Discipleship Network Forum

Just one week into my much-needed sabbatical, one thing is abundantly clear: I find it extremely hard to fully relax without feeling guilty and unproductive. As an addict to the world of deadlines and to-do lists, “productivity detox” is a difficult and painful process.

Perhaps you’re a performance addict too. But you’ll never know for sure until you take time to break free from your dependence on activities and accomplishments—the “drugs” that enable you to feel good about yourself.

For years, friends have assured me that God’s love for me is not based on anything I can DO for Him. But I’ve been so busy trying to do His will that I’ve never really been able to test their theory.

If you’re a performance addict, you live in fear of what would happen if you suddenly stopped performing. Having carried the world on your shoulders for so long, you’re terrified that a moment’s rest might cause everything around you to come crashing down.

And what would people think if we no longer were performing and producing? It turns out we’re not only addicted to our accomplishments, we’re also addicted to the quest to look good in the eyes of our peers.

Amazing Benefits

My sabbatical has brought me face to face with my need to WAIT for God’s empowerment and direction when they don’t come immediately. I’ve discovered that resting and waiting often go hand in hand, as King David described: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7).

I’m not sure which is more difficult for me, resting or waiting. I’m poor at both of them. Why? Because nothing productive seems to be accomplished while I’m resting or waiting.

Yet the Bible gives some magnificent promises to those who learn to wait on God. Those who take time to wait on Him will be…

• Free from shame (Psalm 25:3, Isaiah 49:23).
• Strengthened and encouraged (Psalm 27:14).
• Enabled to expand into new territory (Psalm 37:34).
• Assured of His provision (Psalm 104:27).
• Able to receive divine guidance and counsel (Psalm 106:13).
• Recipients of supernatural blessings and breakthroughs (Proverbs 8:34, Isaiah 64:4).
• Strengthened to mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31).
• Blessed with a revelation of God’s goodness (Lamentations 3:25).
• Recipients of fresh vision from the Lord (Habakkuk 2:3).

This is just a small sample of the amazing promises given to those who wait on the Lord. So why is this so difficult for many of us?

God’s Waiting Room

Lately I’ve tried to put myself in the shoes of Jesus’ disciples when they were told not to DO anything after His ascension, but rather “to WAIT for the Promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). The whole world needed to be saved, yet they were instructed to wait in Jerusalem.

It turned out that these faithful believers only had to wait 10 days before the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost. But while they were waiting they didn’t know this would be the timetable. When God puts us in His “Waiting Room,” we’re seldom told how long the wait will be. We just have to trust Him that the resulting blessings will be worth the wait.

So are you willing to join me in the difficult process of breaking our addiction to activity and accomplishments? Are you ready to enter into God’s rest and patiently wait for a fresh breakthrough of His power and guidance?

Like a heroin addict who goes cold turkey, breaking our performance addiction is never easy. Our self-image is at stake, after all. And when we fully rest and patiently wait, we’re likely to make a horrifying discovery: Our self-image has been based more on our accomplishments than on recognizing God’s unconditional love for us.

But imagine the joy and freedom you’ll experience when you realize your Heavenly Father loves you even on the days when you haven’t accomplished a thing. Yes, He loves you more than you’ll ever know, and your performance has absolutely nothing to do with it.

So go ahead and thank Him. And breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Many decades ago, I discovered the reality of Jesus’ teaching that it’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). So I became a giver, and I’ve received many blessings as a result.

But, as with most truths, there’s another side to this principle: Healthy relationships are reciprocal. When one person in the relationship does all the giving and the other does all the taking, the bond inevitably becomes twisted and toxic.

Sadly, I’ve been rather slow in learning this. Giving has always been a natural part of who I am, but receiving is much more difficult for me. I don’t like asking people for their help, even when I need it. And the thought of being a burden to someone else is horrifying.

So, when I give, I seldom expect anything in return. Based on Jesus’ words in Luke 6:34-35, I’ve always thought this was the godly way to relate to people. But once again, I’ve often missed another important component of the relationship equation. Too often, I’ve been willing to continually give and give, while the other person received and received. Although this made me feel good at first, it was a prescription for codependency, certainly not a healthy relationship.

The apostle Paul seemed to face this kind of situation with the Corinthian church. He had poured his life into them and opened his heart wide. While this kind of imbalance was fine in their infancy, he said it was now time for them to grow up and open their hearts to him as well (2 Corinthians 6:11-13).

Monitoring Your Account

If we don’t ever monitor our checking account, we run the risk of overdrawing it from time to time. Our relationships need to be monitored and assessed in much the same way.

I’ve found that when our emotional bank account is full and overflowing, it’s very easy to be a giver. But if the other person never puts anything back into the relational bank account, we eventually discover that the account is empty or even overdrawn.

Have you ever experienced this? If you’re a chronic giver like me, I’m sure you have. And then you find yourself resenting the very people you joyfully gave your life to for so long.

If you are willing to do all the giving, you’ll have no trouble finding people willing to do all the taking. Even with that imbalance, everything is likely to seem fine until the relational bank account finally runs dry.

This is a hard lesson, but you’re not doing people any favor if you allow them to become a leech instead of a healthy contributor to the relationship. They may not be able to contribute as much as you do, and that’s okay. But they need to contribute something.

Making Changes

Recently I’ve had to say “NO” to several people who wanted to make a withdrawal from my emotional bank account. Why? Because, over the course of time, they had never put anything into the account.

When people face times of crisis, it’s natural to want to help them. But what about a situation where someone always seems to be in crisis mode? And how should you respond those who never make any deposit into your account even when times are good for them? It may seem harsh, but sometimes the imbalance is so great that the wisest thing to do is to shut the door on the relationship altogether.

In contrast, I’ve found that it’s always a great joy to give to those who’ve taken time to make a deposit of some kind into my life. Whatever they need, I’m happy to give it if I can.

So I hope you’ve discovered the joy in being a giver. But I also hope you’ve learned to develop healthy, reciprocal relationships, where both of you are putting something into the account.

If, like me, your relationships have often been off-balanced, perhaps it’s time for some frank discussions with your friends and family members. Don’t wait until the account is totally overdrawn to request some changes.

One More Thing…

Even as we learn the importance of cultivating reciprocal relationships, where both parties make contributions into the account, there’s another vital principle we must never forget: The ultimate source of love is God Himself, not any human relationship.

“Let us love one another,” we’re told in 1 John 4:7, “for love comes from God.” If we look to any other source, we’re certain to face disappointment.

You see, we’re much more likely to be hurt by our human relationships when we allow our love relationship with the Lord to run dry. When His love is overflowing in our lives (Psalm 23:5), we’re far less likely to be offended by the failure of people to make deposits into our emotional account. That doesn’t let them off the hook, but it means we can abide in God’s peace and joy even when people let us down.  

Olympic Faith

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again.

O God, please strengthen me one more time...”

Judges 16:28 NLT

You frequently pay Me lip service, but your heart is not always in the words. Your religious motions are sometimes steel-cold and robotic. Compulsively ritualistic, you are sometimes careless in relationships. Attempting holiness, you neglect honesty. Philosophizing about faith, you practice faithlessness. It may hurt you to admit it, but in some ways you forget Me. But I never forget you. I have been unfailingly faithful to you day after day. My covenant love never cools. Even now—if you earnestly pray and seek My face, I will be attentive to you and give you a fresh start.

The secret of Samson’s legendary power was his vow of strict separation from evil and dedication of all the forces of his nature to Me. When he abrogated his vow, he became a helpless weakling. Though foolish because of his demoralizing love affairs, he demonstrated faith in Me, and so I hung his portrait in My hall of heroes. When he returned to Me, I reenergized him to perform superhuman feats. Desperate humility brought the house down!

I am the Secret of moral strength. Godless, you are weak. Connected by faith to Me, you are strong. Help does not come from the mountains, but from the Mountain-Maker—the Architect and Builder of heaven and earth. I direct traffic patterns of galaxies, orchestrate life, and assist you. Invisible hands keep Earth in proper orbit in its annual trip around the sun—I hold you together through every year of your life.

You can resist temptation and survive any situation by an infusion of My power. My might at work in your inner being accomplishes infinitely more than you dare pray or dream. Reinforced by My strength, you are ready for anything that life brings! Day by day, hour by hour, heartbeat by heartbeat—I keep you strong. Never forget you need Me. Lean on My everlasting arms, and I will give you response-ability for responsibility. Do not wish for easier circumstances; pray for stronger character.

The route back to vitality is profoundly simple—pray and believe. Link to the Ultimate Power Source and regain strength to soar like a majestic eagle above earth’s worries on wings of trust and obedience. Make the international athletic motto—“Swifter, Higher, Stronger”—yours. Run swifter than the tempter. Fly higher than the temporal. Walk stronger than the timid. Exercise Olympic faith!

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity--ScripturePersonalized.com/

devotional based on day 129 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Recently I’ve been reflecting on the stunning passage of Scripture where Jesus tells some fishermen in Galilee, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Captivated by this teacher and miracle-worker—later revealed as the Son of God—these men “immediately left their nets and followed Him.”

Think of how radical their response was. Without protesting or asking questions, they each left their livelihood in order to pursue an uncertain future as a follower of Jesus.

You see, right from the beginning, the Christian life was meant to be a GREAT ADVENTURE. But let’s be honest: Many of us who follow Jesus today have settled for a humdrum, risk-free brand of discipleship. Instead of being a great adventure, our lives could be described as a GREAT YAWN.

You’ve probably heard the principle: No risk, no reward. And often the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward.

Yet when was the last time you took a true step of faith in following Christ—some kind of action that would really cost you something if you got it wrong?

Well...a series of events, some expected and some not, have come together recently to propel me once again toward a more adventurous Christian life:

• My landlord decided to sell her house instead of renew my lease when it expired at the end of April.
• My daughter Abbie and her husband Hamish had my first grandbaby a few weeks ago, all the way in New Zealand.
• Hearing my initial plan to visit Abbie for about 10 days, my awesome boss suggested I take a longer period—even a month or two—“to figure out what God wants to do with the rest of my life.”
• Once again, my initial plan changed when I set out to find a new place to live after my sabbatical. Although I looked at several houses and apartments, I haven’t sensed peace about any of them at this point. So…believe it or not, I’ve moved everything I own into storage until I return. My only mailing address is a box at the UPS Store: 9789 Charlotte Hwy, Ste 400 #221, Fort Mill, SC 29707! 

Right now I’m scheduled to be back in my office at Inspiration Ministries on June 19, but that’s about all I know at the moment.

When I tell people about this season of new adventures in my life, they nearly all respond, “Wow, Jim. That’s really exciting!”

Yes, it IS really exciting. But it’s also a bit scary! It’s like jumping out of an airplane and hoping your parachute will work.

I’m looking for people to join me in the GREAT ADVENTURE. Of course, I would value your prayers, and I would love to have you click this link to make a special donation to Crosslink Ministries: http://smplfy.cm/2pJozpo

But even more than that, I invite you to join me in the fantastic adventure of drawing near to God and listening for His instructions for your life. Rediscover what it means to trust the Lord and let go of the things of this world.

Genuine faith is exhilarating…FUN! But it’s surely no fun being in a rut and sleepwalking through life.

The Bible says God has an open door for you, and He’s beckoning you to enter in: “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this” (Revelation 4:1-2). Will you heed the call?                        

Caging the Lion

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

At that moment the Spirit of the LORD powerfully took control of him,

and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands.

Judges 14:6  NLT

Eyelids getting heavy? Do not let Satan catch you napping! Your fiercest opponent is a roaring lion in search of a victim to shred. You are subject to hellacious attack, so you need My wisdom to alert you to his trickery and enable you to survive in the jungle of temptations.

There is no way in human strength to cage the formidable lion. Satan will tear you limb from limb, unless you deal with him using supernatural resources. Only

in My power can you take your archenemy by the scruff of the neck and be rid of him. Only by My strength can you survive his strategies. Empty-handed, grasping no earthly weapon, you can conquer the Devil—if you are brave-hearted, wielding invisible weapons retrieved from the Holy Spirit’s arsenal.

I am stronger than the tempting lion. When I control you, you enjoy spiritual victory. Hoisting the faith shield, extinguish flaming arrows of allurement he hurls through the night. If you give an inch morally, the Devil will take a mile of your character. Surrendering to temptation does not extinguish it; it only stokes the flames. Do not yield to the evil one—resist! Say no and he will go!

The lion of hell is a ravenous beast determined to ruin you. The Lion of the tribe of Judah is determined to resurrect you.

Look forward to the day of eternal ecstasy when My salvation, power, kingdom, and authority will at last be openly unveiled to the universe—and the accuser will be imprisoned in the Abyss in irremediable defeat. Throw a party celebrating inevitable victory over public enemy number one! Worship the Shepherd crucified as a Lamb, soon to be crowned King.

In the meantime, when the lion roars in accusing tones, Jesus is your Defense Counsel who pleads your case at heaven’s throne. Even if your conscience still condemns you, I know you trust Me—let My love set your heart at rest. Until you see Me face to face, depend on My Holy Spirit’s power to triumph over sin. Reverse evil and live! Vitality will be stronger than a lion. Victory will be sweeter than honey.

You are dust—I am Spirit. You are mortal—I am eternal. You are frail—I am omnipotent. You are foolish—I am omniscient. You are limited—I am omnipresent. You are vulnerable—I am invincible.

Is it not about time you donned My armor and started winning more of life’s battles?!

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity--ScripturePersonalized.com/

Devotional based on day 128 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:18-19 ESV)

Can a person's lifestyle condemn them?

Simple Answer: No! 

That’s the Spirit!

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

At that time the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah.

Judges 11:29  NLT

I am the Spirit of love. When you let Me control your heart, I lead you to be caring. I am Love—I transform selfishness into sacrifice. “Who knows? Who cares? Why bother?” will never be your bumper sticker!

I am the Spirit of joy. When you let Me control your outlook, I make you cheerful. I transform pessimism into optimism. As your Commander in Chief, I grant you faith to thank Me in advance for the triumphs I will give. My cross is a plus sign nestled in a “V” for victory. Marching along in Christ’s victory parade, hold your head erect, confidently anticipating the bright future I promise.

I am the Spirit of peace. When you let Me control your mind, I produce an amazing, inexplicable calm. I transform panic into poise. Look earthly trouble squarely in the face, and in heavenly strength boldly say you are ready for anything life may throw at you.

I am the Spirit of patience. When you let Me guide your will, I keep you composed under pressure. I transform tumult into trust. No matter how stormy life’s sea gets, you can stay on an even keel with your Captain at the helm.

I am the Spirit of kindness. When you feel My emotions, you are courteous. I transform steel-heartedness into empathetic concern. Aware that everyone near you fights a hard battle, you are considerate.

I am the Spirit of goodness. When I shape your attitudes, you are compassionate. I transform grouchy stinginess into lavish service.

I am the Spirit of faithfulness. When I control your habits, I make you miraculously constant. I transform fickleness into fidelity.

I am the Spirit of gentleness. When I sculpt your personality, you become gracefully cordial. I transform rudeness into reasonableness.

I am the Spirit of self-discipline. Let Me manage your lifestyle, and you will be morally controlled. I transform thoughtless impulsiveness into true integrity.

You are My child—I guide you by My Holy Spirit. When you take charge, vices appear that are diametrically opposed to My virtues. Rise above sinful cravings and travel the high road! That’s the Spirit!

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity--ScripturePersonalized.com/

This devotional based on day 127 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Laughter of the Redeemed

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ …

because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead.

1 Peter 1:3, 6 NLT

During WWII, an 18-year-old German named Jurgen Moltmann was drafted to serve in Hitler’s army. Assigned to an anti-aircraft battery, he saw the horror of fellow soldiers incinerated in fire bombings. After surrendering to the British, he spent three years in prison camps. There he saw how other prisoners “collapsed inwardly”, gave up all hope, sickened for lack of it, and some died.

Jurgen Moltmann had not grown up as a Christian. An American chaplain gave him an Army-issue New Testament and Psalms, signed by President Roosevelt. He read the Psalms and found something he desperately needed—hope. He became convinced that God was with him, even behind the barbed wire.  Transferred to a camp run by the YMCA, he learned Christian beliefs and experienced accepting love, being treated better than by the German army.

Moltmann found new life in the Gospel of Christ, after seeing only death in WWII. And there’s more to his story—the risen Christ was leading him into an unexpected future. After the war, he became a Christian theologian and focused on two ideas coming out of the story of Jesus and his personal story—God is with us in our suffering; and God is leading us to a better future.

“Easter Sunday”, this theologian wrote, “is the beginning of the laughter of the redeemed.” Expressing the significance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, he wrote “God weeps with us so that we may someday laugh with him. Easter is God’s protest against death. God is not satisfied with the way the world is today, and he intends to make all things new.”

While I was serving as a chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery,  I read an anonymous poem on the cover of Guideposts I will forever remember—

Lift up your hearts, ye sorrowing ones;

And be ye glad at heart.

For Calvary and Easter Day—

Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day,

Were just three days apart.

At a Bar B.Q. restaurant I recently ordered a two-meat dinner of sliced brisket and sausage. When I finished cutting the brisket into normal size bites, I had a total of six bites of rather thin sliced meat. I know the price of beef is increasing, but this clearly was not the portion I wanted. It set me thinking about “portions” and took me back to a painful event several years ago when the will of a family member was read and I was notified that I, and two other members of the family, had been deleted from the will. My portion was eliminated. I was reminded that the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah was once lamenting over what he believed to be his less-than-acceptable circumstances, when he relied on the words of the Psalmist, and paraphrased, “The LORD is my portion . . . therefore I hope in Him!” (Psalm 73:26; Lamentations 3:24). Various translations render the word “portion” as “inheritance,” “all I have,” and “my lot in life.” Few get to this verse of hope because of the beautiful and oft-quotes verses that precede it, related to God’s mercies and compassions being new every morning. But the hope rests in our portion of life, all that we really have, our total inheritance, the Lord.

A Promise to Remember

Remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

MATTHEW 28:20 NTME

I was with you yesterday—

In your naiveté, I guided you perfectly.

In your sincerity, I blessed you abundantly.

In your trouble, I sustained you gracefully.

In your rebellion, I convicted you mercifully.

In your doubts, I reassured you tenderly.

In your sickness, I healed you miraculously.

In your worry, I watched over you closely.

I am with you today—

In your sin, I forgive you compassionately.

In your discouragement, I buoy you helpfully.

In your sadness, I cheer you nearly.

In your responsibilities, I empower you supernaturally.

In your frustrations, I calm you peacefully.

In your loneliness, I accompany you lovingly.

I will always be there for you—

When the night depresses, I will be your Bright Morning Star.

When the morning dawns, I will still be with you—faithful as sunrise.

I will never leave you on your own, to your own devices.

I rose from the dead—I can help you with your big and little problems.

I triumphed over the tomb—I can give you victory over bad habits.

Every heartbeat, breath, step, hour, day, season—I will stand by you.

Until the end of the present earth—and beyond—I am by your side.

I am your Travel Guide—follow My directions carefully.

I am your Greatest Friend—enjoy the pleasure of My company.

No force can ever cancel My love for you—I guarantee it.

In sunshine and shadow, pain and pleasure, doubt and confidence,

    you can be absolutely sure I am there for you—I promise.

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity--ScripturePersonalized.com/

devotional based on day 312 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity

When you learned how to ride a bike, you probably fell down a few times. Hopefully, you got back on and tried again.

The same principle applies to many other things in life—such as relationships, careers, and ministries. You can’t allow momentary failures or setbacks to keep you from picking yourself up and giving things another try.

At the same time, there’s another principle to remember when you begin again: Usually there are some things you must let go of, even as you are reaching out toward new things ahead.

From time to time, I find myself humming an old tune, which seems an apt prophetic picture of where many of us find ourselves today:

He flies through the air with the greatest of ease,

The daring young man on the flying trapeze.

Just as a circus trapeze artist must let go of one trapeze and fly through the air until grabbing the next one, I’ve often found myself in a similar position—flying through the air in transition between the trapeze left behind and the one still to come.

Perhaps you can relate. You know you aren’t where you used to be, but you’re not where we’re going to be either. You find yourself flying swiftly through the air, on your way to a coming trapeze that’s not yet entirely visible.

It must be an exhilarating experience for a trapeze artist to fly through the air like that. But I’m sure it’s also terrifying to know the force of gravity will take its effect if the next trapeze doesn’t soon come within reach.

This process of “letting go and moving on” is part of God’s plan is to take us “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). And while this process is exhilarating at times, it’s easy to feel apprehensive when you have nothing to hang onto except the Lord Himself.

Experienced trapeze artists realize they dare not look down or they’ll miss the next trapeze. Big mistake!

Fortunately, God’s intention is not only to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24), but also to enable us to soar on eagles’ wings (Isaiah 40:31). The next trapeze is not a demotion but part of the “upward call of God” (Philippians 3:14). He’s taking us HIGHER!

If you’ve had some mishaps on the trapeze before, you may feel wary about getting back on. But despite the dangers, this is no time to play it safe. If you insist on clinging for dear life to your original trapeze, you are certain to make no progress at all. You’ll only go higher when you exhibit the courage of “the daring young man” who defied gravity and reached upward.

Just as God challenged people in Bible days, He would say to us today: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NLT).

So go ahead and have courage to let go of the past. Press forward and let Him strengthen you for exciting new adventures on His flying trapeze. 

When you learned how to ride a bike, you probably fell down a few times. Hopefully, you got back on and tried again.

The same principle applies to many other things in life—such as relationships, careers, and ministries. You can’t allow momentary failures or setbacks to keep you from picking yourself up and giving things another try.

At the same time, there’s another principle to remember when you begin again: Usually there are some things you must let go of, even as you are reaching out toward new things ahead.

From time to time, I find myself humming an old tune, which seems an apt prophetic picture of where many of us find ourselves today:

He flies through the air with the greatest of ease,

The daring young man on the flying trapeze.

Just as a circus trapeze artist must let go of one trapeze and fly through the air until grabbing the next one, I’ve often found myself in a similar position—flying through the air in transition between the trapeze left behind and the one still to come.

Perhaps you can relate. You know you aren’t where you used to be, but you’re not where we’re going to be either. You find yourself flying swiftly through the air, on your way to a coming trapeze that’s not yet entirely visible.

It must be an exhilarating experience for a trapeze artist to fly through the air like that. But I’m sure it’s also terrifying to know the force of gravity will take its effect if the next trapeze doesn’t soon come within reach.

This process of “letting go and moving on” is part of God’s plan is to take us “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). And while this process is exhilarating at times, it’s easy to feel apprehensive when you have nothing to hang onto except the Lord Himself.

Experienced trapeze artists realize they dare not look down or they’ll miss the next trapeze. Big mistake!

Fortunately, God’s intention is not only to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24), but also to enable us to soar on eagles’ wings (Isaiah 40:31). The next trapeze is not a demotion but part of the “upward call of God” (Philippians 3:14). He’s taking us HIGHER!

If you’ve had some mishaps on the trapeze before, you may feel wary about getting back on. But despite the dangers, this is no time to play it safe. If you insist on clinging for dear life to your original trapeze, you are certain to make no progress at all. You’ll only go higher when you exhibit the courage of “the daring young man” who defied gravity and reached upward.

Just as God challenged people in Bible days, He would say to us today: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NLT).

So go ahead and have courage to let go of the past. Press forward and let Him strengthen you for exciting new adventures on His flying trapeze. 

Over the past few years, I’ve met many people who’ve been wounded by life’s traumas. Some have gone through the agony of divorce or betrayal by a business partner. Others lost a loved one or were fired from a job.

After we’ve been traumatized, our tendency is to pull back and try to avoid further risks. We opt to play it safe and stay nestled within our comfort zone.

But I’ve found that comfort zones are a lot like coffins. In a coffin you’re already dead, but in a comfort zone you’re slowly dying. This seems like a distinction without much of a difference.

So…when was the last time you did something outside your comfort zone? When did you take a risk in order to get something you wanted or to advance toward a God-given dream?

You’ve probably heard the old maxim about turtles: They only make progress when they stick their neck out!

When was the last time you stuck your neck out?

In sixth grade I wrote the best poem of my life, and it was all about risk-taking. I must have been in a cynical mode that day, as you’ll see by the poem’s ending…

The ant, the ant, hid under a plant,

For he was afraid to be seen.

His friends had been crushed, and trampled and brushed,

By creatures much larger and mean.

So all day he stayed, and huddled and prayed,

But his hunger made his cowardice fade.

He jumped out and said, “BE BRAVE TILL YOU’RE DEAD!”

As a foot came down on his head.

As I reflect on the lessons in this, my greatest of poems, I feel sorry for the ant. I’m not particularly sorry for how his life ended, but rather for all the time he wasted playing it safe in his comfort zone.

The tragedy for many people is not how their life ends, but the sad fact that they never really lived. During the interval between their birth and their death, they seldom made a difference in the lives of others.

The ant in my poem was hiding under a plant, but I can’t help but wonder where you might be hiding today. Perhaps you are hiding from your true calling or hiding from the risk of loving someone deeply once again.

The ant threw his cowardice aside because he got hungry. I pray today that you will regain your hunger to fulfill God’s highest purposes for your life. May you hunger for “more,” and may your hunger be so intense that you cast your fears aside.

Be brave, my friend! There’s no other way to find real life.

“The person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.” – Habakkuk 2:4 MSG

Victory Parade

Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey.

Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus,

and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

He was in the center of the procession, and the crowd all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David! Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD!

Praise God in highest heaven!” The entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as he entered.

MATTHEW 21:5, 8-10 NLT

Walk prayerfully on the parade route I have mapped out for you. I am the Way to the Truth of Life—free, real, rich, full, eternal life. The evil one steals enthusiasm, kills joy, and destroys influence—I guide you to a significant and fulfilling life. I am the Humble King who practiced downward mobility to save you. Walk in My steps—have My frame of mind and serve others. You are a beautiful work of art I envisioned long before your birth—yield to My Spirit brushstrokes on the canvas of your circumstances and be displayed for angels and saints to admire in heaven’s gallery.

Dance joyfully with praise that lasts—celebrating blessings I give. Avoid a fickle heart—calling Me king one day, deserting Me the next. Keep Me in the center of your life’s procession, bowing to nothing else. Give your Most Honored Guest a royal welcome every sunrise. Keep My joy alive in your heart every mile of the journey—let no cheap thrill compete with the ecstasy of My Presence. No matter how rough the road, be grateful—find reasons for thanks.

March in My triumphal procession leading to a bright future I promise.

I am your Personal Friend—I never let you down or run away.

I am the Pardoning Savior—I forgive your sins and set you free.

I am the Powerful God—I help you accomplish all I ask of you.

I am the Perfect Lamb—I redeem you from sin’s penalty and power.

I am the Drumbeat of hope—I fight for you until the battle’s over.

I am Alpha and Omega—I spoke the first word and I will have the last.

I am the Prophesied Messiah—I will win the last war and defeat evil.

One day you will wave palm branches along golden streets—until then, celebrate victories I give on the roads you travel today.

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity © 2013

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity--ScripturePersonalized.com/

This devotional is Day 310 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity

 I spent my pre-college, teen-age years living in the city of Houston, Texas. My small-town parents worried constantly for my safety and sanity in the big city. Thus they set boundary lines for me. There were certain parts of the city where I was not allowed, and certain places that were off-limits to me. As the son of a Southern Baptist pastor, you can imagine where some of those places were. But I survived and to this day have wonderful (although mostly Facebook-type) friends from those years. I appreciated my parents’ concern, but was glad to move off to college, for an unexpected culture shock. From the city to the country; from the second largest High School in the south to a college of 1000 students; from big city boundaries to small town freedoms. Brownwood, Texas was a long way from Houston, not just in miles. Described by some as located, “fifteen miles from the nearest known sin,” this new environment presented new opportunities and possibilities. My sophomore roommate was an Agriculture major from “out-of-Lometa, Texas” with pictures of cows beside his bed. Needless to say, it was an interesting year. But the early boundaries kept me in line and to this day, some of my best friends, are my former college classmates. To go from one among the masses in a large city and a High School graduating class of more than 700 to being named my University’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 2015, was quite a journey, with some very interesting boundaries. The Psalmist wrote, “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.” (Psalm 16:6). Better, the NIV translates it, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” This would be a good week to check and reflect on your boundary lines, and if necessary, join me in being grateful.

Practicing the Presence of God

The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”

Judges 6:12 NLT

I am Immanuel, God with you—My Presence cheers you on. In emergencies, call Me. I bless the desperate and swing wide Kingdom gates to people who need Me. I am fighting on the front line alongside you. As you memorialize victory adding battle streamers, name your flag, “The Lord Is Peace.” Whistle in the dark and sing for joy. Live happily.

I am the Incomparable Christ, God without equal—My perfect pattern challenges you. I am your Template for life. Do more than ask “What would Jesus do?”—do it! Walk in My steps. Live helpfully.

I am the Infinite One, God without limitation—My power changes you from the inside out. On your own, you are like the Israelites—doing evil in heaven’s sight, repeatedly returning to the rut of rebellion. Fall to your knees, then get on your feet. Reverse evil, and learn to live in line with principles of the Life-Giver. Keep the change. Live holily.

I am the Invisible One, God without end—My promises buoy you. A priceless inheritance is reserved in heaven for you—unaffected by stock market downturns, inaccessible to thieves, uncorrupted by rust. An unimaginably beautiful destiny is just around the corner. Do not get preoccupied with what you can see; do not let happiness hinge on things. Tangibles are temporary; spiritual treasures are forever. Earthly toys always break; truth never does. Travel My confidence course. Live hopefully.

I am the Invincible One, God without defeat—My Providence carries you. Trying times are parentheses in life’s sentence. After short-term troubles, I will pick you up, brush you off , and get you back in your running lane in Faith Marathon. Trust Me and you will have a brave heart, calm mind, and optimistic outlook. You are never alone in the dark—I always leave the light on. I accompany your every heartbeat. Celebrate! Live heroically.

Try life on your own, and life will be grim. Practice My Presence, and life will be grand.

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity © 2013

Devotional is Day 124 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Recently I was praying with a friend who was struggling to find God’s direction for his life. As we prayed, I vividly remembered the Bible’s account of how the magi temporarily lost sight of the star that had started them on their journey:

Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time! (Matthew 2:9-10 MSG).

What an intriguing story. The magi had been so moved by their initial sighting of this star that they left everything and set off on a journey of hundreds of miles just to glimpse and worship the newborn King. But at first the star only guided them as far as Jerusalem, where the religious leaders and King Herod pointed them to Bethlehem as the likely place of the Messiah’s birth.

As these men set off for Bethlehem, something very exciting happened: “Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies.”

As this passage came to mind, I immediately recognized how it applied to my friend’s situation. Several years before, he had sensed clear direction from the Lord to proceed in a certain direction. Yet the cares and circumstances of life had hindered him—and now his original vision seemed like a dim memory.

Sensing the Holy Spirit speaking into his situation, I told my friend with great confidence, “The star of guidance is going to appear for you again!”

I also pointed out that, as with the magi, it would likely be the “same star” as he had seen before. To use a modern parallel, it’s as if his GPS had quit working for a time, but now it was about to resume charting the original direction.

Perhaps this is a word of encouragement for you as well. Is your spiritual GPS still functioning? As God did in the case of the magi, sometimes He sovereignly removes our external guidance for a time, causing us to seek Him once again. However, notice that the magi experienced great joy when they saw the star again—and so it will be with us.

As the magi discovered, incredible joy rises in our hearts when we realize we’re in “the right place” at “the right time.” And it’s important to see that the star didn’t just lead them in some random direction: “It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child.” That’s the ultimate purpose of all divine guidance, isn’t it? God wants to lead us closer to Jesus.

A personal note…

The same night as I prayed with my friend, my sleep was restless. Finally, at about 3:30 a.m., I gave up sleeping and started pondering how the story of the magi’s renewed guidance applied to my own life.

Like my friend, I’ve been sensing that the Lord wants to give me fresh vision and guidance. I’ve even been planning a sabbatical when I can get some needed rest and a new perspective.

But there at 3:30, tossing and turning on my bed, some things became very clear to me. Like the magi, I had sought direction from friends and “religious leaders,” when what I really needed was to see the star again.  

In mere moments, I began to receive some of the “fresh vision” I craved—and it turned out to be a return of some “old vision” I’d lost sight of and neglected.

Surprise, surprise, surprise. It turned out that I already had vision. As with the magi, when the “star” of guidance appeared to me in the middle of that restless night, it was the same star that had set me on my journey several years before.

I know I still have a long way to go. But I’m headed toward “Bethlehem” to see the King, and I’m pretty excited about it.

I pray you’ll take time to look again for the star that got you started. Although the night around you may be dark, that’s when stars shine the brightest.

How can we make and grow disciples - all the way from harvest fields to full maturity in Jesus? And how can we do that in the content of a larger community, ensuring that people are not isolated from one another but moving forward together on their spiritual journeys?

How can we do that in a way that relies on the Holy Spirit and allows us to meet each person where they are currently on their journey?

The Discipleship Cycle is an overview of the six stages of discipleship. This short PDF includes an action plan you can use to determine the next steps you want to take in growing and multiplying disciples.

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At LoganLeadership.com you can find many resources related to discipleship, leadership, church development and more. By combining biblical principles with social science insights, we help leaders sharpen thinking skills, focus strategic actions, contextualize solutions, and create reproducible processes increasing their ministry capacity. - Dr. Bob Logan

Elijah has always been one of my favorite Bible characters, and I’m particularly intrigued by the chapter where he fights deep depression (1 Kings 19). The mighty prophet had witnessed amazing answers to prayer, stopping the rain for years before starting it again. He had multiplied a widow’s meager supply of food and raised her son from the dead. And for good measure, he called down fire from heaven and slayed the false prophets of Baal.

Huge victories, to say the least. Impressive demonstrations of faith. Causes for great celebration, we might think.

So how in the world did Elijah become utterly depressed—to the extent that he wanted God to end his life?

Although some people act as if depression has only one cause, in Elijah’s case we see this simply isn’t true. You might come up with a different list than mine, but I’ve found 7 lessons about depression we can learn from Elijah’s story:

1. Be careful what you listen to. The onset of Elijah’s melancholy can be traced to 1 Kings 19:2: “Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah.” Every moment of every day, we are bombarded with messengers, aren’t we? God is speaking. The devil is speaking. And we receive countless positive or negative messages through the people around us and diverse forms of media. Beware: The spirit of Jezebel is still speaking, my friend! And if we listen to that diabolical messenger, we’ll inevitably become depressed, just like Elijah.
2. Avoid the tendency to go it alone. Elijah made two mistakes that contributed to his downward spiral. First, he left his servant behind (v. 3). During the prophet’s dark hours in the cave, no one was with him to cheer him up or offer helpful perspective. But an even worse problem was his disconnect from the God-fearing Israelites who could have been his allies: the “seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal” (v. 16). It’s depressing to feel all alone in a daunting mission—but sometimes we just need to connect with those who would happily be our comrades.
3. Recognize the physical factors influencing your state of mind. Depression isn’t just a spiritual or psychological condition. Often it’s greatly influenced by factors that are physical or chemical in nature. If you study this chapter in detail, you’ll see that Elijah was extremely fatigued, deprived of adequate sleep for several days. He also was dehydrated and lacking in nutrition until God sent an angel to give him water and food (vs. 5-8). On top of everything else, he had faced a period of great stress, which often results in adrenal exhaustion and other deficits in a person’s body chemistry.
4. Assess whether you’re in the right place. Twice in this passage, God asks the prophet a fascinating question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (verses 9 & 13). If you’re feeling depressed today, it’s good to ask whether you’re “out of position” in some way. Are you in job or ministry where you don’t fit? Are you remaining in the wrong city or country, when the Lord has been nudging you to move somewhere else? Are you staying in a toxic relationship, when you know you don’t have God’s peace?
5. Beware of the egotistical view that everything depends on you. When you try to play God, you will inevitably become both exhausted and depressed. Elijah told the Lord, “I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” (v. 10). He knew there was a lot more work to be done in bringing repentance and national restoration to Israel, and he felt the job depended entirely on him! When we get stuck in that kind of overwhelming mindset, we need to pause and (1) cast our burdens on the Lord, and (2) recognize our need to team up with other people in order to fulfill the remaining mission.
6. Amid whirling circumstances and activities, make sure you don’t lose touch with God’s gentle whisper and still small voice. While it’s clear Elijah knew a lot about intimacy with God, it seems he slipped away from that intimacy amid the busyness of his life and ministry. Can you relate? In the midst of the busyness of “serving God,” it’s all too easy to neglect spending quality time with Him. In this case, the Lord showed Elijah “a great and strong wind…an earthquake…and a fire” (vs. 11-12), but the divine message came with His gentle whisper instead of any of these dramatic events. Ask yourself: Can you still hear the Lord’s quiet voice, or do you only feel His presence when the worship band is blaring?
7. Find hope in remembering your mission—or in finding a new one, if necessary. Elijah had already accomplished a great deal. It was understandable to wonder if his life’s mission had already been completed. But it’s incredibly depressing when you no longer believe God still has an important purpose for your life. A major breakthrough in shedding his depression came when Elijah was recommissioned by Lord with a new calling—to anoint some kings and “anoint Elisha as prophet in your place” (v. 15-16). Perhaps this is a message for you as well: It could be time to equip the next generation and train your replacement!

Action Steps

Most of us have faced a bout of serious depression at one time or another. Hey, if it could happen to Elijah, you and I certainly aren’t immune.

However, you don’t need to stay in the “cave” or the valley of despair. Learning the lessons from Elijah’s story, you can believe God’s promises and quit listening to the messengers of condemnation and defeat. You can learn to rely on the Lord and your comrades instead of carrying the entire load on your own shoulders.

It’s also important to regularly monitor the physical factors you’re dealing with. Are you getting enough sleep, exercise, hydration, and nutrition? Do you need to take steps to eliminate some of the stress in your life?

Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself the “placement” question God asked Elijah. Are you in the right place…the right role…with the right people?

If, like Elijah, you’ve lost your sensitivity to the Lord’s gently whisper amid life’s busyness, I pray you’ll hear it once again. And when you do, don’t be surprised if He reaffirms your calling—or gives you a whole new mission.

I’m praying your best days are still ahead!  

D-Day

Then Deborah said to Barak, “Get ready!

Today the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.”

So Barak led his ten thousand warriors down the slopes of Mount Tabor into battle.

Judges 4:14 NLT

Today you are going to engage spiritual enemies from hell—temptation, apathy, egocentricity, greed, pride, impatience, hostility. The evil one has set traps in hopes of tripping you up. Fiends of hell have improvised deadly explosive devices and hidden them along your road. However ferocious the war, you have heaven’s guarantee of victory.

I am Jehovah—the One Who Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been. I am on your side, so no force in the universe can defeat you. I enable you to triumph over sin and death—your worst enemies. March smartly in Christ’s victory procession. Live grace-fully, trusting the promise that ultimately the God of peace will pulverize public enemy number one. Stand tall.

Love is wide enough to include you, long enough to outlast earth, high enough to inspire you infinitely, deep enough to stand under you no matter how far you fall. My unfailing love makes us inseparable. Despite everything threatening you, you are invincible connected to the Almighty. Death cannot kill love. Life’s maze will not hide you from mercy. Demons are unable to breach the protecting walls encircling you. Worries cannot halt the sunrise of hope. In fact, nothing created can ever come between you and your Creator. Relax.

In all the battles you fight, I am your Commander in Chief. No one outranks Me.  I issue orders, ruling and overruling life’s skirmishes. I am the Vanguard of the army of saints—combat evil boldly because I am on the front line with you. I march ahead of you in your tomorrows—listen for My orders. Stay close.

I am the Great Difference between joy and despondency, courage and cowardice, optimism and pessimism, and victory and defeat. Faith in Me transforms you from a whining victim into a whistling victor. A popular way of expressing confidence is, “Nothing will happen to me today that God and I together cannot handle.” The biblical way of expressing confidence is, “I am ready for whatever happens today because of the strength of the One living in my heart.” In Christ, you can overcome every obstacle on life’s confidence course. Believe Me.

Faith’s strenuous battle for heaven’s cause requires backbone, but you are not an army of one—ten thousand invisible warriors are descending with you into the dark and shadowy valley battleground. Today is D-Day on the bloody beaches of Satan’s territory. Attack!

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity © 2013

Devotional is Day 123 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity