Issue #48

A Service Network for Pastors and Ministers

JULY 2011

this issueq MOTIVES IN MINISTRY | MATT JONES 3

q ASK RICK 5

q STAYING THE COURSE | ANDRELL CORBIN 8

q MINISTERING TO THE LORD | GUY DUININCK 12

q SNARED BY UNREALISTIC DREAMS | RICK RENNER 15

Strengthen your faith,as you refocus on God’s unchanging promises.

focuspower

impartShared Vision for Excellence in Ministry | Mentoring | Synergy in Problem-Solving www.impartnow.com

articles03 Motives in Ministry

05 Ask Rick

08 Staying the Course

12 Ministering to the Lord

15 Trap of Unrealistic Dreams

contributors Matt Jones 03

Rick Renner 05

Andrell Corbin 08

Guy Duininck 12

Rick Renner 15

Celebrity in Hiding or Shepherd of the Sheep?

35

12

8

Motives in Ministry —contents

Last month I wrote an article entitled, ”Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves — The Mentality of the Master,” in which I discussed the attitude of Jesus in His dealings with the world

around Him. Jesus was, as He commanded us to be, ”wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove” (see Matthew 10:16). This month I want to talk about another ”mentality of the Master”: having a mindset of approachability.

In some cultures, there still exists a very strict caste system that contradicts this godly mentality. In the caste system, one classification of people can be regarded as so low that they are literally outcasts or ”untouchables.” Others, such as kings or certain upper classes, may be regarded as so high that ”common people” are not allowed to touch them or even come near them.

This is a very worldly way of operating among people that vary by social or economic status. But the Kingdom of God is not like that at all. Jesus our King and High Priest was accessible to the people He ministered to. In fact, Hebrews 4:15 says, ”For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities….” Not only was Jesus touched by our infirmities, we see in the Word of God more than 20 instances in which He touched and reached out to the people who followed Him, and He guided them with compassion.

Jesus never considered the people too low or Himself too high. Yet if anyone had a right to do that, it would have been Jesus! He left His place in Heaven as God the Son, ”…made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7). After leaving His place in glory, Jesus Himself said that He came not to be served, but rather to serve — and, ”…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant….”

Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his l ife as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:25-28 NIV

I remember a particular pastor years ago who surrounded himself with ushers wearing shades, walkie-talkies, and earpieces. He had just over 100 people in his church. The initial

Matt Jones

Ask Rick>Q&A

15

3IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 20112 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

articles03 Motives in Ministry

05 Ask Rick

08 Staying the Course

12 Ministering to the Lord

15 Trap of Unrealistic Dreams

contributors Matt Jones 03

Rick Renner 05

Andrell Corbin 08

Guy Duininck 12

Rick Renner 15

Celebrity in Hiding or Shepherd of the Sheep?

35

12

8

Motives in Ministry —contents

Last month I wrote an article entitled, ”Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves — The Mentality of the Master,” in which I discussed the attitude of Jesus in His dealings with the world

around Him. Jesus was, as He commanded us to be, ”wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove” (see Matthew 10:16). This month I want to talk about another ”mentality of the Master”: having a mindset of approachability.

In some cultures, there still exists a very strict caste system that contradicts this godly mentality. In the caste system, one classification of people can be regarded as so low that they are literally outcasts or ”untouchables.” Others, such as kings or certain upper classes, may be regarded as so high that ”common people” are not allowed to touch them or even come near them.

This is a very worldly way of operating among people that vary by social or economic status. But the Kingdom of God is not like that at all. Jesus our King and High Priest was accessible to the people He ministered to. In fact, Hebrews 4:15 says, ”For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities….” Not only was Jesus touched by our infirmities, we see in the Word of God more than 20 instances in which He touched and reached out to the people who followed Him, and He guided them with compassion.

Jesus never considered the people too low or Himself too high. Yet if anyone had a right to do that, it would have been Jesus! He left His place in Heaven as God the Son, ”…made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7). After leaving His place in glory, Jesus Himself said that He came not to be served, but rather to serve — and, ”…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant….”

Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his l ife as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:25-28 NIV

I remember a particular pastor years ago who surrounded himself with ushers wearing shades, walkie-talkies, and earpieces. He had just over 100 people in his church. The initial

Matt Jones

Ask Rick>Q&A

15

3IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 20112 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

excitement of having ”the great man of God arrive with the anointing” created an initial burst of growth for this church. However, within a year’s time, it was completely closed down due to lack of attendance. Biblically, solid church growth is based on relationships and fellowship, not on creating an aura of self-importance while diminishing the importance of those to whom you’ve been sent to minister.

As pastors, if we seclude ourselves from the very people we’ve been assigned to teach and care for, we are no greater than the world’s leaders that Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 20:25-28. It’s imperative that we not think so highly of ourselves that we consider ourselves to be better or greater than those we serve. Instead, we must have ”the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) and take on the mentality of the Master.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Phil ippians 2:5-8

When I pastored, I took a troubled church with a troubled past. Within just a few years,

we tripled our attendance. One of the reasons for our growth was that I simply followed Jesus’ example of accessibility and was approachable by all.

True ministry can only occur when we as ministers can be touched. Ministry is

about people, relationships, and trust. People

find it hard to trust someone who is ”beyond them.” In the Kingdom of God, there are no outcasts or barriers between clergy and laity. To function otherwise would be to violate the very spirit and nature of God’s Kingdom.

Certainly, I believe in a divinely called and ordered ministry that leads the church, but let’s not forget our greatest Teacher and Example. And let’s not forget the call, the honor of being called, and what the calling is for.

Consider the attitude of the apostle Paul, whom God used mightily in the Early Church and who penned much of the New Testament.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him.

1 Timothy 1:12 NLT

Jesus has counted us faithful and trust-worthy, putting us into the ministry. So let’s look to Him as our ultimate Example — and always endeavor to be a reflection of Him as we serve Him and others with the mentality of the Master.

Matt JonesIMPART Executive Editor

”Biblically, solid church growth is based on relationships and fellowship”

Q>Rick, we hear so much about God’s judgment today — some

preaching messages of ”hell fire and brimstone,” and at the other extreme, others preaching that believers don’t even need to confess their sins. What does the Bible say about God’s judgment, especially where the Church is concerned?

A<That’s a great question, but time does not permit me to

comment on everything the Bible says about God’s judgment, because the Word of God has quite a bit to say about the subject!

First, let me say that hell is a real place. However, hell was never created nor intended for mankind. It was intended for Lucifer and the other fallen angels — those who followed him in his rebellion and his attempt to overthrow God. And although the Bible says, ”...All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and, ”...The wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23), it also says, ”...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (v. 23)! Friend, that is good news!

Yet there are those who simply will not accept this ”free gift” of salvation through Jesus Christ, and unless there comes a change of heart in these people on this side of eternity, those souls will make their eternal abode in that dreadful place called hell. But for those who have given their hearts to Jesus, Heaven becomes their eternal dwelling place.

Now, let’s talk about the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ for a moment. To say that God never judges people

Q>AIf you have a question pertaining to ministry that you’d like to ask Rick Renner, simply go to www.impartnow.com and click on the “Ask Rick” button. You may also email questions to: info@impartnow.com.

who make up His Body directly contradicts Scripture. In fact, earlier this year, I released my book A Light in Darkness, Volume 1, in which I detail Jesus’ appearance to John on the isle of Patmos as the resurrected Christ. In that vision, Jesus gave some pretty stern warnings to the pastors and members of certain churches in Asia Minor, saying that they needed to repent! So to say that God never judges believers simply isn’t the truth.

However, it’s important to note the manner in which Jesus was coming to those churches listed in the first three chapters of Revelation. So let’s look at that for a moment.

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks

Ask Rick>Q&A

one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace....

Revelation 1:12-15

Notice the first thing John described about the image of Jesus before his eyes: that He was ”…clothed with a garment down to the foot…” (v. 13). This is a description of the priestly garments described in Exodus 28 — which means that the very first appearance of the exalted Christ mentioned in Revelation 1 is not His appearance as a judge or even as a king, but as a priest.

5IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 20114 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

excitement of having ”the great man of God arrive with the anointing” created an initial burst of growth for this church. However, within a year’s time, it was completely closed down due to lack of attendance. Biblically, solid church growth is based on relationships and fellowship, not on creating an aura of self-importance while diminishing the importance of those to whom you’ve been sent to minister.

As pastors, if we seclude ourselves from the very people we’ve been assigned to teach and care for, we are no greater than the world’s leaders that Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 20:25-28. It’s imperative that we not think so highly of ourselves that we consider ourselves to be better or greater than those we serve. Instead, we must have ”the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) and take on the mentality of the Master.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Phil ippians 2:5-8

When I pastored, I took a troubled church with a troubled past. Within just a few years,

we tripled our attendance. One of the reasons for our growth was that I simply followed Jesus’ example of accessibility and was approachable by all.

True ministry can only occur when we as ministers can be touched. Ministry is

about people, relationships, and trust. People

find it hard to trust someone who is ”beyond them.” In the Kingdom of God, there are no outcasts or barriers between clergy and laity. To function otherwise would be to violate the very spirit and nature of God’s Kingdom.

Certainly, I believe in a divinely called and ordered ministry that leads the church, but let’s not forget our greatest Teacher and Example. And let’s not forget the call, the honor of being called, and what the calling is for.

Consider the attitude of the apostle Paul, whom God used mightily in the Early Church and who penned much of the New Testament.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him.

1 Timothy 1:12 NLT

Jesus has counted us faithful and trust-worthy, putting us into the ministry. So let’s look to Him as our ultimate Example — and always endeavor to be a reflection of Him as we serve Him and others with the mentality of the Master.

Matt JonesIMPART Executive Editor

”Biblically, solid church growth is based on relationships and fellowship”

Q>Rick, we hear so much about God’s judgment today — some

preaching messages of ”hell fire and brimstone,” and at the other extreme, others preaching that believers don’t even need to confess their sins. What does the Bible say about God’s judgment, especially where the Church is concerned?

A<That’s a great question, but time does not permit me to

comment on everything the Bible says about God’s judgment, because the Word of God has quite a bit to say about the subject!

First, let me say that hell is a real place. However, hell was never created nor intended for mankind. It was intended for Lucifer and the other fallen angels — those who followed him in his rebellion and his attempt to overthrow God. And although the Bible says, ”...All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and, ”...The wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23), it also says, ”...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (v. 23)! Friend, that is good news!

Yet there are those who simply will not accept this ”free gift” of salvation through Jesus Christ, and unless there comes a change of heart in these people on this side of eternity, those souls will make their eternal abode in that dreadful place called hell. But for those who have given their hearts to Jesus, Heaven becomes their eternal dwelling place.

Now, let’s talk about the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ for a moment. To say that God never judges people

Q>AIf you have a question pertaining to ministry that you’d like to ask Rick Renner, simply go to www.impartnow.com and click on the “Ask Rick” button. You may also email questions to: info@impartnow.com.

who make up His Body directly contradicts Scripture. In fact, earlier this year, I released my book A Light in Darkness, Volume 1, in which I detail Jesus’ appearance to John on the isle of Patmos as the resurrected Christ. In that vision, Jesus gave some pretty stern warnings to the pastors and members of certain churches in Asia Minor, saying that they needed to repent! So to say that God never judges believers simply isn’t the truth.

However, it’s important to note the manner in which Jesus was coming to those churches listed in the first three chapters of Revelation. So let’s look at that for a moment.

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks

Ask Rick>Q&A

one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace....

Revelation 1:12-15

Notice the first thing John described about the image of Jesus before his eyes: that He was ”…clothed with a garment down to the foot…” (v. 13). This is a description of the priestly garments described in Exodus 28 — which means that the very first appearance of the exalted Christ mentioned in Revelation 1 is not His appearance as a judge or even as a king, but as a priest.

5IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 20114 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

John understood in this vision that first and foremost, above everything else, Jesus stands in the

midst of His Church — represented in this passage by the seven golden candlesticks — not to judge it, but to pray for it. And Jesus is still praying for each of us today. His is an unchangeable priesthood. He paid for us with His own blood, and He continually prays for us by virtue of that precious blood. We’re still ”golden” to Him.

Then John said in verse 15, ”And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace….” The word ”brass” in this verse is the word for bronze or something that is brazen, such as the brazen altar or the brazen laver used in the Old Testament — and it always indicates judgment.

The fact is, we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Jesus Christ one day. It’s also a fact that if we don’t choose to live right in this life, we will suffer the consequences of our choices and actions. But in this verse, where it says that John sees Jesus’ feet as brass, we need to remember that before John mentioned Jesus’ feet, he described His priestly garment. John knew that before Christ would stand in judgment of the seven churches (and of His Church at large throughout the ages), He would first stand as their High Priest, continually interceding for them to overcome every challenge in order to fulfill God’s purposes.

There is something else about Jesus’ feet, described as ”like unto fine brass,” that’s important to understand. The translation of the original word for ”brass” is interesting because it’s used in only one other place in the New Testament. It’s the Greek word chalkolibanon, a compound of the words chalkos and libanos. The word chalkos describes an alloy of copper, mixed with either tin (bronze) or zinc (brass) — and the

word libanos is the Greek word for frankincense. But because there’s no such thing as an alloy of bronze and frankincense, this seems at first like a very strange word for John to use. However, when we remember that Christ first appeared as High Priest — and that priests used frankincense in their priestly ministry — the meaning becomes clear: Although Christ was coming with the potential of judgment, His feet of judgment had been bathed in frankincense.

In other words, because Jesus did not want to judge His Church, even His judgment was bathed in prayer!

Another quality about bronze is that it is very heavy. So if someone’s feet were made of bronze, he wouldn’t be doing much running! Thus, we find in John’s description of the exalted Christ that although Jesus was coming to deal with His Church, He was moving forward very slowly — so slowly, in fact, that those letters He instructed John to write to the seven churches would arrive in advance of Him. All the churches that received a warning from Jesus would have the opportunity to respond to Him before He arrived in judgment. And even if He did come to those churches, He would be coming with feet of bronze bathed in frankincense — not to destroy, but to correct.

But why would Jesus need to correct those who belonged to Him — Christians — if Christians don’t need to confess their wrongdoings, or sins, as some propose? In fact, there’s a lot of talk by some today that you don’t ever need to confess your sins after you become saved.

That’s a big problem. First John 1:9 says, ”If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Notice John wrote the words we, our, and us, speaking to Christians.

That word ”confess” is the Greek word homologeo, which means to agree with or to say the same thing as another. If we agree with God concerning our sins, it means we’re

seeing our wrong thoughts and actions the way He sees them — until, finally, our hearts and the heart of God begin to beat in syncopation. And

because we really see it from God’s side — from a place of contrition, we confess those things to Him. It’s a concrete agreeing with God regarding specific events that are sin.

In fact, the only way ”cleansing” can be released in our lives is if we first meet the qualification, which is to agree with God. We can’t fix anything in our lives until, first, we recognize that it’s wrong. When we do recognize it and agree with God, the result is supernatural cleansing. It’s my personal conviction that one reason so many believers struggle with defeat is they have unconfessed sin in their lives.

So what does it mean to ”confess” sin? A genuine confession of sin means we say something so deeply from the heart, and we come to a

place of compliance, or agreement, with God. And what does God do? First John 1:9 says, ”...He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous.” In other words, He ”lets it go.” But He doesn’t just let it go; He deals lovingly with the residual effects, completely cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Whether or not a person is saved, it is completely normal in any relationship to

say, ”I’m sorry” when he or she misses it with another person. And it’s very unnatural not to say, ”I’m sorry” when

an apology is needed. The same is true with relationships among believers. I can’t imagine never apologizing to Denise when I’m wrong, even though I am secure in her love. A true love-response in any relationship is to repent and apologize when a wrong has been committed. Without that, there will be hindrances to growth and communication. To say, ”I’m redeemed and victorious; therefore, I never have to confess my sins” is simply stretching the point beyond the bounds of God’s Word and disagreeing with the whole body of Scripture.

Please hear what I’m not saying about First John 1:9 and the confession of sin. I’m not saying that when we miss it and sin, we’re to allow ourselves to fall under the enemy’s condemnation or our own self-inflicted judgment and punishment.

‘‘He paid for us with His own blood, and He continually

prays for us by virtue of that precious blood. We’re still

‘‘golden” to Him�’’

The whole point of this verse is grace! It’s not to put people in bondage, but rather to liberate them! God is after our freedom from sin and the clutches of its bondages and shame.

My friend and fellow minister Tony Cooke has just released his newest book Grace: The DNA of God, and it is one of the best, most balanced, and doctrinally strong treatments of this subject that I have ever read. You can purchase a copy at www.tonycooke.org. I highly recommend that you do! It will bless, encourage, and enlighten you and those to whom God has called you to minister.

6 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 7IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

John understood in this vision that first and foremost, above everything else, Jesus stands in the

midst of His Church — represented in this passage by the seven golden candlesticks — not to judge it, but to pray for it. And Jesus is still praying for each of us today. His is an unchangeable priesthood. He paid for us with His own blood, and He continually prays for us by virtue of that precious blood. We’re still ”golden” to Him.

Then John said in verse 15, ”And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace….” The word ”brass” in this verse is the word for bronze or something that is brazen, such as the brazen altar or the brazen laver used in the Old Testament — and it always indicates judgment.

The fact is, we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Jesus Christ one day. It’s also a fact that if we don’t choose to live right in this life, we will suffer the consequences of our choices and actions. But in this verse, where it says that John sees Jesus’ feet as brass, we need to remember that before John mentioned Jesus’ feet, he described His priestly garment. John knew that before Christ would stand in judgment of the seven churches (and of His Church at large throughout the ages), He would first stand as their High Priest, continually interceding for them to overcome every challenge in order to fulfill God’s purposes.

There is something else about Jesus’ feet, described as ”like unto fine brass,” that’s important to understand. The translation of the original word for ”brass” is interesting because it’s used in only one other place in the New Testament. It’s the Greek word chalkolibanon, a compound of the words chalkos and libanos. The word chalkos describes an alloy of copper, mixed with either tin (bronze) or zinc (brass) — and the

word libanos is the Greek word for frankincense. But because there’s no such thing as an alloy of bronze and frankincense, this seems at first like a very strange word for John to use. However, when we remember that Christ first appeared as High Priest — and that priests used frankincense in their priestly ministry — the meaning becomes clear: Although Christ was coming with the potential of judgment, His feet of judgment had been bathed in frankincense.

In other words, because Jesus did not want to judge His Church, even His judgment was bathed in prayer!

Another quality about bronze is that it is very heavy. So if someone’s feet were made of bronze, he wouldn’t be doing much running! Thus, we find in John’s description of the exalted Christ that although Jesus was coming to deal with His Church, He was moving forward very slowly — so slowly, in fact, that those letters He instructed John to write to the seven churches would arrive in advance of Him. All the churches that received a warning from Jesus would have the opportunity to respond to Him before He arrived in judgment. And even if He did come to those churches, He would be coming with feet of bronze bathed in frankincense — not to destroy, but to correct.

But why would Jesus need to correct those who belonged to Him — Christians — if Christians don’t need to confess their wrongdoings, or sins, as some propose? In fact, there’s a lot of talk by some today that you don’t ever need to confess your sins after you become saved.

That’s a big problem. First John 1:9 says, ”If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Notice John wrote the words we, our, and us, speaking to Christians.

That word ”confess” is the Greek word homologeo, which means to agree with or to say the same thing as another. If we agree with God concerning our sins, it means we’re

seeing our wrong thoughts and actions the way He sees them — until, finally, our hearts and the heart of God begin to beat in syncopation. And

because we really see it from God’s side — from a place of contrition, we confess those things to Him. It’s a concrete agreeing with God regarding specific events that are sin.

In fact, the only way ”cleansing” can be released in our lives is if we first meet the qualification, which is to agree with God. We can’t fix anything in our lives until, first, we recognize that it’s wrong. When we do recognize it and agree with God, the result is supernatural cleansing. It’s my personal conviction that one reason so many believers struggle with defeat is they have unconfessed sin in their lives.

So what does it mean to ”confess” sin? A genuine confession of sin means we say something so deeply from the heart, and we come to a

place of compliance, or agreement, with God. And what does God do? First John 1:9 says, ”...He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous.” In other words, He ”lets it go.” But He doesn’t just let it go; He deals lovingly with the residual effects, completely cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Whether or not a person is saved, it is completely normal in any relationship to

say, ”I’m sorry” when he or she misses it with another person. And it’s very unnatural not to say, ”I’m sorry” when

an apology is needed. The same is true with relationships among believers. I can’t imagine never apologizing to Denise when I’m wrong, even though I am secure in her love. A true love-response in any relationship is to repent and apologize when a wrong has been committed. Without that, there will be hindrances to growth and communication. To say, ”I’m redeemed and victorious; therefore, I never have to confess my sins” is simply stretching the point beyond the bounds of God’s Word and disagreeing with the whole body of Scripture.

Please hear what I’m not saying about First John 1:9 and the confession of sin. I’m not saying that when we miss it and sin, we’re to allow ourselves to fall under the enemy’s condemnation or our own self-inflicted judgment and punishment.

‘‘He paid for us with His own blood, and He continually

prays for us by virtue of that precious blood. We’re still

‘‘golden” to Him�’’

The whole point of this verse is grace! It’s not to put people in bondage, but rather to liberate them! God is after our freedom from sin and the clutches of its bondages and shame.

My friend and fellow minister Tony Cooke has just released his newest book Grace: The DNA of God, and it is one of the best, most balanced, and doctrinally strong treatments of this subject that I have ever read. You can purchase a copy at www.tonycooke.org. I highly recommend that you do! It will bless, encourage, and enlighten you and those to whom God has called you to minister.

6 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 7IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

sold into slavery. Carried away into Egypt and purchased by Potiphar, Pharaoh’s chief officer, Joseph distinguished himself through skillful diligence. He was soon placed in charge of Potiphar’s entire household. Potiphar’s wife, however, cast her lustful gaze upon Joseph and sought to seduce him. When Joseph fled her enticement rather than yield to sin, Potiphar’s wife accused him of the very lewdness that filled her own heart. As a result, her false accusation landed him in prison.

”Staying focused during a crisis ... is one of the hardest things

you will ever do”

Thrust into the heart of the prison, Joseph used his organizational skills to bring order to his surroundings. As a result, those skills gained him favor despite the cruel circumstances. But Joseph’s life looked and felt nothing like the days of privilege he enjoyed in his father’s house. Nauseated by the dank stench of his dark prison cell, Joseph certainly felt none of the smug elation he barely concealed when he provoked his brothers to jealousy by telling them his dreams, in which both they and his father bowed down before him.

Focus is a powerful thing. Proper focus will keep you centered and on course regardless of

intervening influences. Without it, you won’t reach your desired destination.

Staying focused during a crisis, however, is easier said than done. In fact, it is one of the hardest things you will ever do — especially when you’ve been caught off guard or hit with a flurry of unexpected blows. If you’ve ever had to

have a sure and enduring promise from the Lord. You cannot deny the difficulties you face. But you can deny them the power to destroy you. Redirect your focus from the difficulties to the One who said: ”Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your

persevere to see a dream or goal come to pass, you’ve already discovered that your biggest fight is to hold yourself calm no matter what. It takes focus to maintain your confident expectation when everything around you begins to spiral downward, becoming the very opposite of what you envisioned.

To get through a crisis, you must simply keep moving forward. This is more challenging than you might think — particularly when your world is reeling and you aren’t even sure which way is up, let alone forward. But in order to make progress and lay hold of your destiny, you have to toughen up and endure hardship, just like our Champion, Jesus. For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the Cross, disregarding its shame (Hebrews 12:1-3). You, too, can achieve that degree of tenacity if you’ll make God’s viewpoint the filter through which you see every situation. You

Keys To Navigating the Storm and Staying the CoursePREPARATION PRINCIPLES | ANDRELL CORBIN

God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties…” (Isaiah 41:10 AMP).

Joseph: The Epitome of Focus

Joseph was the epitome of one who maintained focus in the midst of crushing personal crisis. Genesis 37 and 39 give the account of how he was threatened with death by his jealous brothers and eventually

The Only Way To Get There From Here —

Editor’s Note: The following article was adapted from Andrell Corbin’s book Navigate the Storm — Strategies To Stay on Course When Crisis Hits, which can be obtained by writing navigatethestorm@gmail.com.

8 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 9IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

sold into slavery. Carried away into Egypt and purchased by Potiphar, Pharaoh’s chief officer, Joseph distinguished himself through skillful diligence. He was soon placed in charge of Potiphar’s entire household. Potiphar’s wife, however, cast her lustful gaze upon Joseph and sought to seduce him. When Joseph fled her enticement rather than yield to sin, Potiphar’s wife accused him of the very lewdness that filled her own heart. As a result, her false accusation landed him in prison.

”Staying focused during a crisis ... is one of the hardest things

you will ever do”

Thrust into the heart of the prison, Joseph used his organizational skills to bring order to his surroundings. As a result, those skills gained him favor despite the cruel circumstances. But Joseph’s life looked and felt nothing like the days of privilege he enjoyed in his father’s house. Nauseated by the dank stench of his dark prison cell, Joseph certainly felt none of the smug elation he barely concealed when he provoked his brothers to jealousy by telling them his dreams, in which both they and his father bowed down before him.

Focus is a powerful thing. Proper focus will keep you centered and on course regardless of

intervening influences. Without it, you won’t reach your desired destination.

Staying focused during a crisis, however, is easier said than done. In fact, it is one of the hardest things you will ever do — especially when you’ve been caught off guard or hit with a flurry of unexpected blows. If you’ve ever had to

have a sure and enduring promise from the Lord. You cannot deny the difficulties you face. But you can deny them the power to destroy you. Redirect your focus from the difficulties to the One who said: ”Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your

persevere to see a dream or goal come to pass, you’ve already discovered that your biggest fight is to hold yourself calm no matter what. It takes focus to maintain your confident expectation when everything around you begins to spiral downward, becoming the very opposite of what you envisioned.

To get through a crisis, you must simply keep moving forward. This is more challenging than you might think — particularly when your world is reeling and you aren’t even sure which way is up, let alone forward. But in order to make progress and lay hold of your destiny, you have to toughen up and endure hardship, just like our Champion, Jesus. For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the Cross, disregarding its shame (Hebrews 12:1-3). You, too, can achieve that degree of tenacity if you’ll make God’s viewpoint the filter through which you see every situation. You

Keys To Navigating the Storm and Staying the CoursePREPARATION PRINCIPLES | ANDRELL CORBIN

God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties…” (Isaiah 41:10 AMP).

Joseph: The Epitome of Focus

Joseph was the epitome of one who maintained focus in the midst of crushing personal crisis. Genesis 37 and 39 give the account of how he was threatened with death by his jealous brothers and eventually

The Only Way To Get There From Here —

Editor’s Note: The following article was adapted from Andrell Corbin’s book Navigate the Storm — Strategies To Stay on Course When Crisis Hits, which can be obtained by writing navigatethestorm@gmail.com.

8 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 9IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

God had spoken to Joseph when he was a teenager through two destiny-revealing dreams. The trajectory from his dreams to their fulfillment took many twists, as Joseph’s life spiraled downward into a devastating series of breathtaking betrayals, rejection, and longstanding difficulty. But notice his attitude. In the midst of it all, Joseph demonstrated the principle of unwavering focus. Woven throughout his many disappointments, Joseph maintained his focus in order to retain his sanity. He endured hardship and emerged from difficulty better equipped in character to become an instrument of blessing and deliverance for others.

Three Essentials To Keep You Focused and on Course

In the midst of a storm, it is often impossible to see what’s around you or even to discern in what direction you’re headed. That’s why it’s crucial to navigate by setting your sights on a fixed point so you won’t get swept off course. The same principle is true in a personal crisis. Three essentials will keep you focused and stable, regardless of what you see or even feel. We find these three essentials as the sole focus of Joseph from the time he was hurled into the pit until he was hurried out of the prison into Pharaoh’s palace. Joseph stabilized his soul by focusing on:

•God’s Promise•God’sPresence•God’sPlan

Consider what happened to Joseph when Potiphar’s wife made her outlandish allegations, accusing

Joseph of acting in a way that was the very opposite of who he was. It is significant that Potiphar sent Joseph to prison rather than choosing to destroy his life. Why would Potiphar spare the life of a slave, which was an expendable commodity in the Egyptian economy?

Potiphar must have believed that Joseph was more valuable than he appeared at that moment — and Joseph was, for God was with him. And how could Joseph become a manager of the very prison he was thrown into? For the same reason: God was with him.

You may have lost a loved one to death or a business to bankruptcy. Your marriage or your ministry may have crumbled beneath the weight of betrayal and deceit. Falsehood may have been leveled against you and your reputation slandered. Fear not! Your times are in God’s hands, not in the hands of man. And if your ways are pleasing to the Lord, He will cause your enemies to be at peace with you. Furthermore, God will raise you up to be effective for Him—even in the midst of your crisis.

Problems or ongoing struggle do not define the meaning of your situation, nor should they determine your perspective of yourself. In moments of personal crisis, force yourself to engage enough presence of mind to take a quick survey:

• Am I maintaining obedience to God and a vital connection of fellowship with Him?

• Are my spiritual and natural gifts strengthening others and glorifying God?

• Has God’s favor increased in my life even though my circumstances haven’t changed?

If you can answer yes to these questions, it’s a clue that God is up to something. More than likely, your situation is just a small part of a much bigger plan.

‘‘In the midst of a storm, it is often imposible to see what’s around you or even to discern

in what direction you’re headed.’’

‘‘The extent and severity of an attack against you is always a good indicator

of what is at stake.’’

1. God’s Promise to Joseph Revealed His Purpose for JosephAs a teenager, Joseph’s dreams

revealed his call — a call contrary to the customs of his culture. He would one day hold such a position of such authority that his older brothers and his father would bow down and submit to him. When Joseph related his dreams to his family, his brothers’ envy and hatred of him escalated until they finally sold their younger brother into slavery. Joseph still possessed the promise — but slavery certainly didn’t seem like the pathway to the dream he had envisioned.

2. God’s Presence With Joseph Confirmed His Hand Upon Joseph

Look at this account in real time, not merely as a Bible story. What would your emotions be if you had been betrayed by the people closest to you? What if those who should have loved you the most actually cared for you the least, proving their disdain in the most personally devastating and publicly humiliating way? Joseph was in crisis. Yet even in the throes of despair, his gift continued to make room for him. More importantly, the Bible tells us that ”…God was with him” (Acts 7:9).

God’s presence, anointing, and favor could not be stolen from Joseph or manipulated by others. Despite the fierce actions and false accusations launched against Joseph, God was with him through it all. Even in a prison environment, Joseph quickly surfaced as one with an excellent spirit. He possessed noble character in addition to his notable gifts of discernment and organization.

Your gifts may open doors of opportunity for you, but it is your character that will keep you in the room of influence. That’s why it’s so crucial to cultivate character strong enough

to support the height and breadth of your calling. Character ensures long-term usefulness, while guaranteeing enduring effectiveness. Joseph’s character invoked God’s favor upon him and God’s presence with him. Joseph knew God was with him because:

• hisanointingremained.• hisenemiescouldnotdestroyhim.• hisgiftcontinuedtofindopportunity

for expression.

3. God’s Plan Defined How Joseph’s Gift Was To Be Utilized and Where and How His Calling Was To Be Realized

God’s plan is the big picture that encompasses your piece of the puzzle. Focusing on His big picture yanks you free from the vortex of confusion, fear, and self-absorption that tempts you to ask yourself repeatedly, How could this have happened? Ultimately, when you view your personal crisis within the context of the bigger picture, your perspective is clarified. You realize that the lives you are destined to influence are actually the real target of the attack leveled against you.

The extent and severity of an attack against you is always a good indicator of what is at stake. If you can be cut off and provoked to eliminate or disqualify yourself through doubt or disobedience, you will never reach those who would

be influenced for the Kingdom of God through your life and ministry. Don’t contribute to your own demise.

It’s imperative for you to view your crisis within the context of the big picture. And you can only do that by fastening your eyes unswervingly on the plan of God. When you do, you will not only outlast the crisis, but you will also remain effective in the midst of it.

Joseph finally figured it out. The attack against him as a teenager was designed to prevent him from saving lives as an adult (see Genesis 45:5,7,8). Yet what his enemies meant for evil, his Sovereign God turned for good. Unknown both to Joseph and his brothers, it was far

beyond the borders of his father’s house that God ordained Joseph to bring deliverance among the nations. Hurled into a pit and treacherously sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph landed securely in his divinely appointed destiny — not merely in spite of that crisis, but because of it. And when a crisis comes to crush you, God will invade it and override its intent. Furthermore, in His sovereignty, God will orchestrate its events to catapult you into your ”high place” in His plan for your life.

Andrell Corbin is an author and teacher with more than 25 years of professional experience as a writer, managing editor, and content development consultant. Her messages are marked by penetrating insights that inspire, instruct, and encourage with clarity and compassion. Andrell can be contacted by writing navigatethestorm@gmail.com.

10 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 11IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

God had spoken to Joseph when he was a teenager through two destiny-revealing dreams. The trajectory from his dreams to their fulfillment took many twists, as Joseph’s life spiraled downward into a devastating series of breathtaking betrayals, rejection, and longstanding difficulty. But notice his attitude. In the midst of it all, Joseph demonstrated the principle of unwavering focus. Woven throughout his many disappointments, Joseph maintained his focus in order to retain his sanity. He endured hardship and emerged from difficulty better equipped in character to become an instrument of blessing and deliverance for others.

Three Essentials To Keep You Focused and on Course

In the midst of a storm, it is often impossible to see what’s around you or even to discern in what direction you’re headed. That’s why it’s crucial to navigate by setting your sights on a fixed point so you won’t get swept off course. The same principle is true in a personal crisis. Three essentials will keep you focused and stable, regardless of what you see or even feel. We find these three essentials as the sole focus of Joseph from the time he was hurled into the pit until he was hurried out of the prison into Pharaoh’s palace. Joseph stabilized his soul by focusing on:

•God’s Promise•God’sPresence•God’sPlan

Consider what happened to Joseph when Potiphar’s wife made her outlandish allegations, accusing

Joseph of acting in a way that was the very opposite of who he was. It is significant that Potiphar sent Joseph to prison rather than choosing to destroy his life. Why would Potiphar spare the life of a slave, which was an expendable commodity in the Egyptian economy?

Potiphar must have believed that Joseph was more valuable than he appeared at that moment — and Joseph was, for God was with him. And how could Joseph become a manager of the very prison he was thrown into? For the same reason: God was with him.

You may have lost a loved one to death or a business to bankruptcy. Your marriage or your ministry may have crumbled beneath the weight of betrayal and deceit. Falsehood may have been leveled against you and your reputation slandered. Fear not! Your times are in God’s hands, not in the hands of man. And if your ways are pleasing to the Lord, He will cause your enemies to be at peace with you. Furthermore, God will raise you up to be effective for Him—even in the midst of your crisis.

Problems or ongoing struggle do not define the meaning of your situation, nor should they determine your perspective of yourself. In moments of personal crisis, force yourself to engage enough presence of mind to take a quick survey:

• Am I maintaining obedience to God and a vital connection of fellowship with Him?

• Are my spiritual and natural gifts strengthening others and glorifying God?

• Has God’s favor increased in my life even though my circumstances haven’t changed?

If you can answer yes to these questions, it’s a clue that God is up to something. More than likely, your situation is just a small part of a much bigger plan.

‘‘In the midst of a storm, it is often imposible to see what’s around you or even to discern

in what direction you’re headed.’’

‘‘The extent and severity of an attack against you is always a good indicator

of what is at stake.’’

1. God’s Promise to Joseph Revealed His Purpose for JosephAs a teenager, Joseph’s dreams

revealed his call — a call contrary to the customs of his culture. He would one day hold such a position of such authority that his older brothers and his father would bow down and submit to him. When Joseph related his dreams to his family, his brothers’ envy and hatred of him escalated until they finally sold their younger brother into slavery. Joseph still possessed the promise — but slavery certainly didn’t seem like the pathway to the dream he had envisioned.

2. God’s Presence With Joseph Confirmed His Hand Upon Joseph

Look at this account in real time, not merely as a Bible story. What would your emotions be if you had been betrayed by the people closest to you? What if those who should have loved you the most actually cared for you the least, proving their disdain in the most personally devastating and publicly humiliating way? Joseph was in crisis. Yet even in the throes of despair, his gift continued to make room for him. More importantly, the Bible tells us that ”…God was with him” (Acts 7:9).

God’s presence, anointing, and favor could not be stolen from Joseph or manipulated by others. Despite the fierce actions and false accusations launched against Joseph, God was with him through it all. Even in a prison environment, Joseph quickly surfaced as one with an excellent spirit. He possessed noble character in addition to his notable gifts of discernment and organization.

Your gifts may open doors of opportunity for you, but it is your character that will keep you in the room of influence. That’s why it’s so crucial to cultivate character strong enough

to support the height and breadth of your calling. Character ensures long-term usefulness, while guaranteeing enduring effectiveness. Joseph’s character invoked God’s favor upon him and God’s presence with him. Joseph knew God was with him because:

• hisanointingremained.• hisenemiescouldnotdestroyhim.• hisgiftcontinuedtofindopportunity

for expression.

3. God’s Plan Defined How Joseph’s Gift Was To Be Utilized and Where and How His Calling Was To Be Realized

God’s plan is the big picture that encompasses your piece of the puzzle. Focusing on His big picture yanks you free from the vortex of confusion, fear, and self-absorption that tempts you to ask yourself repeatedly, How could this have happened? Ultimately, when you view your personal crisis within the context of the bigger picture, your perspective is clarified. You realize that the lives you are destined to influence are actually the real target of the attack leveled against you.

The extent and severity of an attack against you is always a good indicator of what is at stake. If you can be cut off and provoked to eliminate or disqualify yourself through doubt or disobedience, you will never reach those who would

be influenced for the Kingdom of God through your life and ministry. Don’t contribute to your own demise.

It’s imperative for you to view your crisis within the context of the big picture. And you can only do that by fastening your eyes unswervingly on the plan of God. When you do, you will not only outlast the crisis, but you will also remain effective in the midst of it.

Joseph finally figured it out. The attack against him as a teenager was designed to prevent him from saving lives as an adult (see Genesis 45:5,7,8). Yet what his enemies meant for evil, his Sovereign God turned for good. Unknown both to Joseph and his brothers, it was far

beyond the borders of his father’s house that God ordained Joseph to bring deliverance among the nations. Hurled into a pit and treacherously sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph landed securely in his divinely appointed destiny — not merely in spite of that crisis, but because of it. And when a crisis comes to crush you, God will invade it and override its intent. Furthermore, in His sovereignty, God will orchestrate its events to catapult you into your ”high place” in His plan for your life.

Andrell Corbin is an author and teacher with more than 25 years of professional experience as a writer, managing editor, and content development consultant. Her messages are marked by penetrating insights that inspire, instruct, and encourage with clarity and compassion. Andrell can be contacted by writing navigatethestorm@gmail.com.

10 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 11IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

Heart Alignment | Guy Duininck

Why Ministers Need To Minister to the Lord

Those who are called to be spiritual leaders often find themselves so deeply engaged in the work of ministry that they don’t take time to engage in living their personal

Christian lives. As a consequence, not only does their own relationship with God suffer, but they’re also unable to model to other believers some of the very basic aspects of a vital relationship with God.

One area of their personal walk with God that ministers often ignore is ministering to the Lord in worship. Let’s briefly consider some reasons why it’s vital for ministers to minister to the Lord.

Number One: No Believer Can Really Know God Apart From Personal Worship

It’s important that spiritual leaders minister to the Lord because no believer — including ministers — can know God as he or she should apart from a lifestyle of personal fellowship with Him. In fact, it’s this one-on-one, face-to-face, heart-to-heart relationship with God for which Jesus died to ”open” and provide to all men. God said that in this New Covenant, ”…they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest” (see Hebrews 8:10,11). The writer of Hebrews also testified that a ”new and living way” has been opened for believers into the Holiest Place (see

Hebrews 10:19-22). The apostle John said he wrote his epistle to bring people into fellowship with the Father and with Jesus. He followed up by saying, ”I wrote you these things that your joy may be full” (see 1 John 1:1-4). Christianity is, first and foremost, a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And that relationship includes man giving to God in worship.

When ministers don’t fellowship with God in times of personal worship, they simply won’t know God as they should. In that

condition, their ministry will likely become legalistic and religion ”tainted” rather than being infused with the vibrant dynamics of strength, joy, faith, clarity, and love, which proceed from an authentic personal relationship with God. No minister can live his life as he should or lead in the church as he should without having a genuine, personal relationship with God himself. No minister can speak about or on behalf of Someone he doesn’t know!

‘‘No believer can know God apart from personal fellowship with Him.’’

Number Two: A Minister Must Patterna Life Others Can Follow

It’s important for ministers to minister to the Lord because a very significant responsibility of their work as spiritual leaders is their calling to be a pattern of Christian life for others to follow. Paul told Timothy, ”…Be thou an example [Greek: tupos] of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The word ”example” in this verse is the Greek word tupos, which means type or pattern. In all things, Christian ministers are to be a type or pattern of Christ’s character and example. Believers need to see what real Christian life looks like! If they only see ministers in the pulpit preaching, they’ve only seen one aspect of ministry gifting. If that’s all believers know of a minister’s life, that minister has not even come close to reaching the fullness of his responsibility in God’s design.

Having attended conferences over the years where different ministers were speaking, I have often noted that during the times of worship

that usually precede the teaching or preaching portions of the services, some ministers were talking to one another, looking at their phones, or just standing there — seemingly aloof — with their hands in their pockets. They didn’t realize people were observing them and that

their behavior was sending a strong, albeit misguided, message that worship is not important!

When a minister’s lifestyle is not congruent with his teaching, the message of his lifestyle trumps

the message of his teaching every time. Interestingly, the writer of Hebrews instructed believers to emulate the lifestyle, not the teaching, of those who teach (see Hebrews 13:7). Ministers should continually be aware of this important reality.

Number Three: Personal Guidance OftenComes Through Ministering to the Lord

It’s important for ministers to minister to the Lord because personal guidance for ministry often comes through times of ministering to the Lord and fasting. When we study the Gospels, we learn that Jesus was often up, out, and away from human contact before the sun rose in the morning. He was worshipping the Father in private, seeking His help and direction. Jesus told His own disciples that when they prayed, they should go into their closet, shut their door, and seek their Father in secret (Matthew 6:5,6). That time of secret seeking would result in open reward. This lifestyle of waiting upon the Lord for guidance was also clearly practiced by the

”Jesus was often up, out, and away from human contact before the sun rose in the morning. He was worshipping the Father in private, seeking His help and direction. Time of secret seeking [results] in open reward.”

12 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 13IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

Heart Alignment | Guy Duininck

Why Ministers Need To Minister to the Lord

Those who are called to be spiritual leaders often find themselves so deeply engaged in the work of ministry that they don’t take time to engage in living their personal

Christian lives. As a consequence, not only does their own relationship with God suffer, but they’re also unable to model to other believers some of the very basic aspects of a vital relationship with God.

One area of their personal walk with God that ministers often ignore is ministering to the Lord in worship. Let’s briefly consider some reasons why it’s vital for ministers to minister to the Lord.

Number One: No Believer Can Really Know God Apart From Personal Worship

It’s important that spiritual leaders minister to the Lord because no believer — including ministers — can know God as he or she should apart from a lifestyle of personal fellowship with Him. In fact, it’s this one-on-one, face-to-face, heart-to-heart relationship with God for which Jesus died to ”open” and provide to all men. God said that in this New Covenant, ”…they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest” (see Hebrews 8:10,11). The writer of Hebrews also testified that a ”new and living way” has been opened for believers into the Holiest Place (see

Hebrews 10:19-22). The apostle John said he wrote his epistle to bring people into fellowship with the Father and with Jesus. He followed up by saying, ”I wrote you these things that your joy may be full” (see 1 John 1:1-4). Christianity is, first and foremost, a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And that relationship includes man giving to God in worship.

When ministers don’t fellowship with God in times of personal worship, they simply won’t know God as they should. In that

condition, their ministry will likely become legalistic and religion ”tainted” rather than being infused with the vibrant dynamics of strength, joy, faith, clarity, and love, which proceed from an authentic personal relationship with God. No minister can live his life as he should or lead in the church as he should without having a genuine, personal relationship with God himself. No minister can speak about or on behalf of Someone he doesn’t know!

‘‘No believer can know God apart from personal fellowship with Him.’’

Number Two: A Minister Must Patterna Life Others Can Follow

It’s important for ministers to minister to the Lord because a very significant responsibility of their work as spiritual leaders is their calling to be a pattern of Christian life for others to follow. Paul told Timothy, ”…Be thou an example [Greek: tupos] of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The word ”example” in this verse is the Greek word tupos, which means type or pattern. In all things, Christian ministers are to be a type or pattern of Christ’s character and example. Believers need to see what real Christian life looks like! If they only see ministers in the pulpit preaching, they’ve only seen one aspect of ministry gifting. If that’s all believers know of a minister’s life, that minister has not even come close to reaching the fullness of his responsibility in God’s design.

Having attended conferences over the years where different ministers were speaking, I have often noted that during the times of worship

that usually precede the teaching or preaching portions of the services, some ministers were talking to one another, looking at their phones, or just standing there — seemingly aloof — with their hands in their pockets. They didn’t realize people were observing them and that

their behavior was sending a strong, albeit misguided, message that worship is not important!

When a minister’s lifestyle is not congruent with his teaching, the message of his lifestyle trumps

the message of his teaching every time. Interestingly, the writer of Hebrews instructed believers to emulate the lifestyle, not the teaching, of those who teach (see Hebrews 13:7). Ministers should continually be aware of this important reality.

Number Three: Personal Guidance OftenComes Through Ministering to the Lord

It’s important for ministers to minister to the Lord because personal guidance for ministry often comes through times of ministering to the Lord and fasting. When we study the Gospels, we learn that Jesus was often up, out, and away from human contact before the sun rose in the morning. He was worshipping the Father in private, seeking His help and direction. Jesus told His own disciples that when they prayed, they should go into their closet, shut their door, and seek their Father in secret (Matthew 6:5,6). That time of secret seeking would result in open reward. This lifestyle of waiting upon the Lord for guidance was also clearly practiced by the

”Jesus was often up, out, and away from human contact before the sun rose in the morning. He was worshipping the Father in private, seeking His help and direction. Time of secret seeking [results] in open reward.”

12 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 13IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

Last Word | Rick Renner

‘‘God, of course, is always willing to speak, but His people need to ‘have ears to hear.’’’

leadership in the Early Church (see Acts 16:6,7; 19:21).

One of the clearest New Testament passages of Scriptures about receiving direction while ministering to the Lord is Acts 13:1-4. Perhaps God intended to guide even modern-day ministers when He inspired Luke to specifically state that as the prophets and teachers in the Antioch church ”ministered to the Lord and fasted,” the ”Holy Spirit said something.”

Setting oneself apart to minister to and seek the Lord seems to ”prime the pump” of exchange with God and helps ministers and all believers to ”lend an ear” to what He wishes to say. God, of course, is always willing to speak, but His people need to ”have ears to hear.” One thing that can help ministers to have ears to hear what God is saying is to spend time worshipping and seeking the Lord.

Number Four: Ministers Must Leadthe Church Corporately in Ministering to the Lord

It’s important for ministers to minister to the Lord in worship because they are not only called to be examples to believers concerning personal Christian life — they are also called to lead the corporate church in the worship of God.

The Church is called to three primary ministries — to minister to God as a holy priesthood and a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5,9); to minister to one another as fellow members of the Body and brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:16); and to minister to the lost as equipped believers, ”teaching and making disciples” (Matthew 28:19,20).

If ministers don’t minister to the Lord in worship personally, they will neither exemplify basic Christian life nor guide the Church properly in one of Her most important ministries: Her ministry to God as a holy priesthood and a spiritual house.

One of the best words used in the New Testament concerning the responsibilities of ministers is the Greek word proistemi. This word is used in First Thessalonians where Paul said, ”…Know them which labour among you, and are over [proistemi] you in the Lord…”

(1 Thessalonians 5:12). This word means to lead the way. Spiritual leaders should lead the church in worship to God. The author of Hebrews, clearly a spiritual leader, said it this way, ”…Let us offer up the sacrifice of praise continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15)! Notice the writer didn’t say, ”You should…,” but rather, ”Let us…”! Spiritual leaders are called to lead the way — and that includes leading the way in worship and ministry to the Lord

Understanding these four reasons why ministers should minister to the Lord should stir us to action as true and sincere ministers who desire to thrive in this important area of spiritual life. How wonderful it would be for believers, for local churches, and for the Church at large if those who are leading the way developed and maintained for themselves a profound and dynamic personal relationship with God!

Guy Duininck has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethel College and has attended RHEMA Bible Training Center. Since 1981 he has traveled throughout the

world teaching in local churches, Bible schools, and ministers’ conferences. With a strong emphasis on developing skilled spiritual leaders, strong local churches, and mature believers, Guy has significantly aided the Body of Christ in the places he travels. Additionally, Guy has developed a number of audio teachings, authored five books, and recorded six albums of his own music. You can find Guy on Facebook by searching Guy Duininck or Master’s Touch Ministries.

Don’t Be SnaredBy the Trap of

God desires that each of His children succeed in life as they follow their individual callings — God’s plan

and purpose for their lives. Yet many of His people do fail in life. Many never even discover or pursue the plan at all. Others find their purpose but become sidetracked in fulfilling it because of their unrealistic expectations that are grounded in fantasy instead of truth. In this article I’ll share a big reason why this occurs and what you can do now to overcome this way of thinking

if you’ve inadvertently swapped your God-given dream for an unrealistic expectation that’s destined to disappoint.

holds on to keeps his dreams at bay and prevents him from enjoying life and relationships, from taking care of himself spirit, soul, and body, and from developing himself to become more today than he was yesterday. People who chase unrealistic dreams are caught up in a world of fantasy that

perpetually takes them nowhere near their divinely appointed destination!

Left unchecked, a fantasy can warp your perception of reality until your thoughts are running wild in all the wrong directions!

‘‘People who chase unrealistic dreams are caught up in a world of fantasy that

perpetually takes them nowhere.’’

Fantasy and Unrealistic Dreams

God-Given Dreams Versus Concocted FantasiesFirst, I’ll begin by explaining that

there’s a big difference between a God-given dream and a mere fantasy. A dream is designed by God to be pursued intelligently — through genuine faith and hard work — until it is finally realized or fulfilled. On the other hand, a fantasy that a person

15IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 201114 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 15IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

Last Word | Rick Renner

‘‘God, of course, is always willing to speak, but His people need to ‘have ears to hear.’’’

leadership in the Early Church (see Acts 16:6,7; 19:21).

One of the clearest New Testament passages of Scriptures about receiving direction while ministering to the Lord is Acts 13:1-4. Perhaps God intended to guide even modern-day ministers when He inspired Luke to specifically state that as the prophets and teachers in the Antioch church ”ministered to the Lord and fasted,” the ”Holy Spirit said something.”

Setting oneself apart to minister to and seek the Lord seems to ”prime the pump” of exchange with God and helps ministers and all believers to ”lend an ear” to what He wishes to say. God, of course, is always willing to speak, but His people need to ”have ears to hear.” One thing that can help ministers to have ears to hear what God is saying is to spend time worshipping and seeking the Lord.

Number Four: Ministers Must Leadthe Church Corporately in Ministering to the Lord

It’s important for ministers to minister to the Lord in worship because they are not only called to be examples to believers concerning personal Christian life — they are also called to lead the corporate church in the worship of God.

The Church is called to three primary ministries — to minister to God as a holy priesthood and a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5,9); to minister to one another as fellow members of the Body and brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:16); and to minister to the lost as equipped believers, ”teaching and making disciples” (Matthew 28:19,20).

If ministers don’t minister to the Lord in worship personally, they will neither exemplify basic Christian life nor guide the Church properly in one of Her most important ministries: Her ministry to God as a holy priesthood and a spiritual house.

One of the best words used in the New Testament concerning the responsibilities of ministers is the Greek word proistemi. This word is used in First Thessalonians where Paul said, ”…Know them which labour among you, and are over [proistemi] you in the Lord…”

(1 Thessalonians 5:12). This word means to lead the way. Spiritual leaders should lead the church in worship to God. The author of Hebrews, clearly a spiritual leader, said it this way, ”…Let us offer up the sacrifice of praise continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15)! Notice the writer didn’t say, ”You should…,” but rather, ”Let us…”! Spiritual leaders are called to lead the way — and that includes leading the way in worship and ministry to the Lord

Understanding these four reasons why ministers should minister to the Lord should stir us to action as true and sincere ministers who desire to thrive in this important area of spiritual life. How wonderful it would be for believers, for local churches, and for the Church at large if those who are leading the way developed and maintained for themselves a profound and dynamic personal relationship with God!

Guy Duininck has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethel College and has attended RHEMA Bible Training Center. Since 1981 he has traveled throughout the

world teaching in local churches, Bible schools, and ministers’ conferences. With a strong emphasis on developing skilled spiritual leaders, strong local churches, and mature believers, Guy has significantly aided the Body of Christ in the places he travels. Additionally, Guy has developed a number of audio teachings, authored five books, and recorded six albums of his own music. You can find Guy on Facebook by searching Guy Duininck or Master’s Touch Ministries.

Don’t Be SnaredBy the Trap of

God desires that each of His children succeed in life as they follow their individual callings — God’s plan

and purpose for their lives. Yet many of His people do fail in life. Many never even discover or pursue the plan at all. Others find their purpose but become sidetracked in fulfilling it because of their unrealistic expectations that are grounded in fantasy instead of truth. In this article I’ll share a big reason why this occurs and what you can do now to overcome this way of thinking

if you’ve inadvertently swapped your God-given dream for an unrealistic expectation that’s destined to disappoint.

holds on to keeps his dreams at bay and prevents him from enjoying life and relationships, from taking care of himself spirit, soul, and body, and from developing himself to become more today than he was yesterday. People who chase unrealistic dreams are caught up in a world of fantasy that

perpetually takes them nowhere near their divinely appointed destination!

Left unchecked, a fantasy can warp your perception of reality until your thoughts are running wild in all the wrong directions!

‘‘People who chase unrealistic dreams are caught up in a world of fantasy that

perpetually takes them nowhere.’’

Fantasy and Unrealistic Dreams

God-Given Dreams Versus Concocted FantasiesFirst, I’ll begin by explaining that

there’s a big difference between a God-given dream and a mere fantasy. A dream is designed by God to be pursued intelligently — through genuine faith and hard work — until it is finally realized or fulfilled. On the other hand, a fantasy that a person

15IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 201114 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 15IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

17CONTEMPORARY MAGAZINE MONTH 20XX

‘‘You reap what you sow ... if you only fantasize about your future,

you will only reap more fantasy.’’

Let me explain how twisted and contorted the path can become that fantasy tries to make you travel.

Rather than working hard and giving it all you’ve got to see your God-given dreams manifest, fantasy can cause you to sit and fantasize about accomplishments and experiences that are completely impractical and will never occur. For example, you’re not going to win an Olympic Gold Medal while you’re sitting in your easy chair all day!

Fantasy holds you captive as you ”wait” for your golden moment when you’ll finally get your big break — without your moving a single muscle or putting forth any effort whatsoever! Snared by fantasy’s lie, you live under the misguided assumption that God will one day simply drop your dream into your lap. But that notion isn’t biblical.

Those that work their ground will have abundant food, but those that chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

Proverbs 28:19 NIV

This verse has been one of the guiding scriptures of my life. According to this verse, if you want to experience prosperity and God’s highest and best in life, you’re going to have to get up and begin plowing your ground!

The Mechanics of Harvest

Harvests don’t happen accidentally! You have to break up the hard, fallow ground beneath your feet, prepare the soil, and then plant some seeds. And that’s not all! Once the soil is prepared

and the seeds are planted, they have to be watered and watched over. You have to walk through your garden regularly searching for the smallest hint of insects, pests, and weeds. And you have to get down on your hands and knees and pull those weeds out one by one. After days and days of careful watching

and hard work, your precious seeds will begin to grow and pierce the topsoil, reaching upward to the sun.

When the plants you’ve toiled over have reached maturity and it’s time for harvest, then

you have to go into the field to pick the harvest. If you let the crops sit too long, the bugs will get them. Timing is everything when it comes to harvest.

That’s the way it is with your life too. If you’re going to reap a blessing in your life, it will be because you got involved with the Holy Spirit in making it happen. You must view your life as though it is a huge garden. Although God miraculously causes you to grow, you must do your part by weeding and working wherever He directs.

You may not think this sounds very spiritual, but if you’ll do it, eventually, you will bear fruit. Jesus said in John 15:8, ”Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” It’s not fun to buckle down and work your ground. But in order for your life to bear fruit, it will require hard work and effort. You must have a vision for what God wants your life to be, and you must go after it with all of your spirit, mind, and body. This is having a realistic outlook on life!

Fantasy’s Narcotic Effect on the Mind

Remember, the Bible says you reap what you sow (see Galatians 6:7). If you only fantasize about your future, never actually putting your hand to the plow and putting a little elbow grease into the project, you will only reap more fantasy, and your future will be jammed with poverty and a lack of God’s blessings.

People who successfully move from one phase of God’s ordained plan for their lives to the next phase put all of their strength and energy into seeing their dreams become a reality. And with the power of the Holy Spirit working inside and alongside of them, they succeed!

A real word from the Lord will motivate you and give you the strength to crucify your flesh, say no to fear, and be conformed to His image. Fantasies won’t do any of that! Fantasies are temporary — fleeting pauses from reality. They hinder us from doing anything valuable and practical in this life by their narcotic effect on our minds. They may temporarily make us feel euphoric, but when we ”wake up” to reality, and the effect wears off, we see that the kitchen is still dirty, the

bills are still unpaid, the marriage is still in trouble, the kids still need to be bathed, and the yard still needs to be mowed.

It’s Time To Awaken to the Dream GodHas Placed in Your Heart

People who are bent on passively waiting for success will end up kissing their dreams good-bye. The joy and fulfillment they’ve fantasized about will go to the man or woman who’s practical enough to start working his or her ground right now. Those who unrealistically expect the victories of life to just come to them do not understand life! Victory, joy, and fulfillment do not float on a cloud that suddenly and unexpectedly drops down into our lives. Success is obtained through desire and hard work, which is why it tastes so sweet when it finally comes!

It’s easier to fantasize than to actually pursue a genuine dream from God, because fantasy only involves your imagination and takes no effort. But for you to truly find fulfillment, you must participate in your own success by:

•HearingfromGod.•ReceivingHisplananddreamfor

your life.•Takingstepstoobeyandfulfillit.

Whereas a fantasy gives you the illusion of perfection with no effort, your word from God will demand that you grow, change, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and mind. But only God’s will can keep you planted in reality and cause you to be truly happy in life. And by working your ground instead of living in a fantasy, you’ll gain much more than a harvest — you’ll be changed into the person God has created you to be!

16 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 17IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

17CONTEMPORARY MAGAZINE MONTH 20XX

‘‘You reap what you sow ... if you only fantasize about your future,

you will only reap more fantasy.’’

Let me explain how twisted and contorted the path can become that fantasy tries to make you travel.

Rather than working hard and giving it all you’ve got to see your God-given dreams manifest, fantasy can cause you to sit and fantasize about accomplishments and experiences that are completely impractical and will never occur. For example, you’re not going to win an Olympic Gold Medal while you’re sitting in your easy chair all day!

Fantasy holds you captive as you ”wait” for your golden moment when you’ll finally get your big break — without your moving a single muscle or putting forth any effort whatsoever! Snared by fantasy’s lie, you live under the misguided assumption that God will one day simply drop your dream into your lap. But that notion isn’t biblical.

Those that work their ground will have abundant food, but those that chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

Proverbs 28:19 NIV

This verse has been one of the guiding scriptures of my life. According to this verse, if you want to experience prosperity and God’s highest and best in life, you’re going to have to get up and begin plowing your ground!

The Mechanics of Harvest

Harvests don’t happen accidentally! You have to break up the hard, fallow ground beneath your feet, prepare the soil, and then plant some seeds. And that’s not all! Once the soil is prepared

and the seeds are planted, they have to be watered and watched over. You have to walk through your garden regularly searching for the smallest hint of insects, pests, and weeds. And you have to get down on your hands and knees and pull those weeds out one by one. After days and days of careful watching

and hard work, your precious seeds will begin to grow and pierce the topsoil, reaching upward to the sun.

When the plants you’ve toiled over have reached maturity and it’s time for harvest, then

you have to go into the field to pick the harvest. If you let the crops sit too long, the bugs will get them. Timing is everything when it comes to harvest.

That’s the way it is with your life too. If you’re going to reap a blessing in your life, it will be because you got involved with the Holy Spirit in making it happen. You must view your life as though it is a huge garden. Although God miraculously causes you to grow, you must do your part by weeding and working wherever He directs.

You may not think this sounds very spiritual, but if you’ll do it, eventually, you will bear fruit. Jesus said in John 15:8, ”Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” It’s not fun to buckle down and work your ground. But in order for your life to bear fruit, it will require hard work and effort. You must have a vision for what God wants your life to be, and you must go after it with all of your spirit, mind, and body. This is having a realistic outlook on life!

Fantasy’s Narcotic Effect on the Mind

Remember, the Bible says you reap what you sow (see Galatians 6:7). If you only fantasize about your future, never actually putting your hand to the plow and putting a little elbow grease into the project, you will only reap more fantasy, and your future will be jammed with poverty and a lack of God’s blessings.

People who successfully move from one phase of God’s ordained plan for their lives to the next phase put all of their strength and energy into seeing their dreams become a reality. And with the power of the Holy Spirit working inside and alongside of them, they succeed!

A real word from the Lord will motivate you and give you the strength to crucify your flesh, say no to fear, and be conformed to His image. Fantasies won’t do any of that! Fantasies are temporary — fleeting pauses from reality. They hinder us from doing anything valuable and practical in this life by their narcotic effect on our minds. They may temporarily make us feel euphoric, but when we ”wake up” to reality, and the effect wears off, we see that the kitchen is still dirty, the

bills are still unpaid, the marriage is still in trouble, the kids still need to be bathed, and the yard still needs to be mowed.

It’s Time To Awaken to the Dream GodHas Placed in Your Heart

People who are bent on passively waiting for success will end up kissing their dreams good-bye. The joy and fulfillment they’ve fantasized about will go to the man or woman who’s practical enough to start working his or her ground right now. Those who unrealistically expect the victories of life to just come to them do not understand life! Victory, joy, and fulfillment do not float on a cloud that suddenly and unexpectedly drops down into our lives. Success is obtained through desire and hard work, which is why it tastes so sweet when it finally comes!

It’s easier to fantasize than to actually pursue a genuine dream from God, because fantasy only involves your imagination and takes no effort. But for you to truly find fulfillment, you must participate in your own success by:

•HearingfromGod.•ReceivingHisplananddreamfor

your life.•Takingstepstoobeyandfulfillit.

Whereas a fantasy gives you the illusion of perfection with no effort, your word from God will demand that you grow, change, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and mind. But only God’s will can keep you planted in reality and cause you to be truly happy in life. And by working your ground instead of living in a fantasy, you’ll gain much more than a harvest — you’ll be changed into the person God has created you to be!

16 IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011 17IMPART MAGAZINE JULY 2011

Issue #48

A Ser v ice Net work for Pastors and Ministers

JULY 2011

this issueq MOTIVES IN MINISTRY | MATT JONES 3q ASK RICK 5q STAYING THE COURSE | ANDRELL CORBIN 8q MINISTERING TO THE LORD | GUY DUININCK 12q SNARED BY UNREALISTIC DREAMS | RICK RENNER 15

Strengthen your faith,as you refocus on God’s unchanging promises.

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