225 mph

Lead Pastor Cory Smithee

Let’s see, it’s been since August 31st since I have blogged.  If my memory serves me right, I was going to do something like a 4 part series on "Growth Requires."  Well that never happened, did it!  You know life comes at you real fast sometimes, so fast that you lose contact with where you were going and even why you were going there.  Does anyone out there relate?

The speed of life is unique to our time because growing up as a teen in the 70's & a young adult in the 80's it was much different.  Now it wasn't just different because I was younger, it was a slower pace of life.  Life had its times where it came at you fast, maybe at 100 mph but not like today where life can ramp up to 225 mph and just keep coming at you.

During this past month and half where my life ramped up to 225 and just kept coming at me, God reminded me again through a series I am doing at NEC, that I have some very special help.  God reminded me to stop and look beside me at a good friend that we all can almost forget about (if you even knew Him to start with).  A friend that will give us insight to what is happening and how to get out of the gulf stream of the 225 mph engagement of life.  A friend who can slow everything down and cause us to take a breath and rest a little and not be engulfed in this 225 mph here we come at you all day every day.

Let me share with you some really cool stuff about my friend the Holy Spirit.  Some of you reading this blog are already, at the mention of these words "Holy Spirit," asking this one question, "Who Is He?" Well over the next month or so I plan to answer that question from a personal point of view based on my relationship and friendship with the Holy Spirit.

I am going to answer  some simple stuff like, Is He a Person? Is He here Now? Where did He come from? How did You meet Him? How do you have a Friendship with something you can't See?  Lots of good questions that I will tackle along the way on our new journey called "The Holy Spirit," "Who Is He?"

Keep checking back as we encounter this Person and how He so wants to be your friend in this 225 mph life in which we live.

Pastor Cory is the Founder and Lead Pastor of North Elevation Church in Mansfield, TX. Please go to www.nechurchtx.com to learn more about this Life Giving Community!

Part I Growth Requires Listening, Action & Stopping...

Founder/Lead Pastor Cory

Let me start by saying, this 3 Part blog is really to all of you who have committed your life to Jesus Christ in the past few hours or the past 50 years.  One the most basic, so necessary & indispensable truths is, you must continue to grow in your Relationship with God every day of every year.  In Ephesians 4:14 (The Message) tells us this most basic, necessary and indispensable truth.

¹⁴ No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors.

I know this may be hard to believe for those of you who have been a Christian for many years, that it could be possible that you would ever become a babe lost in the woods or yet a child who can become an easy mark for impostors of truth.  However, it happens every day of every year.  Well, Cory how can that happen?  I am so glad you have asked.

People have stopped the process of Spiritually Growing.  Lets camp out here for a few moments and take a good look at these two very important words, "Spiritual" & "Growth."  Spiritual no longer holds the same level of definition it once did. Most Americans interviewed say they are Spiritual.  With that said, let me clear up what spiritual should mean to you the Christian. Spiritual should mean, "I am Very Concerned about Biblical Truths."  Growth on the other hand should resonate as "I am progressively developing in those concerned biblical truths."

The First point of growth is to Listen.  That starts right here with all of us listening to the sounds of the words that I have put down in this blog and the ones to come on this subject.  Second, we must put action to our Christianity. Let me speak a moment on the Law of Disuse.  Here is a good example of what I am talking about.  Take a good pocket knife for instance that you may have used in the garage for projects.  If you do not use the blade regularly it will begin to capture the moisture and begin to rust. Then one day you go to use it and it's hard to open or you can not open it at all.  Also, it does not cut as it once did.

Romans 15:2 (The Message) explains it to us in a manner that makes it very clear that we need to act on what we hear so we do not become rusted and hard to open or become dull and can not help on a level that will make a real difference.  What you are about to read is huge in not becoming rusted and hard to open.  Lets look at verse 2...  ² Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”   Well, if you are going to help you must be a person who is consistently growing in this area.

We need to understand that putting people above ourselves is vital to our spiritual growth.  I have taught for over two decades now this very important truth. "You are never to big to do small stuff."  We need to make service a priority!  Service is truly defined as this: Service referred to as a task performed by lesser persons for those who control their existence.  Yep, that's why we become babes in the woods, we do not want to serve, instead we want to be served.  Service at best is Worship to God, not a person on this earth.

Here is a way to take action!  Stand up and say, "Here I am, Use Me! Make it personal and take the responsibility to serve someone else and grow - spiritual growth will begin again.

Psalm 119:125 (The Message)  ¹²⁵ I’m your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions.

Next week Part II, Growth Requires Listening, Action & Stopping... "The Law of Crowd Control"

Good Intentions



Pastors Cory & Richelle Smithee

Alexander, a U.S. aviator and engineer, was once visiting a fellow flyer in the hospital with the good intentions of cheering him up. The young man had just lost his leg; Alexander, who had an artificial leg too for some time said to the young man, "The loss of leg is not so great a calamity," "If you get hit on a wooden leg, it doesn't hurt a bit!" With that Alexander said "Go ahead hit my Leg!" The young man raised his walking stick and brought it down hard on Alexander's leg. "You see," he said cheerfully, "if you hit an ordinary man like that, he'd be in bed for a week!" With that he left and walked outside into the corridor and collapsed in excruciating pain.  It seems the young man struck the wrong leg.

Do you relate to this story? How many times have you had good intentions, only to have them crash and burn.  But the positive side is you tried.  However, in this blog I want to talk about the other side, Good Intentions that never happen.  This is one of the most frustrating issues in life... Good Intentions that never happen!

When I was in the corporate world there was a story that went something like this; Have you ever met Mr. Meant-To? Mr. Meant-To has a buddy, and his name is Didn't-Do. Have you ever had the chance to meet them? Did they ever call on you? These two fellows live together in the same house of Never-Win. I am told that it is haunted by the ghost of Might-Have-Been.

A person, company, church just cannot build a reputation of success on what it's going to do.  It takes action to see a dream or vision to end up somewhere on purpose. It takes action to turn good intentions into reality. Successful endeavors require action!  Here's some questions you need to ask yourself the next time you have a thought of a good intention; 1) What specific, measurable action will it take for me to complete this good intention. 2) How much time, effort, and money will it take?

Stop talking and start forming a vision of really doing it and completing it. One phrase has not changed, "Talk Is Cheap," "Action Cost Something."  No good intention has ever been achieved except by someone who dared to make the dream a reality.

 Habakkuk 2:2 says, "And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it."  If you are having issues with talk, talk, talk and no action, then let me give you a simple way to stop talking and start doing:

1. You will have to write it down, that is to declare it on paper
2. You have to make it plain and simple
3. You have to have the courage to make a copy for someone to hold you accountable

Unless we do it this way, it will only remain a "Good Intention," a "Fantasy," a "Talk To make Us look Good."  Regardless the cost, stop talking and start doing.... just saying!

Pastor Cory

You Can Do This

Lead Pastor Cory & Richelle Smithee

Fasting Part 1

Why should I fast?

1.   Are you in need of healing or a miracle?

2.   Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?

3.   Are you in need of a fresh encounter?

4.   Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?

5.   Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?

6.   Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?

7.   Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?

8.   Do you desire to know God's will for your life? 

Fasting

Fasting is one of the most neglected of truths taught in the Bible. In fact, it was ignored for so long that at one time it was difficult to find information on how to properly fast according to those truths.  Back in the early 80’s when I felt the need to start fasting it was hard to find information on the nature of a Biblical fast, how to start, what to expect physically and spiritually, and how to terminate a fast.

I have in no way put together in this first part of this blog a comprehensive document on fasting. However, what I have done is put together a simple and practical blog to answer some of your questions about fasting and ease any concerns you might have.

By following some basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and rewarding:

How to Begin- Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read your Bible.  

Preparing Spiritually- Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).  

Make Your Commitment- Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14, 15). 

Ø For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:

·         How long you will fast - one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.)

·         The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often).

·         What physical or social activities you will restrict.

·         How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word.

·         Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

Ø The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Un-confessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart: 

·         Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.

·         Confess every sin that comes to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

·         Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3, 4).

·         Make restitution as God leads you.

·         Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14, 15.

·         Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1, 2).

·         Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).

·         Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).

·         Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16, 17).

ü Prepare Physically- Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.  Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

·         Do not rush into your fast.

·         Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast.  Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.

·         Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.

·         Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

·         Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.

·         Limit your activity.

·         Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.

·         Rest as much as your schedule will permit.

·         Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.

·         Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

·         The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.

ü Put Yourself on a Schedule- For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.

The Great Adventure 2011

Dreams... A Vision Check!

Part II What is a Good Man?

MLB season is once again in full swing and like the batter at the plate, however in our case, we are the batter at the plate of life... you may be getting a belly full of curve balls and sliders. Let's be completely honest, this can be downright frustrating. It can also be causing you to do the dumbest of things, such as, giving up on your dreams and the visions in your heart.

I am asked by people... Pastor Cory how do I really know if I have lost my grip on the dream, or how do I know the vision is evaporating?

Let’s start with what are the signs that your dreams are still alive:

1. They will Get You Up in the Morning
2. They will Get You Real Involved in Life
3. They will Give You Purpose for Living
4. They will Give You Real Passion for Life
5. They will Unleash Your Gifts (are yours unleashed?)
6. They will Unlock Your Creative Uniqueness (is your creativity doing anything unusually good?)

Right now some of you just said; Cool I am still in the game...Yeah! But way to many of you just realized you are out of the game and for some of you, you’re no longer even in the ball park any more.

Let me share a truth from Psalm that will change your course and get you back in the game. Psalm 37:23 states in part, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord..."

First of all the word steps mean "course of life", so Gods word is stating that He will order the course of your life. Question is, do we believe that? Well we might up until life goes haywire and then we look at our mistakes and we question... does he care enough to help me?  Psalm 37 declares YES!  He does.

The verse goes on to say the most astounding thing. The steps of a GOOD MAN are ordered of the Lord. What's astounding about that?  I must not be a good man or woman... if I was things would not be so disconnected as they are.

Look at it again, it does not say the steps of a perfect man.  It says the steps of a Good Man are ordered of the Lord. The key to getting back in the game and re-firing your Dreams and Visions is understanding the truth of what a Good Man is!

The simple definition here of a Good Man is; unshaken in determination.

Listen, it means no matter what happens you refuse to quit, you realize to be a good man or woman is to simply not quit. This is the most important; failures are not permanent with God. HE orders the steps of a man or woman who is unshaken in their determination and realizes failures are not permanent with God.

Your dreams and visions are vital to your families, vital to your personal life and vital to your friends and your cities. Your dreams and visions will once again begin to unfold when you step back up to the plate. To do this you’re going to have to once again believe you are a Good Man or a Good Woman who has realized your failures are not permanent.

When you realize God orders the steps of the unshaken and determined man or woman who refuse to quit or except failure as an end will be back in the game...

DON'T QUIT! NO MATTER WHAT, DON'T QUIT!

Lead Pastor Cory Smithee
North Elevation Church
www.nechurch.org
cory@nechurch.org