April 2018 - Get Out of the Ruts You've Been Stuck In
GET OUT OF THE RUTS YOU’VE BEEN STUCK IN
Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
-Isaiah 43:18-19 (Message)
There was a warning sign on a remote and muddy road marked by deep ruts that said, “Be careful of the ruts you get in because you could be stuck in them for the next 60 miles.” That is a long time to be stuck! It has been proven that we have similar ruts in our brains from repeated ways of thinking. But there is a way to get out of those ruts we have been stuck in. And that is through sanctification.
Sanctification happens when we daily “reckon” on the reality of our union with Christ. The word reckon is an accounting term meaning to record the facts. It is daily and continually offering every faculty—including our minds—continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Eph. 4:23).
The Jerusalem Bible says in Ephesians 4:23 our mind must undergo a spiritual revolution. The first thing that takes place in a revolution is a complete takeover of communication. Philemon 6 says when we acknowledge every good thing which is in us in Christ, our faith will become effective and contagious. People around us will see a difference. They will catch our faith.
YOU CAN HAVE A FRESH MENTAL ATTITUDE
God wants to do a work in your mind and imagination. Ephesians 4:24 (AMP) says, “Be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude].” Hebrews 10:16 follows this thought: “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, said the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” The Amplified Bible says, “on their mind will I inscribe them (producing an inward change).”
This new life in Christ comes with a new way of thinking which brings a totally new lifestyle. What you struggled with in your past will be no more.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies...he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.
-Nahum 1:8–9
Sin and affliction have come to an end! That enemy will never come back.
So if anyone becomes united to Christ, he is a fresh Creation; the original conditions have passed away; mark! they have been replaced by new conditions.
-2 Corinthians 5:17 (Wade)
...he becomes a new person altogether—the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and new.
-Phillips
The power of the cross brings old things to an end. God has a new plan for your life! It is a dawning of a new day! The accuser must be silent. The enemies of fear, anxiety, shame, and guilt will never rise and come back to haunt you. You’ve put your trust in the blood of Jesus, you’re sanctifying yourself, and God is making a way where there was no way. Get ready for the new!
THE MESSAGE AND WORLD MISSIONS
In March, we concluded our annual Supernatural Leadership Conference. This year’s theme was “The New: Experiencing Breakthrough on Every Level.” It was a tremendous time of practical Bible-based instruction and a time of refreshing through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. There were hundreds of ministers in attendance (pastors, evangelists, teachers, missionaries and leaders) who were strengthened and equipped.
This month’s offer features our BRAND NEW booklet and 3 CD set called, “The New: Experiencing Breakthrough on Every Level.” We believe these materials will encourage you to expect a breakthrough as you obey God’s call in 2018.
We are anticipating a powerful impact being made in our three upcoming mission trips. In April, we’ll return to Mexico City. Then in May we are excited to be in Kiev, Ukraine and Nairobi, Kenya! Your partnership in prayer and financial support will enable us to effectively teach pastors and leaders who come from all these regions. Believe with us for an outpouring from Heaven.
Most of all, we bless you, our partners, with these words from Philippians 4:18,19 (GW): "Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased. My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus."
In Christ,
Mark and Trina