Shepastor: "Pray, Plan, Act..."

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV

Many in our Nation are afraid, stressed out, frustrated and angry over our recent Presidential election. Not everyone feels this way but many do. Whether we are talking about a national election, a major life event or an individual dilemma, ringing our hands will accomplish nothing. When "life happens," we need a plan.

Although easier said than done, it is critical that we gain control of our tendencies to shut down and give into feelings of hopelessness and despair. There are things that we can do. No matter what we are facing, we can determine to employ three specific actions: Pray, Plan and Act.

Pray: God's Word teaches us to "cast all of our cares upon the Lord for He cares for us," 1st Peter 5:7. Daily we must decide to take our worries, anxieties, fears, struggles and all concerns to the Lord. We can also ask the Lord for guidance, strength and courage to reach out to others who will listen, share and stand with us in our time of need.

Plan: The old adage, "To fail to plan is to plan to fail." In every area of our lives we need to prayerfully make plans. After spending time in prayer with the Lord, after listening and discerning God's voice, we need to map out steps for moving forward. Is there a conversation that needs to be had? Is there a class that needs to be taken? Is there a letter that needs to be written? Is there a behavior that needs to be changed? Sometimes it's a matter of being still and trusting God...that too is a plan.

Act: Similarly, we can ask the Lord to lead us in what specific steps we can take to address issues and concerns. While we have no control over the actions of others, we do have control over our own thoughts, words, behaviors, attitudes and actions. We need to ask ourselves, "What should I say or do? Is there some action step that I can take? How can I assist? Is there something I can contribute? Is there a way for me to intervene? Is there some knowledge I need to obtain?" etc...

There will always be matters that we cannot control. Fears regarding healthcare repeal, deportation, "guns out of control," environmental hazards and a multitude of other issues are VERY REAL! However, we can still pray, plan and act. Through prayer, meaningful dialogue and thoughtful plans of action, we can make a difference. Together, we can overcome!

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: “Spiritual Hidden Figures…”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1, NIV

Excitement, encouragement and inspiration are swirling around a wonderful new movie, “Hidden Figures.” This film tells the story of three African American female mathematicians/scientists who, behind the scenes laid the ground work for one of the greatest feats in history…the launching of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Because of their work America was positioned to lead the world in the “Space Race.”

Before this movie, not many people knew about the incredible story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson…three women that changed history! They were behind the scenes, “unsung,” “hidden figures.” But without them, John Glenn may never have been able to circle the earth. In the same way, there are many “hidden figures” that are impacting our lives for the good, behind the scenes.

Without our knowledge, there are people who have prayed for us. Even now, there or individuals who obey the Holy Spirit’s prodding and are calling our names out to God in prayer on our behalf. God is using intercessors to pray for individuals, families, nations and our world. “The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.” (James 5:16, KJV)

Though out of sight and in many cases unknown, God uses the faithful through prayerful intercession to thwart the darts of the wicked, to break down strongholds, to lift up the downtrodden, to infuse broken spirits with healing and hope – yes – God uses “hidden figures!”

Never doubt the power of God through prayer. Never doubt the effectiveness of faith, hope and love. Remember, we walk by faith and not by sight. Remember, there is a “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on from the balcony of eternity – though hidden, no less formidable.

To read the "back story" of the movie, "Hidden Figures," visit, http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/forgotten-black-women-mathematicians-who-helped-win-wars-and-send-astronauts-space-180960393/

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: “Building Blocks Towards Blessings…”

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Galatians 6:9, NLT

Your obedience to God’s word, God’s Holy Spirit, God’s voice prepares the way for your blessings in the future.

There have been times in my life when obeying that “still small voice,” didn’t seem to make sense… “Get involved with this project…Accept that responsibility…Don’t get involved with this or that…Keep on doing what you are doing…” There were times when it was uncomfortable, frustrating, appeared silly and in some cases set me up for ridicule. But years later, that obedience uniquely positioned me to be richly blessed.

I remember being led by the Lord to accept a job that appeared ridiculous (below expectation) because of my education level. Family members questioned my wisdom. Others shook their heads. But with the help of the Lord, I stayed the course and remained in that position for five years. Today, the skills, experiences and relationships that were forged in that place are still blessing me today. Because I listened and obeyed, there are things that I can do for myself that colleagues must pay someone else to do!

When God speaks, listen. Sometimes you will not see the wisdom in obeying at that time. God, however, has the “long view.” Your obedience today are building blocks towards your blessings in the future. As your life unfolds, possibly decades later, you will reap the harvest of trusting God's direction. God knows you will need those skills, that relationship, a specific experience, a cultivated perspective that will ultimately prepare you for your next level.

Ignore the critics. Trust God and move at His command.

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Remember to visit the new “Shepastor Highlights” page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shepastorhighlights/

Read, “like” and share with others!

Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19, NIV

Since 2010, the Shepastor Blogsite has been updated each Wednesday.
To God be the glory, in 2017, the Shepastor Blogsite is still going strong!

A new and exciting addition to the Shepastor blogsite is the "Shepastor Highlights" Facebook page. There you will find highlights from some of the most popular posts, links to articles concerning women in ministry, words of encouragement and more! Click on the link below to go to the page:


www.facebook.com/shepastorhighlights/

Thanks to all of you for following Shepastor. Thank you for your encouraging words, insights, wisdom and prayers. I hope that you will continue to be a part of the new Shepastor endeavors and will share with others.

Here's to a new beginning in 2017! Hope to "see" you on the sites...

In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris

www.shepastorchris.org