Berean Journeymen

This whole week has been a long week needless to say for me. I have suffered from great oppression from Satan in my work and spiritual life. Oppression is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as: unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power; something that oppresses especially in being an unjust or excessive exercise of power; a sense of being weighed down in body or mind. Personally, I experienced all three of those definitions. As the people involved and the place at which these occurred are unimportant to the purpose of this letter. With that being said, to grasp the totality of the circumstances, there needs to be some explanation.

This week spiritually, my mind has been in a fog. I have had trouble centering on Christ in my thoughts. As difficult as this was, I did maintain and endured. This was also true for my daily reading of God’s living Word. This combination was one of my own faults thus allowing a entry for Satan’s stronghold in my life. Fortunately, I have brothers in Christ that were and are able to lift me up when I am down and offer guidance anointed by the Holy Spirit.

Earlier this week, I was faced with a situation involving one of moral turpitude, integrity and a criminal weight to the degree of a felony. I was put in a position by a person whom has a higher authority over me that was biblically and morally wrong. As I clearly knew this was wrong, I had to make a choice. I had to choose whether I was going to conform and please this person or if I was going to take a stance for what was right and honoring to God. I chose God.

One thing I have come to discover, that when God tells you to take a stand more than likely you are going to suffer some type of persecution. As with all things under Satan, he tried and used others to challenge me, belittle me, and scorn me. I continued my quest in prayer and regained my focus in God’s Word. Yesterday, I fasted for a 24 hour period seeking God’s face, guidance, voice, and mercy. However, I did not find those things of which I was searching.

Yesterday evening, I was reminded of Daniel and how he faced persecution many times and the Lord had delivered him by his faith. At the end of last evening, I handed it over to the Lord in faith. Today, the situation arose that was going to take place. This situation had circumstances that not only could have cost me employment, it could have had serious legal ramifications along with more importantly family and financial hardships.

I was beside myself and called my brother in Christ, in tears of frustration, and he was able to focus my attention on Christ and His sacrifice. The Lord also sent me a very dear friend and mentor who talked me through the situation and what to do should it occur. Both of these brothers were anointed with the Holy Spirit and are true godly men. Then the time came at which this situation was to occur and God delivered me. He gave me a way out.

The situation took place and those who were involved were foiled by God’s divine intervention. Through God’s just ways, he had mercy on them and did not allow the plan to happen as it was set to do and in the foiling of this plan, made these people look only more foolish to those whom they were trying to overcome.

The moral of this story is that I have learned a valuable lesson from God. First, He has taught me (again) that His timing and mine are not on the same level. Secondly, He taught me (again) that through faith in Christ, I can endure all things. Thirdly, He taught me (again) that seeking godly counsel in times of oppression and trials is always worthy. Lastly, He taught me (again) that even though I was scared and out of my comfort zone, that He is in total control of all things and can use all things (good or evil) to His glory.

I say “again” because when we are in trials and tribulations of life, our judgment can become cloudy and without the guidance of Christ we are blind. Jesus anointed brothers in my life that were able to life me up and guide me. If it wouldn’t have been for my submission to Christ and the obedience to His will, the outcome of today’s events could have proven detrimental for numerous individuals.

As this paramount incident has been foiled, I still have reaped some persecutions still. However, they are minuet to the power of Christ. I am sure that I will continue to be challenged for my convictions in this situation but I will stand firm and tall for the glory of my God shall prevail. I have faith in Christ and I know Him personally as my Savior and Deliverer. Without Christ, we are weak. With Christ, He can do all things through us!

I hope that this letter finds you well. I hope that it is clear and I apologize for being vague in the details however for the integrity of those involved and the place this incident occurred, I felt it best that these be omitted. May you be blessed this weekend in all that you do.


Grace and Peace in our Lord, Jesus Christ


Derrick F. Martin

And kneeling before him, they mocked him saying "Hail King of the Jews" Matt. 27:29

This was sent to me by Pastor Dan.

From: “Jesus Manifesto”- K. Roth
There has been a cry ringing in my heart over the past few weeks, “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” I hear it on the television, look at the faces in the newspaper, read the stories on the blogs. “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” And I know this much is true.

As a general rule, I am opposed to oppression of any kind. I can sympathize with the protestors around the world crying out against China’s oppression of the Tibetan people. I certainly prefer unanimous vocal outrage and creative interruptions to the alternatives of brute force. The voices ringing out now, the cameras focused on the situation, the stories being documented – this mass outcry against oppression was not around when Europeans were stealing the homeland of the native Americans, or shipping African slaves over to forcibly cultivate that land. “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” It is a cry that can not, in good conscience, be ignored.

Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

There’s something about the plight of Tibetan Buddhists that tugs at the hearts and souls of people worldwide. The Dalai Lama is a highly regarded spiritual leader, the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion come to serve the Tibetan people. He promotes peace, compassion, non-violence, tolerance and mutual respect, and he appears to live his life in this sphere. It is no wonder people are drawn to him, his religion, his politics and his people.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (NIV)

However, there is a flip-side to Tibetan Buddhism. There is work involved, and peace comes with a price. The Tibetan people serve multiple deities, some of whom are full of vengeance. Their religious practices are in part, to appease the deities en route to obtaining enlightenment. Monks create intricately detailed mandalas to house deities and guide meditation. Followers walk the streets of Tibet endlessly spinning prayer wheels in an effort to gain the attention of the Buddha of Compassion. Tibetans perform physical rituals, such as stopping to bow every few steps, in an effort to relieve personal suffering. Street children, widows and crippled men line the streets

Every person whose heart is moved by love and compassion, who deeply and sincerely acts for the benefit of others without concern for fame, profit, social position, or recognition expresses the activity of Chenrezig. (Bokar Rinpoche)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)

Tibetans are enslaved in a religion where deities are feared and atonement comes through repetitive actions. “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” Followers of Christ, on the other hand, were set free through acceptance of his sacrificial atonement on our behalf and granted the gifts of grace and peace and hope. Tibetans strive for alleviation of suffering. Christians learn to rejoice in their sufferings, or so we are told.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:1-11 (NIV)

Here’s where I get stuck.

Christians have been given the gift of true peace through a relationship with the Son of God. We do not have to do good works to earn our salvation, but through Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to love other people with God’s love. When we fail to live up to the standard Christ demonstrated for our life, or when those around us mess up, there is still grace… grace that reminds us we are human… grace that reminds us we are loved… grace that picks us up, dusts us off, and encourages us to keep going. It truly is a wondrous faith.

Why, then, is it that the world is not enamored with faith in Christ?

Why is it that the world seems so taken by Tibetan Buddhism?

Why isn’t Christianity the religion of peace?

In the geopolitical sphere, the United States is the most powerful nation in the world. At 85% reported adherents, we have the largest national Christian population in the world. Yet our global reputation of arrogance greed and selfishness proceeds us. The United States represents herself as a Christian nation, and she is judged accordingly.

Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. Ezekiel 16:49 (NIV)

Now, those of us who live in the United States know that many good and giving actions are undertaken by US Americans, and our government, both here and around the world. However, all of these good things are overshadowed in the eyes of many by negative actions and attitudes. We live in the most influential nation in the world, and 85% of us adhere to the teachings of Christ, yet we are unable to live out his principles on a local, national or global level.

“Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” I’m afraid, my friends, that neither are we. Our commitment to our national culture supersedes our commitment to our faith. We do not live in an oppressed nation. We do not serve an oppressive God. Yet we allow ourselves to complacently exist in a culture that focuses on self and satisfaction of personal desires.

We have to find ways to stop pursuing a cultural faith and start living the way of Christ.

The world is watching and, so far they are unimpressed.

IN GOD WE TRUST

When was the last time you actually thought about that statement that is printed on the back of all our currency? Do you realize that as a Christian, that one statement carries more value and more weight, than all the money in the entire world. Lets be honest with one another, most of us don't believe it, or even think about it. We are all guilty of putting idols in front of God, and for most of us, that idol is money. I read an article that 8 out of 10 people are stressed today because of the economy, and since the church mirrors most of the same attitudes and beliefs of mainstream society, that would mean that close to 80% who are receiving this email are also feeling stressed due to the economy. If we are stressed during these times, it is because we are putting our trust in the world, and material things, and not our God in heaven. It is times like these, that speak volumes about our faith. It is times like these that shine a bright light on our priorities and what we value. It is times like these that bring grown men to tears and to their knees.

This for the most of us is the first experience of anything like this that we have ever faced. Regions have suffered loss and downturns like this before, but this is worldwide. The things that the world has told us we could always trust in have lost just as much value as Hi-tech stocks did a few years ago. Today, Banks, Homes, Blue Chip Stocks, Mutual Funds, and 401K's are all losing significant value, while businesses are closing, homes are being foreclosed on, and unemployment and inflation are expected to skyrocket. By worlds standards it is no wonder that 80% of us are anxious and stressed. By world standards, I can't figure out why the other 20% aren't anxious and stressed. My biblical perspective though is that the 20% who are not stressed have put their trust and faith in something other than money. They may not all be Christians, but the point is, that the 20% do not place their hope in money.

God has warned us time and time again in his word, that we cannot serve other gods. God knows how it will destroy our relationship with him, along with many other things around us. How many problems in our world stem from the love of money? We put money before God, our wives, our children, our friends, our careers, and our values and morals. Has money come between you and any of these? If you are feeling anxious and stressed about the current economic downturn, then I think the word is clear, and your trust is in the wrong god.

So what can you do? How can you trust in God, and not money? Before we answer that question, I suggest you ask yourself, "How is trusting in money working out for me?" God tells us this in Jeremiah 10:4-5 "They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good" Money can do no harm and no good according to God's word. Neither money, nor your work, nor your intelligence, nor your business success, nor your knowledge has done anything for you in your life. Every single thing in your life has been provided for by the grace of God.

According to Jesus the solution is simple, Matt 11:28-30 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

"Come to me..." - Christ tells us to come to him. He wants us back. We are important to him. Turn from the world, and follow him. Trust him.

"...all you who are weary and burdened..." doesn't it sound like he's speaking directly to us who are the 80% who are stressed and burdened?

"...I will give you rest..." Christ will bear our burden. He will give us rest. How many of us are up at night worrying about what to do? Christ wants to let us sleep, and he'll take care of it. Doesn't that sound like an incredible plan? If Warren Buffet came to any of you and said, let me handle this I can bail you out, wouldn't you jump at the chance? Yet with Christ when he states it, and can do more than any man, we do not turn it over to him.

"...learn from me..." Christ tells us to learn from him. How can we learn from him? There are so many great stories and lessons in the world that would comfort and give us peace if we would only take time to read them. Read some of the old testament stories of how God delivered the Israelites time and time again. Read the parable and stories that Jesus told of providing for those in need. He put those stories there for us so that we would know him, and his character, and how much he loves us and will take care of us. His word is true and he's made many promises to us, if we would only read them, and trust him at his word.

"...I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Christ will be gentle with us if we turn to him. He will guide us in a humble way.

Here are some simple steps that would get you on the right path, but the key is this are not the solutions, only Christ is the solution. These are just steps to get you in the right direction and a right relationship with Christ.

1. Get on your knees and ask Christ for help. Let him know your way is not working and you need him to carry your burdens.
2. Repent for putting idols and money before God.
3. Get plugged in with others: Monday Night Men's Group, Sunday Schools, Prayer services, Men's Sunday School Class... etc..There are so many to choose from.
4. When you get plugged in reach out to others guys and let them know your struggles. Reality is that 8 out of 10 you ask are going through something similar. Going through struggles is easier with another guy or two, as the bible says when one falls down, the other can help you up.

I would encourage you to share this message with anyone you know who is struggling or stressed during these economic times.

In God We Trust


See You at the Altar,


Tim

Like many of you I’ve been reading Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and it seems every page resonates with me, presenting both a void and opportunity for us at Berean. If gut-wrenching prayers, if soul-baring calling out to God, if pleading for the Holy Spirit’s power shows any sign of gain, any spec of benefit whatsoever…emotional, spiritual or physical…should we not do so and all the more? Yet it seems the prayers of the saints are so faded, especially from us men. Why is this?

Do we feel prayer isn’t needed?
Drug problems common in small town USA, teenage pregnancy is an epidemic, pornography a multi-billion dollar industry, over 1 million unborn children murdered by their mothers each year, Christian marriages falling apart, kids using crystal meth and prescription drugs, children cutting themselves, child sex slave trade an all-time high, issues at work, issues at home, distance from God, etc, etc, etc...

Though we live in a relative Disneyland called the United States which makes us complacent, certainly we recognize the need here and now.


Do we feel prayer isn’t important to God?
The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him…May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice... Jesus was praying in a certain place…My house will be called a house of prayer


Do we feel prayer isn’t powerful?
The Lord answered his prayer…After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land…I have heard your prayer…God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place…So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer…The Lord has heard my cry for mercy, the Lord accepts my prayer…

Let there be no misunderstanding as scripture is clear, God answers prayers; sometimes we just misunderstand His answers.


Do we feel too far from God to pray?
Repent. If you don’t feel like it, get on your knees and repent for not feeling like it. He will forgive you; and you will find the channel of communication opened once again.

The following was taken from the book:

So You Call Yourself A MAN? Sixty Devotional Readings
T.D. Jakes

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy… for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. (Revelation 5:9)

The church that I pastor is multiracial and multicultural. I believe that is part of God’s plan for reconciliation in these last days. I don’t believe you can have multiplication if you only have duplications of like elements. Multiplication is born of reconciliation among those with differences.

God loves a multiplicity of people and He blesses people in multiplicity of ways. We must be willing to accept the different ways in which people receive blessings and then thank God for them. We must be willing to accept different ways of worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ – one may dance, another may bow, yet another may stand and shout. He is One Lord, but He has created many people.

We must never bring people to Christ and then insist to them, “Now, be just like me.” We need massive diversity in programming, in our praise, in the expression of our spiritual gifts. In the church, we have divided ourselves in just about as many ways we can be divided. We have divided ourselves by denomination… means of baptism… timetables related to the tribulation… types of services… and meanings for communion. It’s time we recognize that the Lord meant what He said when He inspired Paul to write:

“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakes of that one bread” (1 Cor. 10:17).

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4-6).

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Fads come and go in the church, just as they come and go in society. Prophecy is big right now – people are all looking for the “prophetic word.” Some only want to go to services that are labeled “healing services.” This one will lay hands on the sick, that one will call out diseases, another one might throw holy water on those with sickness. The methods and fads don’t matter. We serve One Lord. He is faithful to remain the same yesterday, today, and forever. He works through a multiplicity of ways and through all manner of gifts.

It is only when we feel truly free to be ourselves, however, that we allow other people to be truly free to be themselves. The person who enjoys the unique ways in which God has created him, is a person who is likely to appreciate and enjoy the unique way in which God has created others.

Our goal is to preach, teach and experience truth – not culture. There’s more than one way to skin a cat. There’s more than one way to bake a cake. There’s more than one way to praise the Lord! It not just Satan who has bound God’s people in their praise. We have bound each other in order to promote our own causes, agendas, and preferred styles.

You may not like the way another person expresses his faith in Christ. You may not agree with it fully or choose to adopt is as your means of expression. But you must value his right to express his faith in Christ the way he believes the Lord is leading him to express it. And don’t waste your time criticizing him and become a prisoner in your own mind… heart…emotions!

There are any ways to praise the Lord. A person might dance, walk, stand with his arms raised, fall on his knees, lie flat on his face before God. He might sing, shout, talk, cry, laugh. What’s important is that a man find a way to open up and express himself to the Lord. There’s no “right” position or “right” form of expression for praise - the only thing that must be right before God is a man’s heart, humbled to praise Him from the depths of his emotions. When the world sees Christian men dropping their differences and coming together, the world is going to want what Christians have.

Politicians, educators, economists, scientists, and corporations – they have all tried unsuccessfully to bring the world together and to bridge the gaps that divide nation from nation, tribe from tribe, people from people. But only God can build that bridge. And the good news is that God does build that bridge by His outpoured Holy Spirit.

True Pentecost comes when devout men come together from every nation under the one anointing of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of their backgrounds… races… cultures… and denominations. You cannot have a genuine Pentecost outpouring of God’s power in the presence of segregation, alienation, or separation among Gods people.

When the world sees Christian men coming together under one anointing, it is going to run to our upper room to hear the Gospel. Yes, indeed, When we are loosed in our hearts of all prejudice… loosed from our emotional bondage… loosed in our praise and worship… an loosed in our ability to love others as God loves them… the world will begin to turn to Christ for forgiveness, deliverance, and healing. It will run to the cross. Loose that man side you - and let him be free in Christ Jesus!