Integrity...Is It Really Necessary?

The book of Acts describes the early church and it's challenges. One of those challenges was meeting the needs of a growing church while keeping everyone happy at the same time.

Sound like a challenge?

That church needed a team (staff) to feed all the people who showed up hungry for the church dinner. There were tables and chairs to set up; food to be served; dishes to wash; trash cans to be emptied; floors to be swept, etc.

If you were the leader and knew you needed help...what traits would you look for in a potential member of that team?

• Sharp dresser?
• Smooth talker?
• Clean fingernails?
• Charming personality?
• Award winning smile?
• Hard worker?

Perhaps. Think about it...wouldn't you want someone with those traits to wait on you at your favorite restaurant?

But this is not what the early church based their decision on. In Acts 6 we are given the standard for leadership. In fact, we know this particular position to be the role of a deacon (servant).

• Acts 6:1-6 1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

God isn't impressed with how you look, how you talk, what you wear, what you can do and where you've been.

Personal integrity is the main issue.

What is integrity? 

• An adherence to moral and ethical principles; honesty. (Random house dictionary 2011)

Integrity comes from within.  It's not something you have to parade around in front of people.  It is birthed from right choices, right associations, commitment to truth and unwavering faith.  If you have it...it will be good.  If you don't...it will be a disaster.

We live in a day and age...even in the church world...where we base our opinions of people by what we see on the outside rather than what's on the inside of an individual. 

What do people know you by?

I promise you...in the end you'll only want to be known as a person of integrity.  A person who spoke the truth, modeled the truth and embraced the truth.

Integrity will follow you around like a senior yearbook picture.

Day 21 Devotion 1-31-11

Increasing Prayer

James 5:16 “…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Can prayer really make a difference? Can my prayers actually change things? Is it possible for the will of God to be thwarted because I don’t pray? These are legitimate questions. The answers you give them reflect the very foundation of your relationship with the Lord. On one hand, if God is Sovereign, He’s going to do everything the way He wants, so why pray? On the other hand, if He is waiting on my prayers to execute His will, then I had better get serious about praying really quick. How does His Sovereignty and my prayers go together?

God uses prayer to make the impossible, possible and the ordinary, extraordinary. Prayers make our efforts effective and help us to define God’s will more clearly. C.H. Spurgeon said, “Whenever God determines to do a great work, He first sets His people to pray.” Faithful praying releases the Holy Spirit to act.

Someone once said, “God does things when we pray that He does not do when we do not pray.” May today’s devotional be an inspiration for you to seek the Lord in prayer.

Prayer Focus

Thank God for hearing all the prayers that have been lifted up on our church’s behalf. Thank Him in advance for answering them. Pray God’s people at BFWC will pray more than ever before and that everything we do as a church will be labored over in prayer. And may that start with you! Make sure you have been and continue to connect with Him through prayer. What is He leading you to do now for Him and His ministry?

Day 20 Devotion 1-30-11

Sacrificial Faith!

Genesis 22:2 “Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about”

Abraham had to wait 25 years before His promised son was born. By then he was 100 years old; his wife, Sarah, was 90. Yet God superseded the laws of nature to allow the birth of a child to an elderly, barren couple. They named their son Isaac, meaning “laughter,” for he brought unspeakable joy to them.

After Isaac had grown into a young man, God once again said to Abraham. “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah.” The message continued, “Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Genesis 22:2).

Still believing, Abraham obeyed the voice of God and took his boy on that long, agonizing trip to the bleak slopes of Moriah. Though he did not comprehend God’s purpose, Abraham’s faith was not shaken. He complied with the instructions, placing his dear son on the altar and raising a knife to plunge into his only son’s chest. In the very act of lifting the knife to slay his son, God stopped him, commanded him to kill instead a ram caught in a nearby bush.

Would Abraham have gone through with it? Would the old man have actually killed his own beloved son? We need not wonder. Hebrews 11:19 provides the answer: “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.” Yes, he would have done it, because he was already anticipating God to raise his son from death!

What an extraordinary story, which causes us to wonder, what could we possibly have in common with Abraham? Many things! As God spoke to Abraham, He speaks to you. As God called Abraham to a life of obedience, He calls you. As God tested Abraham, He tests you. As God called Abraham to a life of faith, so God calls you. As Abraham obeyed … so should you.

Prayer Focus

Think about the parallels between yourself and Abraham. If possible, identify some specific ways these are revealed in your life. Seriously! Just because this is a Bible story doesn’t negate the obedience God expects from us! Has God tested your faith? Did you pass? If He tested you again, in the very near future, do you have what it takes to say “yes” – before he even asks the question? Take a moment right now to say “yes” to God. Even before he asks… sincerely say, “Yes.”

Dear BFWC Family

Dear BFWC Family,

I trust you are experiencing great spiritual growth during this 21 Day Fast. Beverly and I have been praying for you and your family during this time and believing for an increase in your life.

Fasting isn’t a punishment…it’s a privilege. Fasting draws us closer to God and helps us grow spiritually. Fasting continues to be one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives.

Beverly and I have been standing firm in our prayer that there will be a RELEASE from the bondage of sin; RESTORATION in relationships; RESOURCES improved in finances and increase; RENEWAL and supernatural healing!

This fast has been about our FUTURE and our FAMILIES! We have been believing for God’s direction and guidance in your life.

We are living in an hour that is PERILOUS. I speak with pastors all across this country that are dealing with issues that range from frivolous to devastating. My heart breaks as they share their problems, experiences and present circumstances.

I consider myself to be blessed to part of such a wonderful congregation at BFWC. Yet, we are not without our own trials from time to time. I CHOOSE to focus on the good and believe the best in everyone. I have often said “you’ll have to prove me wrong, cause I’m going to believe the best in you.” I STILL feel that way.

Beverly and I want you to know our hearts. Pastoring today is different than it was 10 years ago…even 5 years ago. We are dealing with so many issues today that have brazenly dared the church to oppose them.

• Bad attitudes, lying tongues, character issues, integrity issues, fornicating spirits, social drinking, casual Christianity, gossip, laziness, deception, manipulation, Absalom spirits, Jezebel spirits, discourtesy, lack of etiquette, spiritual gypsies, Christian consumerism, personal preference versus Godly principles, etc.

These things alone are enough to drain you emotionally and if you’re not prayed up…spiritually. However, we choose to continue to forge ahead and BELIEVE.

I received a call this week from a pastor who shared the trials he was facing: increase of deaths, financial pressures, family issues, health issues, staff issues, etc. We prayed together and I asked the Lord to increase his life with rest, restoration and refreshing. His call was like many I receive.

As we draw near to the coming of the Lord, we must dig our heels in and refuse to allow the enemy to trip us up. Satan would love nothing better than to deceive the “very elect” in these last days. More and more we hear of people who have known the Word and have walked in the way of the Lord…stumbling, getting side tracked and forsaking spiritual protocols. BFWC…I implore you to not let this happen to you.

We believe in each of you! You have what it takes! You can reach your destiny! You can overcome your current obstacles!

However, each of us must make up our mind that we are not going to BACKSLIDE for anyone! We aren’t going to Hell for ANYONE! I encourage you today to:

• Stay focused on Jesus … not man.
• Lean on Jesus … not flesh.
• Refuse to lie.
• Refuse to stretch the truth.
• Refuse to carry grudges, tell half-truths, manipulate others, get entangled with a web of deceit.
• Refuse to gossip.
• Refuse to blame others for your own issues and internal wranglings.
• Keep your nose clean.
• Speak words that edify.
• Never entertain gossip about your brothers and sisters or your pastors/leaders.
• Never allow yourself to be put in a compromising situation with the opposite sex.
• Never do anything that will cause a young Christian or a non-believer to stumble.
• Steer clear of relationships that are questionable.
• Build yourself up spiritually so that you’re ready to minister to others 24/7.
• Get up early and pray.
• Read your Bible every day.
• Pray in tongues every day.
• Align yourself to the vision of your church.
• Submit to your leaders.
• Submit to your spouse.
• Submit to one another.
• Stay in church routinely…Sunday’s & Wednesday’s.
• Position your children in church EVERYTIME the doors are open.
• Lift the hands of your leaders.
• Lighten the load of others.
• Look for opportunities to minister.
• Pray Ephesians 6 over your body, soul & spirit every morning before you walk out the door.
• Kiss your spouse.
• Hug your kids.
• Determine to encourage at least one person each day with a card, text, call, gift, etc.
• Take care of God’s house before your house.
• Give God His time and He’ll give you time you didn’t know you had.

I share my heart with you this evening and believe in each of you! Our best days are before us. God has an incredible dream for BFWC. We are on track. Hand in hand we’ll walk toward our destiny. Let’s determine to do it the RIGHT way with the RIGHT spirit at the RIGHT time in the RIGHT place.


With great affection,

Russell & Beverly Hylton
Senior Pastors

Day 19 Devotion 1-29-11

Remember God’s Power

Joshua 4:7b "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

Joshua had instructed the people to carry large stones from the bed of the Jordan River and place them on the Canaan side of the river. These stones provided a memorial of God’s power, provision and purpose for the children of Israel. The Israelites would periodically return to this place, Gilgal, to express their gratitude for victories won in this new land. They were commanded to bring their children with them on these occasions.

Carefully read Joshua 4:19-24. When the people of Israel were obedient to God’s instruction regarding these twelve stones, it provided a great opportunity to teach and instruct the next generation. "He said to the Israelites, ‘In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’" (Joshua 4:21). A child’s natural curiosity opens the door for a parent to testify of God’s remarkable power. Parents should lead their children back to the place where God has demonstrated His timely provision. It may be a story, a place, or even a picture, but whatever it is, let them see it over and over again until it becomes a defining moment in their lives and a monument to God’s grace.

Gilgal was not just a pile of rocks. It was a powerful reminder of our indebtedness to God. The greatest heritage we can leave to the next generation is such a memorial of God’s goodness.

Prayer Focus

Take some time to reflect on some memories of God’s power and goodness in your life. Was it an event? A Baptism? A worship song? Message? Was it a special prayer time? Some special blessing? Remember Him.

Sent or Went...that is the Question

America's culture has encouraged each of us to have an independent spirit. We are proud of our independence. Independence Day is to our nation, what the Day of Pentecost is to the church.

We are Americans with honest pride and humility. We are proud of our forefathers, who set forth the independence of these United States. However, I wonder how our forefathers would react, seeing our morally devoid politicians securing their positions, by voting for many anti-Christian laws, which I would assume they probably wouldn't condone in their own homes.

They've chased God away from our schools and institutions, claiming the separation of Church and State. But this doesn't mean that God should be ostracized. This is a Nation founded with liberty under God, without espousing any particular religion.

America must return to the time that there was honest pride and humility, which made our Nation, the number one Nation in the world. There was a time, when we idealized our founding fathers. Somehow, in the name of realism we subjected them to "out of touch". Why? Because we have lost our sense of values.

Let us be proud of our forefathers. Of course they had their imperfections, but nonetheless they could be looked to for guidance.

Let us be proud of our freedom; the freedom which flows from our obedience to God; from our willing adherence to His laws; from our discipline of self-control.

Today, our American culture celebrates independence and self-determination. These values are great when it comes to an entrepreneurial spirit. But when it comes to functioning properly in the body of Christ these values can be harmful.

I have never served in the armed forces (except the Army of the Lord). However, I have been taught through history and careful observance that every military branch of the United States has an established protocol.

Suppose, as a citizen of the U.S.; untrained by the military; on my own, I decide next week to go to Afghanistan to fight Islamic terrorists without the covering, protection, training or the strategy of the U.S. military.

Not only would my church think I was crazy, even the secular society would consider me to be foolish and unlearned.

Unfortunately, the way many of our brothers and sisters have "called themselves" mimics a Hollywood movie more than it does Biblical protocol. 

Even secularists understand there is something wrong with self-proclaimed apostleship for they make movies about these types of "preachers."

I receive phone calls all the time from ministers who want to share their ministry at BFWC.  I'm thankful to receive the phone calls.  However, some of the questions I ask them is:

• Who trained you? 
• Who ordained you? 
• Who sent you?
• Who's your father in the faith? 
• Who do you submit too? 

If they say "God" I immediately know to steer clear.

A person who is "sent" will have the proper credentials, training, communication and protocol already established in their life. 

On the other side, a person who "went" without proper training, communication, or protocol with plans to do their own thing is usually a person who doesn't want to submit to anyone else or have someone over them telling them what to do.

Jesus prayed in John 17 a tremendous prayer to His Father before His crucifixion.  In this prayer Jesus constantly refers to the fact that He was "sent" or "given" things to Him by His Father to do the work He gave Him to do.  This shows He never called Himself to minister; Jesus needed to be sent or given ministry by someone higher than Himself for His ministry to be legitimate, even though He is the Son of God.

Friends, on this side of eternity we operate under Delegated Authority.  Until Jesus comes in the clouds of glory, we are called to serve under someone elses watchful eyes.  We never outgrow this.  We never reach a place of "ultimate maturity" that we no longer are accountable to another.

If the Son of God didn't call Himself into ministry then others who feel called ought to pattern themselves after His protocol for confirming the timing of a genuine call into ministry.  In addition, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 5:1, 3-6 that Jesus didn't call Himself into the priesthood; he waited until the Father called Him.  This was patterned after the Old Covenant in which a person could only serve as a priest if his physical father was a priest of the tribe of Levi from the priestly line of Aaron (Exodus 28:1). 

In essence, if we don't have a father who ordained us into the ministry (in the New Covenant this includes spiritual fathers) then we have a "bastard" ministry and have no biblical legitimacy to fulfill our calling.

Apostle Paul operated under this same protocol.  Even though Paul and Barnabas had already felt called by God into the ministry they didn't dare send themselves until the leaders of the church in Antioch also received a confirming word from the Lord to send them.  (Acts 13:1-2).
In another instance, Paul submitted the gospel of grace he was preaching (to the Gentiles) to the leading apostles of the Jerusalem Church (Peter and John) for fear his work was in vain. (Galatians 2:2;9).  This shows even Paul, the great apostle, needed the right hand of apostolic blessing to be considered legitimate.

Paul also shows it was part of the protocol of the early church that a person wouldn't preach or minister unless they were officially sent and, by implication, sanctioned by the church.  (Romans 10:15...How shall they preach unless they are sent?)

In spite of this knowledge, I've seen many start out with nothing more than a "leading of the Lord" without the training, blessing or sending of a local church body.  If a person cannot go through the grid of submitting to a process of biblical training, character development and theological and ministerial training in the context of a local church, then how can they be properly prepared to shepherd a flock under God?

Most of the time when someone has no personal submission to spiritual authority it illustrates a deeper issue within them of rebellion against God.  Jesus said that if we receive the one He sent we receive Him.  On the other hand, by rejecting the spiritual authority He sent then we reject Him. (Matthew 10:40)

In conclusion

I first received my calling from the Lord when I was 15 yrs old.  I later received my calling to full-time ministry when I was 21.  The first thing I did was submit my heart to my pastor, Rev. Ray Hylton.  Later I would be called to Indiana to serve in a local church as a youth pastor.  There, I would submit to my pastor, Rev. Leeroy Hill.  Again later, I felt called to pastor BFWC in Indianapolis.  I submitted to the counsel of my spiritual fathers, sitting under their tutelage and training till I was licensed for ministry.  I served faithfully and fully communicated my every movement under their watchful eye.  I was then sent to Indianapolis to pastor this wonderful church.

My point...I believe, because I submitted to spiritual authority from my spiritual fathers, our church has been blessed and I've enjoyed great freedom in that submission. 

I don't claim to be an authority on this subject, but I do believe I possess a special anointing to share this principle because I have walked in this and still do to this day.

I need the spiritual fathers in my life to confirm my work - even to this day.  I walk under their covering and as a result am able to model this with my own spiritual sons.

My life call is to make a generational impact.  In doing so, I desire to raise up "sons" (male & female) to answer their personal call, train them and send them forth.  Some will stay at BFWC to fulfill the vision of the local house.  Some will be sent forth into other regions to establish works.  Either way, they will remain covered with an apostolic authority.  This authority will not only provide them with blessing but also accelerated access into uncharted territory. 

The key is knowing how to operate in protocol. 

I would encourage anyone wanting to serve in ministry, start a church, preach, teach, etc. to first prove themselves in their local church under their shepherd.  If you cannot prove your pastoral calling with the blessing of a senior pastor in your local church then that is a good sign you will not be successful as the founding pastor of a new local church.

Day 18 Devotion 1-28-11

How Much Is Too Much?

Mark 14:3b “She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.”

The story of the Bethany anointing is one of the few stories of Jesus’ life that is contained in all four of the gospels. So impressive was this event that it was indelibly written upon the disciples’ hearts so they never, ever forgot this act of devotion. Mark uses it as a prelude to the passion events. It contrasts the hatred and rejection Jesus was receiving at the hands of the rulers and the people. This act of worship and devotion stood out as an act of love that the Lord deserved from all, but was only given by a few.

May this deed be received as a call to worship for us today. May this deed make us ask ourselves the question, “How much is too much?” This woman’s act set a standard of sacrifice, which none can better, but all can match. That alabaster bottle was worth a year’s wages. Plus, it was to be saved for the most important occasion of one’s life. What is the most extravagant thing you have done for the Lord? What can we learn from this Scripture?

• Real love is always extravagant.
• Extravagant love is always criticized.
• Jesus always comes to the defense of and blesses those who are criticized for being extravagant in their devotion toward Him.

Prayer Focus

Pray the people connected to our church will love Jesus so much they will be extravagant with their giving of their time, talents, and treasures. Oh Yeah… and pray that the extravagance starts with you. Can you do that? What does that look like for you and/or your family?

Day 17 Devotion 1-27-11

Communication of God’s Goodness

Mark 5:19 "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you."

Jesus spoke these words after casting demons out of a man from Gadarene. His command was simple: Go and tell others what I have done for you. What a powerful reminder this gives us of the need to express God’s goodness to others—even in public settings.

All believers face the danger of forgetting "how much the Lord has done for us." Our spiritual journey is a great opportunity for us to strengthen and renew our appreciation to a good God. Communicating gratitude is important for at least two reasons:

1. It makes us more reliant on God.

• Romans 1:21 tells of those who “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him.”
• Thankfulness occurs inwardly, in what our heart expresses.
• Glorifying God happens publicly, in what our mouth confesses.
• Public expressions of gratitude strengthen our commitment to God while counteracting our human tendency to self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

2. It has a profound impact on those around us.

• Family and friends need to hear our successes are not of our own making, but we are beneficiaries of the goodness of God.
• Read David’s words in 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 to see how his gratitude set in motion a great celebration of sacrifice and praise among God’s people.

Prayer Focus

Following David’s example, take the time to identify some examples of God’s goodness in your life and then express your gratitude to God in the presence of a friend or family member today! Don’t delay. Just step up and do it. Go tell your family or a friend how much the Lord has done for you. You’ll grow… and be glad you did!

Day 16 Devotion 1-26-11

A Contribution or A Sacrifice?

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Did you hear the story of the chicken and the pig who were walking together down the road? They came upon a beggar who was nearly starved to death. He hadn’t eaten in days. The chicken and the pig decided to help him. The chicken said, “I have an idea. Let’s fix him some breakfast - some ham and eggs!” The pig thought about that a moment and then said, “I don’t like that idea very much because it only requires you to make a contribution, but for me it is a complete sacrifice!”

As the Apostle Paul writes, he describes a turning point in his letter to the believers in Rome. He is finally giving an application to the truths he has been telling about in previous chapters. He is stating how we should respond to the knowledge God has procured our salvation and saved us from the wages of sin through Jesus Christ. He’s telling us to lay it all on the altar for God; surrender completely. Don’t simply make a contribution like the chicken, but sacrifice it all like the pig.

Prayer Focus

Pray that BFWC is a body of believers willing to totally surrender to God. Pray it all starts with you. What does it look like to surrender all? What might you need to sacrifice?

Serve Your Leader with a Pure Heart

Are you serving under someone else's ministry?  If so, your number one responsibility is to serve with a pure heart.  Ephesians 4 tells us that one of the gifts Jesus gave the church is the gift of a pastor. 

When you learn to receive and appreciate this gift, you will begin to experience the contentment, peace, joy, purpose and satisfaction that should be experienced in ministry.

Here are some guidelines:

1. Pray daily for your pastor

• 2 Thessalonians 3:1 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you."
• It's difficult to have strife with someone you pray for daily.
• As you pray the Word over your pastor, you can expect to have your heart knit with his/hers in the Spirit.

2. Learn your pastor's ministry

• 1 Thessalonians 5:12 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you."
• A good leader will always take notes and learn from his/her pastor's ministry.
• Not only will this allow you to store up some great Holy Ghost nuggets, but it will also show your pastor that you have respect for his/her ministry and desire to pull from their anointing.

3. Stay clear from all areas of strife

• James 3:16 "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."
• As you assume a role of leadership in the church, you will probably have the opportunity to come across some people who are plagued by a critical spirit.
• In Hebrews 12:15 we see that a "root of bitterness defiles many."
• If God has called you to serve under this pastor, it is your responsibility and duty to remain loyal to his/her direction and vision whether you agree 100% with the way they choose to get things done or not.

4. Keep your pastor informed

• Romans 14:19 "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
• It is critical that you keep the doors of communication open to let your pastor know what is going on in your ministry.
• You should keep your pastor updated at all times on what you are doing. 
• Don't fall into the trap of thinking your pastor doesn't care about what's going on with you or your particular ministry. 
• However, remember that as you are focusing on the needs of your particular area, the pastor has the "whole picture" to be concerned with...be sensitive to that.

5. Strive to fulfill your pastor's vision and not your own

• Luke 16:12 "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?"
• You must get a revelation in your spirit, as a leader, that you are called to promote someone else's ministry, not vice versa.
• You are called to be a servant and operate in the ministry of helps. (1 Corinthians 12:28)
• Your dreams will only come true as you serve faithful where God placed you.