Celebrating 80th Brief Word!
Habakkuk 2:2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. (NKJV)
This “BriefWord” marks a milestone! It is the 80th to be sent out.
I thought it would be right to pause from the regular program and celebrate the event. I thank God for what He has done, and I especially thank you, for being a reader!
Here’s a little of the background to “BriefWord”.
The idea came to me years ago, almost before computers. It was to have a simple brief word, and at that stage the dream was to have a single printed sheet with a short teaching article available to the church, and then posted (yes – remember snail mail?) out to a few people.
It just didn’t happen at that stage. Years later, I now have a computer and are connected to the internet. The idea resurfaced; why not write the “BriefWord”, and email it out to a few people?
The idea was simple; to inspire, encourage and bless anyone who reads it, so that they can ‘read it plainly’, and ‘run their race strongly’.
That was 2009. A few people, family and friends were brave enough to sign up and receive it every month.
That was then. Now, “BriefWord” goes into more that 40 nations of the world. People from many different stations in life and callings and cultures receive it. Working men and women, mothers, pastors, evangelists, retired, people faithfully serving the King and His Kingdom in various roles.
I am honoured and thrilled when I hear of where it is going, who is receiving it, and what the Lord is doing through it.
Here’s just a few testimonies of how “BriefWord” has impacted lives.
Really love getting your word over here in London, it’s a bit of a connection with NZ as well as being such an encouragement. It’s an amazing ministry you have and must bless so many people. — Romy, UK.
We have received your email and thank you for the sermon and teachings. We shall use the teachings in our church and am sure they will be a big blessing. The teachings will help on discipleship Kingdom and it just amazing to receive. — Pastor Rose, Kenya.
Thanks so much for your honesty and encouragement. You are a real blessing. — Naomi, New Zealand.
Great Brief Word Steve…….so so true. When I think back a few years to a young mechanic who loved racing cars in the gravel and now to read what you have written today I was encouraged. You have such a mature understanding of His Presence and the value of His Word. — Ian, New Zealand.
Amazing Stephen! May God bless you and keep you safe as you continue to encourage and share His Word! — Ryan, New Zealand.
Thank you so much for your Spirit filled Teachings and encouragement every time and it is a blessing and strengthening me and I am sharing with our Congregations and Gospel Teams. — Sister Sara, India
Thank you. Good topics for colleges, schools and conferences. Will put in use. — Bishop John, Kenya.
Excellent vision/perception, Stephen! Thank you. — Donna, New Zealand.
There is power in the written word!
In 1 Chronicles 28 we have the testimony of David concerning the plans God gave him to give to Solomon for the building of the temple. In verses 19-20 we read, “All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.” (NKJV).
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord”. (NKJV). Here was the promise of God concerning the building of the temple in the days of Solomon.
David was rejoicing that God had made known to him so clearly, in such a way that he was able to put it into writing and, as he put it into written form, the understanding came to his own heart on the matter.
And Solomon was able to build the temple because he had clear plans David had written.
Wow! What a lesson we have right there!
What has God given you and I to do? Can we write it down clearly? As Peter Druker says, “A vision must fit on the back of a T shirt”.
Writing things down clarifies, identifies, solidifies, the things we are thinking. I am very much like that. Once I start writing and pouring out what is in my heart and head, it starts to make sense.
“I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say”. (Flannery O’Connor).
Let’s not forget these Scriptures:
John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (NKJV).
1 John 1:4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (NKJV).
Dr. Elmer Towns, the cofounder of Liberty University, says, “If you want to change the world pick up a pen. There is power in the pen!”
God is using this very ministry today.
Thank you, for being part of the “BriefWord” family!
Can I request two simple things? Firstly, can you please pray for the ministry of “BriefWord”, that the Lord will inspire, encourage and bless many people who will be able to ‘read it plainly’, and ‘run their race strongly’. Secondly, ‘pass it on!’. Feel free to hit forward and send it to your friends and family, that they too might ‘read it plainly’, and ‘run their race strongly’.
Thank you!
Feel free to send feedback at any time.
My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged, inspired and refreshed with these writings, so that your vision ‘becomes plain’, and you can ‘run, and win’ the race marked out just for you!
