Balancing Acts

Church Planting is one of the hardest things I have ever attempted to do. Nothing can really prepare you for the uncertainty, criticism, loneliness, and challenges this endeavor brings. Because my husband is bivocational, Most of the work falls on me in addition to taking care of my home and kids. Many nights while my family is sleeping peacefully, I am praying, editing the website, designing brochures, working on outreaches,etc etc etc. Since we share the preaching duties, I also have to prepare messages when its my time to teach. Many days I miss the mark on balancing everything. I try to adhere to a list, but sometimes the list gets tossed to play with my son or spend extra time with my daughter. Since she is a teenager, I try to take advantage of every opportunity I have to spend time with her. I have found that enthusiam makes up for my huge techy learning curve. I'm not the administrator type, more the visionary type and I am being stretched in every area of planting. I feel like Mrs Incredible. Sometimes I cry out in pain or thru tears, but I do it shaking, trembling and afraid. I never say that's not my area of gifting, I just ask God for grace to do it! I'm blessed to have previous ministry experience where I was always being stretched and challenged in one way or another. When I reach my breaking point, I just remember that His grace is sufficient. When I'm weak, God is at His strongest! Plus, I'm more powerful than any devil on my worst day!!

Is Jesus Talking About You Behind Your Back?

Jesus is talking behind your back When John the Baptist was processing his depression and despair in Matthew 11, Jesus sent him a pretty straightforward message. In summary, Jesus reminded John of the validity of His ministry as the Christ, and commanded him to persevere. You can read the whole response in Matthew 11:1-6 . I’m sure it brought limited consolation to John, and maybe even felt a little cold or callous. But after John’s messengers left, Jesus started talking about John to the crowd. Keep in mind, John wouldn’t have heard any of this part. Jesus starts saying all kinds of terrific things about John behind his back. He even gives him the distinction of being the greatest man ever born of a woman (Matthew 11:11). Pretty high accolades coming from the Son of God. But these words would never reach the ears of John the Baptist. Because Jesus didn’t intend for John to hear them. When John died and entered into eternity, I wonder if he read John 11:11 and thought: Why didn’t you say so, Jesus? It would have been nice to know how much you thought of me while I was rotting in prison. I guess Jesus wanted John to place his confidence in the character of God rather than affirmations sent by human messenger. You may be in a similar spot today. It’s been a long time since anyone told you: Good job. I’m proud of you. You’re making a difference. Perhaps Jesus is talking about you behind your back. He’s proud of you. He sees potential in you. He’s accomplishing far-reaching, logic defying purposes through you. Stay faithful. Even if it doesn’t seem like God is speaking directly to you. There will come a day when all of your labor in the Lord will be rewarded openly. It’s not in vain.

Share and Enjoy: Pastor Steven Furtick is the Lead Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Miracles Happen When You Believe!!!

Just wanted to share this testimony from one of our newest group members Tim. Tim is not homeless, he is from one of the other churches and is going to be leading a group in the near future. Last Sunday, Tim shared how the Dr's felt his wife was miscarrying and his faith was really shaken. He felt totally helpless and had resigned that the child was dead. The Holy Spirit began to speak to me that they had given up and needed to be encouraged. Immediately the prophetic voice of God rose up and spoke powerfully in a 5 minute message. I proclaimed that we speak life over the child and it would live and not die!! As I began to pray for them, I began to weep deeply and sweat profusely from the heat that was going thru my body. I knew God was touching his wife Bethany's womb. I encouraged him again before we left to keep speaking life no matter what the devil or the Dr said. Monday, they went to the Dr's and he said she had miscarried because they could not hear a heartbeat or visualize the baby on ultrasound. The next day the Dr called and said Betheny's hormone levels were still too high and to come back in. They did the test again still no baby, the Dr said the baby is gone. Next Day Dr gets lab results Betheny's hormone levels are even higher. He calls Tim again and tells him to bring Betheny back. Tim said he just kept remembering my words to keep speaking life no matter what the Dr's and the devil said. After going thru this emotional rollercoaster, God showed himself mightily for this couple. I am pleased to let everyone know that they found the baby on ultrasound and it is alive with a strong heartbeat. Can you say creative miracle? Thank you guys for praying with me and for me concerning our friends we serve under the bridge. Our group was so excited and expectant this morning can you imagine the excitement during our study today on Joy!! Please continue to support us in prayer and financially we are making a difference in the lives of the people of Austin. Tim had the biggest smile on his face today when he shared his testimony. I felt like running around the bridge shouting!!!All I could do is cry and shout Glory!!

Loving God, Loving People, Changing Lives!!!

Pastor Regina