Epistle for December 31, 2007
Posted by: info <info@...>
E-pistle
Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation December 31, 2007
This is Dr. Scarborough's last Epistle as President of FreeWay Foundation. As of January 1, 2008, he
will be the first Chancellor of Pillsbury College & Seminary and Dr. Dan Hite will be president of
FreeWay Foundation. I will, however, continue to send the E-pistle with writings from Dr. Scarborough.
"I Know The Plans I Have For You"
Jeremiah 29:11
by: Dr. Curt Scarborough (written January 1996)
The new millennium fast approaches. The 21st Century awaits just over the
horizon. What will these next four years hold? What's ahead in 1996? God once
made this promise to His people:
"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11
I. God's plan includes PROVISION . . . "to prosper you"
These past few months have been lean and skinny ones financially for our
ministry. But as income has decreased, intimacy with the Lord has increased because
we have been driven to our knees in fervent prayer. No doubt, you have had similar
experiences in you own life and work.
Through difficult days, we come to experience more deeply the faithfulness of
God's providential care. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to "seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and ALL these things (basic necessities) shall be added unto you."
And Philippians 4:19 has proven to be absolutely trustworthy: "My God shall supply
ALL your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Therefore, we enter 1996 confident that God will continue His provision for
us and our ministries.
II. God's plan includes PROTECTION . . . "not to harm you"
Not only does God promise not to do us harm, He also promises to protect us
from Satan and his followers who want to "steal, kill, and destroy" . . . steal our joy,
kill our witness, and destroy our ministry.
Isn't it wonderful how Scriptures which are extremely familiar sometimes
take on new vitality and meaning when difficulty arises? Psalm 23, for example,
has brought me new faith to replace fear recently. "Though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and
Your staff, they comfort me." And Hebrews 13:5, 6 also spoke a fresh word:
"He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' so we boldly say:
'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'"
Therefore, we may confidently enter 1996 knowing that God's hand is
upon us to do us good.
III. God's plan includes PERSPECTIVE . . . "to give us hope"
Paul talks about being "hard pressed . . . perplexed . . . persecuted . . .
struck down," (II Corinthians 4:8, 9). Such emotional, mental, spiritual, and
physical attacks tend to throw us into doubt, depression, and despondency.
BUT GOD . . . doesn't that phrase thrill your heart? . . . BUT GOD gives His
children a different outlook . . . a new perspective.
His word affirms that "His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a
living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," I Peter 1:3.
Paul in Romans 8:24, 25 writes, "For we were saved in this HOPE, but HOPE
that is seen is not HOPE . . . but if we HOPE for what we do not see, we eagerly
wait for it with perseverance."
Therefore, we enter 1996 with renewed hope; not yet seeing clearly,
but persevering because we know God wants us to see and to know His plan
for us. (See James 1:5) I'm praying that God's enlightenment may give all of
us an ever brightening HOPE.
IV. God's plan includes PURPOSE . . . "to give you . . . a future"
Recently I heard someone say, "A man of God is invincible until God
is finished accomplishing His purpose through him." I believe that's true of
God-called people and of God-ordained ministers. Our future is as bright as
the purposes of God.
Psalm 138:8 proclaims: "The Lord will perfect (fulfill) that which
concerns me." And Philippians 1:6 also witnesses that God's plan includes
a set purpose which shall be accomplished: "He who has begun a good
work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Therefore, we enter 1996 as people of destiny, with an assurance
Based not on knowing what the future holds, but on knowing Who holds
Our future. Come, let's walk with faith into the exciting unknown new
year, toward a new century and a new millennium.
Now a final and personal word:
God has a plan for YOUR life! A plan that includes His provision
and His protection . . . a plan through which He brings you a new
perspective and a renewed purpose. Find that plan . . . follow it . . . and
true fulfillment will be your in the coming year and all the years to follow.
A SERMON IDEA
The Hand of God
Ezra 7 -8
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. What Kind of Person is God's Hand On?
1. Prepared Mind – "skilled scribe", 7:6
to be educated, equipped, experienced
2. Prepared Heart – 7:10
to seek God's law (read, study, meditate, listen)
3. Prepared Will – 7:10
to obey (practice what you preach)
4. Prepared Spirit – 7:27, 28
to worship (praise and thanksgiving bring encouragement)
II. What Does A Person, Touched By The Hand Of God, Do?
1. Fast, 8:21, 23
2. Humble self and seek God's will, 8:21
3. Pray, 8:23
4. Receive "word" from God; follow it, 8:22
III. What Does God's Hand On A Person Produce?
1. Opened door of opportunity (answered prayer), 7:6
2. Sense of purpose and destiny (began; arrived), 7:9
3. Committed followers (dedicated associates with godly
wisdom and touched hearts who encourage the leader)
4. Providential protection (deliverance from enemies until
God's purpose is accomplished), 8:31
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The staff at FreeWay Foundation
and Pillsbury College & Seminary
wish you a Happy and Blessed
NEW YEAR!
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