Are you ready for success?

Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written it in. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Joshua 1:8

The psalmist prays, “O Lord, grant us success” (Ps. 118:25), but have you ever explicitly prayed for this? So you think you are ready for it? If your answer is a quick yes, then I would caution you to be careful.

Every Thursday I would spend two hours with Dr. Lloyd-Jones, sitting at his feet, discussing the sermon for the following Sunday. He once made this throw-away comment, and I immediately got my pen and wrote it down. It was the most powerful word I ever heard him say, yet it’s in none of his books: “The worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he is ready.” It was a word of wisdom to me at the time.

If you do want success, do you think you are really ready for it?

What kind of success are we talking about? It may be prosperity. God does indeed give financial prosperity to some, though Christians who have wealth tend to come in for a certain of criticism that may spoil their enjoyment of it. However, once in a while, God will raise up a Joseph of Arimathea or a Lydia. (See matt 27:57-60; Acts 16:14-15.)

God may want you to have influence with people, but how marvelous it would be if you could be trusted with a ministry of prayer. Some are more successful in prayer than others. Why? Because they want to be successful in prayer. I challenge you to make that your goal.

The worst thing that can happen to a person is to succeed before he’s ready. But if you succeed because god says you’re ready, there won’t be that “after” of regret. If you succeed in prayer, you will have known success greater than any other.  Maybe books won’t be written about you, but when you stand before God and Jesus Himself looks at you and says, “Well done!” it will be the greatest feeling, and it will last forever.

Excerpted from Where God shows Up (Renew Books, 1998) R. T. Kendall

My Response:

Abba, I thank you for this time and these times of preparation. You were in every moment of it; you are even now preparing me for the work and life you wish, thank you. You have tried to teach me, and I have so much more to learn, thank you for being so willing a teacher. I thank you for this statement, “the worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he is ready.” Forgive me for thinking I was ready; I wasn’t then and perhaps not even now. But you are at work within me, thank you!

Yes, I’s like success in those places where it matters, my marriage, our children, in ministry and in our community. Yes, I’d like (and thank you for) prosperity, but then again, I bless you for the gift of prosperity I already enjoy. Forgive that which is solely about the desire for more, only to be consumed upon myself.

I thank you for the influence you’ve given me. May I continue to find ways to use it for your glory and the benefit of others. Help me to understand what it is, and power it has to advance your Kingdom and restore lives. May I able to understand what it is you have given in it.

And yes, I thank you for this prayer ministry you’ve given. It began with just a small group of pastors, and now reaches a larger number. I had no idea you would use it as you have to bless others. I didn’t get it then, nor do I now; it’s not my ministry, but yours; use it as you will for those who need it.

I ask that you will continue to help me to see myself as you do. I thank you for an open heart to love those, who like myself have been "...wounded in the house of friend," in places where there should have been healing, they found wounding, and damage. May I become one of your instruments of healing, repair and strength to these as well as others, for your glory. Jesus, its all about you, I thank you for calling me allowing me to be a small part of your work of restoration, reconciliation, repair and healing to broken people just like myself. I thank you for preparing me for the days yet to come, IN Your Name I pray, AMEN!!!

Why We Don't Need "Women's" Ministry

Once again one of my sisters has found something that strikes a cord within me, and it's about Women's Ministry. Read it carefully and consider the implications before you are tempted to dismiss it.

I say, AMEN!

Love ya, T.A.B.

Why We Don't Need "Women's" Ministry: Sarah Bessey: Please stop treating women's ministry like a safe club for the little ladies to play church.

Praying together on Monday 12/5/11

Abba, I bless you today just for being God. I thank you for all of your gifts and mercies you have shown me over my life. I thank you for being you son and child; for loving me when I didn’t know you or serving you. Thank you for forgiving my sin because of Christ’s sacrifice for me. Thank you for life and role you have giving me to play in it. Thank you for those who love me and yes, even those who don’t or won’t.

By your grace help me to love beyond my ability, to share with what I have, because you have provided me with everything I need. Help me to trust you as I open my heart and my hands to those who need what I have. May I not hold on to what I have as if this is all I have. You are

 my resource; not my job, the boss or the bank. Help me as I trust you in the face of impossible odds, obstacles, etc.; allow me to see your face rather than defeat, failure or unrest.

I am yours, by your choice, I didn’t choose you; you chose me and have promised you would never leave nor forsake me; this is your promise being fulfilled in my life. So Lord, do what you must, that I cannot; do what pleases you as you wish. Come now and quiet my troubled spirit and fear that attempt to overwhelm me. Hold my hand Abba, hold it tightly yet gently as I walk with you. Lead on to that place of promise, Oh that I knew where it was. What’s that you say Abba, “…follow me…” Yes, Lord, but where? No more questions, ‘follow me!” Thank you for your leading, direction and hope. May I take hold on Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I thank you for being present in this moment, You’re here and now. Not in some far off moment in time. You’re here not only because I need you, but because you care for me and about me. THANK YOU! I don’t struggle alone, you are here; I am not alone, you are here; my future isn’t uncertain, you have control of every moment of my life; I am cared for by Him who loves the world and sent His own son for not only the world, but for me as a part of it. THANK YOU for loving me; not only as I am, but as you know, as I allow you to work your will in me, for your glory and purpose.

I don’t understand why you permit the things that hurt me, but knowing you’re here, now is comfort, strength and courage to take the next step, in your name! AMEN!!!

Praying together on Monday 11/28/11

Abba, I thank you for your protection as we travelled this weekend. I thank you for the chance to visit with family and friends, for renewing old friendships. Thank you for a moment in time, where we remembered your goodness and mercies.

As we approach a new week, I ask for your help to focus on what is important and not just the urgent.  How easy is it to get busy and overlook my time with you and the study of your Word. My mind can become cluttered with so much junk, garbage, etc., that I can’t see or hear your voice. You come so often gently and quietly that I don’t (or can’t) hear you, forgive me there.

As we enter the Advent session of the year, the rush and schedule can become overwhelming, may I not forget, ‘Jesus is the reason for the Season.’ Lord, it’s “cyber-Monday,” may I ask myself the question, “so what?” The world is telling me the rush is on, may I ask, “too where and why?” May I seek you as the shepherds and ultimately “the wise men” did; may I make room for you in my schedule and a place within heart to speak to me; long before I must speak to your people.

Jesus, after your birth you grew, I ask that I may grow as well. “…in favor with God and man…” Man, sadly will be harder to please then yourself, I’m sure.  May I seek to please you and not perform for the world to watch, no matter how well the work is being done.  As I labor to construct the best sermon, teaching and seek the illustration that makes the right point and provides impact to my thoughts, may they become you thoughts, your life giving truth which brings hope to those most in need of it.  

Forgive me for trying to do too much and for taking too much on. My I learn balance. I thank you for passion, but may it be tempered with grace and patience. You’re the leader, others are watching and I am wondering, “…what would you have me do now? They are watching???” I thank you for a peace in the middle of my storm; for a confidence that comes not from myself and my plans, or for that matter my preparation, but from having spent time alone with you and following your direction.

So here I am Abba, just your kid, waiting (not always calmly) for your next move; Come Holy Spirit, do your best work, in Jesus name, I thank you, AMEN!!!

Love ya, 

T.A.B. 

Pastors and leaders recommended reading:

Broken Windows of the Soul, by Dr.'s Arnold R. Fleagle, & Donald A. Lichi. Is a book worth your time. 


Thanks Bishop Dr. Joey Johnson for giving me a copy.


Love ya, 
T.A.B. 

As we prepare for Thanksgiving

As a nation we prepare for Thanksgiving by spending a large about of time getting our home and the food for the dinner. I want to take a moment to say first I thank God for you.

I thank God for my family, each of you is special to me and I love you very much. Thanks for all of your caring through the years.

I thank God for this county into which I was born; for the men and women of our armed forces, who risk their lives to preserve our freedom around the world. It is often a thankless job.

For you my brothers ans sisters in Christ; You are very important to me, you are a part of my life, I'd rather not consider what my life would be without you as a part of it. We have shared a great deal together and you are a blessing to me. 

Finally, for a loving God, who sent His one and only Son, that I (we) might have life and that more abundantly. 

   

I love you all. Happy Thanksgiving.

--
T.A.B.

Praying together on Monday 11/21/11

Abba, I thank you today for these your children, how often we forget we belong to you and to each other, we are related and I don't want to get away from this relationship, both to you and to them. 

I thank you for the struggle, for by it I'm made strong and maybe even more useful. I thank you for questions to which I have no answers, but you do; some will be answered now, and some perhaps in eternity. For those you remain silent upon, May I embrace your love for me and my situation. For those who are ill on this day, grant them healing and strength to fight on. You are our healing, and should you choose to withhold it, may we by grace to endure it until or even if you chose to do nothing. Lord, I don't much care for those times and places where I don't or won't get the response I'd like, but you are are God, help me walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and let me fear no evil, because YOU are with me... 

I thank you for being enough, for this moment and time and yes, for tomorrow. Remind me, I'm not alone here. speak to my heart, comfort my mind and give me courage for my journey. Thank you for being here, closer than my next breath. Teach me how to comfort those just like me. And when I don't get the answer I want so very much; when injustice seems to reign supreme and the heathen rages, give me courage and comfort that you are in charge and you will deal with this in your own time. Lord, I'm angry, so help me deal with my feels and wanting to take action, yes, even that action that may not... I thank you for the moment that day of your vindication and righteousness. 

Thank you for your Word to me today, "...Wait upon the Lord, and He will renew your strength, you shall mound up on wings like eagles, you will run and not be weary, you will walk and not faint..." THANKS!!! You know how much I need to hear that again. 

Forgive the feeling of failure and emptiness, May I see in your face your love for me again, forgive me for looking away from you to those like me, in there faces I see nothing more that I have as well, You offer me hope, a promise and a blessing, THANKS!!! 

I Love you Abba, I'm yours by your chose, you selected me, I am you'rs, thanks for wanting me, caring for me and telling me, "I love you!" I wish others did, but even when they do, compared to you, they don't begin to demonstrate what love is. Thanks for making me your own. 

Love ya,-- 

T.A.B.