Is AI Replacing Anointing?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

At the dawn of creation, God breathed into Adam, and he became a living soul. From Adam, God took bone, and formed Eve. His desire was to have a people to commune with. A people who would choose by their own will to seek His face, and fellowship with Him. Adam and Eve were accustomed to hearing God’s voice. He visited with them daily.

“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)

After their fall into sin, they no longer enjoyed that sweet communion. God, however, has always made a way for people who seek Him in sincerity to fellowship with Him. Both speaking, and hearing from Him. Through the millennia, most of humanity has run from, railed at, mocked or simply ignored the Voice, Spirit and Word  of God. But a precious few in every generation have sought Him.

People like David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, who sought His presence and composed anointed psalms while tending his father’s sheep.

People like Abram who heard the voice of the Lord calling him out of an idolatrous land to a land of promise.

People like Noah who received detailed blueprints to build an ark which saved his family through a global flood.

People like Daniel who prayed three times a day, for whom God shut the mouths of lions, and revealed endtime prophecy.

People like the prophets and apostles who wrote what they heard in prayer so that we can have the Bible we study today.

People like John who communed with God while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, and wrote the Revelation of Jesus Christ as God presented it to Him.

These, and so many others, sought the Lord in the most pressing, dangerous and volatile situations, and were faithful to write what God communicated to them.

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21)

The great Apostle Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament that we read today while he faithfully sought the mind of God in the most brutal circumstances.

“Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)

ENTER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

There is a danger that has sneaked subtly into our daily lives. The Trojan Horse of AI. It has been marketed and promoted as a helpful tool, and so it can be. We like to think we are smarter than it. We’re not. It is an ever-learning computer program that computes and compiles information at rates faster than all the world’s scientists put together, and it is amassing information at an alarming speed. We like to think we have control of it. We don’t. It is firmly intrenched in every area of our lives, collecting information, and making choices for us around the clock.

WHERE’S THE LINE?

It may sound like I’m against AI. I’m not. I like convenience as much as the next person. I’m simply suggesting that the Church must push back and draw a line against AI’s encroachment into holy things. It has become so normal to use AI in every area of our lives that many are substituting it for true anointing. Studying, preaching, teaching and even writing whole books can now be done by a few key strokes with no one the wiser.

A LITTLE EXPERIMENT

I asked ChatGPT to compose a poem about the Oneness of God in Jesus Christ. In less than two seconds after pushing the enter button, this masterpiece was delivered to me:

IN JESUS, ONE DIVINE by ChatGPT

In silent depths beyond the skies,
Where holy light and mystery rise,
There dwells a truth forever bright—
God’s oneness shines in sacred light.

No shadow parts the radiant whole,
No fragment mars the holy soul,
For God in Christ is fully known,
The Father’s heart and Spirit shown.

The Word made flesh, in humble birth,
Brought heaven’s peace upon the earth,
A holy flame, both pure and true,
In Jesus Christ, God’s face breaks through.

No veil divides, no power can sever,
The sacred bond that lasts forever—
One God, one love, one holy grace,
Revealed in Christ’s embracing face.

So lift your voice, your heart restore,
To worship Him forevermore—
The holy One, the risen Light,
In Jesus Christ, our soul’s delight.

-ChatGPT

Without question, these words are beautiful and pristine…yet, completely without emotion or anointing. Is that what God has called us to?

WHAT SHOULD BE THE STANCE OF THE CHURCH?

We should not desire this. This should bring us to our knees in repentance. We should seek the Lord’s face and His anointing before technology. Sadly, people will read this poem, and share it again and again. Yet if a man or woman of God writes or speaks words a Holy God has placed in their hearts, they sit on a shelf gathering dust.

What has our society come to? We are in a dangerous place. What is the tipping point when humanity won’t be able to tell the difference between AI and Anointing…or even care? I dare say we have arrived, and many can’t tell the difference even now.

A HOLY MADATE

Man or Woman of God, you have a commission and unction from the Holy One to seek His face as holy men and women of old did.

Are you using AI to write your Sunday sermons and midweek Bible studies? Are you doing so without spending time in dedicated prayer, fasting and Bible study? This is a disgrace to  every man and woman of God who has sought the Lord with sweat and tears through the millennia. God has called His people to be in relationship with Him. Anointed messages, lessons, books, songs and testimonies naturally flow from this RELATIONSHIP.

A USEFUL TOOL

You may ask, “Can I use AI at all? Artificial Intelligence should be viewed and used as a helpful tool. Using AI demands being honest with ourselves. Are we tempted to use it for more than a help? I mean, no one would actually know that beautifully crafted Pentecost Sunday message wasn’t straight from God’s heart to yours. The congregation would be blessed. You would look super spiritual. It would be a win/win situation…Or would it?

Don’t ministers of the Gospel owe more than the push of a few buttons to Jesus’ sacrifice, as well as all those who have poured out their lives to bring God’s Word from generation to generation? Isn’t His Word worth a bit of self sacrifice, and spiritual sensitivity. Shouldn’t we pull away from the flash and whirl of the world for a space, and give ourselves to seeking the Mind of Christ? Machines can’t do that. They might be efficient, but they don’t actually feel. AI might be exciting, but it’s not anointed.

Do you need an outline? Bullet Points? A list of facts on a certain subject? There’s probably no harm in that IF you can trust yourself to set up well-defined parameters. Can you? The answer lies within you, Man or Woman of God.

”Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Blessings, 

-Pat 

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8 Benefits Of Leaning In To Jesus

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
“Poland-01607 – Last Supper” by archer10 (Dennis) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Jesus chose twelve original disciples. One found a special place in Jesus’ heart more personal than the rest. We gain insight into why he was granted this coveted position as we examine Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his interrogation, torture and crucifixion.

“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?“ (John 13:23-25)

It was John who leaned in to His Lord’s chest at the last supper. (Don’t get hung up on the words bosom and breast. These are King James old English words that both mean chest.) There may have been various reasons why John sat closest to Jesus. Perhaps there was assigned seating. Perhaps none of the other disciples recognized the spiritual significance of this meal even though Jesus had told them his death was coming. Perhaps they just weren’t that into Him. No matter the reasons why, the fact is that John leaned in to Him. The others could have. Someone was undoubtedly sitting on his other side, yet there’s no mention in scripture of them leaning in to Jesus. 

 BENEFITS OF LEANING IN TO JESUS

1. SECURITY

John’s desire to be as close to Jesus as possible assured he wouldn’t be the one who betrayed him. All the twelve disciples were seated at the table in close proximity to Jesus, even sharing a meal and allowing Him to wash their feet. Yet, one betrayed Him. It wasn’t John.

We know that disciple to be Judas Iscariot, and feel certain that would never be us. And perhaps we wouldn’t betray him so obviously. Most of us are like Peter who declared fervently that he would never deny his Lord. Yet, before that night was over, had denied him three times. 

There are many ways to deny Jesus without ever saying a word. Literally. Refusing to testify or witness when the need arises can be a denial of Him. Making sure we stay leaned in close is the answer.

2. CONNECTION

Because John leaned in, he was physically positioned closest to Jesus’ heart. So close, in fact, he may have been able to hear and feel it beating.

Jesus taught us that we are the branches and He is the vine. Unless the branches stay connected to the source, there is no life. We may stay busy, and look like we’re living for a while, but unless we stay leaned in to the heart of Jesus, we find ourselves without a burden, and dying spiritually a little more each day.

3. KNOWLEDGE

By leaning in to Jesus, John was able to personally ask and obtain information that wasn’t heard by others.

It should come as no surprise that people who spend more time in God’s Word and communion with Him have more Kingdom knowledge than others. They won’t be caught off guard by end time events like others who have been living their lives with no thought of tomorrow. The signs are all around us, assuring us we need to be leaning in to him more than ever before.

4. RELATIONSHIP

Because of his desire to be closest to Jesus, John was one of three who were Jesus’ inner circle. He put more confidence in them, calling them to come further with him than the others. 

The Lord loves all who bear his name. This is true. Another truth that many don’t like hearing is that there are levels of relationship with Jesus that grant you greater access to his plans and purpose. Continually leaning in to his presence through disciplines such as prayer, fasting, Bible study and worship is the key that grants access.

5. TRUST

John spent three and a half years leaning into Jesus at every opportunity. Because of this, Jesus entrusted him with the most precious thing to his heart -his mother.

When you spend time leaning in to Jesus, you don’t have to seek for important responsibilities. He will send them to you when He knows you’re mature enough to be trusted with them.

6. GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT 

John’s passion to be as close to Jesus as possible rewarded him with spiritual insight and revelation like no other. He was shown the Revelation of Jesus Christ.Today, two thousand years later, we have record of these vivid images documented in the book of Revelation to keep us hopeful and focused on the soon return of Jesus Christ, as well as all of the end time events leading up to this glorious event.

So you want to be used in the Gifts of the Spirit, and see the miraculous in your ministry? The surest way for that to happen is to continually lean in to the heart of Jesus. Even the man, Jesus, said he could do nothing on his own, but it was his Father (Holy Spirit) who did the work.

7. PROTECTION

History tells us that in the later years of his life, the great apostle John was boiled in oil. This may not sound like divine protection to you, however, the Holy Ghost inside of the old faithful apostle refused to turn loose, and John lived on. Afterward, he was banished to the hard labor work colony on the island of Patmos where he continued to serve his God, and received the previously mentioned Revelation of Jesus Christ that we can read in our bibles today. 

Leaning in to Jesus keeps us from many dangers, and takes us through many others.

8. LONGEVITY IN MINISTRY

When God gave John the Revelation of Jesus Christ on Patmos, He also gave him the words to write letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor. We read those letters in Revelation chapters two and three. I would imagine that John thought he would have those letters delivered to these churches, and his ministry would effectively be over except for his continued prayers for them until his death on Patmos. This wasn’t God’s plan, however. The aged John was released from Patmos, and actually spent the rest of his life overseeing these seven churches. 

When we lean in to Jesus, he gives us the withal to be beneficial to the Kingdom right up until He takes us home.

IN SUMMARY

The disciple John showed us by example how he became the great Apostle, Writer, Revelator, Bishop and Faithful to the end Christian. He simply spent his life leaning in to the heart of Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name,

-Pat Vick

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The Promise Is Unto You And To Your Children

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Jake Receiving The Holy Ghost

Our family experienced one of the most joyful events recently when our oldest grandson received the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This experience is not a new thing. On the contrary, it can be dated back two thousand years to the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

This was the day, the very moment, when God poured out His Spirit upon those who had been waiting, praying and seeking for more of His Presence. This first time outpouring was such a monumental occasion, it was accompanied by the sound of rushing wind, and visible flames of fire over each person’s head. These two signs marked that initial outpouring, yet have not been consistent evidence of subsequent infillings. The sign of TONGUES, however, has remained the obvious initial evidence of being filled with God’s Holy Spirit.

THE PROMISE IS TO YOUR CHILDREN.

Later in Acts chapter two, the Apostle Peter preaches the New Birth message to those gathered in Jerusalem that day for the Feast of Pentecost. They were confused about what they were hearing, and thought the disciples of Jesus were drunk. Peter explained to them that they were not drunk on natural wine as it seemed, but they were filled too overflowing with the Spirit of God. He continues on to tell them that what they were hearing was the last day outpouring which the Prophet Joel had foretold.

He proceeds to teach them the New Birth, and assures them if they are obedient to repentance of their sins and baptism in Jesus’ name, they AND THEIR CHILDREN would receive this amazing gift.

”Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

As Oneness Apostolic Christians, we encourage our children to seek God early. We teach them God’s Word, and create an atmosphere at home and at church that is conducive to their spiritual growth which includes receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

YOU MAY ASK HOW THEY LEARN TO SPEAK IN TONGUES.

This is one of the most beautiful things about receiving the Holy Ghost. No one “learns” how to do it. We don’t teach our children to speak in tongues. We encourage them to worship and seek the Lord wholeheartedly. They instinctively give every part of themselves over to the Spirit of God, and tongues pour out as His Spirit is poured in.

Just as there is no need to teach a baby to cry, neither is there a need to teach someone, even a child, to cry out to God in tongues. Once the body is submitted to God, the spirit instinctively seeks its Creator, and cries out to Him.

PERHAPS YOU THOUGHT TONGUES HAD CEASED.

This line of thinking comes from a passage in 1 Corinthians 13.

”Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)

From this passage, we learn there will come a time when there will be no more need of speaking in tongues…when that which is perfect is come, speaking of the return of Jesus Christ to set up His earthly Kingdom after the rapture of the church. However, that time is not yet. You and I continue to live in the dispensation just before His return, and the infilling of His Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, continues to be the obvious and biblical sign of receiving His Spirit, as well as an essential part of the New Birth.

WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-14)

Even the disciples were confused about Jesus’ love for children. They rebuked parents who wanted to bring their children close to Him for a blessing. But Jesus allowed, and even encouraged children to get as close to Him as possible. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is being filled with the very Spirit that Jesus was filled with. God’s Holy Spirit. Why would we not want this for our children?

THE HOLY GHOST IS A TEACHER, COMFORTER AND SOURCE OF PEACE.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“ (John 14:26)

As parents and grandparents, we do our best to teach our children the ways of God, and the knowledge and wisdom to be overcomers in this life from day to day. We’ve all experienced the fear and sorrow of knowing we can’t be there every single moment to guide our children through life’s difficult paths.

Our children and grandchildren are facing the most treacherous time in the history of the world. Black is called white. Wrong is called right. Rebellion is called freedom. Darkness is called light. Holiness is called bondage.

As a result, confusion often permeates our children’s minds, and anxiety rules their spirits.

Jesus said the greatest teacher, guide, comforter and peace giver is the Spirit of God -the Holy Ghost. Why would we not want this for our children?

A CHILD’S TESTIMONY

Our sweet grandboy, Jake, was wonderfully filled with the priceless gift of the Holy Ghost while surrounded by his family and church family. He lifted his hands high in worship, and sought the Lord with his whole heart, crying out to him unashamedly. In just a few minutes God rewarded him by pouring into him His Holy Spirit. Jake began to speak in a heavenly language, unknown to him, as God’s Spirit flowed in.

Afterward, his testimony to his mother was this, “My heart feels so heavy, but it’s a good feeling because it’s so full of joy!” 

Why would we not want this for our children?

In Jesus’ Name,

-Pat

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Jake with his Memaw & Papaw after receiving the Holy Ghost

Jake with his pastor & pastor’s wife

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are We Witnessing The Rise Of The False Prophet?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

POPE LEO XIV
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

The Bible prophecies a coming spiritual leader called the false prophet who will promote a political leader called the antichrist in the years just prior to Jesus’ return to set up His earthly kingdom. These two will form an unholy union of church and state, thus controlling the final world government of the end time. This spiritual leader will no doubt be extremely well known, and will preside over the false end time church. God’s true church is described as a chaste virgin without spot or wrinkle, His Bride. This woman, however, is described as ‘the great whore.’  She is not pure, not holy and not godly.

 

IDENTIFYING THE FALSE END TIME CHURCH

In order to properly identity the false prophet, we must first identify the false church over which he will preside. We can accomplish this by studying these clues which God gave us in Revelation chapter seven:

“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:” (Revelation 17:1)

The false end time church is called the great whore. She is promiscuous, defiled, and not true to her groom. What dominant religion in the world today has usurped authority over the true church of the Book of Acts, teaching contrary to the Oneness of God, even to the point of issuing decrees making it illegal to carry out biblical baptisms in Jesus’ name?

*****

“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” (Revelation 17:15)

The false end time church sits upon ’many waters.’ Verse fifteen interprets the meaning of this phrase. The waters are multitudes of people from various nations and languages. What dominate religion in the world today has 1.4 billion constituents around the world?

*****

”And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:“ (Revelation 17:4)

What religion in the world today is recognized by its high ranking leadership of bishops wearing purple, and its cardinals wearing red? What religion also is noted to be the wealthiest in the world, having amassed and stored treasure troves of riches in private vaults from all over the world? Which religion speaks of holiness, but has consistently permitted, and excused heinous deeds against God’s law and true believers?

*****

And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.” (Revelation 17:5)

What religion in the world today has birthed countless daughter churches, who had their beginning by protesting against their mother church, but are now being called back into the fold of ecumenicalism?

*****

”And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” (Revelation 17:6)

What so called Christian religion in the world today persecuted and killed the true followers of Jesus because they would not forsake the Acts 2:38 New Birth message the apostles taught? What religion is known in our history books for initiating the Dark Ages?

*****

“And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” (Revelation 17:9)

“And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:18)

What religion in the world today is based in a city surrounded by, and actually known as The City On Seven Hills?


IN SUMMARY

Two thousand years ago, the great apostle John painted a very vivid picture of this false church. She promotes herself as the true church of Jesus Christ, but she lives in complete opposition to truth, even to the point of teaching false doctrine, and persecuting true believers.

She influences people groups all across the world from every nation and language.

She is recognized by her leadership of bishops wearing purple, and her cardinals wearing scarlet. She is rich beyond measure, holding priceless treasures in her vaults from nations around the world, even Jerusalem, the City of the Great God, as depicted on the Arch of Titus.

She is considered the Mother Church of all Protestant daughter churches who were birthed by “protesting” her false doctrines, thereby initiating the Reformation.

Through the centuries, she has persecuted, even to martyrdom, true believers of the Christian faith. These precious souls sought refuge in nations across the world, and even beneath ground in what we know as the catacombs. Still, they were hunted, tortured, burned at the stake and murdered, all in the name of God.

She is based in the city of Rome which is literally called The City of Seven Hills. These hills are named Palatine, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Capitoline, Aventine and Caelian.

 

IDENTITY OF THE FALSE END TIME CHURCH AND IT’S LEADER

There is no religion but one in the world today which fits all of these clues perfectly. That religion is the Roman Catholic Church based in Rome, Italy. Who is the highest in leadership of Roman Catholicism? It is, of course, the newly elected (as of May 8, 2025) Pope Leo XIV. We cannot, at this time, say whether the current Pope is the prophecied false prophet. We can, however, with full confidence say whoever is Pope of the Roman Catholic Church at the time the antichrist comes into political power will most certainly fill the role of the false prophet. Together, these two men will preside over the final world government and world religious system right up until Jesus returns to set up His earthly Kingdom.

For further information concerning end time events, please visit ENDTIME MINISTRIES.

In Jesus’ name,

-Pat Vick

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MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK: A Book Review

~ Pat Vick ~ 4 Comments

I’m a reader. A prolific reader. It’s in no way an exaggeration when I tell you I haven’t read a book in years that captivated me like Ministry Monday Handbook by Rev. Brian Labat. The subtitle of the work is 52 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR PASTORS, PREACHERS, AND KINGDOM BUILDERS. I’d like to focus on the last people group, Kingdom Builders, just in case your eyes read the words Pastors and Preachers, and decided this book can’t be for you. If you want to be more than saved and that’s all, if you want to draw closer to God than you currently are or have ever been, if you want to be rooted and grounded solidly in your Christian walk, if you want to be effective and beneficial to the Kingdom of God, this book is for you!

As the subtitle suggests, there are 52 chapters. Don’t panic because each one is only a few pages in length. You could easily read one a day, or even one a week to spend a full year mastering and applying these principles in your life. That was my initial thinking, anyway. However, I will warn you that I couldn’t put it down. Every single principle, page and chapter kept me glued and connected. I would finish one, think I should move on to a daily task, and then find myself turning the page to read just one more…and then one more.

MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK is also very easy to read. The writing is without fluff and to the point. Each principle is delivered in the most practical way possible. Here’s another warning…Once you read each one, you will see it and know it, and you won’t be able to unsee or unknow it. That being said, you’ll have to make a choice of whether to apply it to your life, or not.

I read it with a highlighter, and had to make myself not highlight everything. Here are a few of my favorite points:

CHAPTER 20: LET THAT BE YOUR PRAYER

”If you expect the Lord to do anything about it, then it must concern you enough to pray about it. If it doesn’t concern you enough to pray, then don’t expect anything to change or shift in your life.”

***This one changed my life…my prayer life, which affects my whole life. It answers the question of, “If God knows what I need, why do I have to ask? If He’s a good God, why doesn’t He just do or give what we need?” Could it be He’s waiting to see if it’s important enough for us to actually pray about?

CHAPTER 21: GET UP AND GO ON

“You don’t have to be perfect to be a “just man,” you just have to have as many get ups as you do fall downs.”

***This one made me giggle a little bit over its simplicity, and absolute truth. Just get back up!

CHAPTER 35: THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

”Notice, Jonathan didn’t wait for David to come to him. Instead, he went and found David. He was deliberate, purposeful, thoughtful, calculated, and determined to help David get through this trial.

Jonathan didn’t wait for an open door or for the time to be just right. He saw David in his struggle and went and found him for the sole purpose of encouraging him.”

***People all around us are discouraged to the point of giving up. Don’t make it any more complicated than it has to be. Say the words. Send the card. Run the errand. Pat the back. Give the hug. Just go be salt and light for goodness sake.

CHAPTER 43: THE CENTER OF IT ALL

”In generations past, the church was their life. Everything revolved around it.

You didn’t miss church. You didn’t lay out of church. You didn’t pick which church services you were going to miss. You didn’t move somewhere if there wasn’t a church.

We have a generation today that sees church as the circumference and not the center, the perimeter but not the epicenter, and the fringe but not the core.”

Also…

”And the reason we need to stay close to the church is because the church is the only thing going to heaven.”

***The church isn’t a side hustle…It’s the only thing going…Mic Drop.

CHAPTER 48: STAY THERE

”We have to know the difference between God redirecting us and the enemy trying to remove us.”

***This is one of those lessons we usually learn the hard way after we’ve allowed the enemy to move us from our god-ordained place, purpose or ministry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (as described on the book cover)

Brian Labat is the husband of Ginger Labat and the Father of Brielle Lewis and Ashlyn Matthews. He is a pastor, musician, singer, song writer, and author.He has a passion for leadership and church growth and desires to empower the next generation of leaders.

IN SUMMARY

MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK has my highest recommendation. There are 238 pages, and every single one will bless, instruct, encourage and empower you. I can only hope the author has the next volume in the works.

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ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK HERE.

 

 

Sanctify Ye A Fast

~ Pat Vick ~ 2 Comments

Because of life circumstances, and the season I’m in, I’ve felt a bit off lately. Sluggish, emotional, frustrated, anxiety-ridden, dull, weighted in spirit…hungry. It started with a circumstance beyond my control -breaking my leg. That was followed by lack of exercise which was followed by sluggishness which was followed by depression which was followed by praying less and less fervently which was followed by anxiety which was followed by …well, you get the idea. 

Knowing I wasn’t feeling good physically, I stepped on the scale. It told the tale my ill-fitting clothes had been proclaiming for a while. I had gained weight. Even though my primary purpose for fasting isn’t to lose weight, the scale is a great diagnostic tool to keep me accountable. It told me the truth when I had been fooling myself into thinking I was only off my fasting lifestyle by a few meals, or a few days. 

When the reality of my situation hit me, I felt a familiar panic welling up inside. What if I can’t regain momentum? What if I can’t recover control, not just over my weight, but over my self? 

The Lord dropped into my spirit a scripture, and I knew it was the answer. Fasting IS the answer. But how can fasting be the answer when I can’t seem to find the mental discipline to fast regularly? 

Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord, Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. (Joel 1:14-15)

The answer is to get serious again. When fasting becomes commonplace, it begins to feel unnecessary. We begin to allow it to take a backseat to other things. It becomes the “extra” discipline when we have time, or when we feel better, or when things slow down. If you’ve lived very long, you know those times rarely come. 

The Lord reminded me of what I already knew. I must make time for fasting. I must get a fresh determination to live a fasted lifestyle. The original reasons I started on this fasting journey haven’t changed. The need is even greater than before, and will continue to become greater until Jesus returns. 

The prophet Joel commanded the people of God, “Sanctify ye a fast.” The word SANCTIFY means to appoint, consecrate, purify, dedicate or hallow.

Not just any old fast will do. Not eating to prove that we can do without is a level of commitment, but being committed is only one element of our fasting journey. Commitment alone becomes stale over time. 

We must pray for a fresh zeal. We must remind ourselves of the spiritual warfare our consistent fasting is undergirding. We must sanctify our fast. What has become stale, must be brought to the forefront of our consciousness once again. We must remind ourselves why we are on this fasting journey. Fasting controls self. Self controls flesh. Flesh controls emotions. Emotions control actions. Actions control eternal destiny.

Bring your fasting journey up close once again so that you can see it. Look closely. Be honest about what you see. Has it become a bit unkempt? Pushed to the side like a pet once begged for, but now forgotten. Another task to check off the to do list? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to sanctify our fast.

HOW DO I SANCTIFY MY FAST?

1. Appoint a certain time to fast. One meal a day? One day a week?Ask the Lord to show you what He desires from you, and then appoint that fasting schedule “as unto the Lord.” Make it a sacred appointment once again. Tighten back up the fasting hours you have allowed to get lax.

2. Consecrate your fast. It’s not just going without eating. It’s a specific time set apart unto the Lord. It’s so that His will can be achieved, beginning in your life, then in your loved ones’ lives and ultimately flowing out into all the earth.

3. Purify your fast. Make it clean. Take inventory and purge your mind and life of things contrary to God’s word and will. Be mindful and honest about thoughts, feelings and behaviors that have crept in. Determine to focus your mind on holy purposes and pursuits. Also make a fresh commitment to clean up your eating habits during your eating windows. Junk in equals junk out. The cleaner you eat during your allowed time of eating, the easier and more rewarding fasting will be physically and emotionally.

4. Dedicate your fast unto the Lord. Make sure it continues to be the Lord’s Fast, and not yours for your own pleasure. Dedicate this time away from eating as belonging to God. You are willingly giving it to Him. How does He want you to fill that time? If we choose to fill up on worldly entertainment instead of food, is it truly a fast dedicated to the Lord?

5. Hallow your fast. Whether your fasting schedule is one meal a week or a twenty-one day water only fast, remind yourself it is a holy endeavor, and not to be taken lightly. Purpose to focus your fasting time to think on our Holy God, His Holy Word and His Holy Presence. Give yourself to meditating on passages of scripture, and then applying what you study. Find ways to be obedient to the Word you are consuming, so that it is relevant in your daily life.

MAKE A FRESH COMMITMENT.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline and a tool for a closer and more productive walk with God. Like any tool, however, it is only beneficial if it is used. Let’s pull it out from the dark corner where we’ve had it stored, dust it off and put it to use once again.

With Love & Prayer,

-Pat 

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$21 That Changed My Life

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment


“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12:41-44)

Our UPCI Tennessee Ladies Conference was in March of this year. I serve on the committee, and with that role comes various responsibilities to insure the inner workings of the conference go smoothly. One of those tasks is taking up the offering, and sorting the bills into similar stacks in order for it to be counted and bundled.

The committee members sat or stood around a large conference table where we each dug into our lime green offering buckets. There were all of the standard assortment of denominations. A few $100 bills, and then more of each as they lessened in monetary value.

I was going through the process of pulling a few bills out at a time, separating them by kind, turning them all to face the same direction and placing them in stacks. Bills are often rolled or folded together. If you’re fortunate enough to be the one of those working the offering (sarcasm intended), these bills slow the process because you must unfold or unroll them, and this takes an extra step in the already tedious process.

I do realize, because I’ve done it myself, many people fold or roll their bills in order to keep the amount of their offering private from those sitting closest to them. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I felt a moment of frustration when I reached down into my bucket, and pulled out a tightly coiled set of bills. It was going to add another fifteen seconds of unrolling, and then unrolling once or twice more to conquer my spring-coiled nemesis. Plus the added three seconds of additional flattening.

It always amazes me, though it shouldn’t, how the Holy Ghost can move into a natural situation, and turn it into a divine encounter. That’s exactly what happened here. I finished unrolling the offending bills, and laid them on the table, and began to see them in a different light. The amount was $21. However, something was niggling at the edge of my thoughts which suggested imminent shame of my earlier frustration. Specifically, the denominations of the bills. A $20 and a $1. 

This unknown to me lady had both bills in her purse. As the lime green offering bucket passed in front of her, she could have given one or the other. She had options. 

1. She could have given the smaller bill, and kept the larger for herself. It would have paid for an item from the vendor booths, her lunch or gas for her car. 

2. She could have given the larger bill, and kept the smaller one for herself. It would have paid for a candy bar from the vending machine, a bottle of water or it would have been a perfect small bill to reserve for a grand child to put in the Sunday School offering at home church the next day.

Many present that day likely had the same options, myself included. This dear lady acted on neither. Instead, she opted for a third choice. She rolled both bills tightly together to keep her giving private, and then she gave it all. 

It was as though God opened my understanding, and allowed me a window into this precious lady’s heart, and it broke me. It convicted me of feeling frustrated over mundane, yet necessary tasks. It softened my heart toward one unknown lady in a vast sea of feminine worshipers and givers. It inspired me to give more of my time and resources for the Kingdom even when no one will notice. It solidified my belief that one person, one word or one action, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can change one life, one mind and one world exponentially.

The poor widow in Mark 12 will forever be remembered for giving of her lack when everyone else was giving out of their abundance. In like manner, I hope this anonymous lady will be remembered for giving all when she could have held part back for herself.

Precious sister who I may never meet this side of eternity, your selfless giving broke me, convicted me, softened me, inspired me and changed me. May you and yours be blessed with God’s greatest blessings, and may they be more than you can contain in a lifetime. In Jesus’ name.

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12:41-44)

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)

10 Lessons I Learned By Complaining To God

~ Pat Vick ~ 2 Comments

My Last Photo Before “The Incident”

It was the final extended trip of the year for us. The exclamation point on our year of travels. We were in the mountains of East Tennessee, as we usually are at this time in the Fall of the year. A nine day trip filled with multiple events. Our annual Tennessee District UPCI Ministers’ Retreat, and several days of motorcycle riding with friends, bookended between two weekends of ministry.

It was Monday, November 4th, and we were riding the ROARING FORK MOTOR NATURE TRAIL with several of our TenPen Riders. The mountain vistas were breathtaking in their autumn foliage. I was taking photos of the broad canvas masterpiece God had painted. That’s when I heard him whisper into my spirit, “Look closer.”

As we rode along, attempting to be obedient to the unction of the Spirit, I began snapping shots of closer objects. Boulders, rock ledges and the overhead canopy of tree branches. The images were still pretty good even though we were on the move. The familiar voice came again, ever so clearly, “Look closer.”

Again, out of obedience, I continued snapping photos close to the roadway we were traveling. A meandering mountain brook. A hollow tree stump blanketed in green velvet. A jaunty tuft of ferns. These images, however, were blurry because we were on the move. No matter how many I took, they were either distorted, or I didn’t actually capture what I was aiming for in the shot. I began a silent lament, “Lord, I can’t get a good shot because we’re moving too fast.” To which He immediately replied, “That’s right. You can’t see the blessings closest to you when you’re moving so fast.”

I knew without question what He was referring to. Even in this week of spiritual highs, and making memories with dear friends, I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. I purposed in my mind to write a devotion about what God had revealed to me…just as soon as I had the time. 

I silently prayed the prayer which was destined to change the trajectory of my immediate future. “Lord, you know I would slow down if I could. You also know I don’t really have a lot of control over my schedule.”  The words He impressed in my spirit left me wondering whether I really wanted to know the solution He had in mind…

”Oh, I can take care of that.”

Four days later, we had come to the end of our allotted riding days, and would transition back into the second weekend of ministry before making our way home to West Tennessee. We made a visit to the special place at the entrance of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park which my husband’s mother, Linda, always loved. It’s right by the Welcome to the Smokey Mountains sign where we stopped and took photos, as we always do. We walked down into the riverbed, retelling the stories that my sweet mother-in-love had often conveyed to us of how her father had brought her here when she was a little girl.

I was taking photos of the scenery, and noticed several stacks of rocks in the riverbed that someone had taken the time to carefully erect. It made for a wonderful shot, but I decided I could get an even better one if I stepped on a few rocks to get a better angle. The rocks were only a few inches high, but they were a bit slippery. We had also hiked up to CLINGMAN’S DOME a few hours earlier, so my legs were like noodles. Still, it was going to be the best photo of all…

It’s amazing how quickly situations can change. One second I was up. The next, I was flat on my back in the riverbed with water running around my head and into my ears. I immediately thought my leg was broken, as I had never felt that kind of pain before. My husband rushed over, and pulled me up to a standing position. It quickly became obvious that he wasn’t going to be able to get me back up the bank by himself. Thankfully, several hikers came by at just that moment, and offered assistance. It took my husband and three random strangers to haul me up out of the riverbed. 

Here’s a humorous “twist” to the story. (Pun intended) I can only imagine how pitiful I must have looked. We had been riding the motorcycle, so I was wearing a skullcap, which my grey hair was whisping out from in all directions. I was muddy, wet and wearing a skirt with leggings. I’m sure these good Samaritans had never seen the likes. I could tell from the way they were speaking to me as they were heaving me up the bank, they thought I was elderly. When we finally made it to the road level, one asked, “Okay, Hon, can we help you to your car?”  They began to look around for an ancient sedan suitable for such an old grandma. My husband quickly replied, “No, we’re on that bike right there.”  They were shocked into complete and utter silence. Crickets. 🦗 🦗 🦗

A trip to the ER revealed my leg was indeed broken. It could have been much worse. There was no protruding, nor misaligned bones. Only a clean, spiral break just above the ankle. It was enough to solve the problem I was lamenting to the Lord about. In one divine moment, I had no other option but to slow down and heal. 

[bctt tweet=”“Being busy for God isn’t always being productive for Him.”” username=”patvickdotcom”]

The holidays came and went during my eight week convalescence. I put up minimal decorations, and entertained none at all. I did, however, have plenty of focused time for prayer, writing and squeezing grand boys. I was able for the first time in a long time to “look closer” at the blessings God has gifted me. 

Realizing my situation was a God-ordained lesson, I determined to learn what He was teaching.

10 LESSONS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY

1. Time is precious. Use it wisely.

2. Words matter. Pray as specifically as possible.

3. Don’t complain to God, and expect Him to do nothing.

4. When you ask God to fix a problem, keep an open mind over how He chooses to do it.

5. When God chooses an uncomfortable path for you, determine to not be offended at Him.

6. Down time can be productive prayer time.

7. Family members are our greatest blessings. Take time to appreciate them.

8. Make time to slow down or God will maneuver the universe to alter your course.

9. Be thankful for every blessing in your life.

10. Building relationships is more important than going, doing and having.

11. (BONUS!) Being busy for God isn’t always being productive for Him.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. What are the blessings God is asking you to slow down and appreciate?

2. What have you recently complained to God about?

3. Is it something in your power to fix?

4. What lessons has God taught you the hard way?

 

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Warm Regards,

-Pat 

 

He’s Working All Things For My Good.

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Photo Credits: Anna Shvets, Pexels.com

We built our home almost twenty years ago. People say you should build your first house to practice on, and then build your second one where you want to live forever. No matter how much thought and research you put into the design of your first home, there are always things you wish you had done differently. The main reason is that you don’t know what you don’t know.

One thing I have consistently regretted about the design of our home is the kitchen walking space. There is an island in the middle of the kitchen. I have tons of cabinets, drawers and countertops. The space on either side of the island, however, is more narrow than I would like. I have frequently complained that we didn’t make these spaces wider. My comment at every family gathering has been, “Two ladies can work together in here if they like each other. Three ladies had better really like each other because they will be bumping into one another coming and going.”

Fast forward almost twenty years to November 2024 when I fell and broke my leg. Overnight, I found myself in a walking boot and crutches. I could carry nothing. I learned a system to work in my kitchen by picking up an item, pivoting while not actually taking a step, to place the item on the island. I then hobbled on my crutches to the other side of the island, picking up the item and pivoting while not taking a step, to place the item on the opposite counter space. This is how I worked without assistance to move pots, pans and food around the kitchen.

One day in the middle of moving a heavy pitcher of tea from the refrigerator to the opposite countertop and back, I realized the goodness and forethought of God. If the walking space had been any wider, I wouldn’t be able to do anything in my kitchen by myself during this time of healing. Immediately, I was ashamed for all those years of complaining. God had been working for my good all along.

What do you consistently wrestle with that keeps you filled with regret, frustration and complaint? I encourage you to give it to God in prayer, and be at peace. He knows the end from the beginning. At some point in the future, you will be surprised at how He has been working it for your good all along.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

MY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

There are many things I can do nothing about at this point. Things that consistently cause me regret and frustration. Instead of complaining, help me to lay them at your feet, knowing you are working all things for my good.

Understanding The End Time Series: Lesson 1 UNITED STATES IN BIBLE PROPHECY

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

 

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR LIVE LINK TO LESSON 1 ON FACEBOOK.