What was it that Christ was speaking of that God would build His church upon? It was Peter’s willingness to hear from more than what man said, more than what his flesh told him, more than what his eyes seen or his ears heard. It was His willingness to look beyond Jesus as just another man. It was Peter’s willingness to hear from the Spirit rather than from the flesh.

Christ then tells them that upon this rock they shall receive the keys to the Kingdom and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. Prevail means that the gates of hell shall not hold out or standup against. In other words, you have more than just hoping that the gates of hell or the enemy cannot come against you. You have more than just hoping that the enemy is powerless against you.

I have never seen a gate chase anyone. You have to run to the gate and hold on to it like they do at Grace land. But the gates will not chase you. As Christians we are not holding ground hoping that Christ will overcome the power of the enemy in our lives. We are suppose to be attacking the gates of hell because Christ has already overcome the enemy in our lives. We are to be attacking the gates of hell to overcome the enemy in our families lives, our youth group, our youth leaders, our friends, our jobs, our neighborhoods and our schools.

You shouldn’t have to get up every morning concerned with your burdens. That burden is a 500 pound devil on your back. You just as well be carrying a new Volkswagen on your back cause they probably won’t run very well anyway. You cannot run the race with those burdens you’ve chosen to carry for the devil. Instead when you get up the old devils and his legends should be saying, "Oh No, their up again. What are they going to do to us today?" The gates of hell should be trembling and hoping you won’t get up each morning. The devil should be saying, "Keep them in bed! Oh God don’t let them get up. Oh no their up again. Looks like another bad day in hell for me again." You should be giving the devil a headache every time you get up. But instead generation after generation cower and circum to his deception. It is time to get off of the defensive and get on the offensive.

Moses knew that he was called to lead the Jewish people out of bondage. He could not stand to see them ran over and bound by the enemy. So he decided to take matters into his own hands and just jump out there in this ministry that he knew God had called him to. So he killed an Egyptian and thought well everyone will love me for this great step of faith. But he found out different when two Egyptians tell him to stay out of their business and they turn against him. Many times the church is like this. The old demons say, Devil we are going to go get some of them Christians." And the devil says, "No, you don’t have to do that. Look some of them are carrying one another's leg around in their mouths. We will just sit back and watch them devour one another then go get what’s left. Why should we have to fight any battle. We’ll let the church do the fighting for us."

Moses and the Burning Bush

3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ² There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. ³ So Moses thought, ‘‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."⁴ When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘‘Moses! Moses! "And Moses said, ‘‘Here I am."⁵ ‘‘Do not come any closer," God said. ‘‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." ⁶ Then he said, ‘‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.⁷ The LORD said, ‘‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. ⁸ So I have come down to rescue them

You cannot work on a farm or spend time in deserts and never see bushes burning. They either burn up from the sun and heat or they are gathered in piles and burned as brush and rubble. So Moses had seen bushes burning. It was not unusual about a burning bush. But what Moses noticed about this bush is that there was something strange about this particular bush.

A bush was suppose to eventually go out or burn completely to ashes. But this bush wouldn’t go out. It wouldn’t burn up. It just kept burning but never being consumed by the flames. So Moses said I got to go see what is up with this bush. The gushes of wind came and the flames just grew bigger and brighter and the bush kept burning and burning. Moses said I have to get closer to see this strange thing. What is it with this bush that is unlike any other.

People are not interested in bushes that burn up. People and churches are doing all kinds of things to try and get young people interested in church and the things of God. Trying to get their attention to get them in their programs, events or groups. But to get people saved and interested in what you got you have got to show them something that isn't going to burn up or burn out. You are going to have to show them a bush that won’t go out. You are going to have to show them that God is in that bush, that you are real, that you are going to stay and that you are not just going to burnout from one youth camp, crusade or mission trip to the next.

The problem

This is the problem. Many of us have done burnt up and burnt out. The churches are full of people who have burnt up and burnt out. From Pastors to Youth Leaders. From teachers to every student in the Christian schools.

Can you remember when you first got saved you just wanted to tell everyone. You wanted to pray for everybody even the dog. It didn’t matter who got mad at you. You just loved them anyway. Then after a few months what happened. "Well, I just don’t know." It may just be too hard. I sure miss this and that. Your bush burned out.

Then you went to youth camps or youth crusades and the Spirit of God touched you and you just wanted to prophecy over people, get involved in your youth like never before. You got a hold of the vision for your youth group or for winning the lost at your school. It didn’t matter who said what against you or if someone slapped you. You just said Bless them and I’ll pray for them. Then a few months went by and you say, "Well bless God I’ll kick their butt then pray for them" or you curse them out in the name of Jesus. Your bush burned out.

Remember when you used to pray and speak to God all the time. Now it is, "Now I lay me down to sleep bless the Lord my soul to keep, we got food we got meat, bless God let’s eat. Amen" Your bush burned out.

Remember when you used to hunger and long to understand the Word of God and you read it and read it even if you didn’t understand it all. You kept reading it anyway hoping for rhema, revelation and understanding because you knew there was life in those words. What about now? The toughest decision is studying the words of truth or Home Improvement. Your bush burned up. It looked good and sounded good and felt good until it burned up and burned out.

You used to worship God in song and dance. You would raise your hands and it didn’t matter who or what anyone said. It didn’t matter what anyone thought. It didn’t matter where you was at. You just wanted to get that feeling of being in His presence again and you would do what ever it took to get there. Now the only one you feel that way towards is your boyfriend, girlfriend or the dinner table. Your bush has burned up and burnt out.

Remember when you despised sin. But now you listen in or even tell a few dirty jokes just to fit in. Your bush burned up.

Most of the church has 90% emotion and 10% commitment to God and His statutes. Like a fire cracker you bought. You wait all day until dark to light it. Then you get out there and light it and it just goes........phsssst and burns up. It just has a little flame but no explosion. Even if it does it explode it doesn’t last long. then it’s over. Won’t see that display again until next year. Is your experience with God like that? Has your bush burned up?

There are three different kind of motions in the church today: Emotions, Promotions and Commotions.

But Moses looked at the bush and said, "This bush does not burn up. I MUST GET CLOSE TO THIS THING." Then God spoke out of the bush.. The Word and voice of God was in the bush like it was in the fiery furnace when they said it appears a fourth man is in the fire as unto the Son of Man.

Now, I don’t believe that He is saying that you are not a Christian or will not go to heaven if you are not bearing much fruit. But what I want to point out is that He does make it a point to distinguish the believers from His disciples. Disciples here means His "TAUGHT ONES". You will still be His children but not His taught ones.

You are going to have to do something to get the fire burning again. Faith without works is dead faith. If you are looking for a fire to come out of the sky and touch you bring some extra clothes to service each night. The fire no longer comes from the outside, it now comes from within your spirit. The Holy Ghost came down one time. He does not come and go from Youth camp to youth crusade. He came one time and stayed. The Holy Spirit comes AS A FIRE in your spirit. When a fire starts going out you have to reach in and stir it up or you may get cold and freeze to death. You have to stir it up and not let your heart get cold.

The Word tells us that David chased after God. David ran after Him. He longed and pleaded for Daddy God’s attention. If you want a fire you have to put a match to it or pour some kerosene on it and let your bush burn again.

The early church evangelized entire cities at a time. There were so many conversions that pagan religions began to die out. All of Asia Minor heard the Gospel in just two years (Acts 19:10) without the benefit of radio, television, or Internet. The church did more in that generation than our present one could do in a thousand years. Atheists have stated that had Christians maintained the momentum of the disciples the whole earth would be Christian.

(Acts 17:6) Christ put up standards so high that it cost a man his life to follow. But those who do pay the price can shake their world and turn it upside down.

It is time to go back in time. Back to the Future to the early church of one people, under one God in power and unity. It is time to get back to the basics, back to the Bible, back to the early church, and back to our God. It is time to let the fire fall, the wind blow, and let His Glory shine on our faces.

In each era, God has found men and women He could trust to carry His Word cost what it may. It is time Christians came to grips with the pressing need of today! Where the sin of men grieves God and affects humanity made in His image, the child of God will do all in his power to change the situation. Something is missing from our brands of Christianity today; early discipleship was marked with a concerned compassion for the lost.

Jesus spent His time meeting human needs; He healed the sick, fed the hungry and befriended the social outcast. Christ was interested in the whole man. Neither His concern nor His compassion has changed from then to today. It revolutionized the world. The cross has a way of leveling barriers of race, class, color, position and power.

Man does not need reform, but complete regeneration, not a second start, but a second birth, not a change of conditions, but a change of heart.

Worldwide revolution begins with personal revival. No man can change the world unless first there has been a change in him.

We look in amazement at the Book of Acts. What marvelous things these simple men did in God’s power. What astonishing miracles, thrilling tales of conversion, guidance and deliverance. And never forget – that was the "babyhood" of discipleship. God is coming back for an adult church. God is doing something with this generation that has never been done before. It will usher in a flood of power never before seen on earth. Those who have learned to walk with God may share in the miracle of God on stage in human history.

All power is in His hands for victory and conquest through the life of His body, the Church on earth. He commands, not a frightened, scattered little group of failures, but a powerful, aggressively militant Church. He is the "Commander of Operation." Right now he is readying an army of dedicated soldiers of the cross to march into the world and call men to repentance and carry the Glory of God throughout the earth.

We are on the verge of the greatest moments of history. God is about to invade, not in the silence of Bethlehem, not in the political agendas of man, not in court rulings of this earth, but in the ruling of a higher court, and in His power and great Glory.

Understand that you are not here to be a buddy. You are to be a friend and a leader. Always keep your job description as a youth leader in focus. We are here to reach the lost , build relationship, train and disciple them for ministry, find their potential, restore the broken, heal the hurting, mend and restore friendships and families, strengthen parental relationships, teach them to observe and understand the commands as well as the promises of God for their lives. We are evangelists, prophets, teachers, trainers, counselors, intercessors, pastors, coaches, ushers, missionaries, mediators, referees, and many other things. But we are not baby sitters or hommies. There is a fine line between a buddy and a friend. It is not a clear-cut defined line that is in black and white. However, there are some principles that can be established to help maintain proper perspective.

1. Familiarity breeds contempt. Laugh with them, have fun with them, cry with them, praise with them, worship with them, pray with them, counsel with them, seek God with them, minister with them, witness with them but do not get into ribbing, gossiping, joshing, wrestling, horsing around, snapping at each other, etc. Do not allow them to address, treat, or respond to you as they do their peers. You are not a peer! If they begin to perceive you as a peer you have lost your ability to lead them and they have lost their confidence in you as a leader. When contempt takes place one of the parties begin to feel that they then have special liberties or rights to cross previous defined lines or lines yet to be determined.

2. Earn their respect. The best way to overcome contempt and earn respect is to consistently, faithfully, and diligently serve. Give them a reason to respect you then they will. Be an advocate for them. Be a comforter, be an encouragement. Provoke them to righteousness. Treat them with respect not as children that you are babysitting. Show them that you can be trusted. Maintain their confidentiality in you. Treat them and address them as young men and women of God. Not children or kids. Have faith in them. Dare to give them responsibility and trust. Never show favoritism.

3. Never fight conflict with conflict. Never get on the defensive. Never attack. If you are offended you can’t deal with the situation in a mature manner. Do not respond to a situation as a teenager yourself. If you are dealing with a youth who has a negative attitude you cannot have one also. Never allow them to smart off to you without addressing it in a calm, mature, non-threatening manner. But never smart off to them either. Always avoid correcting in public. Embarrassing them is a sure way to lose them for good. Take them aside or wait until an appropriate time. Avoid dealing with them out of your anger or frustration. God tells young people to honor their parents. Many parents quote this to their kids but fail to remember that he also said for parents not to provoke their children to anger. Always respond in love. When faced with conflict with youth and unsure or unable to handle the situation at the time then use the following approach: "I love You, can we pray." If that doesn’t work then simply walk away from the situation and notify another leader. When dealing with angry or frustrated parents refer them to the Pastor or an Elder.

4. Always address character not personality. We are not in the business of behavior modification. We are looking for a heart change. A change from within that starts by becoming a positive influence on the way they think. Be not concerned with what you see on the outside. Look for buried, unlikely, surprising potential. Always address the situation from a biblical principle approach not your opinion or doctrinal belief. God said that his Word was profitable for correction and reproof. Do not preach at them but speak to them about why and what God says about the issue. All of God’s commands are about relationship. Remember that salvation belongs to God. Even alcoholics and smokers may enter heaven. God’s judgment is based on the intents of the heart not our actions. But our actions will reflect the intents of the heart. Confront sin only with the Word of God from a victorious, over comer perspective. A "you can do it and I’m with ya" attitude. Always inviting the Holy Spirit for guidance for only he can make the change.

5. Keep in mind that all of this takes time. Much time. And even then not every young person will like you. A leader is not concerned with being liked or appreciated. A leaders concern is PEOPLE!

Christ put it this way to Peter, "If you love me, FEED MY SHEEP." Peter done so, then they killed for it.

6. Choose your words carefully. Always consider who is listening, how they may perceive or misinterpret what is said or the tone in which it was said. Think before you speak. Seek first to understand then to be understood. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

7. Much more to learn. Keep in mind that this is just a few principles that I have learned over the past nine years of working with these teens and my few years as a parent. There is much more to be learned. Do not be discouraged. Take it one step at a time. I have found that you can get all of the advice and read all of the books on youth ministry but until you experience it and learn it from OJT then you haven’t learned it at all.

^{WARNING AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS OF THE LAW. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.}

^{8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the Sound Doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. (1 Tim 1:3)}

^{Let our hearts and lips exclaim, "We have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us the wondrous things which thou didst in their day, and in the old time before them." Thou hast made this nation the home of the gospel; and when the foe has risen against her, thou hast shielded her. Help us to offer repeated songs for repeated deliverances. Grant us more and more a hatred of Antichrist, and hasten on the day of her entire extinction. Till then and ever, we believe the promise, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." Should it not be laid upon the heart of every lover of the gospel of Jesus on this day to plead for the overturning of false doctrines and the extension of divine truth? Would it not be well to search our own hearts, and turn out any of the Popish lumber of self-righteousness which may lie concealed therein?}

^{ALWAYS LEARNING AND ALWAYS DISCERNING. VS. 3-5. "Nourishing thyself up in the words of faith and of the good instruction which thou hast diligently followed."}

^{1. There must be a continuous and permanent process of self-instruction. You can receive lots of instruction from many sources, but is it good instruction. Is it truth. Line it up with the Word of God. Find it in the Word for yourself. Does it check out with you "Spirit Man"? Never cease to learn, because God wants to set the truth in new lights in your life and the lives of others. He wants it to become Rhema. God wants to use you to counteract the error that has crept into the church and the lives of others and show them the revelation of the truth.}

^{2. Your armor is the Word of faith and good instruction thoroughly mastered.}

^{(1) Nothing but God’s Word received by faith will enable you to fight the battle of truth. We are not to try and overcome in the vain wisdom of men, but in the power of God.}

^{(2) We are to adhere faithfully to the truth already attained. Start living in the freedom of the truth that God has already revealed unto you and He will increase your understanding. "If any of you lacks wisdom let Him ask of the Father who gives liberally." Progress in knowledge does not imply a constant changing of opinion. In fact God warns us of such. "Be not double minded." "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 (Eph 4:11)" In fact it is not about opinions at all. Opinion is not knowledge obtained from truth.}

^{ALWAYS WORKING TOWARD A PROFITABLE RESULT IN CHRIST. VS. 3-5. "But the profane and old wives’ fables avoid, and rather exercise thyself unto godliness."}

<sup>1. Negatively, avoid foolish and unprofitable studies.
2. Positively, exercise yourself unto godliness.
    (1) this implies that godliness is a pursuit that demands strenuous application of all our energies of mind, body, and spirit.
    (2) It implies that godliness must be chief of all your business as well as the chief aim in your life to promote it among others.
        (a) It has it’s inner seat in your heart.
        (b) It works outward into the life
        (c) It is a progressive state.

True or False?
1. You are not really saved if you do not speak in tongues.
2. You have not really received the baptism of the Holy Spirit without the evidence of speaking in tongues.
3. Jesus Christ is the only name by which men may be saved.
4. You must be baptized in water to truly be saved.
5. You must be baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost or it doesn’t count.
6. The more good deeds you do the more of a Christian you are.
7. Many people refer to the same God but in different names such as Ala.
8. Christ is coming tomorrow.
9. We will all abandon this earth and fly away in the rapture leaving it all to the wicked.
10. Jesus is the only Son of God.
11. Anyone that calls on the name of Jesus may be saved.
12. Not everyone can be saved. God has already selected who can and cannot be saved.
13. If you don’t get healed it is because you didn’t have enough faith.
14. Salvation belongs to God only.
15. Truth is relative to the individual, the situation, and circumstances.</sup>

Jesus has called us to be fishers of men. A good fisherman knows when the fish are biting. He knows where the fish are plentiful. He has the right kind of boat in which to reach the fish where they are at. He conducts lots of research for what lure to use, where, and when to use it. He gets up early in the morning or stays late in the evening to pull ‘em in. He knows exactly what type of fish he is fishing for. Some catch a few big fish. Others catch a lot of little ones. Most fishermen never fish alone.

People suffering misfortune (Ec. 9:12) or captured by enemies (Hab. 1:15) are compared to fish caught in a net. Fishing is used in the OT as a figure of God’s judgment on nations or individuals (e.g. Je. 16:16; Ezk. 32:3). Jesus called disciples to become fishers of men (Mt. 4:19). The kingdom of heaven is likened to a drag-net (Mt. 13:47).

Fish cannot live in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, but Ezk. 47:8-13 foresees that this lake will be stocked with fish as one of the blessings of the kingdom of glory.

Kingdom Attributes of the soldier, athlete, and farmer:

SOLDIER: Discipline, Authority, Submission, Discernment, Honor, Integrity, Mental Strength, Emotional Strength, Physical Strength, Endurance, Stamina, Loyalty, Selfless Service, Sacrifice, Duty, Leadership, Motivation, Initiative, Courage, Goals, Objectives, Vision, and a Strategy.

 

ATHLETE: Mental Strength, Stamina, Endurance, Discipline, Integrity, Physical Strength, and Self-Motivation, Goals, Objectives, Vision, and a Strategy.

 

FARMER: Mental Strength, Stamina, Endurance, Discipline, Physical Strength, Self-Motivation, Goals, Objectives, Vision, Hope, Wisdom, Generational Mindset, and a Strategy.

Today’s Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer:

SOLDIER: "What’s in it for me?" "Where is the money?"

 

ATHLETE: WWF (Wrestling) – Stone Cold Steve Austin – Perversion of Manhood, No Character, etc.; Dennis Rhodman – Perversion of Manhood, No Character.

 

FARMER: Would rather let a crop die than to plate so as to make more money from the government. Would rather not plant at all and let the government pay him so as foreign lands can have more imports into our land. (A sell out.)

In the Kingdom we must be the soldier, athlete, and farmer the Apostle Paul speaks of. As well we must teach, train, disciple, mentor our young men to be each. Just as Abraham trained Isaac to lead future generation. Just as Moses trained Joshua and Caleb to lead future generations. Just as Jesus trained a small young adults group of 12 to shake the earth and lead the church for generations to come.

(2 Timothy 2: 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.)

(2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:)

(2 Timothy 2:4 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.)

The WPW (Wrestling Principalities & Wickedness)

(Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.)

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

PRESS ON AND ENDURE

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The FFK (Future Farmers of the Kingdom)

FARMER: a person who promotes or improves the growth of a plant or crop by labor and attention.

The example of the farmer demonstrates the role your spirit takes in relation to your soul and your body to produce a fruitful life for the Glory of God.

Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

There are times when you must rise up and act as a well-trained soldier. At all times you must stay disciplined. At times, you have to take the instrument you plowed the fields with and make a sword out of it. There are other times, however, when you must take your spear and use it as a pruning hook. Just as a natural farmer is in tune with the seasons of the earth, the farmer in the Kingdom of God is in tune with God and the seasons of His Spirit.

1. (1 Peter 4: 11) We are God’s mouthpiece to generations. We are obedient, diciplined, bold and courageous.

2. Political Hirelings looking for position and a reputation.

3. Cowards who are in the position but afraid to do anything or make too many excuses.

1. Power of God evident in our ministry to generations.

2. Peace of God in our lives. Not double minded. Ability to make sound decisions and stick with them.

3. Presence of God.

4. Preparation. Instant in season and out. Studied to show ourselves approved of God not man. We must know that we have authority over our time and utilize it wisely. To put the mission God has called us to before that which the world, life, desires or anything else has called us to.

5. Purpose must be evident in the way we think, act, speak and live. We must be able to hear God on what He wants us to speak to our generation. We must then be willing to stick to each no matter what until He tells us to move on and we have seen results of what He has spoken.

6. Presentation of the gospel must be in a matter of excellence. (1 Sam. 10: 6) You can have a message but if it does not have the anointing it will not have an impact. The anointing changes you into another person when you step into the pulpit.

We have to realize we are to exemplify the priesthood to our generation. As generational leaders we are as the priest whom much more was required then that of the people. The priest had to:

Seek God for the people

Hear to hear the voice of God for the people.

Had to fast, pray and continually search their hearts before entering the Holy of Holies.

Had to make sacrifices and maintain repentant and pure hearts and minds.

Had to know the laws and promises of God and lead the people.

Had to be disciplined in prayer.

Had to live a life of the utmost integrity and uprightness before God.

Presentation of the ourselves (not the gospel). To get the gospel to them you must first get through the human barriers in communication. Human’s are driven by perception. Three categories that cause them to either pay attention to you or ignore you:

Visual- How you look (50%)

Vocal- How you sound (36%) (Raise, Soften, Aggressive, Authoritative, etc.)

Verbal- What you say (7%) Most of the time if you have lost them as a result of the first two then they will never hear what you had to say in the first place.

Jesus spent his time trying to teach the disciples about two things: 1. The Kingdom 2. How to be servants.

Leadership is servanthood. We must show our generations that as Christians we are not better than them. As leaders we have been chosen to be servants for God. And God only chooses the best to serve in His Kingdom.

To our youth, congregation, pastor, elders we should seek to be a blessing to them. We should be armaments for them as:

The armament to minister

The armament to administrate (Rom. 12:8)

-Work off a calendar but leave flexibility.

- Be flexible. Learn to deal effectively and positively with changes that you have no control over.

-Work in detail. Put everything on paper. Never trust your memory when it comes to promises or commitments you have made.

- Determine to be a leader to leaders and of leaders.

-Be a leader of people not just projects or programs.

- Teach others. Train others. Assume they know nothing. Always seeking to teach someone else something you have learned.

- Start with people where they are and challenge them to grow.

- Training is doing something with them until they do it right.

Four point management system:

Reprogram (Renew their mind). Confrontation is not condemnation. A wise man loves reproof. He challenges him and causes him to grow beyond himself.

Rearrange. Manage people. Manage you time. Manage circumstance within your control.

Restore (Gal 6). Restore relationships, hope, vision, trust, reverence, respect, families, dreams, goals, hearts, minds and souls.

Replace. Maybe someone fits someplace else in the church. Help people find their right place in the body. Not simply, "Well, you don’t work in this area -- you’re out of here."

The armament of a generational leader is to trust God in the area of finances.

Do not NOT do something for God because of finances.

Don’t tell young people "It just cost too much".

Learn to take up offerings.

Teach them the principles and precepts of giving.

Learn how to conduct fundraisers that have huge results. Fundraisers are great equalizers (poor & wealthy kids). They are opportunity to train in the area of responsibility. Have youth make deposits before the fundraisers so that they have made an investment. This is a biblical principle. Other methods are sponsors of adults, businesses and other churches. The key here is to first find a way to serve them.

The final armament of generational leadership is Prayer.

No Prayer -- No Power, No Presence, No Peace, No Patience, No Purpose, No Presentation, No Preparation, No Program, No People to lead.

If you want to know if you are called to be a leader, look behind you and see if anyone is following.

Daniel rose to a place of power and influence and was successful in all he done. Through it all, however, he remained a humble servant of God. (Dan. 2:27-30)

A humble spirit is the hallmark of the man God uses. God requires it in His servant. "I am the lord; that is My name; and My glory will I not give to another; neither my praise to graven images." (Isa. 42:8)

It is easy to let pride slip into your heart. To say, "Well, if I or when I get in position I’ll straighten everyone out and get things done right." Needless to say that your attitude toward others will not endear you to their hearts. Others will see the proud spirit and take offense. Worst of all, God will take note and not prosper your efforts. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of god, that He may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:5-6) (Micah 6:8; Prov. 6:16-17; Prov. 8:13)

The way to a full and happy life is to get our eyes off ourselves and live for others. The leader will prosper only as he walks in that spirit. Pride is one of the prime tools of the devil to get our eyes on ourselves and off others.

When you are looking at yourself, you become insensitive to the needs of other people. You find yourself going through life hurting others, offending them, using them, and abusing them, perhaps even without knowing it. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Example: Uzziah (2 Chronicals 26:3-16) "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense." The problem? He could not handle success. He was overcome by pride. God struck him with leprosy. Another example: Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 5:20)

A leader must be able to define and communicate his objectives and then determine the best path to follow to reach those goals. Pride is the greatest enemy at that juncture.

Isaiah shows us what kind of man God will use as a leader. "…but to this man will I look, even unto him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word." (Isa. 66:1-2)

A proud spirit, therefore, is deadly to the leader. It will kill his effectiveness for God for it breeds two dreadful diseases of the soul;

Ignorance – Pride makes a man self-sufficient and unteachable. It blinds him to his own needs. It causes him to ignore the good advice and counsel of others. "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established." (Prov. 15:22) Spiritual counsel, however, must be that which has the Lord’s interest at heart. That which is best for the Kingdom of God. Many seek advice only from those who agree with them; others are disappointed because they can’t find unbiased counsel. Counsel, even when given by someone who truly loves you and is interested in that which is best for you can be dead wrong.

The leader must have these things before him when he is giving and receiving counsel. He must be teachable but not gullible. He must weigh the counsel he receives in the light of the Bible and the welfare of God’s Kingdom. His heart must remain open and teachable to others. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." (Prov. 11:14)

Insecurity – The leader with his eyes on himself has excessive concern about how he appears in the eyes of others. He is constantly measuring himself by the yardstick of other people’s performance. The Word of God states that this is a foolish and unwise practice. (2 Cor. 10:12)

Instead of resting in the knowledge that "God set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased Him," the insecure leader constantly worries about what others think of him. This makes him less effective in his job because his eyes are no longer on the objectives. His co-workers or team mates become a threat to him rather than help.

Two extremes can result: 1) He will either try to impress others with ambitious plans and big programs designed to "show them what he can do," or 2) he will retreat into inaction. If he launches a big program, it is likely to be prompted by the energy of the flesh and will ultimately fail. The other extreme, of course, is the fear of failure that brings everything to a standstill. Rather than admit his weakness and step out in faith, he does nothing and hinders or prohibits others form doing anything. (2 Cor. 12:8-9)

A humble spirit in the life of the leader is a powerful force in the hands of almighty God. So, how does a leader maintain a humble spirit before the Lord? Live a life of genuine praise. (Rev. 4:8) If the leader lives in a spirit of praise he will be reminded of his own sinfulness and weaknesses. But the reminder will not be from an unhealthy introspection. It will come from a heart that is filled with praises to God for His holiness and power. This in turn can be used of God to thrust him out in faith, confident in the promise, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13)

God is not generic. There is but One God – "Jehovah". For us as Christians to live with those who serve false gods and remain silent is to accept their gods and condemn those who worship them to hell. We, God’s people, have lost sight of our purpose, who we are, and where we have come from. We have allowed our Christianity to be tainted with man made peace instead of the peace of god. We have created this false cultural compassion for those who worship idols. We have allowed our Christianity to be subverted with the compromise of political correctness. United we stand as a nation to overcome adversity but I cannot stand with those who serve false religions and smile while they imply we serve the same god. It angers my spirit to see a man who calls himself a minister of the gospel get on television and worship with a Muslim, give him gifts, and not tell him that he is going to hell without Christ as his savior.

As a nation we are so religiously confused. There are nations that are Islamic, Hindu, and Jewish. But America has lost the identity of her soul. She has allowed herself to be perverted by every false ideology imaginable. I do not believe God makes His face to shine upon us nor do I believe He has turned His face from us. But that will be up to us, His church. What we have here is a window of opportunity to exploit the enemy, reap a harvest and take the spoils, re-establish and rebuild the ruins.

The church has been too long waiting on God’s timing to occupy the land, disciple the nations, build the church and establish His Kingdom. God is waiting on us to be obedient to His Word. It is time to stand against laws of man that restrict, prohibit, or delude the preaching of the Gospel whether through speech, prayer or demonstration of God’s power in the public places. It is time to stand and say NO to the unrestrained wickedness and perversion of the hearts of man that plague every aspect of our culture. It is time to stand and say NO to the pollution of righteous principle that once governed our nation, administrated our schools, and was preached from our pulpits. NO to the enforcement of immoral values upon our children. NO to the apathetic condolence and courtesy of false gods and idols of our affection. We must preach from the roof tops, in the streets that there is no other god except Jehovah. Christ is the only way to salvation and redemption. You must repent and give all to Yahweh. There is no other name by which man or any nation may be saved except the name of the Messiah, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God of all gods, the Living Son of God, Jesus Christ.

The church has laid spiritually desolate, doctrinally divided, and apathetically righteous. She has not been about building the Kingdom with all her efforts. We are not the salt and light nor the city on the hill as we should be nor as we may so perceive we are. There is much to be done. The harvest is plenty but the laborers are stagnant and self restrained. Our priorities are wrong. The Bride of Christ has lay waste and gone far from her original birth and intent. How is it that continents once discipled by the apostles and prophets are now given to false gods, war, famine, and bondage? God’s commands the Bride of Christ to:

Consider her ways; Deceive not yourselves.

Go to the higher place; seek the face of God and His Kingdom; Disciple the nations

Build the house; build the Kingdom

Speak out, speak up, and speak now; Be the voice in the wilderness; Be the voice of God in the darkness and bring light and life where there is sin and death.

Be strong and fear not.

Been a poor steward of the Word, power, and presence of god. Revivals, movements, and touches of the Spirit of god come and go in our churches and instead of using what god sends and exploiting the enemy, seizing the opportunity, we quickly tire, loose focus, and look for the next spoonful. We so much, but bring forth little.

We eat but never have enough. Drink but are not filled.

Clothed in the warmth of His Grace and presence but our hearts remain unchanged and cold to His purpose.

Earn wages but the need in the church and God’s people is never met.

His house was in waste and the people made no effort to rebuild it. Our society, culture, schools, and government are all reflections of what we the church have become. They are a reflection of where we are at in the sight of God.

(Hag. 2:3-5) It is time for the church to take her God destined place on the earth that the harvest may be received and the Glory of God may fill the earth. Every knee bowing, every tongue confessing, every tribe, every nation crying Holy, holy is the lord god Almighty. Worthy is the lamb from whose blood cleanses the sin of man and redeems him to righteous relationship with his creator. How great thou art of God. Jesus Christ is Lord and He alone.

(Hag. 1:13-14) God is raising up a Joshua Generation for a Josedech Revolution. A Generation built on the Salvation of Jehovah for a Revolution of Righteousness in the midst of a war with wickedness.

This is the day of the salvation of our God. The world says "SIN IS IN" (television program slogan) and righteousness is wrong. It is time for a generational revolt against "what is right in the eyes of man" and put righteousness back into our lives. It is time for the people of god to rise up and get to work.

God is moving and shaking the earth

He is shaking the nations (to include the United States)

He is making the desire of the nations to be a desire for Him.

He is filling His house and the earth with His Glory greater than that which we have ever known.

He is filling His house with peace in the midst of it all.

(Dakes Annotated Reference) The desire here will no longer be for materialistic things of earth and man. It will be a desire for the creator. A desire that only God can satisfy. As His Glory fills the earth and His Kingdom is fulfilled the whole earth will long for deliverance, peace, and safety that can only come from Jehovah. A longing that is centered around Christ alone who will bring to the nations – not for silver and gold, but light and truth to disperse darkness and ignorance, liberty to do away with slavery to sin, moral restoration to dispel depravity of righteousness, salvation to dispel ruin, and peace and prosperity to do away with wars and insecurity.

(Zechariah 8:8) "You shall be my people, and I will be your God, in truth and in righteousness."

It is time to clean up the Bride, send forth her servants, and be the Branch of the Vine in the Kingdom of God as we are meant to be. No longer can we give courtesy to sin in our lives, idols in our lives, false gods in our nation.

Can you hear the Holy Roar? Are you ready for the War? I may be a soldier in the army of our nation. But you are a soldier in the Army of God. War is on and you’re in it whether you know it or not. The question is - are you a soldier that retreats or charges? Are you a spiritual pansy or a point man? Are you a leader or a follower? Are you one who waste his ammo in the air or are you a spiritual sharp shooter? Who do you fear most the enemy or God? Do you stay in your foxhole and hope it all goes away or ends soon or do figure out a way to defeat the enemy and seize the objective? Will you be one of the firsts taken out or will you be a decorated veteran? There is no escaping this draft. The time for complacent Christianity is over. Being day of the American Church and all of our revelation books, revival meetings, and typical Sunday school is gone. War is on our turf and the enemy says it is a Holy War and their god is greater. Who is ready to slay a giant, cut his head off and put it on a stick? Not the church of America. That would be intolerant and offensive to someone else’s god. Keep your God to yourself or keep it universal. I think not!

Lamentation of a Generational Church
Marvin R. Barham

(vs. 1) How does the city sit solitary, which was full of people? How do we as God’s people come to a point where we sit in the church empty and barren of God presence and purpose. How do we who at one time were full of compassion and hunger for God’s presence now only reminisce of the awesome things God has done and become complacent with where we are at, with a deferred hope of where God wants us to go?

(vs. 2) She weeps in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. How many sit in the church with broken hearts but not broken of heart. How many souls and lives cry in the night for comfort, hope, peace and truth while God’s people become lovers of themselves and their self-righteousness?

(vs. 4-5) None come to solemn feasts; all her gates are desolate; her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness. The church has lost many of its youth to the world. Yet churches across this nation continue to choose to be blind and reject the fact. They refuse to change their hearts and ways hoping that what has always worked in the past, what worked for them or what they think will work will somehow reach the next generation. Meanwhile their leaders are discouraged, their people are frustrated and their children grow bitter at the church and fall to captivity of the ways of the wicked. (Chapter 4: 2-18)

(vs. 7-9) The adversaries saw her, and did mock her Sabbaths. Today the world mocks the church. They scoff, despise and mock the Christianity we have represented so poorly. Yet still so many cannot seem to get it right. Instead we make more justification and beg for understanding and sensitivity from the wicked. Mean while we allow the wicked to stronger against us.

(vs. 10-12) For she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary. We have allowed the humanistic thinking of selfishness, diversity, tolerance, justification, and compromise to fill our hearts and pulpits. We have developed a form of Christianity without conviction or conscience. We continue to hide things in our lives as if God cannot see or He will continue to overlook. We seek to please and feed the flesh when it is our souls that hunger for God. We feed the flesh while our souls starve to death.

(vs. 15-16) The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me; he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men; the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed. Why does the heart of God’s people not weep for their desolate state? Do they not see how far they are from the heart of the Father? Why do their hearts not break for the lost? Why are they not full of compassion and bring comfort to those hurting? Why is their mouths and worship full of vanity? God asks the question but not because He needs an answer. We must find the answers and make the change.

(vs. 18-22) Many of God’s people are full of rebellion, the hope of their leaders have been deferred and their hearts grown faint. They have grieved the Spirit of the Lord.

(vs. 9-15) Many of God’s people have not upheld the Law of God and allowed it to be removed from the land, from their hearts and the minds of future generations. As a result they have lost sight of the Vision of God for His church. Their leaders sit silent and water down the Gospel with political correctness, entertainment, wisdom of men and that, which tickles the ear. Mean while the wicked legislate immorality and humanism and silence the church. Is it any wonder our children see the church as weak and full of hypocrisy? How long will we continue to point at the enemy for taking our children captive instead of pointing within? When will we understand that the significance of our righteousness is in vain if not with intent for the next generation and the next and the next? We must demonstrate, participate, incorporate, and validate every aspect of what it means to be God’s People for future generation.

(vs. 18-19) We must allow our hearts to "….cry out unto the Lord, let tears run down like a river day and night; give ourselves no rest; letting not the apple of our eye cease. Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out our hearts like water before the face of the Lord: lift up our hands toward him for the life of our youth, that faint for hunger in every street."

Jeremiah speaks of the place God has brought him through. Many of us have had a very similar experience. Maybe you are in this place now? In verse 21 we find our hope in these times. Our hope is not in man. It is not in words. It is not in a program. It is not within us. But our hope is in Christ. It is in his mercies. His compassion never fails.

In these times we must wait upon him and seek him. In verse 26-27 God tells us that it is good to endure such hardship to build hope in God and learn patience in Him.

(vs. 40-41) We can either, go through these times and learn nothing but bitterness or we can do as He tells us in vs. 40-41 "…Search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens."

I have been to the place of God’s silence in my life and discovered that I cannot live without the voice of God ever present. (vs. 55-58) I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the dungeon. Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear from my breathing, at my cry. Thou dwellest near in the day that I called upon thee: Thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.

A cry to all generations of God’s people goes out from your Redeemer. Be ye separated. Take the Gospel to the poor and broken. Be purified by His Glory. Let Him sanctify you and make you His people, "Vessels of honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." II Tim. 2:21

The Inner Life of the Leader
(Leroy Eims – The Leader You Were Meant to Be – Biblical Principles of Leadership)

The Babylonian code of morality and justice was strange and foreign to the captive Hebrews. So it should be with Christians and the world’s ideas of morality and justice adverse to God’s. With the young Hebrews taken into captivity the Babylonian culture was contrary to everything they had been taught from youth concerning right and wrong.

In this culture one would rise to a position of power and authority. The most remarkable thing of all is that Daniel was a young man of unbending principle who worshipped the living and true God.

Daniel had three companions. Together they were part of an elite band of young men with very special qualifications: "Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace." (Dan. 1:4). Stated in contemporary language, they were physically fit, socially desirable, practically intelligent (they had horse sense), intellectually sharp, educationally equipped, and diplomatically capable. Any college dean would have done anything to count them among his student body. Corporations would do anything to have them as vital members of their team or staff regardless of the fact that they held different worldviews, values, and strong convictions. Why? Because of certain basic qualities in their inner lives that no one else in Babylon possessed.

"Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Dan. 1:8). It is interesting to note that one of the first things God did in the beginning was to divide the light and the dark. That act tells us something about the way God thinks and His priorities. It also symbolizes a great spiritual truth: you’re either on one side or the other. The two don’t mix. With God there is no fence straddling compromise. In hell there is no light, and in heaven no darkness.

In 2 Cor. 6:14-16 the Apostle Paul raises several questions concerning Christian compromise with worldly cultural norms. He addresses the "line of demarcation". The line many tend to focus on getting close to but never technically crossing over. Does that count in the light of what God is most concerned with - our hearts? The leader must set the example in his own behavior that matches the standard of Scripture: "A bishop then must be blameless" (I Tim. 3:2).

The Lord takes note of the inner life of the leader. God told Samuel concerning young Saul, "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).

A huge and full tree in all its grandeur and beauty may be rotten on the inside. The day will come when it will face winds that it cannot stand against in its rotten state. If the Christian leader tries to put on an outward show of spirituality with no inward fortification of purity and holiness before God, one day a test will reveal his true nature and character. Thus, the leader must live a pure life.

A man can choose which kind of vessel he will be in the household of God. Notice in 2 Timothy 2:19-21 the word "sanctified". Its basic meaning is "to be set apart." For example, a lieutenant would be unwise to take the General’s car. That car has been "set apart" for any other for a reason.

The leader whose life is set apart for the Lord has a powerful impact on the world around him (Ezek. 36:23). Often, the leader is asked for specifics in determining what is right and what is wrong. The Bible not only deals with specifics, but in eternal principles. The Bible is specific about swearing, stealing, sex, and lying, but what about those doubtful things concerning which the Bible gives no clear or direct word? Let’s look at three Scriptures that bring tremendous help in determining the underlying principles pertaining to righteousness in our lives concerning anything in question. They contain "how to know right from wrong" principles. They are the 6-8-10 principles found in 1 Corinthians chapters 6, 8, and 10.

Is it helpful? (1 Cor. 6:12) "Physically, Mentally, Spiritually" – "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient;

Does it get me in its power? (1 Cor. 6:12) all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any"

Will it cause others to stumble? (1 Cor. 8:12-13) "But when ye sin so against the brethern, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." No man is an island. What you do is seen, accounted, and sometimes copied.

Is it glorifying to God? (1 Cor. 10:31). "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

The ultimate question God asks is, "What is on the inside?" The leader must maintain a godly walk before his people and make frequent application of 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

We have been called to change the way we think. We must allow God to show us where our thinking is not Kingdom focused. As an Army leader it is driven into you "Mission first and people always". In the Kingdom of God we must understand that it is "Kingdom first and God's people always". With this mindset you begin to learn the thinking of the servant leader God wants us all to be. In the worldly concept of leadership it is all about power. By the worlds definition power comes through selfishness, greed, manipulation, and whatever it takes, no matter who you step on to get power. Through worldly thinking power is your ability to do what you want, when you want, get what you want and have others serving you. Jesus showed us that this is not really power. The real power lies in servanthood. Through Christ's venue of power you are able to touch, change, and radically impact people's lives for generations. Through Christ's example of power of servanthood you change the an entire nation and impact the whole earth for centuries. God's school of leadership is about brokenness and priorities in perspective. Perspective being that your purpose for being here is to bring Glory to God and build the Kingdom. In the Kingdom of God leadership equates to "Servant". To the spiritual leader (servant) there must be a constant source of power external to self. Without this source of power the servant can fall prey to frustration, bitterness, discontent, and even his biggest enemy - Pride and Arrogance.

A power failure can be disastrous. Lives often depend on a continuous and dependable source of power.

The leader must be acutely aware of this. He/She has to realize that they must keep their program, people, and themselves moving. What is the leader’s source of power for all this? God Himself. (Phil. 4:13)

Fellowship with God has got to be the most important priority in the leader’s life. His/Her fellowship with God is their life breath, Energizer, lifeline, critical source of power. Fellowship with God is that which "throws the switch," and makes that power operative and effective in our lives. Sometimes others are depending on us and our connection to that power source when they have lost power in their lives. It is not the way God wants it. It is a big responsibility. But it is leadership. (2 Sam. 22:33)

Years alone with God prepared David for leadership under God. When you get serious about knowing God through vital fellowship with Him, the Devil mounts an all-out attack to prevent it.

Why does the enemy of our souls fight time with God so furiously? Because of its imperative nature in the life of the leader. What are the spiritual rewards that come our way, we might ask, if we are faithful to our fellowship with God? To answer that question we must ask another. What is man’s ultimate purpose on earth? The answer: "Even every one that is called by My Name: for I have created him for My Glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him" (Isa. 43:7)

How do you glorify God? Anyone who seeks to be a spiritual leader of God’s people must discover the answer to this question and live by it for it is their primary goal in life. It is the only effort and motive in this life that is not in vein.

Was there ever a man whose every thought, word, and deed brought glory to God every hour of every day of every year of his life? Yes. One. The Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ prayer to His Father, He said of Himself, "I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do" (John 17:4). What is the work God has given you to do? Have you missed or rejected it because you wanted to do something different or something someone else was doing? Have you turned from it due to lack of interest or faithfulness?

How then do we become like Christ? How does my person become like another? How do I start taking on characteristics, qualities, and traits that I desire in another? By being around that person, spending quality time with them, talking with them, doing things together, watching, observing, listening, and pursuing them.

The leader who has a "built-in" devotional life rather than one that is "tacked on," will find himself in vital touch with God and being mightily used of God. God is looking for those qualified. (Ezk. 22:30)

When God finds a person who will place as his first priority a life of intimate, personal, dynamic fellowship with Him, He directs His power, guidance, and wisdom into and through that person. God has found a man through whom He can change the world.

Three basic elements characterize a life of fellowship with the Lord.

God speaks to us by means of "His Word" (2 Tim. 3:16-17) It takes more than reading or even memorizing it. We must get it into our hearts, minds, souls and spirits. It must become part of our every thought process, decision making process, belief system. It must become part of our speech, lingo, and conversation. (Ps. 119:97)

If we open the Word and take time to let the Spirit of god affect our lives, to absorb it into our souls, to see its beauty and grandeur, we will be in true fellowship with God.

Many read it and even memorize it but with the wrong motivations or objectives in which they seek to retain. When you read the Word of God let it speak to your spirit man. Read in search of not just words of the English language. Not a pictorial or plot concept but in search of precepts, principles, promises, and power. Read and find where it speaks of you and your relationship to God and Him to you. Make it personal. In every story, every parable, proverb, event, and circumstance ask what is God saying and doing? What is the precept and the principle here? How does this compare and apply to my life and it bringing Glory to God?

The leader who is worth his salt and who will truly lead others spiritually must be a man of the Word.

True fellowship involves two way communications. Here is where your intimacy and worship begins. Here is where you listen both to God and your very own spirit man making communion or learning humility. (Luke 18:10-14)

A leader’s communication with God is critical as well as his ability to communicate effectively with others. As an Infantry platoon leader in the Army I was taught that the most powerful weapon I had at my disposal was not the machinegun or grenade launcher but my radio. It was my ability to communicate with the naval gun-ships and ability to call in air strikes. The Army teaches us the process of "Call for Fire". In the process you identify your target and call in the strike. You get two rounds to adjust your rounds on target. Once the rounds are on target you then send the call – "Fire for Effect". When you give this call all rounds are on target with everything you got. In our communication with God we have to ensure there is no interference of the heart with our communication through prayer. There is a difference between the prayer of the Pharisee (Prayer for Effect) and the Publican (Effective Prayer). (James 5:16) for a prayer to be effective it must be fervent.

God listens to us pray with a spiritual stethoscope. (Matt. 15:8). We must heed Jeremiah’s call to "pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord" (Lam. 2:19).

Be specific in your prayer. The leader’s prayer must be specific in two areas:

First, the leader’s prayers should concentrate on the growth and development of each of the people whom he leads. The Apostle Paul gave us an example in Col. 1:9-10.

Second, the leader should pray for the spiritual maturity of his people and that God might raise up from their midst laborers to go into the harvest fields of the world and do the work of building the church and the Kingdom (Matt. 9:36-38). When a leader does this he will find God giving him a broken and compassionate heart for the church and God’s people whoever they may be.

The last element of fellowship is obedience. There is no fellowship with a superior apart from obedience to him, and Jesus Christ is very much our Superior.

Jesus said, "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)

The danger of disobedience was clearly spelled out by our Lord. "And why call ye Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not the things which I say?

A life of obedience by the leader is the greatest motivation to the people who follow him. They see his life and are challenged to greater heights of commitment and obedience. (Discipline=Obedience=Fellowship=Effective Spiritual Leadership)

Conclusion

The three elements of fellowship are the Word, Prayer, and Obedience. They are absolute imperatives for the leader. He needs to experience the Power of God in his life and ministry on a day by day basis. Fellowship with the Lord is the switch that completes the connection and makes that power available. Without it the leader is nothing more than an organizer of human effort and activity. With it he is a tool in the hands of Almighty God to be used to accomplish His purpose on this earth. (2 Tim. 2:21)

1 Tim. 1:5. The ultimate objective of all of Paul’s instruction was to produce love toward others, a good conscience in themselves, and true faith in God. This is the basis of a life of joy. J-O-Y, Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.

Two crucial inner characteristics that will most enhance the leader’s relationships with those who follow.

A Servant Heart

Mark 10:45 and Luke 22:27. Jesus gave us the basic summary of His life.

1 John 3:16. This of course, is contrary to the practice of most secular leadership. In most organizations if you see a structural chart of leadership you see the big wig leaders at the top with lines going down to the little people. In the Kingdom of God it is just the opposite.

Matt. 20:25-28. Jesus came and reversed the direction of service without giving up leadership.

The teaching of Christ was revolutionary. The Bible teaches us that to lead is to serve. The problem, however, arises in the day-to-day doing of it. How long has it been since we’ve shined somebody’s shoes for him – to say nothing of washing his feet?

Luke 22:27. Stephen was a young man full of faith and power, and the enemies of Christ were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. He had a remarkable grasp of the Word of God and the boldness to preach it with conviction. Stephen could have said, "Me? Serve tables? Apparently you are unaware of my wisdom, power, faith, and preaching ability. He eagerly took his place among the six other servants and waited tables instead. (Matt. 23:11-12)

A Sensitive Spirit.

Mark 8:1-3. Jesus could have told the, "Don’t talk to me about hunger. I know what real hunger is. I went 40 days without food, and these people have only been out here for three days. Tell them to stop complaining. We have just began.

This is a common failing among leadership positions. They evaluate their own capacities and expect everybody else to keep up with them. But that’s not the way it is. Many sincere Christians who have warm hearts toward the Lord are limited in their abilities. They need a slightly slower pace and a shorter distance. Because the leader can work harder longer, has a greater capacity for prayer, and more intense hunger for the Word, he can usually out-distance those around him. That’s what makes him the leader. Notice: This is the head leadership. So a leader must be sensitive to the needs of the people and compassionate in his dealing with them. One thing he must do above all else: get to know them as individuals.

1 Thes. 5:14. The Scriptures clearly teach that we must deal with people according to their individual characteristics. Note the three types of people mentioned here: Unruly, feebleminded, and the weak.

Unruly – Those faced with a problem or difficulty who want to throw in the towel and quit. They could go on, but find it easier not to. They are easily offended and want to take their toys and go home. They have to be handled with kid gloves. However, they need help and the leader must stick with them. They require much patience and prayer.

Feebleminded – The fainthearted or timid. These are the people who tend to be afraid of their own shadows. They need to be led to the place where they are able to take a step of faith, and eventually launch out into the deep and experience the trustworthiness of God.

Weak – These people need special attention, often personal, and individual help often due to besetting sins. In all dealings with these a leader must keep strictest confidence.

1 Kings 3:9-10. These two things, then, a servant heart and a sensitive spirit are crucial for a good leader. If you are to lead, these characteristics must be an integral part of your life.

All too often, in regards to our efforts in the church, the responses seem to fall into that bland ground of mediocrity. Satisfaction with the status quo shows that a program or ministry is really in trouble. This is especially true when the leader knows there is apathy and is content to have it so.

On the other hand, some programs or ministries stand out visibly. They are fresh and alive, and the people involved are enthusiastic, motivated, and productive. Looking behind the scenes, you find a leader who has qualities not found in the average person. He is a leader who excels. The way he sustains this freshness, motivation, and productivity, even when he is down, is that he has developed other leaders just like him who carry the slack from time to time but he never stays down for long.

The first necessary quality in a leader who stands out is the spirit of excellence. The spirit of excellence is a principle of character, attitude, and perspective. It is the desire to do the best and beyond with resourcefulness and initiative. He is not to be confused with the negative spirit of perfectionism. Where does a person start in effort to develop this attribute? The answer: he must start with God Himself. He must consider the excellence of God and His attributes.

God’s name is excellent (Ps. 8:1; Ps. 148:13)
God’s loving-kindness is excellent (Ps. 36:7)
God’s greatness is excellent (Ps. 150:1)
God’s salvation is excellent (Isa. 12:2-5)
God’s work is excellent (Deut. 32:1-4)
God’s way is excellent (Rom. 12:1-2)

A spirit of excellence in the life of a leader is a reflection of one of God’s attributes. Too often Christians misunderstand this emphasis and associate it with fleshly effort and worldly ambitions. This is not so! Throughout the Scriptures we observe a constant emphasis on emulating God, being like Him.

The desire to do things with excellence is Christ like. It was said of Him, "He hath done all things well" (Mark 7:37). It is amazing to observe Christian leaders who emulate the compassion and love of Christ but completely miss the aspect of His character.

"When we do things for the Lord, the back door must look as good as the front. God sees the back door in the same way He sees the front, even if man does not." Dawson Trottman, Founder of The Navigators.

In the parable of the talents, the good servant is commended; the slothful servant is not only denounced, but his sloth is equated with wickedness (Matt. 25:14 – 30). "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (Rom. 12:11). God works in our lives in at least seven ways to bring about the spirit of excellence.

By helping us realize our own weakness. "My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9)

Through the prayers of others. "that ye might stand perfect and complete" (Col. 4:12)

Through someone sharing the Word with us. "might perfect that which is lacking" (1 Thes. 3:10)

As we study the Bible for ourselves. "May be perfect, thoroughly furnished" (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Through suffering. "Make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (1 Peter 5:10)

By giving us a hunger for holiness. "Perfecting holiness" (2 Cor. 7:1)

Through a desire to have the fruit of our lives brought to perfection. "Bring no fruit to perfection" (Luke 8:14)

Words of caution need to be sounded at this point. First, we need to examine our motivation. Excellence for its own sake is not our standard, but excellence for Christ’s sake, for the perfecting of the saints, the building of the Kingdom, and the preparation of His bride, the church.

The second thing to bear in mind is that there has been only one person who has ever lived who "did all things well". That person was Jesus Christ. (Heb. 13:20-21) "Make you perfect in every good work to do His will."

How can anybody possibly achieve that? "Through Jesus Christ." Our only hope of achieving a Christ like standard of excellence is to completely relax in the arms of Jesus and let Him live His life through us. No amount of sweat and strain can accomplish it. No amount of self-effort and high resolves. Only "through Jesus Christ" can this be obtained. But it can be obtained. He who is the Author and Finisher of our faith waits to take over our frustrations and failures and turn them into joyful accomplishments that bring glory to the Lord. The one who still does all things well is waiting to "make you perfect in every good work...working in you that which is well pleasing" to God.

The second characteristic of the successful leader is initiative. He doesn’t wait for things to happen; he helps make things happen. He’s out at the point of the action. In the absence of guidance and direction, he provides it. In the absence of leadership he becomes it. That’s one reason some people shy away from leadership responsibilities. They know that "he who would lead the band must face the music." One of the necessary traits of the leader is that he must be willing to do just that. Take responsibility of his actions, those of whom he leads, and the success or failure of that which he assumed responsibility.

Examples: David chose Joab to be his general for this very reason. (1 Chron. 11:6). Isaiah also stepped out from the ranks and became a voice for God (Isa. 6:8).

Every Christian should take initiative in presenting himself to God for service. Bible characters who never became known particularly as leaders were richly blessed and used of God simply because they served spontaneously.

Examples: Rebekah (Gen. 24P:14-21) and a small boy with some fish and bread (John 6:9-11). And the greatest example in Scripture is God Himself (Rom. 5:8)

The leader must be alert to exercise initiative in many ways such as in serving. For example the Apostle Paul gathered wood for a bunch of slaves and natives to build a fire. (Acts 28:2-3)

A second way of exercising initiative is to take the first step towards reconciliation. (Matt. 5:23-24; Matt 18:15). It’s your move first if you are a servant of God. But pride and self are your chief obstacles. When we are willing to swallow our pride and take initiative, the Lord can bring much joy, deliverance, and blessings into any respective situation.

A third area in which to exercise initiative is that of seeking knowledge. (Prov. 20:5) The job of the leader is complex and he cannot be expected to know all there is to know about everything. But often he is by the people. Therefore, he should seek out godly knowledgeable men and learn from them. Again, pride and self often get in the way.

Initiative is defined as "the spirit needed to originate action". How does a leader acquire that spirit? How does one become the sort of person who originates action? The most productive thing he can do is "to train himself to think ahead". A leader has been described as a person who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others do.

If one trains himself to think ahead, it will have two positive effects on his work. First, "it will help keep him out of trouble". He will avoid snares and pitfalls down the road. He can ask himself, "if we do this, what is likely to happen? In turn, what will that lead to? When that takes place, will it lead to this result? Do we want that result? If not, let’s not even start in that direction."

Second, by thinking ahead the leader can "set goals for himself and those he leads." He can think through the best ways to achieve those goals and begin to initiate actions along those lines.

All of this presupposes that the leader is in vital daily fellowship with the Lord through the Word and prayer. Otherwise he may be led by his own understanding or set up plans using the wisdom of the world as his guide. The leader must remember that the truth is found in Jesus Christ. Secular management books and textbooks on leadership are helpful, but our basic resource is God. (1 Cor. 1:25)

The third reason some leaders excel is that they are creative. They are not afraid to try new and different things. God is a God of variety and order, while man thrives on conformity and disorder.

The leader is constantly asking, "Is there a better way to get even bigger results? Surely we haven’t hit on the best possible approach to reaching the lost or discipling believers. Surely there is room for improvement. Surely God can reveal changes and new approaches that will reap a greater harvest for His Kingdom."

Example: Creativity of four nameless men who had compassion, love, and zeal for a friend. (Mark 2:2-5) They could have said, "Sorry friend, we tried but just cannot do it." Instead they said, "there has to be a way." They did not listen to the responses of nay sayers, "You can’t do that! That’s never been done before! We don’t do that that way here, it’s not our tradition and will disrupt the order of service."

How do you gain a creative spirit? You say, but I am not a creative person. Wrong. You are created in the image of God. You have the mind of Christ. You have the genes and traits of your Father God. What you do not have is not creativity but proper thinking and perspective. It is easier to say, "I don’t have or I am not, or I cannot." One way to gain the creative spirit is to keep yourself in the proper frame of mind. Constantly be on the lookout for a better way. Train yourself to think, "If it works, it will soon be obsolete." Maintain an open and probing mind. Pray for the boldness and courage it will take to try something new when God reveals it to you. But the main thing is to live in constant, close, intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ. He is creative. You do not just want a good idea, but a God idea moving in the direction He is moving. (Col 1:16; Heb. 1:2)

You and I must be willing to break new ground and step out of the established mold.

Three things we must seek from the Lord as leaders who desire to excel in the work of the Lord:

A sense of excellence
Initiative
A creative spirit

(1 Chron 23) God calls each generation to worship. He is looking for a generation who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. It is important that we learn to worship. Worship prepares the heart to receive. It makes the heart fertile soil to receive. The type of worship you give and that which you worship will determine the quality of the seed planted. It will determine the quality of the soil that seed is planted in. And it will determine the quality of the fruit resulted.

1. Strong Leadership (Big/Life time investments)
2. Strategic Leadership (Well thought-out plans to reach them)
3. Zealous Leadership (They are on fire for the things of the world)

So what do we do? Accept the call! We are called to be leaders of this and all generations young and old, past, present and future. Get alone with God so that you may be His voice to the generations. They don’t want to hear what you have to say. They want to hear what God has to say to their generation. But you will not know that if you have not been alone with Him in prayer, in His Word, or in His service.

1. To be the officers and watchmen over the generations (1 Chron. 23:3).
2. To do the work of the house of the Lord for generations (1 Chron 23: 24).
3. To keep sacrifices and praises to God continually for generations (1 Chron 23:28-32).
4. To serve the generations past, present and future (1 Chron 23:29).
5. To oversee and govern the house of God for generations (1 Chron 24:5).
6. To keep the prophetic Voice of God alive for generations (1 Chron 25:1)
7. To be gatekeepers and watchmen over God’s people in prayer for generations (1 Chron 26:20).

As generational leaders we must learn to rely on the anointing. Whatever He has called us to do He will equip us. He will equip us spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. We cannot be moved by what we cannot see. If we cannot see how the task can physically be accomplished, don’t be moved. If we cannot see how the task can be done financially, don’t be moved. We must understand that supernatural task must be accomplished through God’s supernatural means.

1. Realize Divine Appointment -(1 Chron 6:31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord) We must realize that this ministry is by divine appointment. We have been appointed by the King to lead generations in the covenant. We have been appointed to serve in His Kingdom.

2. Stand Out and Rise to the Occasion - (Deut. 10:8 ⁸At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.) We are called to be separated to carry the ark (continue the generational covenant). God is calling you to usher in His presence to all generations.

3. Follow the Spirit of God - (Joshua 3:2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; ³And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. As generational leaders we must follow the Spirit of God and lead the generations in the ways of God.

4. Lead the way in sanctification and purity - ⁴Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. ⁵And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. ⁶And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. ) Lead the people to sanctification. Lead them to righteousness. Let your life be the living example. Let’s quit referring to dead examples. Welcome to the living of the living God. Let them see that there are people who are living who are living for God. (¹⁰And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, )

5. Step out into the Unknown - (⁷And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. ⁸And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. ⁹And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.) As generational leaders we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and into the presence of God. That is why we have been chosen to lead. If the people were so willing to step into the unknown they would not need us and God would have not called us to lead them. When they see you step out there then their fears will be released and their hearts encouraged.

6. Prepare the Way - ( ¹⁰And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. ¹¹Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.) We are called to cause the failure of the world’s systems. To stop their impact over generations and instead allow other Christians to come over to the promised land of living in God’s promises, peace, presence and power.

We must preach like an evangelist if we want them to evangelize their schools, neig