Several years ago God spoke to my wife and me telling us that He was going to give us the ability to pull people from the trash heap of life and make them men and women of God.

That sounded great and exciting at that time but little did we know that God would give us this ability as we experienced our own "trash heap!"

But now we earnestly believe we are entering a season when we're standing on top of the "trash heap," brushing ourself off, dreaming.......again, preparing to rebuild and trusting God that He is going to restore what has been lost.

As we stand on top of our "trash heap" where we can see a bit clearer, one thing has become clear. God has been with us IN THE "TRASH HEAP!" As I look back I can say with confidence God has never left us and He's never forsaken us! In fact God has been using the "trash heap" to prepare us for the future He had prepared for us! That's just the way God works! He never waste a pain and He will use your pain for His glory if you will allow Him!

I love the following verse that many of you know.

" And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Here's an important key. You need to make your "trash heap" an "all things!" If you do this you'll realize God has a purpose for you and your struggle and it will be like an elevator is lifting you to the top of your "trash heap" and you can at least breathe again the breath of life from Jesus Christ who came "to give us life and life more abundantly."

Don't be smothered in your struggles! I believe there are two main reasons people get smothered in their struggles and never arrive at the place of restoration. First I believe they become victims instead victors! It's simply a matter of perspective but it makes a huge difference. Second they become accusers instead of accepting responsibility for their own actions.

Let me be blunt and say that if you choose to be a victim and an accuser it will be very difficult for you to arrive at a place where you can see clearly and get on the path to restoration. Being a victim and an accuser keeps you focused on your "trash heap" instead of the God who wants to use your struggles for His glory and restore what has been lost whether it was by your mistakes or the actions of another. God's grace is greater than your mistakes and the mistakes of others!

When you have the attitude of a victor you recognize and accept that your "trash heap" fits in the category of God's "all things" and He's working everything out for your good. Everyday you're moving forward knowing that victory is yours in Christ Jesus.

When you accept responsibility for your own mistakes and learn from them and forgive the mistakes of others you recognize that God is preparing you for the place He has prepared for you.

So you're standing on the top of your "trash heap" with the attitude of a victor taking responsibility for your own life. Something very special is about to happen. You're a bit hesitant but then you realize you can't be controlled by fear. Then suddenly, you have an encounter with God and you begin to DREAM.......AGAIN! Yes it explodes on the inside of you and you realize God still wants to use you for His purpose.

"But how can God use me" may be your question? Then you hear this still small voice speaking to your heart and it gives you courage because this is what it says. "I've turned your mess into a message, your test into a testimony and your failure will now bear fruit in My Kingdom."

Then you watch as your "trash heap" transforms into a temple in which God displays His glory through.

“This is what the Lord says: “ ‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place. (Jeremiah 30:18 NIV)

It's time to Dream.......Again my friend! May my next blog find you dreaming!

Ken Woolf

"Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust."  ( Proverbs 4:23-27 MSG)

I've made it clear from other blogs that one of the main assignments God has given my wife and I is to "Encourage people all over the World!"  I still remember it like it just happened but it was 4 years ago while I was driving down Hwy. 50 in Pueblo, CO. that God spoke those words in my heart.  It wasn't an audible voice but in my heart and ears it was close. 

With this in mind I've had to be very diligent about guarding my heart and keeping it pure and encouraging my family to do the same. Why is this?  Straight to the point, it would be very difficult to encourage others with a "sick" heart.  After all the Bible says, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." 

Proverbs 4:23 in the New Living Translation says it like this: "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Yes guard your heart, but did you notice the words after that.  "Above all else."  Sounds pretty important to me.   And let me be up front and say that I haven't always done the best job at this but we've made adjustments as the Holy Spirit has directed us. 

The next paragraph of the blog I'm sharing just so you'll understand the level we've had to rise in guarding our hearts but I'll not reveal the details. 

I've been in vocational ministry for over 20 years now.  But in all my years of ministry I've never been exposed to the elements that have had the potential to damage and give me an unhealthy spiritual heart as I have in the last few years.  From our failed church planting experience to our return to Texas there has been plenty of opportunity for our hearts to be contaminated and instead of encouraging people all over the world I  and my family could be living with offended and discouraged hearts that are spewing venom on anyone who is willing listening. 

When we've walked through failure or disappointments in life I believe God wants all of us to get back to the place that we're Dreaming.......Again.  But honestly that can be difficult to do if our heart is "sick!"  So I think it's imperative that we all make it a priority to guard our hearts.  The following is from the book "Sifted" by Wayne Cordeiro and gives a perfect example of guarding the heart.

"When I disagree with someone who is not present, it's tempting to speak bluntly and sometimes inappropriately.  We are but a breath away from gossiping and tearing down others.  But a man of integrity says, "Hold on! It is not my job to ruin that person's reputation. It's not right for me to criticize him until I fully understand his side of the story."  The Bible warns us not to rush to judgement, saying, "He who gives an answer before he [fully understands], it is folly and shame to him." (Proverbs 18:13).  If you are upset about an incident, do some research first, and allow the other person to share his or her side of the story.  For me to come to a conclusion about another's reputation, heart, spirit, motives, or actions without fully investigating all of the facts would be wrong. Doing so would reveal a lack of integrity.  I honor other people by finding out the facts first, and I honor God by trusting him in the process, knowing that he will ultimately expose and judge the truth of the matter.  If I slaughter someones reputation when he's not there to defend himself, then those listening think, "Whoa! If he slanders that guy when he's not around, then what does he say about me?"  Protecting the reputation of those who aren't present gains the trust of those who are.  Our integrity will be tested throughout our lives, guaranteed.  So prepare yourself by knowing how to respond: by refraining from snap judgements or unfounded gossip." 

My friends words can damage a heart or they can heal a heart.  Proverbs 12:18 says, "There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." 

Today my wife and I feel more spiritually healthy than we did a year ago.  God has done wonders with our heart and He'll do the same for you!  So be honest right now!  What's the condition of your heart?  Just like one of my previous blogs I'm praying for every person that reads this.  The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came to give us life and life more abundantly.  God wants you and me to be living the abundant life!  He paid a great price for it! 

So if you can be honest and you know your heart is "sick"  why not ask God right now to heal your wounded heart and restore any area the enemy has robbed you! Remember, God loves you with an unconditional love and His mercy and grace are greater than any mistake you or someone else has made. 

Let me challenge you!  Guard you heart and start Dreaming.......Again!  God has a great plan for your life!

Love you!

Ken

PS- ENCOURAGE SOMEONE BEHIND THEIR BACK TODAY! 



 

Fear!  I've not researched it myself but someone who has recently said that the phrase "Be Not Afraid" is used 365 times in the Bible.  I love it, one "Be Not Afraid" for each day of the year!  You think God might be trying to communicate something very important to us? 

Let me be very honest and transparent with you.  The biggest obstacle my wife and I have had to face is fear!  And the biggest fear we've faced is the fear of stepping out again and doing what we believe God is calling us to do.  One of the common things said in our house has been "we tried and it didn't work."  With this attitude what God can do in our lives is very limited.  With this attitude we begin to tell God what He can do with our lives and how to do it instead of us surrendering to God and doing whatever He says.  What keeps us from surrendering?  Fear! 

I personally believe the most potent tactic of the enemy to stop God's plan in your life is fear!  Fear is a paralyzing force and if allowed to control your life will hold you captive and keep you from God's best.  Please understand how dangerous fear can be if given a place in your heart. 

Let me say bluntly before I share with you how to overcome fear that you can dream all you want but if you are controlled by fear you will never step out on those dreams.  All your dreams will be is wishful thinking!  That may sound a bit strong but I hope it helps you understand the danger of being controlled by fear. 

But I love what the Bible says about fear.  2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  This verse alone is enough to tell you and me that we want nothing to do with fear!  I don't want anything God has not given me.  Look at what one commentary says about fear as it relates to the above verse.  "It's not from God; and it can immobilize and torment its victims, making them feel powerless and alone. Indecision or wrong decisions are then made that could give place to bondage and great human suffering." 

Are you struggling with fear today?  First know you're not alone!  So let me share one verse that I believe will help us all overcome fear. 

1John 4:18- "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." 

Here's what I earnestly believe.  A person that is controlled by fear has lost sight of how much God loves them.  They no longer have a fresh revelation of God's love in their heart.  This person is no longer focused on the love of God.

Let me gently say that if you are ruled by fear it's very possible that you are more focused on you then you should be and you need to refocus on God and who He is.  And the Bible says that "God is love" and my friend His love is perfect!  Therefore, "perfect love casts out fear." 

I'm going to pray for every person that reads this blog.  Here's my simple prayer for you. "Heavenly Father I pray that each person who reads this blog will have a fresh revelation of your love.  May they fully understand the love that caused You to send your Son Jesus Christ to give His life for them.  And Father I declare that as they are filled with Your love fear will go in Jesus name!  Thank you Father for hearing and answering my prayer!" 

I encourage you to refocus your focus and face God's love instead of facing fear!  When you and I walk in the revelation of God's love for us we'll not only DREAM.......AGAIN but we'll also step out and begin to live the dreams God has given us.  You can trust Him, you really can!

Encouraging the world,

Ken Woolf

 

WHAT DO I DO NOW?  This question may be trivial for some but for the person that's stepped out to live their big dream and then experienced failure this can be a huge question.  Think about it, you've poured all your energy and resources into this dream thats been burning in your heart and your whole life has been captivated by what you believe is God's plan for your life.  The big day comes, you step out of the boat, and then you sink.   You've just faced the biggest discouragement of your life and now the question is, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Some have left good jobs to live the dream.  Some have left family to live the dream.  Some have left communities they were raised in to live the dream. For me and Jeanie we left a perfectly good church with incredible people that didn't want us to leave but we had this dream burning in our hearts to plant a church in Colorado.

I really think Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ, was in a similar frame of mind when he said in John 21:3 "I'm going fishing."  Just think about it.  Approximately three years prior to this the Bible tells us that Peter, who was a fisherman, dropped his nets at the beckoning of Jesus Christ to follow Him. Basically Peter left his family business to follow Jesus and become a disciple of the Messiah who was to give His life for the salvation of humanity.

Now just before the events of John 21 Peter watched the Man he left everything for die on a cross and in the process of Jesus journey to death Peter denies Him three times! But now Jesus is alive again and Peter's got to be wondering about his future as a disciple.  For those who know the Bible we know that in John 21 Jesus shows up where Peter and some friends are fishing and later in the chapter Jesus commissions Peter to "feed His sheep."  What a powerful moment for Peter who certainly had questions about what his future looked liked.

But this encounter with Jesus Christ all started with Peter saying "I'm going fishing."  I've read several commentaries on this chapter in the Bible and all with different thoughts on the idea of Peter going fishing.  But here's my view on this story and I've used this principle for this season of our life and ministry that we didn't know what to do.

When you don't know what to do, do what you know to do!   I think that's what Peter was doing.  He didn't know what to do so he went fishing, something he knew how to do.  And in that environment Jesus shows up and has an encounter with Peter that established the direction of Peters life, the rest of his life.

When you've experienced tragic situations there's the opportunity for the rest of your life to be one big pity party!   Many people get offended at God and stay mad at the world.  I promise you this is the road to nowhere and you will live a miserable life and make life miserable for those around you.  I know that's direct but it's the truth.

I'm not trying to minimize the pain you've experienced but don't allow your pain to become a life long pity party.  If you'll give your pain to God and start doing what you know to do God will turn your pain into a life long praise party!  

In the midst of our pain Jeanie and I started doing what we know to do.  We currently serve as Associate Pastors in a great church.  In the past two years I've traveled to Romania, Denmark and Uganda speaking in Pastors conferences and Bible Schools. Next month I travel back to Denmark to speak in a conference.

I know God has called me to encourage people all over the world which is the reason I started writing this blog and I use Facebook almost daily to encourage people.  We're just doing what we know to do!

As a result of this some cool things have happened and some doors have been opened.  A person who reads my blogs has strongly recommended that I write a book and has connected me to a publisher.  This same person has told me that he believes there's not just one book in me but several.  I'm not boasting but I am testifying of the restoring power of God if you'll just pick yourself up and start doing what you know to do.  I boast in Jesus Christ alone!

Recently we had a Pastor from New Zealand speak at our church who flows in the gift of prophecy and word of knowledge.  He knew nothing of our past journey and what we had experienced.  He prayed over my wife and told her that we had "passed the test and were coming up out of the wilderness".  He also told her it was good she was married to me.  I liked that one!  Well,  I'm also glad it's time to come up out of this wilderness!

While praying with me he confirmed the five-fold ministry gift of Pastor that God has entrusted to me.  That's when I had what I've mentioned before in other blogs as a "sandy sea shore moment."  He then communicated that Jesus was commissioning me and said "it's time to feed My sheep."

In some peoples eyes Jeanie and I probably have every reason to be mad at God, other people and ourselves.  But we made a decision and with the decision comes the following declaration.  "God still has a great plan for our lives!"  We're going to do what we know to do and experience the restoring power of God.

If one devastated pastor reads my blog and decides to "get back in game" then our mess has become a ministry.  If one woman who has been through a tragic divorce decides to pick herself up and move forward then our test has become a testimony.  If someone who has failed in business decides to "go for it" again then our failure has become fruitful!

But it all begins with just doing what you know to do when you don't know what to do!

Be encouraged today!  You can DREAM.......AGAIN!

JUST START DOING WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO AND WATCH GOD DO WHAT HE KNOWS HOW TO DO! 

Encouraging the world,

Ken Woolf

It's over for me!  My family doesn't believe in me.  Other people don't believe in me. God doesn't believe in me.   How could God let this happen, we took a step of faith?  What do I do now?  God must be punishing me.  How could God let this happen (repeated)?  What's wrong with me?  What am I going to do now?  I don't know what to do!  How could God let this happen?  I must not be good enough.  I must not be able to hear God's voice.  I'm a loser and a failure. God's mad at me.  Nothing good ever happens to me.  How could God let this happen. 

What I'm describing in the above paragraph is the thoughts you often experience after an apparent failure or tragic situation in your life.  Maybe something big you had been planning didn't meet your expectations and immediately you started wrestling with negative thoughts in your mind. 

That's right, there's a battle going on and the ground this battle takes place on is the soil of your mind.  And with every positive or negative thought you allow to remain in your thinking you are planting seeds that will produce fruit and determine the direction of your life.

That's why the following verse in the Bible is so important!  "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5) Another powerful and revealing verse is "As a man thinks in his heart so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7)

After our failed attempt to plant the church in Colorado there was a day when I realized I had been losing the battle in my mind.  For several weeks I was continually asking my wife is she believed in me.  In her kindness she would always reply "you know I believe in you."  Then one day she'd had enough!  I asked her again if she believed in me but this time her reply was a bit different and eye opening.  She said, "It's not me who doesn't believe in you, it's you who doesn't believe in you." 

In that moment, as soon as she spoke those words, it's like a light bulb was turned on in my heart and I realized  I had been losing the battle in my mind and believing a lie.  You see, the negative thoughts I mentioned above are just some of the thoughts I had been struggling with.  And I was charting the course of my future with all these negative thoughts and making it more and more difficult to recover from our loss. 

It was like God allowed me to expereince a needed awakening that to this day has radically changed my thought life and put us back on the path of recovering all that was lost and being used by God again to love and encourage people all over the world. 

But for this to happen I had to take action.  Here's what I did and you can't miss this, it's very important!  I started replacing those negative thoughts, not with just some random positive thought I had, but with God's thoughts about me found in the Bible. 

Over and over I began to read verses that talked about God's unfailing love and His power to restore.  The following verse is one I've continually reminded myself of.  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Here's another great verse from the Old Tesament.  "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)

There are many more verses in the Bible that we can use to replace the negative thinking.  I heard a minister say this not long ago and it's so true. "I can't afford to think anything about me that God doesn't think about me."  Now think about that! 

If you and I are going to move forward and Dream.......Again it's imperative that we win this battle in our minds.  Our enemy is a liar and an accuser but we can overcome the negative thoughts with the Word of God. 

These days I'm continually reminding myself that God still has a great plan for our lives.  Now I find myself thanking God for what He is doing in our lives and ministry.  We know He's preparing us for a greater day and the best is yet to come. 

If you've been through a difficult, discouraging season in your life I want to encourage you.  One of my favorite movies to watch is "Castaway" with Tom Hanks.  I even have two volleyballs with the bloody hand print in my office at the church.  At times if you walk in you'll find me talking to them.  One of my favorite lines in the movie is near the end after Tom Hanks character has been rescued.  He says, "I know what I have to do now.  I have to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise." 

If you're having a battle in your mind I hope you know what to do now.  And when you begin to replace those negative thoughts with God's thoughts toward you, the Son Jesus Christ is going to rise in your heart and you're going to move forward and DREAM.......AGAIN! 

Encouraging the world,

Ken Woolf

 

I'll never forget Saturday March 09, 2013 and Sunday March 10!  That Saturday evening I received a Facebook private message from a pastor friend in Pueblo, Co., Aaron Tomlinson.  In the message Pastor Aaron let me know that he just had a prophetic dream concerning Jeanie and me.  I'll not share the contents of the dream but I would like to share the following sentence.  "Your lack of perseverance has caused you to be delayed but not disqualified."  Then Pastor Aaron said he believed he needed to reference the scripture found in 1Corinthians 9:24.  I'll share why this is significant later in the blog.

I loved the whole message Pastor Aaron sent but I pointed out that one sentence for a reason.  The following Sunday morning I walked into the church we attend (Jeanie and I currently serve as Associate Pastors at a great church in Port Neches, TX. called Freedom Christian Fellowship) and just as I entered the auditorium I noticed a very sweet lady named Daisy walking up to me with a huge smile on her face.  She walked directly to me and without any greeting said,  "God gave me one word for you last night."  Of course my reply was....okay!  She said, "that one word is qualified! God wants you to know you're qualified."

When she said that to me I had what I like to call a "sandy sea shore moment!"  In a previous blog I talked about one of Jesus disciples named Peter.  I specifically pointed out John 21 where Peter had gone fishing with some other friends.  After fishing all night catching nothing Jesus shows up on the "sandy sea shore" and from there has an encounter with Peter which confirms to Peter that Jesus still had a plan for his life. Even after Peter had denied Christ three times!

What catches my attention in this story is that Jesus showed up where they were at.  I know we're supposed to pursue God but I love those moments when God lets me know He's pursuing me and still has a plan for my life.  And that's exactly what I experienced that Saturday night and Sunday morning.

I had recently returned from serving on a team conducting a Pastors conference in Muhorro, Uganda.  Pastor Aaron didn't know that during the conference, while I was speaking to hundreds of pastors and church leaders, God spoke to my heart that I had quit the church plant in Pueblo West, CO.  It was a total God moment because I was talking about running a race and used 1Corinthians 9:24 as part of my text.  I then had to stop teaching and confess to those pastors that I had "quit" the race God had called me to run at that time.  In other words I didn't persevere.

Here's the point.  I had to put on my big boy pants and confess, I quit, I didn't persevere!  But can I tell you our God is faithful!  He's not the God of a second chance, He's the God of ANOTHER chance!   He'll show up in your life and let you know He still has a great plan for you.

Let me remind you of Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Even in those moments that you failed God, if you allow Him, God can work them out for your good!

My friends that's good news because with that in mind you can DREAM.......AGAIN!

Ken

When you've experienced failure there comes a time when you have to put on your big boy pants and take responsibility for your own actions.  This may not always be easy but I can promise you this, when you do you're on the road to healing and closer to to a new beginning then you might think.

There's something very special that happens when you make a decision to not blame others but forgive others that have hurt you and take responsibility for yourself!  You step right in the middle of God's mercy and grace and experience His unfailing love and faithfulness!  My friends that's a great place to be, right in the middle of a fresh start! 

We all have the tendency to want to play the blame game when things don't go right in our lives.  In a more psychological term it's called "displaced responsibility."  And this has been a problem since Adam and Eve committed sin in the Garden of Eden when Adam told God in Genesis 3:12 "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it."  Read closely what Adam said here.  He blamed both God and Eve.

In the Bible we read about two Kings named Saul and David who both sinned while on the throne of the kingdom.  Saul was removed from his place of leadership while David remained King.  Have you ever wondered why?  Saul disobeyed God by not fully following through with God's instructions and David committed adultery and murder.  Yet David remains King and Saul is removed.

It's my speculation but I think in part it's because David took full responsibility for his sin but Saul wanted to blame the people for his sin.  In 1Samuel 15 we find Saul confessing he sinned but he say's it's because of the people I disobeyed God.  In Psalm 51 you read David's prayer of repentance after his sin.  Read closely because in his prayer he never even mentions Bathsheba, the woman he committed adultery with after he saw  her taking a bath.

David had to put on his big boy pants and say "God, against You and You only have I  sinned."  Don't you know it would have been easy for David to make excuses saying something like this, "Well if she hadn't been taking a bath where I could see her this would have never happened."  In other words it's her fault.

But I'm so thankful David didn't do that because you talk about restoration!  Bathsheba became David's wife and they had a son and his name was Solomon.  If you'll read Matthew chapter 1 you'll find the lineage of Jesus Christ.  In verse 6 is the following, "Jesse was the Father of King David.  David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah.) In the lineage of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is a relationship that started out in adultery.   Wow, our God is good!

We'll talk more about this in my next blog but it's time to be honest.  Stop and ask yourself, "Have I been blaming everyone else for my problems, for my failures?"  I know there are times that people do hurt us but that's where forgiveness comes in.  It just might be time for YOU to put on your big boy pants and take responsibility for yourself.

I'm not saying this to be harsh or mean.  I want you to experience God's healing and love and get on the road to a new beginning!  Because my friend, it's time to Dream.......Again!  

An addition to this blog is coming soon.

Ken