"The LORD Is My Portion"

I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

~ Lamentation 3:24

Imagine with me for a moment - Imagine you are in a line waiting to be served some food. But also imagine you are very hungry and in desperate need for food and water. We all know, it's one thing to be in line, but it's altogether different to be really hungry and feeling forced to wait on that thing you feel you need NOW. Also, imagine by the time your turn arrives, there is no food left. Have you been there? How did it make you feel? Hey - I have even been in a situation where I thought another line was moving faster and when I switched to it, it ended up being slower than the first line. That's a whole different level of misery right there!

Think with me for a moment - is this where you are? No, no...I'm not talking about in a line waiting to get some food. I'm talking about LIFE. Do you feel as if "life" has threw you at the end of the line and you are waiting on that thing you feel you really, really need? Not food...but maybe some job, ministry, husband or wife, peace in your family, healing in some relationship, finances, opportunity, dream to reach fulfillment, etc.

I have one simple thought to share with you - "The LORD is your portion."

The writer of Lamentations speaks of many troubles and difficulties he faced, wanderings and waitings which brought discouragement. But, he says that something he remembers during this time keeps him filled with hope in spite of the miserable circumstances. He says the LORDS love is great! Have you experience His love personally? He says the LORD'S compassions never fail! He is smiliing on us! He says the LORDS mercies are new every morning! We need them every day! God's faithfulness is great! Do you feel like God is faithful to everyone but you? Then come with me to verse 24 and let us say this together, "I will say to myself, The LORD is my portion, therefore I will wait on Him."

Two BIG encouragements: 1) The Lord is my portion. 2) I will wait on Him.

Hey - no matter where you are in life - at the end of the line and hungry - say this to yourself - "THE LORD IS MY PORTION".

Maybe you have been thinking about getting out of the line that's waiting for God to answer your needs and starting your own line - doing life your own way - maybe you think you can do it better, get there faster? No - I encourage you to say this to yourself too, "I will wait for Him"....say it, "I WILL WAIT FOR HIM". This God of great love and faithfulness, this God who loves you unconditionally for sure desires to give you life and life to the full!!!

Two BIG conclusions: 1) God gives us His best and never runs out. 2) When you wait on God you show that God is all you need and you trust Him completely! You show that when you have Him, you have everything AND when you have everything without Him, you really have nothing!

May these words fill your heart today until they overflow with words - "I will say to myself, the Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for Him."

Live well,

jc

Morality - Chaos or Godliness

"A moral life is a favored one..." ~ Prov. 14:9 MSG

What are morals? I will define it this way - it's using principles to determine what is right or wrong in any given situation. What do believe about sex outside of marriage? How do you view abortion - right or wrong? What do you think about lying? Do private sins only hurt and affect the persons doing them? Ethics? Sexual immorality? We could go on and on.

Let me say this - every continent, country, culture, people group, family and person is affected and exist by some moral or immoral standards. You just need to know that morality is not something that you or I can escape or hide from - they way we live shows whether or not we are morally pure.

I want to come at this from a Biblical view and be quick about it. There are other things that come into play that influence us, but I will only mention two things here - two things that create moral chaos in our lives and two things that develop moral purity in our lives.

THINGS THAT LEAD TO MORAL CHAOS...

1. Don't be SIMPLE-MINDED.

This is people, usually younger people, but not always - but this is people who have never learned to "think for themselves". They are like whoever they are around - circumstances dictate how they feel, what they do, and where they go. They are like thermometers that simply tell temperature of their surroundings. Simple-minded people simply don't think. If you ask them a question, they will usually respond with a "i don't care" or "what do you want to do". They just go with the flow.

They easily fall prey to new ideas, new fads, fresh excitement - good or bad. Another characteristic of simple-minded people is that when they are influenced in a powerful way by someone, they will automatically and fully accept that everything else about that person is also good and they usually end up trusting other people too much too fast.

Now, I am not trying to create or encourage a critical mind about everyone we meet because I firmly believe we should believe the best about people. What I am trying to do here is establish how simple-minded people live and why they lack good moral discernment. For example, a simple-minded person will very likely trust a great influential minister to the point that if that minister falls into some sin, they too will fall away from God.

Very simply put - they lack discernment. If they were a bird - they would be a sure thing for the bird trap. They will see the bait - but never "think" about why they bait is there. If they were a mouse - they would see and smell the cheese but never discern it's a trap that's gonna take there very life. They will never enjoy the cheese - but they will suffer the consequences! Proverbs 22:3 says it this way, "but the simple go on without thinking and suffer the consequences."

On another note, they lack the development of understanding. They hold no strong convictions. They have not yet learned to value truly important things and cannot comprehend how a few immoral choices will cost them everything!

2. Don't give in to the PRESSURE.

What's really going on when we experience peer pressure? When out with friends and pressured to cross a certain line or a boyfriend pressures you to go too far - why does someone give in? Isn't it because we want to be accepted and liked by others?!?! The truth is that we all want to be accepted and liked.

Now, what we fail to understand many times is that the real way to be liked is to make choices that please God. Over and over, the Scripture talks about those who found favor with God also found favor with people. This is the kind of favor that lasts - this is the right kind of favor - this is the right kind of acceptance with people.

THINGS THAT LEAD TO MORAL PURITY...

1. Surrender to LORDSHIP OF CHRIST.

(Judges 21:25) “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.”

According to the verse above, moral chaos was rampant in those days and so it is with us in our day and time. Like never before, truth is relative, and everyone is making up their own rules. We no longer change our lives to meet the standard of God's Word, but not it's acceptable to twist the Word of God to ease our sin-laden conscience and indulge in compromised living.

Somehow, our society has succeeded in creating a continual season of pleasure in sin. What we don't realize is that no matter what - we will reap whatever we sow!

Psalm 14:1 says, "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God'". In the actual Hebrew rendering goes like this..."The fool says in his heart, 'NO GOD'". See the difference - it's not so much that the "fool" doesn't believe in the existence of God, it's that he emphatically does not want God! He is his own Lord - he wants no other. He will not accept anyone telling him what to do or where to go, etc.

Jesus is Lord whether we acknowledge him as Lord or not. But, the truth is that we will never find the grace and fulfillment for our lives outside of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. What we need to do is surrender to his Lordship in our personal lives. We must accept and yield to his Lordship. When we do, incredible power and purpose will flow into our lives like never before!

2. Live out your GOD-CREATED PURPOSE.

Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, there the people cast off restraints."

When we have a godly purpose for our life, we will live with moral standards. The POWER OF A VISION vanquishes the PRESSURE of COMPROMISE. I believe one of the reasons so many people today have compromised their morality is because they have lost, or never discovered, their God-given purpose!

Listen - everyone gets somewhere, but only a few people get somewhere on purpose. If you are going to accomplish anything great with your life, it won't happen by accident - it will require great purpose...God-created purpose! Purpose produces moral standards. Goals give us guidelines to live by. For example, once I determine I am going to visit Atlanta, Georgia - going west is no longer an option because I know I must travel east. Going south isn't an option either from where I start. The same is true when purpose fills our life - living anyway we want can't happen anymore.

Here's the bottom line - we help maximize our potential, make a difference with our life, and manage our own life when we live with strong, godly morals. Don't fritter away your only life.

"One life to live - and soon that will pass. Only what's done for Christ will last." ~Unknown

A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line. ~ Prov. 15:9

Live well,

jc

JUST A THOUGHT

It takes REAL STRENGTH to display good character in conflict! Its NOT a sign of weakness like many people would like for you to think. Crisis reveals the true character of a person.

Live well

H.I.M. Information & Update

H.I.M. MISSION EFFORT

John 4:35 “It’s harvest time!”

Family & Friends - I hope you all are doing great. We really serve an awesome God! Just as I was thinking about all of you that might read this, my mind traveled back in time to many past experiences. I was reminded of how God has blessed me with such incredible relationships. God is Good!

Personally, I am doing great and following God’s leading to do more for him. I graduated Southeastern Bible College on May 7, 2010. Very excited about that! Also, Presley Watson, a close friend of mine, and I have begun an Evangelistic Ministry together called Harvest International Ministries (H.I.M. for short).

June 15^th – July 3^rd, I will be traveling to the Philippines. We are expecting approximately 20,000 unsaved people in attendance over the 2-day outreach we are hosting. This is not a one-time event, but something we will be doing more in the future and also in other countries as the Lord leads.

This mission trip is focused on:

(1) Reaching the unsaved

- Special invitation given for children

(2) Feeding the poor

(3) Connecting those who receive Christ with local churches that will be partnering with us during the event

(4) Equipping the pastors to build healthy and effective churches

Prayer Support:

First of all, let me say that your prayers are much needed & appreciated. “The heartfelt prayer of the righteous person produces great power & wonderful results.” – James 5:16

God has led me to ask for people who will commit to pray regularly for the ministry. This ministry was born through prayer, so I have seen in a “big” way the results it achieves. “Prayer is NOT about getting “my will” done in Heaven, but about getting “God’s will” done on earth” –Andrew Murray. God’s will on earth is that all people be saved and know Him and prayer is vital to our success! It is vital because people’s hearts are hard and there is a real enemy fighting. If you will commit to pray, please let me know. The potential is great and I believe God’s power alone is sufficient. Sign up as an intercessor on our website at www.himwebsite.com.

Financial Support: (we are accountable to our board members in this area)

Also, I ask you to partner with me with through financial support. We are being as wise as possible with every dollar. Poverty is common in the Philippines where the average wage earned per day is only 5 dollars. We will be giving each family a bag of rice. This will provide enough food to a regular size family for approximately one week. I am convinced that God blesses those who bless others, particularly the poor. Psalm 41:1-3.

The total cost of this outreach in June will run approximately between 21-25 thousand dollars. Taking into account that we are expecting 20 to 25 thousand people to come to Christ, that averages about 1 dollar per soul. I call that a great return on your investment!

Thank you in advance for your prayers & support.

Live well,

jc

Harvest International Ministries (H.I.M.)

OUR VISION:

(1) REACH the unsaved. CONNECT new believers to local Bible-believing churches.

UNIFY the churches.

(2) EQUIP local pastors to be healthy & effective in 3 areas:

(a) Personal life

(b) Leadership ability

(c) Church growth

Risks

Do you like to be sure of the outcome before trying something new? Do you like to "play it safe"? God has called us to live extraordinary. Do you feel like there are things in your life that, if they are going to happen, it will have to be "all" God? Maybe, just maybe, God is waiting on you to do something. Maybe God is waiting on you to take a risk.

I can remember when I was about 8 years old, I got a dirt bike for Christmas. I was so young and short that I had to push the motorcycle up to the steps of the house just to be able to get on it. Now, we had this huge hill behind our house in the woods (i grew up in the country). Well, one day, I decided to climb that hill with my dirt bike, or try at least. Guess what? I did it! It was risky, especially for me. I was little and that hill was like a mountain pointing straight up. But, I did it. I took the risk and it payed off. The funny thing was that even though I was scared, I remember believing I could do it. Me climbing that hill became the talk of the neighborhood. Neighbors from all around us would come to watch me climb that huge, steep hill on my little motorcycle with my even smaller framed-body. Of course, I could tell you some other stories about getting thrown off my horse, or getting rejected the first time I asked a girl out for a date. Nah! Realize that risks are involved in almost everything we do. They vary in "riskiness" to different degrees.

What are some risks that you've taken? Can you recall some that succeeded and some that probably failed. The truth is, if you think long enough and hard enough, we have all taken risks, some that succeeded and some that failed. The bottom line is that we took them.

Something God has been speaking to me about lately is taking risks. I'm still thinking through this idea, but here are some thoughts I've had so far.

The example I've been thinking about is found in Matthew 14 where Peter walked on water. Pretty risky! In fact, very risky. I think a lot of us look at this story and focus on Peter sinking and Jesus coming to his rescue. But, I don't think Peter ever looked back at that experience as a failure, even though he didn't do it perfectly. I believe, when Peter looked back at that experience, he said, "I did it - I actually walked on water! I did the impossible because Jesus said I could. Wow - if Jesus says I can do something, I really can - even the impossible." I believe that is more in line with his memories of that once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here's the deal - Peter took a risk, and it payed off - big time.

So - here are some of my thoughts so far:

1. Your vision/passion/dream will pre-determine some risks that you will have to decide if you're willing to take.

Whats your life's dream? To be a great musician? To travel the world? To go to the mission field? To adopt a child? To use your financial gain in helping others?

Peter's passion and dream caused him to take some significant risks. Your passion and dream will too. Get ready!

2. Momentum will help your risks succeed.

Momentum is gained by doing somthing "specific and small" EVERY DAY. When you do that, before long, it adds up and you have a strong momentum. Make it "specific" - keep it "small" - do it "everyday". Get some momentum!

Here's an example, in relation to your walk with God. Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways, acknowledge me, and I will direct your path". This verse is all about momentum! In other words, God is saying, "the more you acknowledge me, the greater I can direct you." So, acknowledging God as much as possible builds a tremendous momentum - which produces Gods clear, strong direction in our lives.

3. Be careful about allowing others to discourage you from taking risks that align with your dream.

Many times, a risk that you must take to fulfill your dream will seem too dangerous for others. They may try to discourage you from taking it. Remember, it's important to surround yourself with people who encourage you when taking risks that help you reach your dream.

But if they don't share your dream, then probably the risk that you take will be too dangerous for them. When dreams aren't shared, certain risks don't make sense! Certain risks are necessary to fulfill your dream and they won't get that.

Well, those are a few summarizing thoughts so far. God is still speaking to me about this - it's fresh in my heart.

I want to reach my full potential. I want to live my dream. Don't you?!?! Well, we can't without taking risks. Let's go for it! Let's walk on water!

Live well,

jc

Comforted To Comfort

I remember when I first moved to Birmingham. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t have any friends. No family. I was overwhelmed at the size of the city compared to the little town I had just moved from and grown up in my whole life. Everything was new, and quiet honestly, pretty scary for me. To complicate matters, I was insecure and shy, which made it hard for me to make friends. So, I began to pray for God to send a friend. At that time, I was renting a room from a guy about ten years older than me. He and I were really different in our interests and I did not even consider him as a possibility for friendship. The more I was around him, the more our differences stuck out to me.

Fast – forward 10 years. He has become one of my best friends and has influenced positive change & temendous growth in my life. During that difficult time of feeling all alone and estranged from everything familiar to me, God "comforted" me with a great friend and used our differences as sort of a catalyst for personal growth in so many good ways.

Since that time, and because of the difficulty I went through after moving to a new place where I knew no one, I now have a heightened awareness of and compassion for people in similar situations. For example, I find myself wanting people who are new to this country to feel welcomed, people new to my place of employment, or new to Birmingham, or even new to a room of gathered people. I go out of my way to make people feel welcomed and comfortable because I remember my own struggle and draw from the healing God provided for me.

I imagine you have found yourself in a situation where you needed some comfort. Maybe your difficulty wasn’t friendship. Perhaps someone very close to you passed away. Or, maybe you and your spouse experienced some marital struggles. For some of you, it could be that your child rebelled against seemingly everything you ever taught them. Perhaps for others, you lost your job and faced difficult financial strain.

The truth is that all of us, no one excluded, have faced things in life where we needed God’s comfort and help. Afterwards, I am sure you can remember experiencing an increase in compassion for others in similar situations. Well, that is exactly what God intended to happen. There’s nothing that helps us to understand the hurt and pain of others better than when we have gone through the same thing ourselves. Now, let’s look at what God says about this.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

Paul teaches us that God has 2 powerful purposes in our trouble:

1.) God wants us to experience His comfort.

2.) God wants to make us comfortors to others.

God wants us to experience His compassion and comfort in all of our problems so that we are empowered to show that same compassion and comfort to others experiencing similar problems. God comforts us, not to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters!

In fact, Hebrews 2:17,18 states that Jesus is able to help us in all of our troubles because he has suffered in the same ways. Verse 17 says that Jesus is “merciful” which means that He is compassionate towards me in my troubles because he faced them too. The same verse also states that he is “faithful” which means I can count on him to help me because he has not only faced the same things, but overcame them. He cares because he knows, and he is able to help because he has overcome!

From now on, when you see your spouse or your child, a co-worker or boss, a brother or sister in Christ, or even a stranger, going through something GOD has helped you through, remember, God didn’t comfort you, just to make you comfortable, but to make you a comforter to others. You are comforted to comfort! Remember how God helped you and now you help them. Let them know what God did for you. What God did for you is what they need too

Imagine with me for just a moment. Envision what a difference we could make if we all began to allow God to comfort us in all of our trouble and then became the comforter to others that God intends for us to be.

Our Father of compassion, the God of all comfort, is calling us to be comforters. What area of your life do you need to experience Gods comfort? Who around you needs the compassion and comfort God has given you?