This is a message that has been growing in my heart and I was so blessed to be able to preach it in Rwanda and then again at Cornerstone youth last Sunday night.
I've noticed that fear has become an "issue" in the body of Christ and there really is absolutely no excuse for it. Today I'm just going to walk you through the notes of my message and my recent passion to see Christians, fearless. I'm going to do my best to give you the "readers digest" version and make this just a short read, so obviously I'm going to have to condense the message and just give you the big points.
First and foremost an often quoted verse "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7)
If God has not given us a spirit of fear then we must conclude that ALL fear (not including fear of God, which I"ll get to later) must not be from God, but rather from the enemy. I know that I have no desire to have any spirit surrounding me that is not the Spirit of God. So that verse is very straight forward a spirit of fear is not from God and so we should not be living in fear. If you'd like another reference for that point then go check out Romans 8:14-15.
I believe that we have began to make light of fear. Often times fear is something we joke about, we tease about, or we just don't really see the enemy's role in fear. More often than not we just see it as something natural that we have to deal with. Everyone fears. That is a direct lie from the enemy because if you are a child of God you have been set free from fear. I'll go ahead and tell on myself because I'm definitely not above this struggle. I like to tease Maegan because Maegan USED TO (praise God) fear lizards. It was always a joke to me, i laughed and made fun of her and never saw the harm in it, until one day God gave me the revelation that He hasn't given us a spirit of fear! So, I laugh about Maegan having a spirit of fear from the enemy? Not so funny anymore.
Please go read Mark 4:37-41.
This is the well known story of the disciples in the boat and Jesus calming the storm. There are 2 major points to be made out of this passage, but I won't go into my usual detail and instead just go straight to the points.
First in verse 40. Jesus asks "why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith".
The very first point is that fear is in direct correlation with faith. Fear is simply put a lack of faith. When you fear you're showing you lack of faith that God is who He says He is, He's done what He says He's done, and you can do what HE says you can do. There are tons of examples I can give for this, but like I've said I want to keep it as short as possible so if you'd like to ask some questions on this point I'd love to talk about it with you.
Second in verse 41. "and they became very much afraid". Ok notice in verse 40 they were already afraid of the storm. Jesus calmed the storm and then it says "they became very much afraid". Explain to me how after the situation they were afraid of was resolved they then became very much afraid.
The answer is they went from a fear of a circumstance into fear of God. Notice their comment in vs. 41 "Who then is this that even the wind and sea obey Him?" They were no longer afraid of the circumstances, but of the Creator.
Another reference for this is in Isaiah 8:12,13
This is an important correlation to make. Fear is lack of faith in God, but it is possible to take fear of anything else and turn it into fear of God.
I think it is really important to state what fear of God is, so study that learn it and realize it. Moses tells us in Exodus 20:20 that fear of God will cause us to not sin and Romans 14:23 tells us that anything not done in faith is sin. So there is a great correlation between faith and fear of God and fear of other things. So take some personal time to study that.
I'll wrap this last part up quickly.
Before the day of Pentecost Jesus was always known as the only begotten son, after the day of Pentecost He is never called that again, but rather the firstborn son.
Why?
When you were sealed with the Holy Spirit you were adopted into the Kingdom of God. Jesus says in John 17:23 that with the same love that God loved Jesus, He loves believers.
So we can take comfort that we have a Daddy God that loves us, provides for us, and protects us just like He did Jesus.
Notice Jesus never feared. He knew who His Father was.
In life or in death He fulfilled the will of His father. Jesus said no one took His life from Him, He gave it up willingly. So Jesus had victory in life and in death.
I want to end with Romans 8:31
What can we say then? If God is for us than who can be against us?
God hasn't given us a spirit of fear and we are adopted as sons and daughters into His kingdom, therefore there is nothing we can fear. No circumstance, animal, person, nothing shall we fear.
As Psalms 23:4 says "I fear NO eveil; thou art with me".
For some more reiteration of how we should not be living in fear read Psalms 91.
I wish I could take everything I have to say on fear and it only take about 5 minutes to read, but unfortunately it's just not how it is. This is probably already longer than most people will read so, for those of you who made it all the way to the bottom, I hope this has blessed you just as this message has me. I hope you will put it into practice and stand firm. If you want to know more that i have to say on the subject, shoot me and email or text.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Time
Well it has been a while since I've been able to write consistently in my own blog.
After graduating I moved back to Liberty and spent one month at home. Then I spent three months in Botswana. One month back home led to one month in Rwanda.
Now I'm home. I have a pile of things in my closet that I have yet to unpack from my move from Lubbock, I have a few things still in a bag from Botswana, and found a bag yesterday that I still hadn't unpacked from Rwanda. Needless to say I'm still in transition.
I am taking a job as a coach with the school district I grew up in and have been very busy with camps, workouts, and trying to get things situated for this upcoming school year.
I'll be moving out of my parents house sometime in the next few months and moving to another place along with my brother.
I am shocked at the way my life has turned out. Honestly if you would have talked to me a year ago (maybe even less)I would have never guessed that I would be where I am now.
I never would have thought that I would go to Africa 3x in a year. I never thought I would graduate college in 3 1/2 years. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to minister to a crowd of over 700 people in a foreign country. I NEVER thought I'd move back to Liberty or take a job as a coach.
See Africa was all God, I never desired to travel. Preaching was all God, because I never thought I'd have the courage to stand in front of large crowds much less with a translator in another country. Coming home was all God because I never wanted to come back. Taking a job was all God because I wanted to go to seminary.
You know here is a shocker. When you offer God your life, He takes your life. I told God I was all His, so He took full advantage of it :) I've never made a better decision.
Though right now I'm in a place I never thought I'd be in, I have never been happier, I've never been more passionate, and honestly I couldn't imagine my life any better.
When I think about the things God has trusted me with, the places He's taken me, the things He's done through me or in front of me, the relationships I've been blessed with, the favor and incredible blessing I've seen in my life.... I could go on... but when I think on these things, it brings me to a place of humbleness and tears.
My God is so good. Apart from anything He's ever done for me, my God is powerful and worthy. If no one will praise Him the rocks will cry out, because the God I serve is worthy of praise and it's not about what He does for me, it's about who He is. Gosh isn't htat awesome to be in relationship with the ONE TRUE GOD.
I'm excited to begin writing again, I have definitely missed it. Tonight was just a ramble to get back into it, but I'll soon begin to once again write about the things God teaches me and shows me in life and in His word.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
After graduating I moved back to Liberty and spent one month at home. Then I spent three months in Botswana. One month back home led to one month in Rwanda.
Now I'm home. I have a pile of things in my closet that I have yet to unpack from my move from Lubbock, I have a few things still in a bag from Botswana, and found a bag yesterday that I still hadn't unpacked from Rwanda. Needless to say I'm still in transition.
I am taking a job as a coach with the school district I grew up in and have been very busy with camps, workouts, and trying to get things situated for this upcoming school year.
I'll be moving out of my parents house sometime in the next few months and moving to another place along with my brother.
I am shocked at the way my life has turned out. Honestly if you would have talked to me a year ago (maybe even less)I would have never guessed that I would be where I am now.
I never would have thought that I would go to Africa 3x in a year. I never thought I would graduate college in 3 1/2 years. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to minister to a crowd of over 700 people in a foreign country. I NEVER thought I'd move back to Liberty or take a job as a coach.
See Africa was all God, I never desired to travel. Preaching was all God, because I never thought I'd have the courage to stand in front of large crowds much less with a translator in another country. Coming home was all God because I never wanted to come back. Taking a job was all God because I wanted to go to seminary.
You know here is a shocker. When you offer God your life, He takes your life. I told God I was all His, so He took full advantage of it :) I've never made a better decision.
Though right now I'm in a place I never thought I'd be in, I have never been happier, I've never been more passionate, and honestly I couldn't imagine my life any better.
When I think about the things God has trusted me with, the places He's taken me, the things He's done through me or in front of me, the relationships I've been blessed with, the favor and incredible blessing I've seen in my life.... I could go on... but when I think on these things, it brings me to a place of humbleness and tears.
My God is so good. Apart from anything He's ever done for me, my God is powerful and worthy. If no one will praise Him the rocks will cry out, because the God I serve is worthy of praise and it's not about what He does for me, it's about who He is. Gosh isn't htat awesome to be in relationship with the ONE TRUE GOD.
I'm excited to begin writing again, I have definitely missed it. Tonight was just a ramble to get back into it, but I'll soon begin to once again write about the things God teaches me and shows me in life and in His word.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A few things i've learned
I was invited by Women Against Rape (also known as WAR) to come to a meeting a few days ago at their center. The meeting was all about alcohol addiction and Maun. At the meeting were several representatives from other organizations in the community. WAR is putting on a seminar in February to teach people about addiction, how to counsel addiction, where to get help, etc. I’ve been asked to participate and to hold a few lectures during the seminar. We’ll see if it fits with this busy schedule!
Leading the meeting was a specialist from the states who is not a believer. A member of the police force asked her who exactly are you trying to target and impact. Just Maun? The woman stood up straight and boldly responded to him. She said “well, sir I want to start here. I want to drop a pebble on top of Maun in the pond of Botswana and watch the ripple of impact cover this entire country. So, my hope is that we’ll start here with this seminar and eventually see change take over this nation.”
Her words impacted me. What a big vision. What great confidence. Imagine if we as a body of believers would have such vision. Imagine if we would start in one place and have the faith to believe it would touch a whole nation? She understood that she had to find a starting point, do the best job possible, and then have expectation for impact. This woman is determined and I believe it will be accomplished.
I love addictions counseling, so sitting through this day of meetings was a joy for me. I learned more about the culture in Botswana, I spoke with leaders from many organizations, and was able to share my opinions and thoughts as well. However, addictions also drives me insane from a Christian stand point. Let me explain. Most addictions professionals will tell you there is no cure for addictions, even alcoholics anonymous believes that once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. I however know the cure for an addiction. He’s the same cure for perversion, adultery, sickness, lying, depression, etc. His name is Jesus and I’m a liar if I were to say His blood wasn’t strong enough to end addiction. So I’ve set through classes, read through books, sat through meetings, been in long conversations, all about the never ending disease of addiction. We also discuss how addiction is many times a coping mechanism for worse problems. And in America you want me to sit down with a client who has an addiction because they suffer from depression and depend on a substance to cure their misery, and you want me to tell them what they need is to stop using and abusing so they can get back to their miserable life? NO! What I will tell them is I know a God who can turn your depression into joy, and when you taste HIS joy, you’ll never need that substance again. I rant about this because it leads into a story I want to tell!
I worked with a program the other day called reach4Life. I was able to go into a school and talk about making a difference to high schoolers, I talked about Jesus, and that He is what they need. While talking with the woman who helps run the program she told me a story. A man (a non-believer) was passing out condoms at a school and a teacher came up to talk to him. She said to him why are you passing out condoms, I’m a Christian and you should be teaching these kids abstinence, not giving them condoms. The man replied “As long as the church stays silent, the world will come up with their own answer”. What wisdom from a man who wasn’t even a church goer, not even a believer, yet he understood. With addictions, with STD’s, with gang violence, etc all these major problems that our nation, my nation, America, is having as long as the church remains silent the world will continue to make its own band aids. Oh America. We were once founded on Christian principles.
Don’t get me wrong, PEOPLE ARE DOING GREAT THINGS. They are helping people, but none of those fix the root of the problem. A band aid offers protection, it makes it feel a little better, but a band aid does not heal the cut. And so goes with these organizations and programs. They will help, but they do not fix the root problem and that’s they need Jesus. Most people will write me off saying I’m over spiritualizing it, but when you begin to look at people the way I do, there is no other answer. See I look at people and no matter the condition of their body I have to ask, how is their soul? Where will they be when they die. Because you can be rich and go to hell, healthy and go to hell, or you can be poor and go to heaven, have AIDS and go to heaven. Jesus cures addiction and gives joy that replaces the desire for alcohol, Jesus conquered loneliness and helplessness and provides confidence to girls who feel they need to have sex with a guy to feel loved, Jesus causes change that brings about love, kindness, giving, compassion. But most importantly He washes away our sins and makes us right with God.
That is why I am who I am and I do what I do. Because Jesus changes things. He saves eternities, He changes lives, He heals bodies, He gives authority, He supplies our needs, He has conquered this world. I love John 16:33 that says we’ll have tribulation in this world, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. In America, Africa, or any corner of the world the answer for the lives of the broken, hurting, starving, sick, disappointed, rejected, and lost is Jesus. So I’m thinking big. I’m getting vision. A vision that is world wide. To make the name of Jesus Christ known and see as He impacts and changes lives. Will you join in?
I’ve learned what it means to truly depend on God. I never thought that would be a lesson I would learn here, because in reality things aren’t bad here for a foreign country. We have occasional water and internet, great electricity, and good facilities. But in this past week, I’ve been sick, tired, weak, and no time to rest. I’m learning to pray because everything depends on it. I’m learning to lean on God in a new way.
Thanks for the prayers. Be Blessed,
J.Tate
Leading the meeting was a specialist from the states who is not a believer. A member of the police force asked her who exactly are you trying to target and impact. Just Maun? The woman stood up straight and boldly responded to him. She said “well, sir I want to start here. I want to drop a pebble on top of Maun in the pond of Botswana and watch the ripple of impact cover this entire country. So, my hope is that we’ll start here with this seminar and eventually see change take over this nation.”
Her words impacted me. What a big vision. What great confidence. Imagine if we as a body of believers would have such vision. Imagine if we would start in one place and have the faith to believe it would touch a whole nation? She understood that she had to find a starting point, do the best job possible, and then have expectation for impact. This woman is determined and I believe it will be accomplished.
I love addictions counseling, so sitting through this day of meetings was a joy for me. I learned more about the culture in Botswana, I spoke with leaders from many organizations, and was able to share my opinions and thoughts as well. However, addictions also drives me insane from a Christian stand point. Let me explain. Most addictions professionals will tell you there is no cure for addictions, even alcoholics anonymous believes that once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. I however know the cure for an addiction. He’s the same cure for perversion, adultery, sickness, lying, depression, etc. His name is Jesus and I’m a liar if I were to say His blood wasn’t strong enough to end addiction. So I’ve set through classes, read through books, sat through meetings, been in long conversations, all about the never ending disease of addiction. We also discuss how addiction is many times a coping mechanism for worse problems. And in America you want me to sit down with a client who has an addiction because they suffer from depression and depend on a substance to cure their misery, and you want me to tell them what they need is to stop using and abusing so they can get back to their miserable life? NO! What I will tell them is I know a God who can turn your depression into joy, and when you taste HIS joy, you’ll never need that substance again. I rant about this because it leads into a story I want to tell!
I worked with a program the other day called reach4Life. I was able to go into a school and talk about making a difference to high schoolers, I talked about Jesus, and that He is what they need. While talking with the woman who helps run the program she told me a story. A man (a non-believer) was passing out condoms at a school and a teacher came up to talk to him. She said to him why are you passing out condoms, I’m a Christian and you should be teaching these kids abstinence, not giving them condoms. The man replied “As long as the church stays silent, the world will come up with their own answer”. What wisdom from a man who wasn’t even a church goer, not even a believer, yet he understood. With addictions, with STD’s, with gang violence, etc all these major problems that our nation, my nation, America, is having as long as the church remains silent the world will continue to make its own band aids. Oh America. We were once founded on Christian principles.
Don’t get me wrong, PEOPLE ARE DOING GREAT THINGS. They are helping people, but none of those fix the root of the problem. A band aid offers protection, it makes it feel a little better, but a band aid does not heal the cut. And so goes with these organizations and programs. They will help, but they do not fix the root problem and that’s they need Jesus. Most people will write me off saying I’m over spiritualizing it, but when you begin to look at people the way I do, there is no other answer. See I look at people and no matter the condition of their body I have to ask, how is their soul? Where will they be when they die. Because you can be rich and go to hell, healthy and go to hell, or you can be poor and go to heaven, have AIDS and go to heaven. Jesus cures addiction and gives joy that replaces the desire for alcohol, Jesus conquered loneliness and helplessness and provides confidence to girls who feel they need to have sex with a guy to feel loved, Jesus causes change that brings about love, kindness, giving, compassion. But most importantly He washes away our sins and makes us right with God.
That is why I am who I am and I do what I do. Because Jesus changes things. He saves eternities, He changes lives, He heals bodies, He gives authority, He supplies our needs, He has conquered this world. I love John 16:33 that says we’ll have tribulation in this world, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. In America, Africa, or any corner of the world the answer for the lives of the broken, hurting, starving, sick, disappointed, rejected, and lost is Jesus. So I’m thinking big. I’m getting vision. A vision that is world wide. To make the name of Jesus Christ known and see as He impacts and changes lives. Will you join in?
I’ve learned what it means to truly depend on God. I never thought that would be a lesson I would learn here, because in reality things aren’t bad here for a foreign country. We have occasional water and internet, great electricity, and good facilities. But in this past week, I’ve been sick, tired, weak, and no time to rest. I’m learning to pray because everything depends on it. I’m learning to lean on God in a new way.
Thanks for the prayers. Be Blessed,
J.Tate
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A parting word
Well friends, as you know I am leaving next week to go to Botswana Africa for four months. I've had many ask the question in the last week "are you ready?", "are you excited", etc. I become at a loss for words in that moment (hard to believe i know). I've been asking of myself (practicing self analyzing thanks kayce) what exactly do I feel.
I fell in love with Africa my freshmen year of college, before I'd ever seen an African sky or stepped on African soil.
I was in a dorm room in Chitwood on the campus of Texas Tech. My friend Randi was excitedly telling me her plans to go to Kenya for 3 months that upcoming summer. As I sat on her bed I blurted out "I'm so glad God has not called me to do stuff like that, I have no desire to go overseas". I don't remember how the rest of the conversation went, but I'm sure I arrogantly talked about my love for America and Texas! Around 3 a.m. that night I woke up with a simple but stern sentence from the Lord. "You will go to Africa".
From that moment on I was sold. I began to be burdened for Africa, I yearned for it, I prayed for it, I cried over it, I was constantly trying to find ways to go. I finally went last may to Rwanda. I had previously believed I'd be one trip and done, but while I was in Rwanda I knew that I would go back. I've since learned we are all called to a lifetime of missions, it's simply found in the great commission. Missions consists of your day to day life, short term trips, long term trips, financially supporting trips, interceding for the nations... everyday we should be involved in missions. I will go as often as the Lord opens a door for me to go.
Even though I was all set and ready to start my masters there was a little discontentment with my decision. Within 48 hours of deciding I wanted to go to Africa I had the finances for 3 months from an amazing donor and the place I was going.
So here I am one week until I fly out leaving America for 4 months. I have complete confidence that I am doing the will of God for my life.
As I read more about the internship from past interns I am a little nervous because I know that I will be pushed to my limits physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. At the same time this makes me extremely excited because I know in my weakness He will be made strong. In reality I find peace in that no matter what my emotions are going into anything I do, if God says to do it, I'm going to do it. I have struggled a little in the past few weeks with the things I will be missing while I am gone: weddings, birthdays, possibly graduations. I realize these events are small compared to the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
So here I am 7 days away. I ask that you all continue to pray for me as I prepare this week and the 4 months that I will be in Botswana.
I will be privileged of having internet while in Bots and I will do my best to keep in touch with friends and family back in the states. Here are the many ways to keep in contact with me:
Skype: j-tate
Blog: jessinbotswana.blogspot.com
Email: jessinbotswana@hotmail.com
and of course facebook.
This will be my last blog on this account until I return from Bots!
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
I fell in love with Africa my freshmen year of college, before I'd ever seen an African sky or stepped on African soil.
I was in a dorm room in Chitwood on the campus of Texas Tech. My friend Randi was excitedly telling me her plans to go to Kenya for 3 months that upcoming summer. As I sat on her bed I blurted out "I'm so glad God has not called me to do stuff like that, I have no desire to go overseas". I don't remember how the rest of the conversation went, but I'm sure I arrogantly talked about my love for America and Texas! Around 3 a.m. that night I woke up with a simple but stern sentence from the Lord. "You will go to Africa".
From that moment on I was sold. I began to be burdened for Africa, I yearned for it, I prayed for it, I cried over it, I was constantly trying to find ways to go. I finally went last may to Rwanda. I had previously believed I'd be one trip and done, but while I was in Rwanda I knew that I would go back. I've since learned we are all called to a lifetime of missions, it's simply found in the great commission. Missions consists of your day to day life, short term trips, long term trips, financially supporting trips, interceding for the nations... everyday we should be involved in missions. I will go as often as the Lord opens a door for me to go.
Even though I was all set and ready to start my masters there was a little discontentment with my decision. Within 48 hours of deciding I wanted to go to Africa I had the finances for 3 months from an amazing donor and the place I was going.
So here I am one week until I fly out leaving America for 4 months. I have complete confidence that I am doing the will of God for my life.
As I read more about the internship from past interns I am a little nervous because I know that I will be pushed to my limits physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. At the same time this makes me extremely excited because I know in my weakness He will be made strong. In reality I find peace in that no matter what my emotions are going into anything I do, if God says to do it, I'm going to do it. I have struggled a little in the past few weeks with the things I will be missing while I am gone: weddings, birthdays, possibly graduations. I realize these events are small compared to the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
So here I am 7 days away. I ask that you all continue to pray for me as I prepare this week and the 4 months that I will be in Botswana.
I will be privileged of having internet while in Bots and I will do my best to keep in touch with friends and family back in the states. Here are the many ways to keep in contact with me:
Skype: j-tate
Blog: jessinbotswana.blogspot.com
Email: jessinbotswana@hotmail.com
and of course facebook.
This will be my last blog on this account until I return from Bots!
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
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