God Will Deliver You!

Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”

Have you ever felt like the devil has tried to lower you into the pit? I’ve thought about how Jeremiah was lowered into a pit. He hadn’t done anything but be faithful to God and yet here he was being lowered into a pit. Jeremiah 38:6 “So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard….There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.”

Why did that happen to Jeremiah? Why does your life sometimes feel like it’s gone in the pit? Christians sometimes put themselves in that pit. They drift from God for any variety of reasons including sin to slothfulness to discouragement. They don’t “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” instead just drifting to live their own agenda. At first the Holy Spirit speaks to their heart and tries to love and draw them back into what is right, but when their heart becomes hard, they drift too far and can no longer hear Him. Wrong choices are made. Sinful behavior happens drawing painful consequences and life becomes a pit. What’s the solution? Repentance – a turning from sin back to the Lord for His mercy and grace and it being sincere – not just looking for a way out. Only God knows if someone s sincere. If they are, He will help direct their life back to Him, leading them to find a good church and read their Bible and once again pray. They will need to get reconnected to people in some way whether it be a small group with others becoming accountable, or serving along side of others. If a person truly repents God will lead them back to this path and back to His land of promise for their life.

But what about those like Jeremiah who have been living for the Lord and yet their life has still seemed to have landed in a pit? Why did that happen? If you have been living for the Lord, then you should have grown to the place where you know the enemies devices. 2 Cor. 2:11 says, “…lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Satan is your enemy. He is the enemy of all creation because all mankind was created by God. He opposes and hates all that represent God. He hates all humanity. He hates those that represent God and live for God even more. If you watch Jesus’ life you will see that Satan was working through men to kill Him His entire existence. Satan used Herod to try and kill Jesus when He was a baby and Satan never stopped trying. Luke 4:29 tells us, “Jumping up, they mobbed Jesus and took Him to the edge of the hill on which the city was built. They intended to push Him over the cliff…” Satan doesn’t like mankind but he hates devout Christians even worse. If he could put your life in the pit he would try.

When Jeremiah was in the pit, there was someone used of God to intercede for Jeremiah. You have someone interceding for you! Jeremiah was taken out of the pit and God wants to take you out of the pit. God wants to deliver you. Jesus paid the price so that you could be delivered. But first you need to know there is someone interceding for you. If you are a Christian, I can almost assure you that there is. First and foremost Jesus is. Hebrews 7:24-25 says, “But Jesus remains a priest forever; His priesthood will never end. Therefore He is able, once and forever, to intercede and save everyone who comes to God through Him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf.”

If you don’t know someone who is interceding for you – know that I am! I just came from my knees praying for God’s deliverance and blessing for you!

Then pray for yourself. It’s normal and right to pray and stand on God’s Word to be delivered from the pit. King David did. He got himself into the pit more than once. We see his prayers in Psalm 28:1-3 & 6-9 “To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Do not drag me away with the wicked… Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. The Lord is the strength of His people, a fortress of salvation for His anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.”

Satan may try to drag us into the pit but we serve a living God who is our deliverer! Psalm 18:17 says, “God delivered me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.” Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” And Psalm 56:13 says, “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.”

Just like Jeremiah, God has those that are interceding for you. Jesus is for sure and that alone should be enough for any of us to exercise our faith and draw strength in God’s promise of deliverance from. Remember that I am interceding for you and remember that He not only wants to deliver you, put as Psalm 27:5 says, He wants to bring you to a steady and safe and blessed place – upon the rock and promise of His Word and His blessing. “For the Lord will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.”

In His Love,

Pastor Tim Burt
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2008 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.

Be Mentored and Mentor Others

2 Tim. 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

As I grew up, I observed and watched closely, those people that I thought executed particular areas of their life better than most. They became my mentors (usually unbeknownst to them.)

One study on mentoring revealed that 40% of those that subjected themselves to the consistent influence of mentors achieved greater potential in their lives!

The Dictionary defines a mentor as: a) A wise and trusted counselor or teacher: to serve as a trusted counselor or teacher to (another person,) a role model: a person who serves as a model in a particular behavioral or social role for another person to emulate.

As I look back upon my life, I realize that I’ve had a great many role models that I thank God for. I have had a diversity of mentors and role models in my life – some Christian and some not, but all mentoring Biblical virtues.

If you think back, I’m sure you can remember those that have influenced you. Some of mine were family, some friends, some co-workers, and others – spiritual influences. Few were intentionally trying to mentor me. They were just doing what they did well and I was paying attention. I believe that in most cases, mentoring and being mentored is “more caught than taught.”

When I think of those whom I felt mentored by I think of these. I think of my dad. He taught and modeled the need for priorities, a great work ethic and the importance of knowing and sincerely enjoying people – and being playful. My dad was extremely playful and still is at 84 years old.

My mom modeled through her life – a life of selflessness – of truly living her life to be a blessing and serve others. She lived to serve her family and then many, many others! – She felt that if you didn’t have enough to do, there are many that need your help always! Be selfless to the masses.

My sister Susie was selfless to me. She was the older sister who was always doing things to make the life of her little brothers and sisters more special and fun. She knew how busy mom was with ten children so she helped nurture us with great gentleness, love, and kindness. She modeled how special it can be to make even one person’s life better.

My sister Sally modeled the greatest living definition of kindness that I have ever known. To this day I still think she is the kindness, sweetest, human being I know of on the planet earth.

Then there were those that were mentors and roll models from outside the family.

My first boss Ozzie was the first person that I had ever met that was so profoundly integrous and moral in his life that it openly stood out. That is a powerful thing to a fourteen year old boy. No one in my life had ever stood out with those kinds of qualities prior to that. He was a good business man with good business sense that was guided in his priorities of integrity and morality.

When I gave my life to the Lord, my desire for the things I wanted to be mentored in took a turn. I wanted to be mentored in the things God deemed important. The Apostle Paul was and purposed to be a mentor to all the Christian leaders he was raising up around the world. In mentoring his young leader Timothy he wrote the words in 2 Tim. 2:2. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” He was teaching Timothy to learn and model what Paul and shown him and in turn, teach them and pass them to others. He was basically saying “Mentor others who have shown their sincere desire to learn and have proven themselves faithful in serving and managing others.”

When I became a Christian and realized that not only did I want to learn how to imitate and represent Jesus Christ, but I wanted to influence others with His love, I began to pray a prayer. I prayed, “Lord, you have great leaders out there. You have those that love you and are truly walking according to your Word. Please bring me under the best leadership I could ever learn from.” I lifted that heartfelt fervent prayer before the Lord with great faith. I wanted to be mentored by strong godly leaders. God was faithful to answer my prayers and direct my path to be under than kind of leadership.

There was Pastor Mac who embodied and modeled more godly qualities than I had every seen in one person. His devotion to God, his honesty about all things, his strength of conviction and character, his dedication to teaching others the word of God, and the ultimate challenger and coach – impacted my life in more ways that I can say.

Then there was Pastor Lynne – one who was so deeply acquainted with God through prayer. One who truly understood prayer and how to teach others to have an intimate prayer life with the Father through Jesus Christ.

My friend Pastor Kent modeled being selfless – always striving to help other people achieve serving God with patience and instruction.

Scott modeled the pursuit of excellence, faithfulness, and diligence. He is the most faithful and diligent servant and pursuer of excellence I’ve ever known

Pastor DuWayne modeled patience, trust in God, and emotional temperament bringing calm and faith – “don’t worry, we’ll get this done and things will go great!” to every situation. He and Scott have their names listed by “someone you can count on.”

Jesus Christ is and always will be my ultimate Mentor. Jesus is the reason that I understand that mentoring is a combination of being influenced by impartation and instruction. He taught and modeled what was right for His disciples but also taught them to seek the Father for all things. He has taught me everything I know that is good including Col. 3:23 “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Be mentored and follow the ultimate mentor in all things and then as today’s manna says, “teach others.”

In His Love,

Pastor Tim Burt
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2008 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.

Part 5: Establishing A Strong Walk With God

Psalms 62:8, “Trust in the Lord at all times; you people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

Any normal loving parent desires to see their child develop and mature physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This is a good desire and one which good parents will do all they can to help facilitate. Providing a good home where there are boundaries, instruction, and nurturing in these areas helps children grow up and mature. Every parent would want this but as we all know, it can seem quite illusive.

As we look around we see that our world is so hurt and broken, and that parents may want this balanced and blessed atmosphere for their children but are hugely struggling – facing their own difficult circumstances. Many parents feel like they are in the survival mode and are trying to hang on for themselves much less help their children.

This is just one more critical reason why Jesus’ plan for the church is so critical to the body of Christ. Psalms 62:8 that says, “Trust in the Lord at all times; you people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Selah means to pause and think or meditate about this. What are we to meditate on? God tells us “Selah” on “trusting Him.” He wants us to pour our hearts, our cares, and our concerns to Him. Not just making Him a dumping ground of spewed whining, but a place were we come to the one whom we trust loves us, cares for us, and will actually help us! That’s what most people DON’T actually believe! That is why God wants us to pause and meditate on it. He wants us to have non-doubting faith that He will help us. That is why He started out saying “TRUST IN THE LORD…” He closes this verse by saying He is a refuge to us.

When God created the church, a place of “refuge” was what He had in mind. The church was supposed to be a place where the scriptures were taught with life and authority. Where they brought hope and faith when the ungodly distractions and entanglements of life were trying to drag us down and discourage us. Satan wants us so discouraged that we’ll actually be the hamster running on the mental turn wheel of discouragement – getting so discouraged we will even consider taking our own life. Multitudes of people do every day! He wants to kill us with calamity or discouragement. That’s not a mystery. Jesus revealed it to us in John 10:10 “The thief (Satan) comes for the purpose of stealing, killing, and destroying, but I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

God gave us His Word – the Bible – to speak love and encouragement into our hearts. He also gave us the church where what He called His gifts – the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher – were given to His people. Within the local church, they would teach and help mature the saints so we’d know how to function as the church. Ephes. 4:12-13 “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, becoming literal containers of Christ’s love and power.”

They were to speak God’s Word with power and authority as Jesus did encouraging us and lifting us out of the daily circumstances that tried to grip us like quicksand and drag us down with despair and discouragement. Instead we’d be taught, reminded, and encouraged in our hearts and lifted right back into a place of faith. As all God’s saints grew and matured, each of us would be able to encourage and pray for each other with great faith! Church was designed by God to be a place of refuge. You were designed to be a part of that refuge!

If you look at the early days of the church you can see this place of refuge called the church and the power of His encouragement being formed and spilled from one to another by God’s Spirit. Acts 2:41-47 (NLT) “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church—about three thousand in all. They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.”

This isn’t indicating they started a commune. It means they got rid of things they didn’t need in order to be a blessing to those that had need. They prayed and saw miraculous answer to prayers. They were hospitable toward each other. They truly did walk in the revelation that it is more blessed to give than receive.

Jesus had already taught them that when they were gathered together, He would be in their midst. The local church was a part of their refuge (a supernatural refuge) in an ungodly and persecuted world. The world doesn’t offer this. The world doesn’t know what love is. It’s the power of God that changes lives and circumstances.

If you can’t get to church, praise God for the technology of the day. It’s a precious grace to those that aren’t able to. For those that can, when you find a church that has people that are hungry to worship and know God and a Pastor that knows the Word – get committed and pray and serve. You aren’t perfect, and the church isn’t perfect, but it can be a refuge for you if you will purpose to be a refuge for those that come.

In His Love,

Pastor Tim Burt
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2008 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.