Full Proof Team Blog

Full Proof Team Blog's mission is TO CHALLENGE, TO INSPIRE, TO STRENGTHEN, TO INFORM, TO MAKE FULL PROOF OF APOSTOLIC MINISTRY.

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God Bless You!

The View from the Cross

Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

It is said that perception is 9/10 of reality. The way we perceive things to be are the way that they are, at least in our minds.

In our flesh it is so easy to have misconceptions or more precisely mis-perceptions. Therefore, how do we find the proper perception?

As Christians and as church leaders we can only find a true perspective and perception at the cross.

Daily we must trudge up the hill called Calvary. We must stand in the shadow of that beautifully awful place. From there the view is so clear. From there reality can be found. When I view life from the cross everything takes on it's true meaning and value; everything falls into focus.

Firstly, the cross changes the way I see God. No longer is He a distant; no longer is He an anonymous creator, but he is my savior. As I review the nails, the spear, the crown, and the blood I am overwhelmed by the love. No not shallow "I love you" love but a deep unwavering "no cost is too high" kind of love.

From this location I can see His eyes and hear his voice saying "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." As He took the ultimate offense, as He became sin for those that stood there jeering and mocking He offered them mercy instead of revenge. Peace instead of wrath. Love instead of hate.

It amazes me that He could react that way to such a terrible, unmerited offense and it makes me ask myself "how should I react when my feelings get hurt?"

Secondly, the cross changes how I view myself. I see myself reflected in this monument of suffering. What I see is a paradox because simultaneously I see my weakness and my possibility. My weakness overwhelms my thoughts, as my voice cries for mercy. Yet, at the same time my soul is empowered with the possibility that His sacrifice purchased for me. In my weakness I am humbled and at the same time in my weakness His strength is perfected.

The view from the cross changed my personal perspective. It has changed forever the way I see God and the way I see myself.

Thirdly, the cross changes my view of others. It is impossible to judge others harshly in the shadow of mercy. Desire for position seems so petty and insignificant at the cross. My offenses fade in the light of His long suffering love.

When I find myself growing cynical and becoming me centered I make my way back to the cross. The view from there brings everything back into focus. The cross experience purifies my desires, my ambitions, and my motives.

Have you been to the cross today? The view from there will change your life.

Forget Not...

The human memory is an amazing thing. No computer in the world can match the power of the mind. The things we experience, read, hear and see are forever stored there.

However, our mind's filing system sometimes can get jumbled and discombobulated.

The clutter of the unimportant, foul up our ability to recall those things that we need to remember. Files of trouble, trials and stress overwhelm the system and good things seem to get pushed into the hidden recesses of our mind.

Especially in leadership, we can get so caught up in putting out fires and trying to keep people happy, that the good gets overshadowed by the negative.

Today, I feel the Lord is trying to get our attention. I feel Him trying get us to focus on what He has done.

We need to stop and remember the benefits of God. God is so good!

What can I render unto the Lord for all of His benefits?

The least I can do is to turn my eyes upon what God has done and off of the things that are negative around me.

I will not forget! God's benefits are more than I can number. His goodness far out weighs any trouble that I may endure.

Be encouraged! Forget Not...

Ps 103:1-22
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Glorious Inadequacies

There are times that we look at ourselves and wonder, "why did God choose me?" We wonder, "what talent or attribute did He feel was so extraordinary, so redeeming that He would put such confidence in me?"

The tasks before us seem so insurmountable... Reach the World. Bring in the Harvest. Nurture the new. Challenge the old. Give hope to the hopeless. Be the fountain of wisdom for all of life's questions. Be a good father or mother. Be a good spouse. Pray. Study.

On and on the list of requirements pile up in our lives and in our ministries.

The responsibilities and burdens far out weigh our strength and out run our abilities.

We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. We are minimized in our own sight by the mountain of position. What is the use, right?

Nevertheless, our weakness is actually an attribute that God chooses to exploit. He thrives on making up the difference between our challenge and our ability.

My mind goes to Gideon and his 32 thousand men. God commanded Gideon to send home those that were unwilling to fight and the majority of them left. Then, with one final test, Gideon's "army" was down to only 300 men.

God made sure that the glory was His and His alone. He made the difference between their weakness and their challenge.

There are numerous other examples such as the Battle of Jericho, David and Goliath, and the four lepers. In each of these stories, God brought great victory, liberation, and provision out of inadequate vessels.

When you sit at your desk, stand at your pulpit or even when you pick up your pen to write, remember God is the X-Factor. He is the Great Equalizer.

So, when the enemy reminds you of your lack; when he points out your weakness; when he scoffs at what seems to be your futile efforts; just agree with him. "Yes, you are right!" "I am gloriously inadequate!"

Then remind him that you are also gloriously called and that your deficit only leaves more room for God to move.

God has called. He will empower. His strength is more than sufficient.

Take courage in the face of your inadequacies. Let faith rise.

One day the tasks will all be accomplished and you will stand victorious, and then all Glory will belong to Him.

2 Cor 12:9
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(RSV)

Beyond Minimum

We live in a "get by" culture. The work ethic of our father's and grandfather's generation has all but disintegrated. Selfishness has created an atmosphere where the questions of the day are... "what's in it for me?" and "what can I do to just get by?"

The infection of these immature attitudes used to be, almost completely, a disease of children and young people. Yet now they seem to be spreading into every aspect of society.

We cannot allow this minimalist mindset to seep into our spiritual pursuits.

We should never get caught in the immature pursuit of the minimum. We should strive to please God to the maximum.

It is time to Pursue Him and His character.

Let us not use simple logic to justify our selfish desires or our lack of spiritual desire. We must refuse to just "get by."

We cannot trade service for relationship; surface for depth; form for substance.

When the darkness of this world works to blur the edges of right and wrong, we must allow the Lord to illuminate our heart. As we press in and pursue His righteousness, His hand will lead us; empower us; and propel us to higher heights and to deeper depths.

The tragic results of living to the minimum can be found in the life of Samson.

Samson was asked to do things that other men did not have to endure. He had a vow from birth attached to his life. 1. He would not cut his hair 2. He would not drink wine 3. He would not touch anything that was dead.

In exchange for his obedience he would receive a strength that no man had ever possessed. He was destined to be the deliverer of Israel.

However, Samson lived to the minimum. He held his great potential so cavalierly. He did just enough to hold on to his "gift" until even that was gone.

Sad!

Samson was empowered to free Israel from the scourge of the Philistines. He did win a few battles, but he did not even come close to fulfilling his destiny.

We have been empowered to reach our world. We have received the Holy Ghost which gives us the potential to truly impact our city, our nation and our world.

Yet, so many of us choose to live life to the minimum. As Samson we do not go beyond our initial experience.

However, let us strive today for more. Let us reach beyond the minimum. Let us press into His presence. Let us commit to pray, study and reach like never before.

Beyond Minimum!

Time to Tarry

Before the disciples could preach one message, evangelize one city, build one church... Jesus commanded them to go and Tarry in Jerusalem...until!

Many times we get so caught up in the "work" of the Lord that we rush past the "relationship" with Him. Then we wonder why we feel powerless, burnt out, and ineffective.

Tarry for Him. Let the Fire of the Holy Ghost fall on us again and again.

They that wait upon the Lord have their strength renewed.

Let us Tarry UNTIL!

UNTIL His strength saturates...

UNTIL the Power Permeates...

UNTIL the Fire Falls...

UNTIL...

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Isa 40:31
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The Pendulum Still Swings

Time...

Eccl 3:1
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

God set time in motion. With the words "let there be" the worlds were created, set in their place, and then released into motion. As the newly created earth began it's inaugural trip around the sun, time began also. Eternity became bisected by the ticking of a clock.

Today the pendulum still swings. Even now, as I write and you read, seconds and minutes have faded into nothingness.

How is it that we take something so precious for granted. We carelessly toss these precious moments aside, discarded like yesterdays newspaper.

We spend this moment wishing for the next. The young are the most guilty of this but they are not alone in this tragedy of wastefulness.

I remember being 8 and wishing I was 10.

I remember being 10 and wishing I was 13.

On and on from 16 to 18 to 21 to marriage to children to retirement, we constantly live in the future.

However, we know that there is coming a day when time shall be no more. Therefore, the economy of time makes it even more invaluable.

What will we do with it?

Today is fleeting, let us...

• Seize it's Potential
• Enjoy it's Blessings
• Conquer it's Challenges

We must make the most of each moment.

The Pendulum Still Swings