If You Ask God to Change You, Don't Do It on a Missions Trip!

I just recently returned from a trip of a lifetime to India. I traveled there with some ministry friends that our church is partners with. We were in the city of Hyderbad for a week doing a Pastors conference for the local Pastors in and around the city of Hyderbad. Then we were a week in the city of Kakinada preaching in a crusade that saw thousands fill the altars nightly. It was absolutely amazing to say the least!

Before we departed for our trip we had a team meeting with everyone that was close by to discuss and cover the things we would be involved in while we were there. During the meeting different ones shared with me there experiences with about missions and India since this was my first trip there or anywhere for that matter. I remember one person saying to me, "don't have an preconceived ideas for what it will be like, I can guarantee you it won't be the same." Boy, was she right. I told our ministry partner, Curtis Silcox, "all I am expecting is that God change me and I come back home to never be the same."

God will mess your world up when you say things like that to him. Little did I know how much He would change me half way around the world. A month later, I still think about those that had an impact on me. (And we think missions is all about those we serve). I am still reeling from the changes that has taken place while I spent two weeks away from my world to go live in someone else's. I have a deeper love for missions and missionary's; the sacrifices they make to take the gospel to unreached people is like none other. My life will never be the same!

Oh, I would not have ask God any other way to change me than thru missions. If you want to really experience the power and love Christ, just take two weeks in India. Guaranteed, you won't be the same.

In His Service,
Pastor Brandon

Knowledge Rich, Application Poor!

Here in America, we are living in the most amazing time in all the world. Never has there been access to so much information about the Word of God. We have books upon books written to explain in detail every passage of scripture from Genesis to Revelation. With technology today, everything we ever needed to study the word of God is at our fingertips. Never in the history of the world has this happened. With live streaming and internet video, you can watch as many sermons as you like at anytime of the day or night. All these are great, they have helped up increase our knowledge of God.

For the most of us, we can quote scriptures for healing, protection, deliverance and on and on for whatever need we have. We have become knowledgeable about what the Scriptures say for many things. For some, they have quoted Scripture so much they've become immune to it. Often I see people with great knowledge of the Word, but that is all it is, just knowledge. There is no "real" change in their lives. The Scriptures were not given so that we would increase in knowledge but that our lives would be changed.

We should each look at our lives and check up on the knowledge we possess. Are we applying the things we know? Are we just gaining a head knowledge of God or are we allowing His Word to change our hearts and lives?

Brandon

The Implanted Word

In James 1, we are told in verse 21 to forsake that which is sinful and receive with meekness the "implanted" word which is able to save our souls. I want to elaborate on the "implanted". The implanted is that which is divinely given. It is not something acquired by study by that which is divinely given to us by the Holy Spirit. The "implanted" word is that which the Holy Spirit speaks to us in order to change us into the image of Jesus. The "implanted" word is that which is sown by the Holy Spirit to bring forth fruit that is meet for repentance. The "implanted" word is the powerful, sharp double-edge sword that cuts away the impurities of our hearts. The "implanted" word cuts to the core of who we are and awakens us to the truth of the Gospel. The "implanted" word is able to save our souls from destruction.

James takes this implanted word a little further for us to understand. The Holy Spirit is trying to implant the word in our lives each week. Sometimes it is in our quite time, sometimes it is during a church service when we "hear" the implanted word spoken. When we hear the implanted word from the Holy Spirit through conviction of the word being preached, we often say "yes" that word was for me or we will tell our pastor, "that was a great message, it ministered to me today", we go about our lives and never act upon the "implanted" word. Yes, the message may have spoke to you but what are you doing about it? Are you acting upon that which the Holy Spirit implanted in you. James go on to tell us to be doers of the word and not hearers only.

Allow the Holy Spirit to implant the word in you today. Listen to his voice and act upon His leading.

I love you all!
Pastor Brandon

Welcome to my blog!

I just want to thank you for visiting my Blog! If you have not visited The Harvest Fellowship, I want to invite you to join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. for Sunday School and 11 a.m. for worship. We also have Wednesday night bible studies and are currently teaching on Discipleship. Again, thanks for visiting and hope to see you soon.

In Christ,
Pastor Brandon