Study God's Word.
-Spend time in prayer and fasting.
-Review the basic causes for failure so you will be able to avoid future failures. Ask God to reveal and help you correct any problem areas in your life.
-Rest physically. Man is body, soul, and spirit. When your physical body is exhausted, Satan can take advantage and affect your soul and spirit and cause you to fail.
You can finish-just believe it and do it!
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