My friend and colleague, Dan Betzer, lovingly calls me the “Comeback Kid.” He does this because virtually everyone in the Christian community, save a precious few, had counted me out when I went to prison back in 1989. But God didn’t count me out – He counted me in! And Dan was one of the few friends who didn’t count me out either – he stood closer than a brother.
So, the comeback that I have had in ministry for the Lord is so that others can be encouraged when they have had a setback. I tell people every day “if I can make it, anybody can make it.” And, as another close friend, Bishop Ronnie Webb says, “if you’ve had a setback, get ready for a comeback!” Jesus will use the weak and the downtrodden! (Hebrews 12:1) Bishop Webb also likes to say “don’t quit right before your breakthrough. Right before your breakthrough, there’s a breakdown.” No truer words were ever said!
We need encouragers in the Body of Christ. The power of life and death are in the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) People have the power to speak life to you, or death… but God is all about life. The prophetic word of encouragement is always about life; life to your vision, life to your spiritual gifts, and life to your ministry and mission.
We are just getting started here at Morningside as a “Comeback Center” for people who have been beaten and bruised. You don’t get disqualified in God’s race! You can come back! That’s why Jesus died for us!
I remember calling out to God in prison and saying “never in my life have I ever had a desire to hurt anybody! How could I be here (in prison) for building something to bless people?” The answer was quick: Jesus said, “they killed me!”
Until we are willing to know Jesus, not just in His resurrection, but in the fellowship of His suffering, we can never minister the resurrection! (Philippians 3:10)
Lori tells of a time when she felt forgotten by God. God sent a prophet to prophesy to her that “God has not forgotten you!” Do you think He cares about us? Do you think He knows what we’re feeling? Many of you know my signoff phrase “God loves you, He really does!” But not many know that this phrase came from a time of ministry to a woman who was told she had sinned so bad that she couldn’t be saved. The prophetic word that God loved her broke the back of that lie and she was delivered!
YOU have not sinned so badly that God can’t forgive you! I didn’t – Lori didn’t – this precious lady didn’t – and YOU didn’t either!
God is close to the brokenhearted. You can come back! Come back today – He is calling you and He will not turn you away. He is waiting with open arms for you to come back to Him – and you will not be disqualified by anything in your past.
And when you come back, remember that there’s a “Comeback Center” in Blue Eye, Missouri called Morningside that will welcome you home!
Love,
Jim
Dear Jim:
We shall all endure to the end. Sometimes before the “breakthrough” comes a “breakdown” comes, so that God always shows up at exactly the right moment in our lives. Hallelujah!!!!! Richard
all things new, praise his holy name.
Thanks Pastor Jim for your encouragement, I believe many of the Overcomers in Christ are in the Wilderness( as stated in Rev.12), we are in training for the great harvest to teach people of the Love of Christ and that He does love them.
Keep up the great work, we appreciate what all of you do and are praying for all of you. Lord showed me 20 years ago that we would go through the tribulation period, but people’s ears have not been opened to hear yet, the hard times will open them, I believe.
I loved you and tammy PTL club…when you went to prison i went on my knees and prayed for you..i loved tammys song dont give up on the brink of a miracle,,now Lori is amazing also,,God sure has blessed you..love your show love you,,love Lori,,she has a soothing voice..God is so happy with you 2~
God is faithful to keep his word isaiah 1:18 come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. wonderful saviour!!!!
Jesus was acquainted with grief. He despised the shame. That tells me
he carried everything for us. Not only our sins, but our shame. When
we are down we don’t need a frown, a look of disdain, an I told you
so. We need someone to reach out and comfort. Usually that someone is a person who has had the very breath knocked out of him or her. They
can relate. They have a heart of compassion and emphathy. God bless you Jim Baker. I was watching the show and I just blurted out, God
thank you for getting Jim Baker out of prison. You are a blessing and Lori beautiful in spirit and soul.
Pastor Jim,
This post of yours is wonderful. It will be a balm to those who are broken and bruised. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.