Persecution: You are like a bright light, shining ...

by Greg Laurie

The great preacher John Wesley was riding along on his horse one day when he realized that three days had passed, and he had not been persecuted in any way. Not a single brick had been thrown in his direction. He had not been hit by an egg. So he actually stopped his horse and said out loud, "Could it be that I am backslidden or I have sinned?" Slipping down from his horse, he knelt on one knee and asked the Lord to show him if there was anything wrong with him spiritually.

A man who disliked Wesley saw him kneeling in prayer, so he picked up a brick and threw it at him, barely missing the preacher. When Wesley saw the brick fly by, he said, "Thank you, Lord! I know I still have Your presence."

No wonder he was such a powerful preacher.

Your very presence and belief in God bothers some people. Sometimes you don't even have to say anything. You are like a bright light, shining in a dark place. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18). You will be treated the same way Jesus was.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Sometimes persecution can show itself in a brick coming our way or in physical harm, even death. At other times, it can show itself in mockery or rejection or losing a job or friends. But if you are living a godly life, then you will face persecution.

What Happens When Boys Climb Trees

Ed's Note:  What a terrific breakfast I had this morning while on a business trip here in Orlando, Fl..  I just had to stop & write it down for "you-all".  Last evening,  when  I learned Patrick Morley was giving his early morning men's breakfast bible study not far from where I was staying, I made an effort to join him for that weekly study.  

Morley has been hosting this study now for the past 27 years, every Thursday at 6:50am, and many businessmen join him on their way to work.  Patrick Morley is the author of  "Man Alive",  a book we are beginning to study in ANVIL.  As a newcomer to his "Man in the Mirror Bible Study" as it is known,  I joined him at a table for "first-timers" where he gave me copy of his popular book "Man in the Mirror".

When someone has come in contact with you 

            ...Jesus is passing by!!! (Patrick Morley)

The series name or theme of his study is "Hanging Out With Jesus", where learning is accomplished through stories of Jesus in the gospels.  Today's study was entitled "What Happens When Boys Climb Trees"  from Luke 19:1-10.  Morley is insightful and a gifted communicator!  Today's study gives me a new perspective on witnessing!  Here are  some snippets from the notes I took this morning.  Follow what Jesus does as he reaches out to Zacchaeus:

Here's the link to see the video of this event !

Luke 19: 1-10 NIV

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Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’”

8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

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The Scene: Jesus is passing through...

• Zacchaeus, "sought to see Jesus", but the crowd was in the way.
• Jesus loves to love people who others love to hate; 
• Sometimes the crowd gets in the way.
• Sometimes you have to do things different to reach your goals; (Zacchaeus was willing to go out on a limb to see Jesus!)
• Jesus invited Zacchaeus to come down & then invited himself to his house! ("The INTERMEDIATE Step") ...but People who saw this began to mumble & grumble.
• Jesus announced that "this day salvation is come to this house".

THE BIG IDEA:  

NOTHING IS MORE REWARDING THAN TO GO OUT  

ON A LIMB FOR JESUS !

1. - BE WILLING TO CHANGE YOUR PLANS  

(When someone has come in contact with you 

            ...Jesus is passing by!!!)

2. - DON'T BLOCK THE VIEW!   (Don't be too quick to unload the heavy stuff...the 4 spiritual laws... or a bible study on Revelation in the original Greek etc., don't point out their sin to them, Let them discover Jesus.)

3. - OFFER THEM AN "INTERMEDIATE STEP"

     (This is where YOU can be creative to introduce them to your church & other Christians & ultimately Christ!    

    .... like invite them to play baseball on your church 

team, invite them to an event, perhaps our lobster cook-off, pig-roast etc.. Our pastor often has arranged various events designed just as this "intermediate step".)

4.  - LOVE LIKE JESUS !!!

With Patrick Morley, Author of "MAN ALIVE" , Orlando, FL (Feb 2013)

A Friend Of The World

Last April, Aris Metaxukis challenged us to be "Men Of the Hour".  Recently, we asked Aris to share some more of his thoughts for us in a guest article for The ANVIL Newsletter.  Aris lives in Peterborough, and is currently waiting on God for placement in a full-time ministry position.

Aris Metaxukis - "Men Of The Hour" (April 26/2012)

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                A Friend Of The World ... is an enemy of God

About 17 years ago, while on a mission trip in Northern Greece, I had a conversation  with a pastor’s wife about  blessings such as our immediate comforts,  like a nice condo or house and a comfortable lifestyle. I remember   I had remarked to her that often we set our hearts on them and they can become an obstacle in serving the Lord. Her response was direct and without hesitation: “I like what I have.” There was something about her tone and directness that caused me to be alarmed. A few years later, on a following visit, her husband informed that his wife had a new revelation from God and now she was preaching “faith”, while others around her now felt that God “didn’t want them to be poor.”

It has been my observation, on more than one occasion, that what we set our hearts on, will inevitably influence our view of God’s Word. There is nothing wrong with having good things. God is kind and good. Yet, we are instructed to be careful what we cherish and  pursue. 

About a week ago, I read James 4:4 and sensed the Holy Spirit emphasizing this truth strongly to my heart: “You adulterers! Do you  not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

You may not have a problem in the same area as in the “Health and Wealth” of some hyper-faith folk in the church. Today, in the world, the  culture of pluralism  is an epidemic. It is the new standard and the new mantra. The media and entertainment industry, our educational  institutions and every area of public discourse has been deeply influenced and largely converted to the idea that everyone possesses their own truth; that truth is private and that everyone’s views on values, God, family are  all equally  valid.   Moreover, truth is relative and therefore just accept the “new normal” whatever it may be.  If enough people say “black is white and white is black” the few dissenters will—eventually—join the crowd. It’s a cliché but it is tragically true. 

 Maria Konnikova"s online article, in 2011,  on Solomon Asch’s well known "line study"  done in the 1950’s, (Bigthink, the Pesuasive Art of Conformity) clearly states, 

“…  But there was something about being the odd man out that caused intelligent, well-educated subjects to go against their better judgment.”  

The point is well made, that people are susceptible to pressure and are willing to negate clear, visible proof of what is real due to fear of rejection. This process of negation of reality may take time, perhaps years, yet the principle at work is real and potentially devastating to the church today.

I wonder how we are faring in the arena of public confession of our faith? Do we still earnestly contend for the faith which was delivered unto us? (Jude 3) Do we still proclaim, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the power of God  for salvation…”, (Rom 1.16)  or,  is our spiritual ear listening a little too politely to the whispers of the world?  As  the Apostle Paul warns  the younger Timothy ,“… in the last days, some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits… ”. (1 Tim 4.1)

To be honest, I am troubled by  the constant lies and distortions in our western culture,  and  the weakening  position and response  of the Christian church (not only on pluralism but on many other issues). The Bible teaches and encourages believers, those    “… in whose heart is My law … not to fear the reproach of men. “ (Isaiah 51.7b) We need to examine our own hearts and say,  “Search me, O God, and know my heart …  and see if there is some wicked way in me.” (Ps 139.23-24b).  The idea that God considers adulterous  the desire for  approval  or friendship  with others in the world,  at the expense of truth, should not shock us.  It reveals that we are yet  weak and need to ask the Lord to help us DIE to these  human and yet sinful propensities.  We need to turn to the Lord with a sober mind set, understanding the time in which we live, and receive  from Him the grace which He so richly promises us. We are taught in the Word that we have continual access into this grace in which we stand, even into the very presence of Almighty God, as Jesus opened  the way for us into the Holy of Holies. (Rom 5.2)

I believe that we, as men of the  church today,  play a crucial role.  As we are called to be leaders, God will hold us to account on how we have stood for Him in an unpopular time. The critically deciding factor will be our answer to  the question : 

Whose friend  do we really want to be, God’s or the world’s?  

 If we give God a wholehearted “yes”,  others around us will see our bold stand and take note that Christ has touched us, not giving sway to the present mindset of pluralism  or whatever other  –ism  is in the world today. We can overcome as Jesus has promise us the victory. To the Church of Laodicea, the lukewarm church, Jesus  concluded with these words: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Rev 3.21)

May we say, “Yes Lord Jesus,  I want to be loyal  to You, here  I am,  I want to be your man.”

...Storm clouds may rise; Strong winds may blow .... but I've found a Saviour & ...He's SWEET I Know !!

(E. Dewey Smith)

Exposing Humanism -Introduction

Strategem: Divide and Conquer

Main Entry:	strategem
Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	trick

Synonyms: action,angle,artifice,booby trap,brainchild,con, deception, device, dodge, feint,gambit, game, game plan, gimmick, grift, intrigue,layout, maneuver, method, pitch, plan, play,plot, ploy, pretext, proposition, racket, ruse,scenario, scene, scheme, setup,shift, slant,stall, story, subterfuge, switch, twist, wile

8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith. (1 Peter 5)

   Having watched this video of the moose attempting to protect (click to play VIDEO) it's calf a dozen times or more,  it graphically reminds me of Satan's "divide and conquer" strategy.  As you view this video, notice the focus of the attack is not on the strong, but the weak.

   As a father of four very active teens, I look for ways to teach God's ways.  The responsibility is mine as a father  to alert them to the dangers they face in the coming months and years.  I try to teach them to make good choices, to stand alone for God - no matter what the consequences may be.  As high school days give way to career paths, inevitably university/college choices loom on their horizons and unfamiliar, uncharted territory and secular influences.  It is vital that they are grounded in God's Word during the time they are still resident in my home!

5Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6)

    One of the characteristics of today's post-secondary scene is the ever-present philosophy of secular humanism.  It absolutely permeates academia and thus seems to easily integrate into our society like a cancer,  wrongly influencing legislation, court decisions and public policy.   Humanism is so contrary and so antagonistic to Biblical values - attempting to block and mock God our Creator.  The very nature of secular humanism is to promote the Mind of Man, tearing down biblical belief and Godly living.

   In conversation with my oldest son the past few months, I have been going over the inherent dangers that he will soon face as he begins his post-nest journey through life.  Some of the toughest will be as he enters the halls and classrooms of academia.  I believe that God has spoken to my heart to  share some of these insights with other fathers in our ANVIL Community.   I am too aware of the dangers that can lurk  for young people who are not grounded in a vital relationship with Jesus Christ, Son of God, The Living Word.

   Recently, a father in our ANVIL Men's group explained to us in one of our near-famous "table-discussions" of how he was protecting his school-aged children from a danger he identified in his home.  I think my heart may have skipped a beat or two as inwardly I wholeheartedly endorsed his stand!  He is taking his God-given place as the Protector of his family!  Fathers.....Awareness of this danger is important. Vital. Critical !!!

                                                                   

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19 KJV)

   The ANVIL Newsletter will be taking a look at and increasing our awareness of ... Secular Humanism, possibly one of the most inhumane philosophies ever perpetrated!     Stay tuned over the next months for more.  

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patrick morley says ...

Christians and secularists are not trying to solve different problems. We're trying to solve the same problems in different ways.                                                  

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Psalm 100:2 says.... Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture



*See "Evolution vs. God"

Thoughts on Change

Change is often pondered at this time of the year in many aspects of our lives.  Sports clubs, fitness memberships all have line-ups for new memberships in January, but the line soon peters out early on as the year unfolds.  Our "physical man" needs ongoing maintenance and change to get us over the inevitable tough spots in our physique and health.

Change is necessary in our walk with God.  Although sometimes uncomfortable, we need to have a plan to develop and exersize our "spiritual man", and grow up to what God wants us to be.  To think of this from a biblical perspective, I must realize that  - God is all about change in my life.  John 15 is a solid example using the analogy of the Gardner pruning his prize grape plants:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."   5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples".

At ANVIL our leadership team wants you to "be well-pruned" as well.  That's why we're planning to provide the opportunity for you to grow in your walk with God in 2013.  It has been said that God is more concerned with what you are becoming, rather than what you are now!  His change plan is often to move us from small to BIG, from struggling in our faith to maturity, renewing us from inside to the outside; ...to give us more of Himself and set us free from the things that hold us back in worship and following after Him!  It begins with the first step in the right direction...think about that for a while.  Not only do we want to encourage you, but more specifically to draw your attention to growth through discipleship.  It's a marathon, not a sprint. 

In the weeks to come, we will be looking at a helpful book by Patrick Morley entitled "Man Alive".  There's more to come on this....so stay tuned for details in the next while and plan to be "on-board" with us to be a better disciple of Christ in 2013!  He is not an Ordinary God !!!

Happy Birthday Ian!

Happy Birthday Ian!

Barry Mayson's Testimony

Former Hell"s Angel, Barry Mayson Speaking (Click to Play VIDEO)

Here at a recent ANVIL Ministry for Men evening, we listen to Barry Mayson's testimony via DVD.

How to Pray for Your Adult Children

from Charisma Magazine

9:30AM EST 1/7/2013 GERMAINE COPELAND

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(http://www.stockfreeimages.com)

“But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:32, NKJV).

 Several years ago I talked with the leader of a Christian rehabilitation ministry, and he said that the most difficult young people to help are those of Christian parents. He went on to say, "They refuse to let their children suffer the consequences of their behavior.

"Often, they are concerned about how they will look in the eyes of others, or fear being judged and found lacking. Some will question their faith."

When we see our adult children under attack, we immediately begin fighting the devil. Satan becomes the focus of our prayers, and we fail to realize that each individual has to walk his own spiritual journey by his own free will.

If our children are to mature and develop character, we can't walk their paths for them. We have to allow each child to develop character and wait on God to direct our prayers.

In Luke 22:31-32 we read a conversation Jesus had with Peter, which shows the foreknowledge Jesus had of the trial Peter was facing. Jesus said to him: "'Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."'

Even though Jesus knew Satan's plan for Peter, Jesus did not rebuke the devil. He didn't stop the attack.

He did not try to control Peter's decision. Instead, He prayed for Peter, and He prayed for a positive outcome to his temptation.

We know that Peter yielded to temptation. But we only have to read the book of Acts and Peter's epistles to understand that God's will was done in his life.

God turned what Satan meant for destruction into development of Peter's character. Peter fulfilled his divine destiny.

We must learn how to trust God with our adult children—even when we can see the spiritual trials they are facing and the plan of Satan to ensnare them. We are so quick to blame the devil and to attack him with a vengeance.

Where is our trust? "Lord," we pray, "You have the power to deliver my child from the attack of the enemy. Don't let Satan harass him." Jesus, however, keeps praying, "Father, don't let his faith fail, but use this time to purify his faith."

Do we want it our way or God's way? Believe that your children will walk in truth. Remember, you were not too hard for God, and neither is the adult child for whom you are praying.

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Germaine Copeland is the author of A Global Call to Prayer, the Prayers That Avail Much book series, 365 Days to a Prayer-Filled Life, and Prayers That Avail Much for Daily Living (Charisma House).  She is also a contributing author of Women’s Destiny Bible (Thomas Nelson) and Impart Magazine.

Forget the past ! ....Full speed Ahead for God in 2013 !

13 ... Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for  which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (from Phillipians 3)