Don’t Give Up Your Hope…

The biography of Abraham continues to teach us important lessons in our walk of faith.  Abraham, being a believer in God, was faced with the harsh realities of life just as you are today.  But one reality stood head and shoulders above all others, he and his wife could not have children.  They had tried and tried until reaching the age of 75 they had lost all hope.  But in the midst of this reality God gave a promise, “you shall have a son of your own flesh.” (Genesis 15:4)

So Abraham had two things to consider, the facts of his life and the promise for his life.  Abraham made a choice which we see revealed in Romans 4:18.  It says that Abraham when faced with the facts of his life chose to believe God’s promise was greater.  “When all reason for hope was gone (the facts) he chose to believe in God’s promise and received a son.

What are the realities, the facts, which are in your life right now?  Do those facts say, “give up it’s all over?  Do they say, “you will never realize your dream”?  You have a choice today.  You can believe only the facts of your life or you can consider the alternative, God’s promise.

Let us look at some vital truths discovered by Abraham which can help us in choosing God’s promise.  First, he discovered that the facts cannot alter the promise of God.  Second that the facts and the promise of God will always stand out in contradiction to each other; that the promise and not the facts are my basis for hope and faith.  Third, the promise has within it the power to strengthen my hope and faith until the reality of God’s promise is seen in my facts.

Today there are two things you must consider in your life; the facts of your life and God’s promise for your life.  Your choice will determine ultimately which reality you will live in.  God told Israel that life and death were before them and that they must choose life.  I encourage you today to choose life as well; do not give up your hope and your faith in God and His promise to you.  He will not fail you therefore hope on in God!

Norris Braswell

Releasing God’s Kingdom in the Earth…

Jesus talked a great deal about the Kingdom of God.  He taught about the Kingdom and its rule and reign in the hearts of men.  Too often in the church we are trying to build something that is contrary to the Kingdom rather than an expression of it.  There are a number of characteristics about the Kingdom that we need to understand if we are to ever to see its realization in the hearts and lives of men.

First we must understand that the Kingdom of God is not geographic but is revealed everywhere men submit to the rule of God.  Its domain is the hearts of men revealing the will and purpose of God.  The heart of man is the throne room of the Kingdom from where its rule and blessings flow to bless mankind.

Secondly, the Kingdom has a king with all authority, Jesus Christ.  Upon his resurrection Jesus declared that “all authority in heaven and earth has been given unto me.”  To submit to the Lordship of Jesus as King is to become a subject and citizen of the Kingdom of God with all its subsequent blessings.

Thirdly, the Kingdom of God has a message.  In Matthew 4:23 it says that Jesus went about all of Galilee preaching and teaching the gospel of the Kingdom and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people.  The gospel is the message of the Kingdom, not the message of self help and success that has been substituted for the true Kingdom message.  It is time for the church to get back to the message of the Kingdom and not allow “another gospel” to take its place.  The message of the Kingdom is powerful and able to meet every need of mankind.

Fourthly, the Kingdom of God is one of power.  The Holy Spirit has been given and Jesus said along with His coming He would bring power! (Acts 1:8)  We have substituted programs for power in much of the church and the results are we have people who are not healed, who have no peace and are still living under the bondage of sin, yet come and sit in a “service” every Sunday.  We must return back with all our hearts to the true Kingdom of God and see a restoration of its power to save, heal and deliver mankind from every work of darkness.

Finally, one last thing Jesus taught us concerning the Kingdom of God; to pray for it to come, to be released and revealed in the earth.  Through God’s people there needs to arise a heartfelt faith and voice in prayer for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done in the earth.  Only when God’s Kingdom rules in the hearts of men will we see God’s redemptive plan become a reality in the earth.

Norris Braswell

Going To A Place We’ve Never Been…

In Joshua 3:4-5 God spoke to Joshua and the nation of Israel to “sanctify themselves” in order to go to a place where they had never been before.  It was to be a “new way” for the people of God to enter into; a new destination in God’s plan and purpose for them.  We must remind ourselves that God has new ways, new places and new things for His people to enter into to accomplish His purposes and expand His kingdom.  The old manna and old manners of the wilderness were not suited for this new place God was taking them.   Preparation was needed to overcome a new enemy and to occupy a new territory.  To take new territory we must first be equipped by God with a new outlook and a new anointing.  If we are to step up in our effectiveness for God in reaping a greater harvest and achieving greater victories we must prepare ourselves as the Israelites did.

There are several things we must do to sanctify ourselves to move to a greater level of effectiveness for God.  First we must examine ourselves in God’s presence for any sin or hindrance that would prevent a new anointing to work through us.  The searchlight of the Holy Spirit is essential to this process of sanctification.  Closely following our self examination is repentance; a concept that has fallen out of favor with much of the church but is always a part of God’s sanctifying process in His people.  Turning away from that which displeases God and turning back to the truth always brings a fresh touch of God to His church and prepares us for a fresh anointing to overcome the enemy and take new territory.  Thirdly we must “cry out” to God in prayer. Until the church gets desperate for God to move upon them and through them we will not move from where we are to the new place God has for us.  Prayer releases the awesome power and Spirit of God to move in miraculous and marvelous ways to defeat the enemy and empower the church to take new territory.  Lastly we must possess the territory God has given us.  We must be aggressive in our faith and actions to assault the enemies of God in the land He is giving us.  God promised Israel that he would work wonders among them if they would sanctify themselves.  Perhaps the reason we are not seeing more of God’s wonders is the lack of sanctification among His church.  But we can change that beginning with ourselves; each one taking personal responsibility to begin this process in ourselves and becoming agents of change in our faith community.  Let us go where we have never been before and see the wonders of God that will rout the enemy and reap a harvest of souls!

Standing Firm in Your Liberty…

We have just celebrated our day of independence here in the United States.  It is a day in which we celebrate the freedom of every citizen of our nation.  It is a time of reflection concerning its price and a renewed resolve to keep it at all cost.  In similar fashion we also remember another type of freedom which was purchased for all mankind 2000 years ago; a freedom purchased at a great price, the life of the only begotten Son of God.  We who are the beneficiaries of that freedom have been given a solemn charge by God to hold firm to it.  In Galatians 5:1 the Apostle Paul writes,”so stand firm in the freedom with which Christ has set you free.”  Only Jesus Christ could purchase our freedom from the power of Satan and sin and only we as individuals can maintain the benefits of it for ourselves.  How can we hold firm to this freedom?  I would like to suggest the following three things.

First, we must guard our hearts which are the reservoirs of this freedom.  In Proverbs 4:23 we are reminded that from the heart, the inner being of man, flow the governing forces of our life.  We are advised and cautioned therefore to guard them closely.  In Colossians 3:16 we are told to let the word of Christ dwell richly within us.  His words will act as sentries over our hearts and enable us hold onto this precious deposit of freedom.

Secondly we must put a watch over our mouths.  Jesus said that every man speaks from the overflow of his heart and produces either good or bad things in his life (Luke 6:45).  We must speak of our redemption, our victory and our freedom in Christ Jesus at all times.  The Bible says to “give no place to the devil” so in our words as well as actions give him no place.  We are to speak words which give place to the grace of God and so honor the freedom we have been given.  Do not allow words of fear and doubt to steal your liberty.

Third and finally we must throw off all entanglements to our liberty (Hebrews 12:1).  Hurts and wounds can cause bitterness and an unwillingness to forgive  which rob us of our freedom in Christ.  They hinder our peace and faith and negate the benefits of that freedom.  The preoccupation about the cares and affairs of this present life can also become entanglements which infringe upon our freedom in Christ.  God says to throw these things off and away from us so that we may run our race and enjoy the freedom with which Christ has set us free (Colossians 3:1-2).

I would encourage you to stand fast in your liberty by guarding your heart, setting a watch over your words and disengaging yourself from any entanglement which diminishes your freedom to live for Christ and His Kingdom in this present life.

Pastor Norris Braswell

STAYING ON COURSE…

 The Apostle Paul was on his way to Rome to appear before Caesar when he, along with his shipmates, ran into a terrible storm that seemed destined to stop him.  But in the midst of the chaos around him Paul stood up and said, “Do not be afraid, for I believe God that it will be as He has spoken unto me.”  You are probably not on a ship going to face a tyrannical ruler, but you do face adversity and difficulty which seeks to prevent you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life as you live in this world.  So how can we stay on course when everything around us is contrary to God’s will for us?  I would like to suggest some practical things to consider before changing your course.

 First, all decisions should be made in God and not in your circumstances.  Has God given you new direction?  If not then stay on your present course by continuing to do the last thing He spoke to you.  Circumstances are very often contrary to your course but should not by themselves dictate a change of course.  They are ever changing, but God’s world is unchanging.  Therefore hold fast to the word of God.  Secondly, remember that expedient decisions usually lead us away from God’s will.  King Saul looked around in fear as the people begin to leave him on the eve of battle because the sacrifice had not been offered to God.  Ignoring the commandment to wait Saul stepped out of God’s will to offer it himself.  It begins a series of similar decisions in his rule that eventually led to his death and loss of the kingdom.  What may seem like a “good idea” if contrary to God’s will can lead us into taking matters into our own hands that should have been left in God’s.  It will lead us into loss and ruination just as it did Saul.  Thirdly, weigh spiritual truths as greater than natural facts.  The sailors on board with Paul “knew” the right thing to do was abandon the ship before it went down around them.  Yet Paul gave God’s advice to “stay” with the ship and none would be lost.  We must learn to always follow God’s will and word no matter what the facts may be saying. (2Corinthians 4:18)  Trust in the Lord more than your head!  Remember facts always seem to be screaming louder than God’s voice. (1Kings 19:10-13)  The still small voice of God is what we need to be listening to not the shout of our adversity.

 If you will utilize these simple principles when contemplating a course change you may be saved from a wrong turn that can lead to a longer detour.  No adversity in your life is a surprise to God.  Stay on the course God has set for you and He will bring you safely to the other side!

Pastor Norris

 

Easter Message 2011

 The Bible declares in 1 John 3:8…”for this purpose the Son of God appeared to destroy the devil’s work.” As we approach another Easter season I would like us to pause and think about that fact. Jesus came for one purpose alone, to destroy the grip of Satan over our lives. Throughout his ministry Jesus demonstrated that purpose by healing the sick, delivering the oppressed and forgiving sins. He left a vivid, uncomplicated example of the Father’s purpose and heart.

 But the greatest action of Jesus to deal an eternal destructive blow to Satan’s works was demonstrated in the cross, His resurrection and ascension into heaven. At the cross He bore our sins and sicknesses and the wrath of God that was due us. In His resurrection He secured our eternal justification and in His ascension He secured an eternal advocacy for us at the right hand of God.

 This Easter season please pause to think on these things. Perhaps for some the circumstances of your life are difficult and tumultuous right now, but one truth will outlast them all; Jesus has been raised from the dead and we now live with Him!

 Cindy and I want to wish you a very special Easter season with joy and peace. We believe that Jesus is now destroying every work of Satan that has come against your life; now rest in His finished work.

With peace and joy,

Pastor Norris & Cindy Braswell

Terror or Trust…

 Terror or Trust…which is controlling your life?  If you are like most of us you are very familiar with the current headlines blaring out their self fulfilling prophecies of all that is wrong and all that will probably go wrong.  It is very easy for our minds to be filled with the fear, anxiety and terror that they produce and yet we should not be surprised at the events unfolding before us.  In the words of Jesus in Luke 21 he made it very clear that these things would happen and that we should not allow it to disturb us.  But how can that be?  We must have the right understanding of what is happening, an understanding that is more than just a superficial knowledge of events.  This present world system, which includes all political and economic systems, is under the influence of the “god of this world” 2Corinthians 4:4.  There are two things we must know about this current world system that will enable us to understand the events of our time.  First this world system is now under the influence of a corrupt wisdom that is doomed to fail. (1 Corinthians 2:6)  It is a wisdom that increasingly is unable to solve the problems of our time.  Jesus said that there would be perplexity; that sure describes the minds of even our greatest leaders.  Secondly, the authority of this present world has been defeated and is becoming obsolete and inadequate to meet the needs of mankind. (Colossians 2:15)  The powers of the “heavenlies” have been shaken by the victory of Jesus and its influence, while great, has become a diminished force. (Ephesians 6:12)

 There is a new wisdom and power being released which is the power and glory of God appearing in these last days.  As the power and rule of this present world loses its grip on nations and peoples, a new power will come forth from the Kingdom of God and a greater wisdom will come forth to rule in the hearts of many.  You must chose which kingdom you will allow to govern in your life, the kingdom of darkness or the Kingdom of God.  Everyone who puts their trust in Jesus will be living in the light even though darkness is all around them.  They will live in peace, confidence and hope because their trust is in the God of eternity whose wisdom and Kingdom will know no end. (Colossians 1:13)

Pastor Norris

 

Living in the Way of the Lord…

 There are many voices vying for our attention in this hour.  Many so called experts are attempting to define the chaos of this world and instruct us in the way we should live.  Giving our minds and attention to those voices can be dangerous because to whomever we choose to listen we grant authority to shape our thoughts and our actions.  As the Apostle Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians, “There are many voices in the world and none without signification.”  The voice to which we listen most will guide our way.

 The way of this present world’s wisdom will lead us away from God, away from His truth and away from His righteousness.  Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way which seems right to man but the end of it is destruction.”  It is the eternal wisdom of God with which we should choose to guide our lives.  The wisdom which is from above produces peace and life. (James 3:17)

 In the final analysis each of us must choose the voice to which we will listen.  But know that our choices have consequences for good or for bad, so we should guard our hearts and minds carefully.  Jesus Christ warned us to be careful what we listen to as it will affect our hearts from which flows all the issues of life and godliness.  In Proverbs 4:20-22 we are instructed to listen carefully to God’s word and keep His instruction in our hearts because they will produce life and health to our entire being.

 Jesus said some will build their house upon the sand of this world’s wisdom, but when the wind and waves of this life come crashing in it will not be able to stand.  Others built their houses upon the rock of God’s infallible wisdom and when the same wind and waves of life hit they were not only able to stand but to endure.

To whom are you listening?  What are you building your house upon?  In whose way are you living?

Pastor Norris

How to have happy a New Year…

2011 can be a year which can hold either great promise and hope or great fear and dread.  Many people do not realize that their past does not have to be the predictor of their future!  I want to share a few short ideas to help you approach the New Year in faith and good expectation. These concepts are taken from Philippians 3:12-15.

First, forget the past year.  Forget its difficulties, setbacks and failures.  Let go of anything that would hinder your faith for a new year.  Focus forward in faith and not back in regret.  Remember this, regret looks back, fear looks around and faith looks ahead.  God has a good plan for your in 2011 if you don’t allow the past to color it with fear and hurts.

Secondly, let go of all debts.  What I mean is forgive everyone who failed you or hurt you in 2010.  Let go of any wounded feelings so that your faith and your prayers will not be hindered in any way (Mark 11:25 & Matthew 18:21-35).  When we hold on to past hurts we bring them into the New Year and they become weights which hold us back from moving forward.  Do not bring any “rollover” hurts from 2010 into 2011.  Let them expire and move on.

Thirdly, get a hold of God’s promise and plan for your life in 2011.  In Jeremiah 29:11-14 God declares that His plan for you is good and is to give you hope for your future.  Seek God in prayer for his direction and wisdom at the beginning of this year and He will direct you and encourage you.  Know that God has a plan for your life and will reveal it if you ask.

Fourth, recommit and reconnect to God.  Give Him first place in your life.  Don’t make a move without first consulting Him and His word.  Secondly, recommit and reconnect with your family; seek to bring healing into those special relationships for they will be a source of love and encouragement to you.  Recommit and reconnect to the family of God.  Find a group of loving, believing Christians with which to fellowship.  Don’t be a loner or an island to yourself.  You need other people and they need you.

Finally, expect God’s blessing upon your life in 2011.  Don’t expect the worst, but know that God loves you and that He rewards those who seek Him(Hebrews 11:6).  Make this year the best year ever for your growth in God and the fulfillment of His plan and purpose for your life!

I pray that 2011 will be the greatest year ever for the fulfillment of God’s purpose and blessings in your life.

Pastor Norris

December 2010

Immanuel… God with us is the reality of Christmas.  In this season we celebrate God coming down in the person of Jesus Christ; God made flesh to dwell among us revealing the Father’s grace and mercy.  Because we know he is with us we can face the difficulties of life with courage and confidence.  For He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you so we may boldly say the Lord is my helper I will not fear.”  This Christmas season may be a time of difficulty for you, but remember He is with you!

And not only is God with us but He is for us as well!  All that God did in and through Jesus He did for you.  He has provided forgiveness of sin and wholeness for the human personality, as well as peace for the soul.  The Bible says that God chose us before the foundation of the world.  Think of how much God cares and how much you are on His mind today.  Be joyful, be happy and be at peace for He who sits upon the throne is for you!  Never allow your circumstances to convince you that He is not for you or with you.  Let this Christmas season be a time of renewal of your faith, your courage and your peace! God is for you!

Not only is God with us and for us but now the Word declares that He lives in us!  In the fourteenth chapter of John’s gospel Jesus said that in the person of the Holy Spirit he would come to live in us.  In 1Corinthians chapter 6 Paul the apostle declares that we are now the dwelling place of God!  Wow!  Think about it; God is living in you as a believer.  What greater gift could you possibly receive and possess this Christmas season?  God with you, God for you and God in you!  Be encouraged and be thankful this Christmas season no matter your circumstances.  Your circumstances are temporary but His grace and presence in your life is eternal.

Cindy and I wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas season and pray that God will open up His storehouse of blessing upon you and your family in 2011.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Norris & Cindy Braswell

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