From a SEED to a MIGHTY OAK - God's plan for your success.

What if you could reach a level of success that you never dreamed possible?  

What if I told you that the seed of great success is already inside you? Well, it's true.

"...seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, ... 2 Peter 1:2-4

I have watched many people with God-given talents who never reach the pinnacle of success. Most people never really discover who they were created to be and never realize their full potential. Are you one of those people? Are you someone who has huge potential but never does much with it? Hopefully, this will inspire you to achieve the success that God intended for you.

THE GOAL
Before we go on, let me define success for you. Success is becoming the person God created you to be and accomplishing the mission He created you to accomplish. As you follow Christ and His plan for your life there will be times when what God desires for you and what you desire for yourself are at odds with each other. This is when you must come back to this definition of success. If you believe that your true success comes from fulfilling the life that your Creator designed for you, you'll be willing to let go of your own desires in exchange for His perfect plan.

THE SEED
Everything you need is already inside you. When you were created God designed you for success. When you are born again your spirit is in union with Christ. You have the spirit of an overcomer, victor, a champion. When you are baptized in the Holy Spirit your life is empowered to grow and execute the purpose of your life. The giftings become supernaturally empowered, the divine goals become clearer, and your tenacity to accomplish things increases. However, there are still some things you need to do to help turn the seed inside you into a mighty oak standing tall before the world.

FROM SEED TO OAK TREE
The seed inside you resides in your perfected spirit which is united with Christ. Everything in your born again spirit is great, victorious, successful, and designed to be used to bring God's plan into the world, but the seed must be channeled through your imperfect mind, emotions, and body (2 Cor.. 4:7). This is where the work comes in to play. This is where growth occurs. If your vessel is not shaped for use you will not be very useful, and the seed will never grow.  This is why Peter doesn't stop at verse 4 but continues on with instructions on how to turn your seed into your harvest.

"Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." 2 Peter 1:5-11 

GOD'S PLAN FOR SUCCESS
1. Diligence - Diligence is careful and persistent work or effort. So many people only give an effort when they feel like it, which guarantees failure. They climb up the ladder only to get tired, discouraged, or lazy and slide back down to the first step. God's plan for success requires you to give careful effort. Make sure you are working on the right things. God's plan requires you to give persistent effort. Don't try for a while then quit when you don't see instant results. Great things are built over time. 

2. Moral Excellence - be godly in your dealings and give your best at all times. God and people deserve your best. Don't do things in a half-hearted manner but strive for excellence in your character and your effort. 

3. Knowledge - Make a continuous effort to grown in your knowledge of God, your knowledge of self, and the knowledge of your calling. God is always unveiling new revelations to those who are seeking Him. 

4. Self Control - This is a huge problem today. Everyone seems to be doing what they feel like doing. There is little self-discipline. It's interesting that the Bible refers to us as Disciples and yet many Christians have no self- discipline. They think that doing what you feel like doing is the way to follow the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not your emotions. If you really want to know the difference between the Holy Spirit and your emotions you need to read and re-read the Bible. The Word of God will help you distinguish between your feelings and the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 4:12). God has given us instructions to control our emotions, our minds, and our bodies, and He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower our decisions to obey Him. 

5. Perseverance - This one is pretty simple. Don't quit, finish. Once you know the direction God is leading you and the purpose of your life becomes clearer, don't stop pressing until your finished. 

6. Godliness - Conduct your self in a manner that Jesus would. Be honest, be real, don't quit, sacrifice, love others, get back up, etc. 

7. Brotherly kindness - Remember that you were saved for the purpose of good works. Those good works always include other people. Everything we do is about helping other people find the life and love that Jesus has for them. Think about it, if God only wanted to give us comfortable lives and take in our praise He would just take us all to heaven, but there are still people down here who don't know Him and our lives are living portals to the kingdom of God. Through us, God is loving and reaching the world. Make sure your success is about helping others.

8. Love - love is the greatest power of all. Love has the power to literally change someone's life and we have the power to love. In all your efforts and striving for success don't lose sight of why succeeding matters. In the end, loving others is the greatest success, and your success can be a tool to show and share the love of God with those who need it. 

It breaks my heart to see seeds of greatness everywhere that are lying dormant in lives that have given no effort to grow them. It bothers me to hear people blame God because they haven't accomplished anything great. It's a shame that so many people never discover how incredible they really are. It's a tragedy when someone knows they have a gift but refuses to do the work to make it grow. You're not just depriving yourself of success but you're depriving the world of a mighty oak.

The seed is in you. Start working it. 

Mylon Avery

What's The Point?

By Chrystal Avery
I was sitting at work, doing what I always do. If you have ever worked in the Service and Construction industry, you know it never changes, but it is constantly changing. There are always new service calls, there are always new issues on the job, but the work is always there and you pretty much see and handle the same issues on a day to day basis. 

That day - I was almost feeling sorry for myself. I had been in a pretty low place in my life. Honestly, probably the lowest I have ever been. I literally saw everything in my life as negative. My marriage wasn’t perfect, my kids were struggling with certain things, I questioned my abilities as a mother, I wasn’t happy with my position at work, I wanted more for myself but I knew I had put myself in a position where I couldn’t rise up for anything more. I had been downright depressed so much to the point I wanted to go see a doctor for some help. I needed help. I was questioning my faith, questioning who I am, questioning my life. I kept thinking Why God? Why can’t you help me fix this situation, fix these feelings, fix me? What was the purpose of all of this? What in the world is my purpose? 

Yeah, I might show up to church and help with the children’s department, but I mean, I handle young infants up to toddlers. They don’t really care about my purpose here. They don’t care if I show up or not. What kind of purpose is that? I mean honestly, what is the point?  

I was in a low spot in my life. It was probably the lowest I have ever been. Most of you don’t know, most of you would have never known if I hadn’t told you. I would cry on the way to work, I would cry on the way to get the kids, I would have a mental breakdown and not tell a soul. I am strong. I have been through sexual abuse. I have been through my parents’ divorce. I have been through being bullied. I've lost a parent. I have been through my very own children fighting for their lives in the NICU while I sat there feeling like I failed them when they needed me most. I’m strong, right? I can handle this. I don’t need anyone. 

I would look at social media for approval. Well, if I’m keeping up with the Kardashians, I must be hip and happening, right? I wanted to post the perfect pictures of my beautiful girls; I wanted my life to look so glorious and glamorous. I was looking for approval from others because surely that would make me feel better and I could overcome this low point. Like this must be the point in life, right? This is why I’m here is for everyone to love me and everyone to think I’m so awesome! Meanwhile, I was still in a low place, I wasn’t feeling anyone’s approval and honestly felt so much negativity from most everyone in my life. 

I wasn’t focusing on the most important relationship in my life with Christ our Savior. OUR SAVIOR!!! Literally, the One who shed His blood for me, the One who loves me unconditionally. He gave without question. I was focused on my own strength, feeling sorry for myself, and trying to pull myself out of this dark place. 

I want to discuss the story of Jesus and Peter. They’re having this conversation and He tells the disciples that He is going somewhere that they are not going to be able to go. He gives them a new command to love one another. He tells them that they cannot follow Him where he is going. Peter is concerned; What do you mean I cannot follow you? I would lay my life down for you? He was totally on fire for God. Jesus goes on to tell Peter that he is actually going to deny Him 3 times before the rooster crows. Of course, Peter doesn’t understand. How could he deny Him 3 times before sunrise? 

Later that night they are praying in the garden a group of men arrive with the purpose of arresting Jesus. Peter walks out and cuts a man’s ear off with a sword. Just to prove his love for Jesus. It doesn’t seem like there is going to be any denying Jesus in Peter’s eyes. He continues to follow Jesus as he gets arrested. 

Peter needed to warm up by the fire. Peter was cold. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever gotten cold and in a low place? You are hurting and feeling alone. You start to deny Jesus. Ever stood up so boldly and fought for Jesus, then faced hard times which pushed you into a state of denial? This is what happened with Peter. He then went on to deny Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed just as Jesus said he would.

Jesus ended up giving his own life. He died on that cross for me and for you. The bible goes on to discuss Peter; he turned back to his old ways as a fisherman. This is what we as humans do. We try to go back to what we know best – looking to the approval on social media, try to go back to the parties, try to go back to what makes us feel good. But just like Peter who basically caught nothing, these won’t give you anything. Jesus makes His return to Peter. JESUS CAME BACK TO PETER. After Peter denies him three times, Jesus still comes back. That is huge!! 

 John 21:15- 19 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted, but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

It wasn’t Peter asking Jesus. It was Jesus asking Peter “Do you love me?” Peter knew he loved him, he knew the guy who died on the cross, rose from the grave and came back to cook him breakfast loved him. Peter is me; Peter is you; Peter is all of us. He was failing at being a disciple, failing at being a fisherman, going back to his own ways after Jesus was arrested, he was feeling awful and sorry for himself. I have been living as Peter. I have basically disowned Jesus because I was so caught up in what I thought I needed and what was best for me. The truth is, Peter needed Jesus. He knew it all too well after stumbling and failing Him. Jesus asked Peter to feed His lambs, care for his sheep, be a pastor, be a shepherd, faithfully serve Christ through the church. He ended it with “Follow me!” -- 

That’s what got me thinking. That is my purpose, that is the point. Not just for me, not just for you, but for each and every one of us. Our purpose, our point here is to Follow him and to spread love like Jesus would have us to do. Even though my calling might be in the nursery with infants and toddlers, I know that my purpose and my point is to show up and love on those children like Jesus would. Our purpose and the point is to go out on the streets and spread love to those less fortunate, to remind them that there is someone bigger than me, someone bigger than you, someone bigger than all of us. We need to quit looking at social media for approval like I was and turn to those physically next to you and show them more love than you do your phone or your electronics. That is the point. 

The bible talks about love… 

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 

 “Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 

I will leave you with this: Jesus loves you and just wants your love in return. He says to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. He also tells us to love thy neighbor as you do yourself. Sometimes, we may fail like Peter, we may stumble and fall. We have to remember that Jesus is reaching out to us to pick us up, dust us off, put us back on our feet. We just have to do as He says and, “Follow him.” 

By Chrystal Avery

The Deception Of Good Intentions

Have you seen this video? It's pretty funny. I don't know if they're acting or not, but it does represent the art of deception. We've all been bamboozled by a magic trick. We know it's not really magic but we can't figure out what's going on. From one point of view, it seems like magic and from another, it's obviously not.

One of the great barriers to accomplishment is the deception of good intentions. You may be wondering, "what's wrong with having good intentions?" Nothing is wrong with good intentions in themselves, but by themselves, good intentions can rob us of actual productivity. In other words, intending to do something good is not the same as actually doing it.

But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, ‘I will, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” - Matthew 21:28-31 

This parable displays a simple but profound truth about obedience - either you do it or you don't, and your original intentions did not matter. 

So where is the deception?  Having good intentions can include making plans, dreaming out loud, and imagining the difference you'll make. All of these things give us an emotional boost. The feeling of doing good things often comes to us up front when we are first embracing an idea. We get excited about it and enjoy the feeling of it without actually doing anything. Those feelings deceive us into thinking that we have accomplished something. 

It looks like this: 

1) We get an inspiring idea 

2) The exciting feelings of accomplishing it come to us up front

3) We put off the work of actually doing it

4) We let the feelings of good intentions replace the actual accomplishment.

Have you made plans that you never completed? Have you dreamed about helping someone but just haven't found the time? Don't be deceived by the euphoria of the dream up front. You're not finished until the deed is actually done.

Social Miracle

We live in a marvelous time. We communicate and connect with others through various technologies that our grandparents would never have dreamed of. In some ways, it's made life easier, but in other ways, it's left many feeling disconnected and out of touch. The ability to see others in your phone's apps may keep you connected on the surface but can leave you without deeper, more helpful relationships. Which is why so many people are bemoaning technology, especially social media such as Facebook and Twitter.


If you are a member of a local church you've probably noticed a decline in weekly attendance and group activities. It has left many feeling disconnected from the body and the leadership scrambling to figure out what is going on and how to address it. Some have concluded that we must go back; we must force everyone to return to the methods of yesterday, but that ship has sailed. The world has changed, people have changed, and it's our job to function as the church in the most effective way for this current generation. Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating leaving any biblical mandate behind. I'm saying we have an incredible opportunity staring us right in the face. What if God gave us cell phones, texting, emails, facebook, twitter and other communication methods to help us? What if, instead of complaining about technology, we used it to stay connected? What if we used it to help others? What if it's a SOCIAL MIRACLE?

I know there are bad things that can happen online. That's the way tools work. I can use a hammer to build a house or hit you in the head. The hammer isn't good or evil. The person using it is. Your phone is a tool that you can use to lift others up or tear them down. You can use Facebook to judge others or pray for others. The choice is ours, but the mandate comes from God.

...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24, 25

Here are some ways that you can help others and stay connected using modern methods:

1. When viewing social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, look for people who need prayer, stop where you are and pray for them. You even have a picture of them to help you visualize as you pray.

2.  Use social media to speak life and hope to others. You never know what people are going through but God does. He often uses people to post something encouraging to help others. Just be sure to pray before you post.

3. Call text or message someone who has been distant or missing from the fellowship at church and encourage them. Be prepared to get involved in their lives as God directs you.

4. If you can't make it to worship service catch the livestream later on youtube or your church's website.

5. You can also give online. You can tithe, give offerings, and even donate to charitable causes right where you are.

I believe the church will always need in-person fellowship and community, but that doesn't mean we can't help each other and stay connected through modern means. So, let's show up when it'time to gather in person for worship, fellowship or service. And when we can't get together in person, let's make the most of technology to spur each other on to love and good deeds.

Pastor Mylon Avery

Make The Trade - by Mylon Avery

"Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10

What if I offered you $1,000 and all you had to do was give me $100? Would you make the trade? 

As God's child, you probably know that God has a will. In other words, He has a way He wants things to turn out in your life. He planned it before you were born and created you for it. You probably know that it's a good plan, that he loves you and wants to give you abundant life. Unfortunately, many Christians never truly embrace God's will for their lives. It's not because they don't believe in it. It's because they have plans of their own. They've fallen in love with their own version of how things should turn out. It's like holding tightly to that $100 when God is offering so much more. 

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, - Ephesians 3:20

...; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. - John 10:10

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

The Bible is very clear - God has a plan for you and it is by far the best life you could ever live. But we have doubts, we hesitate, and hold onto our own vision of things. I think the doubt comes from not knowing. God doesn't tell us everything. He doesn't lay out exactly what we will do or where we will end up. He simply says follow me, and it's our job to trust Him. In essence, He is asking you to give Him your $100 before you know what you're getting in return, and that can be difficult. 

But if you know God. If you truly know Him in all of His goodness and love, then you can trust that His plan for you is better than your own. So, make the trade. Stop thinking about losing your own plan and get excited about His plan. Be willing to let go of your will and gladly embrace His. It is in His will that you will live your best, most amazing life.  

Mylon Avery 

Trust The Shepherd

Life is so complex; we cannot begin to fathom its depth. The world has obstacles and hurdles that may surprise you but they do not surprise God. 

Psalms 23: 2-3 says, “He lies me down in green pastures, leads me beside quiet waters, restores my soul, guides me in the path of righteousness for his names sake.” How can we fear the walk of life when our shepherd is God? 

No matter where we are in life, God has been there. The moment you are in may feel hopeless but God has made a path for you. All we have to do is walk the path in trust in the lord. It is easy to be fooled into thinking that God doesn’t care about your problems. I can assure you that nothing is further from the truth. The Bible says God loves you so much he has the hairs of your head numbered. We are God's children and He cares for us, deeply. So the next time life gets scary or you feel lonely remember these steps. 

1. Check your faith in God. 
Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, “Trust in the lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path”. Often, the first problem is that our faith is rocked by our situation. Check your faith regularly to make sure you’re believing in God not your circumstance. 

2. Remind yourself that God is right there with you. 
Isaiah 41: 10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” The world wants you to feel alone. When you are isolated, you are weaker and more vulnerable. Ignore this attack, it is never true. God is always with you. He will never leave you never forsake you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 

3. Pray and Believe 
Mark 11: 24 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Prayer brings you closer to God and when you get closer to God, you are further from your problems. 

4. Be positive. 
Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” God’s children should be filled with joy. Even when it’s hard put a smile on your face because you know God has won the battle for you already. This world cannot break you if your joy is in the lord! Follow the above steps and the difficulties of life will become less of a problem and more of an opportunity for you! 

- Joseph Avery

I'm Hungry

But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ's sake. Not only those things; I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ and be completely united with him. I no longer have a righteousness of my own, the kind that is gained by obeying the Law. I now have the righteousness that is given through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God and is based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death, in the hope that I myself will be raised from death to life. - Philippians 3:7-11 GNT

I wonder what happened to the hunger in God's people. I wonder when it changed. What happened that made us desire the things of the world more than Jesus? Christianity for many has become a way to get more stuff. Just apply faith to whatever you desire and you'll get it. If you want more, you can get more. Don't get me wrong, I know God blesses His people, but when did Jesus become the pathway to possessions instead of the prize we would trade everything for? When did Jesus stop being our goal? When did knowing Him, sitting at His feet, hearing His voice or seeing His face become less important than having an easy and trouble-free life?

I believe that a fresh move of the Spirit is about to break free among God's people, and it's being birthed in those who are tired of seeing Christianity as an avenue to Earthly prosperity. Yes, they are weary of a God who exists only to provide them with more wealth and a stress-free life. They've had what the world has to offer and they've found it empty and meaningless. People everywhere are hungry for something real. People are hungry for Jesus. Our hunger drives us to break out of old habits and religious rules. It drives us to trade our time and money, our desires and dreams for a moment at His feet. 

Hold on! It's going to be a wild ride. The religious institutions are being shaken and much of the dead weight has got to go. Pastors like me better be ready. Don't try to control it lest we find ourselves attempting to put the move of God in a familiar religious box. We cannot put new wine into an old wine skin. It will be different, messy, sloppy, beyond our control, powerful, real, beautiful, difficult at times, it will cost us our lives, but it will be worth it all just to know Him. Our goal is Jesus. We hunger for Him. He is our obsession. He is all we want. We want Jesus.