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

Reposition

Reposition – Your best is yet to come

In a few days, it will be the New Year. Maybe this year has been a year of drought and frustration. On the contrary, maybe this is been one of the best years of your life. Either way, I want to talk to you today about repositioning. In the bible, there was a man by the name of Isaac. He was told by God to stay in the region he was in but there was a famine. Due to the famine in the land, it seemed to complicate things. How could God want him to stay where there was great lack and despair? In a quick answer, it was to accomplish the assignment God set out for his life. Looking from the outside in, it would appear like Isaac missed God; but he didn’t. You see, as you read the account of this portion of his life in Genesis 26, you learn that he had to reposition himself. When he did, the bible explains he was able to break through. Are you at a point in life where you a need a breakthrough? I encourage you to do what Isaac did and reposition yourself. Isaac repositioned himself, dug a well, and named it Rehoboth which means more than enough room.

The process was a challenge. However, once he repositioned, he was able to move forward and accomplish all that God had set out for his life. In Matthew 3:9 it tells us not to think of ourselves too highly and to place our focus on knowing Him; Jesus. God may be calling you today to reposition your attitude, relationships, career track, health focus or something of the like; only you know. Whatever it is, start today to reposition. The bible teaches us Isaac removed himself from the place where nothing was working, repositioned in the same country, different region.

God desires for our life to be fruitful, even in hard times, but it can only occur if we reposition ourselves and have our souls anchored on the rock of Christ Jesus. I want you to think about this as we approach this next year. Where you are at and where does God desires for you to be? Write it down. You might have to forgive someone, or forgive yourself. You may have to ask for someone to forgive you. Listen to that still small voice inside. Decide today, not to take the past into the future. Instead reposition, so that you can have the life God intended you to have! I am confident that 2012 is going to be an epic year, I declare God’s best over your life and hold onto the hope in your heart that the best is yet to come!

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Reposition

Reposition – Your best is yet to come

In a few days, it will be the New Year. Maybe this year has been a year of drought and frustration. On the contrary, maybe this is been one of the best years of your life. Either way, I want to talk to you today about repositioning. In the bible, there was a man by the name of Isaac. He was told by God to stay in the region he was in but there was a famine. Due to the famine in the land, it seemed to complicate things. How could God want him to stay where there was great lack and despair? In a quick answer, it was to accomplish the assignment God set out for his life. Looking from the outside in, it would appear like Isaac missed God; but he didn’t. You see, as you read the account of this portion of his life in Genesis 26, you learn that he had to reposition himself. When he did, the bible explains he was able to break through. Are you at a point in life where you a need a breakthrough? I encourage you to do what Isaac did and reposition yourself. Isaac repositioned himself, dug a well, and named it Rehoboth which means more than enough room.

The process was a challenge. However, once he repositioned, he was able to move forward and accomplish all that God had set out for his life. In Matthew 3:9 it tells us not to think of ourselves too highly and to place our focus on knowing Him; Jesus. God may be calling you today to reposition your attitude, relationships, career track, health focus or something of the like; only you know. Whatever it is, start today to reposition. The bible teaches us Isaac removed himself from the place where nothing was working, repositioned in the same country, different region.

God desires for our life to be fruitful, even in hard times, but it can only occur if we reposition ourselves and have our souls anchored on the rock of Christ Jesus. I want you to think about this as we approach this next year. Where you are at and where does God desires for you to be? Write it down. You might have to forgive someone, or forgive yourself. You may have to ask for someone to forgive you. Listen to that still small voice inside. Decide today, not to take the past into the future. Instead reposition, so that you can have the life God intended you to have! I am confident that 2012 is going to be an epic year, I declare God’s best over your life and hold onto the hope in your heart that the best is yet to come!

Blessings,

Pastor Mark