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Ward Simpson

Ward is GOD TV’s chief executive officer (CEO) and has brought a wealth of experience in business and ministry to GOD TV. A senior executive with the Simpson Group of companies, he managed an international automobile distribution corporation and as executive director of the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry (BRSM), he was part of the leadership team in Pensacola, Florida during the world famous Brownsville Revival. Ward is a product of revival and has a passion to see revival fires spread across the globe. He is the host of many GOD TV broadcasts including his series Today With Ward. He is married to Lydia and they have three children: Rafael, Netanya and Nathan.

Articles

GOD TV Has Been A LIGHTHOUSE To The Nations

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

For the past 25 years GOD TV has been a LIGHTHOUSE to the nations – shining the light of Jesus Christ to all people through the powerful platform of media. We have been and continue to follow the commands of scripture in Acts 13:47: “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth’.”

This has been no small feat. In fact, it has been a journey of a lifetime. This lighthouse has been through great storms, fought off pirates, endured hardships and persevered under great pressure and opposition from principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). We have been through dark valleys and seen the shadow of death, but thanks to the One who is faithful and merciful we have overcome. 1 Corinthians 15:57: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hallelujah!

From our very beginnings in the UK, when we were just broadcasting a few hours a day, to now when we have expanded all over the world, from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. WOW! Praise God! Look at what the Lord has done. The lighthouse that began shining in England is now reaching the whole world.

“Jesus said that you and I are the light of the world and that we should let our light shine before men in such a way that they may see our good works and then glorify the Father who is in Heaven” – Matthew 5:14

Together, we are the GOD TV lighthouse shining our light bright and far.
We are fulfilling the Great Commission by taking the Gospel message to all creation. We call ourselves (You and I) Media Missionaries! What a joy, what a privilege to partner together to see men and women from around the world come to know the saving, healing, delivering power of Jesus Christ.

From our perspective there is no greater opportunity to share this good news. Media is the most effective tool we have today. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, GOD TV is broadcasting Christian and Messianic Jewish content across the world, we are not just a TV station we also share this life saving message on the Internet, via our video on demand service and through social media platforms, this includes YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,  and we are working on many more. However we have not forgotten your generation, we continue to reach out through traditional media lifting up the name of Jesus through our letters, blogs, articles and emails.

The name of Jesus is being brightly shone every single second. Now that is a reason to say, ‘Praise God’!

We have been on a miraculous journey you and I. It is testament to the faithfulness and goodness of God. For it is because of HIM that we have built and maintained this powerful lighthouse that we know as GOD TV. While it is impossible to do it justice in this short letter, below are just a few of the things we have celebrated together over the last 25 years

  • Launched GOD TV in October 1995 to become the first daily Christian television station to broadcast across the UK & Europe
  • 1999 began broadcasting 24 hours a day
  • 2002 moved the broadcast uplink to Israel to become the first Christian channel to broadcast FROM THE HOLYLAND to the nations
  • The same move meant we also had access to nations across the Middle East, Asia & Africa
  • 2006 moved the broadcast uplink to Mount Zion, Jerusalem
  • 2006 launched onto DirecTV across the USA
  • 2008 launched GOD TV into Pakistan
  • 2015 launched into Thailand
  • 2016 GOD TV reaches 100 million homes across India
  • 2020 launches Shelanu TV across Israel

There are so many stories from the last 25th year that we cannot wait to share with you! Check our special 25th anniversary programming this month.

Now, we must move forward. we must continue to build and expand. We want to increase the power of the light. We want to shine brighter and farther. In recognition of the past 25 years and with thanks to God we are asking you to join us once again. Together we can make a huge impact, together we can see lives transformed through the preaching of the Word. We all agree that the day is dark. People are feeling lost and without hope. Men and women everywhere are seeking truth, longing for love and are in search of salvation.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the way the truth and the life. Christ is the answer but how will they know this if they are not told and how can they be told if no one preaches and how can they preach if they are not sent. As Media Missionaries, we are a sending machine. You and I make it possible for preachers to share this good news all around the world. We cannot do it by ourselves. We need your support, your love, and your partnership. Together we can make a difference, together we are strong.

To celebrate the past 25 years and to celebrate the next 25 years, should the Lord tarry, we are setting a goal of raising 25 million dollars. This money goes directly into the expansion of the Gospel, bringing increase to the GOD TV lighthouse. Asia needs the Gospel like never before, Africa needs the Gospel like never before, North America, South America, the UK, Europe, Australasia and Antarctica need the Gospel like never before. The nations of the earth must hear this good news and we are compelled to share it with them.

We firmly believe that the Lord has begun a great work in GOD TV and in you and me and that according to His Word will carry it on to completion until the day of His return. (Philippians 1:6)

GOD TV, a lighthouse on a hill, shining the light of salvation to the ends of the earth. Let us partner together in the most effective way to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus. Through the tool of Media.

If you are a monthly partner, we would so appreciate you increasing your monthly contribution in celebration of our 25th here.

If you aren’t already a monthly partner, we would so appreciate you giving monthly, especially over the next year in celebration of our 25th here.

If you haven’t yet given to GOD TV then please become a Media Missionary in celebration of our 25th here.

My wife Lydia and I and the entire GOD TV Team thank you for being part of this great lighthouse to the nations. We bless you and your family in the name of Jesus and continue to pray for you regularly. Let us continue to keep shining God’s light together!

With much love to you and yours,

Ward Simpson,
GOD TV CEO

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The Cross of Christ
Articles

The Cross Of Christ

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

The Cross of Christ is His redemptive act, offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.  In other words, it demonstrates redemption in action. Redemption is the act of saving or being saved. It is also the act of gaining or regaining possession of something in exchange for payment.

The highest example of redemption is in the way God redeemed us from the Fall of Man. He made a way to reclaim, retrieve and recover us. But, it would be a very costly process that would require nothing less than the sacrifice of our Lord on the Cross of Christ.

1) Why was Redemption necessary?

Redemption was necessary in order to restore us to a right relationship with God. We became separated from God through sin. As a result, God banished us from the Garden of Eden and we needed someone to reclaim us! We were pawned at the pawnshop at a cost too prohibitive for anyone to retrieve us! Who would come and pay the cost to redeem us from this prison?

Adam and Eve sinned and fell from God’s grace. Furthermore, they passed the curse of sin on to their children so that everyone inherits their sin and guilt. As Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

2) Redemption required death as a sacrifice

Redemption, therefore, required a sacrifice and we see in Genesis how God made garments of clothing from animal skin for Adam and Eve to hide their nakedness. We also see from Genesis 4:3-5 that Abel’s offering pleased God while Cain’s did not. Abel’s offering came from his flocks and Cain’s from his crops!

So, God required animal sacrifices to provide a temporary covering of sins and to foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Sacrifice, therefore, is something that is precious for a cause or a purpose.

After the flood receded, Noah sacrificed animals to God. Animal sacrifice is an important theme found in the Old Testament because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22).

God commanded the nation of Israel to perform numerous sacrifices according to the procedures He prescribed. First, the animal had to be spotless. Second, the person offering the sacrifice had to identify with the animal. Third, the person offering the animal had to inflict death upon it.

When done in faith, this sacrifice provided a temporary covering of sins. God commanded these animal sacrifices so that the individual could experience forgiveness. The animal served as a substitute—it took the sinner’s place in death. However, it was only temporary.

You may be asking yourself, why animals? What did they do wrong? That is the point—since the animals did nothing wrong, they died in place of the one performing the sacrifice. Jesus Christ also did nothing wrong but willingly gave Himself to die for the sins of mankind.

As 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Through faith in what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross, we can receive forgiveness.

3) Redemption required blood

Redemption required blood because the life of a creature is in the blood. (Leviticus 17:11). It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. The definition of atonement is: satisfaction or reparation made by giving an equivalent for an injury, or suffering that is received in satisfaction for an offense or injury.

The Mosaic Law required that once a year, the priest was to make an offering of the blood of animals on the altar of the temple for the sins of the people. But this blood offering was limited in its effectiveness, as it had to be offered repeatedly.

This was a foreshadowing of the “once for all” sacrifice which Jesus offered on the Cross. Once that sacrifice was made, there was no longer a need for the blood of bulls and goats. The blood of Jesus has the power to atone for an infinite number of sins committed by an infinite number of people throughout the ages, and all whose faith rests in that blood will be saved.

The blood of Christ is the basis of the New Covenant. On the night before He went to the Cross, Jesus offered the cup of wine to His disciples and said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20).

The wine symbolized the blood of Christ, shed for all who would ever believe in Him. When He shed His blood on the Cross, Jesus did away with the Old Covenant requirement for the continual sacrifices of animals.

Covenants always required blood. A covenant is a binding agreement or a contract. In Genesis 15:9-10 we read about God’s blood covenant with Abraham in which He confirmed three promises to Abraham: the promise of heirs, of land, and of blessings (Genesis 12:2-3).

In God’s covenant with Moses / Israel (The Mosaic Covenant) the blood of animals served as a covering, or atonement, for the sins of the people. Therefore, the animal gave its life in place of the sinner’s life.

4) Redemption required Jesus

One might ask why Jesus had to die in the first place. This is the over-arching message of the Bible—the story of redemption. God created the heavens and the earth, and He created man and woman in His image and placed them in the Garden of Eden to be His stewards on the earth. However, due to sin God the Father sent His one and only Son into the world to take on human flesh and to be the Savior of His people.

Born of a virgin, Jesus avoided the curse of the Fall that infects all other human beings. As the sinless Son of God, He could provide the unblemished sacrifice that God required. God’s justice demanded judgment and punishment for sin; therefore God’s love moved Him to send His one and only Son to be the propitiation for sin.

Christ is the Lamb of God pointing back to the institution of the Jewish Passover in Exodus 12. This was the time in history when God commanded the Israelites to sacrifice an unblemished lamb and smear the blood of that lamb on the doorposts of their homes.

The blood would be the sign for the Angel of Death to “pass over” that house, leaving those covered by blood in safety. When Jesus came to John to the baptized, John the Baptist cried, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).  This was God’s far-reaching plan.

“It is finished” (John 19:30) was what Jesus meant by His dying words on the Cross: . Never again would the blood of bulls and goats cleanse men from their sin. Only by accepting Jesus’ blood, shed on the Cross for the remission of sins, can we stand before God covered in the righteousness of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21).

5) Redemption required the Cross of Christ

  • The Cross represented death: Jesus came to die for mankind.
  • The Cross was made from a tree. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. Scripture says: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”
  • Galatians 3:13 reiterates this theme of death of the sinful self and rising to walk in new life through Christ: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20).
  • The Cross of Christ was a symbol of shame: Hebrews 12:1-2 – “for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
  • The Cross is the intersection of God’s love and His justice.
  • Only the lowest and the poorest and the worst of people were crucified on the Cross. This was true of Jesus. He died for the lowest, poorest worst sinner.
  • Jesus carried His own Cross. Jesus called His followers to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). We must keep in mind that Jesus is calling His disciples to engage in radical self-denial. Remember, the Cross meant only one thing to a 1st Century person—death. “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25)
  • The Cross brought reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles. (Ephesians 2:11-22). His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the Cross, by which He put to death their hostility.
  • Our sin nailed Jesus to the Cross. He took all our sin, debt and shame upon Himself on the Cross.
  • The Cross is a symbol of the power of God.  “For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
  • The Cross is the symbol of our union with Christ. We live because He died on the Cross. God guarantees eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Him alone. Through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice we have salvation.
  • The Cross is a symbol of the Gospel. It summarizes clearly the message of the Gospel. Salvation and redemption came through Jesus death on the Cross.

The Cross

C– Christ’s
R– Redemptive act
O– Offering himself as a
S– Sacrifice for our
S– Sins

In conclusion, the Cross of Christ is not an ornament or decoration. It is the symbol by which we can remember how God has redeemed us from the pit of hell and has given us a new life and a new home. We should keep the Cross close to our hearts and treat it with love and care.

We see the persecution of Christians for their faith in many places across the globe. They know what it means to carry their cross and follow Jesus. For the rest of us, our job is to remain faithful to Christ. God may never call us to give the ultimate sacrifice, but above all, we must be willing to do so out of love for the One who saved us and gave His life for us.

Thank you for the Cross, Lord Jesus.

Also read: 8 Reasons Why You Can Be Confident Even When All Hope Seems Lost! A message of hope from GOD TV’s CEO, Ward Simpson

 

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Corona Pandemic
Articles

A Message Of Encouragement From Ward Simpson During The Corona Pandemic

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

“For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:2-3)

God is in control. He is on the throne. He is the One who “acts.” He never “reacts.” He already knew this would happen and salvation is found in Him alone. We know that He is our Shepherd, our Lord, our Deliverer, our Friend and our Protector. He has the whole world in His hands! He knows you by name and knows your situation.

Do not be alarmed!

Jesus had this to say about the days we are living in and the days to come: Matthew 24:6-8: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

This is not the end my friend, this is merely the beginning of birth pains. Let us use this crisis to catapult us into Godly preparation for the days to come. Let us learn from our mistakes to ensure that we are ready at all times. Jesus gave us an illustration in Matthew 25 about the ten virgins. Five ran out of oil. Five were foolish but five were wise. Jesus wants us to be wise.

We are here for you!

During this time of uncertainty, we understand that people will experience a wide range of problems. From simple inconvenience to the difficulty of losing a job or the tragedy of a loved one passing away. Please be assured that we are here for you. Our team is holding daily prayer vigils to stand with you and your family and we are providing prayer and ministry from our call centers around the world. Please let us know how we can pray for you and or your loved ones.

Additionally, we have partnered with leaders around the world to rally the Church to pray. We will broadcast relevant voices addressing this COVID-19 crisis both on the network and on our social media platforms and we are working around the clock to serve you as best as we can. Please be on the lookout for the things we are doing right now to support you in such a time as this.

This is an opportunity for us to arise!

People are desperate, fearful, worried and anxious. They are searching for answers. This pandemic has created an opportunity like never before to present the Gospel to hungry hearts. Now is the time for FAITH and not fear! WISDOM and not worry! PRAYER and not panic. SHOUTING from the rooftops and not shrinking back! Now is the time!

As faithful Christians we need to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations in this window of unprecedented opportunity. Now is the time my friend. This is our hour. Let

God be God and let His enemies be scattered. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

This is our moment to shine.

To arise in the passage above means we must be “awake”. Some people are asleep thus allowing the darkness to try and reign terror over the nations. GOD TV is calling all believers to awake and shine. To make known the Good News of the Gospel of Christ.

In recent weeks the readership of our articles has increased in some cases as much as ten times. We are also seeing a similar response in increased viewership of our programming.

Three years ago, we began preparing for such a time as this. We have been rolling out a multimedia strategy which takes the Gospel to the world like never before. Technology and media create opportunities for us to reach new hearts and connect believers worldwide on a level the Church has never seen.

GOD TV will remain an open door to the Church family, encouraging, sustaining and enriching God’s people. More importantly, as our unsaved friends and family around the world fearfully face uncertainty and imposed isolation, they are already turning to the media for answers. GOD TV is here and will be there to answer.

We are already seeing people give their hearts to Christ for the first time through Facebook. Praise the Lord! This is indeed a huge opportunity for harvest.

We want to hear from you…

For our friends who are facing difficulties, we want to hear from you so we can pray for you at this time. With God you shall overcome (John 16:33). Keep the faith, the end is around the corner. For our friends that can rise up to this occasion, we are asking you to join with us as we ramp up our outreach to multiplied millions of people around the world.

Our plans will exponentially increase the impact of your generous support as a media missionary. While churches are closing their doors, GOD TV continues to be a beacon of light shining brightly for the world to see. GOD TV has already been the only source of ministry for millions of people who face persecution for attending church or have no church.

Today we will now be a vital source for countless others who can no longer assemble together. Please partner with us to reach the lost and support the Global Church. Please send your best gift today as we expand our media outreach during this global crisis. This is the hour for “awake” believers to arise and shine the light of Christ through our collective voices. Let us seize this opportunity!

Yours in thankful partnership,

Ward Simpson
GOD TV President

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Reputation check up
Articles

Reputation Check-up – What Do People Say About You?

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

As believers, we are called to have a good reputation. We don’t always start out with one but if we follow God’s guidance a good reputation is a natural result of serving God wholeheartedly as Ward Simpson explains.

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

I found myself in court one day when I was just 19-years-old. The charge was “Reckless Driving!” There I was, standing before the judge when he asked the dreaded question… “How do you plead? Innocent or guilty? Well, what do I say? A guilty plea will surely come with consequences. An innocent plea will create the need for me to hire an attorney and argue the case. Or maybe, just maybe, an innocent plea will lead to a quick dismissal.

A flood of thoughts went through my mind at rapid speed, I had to decide quickly. Here’s what happened next…

“GUILTY your honor” came out of my mouth!

I pleaded guilty to the gasps of those around me. Everyone expected me to plead innocent as “that was the thing to do.” A crafty attorney could have taken care of everything for me.

The penalty was severe! A six-month driver’s license suspension! What did I do? Why did I plead guilty? What was I thinking? I returned home really down. How would I survive without the ability to drive? I remember thinking what a dummy I was. What would my friends think? Surely this would make the newspapers the next day since our family was were well known and in a prominent position.

Sure enough, it made the paper and here is what they reported: Ward Simpson commended by the judge for his honesty! You see, what I haven’t told you up to now is that when I pleaded guilty the judge knew very well that I could have lied (I was guilty), I could have pleaded innocent thus avoiding the penalty.

What did the reporters report? Not my crime. Not my punishment. They reported my honesty! Wow! The next few days everyone made comments to me about my honesty. What a joy it was to be thought of as an honest person! I had never considered myself dishonest but to be called honest was a big deal for a young 19-year-old.

Since that day I have tried to live up to that reputation. Honesty is key to walking in freedom. 

We all have our flaws and not perfect by any means. We are all going through life aiming to be the best person we can be but the question I ask myself. The question I ask you today – What do people say about you?

Here is a list of powerful qualities found in the book of Proverbs. I urge you to print this list out and place it in your Bible or stick it to your fridge to remind yourself continually: Give yourself a spiritual checkup!

How do develop a great reputation

The Godly Man / Woman found in the Book of Proverbs is:

  1. kind and compassionate (12:10).
  2. honest (29:24).
  3.  hard-working (12:11; 27:23-27).
  4. truthful (12:17,19).
  5. exercises self-control (12:15; 16:32).
  6. has a gentle tongue (12:18; 15:1-2,4).
  7. is generous (14:21; 28:27).
  8. willing to be corrected and listens to counsel (12:15; 15:12,31-32; 28:13; 29:1).
  9. a PERSON of integrity (19:1; 20:7).
  10. is faithful and reliable (17:17; 29:3; contrast 25:19; 31:3).
  11. forgiving (19:11).
  12. willing to admit he/she is wrong (28:13).
  13. is humble (15:25,33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 29:23).
  14. not contentious, but a peacemaker (17:1; 18:1,19).
  15. has control of his/her temper (14:29; 16:32; 17:27; 29:11).
  16. is a person who avoids excesses (20:1; 23:20-21, 29-35; 31:3-9).
  17. has a concern for others, especially the poor and the oppressed (29:7).
  18. can keep a confidence (17:9; 26:20).
  19. fears God and is obedient to His Word (13:13; 14:26; 16:20; 28:25; 31:30).
  20. is not a jealous person (27:4).
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Victory
Faith

A Recipe for Victory. A Word From The Lord to You!

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

Today I want to give you a recipe for victory, as found in Scripture, so you can be victorious in whatever situation you find yourself in. This is not meant to be an exhaustive presentation on every victory listed in the Bible – this is the story of Gideon and I believe it is the Word of the Lord to you. Do not misuse it. Handle it carefully. Apply it with maturity.

Additionally, let me say that there are battles that we have no business fighting. They belong exclusively to the Lord and many people find themselves in trouble fighting these fights. Throughout the scriptures, God’s people were under attack and there were times when God did everything. Israel just had to sit back and watch but in the majority of battles, although they were won because of God, nevertheless required a great level of personal participation. So,  you may have to do something and your attitude should always be Christlike!

Having said all that, let’s dive into this recipe for victory. Let’s take a look at the story of Gideon found in the Book of Judges.

The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years He gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country.  They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count them or their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help. (Judges 6:1-6)

1. The first thing to do is cry out to God

Like Israel, you are under attack: physically, emotionally, spiritually, or financially. The situation is oppressive; overwhelming; or at breaking point. Cry out to God my friend. He is waiting for you.

2. Disobedience is a key to disaster. Obedience is essential to victory

When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian, He sent them a prophet, who said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.  I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians. And I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors; I drove them out before you and gave you their land. I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not listened to Me.” (Judges 6:7-10)

3. Do not let your qualifications/fear hinder you.

It’s all Him and not you; if God is for you who can be against you. Paul said, “In my weakness He is strong”. Go in the strength you have.

The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (Judges 6:11-13)

4. Bring an offering to the Lord

Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.” (Judges 6:17-18)

Gideon began with an offering. I would suggest you do the same. Gideon actually gave an offering but then the Lord told him to bring an even more significant one. The seven-year old bull.

5. Remove / tear down / eliminate any obstacle between you and God

That same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.  Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.” So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime. (Judges 6:25-27)

What is it in your life that needs to be torn down? You can do it in private. His own family was part of the problem.

6. Expect opposition

The people of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.” (Judges 6:30)

Opposition came from the very people God was about to save. It came from his own friends, coworkers, etc. Friend, expect opposition but do not let it deter you. Unfortunately, it may come from the very one you are hoping would encourage you.

7. Things will probably look worse before they get better.

Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezebel. (Judges 6:33)

8. Ask God for a sign

Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.” And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.  Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. (Judges 6:36-40)

Gideon is having his doubts. Don’t worry friend if you start to doubt along the way. God once again was patient to Gideon and allowed him the two signs. God wants you to be confident in Him. By the way, this is where we get the term “a fleece before God”

9. Less is more

The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against Me, My own strength has saved Me.” (Judges 7: 2)

Started with 32000; 22,000 went home in fear; 10,000 left; 9700 sent home (drinking water test); and 300 were left. What started out as an army of 32,000 ended up with 300. “Not by might, not by power but by My spirit,” says the Lord. You do not need an army, friend, God will lead you to victory.

10. Expect God to encourage you

Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.  During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purdah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp’.” (Judges 7: 2)

Note – Gideon did not ask for encouragement but nevertheless God wanted to build his faith and encourage him. Same with you, friend. God wants you to know that He will encourage you along the way.

So, he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore. Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.” His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.” (Judges 7: 9-11)

God is going to encourage you, sir. God is going to encourage you, mam.

11. Do not quit until total victory – the battle is won in stages

Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. He said to the men of Sukkoth, “Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. “But the officials of Sukkoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?” Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with a force of about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of the armies of the eastern peoples; a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had fallen.  Gideon went up by the route of the nomads east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the unsuspecting army. Zebah and Zalmunna, the two kings of Midian, fled, but he pursued them and captured them, routing their entire army.”

300 against 120,000 miracle victory. But it took time, energy, exhaustion.

12. Expect more opposition as you are near the final victory

Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. He said to the men of Sukkoth, “Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. “But the officials of Sukkoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?” (Judges 8: 4-6)

A miracle is taking place, the victory is in progress yet Gideon still has opposition from his own people. This is a warning to you my friend. Don’t let the nay-sayers stop or discourage you from finishing the job.

Finally, Beware the snare

A trap designed to cause you to backslide after the victory; the temptation to give your love and worship to another; and the lure to pull your focus away from God.

“The Israelites said to Gideon, ‘Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.’ But Gideon told them, ‘I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.’ And he said, ‘I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.’ (It was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings.) They answered, ‘We’ll be glad to give them.’ So they spread out a garment, and each of them threw a ring from his plunder onto it. The weight of the gold rings he asked for came to seventeen hundred shekels, not counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian or the chains that were on their camels’ necks.  Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” (Judges 8: 22-27)

Note: Gideon’s success became a snare not only to him but to his family. An Ephod was an artifact/object to be revered. Friends, please learn from Gideon’s mistake and keep your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. Gideon had good intentions. But he had the wrong application

In closing – enjoy the victory – Gideon’s enemy never raised it’s head again!

“Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon’s lifetime, the land had peace forty years.” (Judges 8: 28)

Can somebody say Hallelujah!

Summary

The first thing to do is cry out to God; disobedience is a key to disaster; obedience is essential to victory; do not let your qualifications / abilities / fear hinder you; bring an offering to the Lord; remove / tear down / eliminate any obstacle or sin between you and God; expect opposition; things will look worse before they get better; God will give you a sign of “I am with you” (fleece); Less is moreGod will encourage you; the battle is won in stages. Do not quit until total victory; expect more opposition as you are nearing final victory; Beware the snare; and enjoy the victory.

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Articles

Easter and Passover Greeting From Ward Simpson

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

In the fifth book of Revelation the Apostle John wrote:“Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (Revelation 5:1-2 NIV)

John was experiencing a supernatural revelation and was weeping because no one had responded to the loud call of the angel who asked-“who is worthy to break the seal and open the scroll?” What is this scroll and why is it so important?

We know it as the “Lamb’s Book of Life”, the place where our names are recorded. Think about it friend, your name is written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life” but if the scroll cannot be opened, then our eternal life hangs in the balance, which is why John was horrified and began to weep uncontrollably.

John’s revelation continued and he wrote in chapter 5:5-10 NIV: “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” … “And when He [Jesus] had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.”

Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Oh friend, that’s when the worship erupted. That’s when heaven roared with praise. Creatures in heaven and on earth and even below the earth begin to PRAISE HIM! Yes indeed, Worthy is the lamb!

It is our joy to be able to share this good news with people around the world and also our privilege to partner with you to make this happen.

But there is more to be done… Many people know about Him but they do not know Him.

In John 11, Jesus arrives to raise Lazarus from the dead. Martha said to him, “if only you had come sooner he would not have died.”

What was sad is that Martha knew Jesus, knew of his miracles, yet at this moment she had no hope, even though Jesus was there in the flesh. Jesus responded that her brother will rise again, yet Martha once again did not understand. Here He is, the miracle working Jesus who is telling Martha that her brother will rise again, and He was about to bring him back to life, but she did not get it.

“I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” was her response, but it was the response that Jesus gave to Martha that I want us to focus on: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25 NIV)

Read this passage again friend, and put the emphasis on the “I AM”. Jesus was making a point to Martha then, and He is making the same point to us today, that He is the God of the NOW. He is with us NOW. He takes away our sins NOW. He heals us NOW. He delivers us NOW. He provides for us NOW! He can bring people back to life NOW. He is the resurrection and the life at this very moment! Praise God! Can you say AMEN!

During this Easter/Passover season, we pray you draw closer to Him as He draws closer to you.

The Lamb of God is with you NOW! As it is written in Matthew 28:20 NIV “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The same Lamb of God is with you even to the end of the age. Hallelujah!

Sadly, despite the fact that we broadcast 24 hours a day to over 300 million connected homes, many have never heard this great message and that is why we have to work even harder this year. The gospel is the greatest story ever told but there are many who have not heard it. There are also those who, may have heard, but they do not have a personal relationship with Jesus and as a result their names are not recorded in the Lamb’s book of life. Can we count on you to help us ensure that when the scroll is opened there will be the maximum number of names possible?

Lydia and I along with the entire GOD TV team wish you and your family a blessed Easter/Passover.

We love you and thank God for you.

Ward Simpson
President & CEO of GOD TV

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Valentine's Day - May God's love shine in you
Faith

Our Prayer For You On Valentine’s Day

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the time when the world focuses on romantic love I’d like to share with you about God’s Love which is a higher type of love because it never fails. Remember, you are eternally loved by the King of Kings Himself. He knows your name, your situation, your needs and He even knows your telephone number.

God even knows your phone number!

I once dreamt about a phone number. It kept coming up in my mind. I woke up at 3 am and couldn’t shake it. I had to write it down. When I woke up in the morning the number once again filled my mind.

“Is this You Lord?” I asked. He told me to call the number and let them know how much He loved the person who answered and how He had a plan for their life. I nervously made the call and a young man answered. I gave him the message and he began to weep. He told me he had just given His life to God but as nothing had changed, he’d decided to return to his old ways.

“Sir, do you realize that God Himself has your phone number?” I responded. “He gave me your number in a dream and told me to let you know how much He loves you! Isn’t that amazing?”  There’s more to this story, but you see what God is saying. He loves each of us so much and I want to remind you of His love and tell you that there is nothing that can separate you from His love.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s Love is Much Higher Than Romantic Love

Among those who celebrate Valentine’s Day, perhaps some are wondering what has happened to their love. Shattered relationships, broken covenants, love that has turned to indifference and dreams that have come crashing down, all give LOVE A BAD NAME. This is so sad because TRUE LOVE is not like that. Many are confused by love and avoid it because of all the hurt, disappointment and sorrow. But this should never be. Have you checked your love meter recently? How does it stack up against God’s Word?

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

This is the LOVE that we at GOD TV are committed to spreading worldwide. The love that never fails and the greatest love of all, Jesus Christ. There is no greater love than laying one’s life down for another. This is the love Jesus has for us. He gave His life so we may live. We want to follow our Lord’s example as He went around doing good, feeding the hungry, healing the sick and setting the captives free. We aim to show compassion towards all people as we demonstrate God’s love to the world this Valentine’s Day and always.

Our prayer for you on Valentine’s Day

I pray that the Lord overwhelms you with His love. May His presence FILL YOUR HOME and draw you closer to Him. May His love SHINE IN YOU AND THROUGH YOU like a beacon on a hill. I pray this will be a season where you sense God’s love in a tangible way, a time of victory for you and your family. Jesus Christ is the greatest love of all. May you experience the TRUE LOVE that Jesus has for YOU. This love can never be taken away.

Valentine's Day - Jesus Christ the greatest love of all

 

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Articles

Overcome Complacency In 2019

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

COMPLACENCY is a feeling of contentment or security, often while unaware of some imminent potential danger and the Bible has much to say about it. Proverbs 1:32 says “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.” (Proverbs 1:32). 

In essence,  complacency is false security. In Luke 12:16-20 (The Message) we read:

Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘what can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight, you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?

Complacency makes you passive rather than active

Do you know the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat? A thermometer only reads the atmosphere, while a thermostat works to change it. It’s not enough to look at your world, your community, your workplace, or your family and say, “Yeah, that’s the way it is, or everything will be ok.” That is false security!

We are called by God to engage our environment as change agents. “For we are God’s workmanship…His thermostat!… created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Complacency kills spirituality

Complacency kills our spiritual hunger! It stops us from reaching our full potential and prevents us from enjoying our walk with God. Complacent people will allow other things and even other people, to crowd out their time with God.

How hungry are you for a closer walk with God? How much do you crave and desire to be with your Heavenly Father? Hunger is what drives athletes to reach their goal and become a winner. It is what drives students to excel and get on the honor roll. Hunger is what drives people to practice and become better at using their God-given talents.

What kind of hunger do you have?
• Is it a hunger for this world, or a hunger for God?
• Is it a hunger to see people set free, healed and delivered? • Is it a hunger to see souls saved?

The amount of hunger we have is going to dictate how much spiritual growth and power we will have operating in our lives. Complacency will cause us to miss out on the fullness of God’s plan for our lives.

We are given these words of instruction in Hebrews 6:12: “We do not want you to grow disinterested and become spiritual sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are now inheriting the promises.”

So why does the author of Hebrews admonish us to not become lazy or complacent? Because he does not want us to miss out on the abundant life that God has for us. We have to push through, persevere and continue daily to develop an intimate relationship with our Father.

When we stop praying, reading and studying God’s Word, applying His teachings to our lives, we better be very cautious because we have entered a very dangerous place. Some Christians today are even complacent about the return of Christ. His Word warns us to be ready, alert and prepared for that occasion.

As Mark 13:32-37 says: “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore, stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!”

Complacency kills relationships

Sometimes couples are too content with their marriage. Believe it or not, this is a bad thing because it can create complacency. Marital complacency is kind of subtle because often times the couple doesn’t realize that there was even a problem until the damage has been done.

When people get married, they tend to relax and bask in the glow of their new-found happiness. Then, for many, they start to coast; and if they are not careful, the relationship can quickly become routine, mundane and, well, complacent. Most common marriage problems, such as complacency, boredom, infidelity, and lack of trust, occur when we fail to spend time with our spouse.

To make marriage work, we need to be intentional about investing effort and energy into our marriage, or else watch it crumble away before our very eyes. It only takes a small thoughtful gesture to show that you still love your spouse.

In addition to these little gestures, you should compliment your spouse regularly. Let your spouse know that you love, respect and cherish them – and that you are glad to be with them – and are so happy that they are in your life. Touch hands when you pass one another around the house, kiss one another hello and goodbye, hold hands when you are walking and hug each other warmly every day.

Marital complacency is a sneaky little problem. Never assume that you and your spouse know each other so well that you don’t need to work on your relationship. All marriages require loving nurture and care to flourish in order to yield a lifetime of joy and happiness.

Five Steps to defeating Complacency

  1. The first thing we need to do is to repent of our complacency;
  2. Determine to get back on track and stay there no matter the cost;
  3. We should get into the practice of praying every day, reading and studying His word, and spending quality time with God;
  4. Set goals and objectives, and review them periodically; and
  5. Be active and not passive.

This post from GOD TV’s CEO, Ward Simpson is an extract from his New Year’s Message at Church of His Presence on Sunday December 30 and will be aired on Church With GOD TV soon, in its entirety.

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Articles

A Christmas Greeting From Israel With Ward Simpson

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

Christmas Greetings from Israel, where our Savior, Jesus the Messiah was born!

My wife Lydia and I are here as part of GOD TV’s ongoing global outreach from and into this land, and we want to share the joy of knowing Jesus with you this Christmas season.

I am actually writing this from Jerusalem and I am only a few minutes from Bethlehem where the whole world changed 2000 years ago…  Being here in the Land of the Bible certainly gets one thinking…

Do you ever wish that you could insert yourself into a Bible story? I do! And as we celebrate the birthday of the Messiah, I’m drawn to those shepherds in Bethlehem. Just imagine… you are working hard, watching over your sheep, and all of a sudden you have the most amazing encounter with God. They were ordinary people, just like you and me, and God chose to reveal His glory to them just as He can impart His presence to you and your family this Christmas.

I want to share something about these sheep. They were being raised at Migdal Eder or the Tower of the Flock and were no ordinary lambs. They were for the Temple sacrifices and the one-year old lambs were meant for Passover—which pointed so clearly to our Savior. It was no coincidence that God arranged things so that Miriam and Joseph, though from the Galilee, would be in Bethlehem for the birth of the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

Migdal Eder is where Jacob buried his precious Rachel. “So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb. Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder.” (Genesis. 35:19-21)

The prophet Micah speaks of this special place, hinting that the Messiah would be born there. “As for you, watchtower of the flock (Migdal Eder), stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:8)

What a fulfillment of Scripture… Now let’s get back to those shepherds watching over the flock that evening. Can you imagine? For them, it was not a special night. They were just doing what they do every night, with no special expectations. But suddenly…

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’.” (Luke 2:9-12)

Imagine being there! And suddenly the presence of God fills the sky. You’re chosen to not only shepherd the Lord’s flock for the Temple, but to oversee the birth of the last sacrifice for sin! The angel tells you that the Messiah has come into the world. You feel fear, joy, terror and excitement. You begin to cry—or maybe laugh uncontrollably. And then…

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests’.” (v. 13-14)

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests’

Oh, to be there! To hear this great announcement. I know that, unlike them, we have the presence of God with us in these earthen vessels or human bodies. But still, how amazing it would have been to hear of the coming of Messiah, witness this heavenly choir and then go to Bethlehem to witness His first moments on earth. Yes, they went to see Yeshua (Jesus).

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about’.”

What they still did not understand was that his name, Yeshua, was connected to His mission. Yeshua means salvation and the longer form, Yehoshua, means Yahweh is salvation. He would live a perfect life and then through His body make atonement for us all.

Through Him we have forgiveness of sins—even eternal life. We have good news to share with all men.

There is something so special about a baby being born, as Lydia and I have recently experienced with the birth of two granddaughters in the space of a week. It’s such a joy to see God bless our family and we know He has great blessing in store for you and your loved ones!

This Christmas season take some time to mediate of the birth of Messiah—how Jesus humbled Himself more than any other man, leaving the comforts of Heaven and the Father’s right hand to come to earth and not only live as a man, but allow Himself to be mocked, ridiculed and crucified by the very ones He loved; the ones He came to save.

And when you are thinking what you can get Jesus for His birthday, I can tell you that He simply wants more souls—more people saved from their sins, worshiping Him with one voice, declaring the glory of God. Through your special Christmas gift to GOD TV we can reach more people all over the globe with the life-saving message of Jesus. We want what He wants—more souls! Let’s stand together and continue to be Media Missionaries, reaching out to the world through television and the Internet.

Please, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, consider making a special donation to GOD TV to mark the occasion. Your partnership will directly give 1 billion people across nearly 200 nations access to the Good News of Jesus Christ. There is no better present that you could give someone this Christmas. Also, why not consider setting up a monthly gift to GOD TV to start in the New Year? Monthly donations make a huge difference to our ministry and allow us to continue expanding our reach across the world. What a way to start 2019, committing to increase your sphere of influence by playing your part in sharing the Gospel via media.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Lydia and I, our family and the GOD TV team pray for you and your loved ones. Have a blessed Christmas and walk in God’s favor throughout 2019.

In His name,

Ward Simpson
President and CEO of GOD TV

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confidence
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8 Reasons Why You Can Be Confident Even When All Hope Seems Lost!

by Ward Simpson
written by Ward Simpson

Be Confident: God Never Gives Up On You!

Let’s look at some reasons why people aren’t confident and why we give up every single day:

  • Overwhelmed
  • Tired
  • Bored
  • Failure
  • Money
  • Fear
  • Lost motivation
  • Unbelief
  • Sin
  • Distractions
  • Damaged relationships
  • External Influence
  • News
  • Lack of confidence

Here are eight reasons why you can be confident; even when all of those negative things are weighing on you:

1) Don’t Put Your Faith in Yourself

One main reason why we quit trying to serve God is because we try to serve him in our own strength. We try serving Him in our own abilities.

Paul puts it this way: Philippians 3: – Put no confidence in the flesh.

In other words, forget self-reliance; it will fail you and cause you to give up.
Self-reliance is trusting solely in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment.

2) Paul’s Success Did Not Come From His Résumé

Paul wrote much of the New Testament. He performed many miracles. He was an excellent teacher and preacher. He traveled the world preaching and meeting with leaders in Government and clergy. Paul was a huge success and he had the qualifications. Philippians 3:5-6 tells us about Paul’s background:

  • Born a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin- (A Jew of Jews).
  • Born in Israel-Born and bred in the land- (A Hebrew of Hebrews).
  • A master of the Law-PHD- (A Pharisee).
  • Followed the law “to the T”- He was “faultless”
  • A zealous follower to the point of persecuting all who opposed the teachings – including Christians.

Paul’s success, however, did not come from his resume. Paul says in Philippians 3:3 “ Do not put any confidence in the flesh.” Forget self-reliance.

3) We Have a Race to Run

Paul is saying “listen here, we have a mission in life. We have a goal. We have a race to run and the only way we will succeed is to put our confidence in Christ. Our prize is Christ Himself. The greatest prize any of us could ever win! In the end we will be like Him (Philippians 3:21).

4) Put Your Confidence in Christ

Paul put aside his education, his experience, his expectations and instead put his trust, his plans, his ambitions, his goals, his dreams, his future, and his entire life in the hands of Christ. He put aside his self-reliance and instead put his confidence in Christ.
We can’t do it but with Gods help, we CAN do it, and with confidence! 

5) God says you CAN

If God says “you can,” then you can! If God says, “you shouldn’t “ then you should never try.

No one can stop God’s plan for you.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That means we can do everything in God’s will for us, but not by our own willpower, but by His strength!

6) Confidence Comes Through Faith

True confidence is activated by faith. Faith requires that you stop worrying about failing and believe that God will give you the ability to succeed in doing what He has called you to do!

  • Faith stops listening to other voices and listens to Gods voice.
  • Faith and confidence will cause you to focus on whom God has called you to be rather than trying to be like someone else.
  • Faith and confidence do not say” If only…”
    If only I had more money…
    If only I had a better education…
    If only I had better parents…
    If only I had more friends…
    If only I had a better job…

7)  Fear Has Been Defeated!

  • Fear is an enemy.
  • Fear stops us: Fear of failure, fear of being laughed at; fear of what people think.
  • Fear never leaves for good.
  • Fear will require confrontation.
  • Fear is defeated by faith + hope + love!

8) He Is Strong When We Are Weak

Confidence in Christ takes the focus off our strength and puts it on His strength.
His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 says, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Be Encouraged; Take Heart!

In closing, I want to remind you to take the pressure off yourself and stop trying to impress others. Trying to impress and please others all the time only leads to disappointment and misery. It’s time to put your confidence in Christ and rise up to answer the calling on your life and become the person God has intended you to be.

Let’s take a look at some familiar names who should have given up according to the world, but never did. Taken from 50 Famously Successful People Who Failed At First:

  • Henry Ford: While Ford is today known for his innovative assembly line and American-made cars, he wasn’t an instant success. In fact, his early businesses failed and left him broke five times before he founded the successful Ford Motor Company.
  • R. H. Macy: Most people are familiar with this large department store chain, but Macy didn’t always have it easy. Macy started seven failed business before finally hitting big with his store in New York City.
  • Soichiro Honda: The billion-dollar business that is Honda began with a series of failures and fortunate turns of luck. Honda was turned down by Toyota Motor Corporation for a job after interviewing for a job as an engineer, leaving him jobless for quite some time. He started making scooters of his own at home, and spurred on by his neighbors, finally started his own business.
  • Walt Disney: Today Disney rakes in billions from merchandise, movies and theme parks around the world, but Walt Disney himself had a bit of a rough start. He was fired by a newspaper editor because “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” After that, Disney started a number of businesses that didn’t last too long and ended with bankruptcy and failure. He kept plugging along, however, and eventually found a recipe for success that worked
  • Oprah Winfrey: Most people know Oprah as one of the most iconic faces on TV as well as one of the richest and most successful women in the world. Oprah faced a hard road to get to that position, however, enduring a rough and often abusive childhood as well as numerous career setbacks including being fired from her job as a television reporter because she was “unfit for tv.”
  • Jerry Seinfeld: Just about everybody knows who Seinfeld is, but the first time the young comedian walked on stage at a comedy club, he looked out at the audience, froze and was eventually jeered and booed off of the stage. Seinfeld knew he could do it, so he went back the next night, completed his set to laughter and applause, and the rest is history.
  • Lucille Ball: During her career, Ball had thirteen Emmy nominations and four wins, also earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors. Before starring in I Love Lucy, Ball was widely regarded as a failed actress and a B movie star. Even her drama instructors didn’t feel she could make it, telling her to try another profession. She, of course, proved them all wrong
  • Elvis Presley: As one of the best-selling artists of all time, Elvis has become a household name even years after his death. But back in 1954, Elvis was still a nobody, and Jimmy Denny, the manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after just one performance telling him, “You ain’t goin’ nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin’ a truck.”
  • Michael Jordan: Most people wouldn’t believe that a man often lauded as the best basketball player of all time was actually cut from his high school basketball team. Luckily, Jordan didn’t let this setback stop him from playing the game and he has stated, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

This article was written by Ward Simpson, who leads the global GOD TV network. Ward is the host of many GOD TV broadcasts including his series Today With Ward. A leader at Brownsville, his passion is souls, Israel and revival.

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