Wallace Rahming: Thoughts

I continually meet people who have gone through setbacks, disappointments and major problems. We all have had our share. It seems to be a part of being human. In the midst of not knowing what to do, what to say, where to turn, who to trust, who to love, we have a tendency to turn away from our faith in God (speaking to believers only). We view disappointments in a negative light and we cast that light on God. We say silly things like, "If God really cares, He would not have allowed this to happen to me." Some even go further to say that God does not exist because of things that are happening in the world today.

We must always hold on to our faith believeing that "all things work to the good of those who love the Lord and are the Called according to His purpose." God allows things to make us better not "bitter." Whatever has been lost or cut away from your life is the very thing that was hindering you from becoming all He created you to be. Be wise and don't turn away from the Only One who brings clarity to our very existence. Uncertainty does not negate God..., it makes Him necessary!

This morning I was cutting my yard (it was really time). I like to cut my yard for the exercise and also to keep the neighbors from complaining. As I went about my work, this message dropped in the my spirit. Many of us commonly say that our troubles and problems are attributed to the devil. We say it and we hear it said from most pulpits in the churches we attend. There is a level of truth to this but what bothers me about this statement is it begins from the premise that the devil is ommipresent. Only God is present in all places at all times so, how is it possible for all of us to be experiencing problems from the same devil?

The truth is the devil can only be present in one place at a time because he is a created being like you and I. It is safe to say that the majority of us have never actually encountered the devil personally but we have dealt with "familiar spirits". The enemy was thrown out of heaven along with other heavenly beings because of rebellion. These fallen beings along with the enemy attempt to destroy our lives and hinder us from reaching our life purpose through oppression.

Let us stop giving the enemy praise by calling every problem "a work of the devil". We must change the way we see the enemy and magnify the truth of the completed work of the cross. Jesus gave us authority over all the power of the enemy. We overcome by the Blood and the word of our testimony. When we resist, he must flee from us. Let us use our God-given authority to complete our life's purpose and bring the Father pleasure. Peace.

Each Sunday, we often hear the message of Jesus coming to the earth and dying for our sins. We know the story but few of us truly understand what Jesus' death burial and resurrection means for the believer. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32)". The truth that you know and understand sets you free. If you don't know that by His stripes you are healed, you'll remain comfortable being sick. If you don't know that the blood of Jesus cleanses us of all unrighteousness, you continue to try to do things to be in right standing with God. Jesus declared in John 19:30 "It is Finished!" The moment He said those words, the work of the cross was completed and atonement made for all mankind.

Jesus bought back all that was lost when man fell in the Garden of Eden in chapter 3 of Genesis. He has taken back the keys of death, hell and the grave from the enemy yet there are so many of us who live as if no sacrifice has been made. The enemy is a defeated foe subject to the name which is above every name - Jesus. Jesus has given us authority to use His name and The Word to battle and overcome all the wiles of the enemy. Only when we gain a true understanding of the work of the cross can we truly walk in the victory, purpose and calling of God for our lives. Peace.

All of us (at one time or another) will face situations that seem to be setbacks rather than blessings. Maybe you have lost your job, encountered financial setbacks, or had relationships deteriorate. No matter the situation, God will always work it for our good. There is nothing you face as a believer called according to the purposes of God, that will not benefit you in the end. Romans 8:28 says, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Translation: "Nothing you as a believer can endure, say or do that can negate God's work in you life."

There are probably many who will disagree with this statement. For the believer, this statement is true. This is a promise for the believer. Since my walk began, it has always been my heartfelt intent to walk according to God's will for my life. Sadly, I have made mistakes along the way and I know I've broken His heart numerous times. In each of these mistakes, the enemy was always there to tell me I could not recover. I am pleased to report that I have recovered from each and every one of them. God knew the mistakes I would make before I ever made them. He has been faithful in providing just what I need to overcome each and everyone of them. My mistakes have become my ministry. I can't "miss" Him because He leads me when I'm focused and and re-directs me when I lose sight. He is much bigger than my mistakes. He uses every situation to strengthen my faith, hope and love for Him. If you love and serve Him, I'm sure He's doing the same for you. Just believe. Peace.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus spending forty days in the wilderness. After many days the enemy came to Him to tempt Him. The enemy tried to bring into question who Jesus was by saying, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread" (Matthew 4: 1-11). At no time did Jesus address the enemy's accusation. The accuser of the bretheren will always be there to try to keep you off balanced by bringing into question who you are. God determines who you are. You are who He says you are and not what others (used by the enemy) say you are. If you are a minister, evangelist, pastor, prophet ect., never allow the enemy to weaken you by accusing or bringing into question who you are in Christ. When you know who you are in Christ, you are strong and certain that through every circumstance you will continually stand.

"Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".

-Joshua 1:9

I am (unashamedly) a Christian. I love the Lord with all my heart. I am free to love Him because He gave me the ability to love through loving me first. I want Him in all aspects of my life. I need Him in all aspects of my life. When I make decisions, I need His wisdom. When I make choices, I need His discernment. When I use my giftings, I need His strength. When others shy away from me because of my faith, I need His acceptance. When others speak ill of me, I need His love. When I lose my way, He is the Way. When nothing seems real, He is the Truth. When it seems I'm dying, He is the Life. He makes life worth living and songs worth singing. He is why I do what I do and what He gave me, I give to you.

-Wallace Rahming

If you are familiar with basic scripture, then you are aware that Jesus was betrayed by one of the twelve disciples as foretold by the prophets of old. It's amazing how those closest to you can become the very ones determined to see you totally destroyed. They share your food, home and (if they are your spouse) bed yet in time they show themselves to be anything but the loving individual they first presented themselves to be. It is at those times when you must press in on your faith and trust that God will deliver you from your enemies even when they are cloaked in the garments of friends and loved ones.

I recently took my children to see "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian". It made me glad to see that the themes author C.S Lewis placed in his book were still present in the movie. The characters could no longer see the lion Aslan (a representation of Christ) because of a lack of faith. They were terribly outnumbered by the enemies bent on their destruction. Defeat was almost certain. Only when they came to a point of putting their faith into action could they see Aslan who brought forth the total and complete victory.

Jesus will bring the total and complete victory in our lives no matter who tries to destroy us. Remember, all things work to the good of those who are the called according to His purpose. As long as we are called of God, have a purpose and place our faith in Him, we can never be destroyed by our enemies. Jesus teaches us to bless and not curse those who despitefully use us. Hard ? Yes! Impossible? No! In doing so, we become a shining example of our elder brother Jesus the Christ and our loving Heavenly Father will reward us openly for our faith. As Psalm 23 says, "He spreads a table before me in the presence of mine enemies". Your enemies will watch you prosper in the midst of their best efforts to destroy you. Hold on to this promise from the Word...... No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper! You will be victorious! Be at Peace, you've already won! Blessings!

We all have done things that have hurt others. We all have said things that have hurt others. We all make mistakes and those mistakes have consequences which can alter the course of our lives. Sometimes we can put the pieces back together....sometimes we can't. One thing is for certain, God is much bigger than anything we can do or say. He loves us in spite of our failures because of the shed blood of His Son Jesus. As He has forgiven us for our sins, we must forgive others for sins against us. We must also ask forgiveness from those whom we have offended regardless of whether or not we think we are justified. We should try to live in peace with all men (if possible) through the love of Jesus the Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. Can we truly be "Christlike" and not long for peace? I've recently begun to "fix" all broken relationships and bring peace in all areas of my life. If you love the Lord, I ask you to join me in doing the same. We are salt and light. Let us give this world the flavor of God's goodness and illuminate the earth with the knowledge of God. Peace. (no pun intended)

As we continue on our ministry building topics, I am burdened to say that success depends on the "stick-to-it-tiveness" of the individual. Remaining focused on the task or goal is essential to success. Unfortunately, many of us allow personal relationships with others to hinder us from remaining focused on our goals. The Bible teaches that two persons cannot walk together unless they agree. Individuals who do not understand your life goals or your passion toward your life goals will ultimately say or do something that will hinder your progress toward those goals. Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and those who "genuinely" want to see you accomplish those goals. Eliminate the relationships with people who don't. I am not implying that you should eliminate the friendship but make your "life goals" the area in which contrary relationships do not extend. In the end you'll retain more friends and see progress in your journey toward your life's purpose. Peace.

In our "politically correct" society it is becoming increasingly easy to offend someone in words or actions unintentionally. We've all had those moments when we can feel that someone is pulling away from us because of offense. In the majority of the cases, we have no understanding why. Maybe it's because most of us (though we tend to deny it) have walls of separation within toward everyone and we are internally looking for a good reason to justify this separation. Or perhaps it is because we were offended deeply at a young age and built a mindset of "offense expectation" regardless of whether or not there is proof.

Whatever the reason, we must continue to pray for those we may have offended regardless of who's right or wrong. I have personal friends who are angry and offended because of something I've said. These are friends that I would call my brothers whom I've shared finance, food and shelter. The enemy would want my response to be anger and resentment but as always, he is a liar and the father of lies. I choose to love, keep reaching out and pray that God will touch their hearts because it is the enemy who separates us. I can walk above offense because Jesus has placed all the power of the enemy under my feet. He did this not only for me but for you as well. So, I encourage you to walk above offense and continue to love because when we lose our love we become nothing (which is what the enemy wants). Shake it off, stand on it- offense has no more power over you. Peace.

The Bible tells us that "the power of life and death lies within the tongue". Many of us "kill" our dreams with the things we mindlessly say on a daily basis. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Speaking contrary to what God has spoken over our lives, is a form of unbelief and doubt not faith. In essence, we build up a mindset that God is not able to do what He said in our lives.

It is vital that we come into agreement with our dreams by speaking words of faith and life. "I will accomplish my goal." "I will be very successful." "I am well able to reach the goal God has set before me." The negative words we speak to ourselves on a daily basis take root in our minds and "choke" out faith words which build our dreams. Remember, the first generation of Israelites never obtained the "promised land" because they chose to listen to the negative report of others instead of the positive assertive report of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13).

Speak positive words about your dreams and goals. In addition, take certain steps which line up to what you say. This could be as simple as attending seminars on the subject matter involving your dreams, or purchasing different materials you will need to use when operating in your purpose. Demonstrate your faith through your actions as the apostle Paul asserted in his writings. Watch your words and actions, and you'll begin to see your dreams take form. Peace.

It's never too late to reach your dreams. Unfortunately, many of us never achieve or reach our God given purpose. Last month, I gave you several reasons why this is so. This month we are going to discuss the first reason in detail.

#1: Embrace you dream (not your neighbor's dream). Many of us never achieve our dreams because we are chasing after something the Lord has not called us to do. Discovering your purpose is really very simple. Just ask yourself a few questions: If money was not a problem, what would I be doing? What would I like to do even if I did not get paid a lot to do it? What am I most interested in? If we are truly honest with ourselves, the answer should be very apparent.

Most of us get in trouble when we see others walking in their purpose and assume that we can do what they do and be just as successful as they are. When we walk in our divine purpose, there is a level of ease to our work. We are performing what we were created to do so functioning in that manner is easy.

We may all have several talents and abilities, but there is only one talent or ability that we truly perform with a high level of proficiency. Perhaps you find yourself laboring extremly hard for modest results, not enjoying what it is you are doing, or maybe you are discovering that others in your field are more creative and productive while you struggle to maintain the very basics of accomplishing your job. This is a clear indicator that you are not operating in what you were created to do. Discover what it is you do well and do it. You'll feel the Father's pleasure as you embrace what He has called you to be as well as live a whole lot happier. Peace.

Have you been working toward a dream for many years? Does it seem that each time a door seemingly opens it suddenly closes? Do you feel like you're in a race with time to reach your life goals? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're not alone. We all have moments when we feel we may not reach our life's goal. Those dreams of the future begin to fade in our mind's expectation. It is during those periods of time that we must remember the promises of God. We must trust and have faith in God as Abraham did.

According to the Bible, Abraham believed God and this was counted to him as righteousness. Abraham was a man who God promised many descendants although he was "advanced" in age and his wife past child bearing years. As incredible (or impossible) as this seemed, within time Abraham and his wife Sarah brought forth their promised child Issac. Abraham believed God. We must do the same if we are to bring forth our "promised child". Here are a few tips to help you get your mind in "faith mode".

1. Embrace your dream not your neighbor's dream.

2. Only do and say that which brings you closer to your dream.

3. Eliminate relationships that move you contrary to reaching your goals.

And most importantly,
4. Keep your dream lifted before God with prayer.

Next month I will explain the importance of each of these steps in detail. Until then, keep reaching toward the prize which is our calling in Christ Jesus. Peace.

Happy New Year!

Thank you to all who have supported this ministry throughout the years. This year we are recovering what was lost in previous years and moving forward to fulfill the work and calling the Lord has commisioned us to complete. We promised you a lot of music last year and we were continually delayed by the enemy but we know that it is now God's timing for us to move forward without hinderances or distractions. We love you very much and look forward to ministering to you in song. Psalm 20:5.