Limitless in 2012 - Part 5

Well, here we are!  At the end of 2012's first week, and the end of the Limitless challenge.  Do you see how quickly the weeks go by?  Multiply this by 51 and you will be in 2013.  That is fast!

As I said in the first post of the week, you don't want to be bearing down on the end of the year only to realise that you barely started your dreams, let only finished them.  So make sure you start to plan early!  Write down what you would like to at least start this year, what you would like to step out into, and what you would like to accomplish.  Place that document somewhere clearly visible.  On your computer desktop, in your diary, on your office or study wall, on your fridge.  And then schedule the time into your life to get those things done!

Now for this week's prophetic painting and the final aspect of the Limitless challenge.

The Face of Jesus.  Jesus is the Source of Life.  He gives Life to those He believe, and not just any life, abundant Life.  The God-kind of Life.  The Greek word is "Zoe", which means God's Life.  When we see Jesus the Life of God is imparted into every fiber of our beings, and we are strengthened from within to take on anything!

This is the key to accomplishing most of our dreams.  Especially the big ones!  Let me just say at this point, I hope you are dreaming big for 2012.  Sure, you may want to take baby steps and start small, but please don't ever settle for that your entire life.  You are qualified child of the King; a Prince, a Princess.  Dream that way!  No dream is too small.

To accomplish our dreams we need the Life of God imparted to every part of who we are.  We need to be strengthened from within.  Life can so easily get us down, and it is the Life of God that will push us through those low points.

2 Corinthians 3:16 - 18 says that whenever anyone turns to the Lord (in this context, the Lord here is referring to Christ) the veil is taken away, the Spirit comes and brings freedom, and we are transformed.  Interestingly, Romans 8:21 tells us that if the Spirit of Jesus lives in us (which He does) He will impart Life to our mortal bodies.

I don't know about you, but when I read about the incredible things Jesus did, or descriptions of what He is life and how Glorious He is, I feel the Life of God stirring within me.  I feel uplifted and strengthened, and I feel like I can do anything!  This is why it is so important to read Scripture looking to see the Person of Jesus.  All Scripture points to Jesus.  The more we see Jesus, the more we will be strengthened to accomplish supernatural feats!

For the final encouragement for being Limitless in 2012, I want to encourage you to make time and space for Jesus.  Do whatever works for you.  It may not necessarily be reading the Bible, it may be reading a devotional, it may be listening to your favourite preacher who reveals the work and Life of Jesus in the Word, it may be listening to Glorious Worship music.  Whatever it may be, make time in your weeks this year to receive fresh impartation of the Life of God.  Because as you do so, new strategies, new ideas, new strength and even new dreams will come to you.  You truly will be able to accomplish anything you put your hands to!

This year, you are LIMITLESS!  The opportunities for you are Limitless!  Don't think of yourself as a grasshopper, see yourself as a child of God who take on anything and anyone!

Limitless in 2012 - Part 4

Day 4 of the "Limitless challenge" is based on this painting of a swing. You may ask what does a swing have to do with your dreams? It's the symbolism of what a swing represents that you'll be interested in.

This picture of a swing was a vision that my wife had representing resting in the Grace of God and not striving in our own strength. It is a beautiful picture, because when one thinks of a swing, one thinks of relaxing and having fun. And, in our younger years, we didn't even have to get the momentum going, it was usually our parents pushing us.

The Scripture that accompanies this picture is Hebrews 4:9 - 11:
"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience."

The context this passage is referring to is the Israelites in the desert with Moses. They kept moaning about how life would have been better in Egypt, and yet God kept providing for them supernaturally. Eventually, that generation missed out on the Promised Land because they couldn't come to believe God that the Promised Land truly was their inheritance by His Grace and not their own strength. In Number 14:44-45 a number of the Israelites went to attack the giants of the Promised Land despite their earlier unbelief, and in their own efforts they were defeated because God had already sworn not to give them the land due to that unbelief. Had they originally gone in the Grace of God they would have beaten them effortlessly.

This is what this passage in Hebrews is referring to. Those Israelites fell short of their inheritance because they didn't believe that God was good enough to be with them and give them the land despite the giants inhabiting it.

You see, God wants to make thing easy for you. He wants to open doors supernaturally, multiply your work beyond your own ability, give you business deals that you didn't even see coming! But He wants you to believe Him for those things, and He wants you to step out as if you do believe Him for those things.

It's no use believing Him for supernatural favour over your work and dreams and acting as though you have none!

Now, the passage encourages us to "make every effort to enter that rest". Sounds like an oxymoron, right? The reason it says this is because it is the nature of mankind, ever since "The Fall", to work and labour for their keep. It is a default belief in our DNA that the harder we work, the more successful we will become. But this verse is telling us to slow down, and believe God to make us successful by His Grace and not our own hard works!

Does that mean we don't work at all? No, I don't believe that. Noah still had to build an ark. Abraham still had to get into bed with Sarah. Gideon still had to go into the camp of Midianites to defeat them. David still had to pick up the stones and use his sling. But in each of those cases, it was the Grace of God that allowed their work to be abundantly blessed and the results were supernatural.

Think about it, just one throw and the giant that had been threatening an entire nation was defeated. Just one throw from a little shepherd boy! That's the rest God is talking about. Did David do nothing and say "God will defeat Goliath for us?" No! It was because He believe God was faithful that caused Him to get some stones and take Goliath head on!

Friends, if you believe God is for you and wants to bless you, then you will step out and do some audacious things. You won't sit back passively. You will take this world head on! And by God's Grace, your work will be abundantly blessed!

One of my goals this year is to make more time for my wife and coming son, and to trust God that whatever time I spend on my work and fulfilling my dreams will be supernaturally multiplied by the Grace of God. That is the "rest" I am trusting God for this year!

Believe God for the same this year. Trust Him to accomplish more this year without compromising time with family or friends. Get on the swing with Jesus, and watch Him take you to new heights effortlessly by His Grace!

Limitless in 2012 - Part 3

Almost halfway in the week of encouragement to go after our dreams in 2012.  How has your week been so far?  Are you back at work amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life already?  If you're not at work, count yourself lucky.  And make a conscious decision not to let everyday life consume your thoughts and energy when you eventually do get back to the grind.

Now, today's encouragement is about Who you are accomplishing your dreams with.  Yesterday I touched on the truth that it was Jesus who created you, and thus the dreams and desires that you have in your heart are most likely part of His design.  Today, I want to remind you that your Designer didn't just create and said "off you go, come back when you have some results."  No, He wants to be part of the journey each and every day.  He Loves you and your dreams so much, that He loves to watch them unfold as they happen.  He made this possible by making His dwelling in you.

Another great addition to the incredible prophetic paintings by Jennifer Weir, today's picture represents our pathway to a glorious inheritance, and the Holy Spirit's Presence with us (the dove).

Hebrews 13:5 God encourages us: "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

These are two very significant promises for us to take hold of in pursuit of our dreams.  God, the Creator of all things, and our Loving Father, is always with us.  This means no matter what it is that we are putting our hands to, He is always there.  He is present, and He is available.

And if He is always present, that means He is always available to call out to.  Whether it by like yesterday we were may feel in over our heads; He is right there to stretch out His hand to help us.  Or whether it is during a moment of creativity block, He is right there to inject us with that little of bit extra inspiration.  It could even be a new idea that we may be pursuing, a business idea, a new engineering invention etc.; if we ever get stuck in the process and a part doesn't fit, He is right there to show us how the part fits or the process comes together.

Just ask Him.  Wait and listen.  He will answer.  He promised that He will never leave or forsake you.  That means He is always there.  And that means when you ask, He will answer.  We know that He speaks in the most creative ways, so just wait.  Ask Him, and wait.  Quieten yourself, go for a walk or a drive, put on some music, give it a rest for a day or two, and wait...  Your Loving Father promises to answer you and give you exactly what you need!  (Philippians 4:19)

The promise goes on to say that He will never forsake us!  This means no matter what we have done or where we have gone, He will not forsake us!  He will not discard us, and give up on us.

Maybe we made a bad business decision, did something we shouldn't have done, been lazy or ill-disciplines in pursuit of our dreams.  There are a number of things we can do so easily that can make us feel guilty and unworthy of continuing the pursuit of our dreams.  These can very often be moments that cause people to give up.

If you ever feel this way, push on!  Don't give up!  God will never forsake you!  No matter what it is you have or haven't done!  Nothing will make you unworthy enough to make God give up on you!  He will never give up on you!  Thank God for His Grace and Love toward you, receive it, and get on with the job of changing the world.

My friend, you have been called to change the world.  In however big or small a way.  Your dreams and desires have the potential to contribute to a changed world.  I am entirely convinced that if every human being on the planet had to truly pursue the dreams and desires in their hearts in unconditional Love, the world would be radically different.

Your dreams can change the world.  Pursue them.  Your Father will never leave you, and He will never forsake.  You have no excuse not to pursue them.

Limitless in 2012 - Part 2

Well, here we are, day 2 of the challenge:  Going after our dreams in 2012.  And aiming to finish as many as we possibly can.  Let me just say; I also realistically understand that some dreams take years to realise.  The architects of the new World Trade Centre in New York City won't be taking Jon Acuff's "finish year" literally, that's for sure!  So please don't rush something that needs time.  Instead, these blog posts are intended to inspire you to go after your dreams.  To not get caught up in the mundane of everyday life, and to make space to get creative and do the things you've always dreamed of doing.  Even if it means starting it this year.

By the way, how many of you headed over to Jon Acuff's blog after yesterday's post?  I would love to hear your opinions about his concept as well as his blog.  Do me a favour and comment below or on my Facebook wall.

Now to today's encouragement...

As mentioned yesterday, I am using each of Jennifer Weir's prophetic paintings from our sermon on Sunday morning.  This is the first picture I shared on.  It is inspired by the following passage of Scripture:

Matthew 14:30 - 31 
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Many of us have often stepped out in a dream that we were so desperate to accomplish, only to find ourselves in over our heads.  Peter was in the same proverbial boat (while literally being out of the boat!).

Peter wanted to walk on water.  He said to Jesus "if it is you, then call me out with you."  Silly question to ask Jesus if you're a scaredy-cat.  Jesus said "come".  But while doing the supernatural, Peter's mind started comprehending the enormity of what he was actually doing.  And in realising how big a task it was, especially with the wind and storm, he began to sink.  There was only one way out.

Peter cries out for Jesus to save him.  And one of my favourite words in Scripture, Jesus immediately stretched out his hand to save him, bringing him back up to eye-level with Jesus.

I want to encourage you today, if you are stepping out in a truly supernatural task that just seems impossible to the natural mind, you have a Saviour who is watching you and just waiting to reach out His hand to save you.  As we looked at yesterday in Ephesians 2:10, Jesus created you, and He created you with a purpose.  He created you with destiny.  And if you have dreams that seem impossible to the natural mind, don't shrug them off.  If He created you, then who do you think put those dreams there in the first place?

After all, He also promises to give us the desires of our heart.  Does that mean He was the one who gave us those desires in the first place?  It looks like it!

So don't ever think that your dreams are too big.  The bigger the better!  But, like Peter, you may just find yourself in over your head.  I know I have on a few occasions.  (On one occasion I actually came to the brink of fainting - I'll tell you the story some time).  But in those moments, just one cry to your Loving Saviour, and He is ready and waiting to immediately save you, pick you up and place you back on course for miracles.

And He will even ask you, "why did you doubt yourself?"  In essence, that is what Jesus was asking Peter.  "Why did you doubt your ability to do this?  I was right here, standing right in front of you!"

The more you realise your true identity as a child of the Most High God, a prince or princess in the Kingdom of Heaven, a younger brother or sister of Jesus, the more you have the courage to do the impossible.

So today's encouragement:  Don't be afraid of the seemingly impossible dreams.  Don't listen to the doubting "realists" (pessimists).  Jesus is right there throughout your journey, and He is ready and willing to pick you up when you need Him.  With that Truth in mind, it should provide more than enough encouragement to pursue those big dreams!

See you tomorrow for Part 3.

Limitless in 2012 - Part 1

So here we stand.  On the brink of another year.  As this week begins to unfold, we will all slowly get back to the routine of our daily lives and something unfortunate could potentially happen to many of us:  Our dreams, expectations and resolutions will fade into the back of our memories as we become consumed with the mundane.  I am here to help you prevent that.  How?  By encouraging you that many of those dreams will impact many lives, and reminding you to keep the important stuff at the top of your to-do list.

I don't know about you, but this year, I am going to make a conscious decision to keep those dreams at the top of my to-do list!

When we consciously decide to complete the dreams we have tasked ourselves with, the opportunities for us are endless.  There are no limits.

This picture above was a prophetic painting by Jennifer Weir, one of our youth leaders at Highway.  For the first sermon of 2012, my wife and I wanted to encourage the people of Highway with the Promises of what Jesus wants to do for us in 2012.  My wife had 5 visions representing each aspect of Jesus' work this year, and we asked Jennifer is she would be willing to paint those visions.  And in 1 week she painted the most incredible pieces of artwork!

I want to use these pictures here on this blog this week, along with much of what I shared on Sunday, to encourage all of us to go for our dreams this year.  Pursue them.  And see them through. No matter how big or small they may be.

Jon Acuff, Christian author and regular blogger, is doing something similar over at his blog.  (Only on a much larger scale).  He has dubbed 2012 as "Finish Year".  The year that we finish those little or large jobs we have been wanting to do for years.  I encourage you to go check out his blog, he has a lot of great advice on how to plan to finish those important tasks or dreams as well as great tools of encouragement to actually get it done!

This week, I want to use the 5 prophetic paintings in a separate blog each day to encourage us to do the same!

Remember that we are all Christ's workmanship, created by Him to do good works.  Those good works aren't merely going to church or helping the poor.  They are the desires that He placed on our hearts in the first place that we long to see fulfilled!  From small to big:  Planting your own veggie garden, traveling to another country, going on a mission trip, starting your own business, etc.  They are the dreams dwelling in our hearts that when we think about them everything inside of us gets excited!

Just have a look at that picture again.  When we tap into Heavenly resources, we truly are limitless!  Paul was lying when he said in Philippians 4:13 that "we can do everything through Christ who gives us strength."

So the first thing I want to say to you at the outset of this year, is that every dream that you have in your heart has the potential to become a reality!  Never think otherwise!  Never believe the lie that those dreams and desires in your heart are unattainable.  You can do everything through Christ!

Those dreams, those plans, those tasks that you so badly want to see become reality in 2012, they are extremely possible.

Make the first step.  Write down what you would like to accomplish this year.  And then plan when you will give time to those tasks and don't give up!  Keep at it.  And let's trust God together for an incredible 2012 of many dreams and desires fulfilled!

I also encourage you to check out Jon Acuff's recent blog posts about writing a "Finish List" where he dares his readers to join him in writing a "finish list"; as well as how to write a one, and every day for the month of January is giving encouragement and advice about how to realistically accomplish your goals.

I will be posting the remaining 4 prophetic paintings by Jennifer Weir each day this week, where I will use each one to encourage you to "go for it" in 2012!

See you tomorrow!

Another Addition to the Grace Revolution

Well, as usual, a lot has happened since my last blog post.  Most notably, I published my first book!  Now, before you go to Amazon and start searching for "James Preston" by author, I didn't write the book.  I just published it.  And I'm really excited about it!  For a number of reasons.

Primarily because this book is going to impact countless people all over the world in search for something more in their walk with God.  It is a significant tool in this Grace Revolution God is releasing in these days.

Written by my friend and senior pastor Steve Wheeler, it is a book that documents the journey of our church from preaching a mixture of legalism and Grace into preaching the Gospel in its concentrated form!  After all, the Gospel is the Power of God!

I don't know about you, but more and more I am hearing of people all over the world who are discovering this "Message of Grace".  (I quote that because really it is best referred to as simply "The Gospel" - but the word Gospel has become synonymous with simply evangelism or a form of music.  It is so much more than that!  So, in order to categorise what we are talking about, often the terms Grace Message or Gospel of Grace are used.)

Back to my point there...  all over the world people are "discovering" this Grace Message more and more.  I keep hearing about it.  And the reaction is always the same...  It is either "why have I never seen this before?"  Or it is "I am not so sure about this Grace Message."  The fact is, people are hearing this Message of the Good News of God's Grace and it is setting them free in their walk with God!  It is awesome!

And this book about our church's journey is going to be such a helpful tool in the hands of so many of these people.  That's the main reason why I am so excited.

On top of all that, it has been written extremely well, as well as being laid out and divided up perfectly for systematic reading.  And the presentation of the book is about as professional as you can get.  If I do say so myself. :-)

The book is written from Steve's perspective as the senior leader who had a supernatural revelation of the Grace of God.  In the wake of that revelation, he faced a difficult task...  Admit to being wrong for so many years, apologise for preaching a legalistic righteousness, and trust God that the congregation would also come into this revelation as he began expounding it.  The book takes the reader through a very entertaining journey of how approached all of that, all while pointing out why the Message of God's Grace makes so much sense Scripturally and why it is the vital centre-piece of the Gospel.

No matter who you are, whether you have been on this journey for a number of years now, or if you are just coming into this understanding, then I really can recommend the book.  (Excuse me for all the promotion, but I wouldn't publish and get involved in a book I didn't deeply believe in!  Plus, I really do believe this will impact your life!)  You can find out more about the book, read endorsements, download the book's Intro, and buy the book online at the website:  www.highwaytograce.com

Now, one of the other reasons (if you remember my opening lines of this post) for my excitement about the publishing of this book, is that it is the first of many!  Now, I want to be careful here, because I don't want to get into too much detail on a public forum and get carried away with myself; but I really do feel like my excitement is worth sharing.

For those hungry for more of the Kingdom and Presence of God, and those who understand the Message of God's Grace, Christian bookshops aren't often the place to stock up on inspirational material unfortunately.  (Of course there are a few good books and CDs available, just not enough!)  And God has given me a vision and a deep desire to see a myriad of Grace-based and Kingdom building materials available to as many Southern Africans as possible, for as cost-effective as possible, but as professional as possible.  And Steve's outstanding book "Highway to Grace" is all that.  Truly the first of many.

So, watch this space!  And remember the name "King's Domain".  Just saying.

Until then, and the next blog, may you be filled more and more with the Wonder of God's Grace and Love!  And remember who you are as His child.

As always, comments, input and dialogue are always appreciated.

The "Name of Jesus" Isn't Some Tag-Line You Use To Show You Have Power

What is it with Pastors using the Name of Jesus as a mere little tag-line to everything they stand against like It were some sort of trigger that you push to get the bullets to come out? Come on people! The Name of Jesus is all about identity! The Ambassador of England doesn't have to say "in the name of Her Majesty" after every sentence. They just get on with their job!

Come on Children of God!  Know who you are! Speak in authority!! Not religious jargon that has very little Power because it's rooted in unbelief.

We have been given authority to take over the Earth, disciple nations, and bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth, in Jesus' Name. Done Deal. It's Done. We don't have to keep repeating His Name as if it still has to be done.

We are His children, Royalty in the Kingdom of God. Period. Now, just live it out and act like it!

Enough of the religion!!

So, to repeat the title in the 1st person; the Name of Jesus isn't a tag-line I use to show I have power. No, I know I have power. Now, I am not against using the Name of Jesus where necessary, I am just tired of It being thrown around after every sentence to do something we have already been given authority to do.  So, if you continue to use the Name of Jesus often (as I most probably will) then no-one's going to judge you.  I just think this is a revelation we need to grow in as children of God.  One based entirely on our identity as Royalty in the Kingdom of God.