Preparation for Launch
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV).

The moment comes when it is time to stop preparing and get to the business for which we have prepared. Great architecture is not built on the designer’s computer, but realized when dirt is removed, forms set, and foundations are poured. The planning ceases when the permits are approved and the construction begins. 

Someone said that a fisherman’s job is to fish, not to teach seminars on the most effective methods, write books on the subject, or spend their days at the cafe telling stories of great trips and the incredible catches of the past. A fisherman gets out on the water, sometimes in the early morning or late in the evening, and casts the line into the place where fish are most likely to be found. A fisherman fishes.

We have been called to become “fishers of men.” Our job is to cast the line, make the connection, draw others close in friendship, and introduce them to the greatest story ever told. While we want to learn effective methods of evangelism and be inspired with other’s stories of great conversions, our greatest successes will come when we engage in the process of attraction, discipleship, and witness the power of the Gospel in spiritual conversions. We can’t just talk about it; we must get busy doing it.

The hot air balloon (also called the envelope) is filling with air. The fires that warm the air provide the lift. The gondola (or basket) is stocked with supplies. The necessary equipment is secured in place. The tethers are holding the hot-air balloon to the ground as the tension increases. The moment is now. It’s time to launch. It’s time to go. 

All of the preparations were necessary, but once it is time to launch there is no more need for preparations. It is time to quit prepping and get started. The moment arrives to get onboard, load up and leave. Initiate the launch sequence. Loosen the ropes. Release the tethers. Allow the upward lift the freedom to expand. Turn up the fire and experience release from gravity. Upward, upward let your spirits climb with the rising vessel. 

This analogy illustrates where we are as a church and as a movement. We have implemented a lot of preparation, training, policy and procedures, but there comes a time to launch our mission. The time arrives when we need to put the training to the test. The preparation has equipped us to face any unknown challenge that may come. Arise. Seize the moment and embrace the task. 

The final requirement is trust. We must believe in the designer; be confident in the vessel and its ability to complete the mission. Others have launched before us. The message stood the test of time. The Gospel and the blood of Jesus is more than enough for every challenge. We must believe that God is able to keep those we have committed unto Him. 

This is our moment. This is our day. The pioneers of the past have delivered the commission intact. The plan is flawless. The purpose is clear. Embrace the calling. Step into your destiny and believe that God has made you for this. Now it is time for the launch. It is time for … RELEASE!
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

Ready the Crew
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 2:17 NKJ).

Most great feats were not accomplished alone. Many laborers working together create architectural wonders and magnificent monuments of artistry. Collaboration results in works of collective wisdom. The joint efforts of a multitude of people produce freeway systems, grand canals, or spanning bridges over great waters. United efforts have put astronauts on the moon and launched space exploration to distant planets. While some incredible things have been done by a single person, the cooperation between many produces exponentially more than anyone can do alone. 

Solomon wrote, “A triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT). He indicated the strength of unity and the value of being knit together in harmony. Jesus taught, “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” (Matthew 18:19 NLT). God has respect for those who will join together in agreement for a greater cause. 

The power of unity was displayed in the Upper Room after the ascension of Jesus. Luke wrote, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1, 4 NKJ). Peter stood up “with the eleven” to address their questions and explain the phenomena (Acts 2:14). Even the ministry of Peter became more powerful when delivered in unity with the other apostles and the complement of the Holy Spirit. It was God’s desire and purpose that the church be unified, that all believers become one with the Father. Jesus’ prayer was that we all may be one, “Just as you and I are one” (John 17:21 NLT). 

The mission of the church was never intended to be limited to just a few outstanding Christians to lead the masses, but rather a self-replicating organism that embraces and empowers each one with the same potential to become filled with the purpose of God. In Christ every believer becomes a disciple who becomes a “discipler!” The commission was Jesus’ directive, “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19 NLT).

Jesus initiated the plan, “I will build my church,” but it was not birthed in isolation. The church emerged from an Upper Room in a crowd of 120, out into the public square where thousands embraced the Gospel, and thousands more were added within days. This massive multiplication is Christ’s pattern and plan for world expansion of His kingdom. The incredible end-time revival will not be limited to a single location or awarded to isolated individuals, but will burst forth with spontaneous generation in a million places. 

God is bringing us together. He would have us be one. God is calling true Christ-followers to unite, to set aside personal differences and embrace the mission of Jesus. It is time to get together for the cause of revival. Assemble the volunteers. Ready the crew. Prepare the believers. Everyone must be on the same page and united for a singular purpose. We are ready for a launch like we’ve never seen before.

A holy passion stirs within our hearts and a united vision brings us together to be the church of latter day revival. At the appropriate time there will be a united release, a forward lurch into a glorious revelation of spiritual renewal. Get ready for the release!
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

Spiritual Preparation
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives” (Galatians 5:25 TPT).

Many books and training programs are designed to help people improve their lives. Most are built on motivational techniques, developing self-discipline, or holding ourselves accountable to someone else. An exhaustive self-help genre has emerged to categorize these materials. Podcasts and programs exist to coach individuals to become the person they desire to become. 

In some ways church attendance and religious materials may be viewed in much the same way as the self-help genre. However, the major distinction is that for the believer it is less about self-help and more about God-help! There are similarities: Preaching and teaching can qualify as motivational. The gifts of the Spirit equip us for self-control which may be seen as the same as self-discipline. Choosing accountability partners is encouraged to overcome sin and resist temptation. In these and other tools there are practices for improving our Christian living. 

Spiritual preparation is different than natural training techniques. It is, well, spiritual! Though the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and Bible reading are certainly aides for Spiritual preparation, some qualities only develop by spending time in God’s presence and learning the grace and practice of a Spirit-led life. 

How do we spend time in His presence? Certainly, we can be drawn into a spiritual place when we attend services, listen to worship music, or find ourselves engrossed in the Word of God. Seeking those special times can be rewarding experiences and help develop more sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit. 

Other times come in unexpected moments. Driving toward a sunset or walking in a park can usher you into a spiritual oasis. Just the right song, a recorded testimony, or a statement in passing can suddenly speak to your spirit in such a way as to awaken something deep inside. 

As we experience God’s Spirit in everyday life and in spiritual worship we are developing an ear to receive God’s instruction. Numerous times in Scripture we are challenged, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7 and more, NIV). One of the prophets identified His Spirit manifested as a “still small voice” or a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12 NKJ and NIV). Whether God speaks in quiet tones and gentle nudges or in bright lights and bold voices, we may receive insight and the direction of the Spirit. 

The first step to a Spirit-led life is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus has promised His Spirit to every believer, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a guide for life. Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13 NKJ). Revelation of His Word and the fulness of truth comes as we embrace the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

As we prepare for the year ahead and the special calling God has designed for our lives let us prepare ourselves in the Spirit to answer the call. Regardless of our growth and experiences we will never outgrow our dependence on the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides into marvelous paths of further experiences. He knows the future and He knows our abilities. Prepare for the unknown as we make Him known! 
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

Fitness for Launch
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:25–27 TPT).

There’s no time like the New Year when people are so avid about fitness and exercise. The resolutions may include weight loss, health and wellness, or preparing for a competition. The lines are long for joining the local health clubs and the fitness centers are packed with sweaty participants who workout with determination. It is usually less than a month when the fitness centers are much less crowded and many fall back into their normal habits of indulgence and neglect of intended disciplines. 

Discipline is required for any athlete who desires to win in a competition. Marathons are not run on a whim, but require many weeks, even months, of preparation. Core strength is developed. Endurance is built over time and other competitions develop skills to insure success. This must have been Paul’s analogy for developing spiritual stamina, enduring setbacks and discouragement, and continuing to train and compete for the greatest reward, the crown of life. 

Seeing others make meaningful resolutions and changes at the beginning of the new year challenges us to make commitments for greater spiritual disciplines. Annually we may start a new Bible reading plan, a devotional guide, or a prayer journal with full intention of this year being different and with the goal of ending the year with a victorious conclusion. Many times our resolutions fall by the way along with those who neglect their gym membership. The stakes are certainly higher with our goals than shedding a few pounds or building muscles; the crown of life is worth our greatest efforts. 

Paul spoke of those who began the spiritual race with fervor only to be defeated with a lack of self-control, and losing out after being a good example to unbelievers for a time. He challenged us to avoid being disqualified when we come before the reviewing stand to be judged. Where the prize is greater, so also is the responsibility to run well. We are representing the ultimate conflict, the battle of the ages between life and death, good and evil. The outcome is not in question. Righteousness prevails! However, our personal destiny hangs in the balance. Mark gave the assurance, “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Mark 13:13 NKJ).

Astronauts undergo rigorous training in preparation for space travel. Some train for many years studying engineering, living with strict dietary plans, and consistently engaged in physical training just for the opportunity to be considered for a space mission. Not all will complete the training. Others will be disqualified for deficiencies in any of the areas in which they are trained. 

As we navigate the launch of a New Year and prepare for our spiritual growth plan, take special notice to be physically prepared, mentally conditioned and prayerfully packed for the journey. Get ready for a release. Insure that the training manual has been followed, and spiritual preparations are in order. We have a task before us and an incredible opportunity awaits.
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

Challenge Accepted
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” (Luke 14:33 NLT).

People do some dumb things! Social media has created a phenomenon where students are often challenged to do some irrational, dangerous, and even fatal things just for the fun of it. I remember a few years ago seeing the “ice water challenge.” A lot of videos popped up of normally rational people getting doused with ice water over their heads just because someone challenged them to do it. Other challenges are more serious as kids attempt daring jumps, diving into shallow waters, or performing tricks on skateboards or bicycles. Some have ended in serious injuries or even death. 

The challenge we are proposing are not dangerous, but beneficial, even positively empowering to believers in Christ. We are faced with a New Year and a fresh opportunity to go forward with great ambition to be better and do more for God in the coming months. Our challenge is to reach higher in a spiritual dimension, dig deeper in biblical studies, and leap forward in our Christian maturity. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Who will take it up and accept the challenge of the Spirit during this early season of a new year?  

A desire to change course or direction is first of all a mental decision. We don’t accidentally stumble into disciplines. We don’t wake up one day and automatically run a marathon. No one ever said, “I started dieting before I knew what was happening. I started craving all the right foods and felt repulsed by anything that was fattening or unhealthy!” It is very unlikely that you just happened to show up a church without some thought or plan to attend. Likewise Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, giving, and sharing your testimony are not usually things that just happen. 

Typically, there is a conscious decision to make reading the Bible a part of your weekly schedule. We purpose to pray, and sometimes have to set an alarm or schedule a reminder to keep that commitment. Church attendance is planned and our days are arranged to insure that we have no disruptions to prevent our participation. When we budget our expenses our tithing and offerings are planned as a part of our financial responsibility. Often we must actively look for those opportunities to share our witness with coworkers, friends, or relatives. 

Most people only develop positive lifestyles and adopt healthy habits after making some mental preparation to initiate change in life. There is a pivotal moment where we decide to make changes. Motivations vary, but for spiritual pursuits perhaps it was a message that was preached, a book or podcast, or maybe an inspirational post that was observed on social media. Whatever the motivation, there was a moment when the decision was made to initiate a new action. 

We are mentally prepared to make the desired changes as we make plans to act on our decisions. If we are to truly be committed to the cause of Jesus Christ, we must make the decision to forsake all to follow Him. We learn of His desire for us through the reading of His Word, praying for His guidance, and through the encouragement of other believers as we gather together for worship and to hear God’s messenger deliver the application of the Word of God from Scripture. 

Accept the challenge today! In this beginning of a New Year, or a renewed commitment, let us arise to the challenge of Christian commitment. We are assured of God’s help as His Spirit was given to empower us for service. 
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

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