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I want to give you a simple secret as how to enter the New Year with expectation, excitement, and a greater hope than you finished 2019.

To all of you who get caught up in past failures, mistakes, hurts, rejections, lost, pain, and cannot live a full life in the present and therefore have lost sight on the future this word is for you.

Jeremiah told the people to seek to understand the faithfully love of God.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Many you have read and place this scripture in your hearts but I ask you to seal it with another prophetic word from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 52:12 (NLT2)
You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.

Get this!!!

At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise from remembering the yesterdays. If 2019 have grown you in any way then you will understand what I am about to say.

Isaiah 65:17 (KJV)
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Isaiah spoke of a New Time coming. I am speaking of a New Year coming. The Lord is going ahead of you into 2020. Not only is he going ahead of you but he is going to protect your rear.

If there are any true worshippers reading this you have my permission to shout now. I am leaving the past in the past and taking the future up starting with January 1.

My best praise is set for 2020.

My best relationships are set for 2020.

My best financial year is set for 2020.

My best health is set for 2020.

My best peace is set for 2020.

My best joy is set for 2020.

It’s your move!!!

Your best is yet to come!

A picture can say a lot but only God can truly say who we really are.

1 Samuel 17:40 (NLT2)
He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.

David was fresh out of the field attending the sheep when the call came.

How many of you didn’t have formal training when you got the call?

DAVID’S PREPARATION DIDN’T COME ON THE BATTLE FIELD BUT IN THE SHEEP FIELD.

1. DAVID KEEP THE FLOCK’S WELFARE ON HIS MIND

• A shepherd’s primary responsibility was the safety and welfare of the flock.
• A shepherd would direct the flock to an area of green grass
• A shepherd would keep a watchful eye out for poisonous plants, other animal and serpents. 

Shepherds would even sleep near the sheep. The shepherd knows that there is a need to be close to the animals to protect and provide for them.

Sheepherders were on call around the clock. 

HAVE ANYONE EXPERIENCE THAT PASTORING IS 24/7 JOB?

1. PROTECTING THEM FROM PREDATORS WAS A MAIN OBJECTIVE

1. PROVIDING A HEALTH CARE FOR THE SHEEP WAS AN OBJECTIVE
2. THE SHEPHERD MUST SHEARING THE FLOCK

Unlike other animals that shed their hair in the spring, many breeds of sheep must be shorn – have their fleece cut off with shears or clippers.   

Metaphorically, the term “shepherd” is used for God, especially in the Judeo-Christian tradition (e.g. Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34), and in Christianity especially for Jesus, who called himself the Good Shepherd. The Ancient Israelites were a pastoral people and there were many shepherds among them.

THEY HAD A FULL GRASP ON PSALMS 23.. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

NOT ALL SHEPHERDS HAD THE SAME GIFTEDNESS. THERFORE WE MUST KEEP FULL KNOWLEDGE OF OUR AREAS OF GIFTEDNESS.

YOUR CALLING IS TIED TO YOUR GIFT(S)

EACH MAN HAS BEEN GIVEN TALENTS ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITIES.

Matthew 25:15 (KJV)
 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Why was the king so hard on the man who had not gained more money? He punished the man because

(1) He didn’t share his master’s interest in the kingdom;

(2) He didn’t trust his master’s intentions; and

(3) His only loyalty was to himself. Like the king in this story, God has given you gifts to use for the benefit of his kingdom.

1. Do you want the kingdom to grow?
2. Do you trust God to govern it fairly?
3. Are you as concerned for the welfare of others as for your own?

If you can answer yes to these questions, you are faithfully using what he has entrusted to you.

David picked up what he was familiar with 5 stones (1 Samuel 17:40). … David didn’t need 20 stones but just as many as he could handle.

It was David’s skills and abilities that he learned as a shepherd boy, which God maximized with Grace, which gave him the unexpected advantage over his enemy.

EACH STONE DAVID PICKED UP HAD A DESIGNED PURPOSE:

1. He had one for faith,
2. one for obedience,
3. one for service, and
4. one for his prayer life
5. one for the Spirit of the Lord which meant he possess the Right Attitude. 
6. The first smooth stone that David picked up may represent the first pillar of the gospel, the principle of faith.

David demonstrated great faith in God as he took on the giant named Goliath. Verses 33-37:

• The second smooth stone that David picked up may be the stone of obedience.

Obedience is the second of the gospel.

Through obedience we exercise the principle of faith. David was in the right place at the right time, because he obeyed his father.

If David had not obeyed his father, Israel would have been under siege for a longer period of time. Let’s read verse 20 of I Samuel 17:n

• The third smooth stone that David picked up may well be the pillar of Service. Without service the stones of faith and obedience will have no power or strength.

Service is the action associated with faith and the implementation of obedience.  

When David arrived at the army with the food for his brothers, he heard Goliath issue his challenge and watched as the soldiers all shrank from their assigned duty. In verses 26-29 David asked some very pointed questions to the soldiers and of his brothers. Essentially David ask them why they weren’t doing their duty, their service to their country and family.

Too many pastors have given in to the Lukewarm of just going through the motion of leadership without truly believing that with God all things are possible.

In verse 28 his own brother scolds him and says that David is proud and boastful. To which David replies in verse 29 and 32 exhibiting his willingness to serve:

Yes I have been criticized for being different!

• The fourth smooth stone that David picked up may represent the pillar of an active prayer life. As David went to meet Goliath he had a prayer in his heart. Let’s read verse 45: 1 Samuel 17:45b (KJV)
  but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
• The final smooth stone that David picked up was the pillar of right attitude.

He not only had faith, obedience, service, and prayed, but he had the proper attitude in the Lord.

Because of his faith, obedience, service, and prayer life with God and the right attitude in the Lord David was able to defeat his enemy. 

You know as well as I do that the Holy Ghost cannot stay with us and guide us if we are not “behaving” ourselves wisely. In order to have the right attitude you need the Holy Ghost to aid us in behaving wisely. 1 Samuel 18:14 (KJV)
 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.

1. What are your Goliaths?
2. How many Goliaths have you faced in your ministry life?
3. How many times have you heard the words of Goliath “I defy the armies and the God of Israel this day”?
4. Modern day Goliaths may be in the form of a fear of others opinion of you, fear that people will not follow without you compromising, or fear of a disconnect between you and the congregation age wise.

TODAY’S PASTOR’S FACE FEARS:

• Not being able to reach a multi-generational church
• A generation of people who question everything
• A generation that demands more from the church
• A generation who values have shifted from church centered to self centered.
• A generation who worship time.

THE GOLIATH OF DAVID’S TIME STATED THE CONDITIONS OF THE BATTLE:

If he won, the Israelites would become slaves to the Philistines.

If the Israelite challenger won, the Philistines would be slaves to the Israelites.

Modern day Goliaths issue the same conditions with their challenge, if they win we will become slaves to a behavior that will not allow us to live out the Great Commandment or the Great Commission.

If Goliath wins the church will given into the worldly ways?

Remember you have been called to make a difference.

Remember you have been called to the battle.

Remember you have been call for such a time as this.

IF IT WAS NOT FOR YOUR CALLING YOUR GOLIATH WOULD WIN.

But because of your calling you have not been given the spirit of fear but of love power and sound mind.

You have been called to this conference to go back and make a difference.

When David first got the call to face Goliath he first attempted to arm himself with the modern weaponry available to him.

He put on the helmet and coat of mail of Saul. Then he strapped the sword of Saul around his waist. But David was not familiar with these protections, nor was he able to move about in them very well. Note his words at the end of verse 39:

“…And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.”

Instead of using the armor of Saul, David turned to something that was familiar to him and something that he had proved before. Let’s read verse 40:

“And he took his staff in his hand and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.”

So armed with a shepherds staff, his sling in his hand, and five smooth stones in his shepherd’s bag David went to meet Goliath. We know the result of that meeting.

May I also suggest that the method that David selected was proven gospel which is written in the word of God the bible. The gospel based principles have been proven and tested on Goliaths of the past and present and will work in the future?

 Prepare yourselves with these Pillars:

1. Faith
2. Obedience to God
3. Mind to serve
4. Active prayer life
5. Keeping the right attitude with God

The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. (Lament. 3:22-23)

In the midst of hopelessness, Jeremiah clung to God’s faithfulness. Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all the sin and sorrow surrounding him: “The unfailing love of the Lord never ends!

By his mercies we have been kept from complete ruin.” Jeremiah knew from personal experience about God’s faithfulness.

God had promised that punishment would follow disobedience, and it did.

But God also had promised future restoration and blessing, and Jeremiah knew that God would keep that promise also.

God has promised to return to rapture those that trust in Him. I still believe Jesus will return and take me back with him.

Trusting in God’s faithfulness day by day makes us confident in his great promises for the future.

It is so important to learn to live in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions in order to find perfect peace and eternal security.

At times you will have to decrease so that God can increase.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The way to finding God’s will and peace is through asking His Holy Spirit to come into your life this very moment to lead, guide, and direct your daily thoughts and actions.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” show us that God has given directions as to the way his people should walk (i.e., live) in this world. God’s Word is our road map for the Christian life. Everything God wants us to know is found within its covers.

Psalm 37:23-25 (GW)
²³  A person’s steps are directed by the LORD, and the LORD delights in his way.
²⁴  When he falls, he will not be thrown down headfirst because the LORD holds on to his hand.
²⁵  I have been young, and now I am old, but I have never seen a righteous person abandoned or his descendants begging for food.

Last week I visited Hospice to support a friend and I went to the hospital to support a friend and his family. It doesn’t matter how high you are flying today you will descend. When you descend you will need an eternal hand to pick you up.

Dear Lord I thank you for your grace and mercy that I have already experienced. Father I thank you for your unfailing love for me and my family. Father please send your Holy Spirit into my life this morning to direct my steps this day.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (MSG)
GOD’s Message: “Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches.
²⁴  If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I’m GOD, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks.” GOD’s Decree.

Knowing about God is not the same as knowing him personally. People tend to admire these qualities in others: human intelligence, might, thoughtfulness, and possessions.

But God puts a higher priority on knowing him personally and living a life that reflects his impartiality and righteousness.  James in the scriptures says, Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

We live in a time when men boast of their wisdom about God, salvation, and heaven yet we live in a time when we see love growing cold and hate for fellowmen at a high. We see little mercy in the land. We see each individual seeking his own and trying to make his pile greater.

There is no greatness apart from God’s mercy, justice and righteousness. To attempt to be great away from God is foolishness.

Hosea 4:6 (KJV)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (MSG)
and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (MSG)
Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.

Failing to self examine will keep you in a poor life cycle.

Too often in life we find ourselves in a holding pattern. And breaking free can be difficult yet not impossible. Remember your purpose will always be greater that what you are doing right now.

Our breakout will start with overcoming the fear to take a fresh look at what you are doing in your home life, business, or friendships. In order to change or to progress toward your true purpose you will need a new defining moment to break a non productive life cycle.

Breaking your cycle is done by interrupting the flow at one of the key points, thinking, feeling or acting. Although ideal results come from interrupting all three, the best way to start is by breaking the chain in a single link.

Fear of self examination will keep you in a position that does not produce fruit nor move you to your true purpose in life.

There is always a danger of becoming too comfortable with our life situation or making excuses for not being more fruitful with our purpose in life.

A defining moment for the woman at the well came when Jesus challenged her. Too often we see those who challenge us as foe. Yet God purposely will place people in your path to help you advance in his direction and your true purpose. Stop labeling those who don’t agree with you as an adversary.

Why not ask the Lord to help you look at the situation or circumstance from a different view point. In order to live a more productive life with a meaningful purpose stop being so quick to become offended.

Why not just say you are in a rut.

How do you get out of a rut?

1. Dig out.  
2. Increase traction.  
3. Find some help.

My purpose is to help others discover their true purpose by challenging them to look at what they are doing today so they can live out their true purpose.

Are you are your church or business in need of self examination?

Allow me to come help you develop your leadership team.

It was once said, We look at things the way we are and not the way things are.

Contact: williamretired18@gmail.com or williamthompsonministries.com

1. The reality of life is that life is hard and unfair and not very forgiving.
2. There are people in your life today that really don’t know you or understand you.
3. Many of your failures or your successes have come as a result of how others see you and not as you really are.
4. Too often we spent our time trying to change but what we need to work on is our perception as how others see us.
5. If you don’t like the outcome that life has been sending your way then take a look at not how you see yourself but how do others see you.

Matthew 16:13-18 (KJV)
¹³  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
¹⁴  And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
¹⁵  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
¹⁶  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
¹⁷  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

I am the same individual who spent last week sharing from the beach yet some views had perception of reality that was based on my surrounding. This morning I wish I knew the thoughts of those reading this. There will be a different perception from those who follow me on FB.

Although Jesus was OK with who he was Jesus still was concerned about how others saw him.

What Jesus knew was that what Peter knew did not come from Peter but from the Lord. Peter knew who Jesus really was.

There are people in your life today that really don’t know you. They have defined you either on your past failures, your background, family history, your financial status or your success in life.

There are things that you have done good or bad that is not a representation of who you really are.

Resist the temptation to do nothing. Take some action—any kind of action. Try to think of creative ways to take advantage of the seasons in which you are in today.

Pray today that God will send people into your life that can know the real you!

This place doesn’t look like the suffering that took place for the early church to worship. Just getting to this place was a sacrifice. We see a few changes but the memories on the ground is still there.

I had the opportunity to begin my Sunday worship in historical Kingstown with the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. We celebrated our Lord with scriptures, prayer, praise, and the Word!

I closed my day at the Tucker’s Grove Camp meeting. We celebrated with the fellowship, singing, food, and the word!

This was August 25th 2019 and retirement took me to places of my dreams and visions for my life.

I am entering the second year of retirement and it has been wonderful preaching, teaching, and traveling.

Yes, Christ Community, Friendly Hill, and St. Peter burns in heart but…..

May I shout out to Hopper’s Chapel, Maiden Chapel, Gold Hill, both Macedonians, Fancy Hill, Eskridge Grove, Palmer’s Grove, St. John, Peoples, Lawndale, Divine True Holiness, Emmanuel, Mt. Moriah, Mt. Sinai, New High Springs, Mt. Calvary Vale, Mt. Pisagh, Green Pond and this is just a few that have made my retirement wonderful.

I am not certain where God will lead me from here but where he leads I will follow! If my second year is like my first year WOW!

Sallie and I are still working on our bucket list. We saw Alaska and Hawaii but eyes have not seen nor ears heard what the Lord has in store for those who love Him and are called.

As I sit at my desk this morning I can say I have been to the mountain top and I have seen the coming of the Lord. Just like Dr. King I want to live a long time for long life has its place but seeing Jesus is a better reward!