For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to service and give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

As October approaches, it’s the perfect time to explore a subject that embodies the essence of leadership in its truest form—courageous leadership. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, courageous leaders stand out, ready to serve others possessing a unique blend of traits that set them apart.

They exhibit unwavering determination, resilience, and an ability to inspire and motivate others. They lead by example, show empathy and compassion, and are unafraid to face adversity head-on. Known for managing one’s family well is often seen as a prerequisite for effective leadership. It’s a microcosm of leadership where love, discipline, and guidance are essential. Courageous leaders prioritize their families, creating a stable and nurturing environment. Mental strength is crucial in a world filled with information and constant change. Courageous leaders are intellectually curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning. They make informed decisions and are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Integrity is the cornerstone of courageous leadership. A strong sense of ethics and principles guides leaders with moral integrity. They make ethical choices even when difficult and ensure their actions align with their values. Courageous leaders excel in interpersonal relationships. They are skilled communicators, active listeners, and adept at building strong, diverse teams. They recognize the importance of collaboration and diversity in achieving success. Perhaps the most critical qualification for courageous leadership is spiritual maturity. Leaders who walk in faith and stay in rhythm with the Holy Spirit find the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate complex challenges. They understand that Holy Spirit-led leadership is not about self-promotion but serving others with a servant’s heart.

Reflecting on Mark 10:45, ” we find the ultimate example of courageous leadership. Jesus, the ultimate leader, demonstrated humility, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to serving others. As aspiring courageous leaders, we are called to follow in His footsteps. We must be willing to serve, even when inconvenient or uncomfortable. We should seek godly wisdom in all our decisions and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate the complexities of leadership. Courageous leadership is not about seeking power or recognition but advancing the Kingdom of God. It’s about making a positive impact on the lives of others, leaving a lasting legacy of love, compassion, and service connecting generations. In this month of October, let us celebrate courageous leaders and commit ourselves to grow in the qualities of courageous leadership. Let us strive to be leaders who serve others decisively with godly wisdom, reflecting the heart of Christ in all we do.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4:18-19

The new year can bring excitement to start something fresh or to restart another desired opportunity missed in the previous year. It can also bring on anxieties about what to do or what not to do in the coming year. I love watching loved ones embrace the newness that each new year affords us, especially for those who have had extreme difficulties. There is something awesome about hearts and minds pressing against the odds. It is encouraging to see people rising above the forces that operate to limit and oppress us from living out our full potential in Christ Jesus. The freedom and favor won by the blood of Jesus positions all who believe to be authoritative under the rule of our risen Savior and God. Your yes can be yes, and your no can be no in Christ Jesus.

Oswald Chambers once said, “self-chosen authority is an impertinence.” In other words, self-chosen authority can be inappropriate and irrelevant where exercised. Many New Year’s resolutions and attempts to change our thoughts and behaviors fall off the rails. Why? Some of us try to operate under the false notion that we have autonomous authority and power to do what we will to do. Only God has ultimate and intrinsic authority. He is the only one who needs no one’s permission. However, we all must operate in delegated or representative authority under God’s ultimate authority. Jesus shares with the disciples, “you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you, But, whoever would be great among must be your servant… (Matthew 20:25-26).” Chambers concludes that “If a saint tries to exercise authority, it is proof he is not rightly related to Christ.” We all are operating with a measure of authority. Still, the question then becomes who or what is influencing our authority?

Cynethia and I decided to drive down to South Carolina to spend time with our family. It usually takes us 9-10 hours, but we use the time to catch up and share thoughts. We talked about RV’s, and we had an opportunity to see many of them on the road. Some were all in one, and others were trailers. The trailers we saw were connected with anti-sway bars to pick-up trucks. The anti-sway bar causes the trailer to track and follow the direction of the pick-up truck. The word of God and the Holy Spirit are like this anti-sway bar that encourages and influences us to follow the ultimate authority and power of the almighty God. 

Who and what will be instrumental in influencing you and who you are becoming in 2022? All power and authority have been given to Jesus (Matt 28:18). At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10-11). Father, thank you for our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your holy word and holy presence working in us. You know where we are lacking, where we are limited, where we have no clarity, and where our way is being frustrated. Thank you for sending the good news to encourage our hearts and setting us free, and giving us light amid the dark places in our lives. Thank you, Lord God, for giving us authority where it is needed that we can enjoy you and who we are becoming in 2022. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 

No one wants to be unhappy or unsatisfied in life. I would suspect that many of us plan and try to avoid situations that can be unfruitful. However, discovering what the future may hold escapes every man without divine guidance. Yet, time and time again, we set ourselves up for disappointment by pursuing happiness in temporal places and things. We can grow anxious in our living when our plans and earthly help become inconsistent. Maybe the promotion didn’t come, the move couldn’t happen, or the vacation must be delayed. In times like these, the word of God both reminds and charges us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Phil 4:6-7). When our wounded heart and busy mind start to work against us, lifting our heart and mind in prayer makes more room for the filling of God’s peaceful presence. Are you looking for peace of mind in your circumstances? We must look to the hills from where our help comes knowing that all our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  

Paul didn’t let his disappointment in how others responded to his needs grow into discouragement. We must also be confident in the faithfulness of God and His call on our lives. He is what makes what needs to happen come to pass (Phil 1:6)! Yes, the people in our lives are required and can be involved, but as must as God moves their hearts. We must be careful that our fellowship in the body of Christ doesn’t degrade into worldly transactional relationships. People are not disposable! All people should be treated with dignity and respect. Every relationship we have has value. Maybe some relationships are designed to be more distant, but in Christ, we are the family of God. My heart aches when I witness fractured and broken relationships. 

Especially when people are not where we may want them to be for us. How we serve and give of ourselves must flow from the gratitude of our worshiping heart for our God and Savior. When our service or level of service is contingent on others’ actions, we have forgotten whom we are serving. When we first planted New Victory some Sundays, my family were the only worshippers present, but that didn’t release me from my calling to preach the gospel. I had to remind myself the most important presence on any given Sunday is Jesus! So, whether the pews are empty or full, I will preach the gospel with all the power the Holy Spirit guides and convicts me. God gave us everything in Christ Jesus, and this is why we can give of ourselves like we do. He has made us givers, but we must never forget that it is more blessed to give than receive (Luke 6:38). Has disappointment impacted your worship? Are you still a giver of your time, talent, and treasure?

I have to confess that it is not easy to keep pressing forward when you seem to be traveling this faith journey alone. I shared Sunday that God will let you know that He is all you need with you to accomplish what he called you to do. In 1996, we started a technology company with a few clients. I was working full-time during the day at an engineering firm and growing the business at night. We were adding a new client per month, and we needed office space, but we could not afford the lease requirements in the areas. One day one of our clients found out we were looking for space. He called me for a meeting and graciously offered us office space in their building he was not using. It was already finished and had its own entrance. He stated that he wanted to have us close by in need of an emergency. Nobody but God can move people’s hearts to do gracious things for others. We can labor and toil from sun up to sun down and still have no satisfaction, but Jesus says, come unto me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28). Our sufficiency must be in God and him alone, then we can press forward with little or much. We can be satisfied no matter where we are, what we have, or who we are. We will never have to worry about the future when we seek the kingdom and Christ’s righteousness first place in our lives. 

Finding satisfaction in life is one thing, but keeping satisfaction is another. I used to run track, and both coach Ward and Brown used to say on the night before a race, remember to eat your carbs. Most of us let our parents know, and we usually had spaghetti or some pasta dinner. The benefit of all the hours of specialized practice could not be realized if we did not balance our physical labors with the proper diet. Our track team won most of our meets and the championship each year. When we realize that God has met our needs, that’s contentment, but being ready for what may come after is called competence. Being ready no matter the circumstances we find ourselves is we have been given the help and enablement of the Holy Spirit. We don’t have to get what we want, but we can be satisfied wanting what we get.

Father, thank you for your faithful provision in and for our lives. Our contentment and competence are found in Christ and the power of your Holy presence. You promised never to leave nor forsake us. Thank you for being faithful to your promise. Help us trust you most of all and rest in your great provision to sustain and strengthen us so that we are ready for anything with Christ Jesus our Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 

There is a constant battle going on inside of each of us that cannot be ignored. It is called temptation. Temptation is when our flesh or old nature says to us that I am about to take over by any necessary means. We should also be mindful that we live in a time where our culture promotes self-interests above community interests. It says to us you should have what you want to be happy. There are countless commercials, billboards, and marketing signs targeting us to appeal to the nature of unhealthy desires within us. The coordinated pressures from the inside and the outside can be relentless and seem impossible to overcome. But God can help us keep standing under pressure and give us the escape we need to keep moving forward (1 Cor 10:13). Like Paul submitting to God opens doors and opportunities unseen otherwise. He encourages us to have the same mind of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Humility is the launchpad for living well and finishing well in the sight of God almighty. Are you tired of falling and being knocked down trying to live right? God has placed you in the community of faith for a purpose, and in Christ Jesus, you can stand against the pressures waring against your progress.

I know that it may seem better to ignore some thoughts and desires that lure us to go negative or to go back from the places we were delivered. However, doing so pretends that the struggle is not a real one. We say to ourselves, let me escape my cravings by going somewhere or doing something that will distract me from what is starting to boil over inside. We look for entertainment; football, a movie, shopping, eating out, or going to crowded places to drown out the noise inside. The struggle cannot be ignored as our old, and new lives are on a collision course that cannot be avoided. We must join God in the work he is already doing for our salvation. We must work out what he has worked in us as true worshipers recognize his greatness and sovereignty over all that is seen and unseen (Phil 2:12-12). We must have a daily spiritual workout plan that has results (1 Cor 9:27). Do you think your struggle is beyond God’s help? The Lord says, come unto me all who are tired and worn out, and I will give you the rest you need (Matthew 11:28). You can come to the Lord God with any issues you are having all the time. Don’t pretend they are not there or ignore them, but worship God in them, knowing that His grace is sufficient for you and his power is made perfect in your weaknesses. 

God’s love for us never gives up. The driving force behind our new self is the love of God being manifested in us and around us. We never quit when the power of God’s love is alive in us and working through us. It is easy to complain to everybody else about life. Paul encourages us not to follow the crown of chronic complainers but to follow in Christ’s footsteps. To be steadfast, unmovable, ever abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labors are not in vain in Him (1 Cor 15:58). Don’t you know God’s love will never give up on you? Don’t even think about quitting, be steadfast and stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.  

The struggle is real, steadfastness is required, and sacrifice and service return and extend the grace and favor freely given to us. We are not our own, but we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts are the dwelling place of God, and the charge is to glorify Him. To humbly serve him and worship him in all we do with a dedicated heart. A heart that is surrendered emptied and poured out an offering for him to enjoy and others to experience. When we are real, we can be a real help to others. This is Christ’s church, the body of Christ; this is the greater community in the world that is a light reflection of God’s glory.

Lord God, thank you for loving us enough that we can be real about our struggles. Thank you for giving us the assurance we need that you will never walk out on us, but you will always be with us. Thank you for being who you are all the time for us. You are almighty, you are always present, you are always faithful, you are worthy of all our praise, glory, and honor. Thank you for placing us in your family and giving us the power to overcome our battles and a living hope that you will never disappoint us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 

The emotion of fear can be both healthy and unhealthy. Unhealthy fears are those that cause us to shrink and be drawn away from our purpose and responsibilities. We can be afraid of a person, a sickness, or even what the future holds. I remember being diagnosed with a heart condition many years ago and being fearful of what my future looked like. Once I took my fears to the Lord, my outlook on my life and future changed. Nothing can happen without the Lord say so, and life and death remain in the power of His mighty hands. God wants us to take whatever we are afraid of to Him so that He can calm all our fears (Isaiah 41:10). Healthy fears are those that keep us from doing things that are harmful to us and keep us thriving in our purpose and responsibilities. Healthy fear is also called reverence or respectfulness. We learned not to place our fingers into electrical outlets, put our hands on a hot stove, stand in front of a moving train, or disrespect our parents for many of us. The word of God says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverb 9:10). The opposite of fear is confidence. Paul encourages the church of Philippi to keep their faith in the Lord, saying, He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). We are to choose faith over fear and let nothing frustrate God’s purpose in our lives.

How could the Apostle Paul be in chains and face possible execution and live in his divine purpose? Why is it that his plans and dreams were not canceled by his circumstances? Paul’s resolve was not self-willed determination, but the gift of the Spirit of God stirred up in Him to live like and look to Christ (2 Tim 1:7). Paul’s power to overcome his fears and function within his purpose flowed from the life of Christ in him. In other words, he knows no matter the outcome, he can’t lose with the Lord God on his side. He knew that in Christ Jesus, no weaponed form against him shall prosper (Isa 54:17). God’s ultimate purpose for our lives is invincible, indestructible, impossible without Christ. Yet, with Christ, all things are made possible. When we keep our eyes on Christ, our present and future are made clear.

Our circumstances can make us feel that the walls are closing in around us. We can feel increasingly isolated or trapped, but when we have lived and experienced the faithfulness of God long enough, we realize that we are never alone. We have learned that God is our refuge and strength our ever-present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1). If we are not prayerful our feelings of isolation can cause to only see ourselves and our own interest. Instead of being members of Christ’s body, we can become disconnected, unhappy, and unfulfilled. The enemy wants to isolate all he can to destroy us all one by one (1 Pet 5:6-8).  Paul matured to understand that God created him to be great and significant in Christ Jesus. If we know that if God is for us who can be against us, then our attention begins to shift from me, myself, and I to God and others. Like Paul, we must recognize that no matter our circumstance, God will get the glory in both our living and dying, and it is always a win for us too.

The more one becomes isolated, the more self-righteous and miserable one becomes. However, the greater joy you will have when you know whose you are (1 Cor 6:19-20). When you know that God has a purpose and plan for your life, you can live in confidence and not fear (Jer. 29:11). God created each of us to do more than just breathe, but to become more and more like Christ as find meaning in who we are in and for Him.

Father, help us not be afraid or anxious about anything but remember that you have good thoughts toward us of peace and not evil.  You want to give us a future and a hope that will not disappoint us. Grow us up to see beyond ourselves and our own interests. Help us to be more helpful to those you have placed around us. Help us to be more hopeful when our circumstances move to isolate us from you and others. You are great and have a great life for us with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached: and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.
Philippians 1:18

As I reflect on the last 18 months, it is ever apparent that no one can escape the realities upon which we live. In fact, many realities have forced themselves upon us. Covid, mean spirited people, and self-centered mindsets have influenced the need for divine wisdom and a God-sent response to how we live and plan ahead. To be honest, I found myself amazed and deeply disappointed at my response and many of whom I admire to the present circumstances; divisions in many homes, the Lord’s church, and our nation. I am compelled to ask myself questions in this time of difficulty and uncertainty. How deep is the life spring of my well? Has my well run dry? God uses hardships for his glory! Our circumstances, especially consequences and situations forced upon us, can expose where we drink from for life. If our well is money, thoughts, appearance, title, home, car, or relationships, we will always find ourselves less than satisfied. To idolize any person, thing, or thought is to become a slave to it. The word of God warns us not to cling to or be drawn idols (Exodus 20:3-5, Psalm 135:15-18, 1 John 5:21). Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ assures us that if He is our well, the water he gives us will spring up eternal life (John 4:14). The source of our worship determines our present state of being and informs our response to our current circumstances.

The Apostle Paul writes to the church of Philippi, reflecting on his present circumstances. He is under house arrest, guarded by the toughest guards on the planet, waiting to go to Rome to appeal to Caesar. Surprisingly, he is not discouraged because of who and what is alive in him. It is not doubt; it is not disappointment or shame, but the life and truth of the gospel message firing his life. He sees the present circumstance as the divinely given opportunity for the gospel message to be seen and felt by those around him. He knew that God was working things out for his good (Romans 8:28). What opportunities do you now have for the gospel message to be seen and felt around you?

I am guilty too of being critical of others as they respond to crisis and uncertainty. Yet, when I see the plank in my own eye, I am compelled to get on my knees and repent. The response required today is a gospel response! When I get up from my knees, there must be a resolve in my heart and spirit that demands not my will be done but the Father’s will. I am not looking for enemies or those who may disagree with me, nor am I concerned about those who don’t like me for whatever reason. Why? Because I am looking to see the hand of God using whosoever will to share the message of the gospel. It does not have to be pretty; it does not have to be eloquent, but it must be the gospel. Paul helped me to see that the message is more important than the method. The results are more important than relationships. In other words, where you serve and honor God, there may be those whose motives are competitive. However, you have come to realize that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but spiritual forces of wickedness in high places (Eph 6:12). Can you see the other instruments God is using around you for the message of harmony and hope?

Paul was able to somehow get out of his own way for the advancement of the gospel. The new life in him overflowed to the life outside of him. He saw beyond the personal conflicts and motives he disagreed with and embraced what was real, impactful, what was God sent, and what was life-changing. Paul encourages us to embrace what is always relevant; the gospel message of the risen Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, thank you for the gift of salvation through Christ Jesus your Son. You give us the power to that can transform our painful possibilities into joyful realities. You give us joy that this world cannot take away. You give us joy unspeakable that runs deep down in our souls. Help us to war right worshiping you in spirit and in truth. Recognizing that idols make promises they can’t keep, but you are the God who is a promise keeper and will never leave nor forsake us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard