Apostle Paul wrote, “When a man goes to war, he must count the cost”. Counting the cost is part of the preparation stage. I find it intriguing the amount of leaders I meet that don’t completely examine, plan, meditate, and pray through the different aspects of their vision before pressing on. Proper preparation can make the difference between success and failure.

My father often quotes a motto he learned while in the US Army. He says, “Plan your work, then work your plan”. At the risk oversimplifying the subject of vision and its success, my father has an excellent point. Planning becomes to foundation upon which we build the vision. Many great, praiseworthy visions have not come to pass because of poor planning and “not counting the cost”.

On the other hand, once we’ve made a great plan and heard from the Lord what should be done, “Implementation” of that plan is the next critical stage. Most often, leaders get lost in this part of the vision. How do you implement a great plan? Where do I start? These are questions frequently asked. But part of planning is seeing the sequence of the plan and knowing where to start.

One of the important parts of implementation is to surround yourself with people that strengthen the areas you lack knowledge and/or experience. This is one sign of a great leader in the making. We are not exclusive; neither are we an island. We can’t implement a great vision without those who are called to be “implementers”.

Visionaries have the dream; Implementers ask questions and deal with logistical issues that are often overlooked by the visionary. This is one reason why we need each other.

One example of this is to look at an Ant Colony. There is much work being conducted, but each group of ants has a different function. Obviously, relationships seldom work very well unless each stays in their prescribed place and function in the role that best suits them. Thus the reason for restating the former sentence: Visionaries dream; Implementers implement the vision.

Let us determine in our hearts to successfully co-labor with the Lord and those He gave care over us. Each of us has a place in the team. Each of us has a responsibility to the dream. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Brother Bill

When somewhat confused about the will of God, leaders are encouraged to seek the counsel of other trusted ministries. Relationship is such a key element is the success of great leaders. In fact, the book of Proverbs tells us, “There is safety in a multitude of counselors”.

We may not always be excited to hear what trusted ministry friends share with us, but they are most often more objective and not blinded by the conditions and circumstances that surround us. How soon we forget that we are able to hear more clearly for others because we are the more objective one. Go figure!

The vulnerability of relationship is seen here, as leaders let down their guard long enough to demonstrate transparency while sharing their situation with another leader.

Remember: delayed obedience is disobedience. If you don’t want to remain in a disobedient mode, then do whatever it takes to see clearly enough to make the most righteous decision.

Lastly, one can be plagued with the fear of making the wrong decision that they make no decision. In either case, doing the wrong thing for the righteous reason would be counted as righteousness rather than doing nothing at all.

Lynda and I have been in that place at least twice in our ministry. Believe me; it is rather uncomfortable to be wandering in the fog of displacement, especially when others are depending on you. But we must press through and make the most righteous decision. If we make a mistake, it can be corrected. If we do nothing, we’ve gotten nowhere. Selah.

I trust you’ll respond correctly. This is a good season for you to be in. “Hear Him” are the words a prophet in the Old Testament. These are the same words encouraged today….blessings!

Brother Bill

Obviously, Paul was interested in seeing Timothy become the great leader he was destined to be. I think, like natural father-figures, mentors (and fathers in the faith) have a general understanding of the potential and destiny contained within their spiritual children. It is awesome to watch others grow and develop their leadership skills. But Paul also gave an important clue that contributes to the overall success of a leader: remember what you’re called to do, and, if you lose sight of this during the process, stir it up again.

The Greek language defines the phrase “stir up” as “Fan the Flame”. A fire needs three elements:  a combustible item, something that will cause combustion, and oxygen to keep the flame burning. This “Fan the Flame” is the picture Paul is giving to Timothy, his protégé. In essence, Paul was saying, “Hey. Sometimes, in life and ministry, you find yourself off track a bit. It’s OK when this happens. But, please remember, you’ve got to fan the flame back to the place of an inferno once again.

How I wish you and I could “Fan the Flame” for others, but we cannot. We can provide inspiration and others things that will bring about a fire. But, in the truest sense, each of us bears the responsibility to “Fan the Flame”.

How do I “Fan the Flame”, you ask? A fire is maintained through remaining consistent with Bible reading, prayer and intercession and keeping intimacy in our relationship with the Lord. As elementary as this short list is, these three things seem to the first things we let go of when life gets busy. We cave into the pressures of life and ministry, forgetting Who our source is.

Remember, being a great leader in God’s kingdom begins with spending more than adequate time with the One Who will inspire and release greatness from within us. Be challenged and be blessed…

Brother Bill

These days, it seems there is a tremendous amount of stress and pressure on ministers every where we go. Of course, a portion of this reality is a sign that we are near the end of the age. Jesus prophesied "some hearts would fail because of fear", and others "...even the very elite would suffer deception", etc.

The deception of this age is that we have tremendous resources, higher education, and the like. So, it is easy to rely on the arm of flesh. This is where the outside stress and pressure takes its liberty and bring havoc into the life of a ministry leader.

I don't know about you, but whatever confidence I have in knowledge and experience can, at times, be an enemy. Nothing I know or have experienced in ministry secures my position, neither do these present opportunities where I can do ministry without the aid of the Holy Spirit. If anything...experience will work against us...if we're not mindful of this.

Beloved, many times, what we consider to be our greatest strength, in all actuality, can equally be our greatest weakness. Selah!

Legacy of Worship, Int'l is poised to step into its greatest hour of ministry. Yet, I am reminded (again and again) of my need to press further into God's heart and lose myself in Him. I'm not describing a return to "knee-knocking" and "butterflies in our stomachs" like many of us first experienced in the beginning of our ministries. But what I am describing is to never leave that place of "Lord, I can't do this without YOU". Like Moses, our conclusion must be, "I won't go unless You go with me".

Regardless of the level from which you minister, this is your fortunate reality. YOU MUST DECREASE (even though my ministry and influence increases), AND HE MUST INCREASE.

Until He comes,

Brother Bill

“Moses, My servant is dead”; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.”

Like for the children of Israel under the new leadership of Joshua, there was the call to stand upon the shoulders of former leadership and move on toward their announced destiny.  Also, like the children of Israel, it is a sad day when one of God’s faithful sons/daughters exits the scene. The feeling of abandonment or sadness can persist. Perhaps, this is a form of grief for some. But we must not postpone the inevitable, meaning: we must move on toward our Land of Promise.

The changing of the guard can be a bit awkward. I mean, trying to step into the shoes of others is a challenge. Some feel like the new leader should be able to preach like and be as perfect as their predecessor.  How foolish this sounds, but it is a reality.

Beloved, Jesus is the standard; not the former cherished man /woman of God. We have to give some latitude for the new leader to find his/her way; make his/her own mistakes, etc. It is easy to forget the patience we once exhibited toward the former leader in the beginning days of his/her ministry.

With the recent passing of David Wilkerson, one of the greatest challenges facing our generation is to find not one, but many, who will “set the trumpet to their mouths” and exhibit the same passion, anguish and fervency. There is no need to idolize the former guard, but we can show respect, honor and appreciation for what God did through David Wilkerson (and others like him) by receiving this “passing of the baton” and let the prophetic voice be heard in the land.

While this week’s leadership blog is somewhat shorter than others, the message within it is one of the most important written to date. Let there be no lull; let there be no lack; let there be no hesitation in receiving the prophetic baton currently handed to us.

Remember: prophetic ministry can be lonely sometimes.  Also, remember: when the prophet weeps, the people laugh; when the prophet laughs, the people weep.  It will not be given to those searching to be great in the Kingdom of God, but, rather, it will be entrusted to those who faithfully serve in confident meekness and humble boldness. These two descriptive phrases sound almost oxymoronic, but they adequately describe the brand of leadership needed in Today’s Church. Selah!

Brother Bill

The first question (What then shall we say to these things) can be linked to several issues Paul raised in the previous verses. Issues like: the Holy Spirit helping our infirmities and His activity, which includes interceding for us; knowing how to pray in every possible scenario; all things working for our good; predestination; us being conformed to the image of Jesus; our calling; justification, just to name a few.

The second question is more rhetorical. Paul already knows the answer to the question and, for the most part, assumes the reader of his letter also knows the answer. In light of this, this second question can just as easily be used as a declaration.

In last week’s leadership post (The Emphatic Leader), I proposed the need to get rid of options and discover God’s will in every situation. The Emphatic Leader finds resolution to each issue and quiets every argument of the devil by declaring what God has already stated. If we really believe “God’s Word is truth”, then, like Jesus at His temptation, we can settle each issue with the words from scripture.

“God is for you”. “He is on your side”… Let us not be so easily blinded by problems and difficulties to the point we cannot see what God is doing. Like the blind man that cried out to Jesus, let us arise and throw off anything that would try to identify us differently than what the Word says we are. As he arose, the blind man threw off blindness. What do you need to throw off as you arise? Remember Paul’s words: “If God be for us, then who can be against us”?

Again, this is mostly rhetorical. You and I know there are many things that will try to come (and stand) against us in our life time. The issue as Paul understood it is: nothing can prevail over us. This would be consistent with what Jesus stated while in Capernaum, saying, “The gates of hell shall not prevail…”

The Hebrew definition of “Prevail” means: will not be able to withstand the offensive maneuvers of the Church. Let’s pull out of the defensive mode and stop circling the wagons (for our international readers, this is a term used from the Cowboy and Indians days of the Old West here in the USA). Jesus stated that our position should be more offensive where we are taking ground from the enemy and bringing expansion to the Kingdom of God.

Isaiah told us about how we can participate in the Divine exchange: beauty for ashes, etc. This is another occasion to make an exchange: from the defense to offense. If we are convinced “Nothing can prevail against us”, then we will hesitate to co-labor with Christ and bring expansion to His kingdom. We’ll see you on the frontlines…

Brother Bill

These two phrases carry what translators call an “emphatic tense” of the verb. To illustrate this “emphatic tense”, I will add one word. “…Thy kingdom must come; Thy will must be done…” This strong language shows how focused Jesus was upon the Father’s vision for His time of being on the earth. There were no options.

The Psalmist, King & Prophet David said, “God set solitary in the family.” According to my friend, Apostle William Hohman of Merrill, WI, this “solitary” is in regards to the singleness of the Father’s vision for us.

Any family, business, ministry or church that has more than one vision has “division”. The Latin language translates “di” as “two”. This is where we get the word division. Division is literally having two visions.

The Emphatic leader is focused upon the vision God has given. This is not a symptom of inflexibility or a refusal to listen to others, but, rather, it is unwavering devotion to the vision. Rees Howells said, “The vision is all that matters”. If a leader believes there is an option, surely this will effect devotion, passion, and work ethic. Along this line of thought, the Western Church must return to Evangelism – for, the Gospel must be preached – then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

It appears we have forgotten how to fish. We have traded our fishing equipment and became more focused upon watching the aquarium. Beloved, this is not an “either-or” situation. We don’t have chose between fishing and watching; we can do both. Jesus confirmed this by saying, “…we must bear fruit, and the fruit should remain” (John 15:16).

Today, receive the challenge to stay focused on the task at hand. The vision God has given should be treated like “gold dust from heaven”. The vision is God’s dream for your life, ministry and city/region/nation. To treat it in any other way than “emphatic” is contemptible and insulting to the God who entrusted you and me with this “gold dust from heaven”. Vision is God’s inner most desire for our success in His kingdom.

By God’s grace, you and I will hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord”. These words will be the first reward for remaining faithful to the vision to the end. I trust you and I will be standing near one another when these cherished words are spoken…O what a glorious day!

Brother Bill

Jesus spoke this well before His death upon Calvary’s cross. It was a timeless prophetic word heralded to His disciples and to the billions who have found hope in these eternal words since that day.

The word “shall” is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as “obligated, compelled and determined”. Think about this – Jesus has fulfilled His end of the promise – life is about fulfilling the last four words…”…you shall live also”.

The incredible confidence is Christ’s promise proclaimed is clearly seen. One song writer wrote: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow”. Yes. This is absolutely true. It inspires even more hope to say: “Because of Jesus’ resurrection, He was compelled and determined, thus obligating Himself to make a way for us to live an abundant life in and through Him. His victory became ours! Praise the Lord!

Hear the Lord calling you to a higher place of relationship. You are no longer a servant, but a son or daughter of God. Sons and daughters hear the family discussion around the Father’s table. Servants miss the intimacy of family and this mentality fogs many minds of believers around the world. The reality of what the Father has provided through His Son, Jesus, is somehow looked passed and a form of bondage sets in that eventually becomes a self-made prison.

Child of God, the word “because” fortifies one of the many intentional purposes for Jesus to go to the cross. “We are obligated, compelled and determined” to live the abundant life” (as He defined it), because of Christ’s victory at the cross. Lift your vision higher, to a life He made for you. Otherwise, living beneath your privilege presents a cause for heaven’s witnesses to cheer less. They want you to win the race…but make sure you are on the correct course…Selah!

Have a bless Resurrection Celebration wherever you reside.

Because He lives…

Brother Bill

While at a church here in Mexico City we were reminded of a prophetic word we gave four years ago regarding the church someday having a television ministry. Oscar, the brother now in charge of the television ministry, told us that when we spoke those wordsto the church, he thought... how can we ever do this? We do not have the resources nor the money. Lynda and I went just yesterday with the host of the new TV show called El que Oye: Consejo (He that hears: Counseling) and saw the actual launching of the show on channel 34 in Mexico City. We toured the studios, prayed for the program, and rejoiced at what God has done.

Lynda and I often encourage people to be careful about placing prophetic words on the proverbial shelf. If we are confident about the validity of the word, consult your pastors or elders withinyour church. Once confirmation is given, here is a brief list of things to also consider doing:

1. If we really believe it is a word from God, we should place the word on our prayer list tokeep it continually on our minds.

2. Apostle Pauil mentioned the need to conduct some spiritual warfare over the word. Words from the Lord are often tested and, many times, it seems like the opposite is happening.

3. Be careful about inserting your personal expectations. Most often, we make the mistake believing that prophetic words are supposed to come to pass tomorrow. It is wise to take note that things can either come to pass one rock at a time, or the entire mountain moved at once. But God knows which is needed to develop us so that we are ready to step into it when the word comes to pass.

May the Lord bless you as you ponder this subject. We pray for your success, for our desire is to see your destiny and the dream of God fulfilled.

Brother Bill

I have often wondered what name should be attached to other kinds of words (from flesh and the devil) people consistently struggle with. It would be correct to use the word “lies”, for a person’s belief system can be laced with the likes of flesh and the enemy. Recently, I was challenged by the Holy Spirit to look even further into attaching a name to this ploy of the enemy.

The Holy Spirit showed me that the core issue of this struggle is that we often believe what the enemy has said instead of what God has said. Again, it is correct to say that what the enemy has said is a lie, and what God says is true and truth to live by. However, both lies and truth are prophetic in nature. Follow me closely.

If we choose to listen, believe and plan according to the lies of the enemy, we have allowed the spoken by the enemy to attach itself to our belief system. This can set us on a course to fulfill the desires of the enemy. The same is true if we listen, believe and plan according to what God has said; we allow the spoken word (as well as the written word) of God to attach itself to our belief system and we are set on a course to fulfill God’s desires.

When I say both are prophetic in nature, I am not comparing God’s written and spoken word to that of the enemy. No way. The comparison lies within the heart of the believer and how lies or truth affects the element of faith.

Faith will lie dormant where the lies of the enemy abound. Faith is needed to reach to God in a crisis; faith is needed for finances, etc.

Simply stated, the enemy must be disallowed to decide our future. He and his lies must be dispossessed and God truth must be received. Today, I challenge you to strike down unbelief, every lie of the enemy and his attempt at stealing your future; whether that be in business, ministry, family, or personally. “Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered…”

Jeremiah was told by the Lord that he was selected to be a prophet even while he was in his mother’s womb. Speaking of Jeremiah’s destiny and job description, God further said, “…root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, build and plant…” Obviously, there are great things in God to do that includes building and planting. However, in order to build and plant things on a solid foundation personally and corporately in the Body of Christ, there is the need to root out wrong concepts, pull down things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, destroy every false word of the enemy at every turn and throw down a kingdom that is called “darkness”.

Let us rise to the occasion, not with a sense of arrogance and bullishness, On the contrary, arise with faith that God is with us and will co-labor and empower us to destroy the works of darkness. Like Prophet Amos described in chapter 9, we must dispossess, drive out and stake the flag of God’s kingdom in our lives, homes, marriages, ministries, churches, cities, regions and nations. This is the day to begin the reversal of hell’s plans and enforce with confidence God’s End Time Kingdom objectives.

As always, if there is anything Lynda and I can do to help make you successful before God’s eyes, do not hesitate to contact us. It is would be our pleasure to do so…

Kiss the King,

Brother Bill

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

At this moment you and I are thinking about the earthquakes and tsunami that recently happened in Japan. It is sad, to say the least, to see the people of this advanced nation (or any other nation) experience such an atrocity. Our hearts, prayers and monies reach out to the people of Japan. In the midst of this, though, we hear reports of another kind from missionaries who actually live in the city where this calamity struck. A video is circulating on Face Book of Ron Sawka, of Arise International, declaring (paraphrased), “We believe this will usher in revival to Japan.”

While we can never believe God is author of such events (for He desires all to be saved), we can count on Him using these events to shake nations and to present opportunities for the Church to “arise and shine”. While emotions of the people of Japan are tender, their hearts will be open to hearing the Gospel of Christ. In fact, another friend who is a missionary to Japan posted this comment, saying, “Our neighbor mentioned that the reason we were sent to Japan by God was not to die”. Obviously, people are already thinking about eternity, the condition of their souls and the real reason why God sent missionaries to them!

At the beginning of this leadership blog I wrote what the Lord said to me this morning. Again, He said, “Expansion in ministry comes is ways that are often overlooked.”

I know of two missionary families that the Lord moved back from Japan to the USA within the last three years. Think about this: Did the Lord have them move back to the USA just for their protection? Or was the ultimate reason He moved them to the USA to communicate His heart of love for the Japanese to the Western Church and to help stir us to action (because He knew these calamities were coming)? It is entirely possible the Lord is bringing expansion to ministry on both sides of the Pacific Ocean at this moment. Think about it?

What a sad moment in Church history if we fail to recognize the potential of ministry awaiting us. Let us not repeat history. At the close of World War II, general over Armed Forces of the Pacific Rim, Gen. Douglas McArthur, gave the clarion call to the United States to send missionaries to Japan to assist with the clean up and rebuilding of this fallen nation. Very, very few actually responded. Now, fifty years later, there are only approximately 1 ½ % Christians in Japan. Simply stated, we cannot – we must not – allow this opportunity for expansion in the kingdom of God to pass us by. Here are a few things we can do:

1) Pray, Pray, Pray- assemble the intercessors of your church and pray for the missionaries who are presently on site who do not have food, water, gas and other basic resources. Encourage your families to spend a few moments before you eat each meal and include the missionaries in your prayers.

2) Find reputable ministries to support- if you do not have a direct connection with a ministry in Japan, we have relationships with four ministries that we will be happy to share with you.

3) Get the Word out- spread the news and get others involved in this effort. We can get behind this ministry opportunity and push toward the greatest harvest Japan has ever seen!

Brothers and sisters, we can watch world events and listen to the news, or we can involve ourselves in making history. “Making history” is part of your destiny! Remember, if you need the name of a reputable ministry to support in Japan or names of people to pray for, please contact us directly by email: info@legacyofworship.com

Let us seize the moment, and arise and build,

Brother Bill

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

So, not only should we be careful about comparing ministries and churches, but Paul reinforces this philosophy with the following caution: "...do not boast (brag or speak excessively) about things that are without (or outside) of your measure (sphere of rule or influence), but boast (brag or speak excessively) about what and who God has measured to you."

This ministry philosophy is somewhat foreign to much of today's church leadership. The church at Corinth was encouraged to stay focused on the things that the Lord had specifically assigned to them. The old saying "The grass is greener on the other side of the fence" is seldom true, especially in ministry. The grass is greener where the Lord has planted us, because that's the assignment He measured to us. Even though there are many opportunities to give into discouragement in ministry, we must not lose focus and look for fulfillment in another (supposedly greener) pastures measured to other ministries and churches.

The measurement or metron of ministry distributed to us is God's choice. If we believe He is sovereign and trustworthy, we can find contentment and fulfillment in the field of labor He has given us. God knows what best suits us. Daydreaming about the possible success others are having is a complete waste of time and completely undermining, to say the least.

I encourage you today to "bloom where you are planted" and, in doing so, find joy, contentment and fulfillment where God has placed you. Increase will eventually come to you, as we display faithfulness to the field of labor where we are. Loosing focus by daydreaming about the field of labor where others are may delay increase and reveal infidelity in our hearts toward the assignment God has given us. Selah!

Brother Bill

The irony of ministry is found within the title of the current leadership series: “What Causes Expansion in Ministry”. As John the Baptist declared it, we are called “to decrease, and He (Christ and His kingdom) must increase”. Do you see the irony of being called to bring increase to Christ’s kingdom, yet we must personally decrease? Once again, here is the passage of scripture from II Corinthians 10:12-18 to refresh your memory:

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Increase in ministry was never designed to bring more focus upon us. However, this is the twisted sense of accomplishment often witnessed within the Western Church these days. How sad, indeed. Even within the current rise of the office of apostles, there is much emphasis upon building denominations or fellowships of churches. If this happens, shouldn’t it happen naturally? Think about what Jesus truly meant when He said, “Let the great among you be the servant of all”.

The first sign of true apostleship is a supernatural desire to be a servant. In other words, to be there for people with a support system; to help them with resources, leadership development and imparting vision; to be their cheerleader and coach, etc.

These are not things you do in order for churches to gravitate to your ministry. No. Beloved, this is who we are. It must happen organically. This is not a performance requirement. We are to be a living organism that breathes in and out. Sometimes this aspect of apostleship gets lost among the other more emphasized signs in today’s church. As you can see, Jesus placed the greater emphasis upon being a servant and loving people.

Apostle Paul gave us the idea of how apostles and prophets are part of the foundational structure of the Church. Again, this is not to exalt these offices to a more important place. Look at the canvas of explanation Paul gave us: a painting appears in our minds where we see a home that is finished. It’s beautiful. In this scenario, we rarely give thought to the foundation. Of course, the foundation is not totally disregarded. Yes, it’s really important. People count on the faithfulness of this foundation being in place as they walk around. But in most homes these days, the foundation has some form of floor covering. The floor is not a trophy to be hung on the mantle. It is just there to provide security as people move about.

In light of this, the Word of God gives an opportunity to realign our current approach to ministry. We must decrease. Christ and His kingdom must increase. The word “must” has an emphatic tone to it. This must happen. It’s not a choice, if we want to see Jesus return. As we decrease, and Christ and His kingdom increases, we will see expansion to our ministries. However, let us not think for even one moment that God has done anything but increase the opportunities to serve and display His heart to a larger region. Selah!

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

As you see here, Apostle Paul said “it is unwise” to compare or measure ourselves…especially by what we’re doing in relationship to what others are called to do. We are responsible to be obedient to the calling and assignment given to us by the Lord. In another passage, Paul said, “…make your calling and election sure...” Comparing or measuring our accomplishments with others is a trap of the enemy and is often rooted in judgment and brings the spirit of heaviness. If others are doing better than us, the human tendency is to find fault with them to make us feel better about where we are in our journey. If others are doing worse than us (our assessment is often tainted and much different than God’s), the human tendency is to become puffed up with pride and vanity. Either comparison is unwise. Both are broken tools to measure personal accomplishment in ministry or business.

Beloved, if we remain faithful and stay in the place of faith all the way to the end and refuse to use the broken tools for comparing and measuring accomplishment or success in ministry and life (that the enemy promotes), we are at least two steps closer to seeing the kingdom of God expand like Apostle Paul described, meaning: “…that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you…”

As always, we welcome your comments additional thoughts on these blogs. God bless you, as you consider these points worth pondering…

With grace…for His glory,

Brother Bill

Faith is such an elementary dynamic in God’s kingdom. We often minimize or, worse yet, dismiss its importance. While there is not always a simple answer to experiencing the level of expansion we’re praying for within our church or ministry, Apostle Paul made it very clear that FAITH is a necessary ingredient to see the fruit of it. Here’s how Paul explained this in II Corinthians 1:12-17:

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

            Isaiah said, “With joy, we draw waters from the well of salvation”. While one might say that “joy is a dipper”, the line of thought today is to focus on the “drawing from the well”.

            One will draw from what he desires. If you desire a drink of water from this well, you will draw from it – the drawing follows the desire.

            Also, “drawing” brings a sense of longing after the water. It is amazing to see such lack of thirst in many of our churches. This lack of thirst reveals that a “longing for the water contained within the well” is severally missing. Truly, Jesus was illustrating that the need to go to the well was more than for salvation. C.H. Spurgeon once said, “We leak”. He was referring to the need for humanity to continue to be filled with what truly satisfies.

            To confirm this and make it a more Biblical application, Apostle Paul said, “Be filled with the Spirit”. The Greek context would read, “Be continually filled with the Spirit”, which indicates the need to keep being re-filled, again and again, with the Spirit. I think you get the point.

            Let our hearts longing be to “keep drawing from the well” where salvation begin. If Jesus is the Alpha, or beginning, then truly He is the Omega, the ending of every day, week, month, year and life. May the Lord bless you as this is considered…

For grace and glory,

Brother Bill

Let us not be blind to these New Things. Tradition and religion can blind us to New Things. The scriptures tell us He knows what we need before we ask. However, if we’re not looking His way, we can easily miss what He is saying and showing us.

One of Isaiah’s complaints about his generation was their inability to see and hear. He said, “They have eyes to see, yet they do not hear; they have wears to hear, yet they do not hear”. Jesus repeated this commentary in His day as well. Let this not be said about you and the ministry you are involved with.

Yes, these are challenging days. There are economic challenges; family challenges; cultural challenges and more. But challenges or conditions do not change God or move Him. Let us place our ears to His heart and listen…let us see life from His point of view…let us make full use of the reality that we are seated with Him in heavenly places.

As we press further into the New Year, set your mark to pay closer attention to the dynamics mentioned here. Set sail to experience God’s heart in every situation. Our ministry’s motto cannot improve on what Jesus said, “For without Him (the Father), I can do nothing”. God bless your labors of love!

Brother Bill

1. to determine, check, or rectify the graduation of (any instrument giving quantitative measurements).
2. to divide or mark with gradations, graduations, or other indexes of degree, quantity, etc., as on a thermometer, measuring cup, or the like.
3. to determine the correct range for (an artillery gun, mortar, etc.) by observing where the fired projectile hits.
4. to plan or devise (something) carefully so as to have a precise use, application, appeal, etc.: a sales strategy calibrated to rich investors.

Where many make New Year resolutions, Biblical leaders actually re-align or Re-calibrate their hearts, lives, beliefs, actions, attitude, character, leadership, etc. with God’s Word and His kingdom. One of the ways we can assure this re-calibration actually happens is to surround ourselves with godly relationships that keep us in check and be a cheerleader as well. Remember this: Every Timothy needs a Paul; and every Paul needs to a Timothy.

The Lord chose the dynamics within the confines of relationship to help us fulfill our destiny. Godly relationships keep us out of the ditches found on both sides of life’s road if we will listen to their godly counsel. This is the beneficial role of “Paul to Timothy”. On the other hand, these relationships keep godly leaders grounded and free from self-absorption, to remember where they came from and how they can help others. This is the beneficial role of “Timothy to Paul”.

Let us consider the need to re-calibrate as we enter this New Year. Remember: 2011 is the year to re-discover our destiny in God! God bless you. You know where to find us if and when you need us! Until then…we remain…

Yours for Christ’s sake and Kingdom,
Brother Bill

Brother Bill

Unless you've been living in a hole in the ground for a while, you are fully aware of the many challenges of balancing between work and family time. As you might already expect, that, for those of us in the ministry, the challenge multiplies. Obviously, it is necessary to set boundaries and realistic expectations. How? Where do we start? I'm glad you asked... May the Lord you as we enter this season of rejoicing over the birth of our King Jesus! Your comments are welcome. Next year, 2011, will be the year of the re-discovery and getting back on track to fulfill your destiny in God!

As always, your comments are encouraged and enjoyed!

God bless you,

Brother Bill

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