Calvary Revival Church: Recent Episodes
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Our goal is to share the word of God in a practical way, that enables the listener to apply the principles easily in their own lives. We desire to help our audience know God, live generously, discover purpose and make a difference!
Building an overcoming church out of broken lives through the power of Jesus Christ is our vision for Calvary Revival Church located in Norfolk, Virginia. Our mission is that we exist to Know God, Live Generously, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. Join us Sundays: 9AM | 1130AM | 7PM ESTDecided to follow Jesus or want to connect with CRC? Go to: crcglobal.org/nextstep/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------The Student & Family Team invests in the lives of students through powerful worship, Biblical teaching, creative and student-led videos, courageous conversations and impactful relationships. Hang with us on Sundays:Revival Kidz | Sundays: 9AM & 1130AM EST | In-PersonRev'd Students (Middle & High School) | Sundays: 2nd Service Only 1130AM EST | In-PersonIf you decided to make Jesus your Forever Friend, email sft@crcglobal.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Stay Connected!Website: www.crcglobal.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/CRCNorfolkTwitter: www.twitter.com/crcnorfolkInstagram: www.instagram.com/crcnorfolk/Instagram: www.instagram.com/crcstudentandfam/Spotify: CRCNorfolk----------------------------------------------------------------------------PRAYER LINE Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7703Sundays 7:00am - 12:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7729 Outside of Virginia: (800) 917-0070PRAYER TIMEWednesdays at 12PM & Sundays at 10:30AM
Building an overcoming church out of broken lives through the power of Jesus Christ is our vision for Calvary Revival Church located in Norfolk, Virginia. We exist to Know God, Live Generously, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. Join us for #CRCLinkUp Sundays: 9AM | 11AM | 7PM ESTDecided to follow Jesus or want to connect with CRC? Go to: crcglobal.org/nextstep/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Stay Connected!Website: www.crcglobal.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/CRCNorfolkTwitter: www.twitter.com/crcnorfolkInstagram: www.instagram.com/crcnorfolk/Spotify: CRCNorfolk----------------------------------------------------------------------------PRAYER LINE Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7703Sundays 7:00am - 12:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7729 Outside of Virginia: (800) 917-0070
Building an overcoming church out of broken lives through the power of Jesus Christ is our vision for Calvary Revival Church located in Norfolk, Virginia. Our mission is that we exist to Know God, Live Generously, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. Join us Sundays: 9AM | 1130AM | 7PM ESTDecided to follow Jesus or want to connect with CRC? Go to: crcglobal.org/nextstep/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------The Student & Family Team invests in the lives of students through powerful worship, Biblical teaching, creative and student-led videos, courageous conversations and impactful relationships. Hang with us on Sundays:Revival Kidz | Sundays: 9AM & 1130AM EST | In-PersonRev'd Students (Middle & High School) | Sundays: 2nd Service Only 1130AM EST | In-PersonIf you decided to make Jesus your Forever Friend, email sft@crcglobal.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Stay Connected!Website: www.crcglobal.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/CRCNorfolkTwitter: www.twitter.com/crcnorfolkInstagram: www.instagram.com/crcnorfolk/Instagram: www.instagram.com/crcstudentandfam/Spotify: CRCNorfolk----------------------------------------------------------------------------PRAYER LINE Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7703Sundays 7:00am - 12:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7729 Outside of Virginia: (800) 917-0070PRAYER TIMEWednesdays at 12PM & Sundays at 1030AM
Building an overcoming church out of broken lives through the power of Jesus Christ is our vision for Calvary Revival Church located in Norfolk, Virginia. Our mission is that we exist to Know God, Live Generously, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. Join us Sundays: 9AM | 1130AM | 7PM ESTDecided to follow Jesus or want to connect with CRC? Go to: crcglobal.org/nextstep/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------The Student & Family Team invests in the lives of students through powerful worship, Biblical teaching, creative and student-led videos, courageous conversations and impactful relationships. Hang with us on Sundays:Revival Kidz | Sundays: 9AM & 1130AM EST | In-PersonRev'd Students (Middle & High School) | Sundays: 2nd Service Only 1130AM EST | In-PersonIf you decided to make Jesus your Forever Friend, email sft@crcglobal.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Stay Connected!Website: www.crcglobal.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/CRCNorfolkTwitter: www.twitter.com/crcnorfolkInstagram: www.instagram.com/crcnorfolk/Instagram: www.instagram.com/crcstudentandfam/Spotify: CRCNorfolk----------------------------------------------------------------------------PRAYER LINE Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7703Sundays 7:00am - 12:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7729 Outside of Virginia: (800) 917-0070PRAYER TIMEWednesdays at 12PM & Sundays at 1030AM
Building an overcoming church out of broken lives through the power of Jesus Christ is our vision for Calvary Revival Church located in Norfolk, Virginia. Our mission is that we exist to Know God, Live Generously, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. Join us Sundays: 9AM | 1130AM | 7PM ESTDecided to follow Jesus or want to connect with CRC? Go to: crcglobal.org/nextstep/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------The Student & Family Team invests in the lives of students through powerful worship, Biblical teaching, creative and student-led videos, courageous conversations and impactful relationships. Hang with us on Sundays:Revival Kidz | Sundays: 9AM & 1130AM EST | In-PersonRev'd Students (Middle & High School) | Sundays: 2nd Service Only 1130AM EST | In-PersonIf you decided to make Jesus your Forever Friend, email sft@crcglobal.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Stay Connected!Website: www.crcglobal.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/CRCNorfolkTwitter: www.twitter.com/crcnorfolkInstagram: www.instagram.com/crcnorfolk/Instagram: www.instagram.com/crcstudentandfam/Spotify: CRCNorfolk----------------------------------------------------------------------------PRAYER LINE Mon-Fri 10:00am - 4:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7703Sundays 7:00am - 12:00pmPhone: (757) 321-7729 Outside of Virginia: (800) 917-0070PRAYER TIMEWednesdays at 12PM & Sundays at 1030AM
When resurrection power becomes our lifestyle, things our lives are assessed, adjusted, and added. Not only must we be mindful of how resurrection affects our lives and relationships, but how we affect the lives of other people. Look at your life, recognize the obstacles you've grown through, be cognizant of the people around you, seek out how to bring value to them and others in your sphere of influence, rinse and repeat. This is what "making resurrection a lifestyle" looks like.
Last Easter we spent our time lifting up the Lord's ability to raise up communities. We followed up later with the foundation of our church that we see in Ezekial 37 where the army of dry bones is resurrected. For then and today it is imperative that we celebrate Jesus' resurrection while claiming it for ourselves!
Our emotional health is just as important as mental and physical health. Emotional health often affects how we respond. Emotional health is reflected in how we interact and engage with people, whether we are obedient to what we hear from God or not. It's time to prioritize health, joy and peace boundaries that allow us to live in the favor of God.
How many times do we think our "baggage" counts us out or makes us too messy to walk in purpose or carry out God's plans in our lives? Our baggage and mess is what makes us relevant and relatable to the people around us. As we share our situations, downfalls, fears, hopes and lessons learned it helps free others and bring fresh insight.
God wants to bring us into the fullness of our lives. Are we walking around to walk around or are we walking the path of purpose? There's always been purpose and direction for your life, the questions is, are you seeking God for revelation of it? God will bring you out of brokenness and despair and into purpose!
How do you navigate relationships transitioning? Inevitably our lives will transition as a result of growth. As we mature into walking with Jesus we begin to value and experience healing while growing up together in UNITY. Naturally transitions will have to occur. Relational transitions are difficult because externally not much may have changed but internally we are changing and in some cases quite radically! Yes, we are transitioning...being conformed into the image of Jesus!
Relationships can be tricky. Even still god created us to be in relationship with one another. What's even more interesting is how we are with family and friends are indications to how we will manage long term romantic relationships! When we think about romantic relationships we understand the principles of forgiveness, compromise, communication, patience, empathy, and trust as foundational; but do we operate with our family and friends in the same way?
We live different lives because of who our Master is. Where would we be and where can we go when we understand who our Master is? What does the representation of our lives look like? Are we serving God or money? Are we serving God or our selfish nature? Our lives should reflect the character of the God we follow.
sometimes God calls us to go somewhere, to talk to someone, or even sometimes to stay put. Whatever it is, when we do the opposite of those things we are testing boundaries and crossing lines that we shouldn't be. Our thoughts and plans seem right to us, but God's plans for our lives give guidance, hope and a future.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room...when we talk about relationships, let's talk about the dangers of unspoken expectations. It's equally dangerous to walk with Jesus and have hidden disappointments and expectations! I have a lot of unanswered questions, especially when I walk in faith and the manifestation does not match my revelation.
Are you willing to receive all the goodness that God has for you? Sometimes we don't realize that God's goodness has prepared for us a full 3-course meal including dessert! We're so quick to settle for just enough, but what if we lifted our expectations? What if we believed God for things beyond ourselves... for generations of children to come through us, or the community around us, or even for the different industries of this world? What if we dared to believe radically, what would the glory of the Lord manifest?!
What does Promised Land look like for us in this day and age? The promises that God has granted us are many, but which ones has the Holy Spirit prompted your heart with. Through Jesus Christ the answers to those promises are "Yes and Amen". Just like the children of Israel God had promised them freedom and a land of their own. But they had to traverse through so much to get there.
So I guess the next question is, what does it take to get there? God's desire is that we partner with him, that we move with him. When He moves we move, just like that! That requires studying His word, meditating on it and being obedient to it! These are basics of what gets us the opportunity to experience all that God has for us!
How do we taste the goodness of the Lord? When you are at a fancy restaurant that serves many different courses, they'll bring you what's called SORBET. This is used to clear your palate and reset your tastebuds so the next meal doesn't taste like the last.
When you are eating a lot of one thing you aren't able to embrace the taste of the next thing. To taste the goodness of the Lord we must reset our palate from the taste this world has left, so we can appreciate what we get to taste from the Lord!
"OH TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD"... I can describe to you the joy, the pleasure and the fulfillment of pursuing God with all your passion, pursuit and promise, but until you Live it-it's just a cool motivational statement that lacks authenticity and power in your own life.
I can describe to you the focus, sensitivity sharpness and clarity that comes when you consecrate yourself, but until you experience it for yourself...it's just commentary.
Who's ready to cook up some goodness???
Authenticity is unmatched! Think about it...when we can't afford the real thing like Louis Vuitton or Gucci most of us are so quick to find a knock off. Although the fake joint (in most cases) seem real, they are not. There is always some telltale sign that the item is fake. There are so many options now a days to grab something fake to impersonate like we have the real deal.
Let's now consider this in terms of ourselves. Are we so busy out here trying to be someone else, or are we being ourselves? Are we donning someone else's personality to impress someone, or because we feel they are an immulation of success? Or will we walk in our true authentic selves, moving in obedience to God and the journey we are on? Will we accept our uniquenesses and move in confidence to be who God created us to be?
Ultimately it was not Jesus words that saved me! It was not His theories, philosophies or thought. It was His action that saved me!
Faith with our works becomes simply theoretical. It is only in the praxis (practice/practical side of a profession) of your faith that you become dangerous to the enemy.
So often the power of God drops something in our spirits or whispers something in our ears and we unknowingly disregard it! Sometimes seemingly to wild, outlandish, or risky of an idea. Reality is God isn't asking us to have all the answers, He is asking for our yes. He has chosen each of us for a specific journey in life, and is simply waiting on our obedience to open many of the doors we've been praying and crying out for him to open. You have been chosen to build something no one else is capable of building! Will you say yes or throw the outlandishly brilliant idea in the trash of your mind as nonsense?
Let's focus on what we are filling our rooms with. Why does interior design of a home matter? For many, home decor speaks to your personality and values. How's your furniture configured? Do chairs face sofas intended to spark conversation or positioned around the tv as the intended entertainment?
Symbolically, what does the design of your spiritual home/temple glorify? How have you positioned the furnishings of love, grace, faithfulness and wisdom for others to enjoy? Our design purpose is to glorify God! He is the Master Designer, His glory should be reflected in all that we do!
There must reside in us an unwavering commitment to allowing the Lord to build in us what's needed, so He can add more to His house. So then, we must require a constant commitment to His Blueprint. The Electrical...The Plumbing...The Mechanical. The Blueprint is essential to building His House properly.
The goal over the next few weeks is to be your LOWEs, to equip you with the necessary tools to be released as Jesus would have you to be. So let's talk about tools.
Vultures fight. They have huge wings, but when they are fighting they aren't flying. Most of the time they fight over one dead animal. If any of them were to choose to fly away and soar, they'd find another meal. Some of this fight results from jealousy and envy. If we were to find our own, we wouldn't need to fight. Today I want to help you win the fight so you can begin to make flight. There are some steps you can begin to take flight, and some steps will require enough courage to make flight!
Rep your set then!! ...But what set is that? And how? We're so quick to rep our jobs, schools, our fraternities, sororities and variety of clubs, but does God get that same excitement from our lives? Your life, how you love, and the legacy you leave brings hope to others lives and shines the light for others to see and walk confidently.
You see daughters, it's time to get up! God has called you. No longer will you be bound by the altitude of average, but God is calling you higher, to ascend to the mountain, to rise above, to soar, to find your place, to fly like eagles, to drink of the water, and to find out about restitution. You see, restitution is not just restoration...restoration you get back what you lost! Restitution brings you back to the point before you lost it all, and some!! I want you to understand, God has the ability and the desire to restore and bring us to a place that He always willed for us!
Life is a series of wins and losses, ups and downs, ebbs and flows. As believers the Lord promises that we are ultimate conquerors and all things work for our good. Listen, with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is time to get your GLOW, your FAVOR, and your COURAGE back!
How do you engage and interact with others? Are we authentic enough in our Christian journey yet sown to earth enough to be welcomed into people's homes who don't have a relationship with God yet? How dope is it to allow the presence of God to be in a place that's dark and allow His presence to bring the light and liberation! Let's not hinder someone's coming to Christ because we've built this mindset that we aren't to associate with certain people...how else will they get to know God? How else will they see hope? If not you, then who? If not now, then when?
It's fascinating that we find ourselves often at the intersection of doing things that seem to mean a lot in the moment, but shortly after, we find that they were very insignificant in the light of the broader picture of our lives. Through disciplined regimented study of the scriptures, often the things that we tend to want to do, doesn't carry the same eternal weight or significance to that that God wants us to do. So, what do we do with that paradox? What do we do with that tension that we live in where we want to do what we want to do, and some time there is this over arching call, this over arching desire to do what God wants to do?
God's Spirit is available for everyone who believes in Him. He has already declared that he will show us His wonders. It is time for us to grow in expectation and hunger to see the demonstrations of God on display anywhere we exist...in our homes, in our communities, on our jobs, during vacation. We will see the sick healed, the broken hearted restored, and break-throughs for those in need!! What does our faith level look like and are we willing to grow it?
Failure to rest our minds and keep working puts us in a place of sin and weakness. There are three legs of a balanced stool...worship, work, and wellbeing. These three work together to support one another. As work increases, worship and wellbeing must increase.
What happens when you choose God, and things still go left?! There is so much happening in our worlds, and so easy to get sidetracked and out of whack. Does that mean God throws us away? Or does His hand remain on us? Does He continue shaping and molding us all the more in His image?
It's about to go down, but where are you? Does the sun not rise in the morning if we didn't see it? God is constantly performing miracles, the question is are we in the right place at the right time to experience it or receive it ourselves!
Sometimes God will withhold something from us. And sometimes we don't understand until later in life. However, there are moments in life when we desire something badly, just like Hannah. When our motives are right, and we decide to give back to God the very thing we've requested of Him, He blesses us with so much more!!
As we walk this journey in our Christian faith it is imperative that we always hold on to our fear of God. Not fear in a sense that we are afraid, but fear in a sense of respect. This respect for God will govern how we carry ourselves and engage with others. This is a true start to our maturity in the Kingdom of God.
Most of us have spent our lives looking for fruit to eat as opposed to becoming a tree of life. This perspective creates people who are short sighted, self centered and self absorbed. Like the woman in our story, trauma is often required to shock us out of our limitations and into the miraculous. In the midst of her need she was asked a question that would shift her paradigm and change every area of her life FOREVER!
Each gate in Jerusalem had a specific function and use. The natural gates of the city of Jerusalem still have symbolic or metaphoric meaning in our lives today. Life has done it's best to knock us down, but having the right people in our lives (at our gates/feeding into our lives during specific moments) make all the difference in how we come out of things on the other side. They help us to get things flowing in the right direction and keep thing out that shouldn't come in.
If God's hand is on your life, take a moment to reflect on that in gratitude. God's arm is never to short and He always blesses His children. Even when we walk through painful moments in our lives, He can take that and cause it to bless us and those around us. He blesses us in many ways, check this podcast out to learn how!
The gates in Jerusalem have been destroyed by fire. These gates determine the flow in and out of the city. Water, fish, sheep and even sewage. They also determine how the community of people in the city thrive. In order to destroy the city you must stop all the natural flow...valley, dung, fountain, water, horse, east, inspection.
The Israelites are a relatively young nation and there is a reason why! Because of their refusal to enter the land of promise some forty years prior, God let the adults die in the wilderness. Poetic biblical justice can be heard in the verse in Numbers. Where God let's the people know because of their disbelief, in God granting them victory in the promised land, no one in their generation will step one foot into the promise!
Just like God has a vision for the Pastor you may know at a church in your area, He has a vision for you too. He knows the plans He has for you and He wants to reveal them to you. Choosing to come into agreement with God over your life and choosing His way is how you position yourself to understand those plans. As the plans are revealed, you build!!
To rebuild something is to build something again after it has been damaged or destroyed. How many times do we encounter situations in life that cause us to feel damaged or destroyed? Sometimes we need a reminder that those things that were lost or broken can be rebuilt again...our capacity for relationships, our desire to accomplish our dreams and goals, our ability to love, trust and try again can all be regained. It all starts with repentance, which is simply coming in agreement with God over the good and bad in our lives and choosing to take the path He desires for us!
Generosity is a principle. Being a good steward enables us to be generous, and wisdom affords us the ability to be good stewards. When we carry ourselves in this standard, we are compelled to be intentional with the items placed in our possession. It all stems from being willing to wait on the word from God to provide the direction, the wisdom and the instruction of a good steward.
Think back to last week and remember the success of Martha and Mary. As sisters, they had developed a home where there was power, presence and provision. I believe you have the ability to do the same. Today there are some simple steps I want to teach to help you give generously, create wealth and change the future of your family.
A mother's ability to restore through giving is immeasurable. Women hav the ability to not only receive and grow, but to nurture and restore. Every mother and every woman with the life-giving spirit of a mother, walks in an anointing that the enemy can not take away!
How does our generosity play part in God's restoration in our lives? When we sow, God decides to enrich our lives in areas many times we've forgotten all about, sometimes even dreams we've left behind and are no longer thinking about. We get caught up in thinking when we sow into the kingdom our harvest will look like what we've sewn. However, God is faithful and true in everything He does and because He knows the plans He has for our lives, the way He deposits into us and develops us is intentional. The next time you sow into the kingdom of God, watch how the Lord causes another area of your life to blossom!
Sometimes we do a thing for so long, and yes...we've learned from our environment. It goes well for us, or as well as we expect for a while, and something happens where our methods don't work for us anymore. Or maybe it's working but it's recognized that there is more, there is better. What happens when we get to that point? Usually, God steps in and leads us to His living waters. There is Something in the (living) Water of Christ that changes our perspectives, improves the results of our efforts, renews our minds, even the way we communicate changes! There is so much to explore...In The Water!
When we operate in the way of the world we operate in death. When our spirits are resurrected into new life there is more than just resurrection, there is restoration, reunion and a release. There is Restoration within ourselves and in our conversations with others, more life giving. We are Reunited with family and friends in a new way because your mind has been Renewed. We are able to Release old habits and routines that no longer suit this new life and new chance we've been given! Resurrection literally gives us new life!
Who do people say your life imitates? Who do YOU think your life imitates? We'd all like to think our lives imitate the people we admire to some degree, but have you considered if your life imitates God though? A good question that causes us to take a sober look at how we are really living our lives. When we decide to dig into this we'll learn whether we are truly imitating love or imitating lies, and begin to answer other questions like are we walking in any insecurities...can we be trusted...and are we givers or takers? These aren't flaws we easily accept looking in the mirror, but acknowledging them and choosing to change is a change in becoming more of a lover!
Resurrection is not just a historical event that birthed our faith, but is an epic event that declared to the devil "ANYTHING YOU KILL I CAN GIVE LIFE BACK TO!" He is the 'RE' God. He REstores, He REvives, He REnews, He REconfigures, He REbirths, He REsurrects. Jesus did not rise from the dead alone but he brought a community of dead folk back to life with Him.
Walking in Triumph is more than just recognized winning at the completion of an event. It involves asking ourselves the hard questions and being willing to own our shortcomings; in doing so, we can embrace the things God's showing us and doing in us without condemnation or shame, and stand tall. Our relationship with God will take us places we've never imagined when we're obedient, and sometimes that may feel a little lonely. The truth is He is ALWAYS with us, and moving with Him leads not only to our healing and freedom, but healing and freedom for those we are connected to.
Sometimes we struggle feeling like we aren't being seen or heard. We feel like we are in the dark are problems aren't seen our challenges are ignored. Being in God's presence allows my voice to be heard and my existence to be seen. My struggles become solved and the places where I hurt and where I'm broken cam be healed. Are you willing to stretch your hand toward Him to receive all of that?
Friendship is critical! Through the vehicle of relationship is the way we motivate one another to acts of love and good works. It's how we encourage one another daily. We develop in every type of relationship when we choose to grow in friendship. Relationship is a foundational area of growth in the kingdom.
We mentioned last week that growing up is complicated, but simple. The key to growth is the combination of grace, truth and time. When we choose to get to know God, we are determined to not only study His word, but we find opportunities to connect with people in the communities we operate in. Between existing in the truths of God, serving others, and choosing to walk in love we lear to grow in every way!
Growing up is complicated but simple. We face challenges in life and we want to fix ourselves. We try to figure out if it's a spiritual problem, a physical problem or an emotional problem. Based on our conclusions, that determines who we call...Pastor, Counselor, Doctor, etc. But most of the challenges are maturity issues and we have to be committed to growing up. Where am I immature? What are my issues? Where did they come from?
Just as an organization has different departments that do completely different things, they all uphold the one vision of the organization. We as individuals have differences, unique traits, and our brains are wired different from one another; two people could be presented the same project to complete and complete them in two totally different ways! This is how we should be! Our differences don't separate us, they should bring us together. When we Understand our calling, learn that Niceness matters - choosing to operate in kindness, Identify our needs, and learn how to deal with Tension and conflict, You become one in Christ with all believers striving to walk out their relationship with Christ in Spirit and in truth!
God is true to His promise. God related to us so that we could know and experience His mercy. As God related to us, he showed us how to relate to others. We as people are interesting creatures, but as we let go of our selfish ways, stop trying to impress others, and look out for the interests of others, we began to live a life that is pleasing to God. In turn, we are blessed with favor and capability to live the way Jesus instructed.
There is a reason why we had to hear "Remember Your First Love". We need to remember what we felt, Be About the Action that resulted from what we felt and then Burn the Idols that we setup while we were distant from God. There was a reason for the reminder..."Let's Do It!" Our tongues and our anger begin to rule us, we stop embracing truth and enjoying fruit and we fail to utilize the Spirit's power or the power of community. Why? We leave...service ends, we leave. Consecration ends, we leave. Trouble passes, we leave. So instead, why don't we choose to stay?!
Following Jesus is an action-oriented faith! All throughout the scriptures are words/phrases like "walk by faith", "follow Christ", "preach the Gospel", "prophesy", "give", "love", and more. You see, believing in Jesus deeply is much more about what we do as a result of what we believe. Before you were a believer, you didn't just believe in the ideas you held, the way you lived affirmed your beliefs. Belief in Christ is critical for sure, but as we prioritize connecting like Jesus did to the Father in prayer, studying the word, and forgiving one another, a transitions occurs where our being AND eventually our DOING reflects our belief!
Do you remember how you felt when you first fell in love? You wanted to impress that person. You got them gifts that were personal to them or personal to your relationship. You couldn't wait to be in their presence. You were willing to do crazy things if you thought they were in danger, maybe you were protective of your person. Well, God wants that same type of relationship with us! He's happy when we want to spend time with him. He can't wait to impress us and reveal himself to us. When we are comfortable with being uncomfortable in His guidance, He goes crazy on our behalf, and don't play about protecting His sons and daughters! "Repent and do the things you did at first (Rev 2:5)", return to your first love!
How well do you know the Father's voice? How well you hear God is the key to a successful life! The thief's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus' purpose is to give a rich and satisfying life! However, hearing God requires focus
Trying to forget the past is a mistake. Waking up every day and telling yourself "I'm not going to sin" is a mistake. You want to forget you old sin, create steps on how to conquer it. You want to forget about a specific event of your life, focus on the healing or transformative steps you can take for a better result in the future. Focus on what you are entering and not what you are leaving.
Watchmen Nee speaks of learning the discipline of self-denial with a statement so simple yet profound. "Please remember that neither God nor the brothers and sisters treasure your opinion. I'm afraid that the only one who treasures your opinion in the whole world is yourself. If you think your opinion is the best, that God treasures your opinion and that brothers and sisters honor your ideas, you are living in a dream" (Nee, Authority and Submission, p.112). Wisdom is found in the word of God, in honoring your predecessors, and in the presence of God. The question is...who is in your life, regularly giving you godly wisdom and godly council?
After taking a season to become more like Jesus, let's take a look at some of the gems we've picked up along the way. We've had so much growth in learning how to walk more like Jesus everyday. We've learned (and are still growing in) how to pocket our ego's and step out of our selfish desires to serve others, and shed light in areas that are filled with darkness...shed light in people's lives that are going through anxiety, depression and a host of other things. Opening our eyes to the community around us in need of compassion and truth, and humbling ourselves to offer that compassion and truth filled with grace.
All of us are unfinished works of art in the Master's hand. His ability to complete the work depends on our willingness to embrace His love in spite of our flaws.
In many ways the beauty is not in the creation of a thing but in the path the artist has taken in order to get there! Jesus took such a sacrificial and extraordinary path to reconcile us back to God. Despite how many times we mess up, how many mistakes we make, or even how misguided we see or value ourselves, He sees the beautiful truth of who we are...His masterpiece!
A leader has the tremendous responsibility to submit fully and whole heartedly to God, His God governed authority, and to those they lead. This "dance" can seem difficult, but Watchman Nee (pg 18) in Authority and Submission states "Nothing is of our own initiative, everything is responsive, no act is active, everything is passive." Nee clarifies that everything, and I'd propose everyone, should be initiated and called by God...Him and Him alone. Leading this way gives us a proper framework for how power is given and how power should be used. If all power originates with, from and by God then a comprehensive submission to His power and delegated authorities is expected. There is a hidden secret in the biblical understanding of the power of submission. When biblical submission is fully embraced, everything changes for your good and for God's glory!
A leader has the tremendous responsibility to submit fully and whole heartedly to God, His God governed authority, and to those they lead. This "dance" can seem difficult, but Watchman Nee (pg 18) in Authority and Submission states "Nothing is of our own initiative, everything is responsive, no act is active, everything is passive." Nee clarifies that everything, and I'd propose everyone, should be initiated and called by God...Him and Him alone. Leading this way gives us a proper framework for how power is given and how power should be used. If all power originates with, from and by God then a comprehensive submission to His power and delegated authorities is expected. There is a hidden secret in the biblical understanding of the power of submission. When biblical submission is fully embraced, everything changes for your good and for God's glory!
Violence. Destruction. Chaos. Calamity. Confusion. Worship of Self. Financial Systems. Crypto Currency. War. Political Upheaval. Demonic Social Constructs. Racism. Classism. Sexism. Wicked Social Economic Structures. Police Brutality. Counterfeit Truths. Blasphemers Who Reject God. Fractured Families. Prison Industrial Complex. Malnourished Communities. The Rise of Powers in the East. Teachers of Lies. Communism. Abject Poverty.
Our enemy is not a meager man or woman. You see the real enemy is Satan. he is a thief. A murderer. An agent of destruction. He is the father of all lies. Like Mobb Deep said "THERE'S A WAS GOIN IN OUTSIDE NO MAN IS SAFE FROM, YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE FOREVER..." Part of the challenge of leadership, is where are people leading people. What is the ultimate end goal of your leadership? The goal of all these systems and wickedness is to control your soul!
In order to Lead Like Jesus, with an Attitude like Jesus, the Redifined Servant, Managing The pains and sufferings of others, the GLOW Leader, HER, must Release Her (or his) leadership to SHIFT, POWER... Leadership implies influence, Influence implies authority, Authority implies Power. But what is Power? And, why is it that we all crave it?
A kingdom steward is a believer who faithfully oversees the protection and expansion of the assets God has entrusted to him or her to manage. Everything we have—our time, our abilities, our resources, our money and even our relationships—should fall underneath God’s overarching rule.
Many times and in many different areas of our lives we catch ourselves asking the question "this way or the right (God's) way?" When we speak like this, even mentally, considering which way to do a thing...we put ourselves in competition with God and His ways. The thing is, plans flow better when we operate in companionship with God, not in competition with Him. Shifting from competition to companionship allows us to move in close to to God and opens a whole new of moving forward. Insecurities are made secure, doubts are filled with confidence, and weaknesses are strengthened all in Him. As we are made whole and strong we are ready to execute the will and purpose of God with patience and proper instruction.
Mary Magdalene had a difficult life...several demons had been cast our of her by Jesus. The idea that she was a prostitute cannot be proven in scripture. Sexism seems to always look for ways to minimize a woman's influence by calling her names. The plan of the enemy is to restrict your influence and his primary tactic is redefining you!
The church must come to terms and deal with our patriarchal, misogynist, sexist oppressive systems and structures that has silenced, marginalized, and subjected women. We have sinfully silenced and suppressed half of the image of God.
The maligning way men have historically, twisted, perverted, misinterpreted and weaponized the scriptures against women is sinful. The spirit of God is ready to unleash HER in YOU!
What if we were willing to let go of titles and embrace something different, authentic servanthood? When we are secure in ourselves and our relationship with Christ, humility allows us to wash the feet of not only the people we love and care about, but even people who've immensely wronged us. Service to our friends, family and community bring blessings, favor and transformation to their lives... and ours!
When we truly understand and identify Jesus as a servant (which he claimed to be himself: I came to serve not to be served), we can then begin to delve into what that means for us who follow him and what that looks like. Just as we personally experience trouble at every turn, the perplexities of the world we live in, and feeling as though we are being chased down, hunted even, by the calamities we experience; it is wisdom that opens our eyes aiding in our ability to see others experiencing these same pains. Furthermore, it is grace that allows us to extend our hands to help. Are we willing face and deal with our own troubles, so we can get in the "mud" of other people's pain and suffering, in order to lead like Jesus?!
If one were to take a simple purview of our society, our nation or our communities, it is clear there exist a desperate need of a new kind of leadership ethos. The leadership needed for the proper response to the Jackson, Mississippi water. The crisis of living within a hyper-capitalist nation that seeks to justify ultra-rich billionaires and corporate interest above meeting the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and safety. Cultural titles like "Influencer", "Brand Ambassador" and "Life Coach" are plentiful, yet mental health, depression, suicide and violence is at an all time high. And the Church of Jesus Christ sits at the intersection of each of these realities. Unfortunately, the Church has been plagued by the same short coming and leadership disasters. The church's proverbial light has been somewhat dimmed of influence and correct moral standing due to scandal, abuse of power, sexual abuse, misappropriation of money and priorities that seem to be something other than building the Kingdom of God. A redefinition of leadership is in order. When you embrace the role of a servant, live under submission to authority, and manage your inner-life, you maximize your influence through willing service; and are then equipped to react and respond in a visionary manner, to the needs of the people God has called you to impact. As we take on the attitude of Jesus, we become RE:DEFINED SERVANTS to a lost, hurting and broken world. Let's discuss how we can RE:DEFINE SERVANTHOOD.
The attitude of Jesus is diametrically opposed to the arrogant attitude of this world! While we strive to have the same attitude that Christ had, we should desire to follow his lead. The attitude of Jesus is kind: walking in love, agreement and unified vision. The attitude of Jesus is confident: not selfish and no need to impress others. Lastly, the attitude of Jesus is humble: willing to put others first, to suffer loss, and to serve at the highest level. These are the things we should strive for in our daily walk as Christians.
In my opinion, COVID has damaged the soul more than the body. We have literally lost millions around the world to this disease. But we have lost billions emotionally. I see three emotional calamities taking place in the world and in the church. 1. People are blaming others for their situation, 2. People are building tribes based on anger and offense, and 3. People are turning on family and friends who love them. Ultimately, what this does is abort the purpose of God for your life. Jesus' ability to live life without offense is what kept him on target.
The truth of the matter is we are all in one of there places: just getting out of a storm, in the middle of a storm, or in front of the next storm. The best thing we can do in these places is three things - 1. learn from and celebrate your coming out the storm you were in, 2. be intentional concerning your actions and who you interact with in the storm you are in, and 3. pray for strength, endurance and peace for the storm that is coming. God has either allowed or orchestrated the storm surrounding you, so take comfort that God knows exactly where you are and will not abandon you, especially when he knows you need him the most! He will be the source of all the answers you need.
Today we’re expected to run 200MPH ALL THE TIME. Everyone and everything is literally fighting and vying for our time, our attention, our dollar and our focus. Wouldn’t it be much easier if life were more like 2K where we could just press pause and have everything stop. Including ourselves, but more so everything around us-all the problems, challenges, dilemmas and stresses could just…. pause.
Many of us are weary, tired, stressed, overwhelmed, burdened and on the brink of a breakdown. So the question then becomes how do we manage the purpose, the calling, our families, and our relationships in a way that we live in the promise that Jesus gives us. How do we manage the load of our lives. I believe by Resting in Him, we can win!
Without rest, we become dull, slow, and inefficient. Think of the times when you push through knowing you are completely exhausted...your witty answers are a little slower, your movements are on slow motion, your responses aren't at full capacity. It's okay we all experience those moments! One thing is for sure when we arise from a great slumber or come back from an amazing vacation, our energy is different, minds clear, and most times - especially after a recharging vacation - we are ready for the world!
There are some things we have to do to get to the Other Side, but the first thing is making a decision. Until we make specific decisions concerning choices in our lives, we remain stuck between faith and fear. We walk around concerned of how things will turn out or how we will get to our next step. Start today by making a decision to operate in faith and not fear!
As we continue to "Become Like Jesus" this year here at CRC, our next step or next season is to "Rest Like Jesus". Jesus, being 100% devine, worked hard; He healed, delivered, prayed, preached, taught, set free, raised the dead, etc. But, also being 100% human, Jesus rested hard. He took time to REST. So, being like Jesus, means that you and I must also be intentional about making time in our lives to rest - to reflect, energize, take steps, and trust whatever God is saying to us in this season of our lives.
As we carry on with life, events happen that could cause a hardness or coldness within us...ie. death of family or friends, betrayal of loved ones, abandonment, loss of a job or an ability, sickness, etc. Therefore, it is imperative we seek ways to keep ourselves open to God's outpour of new wine. There are a few ways we can keep ourselves not only open to the new wine, but maintain the ability to continually make a difference in our communities and sphere of influence.
It's often said to "think outside the box", or to "explore and expand" in order to bring a refreshed presence or new blood...but, what if we thought Inside the Box?? What happens when we dig deeper into a foundation that has already been laid; and, with the help of the Holy Spirit bring new perspective and paradigm shifts? Instead of leaving the place where roots run deep, bring unique thinking into a space that brings life to the people already there and attracts others to see the move of God.
Between our economy knocking people into alcohol, drugs, and homelessness; a war in another continent causing delays and inabilities in our everyday routines; and engaging all types of people with different views, politics, and values it's time for a change of pace and perspective in how we engage the communities around us! Will you choose to be status quo, or step into a new heart that caters to and cares for the world around you? Having a new heart is simply a choice. To choose to love the person who doesn't believe in God, to choose to interact regularly with people of another race, nationality or gender (and the range therein), to choose to communicate with and give hope to those who are hopeless. Radical perspective change transforms into radical decision making and therefore brings compassion in communities of people who have been or have felt rejected!
There are happenings in our lives that aren't because we are being punished for our actions or the actions of our parents, but simply because God wants to get the glory out of our lives! That thorn in your side, whatever it may be...something physically wrong with your body, a burden for someone (or others) that you carry, financial lack, emotional or mental brokenness that you are fighting...trust that there is a plan. In that plan, God will get glory out of our lives if we are willing walk and live in obedience to the instructions He has already given. When we do so we get to walk in wholeness and in full joy.
A Man - someone's Dad, someone's brother, someone's son - spent 38 years in despair living among the blind, lame and paralyzed. His life represents a generation of people who cannot see, walk correctly or walk at all.
Today, there are so many believers at Bethesda (The House of Grace), that the House of Grace/Mercy has become their House of Shame.
Jesus' ministry is taking off! He is sought after as a teacher, healer, and leader, but Jesus is never conflicted about his purpose...
He came to bring life to individuals!!!
What does it truly mean to live Like Jesus? To truly exist. Act. Walk. Think. Talk. Believe. Relate. Live in the fullness of the power of God. Everyday we are bombarded with a view of the world that sells the lies of satisfaction, get-rich quick schemes, hustles and corporate dreams of success. The American dream of esteem, wealth, decadence and comfort is met with the somber and cold hard truth that it is not a dream but rather a nightmare. A nightmare that leaves us stressed out, drugged out, with fractured relationships, mentally broken and spiritually depleted. Are we simply doomed to the minutia of mundanity where polarizing talking-heads run our lives and common civility no longer exist? THERE HAS TO BE ANOTHER WAY! Thankfully, Jesus provides us the with The Secret to Living…
Having Christian friends you do life with is so important! The book of Acts shows us just how that importance affects the way we operate and the impact we make in the lives of others. "All the believers stayed together and shared everything. They sold their land and the things they owned. Then they divided the money and gave it to those who needed it...They also ate together in their homes. They were happy to share their food and ate with joyful hearts. The believers praised God...More and more people were being saved everyday, and the Lord was adding to their group." (Acts 2: 44-47 [ERV]).
Even today being connected in community helps carry the load of life, where people can relate to your struggles, where you can receive encouragement and encourage others, where you can make friends, where your kids can make friends, where you can be pushed into your purpose, and where you give or receive mentorship. There are so many gifts that come with being in community...so go and find yourself one today!
There is so much more God wants for you, but there must be a different response to his Kingdom call. The older generation treats the Lord like some celestial concierge who has to bless at the snap of a finger. The younger generation treats Him like some heavenly "Has Been" who used to be famous, but now only deserves what can be tossed to him.
Both generations want and need so much from Him...and, contrary to what you may have heard He is not your servant or a "Has Been" ...He is God! Everything belongs to Him!
Giving is a vehicle God uses to extend His Kingdom to people. You can NEVER do TOO much when God’s kingdom is your priority. The early church met needs radically out of a generous heart, will, and affections. Giving in the early African Church a man named Cyprian, considered "dissipated youth", was baptized when he was thirty-five years old. 245 AD. After his baptism he gave away a portion of his wealth to the poor of Carthage, given his status was significant. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Most people do not realize how many people Jesus reached out to and how committed he was to reaching the world beyond the Jews...for example the Samaritan Woman. The power and persistence of a praying woman changes lives.
Heart, will, and affections...when these components align with Jesus' teaching, we give not just our means but our very obedience in a radical way.
When our beliefs, feelings, and actions on the love of God intersect, it should cause how we carry ourselves and how we engage others to change. We grow in compassion for other when we submit our heart issues to God. As we submit our hearts to God, we begin to submit our bodies as well, with the understanding that it belongs God and thus is his temple.
The problem on the first Easter is similar to the challenge of Easter today. Not only were the followers of Jesus looking for him in the wrong place, they doubted the message of reliable witnesses and questioned their own research. You can't find Jesus in a dead church. You can't find Jesus if you won't trust someone. And when he starts to work on you, you have to believe your own heart - look...listen...learn!
Now is the time for you to become the person you were meant to be and influence others with the message of the Kingdom. Just as Jesus rides into the city on Palm Sunday, He wants you to carry Him victoriously into every sphere...will you answer the call because now is the time! Harvest is ready...Let's go! The entire world is waiting for us to become mature ambassadors!
So, what happens when beliefs, feelings and actions on the love of God all intersect? The Kairos moment for transformational growth in his love. There is a timing in God, when full maturity in Him is at work. He is completing, refining, aligning, and realigning your love in a very tangible way. Let's dive into (almost surgically) the anatomy of time and season we are in, to permanently and eternally love in unimaginable ways.