Storm Chasers

Have you ever watched storm chasers on TV or on a movie? You will notice when they receive notification a storm is coming they track respectively, not driving away but directly into the storm.  It sounds ludicrous, but they are storm chasers, it’s what they do and do it well while maintaining safety. 

I want you to know when we speak the Word of God, it is the storm chaser. It chases down the storms that come into our life and instead of taking pictures it defuses the storm.  The word of God does not drive away from the storm but tackles it head on.  The word of God does not show up to take pictures, but shows up to defuse the storm.  Storms will come in life.  While they may be difficult to navigate, rest assured that God will not give you more than you can bear and with Him, nothing is impossible. 

In the bible there were several different types of storms. One storm caused the disciples to panic, even though Jesus had told them to cross over to the other side. In this passage of text Jesus had finished feeding five thousand; there were even 12 baskets left over. The disciples followed Jesus’ word and loaded onto the ship and began to sail to the other side. No matter what is occurring the word given to us by God will always take precedence to the opposition. So, around 3am in the morning a great storm arose. This storm was so horrific they began to throw out all of their belongings. Jesus saw them and came walking on the water. He eventually loaded into the boat and said “Peace Be still,” and they were immediately on the other side. Jesus is the storm stopper. Another storm was when Jesus was in the boat, and He was asleep when it began. The disciples once again were afraid and went to awake him. When he awoke, He said o, ye of little faith and said "Peace, Be still."  The third type of storm was a hurricane. In this storm, Paul the Apostle was being transported to another city. In the process God sent an angel and he stood by Paul and said there would be no loss of life. In each of these storms, God was there. His Word superseded what was occurring.

It’s the Word that causes the storm to cease and brings into existence God’s supernatural peace that passes all understanding. Jesus said call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things; Jeremiah 33:3. There is not a storm that God’s Word cannot cause to cease.

Today, I want to encourage you to speak the Word. Find scriptures to release toward the storm and see how one word, one scripture can cause the storm to be peaceful and still. Speak the Word and see God’s supernatural hand calm the storms in your life.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Erase the Film

Do you remember the old film reels that schools would project before the digital age of technology came about?  Our memories can be like the film located on the reels.  In our life we encounter good, bad, and ugly situations; we store these memories similar to archived film.  Many times we do not realize these archived films hold unhealthy emotions and thoughts attached.  It’s easy to suppress and push as far down as possible anything related to difficult memories.  It’s in this, we develop roots.  Roots that eventually hold us back from moving forward with the purpose God has planned for our lives.

There was a woman in the Bible who was directed to leave her city with her family.  The Lord was going to destroy the city and gave them a heads up to head out of town.  In His heads up, He also gave specific instructions that when leaving, do not look back.  As Lot, his wife and family were exiting the city, she looked back.  She turned into a pillar of salt.  The consequences of looking back on things we should leave behind can be grave.  Sure we can learn from experience but it’s important to not relive and re-hatch events over and over.  Do you find yourself rehearsing “film” you should discard?  Learning how to discard film in our life is a process.  I want to share with you how you can overcome in four steps: face it, trace it, erase it and replace it. 

Face it: confront the piece of film, face it with an attitude of victory and the spirit of an over-comer.

Trace it: Draw the line back to the root of where this film first started.  Identify the root.

Erase it: We are not denying it occurred, but the storage space you used to keep the memory, that film can be erased.  We do this by releasing to God the pain and embarrassment of the event.

Replace it: Once erased, you replace the film by generating new memories in that previously archived section.   You replace what can sometime be a gaping hole, with the word of God.

When Joseph in the bible was promoted to be second in command, his brothers came to him for food because there was a famine. His brothers did not recognize him because he had been gone for over 13 years. He could have harbored all the bitterness and hurt they caused him, but he forgave them and they were all spared.

You see, even when the enemy wants to destroy us, God has alternative plans. It could have been easy for Joseph to make his brothers suffer like he did, but he knew God had a bigger plan and that was to help his family and others. Joseph faced it, traced it, and erased it by replacing it with God’s word. The word of the Lord was “God had sent me before to preserve you and our inheritance.” This Word replaced all the wrong, mistreatment, rejection, hurt, and lies Joseph had encountered. 

Today, face that area that you have avoided. Maybe it’s being able to stay in a relationship. Maybe it’s with your career or raising children. Maybe it’s being committed, or staying focus. Whatever it is, face it with an attitude of victory, so you can trace it, erase it and replace it with what God says in His Word.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark 

Why Forgive

Forgiveness is not an act of acceptance, but an act of freedom. When we forgive, it releases the toxin’s the offense caused.  In the bible, there was a woman with a chronic health issue.  This blood condition plagued her for twelve years.   Twelve years is prime opportunity to grow bitter.  Most people would have grown frustrated after twelve days.  What is unique about this piece of history is that while she could have become bitter because there was no relief; she instead chose to keep her focus on Jesus and not allow the pain to blur her vision of being made whole.  The bible goes on to say when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment she was indeed made whole.

It’s God’s desire that we are whole. Whole simply means without lack. When we hold onto unforgiveness, it opens up doors to anger, resentment, hatred, and we become frustrated, disillusioned, and hard to get along with. In fact it will harbor us to the shores of doubt, unbelief, and distrust. But when we forgive, we release ourselves from the shore to sail out to the waters of more than enough. You might say, but you don’t know the agony and pain I went through. I might not know, but I know Jesus was touched by the feelings of our infirmities. This means, He knows what it means to be sold out, beaten, abused, and ridiculed; and he knows how to forgive.

The first step to forgiveness, is knowing that forgiving is not accepting or approving what happened.  It is not making excuses thinking you should not have been there, or any other intrusive thought that comes to mind.  No, it’s releasing the pain and the person for what they did. It’s not a get out of jail card for them, but a get out of jail card for you. You were born for greatness and the only way to move on is to forgive.

Forgive today and release yourself from the harbor of would have, should have, and could have to the ocean of living life victorious. Your best is yet to come.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

twitter.com/PastorMarkBrown 

Thriving

“Thriving”

Life has a way of bringing us situations we might not have been trained to handle. However, with God, we can thrive instead of survive. In every situation Jesus was in, He knew how to take it and turn it around. He knew who He was and to whom He belonged; two variables which caused Him to never doubt His assignment on planet earth. 

In the book of Corinthians, Paul writes to the Church at Corinth and tells them to live a life that is thriving. He tells them to embrace the truth that makes them free. This city became one of the wealthiest cities in this time. But even thou you could acquire things; they did not live a thriving life. A thriving life is more than having money, it’s more than notoriety; it’s a life that has allowed Christ to permeate throughout their life.

It starts with building a bridge between you and the place of purpose.  Instead of saying “this is the way I am” no say, “I am more than a conqueror, I have God’s favor, I have His authority and His presence.” Every time you speak the Word, you have just moved into a life of thriving. I have known of people who were gifted, smart, and even Pro Athletic. Everybody could see it but them. The reason was they lived a life of constant survival; just make it to Friday. Then when Monday came around, just make it to 5 pm. No my friend, God designed us to thrive. He knew life would have hard at times, but we must remember God said for us to enjoy and not endure. 

Today, wherever you are in life, reaching your goals, in the middle of a setback, or maybe you have not started; step into thriving mode and watch your purpose vehicle accelerate to your destiny. God said in Mark chapter nine verse 23 with Him all things are possible. With God you can thrive and not just survive in life.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark 

Failure is not Final

Failure is not final. You might say, “How’s that possible?” You see failure is an opportunity for God to show forth His power. The bible tells us of a man named Gideon. Gideon had faced tremendous failure in his life. In fact, when God came to him, he was working in the bottom of a winepress threshing wheat. The reason was, at that time the enemy would come and take all their provisions if they saw them. It would seem as though the enemy had won. But God addressed him saying “Mighty hero” and Gideon responded, “I am not a mighty hero.” Gideon was not in denial, he had faced failure, but God was speaking to him letting him know failure is not final.

Many times we go through life and are faced with failure. Whether it’s in our marriage, career, family and we settle; placing a period where it might not necessarily belong. I want to encourage you failure is not final. God can take any circumstance and have a strategic rebound. When King David in the Bible sinned against God and had an affair, he did not say Oh well it’s over, no he ask God to forgive him. That is a huge deal. Moral failure is destructive, tears apart hearts, families, not something to take lightly. God forgave him and allowed David to still be king. David is proof; failure is not final. Maybe you messed up today or yesterday. Remember, failure is not final.

So, if you have had any failure, (which every successful person has), don’t allow it to be final, instead use it as place of learning and the wind to propel you into your destiny in Christ. It’s not over! No matter how bad it is, failure is not final. Today, take the step toward God’s strategic and didactic plan for a supernatural resilience because failure is not final!



Blessings,


Pastor Mark 

When Faith Makes Sense

In life it makes sense to work so to get a paycheck. It makes sense to pay your utilities so to keep them on.  But when it comes to faith, it can at times seem not to make sense.

Jesus is our Lord and Savior. He is the reason we have life. Because He is our life giver, it makes sense to respond and act upon what the life giver request. When God told Moses to throw the rod down, it made sense. But it did not make sense to pick it up after it turned to a snake. The reason it made sense to pick it up was because God told him to. God will never ask us to do anything that will cause us hurt or harm. 

So, it might not make sense to bless others, but it does because the bible tells us give and it will be given back. It might not makes sense to love when it seems those who we are loving are not loving us back. But it does because God said to love.

You see, it might not makes sense, but when we follow what the Word has spoken, it makes sense to walk out in faith.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark 

4 Attributes of a Leader

This week I attended our Leaders Conference with our Pastor/Bishop Nate Holcomb. Here are 4 attributes of a True Leader

1. Leaders do not brake under pressure. This means they do not allow the pressures of life to determine how they will react. It can be difficult at times as a leader. But one thing is when under pressure we run to the rock. Psalms 91:16 says with long life I will satisfy Him. Jesus said we will run and not be weary, walk and not faint. Many people are running to other objects for relief. We must run to Him.

2. Leaders cannot become bitter with Life. This is one of the greatest attributes about a true leader. We must not become bitter with the process. Isaiah 1:19 we will eat the good of the land if we are willing and obedient. We can eat and be satisfied if we are willing and obedient.

3. Leaders tell the truth and keep their word. Keeping your word and telling the truth is an attribute of a leader. You cannot say you are leading and not keeping your word and telling the truth. The bible tells us the truth will make you free. It's the truth that we must keep. Keeping our word even when it hurts will cause one as a leader to reach their full potential.

4. Leaders have to be patience. Stick to what God has spoken to you. You might have to change or reposition what you are doing, but you must have patience and move on when God instructs you. David asked the Lord, do I pursue my enemy and the Lord answered him one time to wait by the mulberry trees and when you hear the sound of the shuffling of the tress that is when you move. He had to be patience and move when God told him. It might not make sense, but it does make sense to follow God, so move on what He is speaking.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Fasting

Fasting is our way of clearing our spiritual channels so that we can acquire clear and precise direction and anwsered prayers. When Daniel fasted for 21 days, the bible tells us his prayer was heard the first time he prayed, but their was warfare in the heavenlies. It was only held up for 21 days, but God answered it.

During this 21 day fast, I encourage every one to paticipate in some form. God hears the prayer of the righteous. Here are some points on fasting.

1. Write down what you are believing God to do in 2012. The bible tells us to make the vision plan.

2. Have a daily confession.

Corporately fasting January 1st, 2012 - January 21st 2012 is much the same precept as praying in the morning to establish the will of God for the entire day. Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. It's not a punishment; it's a privilege! By making fasting a way of life, you can get closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before.

Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives. Fasting has to do with your future.As you fast, pray for God's direction and guidance. Focus your faith on your dream and God will show you how you can turn your vision into a reality according to His will.

1. Habakkuk 2:2 tells us to write the vision down. Take time and write down what you are believing God for. . Seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him.

2. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. Start with a clear goal and make a commitment to stick to your fast.

3. Finally be ready to grow in your walk like never before as you seek the Lord through the Biblical principles of prayer and fasting.

FASTING FOCUS SCRIPTURES
Matthew 6:33, Isaiah 58:6

Corporate Fasting: 2 Chronicles 20:34, Joel 2:15-16, Acts 27:33-37

TYPES OF FASTS (consult with your doctor prior to starting)

• Full Fast - drink liquids only (you establish number of days) consult with your Doctor
• Daniel Fast - (see below)
  
• 3 Day Fast - This can be any type of Fast
• Partial Fast - 6am - 3pm or sun up to sun down. This can be any type also (full, Daniel, partial, 3 day)

GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST
(Foods We May Eat)
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed
Peas
Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries,
Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava,
Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas,
Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries,
Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts,
Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers,
Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens,
Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach,
Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
Liquids: Water

(Foods to Avoid)
Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products