Why Go to Church

In the West it is cultural to go to church. This is a good habit for every Christian. But why we go to church is far more important than merely fulfilling a religious obligation. While any reason is a good reason to be in church, it will serve us best if we go to church with a heart of worship.

Every other Christian activity can be done individually but when we worship Jesus corporately, a special power is released over our lives. Many flock to church for good teaching, motivational speech, and great concert-like worship services and that’s all good. However, the most important reason God wants us to be in church is so we can worship Him for who He is!

We’re created to worship our Creator. Some of the ways we can show our worship to our Savior is to express our gratitude. Worship is easy. Remember the day of your salvation. Remember the day God healed you and set you free from wrong desires and addictions. Thank Him for your children and family. Express your gratitude for His bountiful provisions. Give Him some praise for protecting you from accidents, plagues, and sudden calamities.

Many Christians are uncertain about how to worship. The posture of our heart is far greater than our physical appearance. Let us take at least as much time preparing our hearts as we do looking good on the outside. God still looks at the heart! He will not turn away a broken and contrite spirit. King David, the greatest worshipper in history, often danced before the Lord with all His might. The Scripture exhorts for us to worship God “lifting holy hands.” Singing and clapping are common expressions of a heart of worship. Many are uncomfortable with being emotional at church but it is completely alright to “let yourself go” in the presence of the Almighty. A church is not a place to showcase perfect people; it’s a hospital where broken hearts are mended by God. If you’re uncomfortable looking at others getting emotional in church, you’re looking in the wrong place. Let’s focus on Jesus -- the object of our worship. Don’t worry about what anybody else is doing. Worship for the audience of One!

Much emphasis has been given to tithes and offerings in the church. While you cannot love God without giving, don’t do anything out of religious obligation or membership “rules.” Why we give is far more important than what we put into the offering plate. You have heard about giving 10% of your income to God. May I challenge you to a greater blessing? God doesn’t want a percentage of your life. He wants your whole heart. Friend, surrender your whole life to God and you’ll be amazed by how easy it will be to give. Make Jesus your greatest Treasure. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

It is sad to say but many people treat church as a social club. While it is healthy for believers to fellowship with one another, church should not be a place for us to grow our business connections. It may happen organically and that’s alright but don’t go to church with the intent to scout for customers. Seek God and customers will find you! The only reason we should go to church is to worship our Lord and learn the Word to bring others to Christ. The intent of our heart is the test of our character. 

Preachers, one of our main responsibilities is to feed our sheep. Men, women, and children in your congregation are looking for answers. Let’s teach them how to be a better husband, how to be a better employee, how to be a better witness for the Lord. Teach them how to live a victorious Christian life Monday to Saturday. Let’s lead our flock to an encounter with God. Don’t try to beat your people to submission. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” If you lead them to green pastures of God’s love, joy, and peace, they’ll follow you by the droves.

Friend, God is pleased with you. It honors Him to meet you in His House. You are the body of Christ. You don’t have to be in the gathering of others. However, your life will be enriched when you surround yourself with other like-minded believers. If going to church was good for our Lord, there may be something in it for us as well. Let’s put aside the hurt and disappointments of the past. This time around, let’s follow Jesus and not people. Let’s worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. I’m proud of you for taking your family to church. God is smiling down upon you.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4 NLT).

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Making Plans for a Successful Year

I’ve never met anyone who planned to fail. Yet, thousands of people are dissatisfied with their lives because they don’t have any set goals. If we’re not making plans to succeed then by default, we’re planning to fail.

Millions of people made New Year’s resolution this year but unfortunately, most have already fumbled. Statistics show that 75% of people maintain their resolutions, through the first week. Six months later, only 46% continue on with their goals. By the end of the year, a staggering 90% of people never make it. If this is you, I have some good news.

Today, let me introduce you to another approach of making plans to succeed. I call it PGP or Personal Growth Plan. Each year, I set goals in the five categories of life that impact me the most. Under each heading, I write down 3-5 specific goals. PGP works because it makes room to fail but allows the grace to get up and go again. Let me share these that might help you also.

1. God. Our success on earth is directly correlated to our connection with heaven. If we build our lives in the firm foundation of our God, we will have the Midas touch in everything we do. If we want to succeed in life, we can’t afford to not spend time with our Maker. Make plans to read the Bible every day. Pray and worship throughout the day. Talk to someone about Jesus at work. Attend church and get involved serving people. Go on a mission trip. Let’s plan to encounter God more deeply and intimately. Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you!

2. Family. Every family has some defunct but your family is the only people God Himself handpicked for you! Our families sacrifice the most, yet often, they’re the ones who are most neglected. At the end of your life, you’re not going to ask for another day at the office or brag on your corporate achievement; you would want to be surrounded by the family you love. Set aside dedicated time to spend with your spouse. Go on a date with your kids and grandkids. Plan a weekend getaway. Play games together. Have fun and be intentional about making memories. Don’t shortchange your family. Invest in them.

3. Relationships. We’re created to live in community. The quality of our life will depend on the relationships we build. Learn to take genuine interest in people. Find a way to meet new people. Be loyal to your old friends. At work, invest in your boss and co-workers. Be hospitable. Invite your friends and neighbors to dinner. Call people just to check on them. Pray with people. The best relationships are a two-way street. What you put in is what you’re going to get out of it.

4. Finances. Our financial affairs reflect where our hearts are. The Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NIV). Don’t follow money; instead, follow God and money will follow you. We’re selfish by nature. One of the best ways to cure greed and selfishness is to have a generous heart. This year try these simple steps for financial fitness. Work to make money > Give > Save > Invest. Use a budget and percentage to dictate where your money should go. If you really want to hit a home run with your finances, support Israel.

5. Health. We’ve all heard the saying, “Health is wealth.” It is! No matter whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds or fighting a serious health issue, you are in control of more than you think. Take simple steps to boost your health. Eat a balanced diet. Drink more water. Cut down on carbs, sugar, and sodas. Exercise regularly. Sleep at least 6-8 hours a day. Our God is still the Healer – this is your year to reclaim your health!

Friend, our God is a progressive God. What you’ve experienced in the past is going to pale compared to the success God has reserved for you this year. Get your hopes up, take corresponding action, and thank God for a bumper crop year. 2015 will be a wow year! God will give you something to talk about. He has already pronounced His blessing over you. Will you believe and act on it? I’m praying for you and yours!

“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:1 NLT).

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A Season of Miracles for You

I must admit, this is my favorite time of year. I love the festivities, the hustle and bustle of people shopping for their loved ones, and celebrating the greatest gift the world has ever known — Jesus. I love Christmas!

One of the ways to celebrate the birth of our Lord is to keep the right perspective. Things don’t always have to be perfect in order to enjoy life. The quality of our life depends on how grateful we are for the things we already have. If we’re only happy and content with stuff we want and having it our way all the time, then we’ll spend most of our lives disappointed.

Recently, I saw an advertisement where the man asked the genie for a million bucks. As he wished, boom it happened! The man expected cash but he was surrounded with male deer in and around his house. He was disappointed. This is comical but many of us respond to life in similar fashion. We don’t seem to enjoy the 99 things God has blessed us with but instead, mourn the one thing we don’t have. Don’t let that be you!

I’ve found that one of the best ways to draw God’s blessings into our lives is to be thankful for what we have. When we’re bragging, we won’t be nagging.

While most of us are celebrating the joyous season of Christmas, many are genuinely hurting. Some are disappointed about the way this year didn’t pan out for them. Others made deliberate mistakes and now they’re licking their wounds, feeling sorry for themselves. Yet there are some who experienced a tragedy of losing a loved one or they’re going through a physical, mental, or financial challenge. No matter what opposition you’re facing today, I’ve got good news for you. God is about to turn your mourning into dancing. He will take your mistakes and turn them into miracles. This is the crux of the message of Christmas. No matter how impossible your situation looks, it’s about to change! Luke 4:19 in the Amplified version says that Jesus came “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound].”

This is why I love Christmas! I’m reminded of God’s free flowing favors abounding over me, my family, and friends like you. Religion is binding and it teaches us that we have to be good in order to receive God’s blessings. While I’m not trying to promote sloppy Christianity, we would be wise to understand that our best efforts to please God are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot earn God’s favor with our good works but we can accept His free gift of Salvation and favor upon our lives. And for a sinner like me, that’s music to my ears! I accept everything God has for me with deepest gratitude in my heart. I recommend you do the same.

I love to watch parents shopping for Christmas for their children. One thing that always impresses me is the list. It has names and gifts matching to the names. This list is the most divine list in the world. Naughty or nice; no matter what the child has done through the year — his grades, her attitude, or even their history of disobedience —the list only contains blessings for their children. The Bible says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him" (Luke 11:13). God has a list of blessings beside your name.

Friend, today let’s remember that we’re in a season of miracles. God is not keeping track of your wrongs but your faith in Him. He is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. You don’t have to play an outsider anymore because God has circled you in. You’re not an outcast, you’re outstanding! If you come to Jesus just as you are, He will accept you and turn your sorrow into joy. You want to honor God with your life but you don’t have to impress Him anymore. Jesus has done that for you. Just embrace and accept the free favor of God’s love, forgiveness, and restoration over your life. Christmas is not just history it’s about God’s richest blessing coming over your life to meet you at the point of your need today. This is your season of miracles. What do you need? Ask boldly! God is in good mood to give you the miracle you need.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32 NIV).

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Desire More for God

We are driven by desires. We strive to get to a better place with our lives. We want more comfort, better living conditions, plenty of affluence and influence. While none of this is wrong, our desire for God is more important in this life and beyond.

Yesterday, I met with two young ladies. We’ll call them Becky and Chelsea. They’re smart, beautiful, and full of purpose. They are highly successful in their own careers and they’re modest about their achievements. Both of them have traveled the world and lived overseas extensively, helping people that are less fortunate. Chelsea is a property manager but her real passion is to work with new immigrants giving them job skills and other valuable support; introducing them to our God. Becky has a booming business but she is constantly looking for ways to help others. Her dream is to have a restoration center healing God’s servants from around the world! Their love for God and His people is impeccable! What inspired me about these ladies is that they love life to the fullest but they also love God with their whole heart. As a matter of fact, everything they do is an overflow of their obedient commitment to Christ. My friends are marked for success!

I believe every human being is born with a God-shaped void in their hearts. We try to fill it up with busyness, relationships, building ourselves a name, fame, and a fortune. Climbing the corporate ladder is great but make sure it’s not leaning against the wrong wall. How we get there, and what we do when we arrive, make all the difference. The same is true in raising a family, growing a business, or even serving God in the ministry. Martha was busy ministering for Jesus. Mary ministered to Jesus. Mary was preferred! Nothing can fill the void in your life that only God can. He has reserved all the right to our love and affection. He laid His life down to express His love for us. Do you desire more for God as you do for material things in life?

My kids have three cats! I was out of my mind to allow them three kittens (they grow)! Seriously, they’re cute and they add a lot of joy. Fang is always getting into mischief. I have to get on to her more than the other two. However, it is Fang who jumps onto my couch every morning and cuddles with me while I’m having my tea and reading my Bible. She likes to do that throughout the day. I like all of our cats but Fang gets preferred treatment because of her affection for me. Many Christians go to God only when they have a need. There’s nothing wrong with asking God for stuff. But if our relationship is based on getting and not giving, then we’re living too shallow.

In the Bible, we find David always having a desire for more of God. He rose early in the morning to seek after Him. He took time to recall the blessings He received from God. He magnified God while he was surrounded by his enemies. David made God’s name famous. In return, in spite of his humble background, God made him the king of Israel and called David a man after His own heart. What about you? Do you have any conversation with God that does not involve your benefit? Do you ever ask God, “What you can do for you?” Do you actively seek for ways that will make His name great? Do you have a bucket list of what you want to do for God? You have goals for your own family and personal career but do you have a goal for your spiritual development? These questions are not to make you feel bad but if we don’t have a desire to live more for God, we’re not living life to our highest potential.

Let’s become lovers of God. He owns it all except our hearts. The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman. He will not occupy what you don’t surrender. It’s great to have goals and dreams and accumulate stuff but I’ve never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse! Nothing wrong in making a name or having fame but there’s nothing right doing it without God. Talk to Him regularly. Read His love letters, the Bible, to you. Know Him and make His name known to the world. Let’s be like my friends Becky and Chelsea and desire more for God. King David always made time for God, so can we. Like our cat if we get cozy with God, our lives will go better for us. Friends, I challenge you to desire more for God. When we live a God-pleasing life, everything else will automatically fall in place. God wants you. How much of God do you desire?

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1 NIV).

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5 Ways to Start Your Day Right

How we start our day usually sets the precedent for how the rest of it is going to go. If we have a great start, we can expect a great finish. If we’re not intentional about starting our day right, it is easy for us to fall off the wagon as the day goes by.

No matter what your past has been, remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life. What you do today will determine how your future is going to be. Let’s look at five things we can do to start our day right.

Sync with God. When we take the time to sync with our Maker, we tap into His potential in us. Spending time with God is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Making God the first priority in our lives plays it to our advantage. It brings us favor for the day. When we honor God with our time, He will honor us with His talents and treasures!

Honor your family. Our families are the most valuable to us. The world has a way to pull us down. When we wake up loving and blessing our family, we set a tone for positive experiences in life. Just like taking vitamins, give them your support right up front. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them. People are not mind readers. Say, “I love you. I believe in you. You can do anything. I’m proud of you!” Reassure them of your loyalty and commitment to them. When you have peace at home, you’ll have peace throughout the day.

Eat a healthy breakfast. We are a triune being. Our body, mind and soul are interconnected. If one part is not healthy, it will affect the other. If you had a million dollar race horse, would you feed it junk food and treat it ordinarily? You wouldn’t attempt to drive your car empty on gas and expect a smooth journey. Likewise, when we don’t eat a healthy breakfast, our body cannot give us the optimum performance. Eat selectively to put healthy protein and nutrition into your system. You’re made in the image of God. Your body is not only where you live but it’s where God lives. Honor God by honoring your body.

Reduce stress. A little bit of planning on our part can eliminate a lot of early morning drama. For example, fill up your gas tank at the end of the day instead of trying to do it before you head out to work. You already know that traffic is going to be unpredictable, why don’t you start fifteen to twenty minutes early every day? This means you may have to go to bed a few minutes earlier. Don’t burn the candle on both ends. If you’re chronically trying to find your keys, change your habits and place your car key right by the door every day. If you’re raising kids, make sure to prepare their clothes, shoes, and lunches the day before, not waiting until the morning rush. Planning ahead reduces pain for everybody. Reduce stress whenever you can!

Adjust your attitude. Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond. You can either be a thermostat or a thermometer. No matter what comes your way, don’t jump on the emotional roller coaster. You can control your emotions. No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. Just because people give you their toxic waste, doesn’t mean you have to take it. No one can make you upset, frustrated, and angry. You’re solely responsible for your own happiness. Time is how you choose to spend it and you have options. You can choose your career and the people you want to work for. Don’t allow other people and their behavior to put you in a bad mood. One of my friends says, “A bad attitude is like a flat tire; unless you change it you’re not going to go anywhere.” Be a bounce-back person. Not everything is going to go your way. Shake it off quickly and step it up. This day is a gift. Don’t let strangers, co-workers, or even your boss, steal the beauty wrapped up in it!

Friend, each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. How you start this day will determine what the rest of your day will look like. Don’t fill your schedule with appointments. It’s better to be productive than to be busy. Let the Holy Spirit guide you today. Honor the people you love. Put proper fuel in your engine. Make someone’s day. Your attitude will determine your altitude. I pray and declare that the rest of your life will be the best of your life. Start today right!

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7 Reasons Why People Leave Church

 

People leave church for various reasons. Pastors, if you’re easily discouraged by people leaving then you have not fully understood your calling. Members leaving church is an occupational hazard. Stay-at-home Christians, you’re better off with imperfect believers than by yourself. The first one to leave the bunch gets eaten!

 

I find it amusing that while people from around the world are willing to put their lives on the line to be a Christian, believers in the West are leaving the church and even abandoning their faith. After talking to countless Christians and pastors, I’ve found a few common reasons why people leave their church. Today, my intention is not to criticize anyone but to shed some light and hopefully bring some understanding and reconciliation.

 

1. Lack of vision. Allow me to paraphrase the famous Gettysburg speech by Abraham Lincoln, “This church, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that church of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Many pastors have the attitude that, “If you come to my church, you have to support my vision.” Just because you walk into a shop doesn’t mean you should be forced to buy any of their products. Likewise, a church should open its door to serve the people and not other way around. When people feel that they’re loved, valued and appreciated, they’ll bend over backwards to support the vision of their leader. Build people and they’ll build your organization.

 

2. Leadership. Every great leader knows leadership without relationship is futile. When a church is birthed, there’s a great sense of bonding. Because it’s usually small in number, the quality of relationship and the communication between the leader and member is strong. As the church grows, that bonding starts to deteriorate. Members begin to feel unloved, uncared-for, and disillusioned. I say this respectfully but many leaders are narcissists. Hard to admit but I was! Unless we deal with our insecurity and become servant leaders by shifting the glory from ourselves to God and the people we serve, they will eventually leave us. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43 NAS).

 

3. Doctrine. It’s amazing how many leaders are willing to lose everything for their doctrine. They cut down others to exalt themselves. Truth is none of us have it all. God reveals Himself to us in different ways. When we exalt our doctrines higher than our Lord’s love for people, we’re creating division. You don’t have to change your doctrine but be secure and mature enough to accept other people’s opinions as well. People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care.

 

4. Pressure to perform. When a new family joins the church, they’re heartily welcomed, celebrated, and held in highest regards. After a few months, the honeymoon is over and the welcome wears off. Now they’re haunted every week to be there more, volunteer, and bring their tithes and offerings. Morality cannot be legislated and charity cannot be forced. We should teach people that 100% of everything belongs to God. Why are we so obsessed with the 10%? When members feel loved, valued, and connected, they’ll give much more than the legal requirement. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep,” not beat them! People do more of what you brag about and less of what you nag about. Appreciate, recognize, and honor people for what they do.

 

5. Community. 86% people come to church because of a relationship. In the heart of every human being there’s a desire to belong. Starting from the pastor, when the culture of the church is community, it will continue to thrive. People drag their family to church fighting traffic, they give their time, talent, and treasures year after year but never get a personal visit, phone call, or even a thank you from their leader. When people feel they belong, they stay together. Promote community through your reaching out!

 

6. Lack of integrity. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Whether it is a moral failure, an embezzlement of funds, or drowning in building debt, the congregation wants to know the truth and honesty. People are far more willing to forgive, forget, and move forward when we’re transparent than when we try to hide and cover up. We’re all professional sinners. Forgiveness, grace, and greatness belong to those who humble themselves, acknowledge their mistakes, and make themselves accountable. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

 

7. Offense. We all come from various backgrounds and baggage. Not all members are spiritually on the same level. Most churches often fail to teach interpersonal relationships. When we propagate a consumer Christianity, people will be shallow and easily offended. Teach people how to overlook an offense and forgive quickly.

 

Friend, if you’ve left the church for one or more of these reasons, I have good news for you. God loves you just the way you are and wherever you are. People may have disappointed you but Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. However, you can’t love God and avoid going to His House. Did you know Jesus went to church every Sunday? “And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day…” (Luke 4:16 ESV). If it was necessary for our Lord, don’t you think it’s good for us? While there’s no perfect church, God wants you to be part of His family. Take some time to think. You’re not only depriving yourself but you’re keeping your brothers and sisters from experiencing Christ’s riches and glory in and through you. Love God. Love people. Love God’s House. We love you. We miss you. We want you back!

 

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

 

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5 Lessons from the Church in China

 

As many of you know, I just returned from another mission trip to China. Every time I go there, I’m amazed at the believers. In spite of severe persecution, opposition, and difficulty, they continue to follow Jesus with their whole heart.

 

While it is not fair to compare the Church in China and the Church in the West, we can learn valuable lessons to improve our own spiritual journey. We don’t have to invite persecution or hardship into our lives, however, we all should be New Testament believers. Here are some of the trademarks of Christianity in China.

 

1. Christians in China are joyful. In spite of severe persecution and limited freedom to worship, believers in China exude this fruit of the Spirit. They travel long distances, sometimes up to three hours one way, to get to a meeting where their civil liberties taken away and even thrown in jail. However, instead of complaining about the tiring journey, the inconvenience of walking, or taking multiple modes of public transportation, they jump right into the praise and worship wholeheartedly.

 

2. They love and care for each other. Unlike our churches in the West, the believers in China are connected with each other. If one doesn’t show up, they all go to that person’s home to make sure they’re ok. When believers come with concerns in their hearts, they’re not hastily sent away by the leaders. They take the time to pray and minister to their needs, both spiritually and physically. We had one sister crying bitterly for the healing of her four-year-old son. I was so touched by the way the whole church responded. They cried with her, hugged her, and made her feel like it was their own child who was sick. Wow, what empathy and compassion! People really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

 

3. They are a giving church. While China continues to prosper, most people in China are poor. The Christians have even less because of discrimination in the workplace. We went to many homes where they fed us their best, even when it cost them half a month of their salary or more. One lady, with a little cell phone shop, came to us twice and put a substantial amount of cash in our hands. It wasn’t much in American money but to her it was a huge sacrifice. We found that churches often eat together after the service even though it was just rice and wild vegetables and mushrooms from the village. They don’t get hammered every Sunday to bring their tithes and offerings but they give far more than 10% of their income to the church.

 

4. They are grateful. The church in China is quick to give thanks to God for everything. When we gave them your Bibles, they acted like we gave them a brick of gold. Of course, the Word of God is that precious to a believer but they were so thankful that many were kissing the Bibles. One of our teams was intercepted and thankfully everyone was released by the authorities without much hassle. Now the family/church has to relocate because it is not safe anymore. They’re grateful that they’re not in jail! We heard no complaints, only praise.

 

5. They pray. The Church in China doesn’t just talk about prayer but they actually pray. You cannot fall asleep during prayer because after every sentence the whole congregation agrees in unison saying, “Amen.” Often for security, we’d ask the believers to keep their voice down. We’d start off softly but within minutes they were praying at the top of their lungs. It’s wonderful to see their fearless petitions to God and He hears them.

 

While it is not wise to compare cultures and congregations, it is good for us to learn from each other. All these qualities in the Church of China are actually from the Book of Acts. When we love and serve God with our whole heart, our lives and church should reflect the New Testament Church. Today, instead of saying, “Oh that’s good for China,” I want to encourage you to have a closer relationship with our Lord. Let us not just seek His Hand but also His Face. Jesus said, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” When we do, like the Church in China, His blessings will overtake our lives.

 

“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed” (Jeremiah 29:13 MSG).

 

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

 

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

 

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Taking Jesus to the World

 

One of the greatest pleasures of being a Christian is to win others for the Kingdom of God. The closest, and dearest thing, to the heart of God is lost souls. Every believer is commanded to win people to the Lord.

 

Bringing lost souls to Christ is one of the main spiritual responsibilities of a believer. For the most part, the Church in America has abandoned the call to world missions. We’re too busy beautifying our sanctuary and building our own kingdom. If America wants to regain her former glory, we must get involved in world missions. One of the best ways to combat international terrorism is to bring Jesus to the world. When the Gospel changes a man’s heart, it revolutionizes everything!

 

Recently, I was talking to a fellow minister and he was lamenting that churches have given him the cold shoulder regarding reaching the lost in foreign lands. He shared how pastors won’t allow him any pulpit time to share the vision of reaching the world. Once, he preached his heart out and many signed up to receive further information from his ministry. My friend was excited to see the response but the very next day he got a call from the pastor warning him not to contact the people who signed up. Not only that, he was told that should any money be given to his ministry, it would have to be done through the church. What a small mindset!

 

America is still the number one voice in world Christianity. However, we’re losing our place of authority simply because the church has become too commercialized. Our focus has been to pack the house so that we can pile up more money to provide a luxury lifestyle for the leaders. Worldly ways have consumed us. Church has become a business. While a workman is worthy of his hire, we’ve put Christian leaders on a pedestal. In many countries, a pastor has to be in prison defending his loyalty to his congregation before becoming their leader. Until we make Jesus the Savior of the world our first priority, we’re not going to have the influence we once had. Do you know what country has pledged to send 100,000 missionaries to the world? China!

 

God is doing mighty works in communist China. In spite of hardship, persecution, and even death, Christians there are taking Jesus to the world. They have very little and they know even less, but how refreshing it is to see that they have their priorities right. Jesus is the main attraction in China. The Holy Spirit is working to bring at least 25,000 people to Jesus every day. Chinese leaders and believers don’t spend their time, effort, and resources to buy acreage and build magnificent buildings. Rather, they invest everything into reaching lost souls. They realize that people are the only thing going to heaven. Everything else that we try to beautify and idolize here on earth will be burned with fire. Is it any wonder that China is becoming the largest Christian nation in the world! At the present rate of growth, will have more Christians than America by the year 2025.

 

We’re going back to China on August 3, 2014 to train pastors and leaders. We will work with orphans. We will deliver Bibles for the persecuted. It has been stated that every Christian in China is an evangelist. However, many believe that for every Chinese Bible, an average of five people experience salvation.

 

We’re all called to world missions. We’re all called to make a difference in reaching our world for Jesus. We’re all called to win souls for our Savior. When we partner with others who are bringing the lost world to Christ, we’re heaping up treasures for ourselves. The Great Commission has been the great omission in modern Christianity but every individual should be involved in taking Jesus to the world. Imagine your impact! If one Bible can bring five lost souls to Christ, what will be the impact of the 30, 50, 100, or 500 Bibles you can provide? A Bible only costs $3.00. Will you please help? Will you please share this with your friends and family? When we become engaged in God’s dream for this world, He will make sure to fulfill our dreams. Let’s take Jesus to the world!

 

“Proclaim his glory to the nations, his mighty deeds to all peoples” (Psalm 96:3 Good News).

 

DONATE BIBLES FOR CHINA: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl  

Let Freedom Ring

If you’re an American, 4^th of July is a great day of celebration. This day is remembered for severing ties with Great Britain after they imposed unreasonable conditions upon their citizens. God made man free therefore it is a basic human right.

While it is great to be free as a nation, what is more important is that we’re free as individuals. We may no longer succumb to the tyranny of an unjust government; many today are trapped in bondage much more sinister than political control.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” What he was saying is that if we become free as an individual, we can be free as a nation.

Today, let’s look at five areas of life where God wants us to be free.

1. Freedom from wrong mindsets. Too many people are trapped into wrong thinking. A wrong mindset is anything contrary to the Bible. Self-limiting thoughts like: I’m nothing special, I’m not attractive, I’m not smart, I’m not gifted, I will never own my own house, I’ll never get married, I’ll never retire are contrary to God’s promises. Our wrong way of thinking is keeping us from experiencing God’s best as an individual, and collectively as a nation. When we disagree with God, we’re dwarfing our potential. A wrong mindset is more dangerous than a venomous snake because it makes us believe we’re doing the right thing while it leads us to destruction. Our freedom has to do with our mindset. What we believe is what we will become.

2. Freedom from want. A great deal of our lives is spent on gathering for ourselves. While we need to assume responsibility for our own provision, we shouldn’t stretch ourselves too thin. When we live beyond our means, we’re digging a hole for ourselves. We should not be greedy. On the other hand, God wants us to have a mentality of abundance. We limit ourselves by thinking that if God has to provide, it has to be through a job, business, stocks, and bonds. While this is a good place to start, why not believe in God for the supernatural? John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” God created the diamond and gold mines. Can we trust Him to meet our needs over and beyond and have plenty left over to help others? Instead of praying to pay off your own house, pray to pay off someone else’s and see what God does! In God, government or job we trust?

3. Freedom from pain. There are different kinds of pain. When we’re in pain, we think differently. Physical, mental, and emotional pain cause us to live a constrained life. God wants to heal our body, mind, spirit, and soul. One way we can be free from that is to forgive those who have done us wrong. When you forgive others, you set a prisoner free and that that prisoner is you. Often people asked Jesus if He wanted to heal. Jesus replied, “I will.” Jesus still wants to heal today! He will heal every place you hurt.

4. Freedom from bad habits. Habits come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Let’s not judge people because their sin is different from ours. All of us have issues. We can all improve. Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Here are simple steps to overcome a bad habit. Acknowledge > Make yourself accountable > Get help > Give it time.

5. Freedom from sin. God said all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. We’re professional sinners but we don’t have to live that way. John F Kennedy said, “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” You may feel that you’ve failed miserably but Christ paid the ultimate price our freedom. You’re no longer a weak, worm of the dust. You’re the righteousness of God. If you don’t like the way you’re born, today I urge you to be born again. If God can change the world inside of you, He can change the world through you.

Friend, let freedom ring loudest in your heart and let us remember that righteousness exalts a nation. A nation will prosper if we’re living right individually. Jesus didn’t come to change a political order He came to change the heart of men, women and children. Everything changes when the heart is powered by Jesus.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl