Frankly Speaking

"All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong." Where I Belong-Building 429
 
I have always loved to sing this song, but the words just don't ring true to me anymore. I understand what the artist is trying to say - that he feels out of place in this world and is eagerly awaiting to live in his eternal home in heaven. Aren't we all? But I believe that we need to realize that this is our home for now and we do belong here because God brought us into this world and has "determined our pre-appointed times and the boundaries of our dwellings" Acts 17:26. We have a purpose here. Jesus instructed us to "love our neighbors as ourselves" and "go and make disciples." When we purchased the home  that we currently live in we knew it wasn’t the house we would grow old in yet we have cared for it and have taken possession of our neighborhood by loving our neighbors and discipling them. God also gave us dominion (Genesis 1:26) and authority (Luke 10:19) over this place we are to call home. We walk our neighborhood regularly, praying and interceding for those around us. This world needs us, it needs us to take ownership and exercise our God given authority over the demonic principalities that have taken it hostage. We need to love our home enough to fight for it. Yes, He is preparing a place for us when we die, but this is our home now. We need to quit focusing on Jesus' return, treat this world as our own, and go about the Father's business, here and now.
 
"It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping". Mark 13:34-36
                                                                                        ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

​Frankly Speaking
 
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr Day, a national holiday that recognizes, and honors, the life of one of the most influential men of the 20th century. Dr. King was a non-violent activist who championed the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 60's. His belief that all men are created equal and are precious in God's sight was biblically based. His teachings of "loving thy neighbor" lined up with the teachings of Jesus Christ who challenged His followers to love one another with a radical type of love known as agape love. During a sermon at Dexter Ave. Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1957, Dr. King said this about love, "Agape is more than eros; agape is more than philia; agape is something of the understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill for all men. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It is an overflowing love; it’s what theologians would call the love of God working in the lives of men. And when you rise to love on this level, you begin to love men, not because they are likable, but because God loves them. You look at every man, and you love him because you know God loves him. And he might be the worst person you’ve ever seen." His words, like those of Jesus, were met with resistance and would eventually cost him his life. Although Dr. King is remembered for leading the Civil Rights Movement over a half-century ago, his words still challenge us today. Present day activists and so-called 'social justice warriors' could certainly learn a thing or two by studying Dr. King's life and taking his words to heart.
Your calling is to fulfill the royal law of love as given to us in this Scripture: "You must love and value your neighbor as you love and value yourself!" For keeping this law is the noble way to live. But when you show prejudice you commit sin and you violate this royal law of love! James 2: 8,9
                                                                                           Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10,11

Last week I was listening to a message from Dutch Sheets, a trusted prophet, and he made this statement, "God declares the end from the beginning." As I pondered those words the thought came to me that not only is God omniscient, having knowledge of all things past, present, and future, but He also controls all things as well. He knows how everything is going to play out because He orchestrated how they would play out. When God makes a decree, there is no question or doubt whether it will come to pass. God's voice is creative and it will set things in motion regardless of the circumstances or reality. When the angel Gabriel spoke to the young virgin Mary and said,"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus," Holy Spirit went to work to make it happen-and it did. God doesn't just speak words from a cloud to put things in motion, He uses human beings to speak them as well. In this fullness of time we live in, we are the prophetic voice God uses to speak His words. As soon as we speak, Holy Spirit goes into action. Your voice carries power because God has given you authority. This is something we really need to get. We are to be the messenger who carries the Word of God to the world. It is our responsibility to speak forth the prophetic Word in order for our families, our city, and our country to prosper.

Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Jeremiah 1:9,10
​                                                                               Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking
 
"The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades." Timbuk3
 
A blank slate. That was what my computer screen was a few moments ago and that is what 2019 is. For better or worse, things probably didn't turn out like you planned them last year and chances are they won't in 2019 either. "A man may have many plans in his heart. But the LORD's purpose wins out in the end." Prov 19:21. Although some might claim to know, no one really has a clue what will transpire in this new year ahead of us. This uncertainty about the future can lead to anxiety and fear for many people. Peace and contentment only comes when we cease worrying and choose to trust the One who actually controls the future. He has great plans for those who trust in Him. "I know the plans I have for you," announces the LORD. "I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come." Jer 29:11. Your future may not look too bright to you at all times, but your Heavenly Father knows what is best for you. His ways will test you, stretch you and take you places you have never been before. Your greatest responsibility this year will be to trust Him and His ways. Learning to do that will not be easy, but it will be rewarding. Yes, the future is bright for those who trust in the Lord.
 
"But those who trust in the LORD will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak." Isa 40:31 NIrV
                                                                            Pastor Frank Dodson