Living Past the Emergency

 

May Teaching Letter from Rick Renner

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas and greetings in Jesus’ precious name! Christ came into this world “in the fullness of time” to redeem mankind from sin and to reconcile us to the Heavenly Father (Galatians 4:4,5). And what a great salvation it was and is that God wrought for us in Christ (see Hebrews 2:3-18)! Denise and I and our family wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas season and the best new year of your life in 2022.

Today I want to talk to you about opportunities and adversaries, but first I want to say thank you for being such a faithful partner with our ministry. As I told you in my letter last month, our ministry is bursting at the seams, and I am so humbled that God would use Denise and me, our family, and our team to minister to the many people who are reaching out to us every day.

Every soul is precious, and it is our heartfelt desire to convey that truth to every person God brings to us — that they are precious to Him and to us. And your gifts are so vital to our ability to touch every one of these treasured souls! So today I want to say a special thank you for all you do with us to take the trusted teaching of the Word of God to people in Russia and all over the world. From the depths of our hearts, Denise and I THANK YOU!

This month is the last month of the year — and I know you are probably preparing for Christmas and many different kinds of gatherings. But in addition to Christmas, it’s also almost 2022. As we come to the end of this year and to the beginning of a brand-new year, the Holy Spirit keeps telling me to “stay on track” with the assignments He has given us. I hear Him saying that even if we hit bumps along the way, everything will be all right if we’ll just stay on track and maintain our God-assigned territory — the many opportunities and assignments He has given us to inspire, strengthen, and equip believers with the sound teaching of the Bible.

But I’ve learned over the years that opportunities and adversaries usually go together — and today I want to encourage you to undergird yourself so that you can stay on track with what God has asked you to do this month and in the coming year.

Over the course of our ministry, we’ve had many great, effectual doors open to us to do the work of the Gospel. I’ll never forget when I received an opportunity to minister on television in the former Soviet Union. It was as if a great door had suddenly swung open to an entire vast territory — a door that had never before been opened for anyone else — and I knew I was experiencing something miraculous. By faith, Denise and I stepped through that door and began to preach the Word of God on television in this spiritually starved corner of the world.

Given the former socialist-communist campaigns against the Gospel in this particular region, this opportunity was as miraculous as the Jordan River dividing for Joshua and the children of Israel. But with this great open door also came a slew of adversaries, specifically dispatched by Satan to instill fear and doubt into my heart. The devil desperately wanted to prevent me from touching the lives of spiritually oppressed people, so he positioned evil people with insidious plans to try to block my view of what God had in store for our ministry.

I’m telling you that it was like the children of Israel looking at the Promised Land from the far side of the Jordan River. From that perspective, they saw only the fruitful land of blessing that lay before them. But once they entered the Promised Land, they had to fight giants of every kind before they could possess that land and enjoy the blessing. In much the same way, if Denise and I had taken our eyes off the Lord during that tumultuous period — or if we had focused only on the problems and forgotten about the fruit we were pursuing for God’s Kingdom — I’m sure we would have backpedaled to get out of the situation!

But we knew this was a God-given opportunity and worth the fight, so we fixed our gaze squarely on the Lord. Girded with the armor of God and the power of the Spirit, we pushed through every obstacle and possessed the ground that God called us to take. As a result, millions of souls began to hear the Gospel for the first time. We knew that only God could have opened this door!

In First Corinthians 16:9, the apostle Paul wrote about the strategic doors of opportunity that open for the Gospel and the adversaries that usually accompany them. He said, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” Notice that Paul used the words “great,” “door,” “effectual,” and “is opened” to describe the opportunity that had been set before him.

The word “great” in this verse is translated from the Greek word megale, which means gigantic. The word “door” is the Greek word thura, which typically refers to a door, but in this context, denotes a rare opportunity. The word “effectual” is the Greek word energes, and it depicts something that is powerful and ready to be set into motion. Finally, the phrase “is opened” is the Greek word anoigo, which describes something standing wide open. In other words, the door in question couldn’t be any more open! Thus, an alternate translation of Paul’s words in First Corinthians 16:9 could be rendered, “A gigantic, powerful opportunity is already set in motion and standing wide open….”

Paul continued by saying, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me….” You see, Paul knew that the particular door he was referring to had never been opened to anyone else, and he stood in awe of the unprecedented opportunity. Walking through these kinds of doors is impossible without divine assistance, and Paul was fully aware of God’s role in the matter. That is why he specified that this door had been opened “unto me.”

Paul’s prayer request in First Corinthians 16:9 was not for a door to open because it had already opened. His prayer request was to receive God’s wisdom to deal with the numerous adversaries who were trying to come against him. Paul used the Greek word antikeimenoi to describe the vast number of “adversaries” that were sent to attack him. This Greek word describes something that was piled high and lying all around him. In other words, he was dealing with more than a few minor opponents. On the contrary, it felt like opposition was stacked high on every side!

I’ve learned that the enemy will try his best to keep you from stepping through the gigantic doors of opportunity God desires to open for you. Satan is afraid of what will happen when “his” territory is invaded by someone fully equipped with a full arsenal of spiritual weapons. So know this: God will open doors for you — but He needs you to make a determined decision that you will walk through them, no matter the opposition, with the help of His Spirit.

By opening the door, God has already done His part, which would have been impossible without His assistance. Now He beckons you to come, dressed in the whole armor of God and in the power of His Word — and proceed through that effectual door into new territory. It may look like enemies are everywhere, but it is simply a fact that the devil and his forces flee and collapse when they are subjected to a show of strong faith!

As I mentioned earlier, many great and effectual doors have been opened to us over the years to do the work of the Gospel. In each case, we knew these doors were unique to us and had never before been opened for anyone else. And just as Paul experienced opposition, there were plenty of enemies that came against us with each opportunity. But because we obeyed God, the devil was forced to move out of the way, and we walked right into the virgin territory that God had opened for our ministry.

Even if you think your situation looks threatening right now, I want to tell you that God is with you. He wants to supernaturally open new doors for you — doors that have never before been opened for you. He is not beckoning you to walk through these doors so you can fail. He is with you every step of the way, and He will empower you to defeat every foe and bring Him glory in that new territory that is yours to possess in Jesus’ name!

Your open door may be an opportunity to shine the light of God’s Word and God’s love to your family or friends during this holiday season. It may be a door that will open to you in the new year. Regardless of when it is or what it is, the same God who opens doors will empower you to walk through them — and then He’ll be right with you to give you the wisdom and strength needed to overcome any giant that tries to meet you on the other side.

I know this is not a typical December, “Christmas-style” letter, but this is what was on my heart to share with you today. I want you to always know that if we can join you in prayer, we would be delighted to do so. To be honest, we are praying for you anyway, but when we are alerted to know exactly “how” to pray, it increases our effectiveness as we pray for you. So if you have a special need, please either call or write to let us know how we can get in agreement with you for God to show Himself mighty to you according to Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

And please pray for us as we continue marching forward by faith to push back darkness, to shine the light of God’s Word, and to take territory for the Kingdom of God. Together — as partners — we can make a difference in the lives of throngs of people who are crying out to God for help. They are waiting for God to respond to their prayers, and God wants to use us — you and us together — to bring them the answers they desperately need.

But before I close, I want to say we are specifically asking God to do something special for you this month and before the end of the year. I don’t know what it is, but that is what we are praying. We are asking God to do something special that will bless your life! And please, please pray for us as we continue pushing ahead to build our studio in Moscow, to finalize the purchase of our new headquarters in Tulsa, and to continue to minister effectually to every precious soul Jesus brings to us!

Merry Christmas!

We love you and thank God for you!

We are your brother and sister, friends, and partners in Jesus Christ,

Rick and Denise Renner
along with Paul, Philip, and Joel and their families|Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus’ wonderful name!

I’m excited about what I’m going to be sharing with you today, but before I get into it, I want to say THANK YOU for being such an amazing friend! It truly is a joy and an honor to write to you. I’m especially thrilled to share that my newest book Fulfilling Your God-Given Purpose — A Sparkling Gems from the Greek Guided Devotional Journal for Your Divine Destiny releases May 5. If you’d like to purchase a copy, you can call 1-800-742-5593 or go online at renner.org.

I also want you to know how grateful we are for those who stand with us as financial partners. Everything we do at RENNER Ministries is about carrying God’s Word further and touching more lives, and that simply wouldn’t be possible without the faithful prayers and support of people standing with us. If becoming a partner is something the Lord might place on your heart, we would be so grateful to you if you could prayerfully consider joining us in this work. No matter what, please know how much we appreciate you and the part you already play by walking this journey with us.

Today I want to talk to you about moments of trouble when calamity seems to unleash on us and emergencies tower like giants — whether through family turmoil, financial upheavals, health crises, relationship challenges, or any other dire predicament. It’s often then that we discover the profound truth that reaching out to God in faith summons His presence and help. Thankfully, emergency help is promised in Hebrews 4:16, where the Bible says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

The words “help in time of need” are a translation of the Greek word boetheia — an old word with a military connotation. In the time of the early New Testament, this word specifically depicted the urgent cry from a soldier who had fallen — who was besieged, ensnared, or wounded in conflict. When a fellow soldier heard his cry for help, he swiftly mobilized and moved to liberate his fellow warrior. And when that nearby soldier heard that cry for “help in time of need,” he spared no effort to do whatever was necessary to deliver his fellow soldier and to rescue and bring him back into a place of safety, security, and protection.

In Hebrews 4:16, the word boetheia paints a vivid picture of divine intervention. It describes how Jesus — like a Mighty Warrior — swiftly springs into action whenever we find ourselves in distress and call upon God for assistance with unwavering faith. With determination, Jesus charges forth to protect us and liberate us from our troubles. For those who lift their voice in faith and seek help in their time of need, they can rest assured that Christ will spring into action and provide the urgent assistance they require.

God’s faithfulness knows no bounds and extends even to those entangled in self-wrought troubles. For example, consider the individuals ensnared by family strife, financial instability, health emergencies, relationship woes, and countless other challenges — predicaments often created by their own actions or inactions. Yet despite having brought these predicaments on themselves, these people are not forsaken. God — in His boundless mercy — responds and moves to liberate them when they call out in faith during their time of need.

I have personally experienced such grace, and I am sure you have too. No matter the origins of one’s difficulty, Jesus remains the steadfast Shepherd who answers cries for “help in time of need.”

When life morphs into a relentless cycle of turmoil, in which each day demands the improbable intervention of a miracle just to survive, the result is an existence steeped in despair. Enduring crisis after crisis is an arduous burden. To illustrate my point, imagine facing turbulent financial waters, where each dawn greets you with the weight of fervent hopes for a reprieve, just for you to meet another emergency. Have you ever walked that tightrope?

If you have, you surely understand how such relentless pressure can turn life into a grim endurance test. Occasionally, these periods are the result of our own choices, but there are also moments when they seem like direct attacks from forces determined to derail you. When divine intervention finally arrives, and an unexpected windfall materializes to temporarily lift you over the looming obstacle, your heart overflows with gratitude. However, this momentary relief often acts like a “band-aid” — a short-term solution that covers the immediate need but fails to secure your future stability. Until that financial predicament is completely resolved and steps are taken to make yourself less vulnerable to falling into the same trouble in the future, you will likely be swept once again into a vortex of anxiety, pleading for another miraculous intervention to carry you through.

Dwelling amidst the relentless turmoil of perpetual crises is a formidable challenge. I can testify that over the years of our ministry, we’ve navigated the terrains both of financial plenty and financial scarcity. In times of abundance, it has been easier to stay focused on our God-given mission. In darker hours when we’ve experienced scarcity, we’ve raised our voices in faith and sought divine intervention while continuing our ministry activities and operations. And time after time, we’ve witnessed the steadfast mercy of God to meet our needs allowing us to exhale a sigh of relief.

But the rollercoaster of stress — marked by relentless ups and downs circumstantially — is notoriously mentally challenging to endure even when hearts are full of faith and expectation that God has heard and is answering. Often, such dilemmas in personal lives or organizations spring from our own missteps, be it ill-considered choices or inadequate planning. Yet in moments of divine intervention, when unexpected financial support arrives, hearts swell with gratitude to God and to those He used to help.

But when individuals, businesses, churches, or ministries live in stability — which renders urgent and emergency prayers a rarity rather than a routine — they are able to shift their focus from survival to growth. What a testimony not just of God’s present help to rescue, but of His grace to grow and sustain!

Undoubtedly, the stories of God’s intervention are wondrous and deserve to be shared, yet the most profound testimony is when one can give witness to God’s unwavering faithfulness, which transforms life’s tumultuous rollercoaster of ups and downs into a journey free of stress. While miracles are awe-inspiring and necessary at times, they are not meant to be a constant lifeline. It is not God’s intention for anyone to remain in a perpetual state of tension and emergency. Eventually a time comes when you must move from living from emergency to emergency into a higher state. God does not wish for you to live in this nonstop pressure cooker for the rest of your life.

During Israel’s journey through the barren wilderness, a miraculous provision appeared in the form of “manna” — a mysterious gift from the heavens. When the Israelites needed God to provide an emergency provision of food, they discovered that manna settled like dew upon the earth, and neither its origins nor its supernatural delivery were understood by anyone. Every time the Israelites gathered this sustenance and tasted its mysterious texture, they were indulging in a divine wonder beyond earthly reasoning.

Indeed, in a spectacular display of mercy, God bestowed this otherworldly nourishment upon them as a testament to His care in their dire moments. Although other foods existed at their disposal, none could compare to the manna’s miraculous essence that fulfilled needs beyond the capabilities of mere earthly fare. This extraordinary sustenance was a marvel that met every requirement as if tailored to their souls.

God lavished manna upon His people, as is recounted in Psalm 78:23-25, where it is written that God “…opened the doors of heaven, and had rained down manna upon them to eat….” Determining the exact quantity of manna that cascaded from the heavens during those 40 years is beyond our grasp. But with the consensus among biblical scholars proposing the Israelites numbered around 3,000,000, it is estimated that they required approximately 4,500 tons of manna daily to sustain themselves. Imagine a daily harvest of 4,500 tons for every day spanning those 40 years. This would mean an astounding total of about 65,700,000 tons of manna supernaturally appeared over that epic journey.

Imagine waking up to a city blanketed in 4,500 tons of fragrant manna, a miraculous feast gifted freely to anyone willing to step outside and gather it. The alluring scent would waft through the streets and draw people from their homes like moths to a flame. If such an astonishing event happened today, it would spark an international frenzy — scientists would descend from every corner of the globe to analyze its wonders, while journalists would scramble to capture the essence of this edible enigma. Major news outlets would buzz with excitement, chronicling every detail of this extraordinary phenomenon.

Yet for the children of Israel, this daily spectacle was as routine as the sunrise, a testament to the everyday supernatural miracles they experienced. A whole generation of young ones came into the world and grew up with the belief that it was perfectly normal for 4,500 tons of manna to materialize “out of thin air” each morning (see Exodus 16:35).

The manna descended with such clockwork precision and unwavering consistency that, eventually, the Israelites scarcely marveled at its arrival. In a gradual fade from wonder to familiarity, the miraculous became mundane, its divine splendor blending seamlessly into their everyday existence. The extraordinary nature of this heavenly sustenance slipped into obscurity, and this supernatural food, along with its supernatural delivery system, began to be seen as a normal occurrence.

But when the next generation entered the Promised Land, the daily manifestation of manna ended. For 40 years, God had intervened and met their emergency need. But a time came when, as Joshua 5:12 tells us, “…the manna ceased…neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”

In time, the wondrous supply of manna ceased, and God beckoned His children to embrace a more elevated way of life. God stopped feeding them hand to mouth and required them to use their faith to conquer the Promised Land and to take the fruit — and their long-term blessing and sustenance — for themselves.

I share this to remind you that while God stands ready to greet you repeatedly with emergency miracles when needed, His ultimate desire is for you to step into a realm where you enjoy a vigorous and enduring life of faith for daily living that’s brimming with vitality. Fully living in a state of victory is a magnificent testament to God’s glory!

In Psalm 37:25, we read, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” What a powerful testimony! Yet few people today can lay claim to it. But such a statement demonstrates God’s absolute faithfulness and it brings honor and glory to His name.

I realize this letter is a little shorter than usual, but it’s packed with what God has put on my heart for you this month. Oh, how God wants all of us to step upward into a higher level of living that is better than living in a constant pressure cooker of stress. This is what I am praying for you. BUT…if you are in a tough place right now, remember that Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

According to this Bible promise, Jesus is available right now to come to your assistance and to deliver you from whatever is assailing you. He is a Mighty Warrior who will swiftly spring into action to protect you and liberate you from troubles. If you will lift your voice in faith and seek help in your time of need, you can be sure He will spring into action to provide the urgent assistance you need.

And I want to remind you that we are here to pray with you — and praying with you would be an honor for us. In our Partner Care department, we really take “care” of those who reach out to us. Denise and I and our team fervently pray for those who contact us with their prayer needs. I assure you that if you need prayer — and if you reach out to us — you will be scripturally and ferociously prayed for with faith that God will do what needs to be done! So please either call us at 1-800-742-5593 or write to us at prayer@renner.org to let us know how we can be praying for you — and we promise that whatever you share will be kept confidential.

Please pray for us, too, as we step forward by faith to resist the enemy, drive back darkness, and take the light of God’s Word to those who are crying out for it. This is our assignment — which you are a big part of — but we cherish your prayers too!

We love you and thank God for you!

We are your brother and sister, friends, and partners in Jesus Christ,

Rick and Denise Renner
along with Paul, Philip, and Joel Renner and our entire ministry team

P.S. Click here to download the Ministry Update printable pdf flyer.

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