Order My Thoughts

 

Hello, this is Multiply a podcast for Village Church Planters, Pastors and all who are serving God by serving others. We are Brad and Daneille Snowden. 

There is a quote that says, “Prayer gives the brain the chance to process thoughts,” this is saying when we pray, the thoughts that come from anyone but our Lord, will then be changed to the thoughts of God our Father. 

Through out our lives and even today, Daneille and I wrestle with being so busy, that we experience clutter in our thought life that can lead to a whole lot of frustration.

Oh goodness yes, I remember as the children were young and we were pastoring, and Brad, you were working your construction business when we were so busy. We had to be sure our lives were well planned out. If we’re not careful, we started doing a lot of things that truthfully wasn’t God’s plan. 

The important lesson that we realized was that when our thoughts are cluttered with busyness, it floods our minds (meaning our thought life) what is called having a NOISY BRAIN! It feels like situations, ideas, and needs are all yelling at us inside. This can bring us all much stress, but sadly squeeze out the thoughts of God Himself. 

In Isaiah 55:8 God says: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”   

This is so important, when we allow God to renew us as stated in Romans 12:2, our feet will go where our thoughts lead us. We will walk in peace, as we accomplish God’s Will for our lives. And our brain will not be filled with noise that causes so much confusion and stress. We will have the thoughts of our Maker, Father and Friend Who is God Himself.

Amen Daneille, let us all pray Psalms 139:23-24 saying: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This has been Multiply. Please share this podcast with others. Visit us at Facebook called: Encouragement for Village Church Planters, and our website; VCPencouragement.org.

Make Disciples

 

Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “A Word of Encouragement for Village Church Planters.”  

As a Village Church Planter, you are quite familiar with Jesus last command to go and make disciples of all nations. In fact, one of the reasons you became a church planter was because you wanted to obey Jesus by making disciples and by starting churches full of disciples.

The New VCP Program emphasizes that a disciple is an obedient follower of Jesus.  Your training is organized around obeying the seven Basic Commands of Christ and teaching others to obey them as well.  So you have prayed for the village where you are planting a church.  You have made new friends and shared the Good News. You have invited people to repent and put their trust in Christ. I can’t tell you how proud I am of all that you have done.  You are on a good path.  Keep up the good work! 

Now you are teaching new believers to be baptized, you are helping them demonstrate love for God and for their neighbors.  In the same way you teach a small child to feed himself with physical food, you are helping these new believers feed spiritually on God’s word and to pray every day. You are making it possible for them to participate in the Lord’s Supper just like Jesus commanded. And you are teaching them to give generously.  Well done!

When I got to this point in my early church planting experience, I was happy.  I really felt like I was making progress.  But I had a hard time trusting new believers to actually make disciples.  They seemed so young.  They seemed to need to grow so much in faith and in understanding of God’s word.  But Jesus said, “Teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”  And one thing he commanded was to make disciples.  So as a church planter it was my job to teach new believers to make disciples. I struggled with that task.  And maybe you have too.

For now, let me just encourage you this way. Remember, you are not the only disciple maker in your new, little church. There are church members who will touch lives that you could never reach.  God wants your church to be full of disciple makers. Don’t be afraid.  Don’t worry.  Just pray.  Tell the Lord that you will obey his command.  Tell him that you will teach others to make disciples. Then watch as He opens doors for you to do just that! Trust Him to fill your church with disciple makers.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.  

#EncouragementforVillageChurchPlanters

The Character of a Leader - Nehemiah 6

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

We continue our series on the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, the Old Testament leader who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. There is so much for us to learn – and, more importantly, apply – from our study of this outstanding leader!

Today’s message is from Chapter 6, and includes some of my favorite dialog in this book.

We read about the attacks and distractions from Sanballat and Tobiah (vs 1). They requested a meeting with Nehemiah, and I just love his response! “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” (3b) “Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.” (4) Nehemiah and godly leaders are focused. They discern the distractions and schemes of the enemy.

Verses 6:5-8 tell us more. Sanballat sent a fifth message to which Nehemiah replied, “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” I love that reply to Nehemiah’s adversary.

But, Nehemiah’s adversaries were persistent as is the enemy of our souls. More threats followed in 11-13, to which Nehemiah responded “But I said, Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go! I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.” Nehemiah was perceptive. As a missionary friend of mine frequently says, godly leaders “understand what is really going on when what’s going on is going on.” In other words, godly leaders see – and perceive – what is taking place beyond what is obviously apparent to one’s eyes.

A third trait of godly leaders that Nehemiah models is that declares his dependence upon the Lord. We see this first in the last portion of verse 9 where he prays, “Now strengthen my hands.” And, again in verses 15-16. “So the wall was completed …in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”  We see in chapter 6 that Nehemiah models three additional traits of good and godly leaders. They are focused, perceptive, and they express for all to see their dependence upon the Lord. May we set an example in these as well.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

The Clarion Call For Such A Time As This

 

Hello! This is Daneille Snowden with Multiply a podcast for Village Church Planters and all who are serving our God in the ministry.

I was 12 years old when God called me to the mission field; He melted my heart for souls as His call was quite clear and concise. Do you remember when the Lord spoke to you to ‘GO’ and share His Gospel of Love? Do you remember how you felt? 

Ephesians 1:11 says; we are predestined ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE, Who works all things out according to His Will. Predestined here means chosen!

Remember Queen Esther; when faced by a difficult decision to rescue her people, her uncle Mordecai challenged her by saying she was CHOSEN for Such a time as this! [This is found in Esther 4:14.]

Also remember Moses, who felt quite unworthy to be God’s Voice and Leader to rescue His people; still God set him aside, even as an infant; for such a time as this!

We are living in a challenging time; where all across the globe we all are experiencing and witnessing insurmountable difficulties. Yet, God created each of us to be His witnesses and hope for such a time as this! 

He has given us a ‘Clarion Call’ (that is a clear call) to preach the Gospel, and make disciples. And what a privilege and an honor this is too! May I challenge you today as the Apostle Paul did; in 1 Timothy 6:12 to keep the good fight of faith! And also in 2 Timothy 4:5 “…to do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.”

This has been Multiply a podcast for Village Church Planters, Pastors and all who are who are serving God in the ministry. Visit us on our website at vcpencouragement.org, and on Facebook at Encouragement for Village Church Planters (Multiply).

The Character of a Leader - Nehemiah 5

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

Today we continue our series on the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, the Old Testament leader who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Our focus in this message is Chapter 5. 

In verses 1-6, Nehemiah tells about the complaints he received regarding taxes and the financial despair of some of the people.  Verse 7 says “I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials….” 

Godly leaders think things through and then take action, even if those actions are difficult or unpopular.  

The narrative continues in same direction.  Verse 9, “So I continued, “What you are doing is not right.  Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?””  “But let the exacting of usury stop!” (5:10b)  

Nehemiah was willing to confront wrong behaviors. This has been a point of failure for many leaders over the past 3 millennia.  Think of King David who suffered from this character flaw in his own family.  Godly leaders must be willing and able to appropriately, directly confront improper behavior.  Nehemiah did so decisively. Note the exclamation point at the end of verse 10.  

Those who were wealthy responded in a desirable and appropriate manner.  “We will do as you say.” (5:12b)  “And the people did as they had promised.”  (5:13b).  Godly leaders are persuasive.  If one reads the full account in 5:1-12, we see that Nehemiah laid out the situation plainly and explained his rationale.  It is particularly important for leaders to do this when decisions are unpopular or reflect a change in policy.  

Continuing on in chapter 5, Nehemiah gives us a glimpse into his motives.  “But out of reverence for God, I did not act like that.” (5:15b).  “Out of reverence for God.”  What an excellent motivation!!  Nehemiah was not out to make a name for himself.  He was not concerned about looking good in front of others.  He acted out of his reverence for his God.  He served the people rather than lording it over them.  We see this in 5:19. “Remember me with favor, O my God, for all I have done for these people.”  Nehemiah was a servant leader  

Lastly, we see that Nehemiah was generous in 5:17.  “Furthermore, 150 Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations.”  He was generous to many, both to those who were like him and those who were not.    

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Who Will Be Your Next Timothy

 

Hello this is Multiply with Brad Snowden this is  a podcast to encourage village church planters.

Today I want to encourage each one of us to look at the relationship between the Apostle Paul and Timothy. We can see in scripture that Paul’s heart was to pour into Timothy’s life.

1 Timothy 1:2 says “Unto Timothy my own son in the Faith “

We know that intentionally pouring into the hearts of others takes great care and effort. Timothy was not Paul’s flesh and blood, yet Paul cared for his heart that he be used by God. 

The farmer labors hard to prepare the ground .Then at the proper time the seed is planted at the proper depth and spacing. There must be the work of watering the seed if there is no rain to ensure the seed can germinate. The work doesn’t stop there weeds must be pulled so the nutrients in the ground get to the plants so they can be fruitful and the harvest can be plentiful. The apostle Paul knew that for the continual growth of Timothy’s spiritual life he had to pour into him. 

2 Timothy 2:6 (amplified) The hard working farmer who labors to produce crops ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 

I believe that in this scripture it relates to each one of us and the sharing of the harvest. The apostle Paul shared in the harvest that Timothy was experiencing because he poured into his life. This is so important for the harvest to be generational. 

 Church planting is hard work, and the harvesting of fruits comes in many different ways and harvesting in others we pour into is just another way. Church planting is victorious in many different ways and the victories in others we can share in as well through others is yet another victory.

Paul poured into Timothy which took a lot of effort and time but yet Paul knew that it would be fruitful for the kingdom of God. 

Who will be the next Timothy? Who can we pour into as to see the harvest continue? Praying for the next Timothy will be a fruit filled harvest that can be for generations to come. Who will be your next Timothy? We can all share in the great harvest together as we pray for each other.

This has been a word of encouragement for village church planters. Please share this podcast with others and Lord Bless you as you serve in the Harvest field.

The Character of a Leader - Nehemiah 4

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

Today we continue our series on the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, the Old Testament leader who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.  

We resume the story in chapter 3, verses 8-12, where the record tells us about those who joined the work.  What stands out to me is the diversity of those who helped … including goldsmiths, perfume-makers and the daughters of Shallum.  I see in this that Nehemiah was exceptional at motivating people.  This characteristic appears again in 4:6 where it’s written that “the people worked with all their heart.”  It’s important that church planters and VCP leaders be able to motivate people to a cause … the Cause of Christ.   

Chapter 4 introduces the opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah and others.  I appreciate Nehemiah’s response in 4:9. “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” We, like Nehemiah, must first trust God and then do our part as well.  VCP leaders and church planters face opposition from many sources … other religions, local or governmental leaders, sometimes even church leaders.  In the face of such challenges, we must pray, trust God, and then discern and practice what the Holy Spirit instructs us to do.  

I appreciate the instructions Nehemiah gave in 4:16-18.  “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.”  What a great picture of a spiritual worker!  They labor with one hand while holding the weapons of spiritual warfare in the other. Ephesians 6:10-18 provides excellent instruction for us as we prepare to engage in spiritual warfare.  

Lastly, I’d like to point out one additional characteristic of a leader that I see in the fourth chapter.  4:18b tells us that “The man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.”  And 4:20a, “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there.” 

Leaders are responsible for warnings and communication.  Ezekiel 33:6-7 and Hosea 8:1 are two of many scriptures that describe the duty of leaders to sound an alarm or issue a warning to the people.  Sometimes, leaders, these messages are difficult and not well received.  Nonetheless, we are to “speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15) We are held accountable if we fail to do so.   

Leaders motivate and inspire others.  Leaders trust God and also do their part.  Leaders are responsible to communicate warnings to the people that will help protect them. 

 This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

The Character of a Leader - Nehemiah 3

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

Today we continue our series on the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, the Old Testament leader who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.  

We resume the story in chapter 2 as we observe three additional leadership characteristics.  These are qualities that we want to imitate.    

We read in verses 17 and 18. “Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work.

• Nehemiah was a visionary leader.  He and those with him saw the reality of the wall in ruins.  Yet, unlike others, Nehemiah saw the potential, the possibility of a rebuilt wall.  Visionary leaders are able to see “into the future”, to envision what others cannot see AND to communicate the possibilities in a convincing way.  This leads us to a second leadership quality.

• Nehemiah was an inspiring leader. The wall had been in ruins since King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem 152 years before, when he knocked down the walls and burned the city’s gates. Nehemiah, in this case, appealed to the Jews’ sense of cultural identity and pride.  Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace."  Nehemiah knew the right – the most effective – motivational appeal to those living in Jerusalem.  He was effective in this appeal; our text simply says, “So they began this good work.”  

It’s at this point in the story that Sanballat and Tobiah begin their meddling, their attempts to disrupt the work and discourage the workers.  We continue the account in verses 19 and 20. “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success."

• Nehemiah was a confident leader. However, his confidence did not lie in himself or those around him.  Rather, he responded, “The God of heaven will give us success.”  Notice, too, that Nehemiah did not react to defend himself when ridiculed by critics.  He did not show them his credentials.  He did not engage in a war of words; he avoided an angry response to those who opposed him.  May we follow this example!  

As we conclude chapter 2, our three leadership qualities are visionary, inspiring and confident.  May we follow in like manner.      

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.