INSIDE: LEARNING TO LEAD FROM WHERE YOU ARE WITH PASTOR DEE JAY SHOULDERS
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Ashley Ennis
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CHAIRMAN'S CORNER
PASTOR DEE JAY SHOULDERS
leadership
PART 3: LEAD FROM WHERE YOU ARE
As I write this month Part 3 on leadership I want to share some thoughts from a new book I am writing called ‘ Lead from where you are’. I felt God speak this book into my spirit some years ago and I wrote down some notes but now I am seeing to put this in book form. The first chapter is called ' I can’t wait till I’m in charge’ and that is the info. I will share in this leadership article today. In any place that you serve the human notion at some point comes into play that says, ‘If was in charge’…and then you begin to fill in the blanks Your mind then begins to spin with ideas and you assume that if you was the head honcho that things would be so much better and that there would be few if any problems and that the ship would sail much smoother if only ‘you’ were in the drivers seat
And while it is human nature to have lofty dreams and goals there are some issues with this mindset that we will discuss that I pray will bring some clarity and even revelation to this thought process that ‘you’ have to be in charge in order to lead effectively. The enemy of our souls wants us to covet things that are not ours and he wants us to be agitated at where we currently are instead of seeing the blessings of where we currently are. He wants us to be frustrated at our present situation so that he renders us ineffective in using our gifts to the best of our ability. He wants us to somehow believe that what ‘I’ have to offer can only be great if ‘I’ am large and in charge.
The enemy of our souls wants us to covet things that are not ours and he wants us to be agitated at where we currently are instead of seeing the blessings of where we currently are
You must remember that Jesus told us that Satan is a liar and the father of them. When he lies he speaks his native language. We often want to say that the devil is lying to me about this or that but we sometimes fail to see that he will also lie to you about your place and position in Christ and in His Kingdom. His goal is to get you chasing rabbits that in the end will have you accomplishing little to nothing because you cannot see that God wants to use you to lead and to lead well from where you currently are. If you continue to believe that ‘being in charge’ is the main goal then you will live miserably with the mindset that nothing else matters but being at the ‘so called’ top
In the Book of Hebrews the 11th Chapter we often speak of it as the “heroes of faith” chapter and rightfully so. In those first few verses it mentions the Patriarchs of days gone by We hear things like this: By faith Abel, by faith Enoch, by faith Noah, by faith Abraham, through faith Sarah, by faith Isaac, by faith Jacob, by faith Joseph, by faith, Moses, and by faith Rahab.
All of these names are preached about and for sure many great sermons have been delivered using this names. But then the chapter shifts and says in verse 32, ‘and what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and of Barak and of Samson and of Jephthae, of David also and Samuel and of the prophets. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions and the list goes on. Meaning: there are more people to talk about that did remarkable things in God than just those mentioned in the first few verses. I haven’t heard too many messages preached on Barak and Jephthae have you? But these two men led the charge in victory for their times.
While many Bible readers are unfamiliar with Barak, he was another of those mighty Hebrew warriors who answered the call of God despite overwhelming odds His name means “lightning." Barak led a force of 10,000 men, but Sisera, commander of King Jabin's Canaanite army, had the advantage because Sisera had 900 iron chariots. In ancient warfare, chariots were like tanks: swift, intimidating and deadly Deborah told Barak to advance because the Lord had gone before him. Barak and his men raced down Mount Tabor. God then brought a massive rainstorm and the ground turned to mud, bogging down Sisera's chariots The stream Kishon overflowed, sweeping many of the Canaanites away.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand ” Zechariah 4:10
The Bible says Barak and his men pursued. Not one of Israel's enemies was left alive Sisera, however, managed to escape. He then ran to the tent of Jael, a Kenite woman. She took him in, gave him milk to drink, and had him lie down on a mat. When he slept, she took a tent stake and a hammer and drove the stake through Sisera's temples, killing him. Barak arrived. Jael showed him Sisera's corpse. Barak and the army eventually destroyed Jabin, king of the Canaanite and then there was peace in Israel for 40 years. Barak defeated the Canaanite oppressor He united the tribes of Israel for greater strength, commanding them with skill and daring feats. No wonder Barak is mentioned in the Hebrews 11, “The Hall of Faith.”
Then there is Jephthah. Not only was his mother a prostitute but his brothers drove him out to prevent him from getting an inheritance. Fleeing their home in Gilead, he settled in Tob, where he gathered a band of other powerful warriors around him. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah. And he led the Gileadite army to destroy 20 Ammonite towns. Then there is Samuel. At a young age he was destined to become a prophet After Eli's death, Samuel became the great prophet and judge of Israel and restored law, order, and regular religious worship in the land. These three men are right there in the Heroes of faith chapter along with Abraham and Moses and all of the other well known names that we talk about You don’t have to see your name in lights to lead.
You may not be mentioned in the first few verses and you may not be on the front page of the news but God knows where you are and the goal is for you to lead 'from where you currently are'. Remember Joshua needed a Caleb. Moses needed an Aaron. Paul needed a Silas and David needed a Jonathan. It’s ok if you are not ‘the guy’ or ‘the gal’ in the story as long as you are in God’s will for your life. This is not about who gets a blue ribbon or a first place trophy. This is about you leading and leading well from where you are and not worrying about who gets the credit. Pastor and leadership guru Craig Groeschel said, ‘You don’t need a title in order to lead. If you want to influence people care about them Love them Help them improve. People will follow a leader with a heart faster than a leader with a title.’ Wow..what a quote and I agree whole heartily. As you read this book I am believing that God is going to help you discover that what you have to offer needs to be used ‘right now’ and that what you bring to the table is valuable and needed and what God has gifted and blessed you with can and should be put into action from ‘where you are now’ and not held back till you ‘are in charge’.
God wants you to lead and lead well from where you are and He has entrusted you with these talents and gifts not for you to hoard them or sit on them until you are the ‘top man or woman’ but He has given these things to you because He expects you to use them from the place you are in right now. I honestly believe if we can’t lead from where we currently are then it’s going to be extremely difficult for God to promote us to ‘whatever ‘that place is that we dream of in the future. Quit saying “I can’t wait till I’m in charge” and begin now flowing in the gifts and in the callings and in the place that God at this present time has you in. He sees you and He rewards you accordingly and at the end of the day that’s all that matters. It’s not about me being in charge, it’s about realizing He’s in charge of it all and the ultimate goal is to hear HIM say well done, thou good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. So get started today, and lead from where you are.
You may not be mentioned in the first few verses and you may not be on the front page of the news but God knows where you are and the goal is for you to lead “from where you currently are. ”
It is also written in Phil 2:14-15 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world”. Let God fill your mouth with positive, powerful words from His Bible so that you can have a positive effect on people rather than a negative one.
Here is what happens to a man that will not listen (hearken) to God. Ps 81:11-12 “But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels”. You will wind up on your own. God left them to do as they would, and then they did all that was ill, they walked in their own counsels, and not according to the counsels of God and His advice. God therefore was not the author of their sin; He left them to the lusts of their own hearts and the counsels of their own heads. That way, if they do not well, all the blame lies upon their own heart and the blood upon their own head. It is not in a man to direct his own path in righteousness!
Here is the benefit of listening to the right voice Ps 81:13-16 “Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee”.
Want your enemy subdued under your feet? Want all your adversaries put to flight? Listen to and obey the Lord, not self or others. Want all unrest to end? Isa 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee”.
Isa 48:18-19 “O that thou hadst hearkened(listened)to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me’. If we will listen to God, we will lie down in green pastures and be lead beside still waters, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and it will NEVER END.
Your posterity will continue to follow after God until the end of time. His name will remain as the head of the family through all generations. Where ever you are, be listening for His voice. Whatever you are doing, be listening for His voice, it will never lead you astray!
God loves you so much that He was born in flesh and endured a terrible death in your place because He desperately wanted to claim you, his most valuable treasure. That’s how we must see ourselves. We are not mistakes. We are not beyond redemption. Our sin doesn’t make us any less of a treasure to God Remember, the treasure in the story was buried in a field it wasn’t polished and displayed on a pedestal. We must embrace the freedom that comes from being loved by God, even though we can never earn it.
But there’s something else we must recognize. If God loves me this much, then He loves everyone else the same amount. He loves the sinner (all of us). He loves those who have completely turned away from Him and will never accept him. He loves the Republican and the Democrat He loves the gay and the straight. He loves the Christian and the Muslim. He gave His life to claim each one of us as His treasure. Does this change how you see the people around you? Should it? If it does, then let it change you Recognizing our own deep flaws and understanding that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners should make us less judgmental of others. We aren’t called to tolerate each other or even fix them or convert them. We are called to love them, because Jesus loved them first
Sin will always be sin, and Jesus’ love doesn’t erase the consequences of sin in our lives. Sin leads to death. But when we truly believe in Him when we surrender our lives to Him His Spirit transforms us And if He can change me, He can change anyone, even the most broken and lost.
This is the message Jesus wanted His closest followers to understand so they could share it with the world. Before ascending to heaven, His final command to His disciples was to go into all the world to every man, woman, and child, no matter who they are and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to follow Him.
To Him, we are His greatest treasure. But for us, the greatest treasure must always be His love. And all we must do to receive it is to lay our lives down at His feet May we never lose sight of this truth, and may the knowledge of His incredible love for us renew our passion to share His message with the world!
The difference between BELIEF and FAITH: In the Greek language of the New Testament, believing is the verb pisteuo, and faith is the noun pistis. Faith and belief are related but not the same. Belief is based on information. Belief is acknowledging something is true Faith is based on application- Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. One can believe in God but not act on their belief. One can believe that the Bible is the Word of God but never respond to it. One is not saved just because they say or repeat the word “I believe”.
A Story on Sky Diving: My son-in-law went on a skydiving adventure. It was his first time. He jumped and his parachute failed to open. Of course, he panicked but he immediately pulled his emergency backup chute. Thankfully, it did open. I ask if he ever went back to jump again, he did. He certainly had to have strong faith and trust to do it again. I’ve watched military sky divers jump and land safely on pinpoint accuracy. I believe that parachutes do work, I’ve seen it work for others but I don’t have enough faith to try it out for myself. (You get the point)!
The Definition of Faith: Faith is defined for us in Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. There are two key words in this passage that I would like to comment on. The first is the use of the word “substance”. The biblical word used here is ‘hypostasis’ which means “a setting or placing underneath”. The primitive meaning is foundation. The next is the word “hope”. Our hope rest on the faithfulness of God’s promises. If there be no God; and His promises be not true, then we have no foundation and our hope is baseless. Everything depends on the fact that God has spoken, and that what He said is true. The question is not do we believe but rather WHAT do we believe? Or rather WHOM do we believe? It’s not a question of sincerity in our belief but rather the TRUTH of what we believe. Faith is HEARING God and BELIEVING what He says.
Butwithout faithitis impossibleto pleasehim: forhethat comethto Godmust believe thatheis, andthat heisa rewarder ofthemthat diligently seekhim.
SISTER
LORI STEVENS
SECRETARY OF ABOFC
NATIONAL WOMEN’S MINISTRY
GOD’SPROMISES ARETRUE
Faithfulness. God is faithful and just (1 John 1:9). He is good and his goodness endures (Psalm 52:1) We have many verses that tell of his faithfulness and his goodness. God truly loves us and cares for us. We are the ones who can struggle, fear and even doubt when we face unknown and difficult situations. It is in these times that we run to his word and into his arms, like David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Psalm 34 is a chapter that gives great hope in the faithfulness of God. It was written by David after he feigned insanity in front of Abimelech David walked a hard road He had been running for his life, stood in the court of an enemy, yet trusted in the Lord to see the promises fulfilled. David had been anointed King, yet that promise was not fulfilled until after many hardships. He suffered great trials, but God was faithful to His Word. We have this written as a reminder and example of the faithfulness of God.
David began this Psalm with "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Verse three tells us to magnify the Lord and exalt his name. David extols the grace and mercy of the Lord as talked about how God heard his cry, delivered him from afflictions, and stood against evil on his behalf Verse 8 of this Psalm says "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him." David reminded us that God is always good. He loves us, cares for us, protects us and redeems us.
God is not slack concerning his promises (2 Peter 3:9). He has given us promises in his word and as individuals, may have a promise for ministry and for our lives. Do not doubt the promises of God. He will not go back on his word I think of Abram and Sarai. Sarai allowed doubt to enter and entered into trying to solve the issue herself. She brought about complications by acting in her own thinking. God was still faithful and did not back out of his promise of a child In the process, that promise ended up extending to Ishmael as well. If you read the story in Genesis, an angel of the Lord told Hagar, Ishmael's mother, that he would be a great nation. God had promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations Ishmael had twelve sons just as Jacob ended up having 12 sons. God's promise rang true. God keeps his word all he asks of us is to trust him and wait on him to accomplish his plans. We know he has plans for us and wants to give us the promises of our future (Jeremiah 29:11) We have no reason to doubt our Lord. We shall not want for any good thing when we seek the Lord and trust in him (Psalm 34: 10). Know that the Lord is faithful to his promise.
Progressive Faithlightinthe darkness
Sis.KarenSanders
I was doing dishes a few weeks ago – Not my favorite thing – And just having a conversation with the Holy Spirit. I was thinking about the events of the past year and the people we have been able to minister to. Having just completed the end-of-year review for Celebrating Teachers, I realized that there were many more opportunities for ministry in 2024 than I thought. My prayer that morning was for more opportunities in 2025…more people…more vision…and more provision to accomplish everything that God has called us to do.
In the middle of this conversation, over the kitchen sink, I was moved by a single phrase that Jesus dropped into my Spirit. “See the progress.” So, I am thinking “WHAT?” As I am prone to do, I picked up my phone and looked up the word. PROGRESS… “Onward movement toward a destination. Example: The darkness did not affect my progress.” And another version is that “Forward movement toward the darkness ” I was suddenly reminded of the children at our small school in Tulsa, from which we reach Hispanic families, coming to us with no English, and learning the language so that they can be successful as they progress in their education I was reminded of Philippians 3:14: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Progress is pressing toward the darkness, teaching our children that Jesus’ light shining through them will be effective in their world.
EducatorsEquipingEducators EmpoweringStudents
Celebrating Teachers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit ministry, whose mission is to EQUIP teachers and EDUCATE students so that they are EMPOWERED to make a positive impact on their world.
I thought of Pastor Harold Mauldin of Grace Apostolic Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas and how he has said so many times to me, “It’s about Kingdom Business, Karen, it’s about Kingdom Business.” Each month, we work with churches sending baked gifts to staff meetings to recognize the teacher’s birthdays. It is just a token of gratitude for the work they are doing training a generation. It seems small, but the prayer that covers those little cookies and cakes carries an anointing as a point of contact. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." We have faith that God is working through those teachers, our small gesture is a move of progress toward eliminating the darkness that I know teachers face from my years of experience in the hallways of our schools.
This weekend we launched a new program for Celebrating Teachers. In the first of our new Compassion Series, which we are calling Operation Winter Compassion. Matthew 25:35-36: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." In our mission to do the business of the kingdom, we were moved by this scripture to encourage the homeless as they work to get out of the “prison” of their circumstances. I have been in the place of feeling trapped, looking for a way to change the circumstances of my life, knowing that the WAY is Jesus. Sometimes we need a reminder from someone who will share Jesus’ love with us. Our Celebrating Teachers Team provided bags for one hundred homeless individuals. The bags were filled with food, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, personal hygiene items and water. We were able to get acquainted with the people and share our faith in Jesus who brings hope.
Some were on walkers; one showed us the scars from having been shot multiple times in the legs as he spoke of his faith in God who is the only reason he is alive. Others shared their journey as they are looking for work, and many were quick to share their own stories of faith that Jesus is helping them as they are working to change their circumstances. As we shared our faith with them, I was moved by the faith that some of them shared, believing the mountain of their circumstances is moving.
I have been asked many times about my own journey of healing. I have prayed many hours asking God how to increase my faith. Throughout my life, I have known the promise of Matthew 17:20: "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'" In this regard, I think about Lazarus. We read about the faith of his sister Martha and her words to Jesus “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” And we see that Jesus’ plan was much greater than her faith. He responded to her in John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" His plan was clearly explained in this passage. The miracle of His plan was not about her expectation, but about her ability to trust His timing, expecting that all would see the Glory of God.
Martha’s faith was in what she could see, Jesus’ presence BEFORE her brother died. The reality was that His power comes in who Jesus IS, resurrection and life. It is in that reality that Lazarus was healed, not only from disease, but from death. For me, mountain-moving faith means having the confidence that God, in His love for us and in His plan, is faithful to do what He says He will do. He is faithful to be who He is, an ever-present God concerned with every detail of our lives. Mountain-moving faith is not about what I do, it is about trusting WHO JESUS IS.
I was miraculously healed after a major car accident. I was hospitalized for three months, during which time the doctors said there were many medical impossibilities. As I experienced the process of healing, I began to learn about the faith that comes in knowing that God has a plan that is bigger than anything we can imagine. His plan for us is, a biblical promise found in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." In my journey toward total restoration, I learned what it means to see yourself healed, and not to be moved by circumstances. For me, I still had kingdom business while in the hospital bed, during the surgeries and the pain, and the therapies, and the healing process. Every time doctors, nurses, and visitors came into my room, I had another opportunity to share the goodness of God. I learned to laugh when satan wanted me to cry, I learned to listen to the burdens and needs of others, and to pray with them for their healing, I learned to share my belief in God who is faithful to heal, restore, and renew. I learned that in sharing our faith, faith grows. In the years since that time, I have learned so much more about the faithfulness of God as I now walk with no rods or pins, on bones that grew back where there was no bone, living the medical miracles that the doctors attributed to “What only God can do.”
In 2024, we saw great need, hatred, and chaos in our world. Our children are growing up in a world of confusion, in a world in which they need the kingdom message of the gospel with an understanding of faith in God. Our churches are filled with people who are hungry for hope. Our communities and nations are filled with people with material, physical and emotional needs. In that chaos we were able to distribute hundreds of textbooks to homeschool families, with words of encouragement to weary parents who have a vision for their children’s education. In 2025 we will again conduct these homeschool distributions in local churches. These distributions are made possible by donations from our church and ministry partners. It sounds too simple to say, “Only believe” that God will provide resources for education, and yet we see Him do that daily. He is concerned about His promises to us, and our children are part of those promises.
I am reminded of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ robe. Her faith was so great that, not seeing her, he felt healing anointing move in him. In Mark 5:24-34, we see Jesus’ words to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Acknowledging her mountain of 12 years of illness, she did what she knew to do. Not questioning, she moved as close to Jesus as she could, touching Jesus as we can touch him today. The question of faith is precious to me, because I have seen God what only He could do so many times in my life, and I know Him to be faithful. John 16:33 reminds me: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We can move from concern about WHEN and HOW Jesus will be faithful to an understanding that we have kingdom business to do WHILE He is in the process of fulfilling His promises to us. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith for us "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I love the description of NOW faith. The faith in God who is constantly concerned with keeping his promises as we have confidence in him. When we get our eyes off our need to know HOW He is faithful and trust Him to move the mountain in a way that is good for us, we experience freedom. The same freedom that the woman had, the same freedom that Lazarus had when Jesus says, “COME FORTH!” That is the moment that we make progress, moving forward bringing light to the dark places, fulfilling the business of the kingdom we read about in Philippians 3:14: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." It is when we make progress in kingdom business, bringing light toward the darkness of the world that we experience mountain-moving faith.
Celebrating Teachers
P.O. Box 1943 Owasso, Oklahoma, 74055
Karensanders1@yahoo.com
Phone: 918-902-2740
project comfort
PRAISE REPORT!
At the beginning of this week, we took into our care a 14 year old young lady from Honduras she has been here for three years with a medical issue. She lost her fight to it this last weekend.
Her visitation was this afternoon, Sis Davenport and I have been both working with family and a translator. Talking with the family this morning, they indicated that they have no church affiliation here in the U.S. but have church in Honduras. I contacted a local Spanish Apostolic Pastor here in Benton he and his Associate Pastor was able to come in and pray and minister to family. I also was given an opportunity to talk with the PCSD head counselor who was there at visitation her and three other staff members from Mills High School. She will now be reaching back out to Project Comfort for help if any of these young ladies' friends have needs. The counselor was very appreciative of what Project Comfort has to offer and the resources that are available.
Please pray we can get the paperwork completed in time so we can get her home to Honduras for her family before nature reaks havoc.
light
GOD’S PRISM OF LIGHT VS. EVIL’S
PRISM OF DARKNESS
PASTOR PHILIP TOLMAN
From the very beginning of the Bible, we see that God’s enduring work is to overcome immense darkness.
“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night And the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Gen. 1:2-5).
It would be three more days before God brought the physical darkness into subjection with the creation of the sun, moon and stars. So, what was the light God spoke into existence on the first day? Since darkness also has a spiritual dimension that of disorder and chaos God first brought into being His own glory and brightness to illuminate and counteract the evil darkness which obscures the reality of truth. On this first day, light was personified by God’s own presence.
This same situation is repeated in Matthew 4 Jesus began His ministry on earth to fulfill a prophecy that God’s light of salvation would thwart the dark domain of sin. Notice how Matthew’s gospel links Isaiah 9:2 to Jesus’ glorious introduction of Divine illumination to the spiritually blind people of Galilee: “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying…The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:14,1617).
God manifested His own glory in the beginning to overcome the earth’s darkness. Jesus Christ, the Son who was God in flesh, presented Himself as the Light of the World to illuminate the true pathway of righteousness and cause His disciples to walk in the truth He reveals. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
Those who reject Jesus remain imprisoned in the deceptive darkness of our spiritual enemies, slaves which cannot comprehend or appreciate the genuine value of a godly life. They hate the light of righteousness because it brings conviction against the sins they love. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19-20).
Amazingly, not only does Scripture refer to Jesus as the Light of the world, in His Sermon on the Mount the Lord Himself bestows the same title upon the Jews that were listening to His message (we later embraced this same truth as the church). “Ye are the light of the world A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matt. 5:14).
To better understand this truth, let’s examine the properties of physical light which the sun shines upon the earth. To the naked eye, light is invisible We can only see what objects the light illuminates; the brighter the sun’s rays, the more intense the object’s colors. Yet if this light is projected through a glass prism, we can see that light is composed of a “rainbow” band of distinctive colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue indigo, and purple.
Just as these colors are the properties of physical light, we compose the presence of Jesus Christ in the world. We are the spiritual body of Christ which reflects His nature to others.
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” (1 Cor. 12:12-14).
Like the color band of a prism or rainbow can be mixed to create thousands of colors, so God places each individual member of Jesus’ body in proximity with other members to reflect a beautiful representation of Christ.Our unity in Christ makes us the “light of the world” shining into the spiritual darkness on earth.
We are not placed into Christ’s Body to be obscured, or hidden from sight. The Lord gifts us with certain qualities of His righteous nature so that we may make His glory known to the sinners around us. We present ourselves to those in the dark as evidence of God’s transforming power. “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:15-16).
As we obediently take our place within the light of God, His Holy Spirit will draw those who are weary of sin and its consequences to the gospel message of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice and resurrection life. Without this light of God, the world would be destroyed in its own darkness “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6). When each of us takes our place in this one unique church, not named by man but by God, only then will the light of God really shine as it should and work to free the souls of those lost in darkness.
The next key word in this passage is “…hearing by the word of God. The word “word” used here is not (logos, such as found in John 1:1) but rather (rhema). These words must be distinguished from each other. Logos means (in short) the act of speaking Here it is in reference to the written Word. However, “Logos” is not used here but rather “ rhema”. “Rhema” is the Spirit of the word. It is God’s Spirit speaking to us through His written Word How powerful is that? Unless He had spoken there would be not place for faith. We must receive the Spirit of His Word into our lives. (So much could be said here).
Continued from pg 9
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” The word rendered hearing here is not the sense of hearing or the act of hearing but rather it is the matter of which is heard, meaning what we have heard from the Word of God Himself ( His written Word).
There are those who falsely teach today that if you have enough faith, you can do anything. You can move mountains. If you are not receiving your miracle, it’s because you don’t have enough faith If you believe hard enough you can accomplish the miraculous. Jesus said that if you have faith has small as a mustard seed, obstacles, those things that are blocking your miracle can be moved away simply by believing, not what you speak but rather the promises that He has already promised to them that believe. It’s not about believing hard enough, trying hard enough, it’s trusting God who has already spoken. It’s God who performs, NOT US!
If left without meaning and understanding it becomes almost a magical charm of protection, words that require no knowledge-just rote repetition To many others, this scripture is more: an understanding that the Armor of God means something and that it should have a place in the life of a believer. They may not know exactly what it signifies, just that Paul considered it important; therefore, the best example of this is the paraphrase The Message (Bible) uses for this section of scripture, “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way.”
The paraphraser is correct, as Paul is saying that truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation ARE more than just words, but by deleting references to the imagery of a Roman’s armor, some of the urgency and necessity is lost.
It is critical, as with any passage of scripture, that our comprehension of the Armor of God be as complete as possible. The reason is specified earlier in chapter 6, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10)
The reason the Armor of God is absolutely vital is the existence of our enemy. Believers are in a life and death struggle, whether they want to be or not Spiritual wickedness, principalities, powers, supernatural rulers, and the devil, well, they exist. The Bible is clear on this. Jesus refers to and interacts with Satan multiple times in the gospels. Satan’s enmity is against humanity in general, so when someone truly aligns themselves with Jesus Christ they move from a passive target to an active threat.
If saints do not arm and armor themselves, they approach a daily battlefield: unprepared and underequipped. They become a hinderance to their own side as walking wounded who must be treated lest they become casualties to a foe who is merciless and unrelenting Peter says, “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8 - NKJV). The devil seeks easy prey. Who is easier than the unarmored and the weaponless
8
Paul’s detailed description of an armed and armored Roman legionary emphasizes that this passage is crucial to the spiritual life of the believer. The pieces of armor and the virtues Paul attaches to them are habits and thought patterns that must be incorporated into the believer’s everyday living. They protect and guard God’s people from a World system that is actively hostile to those that follow Jesus Christ. With the assistance of the Holy Ghost, I pray we arm and armor ourselves for victorious living.
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF UNWAVERING BELIEF
Faith is defined as trust in something greater than oneself. Faith is a force that inspires countless thousands to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The phrase “Faith Can Move Mountains” is a reality that encapsulates the power of unwavering belief to achieve extraordinary outcomes. But what does it truly mean to possess such faith, and how can it transform lives?
“The Essence of Faith” is more than optimism or hope. It is a deeply rooted confidence that aligns our heart, mind, and actions with God’s purpose and His divine will. But, Faith is not blind! It thrives to understand and trust that which is beyond tangible evidence. Faith sees opportunities where others see barriers, and possibilities where others see impossibilities.
Matthew 17:20 gives us a profound insight into faith … “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move Nothing will be impossible for you.” This is a reminder that even the smallest spark of genuine belief holds the potential to ignite extraordinary change.
James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” This verse emphasizes the importance of steadfast faith, warning against doubt that can destabilize and hinder progress.
We need to have Faith in Action. Faith that moves mountains does not rely only on words or passive trust … it requires action True faith compels individuals to take bold steps, often with no guarantees of immediate results. It propels us forward when logic suggests we must retreat. Think of the courageous men and women in history who defied odds because they believed in something greater than themselves. Their lives exemplify the power of faith paired with resilience and effort.
Look at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr story His unwavering faith in equality and justice fueled a movement that overcame immense societal challenges. Faith gave him the courage to stand firm, inspiring millions to believe in the dream of a better tomorrow.
These Mountains symbolize obstacles and trials in life. The faith that moved these mountains was not about avoiding challenges but confronting them with trust, perseverance, and an attitude of victory Challenges test the depth and authenticity of our faith, strengthening it in the process.
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” Martin Luther king Jr
THE PERPETUAL PASSOVER
REV. BILL BALDRIDGE
PART 3 - NOTES FROM
MY STUDIES
Please note this is a series and must be read as such. I’m asking you to keep prior articles from Our Herald, published by Sis. Ashley Ennis. There will be several publications. I want you to be able to connect prior “notes” from my studies. Please re-read all prior publications and connect the “notes” as one writing So, here we go, Part 3: Notes from My Studies.
It’s very important you understand that “The Passover” was not only commemorative but also typical or symbolic. The Passover is a type of Christ, our Redeemer, from God’s command, “The Blood must be applied” (Ex. 12:7). The blood constitutes a perfect protection from judgment leading to death. This great feast typified Christ, “The Bread of Life”, all answering to a memorial supper. To keep this Passover Feast was not only a privilege but also a duty. However, to be sure this was not, I repeat not, a condition of safety. The bread was never eaten by the Israelites on the night in which they were kept from the judgment upon the firstborn. The only condition of safety was the blood. What now is commonly referred to as the Last Supper was never the Jewish Passover Feast. This last meal was Christ’s final reminder to His disciples that He was their Passover. The proof is throughout the scriptural study. The last supper (meal) was eaten on the 13th day of Nisan. This clearly divides the last meal from the Biblical command that Passover was always on the 14th day. This symbolic teaching was definitely on the 13th day, therefore could not have been the Passover. Jesus became the Passover the next day fulfilling all prophecy of Himself. (More on h l
Bible history describes God’s frequent intervention to deliver Israel often by an unexpected display of His power. God isn’t merely the Creator of heaven and earth. He is the God of the Old and the New Israel. It is through all His people, old and new, that His plans are being realized in history. All His acts of rescue bear His promise of a final deliverance for surpassing that first great Passover of old. I hope I have set the scene for the celebration of the ancient Passover from Genesis til Christ appears to inaugurate the new. Christ's actions and words are borrowed from the old; they are charged with a thousand years which tell of a nation's faithful service of a faithful God. On this sacred night, the nation begins a new era in its relations with God. To inaugurate it, Christ issues actions and words that are old, but Christ calls them new because they are different. The church calls them eternal (perpetual) because they are perfect and final. “This is my blood of the new and eternal (perpetual) Passover (Testament). When Jesus accomplished the new deliverance for the world, not just a nation, the ancient Passover was the symbol and the promise of all who would partake. Christ used this symbol by keeping it with His disciples.
Before going forward with my first goal as laid out in the first article, I want to remind you of the other four goals mentioned. I feel obligated to establish in scripture the perpetual Passover throughout eternity. This is absolute and fixed in all other doctrines and accounts of the Lord’s Passover. I will follow the steps that will make the entire Bible, God’s Holy Word, shine with truth that I hope will reveal and enlighten the Lord’s Passover.
The Passover was useless unless eaten. It is with this great truth that I pray for your understanding. (John 6:51-54; 55)
In every Biblical time, in every age, each Israelite was to look upon himself as if he had been delivered from Egypt. He didn’t simply deliver our Fathers, rather He also delivered us. The same is true of the Christian Passover, well to all who accept it. Jesus has accomplished once and for all the mystery of salvation. The grace of the cross (for by grace are you saved through faith) and that great resurrection of Christ which saves all who call on His name. We, New Testament believers, are reminded that we partake in the event of Passover not now and then, or once in a while, but every day and night as we commune with Him. As we recall our deliverance from Egypt and this world of sin, we realize our freedom is through eating His flesh and drinking His blood. It cannot be overlooked that the Last Passover began the New Passover, Christ our Passover. The body of Christ has never represented a ritual that was handed down by the church at home. I’m still speaking of the Perpetual Passover (goal 1).
Jesus said, “I am that bread.” Many turned against Him for that saying. Many do today as well “I am that bread” can mean one thing. Jesus is teaching we are to ingest Him. This bread can never be received literally. It is by fellowship, communion, and relationship which are all in the spirit. I’m merely pointing out that the only way for Him to be the Perpetual Passover if that we must view Him through a spiritual and biblical understanding. The deliverance and redemption of all mankind depend on the death of the Lamb of God. Then, there must be a resurrection for Him to become the Perpetual Passover
Very clearly, we see the progression of Christ in the Garden of Eden, in the book of Exodus at Passover, and now clearly at the opening of the church age we see Him in the New Testament. However, it doesn’t end there We see Him in another age, the Kingdom age that is to come. Is He standing there as the Eternal (Perpetual) Passover?
Before going to Goal two: Bread, let me finalize Christ as the Perpetual Passover We are a warfaring church. Our faith isn’t over. We are beset by the enemy on every side. I for one am looking for a final and everlasting deliverance. I do believe it is promised in the Perpetual (Eternal) Passover I will be delivered from Satah’s (Egypt) slavery into an eternal kingdom. This death sentence will be abolished and the death angel will Passover me and be forever annihilated. Give God praise! I, we, will live forever with our Perpetual Passover, Christ our eternal Redeemer Most of the prophets described “the last days” as yet another exodus. Take ye and eat: This is my body. With these words, Jesus teaches a new Passover meal in which the body of our Lord is eaten. He is your communion and Passover Nothing can be used to substitute as a means of Redemption from our sin. We must partake of Him as our Passover. The Jewish ritual will no longer be the same [the world has been included]. Luke 22:17-18, Take this and share it among you, for I say to you I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes. These words announce the end of the Ancient Passover.
Newness is characteristic of everything that concerns the kingdom. The covenant which inaugurates it is a new covenant (Luke 22:20). Its doctrine is new (Mark 1:27) and its members are new creatures (2 Cor 5:7; Gal 6:16) It involves the renewal of all things in God. In this new Kingdom of God, a new wine will be served. A wine which will eternally refresh and give to the members of the kingdom a joy which their eyes have never seen, nor their ears heard, nor their hearts ever conceived (1 Cor 2:9). The disciples are silent on the subject of the ancient Passover because it had no place in Christian ritual. It was never taught by the disciples or the Apostle Paul.
The inauguration of the new and Perpetual Passover brought the deliverance and redemption of mankind. The lamb is the Master of History. He knows its meaning. In fact, it was His sacrifice that gave its meaning. From the multitude of races, of tongues, and of nations will emerge the new people. A race redeemed, the priestly kingdom, the holy nation, without which the unfolding of the ages has no meaning. The infant church was born out of continual conflict and the new Passover became its focus This church carried on the struggle with God at her side. Yes, we are yet a warfaring church, but soon we will enter the Kingdom age because our Passover will redeem us. After that, we will live with Him, our Perpetual Passover, for all eternity
From Genesis to Exodus to Christ incarnate, to the Kingdom age, and onward through all of eternity, “He”, Christ who has redeemed us by His precious blood will always be our Passover as we eternally commune with Him. Just as it began in the garden with God’s first creations, the purpose of our creation was for God and man to enjoy communion together forever. What God enjoys most about His creation is His communion with us. What a thought! God is interested in us. He loves us. He longs to be with us. Since the Garden, He visited with us God has always wanted that relationship. In our communion with Him, we will learn more and more about how great a God He is. Think of that; for all of eternity in close communion, fellowship, with Him. Oh! What a glorious age (1 Cor 13:9-10; 12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
To be continued…
We, New Testament believers, are reminded that we partake in the event of Passover not now and then, or once in a while, but every day and night as we commune with Him. As we recall our deliverance from Egypt and this world of sin, we realize our freedom is through eating His flesh and drinking His blood. It cannot be overlooked that the Last Passover began the New Passover, Christ our Passover The body of Christ has never represented a ritual that was handed down by the church at home
Hold Tight and Let Go
I know you are tired, but please hold on I have something special for you coming soon. It will turn your weariness into an open door. I promise you it is (and I say is because it exists now even if you do not yet possess it)… it is worth what you are experiencing now.
Change is coming soon.
Hold tight and let go.
There is a new beginning headed your way. You want to take your past and join it to the future, but I tell you I am making all things new in you and for you. The wave of dissatisfaction that has rolled over your life is drawing to an end and you will find yourself content in the peace you find in Me and Me alone I will be the interest you desire. You will find treasures in My nature that draw you to drink deeply from the river of the Word.
Wash yourself in a fresh start. Wash yourself in the redemptive power of My blessing over your minutes, hours, and days. Even now I am freeing you of the delay of joy you hope to make yours Yes I see your circumstances and yes I see the potential for fear, but know that I am the God who is stronger than every circumstance. I am the God who spins planets and speaks stars. Why would you be afraid when you have My help? Why would you be concerned for anything when I am on your side?
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Job 38:4-7
Hold tight to hope and let go of fear
Hold tight to joy and let go of sorrow. Hold tight to possible and let go of pain.
Didn’t I promise you heaven and give you forever to experience the glory of it? If I can do this big thing for you in a place you have only heard of what small thing do you require now?
Hold tight and let’s go.
BROTHER DOUGLAS FARMER
Monday Again
SISTER MARY LOU FORREST
WhenJesusSpeaks
Mountains crumble
When Jesus speaks
Rocky roads
Smooth at His feet
A climb to the top
Seems more like a hill
When that mountain of worries
Bows to His will
A moment in His presence
Can move a mountain of care
While calling on His name
Great love we share
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! It’s Monday Again. I remember having a sign hanging in my office at work for several years before I retired. The sign said Hallelujah! Hallelujah! It’s Monday Again! I did not have that sign hanging there before I got Born Again because that was not my attitude; I was of this world. But after I got Born Again, that was my attitude because I was a part of the Kingdom of God. I was a new creation of God in the likeness of Jesus. When I got Born Again, I began to act like Jesus and think like Jesus. I was a new man. I wanted to go places Jesus wanted me to go and do things Jesus wanted me to do. Each Monday was the day after I had been to Church and in Church most of the day. On Monday morning I was still fired up and bubbling over with the Spirit of God from all I had participated in the day before. Lots of people have hangovers on Monday, like I used to have before I turned my life over to Jesus and got Born Again. Getting Born Again is the best thing I have done in my life and it’s the best thing anyone can do. Getting Born Again takes you through the rest of this life and through death to heaven Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
