G. T. Ministries

Gregory Tucker
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Christianity

My podcast will be called "Faith beyond Fear" encouraging people to trust God in the midst of what they are going through.  

  1. 16h ago

    Your Labor is not in Vain

    Send us Fan Mail Your Labor Is Not in Vain Theme Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Introduction: God Remembers the Laborer When we think about people whom God used to labor in His Kingdom, we often think of the Apostle Paul. Paul did not serve God from a place of comfort. His ministry required sacrifice. He was beaten, imprisoned, rejected, shipwrecked, misunderstood, and abandoned by some of the people he helped. Yet Paul kept preaching, teaching, planting churches, encouraging believers, and winning souls. Paul testified: “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck…” —2 Corinthians 11:24–25 After experiencing all of this, Paul could still write: “Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Paul was saying, “I have suffered, but it was not for nothing. I have cried, but it was not for nothing. I have sacrificed, but it was not for nothing. I have worked when I was tired and served when I was hurting, but none of it was wasted.” Paul understood something we must understand: God never forgets work done for His glory. Some people may never thank you. Some may never recognize your sacrifice. Some may benefit from your labor without knowing the price you paid. But Heaven keeps perfect records. There are times when Kingdom labor becomes difficult: You pray, but do not see an immediate answer. You teach, but do not see immediate growth. You preach, but everyone does not respond. You serve, but nobody says thank you. You give, but nobody knows what you sacrificed. You encourage others while you need encouragement yourself. But the Word of God declares: Your labor is not in vain! 1. Be Steadfast When the Work Becomes Difficult “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast…” To be steadfast means to remain faithful, firmly established, and committed. A steadfast person does not quit because the work becomes hard. Noah is an example of steadfast labor. God commanded him to build an ark before there was any evidence of a coming flood. “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” —Genesis 6:22 Noah labored while people laughed. He built while people doubted. He obeyed while others continued living as though judgment would never come. Every day Noah hammered on that ark, he was declaring, “I believe what God said.” Illustration A farmer does not dig up the seed every morning to see whether it is growing. He plants it, waters it, and waits. Much of the growth takes place beneath the surface before anything appears above the ground. You may not see immediate results, but God is working beneath the surface. Keep praying for your family. Keep teaching the Word. Keep encouraging that young person. Keep serving the church. Keep planting seeds of righteousness. What you cannot see does not mean God is not working. 2. Be Unmovable When Opposition Comes “…unmoveable…” The enemy does not always try to stop your work; sometimes he tries to move you out of your position. Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem when Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking him to meet them in the plain of Ono. Nehemiah understood that their invitation was intended to distract him. “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down…” —Nehemiah 6:3 Nehemiah refused to come down because he knew his labor mattered. When you know that God has assigned you to a work, you cannot allow every criticism, disappointment, distraction, or offense to move you. The enemy will say: “Nobody appreciates you.” “Nothing is changing.” “Let somebody else do it.” “You have already done enough.” “You are wasting your time.” But you must answer like Nehemiah: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.” Do not come down from prayer. Do not come down from holiness. Do not come down from your commitment. Do not come down from your calling. Do not come down from serving God. 3. Always Abound in the Work of the Lord “…always abounding in the work of the Lord…” To abound means to overflow, increase, excel, and go beyond what is merely required. Paul did not say to serve only when it is convenient. He said, “Always abounding.” That means: Serve when you feel encouraged and when you feel overlooked. Pray when you see results and when the answer seems delayed. Give when people know and when nobody knows. Worship on the mountaintop and in the valley. Remain faithful in good seasons and difficult seasons. Ruth demonstrated this spirit. She could have abandoned Naomi, but she remained faithful. “Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge…” —Ruth 1:16 Ruth did not know that her faithful labor would place her in the lineage of Jesus Christ. She was simply helping her mother-in-law and gleaning in a field. Yet God was arranging her future. Sometimes what appears to be a small assignment is connected to a much greater purpose. Never say, “I am only an usher.” “I am only helping in the kitchen.” “I am only teaching children.” “I am only making telephone calls.” “I am only praying behind the scenes.” When the work is done for the Lord, there are no insignificant assignments. 4. Make Certain Your Labor Is “In the Lord” Paul did not merely say that labor is not in vain. He said: “…your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Everything we do is not automatically Kingdom labor. Labor is valuable when it is done: Under God’s direction According to God’s Word Through God’s strength For God’s glory With the right spirit It is possible to work for the church without working for the Lord. A person can sing to be heard, preach to be praised, give to be recognized, and serve to receive a title. Jesus warned: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them…” —Matthew 6:1 Our prayer should be: “Lord, purify my motives. Help me serve because I love You—not because I need attention.” People may reward the performance, but God rewards the motive. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” —Colossians 3:23 If you serve only for human recognition, you will become discouraged when people fail to recognize you. But when you serve as unto the Lord, you know that God sees everything. 5. God Will Not Forget Your Labor “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love…” —Hebrews 6:10 People forget, but God remembers. God remembers: The prayers you prayed when everyone else was asleep. The money you gave when you did not have much. The people you helped who could not repay you. The tears you shed while serving others. The sacrifices you made for your family. The years you faithfully served His church. The times you showed up when you did not feel your best. There are blessings in your life today that are connected to seeds you planted years ago. Dorcas, also called Tabitha, was known for her good works and acts of kindness. When she died, the widows stood crying and displaying the garments she had made for them. “And all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made…” —Acts 9:39 Dorcas may have thought she was only sewing garments, but she was sewing love into people’s lives. Her labor had made such an impact that the people sent for Peter, and God raised her from the dead. What you do for others may appear small to you, but it may mean everything to them. 6. The Harvest May Come After a Season of Weariness “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” —Galatians 6:9 The Bible does not say we will never become tired. It tells us not to allow our tiredness to turn into surrender. There is a difference between becoming tired and giving up. Even Jesus became physically weary and sat by Jacob’s well, but He did not abandon His mission. While resting at the well, He ministered to a Samaritan woman. You may need to rest, but you do not need to resign. You may need encouragement, but you do not need to quit. You may need help, but you do not need to abandon the assignment. The harvest comes “in due season.” Due season is God’s appointed time—not always our preferred time. Illustration A Chinese bamboo seed may spend years developing underground before dramatic growth becomes visible. During that hidden season, the root system is being established. When growth finally appears, it rises rapidly because the foundation was already being formed. Your years of praying, teaching, giving, and serving are building roots. When God sends the increase, people may think it happened suddenly—but you will know it was the result of years of faithful labor. Support the show

  2. 1d ago

    Hold on the Word and don't let it go - (Spanish)Español

    Send us Fan Mail G. T. MINISTRIES PODCAST EN ESPAÑOL ¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA Y NO LA SUELTES! Tema de septiembre: FIRMEZA 1 Corintios 15:58 • Marcos 4:14–20 1 Corintios 15:58 — “Así que, hermanos míos amados, estad firmes y constantes, creciendo en la obra del Señor siempre, sabiendo que vuestro trabajo en el Señor no es en vano.” ¿A QUÉ TE ESTÁS AFERRANDO? Hay algunas cosas en la vida a las que naturalmente tratamos de aferrarnos porque las consideramos valiosas. Nos aferramos al dinero, porque sabemos que podemos necesitarlo. Nos aferramos a las llaves, porque nos dan acceso. Guardamos documentos importantes, porque prueban propiedad e identidad. Conservamos los medicamentos, porque pueden ser necesarios para nuestra salud. Guardamos un anillo de matrimonio, porque representa pacto y compromiso. Conservamos fotografías familiares, porque preservan recuerdos preciosos. Nos aferramos a nuestros teléfonos, porque nos mantienen conectados. Si estamos en aguas profundas, nos aferramos a un salvavidas porque puede mantenernos a flote. Si caminamos donde el terreno es inseguro, nos agarramos de un pasamanos porque necesitamos algo firme. Y cuando alguien nos da algo extremadamente valioso, no lo tratamos descuidadamente. Lo protegemos. Lo aseguramos. Lo vigilamos. Nos aseguramos de no perderlo. ¡Pero, iglesia, hay algo más valioso que todas estas cosas: LA PALABRA DE DIOS! El dinero puede acabarse. Las llaves pueden perderse. Los documentos pueden destruirse. Los medicamentos pueden vencerse. Las fotografías pueden desvanecerse. Los teléfonos pueden dejar de funcionar. La gente puede decepcionarnos. Nuestra propia fuerza puede fallarnos. Mateo 24:35 — “El cielo y la tierra pasarán, pero mis palabras no pasarán.” ¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA Y NO LA SUELTES! HOLD — AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA H — HEAR: Escucha la Palabra. Romanos 10:17 — “Así que la fe es por el oír, y el oír, por la palabra de Dios.” O — OBEY: Obedece la Palabra. Santiago 1:22 — “Pero sed hacedores de la palabra, y no tan solamente oidores...” L — LIVE: Vive la Palabra. Salmo 119:105 — “Lámpara es a mis pies tu palabra, y lumbrera a mi camino.” D — DON'T LET GO: ¡No sueltes la Palabra! Hebreos 10:23 — “Mantengamos firme, sin fluctuar, la profesión de nuestra esperanza, porque fiel es el que prometió.” No solamente ESCUCHES la Palabra—OBEDECE la Palabra. No la obedezcas solamente el domingo—VIVE la Palabra. Y cuando venga la dificultad, ¡NO SUELTES LA PALABRA! ¡NO SUELTES EL BALÓN! Tony Romo (2006, juego de comodines de la NFC): como sostenedor en un intento rutinario de gol de campo de 19 yardas que habría dado a los Dallas Cowboys una ventaja tardía sobre los Seattle Seahawks, Romo perdió el balón. Intentó correr hacia la zona de anotación, pero fue detenido antes de llegar, terminando la temporada de Dallas. DeSean Jackson (2008): siendo receptor novato de los Philadelphia Eagles, atrapó un pase largo y corrió hacia la zona de anotación. Sin embargo, soltó el balón celebrando demasiado pronto, apenas antes de cruzar la línea. Todo lo demás puede cambiar—¡PERO LA PALABRA TODAVÍA PERMANECE! Salmo 119:89 — “Para siempre, oh Jehová, permanece tu palabra en los cielos.” La Palabra no necesita actualización. La Palabra no necesita corrección. La Palabra no queda anticuada porque cambie la cultura. ¡LA PALABRA DE DIOS ESTÁ ESTABLECIDA! Cuando el dinero escasee—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando la gente cambie—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando cambien las circunstancias—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando cambien tus sentimientos—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Cuando no puedas ver el camino—¡AFÉRRATE A LA PALABRA! Algunas cosas son valiosas por lo que pueden hacer por ti. ¡PERO LA PALABRA ES VALIOSA PORQUE PUEDE SOSTENERTE CUANDO TODO LO DEMÁS DEJA DE FUNCIONAR! EL SEMBRADOR, LA SEMILLA Y LA TIERRA Esto nos lleva a Marcos capítulo 4. Jesús cuenta una parábola acerca de un agricultor que sembraba semilla. Marcos 4:14 — “El sembrador es el que siembra la palabra.” LA SEMILLA ES LA PALABRA. LA TIERRA REPRESENTA EL CORAZÓN. La misma semilla cayó sobre cuatro clases diferentes de terreno. El problema no era la semilla. No había nada malo con la semilla. La diferencia era: ¿QUÉ PASÓ CON LA SEMILLA DESPUÉS DE CAER? Dos personas pueden sentarse en la misma iglesia, escuchar el mismo sermón, leer la misma Escritura y escuchar al mismo predicador. Una se fortalece y la otra permanece igual. Una echa raíces y otra se ofende. Una produce fruto y otra se distrae. La pregunta no es solamente: “¿ESCUCHÉ LA PALABRA?” La pregunta es: “¿QUÉ PASÓ CON LA PALABRA DESPUÉS QUE LA ESCUCHÉ?” Jesús nos muestra cuatro posibilidades: El camino — La Palabra robada. El terreno pedregoso — La Palabra sin raíces. Entre espinos — La Palabra ahogada. Buena tierra — La Palabra productiva. 1. EL CAMINO — LA PALABRA ROBADA Marcos 4:15 — “Y éstos son los de junto al camino: en quienes se siembra la palabra, pero después que la oyen, en seguida viene Satanás, y quita la palabra que se sembró en sus corazones.” Observa lo que Jesús dice: “SATANÁS VIENE EN SEGUIDA.” ¿Por qué está Satanás tan interesado en la Palabra? Porque la fe viene por el oír la Palabra de Dios. Satanás sabe que si la Palabra permanece, LA FE PUEDE CRECER. Y si la fe crece, TU VIDA PUEDE CAMBIAR. EJEMPLO BÍBLICO — EL REY SAÚL En 1 Samuel 15, Dios le dio al rey Saúl una orden clara por medio de Samuel. Saúl oyó lo que Dios dijo, pero permitió que otra voz llegara a tener más influencia que la voz de Dios. 1 Samuel 15:24 — “Yo he pecado; pues he quebrantado el mandamiento de Jehová y tus palabras, porque temí al pueblo y consentí a la voz de ellos.” DIOS HABLÓ. Pero EL PUEBLO TAMBIÉN HABLÓ. Saúl permitió que otra voz reemplazara la Palabra de Dios. Dios dice: Perdona. Alguien dice: “Yo no los perdonaría.” Dios dice: Confía en Mí. El temor dice: “No lo vas a lograr.” Dios dice: Permanece fiel. Alguien dice: “No hace falta tanto.” Dios dice: Vive en santidad. La cultura dice: “Todo el mundo lo está haciendo.” La pregunta es: ¿QUÉ VOZ VAS A CREER? Cuando un agricultor esparce semilla, puede haber pájaros observando el campo. El agricultor no es el único interesado en la semilla. Algo más quiere lo que acaba de plantar. De la misma manera, cuando Dios pone Su Palabra en tu corazón: ¡GUÁRDALA! Medita en ella. Ora sobre ella. Obedécela. Recuérdala. ¡NO DEJES QUE EL ENEMIGO TE ROBE LA PALABRA! 2. EL TERRENO PEDREGOSO — LA PALABRA SIN RAÍCES Marcos 4:16–17 — “Estos son asimismo los que fueron sembrados en pedregales: los que cuando han oído la palabra, al momento la reciben con gozo; pero no tienen raíz en sí, sino que son de corta duración...” La oyeron. La recibieron. Se alegraron por ella. Pero NO TENÍAN RAÍCES. Su problema no era la EMOCIÓN. Su problema era la PROFUNDIDAD. Tenían suficiente Palabra para gritar, pero no suficientes raíces para permanecer. Jesús dice que duran solamente por un tiempo. Eso es lo contrario de la FIRMEZA. EJEMPLO BÍBLICO — ISRAEL EN EL DESIERTO Israel atravesó el Mar Rojo. Dios abrió las aguas. Caminaron por tierra seca. El ejército de Faraón fue destruido. Éxodo 15 registra a Israel cantando y alabando a Dios. Pero después entraron en el desierto y tuvieron hambre. Éxodo 16:2 — “Y toda la congregación de los hijos de Israel murmuró contra Moisés y Aarón en el desierto.” Podían alabar a Dios DESPUÉS DEL MAR ROJO, pero luchaban para confiar en Dios EN EL DESIERTO. Tenían ALABANZA DEL MAR ROJO, pero necesitaban RAÍCES PARA EL DESIERTO. Iglesia, no desarrolles fe solamente para el milagro. Desarrolla fe PARA EL TIEMPO ENTRE LOS MILAGROS. ¿Puedes confiar en Dios cuando nada espectacular está sucediendo? ¿Mientras esperas? ¿Cuando no entiendes? ¿Cuando no puedes ver cómo Él lo hará? Dos árboles pueden parecer igualmente fuertes en un día tranquilo. Pero espera hasta que llegue la tormenta. Uno cae y el otro permanece. ¿Por qué? RAÍCES. La tormenta no creó la debilidad; LA TORMENTA REVELÓ LAS RAÍCES. Colosenses 2:7 — “Arraigados y sobreedificados en él, y confirmados en la fe...” No ores solamente: “Señor, hazme más grande.” Ora: “¡SEÑOR, HAZME MÁS PROFUNDO!” Porque las raíces profundas producen cristianos firmes. 3. ENTRE ESPINOS — LA PALABRA AHOGADA Marcos 4:18–19 — “Estos son los que fueron sembrados entre espinos: los que oyen la palabra, pero los afanes de este siglo, y el engaño de las riquezas, y las codicias de otras cosas, entran y ahogan la palabra, y se hace infructuosa.” Este terreno es diferente. La semilla no es robada. La planta realmente comienza a crecer. Pero ALGO MÁS TAMBIÉN ESTÁ CRECIENDO. Jesús menciona tres cosas: los afanes de este mundo, el engaño de las riquezas y los deseos de otras cosas. La Palabra está siendo desplazada. Finalmente, esas cosas competidoras ahogan lo que Dios está tratando de producir. EJEMPLO BÍBLICO — EL JOVEN RICO En Marcos 10, un joven rico vino corriendo a Jesús. Quería la vida eterna. Conocía los mandamientos. Respetaba a Jesús. Pero Jesús tocó el área que tenía control de su corazón. Marcos 10:21 — “Anda, vende todo lo que tienes, y dalo a los pobres... y ven, sígueme, tomando tu cruz.” Marcos 10: Support the show

  3. 1d ago

    When everything changes you don't change

    Send us Fan Mail STEDFAST “When Everything Changes, Don't You Change” September Theme: STEADFASTNESS Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Main Character: Daniel Key Scripture — Daniel 6:10 (KJV) “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” INTRODUCTION — EVERYTHING AROUND DANIEL CHANGED There are some things in life we cannot keep from changing. People change. Jobs change. Neighborhoods change. Governments change. Technology changes. Our bodies change. Our circumstances change. People who once walked with us may leave us. Doors that were once open may close. Seasons change. But the question is: WHEN EVERYTHING AROUND YOU CHANGES, DOES EVERYTHING IN YOU HAVE TO CHANGE? Daniel teaches us: NO! Daniel's location changed— but his God didn't change. Daniel's government changed— but his faith didn't change. Daniel's circumstances changed— but his commitment didn't change. Daniel was taken from Judah to Babylon. He was removed from familiar surroundings. He was exposed to a different culture. He lived under pagan governments. Kings came and went. Laws changed. But there was something inside Daniel that Babylon couldn't change. That's: STEDFASTNESS! ILLUSTRATION — THE THERMOMETER AND THE THERMOSTAT A thermometer changes according to the atmosphere. If the room gets hot, the thermometer goes up. If the room gets cold, the thermometer goes down. It simply reflects whatever is happening around it. Too many Christians live like spiritual thermometers. When everybody is praising— they praise. When everybody is faithful— they're faithful. When everybody agrees with them— they're happy. When circumstances are good— they trust God. But when the atmosphere changes— THEY CHANGE. God is looking for somebody who can say: “My environment may change, but my convictions will not.” That's Daniel. Babylon changed the atmosphere around Daniel— BUT BABYLON COULDN'T CHANGE THE GOD WITHIN DANIEL. Paul calls that: “stedfast, unmoveable…” So let's take the word STEDFAST and see what it means to live a stedfast life. S — STAND ON YOUR CONVICTIONS Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…” Before Daniel ever faced the lions' den, he made a decision: “I WILL NOT DEFILE MYSELF.” Notice where the decision was made: “in his heart.” Daniel didn't wait until temptation came to decide what he believed. He settled it beforehand. That's important. If you wait until temptation comes to decide where you stand, temptation may make the decision for you. Some things need to already be settled. I will serve God. I will live according to His Word. I will remain faithful. I will not compromise my convictions just to fit in. Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” PREACHING POINT STEDFAST PEOPLE SETTLE SOME THINGS BEFORE THE BATTLE STARTS. T — TRUST GOD UNDER PRESSURE Daniel's greatest test came when a law was passed prohibiting prayer to anyone except the king for thirty days. Daniel knew the consequences. He knew the lions' den was waiting. But Daniel 6:10 says: “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed…” He knew! He wasn't ignorant. He wasn't confused. He knew what could happen. AND HE PRAYED ANYWAY. That's trust. Trust isn't merely believing God when there is no danger. Trust says: “Even when obedience costs me something, I'm still going to obey God.” Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” ILLUSTRATION A child walking with a parent may not understand where they're going. But the child holds the parent's hand because the child trusts the person leading them. You don't have to understand everything God is doing to: TRUST THE HAND THAT IS LEADING YOU. E — ENDURE THE TEST Daniel 6:16 “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions.” Daniel's faithfulness did not keep him: OUT OF THE DEN. But God kept him: IN THE DEN. That's an important distinction. Sometimes we think: “If I'm faithful, nothing bad should happen.” But sometimes being stedfast doesn't prevent the test. It gives you strength to: ENDURE THE TEST. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego still went into the furnace. Joseph still went into prison. Job still experienced loss. Paul still went through persecution. Daniel still went into the lions' den. But the test didn't have the final word. Matthew 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” DON'T CONFUSE GOING THROUGH SOMETHING WITH GOD ABANDONING YOU. D — DON'T CHANGE BECAUSE PEOPLE CHANGE Daniel served under different kings and governments. Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar. Darius. Different rulers. Different personalities. Different administrations. But: SAME DANIEL. People came. People went. Kings rose. Kings fell. But Daniel remained faithful. That's stedfastness. Some people are faithful as long as the right people are around them. But your relationship with God cannot be built on people. Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” People may change toward you. DON'T CHANGE TOWARD GOD. People may stop encouraging you. DON'T STOP SERVING GOD. People may walk away. DON'T WALK AWAY FROM GOD. F — FAITHFULLY KEEP YOUR ROUTINE WITH GOD This may be my favorite part of Daniel's story. Daniel 6:10 “…he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel didn't suddenly start praying because he was in trouble. HE ALREADY HAD A PRAYER LIFE. “As he did aforetime” means: He prayed yesterday. He prayed before the law. He prayed before the threat. He prayed before the lions. And he prayed after the law was signed. The crisis didn't create Daniel's relationship with God. THE CRISIS REVEALED IT. ILLUSTRATION You don't wait until your car is speeding down the highway to decide whether you need brakes. Some things need to be maintained: BEFORE THE EMERGENCY. Don't wait until trouble comes to start praying. Build your prayer life now. Build your Word life now. Build your worship life now. So when trouble comes: YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO. A — ALWAYS ABOUND IN GOD'S WORK Now we come directly back to 1 Corinthians 15:58: “…always abounding in the work of the Lord…” Stedfastness isn't merely: STAYING. It is: SERVING WHILE YOU STAY. Daniel didn't become bitter in Babylon. He continued serving with excellence. Daniel 6:3 “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him…” Daniel could have said: “I'm a captive. Why should I care?” Instead, wherever God placed him: DANIEL GAVE HIS BEST. Don't let difficult circumstances become an excuse for mediocre service. Whatever your hand finds to do for God: KEEP ABOUNDING! S — STAY THE SAME WHEN NOBODY IS WATCHING Daniel's enemies investigated him. Daniel 6:4 “…they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful…” Imagine your enemies investigating your life trying to find something against you— and the only thing they can find is: YOU'RE TOO FAITHFUL TO GOD! Daniel wasn't one person publicly and another person privately. His faith was consistent. That's integrity. Character is who you are when nobody is applauding. Character is who you are when nobody from church is watching. Character is who you are when you could get away with doing wrong. Proverbs 10:9 “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely…” STEDFAST PEOPLE DON'T NEED AN AUDIENCE TO BE FAITHFUL. T — TRUST GOD WITH THE OUTCOME Daniel obeyed God. Then Daniel had to leave the results with God. The stone was placed over the lions' den. Dani Support the show

  4. 2d ago

    Hold on to the Word and don't let it go!

    Send us Fan Mail   Message:  Hold on to the Word and don’t Let it go! September Theme: STEADFASTNESS Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Main Text — Mark 4:14–20   WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING ON TO? There are some things in life we naturally try to hold onto because we consider them valuable. We hold onto money, because we know we may need it. We hold onto keys, because they give us access. We hold onto important documents, because they prove ownership and identity. We hold onto medication, because it may be necessary for our health. We hold onto a wedding ring, because it represents covenant and commitment. We hold onto family photographs, because they preserve precious memories. We hold onto our phones, because they keep us connected. If we are in deep water, we hold onto a life jacket because it can keep us afloat. If we are walking where our footing is uncertain, we hold onto a handrail because we need something steady. And whenever somebody gives us something extremely valuable, we don't treat it carelessly. We protect it. We secure it. We watch over it. We make sure we don't lose it. But church, there is something more valuable than all of these things: THE WORD OF GOD! Money can run out. Keys can be lost. Documents can be destroyed. Medicine can expire. Pictures can fade. Phones can stop working. People can disappoint us. Our own strength can fail us. But Jesus said: Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”   HOLD ON TO THE WORD and don’t let it go! H — Hear the Word Romans 10:17 — “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” O — Obey the Word James 1:22 — “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” L — Live the Word Psalm 119:105 — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” D — Don’t Let Go of the Word Hebrews 10:23 — “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”   “Don't just HEAR the Word—OBEY the Word. Don't just OBEY it on Sunday—LIVE the Word. And when trouble comes, DON'T LET GO OF THE WORD!”   Don’t drop the Ball! ·  Tony Romo (2006 NFC Wild Card Game): Serving as the holder on a routine 19-yard field goal attempt that would have given the Dallas Cowboys a late lead over the Seattle Seahawks, Romo fumbled the snap. He tried to scramble for the end zone but was tackled short, ending Dallas's season. NFL.com ·  DeSean Jackson (2008): As a rookie receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jackson caught a deep pass and sprinted toward the end zone. However, he let go of the football in premature celebration just inches before crossing the goal line, turning an easy touchdown into a touchback fumble.     Everything else may change— BUT THE WORD STILL STANDS! Psalm 119:89 says: “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” The Word doesn't need updating. The Word doesn't need correcting. The Word doesn't become outdated because culture changes. GOD'S WORD IS SETTLED! So if I'm going to hold onto something— I'M GOING TO HOLD ON TO THE WORD! When money gets funny— HOLD ON TO THE WORD! When people change— HOLD ON TO THE WORD! When circumstances change— HOLD ON TO THE WORD! When feelings change— HOLD ON TO THE WORD! When I cannot see my way— HOLD ON TO THE WORD! Because some things are valuable because of what they can do for you. BUT THE WORD IS VALUABLE BECAUSE IT CAN SUSTAIN YOU WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE STOPS WORKING! THE SOWER, THE SEED, AND THE SOIL That brings us to Mark chapter 4. Jesus tells a parable about a farmer sowing seed. Then Jesus explains: Mark 4:14 “The sower soweth the word.” The: SEED IS THE WORD. And the: SOIL REPRESENTS THE HEART. The same seed fell on four different kinds of ground. The problem wasn't the seed. There was nothing wrong with the seed. The difference was: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SEED AFTER IT FELL. And that is still the issue today. Two people can sit in the same church. Hear the same sermon. Read the same Scripture. Listen to the same preacher. One becomes stronger. The other remains unchanged. One gets rooted. Another gets offended. One becomes fruitful. Another becomes distracted. The question isn't only: “DID I HEAR THE WORD?” The question is: “WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WORD AFTER I HEARD IT?” Jesus shows us four possibilities: Wayside — The Stolen Word. Stony Ground — The Rootless Word. Thorny Ground — The Choked Word. Good Ground — The Productive Word. 1. THE WAYSIDE — THE STOLEN WORD Mark 4:15 “And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.” Notice what Jesus says: “SATAN COMETH IMMEDIATELY.” Why is Satan so interested in the Word? Because Romans 10:17 says: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Satan knows: If the Word remains— FAITH CAN GROW. If faith grows— YOUR LIFE CAN CHANGE. So the enemy wants to steal the seed before it becomes rooted. BIBLICAL EXAMPLE — KING SAUL In 1 Samuel 15, God gave King Saul a clear command through Samuel. Saul heard what God said. But Saul allowed another voice to become more influential than God's voice. Eventually Saul confessed: 1 Samuel 15:24 “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” Notice: GOD SPOKE. But: THE PEOPLE SPOKE TOO. And Saul allowed another voice to override God's Word. We must be careful about the voices we allow to influence us. God says: Forgive. Somebody says: “I wouldn't forgive them.” God says: Trust Me. Fear says: “You're not going to make it.” God says: Remain faithful. Somebody says: “It doesn't take all that.” God says: Live holy. Culture says: “Everybody is doing it.” The question becomes: WHICH VOICE ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE? Illustration When a farmer scatters seed, birds may be watching the field. The farmer isn't the only one interested in the seed. Something else wants what he just planted. Likewise, when God puts His Word into your heart: GUARD IT! Meditate on it. Pray over it. Obey it. Remember it. DON'T LET THE ENEMY STEAL YOUR WORD! 2. THE STONY GROUND — THE ROOTLESS WORD Mark 4:16–17 “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time…” Notice: They heard it. They received it. They were glad about it. But: THEY HAD NO ROOT. Their problem wasn't: EXCITEMENT. Their problem was: DEPTH. They had enough Word to shout— but not enough root to stand. Jesus says: “They…endure but for a time.” That is the opposite of: STEADFASTNESS. BIBLICAL EXAMPLE — ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS Israel came through the Red Sea. God opened the waters. They walked across on dry ground. Pharaoh's army was destroyed. Exodus 15 records Israel singing and praising God. But then they entered the wilderness. They became hungry. And Exodus 16:2 says: “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.” They could praise God: AFTER THE RED SEA. But they struggled to trust God: IN THE WILDERNESS. They had: RED SEA PRAISE but needed: WILDERNESS ROOTS. Church, don't just develop faith for the miracle. Develop faith for: BETWEEN THE MIRACLES. Can you trust God when nothing spectacular is happening? Can you trust God while you're waiting? Can you trust God when you don't understand? Can you trust God when you cannot see how He's going to do it? Illustration — The Tree Two trees can look equally strong on a calm day. But wait until the storm comes. One falls. The other remains standing. Why? ROOTS. The storm Support the show

  5. 6d ago

    Be Like a Soldier

    Send us Fan Mail BE LIKE A SOLDIER — ENDURE THE HARDNESS! September Theme: STEADFASTNESS Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Main Text — 2 Timothy 2:3–4 (KJV) “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” Supporting Scripture — Ephesians 6:10–11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”   INTRODUCTION — THIS IS NOT A PLAYGROUND; IT'S A BATTLEFIELD When a person joins the military, they quickly discover something: The military was not designed around their comfort. The soldier doesn't tell the commander: “I don't feel like getting up this morning.” “I don't like today's assignment.” “It's too hot.” “It's too cold.” “I'm tired of training.” “I don't like the food.” “I don't get along with the other soldiers.” A soldier understands: I HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT. And Paul tells Timothy: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Paul doesn't tell Timothy: Avoid hardness. He says: ENDURE HARDNESS. Some Christians have been taught that if they really love God, everything should be easy. But Jesus never promised an easy journey. There will be battles. There will be opposition. There will be temptation. There will be disappointment. There will be spiritual warfare. There will be times when you get tired. But our September theme says: “Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…” A good soldier doesn't abandon the battlefield because the battle becomes difficult. Somebody needs to declare: “I'M NOT LEAVING MY POST!” BACKGROUND — PAUL WRITING TO A YOUNG SOLDIER Second Timothy is one of Paul's final letters. Paul is imprisoned and knows his earthly ministry is nearing its conclusion. He is writing to Timothy, his younger son in the faith. Timothy will have to continue the work. Paul knows Timothy will face opposition. He knows ministry will become difficult. He knows Timothy may become discouraged. So Paul essentially tells him: “Timothy, don't expect everything to be easy.” “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Paul could say this because Paul had endured hardness himself. 2 Corinthians 11:25 “Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck…” Paul had been beaten. Paul had been imprisoned. Paul had been stoned. Paul had been rejected. Paul had been persecuted. Paul had been shipwrecked. Yet Paul later declared: 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Paul wasn't teaching Timothy something he hadn't lived. He was saying: “TIMOTHY, I SURVIVED MY BATTLES. NOW YOU'VE GOT TO STAND IN YOURS.” 1. A GOOD SOLDIER KNOWS WHO ENLISTED HIM Paul says: “…a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” We belong to Jesus. We didn't enlist ourselves. Jesus chose us. John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…” When the battle becomes difficult, remember: WHO CALLED YOU. People didn't call you. Your critics didn't call you. Your enemies didn't call you. Jesus called you. Therefore people don't have the authority to make you abandon what God called you to do. ILLUSTRATION — THE SOLDIER'S ORDERS A soldier on assignment doesn't abandon his post because a civilian walks by and says: “I don't think you should be standing there.” Why? Because the civilian didn't give the orders. The soldier answers to a higher authority. Likewise, stop letting people who didn't call you talk you out of what God called you to do. REMEMBER WHO GAVE YOU YOUR ORDERS! 2. A GOOD SOLDIER EXPECTS HARDSHIP Paul didn't say: “If hardship comes.” He said: “Endure hardness.” Hardship comes with the territory. John 16:33 Jesus said: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christianity does not mean: No trouble. It means: TROUBLE DOESN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD. JOB WAS A SOLDIER UNDER PRESSURE Job lost his possessions. His children died. His health failed. His wife told him: “Curse God, and die.” But Job held onto God. Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” That's soldier language! “I don't understand what's happening, but I'm staying at my post.” ILLUSTRATION — BOOT CAMP Military training intentionally exposes recruits to difficult conditions. Why? Because you cannot wait until the battle starts to learn endurance. Training prepares you for what you may face later. Some things God has allowed you to survive were developing spiritual muscles you would need later. You thought: “Lord, why am I going through this?” God may have been saying: “I'M TRAINING YOU.” 3. A GOOD SOLDIER DOESN'T GET ENTANGLED 2 Timothy 2:4 “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…” Notice the word: ENTANGLED. An entanglement is something that interferes with your ability to move effectively. Everything isn't necessarily sinful, but everything isn't helpful to your assignment. Christians can become entangled with: Drama. Gossip. Unhealthy relationships. Arguments. Money. Materialism. Social media. Popularity. Bitterness. Offenses. Trying to please everybody. ILLUSTRATION — RUNNING THROUGH VINES Imagine a soldier trying to advance through thick vines wrapped around his legs. The soldier may have strength. He may have weapons. He may know the mission. But he's unable to move because he's entangled. Some Christians aren't defeated. THEY'RE ENTANGLED. There's a difference. Ask: “WHAT HAS GOTTEN WRAPPED AROUND MY SPIRIT?” Paul says: Cut yourself loose and get back to your assignment! 4. A GOOD SOLDIER KNOWS HIS ENEMY Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…” This is extremely important. Your husband isn't your enemy. Your wife isn't your enemy. Your children aren't your enemy. The pastor isn't your enemy. The members aren't your enemy. The person sitting across the aisle isn't your enemy. Paul says: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood…” Sometimes the enemy wins because he gets soldiers in the same army fighting each other. ILLUSTRATION — FRIENDLY FIRE One of the tragedies of warfare is friendly fire—when forces accidentally attack their own side. That can happen spiritually. We're all supposed to be fighting the enemy, but instead: Choir fighting choir. Minister fighting minister. Deacon fighting deacon. Family fighting family. Church fighting church. Saint fighting saint. Meanwhile the enemy says: “I don't have to fight them. They're fighting each other!” Church: STOP SHOOTING YOUR FELLOW SOLDIERS! Know who the real enemy is. 5. A GOOD SOLDIER WEARS HIS ARMOR You don't go into battle wearing pajamas! Paul says: Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God…” And then he describes the equipment. The belt of truth. The breastplate of righteousness. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The shield of faith. The helmet of salvation. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And prayer covering it all. Why do you need armor? Because: YOU'RE IN A BATTLE. ILLUSTRATION Imagine a soldier saying: “I don't need my helmet today.” The commander says: “Why?” The soldier says: “Because nobody attacked me yesterday.” That doesn't make sense! Yesterday's peace doesn't guarantee today's battle won't come. Likewise: Don't stop praying because everything is going well. Don't stop reading Scripture because you're having a good week. Don't stop worshiping because the enemy has been quiet. KEEP YOUR ARMOR ON! 6. A GOOD SOLDIER STANDS HIS GROUND This is where the message connects powerfully to 1 Corinthians 15:58. “Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…” Ephesians 6 repeatedly uses another word: STAN Support the show

  6. Sep 9

    Planted not Potted part two

    Send us Fan Mail CONTRAST — PETER WAS TEMPORARILY POTTED Peter told Jesus: “I'll never deny You.” But when pressure came and people started identifying him as one of Jesus' disciples: Peter denied Him three times. Fear moved Peter. But thank God: PETER DIDN'T STAY POTTED! Jesus restored him. The Holy Ghost empowered him. And later the same Peter who denied Jesus because he feared people stood boldly before authorities and declared: Acts 5:29 “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Look what God can do! The man who once moved under pressure became a man who could stand under pressure. That means somebody listening today needs to know: YOU MAY HAVE BEEN POTTED, BUT GOD CAN STILL PLANT YOU! Failure doesn't have to be final. 5. PLANTED PEOPLE DON'T ALLOW PEOPLE TO UPROOT THEM Some Christians can survive demons better than they survive people! The enemy knows that if he can't tempt you away, sometimes he'll try to offend you away. Somebody didn't speak. Somebody criticized you. Somebody didn't recognize you. Somebody didn't invite you. Somebody talked about you. And suddenly you're ready to abandon your assignment. NEHEMIAH WAS PLANTED Sanballat and Geshem told Nehemiah: “Come, let us meet together…” But Nehemiah answered: Nehemiah 6:3 “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down…” That's planted! Nehemiah essentially said: “I'm not letting people move me away from what God told me to do.” CONTRAST — SOLOMON WAS MOVED Solomon had tremendous wisdom. But 1 Kings 11:4 says: “…his wives turned away his heart after other gods…” Be careful who has access to your roots. Everybody you love should not have enough influence to move you away from God. SHORT ILLUSTRATION — THE FARMER AND THE BARKING DOG Imagine a farmer trying to plow a field. Every few minutes a dog barks from behind a fence. If the farmer stops plowing every time the dog barks, he'll never finish the field. Sometimes you've got to let people talk and: KEEP PLOWING! Let them misunderstand— keep working. Let them criticize— keep serving. Let them talk— keep praying. You are doing a great work. DON'T COME DOWN! 6. PLANTED PEOPLE PRODUCE FRUIT Psalm 1:3 says: “…bringeth forth his fruit in his season…” God didn't plant you merely to occupy space. God expects: FRUIT! Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” Here's the question: WHAT'S GROWING ON YOUR TREE? After all these years in church: Is there more love? More patience? More forgiveness? More kindness? More self-control? More faithfulness? More humility? RUTH WAS PLANTED Ruth told Naomi: Ruth 1:16 “…whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Ruth planted herself in commitment. And eventually fruit came from that commitment. Ruth became part of the family line through which David—and ultimately Jesus according to His human genealogy—would come. She couldn't see all of that when she made the commitment. She simply stayed faithful. CONTRAST — DEMAS Paul wrote: 2 Timothy 4:10 “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world…” Demas allowed the attraction of the present world to move him away. One stayed. One left. One was planted. One was moved. ILLUSTRATION — APPLE TREE Nobody plants an apple tree simply to admire its trunk. Eventually you're looking for apples. Likewise, God isn't impressed simply because we can say: “I've been in church forty years.” The question is: WHERE'S THE FRUIT? Longevity is wonderful. But longevity should produce maturity. 7. PLANTED PEOPLE KEEP PRODUCING THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF LIFE Psalm 92:13–14 “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age…” I love that word: STILL! Still praying. Still serving. Still praising. Still teaching. Still encouraging. Still witnessing. Still giving. Still loving. Still believing. Still useful. PAUL WAS PLANTED Look at what Paul endured. He was beaten. He was imprisoned. He was stoned. He was shipwrecked. He experienced hunger, weariness, danger, and persecution. Yet Paul declared in Acts 20:24: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy…” There's our September theme! NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME! Paul was saying: Beat me—but I'm planted. Imprison me—but I'm planted. Talk about me—but I'm planted. Reject me—but I'm planted. Shipwreck me—but I'm planted. Stone me—but I'm planted. Because: “NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME!” PLANTED OR POTTED? — LET'S LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE Daniel was planted. Pressure couldn't stop his prayer. Saul was potted. Pressure from people moved him into disobedience. Joseph was planted. Temptation couldn't move him. Esau was potted. Appetite moved him. Job was planted. Suffering couldn't make him curse God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were planted. The fiery furnace couldn't make them bow. Solomon became potted. Wrong influences turned his heart. Nehemiah was planted. Distraction couldn't bring him down. Demas was potted. The present world pulled him away. Paul was planted. He said, “None of these things move me.” And then there's Peter. Peter teaches us that somebody who has been moved can become planted. JESUS DESCRIBED A POTTED CHRISTIAN Jesus actually gave us a picture that fits this sermon perfectly. Mark 4:16–17 He described the seed falling on stony ground. They: “…when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time…” There it is! “NO ROOT IN THEMSELVES.” They shouted when they heard the Word. They got excited. They received it gladly. But when trouble came: THEY HAD NO ROOT! Emotion isn't a substitute for roots. Excitement isn't a substitute for roots. A shout isn't a substitute for roots. You need something that will hold you after the music stops. Something that will hold you Monday morning. Something that will hold you when trouble comes. Something that will hold you when you're alone. Something that will hold you when nobody is encouraging you. YOU NEED ROOTS! SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF 1. How deep are my roots? 2. Where am I getting my spiritual water? 3. Do I remain faithful when my season changes? 4. What happens to me when pressure comes? 5. Can people easily move me away from my assignment? 6. What fruit is my life producing? 7. After everything I've experienced, am I still planted Support the show

  7. Sep 8

    Planted not Potted

    Send us Fan Mail PLANTED, NOT POTTED!  Theme: STEADFASTNESS Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Main Text — Psalm 1:1–3 (KJV) “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Supporting Scripture — Psalm 92:13–14 “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” INTRODUCTION — ARE YOU PLANTED OR JUST POTTED? There is something interesting about a potted plant. A potted plant can be beautiful. It can have green leaves. It can produce flowers. It can even produce some fruit. But there's one thing about a potted plant: IT CAN EASILY BE MOVED! If I don't like where the pot is sitting— I move it. If the weather changes— I move it. If I rearrange the room— I move it. If it gets too hot— I move it. If it gets too cold— I move it. And unfortunately, there are some Christians who are spiritually potted instead of planted. Now understand: “potted” isn't a biblical term. I'm using it as an illustration. A potted Christian is someone who is easily moved from his or her spiritual convictions. If somebody hurts their feelings— they move. If somebody doesn't recognize them— they move. If they don't get the position they wanted— they move. If the preacher corrects them— they move. If God doesn't answer their prayer quickly enough— they move. If trouble comes— they move. If culture changes— they move with the culture. But Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “BE YE STEDFAST, UNMOVEABLE!” God is looking for some believers who will declare: “I'M PLANTED, NOT POTTED!” You can't pick me up every time circumstances change. You can't move me every time somebody talks about me. You can't move me every time trouble comes. You can't move me every time I get disappointed. You can't move me every time I don't understand what God is doing. Why? BECAUSE I'VE GOT ROOTS! WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PLANTED? Psalm 1 doesn't merely say: “He shall be like a tree.” It says: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water…” The word picture is one of stability, nourishment, growth, fruitfulness, and endurance. When you look at a large tree, most of what impresses you is above the ground. You see the trunk. You see the branches. You see the leaves. You see the fruit. But what keeps everything above ground standing is what has developed beneath the ground. ROOTS! People may see your ministry. But they don't see your roots. They see you preaching. They don't see your roots. They see you singing. They don't see your roots. They see you serving. They don't see your roots. They see your public worship. But they don't know about your private prayers. They don't know about the nights you cried. They don't know about the times you fasted. They don't know about the Scriptures you held onto when everything was falling apart. That's your root system. And when the storm comes, your leaves won't keep you standing. Your title won't keep you standing. Your position won't keep you standing. Your popularity won't keep you standing. YOUR ROOTS WILL! 1. PLANTED PEOPLE DEVELOP DEEP ROOTS Colossians 2:6–7 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith…” Before a tree can stand tall, it needs roots. Before a Christian can stand publicly, there must be something happening privately. We need roots in: Prayer. The Word of God. Worship. Faith. Sound doctrine. Holiness. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Don't spend your entire Christian life developing leaves while neglecting your roots. DANIEL WAS PLANTED Daniel is one of our greatest examples. Daniel 6:10 tells us that when Daniel knew the decree had been signed forbidding prayer to anyone other than the king: “…he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” I love those words: “AS HE DID AFORETIME.” The law changed. Daniel didn't. The government changed the rules. Daniel didn't change his prayer life. The lions' den threatened him. Daniel didn't move. Babylon had changed Daniel's location, but Babylon couldn't change Daniel's devotion. Why? DANIEL WAS PLANTED! CONTRAST — KING SAUL WAS POTTED Saul admitted in 1 Samuel 15:24: “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” Daniel was pressured and stood. Saul was pressured and moved. So here's the question: WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHEN PRESSURE COMES? Pressure reveals roots. 2. PLANTED PEOPLE KNOW WHERE THEIR WATER COMES FROM Psalm 1:3 says: “…a tree planted by the rivers of water…” Jeremiah 17:7–8 says: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters…” A planted believer knows: My job is not my ultimate source. My money is not my ultimate source. People are not my source. My position is not my source. The government isn't my ultimate source. GOD IS MY SOURCE! JOSEPH WAS PLANTED Look at Joseph. His brothers betrayed him. But he stayed planted. They sold him into slavery. He stayed planted. Potiphar's wife tempted him. He stayed planted. She lied on him. He stayed planted. He was thrown into prison. He stayed planted. In Genesis 39:9, Joseph said concerning Potiphar's wife: “…how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Joseph essentially said: “You can change my address, but you can't change my roots.” From his father's house— to the pit— to Potiphar's house— to prison— to the palace— Joseph's circumstances kept changing. BUT HIS GOD DIDN'T! That's planted! ILLUSTRATION — THE DROUGHT Imagine two trees during a drought. One has shallow roots. The other has roots reaching deep underground toward moisture. At first, they may look alike. But when the dry season continues, the difference begins to show. Anybody can shout when it's raining. Anybody can praise when everything is going well. But what happens during your dry season? When money gets tight— Are you still planted? When prayers seem unanswered— Are you still planted? When friends disappear— Are you still planted? When you can't feel God— Are you still planted? A planted Christian says: “MY SOURCE IS DEEPER THAN MY SITUATION!” 3. PLANTED PEOPLE DON'T MOVE EVERY TIME THE WEATHER CHANGES Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season…” Trees experience seasons. Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. But a planted tree doesn't say: “I don't like winter. I'm leaving.” It stays planted. JOB WAS PLANTED Think about Job. In one season, Job was prosperous. Then suddenly the weather changed. He lost possessions. He lost his children. He lost his health. His wife told him: “Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” — Job 2:9 But Job answered: “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” — Job 2:10 Job essentially said: “MY SEASON CHANGED, BUT MY GOD DIDN'T!” CONTRAST — ESAU WAS POTTED Esau came in hungry. One temporary appetite moved him to make a permanent decision. He traded his birthright for food. Genesis 25:34 “…thus Esau despised his birthright.” Don't trade something eternal because of something temporary. Don't let a temporary appetite move you from a permanent blessing. ILLUSTRATION — WINTER TREE Look at a tree during winter. No leaves. No fruit. No blo Support the show

  8. Sep 7

    Remaining Stedfast in the Storm

    Send us Fan Mail Remain STEADFAST IN THE STORM September Theme: STEADFASTNESS Theme Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 NKJV Sermon Text — Acts 27:20–25 (KJV) “And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”   THE HISTORY BEHIND ACTS 27 Paul was a prisoner. He had appealed his case to Caesar and was being transported by ship toward Rome. Paul wasn't on a pleasure cruise. He wasn't going on vacation. He was traveling as a prisoner under Roman authority. Acts 27 tells us that Julius, a Roman centurion, was responsible for Paul and other prisoners. As they traveled, sailing conditions became increasingly dangerous. Paul warned them: Acts 27:10 “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage…” In other words: “We shouldn't leave here.” But the centurion listened to the shipmaster and owner rather than Paul. They sailed anyway. Then everything changed. Acts 27:14 “But not long after their arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.” This was a violent storm. The wind became so powerful that the sailors eventually lost control of the vessel. They started throwing things overboard. The storm continued for days. Then Acts 27:20 gives us one of the saddest descriptions imaginable: “…all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.” They had reached the point where they believed: “We're going to die.” But there was one man on that ship who still had a word from God. Paul stood up. The prisoner became the preacher. The captive became the encourager. The man in chains became the man with confidence. Why? Because everybody else was looking at the storm. Paul was standing on the Word.     INTRODUCTION — YOU CAN'T AVOID EVERY STORM There are some storms you can see coming. The weather report tells you: “A storm is approaching.” The sky becomes dark. The wind starts blowing. The temperature changes. The clouds begin gathering. And you know:   Something is coming. But life's storms don't always give you a weather report. You can wake up one morning thinking everything is fine and before the day is over, your whole situation has changed. One telephone call can bring a storm. One doctor's report can bring a storm. One financial problem can bring a storm. One family crisis can bring a storm. One unexpected death can bring a storm. One disappointment can bring a storm. One betrayal can bring a storm. And sometimes you didn't do anything wrong. You were serving God. You were praying. You were faithful. You were doing what you believed God wanted you to do.   And the storm still came. That's important because sometimes Christians think: “If I'm serving God, why am I going through this?” But serving God doesn't exempt us from storms. Sometimes God doesn't keep you from the storm. God keeps you in the storm. And sometimes God uses the storm to show you something about Himself that you never would have learned on calm water. Our theme Scripture says: “Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…” That doesn't mean the wind won't blow. It means: When the wind blows, don't move. It doesn't mean trouble won't come. It means: When trouble comes, don't move. It doesn't mean you'll never cry. It means: Cry if you have to—but don't move. It doesn't mean you'll never become afraid. It means: Even when you're afraid, keep trusting God. Somebody needs to declare: “I'M GOING TO BE STEADFAST IN THE STORM!”   S.T.O.R.M. S — Stand on God’s Word “Be ye stedfast, unmoveable…” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 When everything around you is shaking, stand on something that cannot shake. T — Trust God through the Trouble “For I believe God…” — Acts 27:25 You don't have to understand the storm to trust the God who controls it. O — Overcome Your Fear “Fear not, Paul…” — Acts 27:24 Fear may show up, but don't allow fear to take over. R — Remember Whose You Are “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve.” — Acts 27:23 The storm may change your circumstances, but it cannot change who you belong to. M — Make It to the Other Side “…they escaped all safe to land.” — Acts 27:44 The ship broke apart, but everybody made it to shore!     1. STEADFAST PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT STORMS WILL COME Acts 27:14 “But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind…” Notice: The storm arose. Storms have a way of arising unexpectedly. Jesus said in John 16:33: “In the world ye shall have tribulation…” He didn't say: “You might.” He said: “You shall.” Christianity isn't a promise of storm-free living. It's the promise that when the storm comes: YOU WON'T BE IN IT ALONE. ILLUSTRATION — THE TWO HOUSES Jesus told the story of two men. One built his house on sand. The other built his house on rock. But notice something: The storm came to both houses. Being built on the Rock didn't stop the storm. It determined whether the house would survive the storm. The question isn't: “Will storms come?” The question is: “What are you standing on when they come?” If you're standing on money, money can disappear. If you're standing on people, people can leave. If you're standing on feelings, feelings change. But if you're standing on Jesus— SHORT ILLUSTRATION — FLYING THROUGH CLOUDS When an airplane enters thick clouds, passengers may see nothing outside the window. But the pilot doesn't throw away the instruments because visibility disappeared. The pilot relies on information that is more dependable than what the eye can see. That's faith. Sometimes your eyes say: “It's over.” But God's Word says: “I'm still with you.” Your circumstances say: “You won't make it.” God says: “My grace is sufficient.” Your feelings say: “Give up.” God says: “Be steadfast, unmoveable.” Stop allowing what you see to cancel what God said.   DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR FAITH! Don't throw away your prayer life. Don't throw away your worship. Don't throw away the Word. Don't throw away your commitment. Don't throw away your relationship with God. The storm may take some things from you. But don't let it take God out of you.   5. STEADFAST PEOPLE CAN ENCOURAGE OTHERS WHILE THEY ARE STILL IN THE STORM This is one of my favorite parts. The storm hadn't stopped. The ship was still in danger. Yet Paul stood up and said: Acts 27:22 “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer…” Wait a minute, Paul! The storm is still raging! How can you tell people to cheer up? Because Paul's joy wasn't based on the weather. His confidence was based on God's promise. This is spiritual maturity: When you're going through something yourself, but you can still encourage somebody else. You're hurting— but still encouraging. You're waiting— but still praying for somebody else. You're fighting— but still telling somebody: “God is going to bring you through.” SHORT STORY — THE CANDLE A candle doesn't lose its flame because it lights another candle. Instead, the room becomes brighter. Sometimes when you're going through your own dark season, helping somebody else can remind you: God still has light inside of me. Don't let your storm make you so inwardly focused that you Support the show

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About

My podcast will be called "Faith beyond Fear" encouraging people to trust God in the midst of what they are going through.  

Information

  • Creator
    Gregory Tucker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 G. T. Ministries
  • Show Website
    G. T. Ministries